220 million-year-old fossils found in Telangana give fresh insights into dinosaur evolution
HYDERABAD: Fossils found near Annaram village in the Pranahita-Godavari Valley have led to the identification of a new dinosaur species, Maleriraptor kuttyi. The bipedal predator lived over 200 million years ago during the Norian stage of the Late Triassic period.
Originally excavated in the 1980s, the remains were analysed and recently described in the journal Royal Society Open Science. The study places Maleriraptor kuttyi within the early dinosaur group Herrerasauria, but outside the South American subgroup Herrerasauridae. It is the first confirmed evidence of a herrerasaurian dinosaur from Gondwana, which included present-day India. It expands the known range of this group beyond South America. All previously confirmed species were found in Argentina and Brazil.
The fossil is catalogued as ISIR 282. Notable features include a vertically oriented pubis and a distinct pelvic structure. Unlike other herrerasaurians, it lacks the broad 'pubic boot', suggesting a separate evolutionary path.
The species name honours the late Indian palaeontologist TS Kutty, who discovered the fossil. The genus name, Maleriraptor, refers to the Upper Maleri Formation, where it was found, and the Latin word for 'thief', indicating its carnivorous nature.
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Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Indian Express
This Word Means: Madden-Julian Oscillation
While the southwest monsoon arrived in Kerala on May 24, eight days earlier than the normal onset date, it reached Mumbai two weeks in advance on May 26. This was also the earliest the monsoon arrived in Mumbai on record. Several large-scale atmospheric-oceanic and local factors developed and favoured the early monsoon onset but one of the key drivers was the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). What is MJO? The MJO is a moving system of winds, cloud, and pressure that brings rain as it circles around the equator. The phenomenon takes its name from the two scientists who identified it in 1971 — Roland Madden and Paul Julian, who then worked at the National Centre for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado. The system typically travels eastward at a speed of 4-8 metres per second. It goes around the globe in 30-60 days on average, but can sometimes take 90 days. As it moves, strong MJO activity often splits the planet into two parts — one in which the MJO is in active phase and brings rainfall, and the other in which it suppresses rainfall. In the active phase, MJO results in higher-than-average rainfall for that time of the year, while in the suppressed phase, the area receives less than average rainfall. An active phase is generally followed by a weak or suppressed phase, in which there is little MJO activity. The effect of the MJO is witnessed mainly in the tropical region, in the band between 30 degrees North and 30 degrees South of the equator, even though the mid-latitude regions in both hemispheres also feel its impact. India falls in this band. As the MJO cycle lasts only 30-60 days, there can be multiple MJO events in a season. There is some evidence that the MJO and El Niño — the unusual warming of sea-surface Pacific waters off the South American coast — are correlated. Thus, strong MJO activity, like this year, is witnessed in a year of strong El Niño. However, the correlation is not exclusive: a strong El Niño year — the strength being a measure of the increase of temperature of sea surface water — is generally associated with a bad monsoon. How did the MJO contribute to the early monsoon onset? In the tropics, MJO in its active phase brings frequent cyclonic activity, and can initiate the onset of the monsoon. For instance, in June 2015, the MJO resulted in about 20 days of very good rainfall in most parts of the country. This is what could have happened this year as well. That is because around May 22, the MJO, which had originated in the Indian Ocean, was in Phase 4 with an amplitude greater than 1, which is indicative of strong rainfall and storms, according to IMD's extended range forecast.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Time of India
Can mushrooms really talk? Study suggests fungi have a vocabulary of 50 words
For decades, the concept of communication has largely been reserved for humans, animals, and occasionally plants. From birdsong to bee dances, the idea that living organisms can share information is well-established. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, a groundbreaking study has opened the doors to a new realm of communication—one that takes place underground, in the hidden world of fungi. Until now, we've marveled at robotic chefs and AI-driven food technologies. But few could have imagined that mushrooms—yes, the same kind you might toss into your salad—could potentially "talk" to one another using a language-like system. This might sound like science fiction, but recent research conducted by Professor Andrew Adamatzky from the University of the West of England challenges our understanding of intelligence in non-human life forms. By analyzing the electrical signals passed through fungal networks called mycelium, Adamatzky found patterns that closely resemble the structure and complexity of human language. According to the study, these signal patterns can be grouped into "words" and may serve as a form of communication between fungi. The findings, published in Royal Society Open Science, propose that mushrooms may not only be sentient in some form but could also possess a rudimentary vocabulary of up to 50 distinct "words." The implications of such a discovery are immense, potentially redefining how we perceive intelligence, communication, and life itself in the natural world. Do mushrooms have a language? 50 'words' found in fungal signals At the heart of this discovery lies mycelium, a vast network of fungal threads that not only facilitate nutrient exchange but may also serve as a communication superhighway. Often likened to the internet for plants, mycelium connects various organisms across forest ecosystems. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It is through this web that fungi transmit electrical impulses—signals that are now believed to carry complex information. To explore these signals, Professor Adamatzky and his team monitored the electrical activity of four mushroom species: Enoki (Flammulina velutipes) Split gill (Schizophyllum commune) Ghost fungus (Omphalotus nidiformis) Caterpillar fungus (Cordyceps militaris) Using a set of microelectrodes inserted into the mycelium, researchers recorded electrical spikes over several days. They then used computational models to analyze the data, identifying spike clusters that resembled word-like structures. Remarkably, some of these patterns shared statistical properties with human language, including average word length and recurrence of certain "core" signals. The research revealed that: The fungi produced spike clusters resembling up to 50 distinct "words". The average word length was 5.97 characters, compared to 4.8 characters in English. The core vocabulary—the most frequently used signals—consisted of 15 to 20 recurring patterns. Electrical activity increased when fungi encountered food sources or damage, suggesting the signals could indicate environmental status or alert other fungi. This structured communication implies a level of complexity not previously attributed to fungi. While not equivalent to human language, the findings suggest that fungi might share information about resources, environmental conditions, or danger—fundamental aspects of any form of intelligent communication. Mushroom communication: Fascinating insight or scientific overreach? Despite the groundbreaking nature of the study, Professor Adamatzky himself remains cautious. He acknowledges that while the patterns resemble human speech statistically, there's no definitive evidence that fungi are conscious or possess language as we define it. 'I do not claim they are talking in the same way humans do,' Adamatzky stated. 'But there are lots of similarities in information processing.' Skepticism is natural with a discovery this bold. Some researchers argue that calling these electrical spikes "words" is misleading and anthropocentric. Fungal communication, they argue, could be a byproduct of basic biological processes, rather than deliberate messaging. Others believe the study is a significant first step, but caution that further peer-reviewed work is essential to validate these conclusions. Fungi talk? Rethinking intelligence and consciousness If fungi can indeed communicate using a vocabulary-like system, it challenges our traditional definitions of intelligence and consciousness. It also raises ethical and philosophical questions about how we interact with the natural world. Could forests be engaging in silent dialogues below our feet? Understanding fungal communication could inspire new bio-mimetic technologies. Electrical signal-based messaging systems in fungi might pave the way for environmentally sensitive AI, sustainable agriculture practices, and even new forms of computing modeled on biological substrates. What comes next? Future research and exploration The study has already prompted calls for deeper investigation into fungal intelligence and cross-species communication. Future research may include: Real-time monitoring of fungal networks in natural ecosystems. Exploring whether fungal signals influence plant behavior. Decoding the "syntax" or order of fungal words. Investigating potential responses to music, light, or human speech. 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Time of India
22-05-2025
- Time of India
Meet nature's 11 most foul-smelling creatures in the animal kingdom on Earth
Unlike humans, animals aren't bothered by their scent or foul smell—often because it helps them survive. For many species, emitting a foul odor is an effective defense mechanism, deterring predators and rival animals, or even keeping humans at bay. There are some famous animals in the animal kingdom who are considered to be the most foul-smelling creatures in the animal kingdom on Earth. These stinky creatures range from the infamous stinkbird of South America, which releases an unbearable scent, to the bombardier beetle, capable of spraying a noxious liquid with explosive force. From smelly mammals to foul-smelling insects, the animal kingdom is full of creatures that use their stench as a powerful weapon. Here are 11 of the most foul-smelling animals found on Earth. Most smelliest animals on Earth The stinkbird This bird is also known as 'hoatzin' and has the strangest system of digestion among birds because where most of the bird uses hindgut to digest their food, this bird uses bacteria in its foregut-much like grazing mammals such as cows. This fermentation process occurs in a two-chambered crop and produces a strong manure-like smell due to which the indigenous people in South America only eat the hoatzin as a last resort. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Despite what it's foul smell might suggest, the hoatzin doesn't eat anything nasty-which means that it's a strict herbivore, living on a diet of leaves, flowers and fruit. source: The southern tamandua The southern tamandua-also called the lesser anteater to set it apart from its larger relative, the giant anteater-is just as smelly as a skunk and depending on taste,not much of a looker either. Though it smell enough to be an easy prey for predators like jaguars, this South American mammal has a potent defense that it releases a foul-smelling odor from a gland near the base of its tail. And that's not all- its strong, prehensile tail helps it navigate trees, while its powerful limbs and sharp claws are capable of swatting a curious margay right out its path. source: The bombardier beetle It's easy to picture the bombardier beetle acting like a villain from a movie, which dramatically rub its forelimbs together that looks like they are showing off the two chambers that they got from which one holds hydroquinone and the other is full of hydrogen peroxide-which is the same stuff used by humans to bleach their hair. By mixing them together, we can get a chemical reaction that hits boiling point, creating a blast of stinky smell. This beetle's explosive defense is deadly to other insects and does not affect humans. Interestingly, the evolution of its unique defense system has long sparkled debate among proponents of intelligent design. The wolverine Here comes the real-life wolverine which is among the smelliest animals on the planet. They are even given the name of 'skunk bear' and 'nasty cat' because of their powerful bad odor. Despite the name, wolverines aren't related to wolves as they are actually mustelids, part of the same family as weasels, badgers and ferrets, who all are also known for their musky smell. Unlike some animals that use their smell for self-defense, wolverines mainly use their strong-smelling anal gland secretions to mark territory and attract mates during breeding season. The king ratsnake When it comes to snakes, most people think that they are only about venomous bits or crushing coils and not foul odors. But the king ratsnake from Asia breaks that myth. They are nicknamed as 'stink snake' or 'stinking goddess' because they releases a powerful, unpleasant smell from its post-anal glands when it feels threatened. You might expect such a defense mechanism in a small vulnerable snake but the king ratsnake can grow up to eight feet long and even preys on other snakes, including the notoriously nasty Chinese colors. The hoopoe The hoopoe, a common bird found across Africa and Eurasia, isn't constantly foul-smelling—but just enough to leave a lasting, unpleasant impression. During nesting or egg incubation, the female's preen gland changes to secrete a foul-smelling substance reminiscent of rotting flesh, which she smears on her feathers. Hatchlings, regardless of sex, have similarly modified glands and take defense a step further by explosively—and pungently—defecating on intruders. Given these charming traits, it's no surprise hoopoes are rarely seen in pet stores. The tasmanian devil You might recall the Tasmanian devil as the wild, slobbering cartoon foe of Bugs Bunny. In reality, it's a carnivorous marsupial native to Tasmania, and while it doesn't spin like its animated counterpart, it definitely has a flair for foul odors. When under stress, it emits a powerful stench that can discourage predators from making a move. That said, most people don't get close enough to experience the smell firsthand—thanks to the devil's harsh screeches and its tendency to noisily and messily devour its prey, which are often more than enough to keep observers at a distance. The striped polecat Another smelly member of the mustelid family—alongside skunks and wolverines—the striped polecat is infamous for its foul odor. Interestingly, when cowboys in the Old West spoke of shady "polecats," they were actually referring to striped skunks, not this African species they likely didn't even know existed. The striped polecat uses its strong-smelling anal glands to mark territory, and when threatened, it assumes a classic warning posture—arched back, raised tail, and rear end aimed directly at the threat—before unleashing a stinging, blinding chemical spray toward a predator's eyes. The musk ox Being around a group of musk oxen in mating season is a bit like stepping into an NFL locker room after a grueling overtime game—there's a strong, distinctive odor that you'll either find oddly appealing or downright overwhelming, depending on your tastes. In early summer, male musk oxen produce a pungent secretion from glands near their eyes and rub it into their fur to advertise their readiness to mate. This powerful scent draws in females, who linger nearby while the males engage in dramatic head-to-head clashes to establish dominance. (By human standards, their behavior can seem harsh—dominant males have been known to confine females within the herd and even deliver forceful kicks if they don't cooperate.) The skunk The skunk is arguably the most famous smelly animal on the planet because its reputation precedes it. Unless you've been living in total isolation, you probably know that skunks don't hesitate to spray predators—or overly curious humans—when they feel threatened. And despite the common myth, tomato juice isn't very effective at eliminating the odor. According to the Humane Society of the United States, the best remedy is a mix of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. The fun fact is that there are around a dozen skunk species, including the well-known striped skunk and the lesser-known Palawan stink badger. The sea hare Underwater, 'smell' takes on a different meaning than it does on land or in the air—but that doesn't stop marine creatures like fish, sharks, and crustaceans from reacting strongly to noxious chemicals. Few sea animals deliver a more potent dose than the sea hare, a soft-bodied mollusk known for its toxic defense. When threatened, it releases a vivid purple cloud that acts like a knockout gas, disrupting a predator's sense of smell almost instantly. To make things worse for would-be attackers, the sea hare is also toxic if eaten and coated in a slimy, transparent secretion that's both unappealing and mildly irritating. Surprisingly, despite all this, it's considered a delicacy in parts of China, where it's often deep-fried and served in a strong-smelling sauce. Also read: Reptile history rewritten with discovery of footprints 40 million years older
