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Researchers Reveal Graviton-Induced Uncertainty Relation in Gravity

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Researchers have made an important discovery in trying to combine two areas of physics—classical gravity and quantum mechanics. They found a new type of uncertainty relation, which comes from the noise made by gravitons. Gravitons are hypothetical particles that scientists believe may carry the force of gravity. Studying these particles could help us understand quantum gravity, which has been a difficult problem in physics for a long time. Difference Between Classical and Quantum Physics Classical physics explains how large objects like planets, cars, or people behave using well-known rules, such as Newton’s laws. Quantum physics, on the other hand, deals with the strange behaviors of tiny particles, like atoms and electrons, which follow different rules. The challenge for scientists is to create a theory that works for both big objects (classical physics) and tiny particles (quantum physics), especially in extreme places like black holes or around neutron stars. What is Quantum Gravi
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Sweden Reports First Case of mpox Strain outside Africa

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The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Sweden became the first country outside of Africa to report a case of the emerging clade I variant of mpox, on August 15, 2024. Due to the rapid spread of clade 1b, a variant of clade 1, the WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). In the United States, mpox has been detected in wastewater at three locations, mainly in California and Illinois, linked to clade II, which was part of the 2022 outbreak. The more dangerous clade I, common in Africa, has not been detected in the US. Statistics and Spread: In 2024, over 2,100 confirmed mpox cases and 13 deaths were reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and eleven other countries, including Burundi, Cameroon, and Nigeria. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, which saw 1,145 confirmed cases and seven deaths. Vaccine Development: In response to the outbreak, the WHO is fast-tracking the Emergency Use Listing (EUL) process for mpox
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Ancient Ice Core Reveals Genomes of 1,700 Viruses

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Scientists from the United States have made a remarkable discovery of over 1,700 ancient viruses in ice core samples taken from the Guliya Glacier on the Tibetan Plateau. Some of these viruses are over 40,000 years old. The study, led by Zhi-Ping Zhong of Ohio State University, offers valuable insights into how viruses have evolved and survived in response to changing climates. Ice Core Sampling Ice cores are cylindrical samples drilled from glaciers, which allow scientists to study layers of ice that have built up over thousands of years. Each layer holds important environmental information, including preserved microorganisms like viruses. The ice core from the Guliya Glacier is 310 meters long and provides samples from different climatic periods, making it a valuable resource for studying ancient climates and viral history. Genomic Analysis The research team used advanced techniques to extract DNA and sequence the genomes of the viruses found in the ice. They identified 1,705 differ
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UN Calls for Urgent Action on Rising Sea Levels

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited Tonga to highlight a serious global issue—rising sea levels. He spoke at the Pacific Islands Forum, emphasizing how quickly sea levels are increasing and the dangers this poses, especially to low-lying nations like Tonga. Understanding Rising Sea Levels Rising sea levels mean that the ocean water is getting higher over time. This is happening faster than ever before, mainly because of climate change. The Pacific region, where Tonga is located, is seeing some of the fastest rises in sea levels, with some places experiencing rates more than twice the global average. The two main reasons for this are: Warmer Oceans: As the ocean water gets warmer, it expands and takes up more space. Melting Ice: Glaciers and ice sheets in places like Antarctica and Greenland are melting, adding more water to the oceans. How Does This Affect Coastal Communities? Rising sea levels have several harmful effects on communities living near the coast, including: Mor
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Philippines Accuses China of Aggressive Actions in South China Sea

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The Philippine government accused China of acting aggressively and illegally in the South China Sea. This accusation came after a series of confrontations between the two countries at sea and in the air. The situation has increased tensions between the Philippines and China, reflecting the ongoing disputes over control of this important region. What is the South China Sea Dispute? The South China Sea is an important area in Southeast Asia, surrounded by countries like Brunei, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. These countries have been arguing for a long time over who controls different parts of the sea. These disagreements have become more serious recently because China has become more powerful and is trying to assert more control over the area. Historical Background In 1947, China’s Nationalist government created a map that showed the “nine-dash line,” which is a boundary that claims about 90% of the South China Sea as part of China. Even though the Na
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India Celebrates First National Space Day on August 23

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India celebrated its very first National Space Day on August 23, 2024. The theme for the day was “Touching lives while touching the Moon: India’s space saga,” highlighting how the country’s space missions impact everyday life while also reaching extraordinary heights, like the Moon. This date is special because it marks the anniversary of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which successfully landed on the Moon in 2023. This achievement made India the fourth country in the world to land on the Moon and the first to land at the Moon’s South Pole. The Importance of Chandrayaan-3 The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a major milestone in India’s space journey. It showed how much progress India has made in space technology and how determined the country is to explore space. By successfully landing on the Moon, India strengthened its reputation in the global space community, proving that it is a significant player in space exploration. Celebrations Across India Across the country, many institutions celebrat
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Astronomers Discover New Method to Study Solar Magnetic Fields

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Astronomers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have come up with a new way to study the Sun’s atmosphere by looking at its magnetic fields in different layers. This is a big breakthrough because it uses data from a special telescope called the Kodaikanal Tower Tunnel Telescope. By understanding these magnetic fields better, scientists can learn more about how the Sun works, including things like the solar wind, which affects us here on Earth. Understanding the Solar Atmosphere The Sun’s atmosphere is made up of several layers, each connected by complicated magnetic fields. These magnetic fields are like pathways that move energy and particles from inside the Sun out to its outer layers. One of the big mysteries in solar physics (the study of the Sun) is why the Sun’s outer layer, called the corona, is so much hotter than its surface, and these magnetic fields might hold the answer. Why Magnetic Fields Matter To really understand how the Sun works, scientists need to measure
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