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Scientists reveal what came first, chicken or egg

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1 year ago

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People have often debated the question of what came first, the chicken or the egg. This is a topic which everyone of all ages discusses but none of them could find the simple answer about this. But scientists appear to have answered the paradox.

The researchers from a study published in the Journal Nature Ecology and Evolution put forth an idea that the ancestors of the current birds and reptiles gave birth to live young.

Giving birth to living young allows the female to better protect her developing embryo until it’s ready to be born.

Researchers from Nanjing and Bristol University challenged the belief that hard-shelled eggs were the key to the success of amniotes — animals whose foetuses develop inside an amnion inside the egg.

The study noted that “the amniotic egg is very different from the anamniotic egg of extant amphibians, which lacks an eggshell and extraembryonic membranes”.

“The amniotic egg consists of a suite of fetal membranes, including the amnion, chorion and allantois, as well as an external shell that can be either strongly mineralized (as in rigid-shelled eggs) or weakly mineralized (as in parchment-shelled eggs),” the study said.

University of Bristol’s School of Earth Sciences led the study in which 51 fossil species and 29 living species categorised as oviparous, that lay hard or soft-shelled eggs, or viviparous, that give birth to live young, according to the Times.

“All the branches of Amniota, including mammals, show signs of retaining embryos within their bodies for extended periods of time,” found the study.

Professor Michael Benton, from the University of Bristol, said: “Our work, and that of many others in recent years, has consigned the classic ‘reptile egg’ model of the textbooks to the waste basket.” 

“The first amniotes had evolved extended embryo retention rather than a hard-shelled egg to protect the developing embryo for a lesser or greater amount of time inside the mother, so birth could be delayed until environments become favourable.”

“Sometimes, closely related species show both behaviours, and it turns out that live-bearing lizards can flip back to laying eggs much more easily than had been assumed,” project leader Professor Baoyu Jiang added.

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Unlawful VPNs: Terrorists Utilize Unregistered VPNs to Disseminate Propaganda

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21 hours ago

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Terrorists utilize illicit VPNs to disseminate propaganda and misinformation while concealing their identities.

Several accounts have been uncovered and are under investigation.

The cessation of non-registered VPNs is crucial for the nation’s economy.

The PTA is blocking illegal URLs and websites disseminating objectionable material upon verification.

Forensic investigations of websites have yielded startling results.

Disseminating erroneous information is more facile using unregistered VPNs.

Terrorists were exploiting these unverified VPNs.

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Air University Holds A Revolutionary Event For Students Focusing On Cybersecurity

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21 hours ago

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Air Marshal (R) Asad Lodhi has praised the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, an initiative by the Air University and Higher Education Commission that aims to train future cyber security experts and pioneers. At the opening ceremony of the two-day Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which took place at Air University in Islamabad, he was the chief guest.
Showdown challenges, the Ideas Cup, and the Pakistan Crypt Challenge are all part of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which lasts for two days.

Air Marshal (R) Abdul Moeed Khan, VC of Air University, made a speech praising the cyber security abilities of Pakistani youth, saying that they are among the best in the world and will help the country face cyber threats. A haven for cyber security excellence, he said, Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge 2024. Additionally, he praised the Air University for its innovative and outstanding work in this area.
At the inaugural ceremony of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, Dr. Zia Ul Qayyum, executive director of the Higher Education Commission, also spoke to the crowd. He discussed how HEC has created a welcoming atmosphere and helped facilitate projects such as the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge.
As part of the inauguration event, an MoU was also signed. Guests and participants were given souvenirs as the opening ceremony came to a close.

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How to turn on low-light mode on WhatsApp for better video calls

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22 hours ago

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The Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has launched a new feature designed to facilitate video calls in low-light environments.

Frequent users of WhatsApp for video calls with loved ones may appreciate the recently launched low-light mode.

The function enhances video call clarity in low-light conditions, facilitating more effective connections regardless of location.

Are you inclined to experiment with it? Here is a comprehensive guide on employing low-light mode to enhance video quality during WhatsApp calls.

A sequential instructional manual

Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your device.

Step 2: Commence a video call with any family member or acquaintance.

Step 3: Observe the bulb icon positioned at the top-right corner of your screen.

Step 4: Select the bulb icon to activate it. To deactivate it, you click on the icon once more.

Your friends and family will now perceive you more distinctly due to improved visibility and less graininess, regardless of the surrounding lighting circumstances. This feature is presently accessible solely on Android and iOS devices, and not on Windows.

Furthermore, explore: Methods to categorise WhatsApp conversations using personalised lists: A sequential instructional manual.

Key considerations to retain

As this is a provisional configuration, it must be activated with each call you make.

In addition to the low-light mode, WhatsApp provides several additional intriguing features for video calls, such as background removal, filters, and enhancement options.

Background removal: The background remover function allows you to alter your backdrop during video conferences.

Filters: This functionality enables you to apply a filter from a selection during video calls with friends and family, enhancing the vibrancy of your interactions.

WhatsApp offers a fundamental touch-up feature to improve your appearance during video talks.

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