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For ages, grandma’s advice has echoed in dining rooms worldwide: “Eat early and light for dinner — it’s healthier!” Now, a cutting-edge study has given this age-old wisdom a firm scientific stamp of approval.<br /><br />Published recently, the research reveals a startling fact: consuming over 45% of your daily calorie intake after 5 PM messes with glucose levels in your body. The findings indicate this can lead to type 2 <keyword id="6359018" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Diabetes" source="Orion">diabetes</keyword>, cardiovascular damage, and chronic inflammation.<br /><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:14.0pt;margin-bottom:4.0pt;">The problem with late eating</h3>“Maintaining high levels of glucose over long periods of time can have implications including a higher risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes,” explains lead researcher Dr. Diana Díaz Rizzolo.<br /><br />While most people previously associated late-night feasts with weight gain (thank you, midnight pizza cravings!), this study points to a new villain: disrupted <keyword id="21482301" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="glucose-metabolism" source="keywords">glucose metabolism</keyword>. And here’s the kicker: it doesn’t matter how healthy you think your dinner is. Eating it late could still wreak havoc on your system.<br /><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:14.0pt;margin-bottom:4.0pt;">Early birds vs. night owls</h3>The study monitored 26 participants aged 50 to 70, all of whom were overweight or had prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Divided into two groups — early eaters (those who ate most calories before evening) and late eaters (those who devoured 45% or more of their daily calories after 5 PM) — the participants logged their meals in real time using a mobile app.<br /><br />Here’s the catch: both groups consumed the <em>same</em> number of calories and foods. Yet, late eaters consistently showed poorer glucose tolerance. They also tended to load up on carbs and fats as the day wound down, a dietary choice that’s especially problematic at night.<br /><br />Díaz Rizzolo breaks it down: “The body’s ability to metabolize glucose is limited at night because the secretion of insulin is reduced, and our cells’ sensitivity to this hormone declines due to the circadian rhythm.” Essentially, your body’s natural “clock” isn’t set up to handle big meals when the sun goes down.<br /><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:14.0pt;margin-bottom:4.0pt;">Timing is everything</h3>This study flips the script on how we think about food and health. “Until now, personal decisions in nutrition have been based on two main questions: how much we eat, and what foods to choose,” says Díaz Rizzolo. “With this study, a new factor in cardiometabolic health is beginning to become increasingly important: when we eat.”<br /><br />Her advice? Embrace the daylight! Make breakfast and lunch your calorie heavyweights, and keep dinner light and early. Want to up your health game? Avoid ultra-processed foods, fast food, and carb-heavy treats in the evening altogether. As Dr. Díaz Rizzolo wisely suggests, “The highest levels of calorie intake during the day should be at breakfast and lunch, instead of at teatime and dinner.”<br /><br />While more studies are needed to solidify these findings, the message is clear: tune into your inner clock, eat with the sun, and let your metabolism thrive. Your health isn’t just what you eat — it’s <em>when</em> you eat it.<br /><br />The findings of this research have been published in <em>Nutrition &amp; Diabetes</em>.<br />

Dinner after 5 PM? Here’s why it’s riskier than you think for your glucose levels

Our ancestors in caves spent countless hours sharpening and smashing rocks together. Eventually, the right combination of stone, spark and sun-dried leaves came together to create flame, an invention that would quickly catapult our species into the tippy-top of the <keyword id="19912640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="earth" source="keywords">Earth</keyword>’s food chain. What if we told you that a similar, albeit exponentially more massive, smashing of rocks billions of years ago could have set the stage for <keyword id="22593154" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="life-on-Earth" source="keywords">life on Earth</keyword>?<br /><br />According to a recent study,a <keyword id="21075363" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="meteorite" source="keywords">meteorite</keyword> the size of four Mount Everests slammed into our planet 3.26 billion years ago. To say this impact was colossal is an understatement. Scientists now believe that the event, dubbed the "<keyword id="23639569" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="S2-impact" source="keywords">S2 impact</keyword>," caused a massive chain reaction that may have helped shape life as we know it.<br /><br />When this meteorite hit, it likely triggered a tsunami so powerful it tore through shallow waters, dragging sediment and debris into the oceans. The researchers explained that the impact was so intense that the top layers of the ocean boiled off, and a thick blanket of dust darkened the skies, cutting off sunlight for photosynthesis.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114434659" title="Robinhood&amp;#39;s cofounder has joined the rapidly growing commercial space race, and wants to beam solar power from satellites to earth" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Now, this might sound like a doomsday scenario, but for the microscopic organisms living back then, it was an opportunity. According to Nadja Drabon, a geologist at Harvard who led the study, "We think of impact events as being disastrous for life. But what this study is highlighting is that these impacts would have had benefits to life, especially early on."<br /><h2>Life in the wake of destruction</h2>So how exactly did life survive — and even thrive — after such a <keyword id="23639574" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cataclysmic-event" source="keywords">cataclysmic event</keyword>?<br /><br />The answer lies in two elements: <keyword id="23639572" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="iron-and-phosphorus" source="keywords">iron and phosphorus</keyword>. The giant tsunami stirred up iron from the depths of the ocean, while phosphorus was delivered to Earth by the meteorite and increased erosion. Both elements are essential for life, and in the aftermath of the S2 impact, bacteria that could metabolise iron likely had a field day.<br /><br />Drabon's team found evidence that bacteria quickly bounced back after the meteorite hit, and their populations surged. These iron-loving <keyword id="20361299" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="microorganisms" source="keywords">microorganisms</keyword> might have found their perfect environment in the chaotic post-impact world. "What this study is showing is that these impacts might have actually allowed life to flourish," Dragon explains.<br /><br />The clues to this ancient event are hidden in the <keyword id="23639570" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Barberton-Greenstone-Belt" source="keywords">Barberton Greenstone Belt</keyword> in South Africa. This region, one of the oldest geological formations on Earth, contains layers of rock that preserve evidence of past meteorite impacts, including the S2 event. By painstakingly examining these rocks, Drabon and her team have pieced together a picture of the world as it was billions of years ago.<br /><h2>Not a one time event</h2>Their research involves collecting rock samples just centimetres apart and analysing them for chemical signatures that hint at ancient tsunamis, changes in ocean chemistry, and the rise of <keyword id="23639573" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="early-bacterial-life" source="keywords">early bacterial life</keyword> — essentially solving a 3-billion-year-old mystery, one thin slice of rock at a time.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114397797" title="Trump aims for the stars as he links his campaign to Elon Musk&amp;#39;s success at SpaceX" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>From this, the researchers also deciphered that this wasn't just a one-time event. The Barberton Greenstone Belt contains evidence of at least eight major meteorite impacts, suggesting that Earth was regularly bombarded by space rocks during its early years. Each impact may have played a role in shaping the course of life on our planet.<br /><br />Drabon and her team plan to continue exploring the Barberton region, hoping to uncover more details about these <keyword id="23639571" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ancient-impacts" source="keywords">ancient impacts</keyword> and how they influenced Earth's early ecosystems. The more we learn about these dramatic events, the clearer it becomes that, while destructive, they were also key drivers of change.<br /><br />The findings of this study have been published in the<em> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em> and can be accessed <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2408721121">here</a>.<br />

A 3-billion-year-old meteorite might have sparked life on Earth, study asserts

A period of darkness followed after World War II for a number of reasons — one of them being the limited access to sweets and sugar. Between 1942 and 1953, the UK imposed sugar rationing to prevent hoarding, where sugar intake averaged at 40 grams per day. And this purported deprivation had some surprisingly positive effects!<br /><br />Recent research on individuals born in the 1950s has revealed a startling connection between early life sugar exposure and the development of chronic diseases like <keyword id="20902" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="type-2-diabetes" source="Orion">type 2 diabetes</keyword> and <keyword id="22984" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hypertension" source="Orion">hypertension</keyword> later in life. The study found that limiting sugar intake during the critical first 1,000 days of life — from conception to nearly age three — can significantly reduce the risk of these conditions.<br /><br />Published in the journal <em>Science</em>, the study analysed data from the UK Biobank and compared the health outcomes of individuals born before and after the end of World War II sugar rationing in 1953 — after which sugar and sweet intake doubled to 80 grams per day.<br /><br />Notably, overall nutrient intake remained relatively stable during the rationing, with protein and fat consumption largely unaffected by the rationing policies, as per the study.<br /><br />The researchers discovered that those exposed to lower sugar levels during this period had a 35% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes and a 20% reduced risk of hypertension. Moreover, the onset of these diseases was delayed by four and two years, respectively.<br /><br />“Sugar early in life is the new tobacco, and we should treat it as such by holding food companies accountable to reformulate baby foods with healthier options and regulate the marketing and tax sugary foods targeted at kids,” says Paul Gertler, one of the study’s authors and a professor of economics at the University of California.<br /><br />The study suggests that even in-utero sugar exposure can have long-lasting health consequences. Limiting sugar intake during pregnancy and early childhood can provide significant protection against future health problems.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112411685" title="Diet soda fans, look out for this ingredient — it may increase your risk of blood clots and heart problems, scientists say" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br />

“Sugar early in life is the new tobacco”: Scientists urge food companies to reformulate baby foods and tax sugary options

Imagine taking a deep breath, expecting fresh, clean air, but instead, inhaling particles so tiny they’re invisible but powerful enough to change your life. For millions worldwide, that’s the reality — and it’s taking a toll on their lungs. A new global study shows that nearly 30% of <keyword id="22476122" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="asthma-cases" source="keywords">asthma cases</keyword> can be traced back to long-term exposure to <keyword id="20147117" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fine-particulate-matter" source="keywords">fine particulate matter</keyword>, or <keyword id="20573061" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PM2-5" source="keywords">PM2.5</keyword>, the kind of pollution that often comes from cars, factories, and even cooking fires.<br /><h2>How PM2.5 impacts asthma</h2>Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by recurring symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. While the exact causes of asthma remain complex and varied, this new study underlines that PM2.5 pollution is a significant risk factor.<br /><br />The study brings together insights from 68 epidemiological studies conducted across 22 countries, spanning regions from North America to South Asia. This comprehensive meta-analysis demonstrates the consistent impact of PM2.5 on asthma development.<br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114504550" title="Most people miss THIS warning on their mosquito repellent vaporizer’s label" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Lead author Dr Ruijing Ni explained, “We estimate that globally in 2019, almost a third of asthma cases are attributable to long-term PM2.5 exposure, corresponding to 63.5 million existing cases and 11.4 million new cases.”<br /><h2>The Indian asthma problem</h2>India, one of the world’s most polluted countries, faces a particularly severe burden from <keyword id="19900550" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-pollution" source="keywords">air pollution</keyword>. Studies have shown that PM2.5 levels in many Indian cities far exceed the <keyword id="19896311" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Health-Organization" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="World Health Organization" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="World Health Organization">World Health Organization</keyword>'s safe limit of 5 µg/m³. This exposure is especially dangerous for children, whose lungs and immune systems are still developing.<br /><br />The numbers are worrying: around 15-20 million Indians suffer from asthma, making up a significant portion of the estimated 339 million cases worldwide. Children are disproportionately affected; a 2019 report indicated that approximately 6% of children aged 1 to 5 in India show asthma symptoms. This exposure often results in airway inflammation and oxidative stress, which increases vulnerability to <keyword id="19923193" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="respiratory-diseases" source="keywords">respiratory diseases</keyword>.<br /><h2>What the data says</h2>The research team employed exposure-response curves to better understand the link between PM2.5 levels and asthma cases. By considering data from both high-income and low- and middle-income countries, the researchers could provide a more accurate global assessment of PM2.5’s <keyword id="21037424" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-impact" source="keywords">health impact</keyword>.<br /><br />The study found that in Germany, for instance, PM2.5 may be responsible for about 11% of new asthma cases — roughly 28,000 people. However, the burden is even higher in low- and middle-income countries like India, where higher levels of pollution are coupled with limited healthcare access. This disparity highlights the need for global action to reduce PM2.5 emissions, especially in regions where pollution levels and health impacts are most severe.<br /><h2>Policy implications and recommendations</h2>The findings have clear implications for policymakers. Strengthening <keyword id="19918941" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-quality" source="keywords">air quality</keyword> regulations, especially in high-exposure regions, could prevent millions of new asthma cases and reduce healthcare costs.<br /><br />“Our findings highlight the urgent need for policymakers to enforce stringent legislation to continuously combat air pollution,” emphasised another study author Prof. Yafang Cheng. <br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114695519" title="Are your green firecrackers really ‘green? Here’s all you need to know before doing your Diwali shopping" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In addition to governmental measures, personal protective actions like wearing masks and installing air purifiers in homes can also help individuals reduce their exposure to PM2.5, particularly during high-pollution periods.<br /><br />This study adds to the growing evidence that reducing air pollution is critical for public health. While global challenges like PM2.5 pollution may seem daunting, each step toward cleaner air can bring significant health benefits. For countries like India, where asthma rates and pollution levels are both alarmingly high, these findings underscore an urgent need for both policy and community action to protect the most vulnerable — particularly children.<br />

Air Quality Alert: Nearly 30% of asthma cases tied to fine particulate matter exposure from bad air

India could see a shift in foreign direct investment (FDI) trends in the second term of Donald Trump (Trump 2.0) as President of the United States, says a research report by the State Bank of India.<br /><br />The report highlighted that under his first term, Trump 1.0, the Trump administration made sweeping regulatory changes aimed at attracting investments back to the U.S., which impacted FDI inflows globally, including India.<br /><br />It added that if similar policies are reintroduced in Trump 2.0 also, it could create challenges for emerging markets like India, which rely on FDI as a significant driver of economic growth. Notably, a recent Kotak report highlighted that a complete Republican control over all arms of the US government would mean increased US earnings via corporate tax cuts, higher tariffs on imports into the US and greater US fiscal deficits. <br /><br />The first two could spell doom for emerging markets like India and China, since foreign investors will make a beeline for investing more money in the  US markets, which will come at the cost of intense selloff in emerging markets. <br /><br />However, higher fiscal deficits will eventually lead to the dollar weakening after the initial euphoria dies down. <br /><br />"India may see shifts in foreign direct investments (FDIs) during Trump 2.0. The Trump 1.0 administration saw significant regulatory changes aimed at attracting investments back to the US," the SBI report stated.<br /><br />However, given that India has been gradually diversifying its sources of FDI (foreign direct investments), this trend could serve as a buffer against any potential decline. Moreover, domestic institutional investors have been stepping up big time, maintaining some balance to the massive exodus of FIIs over the past month. So far in November 2024, FIIs have withdrawn Rs 19,849 crores from the cash segment in Indian markets, while DIIs have poured in Rs  14,014.18 crores as of November 10th, 2024. <br /><br />"India is no longer dependent on the traditional sources of FDI inflows... unlike the recent past, FDI is now coming in many new sectors," noted the SBI report. <br /><br />Unlike a decade ago, when most FDI inflows came from a limited number of traditional sectors, India is now attracting investment in a wide array of industries, including renewable energy, sea transport, medical devices, and surgical appliances. Data suggests over the last 24 years, i.e., between April 2000 and June 2024, FDIs have poured in $1,013.4 billion in the Indian economy. Out of this, 67%, i.e., $689.88 billion, has come in just the last 10 years. <br /><br />The report added there are up to 12 emerging sectors showing strong FDI interest, which could help offset any loss of inflows in conventional sectors if there is a shift in global investment patterns under another Trump administration. In the last financial year, the top 5 sectors that have received the highest quantum of FDI inflow include the services sector (finance, banking, insurance, and business) which makes up about 16% of the inflows. This is followed computer software &amp; hardware, which constitute around 15% of total FDI flows. Trading and telecommunications follows with a share of 6% each, and Automobile Industry comes next with a 5% share.<br /><br />In the short term, the potential for increased U.S. tariffs, more restrictive H-1B visa policies, and a stronger dollar could bring some volatility to India's trade and investment landscape. However, in the long term, these challenges might also encourage India to expand its manufacturing capabilities, diversify export markets, and focus on becoming economically more self-reliant.<br /><br />Notably, India has maintained a merchandise trade surplus with the U.S. despite tariffs imposed during Trump's first term. This indicates that Indian exports have remained resilient, and there is potential to strengthen this trade relationship further by capitalizing on emerging sectors and reducing dependency on traditional industries.<br /><br />Suman Chowdhury, Executive Director &amp; Chief Economist, Acuité Ratings &amp; Research Limited cautions that in the medium to long term, the trade relationship with the US may see a structural improvement. "Higher tariff and trade restrictions in the US with China should translate into better opportunities for exports of manufactured goods from India", he adds. <br /><br />

FDIs may shift to US under Trump 2.0 but it is unlikely to severely impact FDIs inflow to India, says SBI Report

In early Wednesday trading, the Indian rupee slid 14 paise to hit an all-time low of 84.23 per US dollar, weighed down by continued outflows of foreign funds and a robust US dollar in global markets. Forex analysts highlighted the volatility stemming from the ongoing US elections, suggesting that stability could return once results are clear in this close race.<br /><br />The US Federal Reserve is also on the radar, with an anticipated interest rate cut this week and a projected easing of up to 100 basis points by 2025.<br /><br />At the interbank forex market, the rupee opened at its historic low of 84.23 against the dollar, down from its previous close of 84.09. On Tuesday, the currency had ended slightly stronger, gaining 2 paise.<br /><br />Meanwhile, the dollar index, which tracks the strength of the US dollar against six major currencies, climbed 1.64% to 105.11. According to Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury at Finrex Treasury Advisors, the index rose following initial election results showing former President Trump ahead, with the Republican party also leading in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.<br /><br />The global oil market saw movement as Brent crude prices dipped 0.98%, trading at USD 74.79 per barrel.<br /><br />Bhansali noted that the rupee’s trajectory will heavily depend on the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) response, particularly as the currency fluctuates with real-time election outcomes. He estimated an intra-day trading range between 84.00 and 84.35.<br /><br />On the domestic front, Indian stock markets showed positive trends. The Sensex climbed by 390.93 points (0.49%) to reach 79,867.56, while the Nifty rose by 135.60 points (0.56%) to 24,348.90.<br /><br />Despite these gains, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers on Tuesday, pulling out Rs 2,569.41 crore from the capital markets, as per stock exchange data. This withdrawal underscores the challenges facing the Indian currency amid global financial uncertainties.<br /><br /><strong>(with PTI inputs)<br /></strong><br />

Rupee hits record low of 84.23 against US dollar amidst US elections 2024

Global markets are looking ahead to the US Fed's meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 7, 2024, expecting the Jerome Powell-chaired FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) to slash interest rates further by 0.25%. In September this year, the Fed surprised the markets by cutting interest rates by a massive 0.5%, for the first time in 4 years. <br /><br />As per the <keyword id="23807624" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CME-Fed-Watch-Tool" source="keywords">CME Fed Watch Tool</keyword>, there is now a 99.5% chance that the Fed will reduce the interest rates by around 25 basis points, bringing it within the range of 4.5% to 4.75%. Only 0.5% believe that the Fed might leave the rates unchanged, within their present range of 4.75% to 5%.<br /><br />As for the Fed's December meeting, scheduled for December 18, per the CME Fed Watch tool, 79.5% believe that interest rates would be in the range of 4.25% to 4.5%. Another 20.4% believe that yields will remain in the range of 4.5% and 4.75%. Only 0.1% see the interest rates staying within their current range of 4.75% to 5% <br /><br /><h2>No major changes anticipated</h2>However, it is unlikely that this quarter-point rate cut would bring about any significant financial changes in the US economy. The Fed is again expected to bring down the interest rates by another 25 basis points in their December meeting. This would imply a total rate cut of about 50 basis points by the end of this year. <br /><br />So, why is the Fed not bringing down interest rates by 50 basis points in one fell swoop this time around? Why wait till December to bring down the rates by another 25 basis points? Experts believe that it could stoke inflation, which has seen a sharp decline in the recent past. A steep slash of borrowing rates could accelerate borrowing activity and inject significant cash into the economy at once, pushing up inflation. Per the Fed's recent projections, a total of 4 rate cuts are anticipated in 2025. <br /><br />On a YoY basis, inflation in the US dipped to 2.4%, close to the Fed's target of 2%. With inflationary pressures reined in, the economy growing at the rate of 2.8% during the third quarter of FY24, and the unemployment rate down to 4.1%, the markets see much merit in bringing interest rates down.<br /><br /> This is especially important to boost spending, particularly in sectors such as housing and automobiles, where even a slight tinkering in interest rates can drastically impact the amount and volume of loans taken to own them. <br /><br />Data suggests that during Trump's presidency tenure, i.e., between 2017 and 2021, inflation averaged at a rate of 1.9% a year. During the Biden administration, where Kamala Harris served as VP, the inflation is on track to average around 5% a year.<br /><br />Shrisha Acharya, Vice President, Anand Rathi Global Finance, also notes that the results of the impending US elections, which are likely to be declared tomorrow, will impact the yields and stock markets. <br /><br />"The Trump card, coupled with potential Republican control, could mean higher bond yields due to anticipated increases in deficit spending, inflation risks, and potential tax cuts. This could very well jiggle the confidence in U.S. Treasury bonds and thus start a chain effect that will possibly impact global market stability and lead to short-term volatility. On the other hand, Harris’ rise has been met with a stock market rally glued on expectations of economic stability and controlled inflation, with more predictable fiscal policy likely to help in a soft landing," he explains.<br />

What can you expect from the US Fed meeting later this week? Here's all you need to know

It’s one thing to read about <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword> and <keyword id="19951337" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="carbon-emissions" source="keywords">carbon emissions</keyword> in an article, and quite another to <em>see </em>the toxic fumes engulfing your entire country — swirling over it like a certain menacing doom.<br /><br /><keyword id="19935155" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NASA" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="NASA" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="NASA">NASA</keyword> recently unveiled a groundbreaking visualisation tool that offers an unprecedented look at how carbon dioxide (CO2) moves around our planet. This high-resolution model provides a stunning, animated map of <keyword id="22576003" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-CO2-concentrations" source="keywords">global CO2 concentrations</keyword>, revealing the complex patterns of this crucial <keyword id="20719964" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="greenhouse-gas" source="keywords">greenhouse gas</keyword>.<br />   <div type="Youtube" id="zZ-lMDtiI-k" title="Model Behavior: Visualizing Global Carbon Dioxide" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zZ-lMDtiI-k/mqdefault.jpg"><url><![CDATA[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ-lMDtiI-k]]></url></div>By combining billions of data points from satellites and ground observations, NASA scientists created a dynamic picture of how CO2 is emitted, transported, and absorbed across the globe. This interactive map showcases <keyword id="22576002" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CO2-concentrations" source="keywords">CO2 concentrations</keyword> as they shifted through Earth's atmosphere from January to March 2020, influenced by wind patterns and atmospheric circulation. With its exceptional detail, you can zoom in to pinpoint CO2 emissions rising from power plants, fires, and urban areas, as they spread across continents and oceans.<br /><br />Over India, you can see the greenhouse gas blowing over from neighbouring continents and also originating from the subcontinent. The pulsating oranges indicate CO2 concentrations of 420-460 ppm over India.<br /><h2>The sources of CO2<br /></h2>One of the most striking features of the map is its ability to zoom in on specific regions, allowing viewers to see CO2 emissions rising from individual cities and industrial complexes. This level of detail provides a clear and compelling picture of human activities' impact on the environment.<br /><br />The map highlights distinct emission patterns across different regions. In China, the United States, and South Asia, power plants, industrial facilities, and vehicles were the primary contributors to CO2 emissions. Conversely, in Africa and South America, fires ignited by land management practices, agricultural burning, and deforestation, along with the combustion of oil and coal, were the main sources.<br /><br /><h2>Pulsating gases</h2>The map also highlights the role of natural systems in the carbon cycle. Forests, oceans, and other ecosystems absorb vast amounts of CO2, acting as vital carbon sinks. However, the visualisation also reveals how human activities are overwhelming these natural systems, leading to a buildup of CO2 in the atmosphere.<br /><br />Further, the map exhibits a pulsating appearance. This is because, firstly, fires typically intensify during daylight hours and subside at night, creating a diurnal pattern. Secondly, the absorption and release of CO2 by plants during photosynthesis and respiration contribute to the fluctuations. This pulsing effect is particularly noticeable in regions with abundant vegetation, such as mid- to high-latitude forests and tropical areas.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112021374" title="Scientists found a groundbreaking new reason to plant more trees" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>“This map is a powerful tool for understanding the scale and complexity of the climate crisis,” said [Quote from NASA scientist]. “It shows us where the biggest problems are and where we need to focus our efforts to reduce emissions.”<br /><br />The data behind the map comes from NASA's <keyword id="22576004" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="goddard-earth-observing-system" source="keywords">Goddard Earth Observing System</keyword> (GEOS), a sophisticated model that simulates Earth's atmosphere with incredible detail. By applying this model to CO2, scientists have gained new insights into the gas's behaviour and its impact on the planet.<br /><br />As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, tools like this are essential for informing policy decisions, tracking progress, and inspiring action. NASA’s CO2 map is a remarkable achievement that offers a glimpse into the urgent need to transition to a low-carbon future.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111566431" title="June warmest on record; every month since July 2023 breached 1.5 deg C threshold" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

WATCH: A NASA animation shows gigantic plumes of carbon dioxide emissions swirling over India

We often think of skincare as a pampering ritual, an opportunity to nourish our skin and express our individuality. But as recent research from the University of Birmingham reveals, some of the popular “leave-on” products we use daily — like sunscreens, moisturisers, and lip balms — might be doing more harm than good. Specifically, <keyword id="19970180" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="microplastics" source="keywords">microplastics</keyword> in these products are flying under the radar, raising serious concerns about both environmental and health implications.<br /><br />While most regulatory frameworks have targeted rinse-off products — think face washes and shampoos—leave-on products have received scant attention. This oversight is alarming, especially considering that microplastics, which can be tiny plastic particles or fibres, are prevalent in many of our favorite skincare staples. Dr. Anna Kukkola, a researcher at the University of Birmingham, notes, “The contribution of ‘leave-on’ cosmetics to microplastic pollution is a critical, yet underexplored aspect of environmental contamination.”<br /><br />In their critical review, the researchers analysed 2,381 products and found that only two were classified as leave-on. This glaring gap can be attributed to several factors: the challenges in extracting microplastics from complex formulations and the prevailing public perception that the microplastic issue has been adequately addressed due to bans on rinse-off products. But the truth is, leave-on products could be significant contributors to the microplastic problem.<br /><h2><keyword id="19977451" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-risks" source="keywords">Health risks</keyword> of microplastics</h2>The health implications of daily exposure to microplastics in leave-on products remain largely uncharted territory. With limited research on how these particles interact with our skin after application, the potential for absorption into our bodies — through mechanisms such as hair follicles and sweat ducts — raises red flags. Dr. Kukkola emphasises this point, stating, “Given how much of these formulas our bodies can and do absorb, it is concerning that little to no research has taken place to investigate the associated health effects.”<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114327120" title="An expert in how microplastics affect our health does 6 things to avoid them at home" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Another critical insight from the study is the misuse of the term “microbeads.” Typically associated with rinse-off products, this term has been inaccurately applied to all microplastics in cosmetics, resulting in regulatory blind spots. This mislabeling has skewed global legislation towards rinse-off products, leaving a significant portion of the microplastic contamination from leave-on products unregulated.<br /><h2>Call for action and future research</h2>The researchers are not just pointing out problems; they are advocating for solutions. Collaborative efforts are underway to develop new methods for extracting and analysing microplastics in <keyword id="23630244" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="leave-on-cosmetics" source="keywords">leave-on cosmetics</keyword>. This initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Sophie Comer-Warner from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Professor Iseult Lynch, aims to fill the critical knowledge gaps identified in the study.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114375709" title="Standing desks may not be a boon for health after all" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Professor Lynch warns, “While the microplastics themselves might be relatively benign, a number of other chemicals are intrinsically bound into or onto the microplastics in complex leave-on formulations, including potentially PFAS, plasticisers, and other chemicals known to be either carcinogens or endocrine disruptors.”<br /><br />As we lather on our moisturisers and slather on <keyword id="19944313" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sunscreen" source="keywords">sunscreen</keyword>, it’s crucial to be aware of what we’re putting on our skin. The <keyword id="20724496" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="beauty-industry" source="keywords">beauty industry</keyword> is evolving, and with it, our understanding of safety and <keyword id="20224419" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-impact" source="keywords">environmental impact</keyword> must grow. It’s time to advocate for better regulations and more research on the unseen dangers of our beloved leave-on <keyword id="20521267" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="skincare-products" source="keywords">skincare products</keyword>. By staying informed and demanding transparency from manufacturers, we can ensure that our beauty routines don’t come at the expense of our health or the environment.<br /><br />The findings of this research have been published in the <em>Journal of Hazardous Materials </em>and can be accessed <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135053">here</a>.

Popular leave-on cosmetics such as sunscreen and lip balms may pose a hidden microplastic risk, scientists warn

<keyword id="19903807" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Elon-Musk" source="keywords">Elon Musk</keyword> has once again made headlines, this time with his groundbreaking announcement regarding the <keyword id="19895433" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tesla" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Tesla" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Tesla">Tesla</keyword> <keyword id="23509804" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Optimus-Gen-2" source="keywords">Optimus Gen 2</keyword> <keyword id="21410831" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="humanoid-robot" source="keywords">humanoid robot</keyword>. During the We, Robot Tesla event held at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, Musk unveiled the Optimus Gen 2, claiming it will be able to "do anything" — from walking your dog to mowing your lawn and even babysitting your children.<br /><div type="twitter" handle="disclosetv" handlename="disclosetv" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1844580663627772175"></div>But perhaps the biggest takeaway from the event was Musk’s revelation about the estimated cost of this revolutionary bot. He confidently stated that the Optimus Gen 2 will eventually cost around $20,000 to $30,000 (around Rs 16-25 lakhs) or even less as production scales. To put this into perspective, this price point is similar to many cars.<br /><br />On the surface, this seems surprisingly affordable for a cutting-edge, humanoid robot that promises to handle daily chores, but it’s important to remember that this is a long-term prediction. The timeline to achieve this scale of production and bring the cost down remains unclear, and early adopters may find themselves paying significantly more for the initial models.<br /><br />At this price, is it worth investing in an Optimus Gen 2? Musk believes it will be a “household staple” and the “biggest product ever.” With Tesla’s reputation for innovation, it’s not hard to see the potential impact.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111119201" title="Elon Musk says he wants Optimus to be a &amp;#39;good looking robot&amp;#39; that people think of as a friend" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Then again, Musk is known for his lofty promises, and while the idea of a robot handling everyday chores is certainly appealing, there are plenty of reasons to be sceptical. Can a $20,000 robot really perform complex tasks reliably, or will it end up being a glorified toy? Tesla’s track record with delivering on deadlines and functionality has been mixed, with delays and technical issues plaguing several of its past products.<br /><br />Moreover, the idea that Optimus could become a “household staple” feels overly optimistic. Not every household is going to be eager to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a robot that might not even live up to its promises. Even if the price does come down in the future, it’s still a significant investment for technology that could face many teething problems in its early iterations.<br /><br />For now, all we can do is hope that Mr Musk’s vision comes to life — if only so we never have to worry about taking out the trash in time ever again.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114139039" title="Elon Musk reveals Tesla&amp;#39;s Robotaxi and Robovan" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br />

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