2-foot-long ocean predator with ‘blade-like' teeth discovered as a new species
Off the southern coast of India, shrimp trawlers hauled in their nets and realized they'd accidentally caught a 2-foot-long deep-sea predator. They took it to port and gave it to scientists — and for good reason.
It turned out to be a new species.
A team of researchers visited a fishing harbor in Kerala several times in 2023 to survey the hauls brought in by shrimp trawlers. Their focus wasn't shrimp, though; their focus was the other accidental catches, according to a study published May 25 in the peer-reviewed Indian Journal of Fisheries.
During their visits, researchers collected a few 'dusky' sharks from the trawlers, the study said. Intrigued, they took a closer look at these sharks, analyzed their DNA and realized they'd discovered a new species: Iago gopalakrishnani, or the Indian houndshark.
Indian houndsharks are considered 'small,' reaching up to 35 inches in length, the study said. They have 'slender' bodies and rough-textured skins. Their 'short' heads have a 'pointed' snout, 'large' oval eyes and 'arched' mouths with 'sharp and blade-like' teeth.
Photos show the coloring of the new species, which varies between males and females.
Male sharks have a darker hue and look 'blackish to dark brown' when freshly caught, researchers said. Females have a lighter hue and look 'dark chocolate brown to blackish brown.'
Much about the lifestyle of Indian houndsharks remains unknown.
Shrimp trawlers caught these deep-sea sharks between depths of about 1,000 to 1,300 feet, the study said. 'This species is abundant in the fishery bycatch in the south-west coast of India and forms a minor fishery.'
Researchers said they named the new species after the late A. Gopalakrishnan, an 'eminent marine fish geneticist,' because of 'his valuable contributions to fish conservation, sustainable management of Indian fisheries and his support' for the study co-authors.
So far, Indian houndsharks have been found in the Arabian Sea off the southwestern coast of India, the study said.
The new species was identified by its body proportions, coloring, gills, fin shape, mouth shape and other subtle physical features, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had at least 4% genetic divergence from related species.
The research team included K. K. Bineesh, Sweta Beura, Moumita Das, M. Nashad and K. V. Akhilesh.
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Rice Recalls That Affected Millions
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. As it's a staple food and foundational grain for billions of people, and a primary ingredient in so many dishes across numerous culinary cultures, it's tough to underestimate the importance of rice. Whether it's white or brown, long grain or short grain, eaten on its own or with a traditional Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Italian, or Spanish dish, to cite just a few examples, rice is a vital part of the global food chain and nutritional landscape. That makes it all the more frightening, concerning, and potentially disastrous when rice is beset by danger. So much of it is harvested, dried, processed, packaged, and distributed that it invites plenty of opportunities for adulteration or contamination. Rice can be ruined, and turned into a conduit for injury or even death, by the presence of food-borne illness-causing bacteria, harmful allergens, inedible materials, poison, and other factors. Here are all of the times that rice makers have had little choice but to issue a recall, attempting to bring back all the bad rice it put out into the world so as to limit the harm to huge populations it would otherwise unleash. Read more: Bologna Brands That Use The Highest Quality Ingredients And The Ones You Should Avoid NatureMills manufactures a number of rice-based, Indian and Indian-inspired packaged goods out of its main production facility in Texas. In addition to dried soup mixes, spice blends, porridges, and papads, many of NatureMills' products are rice-based mixes that combine dried rice with carefully selected spice blends. To get all the flavors right requires a host of ingredients, and during a self-audit, NatureMills representatives discovered that many of its products had been sent to market, sold, and consumed with common and potentially harmful allergens within, and that they hadn't been properly mentioned on the packaging. On May 13, 2025, NatureMills issued a recall through the FDA, covering seven rice mixes, four soups, two spice blends, a porridge mix, and three rice-derived papad and vadam mixtures. A total of 17 different products and 56 separate batch codes were involved in the recall, which had been sold as early as December 1, 2023, and as late as May 10, 2025. At that point, there hadn't been reported illnesses over customers accidentally ingesting ingredients to which they were allergic. All of those goods -- including sesame rice, dal garlic rice, curry leaf rice, horsegram rice, and chili rice -- may have contained remnants of wheat, milk, or sesame, and their presence hadn't been noted on the product, necessitating the recall. Wild rice isn't actually rice, biologically speaking, but it resembles and tastes like the real deal in so many ways that it's more or less interchangeable with the authentic stuff. Wehah Farms, parent company of Lundberg Family Farms, is a major distributor of wild rice blends, and in May 2024, it instituted a recall of one particular product that had been sold in as many as seven states. Lundberg Family Farms Sustainable Wild Blend Gourmet Rice is a combination of black, brown, red, and wild rice, as well as an extra, unintended ingredient in potentially 4,600 cases of the product. About 27,000 individual units of 16-ounce bags of the rice blend were ordered returned to the manufacturer. Under FDA guidelines, the Class II recall meant that negative health effects were potentially in order for anyone who ate the tainted product. At some point in production, inedible material, reported to be originating in rodents, made its way into the rice. No illnesses related to eating the Lundberg Family Farms Sustainable Wild Blend Gourmet Rice had been reported at the time of the recall, or in the weeks after. Potentially a red flag when grocery shopping at Target: Production of the big box retailer's relatively new Good and Gather grocery line is outsourced to numerous industrial food suppliers. Otis McAllister, for example, is responsible for Good and Gather Organic Jasmine Rice. In September 2023, Otis McAllister worked with the FDA to recall more than 2,900 cases of the jasmine rice, a quantity consisting of more than 17,400 individual, large-size 30-ounce pouches. The possibly tainted product had been sent to 27 Target distribution facilities on their way to retail outlets. An inspection had uncovered the presence of insects in a sample of the rice, specifically rice weevils. While that's not an immediate pathogen, it's still gross enough that a recall was required. That Otis McAllister recall was deemed over and settled by January 2024, but just two months later, the rice maker was already at work on another pull-back. In March 2024, the California-based company announced a recall of its Emerald River Premium Thai Jasmine Rice. Sold in grocery stores through Washington state, Texas, Utah, and Oregon, 2,700 bags of the bulk, 50-pound size of the product with an expiration date of September 2025 (135,000 pounds of product, in total) bore the possibility of containing a dangerous foreign object: tiny shards of broken glass. Trader Joe's shelves and freezers are stocked almost entirely with private label or store-branded edible merchandise. The small-supermarket chain contracts with many food manufacturers to produce its Trader Joe's-named products, including Mama Vicky's. In 2023 and 2024, Mama Vicky's was the real company behind Trader Joe's Chicken, Lentil, and Caramelized Onion Pilaf with Saffron Basmati Rice, Dark Chicken Meat, Dates, and Golden Raisins. The rice-based dish was sold in 14-ounce frozen packages, and designed to be a heat-and-eat product. 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The Illinois-based rice distributor issued its own recall the same week as Factor's due to the possible presence of glass, asking for the return of more than 50,000 pounds overall of rice sold in 10 lot numbers in 25-pound bags under multiple brand names. Among the brands included in the recall: Woodland Ingredients, Sysco, and DGourmet. Per federal law, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires food producers to clearly and accurately warn consumers through package labeling if the food inside contains even a trace of any of the most common food-based allergens. Those ingredients include sesame, tree nuts, eggs, and dairy items. If someone with an allergy purchases and eats a product that unknowingly contains a medically forbidden ingredient, great sickness or even death could occur. When a company makes and distributes a food which they discover after the fact contains an allergen, and they didn't disclose that information on the box or bag, generally a recall goes into effect. 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The Iberia Foods Corp. was more or less forced into such a situation in September 2014, when it received reports that its Yellow Rice Spanish Style product was giving off color and taste that differed from the norm. Chalking it up to a quality control issue, Iberia Foods recalled multiple lots of the dried and heavily seasoned rice, meant to be a pantry staple. The problem in one of the production lines may have been a slight change in recipe, with supplemental Vitamin B1 switched out in favor of Vitamin B2 in another. Beyond that, Iberia never provided the public, or federal food safety agencies, any information as to why so much of its rice had a strange and unappealing taste and look. Uncle Ben's rice has a new name: Ben's Original. But in late February 2014, under its original branding, umbrella company Mars Food U.S. recalled a large quantity of the brand's flagship convenience rices because of consistency issues with both the product and the packaging in which it was distributed to stores around the country. During an internal inspection, Mars employees noticed a significant number of 8.8-ounce boxes of Uncle Ben's Ready Rice Original Enriched Long Grain White Rice were riddled with holes. Those samples came from production lots that had already been shipped out to grocery and retail stores in 20 states, primarily in the U.S. southeast and Midwest. Determining that other boxes out of sight had also been punctured, and similarly leading to spoiled rice inside, a recall went out requesting the return of 3,329 cases of product, or roughly 40,000 boxes. No accounts of illnesses were reported during the time in which the recall was active, although the rice reportedly boasted both an incorrect appearance and smell. Almost simultaneously with the recall of 40,000 units of Ready Rice due to hole-laden boxes full of rice gone wrong, Uncle Ben's rice was subject to a second manufacturer return program, and for possibly much more serious and mysterious reasons. On February 6, 2014, Mars U.S. recalled 140,225 units total of Uncle Ben's Infused Rice Mexican Flavor. The company had received complaints from the public that after eating the seasoned rice, they experienced a mild flushing sensation, but which both appeared and disappeared in a matter of hours. Recalled were five-pound and 25-pound wholesale-intended permutations of the Uncle Ben's rice. Three days later, the recall expanded to include more products and sizes in the Uncle Ben's Infused line. Mars asked customers to return for refund five- and 25-pound containers of chicken, garlic and butter, pilaf, saffron, cheese, and Spanish varieties. Consumption of those products also led to flushing, and Mars believed a production issue was to blame, but it didn't disclose any other clarifying information. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
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Asia-Pacific Transdermal Skin Patches Market Outlook 2025-2033: Trends for Pain Relief, Smoking Reduction & Cessation Aid, Overactive Bladder, Hormonal Therapy, and Other Applications
Innovations in microneedle and smart patch technologies are boosting efficacy and compliance, while government healthcare initiatives enhance access. Major players include Teva Pharmaceutical, 3M, and Johnson & Johnson. Growth is notably strong in China, India, and Japan due to demographic and health trends. Asia-Pacific Transdermal Skin Patches Market Dublin, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Asia-Pacific Transdermal Skin Patches Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033" has been added to Asia-Pacific Transdermal Skin Patches Market is expected to reach US$ 3.96 billion by 2033 from US$ 2.76 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 4.10% from 2025 to 2033. Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, aging population, requirement for pain-free drug delivery, technological innovation, growth in healthcare infrastructure, and rising awareness of self-administered therapies that ensure convenience and improved patient compliance are the key drivers of the transdermal skin patches market in Asia-Pacific. Several significant factors are behind the consistent rise of the transdermal skin patch market in Asia-Pacific. The increasing prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease is a key driver, since it increases the need for safe, non-invasive drug delivery systems. Increased demand for user-friendly and convenient pharmaceutical solutions is also being driven by the ageing population in the region, most notably in countries such as China and Japan. Efficiency in drug delivery and compliance among patients are being enhanced by advances in technology in the form of smart patches and microneedle technology. In addition, the application of transdermal therapies in the region is being encouraged and access enhanced by government healthcare initiatives as well as increases in healthcare infrastructure. Growth Drivers for the Asia-Pacific Transdermal Skin Patches MarketRising prevalence of respiratory disease The Asian Pacific market for transdermal skin patches is growing largely because of the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. Owing to sedentary lifestyles, environmental influences, and aging populations, chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, COPD, and cancer are on the rise. The incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Indian non-smokers, for instance, ranged from 1.6% to 26.6%, a meta-analysis study published in the Reviews on Environmental Health journal in November 2023 revealed. Also, India detects over 1.39 million new cancer cases every year, the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology says. Long-term medication is often required for most diseases, and transdermal patches offer a steady, non-invasive, and effective route of drug delivery that enhances patient compliance. Demand for effective and convenient treatment options, like transdermal patches, is expected to grow tremendously across the region as the incidence of chronic diseases rises. Technological Advancements The Asia-Pacific market for transdermal skin patches is growing with a swift pace due to technology advancements that raise patient comfort, therapeutic efficacy, and medication administration effectiveness. Transdermally treatable disorders have widened as a result of innovations such as microneedle patches, sensor-embedded smart patches, and better adhesives. These technologies enhance patient compliance, especially among the elderly and the chronically ill, through the delivery of controlled, sustained, and painless medication. Teikoku Seiyaku Co. Ltd. and Kowa Company Ltd.'s April 2023 marketing in Japan of ALLYDONE Patches 27.5 mg and 55 mg for the treatment of dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease is a good case in point. This launch highlights how innovative patch technologies can be employed to treat neurologic diseases. These technological innovations are expected to greatly boost the adoption of transdermal patches across the Asia-Pacific market as research and development proceed. Ageing Population The aging population of the Asia-Pacific region is one of the key drivers of the market for transdermal skin patches. The demand for non-invasive, easy-to-use medicine delivery methods is increasing as the elderly population grows, especially in countries such as China and Japan. China's National Bureau of Statistics announced in January 2022 that the nation's population would be around 1.412 billion in 2021 and is likely to increase to 1.43 billion by the year 2026. Due to their ease of use, sustained drug delivery, and minor side effects, transdermal patches are a preferred option for this aging group, which is often required to take long-term medication for ongoing diseases. The demand for transdermal patches in the region is being fueled by the ability to administer medicine oneself without constant hospital visits, which fits the demands of an aging population. The demand for these advanced distribution systems is expected to evolve further as the number of elderly individuals increases. Challenges in the Asia-Pacific Transdermal Skin Patches MarketLimited Drug Permeability One major obstacle facing the Asia-Pacific transdermal skin patch business is limited medication permeability. The kinds of pharmaceuticals that can be administered via patches are limited by the ineffectiveness of certain drugs un penetrating the epidermal barrier. This restriction lessens the transdermal patches' adaptability and keeps them from being applied to a wider variety of conditions. Skin penetration technologies are being improved by researchers, but this problem will prevent the market from expanding until these developments are widely adopted. Skin Irritation and Sensitivity Significant obstacles in the Asia-Pacific transdermal skin patch industry are skin sensitivity and irritation. Patients may stop wearing the patches regularly if they experience skin problems including rashes, redness, or allergic reactions after using them for an extended period of time. This may limit the market's potential and lower patient compliance. Manufacturers are working to address this by creating hypoallergenic, skin-friendly materials and advancing patch adhesive methods to reduce irritation and improve user comfort, but these issues continue to exist. Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2024-2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $2.76 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $3.96 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.1% Regions Covered Asia-Pacific Key Topics Covered1. Introduction2. Research & Methodology3. Executive Summary4. Market Dynamics4.1 Growth Drivers4.2 Challenges5. Asia-Pacific Transdermal Skin Patches Market5.1 Historical Market Trends5.2 Market Forecast6. Asia-Pacific Transdermal Skin Patches Market Share Analysis6.1 By Type6.2 By Application6.3 By Distribution Channel6.4 By Countries7. Type7.1 Matrix7.2 Reservoir7.3 Drug-in-Adhesive7.4 Other Types8. Application8.1 Pain Relief8.2 Smoking Reduction and Cessation Aid8.3 Overactive Bladder8.4 Hormonal Therapy8.5 Others9. Distribution Channel9.1 Hospital Pharmacies9.2 Retail Pharmacies9.3 Online Pharmacies10. Countries10.1 China10.2 Japan10.3 India10.4 South Korea10.5 Thailand10.6 Malaysia10.7 Indonesia10.8 Australia10.9 New Zealand10.10 Rest of Asia-Pacific11. Porter's Five Forces Analysis11.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers11.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers11.3 Degree of Rivalry11.4 Threat of New Entrants11.5 Threat of Substitutes12. SWOT Analysis12.1 Strength12.2 Weakness12.3 Opportunity12.4 Threat13. Key Players Analysis13.1 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.13.2 3M Company13.3 Nitto Denko Corporation13.4 Johnson & Johnson13.5 Luye Pharma Group13.6 Bayer AG13.7 Novartis AG13.8 Beiersdorf AG13.9 Viatris Inc.13.10 Abbott Laboratories For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Asia-Pacific Transdermal Skin Patches Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
Yahoo
a day ago
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Old protest clip filmed in Pakistan-held Kashmir, not India
"The video is said to be from Jammu and Kashmir," reads the Hindi-language caption to the video filmed from a serpentine mountain road. "After ceasefire, as CRPF and CISF troops were returning from borders, Muslim traitors attacked their convoy with stones," adds the May 26, 2025 Facebook post, using the acronyms for paramilitary organisations functioning under India's Home Ministry (archived link). "In response, the forces opened fire. Chaos ensued, in which nine stone pelters slipped and died. The army recorded the entire incident via drone. Several security vehicles were damaged." Similar posts also rocketed on X and Threads following the worst fighting between India and Pakistan in decades that brought the nuclear-armed rivals to the brink of war. The crisis was triggered by an attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir that New Delhi accuses it neighbour of supporting. Islamabad denies the charge. More than 70 people on both sides died in the four-day military confrontation that ensued, which ended with an unexpected ceasefire on May 10 (archived link). AFP found no official reports the incident described in the false posts occurred following the crisis, and the circulating video has been misrepresented. A reverse image search of keyframes found a longer version published on Facebook on May 15, 2024 (archived link). "Kashmiris Pelting Stones At The Convoy Of Pakistani Security Forces In Pakistan Occupied Kashmir," reads its caption. An AFP journalist watched the video and was able to identify the mountain pass as Lohar Gali in Pakistan-administered Kashmir's Muzaffarabad region. Corresponding visuals on Google Maps confirm the location (archived link). Pakistani news outlets Dawn and Geo News Urdu embedded similar visuals in reports about the incident (archived here and here). According to Dawn newspaper, at least three civilians were killed and several others injured after a paramilitary force operating under the Pakistan Army opened fire at people protesting against rising prices of wheat-flour and inflated electricity bills (archived link). AFP has debunked the barrage of misinformation around the recent South Asia crisis here.
