So, Let’s delve into the new scientific research that happened in the past month or so and explore the latest technologies that are being created and breakthroughs that were achieved in this field.
In the current blog, you will read about the following science events of the month:
- India launches “One Nation, One Subscription”
- Trump signs flurry of executive orders vis a vis Science
- Meta shuns Fact-Check
- Quantum Computing failing to impress Stock Market
- China launches Deepseek, rivalling US giants
- NASA probe makes closest ever pass by the sun
- Two space corps from US and Japan Co-launch Moon mission
- Brain Implant helps Paralysed Man to fly Drone
- AI Tool Aids in Predicting Virus Evolution
- Research Bias in Microbiology: The Overlooked Majority of Microbes
- Discovery of New Fat-Filled Cartilage Cells
- Mother Earth Breaches 1.5 0C Limit
- Why Fires Spreading Horribly Fast in Modern Cities
- Where did Dinosaurs actually Evolve!
- How Bats Become Invincible to Viruses
- Egypt building Billion Dollar Museum For Pharaohs
- Organo-Phosphates likely behind J&K Deaths
 |
| Current Science Report: January 2025, Mufawad |
India launches “One Nation, One Subscription”
The Union Ministry of Education launched the One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme by the end of last year, aiming to provide free access to global academic journals and research articles for students, faculty, and researchers in government-funded higher educational institutions, including IITs. The initiative, benefiting 18 million individuals, spans fields like STEM, medicine, social sciences, and finance.
Approved by the Union Cabinet in November 2024, ONOS aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes research as key to academic excellence and national progress. The scheme will ensure equitable access to knowledge for institutions in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
Phase I of the initiative will offer 13,400 international journals covering various fields, with 6,380 institutions, including 451 state universities and 172 institutes of national importance, gaining access to top publishers like Elsevier, Springer Nature, and Wiley.
Coordinated by INFLIBNET under the UGC, the scheme ensures seamless digital access. ₹6,000 crore has been allocated for the first three years (2025–2027), covering subscription fees and ₹150 crore annually to support authors publishing in quality Open Access journals.
This scheme marks the first step of a broader effort to expand access to research, support Indian journals, and introduce innovative research evaluation methods.
Courtesy: Hindustan Times
Trump signs flurry of executive orders vis a vis Science
Shortly after being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump signed multiple executive orders with the potential to reshape the country’s science landscape. These orders, which guide federal government actions, do not alter existing laws, target several scientific areas, including climate change, public health, and the workforce, including scientists. While their long-term impact remains uncertain, experts agree that these actions signal Trump’s direction for his second term.
 |
| Image generated by Mufawad using AI |
Gretchen Goldman, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, emphasizes that the main power of executive orders lies in their messaging. Trump’s orders suggest an attempt to undermine scientific expertise and government processes based on science. "The administration is trying to undermine the government experts themselves, as well as the processes by which we make science-based decisions in government,” Goldman explains.
One notable executive order signals Trump’s intent to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement, as he did during his first presidency. He cites national security concerns and the high energy costs impacting citizens. The order declares a ‘national energy emergency’, potentially accelerating approval for fossil-fuel-based energy projects by bypassing federal environmental protections.
However, experts note that the economics of energy could still favour renewable sources. For instance, Mark Maslin, an Earth-system scientist at University College London, points out that solar and wind energy are now more cost-effective than before, ensuring that investments in these technologies will continue despite policy changes.
As expected, Trump also signed an order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), a decision initially made in May 2020. Public health experts argue that leaving the WHO would harm the U.S.'s ability to respond to emerging health threats and diminish its role as a global health leader. Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Brown University, stresses that withdrawal could hinder the U.S.'s ability to access vital global health data, such as DNA sequences of emerging viruses, and undermine its leadership in global health security.
Several orders target the federal workforce, including 280,000 scientists and engineers. Trump has called for a hiring freeze and a reduction in the size of the workforce, which could affect scientific staff and federal agencies such as NIH and NSF.
In a separate order issued on January 27, Trump froze federal grants and loans, including scientific funding. This move sent shockwaves through the research community, prompting universities to advise caution in spending federal grant dollars on new research projects. John Holdren, former science advisor to President Obama, warned of the irreversible damage this could cause to the U.S.'s scientific infrastructure.
Despite a subsequent memo attempting to clarify the order’s scope, scientists remain uncertain about its full impact. Carole LaBonne, a biologist at Northwestern University, expressed concerns over the long-term damage to the scientific ecosystem, noting that rebuilding it would be far more challenging than preserving it.
Courtesy: Nature
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, has announced a major shift in its content moderation strategy, moving away from using third-party fact-checkers to adopting a new system called Community Notes. CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed this change in a video titled “More speech and fewer mistakes,” which emphasizes free speech and reducing censorship.
One notable executive order signals Trump’s intent to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement, as he did during his first presidency. He cites national security concerns and the high energy costs impacting citizens. The order declares a ‘national energy emergency’, potentially accelerating approval for fossil-fuel-based energy projects by bypassing federal environmental protections.
However, experts note that the economics of energy could still favour renewable sources. For instance, Mark Maslin, an Earth-system scientist at University College London, points out that solar and wind energy are now more cost-effective than before, ensuring that investments in these technologies will continue despite policy changes.
As expected, Trump also signed an order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), a decision initially made in May 2020. Public health experts argue that leaving the WHO would harm the U.S.'s ability to respond to emerging health threats and diminish its role as a global health leader. Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Brown University, stresses that withdrawal could hinder the U.S.'s ability to access vital global health data, such as DNA sequences of emerging viruses, and undermine its leadership in global health security.
Several orders target the federal workforce, including 280,000 scientists and engineers. Trump has called for a hiring freeze and a reduction in the size of the workforce, which could affect scientific staff and federal agencies such as NIH and NSF.
In a separate order issued on January 27, Trump froze federal grants and loans, including scientific funding. This move sent shockwaves through the research community, prompting universities to advise caution in spending federal grant dollars on new research projects. John Holdren, former science advisor to President Obama, warned of the irreversible damage this could cause to the U.S.'s scientific infrastructure.
Despite a subsequent memo attempting to clarify the order’s scope, scientists remain uncertain about its full impact. Carole LaBonne, a biologist at Northwestern University, expressed concerns over the long-term damage to the scientific ecosystem, noting that rebuilding it would be far more challenging than preserving it.
Courtesy: Nature
Meta shuns Fact-Check
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, has announced a major shift in its content moderation strategy, moving away from using third-party fact-checkers to adopting a new system called Community Notes. CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed this change in a video titled “More speech and fewer mistakes,” which emphasizes free speech and reducing censorship.
 |
| Image generated by Mufawad using AI |
Zuckerberg explained that Meta's decision to end fact-checking was due to concerns about perceived bias in the moderation process. He argued that fact-checkers often made subjective decisions on sensitive topics like gender and immigration, restricting content based on personal biases. Meta aims to move towards a user-driven model, where Community Notes allow users to identify and correct misleading information. This new system, which Meta plans to roll out soon, will empower users to take a more active role in moderating content.
The Community Notes system is inspired by X (formerly Twitter), where users can add context to posts they find misleading or false. These notes will appear below flagged content, offering corrections or additional information. Meta has emphasized that this approach will decentralize content moderation and allow for more transparent corrections. Unlike fact-checkers, users can contribute to rating and writing these notes, helping to determine what information should be clarified.
In addition to the new content moderation system, Meta is relocating its moderation teams from California to Texas, citing the state's more politically aligned environment as part of their effort to build trust and minimize bias. Critics argue that this move is politically motivated, especially with a Trump presidency on the horizon. Zuckerberg’s decision follows Elon Musk's move of Tesla’s headquarters to Texas in 2021, signalling a potential alignment with more conservative values.
Currently, Meta relies on third-party fact-checking organizations to assess and verify content. When content is flagged as false, Meta may restrict its reach or apply labels indicating misinformation. However, only Meta can remove posts or suspend accounts. In the future, Community Notes will replace fact-checking labels. Users can vote on the relevance of notes, and once enough votes are gathered, these notes will be shown below the flagged content. This change aims to reduce the reliance on centralized organizations for fact-checking.
This shift to Community Notes has sparked concerns about the spread of misinformation. Critics, like Claire Wardle from Cornell University, warn that it could lead to increased bias and allow more misleading content to spread, especially if the user base is divided on certain topics. There are also concerns that politically motivated users may dominate the correction process.
However, supporters argue that the system allows for more free expression and less control by traditional media. Elon Musk and Christopher Townsend, a conservative activist, welcomed the change, believing it will empower users to make their own decisions about the accuracy of information, instead of relying on mainstream media.
While the new system will initially launch in the U.S., Meta has mentioned that it could expand to other regions like Europe and China, where the regulatory landscape is more complex. Meta has expressed concerns about European laws that could enforce more stringent content moderation, and China’s censorship of its apps. Meta’s new approach could lead to friction with these governments, but Zuckerberg hopes the move will allow the company to resist increasing global pressures.
With the rolls out of Community Notes, the Meta’s success will depend on the platform’s ability to balance free expression with the need for accurate information. While some hope it will reduce censorship and empower users, others worry it could lead to more polarization and misinformation. The long-term impact of this shift will likely become clearer as more users engage with the system.
Courtesy: Aljazeera
China launches Deepseek, rivalling US giants
DeepSeek, a Chinese start-up, has launched a new large language model (LLM) called DeepSeek-R1, presenting an affordable and open alternative to models like OpenAI’s o1. R1’s performance in tasks like chemistry, mathematics, and coding is on par with o1, impressing researchers and scientists. Released on January 20, R1 uses a ‘chain of thought’ approach to improve reasoning abilities, making it more adept at solving complex problems than earlier models. |
| Image generated by Mufawad using AI |
A standout feature is that DeepSeek has made R1 an open-weight model, meaning researchers can study and build upon the algorithm. Although the model is not fully open source (due to undisclosed training data), it is published under an MIT license, enabling free use. R1 also offers lower operational costs compared to o1, charging about one-thirtieth the price, which could drive broader adoption.
Despite restrictions on access to top AI chips due to US export controls, DeepSeek has created a competitive model by innovating algorithmically. Experts praise its ability to achieve high performance with fewer resources, estimating the cost to train R1 at $6 million—much less than the $60 million spent on training other models like Meta’s Llama 3.1.
The success of DeepSeek is reshaping perceptions of the US’s AI dominance. Researchers like Francois Chollet and Alvin Wang Graylin highlight the narrowing gap between the US and China in advanced AI, calling for a more collaborative approach to AI development rather than a competitive arms race.
R1’s ability to solve problems through reasoning sets it apart from traditional LLMs, which often struggle with accuracy and logical consistency. In benchmarks, R1 scored 97.3% on the MATH-500 set and outperformed 96.3% of participants in the Codeforces competition. While R1 slightly underperformed compared to o1 in sorting research ideas by interest, it outperformed o1 in certain computations, such as in quantum optics.
R1’s open design allows better interpretability of its reasoning, offering a transparent way for researchers to understand how the model thinks and arrives at answers. This could pave the way for further advancements in AI research, making DeepSeek-R1 a notable player in the field.
Courtesy: Nature
NASA probe makes closest ever pass by the sun
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe set a historic milestone on December 24 by venturing closer to the Sun than any spacecraft before, enduring temperatures exceeding 930°C as its advanced heat shield protected onboard instruments. Launched in 2018, the probe’s seven-year mission aims to unravel mysteries of the Sun’s behavior and improve predictions of solar storms that could disrupt life on Earth.
 |
| Image generated by Mufawad using AI |
The record-breaking flyby occurred at approximately 5:23 AM IST om 24th December, though mission scientists waited until December 28 for confirmation due to a communication blackout caused by the probe’s proximity to the Sun. “Parker is now the closest human-made object to a star, just 6.1 million kilometers away—a celebratory achievement,” said NASA’s Nicky Fox in a social media update.
To visualize this feat: if the Earth-Sun distance were a football field, the probe would have been a mere four meters from the “end zone” at its closest approach (perihelion). The mission exemplifies NASA’s daring approach to answering cosmic questions, noted program scientist Arik Posner. “We’re eager to analyze the unprecedented data once contact resumes,” he added.
Despite the Sun’s blistering corona, the probe’s shielded instruments operate near room temperature (29°C). Traveling at 690,000 km/h—fast enough to traverse New Delhi to Chennai in 10 seconds—Parker is gathering critical insights into solar wind origins, the corona’s inexplicable heat, and the formation of explosive coronal mass ejections.
This flyby marks the first of three planned close encounters, with subsequent passes scheduled for March and June 2025. Since its launch, the probe has used Venus’s gravity to spiral closer to the Sun, refining its orbit with each loop.
“Parker is exploring uncharted territory,” emphasized mission operations manager Nick Pinkine. “Each return brings data that could redefine our understanding of stellar dynamics.”
Courtesy: The Hindu
Two space corps from US and Japan Co-launch Moon mission
Two private companies launched spacecraft to the Moon last month, highlighting the growing commercial interest in lunar exploration—an area traditionally dominated by government agencies. Tokyo-based ispace and Texas-based Firefly Aerospace are celebrating their achievements, but past private missions have faced challenges. Scientists remain cautious, as it will take weeks or months to confirm if the research instruments onboard are operational.
This marks ispace’s second Moon attempt; its 2023 lander crashed. Firefly’s launch is its first lunar mission but as a part of NASA’s initiative funding private firms to carry agency payloads. The program’s earlier missions met mixed results—one failed in space, while another landed but tipped over. This latest launch, from Cape Canaveral, is the first to carry two private spacecraft together. Both missions focus on testing landing technologies and carry scientific instruments to measure space radiation and Earth’s magnetic field.
Ispace’s Resilience lander is aiming to deploy a small rover to collect lunar soil. Firefly’s Ghost Riders in the Sky lander is bound for Mare Crisium. NASA funded this mission with $101 million to deliver ten payloads, including a device to collect lunar soil, a drill to study heat flow, and experiments on lunar dust adhesion—crucial for Moon base construction. A computer will test resilience to space radiation, while another experiment will attempt satellite navigation on the Moon. Additionally, an X-ray instrument will capture images of Earth’s magnetic shield. If successful, both landers will operate for 14 days before lunar night halts their functions.
Courtesy: Nature
Quantum Computing failing to impress Stock Market
Quantum-computing companies, including IonQ, Quantum Computing, Rigetti, and D-Wave, have seen significant stock fluctuations. On January 8, shares dropped sharply after Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, remarked that quantum computers wouldn’t be truly useful for another two decades. However, these stocks have since partially rebounded.
This volatility follows a year of ups and downs. In late 2024, stocks surged after Google announced its Willow quantum chip breakthrough, lowering error rates. Despite such advancements, experts question whether these stock swings are justified by genuine technological progress or merely speculative hype.
Global Quantum Intelligence (GQI) suggests that the market has overreacted to announcements. According to Maria Schuld, a physicist at Xanadu, the industry continues to make steady progress, and optimism remains high. Yet, John Martinis, a leading quantum physicist, acknowledges that building a practical quantum computer is far more difficult than it appears.
There is no clear winner in the race for the ideal quantum-computing platform, though superconducting loops and ions suspended in a vacuum are the top technologies. New contenders, such as silicon quantum dots and topological qubits, are emerging, but all require substantial improvements to make quantum computers viable.
Investing in quantum-computing firms is challenging since no company has mature products to sell. Firms like IBM have provided prototype machines to researchers, generating revenue through partnerships. Startups are flourishing, with approximately 400 companies active in quantum computing. Investment surged to $2.35 billion in 2022 but dropped in 2023 due to a broader venture-capital slump.
Despite hype, industry leaders like John Martinis warn that reaching one million qubits could take longer than anticipated, especially considering current quantum machines only have a few dozen to a few thousand qubits. Questions also arise about whether AI will render quantum computing obsolete for certain tasks, but experts such as John Preskill argue that AI cannot yet replace quantum computers for problems in fields like chemistry and materials science.
Courtesy: Nature
Brain Implant helps Paralysed Man to fly Drone
Researchers have developed a brain–computer interface (BCI) that allowed a 69-year-old paralysed man to fly a virtual drone using only his thoughts. The device decoded his brain activity as he imagined moving groups of fingers, offering a breakthrough in BCI technology that could help individuals with paralysis perform complex tasks such as typing or playing musical instruments.
 |
| Image generated by Mufawad using AI |
“This research focuses on enabling control over multiple movements at once, similar to how we use our fingers for everyday activities like sewing or playing instruments,” says neurosurgeon Matthew Willsey from the University of Michigan.
The participant, who was paralysed in all four limbs due to a spinal cord injury, had electrodes implanted in his left motor cortex—the brain region controlling hand movement—during a 2016 surgery. For this study, researchers trained algorithms to recognize neural signals linked to specific finger movements.
Initially, he practiced moving a virtual hand on a screen, learning to hit targets with precise finger movements at a rate of 76 targets per minute. The team then connected these movements to a virtual drone, allowing him to navigate it through rings in a simulated basketball court.
The study, published in Nature Medicine on January 20, was inspired by the participant’s own desire to fly a drone. He described the experience as similar to playing an instrument, requiring subtle adjustments.
Researchers aim to refine the technology to decode signals from all ten fingers, improving its potential for assistive devices. “This is an important step toward understanding hand control,” says John Downey, a BCI researcher at the University of Chicago. Experts believe this technology could one day provide people with paralysis a versatile tool for greater independence.
Courtesy: Nature
AI Tool Aids in Predicting Virus Evolution
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical need for better preparedness in dealing with emerging infectious diseases. As we move beyond COVID-19, new viral threats or mutations remain a constant concern. The ability to anticipate viral evolution is crucial for containment, and artificial intelligence (AI) is now playing a key role in this effort.
AI has become a powerful tool in predicting how viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza may evolve. RNA viruses, which mutate frequently, can sometimes evade immunity and spread rapidly. By predicting these mutations, researchers can develop vaccines and antiviral treatments in advance, potentially staying ahead of future outbreaks.
One promising AI tool, EVEscape, developed by researchers at Harvard Medical School and Oxford University, combines evolutionary data with biological and structural information to forecast viral mutations. It successfully predicted significant changes during the COVID-19 pandemic and is now being used to anticipate future SARS-CoV-2 variants.
However, AI still faces challenges. While it can predict short-term mutation effects, it struggles to anticipate large evolutionary leaps, such as the Omicron variant, which had over 50 mutations. Researchers are working to improve AI models with more data and sophistication to better predict such major shifts and enhance preparedness for future viral threats.
Courtesy: HPC Wire
Research Bias in Microbiology: The Overlooked Majority of Microbes
A stark imbalance plagues microbial research: while a handful of well-studied bacteria dominate scientific literature, the vast majority of Earth’s microbial diversity remains unexplored. A preprint study led by Paul Jensen, a microbial-systems biologist at the University of Michigan, reveals that just 10 bacterial species—including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis—account for half of all microbiology publications. Meanwhile, 74% of the 43,409 named bacterial species lack even a single dedicated research paper.
For decades, microbiologists have relied on “model organisms” like E. coli to unlock universal biological principles. While this approach has driven foundational discoveries, Jensen’s analysis highlights its limitations. PubMed-indexed studies show that E. coli alone represents 21% of all bacterial research, overshadowing microbes critical to human health, ecosystems, and climate. For instance, species abundant in healthy human microbiomes or dominant in oceans and soil rarely feature in top-studied lists.
“We’ve built a detailed map of a tiny island while ignoring the vast continent around it,” says Nicola Segata, a microbiome researcher at Italy’s University of Trento. Many microbes identified through modern sequencing remain unnamed, let alone studied. Brett Baker, a microbial ecologist at the University of Texas at Austin, notes that dominant environmental species—key to nutrient cycling and carbon storage—are conspicuously absent from research agendas.
The rise of microbiome studies has accelerated microbial discovery but exacerbated publication bias. Sequencing alone cannot reveal how microbes function or interact, warns Jensen. Culturing understudied species—a major hurdle—is essential. “Many aren’t lab-friendly ‘weeds’ like E. coli,” Baker explains. Some require symbiotic partners or specific environmental conditions to thrive.
To address this, initiatives like the Align to Innovate project aim to systematically characterize 1,000 microbes across 1,000 growth conditions. This $1-million effort will generate open-access data to train AI models and guide future research. Jensen, involved in the project, stresses that abandoning model organisms isn’t the solution. However, expanding focus is urgent: “At this rate, understanding microbial diversity could take millennia.”
Neglecting microbial diversity risks overlooking novel antibiotics, climate solutions, and insights into human diseases. For example, Streptococcus sobrinus, a cavity-causing bacterium Jensen studies, has fewer than 50 papers—a fraction of its relative S. mutans. Similarly, unnamed gut microbes linked to health remain enigmatic.
“AI could revolutionize microbiology, but it needs data,” Jensen adds. Without studies on underrepresented species, machine-learning tools lack the training material to predict microbial behaviours or ecological roles.
Researchers advocate collaborative, large-scale efforts to culture and study diverse microbes. Segata emphasizes funding shifts to prioritize environmental and host-associated species. Baker proposes mimicking natural microbial communities in lab settings.
Courtesy: Nature
Discovery of New Fat-Filled Cartilage Cells
Scientists have recently identified a new type of cartilage that resembles adipose (fat) tissue. Named lipocartilage, this tissue contains balloon-like cells filled with oils and surrounded by a thin matrix of fibers, unlike the thick matrices found in other cartilage types. These cells pack tightly together, forming a springy, squishy tissue that resists deformation while retaining flexibility. Lipocartilage is found in areas requiring elasticity, such as the external ear, nose, and throat.
Although this discovery is new, the tissue was first noted in the 1850s by histologist Franz von Leydig. Over the years, it was rediscovered and forgotten multiple times before recent studies analyzed its genetic and molecular traits.
What sets lipocartilage apart from fat is its stability — the cells don’t shrink or swell like typical fat cells. This feature may help structures like the ear to maintain consistent acoustics, enhancing the ability to gather and focus sound waves.
Lipocartilage was found in mice and humans, particularly in fetal tissues, and has been observed in other mammals. Its role and evolutionary advantages remain under investigation, with researchers exploring its regenerative abilities and fat management.
Courtesy: Live Science
Mother Earth Breaches 1.5 C Limit
In 2024, global temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time, marking a symbolic milestone in the climate crisis. While this breach—announced by international climate agencies—does not yet signify a permanent failure of the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target, scientists warn it underscores humanity’s rapid approach to dangerous climatic tipping points. Averaged data from 2024 show Earth warmed to 1.55°C above 1850–1900 levels, with temperatures rising faster than anticipated compared to 2023’s record heat. Researchers are now investigating whether this two-year surge reflects natural variability or an acceleration of global warming.
The 1.5°C threshold, enshrined in the 2015 Paris Agreement, originated as a political safeguard for vulnerable nations rather than a strict planetary boundary.
Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe emphasizes that warming impacts exist on a spectrum: “Every fraction of a degree matters.” Current decadal averages place global heating at 1.3°C, but delayed ocean heat absorption means atmospheric temperatures will lag behind cumulative planetary warming. Even temporary overshoots of 1.5°C could worsen extreme weather, sea-level rise, and ecosystem collapse.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that surpassing 1.5°C temporarily “does not doom the long-term goal” but demands accelerated emissions cuts. However, if 2023–2024’s heat signals a systemic climate shift, mitigation timelines may need drastic revision, warns Brazilian climatologist Carlos Nobre.
Critics fear public complacency could follow the breach, with climate skeptics misinterpreting short-term survival as proof of resilience. Yet scientists reiterate that impacts—already visible in intensified storms, wildfires, and ecological disruptions—will escalate without rapid decarbonization.
While some emissions scenarios assume future carbon removal technologies will reverse temperature rise, immediate action remains critical. The 2024 milestone serves as both a scientific alarm and a rallying cry for policymakers ahead of this year’s UN climate summit. As Gail Whiteman of the University of Exeter notes, “We are exiting humanity’s safe zone”—and the window to avert irreversible damage is narrowing.
Courtesy: Nature
Why Fires Spreading Horribly Fast in Modern Cities
The recent wildfires in Southern California rank among the state's most devastating, but scientists highlight a more alarming trend—urban firestorms. Unlike wildland fires that spread through forests, these fires engulf entire neighbourhoods as buildings themselves become fuel. The destruction in Los Angeles resulted from homes igniting one after another, spreading the flames rapidly.
 |
| Image generated by Mufawad using AI |
“These were urban conflagrations, not just wildfires,” says Ann Jeffers, a fire safety expert at the University of Michigan. The fires have claimed at least 24 lives and destroyed over 12,000 structures. With climate change and urban expansion, such disasters are expected to become more frequent. Researchers are now studying fire behavior in cities to develop strategies for reducing risks.
Several factors intensified the Los Angeles fires, including dense housing in hilly terrain and strong winds. Another key driver was “hydroclimate whiplash”—an abrupt shift between wet and dry conditions. Heavy rainfall in 2023 and early 2024 spurred plant growth, but the absence of rain since July 2024 turned vegetation into fuel.
Additionally, more people are settling in areas where cities meet wild landscapes, increasing the likelihood of fires spreading into urban zones. Recent disasters in Lahaina, Hawaii (2023), and ValparaÃso, Chile (2024), illustrate this growing threat.
As urban fires become more common, scientists are analyzing how they spread. One key focus is radiant heat transfer, where burning buildings ignite nearby structures. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety in Florida conducts tests to determine how embers and flames affect buildings, including the safe distance needed between structures.
At UC Berkeley, Michael Gollner’s team simulates fire spread using computer models, studying how embers, heat, and direct flames destroy homes. Meanwhile, Jeffers is modeling how embers travel in the wind and accumulate in vulnerable areas, offering insights into how fires engulf neighborhoods.
Research has identified simple but effective ways to reduce fire risks. A study by Guillermo Rein at Imperial College London found that covering vents with screens and designing roofs to prevent ember accumulation significantly improve a home’s chances of survival. Using fire-resistant materials like composite siding and metal roofs also reduces fire vulnerability.
Building regulations play a crucial role. Homes constructed in California after 2008, when fire-resistant materials became mandatory, are 40% less likely to burn than older homes. Many structures in Los Angeles were built before these regulations, making them more susceptible to fires.
Despite the challenges of rebuilding, experts emphasize that implementing fire-resistant strategies can help communities become more resilient to future urban wildfires.
Courtesy: Nature
Where did Dinosaurs actually Evolve!
Dinosaurs once ruled Earth’s terrestrial ecosystems with astonishing diversity, from colossal herbivores like Argentinosaurus to fearsome predators like Tyrannosaurus and bizarre species such as Therizinosaurus, famed for its massive, clawed limbs. Yet the exact origins of dinosaurs—when and where they first emerged—remain shrouded in mystery.A recent study proposes a surprising hypothesis: the birthplace of dinosaurs may lie in a region spanning today’s Sahara Desert and Amazon Rainforest. This area, now separated by vast oceans and plate tectonics, once formed part of Gondwana, the southern landmass of the ancient supercontinent Pangaea. According to researchers, dinosaurs likely originated in Gondwana’s equatorial zone, a hot, arid environment that contrasts with earlier assumptions about their preferred habitats.
The oldest-known dinosaur fossils, dating to roughly 230 million years ago, include species like Eoraptor and Herrerasaurus from Argentina, Saturnalia from Brazil, and Mbiresaurus from Zimbabwe. While these early dinosaurs share defining traits, their differences suggest millions of years of prior evolution. However, gaps in the fossil record—particularly in regions now dominated by the Sahara and Amazon—hint that the true "cradle" of dinosaurs may still lie undiscovered.
“Dinosaurs emerged during a time of extreme heat and aridity in equatorial Gondwana, facing environments like deserts, seasonal woodlands, and fire-prone savannahs,” explained Joel Heath, lead author of the study and a paleontology researcher at University College London.
Fossil preservation in these areas remains rare, possibly due to unfavorable conditions for fossilization or unexplored geological layers. Logistical challenges, such as dense forests and vast deserts, further hinder discovery efforts. Dinosaurs evolved from earlier reptiles after Earth’s Permian Period mass extinction 252 million years ago, developing unique adaptations like upright limbs and specialized hips for agility.
“Their skeletal features—legs positioned directly beneath the body, efficient locomotion, and diverse diets—gave them an evolutionary edge,” Heath noted. Early forms like the 6-meter predator Herrerasaurus and the omnivorous, dog-sized Eoraptor highlight their rapid diversification. Yet transitional fossils linking dinosaurs to their reptilian ancestors remain elusive, leaving gaps in their evolutionary timeline.
Before dominating ecosystems, dinosaurs were overshadowed by larger crocodile relatives and armored herbivores. A cataclysmic extinction 201 million years ago wiped out their competitors, allowing dinosaurs to ascend as Earth’s dominant land vertebrates.
Courtesy: Reuters
How Bats Become Invincible to Viruses
Bats’ ability to fly has been linked to their remarkable resistance to many viruses, including those related to SARS-CoV-2. A recent study analyzing the genomes of 20 bat species has revealed that around the time bat ancestors evolved powered flight, they also developed immune adaptations that enable them to control viral infections effectively.
Bats are known to harbor dangerous viruses, such as rabies, Ebola, and coronaviruses, without showing symptoms. Despite being reservoirs for these viruses, they rarely suffer from the harmful immune responses seen in humans with severe viral infections, like COVID-19. Researchers have long wondered why bats seem so resilient to infections.
The study, co-led by Aaron Irving, a comparative immunologist, and Michael Hiller, an evolutionary genomicist, sequenced the genomes of bats, including those that carry coronaviruses closely related to SARS-CoV-2. They discovered that bats possess unusually high numbers of immune-related genes, many of which seem to have evolved after the bat lineage began to diversify. These adaptations likely emerged around the time bats developed the ability to fly.
The researchers compared bat genomes with those of 95 other mammal species, and bats stood out due to their high immune gene counts. These immune adaptations suggest that bats evolved specific mechanisms to handle viral infections without triggering excessive immune responses, which is a common problem in other species.
The link between flight and immunity remains unclear, but Irving proposes that the metabolic demands of flight may hold the key. Bats’ heart rates can soar to 1,000 beats per minute during flight, producing harmful, inflammatory byproducts. These toxic byproducts could have led to immune adaptations that allowed bats to tolerate viral infections without harm. This hypothesis suggests that flight-induced metabolic stress might have co-evolved with viral immunity, enabling bats to fend off viruses efficiently.
While the idea is still under investigation, Michaela Gack, a molecular virologist, supports the hypothesis, acknowledging that more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play. The study’s high-quality bat genomes provide a valuable resource for identifying how bats manage viral infections.
Courtesy: Nature
Egypt building Billion Dollar Museum For Pharaohs
Situated two Kilometers north of the Giza Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) emerges as the world’s largest institution dedicated to a single civilization. Spanning 500,000 square meters—equivalent to 80 football fields—the $950 million project, funded by Japanese loans, is poised to redefine Egypt’s cultural narrative. A newly built airport, Sphinx International, facilitates access to the site, which partially opened in 2024 ahead of its full inauguration.
 |
| Image generated by Mufawad using AI |
Visitors are greeted by a towering statue of Ramses II, strategically illuminated by sunlight twice annually—a nod to the solar alignment at Abu Simbel Temple. The Grand Staircase, flanked by 108 steps adorned with ancient artifacts, leads to a panoramic view of the Giza Plateau. Designed by German firm Atelier Brückner, the museum aspires to rival global icons like the Louvre, blending Egypt’s past with modern museology.
The GEM’s crown jewel is the complete collection of Tutankhamun’s 5,000 burial artifacts, including his golden mask, chariots, and a meticulously restored leather armor suit—previously unpublished and now displayed for the first time. A cutting-edge conservation center, operational since 2010, employs 144 specialists (66 women) across 17 labs.
Their groundbreaking work includes non-destructive restoration techniques and scientific analysis of previously overlooked items, such as a linen tunic that may reveal Tutankhamun’s daily life.
The museum also houses two 4,600-year-old cedarwood boats of Pharaoh Khufu, one newly excavated and reassembled from 1,700 pieces. Research suggests the second vessel may have functioned as a tugboat, operated by over 50 rowers. These discoveries underscore Egypt’s maritime history and technological prowess.
Delayed by political upheavals, the Arab Spring, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the GEM’s completion faced hurdles until Major General Atef Moftah’s military-led team expedited construction. While critics question the military’s long-term role, officials assert their involvement is temporary. The museum aims to attract 5 million annual visitors, generating $55 million in revenue—a vital boost for Egypt’s tourism-dependent economy.
The GEM symbolizes Egypt’s push to reclaim control over its heritage. Historically, Western scholars dominated Egyptology, often excluding local voices. Monica Hanna, an Egyptologist, notes that colonial-era practices stripped Egyptians of “agency to produce knowledge.” The museum’s research initiatives aim to redress this imbalance, fostering homegrown expertise and publishing findings in Arabic to democratize access.
By integrating advanced research with public engagement, the GEM seeks to transform global perceptions of ancient Egypt while addressing past inequities. As Zahi Hawass, former antiquities minister, asserts, “This museum is a message to the world: our history is ours to narrate.” With its blend of innovation and tradition, the GEM stands as both a tribute to pharaonic glory and a beacon for Egypt’s cultural renaissance.
Courtesy: Nature
Organo-Phosphates likely behind J&K Deaths
Health experts have identified organophosphorus compounds—toxic chemicals commonly found in pesticides—as the likely cause of a mysterious illness that has claimed 17 lives in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities report that administering atropine, an antidote for organophosphate poisoning, has proven effective in treating hospitalized patients.
“Once the toxin was confirmed, we administered atropine, and patients responded positively,” stated a senior health official. Initially, experts ruled out infectious diseases, viruses, or bacterial outbreaks as the cause, pointing instead to neurotoxins. However, pinpointing the exact toxin had proven challenging until Sunday, when the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirmed organophosphorus contamination as the source.
Officials are now investigating whether the toxin entered the food or water supply accidentally or intentionally. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the deaths. Meanwhile, the affected village has been declared a containment zone, with over 200 residents placed under quarantine.
Authorities discovered insecticides in a local spring used by villagers for water, which has since been sealed for further analysis. Food samples from the area are also being tested. Medical professionals note that all fatalities involved severe brain and nervous system damage, consistent with organophosphate exposure.
Courtesy: NDTV
