A new study suggests that taking multivitamins may not help you to live longer, but it could definitely increase the risk of dying early. US researchers analyze the health records of thousands of adults for over a decade to reach a conclusion.

Study: Multivitamins do not improve longevity

<p>An entomologist Gerard Talavera while on a beach in French Guiana suddenly "saw something jumping in the sunlight.”&nbsp;“I couldn’t believe it, but it was a painted lady.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui), who is not found in South America, was observed by Talavera. The butterfly reached there by completing one of the longest insect migrations ever recorded by crossing the Atlantic Ocean.</p>

<p>Researchers from the University of Exeter, in collaboration with citizen scientists, have been closely monitoring the movements of painted lady butterflies. The results of their study, published in the journal Nature, reveal a truly astonishing migratory pattern.</p>

<p>Analysis of pollen on the butterflies' wings matched plants found only in West Africa, suggesting a transoceanic journey. Genetic sequencing and isotope tracing further confirmed the butterflies' origins were in Europe and Africa, ruling out that they had flown over land from North America.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/is-the-wind-on-earth-being-controlled-by-currents-at-the-edge-of-space-study-hints-so-735298">Is the wind on Earth being controlled by currents at the edge of space? Study hints so</a></p>

<p>Combined with favorable wind data, this provided strong evidence for the first documented case of butterflies migrating across the ocean.</p>

<h2><strong>Spanning continents&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The painted lady's migration begins in the deserts of North Africa, where the butterflies breed during the spring. As the summer approaches, they embark on a northward journey, crossing the Mediterranean Sea and reaching as far as the United Kingdom and Scandinavia.</p>

<p>This remarkable feat is made even more impressive by the fact that the journey is often completed by multiple generations of butterflies, with each generation passing the baton to the next.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alma-telescope-sheds-light-on-planet-formation-around-binary-stars-735025">ALMA telescope sheds light on planet formation around binary stars</a></p>

<p>“This is a brilliant piece of biological detective work,” said an evolutionary ecologist at the City College of New York David Lohman, who was not involved in the study. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The painted lady's migration is not only long-distance but also highly responsive to environmental conditions. The researchers found that the butterflies are able to adjust their routes and timing based on factors such as weather patterns, resource availability, and even human-induced changes in the landscape.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Study finds AI can detect Parkinson's seven years before onset</strong></p>

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<p>The study of the painted lady's migration has important implications for conservation efforts.</p>

<p>As a highly mobile species, the painted lady is vulnerable to threats such as habitat loss, climate change and the use of pesticides. Understanding the migratory behaviour can help inform strategies to protect this&nbsp;insect and the ecosystems it supports.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An entomologist Gerard Talavera while on a beach in French Guiana suddenly "saw something jumping in the sunlight.” “I couldn’t believe it, but it was a painted lady.

An entomologist Gerard Talavera while on a beach in French Guiana suddenly "saw something jumping in the sunlight.” “I couldn’t believe it, but it was a painted lady.” The painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui), who is not found in South America, was observed by Talavera. The butterfly reached there by completing one of the longest insect migrations ever recorded by crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Researchers from the University of Exeter, in collaboration with citizen scientists, have been closely monitoring the movements of painted lady butterflies. The results of their study, published in the journal Nature, reveal a truly astonishing migratory pattern. Analysis of pollen on the butterflies' wings matched plants found only in West Africa, suggesting a transoceanic journey. Genetic sequencing and isotope tracing further confirmed the butterflies' origins were in Europe and Africa, ruling out that they had flown over land from North America. Also Read | Is the wind on Earth being controlled by currents at the edge of space? Study hints so Combined with favorable wind data, this provided strong evidence for the first documented case of butterflies migrating across the ocean. Spanning continents The painted lady's migration begins in the deserts of North Africa, where the butterflies breed during the spring. As the summer approaches, they embark on a northward journey, crossing the Mediterranean Sea and reaching as far as the United Kingdom and Scandinavia. This remarkable feat is made even more impressive by the fact that the journey is often completed by multiple generations of butterflies, with each generation passing the baton to the next. Also Read | ALMA telescope sheds light on planet formation around binary stars “This is a brilliant piece of biological detective work,” said an evolutionary ecologist at the City College of New York David Lohman, who was not involved in the study. The painted lady's migration is not only long-distance but also highly responsive to environmental conditions. The researchers found that the butterflies are able to adjust their routes and timing based on factors such as weather patterns, resource availability, and even human-induced changes in the landscape. Watch | Study finds AI can detect Parkinson's seven years before onset × The study of the painted lady's migration has important implications for conservation efforts. As a highly mobile species, the painted lady is vulnerable to threats such as habitat loss, climate change and the use of pesticides. Understanding the migratory behaviour can help inform strategies to protect this insect and the ecosystems it supports. (With inputs from agencies)

Painted lady butterflies defy the odds, first evidence shows it crossed an ocean

<p>In a new study, a stunning revelation was made when currents were uncovered amid the turbulence which eerily reflected the winds flowing in the Earth's atmosphere and hinted that there can be some hidden forces which connect them.</p>

<p>According to a team of researchers from the University of Rostock in Germany and Kyushu University in Japan, the new discovery can help us better understand the environmental systems which circulate around the Earth. It is also likely to improve space and Earth&nbsp;weather forecasts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the top of Earth’s lower atmosphere, a layer of diffuse gases is present. This makes up the troposphere and stratosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Larger statistical patterns are present within the swirl of winds which can be used by scientists to figure out deep mechanics of meteorology.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Till now, the structure of the thermosphere has remained mainly unexplored.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/elon-musks-starlink-satellites-could-deplete-earths-ozone-layer-warns-study-733305">Elon Musk's Starlink satellites could deplete Earth’s ozone layer, warns study</a></p>

<p>In the new findings, patterns have been identified that reflect similar structures which have been measured far below.</p>

<p>"This means that both the thermosphere and the troposphere – despite having drastically different atmospheric compositions and dynamics – follow the same physical laws," said space scientist Huixin Liu, from Kyushu University.</p>

<p>"How the energy flows and dissipates in these two regions is very similar,” he added.'</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how the team analysed the winds</strong></h2>

<p>To reach the study’s conclusions, the cross-track winds were analysed by the team in the thermosphere with the use of satellite data from the Challenging Minisatellite Payload and the Gravity Field and Steady State Ocean Circulation Explorer.</p>

<p>In their analysis, the researchers used third-order structure functions which are statistical tools that help spot&nbsp;patterns in winds&nbsp;and turbulence.</p>

<p>The researchers observed that even though there were different conditions in each atmosphere layer, a lot of the 'rules' remained the same.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China's CHANG'E- 6 returns to Earth after collecting moon samples</strong></p>

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<p>It was also observed that the tendency of the winds to circle in one direction was the same in the thermosphere and the lower atmosphere.</p>

<p>"This suggests that similar underlying large-scale turbulence mechanisms may be at play,"&nbsp;stated the researchers in their published paper.</p>

<p>"Similar to atmospheric weather forecasting, comprehending the energy distributions in the thermosphere is vital to advance our understanding of space dynamics,"&nbsp;Liu said.</p>

<p>"We hope these findings can be used to improve space weather forecasting and ensure the continued functionality and safety of satellite-based technologies essential to everyday life," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a new study, a stunning revelation was made when currents were uncovered amid the turbulence which eerily reflected the winds flowing in the Earth's atmosphere and hinted that there can be some hidden forces which connect them.

In a new study, a stunning revelation was made when currents were uncovered amid the turbulence which eerily reflected the winds flowing in the Earth's atmosphere and hinted that there can be some hidden forces which connect them. According to a team of researchers from the University of Rostock in Germany and Kyushu University in Japan, the new discovery can help us better understand the environmental systems which circulate around the Earth. It is also likely to improve space and Earth weather forecasts. At the top of Earth’s lower atmosphere, a layer of diffuse gases is present. This makes up the troposphere and stratosphere. Larger statistical patterns are present within the swirl of winds which can be used by scientists to figure out deep mechanics of meteorology. Till now, the structure of the thermosphere has remained mainly unexplored. Also Read: Elon Musk's Starlink satellites could deplete Earth’s ozone layer, warns study In the new findings, patterns have been identified that reflect similar structures which have been measured far below. "This means that both the thermosphere and the troposphere – despite having drastically different atmospheric compositions and dynamics – follow the same physical laws," said space scientist Huixin Liu, from Kyushu University. "How the energy flows and dissipates in these two regions is very similar,” he added.' Here's how the team analysed the winds To reach the study’s conclusions, the cross-track winds were analysed by the team in the thermosphere with the use of satellite data from the Challenging Minisatellite Payload and the Gravity Field and Steady State Ocean Circulation Explorer. In their analysis, the researchers used third-order structure functions which are statistical tools that help spot patterns in winds and turbulence. The researchers observed that even though there were different conditions in each atmosphere layer, a lot of the 'rules' remained the same. Watch: China's CHANG'E- 6 returns to Earth after collecting moon samples It was also observed that the tendency of the winds to circle in one direction was the same in the thermosphere and the lower atmosphere. "This suggests that similar underlying large-scale turbulence mechanisms may be at play," stated the researchers in their published paper. "Similar to atmospheric weather forecasting, comprehending the energy distributions in the thermosphere is vital to advance our understanding of space dynamics," Liu said. "We hope these findings can be used to improve space weather forecasting and ensure the continued functionality and safety of satellite-based technologies essential to everyday life," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Is the wind on Earth being controlled by currents at the edge of space? Study hints so

<p>Researchers have captured the first video evidence of a terrestrial leech species jumping, settling a long-standing debate in the scientific community.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The footage, recorded by Mai Fahmy, a postdoctoral researcher at Fordham University, in Madagascar in 2017, shows leeches which are a type of Chtonobdella coiling their bodies back and then launching themselves into the air.</p>

<p>"What we have here is the first-ever recorded evidence to our knowledge of a terrestrial leech taking a jump," said Fahmy, the lead author of the study published in the journal Biotropica.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/use-it-and-eat-it-new-fascinating-robots-are-fully-operational-as-well-as-edible-734320">Use it and eat it! New 'fascinating' robots are fully operational as well as edible</a></p>

<p>The phenomenon of jumping leeches has been debated for centuries. In the 14th century, explorer Ibn Battuta wrote of "the flying leech," and in the 19th century, naturalist Ernst Haeckel claimed that leeches can even spring to reach their victim. However, some remained skeptical in the past, with an earlier study stating, "In spite of folk tales to the contrary, land leeches do not jump from vegetation onto their prey."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-acing-three-autonmous-landings-indias-pushpak-plane-awaits-ride-to-space-734290">After acing three autonomous landings, India's 'Pushpak' plane awaits ride to space</a></p>

<p>An assistant professor at CUNY's Medgar Evans College Michael Tessler&nbsp;is the co-author of the study.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In terms of evolution, anything that makes a terrestrial leech get blood faster or more stealthily is of great selective advantage," Tessler explained.</p>

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<p>"The evidence that the leeches in the study are jumping is 'solid enough,'" said Joachim Langeneck, a zoologist at Italy's National Interuniversity Consortium for Marine Sciences, who was not involved in the study.</p>

<p>"This answer [to the debate] opens up to further, more interesting questions, such as why leeches jump and how are they able to."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Study finds AI can detect Parkinson's seven years before onset</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Impact on conservation efforts</strong></h2>

<p>The discovery of jumping leeches not only settles a long-standing scientific debate but also has important implications for understanding leech behaviour and its impact on conservation efforts.</p>

<p>As Fahmy explained, "If we can identify how leeches find and attach to hosts, we can better understand the results of their gut content analyses. Leeches are often overlooked and understudied, and, as a natural part of the ecosystem, leeches themselves may be in need of conservation protection."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Researchers have captured the first video evidence of a terrestrial leech species jumping, settling a long-standing debate in the scientific community. The footage, recorded by Mai Fahmy, a postdoctoral researcher at Fordham University, in Madagascar in 2017, shows leeches which are a type of Chtonobdella coiling their bodies back and then launching themselves into the air.

Researchers have captured the first video evidence of a terrestrial leech species jumping, settling a long-standing debate in the scientific community. The footage, recorded by Mai Fahmy, a postdoctoral researcher at Fordham University, in Madagascar in 2017, shows leeches which are a type of Chtonobdella coiling their bodies back and then launching themselves into the air. "What we have here is the first-ever recorded evidence to our knowledge of a terrestrial leech taking a jump," said Fahmy, the lead author of the study published in the journal Biotropica. Also Read | Use it and eat it! New 'fascinating' robots are fully operational as well as edible The phenomenon of jumping leeches has been debated for centuries. In the 14th century, explorer Ibn Battuta wrote of "the flying leech," and in the 19th century, naturalist Ernst Haeckel claimed that leeches can even spring to reach their victim. However, some remained skeptical in the past, with an earlier study stating, "In spite of folk tales to the contrary, land leeches do not jump from vegetation onto their prey." Also Read | After acing three autonomous landings, India's 'Pushpak' plane awaits ride to space An assistant professor at CUNY's Medgar Evans College Michael Tessler is the co-author of the study. "In terms of evolution, anything that makes a terrestrial leech get blood faster or more stealthily is of great selective advantage," Tessler explained. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mai Fahmy, PhD (@_maifahmy) × "The evidence that the leeches in the study are jumping is 'solid enough,'" said Joachim Langeneck, a zoologist at Italy's National Interuniversity Consortium for Marine Sciences, who was not involved in the study. "This answer [to the debate] opens up to further, more interesting questions, such as why leeches jump and how are they able to." Watch | Study finds AI can detect Parkinson's seven years before onset × Impact on conservation efforts The discovery of jumping leeches not only settles a long-standing scientific debate but also has important implications for understanding leech behaviour and its impact on conservation efforts. As Fahmy explained, "If we can identify how leeches find and attach to hosts, we can better understand the results of their gut content analyses. Leeches are often overlooked and understudied, and, as a natural part of the ecosystem, leeches themselves may be in need of conservation protection." (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | First-ever evidence of jumping leeches found in Madagascar

<p>Nearly 2,000 children under the age of five are dying due to air pollution every day, said a report released by a US-based independent nonprofit research organisation&nbsp;on Wednesday (Jun 19). The recent study also found that polluted air is not only a second-leading risk factor for the deaths of children but also the general global population.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the report find?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the report titled State of Global Air (SoGA), air pollution accounted for 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study conducted by the US-based Health Effects Institute (HEI) also noted that it is not just the outdoor fine particulate matter which is affecting our health but also the indoor air pollution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Children under five are said to be particularly vulnerable, with health effects linked to air pollution including premature birth, low birth weight, asthma and lung diseases, according to the study.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-seven-countries-meet-who-air-quality-standard-reports-701863">Only these seven countries meet WHO air quality standard: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Exposure to air pollution was linked to more than 700,000 deaths of children under the age of five, in 2021, second only to malnutrition, said the report produced this year in partnership with UNICEF.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study also found that a staggering 500,000 deaths of children, mostly in Asia and Africa, were linked to household air pollution because of cooking indoors with polluting fuels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report noted that some of the greatest health impacts of air pollution were seen in children, with them being “uniquely vulnerable” to the damage it causes as it can start in the womb and lead to health effects that can last a lifetime.</p>

<p>“Despite progress in maternal and child health, every day almost 2000 children under five years die because of health impacts linked to air pollution,” said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden, in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A global concern</strong></h2>

<p>The study which is based on data from more than 200 countries and territories across the world said that nearly every person on Earth breathes unhealthy levels of air pollution every day and it adversely affects our health.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This new report offers a stark reminder of the significant impacts air pollution has on human health, with far too much of the burden borne by young children, older populations, and low- and middle-income countries,” said Dr Pallavi Pant, head of global health at HEI and the lead author of the report, in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also called on cities and countries to consider “air quality and air pollution as high-risk factors when developing health policies and other noncommunicable disease prevention and control programs.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-health-ministry-issues-advisory-to-hospitals-as-heatwave-kills-5-in-delhi-733215">Indian health ministry issues advisory to hospitals as heatwave kills 5 in Delhi</a></strong></p>

<p>PM2.5 particles have been attributed&nbsp;to more than 90 per cent (7.8 million) of air pollution-linked deaths across the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The PM2.5 particles, which are less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, are small enough to enter the lungs and stay there and can also enter the bloodstream. These tiny particles can lead to diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lung cancer, and COPD, in adults.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Air pollution has become the second-leading risk factor for death across the world, second only to blood pressure and is followed by excessive tobacco use, according to the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Nearly 2,000 children under the age of five are dying due to air pollution every day, said a report released by a US-based independent nonprofit research organisation on Wednesday (Jun 19).

Nearly 2,000 children under the age of five are dying due to air pollution every day, said a report released by a US-based independent nonprofit research organisation on Wednesday (Jun 19). The recent study also found that polluted air is not only a second-leading risk factor for the deaths of children but also the general global population. What did the report find? According to the report titled State of Global Air (SoGA), air pollution accounted for 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021. The study conducted by the US-based Health Effects Institute (HEI) also noted that it is not just the outdoor fine particulate matter which is affecting our health but also the indoor air pollution. Children under five are said to be particularly vulnerable, with health effects linked to air pollution including premature birth, low birth weight, asthma and lung diseases, according to the study. Also Read | Only these seven countries meet WHO air quality standard: Report Exposure to air pollution was linked to more than 700,000 deaths of children under the age of five, in 2021, second only to malnutrition, said the report produced this year in partnership with UNICEF. The study also found that a staggering 500,000 deaths of children, mostly in Asia and Africa, were linked to household air pollution because of cooking indoors with polluting fuels. The report noted that some of the greatest health impacts of air pollution were seen in children, with them being “uniquely vulnerable” to the damage it causes as it can start in the womb and lead to health effects that can last a lifetime. “Despite progress in maternal and child health, every day almost 2000 children under five years die because of health impacts linked to air pollution,” said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden, in a statement. A global concern The study which is based on data from more than 200 countries and territories across the world said that nearly every person on Earth breathes unhealthy levels of air pollution every day and it adversely affects our health. “This new report offers a stark reminder of the significant impacts air pollution has on human health, with far too much of the burden borne by young children, older populations, and low- and middle-income countries,” said Dr Pallavi Pant, head of global health at HEI and the lead author of the report, in a statement. She also called on cities and countries to consider “air quality and air pollution as high-risk factors when developing health policies and other noncommunicable disease prevention and control programs.” Also Read | Indian health ministry issues advisory to hospitals as heatwave kills 5 in Delhi PM2.5 particles have been attributed to more than 90 per cent (7.8 million) of air pollution-linked deaths across the world. The PM2.5 particles, which are less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, are small enough to enter the lungs and stay there and can also enter the bloodstream. These tiny particles can lead to diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lung cancer, and COPD, in adults. Air pollution has become the second-leading risk factor for death across the world, second only to blood pressure and is followed by excessive tobacco use, according to the report. (With inputs from agencies)

Air pollution becomes second leading risk factor of deaths globally, finds study

<p>Scientists&nbsp;have revealed a groundbreaking insight into the mechanics of animal flight by revealing a simple yet universal relationship between body mass, wing area, and flapping frequency across a diverse range of creatures.</p>

<p>These creatures range from birds to extinct pterosaurs, and even swimming mammals.</p>

<p>Published in the journal PLOS ONE, the&nbsp;Roskilde University study introduced a formula derived from fundamental physics principles, particularly dimensional analysis.</p>

<p>This formula established that the frequency at which animals flap their wings or fins is proportional to the square root of the animal’s body mass divided by the wing or fin area.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/freshwater-and-key-conditions-for-life-first-appeared-on-earth-4-billion-years-ago-study-suggests-732846">Freshwater and key conditions for life first appeared on Earth 4 billion years ago, study suggests</a></p>

<p>The researchers tested their equation by comparing it against data on wingbeat frequencies of various animals, including bees, dragonflies, bats, and numerous bird species.</p>

<p>Astonishingly, the formula held true across all these species, demonstrating its universal applicability.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/summer-triangle-of-three-stars-to-mark-the-beginning-of-summer-heres-how-to-spot-it-732764">'Summer Triangle' of three stars to mark the beginning of summer. Here's how to spot it</a></p>

<p>The equation was also successfully applied to swimming creatures such as penguins and whales, indicating its versatility beyond just airborne animals.</p>

<p>According to the researchers, "the constant of proportionality is to a good approximation the same across all species; thus the equation is universal."</p>

<p>In a surprising finding, the formula even accurately predicted the wingbeat frequency of Quetzalcoatlus northropi, an extinct pterosaur known for its immense size during the dinosaur era.</p>

<p>With a wingspan exceeding 10 metres, the ancient creature would have flapped its wings at a frequency of approximately 0.7 Hertz, or about 42 times per minute.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Study: Secret aliens could be here on Earth already</strong></p>

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<p>Commenting on their results, the scientists noted, "As physicists, we were surprised to see how well our simple prediction of the wing-beat formula works for such a diverse collection of animals."</p>

<p>This discovery shed light on the fundamental mechanics of flight and swimming but also offers a valuable tool for understanding the behaviors and energy dynamics of various animal species across evolutionary history.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists have revealed a groundbreaking insight into the mechanics of animal flight by revealing a simple yet universal relationship between body mass, wing area, and flapping frequency across a diverse range of creatures.

Scientists have revealed a groundbreaking insight into the mechanics of animal flight by revealing a simple yet universal relationship between body mass, wing area, and flapping frequency across a diverse range of creatures. These creatures range from birds to extinct pterosaurs, and even swimming mammals. Published in the journal PLOS ONE, the Roskilde University study introduced a formula derived from fundamental physics principles, particularly dimensional analysis. This formula established that the frequency at which animals flap their wings or fins is proportional to the square root of the animal’s body mass divided by the wing or fin area. Also Read | Freshwater and key conditions for life first appeared on Earth 4 billion years ago, study suggests The researchers tested their equation by comparing it against data on wingbeat frequencies of various animals, including bees, dragonflies, bats, and numerous bird species. Astonishingly, the formula held true across all these species, demonstrating its universal applicability. Also Read | 'Summer Triangle' of three stars to mark the beginning of summer. Here's how to spot it The equation was also successfully applied to swimming creatures such as penguins and whales, indicating its versatility beyond just airborne animals. According to the researchers, "the constant of proportionality is to a good approximation the same across all species; thus the equation is universal." In a surprising finding, the formula even accurately predicted the wingbeat frequency of Quetzalcoatlus northropi, an extinct pterosaur known for its immense size during the dinosaur era. With a wingspan exceeding 10 metres, the ancient creature would have flapped its wings at a frequency of approximately 0.7 Hertz, or about 42 times per minute. Watch | Study: Secret aliens could be here on Earth already × Commenting on their results, the scientists noted, "As physicists, we were surprised to see how well our simple prediction of the wing-beat formula works for such a diverse collection of animals." This discovery shed light on the fundamental mechanics of flight and swimming but also offers a valuable tool for understanding the behaviors and energy dynamics of various animal species across evolutionary history. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists uncover universal formula for bird wing-flapping frequencies

<p>The world is in the midst of the biggest election year in history with a little over half of the population headed to the polls, but it is also facing an uncertain time with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as well as the rise in tensions in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid this chaotic time, a growing number of people are selectively avoiding news calling it depressing, often repetitive and boring, according to a recent global study.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Selected news avoidance at record-high</strong></h2>

<p>According to a report by Oxford University’s Reuters Institute, as many as four in 10 (39 per cent) people said that they sometimes or often avoid the news.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The annual Reuters Institute Digital News Report noted that while this has been a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reuters-survey-reveals-people-are-increasingly-avoiding-news-heres-why-498272">growing trend observed for years now</a>, selected news avoidance is at its highest levels ever recorded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year’s report is based on the responses collected from a total of 94,943 adults across 47 countries by YouGov in January and February.</p>

<p>The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, may have contributed to some of the record-high levels of news avoidance reported this time around, according to the Reuters Institute report.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-us-nears-notifying-one-of-the-biggest-ever-arms-sales-to-israel-732635">Gaza war: US sets finger to trigger one of the biggest arms sales to Israel</a></strong></p>

<p>While the overall interest in news has somewhat stabilised this year, as per the report,&nbsp;the number of people who said that they selectively avoid the news was up by three percentage points to 39 per cent. Notably, this number is 10 percentage points higher than it was in 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reason for this avoidance, as per the report, has not changed. People who say&nbsp;that they sometimes or often selectively avoid the news say it is often repetitive and boring.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, others told the researchers that the negative nature of the news makes them feel “anxious and powerless.”</p>

<p>“You’ve had the pandemic (and) wars, so it’s a fairly natural reaction for people to turn away from the news, whether it’s to protect their mental health or simply wanting to get on with the rest of their lives,” the report’s lead author Nic Newman told BBC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, around 39 per cent said that the news is not only depressing but relentless and they feel “worn out” by the amount these days.</p>

<h2><strong>Interest and trust in news</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, the historic election year has reportedly led to an increased interest in the news with notable rises observed in a handful of countries including the United States. However, the long-term trend is mostly down in every country except Finland, according to the report.</p>

<p>Overall, 46 per cent of people across the world said they are very or extremely interested in news.&nbsp;The number is down from the 63 per cent recorded in 2017. Women and young people make up a significant proportion of that decline, the Reuters report noted.</p>

<p>The trust in news, according to the report, remained stable at 40 per cent, four points lower than it was at the height of the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>People turn to social media</strong></h2>

<p>According to the report, a majority of the respondents continued to identify platforms including social media, aggregators, and search engines as their main gateway to online news. However, only 22 per cent identified news websites or apps as their main source of online news.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, the audience for traditional news sources like newspapers or television has seen a sharp decline.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the report also noted a “strong shift” towards video-based platforms like YouTube and TikTok as well as Instagram. These platforms have become an important source of news since the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The growing popularity and reach of social media can no longer be ignored, with politicians taking to TikTok and other networks to reach young voters - from the new Argentinian President Javier Milei who runs a successful TikTok account with 2.2 million followers, to US President Joe Biden whose campaign sparked controversy by joining the popular social media app despite it being banned on most devices used by the American government over security concerns.</p>

<p>However, YouTube and Facebook, according to the report remain the most important platforms for online news videos overall with the former being the go-to for those under 25. On the other hand, older viewers continued to watch their videos on news websites.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report noted that while mainstream media and journalists often lead conversations on X and Facebook, they fail to garner attention on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok where online influencers and celebrities are prominent.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Concerns about misinformation,&nbsp;fake news&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>While more people have turned to social media for news, a majority of people in this important year of elections have said they are concerned about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-ai-generated-propaganda-poses-a-real-threat-this-historic-election-year-694344">reliability of the content online</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 50 countries across the world with a combined population of 4.2 billion are expected to hold national and/or local elections in 2024, making it the biggest election year in history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the US, while interest in news, due to the election, has risen by five percentage points, around 72 per cent of people said they are concerned about what is real and what is fake on the internet when it comes to online news, according to the report.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/warning-labels-on-social-media-vivek-murthy-calls-for-surgeon-generals-warning-label-for-child-safety-732714">Vivek Murthy calls for 'surgeon general's warning label' for child safety</a></strong></p>

<p>Similarly, in India, where the world’s largest general election recently concluded, 58 per cent of people shared the same concern.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Overall, six in 10 people (59 per cent) said they are concerned about what is real and what is fake on the internet in the context of online news.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Facebook, X become less popular in India</strong></h2>

<p>According to the annual report, the trust in news in India rose by three percentage points to 41 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, those surveyed expressed concerns about widespread misinformation via WhatsApp and other social media. Notably, India has the highest number of WhatsApp users in the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For young Indians, according to the report, the main source of news is often social media platforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nearly half of respondents use YouTube (54 per cent) and WhatsApp (48 per cent) for news each week. Meanwhile, the popularity of social media platforms like Facebook and X has dropped in India, according to the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, despite the general decline in news interest, newspapers (40 per cent) and television (46) remained popular platforms for accessing news for the respondents, particularly due to the general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The world is in the midst of the biggest election year in history with a little over half of the population headed to the polls, but it is also facing an uncertain time with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as well as the rise in tensions in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The world is in the midst of the biggest election year in history with a little over half of the population headed to the polls, but it is also facing an uncertain time with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as well as the rise in tensions in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Amid this chaotic time, a growing number of people are selectively avoiding news calling it depressing, often repetitive and boring, according to a recent global study. Selected news avoidance at record-high According to a report by Oxford University’s Reuters Institute, as many as four in 10 (39 per cent) people said that they sometimes or often avoid the news. The annual Reuters Institute Digital News Report noted that while this has been a growing trend observed for years now, selected news avoidance is at its highest levels ever recorded. This year’s report is based on the responses collected from a total of 94,943 adults across 47 countries by YouGov in January and February. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, may have contributed to some of the record-high levels of news avoidance reported this time around, according to the Reuters Institute report. Also Read | Gaza war: US sets finger to trigger one of the biggest arms sales to Israel While the overall interest in news has somewhat stabilised this year, as per the report, the number of people who said that they selectively avoid the news was up by three percentage points to 39 per cent. Notably, this number is 10 percentage points higher than it was in 2017. The reason for this avoidance, as per the report, has not changed. People who say that they sometimes or often selectively avoid the news say it is often repetitive and boring. However, others told the researchers that the negative nature of the news makes them feel “anxious and powerless.” “You’ve had the pandemic (and) wars, so it’s a fairly natural reaction for people to turn away from the news, whether it’s to protect their mental health or simply wanting to get on with the rest of their lives,” the report’s lead author Nic Newman told BBC. Meanwhile, around 39 per cent said that the news is not only depressing but relentless and they feel “worn out” by the amount these days. Interest and trust in news Notably, the historic election year has reportedly led to an increased interest in the news with notable rises observed in a handful of countries including the United States. However, the long-term trend is mostly down in every country except Finland, according to the report. Overall, 46 per cent of people across the world said they are very or extremely interested in news. The number is down from the 63 per cent recorded in 2017. Women and young people make up a significant proportion of that decline, the Reuters report noted. The trust in news, according to the report, remained stable at 40 per cent, four points lower than it was at the height of the pandemic. People turn to social media According to the report, a majority of the respondents continued to identify platforms including social media, aggregators, and search engines as their main gateway to online news. However, only 22 per cent identified news websites or apps as their main source of online news. On the other hand, the audience for traditional news sources like newspapers or television has seen a sharp decline. Meanwhile, the report also noted a “strong shift” towards video-based platforms like YouTube and TikTok as well as Instagram. These platforms have become an important source of news since the COVID-19 pandemic. The growing popularity and reach of social media can no longer be ignored, with politicians taking to TikTok and other networks to reach young voters - from the new Argentinian President Javier Milei who runs a successful TikTok account with 2.2 million followers, to US President Joe Biden whose campaign sparked controversy by joining the popular social media app despite it being banned on most devices used by the American government over security concerns. However, YouTube and Facebook, according to the report remain the most important platforms for online news videos overall with the former being the go-to for those under 25. On the other hand, older viewers continued to watch their videos on news websites. The report noted that while mainstream media and journalists often lead conversations on X and Facebook, they fail to garner attention on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok where online influencers and celebrities are prominent. Concerns about misinformation, fake news While more people have turned to social media for news, a majority of people in this important year of elections have said they are concerned about the reliability of the content online. More than 50 countries across the world with a combined population of 4.2 billion are expected to hold national and/or local elections in 2024, making it the biggest election year in history. In the US, while interest in news, due to the election, has risen by five percentage points, around 72 per cent of people said they are concerned about what is real and what is fake on the internet when it comes to online news, according to the report. Also Read | Vivek Murthy calls for 'surgeon general's warning label' for child safety Similarly, in India, where the world’s largest general election recently concluded, 58 per cent of people shared the same concern. Overall, six in 10 people (59 per cent) said they are concerned about what is real and what is fake on the internet in the context of online news. Facebook, X become less popular in India According to the annual report, the trust in news in India rose by three percentage points to 41 per cent. Meanwhile, those surveyed expressed concerns about widespread misinformation via WhatsApp and other social media. Notably, India has the highest number of WhatsApp users in the world. For young Indians, according to the report, the main source of news is often social media platforms. Nearly half of respondents use YouTube (54 per cent) and WhatsApp (48 per cent) for news each week. Meanwhile, the popularity of social media platforms like Facebook and X has dropped in India, according to the report. Furthermore, despite the general decline in news interest, newspapers (40 per cent) and television (46) remained popular platforms for accessing news for the respondents, particularly due to the general elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: More people are avoiding news, turning to social media for information, finds study

<p>Cocaine trafficking is posing a severe threat to rare tropical birds as drug cartels increasingly encroach upon remote forest areas to escape law enforcement crackdowns.</p>

<p>This startling revelation comes from a recent study published in the journal Nature Sustainability, which highlights the devastating impact of "narco-driven" deforestation on bird habitats in Central America.</p>

<p>"Over half of Nearctic-Neotropical migratory species had more than one quarter, and 20% of species had over half, of their global population in areas threatened by narco trafficking, suggesting the need for more holistic strategies to better protect native biodiversity," as per the study.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/anti-ageing-nerd-ceo-says-it-now-takes-him-19-months-to-get-one-year-older-731171">Anti-ageing nerd CEO says it now takes him 19 months to get one year older</a></p>

<p>Indigenous populations are often coerced into accepting payments and assisting with trafficking logistics. Resistance frequently results in land seizures and violence.</p>

<p>The supply-side focus of domestic and international drug policies exacerbates the cycle by overlooking the impact of under-resourced rural communities that create conditions facilitating trafficking and increasing "land-based money laundering and agri-business expansion."</p>

<p>Empowering Indigenous communities and rural landholders to reclaim control over their territories and manage their resources effectively has proven to deter narco-trafficking. These efforts not only aid conservation but also promote peace and security, as per the study.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/supernova-hunter-james-webb-spots-most-distant-star-explosion-731106">Supernova hunter James Webb spots most distant star explosion</a></p>

<p>This study marks the first attempt to quantify the impact of habitat loss on bird populations.</p>

<h2><strong>Findings</strong></h2>

<p>The findings revealed that 67 species of migratory birds which breed in the US and migrate to Central America during the winter season are at more risk.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Study shows 'how microplastics are affecting the world'</strong></p>

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<p>Among the most threatened are endangered golden-cheeked warblers, with 90% of their population residing in at-risk forests. Additionally, 70% of golden-winged warblers and Philadelphia vireos are affected by this habitat destruction.</p>

<p>According to the study, "Researchers have used remote sensing to identify unique patterns of deforestation that can be attributed to narco trafficking and found that 15–30% of annual deforestation within Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala can be attributed to the movement of cocaine alone."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Cocaine trafficking is posing a severe threat to rare tropical birds as drug cartels increasingly encroach upon remote forest areas to escape law enforcement crackdowns.

Cocaine trafficking is posing a severe threat to rare tropical birds as drug cartels increasingly encroach upon remote forest areas to escape law enforcement crackdowns. This startling revelation comes from a recent study published in the journal Nature Sustainability, which highlights the devastating impact of "narco-driven" deforestation on bird habitats in Central America. "Over half of Nearctic-Neotropical migratory species had more than one quarter, and 20% of species had over half, of their global population in areas threatened by narco trafficking, suggesting the need for more holistic strategies to better protect native biodiversity," as per the study. Also Read | Anti-ageing nerd CEO says it now takes him 19 months to get one year older Indigenous populations are often coerced into accepting payments and assisting with trafficking logistics. Resistance frequently results in land seizures and violence. The supply-side focus of domestic and international drug policies exacerbates the cycle by overlooking the impact of under-resourced rural communities that create conditions facilitating trafficking and increasing "land-based money laundering and agri-business expansion." Empowering Indigenous communities and rural landholders to reclaim control over their territories and manage their resources effectively has proven to deter narco-trafficking. These efforts not only aid conservation but also promote peace and security, as per the study. Also Read | Supernova hunter James Webb spots most distant star explosion This study marks the first attempt to quantify the impact of habitat loss on bird populations. Findings The findings revealed that 67 species of migratory birds which breed in the US and migrate to Central America during the winter season are at more risk. Watch | Study shows 'how microplastics are affecting the world' × Among the most threatened are endangered golden-cheeked warblers, with 90% of their population residing in at-risk forests. Additionally, 70% of golden-winged warblers and Philadelphia vireos are affected by this habitat destruction. According to the study, "Researchers have used remote sensing to identify unique patterns of deforestation that can be attributed to narco trafficking and found that 15–30% of annual deforestation within Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala can be attributed to the movement of cocaine alone." (With inputs from agencies)

Narco-driven deforestation threatens tropical birds, reveals study

Ever wondered about the amount of microplastics which you consume in a month. Well according to a study by Cornell University, Southeast Asia tops the global intake of microplastics with Indonesians the top consumers of microplastic. Watch in for more details!

Study shows 'how microplastics are affecting the world'

<p>Researchers are suggesting that exposure to interstellar clouds may have triggered multiple ice ages on Earth, changed the chemistry of the atmosphere on the planet and eventually led to the emergence of humankind.</p>

<p>Astrophysicists from Harvard University, Johns Hopkins and Boston University suggested that nearly two million years ago, the solar system clashed with a large and dense interstellar cloud because of which Earth was exposed to radiation which altered the planet's climate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, astronomy professor at Boston University and fellow at Harvard Radcliffe Institute Merav Opher said, "This paper is the first to quantitatively show there was an encounter between the sun and something outside of the&nbsp;Solar System&nbsp;that would have affected Earth's climate."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-develops-breakthrough-technology-to-hunt-for-habitable-water-worlds-730501">NASA develops breakthrough technology to hunt for habitable ‘water worlds’</a></p>

<p>“Stars move, and now this paper is showing not only that they move, but they encounter drastic changes," he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in an email to Gizmodo, lead author of the study Opher said that the team is “still trying to quantify it with modern climate models” but due to an increase of hydrogen and dust “Earth would have entered&nbsp;an Ice Age.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Earth pushed outside heliosphere due to interstellar cloud</strong></h2>

<p>A bubble, known as heliosphere, covers the entire solar system and protects planets from radiation as well as other damaging cosmic rays which can affect our DNA.</p>

<p>The shield is filled with charged particles which are emitted from the sun and are known as the solar wind.</p>

<p>The scientists suggested that an interstellar cloud is likely to have shrunk the heliosphere so much that Earth was left outside of it and it was exposed to the radiation of the galaxy as well as particles which may have cooled the climate.</p>

<p>When Earth was without the protection of the heliosphere, it was then exposed to the interstellar medium. This means the atmosphere of our planet was likely affected by the combination of gas, dust as well as the atomic elements left behind by exploding stars, which included iron and plutonium.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;UK: Scientists concerned about the state of water</strong></p>

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<p>“Only rarely does our cosmic neighbourhood beyond the solar system affect life on Earth,” said paper coauthor and the director of Harvard University’s Institute for Theory and Computation, Avi Loeb. “It is exciting to discover that our passage through dense clouds a few million years ago could have exposed the Earth to a much larger flux of cosmic rays and hydrogen atoms. Our results open a new window into the relationship between the evolution of life on Earth and our cosmic neighbourhood.”</p>

<p>According to the researchers, Earth was outside the heliosphere nearly 10,000 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This cloud was indeed in our past, and if we crossed something that massive, we were exposed to the interstellar medium," said Opher.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Researchers are suggesting that exposure to interstellar clouds may have triggered multiple ice ages on Earth, changed the chemistry of the atmosphere on the planet and eventually led to the emergence of humankind.

Researchers are suggesting that exposure to interstellar clouds may have triggered multiple ice ages on Earth, changed the chemistry of the atmosphere on the planet and eventually led to the emergence of humankind. Astrophysicists from Harvard University, Johns Hopkins and Boston University suggested that nearly two million years ago, the solar system clashed with a large and dense interstellar cloud because of which Earth was exposed to radiation which altered the planet's climate. In a statement, astronomy professor at Boston University and fellow at Harvard Radcliffe Institute Merav Opher said, "This paper is the first to quantitatively show there was an encounter between the sun and something outside of the Solar System that would have affected Earth's climate." Also Read: NASA develops breakthrough technology to hunt for habitable ‘water worlds’ “Stars move, and now this paper is showing not only that they move, but they encounter drastic changes," he added. Meanwhile, in an email to Gizmodo, lead author of the study Opher said that the team is “still trying to quantify it with modern climate models” but due to an increase of hydrogen and dust “Earth would have entered an Ice Age.” Earth pushed outside heliosphere due to interstellar cloud A bubble, known as heliosphere, covers the entire solar system and protects planets from radiation as well as other damaging cosmic rays which can affect our DNA. The shield is filled with charged particles which are emitted from the sun and are known as the solar wind. The scientists suggested that an interstellar cloud is likely to have shrunk the heliosphere so much that Earth was left outside of it and it was exposed to the radiation of the galaxy as well as particles which may have cooled the climate. When Earth was without the protection of the heliosphere, it was then exposed to the interstellar medium. This means the atmosphere of our planet was likely affected by the combination of gas, dust as well as the atomic elements left behind by exploding stars, which included iron and plutonium. Watch: UK: Scientists concerned about the state of water “Only rarely does our cosmic neighbourhood beyond the solar system affect life on Earth,” said paper coauthor and the director of Harvard University’s Institute for Theory and Computation, Avi Loeb. “It is exciting to discover that our passage through dense clouds a few million years ago could have exposed the Earth to a much larger flux of cosmic rays and hydrogen atoms. Our results open a new window into the relationship between the evolution of life on Earth and our cosmic neighbourhood.” According to the researchers, Earth was outside the heliosphere nearly 10,000 years. "This cloud was indeed in our past, and if we crossed something that massive, we were exposed to the interstellar medium," said Opher. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth's collision with interstellar space clouds triggered Ice Age and existence of humans: Study

<p>The Cascadia megathrust, a formidable fault system capable of producing catastrophic magnitude 9 earthquakes, is poised to unleash its most severe impacts offshore of Washington state and Vancouver Island, according to recent data.</p>

<p>Cascadia megathrust is a major geological feature located off the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. It is a convergent plate boundary, or subduction zone, where the Juan de Fuca Plate is being forced, or subducted, beneath the North American Plate. This tectonic interaction has a potential for large earthquakes and tsunamis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This revelation from the study emerged from the most extensive survey of the fault to date, published in the June 7 issue of Science Advances.</p>

<p>Unlike previous assumptions that portrayed the megathrust as a single, continuous fracture, the new data revealed that it comprises at least four distinct segments. Researchers identified the segment stretching from southern Vancouver Island through Washington state as the most perilous.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-remains-of-smallest-known-great-ape-in-germany-729800">Scientists find remains of smallest known great ape in Germany</a></p>

<p>Seismologist Edwin Nissen of the University of Victoria in British Columbia, who was associated with the study, said, “The Cascadia megathrust is a huge risk to people living in the Pacific Northwest," reported Science News.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He noted that while the segment near Vancouver Island’s southwest coastline might get the largest earthquakes, southern segments along Oregon’s coast could experience smaller but more often quakes.</p>

<p>The Cascadia megathrust spans roughly 1000 kilometres from British Columbia to northern California.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronaut-william-anders-who-showed-earthrise-from-moon-killed-in-plane-crash-729781">Astronaut William Anders, who captured 'Earthrise' photo from Moon, dies in plane crash</a></p>

<p>Cascadia has been rocked by 19 quakes in the past 10,000 years. These quakes exceeded magnitude 9. The most recent, in 1700, triggered a tsunami that reached Japan. Even as there is a major threat, the fault has been less understood compared to similar faults in Japan and New Zealand.</p>

<h2><strong>Survey findings&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The seismic survey along a 900-kilometre&nbsp;stretch of the zone was done by using underwater air guns. With the help of the underwater air guns, sound waves were sent into the seafloor. They mapped the fault and rock layers beneath. This method provided unprecedented insight into the fault’s structure.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Cancer rate in younger people rising sharply as per new research</strong></p>

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<p>The data revealed that the Juan de Fuca plate, as it moves under the North American plate, breaks into segments due to the uneven distribution of rigid rocks above. One particularly concerning finding is that the segment extending from southern Vancouver Island is relatively smooth and shallow-dipping which makes it easier for quakes to propagate towards the coast.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Cascadia megathrust, a formidable fault system capable of producing catastrophic magnitude 9 earthquakes, is poised to unleash its most severe impacts offshore of Washington state and Vancouver Island, according to recent data.

The Cascadia megathrust, a formidable fault system capable of producing catastrophic magnitude 9 earthquakes, is poised to unleash its most severe impacts offshore of Washington state and Vancouver Island, according to recent data. Cascadia megathrust is a major geological feature located off the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. It is a convergent plate boundary, or subduction zone, where the Juan de Fuca Plate is being forced, or subducted, beneath the North American Plate. This tectonic interaction has a potential for large earthquakes and tsunamis. This revelation from the study emerged from the most extensive survey of the fault to date, published in the June 7 issue of Science Advances. Unlike previous assumptions that portrayed the megathrust as a single, continuous fracture, the new data revealed that it comprises at least four distinct segments. Researchers identified the segment stretching from southern Vancouver Island through Washington state as the most perilous. Also Read | Scientists find remains of smallest known great ape in Germany Seismologist Edwin Nissen of the University of Victoria in British Columbia, who was associated with the study, said, “The Cascadia megathrust is a huge risk to people living in the Pacific Northwest," reported Science News. He noted that while the segment near Vancouver Island’s southwest coastline might get the largest earthquakes, southern segments along Oregon’s coast could experience smaller but more often quakes. The Cascadia megathrust spans roughly 1000 kilometres from British Columbia to northern California. Also Read | Astronaut William Anders, who captured 'Earthrise' photo from Moon, dies in plane crash Cascadia has been rocked by 19 quakes in the past 10,000 years. These quakes exceeded magnitude 9. The most recent, in 1700, triggered a tsunami that reached Japan. Even as there is a major threat, the fault has been less understood compared to similar faults in Japan and New Zealand. Survey findings The seismic survey along a 900-kilometre stretch of the zone was done by using underwater air guns. With the help of the underwater air guns, sound waves were sent into the seafloor. They mapped the fault and rock layers beneath. This method provided unprecedented insight into the fault’s structure. Watch | Cancer rate in younger people rising sharply as per new research × The data revealed that the Juan de Fuca plate, as it moves under the North American plate, breaks into segments due to the uneven distribution of rigid rocks above. One particularly concerning finding is that the segment extending from southern Vancouver Island is relatively smooth and shallow-dipping which makes it easier for quakes to propagate towards the coast. (With inputs from agencies)

Washington, Vancouver Island epicentres of future Cascadian earthquakes: Study

Sleeping patterns are not affected by blue light emitted by your smartphone screen. New research suggests that blue light does not affect a person’s “internal clock.” The findings further our understanding of the effects of light on sleep quality and duration.

Screen emitting blue light doesn't impact sleep: Reports

<p>Although considered unattractive by human standards, the large, bulbous noses of male proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) play a crucial role in attracting mates, a new research published in 'Scientific Reports' shows.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike the elephant seal’s similar appendage, which helps in moisture preservation, the proboscis monkey’s nose serves a different purpose in the tropical rainforest.</p>

<p>The prominent nose of the proboscis monkey is clearly a form of sexual signaling. It is just like a peacock’s tail,&nbsp;a classic example of sexual signaling in the animal kingdom where the colourful tail feathers of a male peacock, known as a train, serve as a signal to potential mates and are used in sexual selection.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The size difference between males and females indicated its role in mating, with a study six years ago linking nose size to the number of females a male could attract.</p>

<h2><strong>What makes this large nose attractive?</strong></h2>

<p>One theory suggested&nbsp;that apart from looks, the sounds the nose produces also matters. Proboscis monkeys,&nbsp;that are native to the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, have a distinctive feature.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/massive-iceberg-in-antarctica-breaks-off-during-calving-event-report-725850">Massive iceberg in Antarctica breaks off in third major calving in past four years</a></p>

<p>Their&nbsp;nasal cavities make a variety of vocalisations such as honks and roars that play a crucial role in their communication system.&nbsp;The study showed that females find the nose visually appealing as well in addition to the sound it produces.</p>

<p>Dr. Katharine Balolia of the Australian National University and her student Pippa Fitzgerald noted that&nbsp;the visual effect also involves the fleshy parts of the nose.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/comet-of-the-year-tsuchinshan-atlas-brightens-skygazers-anticipate-spectacular-october-show-725771">'Comet of the Year' Tsuchinshan-ATLAS brightens, skygazers anticipate spectacular October show</a></p>

<p>“We found that males have much bigger nasal cavities than female monkeys, and their nasal cavities also have a different shape compared to females,” Balolia said. “Being able to emit louder and deeper calls thanks to a longer and larger nasal cavity helps male monkeys assert their health and dominance. This helps the male monkeys attract females and ward off other males.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/satellite-to-study-how-clouds-affect-climate-725870">Satellite to study how clouds affect climate</a></strong></p>

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<p>Proving that sound mattered didn’t rule out the importance of appearance.&nbsp;Balolia examined a collection of monkey skulls and noted, “We ranked them by toothwear, since the youngest have less.”</p>

<p>The study found that while the nasal cavity reaches its final size around sexual maturity, the fleshy parts of the nose continue to grow and that it modifies sound in an attractive manner.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Although considered unattractive by human standards, the large, bulbous noses of male proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) play a crucial role in attracting mates, a new research published in 'Scientific Reports' shows.

Although considered unattractive by human standards, the large, bulbous noses of male proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) play a crucial role in attracting mates, a new research published in 'Scientific Reports' shows. Unlike the elephant seal’s similar appendage, which helps in moisture preservation, the proboscis monkey’s nose serves a different purpose in the tropical rainforest. The prominent nose of the proboscis monkey is clearly a form of sexual signaling. It is just like a peacock’s tail, a classic example of sexual signaling in the animal kingdom where the colourful tail feathers of a male peacock, known as a train, serve as a signal to potential mates and are used in sexual selection. The size difference between males and females indicated its role in mating, with a study six years ago linking nose size to the number of females a male could attract. What makes this large nose attractive? One theory suggested that apart from looks, the sounds the nose produces also matters. Proboscis monkeys, that are native to the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, have a distinctive feature. Also Read | Massive iceberg in Antarctica breaks off in third major calving in past four years Their nasal cavities make a variety of vocalisations such as honks and roars that play a crucial role in their communication system. The study showed that females find the nose visually appealing as well in addition to the sound it produces. Dr. Katharine Balolia of the Australian National University and her student Pippa Fitzgerald noted that the visual effect also involves the fleshy parts of the nose. Also Read | 'Comet of the Year' Tsuchinshan-ATLAS brightens, skygazers anticipate spectacular October show “We found that males have much bigger nasal cavities than female monkeys, and their nasal cavities also have a different shape compared to females,” Balolia said. “Being able to emit louder and deeper calls thanks to a longer and larger nasal cavity helps male monkeys assert their health and dominance. This helps the male monkeys attract females and ward off other males.” Watch | Satellite to study how clouds affect climate × Proving that sound mattered didn’t rule out the importance of appearance. Balolia examined a collection of monkey skulls and noted, “We ranked them by toothwear, since the youngest have less.” The study found that while the nasal cavity reaches its final size around sexual maturity, the fleshy parts of the nose continue to grow and that it modifies sound in an attractive manner. (With inputs from agencies)

Big noses, big attraction: Study shows how male Proboscis monkeys woo their mates

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<p>In the latest study, published on Friday (May 24), it&nbsp;was found&nbsp;that unpasteurised milk - contaminated with bird-flu virus H5N1 - if fed to the mice,&nbsp;will make them sick and damage their organs.</p>

<p>The study&nbsp;was conducted&nbsp;in the wake of the bird flu virus detected in the dairy herds of nine states in the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A new study has added more evidence to the argument that virus-infected raw milk may&nbsp;not be safe&nbsp;for mammals, especially humans.</p>

<p>Virologist&nbsp;Yoshihiro Kawaoka said,&nbsp;“Don’t&nbsp;drink raw milk —&nbsp;that’s&nbsp;the message."&nbsp;Kawaoka&nbsp;works&nbsp;at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and was head of the study. In the United States, most of the commercial milk&nbsp;is pasteurised.</p>

<p>Food and Drug Administration has found&nbsp;traces of the virus&nbsp;in 20 per cent&nbsp;of dairy products&nbsp;sampled&nbsp;from grocery shelves across the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bird-flu-in-raw-cow-milk-kills-more-than-half-of-cats-on-texas-farm-717524">Bird flu in raw cow milk kills more than half of cats on Texas farm</a></p>

<p>However, no signs of infectious virus&nbsp;have been found&nbsp;by the officials in those samples&nbsp;and&nbsp;have said that it is safe to consume pasteurised milk.</p>

<p>While speaking to The New York Times, Boston University Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases Director Dr Nahid Bhadelia said&nbsp;that the&nbsp;findings will have global implications.</p>

<p>“If this becomes a more widespread outbreak in cows, there are other places where there&nbsp;isn’t&nbsp;central pasteurisation&nbsp;and&nbsp;there are a lot more rural communities that drink milk,"&nbsp;she added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How the study&nbsp;was carried out?</strong></h2>

<p>While carrying out the study, Dr Kawaoka and his colleagues looked for viruses in the milk samples&nbsp;which&nbsp;were&nbsp;collected&nbsp;from an affected dairy herd in New Mexico.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers discovered that there was a slow decline in the&nbsp;levels of the virus&nbsp;in a sample of milk&nbsp;which&nbsp;was stored at 4 degrees Celsius and hinted at the chances of H5N1 being present in refrigerated raw milk for several weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The findings from the study&nbsp;were published&nbsp;in the New England Journal of Medicine.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | US: Bird Flu virus found in pasteurized milk, probe results awaited</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, the mice who drank the contaminated milk became ill and had ruffled fur and lethargy.</p>

<h2><strong>Bird flu virus&nbsp;also&nbsp;discovered in an ill dairy&nbsp;cow's&nbsp;beef</strong></h2>

<p>The US Department of Agriculture on Friday (May 24) said that bird flu&nbsp;was found&nbsp;in beef for the first time.</p>

<p>However, the officials said that a single sickened dairy&nbsp;cow's&nbsp;meat did not have permission to enter the&nbsp;food supply of the country&nbsp;and hence, beef was safe to eat.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;USDA said&nbsp;that they found the virus while testing 96 dairy cows,&nbsp;who were&nbsp;diverted from the supply after federal inspectors saw signs of illness while carrying out routine inspections of carcasses present at meat processing plants.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


In the latest study, published on Friday (May 24), it was found that unpasteurised milk - contaminated with bird-flu virus H5N1 - if fed to the mice, will make them sick and damage their organs.

In the latest study, published on Friday (May 24), it was found that unpasteurised milk - contaminated with bird-flu virus H5N1 - if fed to the mice, will make them sick and damage their organs. The study was conducted in the wake of the bird flu virus detected in the dairy herds of nine states in the United States. A new study has added more evidence to the argument that virus-infected raw milk may not be safe for mammals, especially humans. Virologist Yoshihiro Kawaoka said, “Don’t drink raw milk — that’s the message." Kawaoka works at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and was head of the study. In the United States, most of the commercial milk is pasteurised. Food and Drug Administration has found traces of the virus in 20 per cent of dairy products sampled from grocery shelves across the country. Also Read: Bird flu in raw cow milk kills more than half of cats on Texas farm However, no signs of infectious virus have been found by the officials in those samples and have said that it is safe to consume pasteurised milk. While speaking to The New York Times, Boston University Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases Director Dr Nahid Bhadelia said that the findings will have global implications. “If this becomes a more widespread outbreak in cows, there are other places where there isn’t central pasteurisation and there are a lot more rural communities that drink milk," she added. How the study was carried out? While carrying out the study, Dr Kawaoka and his colleagues looked for viruses in the milk samples which were collected from an affected dairy herd in New Mexico. The researchers discovered that there was a slow decline in the levels of the virus in a sample of milk which was stored at 4 degrees Celsius and hinted at the chances of H5N1 being present in refrigerated raw milk for several weeks. The findings from the study were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Watch: Gravitas | US: Bird Flu virus found in pasteurized milk, probe results awaited Meanwhile, the mice who drank the contaminated milk became ill and had ruffled fur and lethargy. Bird flu virus also discovered in an ill dairy cow's beef The US Department of Agriculture on Friday (May 24) said that bird flu was found in beef for the first time. However, the officials said that a single sickened dairy cow's meat did not have permission to enter the food supply of the country and hence, beef was safe to eat. The USDA said that they found the virus while testing 96 dairy cows, who were diverted from the supply after federal inspectors saw signs of illness while carrying out routine inspections of carcasses present at meat processing plants. (With inputs from agencies)

Raw milk contaminated with bird-flu virus damaging multiple organs of mice: study

Eating more ultra-processed food is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and stroke according to a new study from the UK.

Study: Ultra-processed food are endangering lives

It is often assumed that the inner voice is a universal human experience but what if we tell you that it actually isn't. Inner voice is not as common as one would expect. Watch the video to know more.

Inner voice: Does it make a difference?

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<p>In new research, experts have projected that global life expectancy will increase by nearly five years by 2025. However, factors like&nbsp;high blood pressure and obesity will force people to spend more years battling their poor health.</p>

<p>The findings&nbsp;were published&nbsp;as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study&nbsp;2021.&nbsp;The study&nbsp;was published&nbsp;in the medical journal&nbsp;The Lancet<em>&nbsp;</em>on Thursday (May 16).</p>

<p>Lead&nbsp;research scientist at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation&nbsp;(IHMEE) at the University of Washington and research head Liane Ong said, "Future trends may be quite different than past trends because of factors such as climate change and increasing obesity and addiction."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/deaths-due-to-heat-at-all-time-high-heatwaves-in-europe-linked-to-30-increase-in-fatalities-713795">Deaths due to heat at all-time high; heatwaves in Europe linked to 30% increase in fatalities</a></p>

<p>It&nbsp;was predicted&nbsp;by the Global Burden of Diseases team said that life expectancy is likely to increase from 71.1 years to 76 years&nbsp;for men&nbsp;and from 76.2 years to 80.5 years for women.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;biggest&nbsp;gains will&nbsp;be made&nbsp;by the countries&nbsp;which currently have lower life expectancies.</p>

<p>"This is an indicator that while health inequalities between the highest and lowest income regions will remain, the gaps are shrinking, with the biggest increases anticipated in&nbsp;sub-Saharan Africa," stated IMHEE director&nbsp;Dr Chris Murray.</p>

<p>According to the researchers, this trend&nbsp;is&nbsp;mostly driven&nbsp;by public health measures which have improved survival rates and prevented deaths from diseases like COVID-19, heart disease, and a range of communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases.</p>

<h2><strong>Obesity and&nbsp;high blood pressure negatively impact health of people</strong></h2>

<p>It was found by the researchers that the total number of years lost by people is almost 49.4 per cent since 2000&nbsp;because of metabolic risk factors like high blood sugar,&nbsp;high body mass index (BMI) and high blood pressure.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India: Crowdfunding helps toddler get life-saving $2 mn jab</strong></p>

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<p>Low birth weight, smoking&nbsp;and air pollution were also some of the&nbsp;largest&nbsp;contributors to the number of years lost in life due to poor health and early death.</p>

<p>"There is immense opportunity ahead for us to influence the future of global health by getting ahead of these rising metabolic and dietary risk factors, particularly those related to behavioural and lifestyle factors like high blood sugar,&nbsp;high&nbsp;body mass index, and&nbsp;high&nbsp;blood pressure," said Murray.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In new research, experts have projected that global life expectancy will increase by nearly five years by 2025. However, factors like high blood pressure and obesity will force people to spend more years battling their poor health.

In new research, experts have projected that global life expectancy will increase by nearly five years by 2025. However, factors like high blood pressure and obesity will force people to spend more years battling their poor health. The findings were published as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study 2021. The study was published in the medical journal The Lancet on Thursday (May 16). Lead research scientist at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHMEE) at the University of Washington and research head Liane Ong said, "Future trends may be quite different than past trends because of factors such as climate change and increasing obesity and addiction." Also Read: Deaths due to heat at all-time high; heatwaves in Europe linked to 30% increase in fatalities It was predicted by the Global Burden of Diseases team said that life expectancy is likely to increase from 71.1 years to 76 years for men and from 76.2 years to 80.5 years for women. The biggest gains will be made by the countries which currently have lower life expectancies. "This is an indicator that while health inequalities between the highest and lowest income regions will remain, the gaps are shrinking, with the biggest increases anticipated in sub-Saharan Africa," stated IMHEE director Dr Chris Murray. According to the researchers, this trend is mostly driven by public health measures which have improved survival rates and prevented deaths from diseases like COVID-19, heart disease, and a range of communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases. Obesity and high blood pressure negatively impact health of people It was found by the researchers that the total number of years lost by people is almost 49.4 per cent since 2000 because of metabolic risk factors like high blood sugar, high body mass index (BMI) and high blood pressure. Watch: India: Crowdfunding helps toddler get life-saving $2 mn jab Low birth weight, smoking and air pollution were also some of the largest contributors to the number of years lost in life due to poor health and early death. "There is immense opportunity ahead for us to influence the future of global health by getting ahead of these rising metabolic and dietary risk factors, particularly those related to behavioural and lifestyle factors like high blood sugar, high body mass index, and high blood pressure," said Murray. (With inputs from agencies)

Global life expectancy to increase but people to spend more time battling health issues: Study

<p>A 'Cosmic glitch', an irregularity in the rules of the universe, has been observed in&nbsp;Einstein's theory of general relativity, as per new research. This anomaly includes some inconsistencies in gravity at cosmic levels, where it gets weaker.</p>

<p>Notably, in everyday situations on Earth's surface or in our solar system, the effects of gravity are approximately constant. In extreme conditions, such as near black holes or during cosmic events like the collision of neutron stars, the effects of gravity can be significantly different and would require Einstein's theory of general relativity for accurate predictions.</p>

<p>However, a new cosmic glitch suggest&nbsp;discrepancy in the Einstein's theory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/over-30-of-covaxin-takers-experienced-nervous-system-disorders-menstrual-abnormalities-suggests-study-722361">Over 30% of Covaxin takers experienced nervous system disorders, menstrual abnormalities, suggests study</a></p>

<p>Co-author Niayesh Afshordi reportedly said, "[It's] like making a puzzle on the surface of a sphere, then laying the pieces on a flat table and trying to fit them together," adding, "at some point, the pieces on the table will not quite fit each other, because you are using the wrong framework."</p>

<p>"The glitch is the smoking gun for a fundamental violation of Einstein's equivalence principle (or Lorentz symmetry), which could point to radically different pictures for quantum gravity, the Big Bang, or black holes," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>What does the study reveal?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In a study published on March 20 in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, researchers found out two major issues. The current cosmological model relies on dark matter and dark energy - mysterious entities that haven't been directly detected and don't fully explain the universe's expansion rates.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/google-harvard-reveal-new-insights-about-human-brain-using-ai-heres-how-722379">Google, Harvard reveal new insights about human brain using AI. Here's how</a></p>

<p>To tackle these issues, the researchers suggested a simple modification - adjusting the universal constant of gravitation on different distance scales.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-artist-saype-unveils-latest-artwork-artwork-entitled-bright-dreams-722377">French artist Saype unveils latest artwork | Artwork entitled 'bright dreams'</a></strong></p>

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<p>"The modification is very simple: We assume the universal constant of gravitation is different on cosmological scales, compared to smaller (like solar system or galactic) scales," Afshordi said. "We call this a cosmic glitch."</p>

<p>"We find evidence for the glitch: cosmic gravity is about 1% weaker than galactic/solar-system gravity," Afshordi noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scott Dodelson, a physics professor at Carnegie Mellon University, reportedly said,&nbsp;"If so, it means we understand even less than we thought we did."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A 'Cosmic glitch', an irregularity in the rules of the universe, has been observed in Einstein's theory of general relativity, as per new research. This anomaly includes some inconsistencies in gravity at cosmic levels, where it gets weaker.

A 'Cosmic glitch', an irregularity in the rules of the universe, has been observed in Einstein's theory of general relativity, as per new research. This anomaly includes some inconsistencies in gravity at cosmic levels, where it gets weaker. Notably, in everyday situations on Earth's surface or in our solar system, the effects of gravity are approximately constant. In extreme conditions, such as near black holes or during cosmic events like the collision of neutron stars, the effects of gravity can be significantly different and would require Einstein's theory of general relativity for accurate predictions. However, a new cosmic glitch suggest discrepancy in the Einstein's theory. Also Read | Over 30% of Covaxin takers experienced nervous system disorders, menstrual abnormalities, suggests study Co-author Niayesh Afshordi reportedly said, "[It's] like making a puzzle on the surface of a sphere, then laying the pieces on a flat table and trying to fit them together," adding, "at some point, the pieces on the table will not quite fit each other, because you are using the wrong framework." "The glitch is the smoking gun for a fundamental violation of Einstein's equivalence principle (or Lorentz symmetry), which could point to radically different pictures for quantum gravity, the Big Bang, or black holes," he added. What does the study reveal? In a study published on March 20 in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, researchers found out two major issues. The current cosmological model relies on dark matter and dark energy - mysterious entities that haven't been directly detected and don't fully explain the universe's expansion rates. Also Read | Google, Harvard reveal new insights about human brain using AI. Here's how To tackle these issues, the researchers suggested a simple modification - adjusting the universal constant of gravitation on different distance scales. Watch | French artist Saype unveils latest artwork | Artwork entitled 'bright dreams' × "The modification is very simple: We assume the universal constant of gravitation is different on cosmological scales, compared to smaller (like solar system or galactic) scales," Afshordi said. "We call this a cosmic glitch." "We find evidence for the glitch: cosmic gravity is about 1% weaker than galactic/solar-system gravity," Afshordi noted. Scott Dodelson, a physics professor at Carnegie Mellon University, reportedly said, "If so, it means we understand even less than we thought we did." (With inputs from agencies)

Cosmic glitch in Einstein's relativity theory could redefine our understanding of Universe

<p>Baobabs, the iconic trees native to Madagascar, are known for their distinctive swollen trunk, which can store water to help the tree survive in arid climates. They can live for thousands of years and play important ecological roles in their habitats, providing food, shelter, and water for various animals and insects.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The migration of baobab trees from Madagascar to mainland Africa and Australia was an intriguing botanical puzzle that researchers have been exploring for many years. However, a recent study has finally provided an answer to this.&nbsp;The research, employing genomic analyses alongside ecological and geological data, has shed light on its origins and dispersion.</p>

<p>According to the findings, the baobab lineage originated in Madagascar approximately 21 million years ago. It extended its reach to Africa and Australia within the past 12 million years. Two baobab lineages that became extinct in Madagascar managed to establish themselves - one in Africa and the other in Australia.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-gears-up-for-artemis-landing-practices-mission-moonwalk-in-arizona-desert-721990">NASA gears up for Artemis landing; practices mission moonwalk in Arizona desert</a></p>

<p>It is believed that baobab seed pods floated from Madagascar to mainland Africa, about 250 miles to the west, and to Australia, spanning over 4,000 miles to the east.</p>

<p>One of the authors of the study&nbsp;Tao Wan said,&nbsp;"The plants almost certainly got to Africa and Australia floating on or with vegetation rafts."&nbsp;Wan elaborated that the Indian Ocean gyre likely facilitated the long-distance dispersal to Australia, carrying baobab seed pods from Madagascar through its current paths.</p>

<h2><strong>Massive trunks with over 26,400 gallons of water</strong></h2>

<p>Study co-author Andrew Leitch of Queen Mary University of London said, "The trees have astonishing and distinctive growth forms, some species with massive trunks that are hollow cylinders of low-quality wood ramified with many water-filled living cells. Some of the largest and oldest trees in Australia have been estimated to hold more than 100,000 litres&nbsp;(26,400 gallons) of water."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-colourful-phytoplankton-bloom-microscopic-plant-like-organisms-seen-in-celtic-sea-721984">NASA: Colourful Phytoplankton bloom, microscopic plant-like organisms, seen in Celtic Sea</a></p>

<p>Besides their practical uses, baobabs have cultural significance in many African societies.&nbsp;"The people of Kafue in Africa have a legend that four beautiful maidens used a tree for shade and the tree fell in love with them," Wan said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sun-launches-strongest-solar-flare-of-its-current-11-year-cycle-721926">Sun launches strongest Solar flare of its current 11-year cycle</a></strong></p>

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<p>"But the maidens fell in love with humans, so the tree got jealous and imprisoned them in its trunk, where they remain to this day. People say you can hear them still, I guess because the hollow center acts as some sort of sound chamber in some trees," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Baobabs, the iconic trees native to Madagascar, are known for their distinctive swollen trunk, which can store water to help the tree survive in arid climates. They can live for thousands of years and play important ecological roles in their habitats, providing food, shelter, and water for various animals and insects.

Baobabs, the iconic trees native to Madagascar, are known for their distinctive swollen trunk, which can store water to help the tree survive in arid climates. They can live for thousands of years and play important ecological roles in their habitats, providing food, shelter, and water for various animals and insects. The migration of baobab trees from Madagascar to mainland Africa and Australia was an intriguing botanical puzzle that researchers have been exploring for many years. However, a recent study has finally provided an answer to this. The research, employing genomic analyses alongside ecological and geological data, has shed light on its origins and dispersion. According to the findings, the baobab lineage originated in Madagascar approximately 21 million years ago. It extended its reach to Africa and Australia within the past 12 million years. Two baobab lineages that became extinct in Madagascar managed to establish themselves - one in Africa and the other in Australia. Also Read | NASA gears up for Artemis landing; practices mission moonwalk in Arizona desert It is believed that baobab seed pods floated from Madagascar to mainland Africa, about 250 miles to the west, and to Australia, spanning over 4,000 miles to the east. One of the authors of the study Tao Wan said, "The plants almost certainly got to Africa and Australia floating on or with vegetation rafts." Wan elaborated that the Indian Ocean gyre likely facilitated the long-distance dispersal to Australia, carrying baobab seed pods from Madagascar through its current paths. Massive trunks with over 26,400 gallons of water Study co-author Andrew Leitch of Queen Mary University of London said, "The trees have astonishing and distinctive growth forms, some species with massive trunks that are hollow cylinders of low-quality wood ramified with many water-filled living cells. Some of the largest and oldest trees in Australia have been estimated to hold more than 100,000 litres (26,400 gallons) of water." Also Read | NASA: Colourful Phytoplankton bloom, microscopic plant-like organisms, seen in Celtic Sea Besides their practical uses, baobabs have cultural significance in many African societies. "The people of Kafue in Africa have a legend that four beautiful maidens used a tree for shade and the tree fell in love with them," Wan said. Watch | Sun launches strongest Solar flare of its current 11-year cycle × "But the maidens fell in love with humans, so the tree got jealous and imprisoned them in its trunk, where they remain to this day. People say you can hear them still, I guess because the hollow center acts as some sort of sound chamber in some trees," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Mysteries of Baobab trees solved! Genomic study reveals dispersion from Madagascar to Africa, Australia

<p>Finding cancer early is incredibly important. When cancer is detected early, it's typically at a smaller size and has not spread to other parts of the body, making it easier to treat. It can also lead to higher survival rates because many types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer, have much higher survival rates when detected early compared to later stages.</p>

<p>A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford suggested that proteins found in the blood might serve as indicators for cancer detection several years before diagnosis.</p>

<p>The research, funded by Cancer Research UK and published in Nature Communications, analysed blood samples from more than 44,000 individuals. This included over 4,900 who were later diagnosed with cancer.</p>

<p>By comparing the proteins in the blood of those who developed cancer with those who did not, the scientists identified 618 proteins associated with 19 different types of cancer. These cancer types included cancers such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, colon, lung, and liver cancer.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/three-stars-found-circling-milky-ways-halo-study-shows-they-were-formed-13-billion-years-ago-721754">Three stars found circling Milky Way’s halo, study shows they were formed 13 billion years ago</a></p>

<p>Moreover, the study uncovered 107 proteins linked to cancers diagnosed more than seven years after the blood sample was taken. A total of 182 proteins were strongly associated with cancer diagnosis within three years.</p>

<p>A senior nutritional epidemiologist at the University of Oxford Dr Keren Papier, who is also the joint first author of the study, spoke on the importance of understanding the role of blood proteins in cancer risk.</p>

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<p>The author said, “To save more lives from cancer, we need to better understand what happens at the earliest stages of the disease … [and] how the proteins in our blood can affect our risk of cancer. Now we need to study these proteins in depth to see which ones could be reliably used for prevention.”</p>

<h2><strong>Related study</strong></h2>

<p>Another related study examined genetic data from over 300,000 cancer cases and identified 40 proteins in the blood. However, the researchers noted that altering these proteins might have unintended side effects.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sun-launches-strongest-solar-flare-of-its-current-11-year-cycle-721926">Sun launches strongest Solar flare of its current 11-year cycle</a></strong></p>

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<p>Commenting on the findings, a professor at Queen’s University Belfast Mark Lawler&nbsp;highlighted the significance of detecting cancer before clinical manifestations. Lawler said,&nbsp;“The data are impressive – finding evidence of cancer before it has manifested itself clinically provides a critical window of opportunity to treat with a greater chance for success, or even more importantly to achieve the holy grail of preventing cancer before it can even occur. More work to be done, but an important step forward in a disease that affects one in two of UK citizens during their lives.”</p>

<p>The studies hold immense value as early detection can improve a person's quality of life by avoiding more aggressive treatments and alleviating the stress that often come with cancer diagnosis.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Finding cancer early is incredibly important. When cancer is detected early, it's typically at a smaller size and has not spread to other parts of the body, making it easier to treat.

Finding cancer early is incredibly important. When cancer is detected early, it's typically at a smaller size and has not spread to other parts of the body, making it easier to treat. It can also lead to higher survival rates because many types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer, have much higher survival rates when detected early compared to later stages. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford suggested that proteins found in the blood might serve as indicators for cancer detection several years before diagnosis. The research, funded by Cancer Research UK and published in Nature Communications, analysed blood samples from more than 44,000 individuals. This included over 4,900 who were later diagnosed with cancer. By comparing the proteins in the blood of those who developed cancer with those who did not, the scientists identified 618 proteins associated with 19 different types of cancer. These cancer types included cancers such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, colon, lung, and liver cancer. Also Read | Three stars found circling Milky Way’s halo, study shows they were formed 13 billion years ago Moreover, the study uncovered 107 proteins linked to cancers diagnosed more than seven years after the blood sample was taken. A total of 182 proteins were strongly associated with cancer diagnosis within three years. A senior nutritional epidemiologist at the University of Oxford Dr Keren Papier, who is also the joint first author of the study, spoke on the importance of understanding the role of blood proteins in cancer risk. Also Read | Astronomers found new Earth-sized planet where days and nights are never-ending The author said, “To save more lives from cancer, we need to better understand what happens at the earliest stages of the disease … [and] how the proteins in our blood can affect our risk of cancer. Now we need to study these proteins in depth to see which ones could be reliably used for prevention.” Related study Another related study examined genetic data from over 300,000 cancer cases and identified 40 proteins in the blood. However, the researchers noted that altering these proteins might have unintended side effects. Watch | Sun launches strongest Solar flare of its current 11-year cycle × Commenting on the findings, a professor at Queen’s University Belfast Mark Lawler highlighted the significance of detecting cancer before clinical manifestations. Lawler said, “The data are impressive – finding evidence of cancer before it has manifested itself clinically provides a critical window of opportunity to treat with a greater chance for success, or even more importantly to achieve the holy grail of preventing cancer before it can even occur. More work to be done, but an important step forward in a disease that affects one in two of UK citizens during their lives.” The studies hold immense value as early detection can improve a person's quality of life by avoiding more aggressive treatments and alleviating the stress that often come with cancer diagnosis. (With inputs from agencies)

Blood proteins could forewarn cancer diagnosis by over 7 years, suggests study

<p>Last year's scorching temperatures not only shattered modern records but also etched a new chapter in Earth's climate history, according to a recent study published in Nature. The research unveiled in the journal said that 2023 witnessed the most blistering summer in the Northern Hemisphere in the past 2,000 years. This new revelation is now highlighting the magnitude of global warming.</p>

<p>Co-authored by Professor Jan Esper from Johannes Gutenberg University in Germany, the study looked into meteorological archives stretching back to the mid-1800s and scrutinised tree ring data from nine locations across the Northern Hemisphere.</p>

<p>Their findings revealed a staggering reality - the summer of 2023 surpassed all previous benchmarks, with temperatures soaring 2.07 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-crack-the-code-of-orangutans-distinct-yells-with-help-from-ai-721539">Scientists crack the code of Orangutans’ distinct yells with help from AI</a></p>

<p>Professor Esper said, "When you look at the long sweep of history, you can see just how dramatic recent global warming is."</p>

<h2><strong>Re-calibrating baseline</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The research challenged conventional baselines by recalibrating temperature data against a broader historical context. By leveraging tree ring chronologies, which offer a detailed glimpse into past climate conditions, scientists could extend their analysis beyond the confines of modern instrumental records that only go back as far as 1850.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sun-releases-strongest-x-ray-flares-since-2005-scientists-warn-massive-sunspot-yet-to-burst-721537">Sun releases strongest X-ray flares since 2005, scientists warn massive sunspot yet to burst</a></p>

<p>"Many of the conversations we have around global warming are tied to a baseline temperature from the mid-19th century, but why is this the baseline?" questioned co-author Professor Ulf Büntgen from Cambridge's Department of Geography.</p>

<p>"Only when we look at climate reconstructions can we better account for natural variability and put recent anthropogenic climate change into context."</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Study links half of all cancer cases to obesity</strong></p>

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<p>While historical cooling periods such as&nbsp;Little Antique Ice Age in the 6th century and the Little Ice Age in the early 19th century often followed volcanic eruptions, recent temperature surges have been exacerbated by the intensification of El Nino events. This has lead to more frequent and severe heatwaves.</p>

<p>"It's true that the climate is always changing, but the warming in 2023, caused by greenhouse gases, is additionally amplified by El Niño conditions," explained Professor Esper. "When you look at the big picture, it shows just how urgent it is that we reduce greenhouse gas emissions immediately."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Last year's scorching temperatures not only shattered modern records but also etched a new chapter in Earth's climate history, according to a recent study published in Nature.

Last year's scorching temperatures not only shattered modern records but also etched a new chapter in Earth's climate history, according to a recent study published in Nature. The research unveiled in the journal said that 2023 witnessed the most blistering summer in the Northern Hemisphere in the past 2,000 years. This new revelation is now highlighting the magnitude of global warming. Co-authored by Professor Jan Esper from Johannes Gutenberg University in Germany, the study looked into meteorological archives stretching back to the mid-1800s and scrutinised tree ring data from nine locations across the Northern Hemisphere. Their findings revealed a staggering reality - the summer of 2023 surpassed all previous benchmarks, with temperatures soaring 2.07 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Also Read | Scientists crack the code of Orangutans’ distinct yells with help from AI Professor Esper said, "When you look at the long sweep of history, you can see just how dramatic recent global warming is." Re-calibrating baseline The research challenged conventional baselines by recalibrating temperature data against a broader historical context. By leveraging tree ring chronologies, which offer a detailed glimpse into past climate conditions, scientists could extend their analysis beyond the confines of modern instrumental records that only go back as far as 1850. Also Read | Sun releases strongest X-ray flares since 2005, scientists warn massive sunspot yet to burst "Many of the conversations we have around global warming are tied to a baseline temperature from the mid-19th century, but why is this the baseline?" questioned co-author Professor Ulf Büntgen from Cambridge's Department of Geography. "Only when we look at climate reconstructions can we better account for natural variability and put recent anthropogenic climate change into context." Watch | Study links half of all cancer cases to obesity × While historical cooling periods such as Little Antique Ice Age in the 6th century and the Little Ice Age in the early 19th century often followed volcanic eruptions, recent temperature surges have been exacerbated by the intensification of El Nino events. This has lead to more frequent and severe heatwaves. "It's true that the climate is always changing, but the warming in 2023, caused by greenhouse gases, is additionally amplified by El Niño conditions," explained Professor Esper. "When you look at the big picture, it shows just how urgent it is that we reduce greenhouse gas emissions immediately." (With inputs from agencies)

Year 2023 marked as hottest summer in two millennia, reveals study

<p>Drinking alcohol can lead to a variety of health problems, including liver disease.&nbsp;Alcohol can also affect cognitive function and impair judgment which can lead to accidents and risky behaviour such as drunk driving. This contributes to millions of deaths globally each year. However, now researchers at ETH Zurich have unveiled a promising breakthrough in mitigating these risks.</p>

<p>A new protein gel can render alcohol completely harmless. This is as per a study published in Nature Nanotechnology which elaborates how alcohol breakdown in the gastrointestinal tract can potentially offer a preventive measure against alcohol-related health issues.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-influencers-big-yawn-goes-wrong-jaw-locked-wide-open-721159">WATCH | Influencer's big yawn goes wrong, jaw locked wide open!</a></p>

<p>According to Professor Raffaele Mezzenga from the Laboratory of Food &amp; Soft Materials at ETH Zurich, "The gel shifts the breakdown of alcohol from the liver to the digestive tract. In contrast to when alcohol is metabolised in the liver, no harmful acetaldehyde is produced as an intermediate product."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rethinking-the-brains-cleanup-crew-sleep-does-not-detox-brain-as-previously-thought-heres-what-does-721131">Rethinking the brain's cleanup crew: Sleep does not detox brain as previously thought. Here's what does</a></p>

<p>Notably, the gel, primarily composed of whey proteins, undergoes a unique process to form long fibrils. Iron atoms, evenly distributed on the fibril surface, act as catalysts for alcohol breakdown. Meanwhile, gold nanoparticles, reacting with glucose, produce hydrogen peroxide. This process initiates the conversion of alcohol to harmless acetic acid within the gel.</p>

<h2><strong>Study conducted on mice&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Initial tests on mice showed promising results. When administered, the gel reduced blood alcohol levels by up to 56 per cent within five hours post-consumption. Moreover, mice receiving the gel daily alongside alcohol intake exhibited reduced liver damage and improved metabolic health compared to control groups.</p>

<section>
<p><strong>Watch | Mass migration of venemous snakes: Study, migration to take place around 2070</strong></p>

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<p>Mezzenga highlighted, "It's healthier not to drink alcohol at all. However, the gel could be of particular interest to people who don't want to give up alcohol completely, but don't want to put a strain on their bodies and aren't actively seeking the effects of alcohol."&nbsp;</p>
</section>

<p>The researchers have filed for a patent for the gel. Though further clinical trials are necessary before human use authorisation, the gel's edible whey protein composition offers promising prospects.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Drinking alcohol can lead to a variety of health problems, including liver disease. Alcohol can also affect cognitive function and impair judgment which can lead to accidents and risky behaviour such as drunk driving.

Drinking alcohol can lead to a variety of health problems, including liver disease. Alcohol can also affect cognitive function and impair judgment which can lead to accidents and risky behaviour such as drunk driving. This contributes to millions of deaths globally each year. However, now researchers at ETH Zurich have unveiled a promising breakthrough in mitigating these risks. A new protein gel can render alcohol completely harmless. This is as per a study published in Nature Nanotechnology which elaborates how alcohol breakdown in the gastrointestinal tract can potentially offer a preventive measure against alcohol-related health issues. WATCH | Influencer's big yawn goes wrong, jaw locked wide open! According to Professor Raffaele Mezzenga from the Laboratory of Food & Soft Materials at ETH Zurich, "The gel shifts the breakdown of alcohol from the liver to the digestive tract. In contrast to when alcohol is metabolised in the liver, no harmful acetaldehyde is produced as an intermediate product." Also Read | Rethinking the brain's cleanup crew: Sleep does not detox brain as previously thought. Here's what does Notably, the gel, primarily composed of whey proteins, undergoes a unique process to form long fibrils. Iron atoms, evenly distributed on the fibril surface, act as catalysts for alcohol breakdown. Meanwhile, gold nanoparticles, reacting with glucose, produce hydrogen peroxide. This process initiates the conversion of alcohol to harmless acetic acid within the gel. Study conducted on mice Initial tests on mice showed promising results. When administered, the gel reduced blood alcohol levels by up to 56 per cent within five hours post-consumption. Moreover, mice receiving the gel daily alongside alcohol intake exhibited reduced liver damage and improved metabolic health compared to control groups. Watch | Mass migration of venemous snakes: Study, migration to take place around 2070 × Mezzenga highlighted, "It's healthier not to drink alcohol at all. However, the gel could be of particular interest to people who don't want to give up alcohol completely, but don't want to put a strain on their bodies and aren't actively seeking the effects of alcohol." The researchers have filed for a patent for the gel. Though further clinical trials are necessary before human use authorisation, the gel's edible whey protein composition offers promising prospects. (With inputs from agencies)

Drink without hangover? Scientists create gel that can make alcohol harmless to the human body

<p>Scientists from Harvard University, in collaboration with Google's machine learning experts, have meticulously reconstructed a wiring diagram of a minute section of the human brain,&nbsp;an incredibly complex and vital organ that serves as the command centre for the nervous system.</p>

<p>This groundbreaking endeavour has revealed new details of the structure that is comprised of billions of neurons to transmit information through electrical and chemical signals.</p>

<p>The study reportedly focused on a minuscule cubic millimetre of healthy brain tissue extracted from the cortex of a 45-year-old woman undergoing surgery for epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures, which are sudden, brief changes in the brain's electrical activity.</p>

<p>Despite the small size of the tissue, it was a monumental task to map out its wiring diagram for neural circuitry, cellular connections, and vascular support.&nbsp;Using electron microscope images of over 5,000 tissue slices, the researchers unveiled a staggering 57,000 individual cells, 23 centimetres of blood vessels, and&nbsp;150 million neural connections.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Professor Jeff Lichtman of molecular and cellular biology at Harvard University said,&nbsp;“The aim was to get a high-resolution view of this most mysterious piece of biology that each of us carries around on our shoulders."</p>

<p>“The reason we haven’t done it before is that it is damn challenging. It really was enormously hard to do this," said Lichtman added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By employing machine learning algorithms, the team meticulously traced the pathways of neurons and other cells through the tissue sections, a process that would have taken humans years to accomplish manually. The resulting dataset, comprising 1.4 petabytes of data, revealed numerous findings and challenged existing understandings of brain structure and function.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/consumption-of-olive-oil-could-lower-risk-of-dying-from-dementia-study-719850">Consumption of olive oil could lower risk of dying from dementia: Study</a></p>

<p>“We found many things in this dataset that are not in the textbooks,” Lichtman said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Pyramidal neurons</strong></h2>

<p>In the study, one of the intriguing discoveries were of pyramidal neurons that exhibited an unexpected symmetry in their dendritic branching. In addition to this, the presence of tightly wound axon bundles gave details into signal transmission within the brain.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | With ultra-processed foods, one is at higher risk of premature death: Study</strong></p>

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<p>While the prospect of mapping the entire human brain remains daunting, the team is embarking on a collaborative effort with Google to reconstruct the wiring of an entire mouse brain. This endeavour aims to elucidate the neural circuits governing behaviour and decision-making.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“There are really wonderful opportunities, if you have a whole mouse brain, to get insight into free will, even... You know, a mouse is not a robot,"&nbsp;Lichtman said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists from Harvard University, in collaboration with Google's machine learning experts, have meticulously reconstructed a wiring diagram of a minute section of the human brain, an incredibly complex and vital organ that serves as the command centre for the nervous system.

Scientists from Harvard University, in collaboration with Google's machine learning experts, have meticulously reconstructed a wiring diagram of a minute section of the human brain, an incredibly complex and vital organ that serves as the command centre for the nervous system. This groundbreaking endeavour has revealed new details of the structure that is comprised of billions of neurons to transmit information through electrical and chemical signals. The study reportedly focused on a minuscule cubic millimetre of healthy brain tissue extracted from the cortex of a 45-year-old woman undergoing surgery for epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures, which are sudden, brief changes in the brain's electrical activity. Despite the small size of the tissue, it was a monumental task to map out its wiring diagram for neural circuitry, cellular connections, and vascular support. Using electron microscope images of over 5,000 tissue slices, the researchers unveiled a staggering 57,000 individual cells, 23 centimetres of blood vessels, and 150 million neural connections. Also Read | Human trial of Elon Musk's Neuralink hits snag as brain chip begins to detach Professor Jeff Lichtman of molecular and cellular biology at Harvard University said, “The aim was to get a high-resolution view of this most mysterious piece of biology that each of us carries around on our shoulders." “The reason we haven’t done it before is that it is damn challenging. It really was enormously hard to do this," said Lichtman added. By employing machine learning algorithms, the team meticulously traced the pathways of neurons and other cells through the tissue sections, a process that would have taken humans years to accomplish manually. The resulting dataset, comprising 1.4 petabytes of data, revealed numerous findings and challenged existing understandings of brain structure and function. Also Read | Consumption of olive oil could lower risk of dying from dementia: Study “We found many things in this dataset that are not in the textbooks,” Lichtman said. Pyramidal neurons In the study, one of the intriguing discoveries were of pyramidal neurons that exhibited an unexpected symmetry in their dendritic branching. In addition to this, the presence of tightly wound axon bundles gave details into signal transmission within the brain. Watch | With ultra-processed foods, one is at higher risk of premature death: Study × While the prospect of mapping the entire human brain remains daunting, the team is embarking on a collaborative effort with Google to reconstruct the wiring of an entire mouse brain. This endeavour aims to elucidate the neural circuits governing behaviour and decision-making. “There are really wonderful opportunities, if you have a whole mouse brain, to get insight into free will, even... You know, a mouse is not a robot," Lichtman said. (With inputs from agencies)

A tiny section of human brain reveals astounding 57,000 cells, 150mn neural connections

<p>In a new study, it has been found that an unusual candidate for dark matter, which can be referred to as parasite black holes, is likely to be lurking inside stars and slowly devouring them from the inside.<br />
<br />
The study, which was led by astrophysicist Earl Bellinger of the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics and Yale University, said that teeny tiny black holes – which were created at the dawn of the time – may have been incorporated into Sun-like stars, and are likely to be present at their cores ever since and slowly slurping up the matter and creating more black holes.<br />
<br />
The study has further examined how such parasitism would affect the stars and how they can be recognised out there in the Universe if scientists happen to cross them.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/supermassive-black-hole-in-our-galaxy-spinning-rapidly-altering-space-time-around-it-scientists-664371">Supermassive black hole in our galaxy spinning rapidly, altering space-time around it: Scientis</a>ts</p>

<p>"We find that such objects can be surprisingly long-lived, with the lightest black holes having no influence over stellar evolution, while more massive ones consume the star over time to produce a range of observable consequences," said the researchers, in their paper.<br />
<br />
"The unique internal structures of stars harbouring black holes may make it possible for asteroseismology to discover them, should they exist,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Do tiny black holes really exist?</strong></h2>

<p>The universe is filled with black holes of different sizes. Scientists have spotted black holes with stellar mass ranges which are likely formed from a massive star's core collapse at the end of its life and the mergers that happen.<br />
<br />
The universe also has supermassive monsters, which are millions to billions of times the mass of the Sun and are present at the core of every galaxy. The universe also has black holes with masses in between, which are elusive but are emerging in increasing numbers.<br />
<br />
However, till now scientists have not been able to find tiny black holes, which have masses similar to planets, moons, or asteroids. There is not enough mass in these objects and hence, the gravity to collapse is as dense as a black hole.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Milky way's mysteries: The curious case of missing stars</strong></p>

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<p>According to the researchers, they can study various stars to understand the signs of a black hole engine. It is expected that the black hole accretion is likely to produce various acoustic patterns inside the star.<br />
<br />
"This presents an opportunity to either discover such objects, or to place bounds on their number and capture rate," stated the researchers.<br />
<br />
"The implications for stars in more advanced evolutionary stages, numerical results for stars of different masses and metallicities, and investigations into stellar populations will also be explored in future works,” they added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a new study, it has been found that an unusual candidate for dark matter, which can be referred to as parasite black holes, is likely to be lurking inside stars and slowly devouring them from the inside.

In a new study, it has been found that an unusual candidate for dark matter, which can be referred to as parasite black holes, is likely to be lurking inside stars and slowly devouring them from the inside. The study, which was led by astrophysicist Earl Bellinger of the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics and Yale University, said that teeny tiny black holes – which were created at the dawn of the time – may have been incorporated into Sun-like stars, and are likely to be present at their cores ever since and slowly slurping up the matter and creating more black holes. The study has further examined how such parasitism would affect the stars and how they can be recognised out there in the Universe if scientists happen to cross them. Also read: Supermassive black hole in our galaxy spinning rapidly, altering space-time around it: Scientists "We find that such objects can be surprisingly long-lived, with the lightest black holes having no influence over stellar evolution, while more massive ones consume the star over time to produce a range of observable consequences," said the researchers, in their paper. "The unique internal structures of stars harbouring black holes may make it possible for asteroseismology to discover them, should they exist,” he added. Do tiny black holes really exist? The universe is filled with black holes of different sizes. Scientists have spotted black holes with stellar mass ranges which are likely formed from a massive star's core collapse at the end of its life and the mergers that happen. The universe also has supermassive monsters, which are millions to billions of times the mass of the Sun and are present at the core of every galaxy. The universe also has black holes with masses in between, which are elusive but are emerging in increasing numbers. However, till now scientists have not been able to find tiny black holes, which have masses similar to planets, moons, or asteroids. There is not enough mass in these objects and hence, the gravity to collapse is as dense as a black hole. Watch: Milky way's mysteries: The curious case of missing stars According to the researchers, they can study various stars to understand the signs of a black hole engine. It is expected that the black hole accretion is likely to produce various acoustic patterns inside the star. "This presents an opportunity to either discover such objects, or to place bounds on their number and capture rate," stated the researchers. "The implications for stars in more advanced evolutionary stages, numerical results for stars of different masses and metallicities, and investigations into stellar populations will also be explored in future works,” they added. (With inputs from agencies)

Parasite black holes devouring stars from inside, says study

<p>Weight loss options are expanding rapidly. A new study presents&nbsp;potential findings for a non-surgical obesity treatment. This procedure involves controlled burning of a portion of the stomach's mucus lining.</p>

<p>The participants in the small trial saw an average weight loss of 8%&nbsp;from their starting weight, along with a notable decrease in hunger.</p>

<p>The process is known as endoscopic mucosal ablation, which is a method already used to remove precancerous or other unusual bits of tissue from the digestive tract.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-tiny-section-of-human-brain-reveals-astounding-57000-cells-150mn-neural-connections-719907">A tiny section of human brain reveals astounding 57,000 cells, 150mn neural connections</a></p>

<p>In the process, patients first drink a fluid in order to protect the stomach’s tissues, then doctors&nbsp;send an endoscope down through the esophagus to the uppermost portion of the stomach, also called the gastric fundus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once there, the endoscope will burn the moist, inner lining of the fundus where mucus is produced.</p>

<p>The key to this procedure lies in the fundus, a part of the stomach responsible for a significant portion of our hunger pangs. This area is the primary producer of ghrelin, a hormone that signals hunger when our stomach is&nbsp;empty. Conversely, ghrelin levels decrease after eating. The goal is to safely reduce hunger by burning a portion of the fundus lining, thereby destroying enough ghrelin-producing cells to promote lasting weight loss.</p>

<p>Researchers running the first-in-human trial of this method announced their early results at the academic conference Digestive Disease Week.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/uk-woman-gets-more-than-half-a-million-pounds-payout-after-rushed-childbirth-left-her-with-stoma-and-ptsd-719741">UK woman gets more than half a million pounds payout after 'rushed' childbirth left her with stoma and PTSD</a></p>

<p>Ten patients living with obesity, all women, took part in the trial. On average, they lost 7.7% of their body weight and experienced a more than 40% reduction in fasting ghrelin levels. Participants’ average level of self-reported hunger also dropped by a third, while their stomach’s capacity for food and drink decreased by 42%.</p>

<p>It's important to note that this is a very early study with only a few participants. The results haven't been reviewed by other scientists yet, so more research is needed before getting too excited.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/parasitic-worm-once-ate-a-part-of-rfk-jrs-brain-heres-how-it-infects-the-brain-719673">Parasitic worm once ate 'a part of' RFK Jr's brain. Here's how that might happen to anyone</a></p>

<p>“This non-surgical procedure can smooth the progress of weight loss and significantly control hunger,. It may be a suitable alternative for those who are ineligible for or hesitant about medications like Wegovy or Ozempic, or bariatric surgery,” said study researcher Christopher McGowan, MD, a gastroenterologist and medical director of True You Weight Loss, a North Carolina clinic, in a statement released by Digestive Disease Week.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Weight loss options are expanding rapidly. A new study presents potential findings for a non-surgical obesity treatment. This procedure involves controlled burning of a portion of the stomach's mucus lining.

Weight loss options are expanding rapidly. A new study presents potential findings for a non-surgical obesity treatment. This procedure involves controlled burning of a portion of the stomach's mucus lining. The participants in the small trial saw an average weight loss of 8% from their starting weight, along with a notable decrease in hunger. The process is known as endoscopic mucosal ablation, which is a method already used to remove precancerous or other unusual bits of tissue from the digestive tract. Also read: A tiny section of human brain reveals astounding 57,000 cells, 150mn neural connections In the process, patients first drink a fluid in order to protect the stomach’s tissues, then doctors send an endoscope down through the esophagus to the uppermost portion of the stomach, also called the gastric fundus. Once there, the endoscope will burn the moist, inner lining of the fundus where mucus is produced. The key to this procedure lies in the fundus, a part of the stomach responsible for a significant portion of our hunger pangs. This area is the primary producer of ghrelin, a hormone that signals hunger when our stomach is empty. Conversely, ghrelin levels decrease after eating. The goal is to safely reduce hunger by burning a portion of the fundus lining, thereby destroying enough ghrelin-producing cells to promote lasting weight loss. Researchers running the first-in-human trial of this method announced their early results at the academic conference Digestive Disease Week. Also read: UK woman gets more than half a million pounds payout after 'rushed' childbirth left her with stoma and PTSD Ten patients living with obesity, all women, took part in the trial. On average, they lost 7.7% of their body weight and experienced a more than 40% reduction in fasting ghrelin levels. Participants’ average level of self-reported hunger also dropped by a third, while their stomach’s capacity for food and drink decreased by 42%. It's important to note that this is a very early study with only a few participants. The results haven't been reviewed by other scientists yet, so more research is needed before getting too excited. Also read: Parasitic worm once ate 'a part of' RFK Jr's brain. Here's how that might happen to anyone “This non-surgical procedure can smooth the progress of weight loss and significantly control hunger,. It may be a suitable alternative for those who are ineligible for or hesitant about medications like Wegovy or Ozempic, or bariatric surgery,” said study researcher Christopher McGowan, MD, a gastroenterologist and medical director of True You Weight Loss, a North Carolina clinic, in a statement released by Digestive Disease Week. (With inputs from agencies)

Non-surgical weight loss trial shows promising results

<p>In a bizarre new finding, a study published in the journal Biology Letters found that dice snakes go to extreme lengths to save themselves from predators, including faking their own deaths.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the study</strong></h2>

<p>The study finds that the species of snake also known as Natrix tessellata, can fake their own death when attacked by predators by putting on a theatrical display which includes oozing&nbsp;“mouthfuls” of blood, smearing themselves with faeces, and even releasing foul-smelling musk from their butts.</p>

<p>Notably, dice snakes are not the only ones in the animal kingdom who fake their own death to avoid being eaten by predators, as it is a good tactic for the prey to create a distraction and escape.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/gateway-to-the-underworld-in-siberia-is-growing-at-a-staggering-rate-every-year-719019">‘Gateway to the underworld’ in Siberia is growing at a staggering rate every year: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>Dice snakes are non-venomous snakes native to Europe and parts of Asia. The study also noted that not all dice snakes put up a theatrical display as some might even just lie still.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the researchers find?</strong></h2>

<p>The researchers observed that out of the 263 dice snakes they studied, 124 smeared themselves with faeces and around 28 leaked blood from their mouths.</p>

<p>Overall, dice snakes spent&nbsp;about six and 24 seconds playing dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This behaviour depended on various factors like the sex of the individual, &nbsp;injuries, body temperature, size, age, presence of food in the stomach, presence of eggs in females, and previous experience with a predator, Vukašin Bjelica, one of the study’s authors, told CNN.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“When captured, they will vigorously struggle and hiss while expelling and coating themselves in musk and faeces,” the researchers wrote. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-we-already-lost-the-battle-april-continues-damning-11-month-trend-emerges-as-hottest-since-1940-719261">Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940</a></strong></p>

<p>Eventually, the snake becomes immobile, opens its mouth, sticks out its tongue and fills its mouth with blood, according to the study.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Researchers also believe that the snake smears itself in faeces to make itself less appetising for its predators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study also found that the snakes that used the blood and faeces approach spent two seconds less faking their own deaths than the ones who did not.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a bizarre new finding, a study published in the journal Biology Letters found that dice snakes go to extreme lengths to save themselves from predators, including faking their own deaths.

In a bizarre new finding, a study published in the journal Biology Letters found that dice snakes go to extreme lengths to save themselves from predators, including faking their own deaths. About the study The study finds that the species of snake also known as Natrix tessellata, can fake their own death when attacked by predators by putting on a theatrical display which includes oozing “mouthfuls” of blood, smearing themselves with faeces, and even releasing foul-smelling musk from their butts. Notably, dice snakes are not the only ones in the animal kingdom who fake their own death to avoid being eaten by predators, as it is a good tactic for the prey to create a distraction and escape. Also Read | ‘Gateway to the underworld’ in Siberia is growing at a staggering rate every year: Study Dice snakes are non-venomous snakes native to Europe and parts of Asia. The study also noted that not all dice snakes put up a theatrical display as some might even just lie still. What did the researchers find? The researchers observed that out of the 263 dice snakes they studied, 124 smeared themselves with faeces and around 28 leaked blood from their mouths. Overall, dice snakes spent about six and 24 seconds playing dead. This behaviour depended on various factors like the sex of the individual, injuries, body temperature, size, age, presence of food in the stomach, presence of eggs in females, and previous experience with a predator, Vukašin Bjelica, one of the study’s authors, told CNN. “When captured, they will vigorously struggle and hiss while expelling and coating themselves in musk and faeces,” the researchers wrote. Also Read | Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940 Eventually, the snake becomes immobile, opens its mouth, sticks out its tongue and fills its mouth with blood, according to the study. Researchers also believe that the snake smears itself in faeces to make itself less appetising for its predators. The study also found that the snakes that used the blood and faeces approach spent two seconds less faking their own deaths than the ones who did not. (With inputs from agencies)

This snake gets all bloody and smelly and fakes its own death to save itself from predators

<p>Scientists have always known that deep down in the core of the Earth, there exist&nbsp;two blobs the size of continents. One is under the African continent and the other one is under the Pacific Ocean.</p>

<p>How these two blobs have spanned through centuries of Earth’s history always remained a mystery, until now. In the new research, scientists gathered that the blobs muster together and then break apart, much like continents and supercontinents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/historic-image-japanese-space-company-unveils-worlds-first-close-up-image-of-space-debris-719238">Historic image! Japanese space company unveils world’s first close-up image of space debris</a></p>

<p>The blobs have their roots 2,900 km (1,800 miles) below the surface, which is almost halfway to the centre of the Earth. These are thought to be the birthplace of rising columns of hot rock called “deep mantle plumes” that reach Earth’s surface and cause volcanic eruptions. Hence, these blobs have always remained an area of interest amongst the scientific fraternity.</p>

<h2><strong>Model demonstrating evolution of Earth blobs</strong></h2>

<p>The blobs are present in the mantle as they slow down waves caused by earthquakes, which suggest they are hotter than their surroundings. Scientists generally say that these blobs are linked with the movement of tectonic plates at Earth’s surface. However, how the blobs have changed over the course has puzzled the scientists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One lot of scientists is of the opinion that the present blobs have acted as anchors, locked in place for hundreds of millions of years while other rocks move around them. But as we know tectonic plates and mantle changed over time, it means blobs were also changing and taking new shapes.</p>

<p>The new research shows Earth's blobs have changed shape and location far more than previously thought. In fact, over time they have assembled and broken up in the same way that continents and supercontinents have at Earth's surface.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-we-already-lost-the-battle-april-continues-damning-11-month-trend-emerges-as-hottest-since-1940-719261">Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940</a></p>

<p>The team of scientists used Australia's National Computational Infrastructure to run advanced computer simulations of how Earth's mantle has flowed over a billion years.</p>

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<p>“We found that just like continents, the blobs can assemble – forming "superblobs" as in the current configuration – and break up over time,” wrote the team of scientists from various universities, in their research paper.</p>

<p>“A key aspect of our models is that although the blobs change position and shape over time, they still fit the pattern of volcanic and kimberlite eruptions recorded at Earth's surface. This pattern was previously a key argument for the blobs as unmoving 'anchors'.”</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-telescope-hunts-for-featherweight-black-holes-which-have-gone-undetected-719305">NASA&nbsp;telescope hunts for 'featherweight' black holes&nbsp;which have gone undetected</a></p>

<p>“Strikingly, our models reveal the African blob assembled as recently as 60 million years ago – in stark contrast to previous suggestions the blob could have existed in roughly its present form for nearly ten times as long,” read the research paper.</p>

<p>The team is yet to know the origin of blobs and how they were made in the first place. The authors of the original research are - Nicolas Flament, Senior Lecturer, University of Wollongong; Andrew Merdith, Research fellow, University of Leeds; Ömer F. Bodur, Postdoctoral research fellow, University of Wollongong and Simon Williams, Research Fellow, Northwest University, Xi'an.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists have always known that deep down in the core of the Earth, there exist two blobs the size of continents. One is under the African continent and the other one is under the Pacific Ocean.

Scientists have always known that deep down in the core of the Earth, there exist two blobs the size of continents. One is under the African continent and the other one is under the Pacific Ocean. How these two blobs have spanned through centuries of Earth’s history always remained a mystery, until now. In the new research, scientists gathered that the blobs muster together and then break apart, much like continents and supercontinents. Also Read | Historic image! Japanese space company unveils world’s first close-up image of space debris The blobs have their roots 2,900 km (1,800 miles) below the surface, which is almost halfway to the centre of the Earth. These are thought to be the birthplace of rising columns of hot rock called “deep mantle plumes” that reach Earth’s surface and cause volcanic eruptions. Hence, these blobs have always remained an area of interest amongst the scientific fraternity. Model demonstrating evolution of Earth blobs The blobs are present in the mantle as they slow down waves caused by earthquakes, which suggest they are hotter than their surroundings. Scientists generally say that these blobs are linked with the movement of tectonic plates at Earth’s surface. However, how the blobs have changed over the course has puzzled the scientists. One lot of scientists is of the opinion that the present blobs have acted as anchors, locked in place for hundreds of millions of years while other rocks move around them. But as we know tectonic plates and mantle changed over time, it means blobs were also changing and taking new shapes. The new research shows Earth's blobs have changed shape and location far more than previously thought. In fact, over time they have assembled and broken up in the same way that continents and supercontinents have at Earth's surface. Also Read | Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940 The team of scientists used Australia's National Computational Infrastructure to run advanced computer simulations of how Earth's mantle has flowed over a billion years. × “We found that just like continents, the blobs can assemble – forming "superblobs" as in the current configuration – and break up over time,” wrote the team of scientists from various universities, in their research paper. “A key aspect of our models is that although the blobs change position and shape over time, they still fit the pattern of volcanic and kimberlite eruptions recorded at Earth's surface. This pattern was previously a key argument for the blobs as unmoving 'anchors'.” Also Read | NASA telescope hunts for 'featherweight' black holes which have gone undetected “Strikingly, our models reveal the African blob assembled as recently as 60 million years ago – in stark contrast to previous suggestions the blob could have existed in roughly its present form for nearly ten times as long,” read the research paper. The team is yet to know the origin of blobs and how they were made in the first place. The authors of the original research are - Nicolas Flament, Senior Lecturer, University of Wollongong; Andrew Merdith, Research fellow, University of Leeds; Ömer F. Bodur, Postdoctoral research fellow, University of Wollongong and Simon Williams, Research Fellow, Northwest University, Xi'an. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth has two giant blobs deep beneath its surface which are likely shape shifters

<p>A 30-year study conducted in the United States suggested a concerning connection between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and a higher risk of premature death, with particular emphasis on ready-to-eat meat products and sugary drinks. Published in The BMJ, the research underscored the importance of reevaluating dietary habits for long-term health benefits.</p>

<p>Ultra-processed foods are products that have undergone extensive processing and often contain additives, preservatives, artificial flavours, colours, and other substances. These foods typically contain minimal amounts of whole foods and are often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and sodium while lacking in essential nutrients like fibre, vitamins, and minerals.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/heartbreaking-reality-over-321000-children-left-orphaned-due-to-americas-drug-epidemic-between-2011-2021-719636">Heartbreaking reality: Over 321,000 children left orphaned due to America's drug epidemic between 2011-2021</a></p>

<p>Examples include sugary drinks, packaged snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and many fast food items. These foods have long been under scrutiny for their potential health implications. The study, tracking the health of over 100,000 participants for several decades, revealed a notable association between increased consumption of such foods and elevated mortality rates.</p>

<h2><strong>Data collection for study&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The study, involving extensive data collection and analysis from two large cohorts of health professionals, identified over 48,000 deaths during the observation period. Notably, those with a higher intake of ultra-processed foods exhibited a 4 per cent higher risk of total mortality and a 9 per cent higher risk of death from various causes, including neurodegenerative diseases.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ai-deciphers-sperm-whale-clicks-unravels-underwater-conversations-719623">AI deciphers sperm whale clicks, unravels underwater conversations</a></p>

<p>The association between ultra-processed food consumption and mortality varied across food categories. The study is observational and prevents from making any definitive conclusions about causality. In addition to this, the study is mostly white with more health professional participants and thus it may limit generalisability.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA's Voyager 1 sending useable data to Earth again</strong></p>

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<p>The researchers stressed the need for nuanced dietary recommendations and cautioned against oversimplification.</p>

<p>They asserted that the "findings provide support for limiting consumption of certain types of ultra-processed food for long-term health" and that "future studies are warranted to improve the classification of ultra-processed foods and confirm our findings in other populations."</p>

<p>"Our focus should be on advocating for greater global adoption of these and more ambitious interventions and increasing safeguards to prevent policies from being influenced by multinational food companies with vested interests that do not align with public health or environmental goals," they added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A 30-year study conducted in the United States suggested a concerning connection between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and a higher risk of premature death, with particular emphasis on ready-to-eat meat products and sugary drinks.

A 30-year study conducted in the United States suggested a concerning connection between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and a higher risk of premature death, with particular emphasis on ready-to-eat meat products and sugary drinks. Published in The BMJ, the research underscored the importance of reevaluating dietary habits for long-term health benefits. Ultra-processed foods are products that have undergone extensive processing and often contain additives, preservatives, artificial flavours, colours, and other substances. These foods typically contain minimal amounts of whole foods and are often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and sodium while lacking in essential nutrients like fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Also Read | Heartbreaking reality: Over 321,000 children left orphaned due to America's drug epidemic between 2011-2021 Examples include sugary drinks, packaged snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and many fast food items. These foods have long been under scrutiny for their potential health implications. The study, tracking the health of over 100,000 participants for several decades, revealed a notable association between increased consumption of such foods and elevated mortality rates. Data collection for study The study, involving extensive data collection and analysis from two large cohorts of health professionals, identified over 48,000 deaths during the observation period. Notably, those with a higher intake of ultra-processed foods exhibited a 4 per cent higher risk of total mortality and a 9 per cent higher risk of death from various causes, including neurodegenerative diseases. Also Read | AI deciphers sperm whale clicks, unravels underwater conversations The association between ultra-processed food consumption and mortality varied across food categories. The study is observational and prevents from making any definitive conclusions about causality. In addition to this, the study is mostly white with more health professional participants and thus it may limit generalisability. Watch | NASA's Voyager 1 sending useable data to Earth again × The researchers stressed the need for nuanced dietary recommendations and cautioned against oversimplification. They asserted that the "findings provide support for limiting consumption of certain types of ultra-processed food for long-term health" and that "future studies are warranted to improve the classification of ultra-processed foods and confirm our findings in other populations." "Our focus should be on advocating for greater global adoption of these and more ambitious interventions and increasing safeguards to prevent policies from being influenced by multinational food companies with vested interests that do not align with public health or environmental goals," they added. (With inputs from agencies)

With ultra-processed foods, one is at higher risk of premature death, reveals 30-year study

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Gravitas | Were Covid Vaccines dangerous for your health?

<p>Science has finally confirmed that time does slow way down when you’re inside the gym. But it’s not the monotony or the person on the next exercise machine who won’t stop talking on the phone.</p>

<p>Participants in a small study completed stationary bike trials. They then tried to estimate the passage of 30 seconds. Interestingly, on average, participants thought 30 seconds had passed when only 27 seconds had actually passed. This translates to feeling 8-9% faster than real time, making the clock seem to tick slower during their workout.</p>

<p>This effect raises a lot of interesting research questions about what’s going on. This particular study focuses on people’s insights and psychological explanations, but the human body goes through a multitude of physical changes during exercise.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-forewarn-timing-of-triple-whammy-extinction-that-will-eradicate-humankind-716974">Scientists forewarn timing of 'triple whammy extinction' that will eradicate all life from Earth</a></p>

<p>To test time perception during exercise, researchers tested 33 participants who cycled 4,000 metres on a stationary bike. Throughout the ride, they estimated the passage of 30 seconds at various points: before starting, during different milestones, and after finishing.</p>

<p>The study included solo rides, paced rides against a virtual opponent, and competitive races. While participants reported their exertion levels, specific speeds were only required in the competitive scenario.</p>

<p>The details of the results were quite surprising, “There was no difference between exercise conditions or time points (500 m, 1500 m, and 2500 m).” That means the appearance of a competitor, and any extra effort toward beating them, didn’t change the participant’s perception of time; nor did the steady increase of perceived effort during the entire trial.</p>

<p>The study was small with just 33 participants being included in it, but the research team says a number of their method details and findings are novel, meaning without precedent in the existing research.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This new study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Brain and Behavior, explores the psychology of exercise and its impact on time perception.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fastest-spinning-asteroid-recently-hit-earths-atmosphere-and-crashed-in-berlin-716624">Fastest-spinning asteroid&nbsp;recently hit Earth’s atmosphere and crashed in Berlin</a></p>

<p>The researchers, hailing from both the Netherlands and England, found that even competitive scenarios didn't significantly alter the perception of time during exercise. This suggests athletes might need alternative strategies beyond competition to stay engaged and combat boredom during workouts.</p>

<p>“More work has to be done to further unravel the role of external stimuli, exercise intensity, and duration on the perception of time during exercise,” the researchers conclude.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Science has finally confirmed that time does slow way down when you’re inside the gym. But it’s not the monotony or the person on the next exercise machine who won’t stop talking on the phone.

Science has finally confirmed that time does slow way down when you’re inside the gym. But it’s not the monotony or the person on the next exercise machine who won’t stop talking on the phone. Participants in a small study completed stationary bike trials. They then tried to estimate the passage of 30 seconds. Interestingly, on average, participants thought 30 seconds had passed when only 27 seconds had actually passed. This translates to feeling 8-9% faster than real time, making the clock seem to tick slower during their workout. This effect raises a lot of interesting research questions about what’s going on. This particular study focuses on people’s insights and psychological explanations, but the human body goes through a multitude of physical changes during exercise. Also read: Scientists forewarn timing of 'triple whammy extinction' that will eradicate all life from Earth To test time perception during exercise, researchers tested 33 participants who cycled 4,000 metres on a stationary bike. Throughout the ride, they estimated the passage of 30 seconds at various points: before starting, during different milestones, and after finishing. The study included solo rides, paced rides against a virtual opponent, and competitive races. While participants reported their exertion levels, specific speeds were only required in the competitive scenario. The details of the results were quite surprising, “There was no difference between exercise conditions or time points (500 m, 1500 m, and 2500 m).” That means the appearance of a competitor, and any extra effort toward beating them, didn’t change the participant’s perception of time; nor did the steady increase of perceived effort during the entire trial. The study was small with just 33 participants being included in it, but the research team says a number of their method details and findings are novel, meaning without precedent in the existing research. This new study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Brain and Behavior, explores the psychology of exercise and its impact on time perception. Also read: Fastest-spinning asteroid recently hit Earth’s atmosphere and crashed in Berlin The researchers, hailing from both the Netherlands and England, found that even competitive scenarios didn't significantly alter the perception of time during exercise. This suggests athletes might need alternative strategies beyond competition to stay engaged and combat boredom during workouts. “More work has to be done to further unravel the role of external stimuli, exercise intensity, and duration on the perception of time during exercise,” the researchers conclude. (With inputs from agencies)

Exercise makes minutes seem shorter by 9%, says study

<p>Over eight decades of epigenetics – the study of changes in the expression of genes over generations – scientists are now coming to terms with the notion that what your grandparents ate is affecting you and your kids. Quite precisely, the dietary preferences and expressions run in the family. The nutritional aspects of epigenetics is called nutritional epigenetics.</p>

<h2><strong>How our grandparents are affecting our dietary choices?</strong></h2>

<p>According to Nathaniel Johnson, Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of North Dakota; Hasan Khatib, Associate Chair and Professor of Genetics and Epigenetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; and Thomas D Crenshaw, Professor of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison — the dietary choices a person makes today affects the genetics of their future children.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The roots of epigenetics are in the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during the second World War. The Dutch were forced to live on the rations of 400 to 800 kilocalories against the typical diet of about 2,000 kilocalories. Some 20,000 people died and about 4.5 million were malnourished.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Indian President Droupadi Murmu launches gene therapy for cancer</strong></p>

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<p>It was found that dietary shifts in the Netherlands caused changes to a gene called IGF2 that is related to growth and development. This suppressed muscle growth in both the children and grandchildren of Dutch women who survived the dietary challenges posed by the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/genes-from-extinct-human-cousins-increase-risk-for-severe-covid-19-study-331670">Genes from extinct human cousins increase risk for severe COVID-19: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>Due to this exact reason, an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and low birth weight was reported in the post World War-2 generations of the Netherlands, according to the findings of the&nbsp;'Dutch Hunger Winter'.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Scientific evidence for genetic effects of dietary choice</strong></h2>

<p>Human body, within the limits of its survival instinct, attempts to withstand the impact of external challenges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The traits gained during these periods of challenge, are sometimes inherited to the future generations.</p>

<p>Recently a study in sheep showed that a paternal diet supplemented with the amino acid methionine given from birth to weaning affected the growth and reproductive traits of the next three generations.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Over eight decades of epigenetics – the study of changes in the expression of genes over generations – scientists are now coming to terms with the notion that what your grandparents ate is affecting you and your kids.

Over eight decades of epigenetics – the study of changes in the expression of genes over generations – scientists are now coming to terms with the notion that what your grandparents ate is affecting you and your kids. Quite precisely, the dietary preferences and expressions run in the family. The nutritional aspects of epigenetics is called nutritional epigenetics. How our grandparents are affecting our dietary choices? According to Nathaniel Johnson, Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of North Dakota; Hasan Khatib, Associate Chair and Professor of Genetics and Epigenetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; and Thomas D Crenshaw, Professor of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison — the dietary choices a person makes today affects the genetics of their future children. The roots of epigenetics are in the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during the second World War. The Dutch were forced to live on the rations of 400 to 800 kilocalories against the typical diet of about 2,000 kilocalories. Some 20,000 people died and about 4.5 million were malnourished. Also watch | Indian President Droupadi Murmu launches gene therapy for cancer × It was found that dietary shifts in the Netherlands caused changes to a gene called IGF2 that is related to growth and development. This suppressed muscle growth in both the children and grandchildren of Dutch women who survived the dietary challenges posed by the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Also read | Genes from extinct human cousins increase risk for severe COVID-19: Study Due to this exact reason, an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and low birth weight was reported in the post World War-2 generations of the Netherlands, according to the findings of the 'Dutch Hunger Winter'. Scientific evidence for genetic effects of dietary choice Human body, within the limits of its survival instinct, attempts to withstand the impact of external challenges. The traits gained during these periods of challenge, are sometimes inherited to the future generations. Recently a study in sheep showed that a paternal diet supplemented with the amino acid methionine given from birth to weaning affected the growth and reproductive traits of the next three generations. (With inputs from agencies)

What your grandparents ate is affecting you; what you are eating will affect your grandkids: Research

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