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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Did a simple cleanup cost this man $742 million? The shocking 12-year hunt for lost Bitcoin
A Routine Cleanup With Life-Altering Consequences James Howells' Story Becomes the Plot For Docuseries Decade-Long Quest Live Events The Courtroom Drama FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel In 2013, James Howells was just an ordinary IT worker in Newport, South Wales, doing what most of us do, tidying up his office space. What he didn't realise at the time was that his routine clean-up would accidentally toss away a hard drive holding 8,000 Bitcoins, as per a report. Back then, those Bitcoins were worth $8 million, and today, that same digital wallet is valued at around $742 million, as per Daily Galaxy single mistake turned Howells' life into a treasure hunt for more than a decade, and now after 12 years, his story is being turned into a docuseries and is set to be released in late 2025, as per the report.A Los Angeles-based production company called LEBUL has bought the rights to tell Howells' story in a new docuseries, podcast, and short-form content named 'The Buried Bitcoin: The Real-Life Treasure Hunt of James Howells," reported had mined the Bitcoins in the early days of cryptocurrency, but like many at the time, he didn't fully grasp the value of what he had. The private key to the fortune was stored on a hard drive that ended up in a Newport landfill—lost under tonnes of trash, according to Daily Galaxy Bitcoin's value skyrocketed, so did Howells' determination to recover what he'd lost, but it was not easy to dig up the landfill to find his hard drive, according to the Howells didn't just sit back and mourn his loss, he made plans for high-tech solutions, including AI-powered drones and robotic systems, to safely search the landfill without causing environmental damage, reported Daily Galaxy. He had even offered to fund the project himself and asked just for the Newport City Council's permission to access the landfill, but the permission never came, according to the officials denied permission due to the potential dangers of disturbing the landfill, which could cause the release of toxic gases and the contamination of water sources, reported Daily 2024, his fight had reached its final chapter in court as a British judge ruled his recovery efforts had 'no realistic prospect' of success, as per the report. The judge also had highlighted many factors that made the case untenable, like the condition of the hard drive after more than a decade of exposure to moisture, pressure, and extreme temperatures, as per Daily Galaxy. After the ruling, his search came to an official was tossed into a landfill in Newport, South Wales, where it remains buried under tons of waste.A docuseries titled 'The Buried Bitcoin' is in production by LEBUL, along with a podcast and short-form content.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Farmer discovers gold worth €4 billion on his private land – here's what happens next
A farmer in central France has discovered a large gold deposit on his private land, with early estimates suggesting it could be worth more than €4 billion. The discovery has attracted national attention, but any excitement was short-lived. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The French government has suspended all activity at the site, citing the need for a detailed review. Officials say they will assess environmental impacts and legal questions before allowing any further steps. What could have been a major personal breakthrough is now on hold, as authorities weigh the implications of such a significant find. , a 52-year-old farmer from the Auvergne region, was inspecting his land as usual when he noticed something unusual in a nearby stream. 'I was just doing a routine check of my land,' he said, as quoted by Daily Galaxy. 'Then I saw this strange shine in the mud. When I dug a little deeper, I couldn't believe what I was holding in my hands.' What found were real gold nuggets. News of the discovery spread quickly, drawing the attention of experts. Early assessments suggest the land could hold over 150 tonnes of gold– an amount that surprised even experienced geologists, as reported by Daily Galaxy Soon after, government officials arrived at the site. Michel was informed that, under French natural resource laws, no mining or extraction would be allowed until thorough environmental and legal reviews are completed. 'They told me nothing can happen until all the tests are done. I understand the need for caution, but it's hard not to be disappointed,' Michel said, as quoted by Daily Galaxy. The land has now been sealed off from any commercial activity as environmental studies and legal reviews get underway. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In France, natural resources are tightly regulated, even when found on private property. The government retains authority over what lies underground, and any discovery must go through a detailed approval process before any potential extraction or profit can move forward. In the nearby areas, reactions have been mixed. Some residents view the discovery as a potential economic boost for a region that usually stays out of the spotlight. Others are concerned about the possible impact of industrial mining on the local environment and the area's quiet way of life. 'We love the peace and quiet of our countryside. I hope all this doesn't change everything overnight,' a local woman said, highlighting growing concerns among residents, as quoted by Daily Galaxy. Environmental groups have also raised concerns, warning that the long-term damage from mining could outweigh any short-term economic benefits. The Auvergne region is known for its rich biodiversity, and large-scale extraction could have lasting effects on the natural landscape. Meanwhile, Michel, who once lived a quiet, private life, is now at the centre of growing attention. Reporters, officials, geologists, and speculators have begun arriving, turning his land into a hub of activity and making privacy increasingly difficult to maintain. 'My life is like an open book now,' he said, as quoted by Daily Galaxy. 'Every day, someone new is asking questions. Some people are even trying to buy land nearby, hoping they'll get lucky too. '
Iraqi News
03-05-2025
- Science
- Iraqi News
New Mammal Species Discovered in the Age of Dinosaurs
INA-sources A recent discovery in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia, has unveiled a new mammal species that dates back to the Late Cretaceous period, predating the rise of the dinosaurs by millions of years. The Discovery of Ravjaa ishiii The fossil in question belongs to a previously unknown genus and species of mammal named Ravjaa ishiii. This tiny mammal, no larger than a mouse, was found in the Baynshire Formation during a joint expedition in 2019. The species name honors Dulduityn Danzanravjaa, a respected 19th-century Buddhist monk, and the late Kenichi Ishii, who helped establish the research partnership between Mongolia and OUS. A Tiny Fossil with Big Implications The fossil, a one-centimeter partial lower jaw, has been identified as belonging to the Cretaceous mammal family Zhelestidae. Despite its small size, the fossil displays some remarkable features. Its unusually tall molars and distinctive jaw shape set it apart from other known relatives, leading the study to conclude that it represents a new genus and species. This is the first time a Zhelestid has been recorded in Mongolia. Scientists believed that Zhelestidae primarily thrived along ancient coastlines, but this discovery shows that they also inhabited inland areas during the Late Cretaceous period. Ecological Insights from the Cretaceous Period The age of the Baynshire Formation, where the fossil was found, corresponds with the early spread of angiosperms, or flowering plants. These plants were an essential part of the terrestrial ecosystem during the Late Cretaceous, and their presence may have influenced the diets of early mammals. The robust nature of the molars of Ravjaa ishiii suggests that it likely fed on seeds and fruits. As Tsukasa Okoshi, the lead author and OUS doctoral candidate, remarked, 'Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the publication process took longer than expected, but we were finally able to establish the scientific importance of this specimen.' Source: Daily Galaxy
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Residents stunned by quiet transformation unfolding at long-forgotten riverbed: 'It's incredible to see'
The Colorado River Delta, previously dried up and barren, has come back to life thanks to the dedicated effort of conservationists and volunteers and a binational agreement between the United States and Mexico, Daily Galaxy reported. Beginning in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and ending in the Gulf of California in Mexico, the Colorado River runs 2,300 kilometers (1,429 miles), with the latter end having lost most of its natural ecosystem by 1985, according to Deseret News. By the early 2000s, according to ScienceInsider, "researchers estimated the delta had lost 90% of its forests and wetlands because dams and water withdrawals had drained the lower Colorado." Per Daily Galaxy, a lot of water from the Colorado River was diverted and siphoned off to grow alfalfa — a major livestock crop in Southwestern states, including California, as well as in Northern Mexico. Water from the river was also used to maintain artificial landscapes (lawns, golf courses, and human-made lakes) throughout populated cities such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. In 2014, the U.S. and Mexico entered into a historic binational agreement to initiate a controlled release of water from the upper Colorado River to the lower portion by lifting dams, which restored a "pulse flow" in the delta for eight weeks. Since then, more than 3,500 volunteers and various conservation groups have worked diligently to restore the natural ecosystem in the delta. They've removed water-hungry invasive species and replanted over 500,000 native trees across 540 hectares of land, according to Daily Galaxy. As a result, areas such as El Chausse, a restoration site in Baja California, Mexico, are once again lush with desert-acclimated plants and trees including cottonwoods, willows, mesquites, and palo verdes, per Daily Galaxy. These plants and their deep root systems help retain water and prevent erosion, making the desert and its wildlife more resilient to climate conditions and extreme weather events brought on by the warming planet. The delta has also experienced an 85% increase in visits by migratory birds — more than 360,000 birds per year — indicating the comeback of a healthier and more resilient ecosystem. "Many locals had never seen water in this part of the Colorado River before. Now, they bring their children to witness its return," said Gabriela Caloca, water and rivers coordinator of Raise the River, per Daily Galaxy. "It's incredible to see people reconnect with the river." How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists mystified by alarming changes to lakes at the 'roof of the world' — and they're racing to understand the consequences
An interesting phenomenon is unfolding at the top of the world. Lakes on the Tibetan Plateau — sitting at more than 14,700 feet above sea level — are refilling, bucking lake-drying trends elsewhere on the planet, according to the Daily Galaxy. Satellite images are showing rising water levels on the plateau, commonly called the "roof of the world." The images span decades and demonstrate that thousands of lakes have been added — plus, their sizes are growing. As of 2023, 6,159 lakes are "covering an area nearly the size of Lake Michigan," per the Daily Galaxy. The article cited research published by the journal Nature, as well as other scientific reports, on the matter. This stands in contrast to observations elsewhere in the world. Previous coverage from PBS News, for example, has shown that Utah's Great Salt Lake is shrinking rapidly. Lakes are crucial parts of local ecosystems, and their fluctuations can have significant impacts. Rising Tibetan waters are flooding villages, livestock pastures, and roadways. Some residents have had to relocate, the Daily Galaxy reported. Meanwhile, the disappearing Salt Lake could result in species extinction and toxic dust clouds, per PBS. While every water-related change may not be linked to human-caused planet warming, experts have cited it as a contributing factor. Findings published by Nature noted that glacier and permafrost melt connected to "climate warming" is part of the story in Tibet. Reduced evaporation and increasing precipitation are also playing a role, the Daily Galaxy added. NASA has linked the planet's overheating to greater risks of severe weather, including droughts and floods. Tibet is experiencing the latter. "The dramatic increases in lake area are flooding people's homes, displacing livestock, and making some glacial lakes vulnerable to outburst flooding," said Fangfang Yao as quoted in NASA Earth Observatory. The University of Colorado Boulder researcher is first author of a 2023 publication from Science on changes in lake volume. How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. In Utah, the drying is due to climate changes that have "decimated" upstream water sources. Demand for the resource for agriculture, industry, and other uses has also increased, according to PBS. Not every changing lake is a sign of disaster. In California's San Joaquin Valley, for example, about 4,500 acres of Tulare Lake have reappeared following large amounts of snow and rain. The body of water is important culturally to Indigenous people as well as to migratory birds and other animals, NBC affiliate 15 News reported. It's also adding significant fresh water to an H2O-needy area. Satellite images can provide a crucial look at planetary health, including water levels. Pennsylvania's Quub is working to send small units into orbit to monitor Earth, acting as a planetary smartwatch of sorts by providing early warnings and other metrics. Anyone can help improve water management in their own home and community. Capturing rainwater in a barrel can provide free H2O for your garden while helping to prevent flooding. Using a dishwasher can save lots of water — 5,000 gallons annually — when you use the machine to replace at least 10 minutes of handwashing each day. What's more, you can save over $100 a year simply by letting the appliance work. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
