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For thousands of years, Tibetan women have lived at extreme altitudes on the Tibetan Plateau, where the air is thin and oxygen is scarce. Over time, they’ve developed unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in this environment, according to new research from Case Western Reserve University.
The study, led by Professor Cynthia Beall, looks at how these women’s bodies have evolved to deal with the challenges of living at altitudes as high as 14,000 feet. The research highlights their ability to deliver oxygen more efficiently, which helps them survive and reproduce in this harsh environment.

Surviving in Thin Air

Living at high altitudes, where oxygen levels are significantly lower than at sea level, poses major difficulties for human survival. However, for more than 10,000 years, Tibetan women have managed not only to live but to build communities and raise families in these conditions. Beall’s study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, uncovers the physiological traits that have enabled these women to adapt to life with such little oxygen.

The Science Behind Their Adaptations

Beall’s team studied 417 women between the ages of 46 and 86 living in Upper Mustang, Nepal. Their goal was to understand how these women’s bodies manage oxygen intake and distribution, especially since this affects their ability to reproduce. The study found that those with higher oxygen saturation levels were more successful at having children. The key seems to be a balance in hemoglobin levels—enough to transport oxygen effectively, but not so much that it thickens the blood and strains the heart.

An Ancient Genetic Advantage

One of the most important findings is the role of the EPAS1 gene, a genetic trait passed down from ancient Denisovans. This gene, which helps regulate oxygen levels in the blood, is unique to the population living on the Tibetan Plateau and plays a critical role in their ability to adapt to high-altitude life. These adaptations have been crucial in allowing Tibetan women to not just survive, but to thrive, in an environment that would be extremely challenging for most people.

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Supernova Remnant G278.94+1.35 is Closer to Earth, Claims New Study

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January 10, 2025

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Supernova Remnant G278.94+1.35 is Closer to Earth, Claims New Study

A significant discovery involving a supernova remnant in the Milky Way, identified as G278.94+1.35, has been made by a team of international astronomers. This structure, resulting from a massive stellar explosion, was initially thought to be approximately 8,800 light years away. New findings have revised this distance to about 3,300 light years, making it closer than previously calculated. The remnant’s estimated physical dimensions have also been adjusted to around 189 by 182 light years, contrary to earlier assessments of over 500 light years.

Insights from the Study

According to the study published December 30 on the pre-print server arXiv, highlighted the properties of this remnant. The research team, led by Miroslav D. Filipović, Professor at Western Sydney University, observations were conducted using the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) as part of the ASKAP-Evolutionary Map of the Universe project. These observations revealed the nearly circular shape and expansive nature of the remnant, now named “Diprotodon,” in homage to an extinct giant marsupial native to Australia.

The research team attributed the name to raise awareness about the prehistoric megafauna of Australia and ongoing extinction challenges. The findings, as reported by phys.org indicate that the supernova remnant is in a radiative evolutionary phase, suggesting continued expansion.

Characteristics and Significance

Diprotodon’s progenitor star is estimated to have been about 15 times the mass of the Sun. The kinetic energy released during the explosion is approximated at 500 quindecillion ergs. The spectral index of the remnant, measured at around -0.55, aligns with typical shell-type remnants observed in the galaxy. These characteristics place it among the largest supernova remnants known, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of such structures.

The study has offered critical data regarding the formation, expansion, and current state of Diprotodon, contributing to the broader understanding of supernova remnants within the Milky Way.

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PFAS Chemicals Harm Freshwater Turtles in Australia, New Research Finds



NISAR Satellite by NASA and ISRO to Monitor Earth Like Never Before

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NISAR: NASA & ISRO’s joint satellite to monitor Earth like never before

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January 10, 2025

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NISAR: NASA & ISRO’s joint satellite to monitor Earth like never before

A collaboration between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has resulted in the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite, which is set to launch in a few months. This mission, designed to track and monitor Earth’s dynamic surface, will use synthetic aperture radar technology to measure changes in land and ice formations. Capable of delivering precise data down to centimetre-level accuracy, NISAR will contribute significantly to understanding natural disasters, ice-sheet movements, and global vegetation shifts.

Unique Dual-Band Technology

According to an official press release by NASA, NISAR is equipped with two radar systems: the L-band with a wavelength of 25 centimetres and the S-band with a 10-centimetre wavelength. This dual-band configuration enables detailed observations of various features, from small surface elements to larger structures. These advanced radars will collect data frequently, covering nearly all land and ice surfaces to provide a comprehensive view of Earth’s transformations.

Technology and Data Applications

As per reports, synthetic aperture radar technology, first utilised by NASA in the 1970s, has been refined for this mission. The data from NISAR will support ecosystem research, cryosphere studies, and disaster response initiatives. Stored and processed in the cloud, the data will be freely accessible to researchers, governments, and disaster management agencies.

Collaboration Between NASA and ISRO

The partnership between NASA and ISRO, formalised in 2014, brought together teams to create this dual-band radar satellite. Hardware was developed across continents, with final assembly in India. ISRO’s Space Applications Centre developed the S-band radar, while NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory provided the L-band radar and other key components. The satellite will launch from ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre and will be operated by ISRO’s Telemetry Tracking and Command Network.

NISAR’s deployment highlights international collaboration in addressing global challenges, promising transformative insights into Earth’s changing landscapes.

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Velvet Ants Venom Affect Mammals and Insects Differently

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January 10, 2025

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Velvet Ants Venom Affect Mammals and Insects Differently

Velvet ants, despite their name, are not ants but parasitic wasps known for their painful stings. These insects, often called “cow killers” due to the intensity of their sting, possess a potent venom capable of acting on different molecular targets depending on the species they encounter. Their defensive mechanisms, which include venom, warning colours, tough exoskeletons, and unique sounds when threatened, have made them nearly invincible to predators. This versatility has intrigued researchers studying their venom’s effects on various creatures.

Study Highlights Dual Mechanisms in Velvet Ant Venom

According to a study published in Current Biology, velvet ant venom operates differently across species. Researchers, including Lydia Borjon, a sensory neurobiologist at Indiana University Bloomington, found that distinct peptides in the venom affect mammals and insects in unique ways. Experiments conducted on the venom of the scarlet velvet ant (Dasymutilla occidentalis) revealed that specific peptides target sensory neurons differently in insects and mammals.

As reported in Science News, in insects, a peptide called Do6a specifically activates neurons sensitive to harmful stimuli. However, in mammals such as mice, pain is triggered by two less abundant peptides, Do10a and Do13a. These peptides activate a broad range of sensory neurons, inducing a generalised pain response. The findings suggest that velvet ants’ venom tailors its effects based on the biology of the recipient, showcasing a rare example of multi-target venom.

Broader Implications of the Research

Joseph Wilson, an evolutionary ecologist at Utah State University, noted to Science News, that velvet ants’ extensive defensive arsenal could be linked to evolutionary pressures from unknown predators, particularly insects. He suggested that while their venom effectively deters a wide range of species, its evolution might have been influenced by specific ecological interactions. Sam Robinson, a toxinologist at the University of Queensland, highlighted that this type of broad-spectrum venom, though rare, may not be unique, as most venoms are tested on limited species.

The study provides new insights into venom evolution and raises questions about the ecological factors driving the development of such complex defensive strategies.

https://www.gadgets360.com/science/news/nasa-delays-artemis-2-and-artemis-3-missions-to-address-key-technical-challenges-7321848

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