Friday, December 20News That Matters

Environment

Study Finds Microplastics in Human Testes, Raising Concerns About Male Fertility

Study Finds Microplastics in Human Testes, Raising Concerns About Male Fertility

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment
A new study published in the journal Toxicological Sciences has uncovered a worrying presence of microplastics in every human testicle examined. This finding heightens concerns about the potential impact of plastic pollution on male fertility. Comprehensive Analysis of Microplastics Researchers at the University of New Mexico (UNM) conducted a detailed analysis of tissue samples from both dogs and humans. The study, led by Xiaozhong "John" Yu, MD, PhD, MPH, a professor in the UNM College of Nursing, identified 12 types of microplastics in 47 canine and 23 human testes. The results showed that microplastics were present in all samples examined. "Our study revealed the presence of microplastics in all human and canine testes," Yu stated. He emphasized the potential implications for ...
Severe Heatwave Grips Delhi: How to Protect Yourself as Temperatures Soar Above 45 Degrees

Severe Heatwave Grips Delhi: How to Protect Yourself as Temperatures Soar Above 45 Degrees

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
As a severe heatwave grips Delhi and other parts of North India, with temperatures soaring to 45-47 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert. The extreme heat poses significant health risks, including heatstroke, dehydration, and damage to vital organs. It is crucial to take preventative measures to protect oneself from the adverse effects of such high temperatures. High temperatures can overwhelm the body's natural ability to regulate its internal temperature, leading to conditions like heatstroke. Symptoms of heatstroke include high body temperature (above 40°C or 104°F), confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures. Without immediate medical intervention, heatstroke can be fatal. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can also damage the brain, ...
Unexpected Winter Strikes Chile as Autumn Weather Takes a Dramatic Turn

Unexpected Winter Strikes Chile as Autumn Weather Takes a Dramatic Turn

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
Chile's capital, Santiago, was in the midst of autumn when an unexpected and extreme weather event occurred, signaling the abrupt onset of winter. Within hours, temperatures plummeted, breaking a 74-year record and catching residents off guard. Climatologists, like Raul Cordero from the University of Santiago, noted that such a rapid shift in weather during the autumn season has not been witnessed since 1950, marking an unprecedented and prolonged winter season. On Thursday morning, the mercury dropped to a chilling one degree Celsius in Santiago, with snow blanketing the surrounding mountains, further emphasizing the severity of the weather anomaly. This sudden change has left scientists worldwide astonished, highlighting it as a dangerous manifestation of climate change and categorizi...
India’s Strategic Vision for Green Hydrogen Unveiled at World Hydrogen Summit 2024

India’s Strategic Vision for Green Hydrogen Unveiled at World Hydrogen Summit 2024

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
Rotterdam, Netherlands – On May 15, 2024, Shri Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, addressed the World Hydrogen Summit 2024, outlining India's strategic vision and capabilities in renewable energy and green hydrogen production. In his keynote address, Secretary Bhalla emphasized the comprehensive scope of India's National Green Hydrogen Mission, highlighting its components including pilot projects, research and development (R&D) initiatives, and skill development programs. “This holistic approach reflects the government's commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building across the hydrogen value chain. Moreover, the Mission's focus on piloting projects and advancing R&D underscores India...
First Cow-to-Human Transmission of Bird Flu A(H5N1) Confirmed in US

First Cow-to-Human Transmission of Bird Flu A(H5N1) Confirmed in US

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment
The transmission of the highly pathogenic bird flu A(H5N1) from a cow to a dairy farmer in the US marks a significant development in our understanding of the virus's behavior and potential risks to public health. This event, the first confirmed cow-to-human transmission of the virus, sheds light on its ability to jump from birds to mammals and underscores the importance of monitoring livestock for signs of infection. The case, which manifested as inflammation in the eye rather than respiratory symptoms, was swiftly identified and reported. This prompt response, coupled with the unique presentation of the virus in humans, provides valuable insights into its transmission dynamics and potential impact on human health. The identification of a specific genetic change in the virus associat...
Monsoon Expected to Arrive in Kerala on May 31, Predicts IMD

Monsoon Expected to Arrive in Kerala on May 31, Predicts IMD

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted the onset of the southwest monsoon in mainland India for May 31, a day ahead of the usual schedule. This announcement holds significant implications for the country's agricultural sector, food inflation, and rural economy. The forecast suggests that this year's monsoon is likely to be "above normal" at 106% of the long-period average (LPA). The monsoon's arrival is crucial for sustaining nearly 70% of the country's rainfall between June and September. IMD's operational forecasts have been historically accurate, with last year being an exception. Experts attribute this year's forecast to the possibility of the La Nina phenomenon, which typically leads to above-average monsoon rains in India. With 51% of India's farmed area and 4...
Sun Unleashes Monster Solar Flare, Radio Blackouts Expected On Earth

Sun Unleashes Monster Solar Flare, Radio Blackouts Expected On Earth

Breaking News, Environment, Space
The Sun has emitted its strongest flare of the current solar cycle, a category X8.7 storm, sending a powerful surge of energized particles hurtling towards Earth. The flare, originating from sunspot AR3664, is anticipated to cause radio blackouts upon impact, particularly affecting regions such as the United States. In a dramatic display of solar activity, the Sun has unleashed its most potent flare of the current solar cycle, sending shockwaves of energized particles hurtling towards Earth. Originating from an active sunspot designated AR3664, the flare, classified as a category X8.7 storm, represents a significant escalation in solar activity. According to reports from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the sunspot responsible for the flare is situated at t...
Scientists Warn of Impending Solar Storm After Recent Sun Eruptions

Scientists Warn of Impending Solar Storm After Recent Sun Eruptions

Breaking News, Environment, Space
Scientists have issued a warning about a potent solar storm expected to strike Earth this week following powerful eruptions from the Sun. With a 60 percent chance of impact on Tuesday, the storm could cause geomagnetic disruptions and pose risks to power grids and astronauts in space. Despite concerns, no major disruptions have been reported so far. Recent eruptions from the Sun have raised concerns among scientists about the potential impact of an upcoming solar storm on Earth. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a warning, indicating a 60 percent likelihood of the solar storm hitting Earth on Tuesday, with a lower possibility on Wednesday. The X handle of NASA Sun and Space also confirmed the occurrence of a M6.6-class solar flare on May 13, although ...
NASA Captures Breathtaking Image of Half-Frozen Pangong Tso Lake from Space

NASA Captures Breathtaking Image of Half-Frozen Pangong Tso Lake from Space

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
NASA, renowned for its stunning images of Earth and the Universe, recently shared a captivating photograph of a half-frozen Pangong Tso lake taken from the International Space Station (ISS). The image, posted on Instagram by NASA Earth, showcases the remarkable beauty of this high-altitude lake nestled between India and China. Pangong Tso is renowned as one of the highest lakes globally, boasting an elevation of 4,225 meters (13,862 feet). Despite its lofty altitude, it is not a freshwater lake but rather a saltwater one. During the winter months, the lake freezes entirely, even hosting a marathon atop its icy surface. Notably, the lake's hues change with varying weather conditions, adding to its allure. Describing the image, NASA Earth highlighted the diverse landscapes surrounding ...
NASA Explains Phenomenon Behind Spectacular Auroras Illuminating Earth’s Skies

NASA Explains Phenomenon Behind Spectacular Auroras Illuminating Earth’s Skies

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Space
Auroras, the mesmerizing celestial light shows, have once again graced the skies across several regions, captivating spectators with their vibrant hues of pink, green, and purple. This dazzling display, commonly known as the "northern lights," is a result of a powerful solar storm that has swept across the planet. The phenomenon, triggered by eruptions on the Sun, has been elucidated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in a recent thread on X (formerly Twitter), shedding light on the intricate interplay between solar activity and Earth's atmosphere. According to NASA, solar eruptions manifest in two primary forms: solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Solar flares, intense bursts of light, occur when the Sun's magnetic fields undergo abrupt rearrange...