Tag Archives: longest

Britain Discovers Europe’s Longest Sauropod Dinosaur Footprint

Posted on by
Reply

In 2024, a remarkable discovery was made at Dewar’s Farm Quarry, located near Bicester, Oxfordshire, England, where new large sauropod dinosaur footprints were found. This year, palaeontologists from Oxford University, Birmingham University, Liverpool John Moores University, and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History uncovered approximately 200 additional footprints comprising four distinct tracks, including Europe’s longest sauropod dinosaur track.

A 166-million-year-old sauropod dinosaur footprint at Dewar’s Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire, England. Image credit: University of Birmingham.

The four newly discovered tracks at Dewar’s Farm Quarry date back to the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 166 million years ago.

These belong to sauropod dinosaurs, which are characterized as large-bodied, long-necked herbivores. Cetiosaurus.

Among these discoveries is Europe’s longest sauropod dinosaur footprint, extending roughly 220 meters from the first exposed footprint to the last.

Professor Kirsty Edgar from the University of Birmingham commented: “We were thrilled to return to the Dewar’s Farm quarry earlier this year to continue our excavation and unveil further dinosaur footprints.”

“This site in Oxfordshire boasts the largest dinosaur footprint in the UK and is likely the largest dinosaur footprint in the world that has been mapped, considering previous discoveries from the 1990s on the same surface nearby.”

Over seven days, the team faced a much drier and harder surface compared to previous years, concentrating on about 80 very large (up to 1 meter) sauropod footprints that create a remarkable trajectory running roughly north-south across the site.

In addition to the extensive sauropod track, three other shorter tracks were revealed, one of which is a continuation of a trace initially discovered in 2022.

While these findings may not be published continuously, the accumulation of data could lead to even longer orbital patterns.

Minor discoveries at the site included marine invertebrates, plant material, and a crocodile jaw.

Professor Richard Butler from the University of Birmingham stated: “Most of what we comprehend about dinosaurs is derived from their skeletons, but dinosaur footprints and deposits can offer valuable insights into how these creatures lived and the environments they inhabited over 166 million years ago.”

“A significant aspect of this latest excavation involves systematic sampling of the sediments associated with the footprints and those filling the footprints, which are currently under analysis to better understand the environment in which they were formed and how they have been preserved.”

“It is likely that additional footprint surfaces will be uncovered in the coming years, and a comprehensive explanation of their significance, new scientific findings, and potential future conservation of the site will be published soon.”

Source: www.sci.news

Record-Breaking Longest Lightning ‘Mega-Flash’ Sets New Standards

Posted on by
Reply

Lightning flashes during a US monsoon storm

Edward Mitchell/World Weather Organization (WMO)

A “megaflash” of lightning recorded in the Great Plains of the United States has been recognized as the longest ever, stretching 829 km (about 515 miles) across five states, from eastern Texas to Missouri.

These megaflashes—extended lightning discharges—are associated with large clusters of thunderstorms typically found in the Great Plains and other lightning-prone areas. The reasons why some storms produce megaflashes while others do not remain a mystery. “I don’t know exactly why this happens,” says Michael Peterson from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

The lightning event occurred in October 2017 and lasted for over seven seconds. At the time, it was too lengthy to be completely mapped by ground-based lightning detection systems.

Zigzag branch of the longest flash of lightning on record

Michael Peterson, GTRI

To verify the extent of this flash, Peterson and his team returned to satellite data from Earth-based cameras that continuously monitor lightning. They utilized new software to process millions of light pulses, successfully tracking the lightning as it traveled through the storm.

“Every new pulse gives you an idea of how that flash evolves over time,” Peterson explains. “It’s like playing Connect-the-Dots to piece together the entire structure.”

They discovered the flash’s maximum linear length of 829 km, plus or minus 8 km—comparable to the distance between London and Zurich. However, the total trace along the bolt itself exceeds 1000 kilometers. “The Mega Flash can extend to the Megameter,” Peterson adds.

The World Meteorological Organization, which maintains records of extreme weather events, has confirmed this flash as the longest ever documented, surpassing prior records by approximately 61 kilometers since 2020.

“From this single flash, we observed over 100 cloud-to-cloud strokes,” Peterson notes. “Although mega flashes are rare, each one is quite remarkable.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Understanding the Summer Solstice: What You Need to Know About the Year’s Longest Day

Posted on by
Reply

Sure! Here’s a rewritten version of your content while retaining the HTML tags:

The peak of sunshine has officially arrived in the Northern Hemisphere with the Summer Solstice.

This Friday marks the longest day north of the equator, ushering in the joy of astronomical summer. In contrast, the Southern Hemisphere experiences its shortest day and the onset of winter.

The term “bliss” derives from the Latin “sol,” meaning sun, and “stitium,” which translates to “stop.” This term encapsulates the sun’s annual journey, tracing its longest and most radiant arc in the sky. Unfortunately for sun enthusiasts, the days will gradually shorten until late December as the sun begins its retreat.

The solstice has been celebrated for centuries, with various traditions and monuments, such as Stonehenge, built to align with the solar path during this event. But what exactly occurs in the heavens? Here’s what you need to understand about Earth’s orbit.

Bliss signifies the extremes of day and night

As the Earth orbits the Sun, it tilts at an angle, causing uneven distribution of sunlight and warmth between the northern and southern hemispheres throughout the year.

The solstice represents a time when this tilt is most pronounced, leading to the greatest disparity between day and night.

During the Northern Hemisphere’s summer solstice, the upper half tilts toward the sun, resulting in the longest day and the shortest nights of the year, occurring between June 20th and 22nd.

In contrast, during the winter solstice, which transpires between December 20th and 23rd, the Northern Hemisphere turns away from the sun.

The equinox: a balance of day and night

The equinox occurs when the Earth’s axis and orbit align, granting both hemispheres an equal amount of sunlight.

The word equinox is derived from Latin, meaning equal and night, as it denotes the time when day and night are nearly identical in duration.

Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, or Vernal Equinox, can occur between March 19th and 21st, while the Autumnal Equinox can fall between September 21st and 24th.

At the equator, the sun is directly overhead at noon during the equinox, which is the only time when both the Arctic and Antarctic receive sunlight simultaneously.

Differentiating between weather and astronomical seasons

These represent two distinct interpretations of the year.

Astronomical seasons are based on Earth’s orbit around the Sun, while weather seasons are categorized by prevailing weather conditions. The latter divides the year into three-month periods based on temperature cycles, leading to spring starting on March 1st, summer on June 1st, followed by autumn on September 1st and winter on December 1st.

Let me know if you need any further modifications!

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Meta to connect India with the rest of the world through the longest submarine cable project

Posted on by
Reply

Meta has revealed plans to construct the longest underwater cable project in the world that will connect the US, India, South Africa, Brazil, and other regions.

The tech company, now known as Meta, announced that Project Waterworth will span 50,000km (31,000 miles) of submarine cable.

With a 24-pair fiber system, the cable will have increased capacity to support AI projects, according to Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

In a blog post, Meta stated: “Project Waterworth will provide top-tier connectivity to the US, India, Brazil, South Africa, and other major regions.”

“This initiative aims to facilitate greater economic collaboration, enhance digital inclusion, and create opportunities for technological advancement in these regions.

“In countries like India, where significant growth and investment in digital infrastructure have already been seen, Waterworth will further accelerate progress and support the nation’s ambitious digital economy plans.”

Over the past decade, Meta has collaborated with various partners to develop over 20 submarine cables, including multiple deployments of industry-leading cables with 24 fiber pairs compared to the typical 8-16 pairs of other systems.

The UK currently has around 60 submarine cables, through which 99% of data is connected to the global network.

Submarine cables handle over 95% of internet traffic worldwide, raising concerns about vulnerability to attacks, accidents, and geopolitical tensions during conflicts.

NATO initiated a mission in January to increase surveillance of Baltic vessels following incidents that damaged key submarine cables the previous year.

The UK Parliamentary Committee recently requested evidence on the nation’s ability to safeguard subsea cable infrastructure from threats and ensure national resilience in the event of significant and prolonged damage.

Skip past newsletter promotions

In 2018, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Russian companies allegedly involved in providing underwater capabilities to Moscow to monitor the underwater network.

In July, much of Tonga experienced a blackout after submarine internet cables connecting the island network were damaged, causing disruption for local businesses.

Meta stated in a blog post that the cable systems will be laid at depths of 7,000 meters and will utilize enhanced burial techniques in high-risk fault areas, such as shallow waters near the coast, to avoid hazards like ship anchors.

In January, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the completion of professional fact-check reviews on Facebook and Instagram, aiming to “dramatically reduce censorship,” a move that garnered significant criticism.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Animal with the Longest Lifespan on Earth in 2025

Posted on by
Reply

Understanding time can be a complex concept. Einstein famously explained how time is relative, experienced differently based on the speed of an object. Let’s dive into the topic further.

Many animals have defied the odds and lived long, extraordinary lives. But which animal holds the title for the longest lifespan?

Scientists have studied longevity for years, with species on this list offering potential insights for longer, healthier lives. Let’s explore some of the world’s longest-living creatures.

Humans: Earth’s Longest-Lived Land Mammals

A photo of Jeanne Calment in 1995 at the age of 120. Photo courtesy: Pascal Parrot/Sygma/Getty Images

Jeanne Calment holds the record for the world’s longest-lived person, living an astonishing 122 years and 164 days. Born in 1875 in Arles, France, she claimed to have met Vincent van Gogh and humorously described him.

Calment credited her stress-free life and sense of humor for her longevity, even indulging in smoking after meals until she quit at 117. She outlived her daughter and grandson, passing away in 1997.

Glass Sponge: The Longest-Lived Aquatic Creature

Stalked vitreous cavernoma (hexatinerid) of Borosoma photographed at Maruru Seamount. Photo credit: National Marine Sanctuary/Wikipedia

The glass sponge, with its delicate appearance, can live up to 15,000 years, found in oceans worldwide at depths below 450 meters. Its unique ability to generate electrical impulses sets it apart from other creatures.

When threatened, the glass sponge’s flagella halt their beating, a survival adaptation distinct from other sponge species. Its shape remains unchanged when stimulated.

Cookie the pink parrot, photographed at Brookfield Zoo, USA, in 2008. Photo: Nimesh Madhavan/Wikipedia

Cookie the Cockatoo, a male pink parrot, holds the record for the oldest parrot, living until 83 years old before passing away in 2016 at Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, USA.

Despite retiring from public life at 81 for health reasons, Cookie outlived other pink parrots by decades.

Naked Mole Rat: The Longest-Lived Rodent

Close-up of a naked mole rat (Heterocepalus glaber) in its underground burrow. Photo credit: Getty Images

Naked mole rats, resilient rodents, can survive 18 minutes without oxygen and show resistance to cancer. They live underground, protected from predators, and age differently than other mammals.

With accurate cell replication and DNA protection, naked mole rats can live for decades, with some reaching 37 years old.

Read more:

Ocean Quahog: The Longest-Lived Invertebrate

The oldest marine quahog is thought to be over 500 years old and is known as “Min”. Photo courtesy of Bangor University

The ocean quahog, an arctic clam species, holds the title for the oldest animal on Earth. A specimen found in 2006 off the coast of Iceland was estimated to be 507 years old by scientists.

Known as “Ming” or “Hafrun,” these clams display annual growth rings, allowing scientists to determine their age.

Aldabra Giant Tortoise: The Longest-Living Turtle

Adwaita, a giant Aldabra tortoise, rests in a cage at Alipore Zoo in Kolkata, India, on April 25, 2005. Photo by Deshakalyan Chowdhury/AFP/Getty Images

The Aldabra giant tortoise, native to the Seychelles’ Aldabra Atoll, is Earth’s longest-living turtle species. The oldest, Adwaita, lived an estimated 255 years before passing away in 2006.

Greenland Shark: Earth’s Longest Living Fish

Greenland shark or Greenland sleeper shark (Somniosus microcepalus) swimming along the St. Lawrence River estuary in Canada. Photo credit: Alamy

Greenland sharks, with slow metabolisms, inhabit cold oceans and have lifespans difficult to estimate due to their unique physiology. Carbon dating suggests ages between 252 and 512 years.

Bobi: The Longest-Lived Dog

A photo taken on February 12, 2023 shows Bobi, the world’s oldest dog according to Guinness World Records, at her home in the village of Conqueiros, near Leiria, Portugal. Photo by Patricia de Melo Moreira/AFP/Getty Images

Bobi, a Rafeiro de Alentejo, achieved a remarkable 31 years before his passing, earning recognition as the longest-lived dog in history. Originally from Portugal, these dogs are known for their gentle nature.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Humpback whales set new record for longest migration in search of breeding grounds

Posted on by
Reply

Whales’ Romantic Adventures

Humpback whales have left scientists astonished with their epic journey spanning three oceans and over 8,000 miles, establishing a new record for the longest migration between breeding grounds.

A recent study published in a journal Royal Society Open Science on Wednesday suggests that this remarkable migration may be influenced by climate change, impacting ocean conditions and food availability, or changes in mating behavior.

Professor Darren Croft, an expert in behavioral ecology at the University of Exeter, UK, remarked, “Changes in climate and ocean conditions may drive these migrations to new breeding grounds, and increased competition for mates and food may prompt individuals to seek new opportunities.”

This new study reveals the immense distances traveled by humpback whales and highlights their remarkable migratory behavior.

While some whale species cover over 5,000 miles between feeding and breeding areas, humpback whales hold the title for the longest migratory distance among mammals.

One particular whale captured scientists’ attention after embarking on a journey that extended beyond the usual migratory routes.

Originally spotted in 2013 off the coast of Colombia, South America, the whale was later sighted in similar waters in 2017 and in 2022 near Zanzibar, an island in the Indian Ocean.

Researcher Ryan Reisinger expressed his excitement over the findings, underscoring the importance of documenting humpback whales’ shifting breeding grounds.

Despite this intriguing discovery, the exact reason for this unusually long migration remains unknown.

Humpback whales are renowned for their annual migration from rich feeding grounds in the summer to warmer breeding areas in winter, where food is scarce.

The study employed photos from happywhale.com, a platform where individuals contribute to tracking whale movements globally, utilizing artificial intelligence to identify and study individual whales based on their unique features.

With a match rate of 97% to 99%, the algorithm on Happy Whale’s website utilizes whale tail characteristics to differentiate and monitor humpback whale populations around the world.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

What is the date of the summer solstice in 2024 and what leads to the longest day of the year?

Posted on by
Reply

As we welcome summer, the Northern Hemisphere is now experiencing longer daylight hours due to the 2024 summer solstice. This day has been celebrated for millennia, whether for religious reasons or simple festivities like barbecues. If you’re curious about the significance of this day, particularly at sites like Stonehenge, we have information to share.

When is the summer solstice in 2024?

The summer solstice in 2024 will occur on Thursday, June 20th at 9:51pm BST (4:50pm EDT New York time, 1:50pm PDT Los Angeles time). This precise astronomical moment marks the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere when it faces the sun directly, resulting in the longest day of the year with the most hours of sunshine.

When are sunrise and sunset on the summer solstice?

On Thursday, June 20th, sunrise in London is at 4:43am BST, and sunset is at 9:21pm BST. Timings vary slightly depending on the location within the UK and the US.

  • Summer solstice sunrise times in New York City: 5:25 a.m. EDT.
  • Summer solstice sunset times in New York City: 8:31pm EDT.
  • Summer solstice sunrise times in Austin, Texas: 6:30 a.m. CDT.
  • Summer solstice sunset times in Austin, Texas: 8:36pm CDT.
  • Summer solstice sunrise times in Los Angeles: 5:42 a.m. PDT.
  • Summer solstice sunset times in Los Angeles: 8:08pm PDT.

Although the summer solstice is the longest day, it does not always have the earliest sunrise or latest sunset, which vary based on the latitude.

What is the Summer Solstice?

The summer solstice represents the moment when the Northern Hemisphere is most tilted towards the sun, resulting in the longest day of the year. This tilt of the Earth’s axis causes different seasons in the hemispheres, with the summer solstice marking peak summer in the Northern Hemisphere and peak winter in the Southern Hemisphere.

Due to the Earth’s tilt, sunlight falls directly on the Northern Hemisphere during the summer solstice. In the Southern Hemisphere, this marks the shortest day of the year, or winter solstice. – Image credit: Getty

Various celebrations of the summer solstice take place globally, with Stonehenge being a famous site for observing this phenomenon. People have gathered at this ancient stone circle to witness the sunrise aligning with the central altar stone, marking the arrival of summer.

Starting in the late Middle Ages, Swedes began the tradition of erecting a Midsummer pole and dancing around it. The custom of decorating the pole with flowers and greenery was called a “maja”, which also came to be called a Maypole. – Image credit: Getty

What is the difference between the equinox and the summer solstice?

While equinoxes mark the change of seasons when day and night are approximately equal, solstices like the summer solstice focus on sunlight. The summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere is the longest day of the year, contrasting with the winter solstice, which is the shortest day.

Do other planets have solstices?

Every planet in the solar system experiences solstices due to its axial tilt, with Earth’s tilt being more noticeable than other planets like Venus or Jupiter. The tilt of a planet’s axis affects its seasons, with Uranus being particularly tilted and experiencing extreme variations in sunlight.

Upcoming Summer Solstice Dates and Times, BST

  • 2025: June 21, 3:42 AM
  • 2026: June 21, 9:24 AM
  • 2027: June 21, 3:10 p.m.
  • 2028: June 20, 9:01 p.m.
  • 2029: June 21, 2:48 AM
  • 2030: June 21, 8:31 AM

About our experts

Darren Baskill is an Outreach Officer and Lecturer in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Sussex. She has a background in astrophotography and astronomy, bringing expertise to the study of celestial events like the summer solstice.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Today is the summer solstice in 2024 – what causes the longest day of the year and when does it occur?

Posted on by
Reply

Summer is here, officially starting today with the Northern Hemisphere experiencing more daylight than anywhere else. This marks the 2024 summer solstice, a significant day that has been celebrated for thousands of years. Whether for religious ceremonies or casual barbecues, the longest day of the year is a cause for celebration.

If you’re unsure about the summer solstice and its importance, especially at places like Stonehenge, we’re here to provide some clarity.

When is the Summer Solstice in 2024?

The summer solstice in 2024 falls on Thursday, June 20th at 9:51 pm BST (4:50 pm EDT New York time, 1:50 pm PDT Los Angeles time). Keep in mind that the summer solstice occurs at a specific moment, signifying the start of astronomical summer when the Northern Hemisphere faces the Sun directly.

It’s the longest day of the year, providing the most hours of sunshine in 2024. Expect at least 16 hours of sunlight in the UK and US. This is one of the two solstices each year, with the second occurring in December. The summer solstice always falls between June 20 and 22, coming a day earlier this year compared to 2023.

When are Sunrise and Sunset on the Summer Solstice?

On Thursday, June 20th, the sunrise in London, England is at 4:43 am BST, and the sunset is at 9:21 pm BST. Sunrise and sunset times may vary slightly depending on your location in the UK or US.

  • Summer solstice sunrise in New York City: 5:25 a.m. EDT.
  • Summer solstice sunset in New York City: 8:31 pm EDT.
  • Summer solstice sunrise in Austin, Texas: 6:30 am CDT.
  • Summer solstice sunset in Austin, Texas: 8:36 pm CDT.
  • Summer solstice sunrise in Los Angeles: 5:42 am PDT.
  • Summer solstice sunset in Los Angeles: 8:08 pm PDT.

While today is the longest day of the year, it doesn’t necessarily have the earliest sunrise or the latest sunset. The exact dates for these phenomena vary based on your latitude. In areas around the 40th parallel north, the earliest sunrise of the year occurred around June 14th, with the latest sunset around June 27th.

“This slight difference occurs because the Earth orbits the Sun in a slight ellipse, not a circle.” Dr. Darren Baskill“It’s a very exciting time for us,” says astrophotographer and astronomy lecturer at the University of Sussex. BBC Science Focus.

read more:

What is the Summer Solstice?

The summer solstice occurs when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky, directly hitting the Northern Hemisphere. This axis tilt of about 24 degrees causes opposite seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, with the summer solstice marking the longest day of the year. As the Earth orbits the Sun in an ellipse, the perihelion (closest point to the Sun) occurs in January, while the aphelion (farthest point) occurs in July.

Due to the Earth’s tilt, sunlight falls directly on the Northern Hemisphere during the summer solstice. In the Southern Hemisphere, this marks the shortest day of the year, or winter solstice. – Image credit: Getty

Although the summer solstice is the longest day of the year, peak temperatures usually occur in July or August as the Earth continues to release absorbed heat. The tilt of the Earth’s axis, not its distance from the Sun, causes the change in seasons.

Why is the Earth Tilted?

The Earth’s tilt resulted from significant impacts during the solar system’s formation 4.5 billion years ago. The current tilt allows for regions where the sun never sets during the summer solstice, like in the Arctic. This tilt contributes to the variety of seasons experienced on Earth.

How is the Summer Solstice Celebrated Around the World?

Celebrations of the summer solstice take place worldwide, from the Swedish midsummer festivities to Stonehenge in England. Stonehenge, built thousands of years ago, aligns with the rising sun on the summer solstice, attracting hundreds to witness the event every year.

Starting in the late Middle Ages, Swedes began the tradition of erecting a Midsummer pole and dancing around it. The custom of decorating the pole with flowers and greenery was called a “maja”, which also came to be called a Maypole. – Image credit: Getty

What is the Difference Between the Equinox and the Summer Solstice?

Equinoxes mark the change of seasons with equal day and night lengths, occurring in spring and autumn. Solstices, on the other hand, focus on sunlight, with the summer solstice being the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

Do Other Planets Have Solstices?

Every planet in the solar system has solstices due to axial tilts. Earth’s tilt is pronounced compared to other planets like Venus or Jupiter. Mars, similar to Earth, experiences seasons but with longer durations due to its elliptical orbit.

Upcoming Summer Solstice Dates and Times, BST

  • 2025: June 21, 3:42 AM
  • 2026: June 21, 9:24 AM
  • 2027: June 21, 3:10 p.m.
  • 2028: June 20, 9:01 p.m.
  • 2029: June 21, 2:48 AM
  • 2030: June 21, 8:31 AM

About Our Experts

Darren Baskill is an Outreach Officer and Lecturer in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Sussex. They have a background in astronomy and have contributed to various projects in the field.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Europe’s longest Hyperloop test track reignites excitement for the future of metro transportation

Posted on by
Reply

Europe’s longest Hyperloop test line opening has once again sparked hopes for a future that combines maglev and vacuum tube transportation technologies.

Operators believe that this facility will demonstrate the feasibility of Hyperloop, paving the way for a high-speed tube network spanning 6,200 miles (10,000km) across the continent by 2050.

Currently, the testbed at the European Hyperloop Center in Veendam is a 420-meter-long bifurcated white pipe running alongside a track and road, not yet transporting people in the Netherlands.

The test pipe, constructed from 34 connected 2.5-meter-wide prefabricated steel cylinders, partially funded by the EU, falls short of the envisioned two-mile track for 2020 due to speed limitations. The goal is to achieve the required 620 mph (1,000 km/h) in the future.



Test track at the European Hyperloop Center in Veendam. Photo: Hollandse Hoogte/Rex/Shutterstock

The Vandeem pipe’s fork will be instrumental in testing “lane switching” during high-speed vehicle course changes, with initial tests conducted by Hard Hyperloop in the Netherlands.

The center’s director, Sacha Lam, hailed this development as a pivotal moment, envisioning a pan-European network with infrastructure branching to various destinations like Paris and Berlin.

Skip past newsletter promotions

The concept of the Hyperloop was introduced by Elon Musk in 2013, proposing a line between San Francisco and Los Angeles. This innovative transportation method could revolutionize travel speed and efficiency.

Despite past setbacks, such as Hyperloop One’s bankruptcy, proponents like Sacha Lam see a bright future where a European Hyperloop network could become a reality within decades, offering a cleaner, quieter, and faster mode of transportation.

This innovative technology could help Europe catch up with pioneering developments in China, where a “low-vacuum pipeline magnetic levitation technology” test track was unveiled in 2022.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Research Finds Out Which Dog Breeds Have the Longest Lifespans

Posted on by
Reply

The Shiba Inu is one of the longest-lived dogs.

Ammu Photography/Getty Images

An analysis of more than 580,000 dogs in the UK found that small dogs with long noses, such as miniature dachshunds and Shiba Inu dogs, lived the longest. On the other hand, medium-sized dogs such as English bulldogs and Shih Tzus have the shortest lifespans.

“Despite the UK being a nation of dog lovers, we don't have a good handle on the dog population in general and the expected lifespan of dogs in particular,” he says. Kirsten McMillan At the British welfare charity Dogs Trust.

To create a comprehensive analysis of dog lifespans, McMillan and his colleagues collected data from a variety of sources, including veterinarians, pet insurance companies, and animal welfare charities. The data included 584,734 dogs belonging to 155 breeds, of which 284,734 died.

The average lifespan of dogs was 12.5 years. Female dogs had a slightly longer life expectancy at 12.7 years compared to 12.4 years for male dogs.

When the researchers divided dogs into categories based on size and facial shape, they found that small, long-nosed dogs had the highest life expectancy of both sexes, living an average of 13.3 years. Male and female medium-sized flat dogs fared worst, with expected lifespans of just 9.1 and 9.6 years, respectively.

“Many flat-faced breeds, both small and large, such as French bulldogs, St. Bernards, and Presa Canarios, do not perform well,” says McMillan.

Flat-faced dogs are known to face a variety of health problems, including breathing, digestion, and even sleeping problems, which may explain their short lifespans. there is.

One of the most surprising findings was that purebreds had a longer life expectancy than mutts: 12.7 years compared to just 12 years.

“Due to the concept of hybrid vigor, it has long been believed that mixed-breed dogs live longer than purebred dogs,” he says. audrey rule from Virginia Tech was not involved in the study. This refers to the idea that hybrid animals and plants may be healthier because of their genetic diversity, but Lupul says this needs to be investigated further.

“We hope that this study will spur further research into the exact reasons why some breeds die at a young age, ultimately improving the lifespans of our dogs.” McMillan he says.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

New research determines the longest living dog breeds

Posted on by
Reply

Researchers studied the lifespans of 500,000 dogs to determine which species live the longest. The answer? Whippets, or dogs shaped like whippets. Research indicates that small dogs with long noses have an average lifespan of 13.3 years (source).

Another study looked at data from over 580,000 individual dogs in the UK, classified as purebreds or mixed breeds, to find out more about the lifespan of different dog breeds.

In addition to breed, the researchers collected data on the dogs’ sex, date of birth, and, if applicable, date of death. This data helped determine mortality rates as well as calculate the median life expectancy for different categories of dogs.

The study found that small, long-nosed dogs have the highest average lifespan at 13.3 years. Conversely, medium-sized short-nosed dogs, especially males, had the shortest average lifespan at 9.1 years.

Interestingly, purebred dogs generally lived longer than mixed breeds, and Labradors were found to have the highest life expectancy at 13.1 years.

The researchers hope that these results will help dog owners better understand the factors that influence their pets’ health and longevity, and they also suggest that future studies should investigate designer breeds due to their different genetic diversity levels.

Dr. Kirsten McMillan, one of the authors of the study, believes that future research should not simply classify dog breeding into pure and mixed categories and emphasizes that this is a complex issue.

Dr. Kirsten McMillan is a DataSEA (Science Engineering and Analysis) Manager at Dogs Trust, and her research has been published in various scientific journals.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The World’s Top 10 Longest Rivers of 2023

Posted on by
Reply

The largest civilizations have been built on and around it, providing a precious source of water and life. Of course, we are talking about rivers. There are many impressively long rivers around the world, but what is the world’s longest river?

Determining the exact length of a river is a complex process. You need to know the source location and the estuary location, that is, where the river starts and ends, respectively.

This is more difficult than it sounds and can change over time. Considering tributaries and waterways can further complicate matters, along with the changing seasons through which the river passes.

For this reason, river length is not an exact science and this is why you see a list of different lengths on the web. That also means there’s a debate about the longest river on Earth (more on that below). The lengths listed below are approximations that take into account a range of variables.

With all this in mind, here are the top 10 longest rivers in the world.

10. Amur River – 4,444km (2,761 miles)

Photo credit: Getty

The tenth longest river in the world is the Amur River, with a total length of 4,444 km (2,761 miles). This is its total length including its most distant source, the Argun River.

The Amur River’s flow begins in Mongolia and heads east through China and Russia, forming the main border between the Russian Far East and northeast China. Its mouth is the Amur Estuary, which flows into the Tartary Strait.

The kaluga fish, which can grow up to 5.6 meters long, lives here and is just one of the 100 species of fish found in this basin.You can also find indian lotus flower The northernmost habitat along the river.

9. Congo River – 4,700km (2,920 miles)

The Congo River is the ninth longest river in the world and the second longest in Africa, with a total distance of 4,700 km (2,922 miles) from its furthest source to its mouth.

Traveling through the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Angola, Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Cameroon, Zambia, Burundi, and Rwanda. It begins in the east, arcs to the northwest, and then flows southwest, emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at its mouth on the borders of Angola aand the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This river, which flows through the Congo rainforest, is the second strongest current in the world after the Amazon. It provides an important water source for more than 400 species of mammals, including gorillas, African elephants, and bonobos, as well as more than 1,700 species of birds and fish.

8. Rio de la Plata – 4,880km (3,032 miles)

The Rio de la Plata is the eighth longest river in the world, with a length of 4,880 km (3,032 miles). This is the combined length of the overlapping rivers Paraná, Rio Grande, and Uruguay.

The Plata River itself is only 290 km (180 miles) long, but its tributaries are even longer, running from north to south through Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. It empties into the Atlantic Ocean between Argentina and Uruguay.

Another accolade of the Rio de la Plata is that it is the widest river in the world. In some areas its width is up to 220 km.

7. Ob River – 5,410km (3,362 miles)

Photo credit: Getty

…

Source: www.sciencefocus.com