Category Archives: general

New fossil rewrites our understanding of reptile evolution

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Researchers at the University of Bristol have uncovered a Devonian fossil that provides new insights into the early evolution of lizards.

This remarkable discovery challenges previous assumptions about the development of lepidosaurs, the group that includes modern lizards and snakes. Unlike its modern relatives, the fossil lacks palatal teeth and skull hinges, features commonly found in today’s species.

One of the most distinctive characteristics of this ancient specimen is its unique open temporal bar, along with unusually large teeth. These traits offer valuable clues to how early lepidosaurs might have evolved differently than previously thought.

The findings not only shed light on the diversity of early reptiles but also open up new avenues for understanding the evolutionary history of lizards.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/new-fossil-rewrites-our-understanding-of-reptile-evolution–23597865

Death toll rises to 13 in MP as another toddler succumbs to death

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The Chief Medical Health Officer (CMHO) of Chhindwara district, Naresh Gonnade, highlighted the severity of the ongoing crisis, stating, “This marks the 13th confirmed child fatality,” as reported by news agency IANS. However, when asked whether the recent death was linked to the toxic cough syrup, he remained silent. His silence speaks volumes about the grim situation surrounding the cough syrup tragedy in the tribal heartland of Chhindwara.

In recent days, the toxic cough syrup has claimed the lives of several young children aged between one and eight years. Despite the growing number of fatalities, the state government has not officially disclosed the exact toll connected to the contaminated syrup.

Among the victims was Dhani, a frail young girl suffering from a persistent cough and cold. According to her parents, she was prescribed the “deadly” syrup by Dr. Praveen Soni during a consultation at his private clinic in Parasia just days before her condition worsened. As Dhani’s health deteriorated, her parents rushed her to the local Community Health Centre on September 26, where she exhibited severe dehydration and oliguria — clear signs of kidney failure.

The CMHO further stated, “She was under treatment at Nagpur Medical College and died Monday night,” according to IANS. After being transferred to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Nagpur amid poisoning suspicions, the toddler bravely fought for 11 days on dialysis and ventilator support but eventually succumbed to multi-organ failure. A doctor from Nagpur, speaking to IANS on condition of anonymity, confirmed the severity of her condition.

Toxicology reports confirmed the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG) in the syrup. DEG is a lethal industrial solvent commonly found in brake fluids and antifreeze. The concentration of DEG in the contaminated batch measured a staggering 48.6%, far exceeding safe limits.

Dr. Praveen Soni, a government paediatrician at the Community Health Centre in Parasia who was also practicing privately, has been in police custody since his arrest on October 5. He faces charges under Sections 105 and 276 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for culpable homicide and drug adulteration.

The First Information Report (FIR) filed at Parasia police station further implicates Sresan Pharmaceuticals, based in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. This company has been blacklisted nationwide due to prior issues.

Following the tragedy and widespread public outrage across Maharashtra, authorities flagged three more cough syrup brands on Monday after detecting similar DEG traces. This has broadened the ongoing investigation, as reported by IANS.

This toxic cough syrup crisis echoes a darker history, reminiscent of the 1986 Mumbai hospital tragedy in which contaminated syrup led to the deaths of 14 children, as documented by IANS.

Since late August, 16 children—primarily from Parasia and Tamia blocks—have died under similar circumstances, with ten having received treatment in Nagpur alone.

In response to the crisis, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and promised free treatment for survivors. He has also vowed to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with uncovering lapses in the syrup’s supply chain. “This is unforgivable negligence; no child should pay with their life for substandard drugs,” he declared forcefully.

The state government has taken strict administrative actions by suspending two drug inspectors and a deputy director, and transferring the drug controller. Maharashtra and Punjab have also imposed preemptive bans on the cough syrup brand Coldrif.

At the central level, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has launched raids across six states, cautioning healthcare practitioners against prescribing paediatric syrups for children under five years of age.

Telangana’s Drugs Control department echoed similar warnings after linking three recent deaths in Rajasthan to the same toxic syrup.

As investigations continue, authorities emphasize vigilance and strict regulatory oversight to prevent further tragedies linked to contaminated medicines.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/death-toll-rises-to-13-in-mp-as-another-toddler-succumbs-under-cough-syrup-horror-23597600

Enzyme-based kidney conversion allows transplant from type A to universal type O

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For the first time, a team from the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada, successfully performed a human kidney transplant using an organ converted from blood type A to the universal blood type O. This groundbreaking procedure relies on UBC’s special enzymes as a key tool to reduce organ rejection.

Patients with blood type O can only receive type-O organs, but type-O kidneys are often transplanted into recipients of other blood types due to their universal compatibility. The researchers’ initial goal was to create universal donor blood by removing the sugars that determine blood type. However, they discovered that these same sugars, known as antigens, also cover the blood vessels within organs.

In this pioneering case, an enzyme-converted kidney was transplanted into a brain-dead recipient. The organ initially functioned well, but by the third day, a mild immune reaction was observed—significantly less severe than the typical rejection response.

This breakthrough highlights the potential of enzyme conversion to expand the pool of compatible organs and reduce rejection in transplant patients.

*Disclaimer: This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, or reliability of the information contained herein. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the right to alter, delete, or remove content at their sole discretion without prior notice.*

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https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/canadian-researchers-achieve-milestone-with-enzyme-converted-universal-donor-kidney-transplant-23597126

Chery Australia’s first ute will put work before play – and could offer diesel PHEV power

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Chery’s local ute plan is beginning to take shape as the Chinese brand sets its sights on the commercial sector. In a market currently dominated by Ford and Toyota, Chery aims to make a significant impact with its upcoming offerings.

By focusing on commercial vehicles, the brand hopes to carve out a niche and provide competitive alternatives for businesses and tradespeople. This strategic move highlights Chery’s commitment to expanding its presence and meeting the specific needs of the local market.
https://thewest.com.au/lifestyle/motoring/chery-australias-first-ute-will-put-work-before-play-and-could-offer-diesel-phev-power-c-20223760

Trump Calls Shutdown an ‘Unprecedented Opportunity,’ and Eyes Deep Cuts

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The president plans to meet with the White House budget chief to discuss significant budget cuts.

He described the targeted areas as “Democratic agencies,” indicating a focus on reducing funding for certain government departments.

Details about the specific agencies or the extent of the cuts have not yet been disclosed. This meeting signals a strategic approach to reshaping budget priorities ahead.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/02/us/politics/trump-vought-shutdown-cuts.html

What is Ghost of Yotei’s Watanabe Mode?

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**Ghost of Yotei’s Watanabe Mode: Everything You Need to Know**

*Ghost of Yotei* offers an assortment of gameplay modes for players to explore, but one in particular—the Watanabe Mode—has been generating a lot of questions. From its inspirations to how you can activate it, here’s everything you need to know about this unique mode.

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### What Is Ghost of Yotei’s Watanabe Mode?

Watanabe Mode is a special gameplay option that changes the game’s soundtrack from its traditional style to a suite of tracks inspired by the works of the influential anime director Shinichiro Watanabe.

Unlike a visual mode, Watanabe Mode focuses on altering the auditory experience to reflect the mood and tone found in Watanabe’s celebrated anime projects. It can be easily activated in the *Display* settings tab within the main settings menu.

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### The Origin of the Music

There seems to be some confusion about where the music in Watanabe Mode comes from. The game’s menu clarifies that the tracks were created *under the direction of* Shinichiro Watanabe—not composed by Watanabe himself.

Over his prolific career, Watanabe has collaborated with incredibly talented musicians on soundtracks for anime like *Cowboy Bebop*, *Samurai Champloo*, *Space Dandy*, and *Terror in Resonance*. His influence and vision have made him a hugely respected figure in the world of anime music and direction.

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### Musical Style and Influences

According to Cortex user Scannerbarkly, the music in Watanabe Mode leans more closely toward the “Lo-fi Beats” genre—a style popularized by artists like Nujabes, known for his work on the *Samurai Champloo* soundtrack—rather than the jazz-heavy style found in *Cowboy Bebop*.

The soundtrack maintains a soft percussion style, distinct from Nujabes’ slightly more pronounced Boom Bap drum patterns. However, it’s worth noting that not all tracks may have been heard yet, so there could be more variety and musical nuances to discover throughout the game.

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### Combining Watanabe Mode with Other Modes

Watanabe Mode isn’t exclusive and can be combined with other game modes for a personalized experience:

– **Kurosawa Mode:** Changes the game’s visuals to black and white, echoing the classic film style of Akira Kurosawa.
– **Miike Mode:** Adds more intense elements like increased mud and blood effects, combined with a tighter camera angle, mimicking the cinematic style of director Takashi Miike.

These combinations allow players to tailor both the audio and visual presentation of *Ghost of Yotei* to their preferences.

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### How to Activate Watanabe Mode

Activating Watanabe Mode is straightforward:

1. Go to the main settings menu.
2. Navigate to the *Display* settings tab.
3. Locate the option for Watanabe Mode and toggle it on.

Once enabled, sit back and enjoy a fresh auditory experience inspired by one of anime’s most iconic directors.

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*Ghost of Yotei’s* Watanabe Mode adds a fascinating layer to the game’s atmosphere, bringing in sounds inspired by one of the greatest names in anime. Whether you’re a fan of Watanabe’s work or simply curious to explore new soundscapes, this mode is worth a try.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146188/ghost-of-yotei-watanabe-mode

Justin Rose makes big statement on the 2027 Ryder Cup just days after European triumph

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Justin Rose made a big statement about the upcoming edition of the Ryder Cup following Team Europe’s victory in this year’s biennial tournament.

His comments have generated significant buzz among golf fans and analysts alike, highlighting the excitement and anticipation building around the next event. As one of the sport’s prominent figures, Rose’s perspective offers valuable insight into what to expect in the future of the Ryder Cup.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/golf/news-justin-rose-makes-big-statement-2027-ryder-cup-just-days-european-triumph

Senior Tories dismayed at Badenoch’s ‘catastrophic’ vow to repeal Climate Change Act

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Theresa May and Leading Figures Condemn Plan to Repeal Climate Change Act

Former Prime Minister Theresa May has strongly criticized a promise made by Kemi Badenoch to repeal the Climate Change Act if the Conservatives win the next general election, describing the plans as a “catastrophic mistake.”

May’s condemnation echoes concerns raised by other prominent Tories, business leaders, scientists, and the Church of England, all of whom have expressed their opposition to the proposal.

The announcement from the Conservative leader would remove the legal requirement for governments to set “carbon budgets” — targets that outline how far greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced every five years up to 2050.

Critics argue that scrapping these carbon budgets could severely hinder the UK’s progress on climate change and damage its reputation as a leader in environmental policy. Notably, many have pointed out that even former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, known for her strong stance on environmental issues, would not have supported such a move.

The debate continues to unfold as the UK prepares for the next general election, with climate policy expected to be a key point of contention.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/02/kemi-badenoch-vow-to-repeal-climate-change-act-senior-tories-dismayed

XRP Price Prediction: Remittix Dubbed XRP 2.0 After Analysts Say Presale Could ‘Break The Internet’

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**XRP Price Remains Strong as Institutional Interest Grows; Spotlight Shifts to Remittix (RTX), the Emerging DeFi Contender**

The XRP price continues to capture investor attention, especially as payment-focused projects gain renewed traction in the crypto space. With institutional interest rising in blockchain solutions that simplify cross-border transactions, XRP’s relevance remains robust heading into Q4 2025.

However, the growing hype is now extending beyond XRP to Remittix (RTX), a rapidly expanding DeFi project currently valued at $0.1130. Many in the community are calling it “XRP 2.0” due to its purpose-built design for real-world cryptocurrency usage. Remittix is being recognized for its speed, scope, and ambition to revolutionize global payments in a way that echoes XRP’s foundational goals.

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### XRP Price Action and Increasing Institutional Relevance

XRP is currently priced at $2.94, reflecting a 3.45% increase in the last 24 hours, with a market capitalization of $176.01 billion. The token’s trading volume reached $6.13 billion, up 20.76%, underscoring strong liquidity on major centralized exchanges.

XRP continues to demonstrate solid belief in its utility as a low gas fee cryptocurrency created specifically for corporate adoption. Ripple’s network remains at the core of cross-border settlement solutions, but investors seeking high-growth potential, “next 100x” opportunities, or pre-stage crypto investments are now eyeing projects like Remittix. This DeFi platform extends XRP’s legacy into new decentralized finance rails, aiming to power the emerging global economy.

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### Remittix Beta Wallet Now Live with Real-World Utility

The Remittix Beta Wallet has officially launched, marking a significant milestone for one of the leading crypto presale projects of 2025. The wallet supports over 40 cryptocurrencies and 30 fiat currencies, enabling direct crypto-to-bank transfers and real-time foreign exchange (FX) conversions — addressing a $19 trillion global payments challenge.

Designed with simplicity and true utility in mind, Remittix targets freelancers, remitters, and businesses seeking instant cross-border settlements at minimal gas fees.

**Key Utility & Adoption Highlights:**
– Supports 40+ cryptocurrencies and 30+ fiat currencies
– Real-time conversion with direct payouts
– Ideal for freelancers, businesses, and remitters
– Seamless bridge between crypto and fiat

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### Initial Launch Offer, Security, and Community Incentives

Remittix has raised over $26.9 million, selling more than 673 million tokens to date. The project recently received CertiK Verification—earning the #1 ranking for Pre-Launch Tokens. This prestigious certification ensures enhanced security, transparency, and credibility as Remittix prepares for its broader market push.

Upcoming listings on notable exchanges such as BitMart (following its $20 million raise) and LBank (after a $22 million raise) further solidify trust and accessibility for the project. To engage the community, Remittix is also running a 15% USDT referral program alongside a $250,000 giveaway.

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### Explore the Future of PayFi with Remittix

As XRP price stabilizes amid growing institutional demand, Remittix stands out as a promising cross-chain DeFi project bridging the gap between cryptocurrency and traditional finance. With live infrastructure, trusted security proof, and global coverage, Remittix is rapidly becoming one of the top-rated cryptos under $1 and one of the best DeFi projects poised for 2025.

Discover the future of PayFi by learning more about Remittix:

– **Website:** [Insert Website URL]
– **Socials:** [Insert Social Media Links]
– **$250,000 Giveaway:** [Insert Giveaway Details]

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*Disclaimer: This is a press release provided by a third party responsible for the content. Please conduct your own research before taking any action based on this information.*
https://blockonomi.com/xrp-price-prediction-remittix-dubbed-xrp-2-0-after-analysts-say-presale-could-break-the-internet/

McDowell says he didn’t nominate Steen because ‘her election would be step backwards’

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Writing in The Irish Times, Mr. McDowell stated that he had been “consistently liberal” in his views.

He expressed his opinion that Ms. Steen’s candidacy would represent a “step backwards” for Ireland.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/mcdowell-says-he-didnt-nominate-steen-because-her-election-would-be-step-backwards-1813744.html