When a cat wants food from you, it can be the most 'aww-worthy' animal you'd ever see in your life. At most other times though they'd be too busy to give attention and respect to the mere mortal whose home they reside in. The popular image of cat as pets does not allow them to be obedient. And hence it'll come as a surprise to many of us that even cats can play fetch, like dogs. But they do it on their own terms. Not a surprise perhaps.

The study which led to this conclusion was carried out by experts from the University of Essex and Northumbria University. The study has been published in Nature.

The researchers took an online survey. The cats owned by 94.4 per cent of pet-owners surveyed were not trained to play fetch.

It was found that cats who initiated the game of fetch with their owners were more enthusiastic about it

It was also seen that cats' readiness to play fetch varied by breed Siamese cats were most likely to play fetch. This reinforces previous observations about Siamese cats that they are proficient fetchers.

Some cats liked to play fetch with specific toys that they liked while others made most of their surroundings by playing fetch with any immediate item they could find.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/octopus-gives-startling-warning-on-west-antarctic-ice-sheets-potential-collapse-672361">Octopus gives startling warning on West Antarctic ice sheet's potential collapse</a>

And even when they did play fetch, there was difference in their behaviour. Some cats brought the object to the owner first while others fetched the object when it was thrown by the owners first. Some cats brought back the object only halfway and some wanted to play fetch only in specific areas, like the stairs.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fossilized-megalodon-tooth-found-in-deep-sea-heres-why-it-is-significant-672554">Fossilised megalodon tooth found in deep sea. Here's why it is significant</a>

Even if ancient Egyptians didn't&nbsp;worship&nbsp;cats, the feline species would have found a way to consider itself superior to humans anyway perhaps.

(With inputs from agencies)

When a cat wants food from you, it can be the most 'aww-worthy' animal you'd ever see in your life. At most other times though they'd be too busy to give attention and respect to the mere mortal whose home they reside in.

When a cat wants food from you, it can be the most 'aww-worthy' animal you'd ever see in your life. At most other times though they'd be too busy to give attention and respect to the mere mortal whose home they reside in. The popular image of cat as pets does not allow them to be obedient. And hence it'll come as a surprise to many of us that even cats can play fetch, like dogs. But they do it on their own terms. Not a surprise perhaps. The study which led to this conclusion was carried out by experts from the University of Essex and Northumbria University. The study has been published in Nature. The researchers took an online survey. The cats owned by 94.4 per cent of pet-owners surveyed were not trained to play fetch. It was found that cats who initiated the game of fetch with their owners were more enthusiastic about it It was also seen that cats' readiness to play fetch varied by breed Siamese cats were most likely to play fetch. This reinforces previous observations about Siamese cats that they are proficient fetchers. Some cats liked to play fetch with specific toys that they liked while others made most of their surroundings by playing fetch with any immediate item they could find. Also Read | Octopus gives startling warning on West Antarctic ice sheet's potential collapse And even when they did play fetch, there was difference in their behaviour. Some cats brought the object to the owner first while others fetched the object when it was thrown by the owners first. Some cats brought back the object only halfway and some wanted to play fetch only in specific areas, like the stairs. Also Read | Fossilised megalodon tooth found in deep sea. Here's why it is significant Even if ancient Egyptians didn't worship cats, the feline species would have found a way to consider itself superior to humans anyway perhaps. (With inputs from agencies)

Cats do like to play fetch, but on their own terms: Study

A recent study conducted by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) reveals a staggering revelation: humans have caused the extinction of approximately 1,430 bird species—twice the previously estimated number.

The study focuses on regions like Hawaii, Tonga, and the Azores, where human presence has led to profound consequences such as deforestation, overhunting, and the introduction of invasive species.

These impacts have proven devastating for bird populations, leading to the obliteration of many previously unknown species.

The study challenges existing estimates, suggesting that one in nine bird species has vanished over modern human history, starting from the Late Pleistocene around 130,000 years ago. Traditional fossil records are limited in reflecting the true scale of global extinctions, as the lightweight bones of birds disintegrate over time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/long-distance-relationships-and-promiscuous-males-leading-cause-behind-bird-divorces-study-612379">Also read |&nbsp;Explained: Bird divorces are on the rise. Here's the fascinating reason behind avian breakups</a>

<h2>Extent of human impact on bird diversity</h2>

Lead author Dr&nbsp;Rob Cooke, an ecological modeller at UKCEH, highlighted the&nbsp;profound human impact on avian diversity to the Independent.&nbsp;

“Humans have rapidly devastated bird populations via habitat loss, overexploitation and the introduction of rats, pigs and dogs that raided nests of birds and competed with them for food," he said.&nbsp;

Co-author Dr&nbsp;Spren Faurby of the University of Gothenburg also stressed on&nbsp;the major implications of historic bird extinctions on the current biodiversity crisis.

Beyond losing fascinating bird species, these extinctions have disrupted ecological roles, affecting functions such as seed dispersal and pollination, leading to cascading harmful effects on ecosystems.

Also watch | Singapore halts poultry from parts of Japan on bird flu; France on 'high' alert for bird flu

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The research suggests that significant extinction events occurred during the 14th century and the ninth century BC, corresponding to human arrival in the Eastern Pacific and Western Pacific regions, respectively. These events, driven by habitat alterations and the introduction of invasive species, mark the largest human-driven vertebrate extinction event in history.

Published in Nature Communications, the study estimates that around 570 bird species were lost in the Eastern Pacific after human arrival.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A recent study conducted by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) reveals a staggering revelation: humans have caused the extinction of approximately 1,430 bird species—twice the previously estimated number.

A recent study conducted by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) reveals a staggering revelation: humans have caused the extinction of approximately 1,430 bird species—twice the previously estimated number. The study focuses on regions like Hawaii, Tonga, and the Azores, where human presence has led to profound consequences such as deforestation, overhunting, and the introduction of invasive species. These impacts have proven devastating for bird populations, leading to the obliteration of many previously unknown species. The study challenges existing estimates, suggesting that one in nine bird species has vanished over modern human history, starting from the Late Pleistocene around 130,000 years ago. Traditional fossil records are limited in reflecting the true scale of global extinctions, as the lightweight bones of birds disintegrate over time. Also read | Explained: Bird divorces are on the rise. Here's the fascinating reason behind avian breakups Extent of human impact on bird diversity Lead author Dr Rob Cooke, an ecological modeller at UKCEH, highlighted the profound human impact on avian diversity to the Independent. “Humans have rapidly devastated bird populations via habitat loss, overexploitation and the introduction of rats, pigs and dogs that raided nests of birds and competed with them for food," he said. Co-author Dr Spren Faurby of the University of Gothenburg also stressed on the major implications of historic bird extinctions on the current biodiversity crisis. Beyond losing fascinating bird species, these extinctions have disrupted ecological roles, affecting functions such as seed dispersal and pollination, leading to cascading harmful effects on ecosystems. Also watch | Singapore halts poultry from parts of Japan on bird flu; France on 'high' alert for bird flu The research suggests that significant extinction events occurred during the 14th century and the ninth century BC, corresponding to human arrival in the Eastern Pacific and Western Pacific regions, respectively. These events, driven by habitat alterations and the introduction of invasive species, mark the largest human-driven vertebrate extinction event in history. Published in Nature Communications, the study estimates that around 570 bird species were lost in the Eastern Pacific after human arrival. (With inputs from agencies)

On the brink of bird apocalypse? Study says humans have driven more than 1,400 bird species to extinction

Daydreamers are always scoffed at. Whether by teachers or bosses or someone else may depend on which phase of life you are in. But generally, such persons are asked to focus on what is declared 'main work'. Now it turns out daydreaming may have a positive effect as it may strengthen memory. This study has been carried out by Scientists at Harvard University.

<h2>The study</h2>

So they did this. They carried out an experiment involving mice and observed their brain activity. The scientists chose 13 mice and showed them two black-and-white images 64 times during the day for two seconds at a time. Other than this, the mice received no stimulation.

Scientists continued showing the mice these images and studied parts of their brains called the visual cortex and hippocampus. The visual cortex analyses&nbsp;what is being seen while the hippocampus is associated with consolidation or memories.

The scientists observed that when the mice looked at the black-and-white images, the neurons in the visual cortex fired up in a specific pattern.

Watch | JN.1 sub-variant cases surge worldwide; India, Singapore, UK among many nations to report rise

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The mice were then shown blank screens in experimental conditions that ensured that the mice were in a 'daydreaming' state. It was found that even while looking at the blank screens, the visual cortex of the mice lit up as if they were looking at the previous black-and-white images. This activity was accompanied by activity in the hippocampus, the part responsible for the consolidation of memories. This suggested that the brains were making the neural connections and in turn, memories stronger.

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"We wanted to know how this daydreaming process occurred on a neurobiological level, and whether these moments of quiet reflection could be important for learning and memory," says Nghia Nguyen, a neurobiologist from Harvard University as quoted by EurekaAlert.

Nguyen is the lead author of the study.

"When you see two different images many times, it becomes important to discriminate between them," explains Nguyen.

"Our findings suggest that daydreaming may guide this process by steering the neural patterns associated with the two images away from each other."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/empathy-with-our-closest-living-cousins-humans-and-apes-share-remarkable-social-memory-traits-study-finds-671294">‘Empathy with our closest living cousins’: Humans and apes share remarkable social memory traits, study finds</a>

More detailed study may be required to state with 100 per cent certainty that these results apply to humans as well. But it's interesting to know nonetheless that while daydreaming, you are actually making your brain stronger!

Harvard University scientists' study was published in the journal Nature on December 13, 2023.

(With inputs from agencies)

Daydreamers are always scoffed at. Whether by teachers or bosses or someone else may depend on which phase of life you are in. But generally, such persons are asked to focus on what is declared 'main work'.

Daydreamers are always scoffed at. Whether by teachers or bosses or someone else may depend on which phase of life you are in. But generally, such persons are asked to focus on what is declared 'main work'. Now it turns out daydreaming may have a positive effect as it may strengthen memory. This study has been carried out by Scientists at Harvard University. The study So they did this. They carried out an experiment involving mice and observed their brain activity. The scientists chose 13 mice and showed them two black-and-white images 64 times during the day for two seconds at a time. Other than this, the mice received no stimulation. Scientists continued showing the mice these images and studied parts of their brains called the visual cortex and hippocampus. The visual cortex analyses what is being seen while the hippocampus is associated with consolidation or memories. The scientists observed that when the mice looked at the black-and-white images, the neurons in the visual cortex fired up in a specific pattern. Watch | JN.1 sub-variant cases surge worldwide; India, Singapore, UK among many nations to report rise × The mice were then shown blank screens in experimental conditions that ensured that the mice were in a 'daydreaming' state. It was found that even while looking at the blank screens, the visual cortex of the mice lit up as if they were looking at the previous black-and-white images. This activity was accompanied by activity in the hippocampus, the part responsible for the consolidation of memories. This suggested that the brains were making the neural connections and in turn, memories stronger. Watch: NASA sends high-definition cat video from spaceship to Earth via laser, covering 31mn km "We wanted to know how this daydreaming process occurred on a neurobiological level, and whether these moments of quiet reflection could be important for learning and memory," says Nghia Nguyen, a neurobiologist from Harvard University as quoted by EurekaAlert. Nguyen is the lead author of the study. "When you see two different images many times, it becomes important to discriminate between them," explains Nguyen. "Our findings suggest that daydreaming may guide this process by steering the neural patterns associated with the two images away from each other." Also Read | ‘Empathy with our closest living cousins’: Humans and apes share remarkable social memory traits, study finds More detailed study may be required to state with 100 per cent certainty that these results apply to humans as well. But it's interesting to know nonetheless that while daydreaming, you are actually making your brain stronger! Harvard University scientists' study was published in the journal Nature on December 13, 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

Daydreaming may be strengthening our memories, study suggests

Almost half of the people known to have contracted COVID-19 in Africa are now living with the effects of long Covid, according to a recent analysis published in Scientific Reports. The research conducted by a team of scientists from Italy found that the incidence rates in African nations are the highest among any of the other low-income countries.&nbsp;

<h2>About the study</h2>

Long Covid has been defined as a condition where symptoms of being infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus persist for three months or more. The research was conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Bari, Italy, and analysed the data of 29,213 people.&nbsp;

According to the study, researchers found that globally, at least 10 per cent of people infected with COVID-19 have this condition.&nbsp;

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Following the comprehensive review of previous studies and analysis scientists also found that the estimates of incidence among low-income countries long Covid varies greatly. This has been attributed to hidden infections and the difficulty of accessing tests.

For example, among African nations, estimates range from two per cent in Ghana to a staggering 86 per cent in Egypt. The review also found that older people are more likely to experience long Covid, but did not find any significant difference between men and women at risk for the condition.&nbsp;

Cognitive impairment, according to the study, was the most common neurologic symptom of long Covid, while shortness of breath was the most common respiratory symptom. A quarter of those suffering from long Covid have reported post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The researchers noted how this particular finding was “concerning” since it adds an additional burden in mental health disorder brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and its chronic consequences have been put on a health system which is largely unprepared to deal with mental health conditions.&nbsp;

The team also found that a quarter of people with long Covid had a poor quality of life as a result, with fatigue and loss of appetite.&nbsp;

<h2>What is happening in Africa?</h2>

The high rate of estimated incidence of long Covid, particularly in African nations, has been attributed to the fact that less than 52 per cent of people are fully vaccinated, said the researchers. However, specific data on vaccination status and COVID-19 outcomes are largely unknown from the continent.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-reveals-organ-damage-in-long-covid-patients-who-required-hospitalisation-638826">Study reveals organ damage in long covid patients who required hospitalisation</a>

“To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis exploring prevalence, risk factors and symptomatology of long COVID in Africa,” the researchers wrote. The team has also urged for further research so that experts can properly assess the impact of long Covid in the African continent.&nbsp;

They also called on raising awareness of how prevalent this condition might be given the lack of a cure for long Covid, it may be able to help those affected.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Almost half of the people known to have contracted COVID-19 in Africa are now living with the effects of long Covid, according to a recent analysis published in Scientific Reports.

Almost half of the people known to have contracted COVID-19 in Africa are now living with the effects of long Covid, according to a recent analysis published in Scientific Reports. The research conducted by a team of scientists from Italy found that the incidence rates in African nations are the highest among any of the other low-income countries. About the study Long Covid has been defined as a condition where symptoms of being infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus persist for three months or more. The research was conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Bari, Italy, and analysed the data of 29,213 people. According to the study, researchers found that globally, at least 10 per cent of people infected with COVID-19 have this condition. ALSO READ | Tired of battling long Covid, Canadian woman applies for euthanasia Following the comprehensive review of previous studies and analysis scientists also found that the estimates of incidence among low-income countries long Covid varies greatly. This has been attributed to hidden infections and the difficulty of accessing tests. For example, among African nations, estimates range from two per cent in Ghana to a staggering 86 per cent in Egypt. The review also found that older people are more likely to experience long Covid, but did not find any significant difference between men and women at risk for the condition. Cognitive impairment, according to the study, was the most common neurologic symptom of long Covid, while shortness of breath was the most common respiratory symptom. A quarter of those suffering from long Covid have reported post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The researchers noted how this particular finding was “concerning” since it adds an additional burden in mental health disorder brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and its chronic consequences have been put on a health system which is largely unprepared to deal with mental health conditions. The team also found that a quarter of people with long Covid had a poor quality of life as a result, with fatigue and loss of appetite. What is happening in Africa? The high rate of estimated incidence of long Covid, particularly in African nations, has been attributed to the fact that less than 52 per cent of people are fully vaccinated, said the researchers. However, specific data on vaccination status and COVID-19 outcomes are largely unknown from the continent. ALSO READ | Study reveals organ damage in long covid patients who required hospitalisation “To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis exploring prevalence, risk factors and symptomatology of long COVID in Africa,” the researchers wrote. The team has also urged for further research so that experts can properly assess the impact of long Covid in the African continent. They also called on raising awareness of how prevalent this condition might be given the lack of a cure for long Covid, it may be able to help those affected. (With inputs from agencies)

Nearly 50% of those who contracted COVID-19 in Africa are suffering from long Covid: Study

A first-of-its-kind study has revealed what felons like cats eat globally and has also quantified its impact on wildlife. The study conducted by United States Urban University states that these sharp predators feed on about 2,000 species across the globe.

Gravitas | Cats can demolish 2,000 species, says study

New Zealand faces the threat of colossal tsunamis, as high as 92 feet, once every 580 years, according to a groundbreaking study that employed a new method to assess tsunami risk.

The research, conducted by a team of experts from Victoria University of Wellington, used synthetic earthquakes, and computer models incorporating factors such as fault system geometry and physics, spanning 30,000 simulated years to comprehend potential tsunami risks to both the country's North and South Islands.

The study holds significance due to the critical proximity of New Zealand to subduction zones, specifically the Hikurangi subduction zone, where the Pacific tectonic plate is beneath the Australian plate just offshore.&nbsp;A subduction zone is a place on Earth where two tectonic plates meet, and one plate is forced beneath the other into the Earth's mantle.&nbsp;

In the study, lead author Laura Hughes highlighted the urgency of comprehending the risks associated with these devastating waves due to the "really short timespan [between] when these earthquakes happened and when the tsunami waves hit."&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-rejects-claims-that-it-was-plotting-violent-attacks-against-cuba-669087">US rejects claims that it was plotting violent attacks against Cuba</a>

"We're able to put in a variety of properties we think may exist and get that range of potential earthquakes and range of potential tsunamis that may happen," Hughes stated.

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The research, published in the journal JGR Solid Earth on November 29, revealed that the Hikurangi subduction zone poses the most significant threat, though the Tonga-Kermadec subduction zone to the north can also generate sizable, tsunami-inducing earthquakes.

The study found that smaller, shallower crustal faults, rather than subduction faults, contribute significantly to the tsunami hazard.

The results indicated a maximum tsunami height of 92 feet, stemming from a potential 9.13 magnitude earthquake northeast of Auckland in the South Pacific. The study estimated a tsunami of 16.4 feet every 77 years, with waves exceeding 49.2 feet occurring approximately every 580 years.

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Laura Hughes stressed that tsunamis exceeding 3.3 feet trigger land evacuations, with smaller waves causing damage to ports and harbours.

While this marks the first application of the synthetic earthquake method to study tsunamis, Hughes suggested its potential use for assessing risks in other vulnerable regions globally.

Nevertheless, more work is needed to map out the comprehensive risk to New Zealand, as the current study did not account for distant earthquakes in the Pacific capable of generating tsunamis&nbsp;across the entire ocean.

(With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand faces the threat of colossal tsunamis, as high as 92 feet, once every 580 years, according to a groundbreaking study that employed a new method to assess tsunami risk.

New Zealand faces the threat of colossal tsunamis, as high as 92 feet, once every 580 years, according to a groundbreaking study that employed a new method to assess tsunami risk. The research, conducted by a team of experts from Victoria University of Wellington, used synthetic earthquakes, and computer models incorporating factors such as fault system geometry and physics, spanning 30,000 simulated years to comprehend potential tsunami risks to both the country's North and South Islands. The study holds significance due to the critical proximity of New Zealand to subduction zones, specifically the Hikurangi subduction zone, where the Pacific tectonic plate is beneath the Australian plate just offshore. A subduction zone is a place on Earth where two tectonic plates meet, and one plate is forced beneath the other into the Earth's mantle. In the study, lead author Laura Hughes highlighted the urgency of comprehending the risks associated with these devastating waves due to the "really short timespan [between] when these earthquakes happened and when the tsunami waves hit." Also Read | US rejects claims that it was plotting violent attacks against Cuba "We're able to put in a variety of properties we think may exist and get that range of potential earthquakes and range of potential tsunamis that may happen," Hughes stated. Also Read | Canadian faces 14 murder charges for allegedly selling suicide kits The research, published in the journal JGR Solid Earth on November 29, revealed that the Hikurangi subduction zone poses the most significant threat, though the Tonga-Kermadec subduction zone to the north can also generate sizable, tsunami-inducing earthquakes. The study found that smaller, shallower crustal faults, rather than subduction faults, contribute significantly to the tsunami hazard. The results indicated a maximum tsunami height of 92 feet, stemming from a potential 9.13 magnitude earthquake northeast of Auckland in the South Pacific. The study estimated a tsunami of 16.4 feet every 77 years, with waves exceeding 49.2 feet occurring approximately every 580 years. Watch | Gravitas: What Happened to 'Putin Critic' Alexei Navalny? × Laura Hughes stressed that tsunamis exceeding 3.3 feet trigger land evacuations, with smaller waves causing damage to ports and harbours. While this marks the first application of the synthetic earthquake method to study tsunamis, Hughes suggested its potential use for assessing risks in other vulnerable regions globally. Nevertheless, more work is needed to map out the comprehensive risk to New Zealand, as the current study did not account for distant earthquakes in the Pacific capable of generating tsunamis across the entire ocean. (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand at risk of tsunami waves as high as 92 feet every 580 years: Study

Emojis are a significant part of our day-to-day texting but they are lacking something - most species, and scientists are not happy about it. In an analysis published on Monday (Dec 11), researchers found that the current emoji library doesn’t accurately represent the “tree of life”, including the breadth of biodiversity seen in nature and it may be affecting conservation efforts.

In the analysis published in the journal iScience, a team of conservation biologists indicated that in our increasingly digitised society, we should not underestimate the power of emojis to raise awareness.

<h2>Power of emojis&nbsp;</h2>

The researchers from the University of Milan found that the current emoji catalogue is not diverse enough when it comes to plants, fungi, and microorganisms, but animals are represented fairly well.&nbsp;

The team analysed emojis related to nature and animals available in Emojipedia, a curated online catalogue of emojis, and tracked the changes between 2015 and 2022. They then assessed how emojis changed in this period to determine whether the library is actually evolving to better represent biodiversity in the real world.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/your-anxiety-is-lying-to-you-saying-no-to-plans-isnt-all-that-bad-finds-study-668806">Your anxiety is lying to you! Saying 'no' to plans isn't all that bad, finds study</a>

“While the biodiversity crisis may seem distant from the online world, in our increasingly digitized society, we should not underestimate the potential of emojis to raise awareness and foster appreciation for the diversity of life on Earth,” conservation biologists Stefano Mammola, Mattia Falaschi, and Gentile Francesco Ficetola wrote.&nbsp;

“The development and maintenance of diverse and inclusive emoji sets are crucial to ensure the equitable representation of the tree of life in digital communication tools and to effectively convey messages on the importance of all the organisms for the functioning of the biosphere,” they added.&nbsp;

Notably, the emojis to be used by people across the world&nbsp;are reportedly decided by the Unicode Emoji Subcommittee.&nbsp;

<h2>What did they find?</h2>

Following the categorisation of every tiny icon related to nature and animals, researchers found that there are a total of 112 emojis of distinct organisms – animals (92), plants (16), one fungus, and one microorganism.&nbsp;

The researchers noted how animals are over-represented in the emoji catalogue, while arthropods were under-represented compared to their actual biodiversity.&nbsp;

“Such strong taxonomic bias is in line with current societal awareness of biodiversity, which tends to prioritize animals over other taxa,” the conservation biologists wrote.&nbsp;

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Furthermore, the library is also heavily biased toward vertebrates which include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and bony fish making up 76 per cent of animal emojis, while only 16 per cent represented arthropods.&nbsp;

To put this into perspective, there are reportedly 1,302,809 described species of arthropod and only 85,423 described species of vertebrate.&nbsp;

The researchers also pointed out how there are no emojis for platyhelminthes (flatworms) or nematodes – despite there being more than 20,000 platyhelminth species and almost 20,000 nematode species.

An ever-updating catalogue would help people “discuss a range of biodiversity-related topics and sentiments more effectively, beyond the icons depicting iconic species,” said the researchers.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-are-frostquakes-earthquakes-caused-by-freezing-temperatures-affecting-northern-regions-668763">Ice quakes, or frostquakes, threaten northern regions of earth. What are they?</a>

The process of choosing which emojis should be created also plays a role in this lack of representation, researchers noted, since potential emoji subjects usually need to be Googled with a certain frequency, which is not the case with many unrepresented organisms.&nbsp;

“This rule can be problematic, as it risks hampering the extension of emojis in order to better cover the actual biodiversity of our planet,” the researchers wrote.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Emojis are a significant part of our day-to-day texting but they are lacking something - most species, and scientists are not happy about it. In an analysis published on Monday (Dec 11), researchers found that the current emoji library doesn’t accurately represent the “tree of life”, including the breadth of biodiversity seen in nature and it may be affecting conservation efforts.

Emojis are a significant part of our day-to-day texting but they are lacking something - most species, and scientists are not happy about it. In an analysis published on Monday (Dec 11), researchers found that the current emoji library doesn’t accurately represent the “tree of life”, including the breadth of biodiversity seen in nature and it may be affecting conservation efforts. In the analysis published in the journal iScience, a team of conservation biologists indicated that in our increasingly digitised society, we should not underestimate the power of emojis to raise awareness. Power of emojis The researchers from the University of Milan found that the current emoji catalogue is not diverse enough when it comes to plants, fungi, and microorganisms, but animals are represented fairly well. The team analysed emojis related to nature and animals available in Emojipedia, a curated online catalogue of emojis, and tracked the changes between 2015 and 2022. They then assessed how emojis changed in this period to determine whether the library is actually evolving to better represent biodiversity in the real world. ALSO READ | Your anxiety is lying to you! Saying 'no' to plans isn't all that bad, finds study “While the biodiversity crisis may seem distant from the online world, in our increasingly digitized society, we should not underestimate the potential of emojis to raise awareness and foster appreciation for the diversity of life on Earth,” conservation biologists Stefano Mammola, Mattia Falaschi, and Gentile Francesco Ficetola wrote. “The development and maintenance of diverse and inclusive emoji sets are crucial to ensure the equitable representation of the tree of life in digital communication tools and to effectively convey messages on the importance of all the organisms for the functioning of the biosphere,” they added. Notably, the emojis to be used by people across the world are reportedly decided by the Unicode Emoji Subcommittee. What did they find? Following the categorisation of every tiny icon related to nature and animals, researchers found that there are a total of 112 emojis of distinct organisms – animals (92), plants (16), one fungus, and one microorganism. The researchers noted how animals are over-represented in the emoji catalogue, while arthropods were under-represented compared to their actual biodiversity. “Such strong taxonomic bias is in line with current societal awareness of biodiversity, which tends to prioritize animals over other taxa,” the conservation biologists wrote. ALSO READ | Stunning images of remnants of a supernova caught in HD by James Webb telescope Furthermore, the library is also heavily biased toward vertebrates which include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and bony fish making up 76 per cent of animal emojis, while only 16 per cent represented arthropods. To put this into perspective, there are reportedly 1,302,809 described species of arthropod and only 85,423 described species of vertebrate. The researchers also pointed out how there are no emojis for platyhelminthes (flatworms) or nematodes – despite there being more than 20,000 platyhelminth species and almost 20,000 nematode species. An ever-updating catalogue would help people “discuss a range of biodiversity-related topics and sentiments more effectively, beyond the icons depicting iconic species,” said the researchers. ALSO READ | Ice quakes, or frostquakes, threaten northern regions of earth. What are they? The process of choosing which emojis should be created also plays a role in this lack of representation, researchers noted, since potential emoji subjects usually need to be Googled with a certain frequency, which is not the case with many unrepresented organisms. “This rule can be problematic, as it risks hampering the extension of emojis in order to better cover the actual biodiversity of our planet,” the researchers wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists say current emojis don't adequately represent 'tree of life'

In a new study, it has been found that the carbon dioxide level currently in the atmosphere is the same as it was 14 million years ago, which reflects&nbsp;upon the deteriorating climatic conditions and the grim future ahead. 
 
The paper, which was published in the Science journal, covers the time period of 66 million years and analyses geochemical and biological signatures from the past era for reconstructing the historic CO2 record with detailed precision. 
 
"It really brings it home to us that what we are doing is very, very unusual in Earth's history," said lead author Baerbel Hoenisch of the Columbia Climate School's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, while speaking to news agency AFP. 
 
Along with other things, the new analysis discovered that the last time there was the presence of 420 parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide in the air was between 14-16 million years ago when ice was not present in Greenland and the ancestors of humans had started transitioning from forests to grasslands.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-as-debate-over-fossil-fuels-rages-on-at-cop28-climate-summit-global-co2-emissions-hit-new-record-666515">Explained | Global CO2 emissions due to fossil fuels hit new record. Will world leaders at COP28 act now?</a>

This is even further back than the 3 to 5 million years which were studied in the prior analyses. 
 
Till the late 1700s, the atmospheric carbon dioxide was around 280 ppm, which meant humans had already led to increase of the greenhouse gas by about 50 per cent which traps heat in the atmosphere and the planet has been warmed by 1.2 degrees Celsius in comparison to before industrialisation. 
 
"What's important is that Homo, our species, has only evolved 3 million years ago. And so our civilisation is tuned to sea level as it is today, to having warm tropics and cool poles and temperate regions that have a lot of rainfall,” said Hoenisch.

<h2>Global CO2 emissions can reach between 600-800 ppm by 2100</h2>

It has been estimated that if global CO2 emissions continue rising, it can reach between 600 - 800 ppm by the year 2100. 
 
Such kinds of levels were seen during the Eocene, 30-40 million years ago, before ice had covered Antarctica and the world's flora and fauna appeared vastly different.

Watch:&nbsp;Climate 'Tipping Point': World is at a pivotal point, govt should act now to save planet

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The latest study is the result of seven years of work by a team of 80 researchers across 16 countries and is now seen as the scientific community's updated consensus. 
 
No new data was collected by the team but the already published work was synthesised, re-evaluated and validated on the basis of updated science and they were categorised accordingly and the highest rated was combined into a new timeline.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a new study, it has been found that the carbon dioxide level currently in the atmosphere is the same as it was 14 million years ago, which reflects upon the deteriorating climatic conditions and the grim future ahead.

In a new study, it has been found that the carbon dioxide level currently in the atmosphere is the same as it was 14 million years ago, which reflects upon the deteriorating climatic conditions and the grim future ahead. The paper, which was published in the Science journal, covers the time period of 66 million years and analyses geochemical and biological signatures from the past era for reconstructing the historic CO2 record with detailed precision. "It really brings it home to us that what we are doing is very, very unusual in Earth's history," said lead author Baerbel Hoenisch of the Columbia Climate School's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, while speaking to news agency AFP. Along with other things, the new analysis discovered that the last time there was the presence of 420 parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide in the air was between 14-16 million years ago when ice was not present in Greenland and the ancestors of humans had started transitioning from forests to grasslands. Also read: Explained | Global CO2 emissions due to fossil fuels hit new record. Will world leaders at COP28 act now? This is even further back than the 3 to 5 million years which were studied in the prior analyses. Till the late 1700s, the atmospheric carbon dioxide was around 280 ppm, which meant humans had already led to increase of the greenhouse gas by about 50 per cent which traps heat in the atmosphere and the planet has been warmed by 1.2 degrees Celsius in comparison to before industrialisation. "What's important is that Homo, our species, has only evolved 3 million years ago. And so our civilisation is tuned to sea level as it is today, to having warm tropics and cool poles and temperate regions that have a lot of rainfall,” said Hoenisch. Global CO2 emissions can reach between 600-800 ppm by 2100 It has been estimated that if global CO2 emissions continue rising, it can reach between 600 - 800 ppm by the year 2100. Such kinds of levels were seen during the Eocene, 30-40 million years ago, before ice had covered Antarctica and the world's flora and fauna appeared vastly different. Watch: Climate 'Tipping Point': World is at a pivotal point, govt should act now to save planet The latest study is the result of seven years of work by a team of 80 researchers across 16 countries and is now seen as the scientific community's updated consensus. No new data was collected by the team but the already published work was synthesised, re-evaluated and validated on the basis of updated science and they were categorised accordingly and the highest rated was combined into a new timeline. (With inputs from agencies)

An ominous sign! CO2 levels are now same as they were 14 million years ago

Scientists have pinpointed the location of the place where an asteroid hit Earth approximately 750,000 years ago. In a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the planetary scientists released evidence showing that the location of impact crater they have been seeking for decades is on the Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos.

Scientists have pinpointed the location of the place where an asteroid hit Earth approximately 750,000 years ago. In a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the planetary scientists released evidence showing that the location of impact crater they have been seeking for decades is on the Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos. Although the evidence for the asteroid's size and event's timing is far and wide, the discovery of the location has been a multi-year study. Earlier studies say an asteroid hit the Earth's surface about 789,000 years ago, producing many rocks in southeast Asia and Australia. These black glassy rocks, called tektites, formed the most prominent debris spray from an extraterrestrial impact. Although older and bigger collisions have produced larger sprays, geological processes have long buried the evidence. However, the tektites are recent enough to be visible in several places. Also Read | Twin temples linked to Hercules and Alexander the Great discovered on top of each other in Iraq The location remained hidden for a long time due to geological conditions and thick rainforests. It is also in the world's most politically isolated nations. The team led by Professor Kerry Sieh of the Nanyang Technological University mentioned in the study that "the unexpected ordnance hampered fieldwork for decades." Sieh's team used a layer of pebble and boulder-sized rocks called Bolaven diamicton to identify the impact site's location. According to the research team, the impact broke the ancient sandstone and basaltic lava to form the diamicton. The research team also studied the conclusions of other studies on the impact crater, which convinced them it had not been found as it was filled with lava. From 2015 to 2023, they conducted field research, gathering and analysing tektites from the Bolaven impact and marking their locations on the map. They found small samples that would fit in hand and large deposits up to nine meters thick. Later, the maps pointed to a radical pattern of thickening ejecta (material thrown out during volcanic explosion) linked around a single plateau. The team believed this indicated where the asteroid crashed into the Earth. When the team introduced the idea of the crater being beneath the Bolavean Volcanic Field, they did not have enough evidence to convince the geologists. However, they have five separate datasets that point towards the location. Although the team needs to perform more research at or near the proposed impact site's vicinity, they are confident about the recent study, calling their results "all but definitive." (With inputs from agencies)

This is the exact spot an asteroid made a crater 750,000 years ago

For years, scientists have attempted to decipher if climate and geography affect the way people speak their language. While some argue that ecological effects have negligible impact on the sonority of a language, others contend that right from temperature to elevation, languages are influenced by myriad entities.&nbsp;Now, a&nbsp;new remarkable study published by linguists claims that languages spoken&nbsp;in the warmer climates, in the tropics, are much louder than those spoken in colder climates.&nbsp;

Dr&nbsp;Søren Wichmann, together with colleagues from China published the study titled "Temperature shapes language sonority: Revalidation from a large dataset"&nbsp;in online journal, PNAS Newxus and demonstrated that average ambient temperature influences the loudness of languages.&nbsp;

"Generally speaking, languages in warmer regions are louder than those in colder regions," said Wichmann.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-new-study-suggest-advises-mothers-to-talk-to-their-baby-bumps-662094">Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: New study suggest advises mothers to talk to their baby bumps</a>

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<h2>Methodology used</h2>

Without making the findings of the research complex for the layman, Wichmann said the basic idea of the study is that when speaking or listening, we are surrounded by air. The words spoken are transmitted through the air as sound waves and thus physical properties of air influence how they [spoken words] are produced and perceived.&nbsp;

"On the one hand, the dryness of cold air poses a challenge to the production of voiced sounds, which require vibration of the vocal cords. On the other hand, warm air tends to limit unvoiced sounds by absorbing their high-frequency energy," he added.&nbsp;

To arrive at the conclusion, Wichmann and his colleagues used the Automated Similarity Judgment Program (ASJP) database which contains&nbsp;the basic vocabulary of 5,293 languages and is constantly being expanded.&nbsp;

The researchers found that languages around the Equator and Southern Hemisphere had high mean sonority indexes (MSI). Languages in Oceania have some of the highest MSIs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/studying-new-language-leads-to-measurable-changes-in-brain-activity-research-373947">Also read | Studying new language leads to measurable changes in brain activity: Research</a>

However, there were some exceptions to the trend. Mesoamerica and Mainland Southeast Asia showed lower MSIs despite being tropical. Researchers said the exception means that the effect of temperature on sonority develops slowly and over the course of centuries or even millennia.&nbsp;

"Overall, however, we were able to establish a clear relationship between the mean sonority of&nbsp;<a href="https://phys.org/tags/language/" rel="tag">language</a>&nbsp;families and the mean annual temperature," said Wichmann.

Notably,&nbsp;the world record for low sonority belongs to the Salish languages on the northwest coast of North America.

Similar studies can help scientists identify how the languages evolved due to the migration of Homo sapiens across the planet. They could carry clues about&nbsp;the environment of their predecessor languages.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

For years, scientists have attempted to decipher if climate and geography affect the way people speak their language. While some argue that ecological effects have negligible impact on the sonority of a language, others contend that right from temperature to elevation, languages are influenced by myriad entities.

For years, scientists have attempted to decipher if climate and geography affect the way people speak their language. While some argue that ecological effects have negligible impact on the sonority of a language, others contend that right from temperature to elevation, languages are influenced by myriad entities. Now, a new remarkable study published by linguists claims that languages spoken in the warmer climates, in the tropics, are much louder than those spoken in colder climates. Dr Søren Wichmann, together with colleagues from China published the study titled "Temperature shapes language sonority: Revalidation from a large dataset" in online journal, PNAS Newxus and demonstrated that average ambient temperature influences the loudness of languages. "Generally speaking, languages in warmer regions are louder than those in colder regions," said Wichmann. Watch | Gravitas: New study suggest advises mothers to talk to their baby bumps × Methodology used Without making the findings of the research complex for the layman, Wichmann said the basic idea of the study is that when speaking or listening, we are surrounded by air. The words spoken are transmitted through the air as sound waves and thus physical properties of air influence how they [spoken words] are produced and perceived. "On the one hand, the dryness of cold air poses a challenge to the production of voiced sounds, which require vibration of the vocal cords. On the other hand, warm air tends to limit unvoiced sounds by absorbing their high-frequency energy," he added. To arrive at the conclusion, Wichmann and his colleagues used the Automated Similarity Judgment Program (ASJP) database which contains the basic vocabulary of 5,293 languages and is constantly being expanded. The researchers found that languages around the Equator and Southern Hemisphere had high mean sonority indexes (MSI). Languages in Oceania have some of the highest MSIs. Also read | Studying new language leads to measurable changes in brain activity: Research However, there were some exceptions to the trend. Mesoamerica and Mainland Southeast Asia showed lower MSIs despite being tropical. Researchers said the exception means that the effect of temperature on sonority develops slowly and over the course of centuries or even millennia. "Overall, however, we were able to establish a clear relationship between the mean sonority of language families and the mean annual temperature," said Wichmann. Notably, the world record for low sonority belongs to the Salish languages on the northwest coast of North America. Similar studies can help scientists identify how the languages evolved due to the migration of Homo sapiens across the planet. They could carry clues about the environment of their predecessor languages. (With inputs from agencies)

How loud is your language? That depends on the region you live in

New evidence has surfaced challenging age-old assumptions about early human diets,&nbsp;often referred to as hominins, which had until now suggested that meat from large animals was a significant part of their meals. Hominins were hunters and gatherers, but their diets included more than just hunting large animals for food and turns out beavers were on the food menu as well.

A joint study by researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), the Leibniz Zentrum für Archäologie (LEIZA), and Leiden University, published in Scientific Reports, suggested that around 400,000 years ago, early humans not only hunted but also skillfully processed and consumed beavers.

It is now throwing light on a previously overlooked diversity in the culinary choices of early humans.

<h2>Misconception and new evidence&nbsp;</h2>

The misconception was&nbsp;due to the lack of well-preserved remains from small mammals and plants. And because of this, until now, it&nbsp;was a prevalent belief that early archaic humans primarily subsisted on larger animals.

However, bones from 94 beavers found in a 400,000-year-old hominin site in Bilzingsleben, Germany, exhibited cut marks attributed to stone tools.&nbsp;This unveiled that stone tool could have been used for the intricate processing of beaver carcasses by early humans.

The ability to hunt and consume meat from large animals is often associated with the development of tools, such as spears and later, more sophisticated hunting technologies.

It's important to note that the exact composition of early human diets would have varied depending on factors such as geographic location, climate, and available resources. Over time, as humans developed agriculture, there was a shift towards a more varied diet that included domesticated plants and animals.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-ineffective-are-vitamin-d-supplements-in-children-biggest-ever-clinical-trial-finds-out-665392">How (in)effective are Vitamin D supplements in children? Biggest-ever clinical trial finds out</a>

The majority of these remains found as evidence in the study, primarily young adult beavers, pointed to a deliberate strategy of targeting inexperienced yet fully grown, fat-rich animals, challenging prior assumptions about early humans' dietary habits.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wine-tasting-with-ai-scientists-achieve-spirited-breakthrough-in-artificial-intelligence-domain-665372">Wine tasting with AI? Scientists achieve spirited breakthrough in Artificial Intelligence domain</a>

The cut mark distribution also suggested a focus on beaver skins, highlighting the multifaceted use of these animals by our ancient ancestors.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dinosaurs-may-have-influenced-human-aging-know-how-665403">Dinosaurs may have influenced human aging: Know How</a>

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Study authors stressed on the importance of this discovery, with Professor Sabine Gaudzinski-Windheuser noting, “The Bilzingsleben beaver exploitation evidence demonstrates a greater diversity of prey choice by Middle Pleistocene hominins than commonly acknowledged, and a much deeper history of broad-spectrum subsistence than commonly assumed.”

(With inputs from agencies)

New evidence has surfaced challenging age-old assumptions about early human diets, often referred to as hominins, which had until now suggested that meat from large animals was a significant part of their meals.

New evidence has surfaced challenging age-old assumptions about early human diets, often referred to as hominins, which had until now suggested that meat from large animals was a significant part of their meals. Hominins were hunters and gatherers, but their diets included more than just hunting large animals for food and turns out beavers were on the food menu as well. A joint study by researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), the Leibniz Zentrum für Archäologie (LEIZA), and Leiden University, published in Scientific Reports, suggested that around 400,000 years ago, early humans not only hunted but also skillfully processed and consumed beavers. It is now throwing light on a previously overlooked diversity in the culinary choices of early humans. Misconception and new evidence The misconception was due to the lack of well-preserved remains from small mammals and plants. And because of this, until now, it was a prevalent belief that early archaic humans primarily subsisted on larger animals. However, bones from 94 beavers found in a 400,000-year-old hominin site in Bilzingsleben, Germany, exhibited cut marks attributed to stone tools. This unveiled that stone tool could have been used for the intricate processing of beaver carcasses by early humans. The ability to hunt and consume meat from large animals is often associated with the development of tools, such as spears and later, more sophisticated hunting technologies. It's important to note that the exact composition of early human diets would have varied depending on factors such as geographic location, climate, and available resources. Over time, as humans developed agriculture, there was a shift towards a more varied diet that included domesticated plants and animals. Also Read | How (in)effective are Vitamin D supplements in children? Biggest-ever clinical trial finds out The majority of these remains found as evidence in the study, primarily young adult beavers, pointed to a deliberate strategy of targeting inexperienced yet fully grown, fat-rich animals, challenging prior assumptions about early humans' dietary habits. Also Read | Wine tasting with AI? Scientists achieve spirited breakthrough in Artificial Intelligence domain The cut mark distribution also suggested a focus on beaver skins, highlighting the multifaceted use of these animals by our ancient ancestors. Watch | Dinosaurs may have influenced human aging: Know How × Study authors stressed on the importance of this discovery, with Professor Sabine Gaudzinski-Windheuser noting, “The Bilzingsleben beaver exploitation evidence demonstrates a greater diversity of prey choice by Middle Pleistocene hominins than commonly acknowledged, and a much deeper history of broad-spectrum subsistence than commonly assumed.” (With inputs from agencies)

400,000-year-old twist: Beavers were on food menu for early humans, reveals study

An interesting new research has decoded how Japanese sea worms have a unique way of mating with the opposite sex - by letting go of their butt. The reproduction process in itself is not as simple as it sounds and is rather a complex method of gene expression.&nbsp;

The study, conducted by a team led by University of Tokyo professor Toru Miura, revealed the way the Japanese green syllid worm (Megasyllis nipponica) detaches its rear end from its body and deploys it in the waters which then searches for the opposite sex. The research is a breakthrough because up until now the scientists were unable to comprehend how the reproductive process in these worms actually took place.&nbsp;

<h2>How does the reproductive process happen?&nbsp;</h2>

The worm's reproductive unit, scientifically known as the stolon, is grown fully once the organism hits maturity. Upon reaching maturity, it carries a load of gametes (either eggs or sperm) and, through the stolonization process, separates from the worm's main body.

At this point, it possesses fully developed bristles for swimming, as well as a complete set of eyes and antennae.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-say-killing-zombie-cells-can-reverse-brain-ageing-caused-by-covid-662368">Scientists say killing 'zombie' cells can reverse brain ageing caused by Covid</a>

The new stolon sets out on a quest to find a stolon of the opposite sex for the release of its gametes. Once this is done, the worm will regenerate another stolon to deploy in a similar manner to mate again.

"This shows how normal developmental processes are modified to fit the life history of animals with unique reproductive styles," said Miura.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/worlds-largest-iceberg-bigger-than-greater-london-is-leaving-antarctica-662357">World's largest iceberg, bigger than Greater London, is leaving Antarctica</a>

The researchers discovered that the Hox genes, which play a role in determining the general body plan and, in this instance, the segmentation of the worm, remain consistent throughout the animal.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-clashes-in-myanmar-displaces-26000-people-659986">UN: Clashes in Myanmar displaces 26,000 people</a>

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"Interestingly, the expressions of Hox genes that determine body-part identity were constant during the process," said Miura adding, "This indicates that only the head part is induced at the posterior body part to control spawning behavior for reproduction."

Presently, researchers are trying to find out the factors that determine whether the stolon will produce eggs or sperm, especially considering that the worm regenerates this segment throughout its life cycle.

(With inputs from agencies)

An interesting new research has decoded how Japanese sea worms have a unique way of mating with the opposite sex - by letting go of their butt. The reproduction process in itself is not as simple as it sounds and is rather a complex method of gene expression.

An interesting new research has decoded how Japanese sea worms have a unique way of mating with the opposite sex - by letting go of their butt. The reproduction process in itself is not as simple as it sounds and is rather a complex method of gene expression. The study, conducted by a team led by University of Tokyo professor Toru Miura, revealed the way the Japanese green syllid worm (Megasyllis nipponica) detaches its rear end from its body and deploys it in the waters which then searches for the opposite sex. The research is a breakthrough because up until now the scientists were unable to comprehend how the reproductive process in these worms actually took place. How does the reproductive process happen? The worm's reproductive unit, scientifically known as the stolon, is grown fully once the organism hits maturity. Upon reaching maturity, it carries a load of gametes (either eggs or sperm) and, through the stolonization process, separates from the worm's main body. At this point, it possesses fully developed bristles for swimming, as well as a complete set of eyes and antennae. Also Read | Scientists say killing 'zombie' cells can reverse brain ageing caused by Covid The new stolon sets out on a quest to find a stolon of the opposite sex for the release of its gametes. Once this is done, the worm will regenerate another stolon to deploy in a similar manner to mate again. "This shows how normal developmental processes are modified to fit the life history of animals with unique reproductive styles," said Miura. Also Read | World's largest iceberg, bigger than Greater London, is leaving Antarctica The researchers discovered that the Hox genes, which play a role in determining the general body plan and, in this instance, the segmentation of the worm, remain consistent throughout the animal. Watch | UN: Clashes in Myanmar displaces 26,000 people × "Interestingly, the expressions of Hox genes that determine body-part identity were constant during the process," said Miura adding, "This indicates that only the head part is induced at the posterior body part to control spawning behavior for reproduction." Presently, researchers are trying to find out the factors that determine whether the stolon will produce eggs or sperm, especially considering that the worm regenerates this segment throughout its life cycle. (With inputs from agencies)

This Japanese sea worm is so lazy that it detaches and sends off its butt to search for a mate

In a major discovery, the researchers in a study have found that the Neanderthals had the capacity to both hear as well as produce speech sounds similar to those produced by modern humans. 
 
On the basis of the detailed analysis and digital reconstruction of the bones present in their skulls, the study, which was published in 2021, settled an aspect related to the linguistic capabilities of Neanderthals. 
 
"This is one of the most important studies I have been involved in during my career," said palaeoanthropologist Rolf Quam of Binghamton University, as reported by sciencealert.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/neanderthals-were-the-first-to-light-fire-at-will-says-study-650199">Neanderthals were the first to light fire at will, says study</a>

"The results are solid and clearly show the Neanderthals had the capacity to perceive and produce human speech. This is one of the very few current, ongoing research lines relying on fossil evidence to study the evolution of language, a notoriously tricky subject in anthropology,” he added. 
 
The theory of Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalis) being more primitive than modern humans (Homo sapiens) has been outdated, and a lot of evidence in recent years has demonstrated that they were more intelligent than once assumed. 
 
The Neanderthals are believed to have developed crafted tools, created art, and technology and held funerals for their dead. However, whether Neanderthals have actually spoken with Homo sapiens has remained a mystery.

<h2>Communication system of Neanderthals</h2>

The complex behaviours of the Neanderthals have suggested that they were able to communicate, however, some scientists stated that only modern humans had the mental capacity to carry out the complex linguistic processes.

Watch:&nbsp;New findings shed light on the social organisation of Neanderthals

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"The presence of similar hearing abilities, particularly the bandwidth, demonstrates that the Neanderthals possessed a communication system that was as complex and efficient as modern human speech,” said palaeoanthropologist Mercedes Conde-Valverde of the University of Alcala. 
 
"Most previous studies of Neanderthal speech capacities focused on their ability to produce the main vowels in English spoken language," said Quam, while speaking to ScienceAlert. 
 
"However, we feel this emphasis is misplaced, since the use of consonants is a way to include more information in the vocal signal and it also separates human speech and language from the communication patterns in nearly all other primates. The fact that our study picked up on this is a really interesting aspect of the research and is a novel suggestion regarding the linguistic capacities in our fossil ancestors,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major discovery, the researchers in a study have found that the Neanderthals had the capacity to both hear as well as produce speech sounds similar to those produced by modern humans.

In a major discovery, the researchers in a study have found that the Neanderthals had the capacity to both hear as well as produce speech sounds similar to those produced by modern humans. On the basis of the detailed analysis and digital reconstruction of the bones present in their skulls, the study, which was published in 2021, settled an aspect related to the linguistic capabilities of Neanderthals. "This is one of the most important studies I have been involved in during my career," said palaeoanthropologist Rolf Quam of Binghamton University, as reported by sciencealert. Also read: Neanderthals were the first to light fire at will, says study "The results are solid and clearly show the Neanderthals had the capacity to perceive and produce human speech. This is one of the very few current, ongoing research lines relying on fossil evidence to study the evolution of language, a notoriously tricky subject in anthropology,” he added. The theory of Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalis) being more primitive than modern humans (Homo sapiens) has been outdated, and a lot of evidence in recent years has demonstrated that they were more intelligent than once assumed. The Neanderthals are believed to have developed crafted tools, created art, and technology and held funerals for their dead. However, whether Neanderthals have actually spoken with Homo sapiens has remained a mystery. Communication system of Neanderthals The complex behaviours of the Neanderthals have suggested that they were able to communicate, however, some scientists stated that only modern humans had the mental capacity to carry out the complex linguistic processes. Watch: New findings shed light on the social organisation of Neanderthals "The presence of similar hearing abilities, particularly the bandwidth, demonstrates that the Neanderthals possessed a communication system that was as complex and efficient as modern human speech,” said palaeoanthropologist Mercedes Conde-Valverde of the University of Alcala. "Most previous studies of Neanderthal speech capacities focused on their ability to produce the main vowels in English spoken language," said Quam, while speaking to ScienceAlert. "However, we feel this emphasis is misplaced, since the use of consonants is a way to include more information in the vocal signal and it also separates human speech and language from the communication patterns in nearly all other primates. The fact that our study picked up on this is a really interesting aspect of the research and is a novel suggestion regarding the linguistic capacities in our fossil ancestors,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

How did Neanderthals speak? Study points to human-like speech

A fascinating study has found that the eyes have a way of 'talking' to the ears.&nbsp;Researchers have discovered that microphones strategically placed in the ear canal can pick up subtle sounds produced by eyeball movements, media reports said quoting a&nbsp;study. The study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences also highlighted the potential implications for visual-auditory tasks.

This will allow scientists to determine the direction in which a person is looking. These sounds, which are imperceptible to the conscious mind, are believed to be related to the contraction of ear muscles prompted by signals from eye movements. As per reports, these mechanisms might be linked to the brain's ability to coordinate visual and auditory information. This facilitates locating the sounds even when the eyes are in motion and the ears are not.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/eye-contact-though-rare-during-communication-is-a-good-social-behavioural-cue-study-662302">Eye contact, though rare during communication, is a good social behavioural cue: Study</a>

While the exact function of these eye-generated sounds remains uncertain, researchers are speculating that they may contribute to sharpening perception.

<h2>Study can help in clinical tests for hearing&nbsp;</h2>

The study is a crucial development as researchers also suggested that understanding these subtle noises could potentially lead to the development of innovative clinical tests for hearing.

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It also indicated that similar to how pupils dilate to regulate light intake, the ears seem to have mechanisms that adjust to loud sounds. Moreover, previous research indicated that eye movements trigger these auditory regulation mechanisms.

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Reports while quoting the senior author of the paper Jennifer Groh said, “You can actually estimate the movement of the eyes, the position of the target that the eyes are going to look at, just from recordings made with a microphone in the ear canal. We think this is part of a system for allowing the brain to match up where sights and sounds are located, even though our eyes can move when our head and ears do not."

"Some folks have a really reproducible signal day-to-day, and you can measure it quickly. You might expect those folks to be really good at a visual-auditory task compared to other folks, where it’s more variable,"&nbsp;Groh added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A fascinating study has found that the eyes have a way of 'talking' to the ears. Researchers have discovered that microphones strategically placed in the ear canal can pick up subtle sounds produced by eyeball movements, media reports said quoting a study.

A fascinating study has found that the eyes have a way of 'talking' to the ears. Researchers have discovered that microphones strategically placed in the ear canal can pick up subtle sounds produced by eyeball movements, media reports said quoting a study. The study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences also highlighted the potential implications for visual-auditory tasks. This will allow scientists to determine the direction in which a person is looking. These sounds, which are imperceptible to the conscious mind, are believed to be related to the contraction of ear muscles prompted by signals from eye movements. As per reports, these mechanisms might be linked to the brain's ability to coordinate visual and auditory information. This facilitates locating the sounds even when the eyes are in motion and the ears are not. Also Read | Eye contact, though rare during communication, is a good social behavioural cue: Study While the exact function of these eye-generated sounds remains uncertain, researchers are speculating that they may contribute to sharpening perception. Study can help in clinical tests for hearing The study is a crucial development as researchers also suggested that understanding these subtle noises could potentially lead to the development of innovative clinical tests for hearing. Also Read | Quail, turkey, seafood & more: 50th Thanksgiving on space station was a grand affair It also indicated that similar to how pupils dilate to regulate light intake, the ears seem to have mechanisms that adjust to loud sounds. Moreover, previous research indicated that eye movements trigger these auditory regulation mechanisms. Watch | Indian Doctoral student killed in US | America's gun problem becomes a global human issue | WION × Reports while quoting the senior author of the paper Jennifer Groh said, “You can actually estimate the movement of the eyes, the position of the target that the eyes are going to look at, just from recordings made with a microphone in the ear canal. We think this is part of a system for allowing the brain to match up where sights and sounds are located, even though our eyes can move when our head and ears do not." "Some folks have a really reproducible signal day-to-day, and you can measure it quickly. You might expect those folks to be really good at a visual-auditory task compared to other folks, where it’s more variable," Groh added. (With inputs from agencies)

When eyes 'talk' to ear: Microphones in ear canal can tell where a person is looking

We all have heard of how important eye contact is during communication, and how it can help you engage better with the person you’re communicating with. But eye contact is more than just that, it can be used as a powerful social behavioural cue.&nbsp;

As per a recent by researchers in Canada, eye contact is quite rare but even that little gaze can act as a predictive factor for subsequent social behaviour.

"This study is one of the first to show the prevalence of eye-to-eye looking during real-life interactions," says first author Florence Mayrand, an experimental psychologist at McGill University in Canada.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/blue-whales-return-to-indian-ocean-region-decades-after-being-wiped-out-due-to-whaling-study-662029">Blue whales return to Indian Ocean region decades after being wiped out due to whaling: Study</a>

<h2>How was the study conducted?</h2>

The study was conducted in two parts. In the first part, Mayrand and her colleagues looked at eye-gazing patterns during face-to-face conversations between 15 pairs of strangers, made up of 25 women and 5 men, all between the ages of 18 and 24.

The pairs ranked 12 items in order of usefulness in a made-up survival situation while wearing mobile eye-tracking glasses with a front-facing camera recording their field of view.&nbsp;The researchers recorded how often the participants looked at each other's mouths and eyes.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/after-god-particle-and-oh-my-god-particle-scientists-discover-sun-goddess-particle-662176">After 'God Particle' and 'Oh My God!' particle, scientists discover 'Sun Goddess' particle</a>

In the second part, researchers measured each individual's gaze in reaction to an image of their partner's face looking in different directions. Then the final analysis was brought down to 12 females and 2 males in 7 pairs.&nbsp;

<h2>What does the study show?</h2>

The interactions between people during the study deduced that each participant looked away more than they looked directly at their partner’s face. While looking at each other’s faces, they mostly looked at the mouth and nearby eye regions, and they rarely engaged in mutual eye-to-eye contact. The most common was eye-to-mouth mutual-looking.&nbsp;

"We discovered that participants spent only about 12 per cent of conversation time in interactive looking, meaning that they gazed at each other's faces simultaneously for just 12 per cent of the interaction duration," Mayrand says.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-astronauts-celebrate-thanksgiving-in-space-aboard-iss-with-special-nasa-menu-662253">Quail, turkey, seafood &amp; more: 50th Thanksgiving on space station was a grand affair</a>

"Even more surprisingly, within those interactions, participants engaged in mutual eye-to-eye contact only 3.5 per cent of the time."

<h2>Why is eye contact important?</h2>

As per the research, the amount of time people spend looking each other in the eyes may be important for communicating social messages between them and different mutual looking patterns may be useful for relaying specific messages in different combinations.

The team says that they will further look into how conversational context affects people looking at each other’s faces with a larger sample size.

(With inputs from agencies)

We all have heard of how important eye contact is during communication, and how it can help you engage better with the person you’re communicating with. But eye contact is more than just that, it can be used as a powerful social behavioural cue.

We all have heard of how important eye contact is during communication, and how it can help you engage better with the person you’re communicating with. But eye contact is more than just that, it can be used as a powerful social behavioural cue. As per a recent by researchers in Canada, eye contact is quite rare but even that little gaze can act as a predictive factor for subsequent social behaviour. "This study is one of the first to show the prevalence of eye-to-eye looking during real-life interactions," says first author Florence Mayrand, an experimental psychologist at McGill University in Canada. Also Read | Blue whales return to Indian Ocean region decades after being wiped out due to whaling: Study How was the study conducted? The study was conducted in two parts. In the first part, Mayrand and her colleagues looked at eye-gazing patterns during face-to-face conversations between 15 pairs of strangers, made up of 25 women and 5 men, all between the ages of 18 and 24. The pairs ranked 12 items in order of usefulness in a made-up survival situation while wearing mobile eye-tracking glasses with a front-facing camera recording their field of view. The researchers recorded how often the participants looked at each other's mouths and eyes. Also Read | After 'God Particle' and 'Oh My God!' particle, scientists discover 'Sun Goddess' particle In the second part, researchers measured each individual's gaze in reaction to an image of their partner's face looking in different directions. Then the final analysis was brought down to 12 females and 2 males in 7 pairs. What does the study show? The interactions between people during the study deduced that each participant looked away more than they looked directly at their partner’s face. While looking at each other’s faces, they mostly looked at the mouth and nearby eye regions, and they rarely engaged in mutual eye-to-eye contact. The most common was eye-to-mouth mutual-looking. "We discovered that participants spent only about 12 per cent of conversation time in interactive looking, meaning that they gazed at each other's faces simultaneously for just 12 per cent of the interaction duration," Mayrand says. Also Read | Quail, turkey, seafood & more: 50th Thanksgiving on space station was a grand affair "Even more surprisingly, within those interactions, participants engaged in mutual eye-to-eye contact only 3.5 per cent of the time." Why is eye contact important? As per the research, the amount of time people spend looking each other in the eyes may be important for communicating social messages between them and different mutual looking patterns may be useful for relaying specific messages in different combinations. The team says that they will further look into how conversational context affects people looking at each other’s faces with a larger sample size. (With inputs from agencies)

Here's why eye contact during conversations is important, as per a new study

A study on the effects of deep-sea mining has raised concerns about its potential harm to deep-sea jellyfish. The research, the first of its kind to examine mining impacts on animals in the water column, revealed that sediment stirred up from mining sites could trigger damaging stress responses in these marine organisms.

Many argue that commercial harvesting of the sea floor for minerals like cobalt and manganese is essential for supporting the production of electric vehicle batteries and electronics. However, at the same time, scientists have also cautioned that the potential impacts on deep-sea ecosystems remain inadequately understood, media reports said. There is a lack of comprehensive knowledge as so far the focus has only been on the impact on the seabed. Because of this, the water column as far as marine organisms like jellyfish is concerned, it has been left relatively unexplored.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/space-missions-can-increase-risk-of-erectile-dysfunction-in-male-astronauts-says-study-661632">Space missions can increase risk of erectile dysfunction in male astronauts, says study</a>

The latest study is co-led by marine ecologist Vanessa Stenvers at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel in Germany. Researchers have specifically analysed deep-sea helmet jellyfish (Periphylla periphylla) from Norwegian fjords for this latest study.&nbsp;

Using testing tanks on their research ship, the team exposed 64 jellyfish to sediment concentrations simulating those at mining sites, ranging from zero (control) to 333 milligrams per litre (mg/l).

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<h2>Findings of the study</h2>

At sediment concentrations exceeding 17 mg/l, the jellyfish exhibited signs of acute stress, including sediment particles sticking to their bodies and heightened mucus production. The excessive mucus, a common stress response for jellyfish, could pose a threat to their health if exposed to sediment over extended periods, according to the researchers.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-violence-hurting-bangladeshs-economy-661634">Is violence hurting Bangladesh's economy?</a>

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“Food in the deep sea is very scarce. If there’s no extra energy coming in; this could potentially lead to starvation,” Stenvers added.

The study also revealed that jellyfish at higher sediment concentrations doubled their respiration rate, indicating an increased need for energy. Those producing excessive mucus exhibited overexpression of genes related to energy metabolism, wound repair, and the immune system, the study noted.&nbsp;

The research also pointed out that if other gelatinous organisms in the deep ocean respond similarly, the potential consequences of commercial sea floor harvesting may extend to reduced biodiversity and threats to critical ecosystem functions, such as carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling.

(With inputs from agencies)

A study on the effects of deep-sea mining has raised concerns about its potential harm to deep-sea jellyfish. The research, the first of its kind to examine mining impacts on animals in the water column, revealed that sediment stirred up from mining sites could trigger damaging stress responses in these marine organisms.

A study on the effects of deep-sea mining has raised concerns about its potential harm to deep-sea jellyfish. The research, the first of its kind to examine mining impacts on animals in the water column, revealed that sediment stirred up from mining sites could trigger damaging stress responses in these marine organisms. Many argue that commercial harvesting of the sea floor for minerals like cobalt and manganese is essential for supporting the production of electric vehicle batteries and electronics. However, at the same time, scientists have also cautioned that the potential impacts on deep-sea ecosystems remain inadequately understood, media reports said. There is a lack of comprehensive knowledge as so far the focus has only been on the impact on the seabed. Because of this, the water column as far as marine organisms like jellyfish is concerned, it has been left relatively unexplored. Also Read | Space missions can increase risk of erectile dysfunction in male astronauts, says study The latest study is co-led by marine ecologist Vanessa Stenvers at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel in Germany. Researchers have specifically analysed deep-sea helmet jellyfish (Periphylla periphylla) from Norwegian fjords for this latest study. Using testing tanks on their research ship, the team exposed 64 jellyfish to sediment concentrations simulating those at mining sites, ranging from zero (control) to 333 milligrams per litre (mg/l). Also Read | Deformable Mirrors in space may help find alien life in universe Findings of the study At sediment concentrations exceeding 17 mg/l, the jellyfish exhibited signs of acute stress, including sediment particles sticking to their bodies and heightened mucus production. The excessive mucus, a common stress response for jellyfish, could pose a threat to their health if exposed to sediment over extended periods, according to the researchers. Watch | Is violence hurting Bangladesh's economy? × “Food in the deep sea is very scarce. If there’s no extra energy coming in; this could potentially lead to starvation,” Stenvers added. The study also revealed that jellyfish at higher sediment concentrations doubled their respiration rate, indicating an increased need for energy. Those producing excessive mucus exhibited overexpression of genes related to energy metabolism, wound repair, and the immune system, the study noted. The research also pointed out that if other gelatinous organisms in the deep ocean respond similarly, the potential consequences of commercial sea floor harvesting may extend to reduced biodiversity and threats to critical ecosystem functions, such as carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. (With inputs from agencies)

Deep-sea mining bringing acute stress to Jellyfish, could reduce biodiversity

Scientists have successfully solved a long-standing mystery surrounding the reproductive habits of serotine bats, a species known for its disproportionately large penis. This&nbsp;comes after years of research by a European team, aided by an unexpected source – a Dutch retiree recording bat sex in a church attic.&nbsp;Bats are the only mammals who can fly&nbsp;as&nbsp;their forelimbs are adapted as wings.

The serotine bat, with a wingspan exceeding 14 inches, boasts a surprisingly large penis, seven times longer than the vaginas of female serotine bats. The researchers were confused&nbsp;by the unique heart-shaped expansion of the penis head, questioning its functionality.

Nicolas Fasel, a researcher at Switzerland's University of Lausanne, received a peculiar email from Jan Jeucken, a retiree with no scientific background. Jeucken's extensive recordings of serotine bat mating in a local church attic provided crucial insights, reported CBS News.&nbsp;

The researchers analysed 93 mating events, discovering&nbsp;that serotine bats engage in "contact mating" or "cloacal kissing," a phenomenon previously observed in birds but never in mammals.

The male bats use their large penises as copulatory arms, removing a membrane from the female bats during an extended embrace.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/worlds-most-dangerous-bird-spotted-taking-a-swim-at-australian-beach-661027">Also read |&nbsp;World's most dangerous bird spotted taking a swim at Australian beach</a>

<h2>The unconventional reproductive strategy</h2>

With mating sessions lasting up to 13 hours, the study suggests a peculiar reproductive strategy.

The researchers speculate that female bats might use their extended cervixes to retain sperm from multiple males before choosing a mate, highlighting the need for further research into the intricacies of bat reproduction.

Also watch |&nbsp;Afforestation in the Chinese capital attracts over 500 bird species

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<h2>Bat porn box</h2>

As scientists aim to deepen their understanding of serotine bat mating behaviour, plans for a "bat porn box" are underway.

This innovative setup, resembling an aquarium with strategically placed cameras, aims to capture and study&nbsp;bat mating in a controlled environment, shedding more light on their peculiar reproductive patterns.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Scientists have successfully solved a long-standing mystery surrounding the reproductive habits of serotine bats, a species known for its disproportionately large penis.

Scientists have successfully solved a long-standing mystery surrounding the reproductive habits of serotine bats, a species known for its disproportionately large penis. This comes after years of research by a European team, aided by an unexpected source – a Dutch retiree recording bat sex in a church attic. Bats are the only mammals who can fly as their forelimbs are adapted as wings. The serotine bat, with a wingspan exceeding 14 inches, boasts a surprisingly large penis, seven times longer than the vaginas of female serotine bats. The researchers were confused by the unique heart-shaped expansion of the penis head, questioning its functionality. Nicolas Fasel, a researcher at Switzerland's University of Lausanne, received a peculiar email from Jan Jeucken, a retiree with no scientific background. Jeucken's extensive recordings of serotine bat mating in a local church attic provided crucial insights, reported CBS News. The researchers analysed 93 mating events, discovering that serotine bats engage in "contact mating" or "cloacal kissing," a phenomenon previously observed in birds but never in mammals. The male bats use their large penises as copulatory arms, removing a membrane from the female bats during an extended embrace. Also read | World's most dangerous bird spotted taking a swim at Australian beach The unconventional reproductive strategy With mating sessions lasting up to 13 hours, the study suggests a peculiar reproductive strategy. The researchers speculate that female bats might use their extended cervixes to retain sperm from multiple males before choosing a mate, highlighting the need for further research into the intricacies of bat reproduction. Also watch | Afforestation in the Chinese capital attracts over 500 bird species Bat porn box As scientists aim to deepen their understanding of serotine bat mating behaviour, plans for a "bat porn box" are underway. This innovative setup, resembling an aquarium with strategically placed cameras, aims to capture and study bat mating in a controlled environment, shedding more light on their peculiar reproductive patterns. (With inputs from agencies)

Sex ritual of this bat isn't quite how mammals copulate, video recorded in Netherlands shows

Nearly one in 10 Australian men have committed a sexual offence against children under the age of 18, finds a study led by the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney. The findings of the research, which is said to be the largest study of its kind ever undertaken globally, were released on Monday (Nov 20).&nbsp;

<h2>‘Deeply concerning’</h2>

The study titled ‘Identifying and understanding child sexual offending behaviour and attitudes among Australian men’ was conducted by UNSW Sydney and Jesuit Social Services and aimed to research the “prevalence of child sexual offending behaviours and attitudes”.&nbsp;

“The first nationally representative research…has shed unprecedented light on sexually abusive behaviours and feelings among Australian men,” said a statement released by the UNSW.&nbsp;

The study surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,945 Australian men aged 18 to over 65 and found that one in 10 or 9.4 per cent said they had sexual contact with someone under the age of 18.

This would be around one million men in Australia out of which nearly half of them (4.9 per cent) reported having sexual feelings towards children. The figures also include online offences as 4.3 per cent of Australian men reported having had online sexual conversations with children and 2.5 per cent deliberately watched pornographic material containing people below the age of 18.&nbsp;

According to the study, 4.9 per cent of men with sexual feelings that have committed a sexual offence against children were more likely to be married, working with children, earning higher incomes; report anxiety, depression, and binge drinking behaviours; and have been sexually abused or had adverse experiences in childhood.&nbsp;

These men are also found to be active online, including on social media, encrypted apps and cryptocurrency and consume pornography that involves violence or bestiality, the report added.&nbsp;

At least 3.2 per cent of Australian men said they had had sexual contact with a person below the age of 18 when they were over 18. However, the study also noted that this aspect proved to be a limitation since the age of consent in Australia varies and can be 16 or 17 depending on the state.&nbsp;

According to the study, one in six (15.1 per cent) Australian men reported having sexual feelings towards children.

The UNSW-led study found two distinct groups of child sex offenders - “One which is motivated by sexual interest in children, and a second group who may be offending for situational or opportunistic reasons,” the research found.&nbsp;

<h2>Invest in prevention</h2>

“The prevalence of abuse revealed in this report is deeply concerning,” Georgia Naldrett, Manager of Jesuit Social Services’ Stop it Now! Australia service said&nbsp;in a statement.&nbsp;

The study recommends measures like improving community understanding of the harm of child sexual abuse and challenging attitudes that support it.&nbsp;

It also calls for better online safety measures and safeguarding children where they may be “deemed particularly risky, including schools, day-care, social groups, clubs and any other activity in which children are present.”

They also recommend early intervention for men with sexual feelings towards children who have not committed an offence yet. The study found that out of the men who have sexual feelings, 29.6 per cent want help for their sexual feelings towards children.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Nearly one in 10 Australian men have committed a sexual offence against children under the age of 18, finds a study led by the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney.

Nearly one in 10 Australian men have committed a sexual offence against children under the age of 18, finds a study led by the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney. The findings of the research, which is said to be the largest study of its kind ever undertaken globally, were released on Monday (Nov 20). ‘Deeply concerning’ The study titled ‘Identifying and understanding child sexual offending behaviour and attitudes among Australian men’ was conducted by UNSW Sydney and Jesuit Social Services and aimed to research the “prevalence of child sexual offending behaviours and attitudes”. “The first nationally representative research…has shed unprecedented light on sexually abusive behaviours and feelings among Australian men,” said a statement released by the UNSW. The study surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,945 Australian men aged 18 to over 65 and found that one in 10 or 9.4 per cent said they had sexual contact with someone under the age of 18. This would be around one million men in Australia out of which nearly half of them (4.9 per cent) reported having sexual feelings towards children. The figures also include online offences as 4.3 per cent of Australian men reported having had online sexual conversations with children and 2.5 per cent deliberately watched pornographic material containing people below the age of 18. According to the study, 4.9 per cent of men with sexual feelings that have committed a sexual offence against children were more likely to be married, working with children, earning higher incomes; report anxiety, depression, and binge drinking behaviours; and have been sexually abused or had adverse experiences in childhood. These men are also found to be active online, including on social media, encrypted apps and cryptocurrency and consume pornography that involves violence or bestiality, the report added. At least 3.2 per cent of Australian men said they had had sexual contact with a person below the age of 18 when they were over 18. However, the study also noted that this aspect proved to be a limitation since the age of consent in Australia varies and can be 16 or 17 depending on the state. According to the study, one in six (15.1 per cent) Australian men reported having sexual feelings towards children. The UNSW-led study found two distinct groups of child sex offenders - “One which is motivated by sexual interest in children, and a second group who may be offending for situational or opportunistic reasons,” the research found. Invest in prevention “The prevalence of abuse revealed in this report is deeply concerning,” Georgia Naldrett, Manager of Jesuit Social Services’ Stop it Now! Australia service said in a statement. The study recommends measures like improving community understanding of the harm of child sexual abuse and challenging attitudes that support it. It also calls for better online safety measures and safeguarding children where they may be “deemed particularly risky, including schools, day-care, social groups, clubs and any other activity in which children are present.” They also recommend early intervention for men with sexual feelings towards children who have not committed an offence yet. The study found that out of the men who have sexual feelings, 29.6 per cent want help for their sexual feelings towards children. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia: One in 10 men have committed a sexual offence against children, finds study

Microplastics are everywhere. Recent studies have shown not only are they in oceans but also the rain, snow, and even clouds, not to mention the food we eat, the water we drink and several parts of the human body. While not much is known about how microplastics affect the human body, we have some idea of how it is affecting the environment and it might be worse than once believed.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, a team of Japanese researchers who examined 44 samples of water collected from clouds found that the water had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/microplastics-found-in-cloud-for-first-time-researchers-sound-warning-bell-640473">at least 70 particles of microplastics</a>. But a new study published on Wednesday (Nov 15) suggests that it might be affecting our weather.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the new study about and how was it conducted?</h2>

The study published in the journal Environmental Science &amp; Technology Letters was conducted by a team of scientists who collected 28 samples of liquid from clouds at the top of Mount Tai in eastern China.&nbsp;

The team then used computer models to find out how the microplastics could have gotten there. They also tested how the particles could have impacted the clouds as well as been affected by them.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-study-finds-its-raining-microplastics-should-we-be-concerned-about-our-health-543789">Explained: Study finds it’s raining microplastics, should we be concerned about our health?</a>

Microplastics have been defined as tiny chunks of less than five millimetres long pieces of plastic and microfibres from clothes that get caught in the Earth’s atmosphere.

<h2>What did the scientists find?</h2>

The team of researchers led by Yan Wang of Shandong University found that low-altitude and denser clouds had more amount of microplastics.&nbsp;

The findings indicated that airflow from highly populated inland cities was the primary source of the microplastics in the samples that they collected.

The team of scientists also found that the particles were made of common polymers.

In addition to creating rain and snow, clouds play a vital role in regulating the amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth’s surface as well as the energy which is radiated back into space.&nbsp;

Therefore, any man-made changes affecting the clouds including substances like microplastics might be affecting our weather.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-microplastics-in-cave-closed-to-humans-for-30-years-study-641823">Scientists find microplastics in cave closed to humans for 30 years: Study</a>

The study by the team of scientists in China concluded that more work needs to be done in order to fully understand how microplastics affect clouds as well as their “potential impacts on atmospheric metal cycles and cloud formation.”&nbsp;

“Its likely that microplastics in clouds may affect the weather,” Christopher Reddy, an environmental chemist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, who was not involved in the research told USA Today.&nbsp;

He also told the American media outlet that the study paves the way for other studies to understand how microplastics in clouds affect climate and weather.&nbsp;

“This is a good study, I’m very impressed with the quality of the work,” Reddy told USA Today. “It’s not good news, but it’s good science,” he added. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Microplastics are everywhere. Recent studies have shown not only are they in oceans but also the rain, snow, and even clouds, not to mention the food we eat, the water we drink and several parts of the human body.

Microplastics are everywhere. Recent studies have shown not only are they in oceans but also the rain, snow, and even clouds, not to mention the food we eat, the water we drink and several parts of the human body. While not much is known about how microplastics affect the human body, we have some idea of how it is affecting the environment and it might be worse than once believed. Earlier this year, a team of Japanese researchers who examined 44 samples of water collected from clouds found that the water had at least 70 particles of microplastics. But a new study published on Wednesday (Nov 15) suggests that it might be affecting our weather. What is the new study about and how was it conducted? The study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters was conducted by a team of scientists who collected 28 samples of liquid from clouds at the top of Mount Tai in eastern China. The team then used computer models to find out how the microplastics could have gotten there. They also tested how the particles could have impacted the clouds as well as been affected by them. ALSO READ | Explained: Study finds it’s raining microplastics, should we be concerned about our health? Microplastics have been defined as tiny chunks of less than five millimetres long pieces of plastic and microfibres from clothes that get caught in the Earth’s atmosphere. What did the scientists find? The team of researchers led by Yan Wang of Shandong University found that low-altitude and denser clouds had more amount of microplastics. The findings indicated that airflow from highly populated inland cities was the primary source of the microplastics in the samples that they collected. The team of scientists also found that the particles were made of common polymers. In addition to creating rain and snow, clouds play a vital role in regulating the amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth’s surface as well as the energy which is radiated back into space. Therefore, any man-made changes affecting the clouds including substances like microplastics might be affecting our weather. ALSO READ | Scientists find microplastics in cave closed to humans for 30 years: Study The study by the team of scientists in China concluded that more work needs to be done in order to fully understand how microplastics affect clouds as well as their “potential impacts on atmospheric metal cycles and cloud formation.” “Its likely that microplastics in clouds may affect the weather,” Christopher Reddy, an environmental chemist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, who was not involved in the research told USA Today. He also told the American media outlet that the study paves the way for other studies to understand how microplastics in clouds affect climate and weather. “This is a good study, I’m very impressed with the quality of the work,” Reddy told USA Today. “It’s not good news, but it’s good science,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Study shows clouds filled with microplastics may be affecting our weather, scientists alarmed

During the 1800s, North America's continental interior faced some of the most deadly earthquakes ever recorded in US&nbsp;history. Nearly two hundred years later, a <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023JB026482">study</a> published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth indicates that the central and eastern United States might still be encountering aftershocks stemming from those historical seismic events.

The scientific community has been debating whether current seismicity in stable regions like North America is due to aftershocks, foreshocks, or background seismic activity, according to Science Daily.&nbsp;

Focusing on three major earthquakes in the 17th and 19th centuries, the researchers examined seismic events near Quebec, Canada (1663), the Missouri-Kentucky border (1811-1812), and Charleston, South Carolina (1886). These historical events are crucial, as larger earthquakes tend to generate more aftershocks.

Unlike tectonically active areas near plate boundaries, the stable continental interior of North America experiences rare seismic events. This rarity prompts questions about the sources of modern seismicity in these regions.

Also watch |&nbsp;Iceland prepares for volcanic eruption, 900 tremors recorded on November 13

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<h2>Connecting past and present quakes</h2>

To identify potential aftershocks, the researchers employed the nearest neighbour method, analysing earthquakes within a 250-kilometre&nbsp;radius of historical epicentres.

A magnitude threshold of 2.5 ensured&nbsp;reliable recording, allowing the team to discern between aftershocks and background seismic activity.

Spatial distribution analysis provided&nbsp;insights into the nature of seismic activity. While the aftershock sequence near Quebec appears unrelated to modern seismicity, the study suggests that the Missouri-Kentucky and Charleston earthquakes may still be triggering aftershocks centuries later.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-commits-a-billion-euros-to-polar-research-amid-melting-ice-concerns-657851">Also read |&nbsp;France commits a billion Euros to polar research amid ice caps, glaciers' melting concerns</a>

The study brings to light&nbsp;that modern seismicity in the said&nbsp;regions is a blend of aftershocks and background seismic activity.

Approximately 30 per cent&nbsp;of earthquakes near the Missouri-Kentucky border and 16 per cent&nbsp;in Charleston are likely aftershocks from historical earthquakes, emphasising the complexity of the seismic landscape.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

During the 1800s, North America's continental interior faced some of the most deadly earthquakes ever recorded in US history. Nearly two hundred years later, a study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth indicates that the central and eastern United States might still be encountering aftershocks stemming from those historical seismic events.

During the 1800s, North America's continental interior faced some of the most deadly earthquakes ever recorded in US history. Nearly two hundred years later, a study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth indicates that the central and eastern United States might still be encountering aftershocks stemming from those historical seismic events. The scientific community has been debating whether current seismicity in stable regions like North America is due to aftershocks, foreshocks, or background seismic activity, according to Science Daily. Focusing on three major earthquakes in the 17th and 19th centuries, the researchers examined seismic events near Quebec, Canada (1663), the Missouri-Kentucky border (1811-1812), and Charleston, South Carolina (1886). These historical events are crucial, as larger earthquakes tend to generate more aftershocks. Unlike tectonically active areas near plate boundaries, the stable continental interior of North America experiences rare seismic events. This rarity prompts questions about the sources of modern seismicity in these regions. Also watch | Iceland prepares for volcanic eruption, 900 tremors recorded on November 13 Connecting past and present quakes To identify potential aftershocks, the researchers employed the nearest neighbour method, analysing earthquakes within a 250-kilometre radius of historical epicentres. A magnitude threshold of 2.5 ensured reliable recording, allowing the team to discern between aftershocks and background seismic activity. Spatial distribution analysis provided insights into the nature of seismic activity. While the aftershock sequence near Quebec appears unrelated to modern seismicity, the study suggests that the Missouri-Kentucky and Charleston earthquakes may still be triggering aftershocks centuries later. Also read | France commits a billion Euros to polar research amid ice caps, glaciers' melting concerns The study brings to light that modern seismicity in the said regions is a blend of aftershocks and background seismic activity. Approximately 30 per cent of earthquakes near the Missouri-Kentucky border and 16 per cent in Charleston are likely aftershocks from historical earthquakes, emphasising the complexity of the seismic landscape. (With inputs from agencies)

Devastating earthquakes that struck in the 1800s are triggering aftershocks today, scientists say

Do pets make you happy? As per a new study they did not during the pandemic pets have been recognized for their positive impact on human well-being both mentally and physically but a recent study by Michigan State University contradicts this the study.

Pets did not improve emotional well-being during pandemic

The number of civilian deaths per Israeli airstrike in Gaza in 2023 is four times higher than previous Israeli bombings under various operations in the besieged city, a study has said. In its recent analysis, Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) has revealed a stark increase in civilian casualties resulting from military airstrikes during "Operation Swords of Iron" in Gaza in October 2023.

The study indicated a significant surge in civilian deaths, with an average of 10.1 fatalities per strike.

Elaborating on it, the study suggested that this figure is four times higher than the casualty rates observed in previous Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, particularly during Operation Protective Edge, where the average was 2.5 civilian fatalities per casualty-causing strike.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-hamas-used-a-school-in-gaza-as-its-military-base-claims-idf-657475">Hamas used a school in Gaza as its military base, claims IDF</a>

The current operation's toll even surpassed the global average (average death rate in other conflict zones) of 7.4 and raises concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law.

The data also pointed to more intense "Israeli military tactics or targeting policies in 2023." The report called for the urgent need for international intervention to protect civilian lives amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

<h2>Basis of AOAV findings&nbsp;</h2>

AOAV based its findings on English-language media reports. "It is solely an analysis of airstrikes where casualties (killed or injured) were reported and recorded (non-injurious air strikes are not captured). The nature of conflict means that as the scale of conflict grows, less injurious strikes may not go reported by English language media, meaning only the most catastrophic events get captured," the study said.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-revises-estimate-of-october-7-hamas-attack-death-toll-from-1400-to-around-1200-657459">Israel revises estimate of October 7 Hamas attack death toll from 1400 to ‘around 1200’</a>

The data&nbsp;gave statistics from previous Gaza operations such as "Operation Pillar of Defence", "Operation Protective Edge", "Operation Wall Guardian".&nbsp;Along with it, the report also examined the average death rate in other conflict zones such as Mosul, Aleppo and Raqqa.&nbsp;

"The data is not intended to capture all harm and is not indicative of total numbers killed or injured. All air strikes recorded within the time frame are listed, but some air strikes only harmed armed actors. These are not included in the civilian harm analysis. In Mosul, Aleppo and Raqqa, we took the most injurious month to civilians from airstrikes to compare to what was happening in Gaza in October 2023," the study added.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gaza in spotlight as Saudi Arabia hosts ‘extraordinary joint Islamic-Arab summit’

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During "Operation Swords of Iron" in October 2023, AOAV recorded 299 total airstrikes, with 276 causing civilian harm. The civilian casualties amounted to 4,104 (2,798 killed, 1,306 injured), resulting in an average of 10.1 deaths per civilian casualty-causing airstrike.

The study also underscored the substantial human cost, with the average number of civilians killed per casualty-causing airstrike being the highest in recent Gaza operations.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

The number of civilian deaths per Israeli airstrike in Gaza in 2023 is four times higher than previous Israeli bombings under various operations in the besieged city, a study has said.

The number of civilian deaths per Israeli airstrike in Gaza in 2023 is four times higher than previous Israeli bombings under various operations in the besieged city, a study has said. In its recent analysis, Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) has revealed a stark increase in civilian casualties resulting from military airstrikes during "Operation Swords of Iron" in Gaza in October 2023. The study indicated a significant surge in civilian deaths, with an average of 10.1 fatalities per strike. Elaborating on it, the study suggested that this figure is four times higher than the casualty rates observed in previous Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, particularly during Operation Protective Edge, where the average was 2.5 civilian fatalities per casualty-causing strike. Also Read | Hamas used a school in Gaza as its military base, claims IDF The current operation's toll even surpassed the global average (average death rate in other conflict zones) of 7.4 and raises concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law. The data also pointed to more intense "Israeli military tactics or targeting policies in 2023." The report called for the urgent need for international intervention to protect civilian lives amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Basis of AOAV findings AOAV based its findings on English-language media reports. "It is solely an analysis of airstrikes where casualties (killed or injured) were reported and recorded (non-injurious air strikes are not captured). The nature of conflict means that as the scale of conflict grows, less injurious strikes may not go reported by English language media, meaning only the most catastrophic events get captured," the study said. Also Read | Israel revises estimate of October 7 Hamas attack death toll from 1400 to ‘around 1200’ The data gave statistics from previous Gaza operations such as "Operation Pillar of Defence", "Operation Protective Edge", "Operation Wall Guardian". Along with it, the report also examined the average death rate in other conflict zones such as Mosul, Aleppo and Raqqa. "The data is not intended to capture all harm and is not indicative of total numbers killed or injured. All air strikes recorded within the time frame are listed, but some air strikes only harmed armed actors. These are not included in the civilian harm analysis. In Mosul, Aleppo and Raqqa, we took the most injurious month to civilians from airstrikes to compare to what was happening in Gaza in October 2023," the study added. Watch | Gaza in spotlight as Saudi Arabia hosts ‘extraordinary joint Islamic-Arab summit’ × During "Operation Swords of Iron" in October 2023, AOAV recorded 299 total airstrikes, with 276 causing civilian harm. The civilian casualties amounted to 4,104 (2,798 killed, 1,306 injured), resulting in an average of 10.1 deaths per civilian casualty-causing airstrike. The study also underscored the substantial human cost, with the average number of civilians killed per casualty-causing airstrike being the highest in recent Gaza operations. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Gaza civilian deaths per airstrike 4 times higher than previous Israeli bombings: Study

The ice shelves of Greenland have seen a disappearance of more than a third in their volume since 1978, stated the researchers. 
 
The disintegration of the ice shelves has been accelerated because of warm ocean waters which have melted them from beneath and increased their chances of collapsing. 
 
Among the eight ice shelves which supported the vast glaciers of North Greenland, three have completely collapsed, while the five which remain have been retreating rapidly. 
 
Scientists have said that with the warming of the ocean, the ice shelves will continuously retreat and will have threatening consequences for global sea levels.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/luxury-cruise-ship-remains-grounded-in-greenland-with-help-days-away-635788">Luxury cruise ship remains grounded in Greenland with help days away</a>

As per experts from the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), if these ice shelves entirely disappear, they can release enough water to increase global sea levels by 6.8ft (2.1m). 
 
Speaking to CNN, the author of the study and a glaciologist at the Grenoble Alpes University in France Romain Millan said, “These glaciers are among the most important of the ice sheet. They are the largest glaciers of Greenland.” 
 
He stated that the glaciers in Greenland's different parts began to lose mass in the 1980s and 1990s, and so far those present in northern Greenland “have remained relatively stable.” As per the study, this, however, does not appear to be the case any longer.

<h2>Greenland overall lost 25 per cent of the ice sheet: Study</h2>

Thousands of satellite images, as well as measurements from the field and climate models, were used by Millan and his co-authors to get a better understanding of the historical and current changes being observed in the ice shelves.

Watch |&nbsp;Climate change no longer a distant threat, it's a stark reality

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In the study, the scientists discovered a “substantial and widespread” increase in ice shelf disappearances. 
 
The researchers, headed by Romain Millan, wrote in Nature Communications, “Overall, 25 per cent of the ice sheet area is drained through former or remaining ice shelves, which represents a sea level rise equivalent of 2.1 m.” 
 
“If the glaciers located in North Greenland lose the buttressing provided by ice shelves, the increase in discharge could rival the largest contributors to Greenland ice mass loss,” they added. 
 
Since 1978, there has been a decrease of more than 35 per cent in the total volume of ice shelves which support the glaciers of northern Greenland, as per the study. 
 
“We can see that the ice shelves are weakening and that’s new key information that we didn’t know, because we thought that this part of Greenland was really stable,” Millan said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The ice shelves of Greenland have seen a disappearance of more than a third in their volume since 1978, stated the researchers. The disintegration of the ice shelves has been accelerated because of warm ocean waters which have melted them from beneath and increased their chances of collapsing.

The ice shelves of Greenland have seen a disappearance of more than a third in their volume since 1978, stated the researchers. The disintegration of the ice shelves has been accelerated because of warm ocean waters which have melted them from beneath and increased their chances of collapsing. Among the eight ice shelves which supported the vast glaciers of North Greenland, three have completely collapsed, while the five which remain have been retreating rapidly. Scientists have said that with the warming of the ocean, the ice shelves will continuously retreat and will have threatening consequences for global sea levels. ALSO READ | Luxury cruise ship remains grounded in Greenland with help days away As per experts from the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), if these ice shelves entirely disappear, they can release enough water to increase global sea levels by 6.8ft (2.1m). Speaking to CNN, the author of the study and a glaciologist at the Grenoble Alpes University in France Romain Millan said, “These glaciers are among the most important of the ice sheet. They are the largest glaciers of Greenland.” He stated that the glaciers in Greenland's different parts began to lose mass in the 1980s and 1990s, and so far those present in northern Greenland “have remained relatively stable.” As per the study, this, however, does not appear to be the case any longer. Greenland overall lost 25 per cent of the ice sheet: Study Thousands of satellite images, as well as measurements from the field and climate models, were used by Millan and his co-authors to get a better understanding of the historical and current changes being observed in the ice shelves. Watch | Climate change no longer a distant threat, it's a stark reality In the study, the scientists discovered a “substantial and widespread” increase in ice shelf disappearances. The researchers, headed by Romain Millan, wrote in Nature Communications, “Overall, 25 per cent of the ice sheet area is drained through former or remaining ice shelves, which represents a sea level rise equivalent of 2.1 m.” “If the glaciers located in North Greenland lose the buttressing provided by ice shelves, the increase in discharge could rival the largest contributors to Greenland ice mass loss,” they added. Since 1978, there has been a decrease of more than 35 per cent in the total volume of ice shelves which support the glaciers of northern Greenland, as per the study. “We can see that the ice shelves are weakening and that’s new key information that we didn’t know, because we thought that this part of Greenland was really stable,” Millan said. (With inputs from agencies)

Three of eight ice shelves in Greenland have collapsed. It now only has five

In a ground-breaking study, the researchers claimed to have found a new therapeutic which was developed from compounds found in the blood of the pig and can reverse the age of rats.

The anti-ageing therapeutic, which is called E5, was developed using a young pig’s blood and was injected into the bodies of ageing rats, as per a new study published recently in the journal GeroScience.

E5, which is filled with young plasmas and complex nanoparticles sourced from pigs, can reverse the rats’ biological clocks by nearly 70 per cent on average, stated the researchers, which included those from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

<h2>Can human age be reversed?</h2>

The scientists claimed that if the same results are achieved in humans, it will mean that an 80-year-old’s age can be reversed to 26.

“Initially, I could hardly believe the profound epigenetic rejuvenation effects of E5. However, our findings are robustly supported by parallel rodent studies from different labs,” said study co-author Steve Horvath, in a statement.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-rat-remembers-research-reveals-how-rodents-have-memory-of-places-they-go-to-654749">A rat remembers: Research reveals how rodents have memory of places they go to</a>

The scientists in the research discovered that when the different rat tissues went under pig blood treatment, it was observed that the biological age of the blood, heart and liver was reversed.

“The treatment more than halved the epigenetic ages of blood, heart, and liver tissue,” wrote the scientists, in the study. They also observed a “less pronounced, but statistically significant” rejuvenation effect on the hypothalamus of the brain.

Researchers stated that they observed “progressive improvement” in the functioning of these organs in the rats and also saw cognitive and behavioural improvements.

<h2>Does the study hint at a major development in future?</h2>

The findings overall suggested a young porcine plasma-derived treatment that “markedly reverses ageing” in rats. “We found the plasma fraction treatment consistently effective in both male and female rats, drastically reducing the epigenetic age of multiple rat tissues,” researchers stated.

The results derived from the new study also give insights into the shared biological mechanisms across mammal species. Although the treatment has not gone through human trials, the researchers still hope that there is room for optimism.

WATCH |&nbsp;New research reveals that rats have the ability to imagine

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The study hints at a future possibility of using rejuvenation for systemically reducing disease onset risk “rather than treating diseases individually”.

However, scientists have also emphasised how the markers of ageing which were observed in the rats in the study can significantly differ in patterns and values compared to humans.

“What may be detrimental in one species could be inconsequential in another,” the scientists said.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a ground-breaking study, the researchers claimed to have found a new therapeutic which was developed from compounds found in the blood of the pig and can reverse the age of rats.

In a ground-breaking study, the researchers claimed to have found a new therapeutic which was developed from compounds found in the blood of the pig and can reverse the age of rats. The anti-ageing therapeutic, which is called E5, was developed using a young pig’s blood and was injected into the bodies of ageing rats, as per a new study published recently in the journal GeroScience. E5, which is filled with young plasmas and complex nanoparticles sourced from pigs, can reverse the rats’ biological clocks by nearly 70 per cent on average, stated the researchers, which included those from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Can human age be reversed? The scientists claimed that if the same results are achieved in humans, it will mean that an 80-year-old’s age can be reversed to 26. “Initially, I could hardly believe the profound epigenetic rejuvenation effects of E5. However, our findings are robustly supported by parallel rodent studies from different labs,” said study co-author Steve Horvath, in a statement. ALSO READ | A rat remembers: Research reveals how rodents have memory of places they go to The scientists in the research discovered that when the different rat tissues went under pig blood treatment, it was observed that the biological age of the blood, heart and liver was reversed. “The treatment more than halved the epigenetic ages of blood, heart, and liver tissue,” wrote the scientists, in the study. They also observed a “less pronounced, but statistically significant” rejuvenation effect on the hypothalamus of the brain. Researchers stated that they observed “progressive improvement” in the functioning of these organs in the rats and also saw cognitive and behavioural improvements. Does the study hint at a major development in future? The findings overall suggested a young porcine plasma-derived treatment that “markedly reverses ageing” in rats. “We found the plasma fraction treatment consistently effective in both male and female rats, drastically reducing the epigenetic age of multiple rat tissues,” researchers stated. The results derived from the new study also give insights into the shared biological mechanisms across mammal species. Although the treatment has not gone through human trials, the researchers still hope that there is room for optimism. WATCH | New research reveals that rats have the ability to imagine The study hints at a future possibility of using rejuvenation for systemically reducing disease onset risk “rather than treating diseases individually”. However, scientists have also emphasised how the markers of ageing which were observed in the rats in the study can significantly differ in patterns and values compared to humans. “What may be detrimental in one species could be inconsequential in another,” the scientists said. (With inputs from agencies)

Age-reversal possible? Study finds new compound in pig’s blood which reverses age in rats

With online video calls through platforms like Zoom and Teams becoming a common practice in our day-to-day work life, it is now being seen as the most feasible and easy way to communicate. 
 
However, a recent study says that such video calls may not actually be the 'smoothest' way to hold conversations. 
 
The new research has revealed that the human brain finds it challenging to process conversations that take place through video calls in comparison to face-to-face conversations. 
 
The findings made in a study carried out at Yale University emphasises&nbsp;how important it is to hold in-person communication and this is how humans naturally interact with others.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-impacted-brain-health-of-elderlies-even-if-they-didnt-catch-covid-654112">Brain health of those 50 and above declined rapidly during the pandemic: Study</a>

"The social systems of the human brain are more active during real live in-person encounters than on Zoom," stated neuroscientist Joy Hirsch, who is the senior author of the published paper. 
 
"Online representations of faces, at least with current technology, do not have the same 'privileged access' to social neural circuitry in the brain that is typical of the real thing,” he added. 
 
As per Hirsch and her colleagues, neuroimaging was used by most of the studies previously carried out to record brain activity amid social interactions, which involved individual people.

<h2>Study recorded people's eye and brain activity during conversation</h2>

In this study, the researchers carried out a comparison between how people interacted with one another in real-time. The participants included 28 healthy adults who had no vision impairments and belonged to different ages, genders, and ethnicities. 
 
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), eye trackers and electroencephalography (EEG) were used by Hirsch and the team to carefully record the eye and brain activity of people when they were talking to each other. 
 
The results of pairs who participated in live face-to-face conversations were compared to those who used Zoom to hold video chats. No changes were made in the conversation partners and the same task was completed by each pair during the conversations.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: How COVID-19 compromises brain function

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In comparison to interactions which took place on Zoom, face-to-face discussions saw an increase in signal in the brain's critical area, which is called the dorsal-parietal region. 
 
"Pupil diameters were generally larger for in-person faces than for virtual faces suggesting increased arousal for in-person faces. In addition, the magnitudes of the pupil responses were reciprocated by partners,” stated the team. 
 
"Overall, the dynamic and natural social interactions that occur spontaneously during in-person interactions appear to be less apparent or absent during Zoom encounters. This is a really robust effect,” explained Hirsch.

(With inputs from agencies)

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With online video calls through platforms like Zoom and Teams becoming a common practice in our day-to-day work life, it is now being seen as the most feasible and easy way to communicate.

With online video calls through platforms like Zoom and Teams becoming a common practice in our day-to-day work life, it is now being seen as the most feasible and easy way to communicate. However, a recent study says that such video calls may not actually be the 'smoothest' way to hold conversations. The new research has revealed that the human brain finds it challenging to process conversations that take place through video calls in comparison to face-to-face conversations. The findings made in a study carried out at Yale University emphasises how important it is to hold in-person communication and this is how humans naturally interact with others. ALSO READ | Brain health of those 50 and above declined rapidly during the pandemic: Study "The social systems of the human brain are more active during real live in-person encounters than on Zoom," stated neuroscientist Joy Hirsch, who is the senior author of the published paper. "Online representations of faces, at least with current technology, do not have the same 'privileged access' to social neural circuitry in the brain that is typical of the real thing,” he added. As per Hirsch and her colleagues, neuroimaging was used by most of the studies previously carried out to record brain activity amid social interactions, which involved individual people. Study recorded people's eye and brain activity during conversation In this study, the researchers carried out a comparison between how people interacted with one another in real-time. The participants included 28 healthy adults who had no vision impairments and belonged to different ages, genders, and ethnicities. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), eye trackers and electroencephalography (EEG) were used by Hirsch and the team to carefully record the eye and brain activity of people when they were talking to each other. The results of pairs who participated in live face-to-face conversations were compared to those who used Zoom to hold video chats. No changes were made in the conversation partners and the same task was completed by each pair during the conversations. WATCH | Gravitas: How COVID-19 compromises brain function In comparison to interactions which took place on Zoom, face-to-face discussions saw an increase in signal in the brain's critical area, which is called the dorsal-parietal region. "Pupil diameters were generally larger for in-person faces than for virtual faces suggesting increased arousal for in-person faces. In addition, the magnitudes of the pupil responses were reciprocated by partners,” stated the team. "Overall, the dynamic and natural social interactions that occur spontaneously during in-person interactions appear to be less apparent or absent during Zoom encounters. This is a really robust effect,” explained Hirsch. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Is human brain failing to process information on Zoom calls? Study says 'yes'

Recent research conducted in the United States has revealed a concerning connection between moderate levels of fine particle pollution and a 56 per cent higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

This study, led by Brittany Krzyzanowski from the Barrow Neurological Institute in Arizona, sheds light on the potential link between air pollution and this debilitating neurodegenerative disorder.

The researchers also brought to light the&nbsp;intriguing regional disparities in this relationship, offering important insights into the role of environmental toxins in Parkinson's disease development.

Prior research had already indicated that fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, can trigger brain inflammation, a mechanism associated with the onset of Parkinson's disease.

Krzyzanowski and her team aimed to explore this connection further, understanding the extent of the risk and its geographic distribution.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-delhi-and-mumbai-air-quality-continues-to-worsen-situation-alarming-653394">Also read |&nbsp;India: Air quality in Delhi continues to worsen, smoggy Mumbai also no longer immune</a>

<h2>Geographic variation and data sources</h2>

To conduct their study, the researchers identified nearly 90,000 Parkinson's disease patients within the vast Medicare dataset, which covers approximately 22 million individuals across the United States.

These patients were then geocoded to their residential neighbourhoods, enabling the researchers to analyse disease rates in different regions.

Additionally, the average annual concentrations of fine particulate matter in these specific areas were calculated, providing a crucial dataset for their analysis.

<h2>Regional disparities in Parkinson's disease</h2>

The study uncovered regional disparities in the prevalence of Parkinson's disease.

The Mississippi-Ohio River Valley emerged as a hotspot for the disease, with other areas such as central North Dakota, parts of Texas, Kansas, eastern Michigan, and sections of Florida also showing higher risks.

In contrast, individuals living in the western half of the United States were found to have a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

Also watch |&nbsp;New Delhi's air pollution woes

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Krzyzanowski highlighted the possibility that regional differences in Parkinson's disease may be linked to variations in the composition of fine particulate matter.

Certain areas may have particulate matter with more toxic components, such as combustion particles from traffic and heavy metals from manufacturing.

These elements have previously been associated with cell death in the brain regions involved in Parkinson's disease.

&nbsp;

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Recent research conducted in the United States has revealed a concerning connection between moderate levels of fine particle pollution and a 56 per cent higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

Recent research conducted in the United States has revealed a concerning connection between moderate levels of fine particle pollution and a 56 per cent higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. This study, led by Brittany Krzyzanowski from the Barrow Neurological Institute in Arizona, sheds light on the potential link between air pollution and this debilitating neurodegenerative disorder. The researchers also brought to light the intriguing regional disparities in this relationship, offering important insights into the role of environmental toxins in Parkinson's disease development. Prior research had already indicated that fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, can trigger brain inflammation, a mechanism associated with the onset of Parkinson's disease. Krzyzanowski and her team aimed to explore this connection further, understanding the extent of the risk and its geographic distribution. Also read | India: Air quality in Delhi continues to worsen, smoggy Mumbai also no longer immune Geographic variation and data sources To conduct their study, the researchers identified nearly 90,000 Parkinson's disease patients within the vast Medicare dataset, which covers approximately 22 million individuals across the United States. These patients were then geocoded to their residential neighbourhoods, enabling the researchers to analyse disease rates in different regions. Additionally, the average annual concentrations of fine particulate matter in these specific areas were calculated, providing a crucial dataset for their analysis. Regional disparities in Parkinson's disease The study uncovered regional disparities in the prevalence of Parkinson's disease. The Mississippi-Ohio River Valley emerged as a hotspot for the disease, with other areas such as central North Dakota, parts of Texas, Kansas, eastern Michigan, and sections of Florida also showing higher risks. In contrast, individuals living in the western half of the United States were found to have a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Also watch | New Delhi's air pollution woes Krzyzanowski highlighted the possibility that regional differences in Parkinson's disease may be linked to variations in the composition of fine particulate matter. Certain areas may have particulate matter with more toxic components, such as combustion particles from traffic and heavy metals from manufacturing. These elements have previously been associated with cell death in the brain regions involved in Parkinson's disease. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Air pollution ups risk of Parkinson's disease by 56%: Study

According to a new study carried out by the researchers, our favourite songs can turn into powerful painkillers, especially the music which moves the listeners. 
 
For a long, music has been known to help people in relieving pain as recent research states that the effect may be seen in babies also. However, other studies reveal that the favourite tunes of people are likely to have a stronger painkilling effect compared to the relaxing music which they have selected for themselves. 
 
The researchers now stated that they have gathered evidence which proves that the human's emotional responses which are generated by listening to music also matter.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/taylor-swifts-re-recorded-1989-releases-today-worldwide-heres-when-it-hits-your-country-651779">Taylor Swift's re-recorded 1989 releases today worldwide; here's when it hits your country</a>

“We can approximate that favourite music reduced pain by about one point on a 10-point scale, which is at least as strong as an over-the-counter painkiller like Advil [ibuprofen] under the same conditions. Moving music may have an even stronger effect,” stated Darius Valevicius, the research's first author from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. 
 
In the report published in the journal Frontiers in Pain Research, Darius Valevicius and his colleagues stated that 63 healthy participants were asked to attend the Roy pain laboratory on the McGill campus, where a probe device was used by the researchers to heat a part of their left arm and create a sensation similar to that of holding a cup of coffee. 
 
During the process, the participants were made to listen to two of their favourite songs, relaxing music which was chosen for them, silence or scrambled music.

<h2>Favourite songs, silence or scrambled music more effective than soothing tracks</h2>

While listening to sound, music or silence, the participants rated the unpleasantness and intensity of the pain. Every participant was made to experience every condition for around seven minutes, during which eight pain stimulations and eight ratings took place. 
 
After the end of the auditory period, the participants rated the pleasantness they experienced while listening to music, their emotional arousal, and the “chills” they experienced, which can be shivers, tingling and goosebumps.

WATCH |&nbsp;The messiest band break ups in music history and more | WION E-Club

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In the results, it was revealed that pain was rated as less intense by about four points by the participants on a 100-point scale, and less unpleasant by nearly nine points when they listened to their favourite songs in comparison to scrambled sound or silence. Moving music, which was selected for them, failed to produce such an effect. 
 
“We found a very strong correlation between music pleasantness and pain unpleasantness, but zero correlation between music pleasantness and pain intensity, which would be an unlikely finding if it was just placebo or expectation effects,” Valevicius said while speaking to The Guardian. 
 
“The difference in effect on pain intensity implies two mechanisms – chills may have a physiological sensory-gating effect, blocking ascending pain signals, while pleasantness may affect the emotional value of pain without affecting the sensation, so more at a cognitive-emotional level involving prefrontal brain areas,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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According to a new study carried out by the researchers, our favourite songs can turn into powerful painkillers, especially the music which moves the listeners. For a long, music has been known to help people in relieving pain as recent research states that the effect may be seen in babies also.

According to a new study carried out by the researchers, our favourite songs can turn into powerful painkillers, especially the music which moves the listeners. For a long, music has been known to help people in relieving pain as recent research states that the effect may be seen in babies also. However, other studies reveal that the favourite tunes of people are likely to have a stronger painkilling effect compared to the relaxing music which they have selected for themselves. The researchers now stated that they have gathered evidence which proves that the human's emotional responses which are generated by listening to music also matter. ALSO READ | Taylor Swift's re-recorded 1989 releases today worldwide; here's when it hits your country “We can approximate that favourite music reduced pain by about one point on a 10-point scale, which is at least as strong as an over-the-counter painkiller like Advil [ibuprofen] under the same conditions. Moving music may have an even stronger effect,” stated Darius Valevicius, the research's first author from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. In the report published in the journal Frontiers in Pain Research, Darius Valevicius and his colleagues stated that 63 healthy participants were asked to attend the Roy pain laboratory on the McGill campus, where a probe device was used by the researchers to heat a part of their left arm and create a sensation similar to that of holding a cup of coffee. During the process, the participants were made to listen to two of their favourite songs, relaxing music which was chosen for them, silence or scrambled music. Favourite songs, silence or scrambled music more effective than soothing tracks While listening to sound, music or silence, the participants rated the unpleasantness and intensity of the pain. Every participant was made to experience every condition for around seven minutes, during which eight pain stimulations and eight ratings took place. After the end of the auditory period, the participants rated the pleasantness they experienced while listening to music, their emotional arousal, and the “chills” they experienced, which can be shivers, tingling and goosebumps. WATCH | The messiest band break ups in music history and more | WION E-Club In the results, it was revealed that pain was rated as less intense by about four points by the participants on a 100-point scale, and less unpleasant by nearly nine points when they listened to their favourite songs in comparison to scrambled sound or silence. Moving music, which was selected for them, failed to produce such an effect. “We found a very strong correlation between music pleasantness and pain unpleasantness, but zero correlation between music pleasantness and pain intensity, which would be an unlikely finding if it was just placebo or expectation effects,” Valevicius said while speaking to The Guardian. “The difference in effect on pain intensity implies two mechanisms – chills may have a physiological sensory-gating effect, blocking ascending pain signals, while pleasantness may affect the emotional value of pain without affecting the sensation, so more at a cognitive-emotional level involving prefrontal brain areas,” he added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Tuning into favourite songs may help in reducing pain more effectively: Study

Excessive sitting has become a major concern for most of us, especially since a lot of jobs involve people sitting for prolonged&nbsp;periods of time.&nbsp;We have time and again heard of the ill effects of such a scenario on our health.&nbsp;However, recent&nbsp;research has found that just a few minutes of&nbsp;exercise or activity can help you counter the effects of prolonged sitting.&nbsp;

The research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that 22 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity or exercise can help in maintaining your health. The experts found that as a person's activity level increases, the risk of dying prematurely from any disease decreases.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-whats-leading-to-heart-attack-deaths-during-navratri-at-garba-events-and-how-to-avoid-it-650600">Explained | What's leading to heart attack deaths during Navratri at garba events and how to avoid it?</a>

The study appears to contradict the findings of earlier studies which showed that regular exercise cannot zero out the negative effect of sitting down. A 2017 study published in the Annals of Internal found that working out regularly can reduce some harms of prolonged sitting but cannot eliminate them completely.&nbsp;

<h2>150 minutes per week</h2>

The study's lead author, Edvard Sagelv, a researcher at the Arctic University of Norway, says that 150 minutes per week of&nbsp;activity is enough to counteract the detrimental health&nbsp;effects of prolonged sitting.&nbsp;

He added, "This is the beautiful part: we are talking about activities that make you breathe a little bit heavier, like brisk walking, or gardening or walking up a hill."

To many of us, these 150 minutes appear to be a lot, but Edvard broke it down into manageable terms for us.&nbsp;

He said, "Think of it: only 20 minutes of this a day is enough, meaning, a small stroll of 10 minutes twice a day — like jumping off the bus one stop before your actual destination to work and then when taking the bus back home, jumping off one stop before."

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-what-is-depression-symptoms-diagnosis--causes-treatment-and-more--depression-awareness-month-649889">What is depression? Symptoms, diagnosis, causes, treatment, and more | Depression Awareness Month</a>

The study analysed 12,000 people from Sweden, Norway and the US for two years. The participants wore movement detection devices on their hips for 10 hours a day for at least four days.&nbsp;

The study found that over an average of five years, 805 people had died. Furthermore, of those who died, 353 had spent less than 10 and half hours seated, while 448 averaged 10 and half hours or more.&nbsp;

The researchers found that people sitting for over 12 hours a day are at 38 per cent increased risk of death as compared to those who sit for 8 hours, but this applies&nbsp;to only those who manage to do a few minutes of exercise.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Excessive sitting has become a major concern for most of us, especially since a lot of jobs involve people sitting for prolonged periods of time. We have time and again heard of the ill effects of such a scenario on our health.

Excessive sitting has become a major concern for most of us, especially since a lot of jobs involve people sitting for prolonged periods of time. We have time and again heard of the ill effects of such a scenario on our health. However, recent research has found that just a few minutes of exercise or activity can help you counter the effects of prolonged sitting. The research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that 22 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity or exercise can help in maintaining your health. The experts found that as a person's activity level increases, the risk of dying prematurely from any disease decreases. Also read | Explained | What's leading to heart attack deaths during Navratri at garba events and how to avoid it? The study appears to contradict the findings of earlier studies which showed that regular exercise cannot zero out the negative effect of sitting down. A 2017 study published in the Annals of Internal found that working out regularly can reduce some harms of prolonged sitting but cannot eliminate them completely. 150 minutes per week The study's lead author, Edvard Sagelv, a researcher at the Arctic University of Norway, says that 150 minutes per week of activity is enough to counteract the detrimental health effects of prolonged sitting. He added, "This is the beautiful part: we are talking about activities that make you breathe a little bit heavier, like brisk walking, or gardening or walking up a hill." To many of us, these 150 minutes appear to be a lot, but Edvard broke it down into manageable terms for us. He said, "Think of it: only 20 minutes of this a day is enough, meaning, a small stroll of 10 minutes twice a day — like jumping off the bus one stop before your actual destination to work and then when taking the bus back home, jumping off one stop before." Also read |What is depression? Symptoms, diagnosis, causes, treatment, and more | Depression Awareness Month The study analysed 12,000 people from Sweden, Norway and the US for two years. The participants wore movement detection devices on their hips for 10 hours a day for at least four days. The study found that over an average of five years, 805 people had died. Furthermore, of those who died, 353 had spent less than 10 and half hours seated, while 448 averaged 10 and half hours or more. The researchers found that people sitting for over 12 hours a day are at 38 per cent increased risk of death as compared to those who sit for 8 hours, but this applies to only those who manage to do a few minutes of exercise. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

20 minutes of daily activity might help you decrease harm caused by prolonged sitting: Study

Scientists have found a new mega predator, a Jurassic giant who topped the food chain for 80 million years. According to a study published in Scientific Reports, Lorrainosaurus had a 4.

Scientists have found a new mega predator, a Jurassic giant who topped the food chain for 80 million years. According to a study published in Scientific Reports, Lorrainosaurus had a 4.3-foot-long jaw and torpedo-shaped body. It belonged to the clade of pliosaurs called Thalassophonea or sea murderers, which existed 170 million years ago. Researchers first found the sea monster's fossils in 1983. However, the new study, published on Oct 16, re-analyses the remains of the predator. The study's authors told Live Science it belonged to a previously unknown species, representing the oldest "mega predatory" pliosaur recorded. Daniel Madzia, the study's co-author and a palaeontologist with the Institute of Paleobiology at the Polish Academy of Sciences, said, "Pliosaurids were the rulers of the Mesozoic seas. We are at the very beginning of a fascinating evolutionary history that we don't understand yet." ALSO READ | A canister containing asteroid samples is giving NASA a hard time. Here's why The research team excavated the fossils from the former region of Lorraine in northeastern France. A study from 1994, published in Bulletin des Académie et Société Lorraine des Sciences and written by Pascal Godefroit, assigned the species to a genus of pliosaurs called Simolestes and called it S. keileni. However, the new study found striking differences between S. keileni and other Simolestes, like broader splenials (bones in the lower jaw). Moreover, the sea monster's mandible (the skull's most prominent and vital bone) was at least a foot longer than other Simolestes species. Lorrainosaurus dined on sharks, sea turtles, and other plesiosaurs. "It ate whatever it wanted to eat. It was one of the largest marine predators of its time," Madzia said. ALSO READ | Giant solar storm to hit Earth on Oct 24. Here's how to protect yourself The research team created the genus Lorrainosaurus to give the creature its place on the pliosaur evolutionary tree. L. keileni's re-study pushed back the rise of massive predatory pliosaurs by up to five million years, said Madzia. It might not be a significant number in geological timescales. But it implies they existed right after the Jurassic food chain pivoted around 175 million years ago. It saw the plunge in the population of apex predators, like dolphin-like ichthyosaurs, and the rise of pliosaurs. The average length of an L. keileni was over 20 feet. However, the sea murderers could grow up to 50 feet long. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

This mega sea predator lived 170 million years ago and gobbled up everything in sight, says study

Expect our society to perpetuate gender norms! In fact, we didn't even spare prehistoric times and assumed that men took on the more powerful roles that required excessive physical strength.

In a recent study, the years-long belief that in prehistoric times men were the hunters and women played the gatherers has been challenged. 
 
The research, led by anthropology professor at the University of Delaware Sarah Lacy, suggests that women did not have the physical capability to hunt but likely took part in it.

<h2>Study focuses on Paleolithic era</h2>

The study's focus was on the Paleolithic era, which spans from around 2.5 million to 12,000 years ago. During the study, very little evidence was found by the researchers which suggested that the roles of men and women were rigidly defined by gender. 
 
Professor Lacy, who has specialised in the health of early humans, entered into a collaboration with Cara Ocobock from the University of Notre Dame, who has been drawing connections between the fossil record and modern-day physiology.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alien-life-unlike-humans-may-not-be-carbon-based-suggests-new-study-639916">Alien life, unlike humans, may not be carbon-based, suggests new study</a>

While carrying out the study, the researchers saw scope for challenging the long-held belief regarding gendered division of labour. The researchers questioned why the “cavemen hunt, women gather” theory was accepted so widely. “We have so much evidence that that’s not the case,” Lacy stated while speaking to earth.com

<h2>Gender equality in prehistoric times?</h2>

A striking image of gender equality was revealed to the researchers while reviewing ancient tools, diets, art, burials, and anatomy. 
 
“People found things in the past and they just automatically gendered them male and didn’t acknowledge the fact that everyone we found in the past has these markers, whether in their bones or in stone tools that are being placed in their burials,” stated Professor Lacy. 
 
“We can’t really tell who made what, right? We can’t say, ‘Oh, only males flintknap,’ because there’s no signature left on the stone tool that tells us who made it,” she added.

Watch |&nbsp;Switzerland Parliamentary Elections: 36% of voters say climate change a big election issue

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Lacy further stated that from the evidence collected so far, there seems to be nearly no difference in the roles assigned to the two genders. 
 
The research further addressed another question, that of whether any physiological barriers prevented women from going hunting. 
 
“When we take a deeper look at the anatomy and the modern physiology and then actually look at the skeletal remains of ancient people, there’s no difference in trauma patterns between males and females, because they’re doing the same activities,” stated Lacy. 
 
In the Paleolithic era, most people survived in small groups. “You live in such a small society. You have to be really, really flexible. Everyone has to be able to pick up any role at any time. It just seems like the obvious thing, but people weren’t taking it that way,” she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Expect our society to perpetuate gender norms! In fact, we didn't even spare prehistoric times and assumed that men took on the more powerful roles that required excessive physical strength.

Expect our society to perpetuate gender norms! In fact, we didn't even spare prehistoric times and assumed that men took on the more powerful roles that required excessive physical strength. In a recent study, the years-long belief that in prehistoric times men were the hunters and women played the gatherers has been challenged. The research, led by anthropology professor at the University of Delaware Sarah Lacy, suggests that women did not have the physical capability to hunt but likely took part in it. Study focuses on Paleolithic era The study's focus was on the Paleolithic era, which spans from around 2.5 million to 12,000 years ago. During the study, very little evidence was found by the researchers which suggested that the roles of men and women were rigidly defined by gender. Professor Lacy, who has specialised in the health of early humans, entered into a collaboration with Cara Ocobock from the University of Notre Dame, who has been drawing connections between the fossil record and modern-day physiology. ALSO READ | Alien life, unlike humans, may not be carbon-based, suggests new study While carrying out the study, the researchers saw scope for challenging the long-held belief regarding gendered division of labour. The researchers questioned why the “cavemen hunt, women gather” theory was accepted so widely. “We have so much evidence that that’s not the case,” Lacy stated while speaking to earth.com Gender equality in prehistoric times? A striking image of gender equality was revealed to the researchers while reviewing ancient tools, diets, art, burials, and anatomy. “People found things in the past and they just automatically gendered them male and didn’t acknowledge the fact that everyone we found in the past has these markers, whether in their bones or in stone tools that are being placed in their burials,” stated Professor Lacy. “We can’t really tell who made what, right? We can’t say, ‘Oh, only males flintknap,’ because there’s no signature left on the stone tool that tells us who made it,” she added. Watch | Switzerland Parliamentary Elections: 36% of voters say climate change a big election issue Lacy further stated that from the evidence collected so far, there seems to be nearly no difference in the roles assigned to the two genders. The research further addressed another question, that of whether any physiological barriers prevented women from going hunting. “When we take a deeper look at the anatomy and the modern physiology and then actually look at the skeletal remains of ancient people, there’s no difference in trauma patterns between males and females, because they’re doing the same activities,” stated Lacy. In the Paleolithic era, most people survived in small groups. “You live in such a small society. You have to be really, really flexible. Everyone has to be able to pick up any role at any time. It just seems like the obvious thing, but people weren’t taking it that way,” she added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Hunting was not solely a man's arena in prehistoric times, women did it too, study suggests

A new analysis has revealed the reason for the presence of Neanderthal DNA in human populations in Europe and Asia. The study, published in Science Advances journal, has deepened scientists' understanding of the ancient genomes that may have medical relevance today.

A new analysis has revealed the reason for the presence of Neanderthal DNA in human populations in Europe and Asia. The study, published in Science Advances journal, has deepened scientists' understanding of the ancient genomes that may have medical relevance today. It tracks the hereditary legacy of the age-old relatives of our species with more accuracy, using the critical mass of significant data. Many humans alive today have a tiny per cent of Neanderthal DNA because of the prehistoric sexual encounters between our ancestors and the Stone Age hominins, who became extinct around 40,000 years ago. However, East Asian populations have a slightly higher concentration of Neanderthal DNA in their genomes. This difference has always baffled scientists as they have found Neanderthal remains extensively across Europe and the Middle East but not further east of the Altai Mountains in Central Asia. ALSO READ | NASA shares amazing picture of solar eclipse clicked from space "So what's puzzling is that in an area where we've never found any Neanderthal remains, there's more Neanderthal DNA," said study co-author Mathias Currat, a senior lecturer of genetics and evolution at the University of Geneva. Neanderthal DNA makes up about 2 per cent of the genetic makeup of Eurasians. However, it makes up about 4 per cent of the genetic makeup of East Asians, Currat said. Currat and his colleagues at the University of Geneva analysed the distribution of the DNA inherited from Neanderthals in the genomes of humans over the past 40,000 years. After the research, they came up with a possible explanation for this discrepancy. "We are beginning to have enough data to describe more and more precisely the percentage of DNA of Neanderthal origin in the genome of Sapiens at certain periods of prehistory," Currat explained. According to the study, the distribution of Neanderthal DNA did not always look as it does now. The research found that in samples older than 20,000 years, genomes of Stone Age Homo sapiens in Europe contained a slightly higher proportion of Neanderthal DNA than those from Asia. Thus, the present pattern of a higher percentage of Neanderthal ancestry in Asian populations compared to those in Europe developed at a later stage, the research team concluded. It possibly happened during the Neolithic transition when farming replaced hunting and gathering as a way of life. However, Currat said it was unclear how this transition unfolded in Asia due to the relative lack of data. The study included 1,517 samples from Europe versus 1,108 from Asia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Why do some people have more Neanderthal DNA than others? Scientists now have an explanation

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