Connect with us

Published

on

Extreme droughts lasting several years have become increasingly frequent and severe over the past four decades, leading to significant disruptions in agriculture, energy production, and natural ecosystems. These prolonged dry periods have covered larger areas each year, as highlighted by recent meteorological assessments. The findings underscore the rising threats posed by climate change, with regions like northern Chile enduring a 14-year drought and southern Australia and parts of the United States also experiencing extensive dry spells. This intensification of droughts presents a growing challenge for environmental and economic sustainability worldwide.

Drought Trends and Contributing Factors

According to a study published in Science by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, drought-affected areas have expanded by 50,000 square kilometres annually since 1979. This change is attributed to increased temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns. As reported by WSL News, Lead researcher Dirk Karger,, has emphasised that multi-year droughts inflict substantial economic losses, particularly in agriculture and power generation, as reported by WSL News. The study also analyzed vegetation changes during these events using satellite data, revealing that grasslands show quick recovery, while forests may face prolonged damage due to severe water shortages.

Ecological and Global Impacts

Observations detailed in the study suggest that tropical forests and colder-climate woodlands exhibit some resilience to short-term droughts but suffer irreversible effects under extreme conditions. Field evaluations in Chile’s Aconcagua region have revealed abandoned farmland and damaged plantations. Postdoctoral researcher Liangzhi Chen from WSL described the drought inventory, developed using high-resolution CHELSA climate data, as the most detailed compilation of drought events over the last 40 years. Philipp Brun, a co-author of the study, has pointed to rising global temperatures as a key factor exacerbating these droughts by increasing evaporation rates and altering rainfall distribution.

The research provides crucial insights for policymakers and environmental planners to prepare for and mitigate the effects of long-term droughts in vulnerable regions.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.


Astronomers Observe Black Hole Reactivate, Emitting Jets of Plasma



Xiaomi 15 Ultra Tipped to Feature Proprietary ‘Small Surge’ Chip With Unknown Purpose

Related Stories

Continue Reading

Science

1.4 Million-Year-Old Jaw Identified as New Paranthropus Species in South Africa

Published

on

By

1.4 Million-Year-Old Jaw Identified as New Paranthropus Species in South Africa

A fossilised jawbone discovered in South Africa has been classified as belonging to a previously unidentified human relative. The specimen, estimated to be 1.4 million years old, has been attributed to the genus Paranthropus, known for its distinctive dental structure. Unlike its robust counterparts, the newly identified species exhibits a smaller jaw and teeth, suggesting dietary differences. The findings indicate that multiple hominin species coexisted in southern Africa during that period, adding to the complexity of early human evolution.

Findings from the Research

According to a study published in the Journal of Human Evolution, the fossil jaw, catalogued as SK 15, was unearthed in 1949 at Swartkrans, a well-known paleoanthropological site in South Africa. Originally classified as Telanthropus capensis and later reassigned to Homo ergaster, recent analysis has challenged this classification. Clément Zanolli, a paleoanthropologist at the University of Bordeaux, told Live Science that advanced X-ray imaging was used to create virtual 3D models of the specimen. Internal and external dental structures were examined, revealing that SK 15 does not align with Homo species. The molars were found to be longer and more rectangular than those typically seen in Homo, with the jaw notably thicker than expected. These characteristics led researchers to identify it as a distinct species within the Paranthropus genus, named Paranthropus capensis.

Implications of the Discovery

As per the findings, Paranthropus capensis existed alongside Paranthropus robustus around 1.4 million years ago. Variations in jaw and tooth structure suggest different dietary habits, with P. robustus likely relying on a highly specialised diet due to its large molars, while P. capensis may have consumed a broader range of food sources.

Zanolli noted that the fossil record in Africa remains incomplete, leaving open the question of whether P. capensis persisted beyond its currently known timeframe. The possibility of additional unidentified species in the hominin lineage has been highlighted, underlining the need for further excavation and study in the region.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.


OpenAI Expands ChatGPT Search Feature to Users Without an OpenAI Account



Xiaomi Mix Flip 2 Launch Timeline Leaked; Said to Get 5,100mAh Battery, Wireless Charging

Continue Reading

Science

Extreme Arctic Warming Sees North Pole Temperatures Rise Above Freezing

Published

on

By

Extreme Arctic Warming Sees North Pole Temperatures Rise Above Freezing

A dramatic rise in temperature was recorded at the North Pole, with levels surpassing the freezing point due to an extreme winter warming event. Reports indicate that temperatures climbed 20 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average, raising concerns among climate scientists about its impact on Arctic ice loss and long-term warming trends. The event, which occurred over the weekend, is said to be among the most extreme instances of winter warming recorded in the region.

Warming Near The North Pole

As reported by the Guardian, temperatures at the North Pole exceeded 0 degrees Celsius on Sunday. Data from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed the significant warming trend, while an Arctic snow buoy logged a temperature reading of 0.5 degrees Celsius. Mika Rantanen, a researcher at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, told the Guardian that although estimating exact temperature variations in remote Arctic locations remains difficult, models suggest a deviation of more than 20 degrees Celsius.

Weather system over Iceland linked to Arctic temperature rise

Julien Nicolas, a senior scientist at the Copernicus Climate Change Service, told the Guardian that a deep low-pressure system near Iceland was responsible for directing warm air toward the Arctic. The phenomenon was further amplified by warm sea temperatures in the northeastern Atlantic. Nicolas stated that while such weather events are rare, further analysis is required to determine their frequency.

Historical precedents and climate change concerns

Previous instances of extreme Arctic warming have been recorded. In December 2016, temperatures at the North Pole reached approximately 32 degrees Fahrenheit during a winter heatwave.

Studies indicate that the Arctic is warming at a rate nearly four times faster than the rest of the world, a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification. The loss of reflective sea ice accelerates warming by increasing the absorption of solar energy. Indigenous communities and Arctic wildlife, including polar bears and whales, are particularly vulnerable to these changes, which threaten their habitats and long-term survival.

Continue Reading

Science

Astronaut Vision Changes in Space, Pose Risks for Mars Exploration

Published

on

By

Astronaut Vision Changes in Space, Pose Risks for Mars Exploration

A significant number of astronauts spending extended time aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have reported changes to their vision, raising concerns for future deep-space missions. Reports indicate that 70 percent of astronauts who have spent between six to twelve months in microgravity have experienced noticeable shifts in eyesight. Symptoms linked to spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) include swelling of the optic nerve, flattening at the back of the eye, and vision impairment. The phenomenon is attributed to fluid redistribution in microgravity, which increases pressure on ocular structures. While many astronauts recover upon returning to Earth, the long-term impact remains uncertain, making it a critical issue for extended missions beyond low Earth orbit.

Findings of the Study

According to a study, Microgravity, researchers led by Santiago Costantino at the Université de Montréal examined 13 astronauts who had spent five to six months on the ISS. Participants from the United States, Europe, Japan and Canada, with an average age of 48, were included in the research. Eye measurements were taken before and after spaceflight, focusing on ocular rigidity, intraocular pressure, and ocular pulse amplitude. The study identified a 33 percent decline in ocular rigidity, an 11 percent reduction in intraocular pressure, and a 25 percent drop in ocular pulse amplitude. Some astronauts also exhibited an increase in choroidal thickness beyond normal levels.

Concerns for Long-Duration Space Travel

SANS has been observed since the early 2000s, with similar symptoms reported by Russian cosmonauts aboard the Mir space station. NASA officially classified the condition in 2011. Bodily fluid shifts in microgravity are believed to be the primary cause, although the exact mechanisms remain under investigation. Countermeasures such as negative pressure devices, pharmaceutical treatments, and targeted nutrition plans are being explored to mitigate risks.

Potential Solutions and Future Research

According to reports, ongoing research aims to identify astronauts at higher risk of developing severe ocular issues. As reported by space.com, Costantino noted that changes in the mechanical properties of the eye could serve as biomarkers for SANS, potentially assisting in early detection and intervention. Space agencies continue to prioritise the development of strategies to protect astronaut vision for future deep-space missions, including those to Mars.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.


Atmos Space Cargo’s Phoenix Capsule Set for First Orbital Test on SpaceX Mission



OnePlus 13 Mini Tipped to Come With 50-Megapixel Bar-Shaped Dual Camera Setup

Continue Reading

Trending