New Rare Wild Orchid Seen In UK For First Time In 100 Years
A new lady's-slipper orchid, once believed to be extinct in the UK, has been spotted in the wild for the first time in 100 years following a decades-long conservation drive, experts said Tuesday.
Over-picking by Victorian collectors, gripped by the orchid craze of the time, was thought to have made the yellow cup-shaped and purple-petalled plant extinct by the early 1900s.
But a single plant was discovered in a remote location in the Yorkshire Dales in northern England in 1930. Its location was kept secret and volunteers have since provided round-the-clock monitoring to prevent it from being stolen.
Last summer, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust -- supported by various conservation groups -- discovered the first new lady's-slipper orchid to appear in the wild since then, it said Tuesday.
It is the culmination of a decades-long bid to bring back the flower, and has sparked hopes that it could one day be restored across its former range in northern England.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust secured a grant from Natural England's species recovery programme two years ago to protect the habitat, rearing many new orchids and reintroducing plants into suitable terrains.
The new plant was spotted at one of the reintroduction sites, meaning planted-out orchids had produced seeds that had germinated into new plants.
Jono Leadley, managing the project on behalf of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, called it a "truly thrilling moment".
"To see a healthy population of lady's-slipper orchids back in their native area that are now reproducing themselves gives us real hope for the future," he said.
The orchids were propagated by London's Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, after a call for help was issued in the 1990s.
That led to a small number of privately-owned, wild-sourced orchids being offered as part of a breeding programme.
"Trying to save the lady's slipper orchid in England has been one of RBG Kew's flagship conservation projects for many years," said RBG Kew's senior research leader Mike Fay.
"It is a long-lived species, with seedlings taking many years to grow to the stage where they can flower and produce the seeds that will give rise to the next generation," he added.
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NDTV
2 days ago
- NDTV
New Rare Wild Orchid Seen In UK For First Time In 100 Years
A new lady's-slipper orchid, once believed to be extinct in the UK, has been spotted in the wild for the first time in 100 years following a decades-long conservation drive, experts said Tuesday. Over-picking by Victorian collectors, gripped by the orchid craze of the time, was thought to have made the yellow cup-shaped and purple-petalled plant extinct by the early 1900s. But a single plant was discovered in a remote location in the Yorkshire Dales in northern England in 1930. Its location was kept secret and volunteers have since provided round-the-clock monitoring to prevent it from being stolen. Last summer, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust -- supported by various conservation groups -- discovered the first new lady's-slipper orchid to appear in the wild since then, it said Tuesday. It is the culmination of a decades-long bid to bring back the flower, and has sparked hopes that it could one day be restored across its former range in northern England. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust secured a grant from Natural England's species recovery programme two years ago to protect the habitat, rearing many new orchids and reintroducing plants into suitable terrains. The new plant was spotted at one of the reintroduction sites, meaning planted-out orchids had produced seeds that had germinated into new plants. Jono Leadley, managing the project on behalf of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, called it a "truly thrilling moment". "To see a healthy population of lady's-slipper orchids back in their native area that are now reproducing themselves gives us real hope for the future," he said. The orchids were propagated by London's Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, after a call for help was issued in the 1990s. That led to a small number of privately-owned, wild-sourced orchids being offered as part of a breeding programme. "Trying to save the lady's slipper orchid in England has been one of RBG Kew's flagship conservation projects for many years," said RBG Kew's senior research leader Mike Fay. "It is a long-lived species, with seedlings taking many years to grow to the stage where they can flower and produce the seeds that will give rise to the next generation," he added.
Mint
4 days ago
- Mint
Why short bursts of cold showers are good for you
Long before Wim Hof turned ice baths into an internet spectacle, ancient Greeks bathed in cold water to rouse the senses. Romans built entire chambers—the frigidarium—around the idea. In Victorian asylums, cold dousing was used to 'correct" unruly behaviour. After a century of hot-water comfort, the pendulum is swinging back. Today, cold showers are touted for sharper focus, reduced inflammation, and mood boosts. Silicon Valley CEOs swear by them. Fitness influencers frame them as proof of grit. But beyond the invigorating jolt, what does science really say? Also read: To boost your mood, treat your brain to good food. Here's why 'Pairing short cold showers with breathwork or post-exercise recovery can significantly amplify the benefits," says Asad Hussain, founder and CEO of OddsFitness. 'When practiced mindfully, cold exposure taps into the body's natural stress adaptation systems that not only boost circulation and metabolism, but also train the nervous system to better handle real-life stress." The term for this mild, beneficial stress is 'hormesis'—a biological phenomenon where small doses of a stressor (in this case, cold) trigger adaptive benefits in the body. Cold exposure, Hussain explains, reduces systemic inflammation, enhances immune response, and activates brown fat—a metabolically active fat tissue known for burning energy to generate heat. From a cardiovascular standpoint, the body's reaction is swift and pronounced. 'Cold water exposure has an immediate impact on the cardiovascular system," explains Dr Sukriti Bhalla, senior consultant & unit head, cardiology, Aakash Healthcare, Delhi. 'The body perceives it as a stressor, which causes blood vessels to constrict and the heart rate to rise. In healthy individuals, this can actually be beneficial over time—it trains the vascular system to become more adaptable and resilient." ELEVEN MINUTES TO A STRONGER YOU One of the most talked-about trends in cold therapy is the so-called '11-minute rule"—a protocol involving a total of 11 minutes of cold exposure per week, typically broken into 2–3 minute intervals. 'This is the threshold where benefits like brown fat activation and neurochemical boosts begin to manifest," says Hussain. 'Beyond that, the returns diminish and the risks rise." Indeed, more is not always better. Chronic cold exposure can backfire, potentially straining the thyroid, disrupting hormonal balance, or even suppressing immunity in vulnerable individuals. Hussain emphasizes a 'short, sharp, and recoverable" approach. 'Controlled hormetic stress, not overwhelming stress, is the key." In the broader conversation around longevity, cold showers join an elite group of hormetic tools that include intermittent fasting and high intensity interval training (HIIT). 'Cold exposure is unique in its impact on the nervous system and inflammation control," Hussain notes. 'Fasting and HIIT target metabolic health more directly. A thoughtful combination of all three is likely the most effective strategy for long-term vitality." The biological pathways activated by cold exposure are still being mapped, but early evidence suggests links to mitochondrial function, oxidative stress reduction, and possibly even the preservation of telomere length and favourable epigenetic changes—all markers tied to aging and resilience. Also read: A (little) pain is good for you. Here's why Adopting a cold shower habit isn't just a mental challenge— it's a physiological investment. After six months, many individuals report a cocktail of improvements including enhanced circulation, better blood sugar regulation, and even hormonal balance. 'Behaviourally, people experience better stress tolerance, focus, mood elevation, and deeper sleep," says Hussain. Perhaps most notably, cold showers seem to sharpen the mind's ability to endure discomfort. 'This tolerance transfers to real life—reducing baseline anxiety and increasing clarity," he adds. In a 2008 paper published in Medical Hypotheses, researcher Nikolai A Shevchuk proposed that 'adapted cold showers" may relieve symptoms of depression by triggering neurochemical responses like increased noradrenaline and beta-endorphin release. THE CAVEATS For all its acclaim, cold exposure can be counterproductive—particularly for individuals with certain health conditions. Women with hypothyroidism or autoimmune thyroid disease may be more vulnerable to cold intolerance, Hussain explains. Likewise, those grappling with adrenal fatigue or HPA axis dysregulation—conditions marked by chronic stress—should proceed with caution. 'For them, cold exposure might increase cortisol output, worsening fatigue, anxiety, or insomnia," he warns. Minakshi Pant, 26, an entrepreneur in Delhi, learned this the hard way. 'My friends were trying cold showers—some even ice baths—so I gave it a shot," she recalls. 'But I have Raynaud's syndrome, and my symptoms worsened. My fingers went numb, and at night they would twitch painfully." Her doctor confirmed her suspicion: cold exposure had exacerbated her condition. Prolonged or very cold exposure, especially in individuals with heart disease or high blood pressure, can provoke abnormal heart rhythms or elevate blood pressure to dangerous levels," notes Bhalla. 'For most people, starting with brief exposures under two minutes and working up gradually is both safe and effective." As with any wellness trend, personalization is key. FOR GLOWING SKIN Beyond their metabolic and neurological perks, cold showers have been touted as a path to glowing, youthful skin. But how much of that is dermatology-backed reality? 'Cold water does have tangible skin benefits," says Dr Nirupama Parwanda, dermatologist and founder of Zolie Skin Clinic in Delhi. 'It can reduce puffiness, inflammation, and tighten pores temporarily. Also read: Should you try the celeb-approved lymphatic drainage massage? For individuals with oily skin, cold water may modestly reduce sebum production. 'In conditions like dermatitis or allergic reactions, cold water can help soothe irritation and reduce itching," she notes. Cold water also improves blood circulation—briefly lending the skin a more radiant, flushed appearance. But the glow is often fleeting. 'It's a combination of physical changes and how you feel after—the mood boost plays a role too," Parwanda explains. The temporary 'tightness' or brightness is not the same as lasting transformation. While most skin types can tolerate cold showers, Parwanda cautions against a one-size-fits-all approach. 'Sensitive or rosacea-prone skin may benefit from the inflammation-reducing effect of cold water during flare-ups but abrupt temperature changes can actually provoke rebound flushing in others." She warns that cold water, compared to lukewarm water, can impede the skin's ability to absorb active ingredients in topical treatments. As colder seasons approach, the situation becomes trickier. 'In winter, cold showers can exacerbate dryness, especially for those with eczema or psoriasis," she explains. 'It's important to use moisturisers rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter. And always apply sunscreen." Ultimately, the resurgence of cold showers as a wellness tool mirrors a broader cultural shift from convenience and comfort to resilience and discipline. 'Cold exposure can become a keystone habit," says Hussain, 'one that trains the mind, energizes the body, and nudges you toward a more intentional lifestyle." Tanisha Saxena is a Delhi-based independent journalist. She writes stories that are on the intersection of art, culture and lifestyle. Also read: Want to recover fast from injury? Quit fizzy drinks and alcohol
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Science meets art
Albert Einstein played the violin. You probably knew that, but did you also know that Richard Feynman played bongo drums and Alexander Fleming was an artist who experimented with 'germ painting' using pigmented bacteria? Then there were polymaths such as Leonardo da Vinci and Benjamin Franklin. It is common for ordinary folk, too, to pursue courses in the sciences and simultaneously showcase their talents in the arts. Which is why I have no hesitation presenting five fictional engineering students who are also members of a music band. #Puzzle 143.1 Alia, Bina, Chitra, Deepa and Ekta (in alphabetical order) go to the same engineering college but are in five different branches. They all like Victorian literature, but each one has a different favourite author. We meet them while they are performing on stage, each playing a different instrument for their band. (1) One of the five performers is a civil engineering student (2) The performer in the middle (two performers either side) is a fan of Dickens (3) Deepa, Bina and Ekta are left to right on stage (from the perspective of the audience) (4) The electrical engineering student is immediately right of the computer engineering student (5) The pianist, the guitarist, and the violinist appear left to right to the audience (6) The Kipling fan and Alia are side by side (7) The pianist, the mechanical engineering student, and Alia appear left to right (8) The performer wearing a silver dress is immediately left of Chitra (9) The performers wearing silver and yellow are side by side (10) The performers wearing purple, blue and black appear left to right (11) Alia is a fan of Hardy (12) The mechanical engineering student has two performers to her left and two to her right (13) The chemical engineering student and the Stevenson fan are side by side (14) The trumpeter is somewhere to the right of Alia (15) The drummer is somewhere to the right of Ekta (16) The performer in purple is a fan of Carroll (17) Alia is somewhere to the left of the performer in yellow A note to prevent any possible misunderstanding. Whenever a clue describes three persons A, B, C as being left to right, they may or may not be in consecutive positions. A fourth person D and/or a fifth person E may (or may not) be somewhere among them. For example, if ABC are left to right, then ABDCE, ADBEC, ADBEC or other combinations are all possible as long as A appears somewhere left of B, and C appears farther right than B. #Puzzle 143.2 A runner is practising on the street, doing a steady 10kph while his coach in a car keeps pace to him. The coach notices a tea stall and picks up speed, leaving the runner behind. The runner keeps moving, his speed unchanged, and has taken 29 strides by the time the car reaches the tea stall. It takes him 116 more strides to reach the stall, from where he keeps going at the same steady rate, knowing that the coach will catch up with him after he has finished his cuppa. MAILBOX: LAST WEEK'S SOLVERS #Puzzle 142.1 To work out the date of death and two birthdays in the cricket puzzle, one approach can be to look at multiples of 38 within the possible range of years. But you can also look for multiples of 39 within a smaller range, which I think is the cooler approach: Hi Kabir, The date of birth of the twins is 2 April 1989, date of birth of their granny is 25 June 1938, and date of her death is 25 June 1989. (Granny's year of birth) = (granny's age at death) x 38 (Granny's year of death) = (granny's age at death) + (granny's year of birth) This means (granny's year of death) = (granny's age at death ) x 39. Granny's year of death is a multiple of 39 and is between 1983 (World Cup she celebrated) and 2011 (World Cup celebrated by the twins). 1989 is the only year that satisfies the above. Therefore, her age at death = 1989/39 = 51, and she was born in 1938. Granny's year of death, 1989, is also the twins' year of birth. The birthday dates can be deduced from the dates that India won the World Cups in 1983 (granny) and 2011 (twins). — Sabornee Jana, Mumbai #Puzzle 142.2 Hello Kabir, Fraction of the tub filled by the 1st tap in 1 minute = 1/4 Fraction of the tub filled by the 2nd tap in 1 min = 1/5 Fraction of the tub emptied in 1 min on opening the plug = 1/10 When all three are open, fraction of tub filled in 1 minute = 1/4 + 1/5 – 1/10 = 7/20 Hence time taken to fill the tub = 20/7 minutes. — Dr Sunita Gupta, Delhi Solved both puzzles: Sabornee Jana (Mumbai), Dr Sunita Gupta (Delhi), Anil Khanna (Ghaziabad), Yadvendra Somra (Sonipat), Professor Anshul Kumar (Delhi), Kanwarjit Singh (Chief Commissioner of Income-tax, retired), Ajay Ashok (Delhi), Shishir Gupta (Indore), YK Munjal (Delhi) Solved Puzzle #142.2: Dr Vivek Jain (Baroda) Problematics will be back next week. Please send in your replies by Friday noon to problematics@
