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The Print
3 hours ago
- The Print
It's official: New object zipping through our solar system is the 3rd known interstellar visitor
Astronomers are gearing up to observe it across different wavelengths to learn about its composition, shape, and origin. Findings could offer insights into planetary formation in other star systems. With advanced telescopes like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, scientists said that more such interstellar visitors may soon follow. Its open, hyperbolic path confirms its origin beyond our Sun's gravitational grip. Currently, it is just inside Jupiter's orbit and will pass through the inner solar system in October, providing us a brief but exciting window for study. Signs of a tail visible in it suggest it's behaving like a comet, venting gas and dust as it heats up. New Delhi: Astronomers have spotted a rare celestial visitor: 3I/ATLAS, the third confirmed object from outside our solar system. Discovered on July 1 by a telescope in Chile that's part of NASA's ATLAS project, this object is moving at a record 68 km per second, which is faster than any interstellar body seen before. The discovery was described in a circular by the France-based International Astronomical Union on 2 July. New gene therapy holds promise for the hearing impaired Gene therapy is showing real promise for people with congenital deafness, according to a new international study involving Sweden's Karolinska Institute. In a peer-reviewed paper published on 2 July in Nature Medicine Journal, researchers described how they treated 10 patients, aged 1 to 24, in five different hospitals, who had severe hearing loss caused by mutations in the OTOF gene. This gene affects a protein called otoferlin, which is needed to send sound signals from the ear to the brain. The researchers injected a healthy copy of the gene directly into the inner ear. The results were remarkable with most patients regaining some hearing within a month, and all showed significant improvement after six months. The best responses came from children aged 5 to 8. One seven-year-old even began holding conversations within four months. The treatment was also deemed to be safe, with no serious side effects reported in the first 12 months. Researchers are now looking to expand this approach to treat other genetic causes of deafness, using the same gene therapy method. Also Read: That morning brew could be doing more than just jumpstarting your day—helping your cells age gracefully Forest collapse some 252 million years ago A new study has revealed that the worst extinction event on the Earth, 252 million years ago, led to the collapse of tropical forests, whose effects were felt for millions of years after. During what is known as the Permian-Triassic 'Great Dying' event, there was a lot of global warming caused by volcanic activity in Siberia. This global warming was seen as the main reason why most of the living beings died off. But scientists were confused about why the Earth's temperature remained so high even millions of years after the eruptions. Now, researchers from the University of Leeds and the China University of Geosciences in a new peer-reviewed study published 2 July in Nature Communications Journal suggest that the destruction of tropical forests due to the extinction event drastically slowed down carbon sequestration—the process by which plants trap carbon dioxide. Without forests, CO₂ built up and stayed in the atmosphere, keeping the planet hot. They studied ancient fossils and rocks to reconstruct changes in plant life and climate. Their data matched simulations showing how forest loss could explain the prolonged warming. The findings, according to the study, serve as a stark warning: if today's tropical forests collapse due to climate change, we might trigger a similar long-term climate crisis. The first ever complete human genome sequenced from Egypt In a new breakthrough, Italian and British scientists have sequenced the first complete human genome from ancient Egypt, using DNA extracted from a 4,500 to 4,800-year-old skeleton. The study was published in Nature Journal on 2 July. The man whose genome was sequenced lived during the era of the first pyramids and was buried in a hillside tomb in southern Egypt. Genetic analysis shows his ancestry was about 80 percent North African and 20 percent West Asian, which shows the first ever DNA-based evidence of human movement between Egypt and Mesopotamia. The remains reveal signs of hard physical labour, possibly as a potter, though the elaborate burial suggests a higher social status. Extracting ancient DNA from Egypt has long been a challenge due to heat-related degradation of the samples, but new techniques have made this feat possible. This individual's genome opens a new window into Egypt's early history and human migration. Researchers hope future collaborations with Egyptian institutions will expand understanding of ancestry and movement in the ancient world. (Edited by Tony Rai) Also Read: Where no humanoid has gone before: Italian scientists develop world's first flying robot
Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Indian Express
UPSC aspirant wins Rs 9.1 lakh for sleeping 9 hours every night during 60-day sleep internship in Bengaluru, netizens react: ‘I can sleep 20 hours'
Pooja Madhav Wavhal, an IPS aspirant from Pune, won the title of India's 'Sleep Champion of the Year' after completing a unique 60-day sleep internship held in Bengaluru. She outperformed 14 other finalists to claim the top spot and a cash prize of Rs 9.1 lakh by averaging nine hours of sleep each night, Education Today reported. The sleep internship, now in its fourth edition, aims to raise awareness about India's growing sleep deprivation. Over a lakh applicants applied for the programme, but only 15 participants were shortlisted. Each applicant was provided with a mattress from a popular brand and a contactless sleep tracker to monitor their resting habits every night. Throughout the internship, they also took part in sleep-enhancing workshops and daily challenges designed to promote better sleep habits. The finalists also competed in fun tasks such as blindfolded bed-making, alarm clock treasure hunts, and even a final 'sleep-off' to test their discipline and consistency, the report said. Wavhal outshone other interns with an impressive score of 91.36, earning the title and prize. All 15 participants who completed the internship were awarded Rs 1 lakh each for their efforts. The first edition of the internship began in 2019 by the brand and has since completed four seasons. With each round, the program has attracted lakhs of applications. Each year, selected participants, dubbed 'sleep interns,' are paid to sleep at least 9 hours a night for 60 consecutive days. The goal is to monitor sleep quality using a contactless tracker and complete simple feedback routines, all from the comfort of their own homes. In the past, shortlisted candidates were evaluated through online forms, video resumes, and brief interviews. Some fun elements are added too, such as asking about one's ability to fall asleep quickly or history of nodding off in class. 🚨 Pune-based UPSC aspirant Pooja Wavhal wins ₹9.1 lakh for sleeping 9 hours a night in Wakefit's 60-day sleep internship, beating 1 lakh+ applicants. — Beats in Brief (@beatsinbrief) July 6, 2025 Soon after the post, shared by @beatsinbrief, went viral, social media users reacted to it. 'I can sleep 20 hrs per day,' a user wrote. 'No I am sure…She was dreaming of becoming IAS,' another user commented. 'I think she is ready for UPSC preparation, as of now she can study for 24hrs without sleep,' a third user reacted.
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Ophthalmologist reacts to woman's ‘washing eyes with own urine' hack: 'Your eyes don't need anything to clean on inside'
When it comes to health and wellness, social media has become a breeding ground for viral trends, some helpful, some questionable, and others downright bizarre. One such eyebrow-raising trend recently surfaced on Instagram, where Pune-based Nupur Pittie, who describes herself as a "medicine-free life coach," garnered attention for her unconventional eye-care routine. (Also read: What is 'skin zoning' and does it really work? Skincare experts reveal trend that treats every zone right ) Dr. Samita Moolani criticises 'urine eye wash' as useless and misleading. (Instagram) Ophthalmologist slams 'urine eye wash' hack Titled "Urine Eye Wash, Nature's Own Medicine," the Instagram clip shows her using the first urine of the day to rinse her eyes, claiming it relieves redness, dryness, and irritation. Reacting to the video, Dr Samita Moolani, an ophthalmologist, shared in her June 27 Instagram post, "Your morning urine should not be clear; it could be a sign of overhydration, diabetes, or kidney problems. I don't know why people are obsessed with these cups. They are absolutely useless. You don't need to soak your eyes in anything, forget urine." What's the right way to care for your eyes Expressing her frustration further, she added, "What the heck is wrong with people? Your eyes are self-cleaning! They do not need anything to clean on the inside." She explained that if someone is struggling with dry eyes, the correct first line of treatment is a preservative-free, sterile, lubricating eye drop that mimics the composition of natural tears. "Washing with water around the eyes to keep the lids and lashes clean and using eye-safe, tested wipes for makeup users, on the outside, is a good idea. That's all," Dr Samita clarified. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
