Fibre is primarily needed to&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;good digestive health and overall well-being. However, in a study recently published in Nature Communications, researchers from the School of Life Course &amp; Population Sciences have uncovered that fibre can be used to enhance brain function in old-aged individuals.&nbsp;

The study, led by Dr Mary Ni Lochlainn from the Department of Twin Research, has unveiled the cognitive benefits of incorporating a daily fibre supplement into the diets of individuals over 60. The study suggested that "inducing gut microbiota changes may alter both muscle physiology and cognitive behaviour. Gut microbiota may play a role in both anabolic resistance of older muscle, and cognition."

"We are excited to see these changes in just 12 weeks. This holds huge promise for enhancing brain health and memory in our aging population. Unlocking the secrets of the gut-brain axis could offer new approaches for living more healthily for longer," Dr Ni Lochlainn reportedly said.

The study, conducted at TwinsUK, the UK's largest adult twin registry based at King's College London, aimed to explore the impact of two commonly available plant fibre supplements, inulin and FOS, on both muscle health and brain function.

Researchers enlisted 36 pairs of twin pairs, totaling 72 participants, aged over 60 for the double-blind trial. Each twin pair was randomised&nbsp;to receive either placebo or prebiotic daily.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-two-minute-hunt-a-lone-orca-kills-a-great-white-shark-warns-of-ecological-shift-video-695810">In a two-minute hunt, a lone orca kills a great white shark, warns of ecological shift: Video</a>

The researchers found that the fibre supplement led to changes in the participants' gut microbiome composition. This was especially seen with an increase in beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium.&nbsp;

While the supplements showed no significant effect on muscle strength, they demonstrated remarkable improvements in cognitive function, as evidenced by better performance in memory tests associated with early signs of Alzheimer's disease.

The&nbsp;finding highlighted the potential of these inexpensive and readily available supplements in combating age-related cognitive decline.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/solar-eclipse-2024-all-you-need-to-know-about-astronomical-event-in-the-us-india-when-and-how-to-watch-695807">Solar Eclipse 2024: All you need to know about astronomical event in the US &amp; India - when and how to watch</a>

"These plant fibres, which are cheap and available over the counter, could benefit a wide group of people in these cash-strapped times. They are safe and acceptable too. Our next task is to see whether these effects are sustained over longer periods and in larger groups of people," Professor Steves reportedly said optimistically.

Watch | More than a billion people worldwide are obese: Study

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Moreover, the study's remote design showcased the feasibility of conducting trials in older adults without the need for extensive travel or hospital visits, offering hope for enhancing the quality of life for ageing populations worldwide.

(With inputs from agencies)

Fibre is primarily needed to maintain good digestive health and overall well-being. However, in a study recently published in Nature Communications, researchers from the School of Life Course & Population Sciences have uncovered that fibre can be used to enhance brain function in old-aged individuals.

Fibre is primarily needed to maintain good digestive health and overall well-being. However, in a study recently published in Nature Communications, researchers from the School of Life Course & Population Sciences have uncovered that fibre can be used to enhance brain function in old-aged individuals. The study, led by Dr Mary Ni Lochlainn from the Department of Twin Research, has unveiled the cognitive benefits of incorporating a daily fibre supplement into the diets of individuals over 60. The study suggested that "inducing gut microbiota changes may alter both muscle physiology and cognitive behaviour. Gut microbiota may play a role in both anabolic resistance of older muscle, and cognition." "We are excited to see these changes in just 12 weeks. This holds huge promise for enhancing brain health and memory in our aging population. Unlocking the secrets of the gut-brain axis could offer new approaches for living more healthily for longer," Dr Ni Lochlainn reportedly said. The study, conducted at TwinsUK, the UK's largest adult twin registry based at King's College London, aimed to explore the impact of two commonly available plant fibre supplements, inulin and FOS, on both muscle health and brain function. Researchers enlisted 36 pairs of twin pairs, totaling 72 participants, aged over 60 for the double-blind trial. Each twin pair was randomised to receive either placebo or prebiotic daily. Also Read | In a two-minute hunt, a lone orca kills a great white shark, warns of ecological shift: Video The researchers found that the fibre supplement led to changes in the participants' gut microbiome composition. This was especially seen with an increase in beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium. While the supplements showed no significant effect on muscle strength, they demonstrated remarkable improvements in cognitive function, as evidenced by better performance in memory tests associated with early signs of Alzheimer's disease. The finding highlighted the potential of these inexpensive and readily available supplements in combating age-related cognitive decline. Also Read | Solar Eclipse 2024: All you need to know about astronomical event in the US & India - when and how to watch "These plant fibres, which are cheap and available over the counter, could benefit a wide group of people in these cash-strapped times. They are safe and acceptable too. Our next task is to see whether these effects are sustained over longer periods and in larger groups of people," Professor Steves reportedly said optimistically. Watch | More than a billion people worldwide are obese: Study × Moreover, the study's remote design showcased the feasibility of conducting trials in older adults without the need for extensive travel or hospital visits, offering hope for enhancing the quality of life for ageing populations worldwide. (With inputs from agencies)

Daily fibre supplement may boost brain function in people over 60: Study

Mindfulness, group and cognitive behavioural therapy could effectively treat menopause symptoms such as low mood and anxiety, analysis suggests.

Talking therapy may help menopause mood: Study

In the latest research, it was found that new AI-powered tools provide inaccurate election information most of the time, which includes is harmful or incomplete.

The study, which was done by AI Democracy Projects and nonprofit media outlet Proof News, comes at a time when the US presidential elections are near as US citizens are opting for chatbots like Google's Gemini and OpenAI's GPT-4 for more information.&nbsp;

The experts have been concerned regarding the advent of powerful new forms of AI because of which voters can receive false and misleading information, or also discourage citizens from voting in the polls.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/google-ai-tools-fascist-modi-response-angers-india-heres-what-exactly-happened-694087">Google AI tool’s ‘fascist Modi’ response angers India. Here’s what exactly happened</a>

<h2>AI likely to suggest non-existent polling stations, illegal rules: Study&nbsp;</h2>

Amid the advancing of artificial intelligence technology, which includes tools that allow users to generate textual content instantly, the new study claims that these AI models are likely to suggest voters head to polling stations which are non-existent or provide illogical responses based on dated or rehashed information.&nbsp;

The study, explaining an instance said AI model Meta's Llama 2, in response to a prompt, said that California voters can vote by text message. When the researchers investigated, they found that voting by text is not legal anywhere in the US.&nbsp;

And among the five AI models which were not tested — OpenAI's ChatGPT-4, Meta's Llama 2, Google's Gemini, Anthropic's Claude, and Mixtral from the French company Mistral - all of them stated that wearing clothing which has campaign logos, such as a MAGA hat, is not allowed at Texas polls under that state's laws.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Why Artificial Intelligence is the secret behind Nvidia's success

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However, some policy experts feel that AI can be beneficial in improving elections like powering tabulators which can quickly scan ballots in comparison to poll workers or by finding anomalies in voting, as per the Brookings Institution.

However, the study has emphasised that such tools can also be misused by enabling bad actors, which include governments that aim to manipulate voters and weaken democratic processes.

A recent example was AI-generated robocalls which were sent to voters a few days before the New Hampshire presidential primary which contained a fake version of United States President Joe Biden appealing people not to vote in the election.

"They say they put their models through extensive safety and ethics testing," said Maria Curi, a tech policy reporter for Axios, while speaking to CBS News. "We don't know exactly what those testing processes are. Users are finding historical inaccuracies, so it begs the question of whether these models are being let out into the world too soon," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In the latest research, it was found that new AI-powered tools provide inaccurate election information most of the time, which includes is harmful or incomplete.

In the latest research, it was found that new AI-powered tools provide inaccurate election information most of the time, which includes is harmful or incomplete. The study, which was done by AI Democracy Projects and nonprofit media outlet Proof News, comes at a time when the US presidential elections are near as US citizens are opting for chatbots like Google's Gemini and OpenAI's GPT-4 for more information. The experts have been concerned regarding the advent of powerful new forms of AI because of which voters can receive false and misleading information, or also discourage citizens from voting in the polls. Also Read: Google AI tool’s ‘fascist Modi’ response angers India. Here’s what exactly happened AI likely to suggest non-existent polling stations, illegal rules: Study Amid the advancing of artificial intelligence technology, which includes tools that allow users to generate textual content instantly, the new study claims that these AI models are likely to suggest voters head to polling stations which are non-existent or provide illogical responses based on dated or rehashed information. The study, explaining an instance said AI model Meta's Llama 2, in response to a prompt, said that California voters can vote by text message. When the researchers investigated, they found that voting by text is not legal anywhere in the US. And among the five AI models which were not tested — OpenAI's ChatGPT-4, Meta's Llama 2, Google's Gemini, Anthropic's Claude, and Mixtral from the French company Mistral - all of them stated that wearing clothing which has campaign logos, such as a MAGA hat, is not allowed at Texas polls under that state's laws. Watch: Why Artificial Intelligence is the secret behind Nvidia's success However, some policy experts feel that AI can be beneficial in improving elections like powering tabulators which can quickly scan ballots in comparison to poll workers or by finding anomalies in voting, as per the Brookings Institution. However, the study has emphasised that such tools can also be misused by enabling bad actors, which include governments that aim to manipulate voters and weaken democratic processes. A recent example was AI-generated robocalls which were sent to voters a few days before the New Hampshire presidential primary which contained a fake version of United States President Joe Biden appealing people not to vote in the election. "They say they put their models through extensive safety and ethics testing," said Maria Curi, a tech policy reporter for Axios, while speaking to CBS News. "We don't know exactly what those testing processes are. Users are finding historical inaccuracies, so it begs the question of whether these models are being let out into the world too soon," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

AI chatbots providing inaccurate and harmful election information: Study

According to a new study, even if an intelligent species exists, the physical constraints which are present on some planets are likely to prevent them from taking any step in space travel.

The research article, which was published in the Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, looked into the possibility of alien civilisations&nbsp;which may exist in other worlds and the factors that may influence their ability to explore space.

The researchers studied the influence exerted by the escape velocity of the planet permitting a species to launch into space and explore the Solar System.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/aliens-made-the-meteor-that-hit-earth-10-years-ago-scientist-claims-687718">Aliens made the 'meteor' that hit Earth 10 years ago, scientist claims</a>

The escape velocity of Earth is 11.2 km/s, which is more than 40,000 kmph and is the speed which a rocket should attain to escape the gravitational pull of our planet.

In recent studies, the super-Earth planets which scientists have identified as potential candidates for hosting alien life, have comparatively higher masses and gravity.

<h2>Aliens likely deal with higher escape velocities</h2>

The planets are likely to have more than 10 Earth masses, which means intelligent alien civilisations living on them are likely to deal with higher escape velocities.

“It could therefore be the case that an intelligent species on these planets would never be able to travel into space due to sheer physical impossibility,” said Elio Quiroga, the study’s author and a professor at the Universidad del Atlántico Medio in Spain, as reported by Science Alert.

In the study, Dr Quiroga calculated the likely escape velocity needed in some of the planets outside the solar system and introduced a measure called the Exoplanet Escape Factor (Fex). The research added that space travel is unlikely on a planet with a Fex value of 2.2.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;NASA Chief says aliens exist | This World

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“Values of Fex greater than 2.2 would make space travel unlikely for the exoplanet’s inhabitants,” the study emphasised.

“They would not be able to leave the planet using any conceivable amount of fuel, nor would a viable rocket structure withstand the pressures involved in the process, at least with the materials we know,” wrote Dr Quiroga.

For such aliens, not only leaving super-Earths but re-entry of spacecraft will also pose significant challenges.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to a new study, even if an intelligent species exists, the physical constraints which are present on some planets are likely to prevent them from taking any step in space travel.

According to a new study, even if an intelligent species exists, the physical constraints which are present on some planets are likely to prevent them from taking any step in space travel. The research article, which was published in the Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, looked into the possibility of alien civilisations which may exist in other worlds and the factors that may influence their ability to explore space. The researchers studied the influence exerted by the escape velocity of the planet permitting a species to launch into space and explore the Solar System. Also Read: Aliens made the 'meteor' that hit Earth 10 years ago, scientist claims The escape velocity of Earth is 11.2 km/s, which is more than 40,000 kmph and is the speed which a rocket should attain to escape the gravitational pull of our planet. In recent studies, the super-Earth planets which scientists have identified as potential candidates for hosting alien life, have comparatively higher masses and gravity. Aliens likely deal with higher escape velocities The planets are likely to have more than 10 Earth masses, which means intelligent alien civilisations living on them are likely to deal with higher escape velocities. “It could therefore be the case that an intelligent species on these planets would never be able to travel into space due to sheer physical impossibility,” said Elio Quiroga, the study’s author and a professor at the Universidad del Atlántico Medio in Spain, as reported by Science Alert. In the study, Dr Quiroga calculated the likely escape velocity needed in some of the planets outside the solar system and introduced a measure called the Exoplanet Escape Factor (Fex). The research added that space travel is unlikely on a planet with a Fex value of 2.2. Watch: NASA Chief says aliens exist | This World “Values of Fex greater than 2.2 would make space travel unlikely for the exoplanet’s inhabitants,” the study emphasised. “They would not be able to leave the planet using any conceivable amount of fuel, nor would a viable rocket structure withstand the pressures involved in the process, at least with the materials we know,” wrote Dr Quiroga. For such aliens, not only leaving super-Earths but re-entry of spacecraft will also pose significant challenges. (With inputs from agencies)

Intelligent aliens can also not beat humans in space travel: Study

Unveiling new details about Antarctica's "Doomsday Glacier", scientists have revealed that the Thwaites Glacier has been losing ice since the 1940s. The insights into the melting of the glacier are crucial as it can have a potentially catastrophic impact on sea levels.

The findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers, utilising marine sediment cores, unearthed evidence suggesting a significant retreat commenced in the 1940s, likely catalysed by an intense El Nino event.

Julia Wellner, an associate professor of geology at the University of Houston, reportedly highlighted the broader implications of the discovery. She underscored that the Thwaites Glacier's retreat mirrors similar patterns observed in neighbouring Pine Island Glacier ice formations.&nbsp;

“If both glaciers are retreating at the same time, that’s further evidence that they’re actually being forced by something,” Wellner added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-applying-physical-pressure-on-cells-diminishes-pain-new-study-reveals-694575">How applying physical pressure on cells diminishes pain? New study reveals</a>

James Smith, a marine geologist at the British Antarctic Survey, reportedly cautioned that once initiated, ice sheet retreats can persist for decades.&nbsp;Ted Scambos, a glaciologist at the University of Colorado Boulder, also emphasised the compounding effect of natural events and human-induced climate change.

He noted that while natural occurrences may trigger initial destabilisation, sustained warming exacerbates and perpetuates the process.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/low-speech-speed-not-limited-vocabulary-indicates-aging-brain-health-study-694565">Low speech speed, not limited vocabulary, indicates aging brain health: Study</a>

Martin Truffer, a physics professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, echoed concerns regarding the fragility of glacier systems in the face of incremental climate shifts.&nbsp;“Humans are changing the climate and this study shows that small continuous changes in climate can lead to step changes in glacier state,” he added.&nbsp;

Watch | New research aims to improve climate &amp; ocean observation

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This study serves as a sobering reminder that the ice's retreat, once set in motion, may prove resistant to mitigation efforts. As the world witnesses the relentless march of climate change, the fate of Antarctica's glaciers hangs in the balance.&nbsp;

The findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

(With inputs from agencies)

Unveiling new details about Antarctica's "Doomsday Glacier", scientists have revealed that the Thwaites Glacier has been losing ice since the 1940s. The insights into the melting of the glacier are crucial as it can have a potentially catastrophic impact on sea levels.

Unveiling new details about Antarctica's "Doomsday Glacier", scientists have revealed that the Thwaites Glacier has been losing ice since the 1940s. The insights into the melting of the glacier are crucial as it can have a potentially catastrophic impact on sea levels. The findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers, utilising marine sediment cores, unearthed evidence suggesting a significant retreat commenced in the 1940s, likely catalysed by an intense El Nino event. Julia Wellner, an associate professor of geology at the University of Houston, reportedly highlighted the broader implications of the discovery. She underscored that the Thwaites Glacier's retreat mirrors similar patterns observed in neighbouring Pine Island Glacier ice formations. “If both glaciers are retreating at the same time, that’s further evidence that they’re actually being forced by something,” Wellner added. Also Read | How applying physical pressure on cells diminishes pain? New study reveals James Smith, a marine geologist at the British Antarctic Survey, reportedly cautioned that once initiated, ice sheet retreats can persist for decades. Ted Scambos, a glaciologist at the University of Colorado Boulder, also emphasised the compounding effect of natural events and human-induced climate change. He noted that while natural occurrences may trigger initial destabilisation, sustained warming exacerbates and perpetuates the process. Also Read | Low speech speed, not limited vocabulary, indicates aging brain health: Study Martin Truffer, a physics professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, echoed concerns regarding the fragility of glacier systems in the face of incremental climate shifts. “Humans are changing the climate and this study shows that small continuous changes in climate can lead to step changes in glacier state,” he added. Watch | New research aims to improve climate & ocean observation × This study serves as a sobering reminder that the ice's retreat, once set in motion, may prove resistant to mitigation efforts. As the world witnesses the relentless march of climate change, the fate of Antarctica's glaciers hangs in the balance. The findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. (With inputs from agencies)

Antarctica's 'Doomsday Glacier' has been losing ice since 1940s, and El Nino is to blame: Study

Some chemicals present in e-cigarettes and vapes might increase the vulnerability of vapers to Covid infection, said a new study that highlights potential risks associated with vaping.

Components such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, commonly found in e-liquids, could enhance susceptibility to COVID-19, said the study published in the American Journal of Physiology. 
 
“Users who vape aerosols produced from propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin alone or e-liquids with a neutral to basic pH are more likely to be infected by the virus, while users who vape aerosols made from e-liquids with benzoic acid — an acidic pH — will have the same viral susceptibility as individuals who do not vape," said&nbsp;Rattapol Phandthong,&nbsp; the lead author of the study conducted by researchers from the University of California (UC), Riverside.

&nbsp;Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/antarcticas-doomsday-glacier-began-retreat-in-1940s-by-el-nino-new-study-694603">Antarctica's 'Doomsday Glacier' began retreat in 1940s by El Nino: New study</a>

The research, which utilised airway stem cells to generate a three-dimensional tissue model of human bronchial epithelium, revealed a notable increase in ACE2 levels, a crucial receptor for SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind Covid, across all exposed tissues.

Additionally, tissues exposed to aerosols containing nicotine exhibited heightened activity of TMPRSS2, an enzyme essential for viral cell infection.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-applying-physical-pressure-on-cells-diminishes-pain-new-study-reveals-694575">How applying physical pressure on cells diminishes pain? New study reveals</a>

Professor Prue Talbot cautioned e-cigarette users to exercise prudence, saying, “It would probably be best for vapers to quit vaping for the protection of their health and to stop nicotine dependency."

Alternatively, she suggested opting for e-liquids with an acidic pH or containing benzoic acid to mitigate the risk of enhanced SARS-CoV-2 infection.

“If they cannot stop vaping, it is better to vape aerosols produced from an e-liquid with acidic pH or with benzoic acid to prevent the enhancedS-CoV-2 infection caused by nicotine, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin. However, inhalation of benzoic acid has its own risk, and data is still limited on this topic,” she added.

Watch | New research aims to improve climate &amp; ocean observation

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The researchers underscored the complexity of the relationship between e-cigarettes and COVID-19 susceptibility, attributing it to various e-liquid compositions and e-cigarette models.

Phandthong noted, “Our findings could also help improve the design of clinical trials involving the use of tobacco products andS-CoV-2 infection."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Some chemicals present in e-cigarettes and vapes might increase the vulnerability of vapers to Covid infection, said a new study that highlights potential risks associated with vaping.

Some chemicals present in e-cigarettes and vapes might increase the vulnerability of vapers to Covid infection, said a new study that highlights potential risks associated with vaping. Components such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, commonly found in e-liquids, could enhance susceptibility to COVID-19, said the study published in the American Journal of Physiology. “Users who vape aerosols produced from propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin alone or e-liquids with a neutral to basic pH are more likely to be infected by the virus, while users who vape aerosols made from e-liquids with benzoic acid — an acidic pH — will have the same viral susceptibility as individuals who do not vape," said Rattapol Phandthong, the lead author of the study conducted by researchers from the University of California (UC), Riverside. Also Read | Antarctica's 'Doomsday Glacier' began retreat in 1940s by El Nino: New study The research, which utilised airway stem cells to generate a three-dimensional tissue model of human bronchial epithelium, revealed a notable increase in ACE2 levels, a crucial receptor for SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind Covid, across all exposed tissues. Additionally, tissues exposed to aerosols containing nicotine exhibited heightened activity of TMPRSS2, an enzyme essential for viral cell infection. Also Read | How applying physical pressure on cells diminishes pain? New study reveals Professor Prue Talbot cautioned e-cigarette users to exercise prudence, saying, “It would probably be best for vapers to quit vaping for the protection of their health and to stop nicotine dependency." Alternatively, she suggested opting for e-liquids with an acidic pH or containing benzoic acid to mitigate the risk of enhanced SARS-CoV-2 infection. “If they cannot stop vaping, it is better to vape aerosols produced from an e-liquid with acidic pH or with benzoic acid to prevent the enhancedS-CoV-2 infection caused by nicotine, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin. However, inhalation of benzoic acid has its own risk, and data is still limited on this topic,” she added. Watch | New research aims to improve climate & ocean observation × The researchers underscored the complexity of the relationship between e-cigarettes and COVID-19 susceptibility, attributing it to various e-liquid compositions and e-cigarette models. Phandthong noted, “Our findings could also help improve the design of clinical trials involving the use of tobacco products andS-CoV-2 infection." (With inputs from agencies)

Are you vaping? E-cigarette chemicals may increase risk of Covid infection, says new study

Amid ongoing research on a small Midwestern rodent called the prairie vole, scientists stumbled upon a fascinating finding based on the study of the first comprehensive brain map detailing the regions activated in the mammal during mating and pair bonding.&nbsp;

<h2>About the study</h2>

The findings of the study conducted on these small Midwestern rodents, known for forming long-term monogamous relationships, were published in the journal eLife. The research sought to answer the question – how does sex relate to lasting love?

Scientists paired up more than 200 voles under various conditions to monitor the progression from initial interactions to the establishment of a stable pair bond. This so-called bonding experience includes several stages like mating, bonding, and the development of a stable, enduring bond.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ill-fated-odysseus-lander-sends-grainy-images-from-moon-hours-before-going-dark-694156">Ill-fated Odysseus lander sends grainy images from Moon hours before going dark</a>

<h2>What did the study find?</h2>

Researchers found that the bonding voles experience a firestorm of brain activity distributed across 68 distinct regions of the brain which make up seven brain-wide circuits. They also noted that the brain-wide map also showed activity in regions which were not previously associated with bonding.&nbsp;

Prairie voles are a species whose social and mating behaviours closely resemble those of humans in the context of monogamy and long-term bonding. Therefore, the new findings can help researchers look at new places to explore the human brain to understand how we form and maintain close relationships.&nbsp;

It was previously established that male and female brains often use fundamentally different mechanisms to produce the same behaviours like mating and nurturing offspring.&nbsp;

However, the new study shows one significant difference which is that the bonding males and females had nearly identical patterns of brain activity.

“That was a surprise,” said Steven Phelps, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and senior author of the study.&nbsp;

The finding also changed the prevailing hypothesis that sex differences, influenced by hormones like testosterone, oestrogen, and progesterone, would lead to different neural pathways for bonding in males and females.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-silent-warning-microplastics-is-found-in-every-human-placenta-a-new-study-reveals-693332">A silent warning? Microplastics found in every human placenta, reveals new study</a>

According to the study, male ejaculation served as the strongest predictor of neural activity across the 68 brain regions associated with bonding.&nbsp;

It was also found this was not just limited to males as females exhibited increased bonding-related brain activity when paired with males who reached this milestone.&nbsp;

“The brain and behaviour data suggest that both sexes may be having orgasm-like responses, and these ‘orgasms’ coordinate the formation of a bond,” said Phelps.&nbsp;

He added, “If true, it would imply that orgasms can serve as a means to promote connection, as has long been suggested in humans.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Amid ongoing research on a small Midwestern rodent called the prairie vole, scientists stumbled upon a fascinating finding based on the study of the first comprehensive brain map detailing the regions activated in the mammal during mating and pair bonding.

Amid ongoing research on a small Midwestern rodent called the prairie vole, scientists stumbled upon a fascinating finding based on the study of the first comprehensive brain map detailing the regions activated in the mammal during mating and pair bonding. About the study The findings of the study conducted on these small Midwestern rodents, known for forming long-term monogamous relationships, were published in the journal eLife. The research sought to answer the question – how does sex relate to lasting love? Scientists paired up more than 200 voles under various conditions to monitor the progression from initial interactions to the establishment of a stable pair bond. This so-called bonding experience includes several stages like mating, bonding, and the development of a stable, enduring bond. Also Read | Ill-fated Odysseus lander sends grainy images from Moon hours before going dark What did the study find? Researchers found that the bonding voles experience a firestorm of brain activity distributed across 68 distinct regions of the brain which make up seven brain-wide circuits. They also noted that the brain-wide map also showed activity in regions which were not previously associated with bonding. Prairie voles are a species whose social and mating behaviours closely resemble those of humans in the context of monogamy and long-term bonding. Therefore, the new findings can help researchers look at new places to explore the human brain to understand how we form and maintain close relationships. It was previously established that male and female brains often use fundamentally different mechanisms to produce the same behaviours like mating and nurturing offspring. However, the new study shows one significant difference which is that the bonding males and females had nearly identical patterns of brain activity. “That was a surprise,” said Steven Phelps, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and senior author of the study. The finding also changed the prevailing hypothesis that sex differences, influenced by hormones like testosterone, oestrogen, and progesterone, would lead to different neural pathways for bonding in males and females. Also Read | A silent warning? Microplastics found in every human placenta, reveals new study According to the study, male ejaculation served as the strongest predictor of neural activity across the 68 brain regions associated with bonding. It was also found this was not just limited to males as females exhibited increased bonding-related brain activity when paired with males who reached this milestone. “The brain and behaviour data suggest that both sexes may be having orgasm-like responses, and these ‘orgasms’ coordinate the formation of a bond,” said Phelps. He added, “If true, it would imply that orgasms can serve as a means to promote connection, as has long been suggested in humans.” (With inputs from agencies)

First brain-wide map in prairie vole research shows orgasms ‘rewire’ the brain

Researchers have discovered a fascinating phenomenon among&nbsp;butterfly species, where those sharing similar colour patterns also exhibit comparable flight behaviours. This dual mimicry serves as a more potent warning signal to predators, facilitating the butterflies' survival.

Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the study conducted by researchers at the University of York used&nbsp;high-speed video recordings to analyse the flight characteristics of 351 wild butterflies from South America.

These butterflies, representing 38 species across ten distinct colour pattern mimicry groups, were observed to understand the relationship between flight behaviour and various factors such as habitat, wing shape, and temperature.

<h2>Flight behaviour and mimicry</h2>

Contrary to expectations, the study revealed that flight behaviour was predominantly influenced by the colour pattern mimicry group to which a butterfly belonged, rather than habitat or wing shape. This suggests that even distantly related butterflies within the same mimicry group exhibit similar flight patterns, reinforcing the warning signal to predators.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/deadly-bird-flu-reaches-mainland-antarctica-for-the-first-time-confirm-scientists-694204">Also read |&nbsp;Deadly bird flu reaches mainland Antarctica for the first time, confirm scientists</a>

Essentially, predators not only perceive these butterflies as visually identical due to their colour patterns but also recognise their shared flight behaviour, further deterring predation.

Edd Page, a PhD student involved in the study, highlights the evolutionary significance of shared colour patterns and flight behaviour among inedible butterfly species.&nbsp;

"From an evolutionary perspective it makes sense to share the colour pattern between species, to reduce the individual cost of educating predators to the fact that they don't taste nice!," Page said, as quoted by ANI.&nbsp;

"Once a predator has tasted one, the visual clues on others indicate that they too are also inedible, but flight patterns are more complex and are influenced by several other factors such as the air temperature and the habitat the species fly in. We wanted to see whether flight corresponded to colour - could predators be driving the mimicry of flight as well as colour patterns? We were surprised to find just how strong and widespread the behavioural mimicry is," he added.

Also watch |&nbsp;Will you drink a coffee made through animal poop?

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The research focused on two butterfly tribes: Heliconiini and ithomiine. Within the Heliconiini tribe, which comprises approximately 100 species, distinct colour pattern mimicry groups were identified. Additionally, ithomiine butterflies, despite splitting from the Heliconiini tribe around 70 million years ago, displayed strikingly similar 'Tiger' colour patterns, further illustrating the prevalence of mimicry in flight behaviour across evolutionary time scales.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers have discovered a fascinating phenomenon among butterfly species, where those sharing similar colour patterns also exhibit comparable flight behaviours.

Researchers have discovered a fascinating phenomenon among butterfly species, where those sharing similar colour patterns also exhibit comparable flight behaviours. This dual mimicry serves as a more potent warning signal to predators, facilitating the butterflies' survival. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the study conducted by researchers at the University of York used high-speed video recordings to analyse the flight characteristics of 351 wild butterflies from South America. These butterflies, representing 38 species across ten distinct colour pattern mimicry groups, were observed to understand the relationship between flight behaviour and various factors such as habitat, wing shape, and temperature. Flight behaviour and mimicry Contrary to expectations, the study revealed that flight behaviour was predominantly influenced by the colour pattern mimicry group to which a butterfly belonged, rather than habitat or wing shape. This suggests that even distantly related butterflies within the same mimicry group exhibit similar flight patterns, reinforcing the warning signal to predators. Also read | Deadly bird flu reaches mainland Antarctica for the first time, confirm scientists Essentially, predators not only perceive these butterflies as visually identical due to their colour patterns but also recognise their shared flight behaviour, further deterring predation. Edd Page, a PhD student involved in the study, highlights the evolutionary significance of shared colour patterns and flight behaviour among inedible butterfly species. "From an evolutionary perspective it makes sense to share the colour pattern between species, to reduce the individual cost of educating predators to the fact that they don't taste nice!," Page said, as quoted by ANI. "Once a predator has tasted one, the visual clues on others indicate that they too are also inedible, but flight patterns are more complex and are influenced by several other factors such as the air temperature and the habitat the species fly in. We wanted to see whether flight corresponded to colour - could predators be driving the mimicry of flight as well as colour patterns? We were surprised to find just how strong and widespread the behavioural mimicry is," he added. Also watch | Will you drink a coffee made through animal poop? The research focused on two butterfly tribes: Heliconiini and ithomiine. Within the Heliconiini tribe, which comprises approximately 100 species, distinct colour pattern mimicry groups were identified. Additionally, ithomiine butterflies, despite splitting from the Heliconiini tribe around 70 million years ago, displayed strikingly similar 'Tiger' colour patterns, further illustrating the prevalence of mimicry in flight behaviour across evolutionary time scales. (With inputs from agencies)

Butterflies have a survival strategy. They mimic each other's behaviour to outsmart predators

A recent research conducted by the University of New Mexico Health Sciences has uncovered a concerning reality: microplastics are present in every human placenta. The study, published on February 17 in Toxicological Sciences, highlighted the pervasive nature of microplastics in human placentas, raising important questions about potential health impacts.

Led by Matthew Campen, PhD, a team of researchers meticulously analysed 62 placenta samples, utilising techniques to quantify microplastic concentrations.

Astonishingly, every sample tested positive for microplastics, with concentrations ranging from 6.5 to 790 micrograms per gram of tissue.

Campen voiced his apprehension regarding the implications of escalating microplastic exposure, stating, "If the dose keeps going up, we start to worry. If we’re seeing effects on placentas, then all mammalian life on this planet could be impacted. That’s not good."

<h2>Method used in the study&nbsp;</h2>

The methodology employed in the study involved a multi-step process. Initially, the samples underwent saponification to break down fats and proteins, followed by ultracentrifugation to isolate plastic residues.

Pyrolysis, a technique involving intense heat, was then utilised to characterise the composition of the plastic fragments.

Marcus Garcia, PharmD, a key member of the research team, pointed out the significance of their novel approach, stating, "We can take it to that next step to be able to adequately quantify it and say, ‘This is how many micrograms or milligrams,’ depending on the plastics that we have."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-spaceship-odysseus-may-have-tipped-over-on-moon-surface-likely-fractured-landing-equipment-693303">US spaceship Odysseus may have 'tipped over' on Moon surface, likely 'fractured' landing equipment</a>

The proliferation of plastics has reached unprecedented levels, with production skyrocketing since 1950s. Despite their initial usefulness, the persistence of plastics in the environment poses severe ecological challenges. Plastic waste, especially single-use plastics like bags, bottles, and packaging materials, has inundated landfills, oceans, rivers, and even remote wilderness areas.

Their versatility, durability, and affordability have led to their widespread use across various industries, revolutionising packaging, construction, healthcare, transportation, and numerous other sectors. However, this convenience comes with a significant cost - the alarming accumulation of plastic waste globally.

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Garcia highlighted the diverse pathways through which microplastics enter ecosystems, affecting not only humans but also animals and plants.&nbsp;

“That ends up in groundwater, and sometimes it aerosolizes and ends up in our environment,” Garcia said adding, “We’re not only getting it from ingestion but also through inhalation as well. It not only affects us as humans, but all off our animals – chickens, livestock – and all of our plants. We’re seeing it in everything.”

Watch | Choose EVs to boost children's health, says study

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Campen also underscored the longevity of certain plastics, with half-lives spanning decades to centuries. Moreover, he expressed concern over the potential health ramifications as microplastics may interfere with biological processes.

The presence of microplastics in placentas is particularly concerning as it is a vital organ developing over a mere eight-month period.&nbsp;“Other organs of your body are accumulating over much longer periods of time," Campen pointed out.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A recent research conducted by the University of New Mexico Health Sciences has uncovered a concerning reality: microplastics are present in every human placenta.

A recent research conducted by the University of New Mexico Health Sciences has uncovered a concerning reality: microplastics are present in every human placenta. The study, published on February 17 in Toxicological Sciences, highlighted the pervasive nature of microplastics in human placentas, raising important questions about potential health impacts. Led by Matthew Campen, PhD, a team of researchers meticulously analysed 62 placenta samples, utilising techniques to quantify microplastic concentrations. Astonishingly, every sample tested positive for microplastics, with concentrations ranging from 6.5 to 790 micrograms per gram of tissue. Campen voiced his apprehension regarding the implications of escalating microplastic exposure, stating, "If the dose keeps going up, we start to worry. If we’re seeing effects on placentas, then all mammalian life on this planet could be impacted. That’s not good." Method used in the study The methodology employed in the study involved a multi-step process. Initially, the samples underwent saponification to break down fats and proteins, followed by ultracentrifugation to isolate plastic residues. Pyrolysis, a technique involving intense heat, was then utilised to characterise the composition of the plastic fragments. Marcus Garcia, PharmD, a key member of the research team, pointed out the significance of their novel approach, stating, "We can take it to that next step to be able to adequately quantify it and say, ‘This is how many micrograms or milligrams,’ depending on the plastics that we have." Also Read | US spaceship Odysseus may have 'tipped over' on Moon surface, likely 'fractured' landing equipment The proliferation of plastics has reached unprecedented levels, with production skyrocketing since 1950s. Despite their initial usefulness, the persistence of plastics in the environment poses severe ecological challenges. Plastic waste, especially single-use plastics like bags, bottles, and packaging materials, has inundated landfills, oceans, rivers, and even remote wilderness areas. Their versatility, durability, and affordability have led to their widespread use across various industries, revolutionising packaging, construction, healthcare, transportation, and numerous other sectors. However, this convenience comes with a significant cost - the alarming accumulation of plastic waste globally. Also Read | Snakes have ability to evolve more quickly than their close relatives, reveals study Garcia highlighted the diverse pathways through which microplastics enter ecosystems, affecting not only humans but also animals and plants. “That ends up in groundwater, and sometimes it aerosolizes and ends up in our environment,” Garcia said adding, “We’re not only getting it from ingestion but also through inhalation as well. It not only affects us as humans, but all off our animals – chickens, livestock – and all of our plants. We’re seeing it in everything.” Watch | Choose EVs to boost children's health, says study × Campen also underscored the longevity of certain plastics, with half-lives spanning decades to centuries. Moreover, he expressed concern over the potential health ramifications as microplastics may interfere with biological processes. The presence of microplastics in placentas is particularly concerning as it is a vital organ developing over a mere eight-month period. “Other organs of your body are accumulating over much longer periods of time," Campen pointed out. (With inputs from agencies)

A silent warning? Microplastics found in every human placenta, reveals new study

A groundbreaking method has been found out by researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks which will be able to remotely detect large landslides within minutes of their occurrence, and swiftly assess their proximity to open water, thus gauging the potential for a tsunami threat.

In a recent publication in the journal The Seismic Record, Ezgi Karasözen, a research seismologist at UAF Geophysical Institute, highlighted the urgency of their work in the context of climate change-induced glacier retreats, particularly in vulnerable regions like the southern coast of Alaska.

“The warming climate is leading to the retreat of glaciers, leaving behind valleys whose mountainsides and hillsides have lost their support,” Karasozen said.

Their system, currently operational in the Barry Arms area of Prince William Sound, utilises existing seismic station data to swiftly identify landslide-induced long-period waves amid a cacophony of seismic signals.

Karasozen elucidated, “When an earthquake occurs, there are instruments that measure the height of sea waves, and tsunami warning centres are on alert after an earthquake."

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“But landslides are not systematically monitored in Alaska or anywhere else in the world. If there were a tsunami triggered by a landslide, we wouldn't know it. This is a big concern," he added.&nbsp;

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The researchers' algorithm, developed through meticulous analysis of seismic data from various landslide events, aims to swiftly pinpoint the location and magnitude of landslides, facilitating prompt response measures.

WATCH |&nbsp;New Covid vaccine study links jab to heart and brain conditions

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West stressed that their research bolsters ongoing monitoring and alert efforts, asserting, “The potential for real-time monitoring of large landslides is an important part of ongoing interagency efforts to address the landslide challenge in Alaska."&nbsp;

The unveiling of this detection method is an important stride towards mitigating the risks posed by landslide tsunamis. It can provide a crucial time for authorities to issue timely warnings and safeguard vulnerable communities.

(With inputs from agencies)

A groundbreaking method has been found out by researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks which will be able to remotely detect large landslides within minutes of their occurrence, and swiftly assess their proximity to open water, thus gauging the potential for a tsunami threat.

A groundbreaking method has been found out by researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks which will be able to remotely detect large landslides within minutes of their occurrence, and swiftly assess their proximity to open water, thus gauging the potential for a tsunami threat. In a recent publication in the journal The Seismic Record, Ezgi Karasözen, a research seismologist at UAF Geophysical Institute, highlighted the urgency of their work in the context of climate change-induced glacier retreats, particularly in vulnerable regions like the southern coast of Alaska. “The warming climate is leading to the retreat of glaciers, leaving behind valleys whose mountainsides and hillsides have lost their support,” Karasozen said. Their system, currently operational in the Barry Arms area of Prince William Sound, utilises existing seismic station data to swiftly identify landslide-induced long-period waves amid a cacophony of seismic signals. Karasozen elucidated, “When an earthquake occurs, there are instruments that measure the height of sea waves, and tsunami warning centres are on alert after an earthquake." Also Read | James Webb Space Telescope spots evidence of neutron star from supernova remnant “But landslides are not systematically monitored in Alaska or anywhere else in the world. If there were a tsunami triggered by a landslide, we wouldn't know it. This is a big concern," he added. Also Read | Twin solar flares led to cell phone outages across US? NOAA says 'unlikely' The researchers' algorithm, developed through meticulous analysis of seismic data from various landslide events, aims to swiftly pinpoint the location and magnitude of landslides, facilitating prompt response measures. WATCH | New Covid vaccine study links jab to heart and brain conditions × West stressed that their research bolsters ongoing monitoring and alert efforts, asserting, “The potential for real-time monitoring of large landslides is an important part of ongoing interagency efforts to address the landslide challenge in Alaska." The unveiling of this detection method is an important stride towards mitigating the risks posed by landslide tsunamis. It can provide a crucial time for authorities to issue timely warnings and safeguard vulnerable communities. (With inputs from agencies)

Now, landslide tsunamis can be detected in minutes: Study

A study published in the journal Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution unveiled a surprising revelation about the genetic makeup of butterflies and moths, indicating that their genomes have remained astonishingly unchanged for over 250 million years. Despite their vast species diversity, these winged insects have maintained remarkable genetic stability amidst significant environmental transformations throughout Earth's history.

This comes as Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Edinburgh researchers conducted an extensive analysis of more than 200 genomes of butterflies and moths. They identified 32 ancestral chromosomes that serve as the foundation for the vast majority of Lepidoptera species.

Notably, the study aimed to decipher the fundamental genetic characteristics underlying the evolutionary success of Lepidoptera.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dead-european-satellite-finally-tumbles-to-earth-after-spending-30-years-in-space-692500">Dead European satellite finally tumbles to Earth after spending 30 years in space</a>

Senior author of the study and head of the Tree of Life programme at the Wellcome Sanger Institute&nbsp;Professor Mark Blaxter while expressing astonishment at the findings, stated, “All life is connected by a common thread – DNA. Our DNA sequences record our deep history. We were able to look at the evolutionary history of butterflies through their genome to go back to their common ancestor, to the great-great-great-etcetera-grandmother of all butterflies. We found they had been remarkably stable.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/double-majors-have-better-chance-of-surviving-ai-disruption-study-692478">Double majors have better chance of surviving AI disruption: Study</a>

“There is a contrast between the butterflies that have 16 times as many species as mammals but have a much more stable genetic foundation. It’s just amazing!” he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Evolutionary mysteries</h2>

The study's first author and a PhD student at the Wellcome Sanger Institute Charlotte Wright also pointed to the broader implications of their research and stated, “The bigger question we are trying to understand is how biodiversity evolves at a broader scale. We want to know what the biggest features are from its genome that underlie the success of moths and butterflies. How can we make sense of the fact that this group makes up 10% of described species? What makes it different from other species groups that are nowhere near as successful?”

<h2>Conservation implications</h2>

Amidst concerns over the rapid decline in global biodiversity, the study has the potential to unearth any conservation methods for these butterflies and moth species. As vital indicators of ecosystem health, these insects play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity.

Watch | NASA James Webb Telescope captures stunning pictures of the universe&nbsp;

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“When the human genome was released in 2010, it was still in millions of pieces and we had stitched those pieces together but there were still many gaps in the letters of the code,” Blaxter said. “There were jigsaw pieces missing. With the butterfly genomes, we have all of the pieces. For the majority of the species we have looked at, it is the first time we have had a genome at all.”

The researchers underscored the importance of leveraging their findings to know about&nbsp;conservation strategies and mitigate the alarming loss of insect populations worldwide. Notably, a study conducted by Butterfly Conservation in 2023 revealed that nearly half of the locations in the UK where butterflies once thrived have witnessed the disappearance of these species since 1976.

(With inputs from agencies)

A study published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution unveiled a surprising revelation about the genetic makeup of butterflies and moths, indicating that their genomes have remained astonishingly unchanged for over 250 million years.

A study published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution unveiled a surprising revelation about the genetic makeup of butterflies and moths, indicating that their genomes have remained astonishingly unchanged for over 250 million years. Despite their vast species diversity, these winged insects have maintained remarkable genetic stability amidst significant environmental transformations throughout Earth's history. This comes as Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Edinburgh researchers conducted an extensive analysis of more than 200 genomes of butterflies and moths. They identified 32 ancestral chromosomes that serve as the foundation for the vast majority of Lepidoptera species. Notably, the study aimed to decipher the fundamental genetic characteristics underlying the evolutionary success of Lepidoptera. Also Read | Dead European satellite finally tumbles to Earth after spending 30 years in space Senior author of the study and head of the Tree of Life programme at the Wellcome Sanger Institute Professor Mark Blaxter while expressing astonishment at the findings, stated, “All life is connected by a common thread – DNA. Our DNA sequences record our deep history. We were able to look at the evolutionary history of butterflies through their genome to go back to their common ancestor, to the great-great-great-etcetera-grandmother of all butterflies. We found they had been remarkably stable.” Also Read | Double majors have better chance of surviving AI disruption: Study “There is a contrast between the butterflies that have 16 times as many species as mammals but have a much more stable genetic foundation. It’s just amazing!” he added. Evolutionary mysteries The study's first author and a PhD student at the Wellcome Sanger Institute Charlotte Wright also pointed to the broader implications of their research and stated, “The bigger question we are trying to understand is how biodiversity evolves at a broader scale. We want to know what the biggest features are from its genome that underlie the success of moths and butterflies. How can we make sense of the fact that this group makes up 10% of described species? What makes it different from other species groups that are nowhere near as successful?” Conservation implications Amidst concerns over the rapid decline in global biodiversity, the study has the potential to unearth any conservation methods for these butterflies and moth species. As vital indicators of ecosystem health, these insects play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. Watch | NASA James Webb Telescope captures stunning pictures of the universe × “When the human genome was released in 2010, it was still in millions of pieces and we had stitched those pieces together but there were still many gaps in the letters of the code,” Blaxter said. “There were jigsaw pieces missing. With the butterfly genomes, we have all of the pieces. For the majority of the species we have looked at, it is the first time we have had a genome at all.” The researchers underscored the importance of leveraging their findings to know about conservation strategies and mitigate the alarming loss of insect populations worldwide. Notably, a study conducted by Butterfly Conservation in 2023 revealed that nearly half of the locations in the UK where butterflies once thrived have witnessed the disappearance of these species since 1976. (With inputs from agencies)

Mystery? Genetic material in butterflies, moths has not changed for over 250mn years

Watching a favourite influencer chow down on the latest fast food fad or cocktail may feel like entertainment, but those posts are likely adverts in disguise, the EU said Wednesday.

The European Union is concerned about the growing impact of social media content creators -- on everything from physical and mental health, to politics and the spread of disinformation.

With influencer marketing believed to have a reaped a global total of around 20 billion euros ($21.5 billion) last year, the European Commission launched a probe into the practice.&nbsp;

The results were unequivocal: it found that 97 per cent of influencers published posts with commercial content but only 20 per cent "systematically disclosed" it as advertising.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/an-asteroid-hit-ended-dinosaurs-reign-but-did-it-really-help-birds-690359">An asteroid hit ended Dinosaurs' reign. But did it really help birds?</a>

The study looked at 576 influencers in 22 member states as well as Iceland and Norway as part of a "sweep" to check their compliance with EU consumer law -- which compels creators to disclose all advertising activity.

The platforms used by creators included Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, gamer streaming unit Twitch, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.

"Influencers hold considerable sway over their followers, many of which are minors," the EU's justice commissioner, Didier Reynders, said in a statement.&nbsp;

"I call on them to be much more transparent to their audience."

Of the influencers screened, 119 promoted "unhealthy or hazardous activities" including junk food and alcohol, cosmetic treatments, gambling or crypto trading. 
 
The commission said 358 influencers face further action if they do not comply with the rules.

<h2>- Need for 'ethical code'? -</h2>

The 27-nation EU is weighing what action to take towards influencers.

A discussion paper seen by AFP recommended that member states "consider developing an ethical code or ethical label for influencers".

The paper dated January 31 said influencers can have a "positive impact" on young people -- for instance creating a sense of community for people underrepresented in traditional media -- but it also warned of potential "harmful" effects.

"The mis- and disinformation shared by some influencers can also have a negative impact at the societal level," it said.

The issue is in the spotlight after a scandal last year involving Italy's Instagram star Chiara Ferragni, who is being investigated over a charity cake deal in which she wrongly suggested that sale proceeds would help children with bone cancer.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/surgical-robot-kills-cancer-patient-after-burning-hole-in-internal-organs-grieving-husband-seeks-justice-690304">US: Surgical robot kills cancer patient after burning hole in internal organs; patient’s husband seeks justice</a>

Italy responded with plans to increase supervision of influencers.

France last year passed a law targeting influencers, in a bid to prevent creators selling questionable products or promoting risky trends.

The EU has had the digital world increasingly in its sights in recent years.

The bloc's milestone Digital Services Act (DSA) demands companies do more to protect users from hate speech and disinformation as well as consumers shopping online.

While aimed largely at big tech, the DSA will also affect how influencers use platforms to share their content as it demands more transparency over advertising.

All companies must comply with the DSA from Saturday.

Watching a favourite influencer chow down on the latest fast food fad or cocktail may feel like entertainment, but those posts are likely adverts in disguise, the EU said Wednesday.

Watching a favourite influencer chow down on the latest fast food fad or cocktail may feel like entertainment, but those posts are likely adverts in disguise, the EU said Wednesday. The European Union is concerned about the growing impact of social media content creators -- on everything from physical and mental health, to politics and the spread of disinformation. With influencer marketing believed to have a reaped a global total of around 20 billion euros ($21.5 billion) last year, the European Commission launched a probe into the practice. The results were unequivocal: it found that 97 per cent of influencers published posts with commercial content but only 20 per cent "systematically disclosed" it as advertising. Also Read | An asteroid hit ended Dinosaurs' reign. But did it really help birds? The study looked at 576 influencers in 22 member states as well as Iceland and Norway as part of a "sweep" to check their compliance with EU consumer law -- which compels creators to disclose all advertising activity. The platforms used by creators included Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, gamer streaming unit Twitch, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube. "Influencers hold considerable sway over their followers, many of which are minors," the EU's justice commissioner, Didier Reynders, said in a statement. "I call on them to be much more transparent to their audience." Of the influencers screened, 119 promoted "unhealthy or hazardous activities" including junk food and alcohol, cosmetic treatments, gambling or crypto trading. The commission said 358 influencers face further action if they do not comply with the rules. - Need for 'ethical code'? - The 27-nation EU is weighing what action to take towards influencers. A discussion paper seen by AFP recommended that member states "consider developing an ethical code or ethical label for influencers". The paper dated January 31 said influencers can have a "positive impact" on young people -- for instance creating a sense of community for people underrepresented in traditional media -- but it also warned of potential "harmful" effects. "The mis- and disinformation shared by some influencers can also have a negative impact at the societal level," it said. The issue is in the spotlight after a scandal last year involving Italy's Instagram star Chiara Ferragni, who is being investigated over a charity cake deal in which she wrongly suggested that sale proceeds would help children with bone cancer. Also Read | US: Surgical robot kills cancer patient after burning hole in internal organs; patient’s husband seeks justice Italy responded with plans to increase supervision of influencers. France last year passed a law targeting influencers, in a bid to prevent creators selling questionable products or promoting risky trends. The EU has had the digital world increasingly in its sights in recent years. The bloc's milestone Digital Services Act (DSA) demands companies do more to protect users from hate speech and disinformation as well as consumers shopping online. While aimed largely at big tech, the DSA will also affect how influencers use platforms to share their content as it demands more transparency over advertising. All companies must comply with the DSA from Saturday.

That influencer tip? Probably an ad in disguise, EU finds

A daily habit of drinking tea may help you live a longer, healthier life, especially if you drink two cups or more, according to a study.

Research hints tea consumption delays ageing, efforts underway to revive the Great Tea Road

In their decades-long quest for drugs which can battle Alzheimer’s disease, researchers seem to have found an unlikely candidate: Viagra, the erectile dysfunction pill.

While the study is not conclusive, the researchers discovered that men who were prescribed Viagra as well as similar medications were 18 per cent less likely to suffer from dementia in the later years of their life in comparison to those who were not administered similar drugs.

The effect of Viagra was the strongest in men who were prescribed the medicine a maximum number of times. The scientists found a 44 per cent lower risk of Alzheimer’s in those who were prescribed the erectile dysfunction pills from 21 to 50 times in the course of their study.

Although the findings are astonishing, the observational study was not able to determine if Viagra and similar pills were able to protect people from Alzheimer’s or if the men who were less prone to the condition were just more likely to use the tablets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/frequently-nose-picking-leading-cause-of-progressive-dementia-study-687765">Frequent nose-picking leading cause of progressive dementia: Study</a>

“We can’t say that the drugs are responsible, but this does give us food for thought on how we move into the future,” stated the lead author Dr Ruth Brauer at University College London.&nbsp;

“We now need a proper clinical trial to look at the effects of these drugs on Alzheimer’s in women as well as men," he added, The Guardian newspaper reported.&nbsp;

<h2>Study examined&nbsp;260,000 men who were&nbsp;diagnosed with erectile dysfunction</h2>

For the study, medical records of more than 260,000 men were analysed by Brauer and her colleagues who were diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, although they had no evidence of memory loss or were facing thinking problems.

More than half of them were consuming PDE5 inhibitor drugs, ranging from avanafil, vardenafil, tadalafil and sildenafil (sold as Viagra).&nbsp;

The researchers followed the men for an average of five years to record any new cases of Alzheimer’s.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;17-Year-Old Hemesh's miracle tech gives new hope to Alzheimer's patients

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-17-year-old-hemeshs-miracle-tech-gives-new-hope-to-alzheimers-patients-680620/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Around 55 million people have been suffering from dementia around the world, and most of them have Alzheimer's.&nbsp;

The new drugs which clear aberrant proteins from the brain have proved that they can slow down the disease, however, the effects of the medicines have been marginal.

Originally, Viagra was developed for treating angina and high blood pressure. 
 
When Welsh miners participated in a trial in Merthyr Tydfil and spoke about its unexpected night-time side effects, the drug gained fame as a multibillion-dollar erectile dysfunction pill.

(With inputs from agencies)

In their decades-long quest for drugs which can battle Alzheimer’s disease, researchers seem to have found an unlikely candidate: Viagra, the erectile dysfunction pill.

In their decades-long quest for drugs which can battle Alzheimer’s disease, researchers seem to have found an unlikely candidate: Viagra, the erectile dysfunction pill. While the study is not conclusive, the researchers discovered that men who were prescribed Viagra as well as similar medications were 18 per cent less likely to suffer from dementia in the later years of their life in comparison to those who were not administered similar drugs. The effect of Viagra was the strongest in men who were prescribed the medicine a maximum number of times. The scientists found a 44 per cent lower risk of Alzheimer’s in those who were prescribed the erectile dysfunction pills from 21 to 50 times in the course of their study. Although the findings are astonishing, the observational study was not able to determine if Viagra and similar pills were able to protect people from Alzheimer’s or if the men who were less prone to the condition were just more likely to use the tablets. Also read: Frequent nose-picking leading cause of progressive dementia: Study “We can’t say that the drugs are responsible, but this does give us food for thought on how we move into the future,” stated the lead author Dr Ruth Brauer at University College London. “We now need a proper clinical trial to look at the effects of these drugs on Alzheimer’s in women as well as men," he added, The Guardian newspaper reported. Study examined 260,000 men who were diagnosed with erectile dysfunction For the study, medical records of more than 260,000 men were analysed by Brauer and her colleagues who were diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, although they had no evidence of memory loss or were facing thinking problems. More than half of them were consuming PDE5 inhibitor drugs, ranging from avanafil, vardenafil, tadalafil and sildenafil (sold as Viagra). The researchers followed the men for an average of five years to record any new cases of Alzheimer’s. Watch: 17-Year-Old Hemesh's miracle tech gives new hope to Alzheimer's patients Around 55 million people have been suffering from dementia around the world, and most of them have Alzheimer's. The new drugs which clear aberrant proteins from the brain have proved that they can slow down the disease, however, the effects of the medicines have been marginal. Originally, Viagra was developed for treating angina and high blood pressure. When Welsh miners participated in a trial in Merthyr Tydfil and spoke about its unexpected night-time side effects, the drug gained fame as a multibillion-dollar erectile dysfunction pill. (With inputs from agencies)

Study finds Viagra linked to decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a hormonal disorder that is commonly found in nearly 10 per cent of the woman population, has been linked with potential cognitive issues in midlife, as per a new study.

The research, which was published in Neurology, was carried out by the University of California, San Francisco. The study was conducted on 907 female participants, who were aged 18 to 30, for a time span of 30 years.&nbsp;

PCOS has long been known to have symptoms like excess body hair or missed periods. However, cognitive dysfunction later in life has now been added to the list of other potential effect of the disease.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Scientists unveil secrets of imagination, memory formation with Artificial Intelligence">Scientists unveil secrets of imagination, memory formation with Artificial Intelligence</a>

Speaking to CNN, professor and director of the Women’s Mental Health Research Programme at the University of Illinois Chicago, &nbsp;Pauline Maki said that the scientific report “is one of the few studies to investigate cognitive functioning and brain outcomes in those women at midlife."

As per the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, telltale signs can include “menstrual cycle changes, skin changes such as increased facial and body hair and acne, abnormal growths in the ovaries, and infertility".&nbsp;

<h2>Study emphasises on 'potential cognitive vulnerabilities' in women with PCOS</h2>

In a press release, the director of the University of California San Francisco’s PCOS clinic and research programme Dr Heather G Huddleston said, “While (PCOS) has been linked to metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes that can lead to heart problems, less is known about how this condition affects brain health."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Is sense of smell linked to cognitive health?

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“Our results suggest that people with this condition have lower memory and thinking skills and subtle brain changes in midlife. This could impact a person on many levels, including quality of life, career success and financial security," he added.&nbsp;

The findings have emphasised “potential cognitive vulnerabilities in women with PCOS, though it’s important to know that these are cognitive weaknesses, not impairments,” said Maki.&nbsp;

“In other words, they are performing worse than other women on these tests, but they are not performing in the impaired range," the professor added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a hormonal disorder that is commonly found in nearly 10 per cent of the woman population, has been linked with potential cognitive issues in midlife, as per a new study.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a hormonal disorder that is commonly found in nearly 10 per cent of the woman population, has been linked with potential cognitive issues in midlife, as per a new study. The research, which was published in Neurology, was carried out by the University of California, San Francisco. The study was conducted on 907 female participants, who were aged 18 to 30, for a time span of 30 years. PCOS has long been known to have symptoms like excess body hair or missed periods. However, cognitive dysfunction later in life has now been added to the list of other potential effect of the disease. Also read: Scientists unveil secrets of imagination, memory formation with Artificial Intelligence Speaking to CNN, professor and director of the Women’s Mental Health Research Programme at the University of Illinois Chicago, Pauline Maki said that the scientific report “is one of the few studies to investigate cognitive functioning and brain outcomes in those women at midlife." As per the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, telltale signs can include “menstrual cycle changes, skin changes such as increased facial and body hair and acne, abnormal growths in the ovaries, and infertility". Study emphasises on 'potential cognitive vulnerabilities' in women with PCOS In a press release, the director of the University of California San Francisco’s PCOS clinic and research programme Dr Heather G Huddleston said, “While (PCOS) has been linked to metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes that can lead to heart problems, less is known about how this condition affects brain health." Watch: Is sense of smell linked to cognitive health? “Our results suggest that people with this condition have lower memory and thinking skills and subtle brain changes in midlife. This could impact a person on many levels, including quality of life, career success and financial security," he added. The findings have emphasised “potential cognitive vulnerabilities in women with PCOS, though it’s important to know that these are cognitive weaknesses, not impairments,” said Maki. “In other words, they are performing worse than other women on these tests, but they are not performing in the impaired range," the professor added. (With inputs from agencies)

Women suffering from PCOS may face difficulty in memory and thinking: study

According to a recent study, dog breeds with short, long noses (dolichocephalic) had the highest life expectancy in the UK. Male dogs from brachycephalic (medium-sized, flat-faced) breeds, such as English Bulldogs, had the shortest lifespans, however.

UK Study: Small, long-nosed dogs live longer

In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers have unveiled the long-sought answer to the age-old question - why are insects drawn to artificial light? A team of scientists from Imperial College London and the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity at the Florida Museum of Natural History may have cracked the code.

According to co-lead author Samuel Fabian, the mystery lies in the way artificial light scrambles insects' ability to orient themselves in space. Fabian explained, “What we’re bringing here is just linking this behaviour to an insect behaviour that was considered a puzzle until now.”

The prevailing theories over the years speculated that insects were either mistaking lights for celestial bodies or trying to warm themselves with the emitted heat. However, the new findings disprove these notions and come up with another theory.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronaut-aboard-iss-posts-photo-which-might-give-you-ocd-685263">Astronaut aboard ISS posts photo which might give you 'OCD'</a>

Co-lead author Yash Sondhi reportedly said, “It’s not a light attraction issue but an orientation issue.” The research team conducted experiments using high-speed infrared cameras in an insect flight arena and ventured into the Costa Rican jungle for field observations.

The results showed that insects did not fly directly towards the light but circled it while attempting to align their backs with the artificial source - a behaviour termed as a "dorsal light response."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/human-skeletons-with-buckets-on-feet-and-rings-around-their-necks-provides-glimpse-into-dark-ages-685180">Human skeletons with buckets on feet, rings around necks provide glimpse into Dark Ages</a>

The study's revelations have garnered&nbsp;interest, with Florian Altermatt, an ecologist at the University of Zurich, calling it a "satisfying answer to a long-standing phenomenon."

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-finally-unlocks-a-canister-containing-precious-dust-samples-from-the-asteroid-bennu-685269">NASA finally unlocks a canister containing precious dust samples from the asteroid Bennu</a>

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Despite the breakthrough, the research uncovered two exceptions - oleander hawk moths and Drosophila fruit flies - which flew normally in the presence of light. Fabian noted, “We’d like to pick apart some of these exceptions in future research.”

(With inputs from agencies)

In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers have unveiled the long-sought answer to the age-old question - why are insects drawn to artificial light?

In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers have unveiled the long-sought answer to the age-old question - why are insects drawn to artificial light? A team of scientists from Imperial College London and the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity at the Florida Museum of Natural History may have cracked the code. According to co-lead author Samuel Fabian, the mystery lies in the way artificial light scrambles insects' ability to orient themselves in space. Fabian explained, “What we’re bringing here is just linking this behaviour to an insect behaviour that was considered a puzzle until now.” The prevailing theories over the years speculated that insects were either mistaking lights for celestial bodies or trying to warm themselves with the emitted heat. However, the new findings disprove these notions and come up with another theory. Also Read | Astronaut aboard ISS posts photo which might give you 'OCD' Co-lead author Yash Sondhi reportedly said, “It’s not a light attraction issue but an orientation issue.” The research team conducted experiments using high-speed infrared cameras in an insect flight arena and ventured into the Costa Rican jungle for field observations. The results showed that insects did not fly directly towards the light but circled it while attempting to align their backs with the artificial source - a behaviour termed as a "dorsal light response." Also Read | Human skeletons with buckets on feet, rings around necks provide glimpse into Dark Ages The study's revelations have garnered interest, with Florian Altermatt, an ecologist at the University of Zurich, calling it a "satisfying answer to a long-standing phenomenon." Watch | NASA finally unlocks a canister containing precious dust samples from the asteroid Bennu × Despite the breakthrough, the research uncovered two exceptions - oleander hawk moths and Drosophila fruit flies - which flew normally in the presence of light. Fabian noted, “We’d like to pick apart some of these exceptions in future research.” (With inputs from agencies)

Mystery solved? Study reveals reason behind insects' attraction to artificial light

Over the years several studies have linked regular exercise to a lower risk of cancer, but new research shows that men can lower their risk of prostate cancer by as much as 35 per cent by exercising regularly.&nbsp;

<h2>About the study</h2>

According to the study, men whose cardiorespiratory fitness improved by three per cent over the last three years or so were 35 per cent less likely to develop prostate cancer, than those whose cardiorespiratory fitness declined by three per cent. This was found to be the case regardless of the men’s fitness levels at the beginning of the study.

The findings of the research were published on Tuesday (Jan 30) in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The Swedish study is based on the analysis of the physical activity levels, height and body mass index (BMI) of 57,652 men.&nbsp;

Additionally, the researchers accounted for the participants’ lifestyle, perceived health, and the results of at least two cardiorespiratory fitness tests.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/human-skeletons-with-buckets-on-feet-and-rings-around-their-necks-provides-glimpse-into-dark-ages-685180">Human skeletons with buckets on feet, rings around necks provide glimpse into Dark Ages</a>

The yearly cardiorespiratory fitness measurements were based on the amount of oxygen the body uses during vigorous exercise where a higher volume indicated a greater fitness level.

The researchers also divided the men into groups depending on the three per cent increase, remaining stable, and a three per cent decrease in their fitness measurements each year.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the team find?</h2>

The team would analyse whether the men had developed prostate cancer after an average of seven years had passed since their last fitness tests. It was found that 592 participants were diagnosed with prostate cancer.&nbsp;

“The more intensive activity, the lower the requirement for duration and frequency,” said Dr Kate Bolam, the co-author of the study and researcher at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences in Stockholm, as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rare-case-of-human-to-human-transmission-of-alzheimers-found-in-recipients-of-banned-treatment-685196">Rare case of human-to-human transmission of Alzheimer’s found in recipients of banned treatment</a>

She also noted that getting more muscles involved is a “greater aerobic challenge on the cardiovascular system” and recommends activities that involve the lower body and those that “you are barely not able to keep up a conversation while doing”.&nbsp;

“It could be line dancing if that gets your heart rate up and you think it’s fun and you’re going to do it regularly,” said Bolam. She also suggests brisk walking, jogging, hiking, and so on.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Over the years several studies have linked regular exercise to a lower risk of cancer, but new research shows that men can lower their risk of prostate cancer by as much as 35 per cent by exercising regularly.

Over the years several studies have linked regular exercise to a lower risk of cancer, but new research shows that men can lower their risk of prostate cancer by as much as 35 per cent by exercising regularly. About the study According to the study, men whose cardiorespiratory fitness improved by three per cent over the last three years or so were 35 per cent less likely to develop prostate cancer, than those whose cardiorespiratory fitness declined by three per cent. This was found to be the case regardless of the men’s fitness levels at the beginning of the study. The findings of the research were published on Tuesday (Jan 30) in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The Swedish study is based on the analysis of the physical activity levels, height and body mass index (BMI) of 57,652 men. Additionally, the researchers accounted for the participants’ lifestyle, perceived health, and the results of at least two cardiorespiratory fitness tests. ALSO READ | Human skeletons with buckets on feet, rings around necks provide glimpse into Dark Ages The yearly cardiorespiratory fitness measurements were based on the amount of oxygen the body uses during vigorous exercise where a higher volume indicated a greater fitness level. The researchers also divided the men into groups depending on the three per cent increase, remaining stable, and a three per cent decrease in their fitness measurements each year. What did the team find? The team would analyse whether the men had developed prostate cancer after an average of seven years had passed since their last fitness tests. It was found that 592 participants were diagnosed with prostate cancer. “The more intensive activity, the lower the requirement for duration and frequency,” said Dr Kate Bolam, the co-author of the study and researcher at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences in Stockholm, as quoted by The Guardian. ALSO READ | Rare case of human-to-human transmission of Alzheimer’s found in recipients of banned treatment She also noted that getting more muscles involved is a “greater aerobic challenge on the cardiovascular system” and recommends activities that involve the lower body and those that “you are barely not able to keep up a conversation while doing”. “It could be line dancing if that gets your heart rate up and you think it’s fun and you’re going to do it regularly,” said Bolam. She also suggests brisk walking, jogging, hiking, and so on. (With inputs from agencies)

Improving fitness may lower risk of prostate cancer by 35 per cent, finds study

A new study suggests that Alzheimer’s can spread from human to human after an odd case involving five patients emerged in the United Kingdom, but the researchers have stressed that this happened only after a rare medical accident and the disease cannot spread through everyday activities.&nbsp;

<h2>About the study</h2>

The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, on Monday (Jan 29), addresses the first reported evidence of medically acquired Alzheimer’s disease in what appears to be the result of contaminated injections that the patients received as children decades ago.&nbsp;

According to the study, all five patients received injections of human growth hormone from donors’ pituitary glands – located at the base of the brain – who developed early onset Alzheimer’s.

However, it seems like what the scientists did not realise at the time is that in some cases another substance was extracted as well which contaminated the batches with another substance – amyloid-beta protein, which is a key component of Alzheimer’s disease when it forms plaque in the brain.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-fda-approves-new-alzheimers-drug-for-early-stages-patients-but-what-are-its-safety-concerns-550546">Explained: FDA approves new Alzheimer's medicine for early-stage patients, but what are the safety concerns?</a>

Notably, abnormal buildup of the protein amyloid beta in the brain is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. However, in this particular case, researchers cannot explain how being exposed to these proteins could trigger the creation of plaque in the brain. &nbsp;

“We’re not suggesting for a moment you can catch Alzheimer’s disease. This is not transmissible in the sense of a viral or bacterial infection,” said Professor John Collinge, lead of the study and director of the Medical Research Council (MRC) Prion Unit at University College London (UCL) as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;

He added, “It’s only when people have been accidentally inoculated, essentially, with human tissue or extracts of human tissue containing these seeds, which is thankfully a very rare and unusual circumstance.”

In the study, researchers said five people who got Alzheimer’s due to a now-banned treatment were among the 1,848 patients in the UK, between 1959 and 1985, who received human growth hormone extracted from the pituitary glands of cadavers.&nbsp;

The practice was banned in 1985 following the deaths of some participants who died after some hormone samples were found to be contaminated with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)-causing proteins.

<h2>Why is this study important?</h2>

So far, scientists have been able to categorise Alzheimer’s cases into two groups, first, the cases caused by genetic mutations and second, those that develop in people over 65 due to a number of risk factors.&nbsp;

Since the patients did not fit into either criterion the study suggested a third way for Alzheimer’s to develop, through contaminated medical products.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-finds-simple-blood-test-to-be-effective-in-detecting-alzheimers-disease-682955">Study finds simple blood test to be effective in detecting Alzheimer's disease</a>

“I should emphasise these are very rare occurrences, and the majority of this relates to medical procedures that are no longer used,” Collinge said at a news briefing, as quoted by CNN.&nbsp;

The authors of the study also noted that while other patients who received cadaver-derived hormones are at higher risk of Alzheimer’s they do not expect to see a wave of cases.&nbsp;

“The actual risk of transmission of Alzheimer’s disease in this context is really very low and these are probably going to be very rare cases,” said the lead author as quoted by NBC News.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study suggests that Alzheimer’s can spread from human to human after an odd case involving five patients emerged in the United Kingdom, but the researchers have stressed that this happened only after a rare medical accident and the disease cannot spread through everyday activities.

A new study suggests that Alzheimer’s can spread from human to human after an odd case involving five patients emerged in the United Kingdom, but the researchers have stressed that this happened only after a rare medical accident and the disease cannot spread through everyday activities. About the study The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, on Monday (Jan 29), addresses the first reported evidence of medically acquired Alzheimer’s disease in what appears to be the result of contaminated injections that the patients received as children decades ago. According to the study, all five patients received injections of human growth hormone from donors’ pituitary glands – located at the base of the brain – who developed early onset Alzheimer’s. However, it seems like what the scientists did not realise at the time is that in some cases another substance was extracted as well which contaminated the batches with another substance – amyloid-beta protein, which is a key component of Alzheimer’s disease when it forms plaque in the brain. ALSO READ | Explained: FDA approves new Alzheimer's medicine for early-stage patients, but what are the safety concerns? Notably, abnormal buildup of the protein amyloid beta in the brain is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. However, in this particular case, researchers cannot explain how being exposed to these proteins could trigger the creation of plaque in the brain. “We’re not suggesting for a moment you can catch Alzheimer’s disease. This is not transmissible in the sense of a viral or bacterial infection,” said Professor John Collinge, lead of the study and director of the Medical Research Council (MRC) Prion Unit at University College London (UCL) as quoted by The Guardian. He added, “It’s only when people have been accidentally inoculated, essentially, with human tissue or extracts of human tissue containing these seeds, which is thankfully a very rare and unusual circumstance.” In the study, researchers said five people who got Alzheimer’s due to a now-banned treatment were among the 1,848 patients in the UK, between 1959 and 1985, who received human growth hormone extracted from the pituitary glands of cadavers. The practice was banned in 1985 following the deaths of some participants who died after some hormone samples were found to be contaminated with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)-causing proteins. Why is this study important? So far, scientists have been able to categorise Alzheimer’s cases into two groups, first, the cases caused by genetic mutations and second, those that develop in people over 65 due to a number of risk factors. Since the patients did not fit into either criterion the study suggested a third way for Alzheimer’s to develop, through contaminated medical products. ALSO READ | Study finds simple blood test to be effective in detecting Alzheimer's disease “I should emphasise these are very rare occurrences, and the majority of this relates to medical procedures that are no longer used,” Collinge said at a news briefing, as quoted by CNN. The authors of the study also noted that while other patients who received cadaver-derived hormones are at higher risk of Alzheimer’s they do not expect to see a wave of cases. “The actual risk of transmission of Alzheimer’s disease in this context is really very low and these are probably going to be very rare cases,” said the lead author as quoted by NBC News. (With inputs from agencies)

Rare case of human-to-human transmission of Alzheimer’s found in recipients of banned treatment

A new study finds a link between education and longevity of life. Can higher education add more years to life? Priyanka Sharma tells you more.       

Gravitas: Study more, live longer, says new research

For many of us waking up early to go to school and college to attend hours-long classes may have been boring and a pain, but as it turns out, it might not all be in vain, as the first systematic study which directly linked education to gains in longevity found that every year we spent studying at an educational institution improved our life expectancy.&nbsp;

<h2>What was the study about?</h2>

The peer-reviewed analysis published in <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(23)00306-7/fulltext#%20">The Lancet Public Health journal</a> titled ‘Effects of education on adult mortality: A global systematic review and meta-analysis’ on Tuesday (Jan 23) also found that not attending school is as deadly as smoking or heavy drinking.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Notably, the study was published ahead of the International Day of Education. The United Nation’s cultural agency, UNESCO, says that the day is celebrated to highlight the crucial role education and teachers play in countering hate speech, which today has snowballed with the use of social media and is damaging the fabric of our society. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-education-budget-can-2024-deliver-on-a-decade-of-transformation-682244">&nbsp;India's Education Budget: Can 2024 deliver on a decade of transformation?</a>

The study reviewed more than 600 articles from 59 countries, both developed and developing and included over 10,000 data points, and found a two per cent reduction in mortality risk with every additional year of school.&nbsp;

Therefore, according to the meta-analysis, if a person has completed primary school, high school, a college degree and a master’s degree they could have up to a 34 per cent reduction in risk of death when compared to someone with no formal education.

On the other hand, if a person has never been to school at any point in their life, it is as bad as consuming five or more alcoholic drinks every day or smoking 10 cigarettes each day for a decade, said the researchers.&nbsp;

<h2>Benefits of schooling not just limited to health</h2>

The authors of the study, backed by the Norwegian government and the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, also noted how having access to education increases the ability of a person to build a healthy lifestyle for themselves, given that they have the means to increase the resources available to them, both monetary and social.&nbsp;

“Any education at any point is helpful in reducing mortality risk,” said Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) researcher and co-author of the study Claire Henson, during an interview when asked if the same results applied to a person who dropped out of school early in life and then went back later.&nbsp;

Henson also spoke about how given the findings of the research and the effect of education on life expectancy, “It’s time that policymakers look at investments in education as investments in health.”

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The study also found that improvements to longevity due to education were similar in developed and developing countries, regardless of an individual’s sex, social class and demography.&nbsp;

“Closing the education gap means closing the mortality gap, and we need to interrupt the cycle of poverty and preventable deaths with the help of international commitment,” said Henson, in a statement.&nbsp;

David Finch, an assistant director at the UK-based think tank Health Foundation told the Guardian that higher education also improves life expectancy in different ways, including through “soft,” non-financial benefits.

“It helps you to build better social connections. It makes you better at accessing and understanding information that can help you make better choices.”

(With inputs from agencies)

For many of us waking up early to go to school and college to attend hours-long classes may have been boring and a pain, but as it turns out, it might not all be in vain, as the first systematic study which directly linked education to gains in longevity found that every year we spent studying at an educational institution improved our life expectancy.

For many of us waking up early to go to school and college to attend hours-long classes may have been boring and a pain, but as it turns out, it might not all be in vain, as the first systematic study which directly linked education to gains in longevity found that every year we spent studying at an educational institution improved our life expectancy. What was the study about? The peer-reviewed analysis published in The Lancet Public Health journal titled ‘Effects of education on adult mortality: A global systematic review and meta-analysis’ on Tuesday (Jan 23) also found that not attending school is as deadly as smoking or heavy drinking. Notably, the study was published ahead of the International Day of Education. The United Nation’s cultural agency, UNESCO, says that the day is celebrated to highlight the crucial role education and teachers play in countering hate speech, which today has snowballed with the use of social media and is damaging the fabric of our society. ALSO READ | India's Education Budget: Can 2024 deliver on a decade of transformation? The study reviewed more than 600 articles from 59 countries, both developed and developing and included over 10,000 data points, and found a two per cent reduction in mortality risk with every additional year of school. Therefore, according to the meta-analysis, if a person has completed primary school, high school, a college degree and a master’s degree they could have up to a 34 per cent reduction in risk of death when compared to someone with no formal education. On the other hand, if a person has never been to school at any point in their life, it is as bad as consuming five or more alcoholic drinks every day or smoking 10 cigarettes each day for a decade, said the researchers. Benefits of schooling not just limited to health The authors of the study, backed by the Norwegian government and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, also noted how having access to education increases the ability of a person to build a healthy lifestyle for themselves, given that they have the means to increase the resources available to them, both monetary and social. “Any education at any point is helpful in reducing mortality risk,” said Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) researcher and co-author of the study Claire Henson, during an interview when asked if the same results applied to a person who dropped out of school early in life and then went back later. Henson also spoke about how given the findings of the research and the effect of education on life expectancy, “It’s time that policymakers look at investments in education as investments in health.” ALSO READ | Study finds simple blood test to be effective in detecting Alzheimer's disease The study also found that improvements to longevity due to education were similar in developed and developing countries, regardless of an individual’s sex, social class and demography. “Closing the education gap means closing the mortality gap, and we need to interrupt the cycle of poverty and preventable deaths with the help of international commitment,” said Henson, in a statement. David Finch, an assistant director at the UK-based think tank Health Foundation told the Guardian that higher education also improves life expectancy in different ways, including through “soft,” non-financial benefits. “It helps you to build better social connections. It makes you better at accessing and understanding information that can help you make better choices.” (With inputs from agencies)

‘Stay in school!’: Study finds link between higher education and improved life expectancy

Life on Earth might have originated from hot springs billions of years ago. According to a study published in the journal Nature Communications Earth & Environment, key molecules required to produce life consist of inorganic materials, essential to understanding the formation of the first living systems on our planet.

Life on Earth might have originated from hot springs billions of years ago. According to a study published in the journal Nature Communications Earth & Environment, key molecules required to produce life consist of inorganic materials, essential to understanding the formation of the first living systems on our planet. Researchers at Newcastle University studied how the earliest life on Earth emerged from inert geological materials more than 3.5 billion years ago. They mixed hydrogen, bicarbonate and iron-rich magnetite under conditions resembling hot springs or mild hydrothermal vents. The reaction produced a spectrum of organic molecules, notably fatty acids up to 18 carbon atoms in length. The study, funded by the United Kingdom's Natural Environmental Research Council, highlights how organic molecules needed to create life come from inorganic molecules. Lead author Dr Graham Purvis said, "Central to life's inception are cellular compartments, crucial for isolating internal chemistry from the external environment. These compartments were instrumental in fostering life-sustaining reactions by concentrating chemicals and facilitating energy production, potentially serving as the cornerstone of life's earliest moments." ALSO READ | Sex-chromosome syndromes existed even 5,000 years ago, ancient DNA study reveals According to the study, fatty acids (long organic molecules) might have formed in hydrothermal vents after hot water containing hydrogen-rich fluids from underwater vents combined with seawater infused with carbon dioxide. The results show that the combination of hydrogen-rich fluids from alkaline hydrothermal vents with bicarbonate-rich water on iron-based minerals formed the primal membranes of early cells at the very beginning of life. This reaction might have given rise to various types of membranes, some of which played a crucial part in the primary stages of the formation of life on Earth. The study also suggests that the process might have contributed to the genesis of specific acids in the elemental composition of meteorites. Principal Investigator Dr Jon Telling of the School of Natural Environmental Sciences said, "We think that this research may provide the first step in how life originated on our planet. Research in our laboratory now continues determining the second crucial step; how these organic molecules which are initially 'stuck' to the mineral surfaces can lift off to form spherical membrane-bounded cell-like compartments; the first potential 'protocells' that went on to create the first cellular life." Furthermore, the researchers also suggest that similar processes might be occurring in the oceans or under the surfaces of icy moons in our solar systems. It also increases the probability of alternative life origins in distant worlds. (With inputs from agencies)

Hot springs served as catalyst for life on Earth billions of years ago, study finds

Newly discovered evidence of one of the most massive eruptions ever recorded in the South Aegean Volcanic Arc suggests that the field was much more explosive in the distant past than previously believed.

Newly discovered evidence of one of the most massive eruptions ever recorded in the South Aegean Volcanic Arc suggests that the field was much more explosive in the distant past than previously believed. According to the research published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, scientists have extracted an enormous pumice deposit from the seafloor of coastal sites of the Greek archipelago in Santorini. The 60-kilometre chain of over 20 volcanoes makes up the volcanic field in the Greek Aegean. Most of these dangerous volcanoes are underwater and have a history of highly explosive eruptions. Dr Steffen Kutterolf, a volcanist at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel and Dr Timothy Druitt from the University of Clermont-Auvergne led the expedition in Santorini. Dr Kutterolf said, "For example, the Late Bronze Age eruption of Santorini around 3,600 years ago probably triggered the downfall of the Minoan civilization on Crete—an important event for both volcanology and archaeology." ALSO READ | Hot springs served as catalyst for life on Earth billions of years ago, study finds The deposit suggested that a more explosive eruption took place over 520,000 years ago. "The newly discovered tuff deposit has a volume of more than 90 cubic kilometres and is up to 150 meters thick, making it six times larger than the pyroclastic flow deposits of the Minoan eruption and ten times larger than those of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption of 22 January 2022," Dr Kutterolf added. The streams of hot ash, rock, and gas originating from a submarine volcano are known as pyroclastic flows. When combined with water, they transform into turbid flows and mud. Pyroclastic flows transported large quantities of volcanic material up to 70 kilometres into the nearby sea basins. Researchers have also found layers of rock belonging to the same eruption as the deposit on three neighbouring islands. Dr. Kutterolf said, "The first dating and estimation of the water depth at which the eruption took place were possible directly on board thanks to micropalaeontology." Since the geological age and preferred water depths are known, the research team used microfossils (foraminifera) found above and below the pumice deposit to determine its location on the seafloor. However, researchers believe that the chances of the volcanic field experiencing another eruption of high magnitude are low. "But knowing the past is also an essential building block for predicting the future," says Dr Kutterolf. (With inputs from agencies)

An eruption over 520,000 years ago shows South Aegean Volcanic Arc was far more dangerous

The earliest known cases of sex-chromosome syndromes, identified by researchers, suggest that people with extra or missing chromosomes existed 5,000 years ago. According to a study published in Communications Biology, people with genetic syndromes have existed throughout human history and have been a part of human societies.

The earliest known cases of sex-chromosome syndromes, identified by researchers, suggest that people with extra or missing chromosomes existed 5,000 years ago. According to a study published in Communications Biology, people with genetic syndromes have existed throughout human history and have been a part of human societies. They often have distinct looks and demeanours compared to the rest of the population. Researchers can learn more about how ancient societies treated people with these differences by finding out about prehistoric people who had such genetic syndromes. Kyriaki Anastasiadou of the Francis Crick Institute in London, the co-author of the study, and his team used DNA sequencing to find that ancient people with an atypical number of chromosomes, including an infant with Down syndrome (caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21), lived around 5,000 years ago. ALSO READ | Astronauts reveal what space smells like, and it’s stinkier than you’d expect The research team also discovered the first prehistoric person to have Turner syndrome was a female, who had only one complete copy of the X chromosome instead of two copies, generally found in females. She lived in Somerset in the United Kingdom during the Iron Age, roughly around 2,500 years ago. Anastasiadou and the team also found a male with an extra Y chromosome, called Jacob's syndrome. While a person with Turner's syndrome is shorter and has infertility problems, people with Jacob's syndrome are taller than average. The identified male live during the early Medieval Period, around 1,100 years ago. ALSO READ | Once nearly extinct, world’s ‘rarest insect’ now thrives in thousands in US Furthermore, researchers identified three ancient males from different periods with an extra X chromosome, a condition called Klinefelter syndrome, linked to growing taller than average and having broader hips and larger breasts. According to Anastasiadou, no evidence indicated that these people experienced different treatment. "There didn't seem to be anything different about how they died or how they were buried at first glance," she said. The authors derived DNA samples from the teeth, skull, jaw and ear bones for the study. They used a computation tool for each individual to calculate the number of DNA fragments derived from the X and Y sex chromosomes. Then, they compared it to the amount of DNA fragments derived from non-sex chromosomes. With the help of this, they deduced the presence and ratio of X and Y chromosomes in each person. (With inputs from agencies)

Sex-chromosome syndromes existed even 5,000 years ago, ancient DNA study reveals

Despite their eco-friendly image, paper straws may not be the green solution many hoped for. Recent research from the University of Antwerp reveals that these alternatives, touted as environmentally conscious, contain low levels of forever chemicals, also known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

In a comprehensive study, researchers tested 39 different straw brands made from plastic, paper, glass, bamboo and&nbsp;stainless steel.

Surprisingly, PFAS was detected in almost all materials, raising concerns about the unintended consequences of purportedly sustainable options.

<h2>Stainless steel exception</h2>

Notably, stainless steel emerged as the only consistent exception, free from PFAS contamination.&nbsp;

PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals found in various products, can persist in the environment for centuries. The slow breakdown of these substances challenges the perception of certain straws as 'biodegradable.'&nbsp;

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While the health impact of low-level PFAS exposure is not fully understood, the potential risks associated with these forever chemicals are a growing concern. Researchers emphasise the need for PFAS-free alternatives, as these substances can accumulate in the environment and animal bodies, posing potential long-term health risks.

To make plant-based straws, such as paper and bamboo water-repellent, manufacturers often incorporate PFAS. This practice, aimed at enhancing straw functionality, inadvertently contributes to PFAS pollution. The study suggests that some plant-based and 'eco-friendly' alternatives may not be as environmentally conscious as perceived.

High-resolution mass spectrometry was employed to analyse the chemical composition of various straw types.

PFAS was found in all but two paper-based straws, raising questions about the widespread presence of these chemicals in seemingly sustainable choices.

Even after use, PFAS pollutants from straws can persist, whether through recycling, landfill disposal, or incineration.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

Despite their eco-friendly image, paper straws may not be the green solution many hoped for. Recent research from the University of Antwerp reveals that these alternatives, touted as environmentally conscious, contain low levels of forever chemicals, also known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Despite their eco-friendly image, paper straws may not be the green solution many hoped for. Recent research from the University of Antwerp reveals that these alternatives, touted as environmentally conscious, contain low levels of forever chemicals, also known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In a comprehensive study, researchers tested 39 different straw brands made from plastic, paper, glass, bamboo and stainless steel. Surprisingly, PFAS was detected in almost all materials, raising concerns about the unintended consequences of purportedly sustainable options. Stainless steel exception Notably, stainless steel emerged as the only consistent exception, free from PFAS contamination. PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals found in various products, can persist in the environment for centuries. The slow breakdown of these substances challenges the perception of certain straws as 'biodegradable.' Also read | People with long Covid shouldn't undertake intense exercise: Study While the health impact of low-level PFAS exposure is not fully understood, the potential risks associated with these forever chemicals are a growing concern. Researchers emphasise the need for PFAS-free alternatives, as these substances can accumulate in the environment and animal bodies, posing potential long-term health risks. To make plant-based straws, such as paper and bamboo water-repellent, manufacturers often incorporate PFAS. This practice, aimed at enhancing straw functionality, inadvertently contributes to PFAS pollution. The study suggests that some plant-based and 'eco-friendly' alternatives may not be as environmentally conscious as perceived. High-resolution mass spectrometry was employed to analyse the chemical composition of various straw types. PFAS was found in all but two paper-based straws, raising questions about the widespread presence of these chemicals in seemingly sustainable choices. Even after use, PFAS pollutants from straws can persist, whether through recycling, landfill disposal, or incineration. Also read | Want to fly your name to Moon? Here’s how NASA campaign can help (With inputs from agencies)

Paper straws are not necessarily biodegradable, may lead to pollution: Study

In a “shocking” incident off the coast of the US state of Florida, a silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) regrew a section of its fin a year after suffering a traumatic injury, researchers have found. The findings about the shark’s so-called super-healing abilities were published in the Journal of Marine Sciences.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

In June 2022, scientists put a satellite tag on a shark’s dorsal fin to track its migration.&nbsp;

However, a month or so later, the author of the study Chelsea Black, a doctoral student and marine biologist at the University of Miami, received a call from a local diver who saw the shark’s tag along with around 20 per cent of the whole appendage missing and alerted the researchers.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Shark fin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3f193a7d-b329-4544-beb5-b1f597de2464" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20-%202024-01-07T175337.687.png" />

<h4>(Photo credit:&nbsp;Josh Schellenberg)</h4>

It is speculated that the silky shark either got caught during fishing or one of the most plausible explanations is that humans deliberately removed the tag with a sharp object, according to the study. Black told LiveScience in an email that while the reasons remain unknown, she doubts that whoever did this intended to help the shark.

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She also said that the diver later sent her an image “showing the huge hole of where a tag had been”, adding that she had not expected to see the shark again, as the injury was extensive and given that there was no way to track the animal.&nbsp;

But to her great surprise, the shark showed up 332 days later looking remarkably put together. “It was shocking!” the study author told LiveScience. She added, “My first reaction was relief that the shark was still alive, as that was a traumatic wound that could affect his swimming ability or create a significant infection.”

<h2>‘Fin repair’</h2>

The study noted that while fin repair in sharks is rather common it is rarely full. In this case, the silky shark, according to the study, regained about 87 per cent of its fin back and was seen swimming normally.&nbsp;

<img alt="Fixed fin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3af029fc-8528-439f-8b15-79c0d4ca8025" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20-%202024-01-07T175409.156.png" />

(Photo credit:&nbsp;Josh Schellenberg)

But what makes this incident notable is the fact that this is the first time researchers have observed a silky shark regrowing its dorsal fin and only the second recorded case of dorsal fin regeneration in any shark, according to the study.&nbsp;

When a shark with an oddly shaped dorsal fin was photographed by divers in the same area images were sent to Black for identification and she later confirmed by tag ID number that this was the same animal which was injured a year earlier.&nbsp;

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The researchers, however, cannot determine if this remarkable healing process is due to new tissue, scar tissue growth, or fusion of the wound bordering parts but noted that the new fin has a slightly different colouring.&nbsp;

According to the marine biologist, the new fin could be mostly scar tissue but cannot say it with absolute certainty as nobody has ever dissected a regenerated shark fin.&nbsp;

“While the incident of injury remains disheartening, the outcome has provided an extraordinary opportunity to investigate the healing and regenerative abilities of silky sharks following both natural and human-induced injury,” Black wrote.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a “shocking” incident off the coast of the US state of Florida, a silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) regrew a section of its fin a year after suffering a traumatic injury, researchers have found.

In a “shocking” incident off the coast of the US state of Florida, a silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) regrew a section of its fin a year after suffering a traumatic injury, researchers have found. The findings about the shark’s so-called super-healing abilities were published in the Journal of Marine Sciences. What happened? In June 2022, scientists put a satellite tag on a shark’s dorsal fin to track its migration. However, a month or so later, the author of the study Chelsea Black, a doctoral student and marine biologist at the University of Miami, received a call from a local diver who saw the shark’s tag along with around 20 per cent of the whole appendage missing and alerted the researchers. (Photo credit: Josh Schellenberg) It is speculated that the silky shark either got caught during fishing or one of the most plausible explanations is that humans deliberately removed the tag with a sharp object, according to the study. Black told LiveScience in an email that while the reasons remain unknown, she doubts that whoever did this intended to help the shark. ALSO READ | Unusually large, alligator-like new species found in Mexico She also said that the diver later sent her an image “showing the huge hole of where a tag had been”, adding that she had not expected to see the shark again, as the injury was extensive and given that there was no way to track the animal. But to her great surprise, the shark showed up 332 days later looking remarkably put together. “It was shocking!” the study author told LiveScience. She added, “My first reaction was relief that the shark was still alive, as that was a traumatic wound that could affect his swimming ability or create a significant infection.” ‘Fin repair’ The study noted that while fin repair in sharks is rather common it is rarely full. In this case, the silky shark, according to the study, regained about 87 per cent of its fin back and was seen swimming normally. (Photo credit: Josh Schellenberg) But what makes this incident notable is the fact that this is the first time researchers have observed a silky shark regrowing its dorsal fin and only the second recorded case of dorsal fin regeneration in any shark, according to the study. When a shark with an oddly shaped dorsal fin was photographed by divers in the same area images were sent to Black for identification and she later confirmed by tag ID number that this was the same animal which was injured a year earlier. ALSO READ | Scientists might finally know why Earth's inner core wobbles every 8.5 years The researchers, however, cannot determine if this remarkable healing process is due to new tissue, scar tissue growth, or fusion of the wound bordering parts but noted that the new fin has a slightly different colouring. According to the marine biologist, the new fin could be mostly scar tissue but cannot say it with absolute certainty as nobody has ever dissected a regenerated shark fin. “While the incident of injury remains disheartening, the outcome has provided an extraordinary opportunity to investigate the healing and regenerative abilities of silky sharks following both natural and human-induced injury,” Black wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

In shocking first, shark’s fin regenerates less than a year after being ‘torn by humans’

Scientists have long questioned the habitability of Venus, focusing not on its scorching 700K surface but on the cloud layers at 48-60 km altitudes where temperatures mimic Earth. Conventional wisdom suggested that the sulfuric acid in Venus' clouds would thwart any potential for life.

However, a groundbreaking study examined 20 biogenic amino acids within the range of Venus' cloud sulfuric acid concentrations and temperatures.

Astonishingly, 19 of the tested amino acids remained unreactive or underwent only side chain modifications after four weeks. The pivotal revelation is that the amino acid backbone remains intact even in concentrated sulfuric acid, expanding the scope of potential biologically relevant molecules.

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The findings mark a pivotal moment and now this new study calls for a new branch in astrobiology and organic chemistry.

Janusz Pętkowski, a research affiliate at MIT, said, "Life needs some sort of liquid medium to function, but does it always have to be water?"

The study, featured in a special collection of "Venues" research papers in Astrobiology, underscored the stability of amino acids in concentrated sulfuric acid. Amino acids are crucial building blocks for proteins, essential components for life as we understand it.

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Pętkowski and his colleagues state in their paper, titled "Stability of 20 Biogenic Amino Acids in Concentrated Sulfuric Acid: Implications for the Habitability of Venus' Clouds," that the findings broaden the range of biologically relevant molecules in a biochemistry based on a concentrated sulfuric acid solvent.

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Pętkowski points out the importance of understanding basic chemistry in potential alternative solvents.&nbsp;"Therefore, it is important to understand the basic chemistry that happens in such potential alternative solvents for life, to assess if complex organic chemistry could form in them, be stable and soluble. On Earth, water is a dominant liquid, but other liquid solvents are also present in our solar system," he reportedly told Space.com.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have long questioned the habitability of Venus, focusing not on its scorching 700K surface but on the cloud layers at 48-60 km altitudes where temperatures mimic Earth.

Scientists have long questioned the habitability of Venus, focusing not on its scorching 700K surface but on the cloud layers at 48-60 km altitudes where temperatures mimic Earth. Conventional wisdom suggested that the sulfuric acid in Venus' clouds would thwart any potential for life. However, a groundbreaking study examined 20 biogenic amino acids within the range of Venus' cloud sulfuric acid concentrations and temperatures. Astonishingly, 19 of the tested amino acids remained unreactive or underwent only side chain modifications after four weeks. The pivotal revelation is that the amino acid backbone remains intact even in concentrated sulfuric acid, expanding the scope of potential biologically relevant molecules. Also Read | Want to fly your name to Moon? Here's how NASA campaign can help The findings mark a pivotal moment and now this new study calls for a new branch in astrobiology and organic chemistry. Janusz Pętkowski, a research affiliate at MIT, said, "Life needs some sort of liquid medium to function, but does it always have to be water?" The study, featured in a special collection of "Venues" research papers in Astrobiology, underscored the stability of amino acids in concentrated sulfuric acid. Amino acids are crucial building blocks for proteins, essential components for life as we understand it. Also Read | ISRO prepares for crucial manoeuvre of Aditya-L1 solar probe Pętkowski and his colleagues state in their paper, titled "Stability of 20 Biogenic Amino Acids in Concentrated Sulfuric Acid: Implications for the Habitability of Venus' Clouds," that the findings broaden the range of biologically relevant molecules in a biochemistry based on a concentrated sulfuric acid solvent. Watch | Japan Earthquake: Losses to touch $6.4 billion, death toll climbs to 98 × Pętkowski points out the importance of understanding basic chemistry in potential alternative solvents. "Therefore, it is important to understand the basic chemistry that happens in such potential alternative solvents for life, to assess if complex organic chemistry could form in them, be stable and soluble. On Earth, water is a dominant liquid, but other liquid solvents are also present in our solar system," he reportedly told Space.com. (With inputs from agencies)

Sulfuric acid-laden Venusian clouds reveal potential for extraterrestrial life: New study

Humans have long been drawn to scents and fragrances, so much so that the scent industry has now gone beyond just the perfumes. You have various types of diffusers, essential oils, candles, incense and a lot more.

Humans have long been drawn to scents and fragrances, so much so that the scent industry has now gone beyond just the perfumes. You have various types of diffusers, essential oils, candles, incense and a lot more. If you haven't given in yet to the love for sweet-smelling things, you now have a major reason to do so. Fragrances and scents can have a positive impact on our memory, especially on senior citizens, a new study has shown. In fact, burning the night diffuser and filling up the bedroom with some scintillating scents can lower the risk of dementia immensely. How do scents help? Neurologically, scent triggers memories because the brain processes scent in the amygdala and hippocampus, the areas of emotional and episodic memories. In a trial at the University of California, Irvine, neuroscientists found that senior citizens saw a jump in cognitive performance by 226 per cent after using fragrance diffusers in their bedrooms every night for two hours, reported Psychology Today. They performed the trial on 43 adults aged between 60 and 85 with no prior diagnosis of cognitive impairment or dementia. The neuroscientists distributed commercially bought scent diffusers containing seven essential oil cartridges of rose, orange, eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, and lavender. They gave 20 trial participants a full-strength fragrance cartridge. The other 23 received cartridges with only small amounts of odorant as a control group. The trial participants had to use a cartridge in the diffuser every night before sleeping to spread the scent as they slept. ALSO READ | Storm on Mars: UAE probe detects significant dust mobilisation According to the previous research, patients with dementia had improved memory and language skills when exposed to 40 odours twice daily. However, the researchers at California University Irvine designed the trial differently because they thought it was unrealistic to ask senior citizens with cognitive impairment to open, sniff, and close bottles 80 times daily. Cynthia Woo, the study's lead author, said, "That's why we reduced the number of scents to only seven, exposing participants to just one each time, rather than the multiple aromas used simultaneously in previous research projects." She added, "By making it possible for people to experience the odours while sleeping, we eliminated the need to set aside time for this during waking hours every day." After six months, the research revealed that members of the scent-enriched group performed better than the control group in a word list test. The word list test evaluated verbal learning, retention, and recognition memory. Moreover, they reported having better sleep. Furthermore, MRI scans of the scent-enriched group revealed they had better integrity in the left uncinate fasciculus, a brain pathway connecting parts of the limbic system which weakens with age. Thus, the study established that scent can enhance memory power if used in a non-invasive intervention and prevent dementia in senior citizens. (With inputs from agencies)

Lighting up that scent diffuser can improve your memory power, study finds

Scientists have recently developed an electrically conductive “soil” or eSoil, which they say led to 50 per cent more growth of barley seedlings in 15 days after their roots were stimulated electrically. Researchers from Linkoping University in Sweden presented their findings in a study published in the journal PNAS.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Hydroponics’</h2>

This method of soilless cultivation is known as hydroponics which, according to the study, uses a root system that is stimulated electrically through a new cultivation substrate. Simply put, hydroponic cultivation means that plants grow without soil, needing only water, nutrients and something their roots can attach to – a substrate.&nbsp;

Hydroponic cultivation is a closed system which allows water recirculation so that each seedling gets exactly the nutrients it needs. Therefore, the method requires very little water and all nutrients remain in the system, which is not possible in traditional cultivation.

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“The world population is increasing, and we also have climate change. So it’s clear that we won’t be able to cover the food demands of the planet with only the already existing agricultural methods,” said Eleni Stavrinidou, an associate professor at Linkoping University, in a statement.&nbsp;

“But with hydroponics we can grow food also in urban environments in very controlled settings,” she added.&nbsp;

<h2>The use of barley</h2>

While crops like lettuce, herbs and some vegetables are already being cultivated using hydroponics, the researchers for this study used grains as they are not typically grown using this method&nbsp;apart from their use as fodder.

The study showed that barley seedlings grown in the conductive “soil” grew up to 50 per cent more in 15 days.&nbsp;

Therefore, the researchers managed to prove that not only barley seedlings can be cultivated using hydroponics but also that they have a better growth rate thanks to electrical stimulation.

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The eSoil is made of cellulose, as opposed to the typical use of mineral wool which is not only non-biodegradable but also produced with a very energy-intensive process. Notably, cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer.&nbsp;

The study also noted that while previous research has used high voltage to stimulate the roots, researchers’ eSoil has very low energy consumption and no high voltage danger.

Stavrinidou believes that the new study paves the way for new research areas to develop further hydroponic cultivation.&nbsp;

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She also acknowledged that while it may not solve the problem of food security, it can “definitely help particularly in areas with little arable land and with harsh environmental conditions.”&nbsp;

Scientists have recently developed an electrically conductive “soil” or eSoil, which they say led to 50 per cent more growth of barley seedlings in 15 days after their roots were stimulated electrically.

Scientists have recently developed an electrically conductive “soil” or eSoil, which they say led to 50 per cent more growth of barley seedlings in 15 days after their roots were stimulated electrically. Researchers from Linkoping University in Sweden presented their findings in a study published in the journal PNAS. ‘Hydroponics’ This method of soilless cultivation is known as hydroponics which, according to the study, uses a root system that is stimulated electrically through a new cultivation substrate. Simply put, hydroponic cultivation means that plants grow without soil, needing only water, nutrients and something their roots can attach to – a substrate. Hydroponic cultivation is a closed system which allows water recirculation so that each seedling gets exactly the nutrients it needs. Therefore, the method requires very little water and all nutrients remain in the system, which is not possible in traditional cultivation. ALSO READ | Scientists devise way to convert toxic cigarette butts into green fuel “The world population is increasing, and we also have climate change. So it’s clear that we won’t be able to cover the food demands of the planet with only the already existing agricultural methods,” said Eleni Stavrinidou, an associate professor at Linkoping University, in a statement. “But with hydroponics we can grow food also in urban environments in very controlled settings,” she added. The use of barley While crops like lettuce, herbs and some vegetables are already being cultivated using hydroponics, the researchers for this study used grains as they are not typically grown using this method apart from their use as fodder. The study showed that barley seedlings grown in the conductive “soil” grew up to 50 per cent more in 15 days. Therefore, the researchers managed to prove that not only barley seedlings can be cultivated using hydroponics but also that they have a better growth rate thanks to electrical stimulation. ALSO READ | Monkeys started using stone tools when Covid stopped tourist inflow: Study The eSoil is made of cellulose, as opposed to the typical use of mineral wool which is not only non-biodegradable but also produced with a very energy-intensive process. Notably, cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer. The study also noted that while previous research has used high voltage to stimulate the roots, researchers’ eSoil has very low energy consumption and no high voltage danger. Stavrinidou believes that the new study paves the way for new research areas to develop further hydroponic cultivation. ALSO READ | Ancient humans in Europe would chop their fingers off to appease deities: Study She also acknowledged that while it may not solve the problem of food security, it can “definitely help particularly in areas with little arable land and with harsh environmental conditions.”

Researchers develop ‘electronic soil’ that enhances crop growth by 50%

In older persons, having a keen sense of smell is linked to a slower rate of brain volume loss and cognitive decline. This relationship between scent and brain and cognitive alterations may be particularly strong in those who have dementia or cognitive impairment.

Is sense of smell linked to cognitive health?

In a study, Chinese scientists have uncovered the initial genetic evidence of a multiracial population in ancient China by examining DNA from remains discovered at a pivotal junction along the Silk Road.

Using advanced palaeogenomic techniques, researchers identified two individuals with East-West admixture, revealing the intermingling of genetically distinct groups in the ancient city of Dunhuang.

One of the individuals, hailing from the Cao-Wei dynasty (220-265 AD), exhibited West Eurasian genetic components reaching as high as 30 percent.

Meanwhile, a person from the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD) displayed an even more pronounced West Eurasian genetic component, accounting for up to half of their genome.

Surprisingly, both cases indicated that it was the mother who originated from the West, challenging previous assumptions and suggesting a pattern of local men forming unions with "exotic" women from the West, colloquially known as "Hu Ji" in Chinese classical literature.

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Wen Shaoqing, an associate professor at Fudan University in Shanghai and a study author, reportedly stressed the limitations in precisely pinpointing the place of Western origin with the available genome information.

Instead, the study broadened the scope, defining the West as the region west of Central Asia in the Eurasian continent, while the East referred to East Asia.

Dunhuang, situated in the Hexi Corridor in modern-day Gansu province, served as a crucial intersection on the ancient Silk Road, fostering cross-continental material and cultural exchange.

The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Bulletin on December 16, reflected a joint effort by researchers from Fudan University, Xiamen University, and the Gansu Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology.

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Jin Xin, deputy director of the Institute of Precision Health Research at BGl-Research, commended the study, stating, "This is an interesting study that fills the knowledge gap."

The research also threw light on the Hexi Corridor's role at the forefront of China's interactions with world civilisations during that era.

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Wen and his team analysed the genomic data of 30 individuals from different periods in the Hexi Corridor, uncovering a population admixture dating back to 600-1000 years ago, coinciding with the expansion of the Mongol Empire.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a study, Chinese scientists have uncovered the initial genetic evidence of a multiracial population in ancient China by examining DNA from remains discovered at a pivotal junction along the Silk Road.

In a study, Chinese scientists have uncovered the initial genetic evidence of a multiracial population in ancient China by examining DNA from remains discovered at a pivotal junction along the Silk Road. Using advanced palaeogenomic techniques, researchers identified two individuals with East-West admixture, revealing the intermingling of genetically distinct groups in the ancient city of Dunhuang. One of the individuals, hailing from the Cao-Wei dynasty (220-265 AD), exhibited West Eurasian genetic components reaching as high as 30 percent. Meanwhile, a person from the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD) displayed an even more pronounced West Eurasian genetic component, accounting for up to half of their genome. Surprisingly, both cases indicated that it was the mother who originated from the West, challenging previous assumptions and suggesting a pattern of local men forming unions with "exotic" women from the West, colloquially known as "Hu Ji" in Chinese classical literature. Also Read | South Korea's upgraded warship, Cheonan, begins mission amidst North Korean tensions Wen Shaoqing, an associate professor at Fudan University in Shanghai and a study author, reportedly stressed the limitations in precisely pinpointing the place of Western origin with the available genome information. Instead, the study broadened the scope, defining the West as the region west of Central Asia in the Eurasian continent, while the East referred to East Asia. Dunhuang, situated in the Hexi Corridor in modern-day Gansu province, served as a crucial intersection on the ancient Silk Road, fostering cross-continental material and cultural exchange. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Bulletin on December 16, reflected a joint effort by researchers from Fudan University, Xiamen University, and the Gansu Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology. Also Read | Friend-turned-foe: How 2023 saw the emergence of Xi’s biggest nemesis - Bongbong Marcos Jin Xin, deputy director of the Institute of Precision Health Research at BGl-Research, commended the study, stating, "This is an interesting study that fills the knowledge gap." The research also threw light on the Hexi Corridor's role at the forefront of China's interactions with world civilisations during that era. Watch | US announces Naval 20-country coalition to defend Red Sea | Israel-Hamas War × Wen and his team analysed the genomic data of 30 individuals from different periods in the Hexi Corridor, uncovering a population admixture dating back to 600-1000 years ago, coinciding with the expansion of the Mongol Empire. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, DNA from Silk Road reveals ancient China's multiracial past

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