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NDTV
a day ago
- Science
- NDTV
Vasuki Indicus: All About The Longest Snake To Have Ever Lived
The fossil of an ancient serpent, Vasuki Indicus, found along the Kutch coast in the Indian state of Gujarat two decades ago, has offered some never-before-known insights into the evolution of the reptile. Dating back around 47 million years, the giant snake is believed to have been an incredible 49 feet long, surpassing the enormous Titanoboa. The giant Titanoboa from Palaeocene Colombia can grow up to 42 feet in length, and was the indisputable longest snake to have ever walked the earth for decades. Titanoboa is believed to weigh 1.25 tonnes, which is slightly heavier than Vasuki Indicus, which weighs about 1,000 kg. The ancient remains of Vasuki Indicus were initially discovered in 2005 at the Panandhro Lignite Mine in the Kutch district. They were painstakingly examined and identified over many years. Researchers found 27 vertebrae that were largely in good condition. The bones were so large that they were initially believed to be those of a gigantic crocodile, demonstrating the remarkable size of this ancient serpent. Researchers concluded that Vasuki Indicus had a broad, cylindrical body, like big pythons or anacondas of modern age, based on the size of its vertebrae - 38-62 millimetres long and 62-111 millimetres wide. Vasuki Indicus is thought to have existed during the Middle Eocene, when the Earth's temperature was good enough to permit the evolution of large, cold-blooded reptiles. Despite the lack of a full skeleton, scientific examination of Vasuki Indicus' vertebrae has produced amazing reconstructions and insights into its existence. Palaeontologists Debajit Datta and Sunil Bajpai of the Indian Institute of Technology in Roorkee contended that Vasuki Indicus was probably a slow-moving predator that wrapped its body around its victim till it died. They estimated that it originated in the warm Indian subcontinent and travelled via Europe to Africa between 56 and 34 million years ago. Vasuki Indicus thrived in the now-arid Kutch region's wooded marshes, per The name of the species reveals an intriguing link between contemporary scientific research and ancient Indian mythology. Vasuki Indicus alludes to the treasured mythical serpent known as Vasuki Naag, which is often portrayed as a celestial adornment around Lord Shiva's neck in Hindu scriptures.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
How will the Ahmedabad plane crash victims be identified as families await answers amid tragic aftermath?
In the wake of the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, authorities are now focused on the grim task of identifying the deceased. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, en route to London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The massive scale of the tragedy has complicated identification efforts, requiring the use of DNA testing to determine the identities of the victims. DNA Testing: A Crucial Step in Victim Identification With bodies charred beyond recognition, officials have turned to DNA profiling as the primary method for confirming the identities of those who lost their lives. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed in the media briefing that DNA sampling is currently underway, and identification will only be finalized after this process is completed. Dhananjay Dwivedi, Principal Secretary of Gujarat's Health Department, stated that DNA testing is being conducted at BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad. Families of victims have been asked to submit DNA samples, particularly parents and children of those presumed dead. These samples are essential for comparison against tissue retrieved from the crash site. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you eat ginger every day for a month, your body will experience the following phenomena Tips and Tricks Undo Samples are being collected at Kasoti Bhavan of BJ Medical College, with special provisions made at Civil Hospital. To assist families, helpline numbers—6357373831 and 6357373841—have been issued for inquiries related to victims and those injured. Scientific Process Behind DNA Matching As per DNA identification works by comparing Short Tandem Repeats (STRs)—repeating sequences in DNA that differ among individuals. While most of the human genome is similar across people, these STR regions vary and allow scientists to distinguish individuals. In India, nine core STR loci are routinely used for forensic identification. By matching these regions between samples from crash victims and their relatives, forensic teams can accurately confirm identities. Although this method is highly reliable, it is not instantaneous. Extracting viable DNA from remains and running comparative analyses can take days, especially in mass casualty situations. Moreover, the emotional toll on families awaiting confirmation adds another layer of urgency and sensitivity. Scene of the Crash and Current Relief Measures Visuals from the crash site showed the aircraft engulfed in smoke and flames, with debris scattered over residential quarters near the airport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly directed Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to oversee rescue efforts on the ground. According to officials, 50 people were injured in the crash, many from the Meghaninagar locality, and are being treated at Civil Hospital. All are reported to be in stable condition. One passenger, Vishwaskumar Ramesh, miraculously survived. He was seated in 11A and was travelling with his brother. He is currently admitted in the trauma ward at the hospital.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Researchers uncover growing dangers lurking beneath Greenland's ice: 'Damaging critical infrastructure'
The administration of United States President Donald Trump has not been coy about its interest in Greenland — not only for its strategic value, but for its plethora of oil and minerals. During the congressional hearing on the world's largest island, however, no one seemed concerned about the rapidly melting ice and whether it could prove to be a huge oversight. Greenland has been losing ice mass at an increasingly accelerated rate since 2002, according to NASA. Geoscientist Paul Bierman pointed out, in an article published by The Conversation, that the climate change-induced phenomenon has created landslide-prone terrain that would make any sort of extraction dangerous. Per the speed at which the Arctic climate is warming is four times faster than the rest of the world, which only exacerbates the degree of risk, both economic and personal, to pull resources. Bierman, who studies the environmental history of Greenland, emphasized how unpredictable the land is, often called the "land of extremes." The harsh climate and massive ice sheet create natural hazards that have grown exponentially worse as the planet continues to get warmer each year. Bierman wrote, "As the climate warms, permafrost — frozen rock and soil — which underlies the island, thaws. This destabilizes the landscape, weakening steep slopes and damaging critical infrastructure." Rockslides are capable of triggering catastrophic tsunamis, some of which have taken out nearby villages. With the constant threat of landslides, the conditions are uncertain at best, deadly at worst. Because of the land's instability, the infrastructure for what the United States has in mind simply doesn't exist. In fact, the article stated, "Greenland's government banned drilling for fossil fuels in 2021 out of concern for the environment." There are no routes connecting the coastal communities. Exporting minerals and oil would have to be done by sea, which would leave equipment and operations vulnerable to the elements, including icebergs, which are more prevalent with the warmer temperatures. The monumental risk and cost must be taken into consideration with the future in mind. What source of air pollution do you worry most about at home? Wildfires Gas stove Fireplace Something else Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. What's happening in Greenland isn't just devastating locally — it's bad news for all of us. When ice melts into the ocean, sea levels rise. This causes coastal erosion, threatens fresh water, and impacts ecosystems globally. If all of Greenland were to melt, it would raise the global sea level by around 23 feet, as the National Snow and Ice Data Center reported. Furthermore, the melting ice is being replaced by vegetation growth, creating a wetland of methane production. Methane has 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide in its first 20 years in the atmosphere, per the Environmental Defense Fund. This is a direct cause of human-induced changes to the climate, which propel extreme weather events. Scientists and researchers are keeping a keen eye on Greenland, but to prevent a total meltdown, global temperatures need to go down, which will require a massive reduction of planet-warming pollution. That means less production and use of dirty energy and more focus on clean energy sources, like solar, wind, and hydro. Individually, it's important to educate yourself on critical climate issues. Being a part of the solution starts with understanding the problem. Use less plastic, walk when you can, use your car as efficiently as possible, and support circular brands to reduce your carbon impact. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Hindustan Times
27-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Drink coffee daily? Health coach warns it may do more harm than you think: 'Setting the stage for losing your teeth'
Health and fitness coach Theo Bergmann advised against having coffee in a video he shared on Instagram on April 22. In his caption, he wrote, 'You have to understand this. Coffee is not the best option for your health!' In the accompanying video, Theo explained 'how dangerous coffee is'. Also read | Don't brush your teeth before sleeping? Doctor explains why skipping brushing may do more harm than just risk cavities He said, 'The biggest problem with coffee is that it is very acidic. Any kind of caffeine is very acidic. Your body has to buffer that acidity with calcium. Most people nowadays don't have enough calcium in their system anyway. They only have toxic calcium in their system from dairy. But if you have coffee every day, your body has to buffer that with lots of calcium for the acidity.' A post shared by Theo Bergmann | Certified Health Coach (@_theobergmann) Theo warned that excessive coffee consumption might lead to increased excretion of calcium, potentially contributing to osteoporosis (a condition characterised by weakened and brittle bones) over time, and added that coffee's acidity might contribute to tooth erosion. If good oral hygiene practices aren't followed, it could potentially lead to tooth loss, according to Theo. He said, 'What's happening is that if you don't have enough calcium in your bloodstream, your body is using the calcium from your bones and your teeth. Coffee is not only setting the stage for osteoporosis, but it is also setting the stage for losing your teeth – and on top of that, it is also dehydrating you so much, and it is ageing you faster.' A 2018 study published in examined the association between coffee intake and tooth loss. It found that daily coffee consumption is closely associated with tooth loss in Korean adults. 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.
Gulf News
13-03-2025
- Health
- Gulf News
Tea-riffic choices: Oolong to chamomile, which tea is best for your health and mood?
Want to wind down before bed? A cup of chamomile tea proves to be calming and will help you sleep better. Shutterstock Ah, it's always tea time, as the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland wisely said. There's always something deeply comforting about a hot brew, be it a morning pick-me-up or the evening wind-down. Avoiding the coffee debate, it's clear that tea offers just as many benefits—packed with antioxidants, calming properties, and even metabolism-boosting magic. From classic green tea to floral infusions, here are the different types of tea and why they deserve a spot in your daily routine, as explained by clinical dieticians. If teas had a 'most famous' category, green tea would win hands down. As Dubai-based Shama Chatterjee, a clinical dietician explains, It's filled with catechins, powerful antioxidants that help fight cell damage and support heart health. Notably, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a prominent catechin in green tea, has been extensively studied for its positive effects on cardiovascular health. Moreover, according a recent Japanese study involving nearly 9,000 older adults found that those who consumed three or more cups of green tea daily had significantly fewer cerebral white matter lesions, which are indicators of cognitive decline. This aligns with previous research highlighting green tea's cognitive benefits. Best time to drink: Morning or early afternoon for a gentle energy boost without the jitters. Try it if: You want a clean, refreshing tea that supports weight management and overall wellness. Black tea: Bold and filled with energy For those who prefer a stronger, more robust flavour, black tea is the way to go. 'It's rich in theaflavins, which support heart health, reduce cholesterol, and improve gut health, and its caffeine content makes it a great coffee alternative,' adds Chatterjee. One 2016 study, published in Healthy Aging , found that regular consumption of black tea, along with oolong and green tea, was linked to a reduced risk of neurocognitive disorders like dementia, particularly among elderly women. If green tea isn't your cup of tea, black tea might be a great alternative for supporting metabolic health. A British Medical Journal review suggests it could help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Black tea is also rich in flavonoids, plant-based compounds known for their potential health benefits. Research indicates that a flavonoid-rich diet may offer protective effects against cancer and heart disease. Best time to drink: Morning or midday for sustained energy and focus. Try it if: You enjoy a bold, slightly malty taste and need an extra kick to power through your day. Oolong tea: The metabolism boost Sitting between green and black tea in terms of oxidation, oolong tea combines the best of both worlds. Nidhi Sethi, a Dubai-based dietician explains, 'It's known for aiding digestion and boosting metabolism, making it a great choice if you're looking to support weight management. Plus, it's packed with polyphenols that support brain function and heart health.' If you're looking for a tea that might support your weight goals, oolong could be a great pick. Some research suggests that oolong tea extract may help reduce body fat and even play a role in preventing obesity. But before we call it a magic weight-loss brew, more studies are needed to confirm its effects. Beyond weight management, oolong tea is packed with potential health perks. A 2022 review highlighted its powerful antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and even anticancer properties. Best time to drink: Midday, especially after meals, to aid digestion. Try it if: You love a tea with a rich, slightly floral, and complex flavour. The least processed of all teas, white tea is light, delicate, and brimming with antioxidants. It's often linked to skin health, as it helps combat premature aging and protects against UV damage. It's also known to support heart health and immune function, according to both Chatterjee and Sethi. Best time to drink: Any time of day—it's naturally low in caffeine, making it a great all-day option. Try it if: You want a mild, refreshing tea that benefits both your skin and overall wellness. Herbal teas: Medicine's nature cabinet From chamomile to peppermint, herbal teas offer natural remedies for everything from relaxation to digestion. Chamomile: Want to wind down before bed? A cup of chamomile tea proves to be calming and will help you sleep better. It could also give your immune system a little boost, One review found that it might help stimulate immune function, though the researchers pointed out that more clinical trials are needed to confirm this. A 2022 review, published on the National Library of Medicine, also uncovered that chamomile might have some impressive benefits, like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and blood-pressure-lowering properties. Peppermint: Great for digestion, relieves headaches, and refreshes the senses. Peppermint is packed with menthol, a compound that helps relax the intestinal tract and can ease bloating, explains Chatterjee. Ginger: Tummy troubles? Ginger tea to the rescue. It is helpful for immunity, digestion, and inflammation, and can help with nausea too. Rooibos: Rich in antioxidants and good for heart health. Best time to drink: Evening or when you need a caffeine-free moment of relaxation. Try it if: You want a soothing, natural remedy for stress, digestion, or overall well-being. Matcha: The Zen superfood Matcha is essentially green tea, but tougher. Made from finely ground green tea leaves, it's loaded with L-theanine, which promotes relaxation without drowsiness. It's also an energy booster, metabolism revver, and antioxidant powerhouse. Best time to drink: Morning or before a workout for sustained energy. Try it if: You love a creamy, earthy tea that packs a nutritional punch. Sign up for the Daily Briefing Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
