Tag Archives: rare

Rare genetic mutation results in stunning blue-skinned frog

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The magnificent tree frog (Litoria splendida) is normally green, but this mutant is blue

J Barker/AWC

A rare blue frog found in the Kimberley region of Western Australia has stunned researchers who say the unusual colouring is probably due to a genetic mutation causing it to lose certain skin pigments.

As its name suggests, the magnificent tree frog (Litoria splendida) is already a spectacular animal, so when Jake Barker When he saw a bright blue specimen on a bench in a workshop at the Australian Wildlife Conservancy’s Charnley River-Artesian Range Wildlife Sanctuary in April, he was shocked.

The amphibians are normally a vibrant green, which is a common colour for tree frogs and is thought to camouflage them.

“I knew as soon as I saw it that it was rare,” says Barker. “It’s not often that you get to see a blue frog.” It has been seen a number of times since, but won’t be captured for research, he says.

“It’s far too pretty and far too unique and it would be a pity to take it away from its natural habitat,” says Barker. “We’ll leave it to live out its days and hopefully get to see it many more times in the future.”

Jodi Rowley At the Australian Museum in Sydney, the animal may be the “most beautiful, aberrant-coloured frog” that she has ever seen. “And I have seen tens of thousands of frogs.”

From the photos she has seen, Rowley says the frog is at least 2 to 3 years old. The species may live to be 20 years old, so the blue individual is likely to be around for a while unless caught by a predator.

She says the frogs’ skin colour is determined by the combination of three chemicals – melanophores, which provide blacks and browns; xanthophores, which provide yellow pigments; and iridophores, which reflect blue colours. Normally, the yellows and blues combine to make green, but it is thought the new blue frog has a mutation that means it is missing the yellow pigments and the blue dominates.

“Blue is probably a bit more obvious to predators,” says Rowley, “which is why we don’t see many blue frogs.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

CERN physicists witness exceptionally rare hyperon decay

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A hyperon is a particle that contains three quarks, like a proton or a neutron, and one or more strange quarks. Physicists from the LHCb collaboration at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN say they have observed a hyperon decay Σ+→pμ+μ- in proton-proton collisions.

A view of the LHCb detector. Image courtesy of CERN.

“Rare decays of known particles are a promising tool for exploring physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics,” said the LHCb physicist.

“In the Standard Model, the Σ+ → pμ+μ- process is only possible through a loop diagram, meaning that the decay does not occur directly, but intermediate states have to be exchanged within the loop.”

“In quantum field theory, the probability of such a process occurring is the sum of the probabilities of all particles, both known and unknown, that can possibly be exchanged in this loop.”

“This is what makes such processes sensitive to new phenomena.”

“If a discrepancy is observed between experimental measurements and theoretical calculations, it may be caused by the contribution of some unknown particle.”

“These particles can either be exchanged within the loop or directly mediate this decay, interacting with the quarks and decaying into pairs of muons.”

“In the latter case, the new particle would leave a signature on the properties of the two muons.”

The study of the Σ+ → pμ+μ- decay has been particularly exciting thanks to hints of structure observed in the properties of muon pairs by the HyperCP collaboration in 2005.

With only three occurrences the structure was far from conclusive, and it was hoped that new research would shed light on the situation.

Finally, the LHCb data did not show any significant peak structure in the two-muon mass region highlighted by HyperCP, thus refuting the hint.

However, the new study observes the decay with a high degree of significance, followed by precise measurements of the decay probability and other parameters, which will allow further investigation of the discrepancy with the Standard Model predictions.

“In data collected in Run 2 of pp collisions at the LHCb experiment, the Σ+ → pμ+μ− decay is observed with very high significance, with a yield of NΣ+→pμ+μ− = 279 ± 19,” the authors write in their paper. paper.

“We do not see any structure in the two-muon invariant mass distribution that is consistent with the Standard Model predictions.”

“The collected signal yield allows for measurements of integral and differential branching rates, as well as other measurements such as charge-parity symmetry breaking and front-to-back asymmetry.”

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LHCb Collaboration. 2024. Observation of rare Σ+→pμ+μ− decays at LHCb. CERN-LHCb-CONF-2024-002

Source: www.sci.news

Moon freeze may solve Stonehenge mystery in rare event

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Stonehenge, an ancient prehistoric temple in southern England, remains a fascinating mystery. Construction began around 5,000 years ago, but the purpose of this enigmatic site remains unknown as its builders left no written records.

Analysis has shown that the massive stones of Stonehenge were transported from distant quarries, some weighing over 20 tonnes.

The alignment of Stonehenge with the sun during the solstices is well-documented, but its potential connection with the moon has intrigued experts. Scholars are exploring whether Stonehenge was not only designed to align with the sun but also with the moon, a remarkable achievement for a society predating the invention of the wheel.

On June 21, 2024, experts are investigating the relationship between Stonehenge and the lunar cycles as a rare lunar standstill event unfolds.

Professor Michael Parker Pearson, a renowned expert in British prehistory, speculates that Stonehenge’s builders may have aimed to unify people, ancestors, land, and the cosmos by linking the movements of the sun and moon.

The lunar standstill, occurring once every 18.6 years, results in the moon reaching its most extreme northern and southern positions in the night sky. This phenomenon, unlike the annual solstices tied to the sun, creates a unique celestial display.

While Stonehenge’s alignment with the solstices is well-known, its relationship with the lunar cycles remains less understood. Research indicates that burials at Stonehenge predate the arrival of the large stones, and possible alignments suggest a connection with the lunar standstill phenomenon.

An ongoing study by experts from Oxford, Leicester, and Bournemouth universities aims to delve into the significance of the moon in Stonehenge’s construction, potentially reshaping our understanding of this ancient monument.

Experts like Professor Parker Pearson, Professor Ruggles, and Dr. Chadburn are at the forefront of unraveling the mysteries of Stonehenge and its celestial connections.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Rare Lunar Phenomenon Could Finally Unravel Stonehenge Enigma

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Stonehenge, an ancient temple in southern England built around 5,000 years ago, remains a mysterious site with no written explanation of its purpose. Modern analysis has shown that the massive stones were transported from distant quarries to the site.

The structure is aligned with the sun during the summer and winter solstices, but the significance of this alignment remains unclear. There is speculation about whether it was also aligned with the moon, a remarkable achievement for a society that did not have advanced technology.

On June 21, 2024, a team of experts aims to investigate if the moon was an integral part of Stonehenge’s design during a rare lunar event.

Professor Michael Parker Pearson, an expert in British prehistory, believes that if Stonehenge is connected to this event, it would show a profound understanding of celestial movements by its builders.

The lunar major standstill, occurring every 18.6 years, involves the moon reaching extreme positions in the night sky, similar to the sun’s solstices. Stonehenge’s alignment with these lunar cycles is a topic of ongoing research by experts.

The study of Stonehenge’s connection to the lunar standstill involves academics from multiple universities and aims to shed light on the role of the moon in the construction of this ancient site.

About our experts

Mike Parker Pearson: A Professor of British Late Prehistory at UCL with extensive experience in archaeology and heritage preservation.

Clive Ruggles: An Emeritus Professor of Archaeoastronomy known for his work on astronomy and World Heritage sites.

Amanda Chadburn: An archaeologist and historic environment advisor contributing to research on Stonehenge and its lunar connections.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Rare Titan Arum blooms in Kew Gardens emitting scent of rotten flesh

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June 18th, Corpse Flowers at Kew Gardens

Sebstian Kettley/RBG Cue

This gorgeous, but smelly, corpse flower bloomed on June 18th. Royal Botanic Gardens, KewIn London however it tends to be only for a short period, lasting only 24 to 36 hours.

Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanium) also known as Titan Aramgets its name from the foul smell it gives off, resembling rotting meat, which is so strong it can be heard for hundreds of metres. The smell is produced to attract rare pollinating insects, such as flesh flies and carrion beetles, to the short-lived flowers, and must be strong enough to do its job during the short period the plant is in flower, because the plant may not flower again for many years.

Strictly speaking, this up to 3 metre tall plant isn’t one flower, but many. The inner inflorescence, or spadix, emerges from a purple, pleated collar called a bract and looks like a yellow obelisk. The inflorescence, or cluster of flowers, lies in the protected area between the bract and the spadix.

If you happen to see and smell it, the smell may not be what you expect: it can change during the flower’s short lifespan and can smell like rotting flesh, as well as pleasant excrement or warm garbage.

This rare plant is endemic to the rainforests of the Indonesian island of Sumatra, but is cultivated in many botanical gardens around the world for its beauty and the crowds it attracts when it blooms. The first time it is known to flower outside of Sumatra was in 1889 at Kew Botanical Gardens.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Rare nothosaurus fossil discovered in New Zealand

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The 246-million-year-old specimen is the geologically oldest marine reptile to inhabit the Southern Hemisphere.

This image shows a nothosaurus swimming along the ancient Antarctic coast of what is now New Zealand about 246 million years ago (during the Triassic Period). Image courtesy of Stavros Kundromichalis.

“Reptiles dominated the seas millions of years before dinosaurs dominated the land,” said Dr Benjamin Kear from the Museum of Evolution at Uppsala University and his colleagues.

“The most diverse and geologically longest-surviving group are the sauropods, with an evolutionary history spanning more than 180 million years.”

“This group included the long-necked plesiosaurs. Nothosaurus was their distant ancestor.”

“Nothosaurus could grow up to 7 metres (23 feet) in length and swam using four paddle-like limbs. It had a flattened skull with a web of narrow, conical teeth that it used to catch fish and squid.”

The 246-million-year-old Nothosaurus fossil was discovered in 1978 in rocks found along a major tributary of the Balmacaan River at the foot of Mount Harper in the Harper Ranges of New Zealand's central South Island.

“The New Zealand nothosaurus is more than 40 million years older than the oldest sauropod fossil yet found in the Southern Hemisphere,” said Dr Keir, lead author of the paper. paper Published in the journal Current Biology.

“We show that these ancient marine reptiles lived in shallow coastal environments rich in marine life within the Antarctic Circle at that time.”

“The oldest nothosaurus fossils date back to about 248 million years ago and were found along an ancient low-northern latitude belt that stretched from the remote northeastern to northwestern edges of the Panthalassa superocean.”

“The origin, distribution and timing of the arrival of nothosaurs in these remote areas remain a matter of debate.”

“Some theories suggest that they migrated along Arctic coastlines, swam through inland seas, or used ocean currents to cross the Panthalassa superocean.”

Morphology and biogeographical context of the earliest sauropod-finned fish in the Southern Hemisphere. Image courtesy of Kear others., doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.035.

New fossils discovered in New Zealand overturn these long-held assumptions.

“Using a time-calibrated evolutionary model of the global distribution of sauropods, we show that nothosaurs originated near the equator and then rapidly spread north and south at the same time that complex marine ecosystems were being re-established after the great extinction that marked the beginning of the Age of Dinosaurs,” Dr Kear said.

“The beginning of the age of the dinosaurs was marked by extreme global warming, which allowed these marine reptiles to thrive in Antarctica.”

“This also suggests that the ancient polar regions were likely routes for their earliest global migration, similar to the epic transoceanic journeys undertaken by modern whales.”

“There are surely fossils of long-extinct sea monsters still waiting to be discovered in New Zealand and other parts of the Southern Hemisphere.”

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Benjamin P. Kear others2024. Earliest southern sauropods reveal early globalization of marine reptiles. Current Biology 34(12):562-563; doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.035

Source: www.sci.news

Europe’s largest rare earth metal deposit discovered in Norway

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Rare Earths Norway, a mining company, has made a groundbreaking announcement of discovering Europe’s largest proven deposit. This discovery of rare earth elements is highly regarded and could potentially be a game-changer for the Nordic countries and the broader region.

This continental Europe’s largest rare earth deposit, not controlled by China, presents a significant opportunity for Europe amid its oil crisis. The demand for rare earths and critical minerals is expected to grow exponentially as the transition to clean energy accelerates.

Rare Earths Norway revealed in a statement on June 6 that the Fen carbonatite deposit in southeastern India has an estimated 8.8 million tonnes of total rare earth oxides (TREO) with economically mineable prospects. The company also estimates 1.5 million tonnes of magnet-related rare earth elements that can be used in electric vehicles and wind turbines.

This discovery surpasses a significant rare earth deposit discovered last year in Sweden. Rare Earths Norway CEO Alf Rystad emphasized the importance of this discovery, stating that there is currently no mining of rare earth elements in Europe.

Going forward, Rare Earths Norway aims to contribute to mining at least 10% of the EU’s annual demand for rare earth elements by 2030. The company also plans to develop the Telemark rare earth deposit southwest of Oslo to strengthen Norway’s position in the European rare earths value chain.

The International Energy Agency highlighted the shortage of current supplies needed to transform the energy sector due to the geographic concentration of many energy transition elements. China, the world’s largest rare earth ore processor, plays a significant role in supplying rare earth elements worldwide.

Rare Earths Norway intends to continue exploration work at the site with further drilling planned for the coming month. The company aims to begin production by 2030 to contribute to Europe’s rare earth supply and reduce dependence on Chinese sources.

In a recent interview, Alf Rystad remarked that while the discovered resources are valuable, they won’t increase in value compared to oil and gas. He mentioned European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s belief that lithium and rare earth elements will become more important than traditional fossil fuels in the future.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

A rare “nova explosion” may illuminate the night sky in an unforgettable event

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Skywatchers around the world should gear up for an incredible celestial event, as the binary star system T Corona (T CrB) is expected to experience a magnificent nova explosion sometime between now and September. This explosion could occur at any moment.

This remarkable outburst will change T CrB from an unseen star to one as bright as Polaris.

Novae like the one predicted for T CrB happen in binary star systems where a white dwarf orbits closely with a companion star.

“A nova is a binary system in which two stars orbit close to each other.”Dr. Darren Baskill, an Astronomy lecturer at the University of Sussex, tells BBC Science Focus, “About half of the stars in the night sky are double star systems.”

These should not be confused with supernovae, the dramatic explosions that occur when a massive star dies and can illuminate an entire galaxy momentarily.

White dwarfs accumulate material from their companion stars through a process called accretion. When this material reaches a critical temperature, it triggers powerful hydrogen fusion reactions.

The outcome? A nuclear explosion that ejects gas from the white dwarf, significantly increasing the system’s brightness.

“This sudden onset of nuclear fusion causes the surface gas layer to become even hotter, triggering more nuclear reactions and leading to a brightening of the star – a nova explosion,” Baskill explained.

This is a “fireworks nova,” captured by NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory in 2015. Like T CrB, it caused a stir in the astronomy community when it suddenly appeared as one of the brightest stars in the sky for a few days in 1901. – Image credit: NASA

While most novae are unpredictable and observed only once, T CrB is a recurrent nova that erupts roughly every 80 years. If you miss it this time, you’ll have to wait until around the year 2100!

T CrB is the closest star system to Earth, about 3,000 light years away, and is bright enough to be seen with the naked eye even in areas with moderate light pollution.

The nova explosion of T CrB is so distant from Earth that it has just reached us. Since then, there have been over 35-40 similar explosions, and the light signals from each one are yet to reach us.

Previous eruptions of T CrB were recorded in 1866 and 1946, with a noticeable brightness decrease before the latter eruption. A similar decline was noted earlier this year, hinting at a potential new explosion.

“Amateur astronomers around the world have observed slight brightness changes in this star every three to four months,” Baskill noted. “In 1945, when this happened, the gas on the white dwarf’s surface exploded dramatically within a year, causing a nova. Is it possible that the same scenario could repeat soon?”

How to witness a nova explosion

Although T CrB is currently too dim to be seen without help, a nova eruption would be visible without any special equipment. Amateur telescopes can observe T CrB before the eruption.

To prepare, stargazers should study Corona Borealis using a star chart or a smartphone app.

This preparation will enhance the spectacle when a nova suddenly emerges and brightens a familiar constellation.

Dr. Mark HollandsResearchers from the University of Warwick advise: “The nova will be visible to the naked eye for a few nights, reaching a brightness similar to other stars in Corona Borealis. If you miss that window, it should be visible for several weeks with binoculars.”

Though our Sun will become a white dwarf in billions of years, it will not undergo a nova explosion due to the lack of a companion star.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event and seize the rare chance to witness a nova explosion bright enough to see without a telescope.

About the experts

Darren Baskill is an Outreach Officer and Lecturer at the University of Sussex. She previously taught at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, where she founded the observatory’s annual ‘Astronomy Photographer of the Year’ competition.

Mark Hollands is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Warwick, focusing on white dwarfs. His work appears in journals like Natural Astronomy, Monthly Bulletin of the Royal Astronomical Society, and he has spoken at conferences worldwide.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Rare giant pangolin found in Senegal after 24-year absence

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This giant pangolin was caught on camera on March 8, 2023 in Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal.

Panthera/DPN

A giant pangolin has been spotted in Senegal's Niokolo-Koba National Park for the first time in 24 years, reviving hopes that the endangered animal still survives in the country.

“No one thought pangolins were still alive. [this park]” Muhammadu Modi Ndiaye At wildlife monitoring group Panthera.

Giant pangolin (Smutcha GiganteaThe pangolin, the only one of four African pangolin species found in Senegal, previously inhabited a wide area of ​​forests and savannas from Senegal to western Kenya. But in recent decades, the scaly mammal's population has declined due to poaching for its meat and scales, as well as extensive deforestation. The report says: Over 8 million pangolins They were poached in West and Central Africa between 2014 and 2021, making them one of the most commonly trafficked animals in the world.

Giant pangolins are shy, solitary and nocturnal, so you probably won't see them outside their burrows. The last time a giant pangolin was captured and officially identified was in Senegal in April 1967. Thirty years later, two were found during an ecological survey. Since then, conservationists have not seen a single giant pangolin.

That was until he was photographed walking slowly across a dry riverbed at 1:37 a.m. on March 8, 2023. Snapshot was captured The image was captured by one of 217 research camera traps scattered across more than 4,000 square kilometres of Niokolo Koba National Park.

“I was so excited when I saw the baby pangolin,” Ndiaye said.

The sighting suggests that Niokolo-Koba National Park could become the last bastion for pangolin monitoring and conservation in Senegal, according to the report. Alan D.T. Muafo Researchers from the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Pangolin Specialist Group have produced a report on surveying pangolin habitat and identifying its habitat, which he says is particularly important as there are many areas where “local extinction” is suspected, where pangolins are no longer active.

“This sighting is a ray of hope for pangolins' survival in West Africa and could help raise public awareness of their plight,” Muafo said, adding that he hopes it marks a “turning point for new conservation efforts.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Rare T-Rex Fossil Found by 10-Year-Old Boy in North Dakota

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During a family walk in North Dakota, a rare fossil was unexpectedly discovered buried in the soil — that of a teenage boy, a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

This discovery is significant as it could provide greater insight into the life of this famous dinosaur known as “Teen Rex,” who was discovered by two younger brothers, his father, and a cousin.

The fossil was found in the North Dakota wilderness, about 10 miles from the town of Marmarth, in 2022 by children aged 7, 9, and 10. While on a walk, one of the children and his father noticed a large foot bone sticking out of the ground.

Tyrannosaurus Rex was smaller than a full-grown Tyrannosaurus and had not yet fully matured – Courtesy of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

The father, Sam Fisher, contacted Tyler Lyson, curator of paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, who confirmed the discovery through research.

“This finding is particularly interesting because Tyrannosaurus Rex “All the fossils found so far have been of adults,” said Lyson. “Studying the remains of young animals will shed light on different aspects of dinosaur life, such as growth patterns.”

“Furthermore, three young scientists have embraced their passion and the excitement of discovery, making incredible dinosaur discoveries that advance science, deepen our understanding of the natural world, and inspire other explorers and scientists of the future.”

Tyrannosaurus is one of the best-known dinosaurs of all time and lived in western North America during the Late Cretaceous Period, between 90 and 66 million years ago.

In a paper published in 2023, it was initially believed that dinosaurs like T. rex were particularly clever, with brains containing about 3 billion neurons, more than a baboon’s. However, recent studies have shown intelligence comparable to that of a reptile.

It is now thought that this Teen Rex was around 13 to 15 years old, measuring 7.6 meters (25 feet) in length and weighing around 1,500 kilograms. They reach full growth at around 18-21 years of age and can weigh more than twice as much as this specimen.

After careful excavation and extraction, “Teen Rex” was airlifted by Blackhawk helicopter and is now displayed at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The fossil and its plaster encasement weigh over 2,000 kg.

A team of museum paleontologists and volunteers will now clean the skeleton and prepare it for study in the Teen Rex Discovery Preparation Lab where the progress can be followed by the public.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Scientists Discover Unique Characteristics of Rare Element Promethium

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Promethium is extremely rare, with only about 0.5 kg occurring naturally in the Earth’s crust at any one time.

Conceptual art depicts the rare earth element promethium in a vial surrounded by organic ligands. Image courtesy of Jacqueline DeMink / Thomas Dyke / ORNL.

[DiscoveredattheClintonLaboratoryin1945promethium is a lanthanide element with the symbol Pm and atomic number 61.

Named after the mythical Titan who brought fire to mankind, the name symbolizes human endeavor.

Despite their use in medical research and long-life nuclear batteries, some of their properties remain poorly understood.

“The aim of this project was to explore and gain new knowledge about this extremely rare element,” he said. Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Dr. Ivanov and his colleagues prepared a chemical complex of promethium, allowing them to characterize it in solution for the first time.

Thus, they uncovered the secrets of this element through a series of meticulous experiments.

“Promethium was the last lanthanide discovered and has been the most difficult to study because it has no stable isotopes,” said Dr. Ilya Popovs, also of Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

“There are thousands of papers on lanthanide chemistry without promethium. It was a glaring flaw in the science as a whole,” said Dr. Santa Giansone-Popova of Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

“Scientists could only guess at most of its properties. Now we can actually measure some of them.”

The researchers linked, or chelated, radioactive promethium with a special organic molecule called a diglycolamide ligand.

The researchers then used X-ray spectroscopy to determine the properties of the complex, including the lengths of the chemical bonds between promethium and neighboring atoms — a scientific first and a long-missing part of the periodic table of elements.

Unlike other rare earth elements, synthetic promethium has no stable isotopes and is therefore only available in very small quantities.

For their research, the scientists produced the isotope promethium-147, which has a half-life of 2.62 years, in sufficient quantity and purity to study its chemical properties.

Remarkably, they were the first to demonstrate the signature of lanthanide contraction in solution for the entire lanthanide series, including promethium, atomic number 61.

Lanthanide contraction is a phenomenon in which elements with atomic numbers 57 through 71 become smaller than expected.

As the atomic number of these lanthanides increases, the radius of their ions decreases.

This contraction results in unique chemical and electronic properties as the same electric charge is confined to a shrinking space.

The authors obtained a clear promethium signal, which allowed them to better define the shape of the trend across the series.

“It’s really amazing from a scientific point of view. When I got all the data I was blown away,” Dr Ivanov said.

“This contraction of chemical bonds accelerates along the atomic series, but slows down significantly from promethium onwards.”

“This is a major breakthrough in understanding the chemical bonding properties of these elements and their structural changes along the periodic table.”

“Among other things, this achievement will ease the difficult task of isolating these valuable elements,” said Dr. Jansonne Popova.

“Our team has been working for a long time to isolate the entire series of lanthanides, but promethium was the last puzzle piece. It’s been very challenging.”

“With today’s advanced technology, we can’t use all these lanthanides as a mixture, because we have to separate them first.”

“This is where shrinkage becomes really important. It basically allows you to separate them, which is still pretty difficult.”

“All of the technological marvels of our time contain these rare earth elements in some form,” Dr Popovs said.

“We’re adding the missing link.”

Team paper Published in today’s journal Nature.

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D.M. Driscoll othersObservation of promethium complexes in solution. NaturePublished online May 22, 2024, doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07267-6

Source: www.sci.news

Alphabet Embraces Rare AI Opportunity as Revenue Rises

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Shares of Alphabet, the owner of Google and YouTube, surged following the company’s announcement of its inaugural dividend and a substantial increase in profits for the last quarter.

CEO Sundar Pichai lauded the shift to artificial intelligence as a rare opportunity and emphasized the company’s swift adoption of technology across all sectors.

Investors were pleased with the company’s financial results and the news of a $70 billion share repurchase.

Google’s Q1 2024 revenue reached $80.5 billion, with earnings per share ranging from $1.17 to $1.89, marking a 15% year-over-year increase, surpassing analysts’ expectations on both fronts.

Alphabet’s shares climbed approximately 15% in after-hours trading. An initial dividend of $0.20 per share was declared, with payments scheduled quarterly.


“Our first quarter results reflect strong performance in search, YouTube, and cloud services. We are propelling into the Gemini era with significant momentum across the organization,” Pichai stated in a press release.

Alphabet CFO Ruth Porat noted that revenue from Google Search ads and Google Cloud contributed to overall positive growth. Revenue from YouTube and Google Cloud surpassed Wall Street’s estimates, with Cloud’s operating profit quadrupling to $900 million. Despite a 10% increase in traffic acquisition costs, Alphabet saw strong financial performance.

Analyst Nikhil Rai from Forrester Research commented on Alphabet’s exceptional quarter driven by robust search and YouTube advertising revenue, though challenges remain in monetizing conversational search and measuring branded media impact.

Recent internal and external controversies have disrupted Google’s operations, with financial results coinciding with employee protests, antitrust concerns, and the delayed rollout of the Gemini AI tool.

Google’s stock price has continued to climb despite ongoing legal battles and internal turmoil, positioning the company for potential growth pending the outcome of key antitrust proceedings.

Despite setbacks related to Gemini AI and controversies surrounding business contracts, Google remains resilient in the face of challenges and is actively reshaping its operations in response to market dynamics.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The FDA Approves Pfizer’s First Gene Therapy for a Rare Inherited Bleeding Disorder

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The Food and Drug Administration approved Pfizer’s treatment of rare genetic diseases and bleeding disorders, making it the company’s first-ever gene therapy. The approval came on Friday. This groundbreaking gene therapy, named Bekvez, is for adults with moderate to severe hemophilia B, meeting specific requirements. Pfizer spokesperson mentioned that the medication will be available by prescription to eligible patients this quarter with a hefty price tag of $3.5 million, making it one of the most expensive drugs in the United States.

More than 7,000 people in the US live with hemophilia B, primarily affecting men as it causes a lack of Factor IX, a crucial protein for blood clotting. Bekvez is designed as a one-time treatment to enable patients to produce their own Factor IX to prevent and control bleeding effectively.

Pfizer’s approval for Bekvez is a major milestone in the company’s efforts to diversify its portfolio after facing challenges due to the decline in its COVID-19 business. The company has heavily invested in anti-cancer drugs and gene and cell therapies, aiming to revolutionize the treatment of chronic diseases. Pfizer also acquired the rights to manufacture and market Bekvez in collaboration with Spark Therapeutics.

In addition, Pfizer is seeking FDA approval for marstasimab, an experimental antibody to treat hemophilia A and B. The company is also developing a gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Bekvez will be competing with similar gene therapies like Hemogenix from CSL Behring, which also comes with a significant price tag of $3.5 million in the US, marking a new era in the treatment of hemophilia.

Despite the high costs and logistical challenges associated with gene therapies, medical experts are hopeful that these one-time treatments can replace traditional lifelong treatments for chronic diseases, offering long-term benefits to patients.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Rare Flooding in Dubai Caused by Heavy Rainfall

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Parts of the Middle East were hit by heavy rains on Tuesday, leading to school closures in the United Arab Emirates and flooding at Dubai International Airport. Oman has reported at least 18 deaths in recent days due to the inclement weather.

The storm caused flooding on roads and dangerous conditions throughout the region. This area is typically dry and not used to heavy rainfall or flash floods.

Airport officials confirmed that flights to Dubai Airport had to be diverted temporarily due to the unusual weather events in the UAE. Statement

Cars drive through flooded roads in Dubai on Tuesday after a heavy rainstorm.
Abdel Hadi Ramahi/Reuters

Video footage showed Dubai’s tarmac flooded, with planes navigating through floodwaters and support vehicles almost submerged, according to reports from Saudi Arabia’s Al Arabiya news agency.

Over 4.7 inches of rain fell in a day in the UAE, causing road and property flooding in Dubai. Associated Press reported.

The UAE’s National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority advised people to stay home. Commenting on X’s post, they suggested parking vehicles in safe, elevated areas away from flood-prone zones.

Pedestrians cross a flooded road in Dubai on Tuesday.
Anadolu (via Getty Images)

Private schools in the UAE were closed before the storm and government employees were advised to work remotely.

While the UAE is known for its dry climate, rain does occur occasionally during the winter.

In neighboring Oman, recent storms and heavy rain have led to the deaths of 10 school children and an adult driver in a flooded car, as reported by the Associated Press.

Other parts of the Middle East, such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, also experienced unusually wet weather this week.

It’s unclear if recent storms have been influenced by global warming, but the warming atmosphere from climate change can hold more moisture, leading to stronger storms and heavier rainfall. Studies have suggested this possibility.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Rare stargazing event allows naked-eye view of Nova explosion

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An uncommon cosmic eruption is set to happen in the Milky Way galaxy soon, resembling the appearance of a “new” star in the night sky for a brief period.

Referred to as Nova, this event presents a unique sky-watching opportunity for individuals in the northern hemisphere. NASA states that such explosions occur infrequently in our galaxy.

This stellar eruption will take place in the T Coronae Borealis star system, situated 3,000 light-years away from Earth. This system consists of two stars, one being a deceased star, or “white dwarf,” orbiting near a red giant star that is nearing the end of its life cycle. According to NASA, our solar system’s sun will face a similar fate.

In systems like T Coronae Borealis, the proximity between the two stars causes material from the red giant to overflow onto the white dwarf’s surface over time. This leads to a buildup of pressure and heat, culminating in an eruption.

“The buildup of material on the white dwarf’s surface results in increased temperature and pressure until it eventually explodes. It’s a runaway reaction,” explained Bradley Schaefer, a retired physics and astronomy professor from Louisiana State University.

Schaefer likened a nova explosion to a hydrogen bomb detonating in space, creating a visible fireball from Earth’s perspective. (Not to be confused with a supernova, which occurs when a massive star collapses and dies.)

At the peak of the eruption, it should be visible to the naked eye, making it easy to observe from your backyard, Schaefer stated.

Astronomers anticipate the nova explosion happening between now and September. The last eruption from this system occurred in 1946, with the next expected eruption in about 80 years.

Astronomers worldwide are monitoring the North Star system for activity. If an eruption is detected, it could quickly reach a brightness similar to Polaris in less than 24 hours, offering a spectacular view. The explosion might remain visible to the naked eye for several days before fading.

According to NASA, skywatchers could potentially spot the eruption for around a week after dark using binoculars.

NASA

Typically too faint to be seen with the naked eye, T-corona systems can be identified by looking for the constellation or northern cap. This constellation forms a small semicircular arc between Hercules and Boes.

Schaefer, who extensively researched the T Coronae system, encourages catching a glimpse of this incredible phenomenon.

“This system has a recurrence time scale of less than 100 years, with most cycles lasting around 1,000 years,” he stated.

In a recent publication by the Astronomical History Journal, Schaefer unveiled two previous “long-lost” Ti Coronae Borealis eruptions from historical records, observed in 1217 by a German monk and in 1787 by English astronomer Francis Wollaston.

Schaefer shared a historical anecdote, recalling the monks near Augsburg, Germany, describing such an eruption as a significant yearly event, even naming it “signum mirabile,” which translates to ‘great omen’ in Latin. It was considered a favorable omen.

Yet, predicting the exact viewing period for this “wonderful omen” presents a challenge.

“This event could happen tonight,” Schaefer stated. “Most likely in the next few months, possibly by the end of summer.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

How to Safely Watch the Rare “Ring of Fire” Eclipse

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A total solar eclipse is set to pass over North America in April, offering millions of skywatchers the rare chance to witness the afternoon sky briefly darken and a “ring of fire” appear overhead. The upcoming April 8 solar eclipse is expected to be a significant event, as its path will traverse parts of Mexico, the continental United States, and eastern Canada. Weather permitting, skywatchers in 15 states in the US will have the opportunity to see the moon almost completely block the sun, casting its shadow in a fiery circle and creating a halo effect in the sky. In all other states in the continental US, viewers will witness a partial solar eclipse where the moon appears to partially obscure the sun.

Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming total solar eclipse.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is crucial not to look directly at the sun during a solar eclipse, even if it is partially or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or a pinhole projector are necessary to safely view the eclipse and prevent eye damage. Sky observers should never look at the Sun through binoculars, telescopes, or camera lenses without a solar filter installed. Using Eclipse glasses is essential, as failure to do so can result in serious eye damage. NASA advises taking proper precautions. During the total solar eclipse when the moon completely blocks the sun, it is safe to view with the naked eye, but at all other times, eclipse glasses are required.

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon, and earth align, with the moon passing in front of the sun to temporarily block its light. The moon can either completely obscure the sun in a total solar eclipse or partially block its light in a partial solar eclipse.

Who can see it?

This eclipse is rare because it will cross populated areas of the United States compared to other recent total solar eclipses. NASA estimates that approximately 31.6 million people will live within the 160-mile-wide total path, with an additional 150 million living within 200 miles of the path. The eclipse will pass through various states in the US and enter Canada through provinces such as Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick.

While the most spectacular views will be within the total eclipse path, there are still opportunities for people across the continent to witness the astronomical event. A partial solar eclipse will be visible in all 48 states of the continental US, and NASA will stream a live view of the total solar eclipse online.

When will it happen?

The timing and duration of totality will vary by location, with some areas experiencing darkness and the “ring of fire” for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds. Various resources online, including NASA, NationalEclipse.com, and timeanddate.com, provide information for planning and expectations on the day of the eclipse.

Specific timings for some populous cities along the path of totality are as follows:

Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 PM CT. Totality begins at 1:40 PM CT. Totality ends at 1:44 PM CT. Partial eclipse ends at 3:02 PM CT.

Little Rock, AR: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 PM CT. Totality begins at 1:51 PM CT. Totality ends at 1:54 PM CT. Partial eclipse ends at 3:11 PM CT.

Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 PM ET. Totality begins at 3:13 PM ET. Totality ends at 3:17 PM ET. Partial eclipse ends at 4:29 PM ET.

Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 PM ET. Totality begins at 3:18 PM ET. Totality ends at 3:22 PM ET. Partial eclipse ends at 4:32 PM ET.

Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 PM ET. Totality begins at 3:27 PM ET. Totality ends at 3:30 PM ET. Partial eclipse ends at 4:38 PM ET.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

First Photo of Rare Yellow-Crested Crested Crest Taken by Ornithologist

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of Yellow-bellied Shrike (Prionops alberti) It has not been seen for about 20 years and is listed as a “lost bird” by the American Bird Conservancy.

Yellow-bellied shrike (Prionops alberti). Image credit: University of Texas at El Paso.

First described in 1933, the shrike is a member of the bird family. Bangidae.

Also known as the King Albert Shrike, this bird is distinguished by its black plumage and bright yellow crown.

This species is endemic to the mountains of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The yellow shrike is endemic to the western slopes of the Albertine Rift in Central Africa, an area that has been largely inaccessible due to war and security issues, but has recently become safe to visit. '' said Dr. Michael Harvey.ornithologist University of Texas El Paso.

Dr. Harvey and his colleagues made the discovery during a six-week expedition to the Itombwe Massif, a mountain range in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“It was a shocking experience to encounter these birds,” Dr Harvey said.

“I knew they might be possible here, but I wasn't prepared for how grand and unique it would be.”

The ornithologists walked more than 121 kilometers (75 miles) deep into the Itumbwe massif, studying birds, amphibians and reptiles along the way.

While exploring the cloud forest on the side of a mountain, they encountered a striking black bird with a bright yellow “helmet”, the long-eared shrike.

“These birds appeared to be a fairly noisy and active flock in the mid-levels of the forest,” they said.

A total of about 18 birds were spotted at three locations during the expedition.

“This gives us hope that perhaps this species still maintains a reasonably healthy population in the remote forests of this region,” Dr Harvey said.

“However, mining, logging, and deforestation for agriculture are encroaching deep into the forests of the Itombwe Mountains.”

“We are in discussions with other researchers and conservation groups about further efforts to protect forests and shrike in this region.”

“Now is a great time to protect these tropical forests so species like the long-eared shrike are not lost before they are known and studied.”

Source: www.sci.news

Rare Bizygotic Event in 2024 to Bring Billions of Cicadas to Surface

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Officially, 2024 belongs to Cicada.

This spring, in a rare synchronized phenomenon that last occurred in 1803, swarms of two different cicadas, one with a 13-year cycle and two with a 17-year cycle, emerge from the ground at the same time.

Billions of winged insects emerge from the Midwest to the Southeast, beginning in late April in some regions and performing noisy mating rituals that tend to fascinate and disgust in equal measure.

This year’s twin feathering is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Although a particular 13-year offspring and his 17-year offspring may appear at the same time, the cycles of a particular pair align only once in his 221 years. Additionally, this year’s groups of cicadas, known as Brood XIII and Brood XIX, happen to have habitats adjacent to each other and narrowly overlapping in central Illinois.

“The last time these two brothers were on the scene, Thomas Jefferson was president, so is that unusual? Yes.” said Gene Kritsky, author of “A Tale of Two Broods,” a book about this year’s double broods.

After 2024, Brood XIII and Brood XIX cicadas will not synchronize their emergence for another 221 years.

These types of cicadas are regular insects that spend most of their lives underground feeding on tree roots. After 13 or 17 years, depending on the mate, the cicada tunnels to the surface and matures, noisily searching for a mate for a month.

Cicadas typically appear on the surface in the spring when soil temperatures reach about 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

Blue dots on the map indicate Brood XIII cicadas, and red dots are areas where Brood XIX has appeared in the past. These areas may experience periodic cicadas in 2024.semi-safari

The Blued XIII cicada appears in the Midwest, primarily in Illinois, but has also spread to Wisconsin, Ohio, and Iowa. Stage XIX cicadas have been sighted in a much wider geographic area, including Missouri, Illinois, Louisiana, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland.

When these insects emerge, they occur in large numbers. And they are not quiet at all in the mating frenzy.

The insects are known to emit a high-pitched buzz, or mating song, that can reach up to 100 decibels, which is about the same as a motorcycle or a jackhammer.

The insects themselves are harmless to humans, but billions of insects emerge from the ground, making the cicada noisy for several weeks during its lifespan. When that happens, the ground can also be littered with large amounts of dead insects.

In 2019 “ semi-safari This will allow citizen scientists to report cicada sightings from their location.

“I’ve already spoken to six people who want to take a vacation and come to the area for the cicadas,” he said. “In years past, I’ve helped people plan vacations that depart while the cicadas are singing.”

In parts of the Southeast where the Blued XIX cicada occurs, the insects may begin to emerge from underground in late April.

Then, as temperatures warm across the Southeast and Midwest, more cicadas will show up throughout May and June.

When the insect reaches the surface, it sheds its nymph exoskeleton and spreads its wings. It usually takes a few more days for adult skin to harden.

The mating ritual itself is hectic, with cicadas taking only a few weeks to find a mate and lay eggs. This entire process takes approximately 6 weeks.

“By July 1st, they’ll be gone,” Kritsky said.

But while cicadas are on the ground, scientists are keen to track where they appear. Kritsky himself plans to study cicadas in the Chicago area, and hopes people in the Midwest and Southeast will report sightings using the Cicada Safari app.

Mapping insect ranges helps researchers understand how cicadas adapt and change between cycles. During this year’s double emergence, scientists are also interested in whether mating will occur between two different chicks.

But beyond science, Kritsky said this year is also a chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon.

“This year marks 50 years since I started researching cicadas,” he says. “Many of us will be in the borderlands of Illinois, driving back and forth, meeting for coffee and eating pie.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The transformation of seedlings into super plants through a rare chemical scent

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plants by exposing them to certain chemicals at seed can affect subsequent growth. Researchers found that treating seeds with ethylene gas improved both growth and stress tolerance. This finding includes enhanced photosynthesis. Carbohydrate production in plants has the potential to be a breakthrough in improving crop yields and resilience to environmental stressors. Like other living things, plants can be stressed. Usually the conditions are as follows heat and drought. That can lead to stress, and when stressed, the plant may not grow as much or produce less. This can be a problem for farmers, so many scientists have tried genetically modified plants to make it more elastic. However, plants modified to obtain higher crop yields are low stress tolerance. This is because they put more energy into growing than protecting them from stress. Similarly, as plants improve their ability to withstand stress, production often decreases because they spend more energy protecting than growing. This brainteaser makes it possible It is difficult to improve crop yields. I was studying How the plant hormone ethylene regulates plant growth and stress responses. In Research to be published in July 2023, my lab made an unexpected and provocative observation. We found that when seeds that are normally underground germinate in the dark, adding ethylene improves both growth and stress tolerance. Ethylene is a plant hormone Because plants cannot move around, they cannot avoid stressful environmental conditions such as heat or drought. They receive various signals from their environment, such as light and temperature, which shape their growth, development, and how they respond to stressful situations. As part of this regulation, plants make various hormones They are part of a regulatory network that allows them to adapt to environmental conditions. Ethylene was first discovered as a gaseous plant hormone over 100 years ago. Since then, research has shown that all land plants studied produce ethylene. In addition to controlling growth and responding to stress, they are also involved in other processes, such as turning leaves in autumn and promoting fruit ripening. Ethylene as a way to “prime” plants My lab focuses on how plants and bacteria sense ethylene and how ethylene interacts with other hormonal pathways to regulate plant development. While conducting this research, my group accidental discovery. We were experimenting with germinating seeds in a dark room. Seed germination is a critical period in a plant’s life when seeds transition from dormancy to seedlings under favorable conditions. In this experiment, Seeds exposed to ethylene gas Continue this for a few days to see what effect it has. The ethylene was then removed. Normally, the experiment should end here. However, after collecting data on these seedlings, we transferred them to lightweight carts. This is not something we normally do, but we wanted to grow the plants to adulthood so we could have seeds for future experiments. After a few days of placing the seedlings under light, some lab members made the unexpected and surprising observation that the plants briefly gassed with ethylene. it was much bigger. These plants had larger leaves and longer and more complex root systems than plants not exposed to ethylene. These plants continued to grow at a faster rate throughout their lives. The plant on the left was not primed with ethylene, while the plant on the right was primed with ethylene. Both plants are the same age. Credit: Binder Lab, University of Tennessee, Knoxville My colleagues and I wanted to know if plants are diverse seed Exposure to ethylene during seed germination showed growth stimulation. We discovered it the answer is yes. We tested the effects of short-term ethylene treatment on germinating tomato, cucumber, wheat, and arugula seeds, all of which grew significantly. However, what made this observation unusual and exciting is that short ethylene treatments also Increased tolerance to various stresses salinity stress, high temperature, hypoxic conditions, etc. The long-term effects of short-term exposure to a stimulus on growth and stress tolerance are often referred to as priming effects. This can be thought of as pump priming priming allows the pump to start easier and faster. There are studies that investigated how plants grow after priming at different ages and developmental stages. but Seed priming Methods using various chemicals and stress are probably the most studied because they are easy to implement and, if successful, can be…

Source: scitechdaily.com

Eastern China’s Rare Black Hedgehog Becomes a New Science Enthusiast

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This new species of hedgehog has darker brown fur, spines, and slightly larger ears than the European hedgehog.

Zookey

Scientists have identified a new species of hedgehog. It is a dark brown creature that lives in the forests of eastern China.

In 2018, Kai He Researchers from Guangzhou University in China encountered strange-looking hedgehogs in Anhui and Zhejiang provinces. Compared to the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), these had dark brown fur and spines, and slightly larger ears.

After analyzing seven animals, including DNA samples, the researchers concluded that they belonged to a species that had not previously been described scientifically, which they named the species. Mesechinus orientalis.

The other four known species are mesechinus This genus is mainly found in northern China, Mongolia, and Russia, but this species M. Hugi I live in southwestern China.

“It is very interesting that this forest hedgehog was found more than 1000 kilometers from its known range,” he says.

They weigh just under 340 grams and have an average length of 18.8 centimeters. M. orientalis It is slightly smaller than other known hedgehogs of its genus.

Like other hedgehogs, M. orientalis They are nocturnal and tend to feed on insects and fruits. They also hibernate in the winter.

So far, the team has discovered M. orientalis In two provinces of China. However, based on the numbers recorded so far, they are not considered endangered, He said, estimating there are probably a few hundred individuals in these states. are doing.

There were only 17 known species of hedgehogs in the world, so “we were really happy to add one more species,” he says.

“For a real hedgehog geek like me, this is amazing news,” he says. Sophie Rand Rasmussen at Oxford University. “We look forward to learning more about the ecology of this species and whether this is different compared to other hedgehog species in the country.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Rare genetic mutations may enhance treatment efficacy for migraine headaches

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Migraines can cause debilitation

Nikki Lloyd/Getty Images

An analysis of the genomes of 1.3 million people has revealed dozens of variations associated with migraine, which could lead to more effective treatments for migraines.

Up to 20% of adults worldwide are thought to experience migraines. Migraines are recurring headaches that are often difficult to treat and can interfere with daily life. Some people have sensory symptoms, such as flashing lights or tingling in the body, before the headache begins, but others do not. It is not known why these two types of migraine, known as migraine with aura and migraine without aura, exist.

“While it is well known that migraines run in families, it has not been easy to identify a clear genetic basis for each subtype,” he says. Debbie Hay at the University of Otago in New Zealand.

now, Kari Stephenson Researchers from the Icelandic biopharmaceutical company deCODE Genetics have identified a genetic variation that appears to influence whether people develop migraines.

Researchers analyzed the DNA of 1.3 million people in Iceland, Denmark, the UK, the US and Norway, and found that around 80,000 of them had experienced migraines.

They discovered 44 genetic mutations associated with the condition, 12 of which had never been reported before. Among these, the research team PRRT2 Genes that help control signaling between neurons are correlated with a greater risk of migraine with aura and epilepsy.

the other A rare mutant that suppresses the function of a gene SCN11A and KCNK5which play a role in transporting sodium and potassium between cells, respectively, and appear to prevent both types of migraines.

The discovery could lead to new treatments that target the causes of migraines, such as drugs that can inhibit the production of a protein encoded by migraines. SCN11A and KCNK5 gene.

“Findings like this should bring great hope to people who suffer from migraine,” Stefansson said. “Current treatments cannot completely eliminate the tendency to develop migraines, so there is a lot of room for better treatments.”

“While great advances have been made in migraine treatment recently, there is still much work to be done in understanding the mechanisms of migraine and how to tailor treatment to each patient,” Hay says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com