Study Suggests Early Risers May Have Neanderthal DNA
Video Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories - Duration: 01:31s - Published
Study Suggests Early Risers May Have Neanderthal DNA
Study Suggests Early Risers , May Have Neanderthal DNA.
'The Independent' reports that new research suggests that
people who go to bed and wake up early likely share
DNA with extinct Neanderthal or Denisovan relatives.
.
'The Independent' reports that new research suggests that
people who go to bed and wake up early likely share
DNA with extinct Neanderthal or Denisovan relatives.
.
Researchers at the University of California in San Francisco
compared genes from early-rising people alive today with
DNA from Neanderthals and Denisovans to uncover the link.
Researchers at the University of California in San Francisco
compared genes from early-rising people alive today with
DNA from Neanderthals and Denisovans to uncover the link.
We’ve found many Neanderthal
variants that consistently associate
with a propensity for
being a morning person, Tony Capra, an evolutionary geneticist at the University of California, San Francisco, via 'The Independent'.
According to Tony Capra, an evolutionary geneticist
involved with the study, said that many modern humans
likely carry the genes which helped their ancestors adapt.
We don’t think that being a morning
person is actually what was beneficial.
Rather, we think it is a signal of
having a faster running clock that
is better able to adapt to seasonal
variation in light levels, Tony Capra, an evolutionary geneticist at the University of California, San Francisco, via 'The Independent'.
At higher latitudes it is beneficial
to have a clock that is more flexible
and better able to change to match
the variable seasonal light levels, Tony Capra, an evolutionary geneticist at the University of California, San Francisco, via 'The Independent'.
'The Independent' reports that
homo sapiens migrated to Eurasia from
Africa approximately 70,000 years ago.
Upon arriving, they encountered Neanderthals,
who were already well adapted to
life in the colder, northern climate.
The further north you go, the shorter
and shorter the days get in winter
when food is particularly scarce,
so it makes sense for Neanderthals
and humans to start collecting food as
soon as there is any light to work by, Professor Mark Maslin, Professor at the University
College London, via 'The Independent'.
Both Neanderthals and Denisovans disappeared
from the fossil record about 40,000 years ago,
after living for hundreds of thousands of years.
McDonald's Posts , Disappointing Q1 Results , Amid Ongoing Boycotts.
'The Independent' reports that McDonald's posted weaker-
than-expected results in the first quarter of 2024, as a result
of a boycott over the company's perceived support for Israel. .
'The Independent' reports that McDonald's posted weaker-
than-expected results in the first quarter of 2024, as a result
of a boycott over the company's perceived support for Israel. .
According to McDonald's, higher sales in the
United States helped the fast-food giant overcome
weakness in markets where the brand is being boycotted.
According to McDonald's, higher sales in the
United States helped the fast-food giant overcome
weakness in markets where the brand is being boycotted.
The company saw same-store sales rise by
1.9% worldwide between January and March,
below the Wall Street forecast of 2.1%.
Increased menu pricing and delivery demand
saw same-store sales in the U.S. increase by 2.5%.
In international markets, sales fell
by 0.2% for the first time since 2020.
Despite this, McDonald's said the company's revenue
increased 5% to reach $6.17 billion, while net income went
up 7% to $1.93 billion, in-line with Wall Street estimates.
'The Independent' reports that Muslim-majority
markets like Indonesia, Malaysia and the Middle East
have been boycotting McDonald's for months.
The boycotts started after a McDonald's franchise in
Israel announced in October that it would provide free
meals for Israeli troops amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
In the months since then, the company has tried to limit
the fallout by taking over all 225 McDonald's in the country
with the purchase of Alyonal Limited, its Israeli franchise.
Our hearts remain with
the communities and families
impacted by the war in the Middle East.
We abhor violence of any kind and
firmly stand against hate speech,
and we will always proudly
open our doors to everyone, McDonald's statement, via 'The Indepndent'.
Our hearts remain with
the communities and families
impacted by the war in the Middle East.
We abhor violence of any kind and
firmly stand against hate speech,
and we will always proudly
open our doors to everyone, McDonald's statement, via 'The Indepndent'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Negotiations on Global Treaty , to End Plastic Pollution , Reach Critical Phase .
'The Independent' reports that negotiators from around
the world have met to discuss what could become
a global treaty meant to end plastic pollution. .
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on
Plastic Pollution has begun agreeing on treaty language
at their fourth of five scheduled plastics summits.
The most ambitious and contentious
idea revolves around limiting how much
plastic can be manufactured globally.
As most plastics are made from fossil fuels
and chemicals, oil and gas exporters
have strongly objected to the limitations, along
with plastic-producing countries and companies.
According to Stewart Harris, an industry spokesperson
with the International Council of Chemical Associations,
the treaty also focuses on recycling and reuse. .
We want to see the treaty
completed. We want to work
with the governments on
implementing it. The private
sector has a role to play, Stewart Harris, an industry spokesperson
with the International Council of Chemical
Associations, via 'The Independent'.
'The Independent' reports that the Scientists’
Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty provided
scientific evidence on plastic pollution at
the negotiations.
I heard yesterday that there’s
no data on microplastics,
which is verifiably false:
21,000 publications on micro and
nanoplastics have been published, Bethanie Carney Almroth, an ecotoxicology professor at Sweden's University of Gothenburg who co-leads the coalition, via 'The Independent'.
Ecuador's chief negotiator, Walter Schuldt stressed that
countries present at the negotiation share a common
vision of moving forward in the treaty process.
Because at the end of the day,
we’re talking about the survival
of the future of life, not only
of human life but all sorts
of life on this planet, Walter Schuldt, Ecuador's chief
negotiator, via 'The Independent'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
A group representing the fired
workers said the total number of staff
terminated for protesting is now over 50. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
Last week, workers held sit-in
protests at Google's offices in both
New York and Sunnyvale, California.
The protests were organized by the group
No Tech For Apartheid, who said that 30 workers
were fired following the initial sit-in. .
According to Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for
No Tech For Apartheid, Google has now fired
"over 20" more workers, “including non-participating
bystanders during last week’s protests.”.
Google’s aims are clear:
the corporation is attempting
to quash dissent, silence
its workers, and reassert
its power over them, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
Google has disputed the group's claims,
stressing that the company carefully found that, “every single one of those whose employment
was terminated was personally and definitively
involved in disruptive activity inside our buildings.”
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Upcoming , Lyrid Meteor Shower , May Be Hard to See.
'The Independent' reports that skywatchers
looking to catch the Lyrid meteor shower
may be foiled by the moon. .
This year's peak activity occurs
on April 21 and 22, with up to
20 meteors expected per hour. .
Potential viewing should
last through April 29. .
However, the American Meteor Society
warns that strong moonlight
may interfere with viewing. .
Every year, multiple meteor showers
occur and don't require special
equipment to see them. .
For the most part, meteor showers originate
from debris left behind by comets, like the Lyrids,
which come from the comet Thatcher. .
As these space rocks enter the Earth's atmosphere,
air resistance makes them extremely hot,
which causes the air around them to glow.
This glow leaves a fiery trail behind
the meteor, which can be observed
from the ground as a "shooting star.".
Look to the northeast and just
keep staring at the same spot
in the sky. It's always impressive
when you see these things, Don Pollacco, University of Warwick
astronomer, via 'The Independent'.
The Lyrids are best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere,
while the upcoming Eta Aquarids meteor shower
can best be seen from the Southern Hemisphere.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion , Investment in Leading , UAE Technology Firm.
Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion , Investment in Leading , UAE Technology Firm.
'The Independent' reports that Microsoft has announced
a $1.5 billion investment in a leading United Arab
Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm. .
'The Independent' reports that Microsoft has announced
a $1.5 billion investment in a leading United Arab
Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm. .
The deal, overseen by the UAE's powerful national security
adviser, will see Microsoft president Brad Smith join
technology holding company G42's board of directors.
The deal, overseen by the UAE's powerful national security
adviser, will see Microsoft president Brad Smith join
technology holding company G42's board of directors.
The UAE's national security adviser,
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the
current chairman of G42's board of directors. .
In a statement released on April 16, Microsoft
said the deal “was developed in close consultation
with both the UAE and U.S. governments.”.
In a statement released on April 16, Microsoft
said the deal “was developed in close consultation
with both the UAE and U.S. governments.”.
G42, which runs data centers in the Middle East
and elsewhere, has built the world's leading
Arabic-language AI model, Jais. .
According to Microsoft, G42 will move its
AI applications and services over to the U.S.
tech giant's cloud computing platform. .
According to Microsoft, G42 will move its
AI applications and services over to the U.S.
tech giant's cloud computing platform. .
The deal will also look to bring digital infrastructure
to regions that G42 has already established
a presence, including the Middle East and Africa.
'The Independent' reports that G42 previously cut ties with
Chinese hardware suppliers to limit U.S. concerns that
the company was closely tied to the Chinese government.
'The Independent' reports that G42 previously cut ties with
Chinese hardware suppliers to limit U.S. concerns that
the company was closely tied to the Chinese government.
Prior to Microsoft's investment, the company
reportedly faced allegations of spying for its
connection to a mobile phone app identified as spyware.
The tech company also faced accusations
that it gathered genetic material from
U.S. users for the Chinese government. .
The tech company also faced accusations
that it gathered genetic material from
U.S. users for the Chinese government.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Venezuela , Loses Its Last Glacier , Amid Rising Global Temperatures.
BBC reports that scientists have warned that Venezuela
may be the first country to have lost all of its glaciers
after the nation's last glacier was downgraded to an ice field.
According to the International Cryosphere Climate
Initiative (ICCI), Venezuela's last remaining glacier
has now become "too small to be classed as a glacier.".
In the last 100 years, Venezuela
has lost at least six other glaciers.
As a result of global average temperatures rising, ice loss
is increasing globally, which in turn is raising sea levels.
There has not been much
ice cover on the last Venezuelan
glacier since the 2000s. Now it's
not being added to, so it has been
reclassified as an ice field, Dr Caroline Clason, a glaciologist at Durham University, via BBC.
According to researchers at the University of
Los Andes in Colombia, Venezuela's last glacier has
already shrunk from 450 hectares to under two.
BBC points out that while there is no global
standard for the minimum size that qualifies a body
of ice as a glacier, the United States Geological Survey
says 10 hectares is a commonly accepted minimum. .
The Venezuelan government's plan to cover the remaining
ice with a thermal blanket to stem the thawing process
was met with criticism from local climate scientists.
However, Professor Mark Maslin, a professor of earth
system sciences at University College London, cautioned
that mountain glacier loss was "not directly reversible.".
Once a glacier’s gone,
the sunlight heats the ground,
makes it much warmer and makes
it much less likely to actually
build ice up over the summer, Professor Mark Maslin, a professor of earth system
sciences at University College London, via BBC
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
San Francisco's iconic Fisherman's Wharf district is experiencing an unprecedented surge in sea lions, with over one thousand spotted at Pier 39, the highest number in 15 years.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:00Published
This Day in History:, The Great San Francisco Earthquake.
April 18, 1906.
At 5:13 a.m., an earthquake
struck offshore of San Fransisco,
a city with a population of 400,000 at the time.
The quake was felt from
southern Oregon to Los Angeles,
and ruptured 296 miles of the San Andreas fault.
Destroying San Francisco's water mains,
the quake ignited massive, devastating
fires all over the city that could not be combated.
The fires burned for days,
resulting in the deaths of more than
3,000 people and destroying more than 28,000 buildings.
More than half of the city was
left homeless by the disaster.
Damages were estimated to close to $15 billion in
today's dollars. The recovery and rebuild allowed city
planners to make great improvements to San Francisco
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:57Published
OJ Simpson, the NFL star acquitted of m-rder charges, has died at 76, confirmed by his family on social media. Despite legal controversies, including a civil suit finding him liable for deaths, Simpson's legacy spans football, acting, and media. Born in San Francisco, he rose to fame at USC, then excelled with the San Francisco 49ers and the Buffalo Bills before transitioning into Hollywood.
#OJSimpson #NFLStar #NFL #OJSimpsonDead #OJSimpsonnews #Footballnews #Simpsons #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
~HT.97~ED.194~
Remembering Maya Angelou.
Marguerite Annie Johnson was born on
April 4, 1928, and died on May 28, 2014.
Here are five
facts in honor
of the poet.
1. Angelou was the second poet
in history to read a poem at a
presidential inauguration.
2. She worked with both
Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.
3. She was named Wake Forest University's first Reynolds Professor of American Studies in 1982.
4. Angelou was the
first Black woman to
conduct a streetcar
in San Francisco.
5. Prior to becoming
a poet, she was in an
opera, ‘Porgy and Bess,’
and a journalist.
Happy Birthday,
Maya Angelou!
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:52Published
These US Cities, Have the Highest Populations of, Millionaires.
According to a report by Henley & Partners,
the United States remains the top country in the
world for private wealth creation and accumulation.
Quartz reports that the U.S. accounts
for about 32% of global liquid investable
wealth, valued at approximately $67 trillion.
Here are some of the cities
with the largest populations of
millionaires, according to the report.
Austin, This Texas city had the biggest explosion
in millionaire growth in the U.S. over the past
ten years, reaching 32,700 by the end of 2023. .
Miami, This Florida city is home to
35,300 millionaires and 15 billionaires,
including Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.
Boston, While having just eight billionaires,
the fewest of any other city on the list,
this New England city is home to , 42,900 millionaires.
Seattle, This Washington State city is the home of
some of the largest corporations in the U.S.,
including Amazon and Microsoft. It's also
home to 54,200 millionaires and 11 billionaires. .
Chicago, Approximately 120,500 millionaires
live in this Midwestern metropolis. .
Los Angeles, The second-most populous city in the U.S. has about, 212,100 millionaires and 43 billionaires.
San Francisco, The tech hub of the U.S. boasts the most
billionaires with a whopping 68, as well as
the second-most millionaires with 305,700. .
New York, The city with the most high
net worth individuals has about , 349,500 millionaires
and 60 billionaires
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
A new study published in Genome Biology and Evolution found links between the DNA of ancient hominids called Neanderthals and Denisovans and modern humans who report being early risers. Veur’s Matt..