Hiker Uncovers Ancient Ecosystem in the Italian Alps Predating Dinosaurs

2025-03-27 11:36:59 By Linda Jones

Hiker Discovers Prehistoric Ecosystem in the Italian Alps Older Than Dinosaurs

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Valtellina Orobie Mountain Park and Fossil Rock. Source: Press Kit, Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano.

Envision taking a leisurely walk through the breathtaking Italian Alps, where crisp mountain air revitalizes your spirit and the awe-inspiring landscape captivates your senses. Now, imagine discovering a concealed portal to Earth’s ancient history, revealing a world that existed long before dinosaurs graced the Earth. This remarkable experience unfolded for hiker Claudia Steffensen in 2023 as she ventured through the stunning heights of the Italian mountain range.

A Stone with a Tale to Share

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Alpine hiker. Photo credit: xiSerge on Pixabay.

During a routine hike with her husband in the Valtellina Orobie Mountains Park in Lombardy in 2023, Steffensen stumbled upon something unexpected. What seemed to be an ordinary rock lying along the path concealed a fascinating secret. Upon examining it more carefully, she discovered peculiar circular patterns adorned with wavy lines etched into its surface. Captivated by this find, she quickly understood that these markings weren’t mere coincidences – they were the footprints of animals!

A Fortunate Discovery Unveils a Scientific Breakthrough

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Fossilized rock found at the location. Source: Press kit, Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano.

Unsure of the significance of her discovery, Steffensen captured photos of the peculiar rock. These pictures would soon unlock a portal to a bygone era.  She shared the images with her friend, a nature photographer, who, in turn, forwarded them to paleontologists at the Natural History Museum of Milan. The moment the experts saw the intricate details; their hearts skipped a beat.

The museum team swiftly recognized the footprints as those of beings that walked the Earth an astonishing 280 million years ago! This era, referred to as the Permian, predates the existence of dinosaurs. It represented a vital chapter in the evolutionary history of life on our planet.

The Reappearance of a Vanished Ecosystem

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Fossilized rocks and ecosystem representation. Source: Press kit, Museo di Storia Naturale di Milano.

The discovery of the first rock, dubbed “Rock Zero,” was just the beginning. Further exploration in the area revealed a treasure trove of fossilized tracks on slabs of sandstone. These weren’t just isolated prints – the site held the remains of an entire prehistoric ecosystem, preserved in remarkable detail. Further investigation revealed hundreds of other fossilised footprints t made by over five species of ancient reptiles, amphibians and insects.

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Researchers at the location in Valtellina. Source: Press kit, Milan Natural History Museum.

The fossil evidence extended beyond mere footprints. Researchers discovered imprints of prehistoric vegetation, featuring seeds and stems, which shed light on the plant life that flourished in this ancient ecosystem. Additionally, the site revealed impressions of raindrops, providing valuable information about the climatic conditions during the Permian period.

In a twist of irony, the melting glaciers in the Alps, driven by increasing global temperatures, have unveiled this ancient realm. Although this finding marks a significant scientific achievement, it also highlights the profound effects humanity has on the Earth.

A Glimpse into History, Insights for Tomorrow

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A researcher at the excavation site is searching for fossils. Source: Press kit, Museo di Storia Naturale Milano.

Exploring this forgotten realm reveals insights into the fragile equilibrium of ecosystems and the significant transformations our planet has experienced over time. Gaining knowledge from these historical occurrences could yield important information about how Earth may react to present and upcoming environmental changes.

A Heritage of Exploration: Revealing the Mysteries of the Alps

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Valtellina Orobie Mountain Range. Photo credit: Pixabay.

This remarkable discovery not only provides a glimpse into Earth’s distant past but also highlights the crucial role citizen science can play in uncovering hidden secrets.  Thanks to Claudia Steffensen’s keen eye and the dedication of paleontologists, the Italian Alps have become a doorway to a lost world, forever enriching our understanding of life on Earth.

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During a hike in the Swiss Alps, he stumbled upon an unusual 20th-century wagon embedded in a receding glacier.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Andrew Mayovskyy - stock.adobe.com - for illustrative purposes only. In the Swiss Alps, the retreat of glaciers is revealing items that have been trapped in ice for hundreds of years. To date, archaeologists have unearthed artifacts from World War I, arrows dating back 1,300 years, and the preserved bodies of hikers who went missing long ago. In November of last year, a hiker named Sergio Veri stumbled upon what seemed to be a two-wheeled bamboo cart from the 20th century. However, archaeologists are still uncertain about its true nature. While strolling through the Splügen Pass in the Swiss Alps, close to the Switzerland-Italy border, Veri stumbled upon a peculiar device. The elevated route links Switzerland's Hinterrhein valley to Italy's Valle San Giacomo. He spotted the cart amidst the thawing Schwarzhorn Glacier. According to a social media update from the Canton of Graubünden, “The wagon-style design, featuring two wheels and crafted from bamboo sticks and laces, is estimated to be fairly recent, likely dating back to the 20th century.” The mysterious object has left specialists puzzled. Abandoned in the heights of the Alps, it is constructed from bamboo and secured with cords, a detail that stands out. However, bamboo is not indigenous to Switzerland and only made its way to Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. Incorporating this material introduces an intriguing element that obscures the purpose and background of the object. The presence of bamboo suggests that the artisans had access to foreign resources. The Archaeological Service of Graubünden has yet to carry out a comprehensive investigation of the cart. They are reaching out to the community for assistance, inviting anyone who possesses knowledge regarding the object's function or how it was made to get in touch with them directly. Since that time, social media users have been buzzing with theories about the purpose of the bamboo structure. Some have proposed that it might have served as a cart for smuggling goods during World War I, while others believe it could be an early climbing apparatus utilized by adventurers or researchers, or perhaps even a component of a 20th-century aircraft. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Andrew Mayovskyy – stock.adobe.com – for illustrative purposes only Several commenters concurred on the wagon's utility, suggesting that it likely facilitated the movement of supplies. "Given that the wheels appear unsuitable for supporting a heavy load for an extended period, I suggest that it was an early form of a winch designed to help transport supplies uphill," one individual noted. "It's a type of pull cart, designed for a person or mule to walk ahead of it, constructed from bamboo to ensure it's lightweight for navigating mountain trails and rough landscapes," added another. The Splügen Pass boasts a rich historical background that is important to consider. During the Roman period, it functioned as a significant trade route, as evidenced by historical sources such as the Roman Tabula Peutingeriana. With glaciers around the globe melting at an accelerating pace, it's anyone's guess what discoveries archaeologists might unearth next. More About:News

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BepiColombo Successfully Concludes Last Flyby of Mercury, Set for Orbital Mission in 2026

Initiated on October 18, 2018, BepiColombo stands as the second and most intricate mission ever designed to orbit the planet Mercury. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The enigmatic north pole of Mercury unveiled by M-CAM 1 (ESA) The European Space Agency’s BepiColombo‘s sixth and final Mercury flyby, executed on January 8, 2025, successfully set the stage for its planned orbit insertion in late 2026. The ESA/JAXA mission skimmed just a few hundred kilometers above Mercury’s north pole, capturing close-up images revealing potentially icy, permanently shadowed craters and the expansive sunlit northern plains. At 06:59 CET, BepiColombo soared to an altitude of just 295 km above the cold, shadowy night side of Mercury. Approximately seven minutes later, it flew directly over the planet's north pole, offering clear perspectives of Mercury's sunlit northern hemisphere. Following its passage through Mercury’s shadow, BepiColombo’s monitoring camera 1 (M-CAM 1) captured the initial detailed images of Mercury’s surface. As it soared over the ‘terminator’ – the dividing line between daylight and darkness – the spacecraft seized a rare chance to look directly into the perpetually shadowed craters located at the planet's northern pole. We would greatly appreciate your assistance! Could you lend us your support? Every contribution, no matter how small, helps to empower our future. Your vital support helps us preserve our independence from shareholders or affluent owners, ensuring that we can deliver unbiased reporting. This allows us to keep Jewish Business News accessible to all. You can support us for as little as $1 via PayPal at [email protected]. I appreciate it. “This marks the inaugural occasion where we conducted two flyby campaigns consecutively. This latest flyby occurred just over a month after the last one,” remarks Frank Budnik, the Flight Dynamics Manager for BepiColombo. “According to our initial evaluation, the operation went smoothly and without any issues.” “Although the primary mission phase of BepiColombo is still two years away, the six flybys conducted around Mercury have already provided us with critical insights into this lesser-known planet. In the coming weeks, the BepiColombo team will diligently analyze the data from this flyby to uncover as many of Mercury's secrets as possible,” says Geraint Jones, the Project Scientist for BepiColombo at ESA. Initiated on October 18, 2018, BepiColombo stands as the second and most intricate mission ever designed to orbit the planet Mercury. Close to the Sun and more difficult for an orbiter to reach than Saturn, this small desert world is the least explored planet of the inner Solar System. Learning more about Mercury will shed light on the history of the entire Solar System. Equipped with advanced scientific tools, the mission aims to unravel several puzzling mysteries, including: What accounts for the presence of ice in the polar craters of this searing planet? What is the reason behind Mercury's magnetic field? And what could be the origin of the enigmatic 'hollows' found on its surface?

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Space Photo of the Week: Hubble's 23-Year Journey to Capture the Tilted Spiral Galaxy

In this remarkable Hubble image, over two decades in the making, the dazzling spiral galaxy UGC 10043 unveils the mysteries behind its surprisingly large bulge. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. UGC 10043 is among the rare spiral galaxies observed from the edge perspective. What it is: Spiral galaxy UGC 10043 Where it is: 150 million light-years away in the constellation Serpens When it was shared: December 12, 2024 Why it's so special: This image of a spiral galaxy taken by the Hubble Space Telescope is a portrait more than two decades in the making. Similar to many full-color images of celestial bodies, this one is a composite made from images captured in various wavelengths of light. What distinguishes this particular image is that the data utilized for its creation was gathered during observation sessions in 2000 and 2023, spanning a remarkable 23 years. This long-term advantage of having a space telescope in orbit is evident: Hubble was launched aboard the space shuttle Discovery on April 24, 1990, and its extensive operational duration has allowed it to gather an immense wealth of data about the universe's many facets. But besides the prolonged methods used to create it, it's also an unusual image on its face. Spiral galaxies — which account for about 60% of all galaxies in the universe, according to the European Space Agency — are, by chance, typically seen face-on when viewed from the solar system. That’s why spiral galaxies are typically associated with vivid spiral arms, which can only be seen from a face-on vantage. However, UGC 10043 is viewed edge-on, with its rings seemingly flattened into a line. This unique angle gives astronomers the chance to see how spiral galaxies are structured in 3D. The image of UGC 10043 showcases distinct lanes of dust that would probably resemble spiral arms if the galaxy were viewed from a frontal perspective. In this view, these dust lanes obscure the combined light emitted by the stars that constitute the galaxy. Additionally, they harbor dark clouds that serve as regions for star formation. In the middle of the image lies a luminous bulge — the vibrant core of the galaxy. Every galaxy possesses a core, but the one in UGC 10043 is notably oversized. Researchers believe this may be a result of UGC 10043 merging with a nearby dwarf galaxy, which has provided an abundance of dust and gas, stimulating the formation of new stars. This collision might also account for the slight distortion in the galaxy's disk, which curves upwards on one side and downwards on the other.

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Energy Freedom Technologies is Increasing Awareness About Portals

Sign up with your email to receive Benzinga's comprehensive morning update: The PreMarket Activity Newsletter. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. And the ways in which they could be affecting your surroundings. AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- What is a portal, and do they exist beyond science fiction? Energy Freedom Technologies conducts research and experiments with portals and shares that a portal is an energetic gateway that can move between and sometimes through dimensions. "Portals allow energies to come into and/or out of space," said Energy Freedom Technologies founder Nicole Cobb Edwards. "For example, a one-way portal pulling energy out of a space may be sucking the health and happiness out of the environment and you may even notice physical items go missing like remotes, keys, and other personal objects. There are also portals that are one-way in the other direction meaning they are inputting energy into a space. Sometimes these portals are inputting confusion energy, and it is also very common for them to bring in entities. The most common portals I experience are two-way portals that have energies coming in and out. Most of these portals are not conductive to a harmonious environment so I find it supportive to acknowledge them and often close portals for clients that prefer more harmony in their space." Subtle energies accumulated in some areas cause an anomaly in the space-time continuum, opening portals into other dimensions. Sometimes the gateway into another dimension results in the appearance of interesting creatures and forces. In the book Merging Dimensions, authors Tom Dongo and Linda Bradshaw describe research conducted on the Bradshaw Ranch in Sedona, Arizona. Detailed studies verified a series of interesting events on the Ranch and throughout Sedona, continuing over many years. Often, portals can create more subtle disturbances in the environment. Dr. Claude Swanson's Synchronized Universe Model explains the science of how this may happen. Parallel dimensions differ from our current reality by a shift of frequency and phase.  They can be co-located with us and yet not detected, until something causes a shift in the fundamental frequency of our "reality" so it matches theirs. Subtle energy, which accumulates in certain spaces and environments, has precisely this effect. In doing so it opens portals into parallel dimensions. Do you or a loved one avoid a certain area of your home or property? Is there a room in your home that feels draining and heavy? Is there a room in your home that feels highly energized, and it's challenging to relax or sleep in there? Have you noticed things go missing in a specific room or area on your property? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it's possible that there is a portal in your space. Energy Freedom Technologies offers property harmonization services to create more balance and harmony in your environment. Energy Freedom Technologies is a company focused on developing innovative solutions in the field of renewable energy. Their mission is to empower individuals and communities by providing access to sustainable energy sources. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and research, they aim to create efficient, cost-effective systems that promote energy independence and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, Energy Freedom Technologies strives to contribute to a cleaner, greener future for all. Energy Freedom Technologies, a company founded by Nicole Cobb Edwards in Austin, Texas, creates devices and environments that emit Subtle Energies, generating infinite possibilities and shifting the nature of space. To learn more, visit www.energyfreedomtechnologies.com. Press Inquiry: Nicole Edwards 512-584-0708 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/energy-freedom-technologies-is-raising-awareness-of-portals-302347626.html SOURCE Energy Freedom Innovations

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Inflatable Starshade for Habitable Exoplanets

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. An artist's illustration showcasing the innovative strategy put forward by the 2025 NIAC-selected Inflatable Starshade for Earth-like Exoplanets project. John MatherNASA Goddard Space Flight Center We will design the first family of ISEE’s (Inflatable Starshade for Earthlike Exoplanets) with sizes from 35 to 100 m diameter. A starshade would enable any telescope to observe exoplanets, a top priority for astronomy worldwide. Compared with other starshade concepts, we aim for a lower mass, cost and complexity, while still providing high performance and science yield (>100 targets). Our starshades would be compatible with the 6 m diameter Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) now being planned, as well as the world’s largest telescope, the 39 m diameter European Extremely Large Telescope now being built in Chile, working as part of the HOEE, (Hybrid Observatory for Earthlike Exoplanets), and other future telescopes. We need to observe oxygen at visible wavelengths and ozone at UV. An ISEE, positioned between a target star and the telescope, would block the starlight without blocking the exoplanets. Starshades have perfect optical efficiency, they work with any telescope, and they can block the starlight much better than the requirement, for a star >1010 times brighter than the target. The alternative technology employs an almost flawless and highly stable space telescope, similar to HWO, equipped with an internal coronagraph designed to block starlight from obscuring the planet's image. Coronagraphs offer significant benefits, including their compact size, ease of testing, and immediate availability. Nonetheless, existing coronagraphs have yet to achieve the necessary contrast levels. Additionally, the development of an ultraviolet coronagraph remains unfeasible. If the stringent requirements for extreme picometer stability and optical precision of HWO and its coronagraph could be eased by integrating a starshade, it would allow for the construction of HWO at a significantly reduced cost and lower risk. Therefore, if ultraviolet observations of exoplanets are crucial, utilizing a 35 m starshade in conjunction with HWO emerges as the sole viable option. The HWO is set to be NASA's next major observatory and will feature a high-performance coronagraph designed for exoplanet observation. This decision has shifted the dynamics regarding the competing starshade technology. However, a starshade mission might still be deemed necessary under certain conditions: A. If the HWO and its coronagraph cannot be constructed and validated as needed; B. If the HWO needs to observe exoplanets in UV wavelengths, or if a 6 m HWO is insufficient to target the desired celestial bodies; C. If the HWO does not perform adequately after its launch, and servicing or instrument upgrades are not feasible; D. If HWO observations reveal that intriguing exoplanets are scarce, too far away, obscured by dense dust clouds surrounding their host stars, or cannot be fully analyzed with an upgraded HWO; or E. If HWO findings indicate that the next phase requires UV data, or a telescope significantly larger than what future HWO coronagraph enhancements can provide. An inflatable starshade presents a solution to the primary challenge associated with traditional starshade designs: their complex mechanical structures. Historically, starshades have not been launched, as they require precise shapes and edges, along with accurate propulsion and positioning. Previous designs utilizing discrete components can be enlarged to meet the dimensions needed for HWO (35-60 m) and HOEE (100 m), but they tend to be bulky, difficult to prototype, and thus incur significant costs and risks. Our target mass budget is set at 250 kg for the 35 m HWO variant, 650 kg for the 60 m option, and 1700 kg for the 100 m HOEE model. We plan to refine our concepts and create comprehensive designs along with finite element models to assess strength, stiffness, stability, and thermal performance. Additionally, we will establish small-scale testing facilities to address challenges such as the bonding of large, high-strength material sheets within inflatable configurations. Key deliverables will encompass mass and power budgets, evaluations of strength and stiffness, and laboratory testing of essential components. We will also revise the mission concepts for HWO and HOEE in light of the new starshade specifications.Depending on advancements in the HWO mission, starshades may be essential for enhancing our understanding of exoplanets. An inflatable starshade could facilitate their implementation.

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The Earth's Mantle is Much More Active and Unpredictable Than We Previously Believed

The Earth's mantle is more than merely a hot and dense rock layer; it serves as a vibrant and complex engine that propels the geological processes of our planet. A lot of individuals picture the Earth as having a neat and organized structure comprised of distinct layers: a thin crust on the outside, a thick mantle beneath it, and a core at the center. However, what exists beneath the surface is a far more intricate and active environment than this oversimplified depiction suggests. Recent studies employing advanced Full-Waveform Inversion (FWI) technology have uncovered that the Earth’s mantle — an enormous layer extending nearly 2,900 kilometers deep — is a tumultuous and diverse amalgam of structures, calling into question long-held beliefs regarding its makeup and dynamics. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Positive and negative anomalies found within the mantle. Image source: Nature. The Earth’s mantle, a massive layer of rock beneath the crust, is the “engine” of plate tectonics. Stretching nearly 2,900 kilometers deep, it shapes much of the planet’s geology and evolution. But the problem is we can’t really see the mantle or dig to it. Instead, much of what we know about the mantle (and the deeper areas) comes from seismology. Seismology studies the Earth’s interior by analyzing how seismic waves, generated by earthquakes or artificial sources, travel through its layers. When these waves encounter changes in material properties — such as differences in temperature, density, or composition — they change speed, direction, or type. By measuring these changes at seismic stations on the surface, scientists can map anomalies in the mantle, like faster wave speeds indicating colder, denser materials, or slower speeds suggesting hotter or less dense areas. Seismic tomography, an important technique, uses these measurements to create 3D models of the mantle. This reveals its hidden structures and helps us to understand its dynamic processes. But seismic tomography has its own limitations. A recent study employing Full-Waveform Inversion (FWI) has redefined what we know about the mantle, revealing intricate structures previously undetectable by conventional methods. An undiscovered realm hidden beneath the Earth's surface Plate tectonics is the theory that underlies modern geology. It basically states that Earth’s outer shell, or lithosphere, is divided into large, rigid plates that float and move on the semi-fluid layer beneath, called the asthenosphere. These plates interact at their boundaries in three main ways: they converge, causing subduction or mountain formation; they diverge, creating new crust at mid-ocean ridges; or they slide past each other along transform faults. When two tectonic plates come together, the denser plate is forced down beneath the lighter one, leading to subduction. This denser plate then descends into the mantle below. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Illustration of subduction. Image sourced from Wiki Commons. Traditionally, positive seismic wave speed anomalies in the mantle were attributed to “cold slabs” — remnants of subducted tectonic plates. Essentially, seismic wave speed anomalies in the mantle have long been considered the “footprints” of such plates. But the new study found that many of these anomalies do not spatially correlate with known subduction zones. In fact, it found that just 60–70% of subduction zones align with positive anomalies. “According to Thomas Schouten, the lead author and a PhD candidate at the Geological Institute of ETH Zurich, it seems that these zones in the Earth’s mantle are far more common than we had earlier believed.” It’s unlikely that we’ve missed any big subduction zones, so instead, this suggests that the wave speed anomalies could have a different cause. The researchers suggest that these anomalies could also be caused by compositional differences, not just temperature variations. For example, anomalies might stem from the presence of chemically distinct materials like basalt-rich rocks or delaminated lithosphere. For example, areas abundant in basalt, which are remnants of old oceanic crust, demonstrate increased wave velocities because of the development of dense minerals such as garnet and bridgmanite under high-pressure conditions. Complete wave inversion View pictures in App save up to 80% data. A worldwide representation showcasing the positive and negative speed anomalies of seismic waves. Image source: ETH Zurich. The advanced capabilities of Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) arise from its proficiency in simulating complete seismic wavefields, which encompass reflected, refracted, and scattered waves, rather than merely focusing on travel times. This method greatly improves resolution, especially in areas where seismic station coverage is sparse. In contrast to conventional models, FWI is adept at detecting fine variations and smaller-scale geological features. One of the challenges associated with FWI is its significant computational requirements, which necessitate the use of sophisticated algorithms and GPU-accelerated simulations to process the data effectively. However, recent developments have yielded impressive outcomes: anomalies that previous models either missed or misrepresented are now distinctly observable. The REVEAL model, developed through FWI, represents the most comprehensive depiction of the Earth's mantle achieved so far. The implications are substantial. Past models of tectonic history often relied on the correlation between mantle anomalies and subduction zones. With these processes affecting everything from volcanoes and earthquakes to mountain formation, figuring out what exactly is causing these anomalies would substantially improve our understanding of the Earth. However, at this moment, we remain unaware of it.  "That's the challenge we're facing. The new high-resolution model allows us to detect anomalies throughout the Earth's mantle, but we're still uncertain about their nature or the materials responsible for the patterns we've discovered," Schouten remarked. The researchers believe that the anomalies may not stem from a single source, but rather from a combination of various materials and processes. “We think that the anomalies in the lower mantle have a variety of origins,” says Schouten. “It could be either ancient, silica-rich material that has been there since the formation of the mantle about 4 billion years ago and has survived despite the convective movements in the mantle, or zones where iron-rich rocks accumulate as a consequence of these mantle movements over billions of years” he notes. Questioning established beliefs This research questions established beliefs and paves the way for a more detailed understanding of the dynamics within the Earth's interior. It hints at a complex and diverse mantle, richer and more varied and we thought. However, the method’s dependency on seismic data distribution means that some regions, particularly below stable plate interiors, remain underexplored. Furthermore, the results should be confirmed by other studies before we start rewriting the geology books. Integrating FWI with other geophysical and geochemical tools could provide a more comprehensive understanding of mantle dynamics. For example, combining seismic data with mineral physics experiments could help decode the exact composition of high-wave-speed anomalies, distinguishing between thermal and chemical contributions. The study was published in Nature.

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China's 'Batwoman' researcher continues to carry out hazardous coronavirus experiments despite concerns over lab leaks.

Chinese researcher Shi Zhengli, aged 60, remains actively engaged in studying bat coronaviruses in Wuhan. Leading virologists warn that her research could have a 'potentially catastrophic' effect as we approach five years since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Chinese virologist Shi Zhengli has allegedly earned the nickname 'batwoman' (file). A Chinese scientist is still conducting "potentially catastrophic" research into coronaviruses five years on from the start of the Covid pandemic which claimed millions of lives worldwide, according to experts. Shi Zhengli, 60, is one of the world's leading scientists working on bat coronaviruses in Wuhan. She has reportedly earned herself the nickname "Batwoman" as a result. She was thrown into the spotlight in late 2019 when a new form of coronavirus emerged in the region, with some scientists questioning whether Covid-19 leaked from a lab. In December, a two-year congressional investigation into the pandemic concluded the "weight of the evidence" suggests a lab leak was responsible. US lawmakers said in the report: "More and more senior intelligence officials, politicians, science editors, and scientists increasingly have endorsed the hypothesis that Covid-19 emerged as the result of a laboratory or research related accident." View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Her ongoing research has been labeled as 'potentially disastrous' (file). Nevertheless, leading virologists assert that Zhengli's team is still engaged in potentially harmful coronavirus research in Wuhan. In a study released in Nature, she proudly highlighted her team's achievement in creating the first "tailored" coronavirus "receptors." This advancement could enable researchers to modify viruses, allowing them to infect various species, including humans. Robert Redfield, the director of America's CDC during the pandemic, told The Sun: "It's potentially dangerous research. You are taking a non-pathogenic virus and changing it so that it could end up being dangerous to humans. You may have a pathogen that is restricted to pigs - but now you could totally change it so that it's highly infectious to other species too. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. An expert notes that Zhengli is 'experimenting with bat viruses and altering their receptors' (file). "She is experimenting with bat viruses and altering their receptors, which could enable them to infect animals like cows or chickens. This is a risky move with potentially disastrous outcomes. It might lead to a new pandemic affecting either animals or humans." Dr. Alina Chan, an expert in genetic engineering, stated that it seems Zhengli's team has now succeeded in "isolating" additional novel coronaviruses. She expressed concerns that this research is "risky" and prompts inquiries about the intentions of Zhengli's team regarding the handling of these new viruses once they cultivate them in the laboratory.

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Elon Unleashes Cybertrucks, Combines Forces from SpaceX and Tesla for Humanitarian Mission in LA/Malibu

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. On November 21, 2019, Elon Musk, the co-founder and CEO of Tesla, showcased the newly revealed all-electric, battery-powered Cybertruck at the Tesla Design Center located in Hawthorne, California. (Frederic J. Brown - AFP / Getty Images) Elon Musk revealed that both Tesla and SpaceX have allocated resources and staff to assist those affected by the fires in Los Angeles, as residents are forced to evacuate and face the loss of their homes. Musk shared on Sunday evening via X that Tesla and SpaceX staffers are “driving around areas in greater LA/Malibu that are in tough shape with free WiFi, drinks & snacks.” Tesla & SpaceX personnel are driving around areas in greater LA/Malibu that are in tough shape with free WiFi, drinks & snacks https://t.co/304vjlXSoc — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 13, 2025 He shared a post from Tesla that outlined a “summary of initiatives” undertaken by the electric vehicle company to assist both its employees and the wider community. Those endeavors proved to be remarkably extensive. Tesla is providing housing accommodations, transportation, and meals for employees who had their homes “lost or destroyed” amid the historic fires. The company successfully restored all Supercharger locations to operation, with the exception of the Pasadena Supercharger, which was situated in the heart of the fire. Beyond those responses, Tesla deployed two Megapack Chargers, which are essentially massive energy storage units that help with grid reliability, on Friday to “relieve congestion in Thousand Oaks for evacuation & families losing power due to Public Safety Power Shutoffs.” The company deployed another unit the next day to Altadena “for first responder support, providing power & Starlink connectivity.” Tesla has dispatched an additional two Megapack Chargers to San Bernardino and is in the process of installing more in the Palisades, the areas that suffered the greatest damage from the recent fires. Mobile Powerwall Units have been set up in Altadena and Topanga Canyon with assistance from various nonprofit organizations to supply power for devices and refrigerators. Additionally, several Cybertrucks equipped with Starlink are stationed across the city, including in Altadena, Pasadena, Zuma Beach, and Malibu. The Cybertrucks are equipped with compartments filled with water and snacks. To put it differently, Tesla, SpaceX, and Musk have made significant efforts to support not just their employees, but also the entire community. Musk did the same after hurricanes destroyed large parts of the southeastern United States a few months back. However, the initiatives in California proceed in spite of some lingering tensions with the state's Democratic leadership. In November, California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a proposal to provide rebates for electric vehicles, excluding Teslas. This decision has faced significant criticism, with many viewing it as a form of political revenge against a billionaire adversary who has recently allied with the Republican Party. Musk called the exclusion of Tesla “insane,” especially because the company is the only car producer to make electric vehicles in the Golden State, according to a report from the New York Post. In summary, while California's leaders chose to distance themselves from Musk, he remained loyal to the state. Even as Newsom whines about his enemies politicizing the fires, Musk going out of his way to help the state is about as unpolitical a move as he possibly could have made. Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.

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Experts indicate the age at which you're most inclined to form lasting friendships.

Researchers have provided insights into why friendships formed during this period tend to endure for a significant length of time. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. I think we can all acknowledge that having friends is incredibly valuable. Yes, family is also important, but some studies have suggested that it is friendships that make more of a positive impact on your life - lifespan in particular. For example, a 2005 study in Australia found that people who had more friends than other participants tended to outlive those with fewer by 22 percent, Inc. reported last year. A separate study revealed that those with strong social ties had a 50 percent better chance of survival. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Research indicates that individuals with robust social connections tend to have a longer lifespan (Getty Stock Image) As you age, you begin to realize that friendships can be transient; however, there are a handful of individuals who will remain your companions for a lifetime. According to experts, it ultimately boils down to timing. Research has shown that most people will at least maintain adolescent friendships into adulthood, reports The i In fact, a recent study conducted by the newspaper found that 83 percent of Brits over the age of 30 are still friends with people they befriended at school or college. Adolescence is typically characterized as the period ranging from ages 10 to 24. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Studies indicate that friendships formed during teenage years tend to endure throughout a person's life (Getty Stock Image). It seems that there are compelling reasons why the friendships you build during that period are more likely to endure over the course of your life. Experts have described this moment as a 'pivotal time'. Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Cambridge University, stated: "Adolescence represents a crucial phase for forming friendships, and the bonds created during this period can last for many years." "It is a period of our lives in which we undergo large changes in our sense of self, and particularly our ‘social self’ - the way we depict ourselves to other people. This includes what peer group we want to be part of and our social relationships." View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Certain individuals maintain lifelong friendships (Getty Stock Image) The bonds of friendship established between the ages of 10 and 24 are strengthened because 'the brain is designed to prioritize new experiences' during this developmental phase. Many of these experiences will be linked to the friends we shared them with, making them deeply embedded in our memories. It is also proposed that the friends you make during that period play a significant role in shaping who you grow into as an adult. Blakemore stated, "During adolescence, the brain exhibits a high degree of plasticity and adaptability, especially in areas associated with social functions." "This indicates that your social surroundings, including the individuals near you and your relationships with peers, could significantly influence the growth and development of your brain."

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How to observe the rare comet that will be visible from Earth this month

If it's not to your liking, you can always choose to wait an additional 160,000 years. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The universe is brimming with intriguing celestial objects and various marvels, and you could have the chance to witness one in just a few days. If, for some reason, you don’t know the names of every rock moving through the infinite vacuum of space, then you might have missed the upcoming news. Comet G3 ATLAS (C/2024) is on its way, and you could have the chance to see it! Don’t worry if the name doesn’t sound familiar; it was just discovered not long ago. It was discovered in early April 2024 and was the third comet found that month and identified by the facility Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), according to PEOPLE. As for where it came from, Space.com reports that it's believed to have originated from Oort Cloud, which is comprised of millions of tiny icy objects estimated to be 10 trillion miles from the Sun. Nevertheless, astronomers suggest that spotting it in the night sky could be more challenging than one might think. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The comet is anticipated to shine more brightly than Venus (Getty Stock Image) On January 13, the comet is anticipated to reach its perihelion, signifying that it will be at its nearest position to the Sun. At this time, the comet will come within approximately 8.3 million miles of the Sun. The same day, it's also predicted to reach its closest point to Earth. This time around, many more people can catch a glimpse of it in the clear sky using rather basic technology, binoculars or a telescope - and if visible, it'll look like a bright star with a white or golden color, Space.com says. Although both the Northern and Southern hemispheres will have opportunities to see it, those in the Southern hemisphere will find it easier to catch a glimpse. According to the Sky and Telescope Organization, skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere might have the ability to spot the comet 'extremely low in the southwestern sky' from about January 15 to 18. The Planetary Society reports that while some experts anticipate the comet may disintegrate as it approaches the Sun, recent studies suggest that Comet G3 has experienced similar encounters before. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. With fairly simple technology, you should be able to identify it (Getty Stock Image) Data indicates that it is estimated to follow an orbit of roughly 160,000 years, suggesting it has undertaken an extraordinary journey. This challenging orbit suggests that the comet has probably endured at least one close encounter with the Sun in the past. While it's tough to predict a comet's visibility, Forbes reports that the comet is said to be shining at -4.5 magnitude, which is brighter than Venus. Although some may view this as a negative indication, comet observer John Bortle shared with Space.com that there have been reports of 'unusual' characteristics, including a 'shadow of the nucleus', which typically does not indicate any disruption. Bortle remarked, "I believe the odds of it surviving are roughly equal, around 50:50." It's definitely worth a try.

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