Source: phys.orgAntibiotic resistance is a significant and growing medical problem worldwide. Researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) and collaborators have found a novel genetic arrangement that may help a common bacterium in the human gut, Bacteroides fragilis, protect itself from tetracycline, a widely used antibiotic.
Source: phys.orgThe xylem of the plant stem performs several important functions. Elucidating the coordination or trade-offs between xylem functions is critical for understanding plant ecological strategy and adaptation to different environments. However, how xylem cell tissues influence their functions among different growth forms remains unresolved.
Source: phys.orgA small combined team of material scientists from Sun Yat-sen University and Dalian University of Technology, both in China, has found that it is possible to make a single drop of water hop in desired ways by putting a magnetic particle inside of it and turning an electromagnet on and off. The research published in the journal ACS Nano.
IN PIX: Deshabandu Tennakoon assumes duties as IGPNewsDeshabandu Tennakoon officially assumed duties as the 36th Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Sri Lanka today (Feb. 29). The appointment was made following the approval by the Constitutional Council on Monday (Feb.26). Pix by: M.A. Pushpa KumaraYou can share this post!
(AP Photo, File)64 percent of Americans surveyed say social media is bad for democracy America is the outlier; majorities in most nations view social media positively In U.S., social media is infamous for spreading political misinformation(NewsNation) — American exceptionalism strikes again. Only the Dutch (54%) and the French (51%) agree with the majority of Americans that social media doesn’t encourage democracy, but a far greater percentage of Americans — 64% — feel the same. The role of social media in spreading misinformation has been widely discussed ahead of key U.S. elections. And though majorities in both parties say social media has been a bad thing for democracy in the U.S., Republicans and Republican-leaning independents are more likely to say this than Democrats and Democratic leaners (74% vs. 57%). In one way, Americans resemble their foreign peers: Those who use social media are significantly more likely than non-users to say that social media has benefited democracy in their country.
Source: phys.orgHigh levels of air pollution can harm the performance of teams, which are vital for solving complex problems such as developing clean energy technologies and vaccines, and this could harm economic development in highly polluted emerging economies, says a new study co-authored at Cambridge Judge Business School.
Source: phys.orgThe first successful moon landing of a private lander, Odysseus, last week came a month after Japan and six months after India touched down on Earth's natural satellite.
Source: phys.orgA study published in the International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management has provided new insights into the influence of cultural values and ethnic identity on consumer attitudes towards global brands in India. Harsandaldeep Kaur and Pranay Moktan of the University School of Financial Studies at Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar, Punjab, hoped to fill the gaps in our understanding of these factors by developing a comprehensive framework for investigation.
Reliance Retail takes Elephant House beverages to IndiaNewsReliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), has entered a partnership with Sri Lanka's Elephant House to manufacture, distribute, and sell the Elephant House brand of beverages in India. Elephant House, owned by Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, is known for its wide range of beverages. Elephant House is owned by Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, a subsidiary of John Keells Holdings PLC, Sri Lanka's largest listed conglomerate. Speaking on the partnership, Ketan Mody, COO, Reliance Consumer Products Limited, said, "Elephant House, which enjoys strong market credibility, is an iconic brand with deep-rooted heritage. John Keells Group Chairperson Krishan Balendra said his conglomerate was proud to announce the expansion of the Elephant House brand to the Indian market.
UNFPA Sri Lanka inaugurates ‘One Stop Centre’ in KilinochchiNewsToday (Feb. 28) marked the opening of the One Stop Center at Kilinochchi’s District General Hospital by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sri Lanka. The One Stop Centre in Sri Lanka is a revolutionary service model that provides comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health, GBV survivors’ support, and Family Planning Services under one roof. The transformative approach is a joint effort between UNFPA Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Health, and World Vision Sri Lanka, with generous Norwegian support. The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent guests including UNFPA Regional Director Pio Smith, UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative Kunle Adeniyi, Norwegian Embassy representatives, and local health authorities. UNFPA’s One Stop Centre in Kilinochchi is a significant milestone in integrating SRH and GBV services within regional healthcare facilities, addressing diverse needs of women and girls.
Lankan convict in Gandhi assassination case passes awayNewsOne of the seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case who was released in October, Sri Lankan nationalSuthenthiraraja alias Santhan has passed away in a hospital in Chennai, India. Santhan alias Suthenthiraraja, one of the seven life convicts granted premature release in the case, had requested President Ranil Wickremesinghe to help him return to the country and live with his aged mother. The Tamil Nadu Cabinet passed a resolution in September 2018, recommending the release of the seven life convicts; but the Governor, instead of taking a decision, referred the matter to the Centre. Finally, the Supreme Court exercised extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution and ordered the release of the life convicts. Robert Payas and Jeyakumar, also Sri Lankan nationals who have been kept in the Tiruchi special camp, have decided not to return home, fearing a threat to their life.
Source: phys.orgOlder workers who completed an evidence-based retirement planning course reduced their expected retirement age by an average of just over a year, felt more confident in making financial decisions, and felt better prepared to leave the workforce.
Source: phys.orgNew measuring techniques will enable improved measurements of the Earth's ionosphere, a key to studying and reducing the impact of space weather.
In Pix: Protest in front of Indian High CommissionNewsA group of civil society activists held a protest in front of the Indian High Commission in Colombo today (27).They demanded that the government expel Minister Harin Fernando from his post over his controversial comments that Sri Lanka was part of India. They also called on the government to stop "selling" the country to India. Pix by Akila JayawardanaYou can share this post!
Source: phys.orgLife on our planet appeared early in Earth's history. Surprisingly early, since in its early youth our planet didn't have much of the chemical ingredients necessary for life to evolve. Since prebiotic chemicals such as sugars and amino acids are known to appear in asteroids and comets, one idea is that Earth was seeded with the building blocks of life by early cometary and asteroid impacts. While this likely played a role, a new study published in Nature Astronomy shows that cosmic dust also seeded young Earth, and it may have made all the difference.
