Latest news with #Du
GMA Network
16 minutes ago
- Science
- GMA Network
A ‘vibrant oasis' of chemical-eating creatures found in the deep Pacific
A dense aggregation of mollusks called vesicomyid bivalves is seen in the seabed sediment of a deep ocean trench at a depth of 5,743 meters (18,800 feet) below the sea surface at a site called Clam Bed in the northwest Pacific Ocean, in this undated image. Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, CAS (IDSSE, CAS)/Handout via REUTERS Scientists diving to astounding depths in two oceanic trenches in the northwest Pacific have discovered thriving communities of marine creatures that get their sustenance not by eating organic matter like most animals but by turning chemicals into energy. They found these chemosynthesis-based animal communities—dominated by tube worms and clams—during a series of dives aboard a crewed submersible to the bottom of the Kuril-Kamchatka and Aleutian trenches. These creatures are nourished by fluids rich in hydrogen sulfide and methane seeping from the seafloor in this dark and frigid realm beyond the reach of sunlight. These ecosystems were discovered at depths greater than the height of Mount Everest, Earth's tallest peak. The deepest one was 9,533 meters (31,276 feet) below the ocean surface in the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench. This was almost 25% deeper than such animals had previously been documented anywhere. An undated illustration shows the deepest chemosynthetic communities of organisms at the bottom of a deep-ocean trench, with the crewed submersible Fendouzhe above. Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, CAS (IDSSE, CAS)/Handout via REUTERS "What makes our discovery groundbreaking is not just its greater depth—it's the astonishing abundance and diversity of chemosynthetic life we observed," said marine geochemist Mengran Du of the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, or IDSSE, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, one of the authors of the research published on Wednesday in the journal Nature. "Unlike isolated pockets of organisms, this community thrives like a vibrant oasis in the vast desert of the deep sea," Du added. While some marine animals have been documented at even greater depths, nearly 11,000 meters (36,000 feet) below the surface in the Pacific's Mariana Trench, Du said, those were not chemical eaters. In the new research, the scientists used their submersible, called the Fendouzhe, to journey down to what is called the hadal zone. The hadal zone is where one of the continent-sized plates that make up Earth's crust slides under a neighboring plate in a process called subduction. "The ocean environment down there is characterized by cold, total darkness and active tectonic activities," said IDSSE marine geologist and study co-author Xiaotong Peng, leader of the research program. This environment, Peng said, was found to harbor "the deepest and the most extensive chemosynthetic communities known to exist on our planet." The Kuril-Kamchatka Trench runs about 2,900 km (1,800 miles) and is located off the southeastern coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula. The Aleutian Trench runs roughly 3,400 km (2,100 miles) off the southern coastline of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. The newly observed ecosystems were dominated by two types of chemical-eating animals—tube worms that were red, gray or white in color and around 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) long and clams that were white in color and up to 23 cm (nine inches) long. Some of these appear to be previously unknown species, Du said. "Even though living in the harshest environment, these life forms found their way in surviving and thriving," Du said. Some non-chemical-eating animals, sustained by eating organic matter and dead marine creatures that filter down from above, also were found living in these ecosystems, including sea anemones, spoon worms and sea cucumbers. Du, the expedition's chief scientist, described what it was like to visit this remote watery sphere. "Diving in the submersible was an extraordinary experience -like traveling through time. Each descent transported me to a new deep-sea realm, as if unveiling a hidden world and unraveling its mysteries," Du said, while expressing amazement at the remarkable resilience and beauty of the creatures the scientists witnessed. The study illustrates how life can flourish in some of the most extreme conditions on Earth—and potentially beyond. "These findings extend the depth limit of chemosynthetic communities on Earth. Future works should focus on how these creatures adapt to such an extreme depth," Peng said. "We suggest that similar chemosynthetic communities may also exist in extraterrestrial oceans, as chemical species like methane and hydrogen are common there," Peng added. — Reuters
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Science
- Straits Times
A 'vibrant oasis' of chemical-eating creatures found in the deep Pacific
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Clusters of tube worms called \"frenulate siboglinids\", extending red hemoglobin-filled tentacles with small mollusks on the tops of the tubes near the tentacles, are seen at a depth of 9,320 meters (30,500 feet) beneath the sea surface at a site called Wintersweet Valley in the northwest Pacific Ocean, in this undated image. Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, CAS (IDSSE, CAS)/Handout via REUTERS Scientists diving to astounding depths in two oceanic trenches in the northwest Pacific have discovered thriving communities of marine creatures that get their sustenance not by eating organic matter like most animals but by turning chemicals into energy. They found these chemosynthesis-based animal communities - dominated by tube worms and clams - during a series of dives aboard a crewed submersible to the bottom of the Kuril-Kamchatka and Aleutian trenches. These creatures are nourished by fluids rich in hydrogen sulfide and methane seeping from the seafloor in this dark and frigid realm beyond the reach of sunlight. These ecosystems were discovered at depths greater than the height of Mount Everest, Earth's tallest peak. The deepest one was 9,533 meters (31,276 feet) below the ocean surface in the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench. This was almost 25% deeper than such animals had previously been documented anywhere. "What makes our discovery groundbreaking is not just its greater depth - it's the astonishing abundance and diversity of chemosynthetic life we observed," said marine geochemist Mengran Du of the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, or IDSSE, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, one of the authors of the research published on Wednesday in the journal Nature. "Unlike isolated pockets of organisms, this community thrives like a vibrant oasis in the vast desert of the deep sea," Du added. While some marine animals have been documented at even greater depths, nearly 11,000 meters (36,000 feet) below the surface in the Pacific's Mariana Trench, Du said, those were not chemical eaters. In the new research, the scientists used their submersible, called the Fendouzhe, to journey down to what is called the hadal zone. The hadal zone is where one of the continent-sized plates that make up Earth's crust slides under a neighboring plate in a process called subduction. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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This environment, Peng said, was found to harbor "the deepest and the most extensive chemosynthetic communities known to exist on our planet." The Kuril-Kamchatka Trench runs about 2,900 km (1,800 miles) and is located off the southeastern coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula. The Aleutian Trench runs roughly 3,400 km (2,100 miles) off the southern coastline of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. The newly observed ecosystems were dominated by two types of chemical-eating animals - tube worms that were red, gray or white in color and around 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) long and clams that were white in color and up to 23 cm (nine inches) long. Some of these appear to be previously unknown species, Du said. "Even though living in the harshest environment, these life forms found their way in surviving and thriving," Du said. Some non-chemical-eating animals, sustained by eating organic matter and dead marine creatures that filter down from above, also were found living in these ecosystems, including sea anemones, spoon worms and sea cucumbers. Du, the expedition's chief scientist, described what it was like to visit this remote watery sphere. "Diving in the submersible was an extraordinary experience -like traveling through time. Each descent transported me to a new deep-sea realm, as if unveiling a hidden world and unraveling its mysteries," Du said, while expressing amazement at the remarkable resilience and beauty of the creatures the scientists witnessed. The study illustrates how life can flourish in some of the most extreme conditions on Earth - and potentially beyond. "These findings extend the depth limit of chemosynthetic communities on Earth. Future works should focus on how these creatures adapt to such an extreme depth," Peng said. "We suggest that similar chemosynthetic communities may also exist in extraterrestrial oceans, as chemical species like methane and hydrogen are common there," Peng added. REUTERS
Broadcast Pro
16-07-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Du becomes UAE's first telco with ISO 20400 for sustainable procurement
The certification underscores du's dedication to sustainable procurement, supporting the UAE's sustainability agenda and global efforts toward responsible sourcing. Du has become the first telecom operator in the UAE, and the second in the GCC, to be awarded the ISO 20400 Sustainable Procurement certification. The international standard represents excellence in sustainable procurement processes, spotlighting organisations that holistically incorporate environmental, social and economic factors into their supply chain and decision-making frameworks. du's achievement reflects the company's steps to systematise sustainable practices throughout its procurement and supplier relations in line with the UAE's ambitious Net Zero by 2050 initiative and the national focus on sustainability. With industry-leading practices, du aligns its procurement strategy with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, deploying state-of-the-art tools for supplier assessment and engendering continuous advancement in vendor sustainability performance. Adel AlRais, Head of Corporate Communication & Protocol at du, said: 'Achieving the ISO 20400 certification is a milestone in our journey for excellence in sustainability and our commitment to responsible operations that extend through our entire value chain. This accomplishment aligns impeccably with current market trends, integrating seamlessly with our broader goals and the UAEs national vision. We will continue to embed sustainability not just in operational endeavours but deep into du's comprehensive supply chain.' For customers, the certification reinforces the assurance that they are backed by a provider whose services are meticulously vetted for ethical and sustainable provenance. Suppliers receive clear directives and resources to elevate their sustainability standards in collaboration with du. Moreover, investors gain confidence in du's expertise at navigating ESG risks, which primes the company for sustainable value creation over the long term. Key to this achievement are du's strategic partners, including CRIF AG, Dubatt and Aramex PJSC, who each played a vital role in shaping a robust and responsible supply chain reflective of du's commitment to sustainability.
Broadcast Pro
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Du expands Disney+ partnership with one-year free access
Disney+ also features parental controls, allowing users to manage content access through PIN-protected profiles and dedicated Kids' profiles, ensuring a family-friendly experience. Du, the UAE-based telecom and digital services provider, has announced an expansion of its partnership with Disney+, the streaming platform from The Walt Disney Company. As part of the renewed collaboration, du will offer its home wireless subscribers complimentary access to Disney+ for 12 months, in line with du's commitment to delivering greater value and premium entertainment experiences to customers. Commenting on the partnership, Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, said: 'We have extended our collaboration with Disney+ to elevate the entertainment experience for every du subscriber. With a wide range of acclaimed movies, series, and Originals at their fingertips, our customers can enjoy world-class entertainment whenever they choose. We are also thrilled to see Disney's presence grow in the region and the UAE with a brand-new Disney destination on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, bringing iconic stories and magical experiences to life like never before.' From heartfelt classics to the latest groundbreaking hits, Disney+ caters to every taste and age group. New TV series, blockbuster movies and exclusive Originals are added throughout the year, featuring content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic, as well as the general entertainment brand, Star. With a library spanning everything from documentaries and critically acclaimed dramas to comedies and classic animation, there's always something to enjoy on Disney+. Vasilis Iliopoulos, VP & Country Manager, The Walt Disney Company MENA, said: 'We are delighted to build on the strong relationship we share with du. Our collaboration not only delivers on the promise of exceptional entertainment to customers but also reflects du's innovative spirit and customer-first philosophy. We anticipate that this strengthened bond will extend the magic of Disney+ to a broader audience, which remains a cornerstone of our growth strategy in the MENA region.' Robust parental controls ensure that Disney+ remains a suitable viewing experience for everyone in the family. Subscribers can set access limits on mature content and create PIN-protected profiles alongside the already existing Kid profiles to give parents and guardians peace of mind. Whether it's for a burst of laughter with Modern Family, a touch of drama with Grey's Anatomy, or epic blockbusters Disney's Moana 2 or Mufasa: The Lion King, Disney+ has got you covered. The streaming platform is available on a wide range of devices, including most smart phones, smart TVs and desktop/web applications. Users have access to four concurrent high-quality steams, unlimited downloads on up to 10 devices, and the ability to set up up to seven different personalised profiles
Broadcast Pro
11-07-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Du and Omantel activate Oman-Emirates Gateway subsea cable
The benefits of the OEG project extend beyond enhanced network capabilities, by serving as a crucial driver for economic growth and technological innovation in both the UAE and Oman. Du, the telecom and digital services provider, and Omantel, the provider of integrated telecommunication services in the Sultanate of Oman and a regional telecom and technology provider in the Middle East, have announced the activation of the Oman Emirates Gateway (OEG), a 275km international fibre optic submarine cable system that will enhance connectivity between the UAE and Sultanate of Oman. The cutting-edge project connects three strategic international data centres: datamena DX1 in Dubai, UAE, Equinix MC1 in Barka and Equinix SN1 in Salalah, Oman. OEG will be providing a seamless express connection and supporting the area's evolution into a global telecommunications hub. This initiative boosts the operational efficiency of existing networks and systems while enhancing speed, expanding connectivity, and elevating customer experiences with advanced commercial offerings. Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer of du, said: 'The Oman Emirates Gateway is far more than just an optical cable; it is a bridge towards future-proofing the digital infrastructure of the region. This project will be a cornerstone for hyperscalers, content providers, and international carriers, empowering them to enhance their presence in the UAE and Oman, and optimize their operational capability to meet the growing demands of the digital era.' Samy Al Ghassany, Chief Technology and Digital Officer at Omantel, remarked: 'The full activation of the Oman Emirates Gateway marks a pivotal milestone in our journey towards digital transformation in Oman and beyond. We are proud to contribute to the region's content enrichment and to establish a robust, high-capacity corridor that will empower businesses across Oman and the UAE. This achievement goes beyond mere connectivity; it propels the entire region towards innovation, growth, and global competitiveness.' The activated system delivers transformative benefits such as comprehensive resilience through dual routes (terrestrial and subsea) guaranteeing unmatched reliability and optimal network performance. The state-of-the-art system infrastructure is designed to support emerging technologies, ensuring long-term sustainability and scalability. It will provide faster cloud access, in addition to a direct connection to key data centres, providing global access to facilitate international business growth in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
