<p>Scientists have found two never-before-seen groups of microbes that live in the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park,&nbsp;United States. The discovery, made by researchers from Montana State University, was published in the journal Nature on July 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study, titled, "Cultivation and visualization of a methanogen of the phylum Thermoproteota", revealed that the new microbe groups are dubbed Methanomethylicia and Methanodesulfokora. They are methanogens, single-celled organisms that produce methane.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Methanogens, known to science since 1933, are methane-producing bacteria, especially an archaean which reduces carbon dioxide to methane, unlike humans and other animals who eat food, inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide to survive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The findings of the research may have implications for the search for extraterrestrial life and the fight against climate change.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-has-been-hit-by-cannibal-cmes-as-sun-reaches-its-maximum-heres-what-will-happen-to-our-planet-745902">Earth has been hit by cannibal CMEs as Sun reaches its maximum. Here's what will happen to our planet</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>It was earlier believed that all bacteria that produced methane belonged to a single phylum called Euryarchaeota. Now, the discovery of the two new microbial groupings confirms that methane-producing microorganisms are more diverse. They were previously only identified from DNA samples.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Methane is a gas that is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide when it comes to trapping heat in the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, microbiologist Roland Hatzenpichler of Montana State, an author of the paper, said: "All we knew about these organisms was their DNA. No one had ever seen a cell of these supposed methanogens; no one knew if they actually used their methanogenesis genes, or if they were growing by some other means."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-mysterious-fireball-flies-through-night-sky-from-california-to-texas-people-say-it-was-745899">Watch: Mysterious fireball flies through night sky from California to Texas. People say it was...</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Two distinct study groups—one from China and the other from the US—have succeeded in cultivating these microorganisms in the lab, confirming that they actually produce methane.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The finding is significant as methanogens produce 70 per cent of the world's methane, with Hatzenpichler saying: "Methane levels are increasing at a much higher rate than carbon dioxide, and humans are pumping methane at a higher rate into the atmosphere than ever before."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scientists are still trying to find out whether Methanomethylicia in non-extreme conditions grows by using methanogenesis or if they use some other mechanism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They may be able to change the circumstances in their habitats and reduce the amount of methane released into the atmosphere if they comprehend this.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My best bet is that they sometimes grow by making methane, and sometimes they do something else entirely, but we don't know when they grow, or how, or why. We now need to find out when they contribute to methane cycling and when not," Hatzenpichler said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/south-america-and-africa-once-tore-apart-and-formed-an-oceanic-crust-its-evidence-lies-in-angola-745540">South America and Africa once tore apart and formed an oceanic crust. Its evidence lies in Angola</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Will this aid the search for 'aliens'?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Newsweek said in its report that the exobiology programme of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) also funded the research.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US-based space agency is invested in methanogens because they may give insights into life on Earth more than three billion years ago as well as&nbsp;hint at&nbsp;the potential for life on other planets and moons where methane has been detected.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists have found two never-before-seen groups of microbes that live in the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park, United States. The discovery, made by researchers from Montana State University, was published in the journal Nature on July 24.

Scientists have found two never-before-seen groups of microbes that live in the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park, United States. The discovery, made by researchers from Montana State University, was published in the journal Nature on July 24. The study, titled, "Cultivation and visualization of a methanogen of the phylum Thermoproteota", revealed that the new microbe groups are dubbed Methanomethylicia and Methanodesulfokora. They are methanogens, single-celled organisms that produce methane. Methanogens, known to science since 1933, are methane-producing bacteria, especially an archaean which reduces carbon dioxide to methane, unlike humans and other animals who eat food, inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide to survive. The findings of the research may have implications for the search for extraterrestrial life and the fight against climate change. Also read: Earth has been hit by cannibal CMEs as Sun reaches its maximum. Here's what will happen to our planet It was earlier believed that all bacteria that produced methane belonged to a single phylum called Euryarchaeota. Now, the discovery of the two new microbial groupings confirms that methane-producing microorganisms are more diverse. They were previously only identified from DNA samples. Methane is a gas that is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide when it comes to trapping heat in the atmosphere. In a statement, microbiologist Roland Hatzenpichler of Montana State, an author of the paper, said: "All we knew about these organisms was their DNA. No one had ever seen a cell of these supposed methanogens; no one knew if they actually used their methanogenesis genes, or if they were growing by some other means." Also read: Watch: Mysterious fireball flies through night sky from California to Texas. People say it was... Two distinct study groups—one from China and the other from the US—have succeeded in cultivating these microorganisms in the lab, confirming that they actually produce methane. The finding is significant as methanogens produce 70 per cent of the world's methane, with Hatzenpichler saying: "Methane levels are increasing at a much higher rate than carbon dioxide, and humans are pumping methane at a higher rate into the atmosphere than ever before." Scientists are still trying to find out whether Methanomethylicia in non-extreme conditions grows by using methanogenesis or if they use some other mechanism. They may be able to change the circumstances in their habitats and reduce the amount of methane released into the atmosphere if they comprehend this. "My best bet is that they sometimes grow by making methane, and sometimes they do something else entirely, but we don't know when they grow, or how, or why. We now need to find out when they contribute to methane cycling and when not," Hatzenpichler said. Also read: South America and Africa once tore apart and formed an oceanic crust. Its evidence lies in Angola Will this aid the search for 'aliens'? Newsweek said in its report that the exobiology programme of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) also funded the research. The US-based space agency is invested in methanogens because they may give insights into life on Earth more than three billion years ago as well as hint at the potential for life on other planets and moons where methane has been detected. (With inputs from agencies)

Unusual organisms found in hot springs of Yellowstone National Park might help in search for alien life

As regional tenture soared after Israel strike in Beirut, the United States has carried out a strike in Iraq. US officials say the strike was conducted in self-defense due to a threat to US led Coalition forces. Watch in for more details!

US carries out defensive airstrike in Iraq: 4 members of Iraq's PMF killed, 4 wounded

The 100-day sprint to the US election began on July 28, the final act in a campaign transformed by an assassination attempt and the stunning exit of President Joe Biden. Watch in for more details!

US Elections: Harris gains ground over Trump in 6 swing states, says Poll

Kamala Harris' latest polls show that she broke Trump's lead in key Battleground States. The Vice President is almost unanimous backing of democrats for her presidential bid and now Republicans particularly white men are leaning towards Harris.

White dudes for Harris: Republican-leaning males support Harris

The US state of Iowa’s strict abortion law comes into effect, immediately prohibiting most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy – before many women know they are pregnant. Watch in for more details!

IOWA abortion ban comes into effect

US Elections: Harris erases Trump's lead in key swing states

During a rare joint senate committee hearing on assassination attempt on Donald Trump the acting director of US Secret Service Ronald L. Rowe Jr agreed to major security lapse that preceded the July 13th rally shooting. Watch in for more details!

US: Acting Secret Service director testifies on attempted assassination of Donald Trump

According to a US official speaking to a news outlet, the United States launched an attack in Iraq on Tuesday out of self-defense as regional tensions increased following an Israeli bombing in Beirut that Israel claimed killed Hezbollah's top leader.

US strikes PMF airbase south of Baghdad

Amazon is responsible under federal safety law for hazardous products sold on its platform by third-party sellers and shipped by the company, a US government agency ordered Tuesday. Watch in for more details!

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Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Ismail Haniyeh killed at his Tehran residence. At least 11 dead in protests following Maduro's elections win. Moscow launches overnight drone assault on Kyiv. Protests erupt at Southport following knife attack.

Ismail Haniyeh killed at his Tehran residence | Iran slams Israeli strikes on Beirut

<p>A video of parents encouraging their kids to take a picture near an alligator has sparked outrage online. The alligator, seen lying with its mouth wide open by the side of the road, was filmed in Everglades National Park, Florida, known for its diverse wildlife.</p>

<p>Captioned “Don’t think that is the brightest idea,” the video was reposted by the Instagram account Influencers in the Wild. The original footage was posted about eight months ago by a user named AJ Ellis.</p>

<p>The video shows a woman posing for the camera before calling a child to join her for a photo. She then takes the camera to take a picture of a man with the child, all while being dangerously close to the alligator.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-worlds-first-immunotherapy-for-peanut-allergy-in-babies-starts-in-australia-745840">World's first immunotherapy for peanut allergy in babies starts in Australia</a></p>

<p>Despite someone in the video saying, "Get away," the parents ignored the warning and proceeded with the photo.</p>

<p>Outraged users shared their concerns, with one writing, "People really don’t understand or think about how fast gators are in water and on land."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another remarked, “That’s not a yawn. It’s trying to determine if one of those people will fit in its mouth.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/woman-goes-missing-as-her-plan-to-die-in-suicide-pod-lands-in-trouble-is-she-dead-or-alive-remains-mystery-745818">Woman goes missing as her plan to die in 'suicide pod' lands in trouble. Is she dead or alive remains mystery</a></p>

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<p>One user highlighted a troubling observation: "Love how their one smart kid is fighting to stay far away while mom restrains them firmly in the danger zone."</p>

<p>Another expressed frustration with the parents' actions: “How can parents allow this? Infuriating,”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Followed by another adding, “Sure, letting the kids get cosy with an alligator is a brilliant parenting move. What could possibly go wrong?”</p>

<p>Highlighting the potential danger, a user shared, “This is insane. I’ve seen gators rip each other’s legs off in a matter of seconds.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Someone wrote, “Funny that kids are the only ones showing appropriate fear of that beast.”</p>

<p>Netizens have heavily criticised the parents' irresponsible behaviour, emphasising that ensuring children's safety should be the utmost priority. This viral incident has sparked a debate on social media about parental responsibility and the lengths to which&nbsp;some will go for a photo opportunity.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:938,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2688}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:938,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2688}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A video of parents encouraging their kids to take a picture near an alligator has sparked outrage online. The alligator, seen lying with its mouth wide open by the side of the road, was filmed in Everglades National Park, Florida, known for its diverse wildlife.

A video of parents encouraging their kids to take a picture near an alligator has sparked outrage online. The alligator, seen lying with its mouth wide open by the side of the road, was filmed in Everglades National Park, Florida, known for its diverse wildlife. Captioned “Don’t think that is the brightest idea,” the video was reposted by the Instagram account Influencers in the Wild. The original footage was posted about eight months ago by a user named AJ Ellis. The video shows a woman posing for the camera before calling a child to join her for a photo. She then takes the camera to take a picture of a man with the child, all while being dangerously close to the alligator. Also read | World's first immunotherapy for peanut allergy in babies starts in Australia Despite someone in the video saying, "Get away," the parents ignored the warning and proceeded with the photo. Outraged users shared their concerns, with one writing, "People really don’t understand or think about how fast gators are in water and on land." Another remarked, “That’s not a yawn. It’s trying to determine if one of those people will fit in its mouth.” Also read | Woman goes missing as her plan to die in 'suicide pod' lands in trouble. Is she dead or alive remains mystery View this post on Instagram A post shared by Influencers in the Wild (@influencersinthewild) × One user highlighted a troubling observation: "Love how their one smart kid is fighting to stay far away while mom restrains them firmly in the danger zone." Another expressed frustration with the parents' actions: “How can parents allow this? Infuriating,” Followed by another adding, “Sure, letting the kids get cosy with an alligator is a brilliant parenting move. What could possibly go wrong?” Highlighting the potential danger, a user shared, “This is insane. I’ve seen gators rip each other’s legs off in a matter of seconds.” Someone wrote, “Funny that kids are the only ones showing appropriate fear of that beast.” Netizens have heavily criticised the parents' irresponsible behaviour, emphasising that ensuring children's safety should be the utmost priority. This viral incident has sparked a debate on social media about parental responsibility and the lengths to which some will go for a photo opportunity. (With inputs from agencies)

Shocking video shows parents making kids pose with alligator in US

President Joe Biden will announce plans to reform the US supreme court on Monday. Biden is likely to endorse establishing term limits for justices and an enforceable code of ethics. Watch in for more details!

US President Joe Biden announces plans to reform US Supreme Court

The latest Democratic strategy against the Trump-Vance ticket is to label them weird. Weird, often a term used colloquially is making its way all over social media and official documents to describe a former president and his running mate. Is this a smart move, and can it sway voters for the Democratic Party?

Democrats new attack line: Labelling Trump, Vance, 'weird'

Donald Trump has defended comments his Vice-Presidential candidate JD Vance made in 2021 about Kamala Harris and other Democratic politicians being a "bunch of childless cat ladies with miserable lives".

US: Donald Trump defends JD Vance's 'childless cat lady' comment

US: Donald Trump defends JD Vance over 'childless cat ladies' remark

In the final six months of his Presidential tenure Joe Biden seems to have set his sights on major reforms in the US Supreme Court. Watch in for more details!

US: Joe Biden slams 'extremism' in Supreme Court, accuses SC of 'undermining public confidence'

<p>American tech giant Meta on Tuesday (Jul 30) agreed to pay $1.4 billion to settle&nbsp;a lawsuit filed by the state of&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;over the illegal collection of biometric data of millions of Texans using facial-recognition technology.</p>

<p>Meta will have to pay the amount over the next five years.</p>

<p>A spokesperson of the California-based company said it was happy to resolve the matter. The statement added the company was looking forward to&nbsp;"exploring future opportunities to deepen our business investments in Texas, including potentially developing data centers."</p>

<p>However, the company still denies any wrongdoing.</p>

<p>The lawsuit was filed under the 2009 biometric privacy law of Texas in 2022 and was the first major case to be filed under this legislation.</p>

<p>The law provides for fines and damages worth $25,000 per violation.</p>

<p>The amount marks the largest accord ever by any single state, according to the lawyers for the state of&nbsp;Texas.</p>

<h2><strong>Allegations against Facebook</strong></h2>

<p>As per allegations, Meta captured biometric data of its users&nbsp;&nbsp;"billions of times" using photos and videos uploaded on its platforms using a free, now-discontinued feature called&nbsp;"Tag Suggestions."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjP57v3gs-HAxUYRmwGHYhrABgQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/facebook-targeting-trump-meta-calls-july-13-assassination-attempt-fictional-event-and-misinformation-745472" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/facebook-targeting-trump-meta-calls-july-13-assassination-attempt-fictional-event-and-misinformation-745472&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjP57v3gs-HAxUYRmwGHYhrABgQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE">Facebook targeting Trump? Meta calls July 13 assassination attempt 'fictional event' and 'misinformation'</a></strong></p>

<p>The lawsuit was filed by&nbsp;Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, claiming Meta did so without obtaining consent from the users.</p>

<h2><strong>Reaction from Texas attorney</strong></h2>

<p>The Texas attorney said any abuse of Texans' sensitive data will be met with "the full force of the law.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjP57v3gs-HAxUYRmwGHYhrABgQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/meta-braces-for-first-eu-antitrust-fine-744219" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/meta-braces-for-first-eu-antitrust-fine-744219&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjP57v3gs-HAxUYRmwGHYhrABgQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Meta braces for first EU antitrust fine</a></strong></p>

<p>“This historic settlement demonstrates our commitment to standing up to the world’s biggest technology companies and holding them accountable for breaking the law and violating Texans’ privacy rights,” Paxton added.</p>

<h2><strong>Similar lawsuit against Alphabet</strong></h2>

<p>The attorney said he was pursuing a similar case against&nbsp;Alphabet, accusing&nbsp;the Google owner of illegally collecting biometric data from millions of Texans.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


American tech giant Meta on Tuesday (Jul 30) agreed to pay $1.4 billion to settle a lawsuit filed by the state of Texas over the illegal collection of biometric data of millions of Texans using facial-recognition technology.

American tech giant Meta on Tuesday (Jul 30) agreed to pay $1.4 billion to settle a lawsuit filed by the state of Texas over the illegal collection of biometric data of millions of Texans using facial-recognition technology. Meta will have to pay the amount over the next five years. A spokesperson of the California-based company said it was happy to resolve the matter. The statement added the company was looking forward to "exploring future opportunities to deepen our business investments in Texas, including potentially developing data centers." However, the company still denies any wrongdoing. The lawsuit was filed under the 2009 biometric privacy law of Texas in 2022 and was the first major case to be filed under this legislation. The law provides for fines and damages worth $25,000 per violation. The amount marks the largest accord ever by any single state, according to the lawyers for the state of Texas. Allegations against Facebook As per allegations, Meta captured biometric data of its users "billions of times" using photos and videos uploaded on its platforms using a free, now-discontinued feature called "Tag Suggestions." Also read: Facebook targeting Trump? Meta calls July 13 assassination attempt 'fictional event' and 'misinformation' The lawsuit was filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, claiming Meta did so without obtaining consent from the users. Reaction from Texas attorney The Texas attorney said any abuse of Texans' sensitive data will be met with "the full force of the law.” Also read: Meta braces for first EU antitrust fine “This historic settlement demonstrates our commitment to standing up to the world’s biggest technology companies and holding them accountable for breaking the law and violating Texans’ privacy rights,” Paxton added. Similar lawsuit against Alphabet The attorney said he was pursuing a similar case against Alphabet, accusing the Google owner of illegally collecting biometric data from millions of Texans. (With inputs from agencies)

Texas biometric data lawsuit: Meta agrees to pay $1.4bn over illegal use of facial-recognition tech

The list of candidates to run with presumptive Democratic US presidential nominee Kamala Harris has narrowed, with North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer both out. Watch in for more details!

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US President Biden pushes for term limits on Supreme Court judges

California's Park Fire has become the state's biggest wildfire in history in less than a week since igniting, prompting widespread evacuations. Watch in for more details!

California park fire now the biggest in the entire US

US: President Biden's bid to reform Supreme Court an election eye wash?

The United States is less than 100 days away from voting for a new President and to mark the occasion both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris came with renewed attacks at weekend campaign events around the country. Kamala Harris called Donald Trump "just plain weird," while Trump labeled Harris "low IQ" and "radical". Watch to know more.

US Presidential Race: Polls show Donald Trump's shrinking lead over Harris

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US counterpart Antony Blinken ahead of the Quad meet in Tokyo and both leaders extensively discussed bolstering coordination between India and United States collectively committing to promote a 'free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region'.

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With less than 100 days to go for the US elections - reports say that US President Joe Biden could announce plans to reform the Supreme Court.

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We look at the escalating tensions between the US and China. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen once again criticised China's industrial excess after a series of meetings with g20 finance chiefs last week in Brazil. However, china has defended its manufacturing push.

China defends manufacturing push

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara held trilateral talks with his US and South Korean counterparts. The three signed a treaty as well to enhance security ties between the three countries. Watch in for more details!

Japan signs Security Treaty to enhance security ties between Japan, US & South Korea

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has highlighted the urgent need for $3 trillion annually to finance the global transition to a low-carbon economy, a significant increase from current levels. Speaking in Belem, Brazil, Yellen underscored that this investment is crucial for achieving net-zero emissions and represents the "Single-greatest economic opportunity of the 21st century." this statement follows the recent g20 finance leaders meeting in Rio De Janeiro.

Janet Yellen says, '$3 Trillion needed annually for Climate funds'

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has told a group of conservative supporters in Florida that he will fix future elections if he is elected to office. Trump urged his supporters to vote in record numbers so that they won't need to vote in the future. This comes after Trump said he will be a dictator for a day if he returns to the Oval Office.

Trump says he will 'fix' future elections if elected to office

We turn our focus to treasury secretary Janet Yellen's take on the Dollar's strength in recent years. According to Donald Trump, a strong dollar is hurting american industries. But Yellen rejected that argument and said the situation wasn't that simple.

Yellen rejects Trump's argument on Dollar

Now, we look at how markets opened this morning. Monday saw an uptick in Asian stocks after three consecutive sessions of declines. This sets the stage for a week that will see key central bank decisions in the US, UK, and Japan, as well as major tech earnings reports.

Global markets roundup

US Presidential Race: Blue camp seeks to curb momentum that Trump gained after debate

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