Latest news with #IrishPotatoFamine
National Geographic
31-07-2025
- Science
- National Geographic
Scientists finally know where potatoes come from—and the answer is very weird
New research traces the genetic ancestry of the popular root vegetable to a brief plant romance millions of years ago. A new study shows that the tomato gave rise to the modern clade of potatoes by hybridizing with another ancient plant species millions of years ago. Photograph by Mark Thiessen Tomato to potato? To-mah-to to po-tah-to? Turns out, we can thank the tomato for our beloved potato. A new study, published in Cell, has traced the genetic origins of our modern potatoes. The results show that a cross-breeding event eight to nine million years ago between an ancient tomato relative and another ancient plant gave rise to the first potato. That plant romance resulted in a gene combination that grew a thick, starchy tuber—the birth of the iconic spud we all know and love. How researchers traced the potato's lineage More than just a delicious ingredient in our favorite meals, potatoes are the world's third most important staple crop. They can grow by sticking part of a tuber in the ground, which grows into another plant—a clone of the first which can accumulate bad mutations over time. The potato as we know it today contains a lot of harmful mutations that can make the plant more delicate. 'We would like to purge them,' says Sanwen Huang, a genome biologist at Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen in China, who was involved in the study. He's on a mission to develop a new hybrid potato, one that has fewer bad mutations and can also be grown from seeds, as opposed to modern potatoes, which cannot. If more potatoes were grown from seeds, scientists could prune out the bad mutations, as well as the dangers from disease that clones are prone to. After all, no one wants another Irish Potato Famine. Potatoes are in the plant genus Solanum, the same genus responsible for tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers, to name a few. It's 'one of the flowering plant genera that has more than 1,000 species,' explains Sandra Knapp, a plant taxonomist at the Natural History Museum in London, who was involved in the study. Limited Time: Bonus Issue Offer Subscribe now and gift up to 4 bonus issues—starting at $34/year. Knapp is interested in finding the relationships between the plants in the genus, so she teamed up with Huang. 'He's interested in potatoes. We're interested in Solanum,' Knapp says. 'We realized that there was something interesting here.' Using full genome sequences, Knapp and her colleagues constructed a family tree with six potato species and compared it with 21 other Solanum species. They also compared another 128 genomes to figure out just how closely potato species aligned with the other species. Potatoes, they showed, are related both to the tomato group and to another group of plants called Etuberosum. 'It's a little tiny lineage, only three little species,' Knapp says. Above ground, Etuberosum look just like potatoes, but unlike the modern potatoes, ancient and modern Etuberosums and tomatoes can't make tubers. But when that ancient tomato and an Etuberosum crossed all those years ago, a hybrid group called 'Petota' was formed. This new group gave way to the tuber. The science of spuds But if the ancient tomato and Etuberosum couldn't produce tasty tubers, why could Petota? The scientists found the new group inherited a mix of genes from the two ancient plant groups that produced a strong spud. For example, the tomato donated SP6A, a gene that turns on tuberization (yes, that's the technical term). Meanwhile, Etuberosum brought IT1 to the table, which controls tuber growth. This genetic jumble came at just the right time. The tomato group of plants generally prefers hot and dry conditions, Knapp notes, while Etuberosum likes it cold and wet. But around 10 million years ago, the Andes mountain range began to rise up on the Western coast of South America. The new heights offered conditions that were cold, but also dry. Petota's energy-storing tubers 'allowed these new plants to expand into these new environments in the high Andes,' Knapp explains. The future of potatoes Many times, hybridization doesn't have a good outcome, notes James Mallet, an evolutionary biologist at Harvard University, who was not involved in the research. 'It's not good to kind of make a mess of your genes like that,' he says. But 'occasionally you will get weird combinations of genes that couldn't have evolved within each lineage—it's like you're shaking the dice again.' Those new combinations could make a big difference if there are new habitats to colonize, possibly allowing new species to arise. And arise they did. Today, there are 107 wild potato species. Ole Seehausen, an evolutionary ecologist at the University of Bern in Switzerland, says the study is the first time someone has shown a key evolutionary invention—the tuber—produced by the hybridization of two species. Those tubers themselves, he notes, could have helped the potatoes succeed after that shake of the genetic dice. Reproducing by tuber alone has its downsides for disease. But it also means the new Petota didn't immediately need to mate to pass on its new genetic tangle. The ability to clone itself 'allows hybrid lineages that….really cannot sexually reproduce, to still survive,' he notes, until it could regain fertility. Huang hopes to use the new understandings of the tomato-to-potato path to potentially create healthier potato plants. He could use the tomato plant as a platform for new genes, and reintroduce them to the potato, he says, 'as tomato is essentially free of deleterious mutations.' In the end, he hopes to make potato seeds—human-driven hybridization to help our French fries clean out their harmful mutations.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
From larger chromosomes to bigger intenstines, the reasons why women outlive men
Social media is full of memes showing men doing reckless stunts with captions like, 'This is why women live longer than men.' While entertaining, these memes barely scratch the surface of the real reasons behind the gender longevity gap. According to a new book - 'The Stronger Sex: What Science Tells Us About the Power of the Female Body' of Starre Vartan - the truth is far more scientific—and fascinating. In an article on CNN, Starre citing numerous studies said that women tend to outlive men, even under extreme conditions like famines, epidemics, and slavery. As per Starre, this trend persists across history and geography, suggesting deep-rooted biological advantages. Genetics, hormones, and even the structure of the female body all contribute to this survival edge. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 모발이식 46만원 할인 받는 방법! 500모~1000모 진행가능 지원할인 모발이식 더 알아보기 Undo She cited a 2018 study published in PNAS, which examined data from seven historical populations affected by crises like the Irish Potato Famine, Icelandic measles outbreaks, and slavery in Trinidad. The study found that women consistently lived longer than men—sometimes even as newborns—under brutal conditions. So, what gives women this edge? Live Events The Genetic and Hormonal Advantage A key factor lies in the XX chromosome pairing. Unlike males, who inherit one X and one Y chromosome, females have two Xs. The X chromosome is much larger and carries nearly 10 times more genes, many of which play critical roles in immune function. This genetic surplus provides women with a stronger and more adaptable immune system. Dr. Sharon Moalem, neurogeneticist and author of The Better Half, notes that this double-X setup allows women to 'out-mutate' men immunologically, giving them an edge in the fight against constantly evolving viruses and bacteria. Estrogen, a hormone found in higher levels in women, also plays a role in enhancing immune responses. Stronger Immune Responses Female bodies generally exhibit stronger immune responses—both in the innate system (the first line of defense) and the adaptive system (which targets specific pathogens). Women have higher levels of neutrophils (infection-fighting white blood cells) and more robust B cell activity, allowing them to produce more targeted antibodies and retain immunological memory longer. This makes them better equipped to handle repeat infections and vaccinations. However, this powerful immunity comes at a cost: women are more prone to autoimmune diseases and are more likely to live with chronic illnesses after surviving conditions that could be fatal to men. Testosterone: A Risky Trade-Off On the other hand, testosterone—present in higher levels in males—appears to weaken immune function. Animal studies show that removing testosterone improves immunity, while adding it suppresses it. Evolutionarily, this might be a trade-off: testosterone may boost competitiveness and reproductive success, but it also increases the risk of infections and disease. Lifestyle Factors Also Matter Men, on average, are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors—smoking, heavy drinking, and dangerous activities—and hold more physically hazardous jobs. However, even in populations where men and women live similar lifestyles, women still tend to outlive men, suggesting biology plays the dominant role. Anatomy Plays a Part, Too Recent research led by microbial ecologist Erin McKenney and anthropologist Amanda Hale at North Carolina State University uncovered another surprising difference: women's small intestines are significantly longer than men's. Published in PeerJ in 2023, the study found this anatomical trait allows women to extract more nutrients from food—a possible evolutionary adaptation to support pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Extra.ie
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Inside Miriam O'Callaghan's family life as RTE presenter to release memoir
Miriam O'Callaghan is one of the country's most recognisable broadcasters. The RTÉ presenter, who's been with the national broadcaster for over three decades after working in the BBC, has worn many hats over the years — including hosting Saturday Night with Miriam, Sunday with Miriam on RTÉ Radio One, and Prime Time — making her one of the most well-known presenters on RTÉ. Now, Miriam has announced that she will be releasing a memoir in October, admitting that she is 'really nervous' about telling her story. Sharing the news on social media, she wrote: 'At first I planned it to be just about my work as a journalist, but I soon realised it was impossible to separate the personal and professional parts of my life, that's why it's about life, work and everything. 'In truth I am really nervous about telling my story, that's probably why it took me so long to write it. All I hope is that people will read it and find it interesting, authentic, entertaining and hopeful.' But what of her personal life? Miriam O'Callaghan at the IFTA Awards 2025 at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre. Pic: Brian McEvoy Miriam was born in Foxrock, Dublin in 1960, and is the elder sister of the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan. Her younger sister Anne passed away from cancer, aged just 33. Her father Jerry was a civil servant in the Department of Energy, but tragically and suddenly passed away from a stroke in 1995. Miriam went on to study law in UCD, and completed a post-grad in European Law — qualifying as a solicitor in 1983. From there, she went on to work as a researcher for a production company after moving to London with her then-husband, poet Tom McGurk — with the pair sharing four daughters together before splitting in 1995. Miriam and her second husband Steve Carson met while working for the BBC, marrying in 2000 and sharing four sons. Pic: Eamonn Farrell/ After Miriam and Tom called time on their marriage, Miriam met her now husband Steve Carson when they both worked on BBC Newsnight — falling 'head over heels' for each other while working on a film about the Irish Potato Famine. However, Miriam ended up going back to Ireland to care for her sister Anne, while Steve remained in the UK — although he was more than understanding of why Miriam had to head home, as he had also lost his mother to cancer when he was a young child. The pair went on to marry in 2000, and after having four girls in her first marriage, Miriam and Steve had four sons — totalling eight children altogether for the broadcaster. Steve currently works for the BBC, with Miriam saying that despite the long distance relationship she wants her husband to be happy. Pic: VIP Ireland With Miriam's career thriving in the national broadcaster, Steve began working behind the scenes — becoming RTÉ's Television Director of Programs in 2009. He was then made the editor of current affairs, and Director of Video, before returning to the BBC where he became BBC NI's Head of Production. He was also heavily involved in launching BBC Scotland back in 2019, with Miriam admitting that a long-distance relationship was tough with her in Dublin and Steve in Scotland. 'I think what matters is that you both end up doing something that you love so that you feel fulfilled,' Miriam told RSVP at the time. 'You've only got one life and I don't want to be on my deathbed wondering what I did with my life. I want to fill every moment of it doing what I enjoy. 'I want my husband Steve to be happy to be able to do what he wants and we are back together before you know it, the week apart flies.' In 2021, Miriam became a grandmother for the first time — after her daughter Alannah McGurk welcomed her first child, a daughter named Éabha, into the world. Speaking on being a grandmother, Miriam said that Éabha was a 'magnificent little girl,' and revealed that Éabha's middle name was a touching tribute to her late sister. 'As you know I have always been careful not to talk about my children and I am conscious that she is not my child, but what I will tell you is that she is a magnificent little girl,' Miriam told VIP at the time. 'She is ten months old, her name is Éabha Anne; they named her Anne after my late sister, and she is divine. I absolutely love her.'
The Independent
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Tory MP appeared to make ‘offensive' Irish potato famine remark, Commons told
A senior Conservative MP appeared to make 'offensive and insensitive' comments about the Irish potato famine, the Commons has heard. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith, responding to a question, said he was not sure if a person could 'subsist entirely on a seed potato' before adding it 'may have been tried historically and not with enormous success'. Labour MP Adam Jogee said the words appeared to reference the mid-19th century tragedy, which resulted in around one million deaths after the potato crop failed in successive years. Speaking during a Commons debate on the economy on Wednesday, Liberal Democrat MP Jamie Stone (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross) intervened to raise the seed potato industry. He said: 'We have been crying out to get the best of Scottish seed potatoes into European markets, and therefore I do say thank you to the Government for this, it means a lot to farmers, and I have had very positive comments about it. I am being absolutely fair-minded about that.' Mr Griffith, in his reply, said: 'I am not sure if one can subsist entirely on a seed potato, I think that may have been tried historically and not with enormous success, but I congratulate the honourable member on the success of his seed potato industry.' On Thursday, Mr Jogee (Newcastle-under-Lyme) raised a point of order in connection with the remarks made by Mr Griffith. After Mr Jogee read out the words spoken by Mr Griffith in the debate, one MP could be heard saying: 'Shocking.' Mr Jogee, who chairs the all-party parliamentary group on Ireland and the Irish in Britain, added: 'These words appear to be referencing the tragedy of the Irish potato famine which, if true, is of course offensive and insensitive and, of course, would have taken place at the time in the United Kingdom. 'So can you please advise on how best we can remedy any offence caused by outlining the process for an honourable member to withdraw such a statement?' Deputy Speaker Judith Cummins replied: 'The chair is not responsible for the shadow secretary of state's remarks but the honourable member has put his point on the record.'
Time Business News
15-05-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Discover the Hidden Benefits of Irish Sea Moss Today
Irish Sea Moss has 92 of the 102 minerals our bodies need. This makes it great for your whole body. It makes skin more elastic and moist. It heals gut problems. It helps your thyroid work better. It boosts your immune system. These benefits come from special compounds in the plant. People take it as gel or powder. You can also find it in skin care items. Most users see good results in 2-3 weeks. Irish Sea Moss grows along rocky shores in the Atlantic Ocean. It has healed bodies for hundreds of years. This red algae started as a folk remedy. Now it's a popular superfood. Many people miss this simple plant among trendy health foods. It contains lots of minerals and vitamins. These nutrients feed your body from the inside out. Irish Sea Moss can help with all these things. Let's look at how this sea plant can make you healthier. It deserves a spot in your daily health routine. Irish Sea Moss is a red seaweed that grows in the Atlantic Ocean. Many Irish sea moss benefits come from its 92 minerals our bodies need. People have used it for centuries as both food and medicine. Irish Sea Moss is a type of red algae. People also call it carrageen moss or sea moss. It grows on rocky shores in the Atlantic Ocean. You can find it in Europe and North America. The name makes you think it's only from Ireland. But it grows in many places. It even grows in the Caribbean. The warm water types look a bit different. Sea moss sticks to rocks where tides go in and out. The water covers and uncovers it each day. This tough life makes the plant create special compounds. These same compounds help human health. Irish Sea Moss was used as medicine long before science proved it worked. During the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s, it became survival food. It gave people nutrients when food was scarce. People in the Caribbean have used 'Irish Moss' for many years too. They often make drinks with it. They believe these drinks boost male strength. The plant became a modern superfood when tests showed what was in it. The Irish sea moss benefits include 92 of the 102 minerals our bodies need. This fact turned Irish Sea Moss from an unknown plant into a popular health product. Irish Sea Moss contains more nutrients than most plants. One of the main Irish sea moss benefits is its high levels of iodine, potassium, calcium, and iron. These minerals work together to support your whole body. Irish Sea Moss stands out because of its mineral richness. One serving gives you lots of important minerals. It has iodine for thyroid health. It contains potassium for heart and muscle health. The calcium amount beats most plant foods. It provides magnesium that many diets lack. Iron in it helps plant-based eaters. Zinc supports your immune system. Selenium works as an antioxidant. These minerals come in natural forms. Your body can absorb them better than pills. They work together in perfect balance. Irish Sea Moss has more than just minerals. The Irish sea moss benefits extend to vitamins A, E, F, and K. It contains B vitamins and folate. It even has vitamin C, which is rare in sea plants. You get essential amino acids too. It also provides antioxidant compounds. This wide range of nutrients explains why sea moss helps so many body parts. It doesn't just give one nutrient. It gives many that work together. Sea moss can change how your skin looks and feels. The skin-related Irish sea moss benefits include building collagen that keeps skin firm and young. The gel-like compounds create a shield that locks in moisture. Irish Sea Moss has effects on skin health. It contains sulfur and vitamins. These support collagen production. Collagen is the protein that keeps skin firm and stretchy. Our bodies make less collagen as we age. Getting help from outside becomes more important. Taking sea moss helps keep skin strong from the inside. Putting it on skin brings good compounds right to the surface. Many users say their skin gets a 'youthful bounce' in areas that used to sag. Sea moss is great at keeping moisture in skin. It has special complex sugars. These form a film that protects skin. This film locks in moisture that's already there. These moisture benefits help people with dry or sensitive skin. Many with eczema or psoriasis find great relief when using it regularly. Sea moss fights acne naturally. It has compounds that kill bacteria without harsh chemicals. The zinc in it helps control oil production. Too much oil often causes stubborn acne. It also has anti-inflammatory parts that reduce redness and swelling. Sea moss treats acne differently than other products. Many acne treatments strip the skin. Sea moss balances and supports all skin health while fixing specific problems. Sea moss acts like medicine for your digestive system. The digestive Irish sea moss benefits are impressive. It feeds good bacteria in your gut. The gel-like texture coats and protects your intestines. Irish Sea Moss helps digestion with its prebiotic qualities. It has special fibers called algal polysaccharides. These feed the good bacteria in your gut. Many prebiotics only feed certain bacteria types. Sea moss feeds many kinds. This creates a more balanced gut system. This help for your microbiome leads to better digestion. It improves how you absorb nutrients. Many people have less bloating and gas when taking sea moss. Sea moss helps people with bowel problems or leaky gut. It works in several ways. The gel-like texture coats and protects your digestive tract. It has compounds that reduce inflammation. The minerals help repair your gut lining. It fights bad microbes that might grow too much. Many people find sea moss works when medicines don't. It gives lasting relief from long-term stomach problems. Sea moss fiber works like a gentle broom inside you. It binds to toxins, heavy metals, and waste in your digestive system. Then it helps remove them. It's not like harsh laxatives or extreme detox plans. Sea moss supports your body's natural cleaning process. It doesn't drain nutrients or cause pain. This detox help extends to your liver and kidneys too. The minerals in sea moss help these key filtering organs work better. Sea moss strengthens your body's defense system. It fights both viruses and harmful bacteria. It also helps control inflammation that can weaken immunity. Research shows Irish Sea Moss has antiviral powers. It contains special compounds that stop viruses. These compounds keep viruses from sticking to your cells. This is the first key step in viral infection. Sea moss isn't a cure for illness. But taking it may help you catch fewer common viral infections. Many people get sick less during cold and flu season. Those who take sea moss often say their symptoms don't last as long. Sea moss also balances bacteria in your body. It targets harmful bacteria. At the same time, it supports good bacteria. This creates a place where bad germs can't easily grow. This germ-fighting action helps more than just your gut. It supports your whole immune system. It helps your body keep its natural defenses strong. Many immune problems come from wrong inflammation responses. Sea moss has compounds that control inflammation. They turn it on when needed for healing. They prevent the ongoing low inflammation linked to many health problems. This balanced approach helps people with autoimmune issues. It also helps those with inflammatory conditions. Sea moss contains iodine that your thyroid needs to work right. When your thyroid works better, your metabolism improves. This can help with energy and weight control. Your thyroid needs enough iodine. It uses this to make key hormones. These hormones control metabolism, energy, and many body functions. Irish Sea Moss is one of nature's best sources of usable iodine. This matters today when many people avoid iodized salt and seafood. Sea moss is better than plain iodine pills. It gives you iodine plus other nutrients that help your body use it right. This prevents both too little and too much iodine. Many people notice better energy and metabolism when taking sea moss. This likely happens for several reasons. Better thyroid function supports proper metabolism rate. Improved nutrient absorption gives cells more energy. Balanced minerals help control blood sugar. Less inflammation allows proper metabolic signals. Sea moss won't make you lose weight like magic. But it can help if you're working on healthy weight through diet and exercise. You can add sea moss to your daily life in several ways. Make gel at home or buy supplements. You can also apply it directly to your skin for beauty benefits. The best way to prepare sea moss is to make a gel. You can add this gel to many foods and drinks. First, rinse dried sea moss well to clean off salt and dirt. Then soak it in filtered water for 12-24 hours. It will expand and get soft. Next, blend it with fresh water until smooth. Last, put it in the fridge until it forms a gel. This takes about 2-3 hours. This gel stays good for 2-3 weeks in the fridge. You can add it to smoothies. Use about 2 tablespoons. It works as a thickener in soups and stews. Mix it into homemade salad dressings. Add it to desserts and puddings. You can even put it in tea or coffee. The mild ocean taste goes away in most foods. This makes it easy to use even if you're picky about flavors. If you want something easier, you can find good supplements. These come as capsules. They're usually 1000mg each. Take 1-2 daily. You can get powders. Use 1-2 teaspoons daily mixed in drinks. You can also buy premade gels. Follow the directions on the package. When buying supplements, check where the sea moss was harvested. Look for products that mention testing. Choose ones that use minimal processing. This keeps more nutrients in the product. For skin benefits, try using sea moss directly on your skin. Add sea moss gel to your regular moisturizer. Use one part gel to four parts moisturizer. Make a face mask with sea moss gel and honey. Buy skin care products with sea moss listed as an ingredient. You can apply diluted gel right on your skin as a hydrating serum. Many people see clear improvements in skin texture and moisture within days of starting these uses. Sea moss works in stages. You'll see some benefits in days while others take months. The effects build up over time with regular use. Most people notice changes quickly. Your digestion gets more comfortable. You may have less bloating. Your bowel movements become more regular. Your skin looks more hydrated. The texture of your skin improves. You might have more energy. Many people sleep better too. These early benefits come from better mineral levels. They also come from early digestive support. If you keep using sea moss, you'll see more benefits. Your skin becomes clearer. You may have fewer breakouts. Your immune system works better. Your energy stays more steady throughout the day. Any inflammation symptoms may decrease. Your hair and nails grow stronger. The biggest benefits happen with long-term use. Chronic skin conditions can improve a lot. Your gut health changes in major ways. Thyroid markers may return to normal if they were off before. Your joints may feel more comfortable. They might move more easily too. Your overall health and resistance to illness improves. Not all sea moss products are equal in quality. Some may contain extra things you don't want. Also, sea moss can interact with certain medicines. Not all sea moss products are the same quality. Check where the sea moss was harvested. Wild-harvested is different from pool-grown. See if the company tests for heavy metals and toxins. Look at how they process it. Raw sea moss differs from heat-treated kinds. Check what else is in pre-made products. The best products tell you about sourcing and processing. Choose ones with few extra ingredients. Sea moss is safe for most people. But be careful in some cases. Some people are sensitive to iodine. This is rare but possible. Sea moss can interact with blood-thinning medicines. It has natural blood-thinning qualities. It might affect thyroid medicines. Take them at different times. If you're pregnant or nursing, ask your doctor first. Like any supplement, talk to your doctor before starting. This is extra important if you have health issues. It also matters if you take other medicines. New research keeps proving what people knew for centuries about Irish Sea Moss. This makes it more popular in the health world. What makes this sea plant special is how it helps your whole body. It doesn't just fix one problem. It gives basic nutrition that helps many body systems work better. Maybe you want better overall health. Irish sea moss benefits gives you a natural, lasting option. People have used it for hundreds of years. Now science backs up these old uses. Like any health practice, you need to be consistent. Add this ocean treasure to your daily habits. Watch how it changes your health over time. Sea moss doesn't work overnight like some miracle cure. Instead, it gently supports your body's natural processes day after day. Many health trends promise quick fixes. Irish Sea Moss reminds us that nature's best remedies work with our bodies. They support balanced, lasting health that continues for years. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
