Scientists have discovered that the disease formerly known as monkeypox, now renamed mpox, had been circulating in humans for over five years before the global outbreak in 2022. The virus acquired an unexpectedly high number of mutations, indicating that the human immune system played a crucial role in driving its evolution and transition to sustained human-to-human transmission. Although the outbreak has declined due to public health measures and vaccination campaigns, other virus lineages from Nigeria are still being reported in several countries.from Science News - Times of India https://ift.tt/afLve3Q
A recent study has found a potential link between mobile phone usage and declining male sperm count. Young men who used their phones more than 20 times a day had a 21% higher risk of low sperm count. However, the study also noted that the adverse impact on sperm count has lessened as phone technology has evolved over time. Experts recommend maintaining a safe distance between phones and the body, using speakerphones or headphones, and carrying phones in bags or backpacks to reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields.
Mysterious blobs found 1,000 miles beneath the Earth's surface may be remnants of a Mars-sized planet that collided with Earth, creating debris that formed the moon, according to research. The blobs, known as large low-velocity provinces (LLVPs), were discovered by seismologists but their origins were unknown. Computer simulations suggest that the collision caused the upper portion of Earth's mantle to melt, with some of the material sinking towards the core over billions of years to form the blobs.
Seismologists have discovered two continent-sized blobs in the Earth's mantle, one under Africa and the other under the South Pacific region. These blobs, denser than their surroundings, may have formed from the remnants of a collision between Earth and a Mars-sized object called Theia. Computer simulations suggest that most of Theia was absorbed into Earth, forming the blobs, while residual debris formed the moon. If this theory is correct, the blobs would provide the first direct evidence of the moon-forming collision.
Scientists have discovered a new species of edible freshwater fish in the markets of western Odisha, India. Named 'Awaous Motla', the fish was found during a research project funded by the Odisha government. The species, with a vibrant yellow-colored body and fleshy upper lip, is distinct from others in its genus. The fish, known locally as 'motla', belongs to the family 'Awaous' and is consumed fresh or dried. Further research is needed to determine its migration pattern and nutritional value.
The infant mortality rate in the US increased by 3% last year, marking the largest increase in two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The rise in the death rate was significant for white and Native American infants, infant boys, and babies born at 37 weeks or earlier. The leading causes of infant deaths, maternal complications, and bacterial meningitis, also saw larger increases. The US infant mortality rate has historically been worse than other high-income countries.
Digital officials, tech company bosses, and researchers are gathering at Bletchley Park, a former codebreaking spy base near London, to discuss the risks associated with advanced artificial intelligence (AI). The summit will focus on frontier AI, which pushes the limits of technology and may pose unknown dangers. The two-day event, organized by UK PM Rishi Sunak, aims to start a global conversation about the safe development of AI. VP Kamala Harris is due to steal the focus on Wednesday with a separate speech in London.