University College London

The Department of Neurosurgery at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad, India, has introduced an advanced technique that reduces Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery duration from the conventional 5-6 hours to just 1-2 hours in select patients. Led by Dr. Y. Vamsi Krishna, the procedure combines advanced imaging, precise surgical planning, and refined operative methods, allowing surgery under general anaesthesia instead of the traditional awake craniotomy. DBS is used to treat movement disorders like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. The team received specialized training at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London. Over 200 DBS surgeries have been performed at NIMS in the past two-and-a-half years. Additionally, NIMS has introduced MRI-guided radiofrequency ablation for medication-resistant tremors, targeting the dentato-rubro-thalamic (DRT) pathway without permanent implants. This treatment, costing around ₹5 lakh in private hospitals, is provided free to eligible underprivileged patients through the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 01:04 PM UTC

The Border Security Force (BSF) is conducting a feasibility study to install physical fences along a 90-km stretch of the Sundarbans mangroves on the Indo-Bangladesh border to deter infiltration. The project faces significant ecological and logistical challenges due to the region's dense mangrove forests, creeks, and swamps. While a BSF official claims the fence will not affect biodiversity and that compensation will be provided for land loss, scientists and anthropologists express concerns. Dr. Megnaa Mehtta of University College London argues the fence is futile in the delta's fluid land-water dynamics and could disrupt wildlife movement, including tigers and deer. Conversely, Dr. Krishna Ray of West Bengal State University supports the fencing in non-protected areas, citing regulatory control needs. The article highlights the clash between national security objectives and environmental conservation in the ecologically sensitive Sundarbans.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:27 AM UTC

European ministers have adopted a new interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights that may facilitate the deportation of immigrants, including transfers to repatriation centers in non-EU countries. The declaration, approved during the Committee of Ministers' annual session in Moldova, aims to address member states' complaints that the European Court of Human Rights has overly restricted expulsions of convicted foreigners and rejected asylum seekers. The text reinterprets Articles 3 and 8, introducing a 'relative' assessment for what constitutes inhuman treatment and allowing expulsions if balanced against national security, requiring strong reasons for courts to overturn state decisions. While Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset hailed the move as a necessary consensus for managing migration challenges, critics argue it undermines fundamental human rights. Veronika Fikfak, a human rights law professor, contended that applying relativity to the absolute prohibition of torture is incompatible with the convention's essence. The measure encourages individual member states to negotiate agreements with third countries for establishing return centers, marking a significant shift in the region's approach to migration control and legal protections.

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Scientists have identified Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, a new species of giant sauropod dinosaur discovered in northeastern Thailand. Weighing approximately 27 tonnes and measuring 27 meters, it is the largest dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia. Living during the Early Cretaceous period around 100 million years ago, this herbivore is dubbed the "last titan" because rising seas subsequently submerged its habitat. The discovery, published in Scientific Reports by an international team, highlights Thailand's growing significance in paleontology and offers insights into ancient ecosystems before the region transformed into a shallow sea.

10 reports · 8 sources · Updated May 18, 04:00 AM UTC

England scrum-half Lucy Packer is playing a pivotal role in the Red Roses' bid for a fifth consecutive Six Nations Grand Slam, despite defying the traditional brash stereotype associated with her position. The 26-year-old, who is preparing to earn her 44th cap in the decisive match against France, has stepped into the spotlight following an injury to first-choice Natasha Hunt. Known for her introverted nature and academic pursuits, including an upcoming master's degree in neuroscience at University College London, Packer manages pre-match nerves through meticulous mental preparation and focus points. Her resilience was previously tested during the 2022 Rugby World Cup final, where she started on short notice despite an ankle injury. Off the field, Packer maintains a low profile, contrasting with her extroverted teammate Maud Muir. She finds comfort and connection with new captain Meg Jones, sharing their Welsh heritage. As England faces France in this crucial decider, Packer's composure and strategic delivery are considered essential to securing the title and continuing England's dominant streak in women's rugby.

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Lucy Packer, England's scrum-half, is challenging traditional stereotypes of her position as she plays a pivotal role in the Red Roses' attempt to secure a fifth consecutive Six Nations Grand Slam. Unlike the typical brash and loud persona associated with scrum-halves, Packer is introverted, preferring reading science fiction to socializing, and maintains a low profile on social media. Her prominence in the team has accelerated due to an injury to first-choice scrum-half Natasha Hunt during the opening game against Ireland. Now facing France in the decisive match, Packer admits that the spotlight is not her natural habitat but she is growing more comfortable with media duties. Beyond rugby, she is academically driven, planning to start a master's degree in neuroscience at University College London, focusing on the biochemistry of concussion. This article highlights her unique personality, her critical importance to England's current campaign, and her intellectual passions outside of sport.

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Recent research challenges the conventional belief that facial expressions are the primary indicators of deception. According to studies highlighted by The Guardian and reported by Exame, individuals are more accurate at detecting lies when they rely solely on auditory cues rather than visual information. Scientists argue that excess visual data, such as body language and facial movements, can overwhelm the brain's processing capacity, leading to incorrect interpretations. Neuroscientist Sophie Scott from University College London explains that stress hormones like adrenaline affect the larynx, causing subtle changes in pitch, tremor, or speed. Researcher Dora Giorgianni from the University of Portsmouth found that participants identifying lies from audio-only recordings outperformed those watching videos. However, experts caution that these vocal changes are not definitive proof of deceit, as anxiety, shyness, or pressure can produce similar symptoms. Furthermore, artificial intelligence tools for voice-based lie detection face limitations due to the inherent variability of the human voice. The findings suggest that while the brain rapidly processes emotional signals in speech, there is no single, infallible method for uncovering falsehoods.

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A new study published in Nature Sustainability reveals that aerosols from burning fossil fuels, particularly coal, reduced global solar power generation by 5.8 percent in 2023. This loss equates to approximately 111 terawatt-hours of electricity, comparable to the annual output of 18 medium-sized coal plants. Researchers from the University of Oxford and University College London highlight that the impact is most severe when solar facilities are located near coal-fired power plants, a common practice for grid access. In China, the world's largest solar and coal producer, aerosols cut photovoltaic output by 7.7 percent, with coal pollution responsible for nearly one-third of this decline. Significant reductions were also observed in India, the US, Japan, and Pakistan, where solar output dropped by 15.1 percent. The findings suggest that current climate progress models may overestimate the benefits of solar energy if coal pollution remains unchecked. While renewables surpassed coal in global electricity share in 2025, the study warns that co-locating solar farms with coal plants undermines their efficiency. Lead author Rui Song emphasizes the need to control coal emissions to accurately realize the climate advantages of the energy transition.

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Scientists have identified a new dinosaur species in Thailand, named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, which is confirmed as the largest dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia. Unearthed in Chaiyaphum province, fossils of this colossal long-necked sauropod indicate it measured approximately 27 meters and weighed between 27 and 30 tonnes. Living during the late Early Cretaceous period, roughly 100 to 120 million years ago, the species predates the Tyrannosaurus rex by about 40 million years. The discovery, published in Scientific Reports, was led by researchers from University College London and Mahasarakham University. Although the skeleton is incomplete, recovered bones including spine, rib, and leg fragments allowed for size estimation. Researchers describe Nagatitan as the last titan of Thailand, noting that subsequent geological changes turned the region into a shallow sea, making further large sauropod finds unlikely. The study highlights how warm, dry habitats during the Cretaceous period may have driven the evolution of gigantism in herbivores, with Nagatitan representing an early stage in this trend compared to later, even larger Asian sauropods.

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A new study published in Nature Sustainability reveals that aerosols from coal-fired power plants are significantly reducing global solar energy generation. Researchers from the University of Oxford and University College London found that these pollutants blocked sunlight, cutting global solar output by 5.8% in 2023. This loss equals approximately 111 terawatt-hours of electricity, comparable to the annual production of 18 medium-sized coal plants. The impact is most severe in countries with high coal usage, such as China, where solar output dropped by 7.7%, and Pakistan, which saw a 15.1% reduction. The findings suggest that current climate progress models may overestimate the benefits of solar energy if coal pollution remains unchecked. Additionally, the study highlights a logistical paradox: while co-locating solar farms near coal plants offers grid connection advantages, it exposes them to higher pollution levels that curtail efficiency. This research underscores the complex interplay between fossil fuel emissions and renewable energy performance, indicating that controlling air pollution is essential for maximizing the potential of solar power in the global energy transition.

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Scientists have identified a new species of massive sauropod dinosaur, named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, following excavations in northeast Thailand. Described as the largest known dinosaur from Southeast Asia, this herbivore is estimated to have weighed approximately 27 tonnes, equivalent to nine adult elephants, and measured 27 meters in length. The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, indicate that the creature roamed the region between 100 and 120 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. Lead author Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul, a PhD student at University College London, referred to the species as Southeast Asia's 'last titan' because it existed in some of the youngest rock formations before the area became a shallow sea. Although the head and teeth were not recovered, researchers believe it was a bulk browser consuming vegetation like conifers. The fossils, first discovered by locals a decade ago, were fully excavated by 2024. The name references the Naga, a serpent-like being in Asian religious traditions. This discovery brings the total number of named dinosaurs from Thailand to 14, with a life-size reconstruction now displayed at Bangkok’s Thainosaur Museum.

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Scientists from UK and US institutions provided expert commentary on the World Health Organization’s recent report regarding nicotine pouches. While the WHO suggests claims about their efficacy for smoking cessation are unsubstantiated, experts argue this view overlooks emerging evidence. Dr. Jamie Hartmann-Boyce noted that while robust data is still pending, independent studies are underway to determine if these pouches aid quitting. Professor Caitlin Notley highlighted qualitative data indicating users find pouches helpful for transitioning away from tobacco, emphasizing the importance of consumer choice alongside licensed medications. Dr. Harry Tattan-Birch addressed regulatory challenges, noting that nicotine pouches often fall outside existing tobacco laws due to lacking tobacco leaf. He warned that outright bans, as implemented in sixteen countries, could be counterproductive by pushing users back to more harmful cigarettes. Instead, he advocated for balanced regulations, such as the UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, which restricts youth access and advertising while acknowledging pouches as a potentially lower-risk alternative for adult smokers. The consensus highlights the need for further comparative research against established cessation aids.

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Scientists have identified a previously unknown dinosaur species, named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, following the excavation of remains in northeast Thailand. According to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, this long-necked herbivore is the largest dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia. The creature measured approximately 27 meters in length and weighed an estimated 27 tonnes, equivalent to the mass of nine adult Asian elephants. It roamed the region between 100 and 120 million years ago. Lead researcher Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul from University College London described it as the last titan, noting it was found in one of the youngest rock formations containing dinosaur fossils in Thailand before the area became a shallow sea. The initial discovery was made by locals a decade ago, with excavation completing in 2024. The species name combines references to Southeast Asian folklore, Greek mythology, and the Chaiyaphum province where it was unearthed. A life-size reconstruction of the skeleton is currently on display at the Thainosaur Museum in Bangkok, highlighting this significant paleontological find.

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Researchers have identified Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, the largest known dinosaur from Southeast Asia, after unearthing its skeletal remains in Thailand's Chaiyaphum province. Dating back approximately 113 million years to the Cretaceous Period, this sauropod measured nearly 90 feet (27 meters) in length and weighed between 25 and 28 tons. The fossils, including spine, rib, pelvis, and leg bones, were initially discovered by a local villager. Although the head and teeth were not recovered, scientists estimate it was a bulk browser feeding on conifers and seed ferns. Due to its immense size, adult Nagatitan likely faced little threat from predators, though juveniles remained vulnerable. The species belongs to a subgroup of sauropods with air-filled bones that lightened their skeletons. Named after the Naga serpent deity in Asian traditions, Nagatitan represents the geologically youngest and largest sauropod found in the region. Its existence during a period of high global temperatures offers insights into the relationship between climate and dinosaur body size. This discovery highlights the diversity of sauropods in Southeast Asia before the region became a shallow sea later in the Cretaceous period.

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Researchers have identified Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, the largest known dinosaur from Southeast Asia, following the excavation of its fossils in Thailand's Chaiyaphum province. This Cretaceous Period sauropod, which lived approximately 113 million years ago, is estimated to have been nearly 27 meters long and weighed between 25 and 28 tons. The discovery was initiated by a local villager, leading scientists to recover significant skeletal remains, including spine, rib, pelvis, and leg bones. Notably, the humerus measured 1.78 meters. Although the head and teeth were not found, experts believe Nagatitan was a bulk browser feeding on conifers and seed ferns in a subtropical environment. Due to its immense size, it likely faced little threat from predators, such as an 8-meter-long relative of Carcharodontosaurus. The findings, published in Scientific Reports by researchers including Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul from University College London, highlight the rapid growth rates of sauropods as a defense mechanism. While massive, Nagatitan was smaller than South American giants like Argentinosaurus, marking a significant addition to the understanding of prehistoric ecosystems in the region.

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Researchers have identified and excavated the fossils of Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, the largest known dinosaur from Southeast Asia, in Thailand's Chaiyaphum province. The discovery, published in Scientific Reports, reveals a Cretaceous Period sauropod that lived approximately 113 million years ago. Estimated to be nearly 27 meters long and weighing between 25 and 28 tons, this plant-eating behemoth was likely immune to predation due to its massive size. The skeletal remains, including a 1.78-meter-long humerus, were initially spotted by a local villager and subsequently excavated by scientists over several years. Although the head and teeth were not recovered, experts believe Nagatitan was a bulk browser feeding on conifers and seed ferns in a subtropical environment. The ecosystem also hosted pterosaurs, crocodiles, and smaller predators like a relative of Carcharodontosaurus. Lead author Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul noted that while Nagatitan was huge, it was smaller than South American giants like Argentinosaurus. This finding significantly enhances understanding of dinosaur diversity and ecosystem dynamics in ancient Southeast Asia.

1 reports · 1 sources

Researchers have identified Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis as the largest-known dinosaur from Southeast Asia, following the discovery of its skeletal remains in Thailand’s Chaiyaphum province. Estimated to have lived approximately 113 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period, this plant-eating sauropod measured nearly 90 feet (27 meters) in length and weighed between 25 and 28 tons. The fossils, including spine, rib, pelvis, and leg bones, were initially spotted by a local villager. Lead author Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul from University College London described Nagatitan as a bulk browser that likely fed on conifers and seed ferns. Due to its immense size, the adult dinosaur faced little threat from predators, although juveniles remained vulnerable. The species belongs to a subgroup of sauropods characterized by lightweight skeletons with internal air sacs. This discovery provides significant insights into sauropod diversity in the region, marking Nagatitan as the geologically youngest and largest of its kind in Southeast Asia before the area transformed into a shallow sea.

1 reports · 1 sources

Researchers have identified Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, the largest dinosaur known from Southeast Asia, following the discovery of its fossils in Chaiyaphum province, northeastern Thailand. Described in a study published in Scientific Reports, this sauropod lived approximately 113 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. The specimen measured nearly 27 meters in length and weighed between 25 and 28 tons. Due to its immense size, it likely faced little threat from predators, such as an eight-meter-long relative of Carcharodontosaurus. The dinosaur was a generalist herbivore, feeding on conifers and seed ferns. The species name honors the Naga, a serpent-like deity in Asian religious traditions. Paleontologists note that N. chaiyaphumensis represents the last titan of the region before it became a shallow sea. While massive, it was smaller than South American sauropods like Argentinosaurus. This discovery significantly enhances understanding of sauropod diversity in Southeast Asia, where few such fossils have been found. The initial discovery was made by a local resident, leading to years of scientific excavation.

1 reports · 1 sources

Researchers have identified Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, the largest known dinosaur from Southeast Asia, following the excavation of its fossils in Thailand's Chaiyaphum province. Estimated to have lived approximately 113 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period, this sauropod measured nearly 90 feet in length and weighed between 25 and 28 tons. The discovery, led by paleontologist Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul from University College London, reveals that Nagatitan was a bulk browser feeding on conifers and seed ferns in a subtropical environment. Due to its immense size, it faced little predation risk from contemporary carnivores, such as relatives of Carcharodontosaurus. The study, published in Scientific Reports, highlights that Nagatitan belonged to a subgroup of sauropods with air-filled bones, which thrived globally during a period of rising carbon dioxide levels and high global temperatures. This find provides crucial insights into sauropod diversity in Southeast Asia, marking Nagatitan as the region's last giant titan before the area transformed into a shallow sea. The dinosaur's name honors the Naga, a serpent-like figure in Asian religious traditions.

1 reports · 1 sources

Scientists have identified a new species of giant long-necked dinosaur, named Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, from fossils discovered in north-eastern Thailand. Weighing approximately 27 tonnes, equivalent to nine adult Asian elephants, and measuring 27 meters in length, it is the largest dinosaur ever found in South-East Asia. The discovery was led by Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul, a doctoral student at University College London (UCL), and published in the journal Scientific Reports. The dinosaur lived between 100 and 120 million years ago, predating the Tyrannosaurus Rex by about 40 million years. Researchers describe it as the last titan of Thailand, as its remains were found in the country's youngest dinosaur-bearing rock formation before the region turned into a shallow sea. The study highlights how ancient climatic conditions, characterized by high global temperatures and rising carbon dioxide levels, influenced the evolution of these massive herbivores. This finding marks the 14th dinosaur species named in Thailand, reinforcing the country's status as a significant site for paleontological diversity in Asia.

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A massive surge of magma silently ascended from over 20 kilometers underground beneath São Jorge Island in the Azores in 2022, triggering thousands of earthquakes and raising fears of a volcanic eruption. According to a new study led by researchers at University College London and published in Nature Communications, the molten rock rose rapidly enough to fill approximately 32,000 Olympic swimming pools before stalling just 1.6 kilometers below the surface. This event, termed a failed eruption, caused the island's ground to lift by about 6 centimeters. Scientists utilized seismometers on land and the seafloor, alongside satellite and GPS data, to reconstruct the magma's path. The research indicates that the Pico do Carvão Fault Zone acted as both a conduit for the rising magma and a pressure release valve, allowing gases to escape sideways and preventing a full-scale eruption. These findings highlight how large magma intrusions can occur with limited seismic warning during ascent, offering crucial insights for improving volcanic hazard forecasting and understanding the geological reshaping of volcanic islands through underground processes.

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Researchers have identified Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis as the largest dinosaur ever discovered in Southeast Asia, following the excavation of its fossils in Thailand’s Chaiyaphum province. This Cretaceous Period sauropod, which lived approximately 113 million years ago, measured nearly 90 feet (27 meters) in length and weighed between 25 and 28 tons. The discovery, led by University College London doctoral student Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul and published in Scientific Reports, provides crucial insights into sauropod diversity in a region where such fossils are rare. Nagatitan is noted as the geologically youngest and largest sauropod known from Southeast Asia. The herbivore likely browsed on conifers and seed ferns in a subtropical environment, remaining largely safe from predators like Carcharodontosaurus relatives due to its massive size. The species name references the Naga, a serpent-like figure in Asian religious traditions. This find highlights the unique paleontological history of the region before it became a shallow sea, marking Nagatitan as potentially the last giant sauropod in the area.

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Scientists have officially identified a new dinosaur species, Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, as the largest ever found in Southeast Asia. Discovered ten years ago in Chaiyaphum province, northeastern Thailand, the fossilized remains were analyzed by researchers from University College London and several Thai universities. The sauropod, which lived during the Early Cretaceous period approximately 100 to 120 million years ago, is estimated to have weighed 27 tonnes and measured 27 meters in length, comparable to nine adult Asian elephants or a blue whale. This discovery marks the 14th unique dinosaur species found in the region. Lead author Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul describes it as the last large sauropod likely to be found in Thailand, as younger rock formations in the area were submerged under shallow seas. The find highlights the rich paleontological history of Chaiyaphum and underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing the understanding of Southeast Asian prehistoric ecosystems. The study aims to bring greater international recognition to the region's significant contributions to global paleobiology.

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An international team of paleontologists has discovered the remains of Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, a new species of giant dinosaur in Thailand, marking the largest dinosaur ever recorded in Southeast Asia. Nicknamed 'the last titan,' this long-necked sauropod lived approximately 120 million years ago during the Lower Cretaceous period. The specimen measured nearly 30 meters in length and weighed 27 tons, equivalent to nine adult elephants. The discovery was made in the Chaiyaphum province after an eight-year excavation effort spanning from 2016 to 2024, involving researchers from University College London, Mahasarakham University, Suranaree University, and the Sirindhorn Museum. Published in Scientific Reports, the study highlights that this creature likely represents the last large sauropod in the region before the area transformed into a shallow sea. The fossils, including spine, ribs, and leg bones, were found in Ban Pha Nang Sua. This finding underscores Thailand's significant role in paleontology, possessing the third most abundant dinosaur fossil diversity in Asia.

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King’s College London (KCL) has signed an agreement to merge with Cranfield University, creating a new UK "super-university" scheduled to be fully integrated by the end of summer 2027. The merged institution, whose name is yet to be decided, will become the second-largest mainstream university in the UK with approximately 47,000 students, surpassing the University of Manchester and trailing only University College London. This strategic move adds 5,000 mainly postgraduate students to KCL, significantly boosting its research output and international competitiveness. The merger has received preliminary government approval and is seen as a response to financial pressures facing England's higher education sector, characterized by volatile recruitment and rising costs. Officials, including KCL Vice-Chancellor Prof Shitij Kapur and Science Minister Patrick Vallance, highlight the union as a driver for innovation, combining KCL's broad academic strengths with Cranfield's specialized expertise in engineering, technology, and management. The collaboration aims to enhance national resilience, strengthen industry partnerships, and capitalize on complementary specialisms to compete globally.

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The Camden Highline project, an ambitious initiative to transform a disused railway line into an elevated public park in London, has been officially paused with immediate effect. Organizers cited a combination of rising living costs, increased operating expenses, and a challenging fundraising environment as the primary reasons for halting development. The project, conceived in 2015 as London’s counterpart to New York’s High Line, aimed to create a mile-long wildlife corridor and green space connecting Camden to King’s Cross. Despite securing planning approval for the first section in January 2023 with an estimated cost of £14 million, sustained economic shocks and the emerging 2026 energy crisis rendered the project financially unviable. Simon Pitkeathley, the group’s chief executive, expressed deep regret to supporters, noting that the current economic climate has severely reduced the capacity for discretionary capital projects among charities and public bodies. While the immediate development is scrapped, trustees stated that the planning and creative work achieved over the past decade will be preserved for potential future revival. The announcement marks a significant setback for urban green infrastructure ambitions in the UK amidst broader economic pressures.

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A recent analysis highlights a counterintuitive method for detecting deception: closing one's eyes. Research indicates that individuals are nearly twice as effective at identifying lies when they rely solely on auditory cues rather than visual ones. This phenomenon occurs because the human voice undergoes subtle changes in rhythm, intonation, and pitch when a person is under stress or attempting to deceive, driven by adrenaline-induced muscle tension in the larynx. Visual distractions often mask these acoustic distortions. The article references insights from Professor Sophie Scott of University College London, who explains that voices act as instruments reflecting physical and emotional states. Beyond lie detection, vocal characteristics reveal information about height, age, health, and even hormonal cycles. For instance, vocal folds vibrate differently when inflamed, and pitch can shift during ovulation. The piece suggests that while AI and television contestants struggle with deception detection, humans possess a remarkable, often subconscious, ability to interpret these vocal subtleties when visual biases are removed. This finding underscores the importance of auditory processing in social interactions and challenges the common belief that body language is the primary indicator of truthfulness.

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Paleontologists have identified a new dinosaur species, Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, dubbed the 'Last Titan of Thailand.' Discovered in northeastern Thailand's Chaiyaphum province, this sauropod lived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 100 to 120 million years ago. Weighing an estimated 27 tonnes and measuring 88.5 feet in length, it is comparable in size to nine adult Asian elephants, making it the largest dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia. The fossils, including spine, rib, pelvis, and leg bones, were unearthed about a decade ago in rock formations that represent the youngest dinosaur-bearing layers in the region. This suggests Nagatitan may be the last large sauropod to inhabit the area before it turned into a shallow sea. The study, published in Scientific Reports, classifies Nagatitan within the Euhelopodidae family, unique to Asia. The name combines 'Naga,' a mythological serpent, and 'Titan,' referencing Greek giants. A life-size reconstruction is now displayed at the Thainosaur Museum in Bangkok, marking the 14th dinosaur species named in Thailand.

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The Camden Highline, a ambitious project designed to transform a disused railway viaduct in London into a green walking and cycling route, has been effectively cancelled. Organizers announced that the scheme is pausing with immediate effect, citing unsustainable financial pressures. Conceived nearly a decade ago as London's counterpart to New York's famous High Line, the project aimed to create a mile-long elevated park connecting Camden to King’s Cross. However, sustained economic shocks in the UK, particularly skyrocketing construction costs and the emerging 2026 energy crisis, have rendered the project non-viable. The organizers highlighted that discretionary capital projects are facing severe funding constraints as resources shift toward essential services. Despite significant community support, including 1,200 donors and extensive volunteer involvement, the team concluded that the current economic climate prevents further progress. Simon Pitkeathley, the group’s chief executive, expressed deep regret over the decision, acknowledging the difficulty of delivering green infrastructure amidst such financial turbulence. While a small section was previously completed as part of the Coal Drops Yard development, the broader vision for the highline has been abandoned, marking a significant setback for urban regeneration efforts in the area.

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British researchers from University College London have discovered that regular engagement in artistic activities can significantly slow down the biological aging process. Published in the journal Innovation in Aging, the study analyzed data from 3,556 adults in the U.K., examining their participation in activities such as singing, painting, dancing, and visiting museums. The findings indicate that individuals who engaged in the arts weekly exhibited a 4% slower rate of aging based on epigenetic clock blood tests, effectively making them biologically about one year younger. Monthly engagement resulted in a 3% slowdown. These benefits were particularly pronounced for people over the age of 40 and those involved in a diverse range of artistic endeavors. Lead author Daisy Fancourt noted that the positive effects are comparable to physical exercise and quitting smoking. While slower biological aging does not guarantee a longer lifespan, previous research suggests a link between arts engagement and longevity. The study highlights that creative activities reduce stress, lower inflammation, and improve cardiovascular health, suggesting they should be considered essential for well-being rather than mere luxuries.

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