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Seals help Japanese researchers collect data under Antarctic ice

Seals help Japanese researchers collect data under Antarctic ice

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Seals help Japanese researchers collect data under Antarctic ice
  • Project leader said such research helps scientists trace the animals’ behavioural patterns and ecology.
  • Each seals had travelled as far as 633km (393 miles) from the coast of Japan’s Showa Station in Antarctica.
  • These seals were equipped with the head-mounted conductivity, temperature and depth sensor.

A seal wearing a helmet with an antenna might look unusual, but eight Weddell seals, each with a 580g monitoring device on their heads, have been helping Japanese researchers survey the waters under the thick ice sheet in Antarctica.

Tapped for a research project between March and November 2017 – winter in Antarctica – these seals were equipped with the head-mounted conductivity, temperature and depth sensor, which allows scientists to collect observation data, such as water temperatures and salt levels, in areas with extremely harsh environmental conditions.

Project leader Nobuo Kokubun said such research helps scientists trace the animals’ behavioural patterns and ecology.

“During the summer, we can go to Antarctica on icebreakers to conduct actual research activities, so that we can collect data there. But during the winter, such things cannot be done in so many places,” Kokubun said during an interview with Reuters on Friday.

“However, even in such a situation, many animals such as seals are living in the area of Antarctica, so I thought we should have them collect the data,” Kokubun added.

The data successfully gathered from seven seals showed one of them had travelled as far as 633km (393 miles) from the coast of Japan’s Showa Station in Antarctica, while another had descended to a depth of 700m (2,297 ft).

Kokubun said the scientists also learned from the data that warm seawater from the upper layer in the open sea reached Antarctica from March through winter that year. The water flowed below the ice, bringing in sea creatures like Antarctic krill, a major food source for seals.

Aiming to examine further the impact of global warming on Antarctic coastal areas, Kokubun next hopes to make the device small enough to fit on other animals at the South Pole such as penguins.

“The advantage with penguins is that they come back to the same place and we can collect the data from them immediately. Also, we can use the devices on a large number of penguins so they can cover a wide area,” he said.

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China and Pakistan will travel to Pamir-Hindu Kush-Karakoram together on scientific trips.

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BEIJING: With assistance from the China-Pakistan Joint Research Center on Earth Sciences (CPJRC), Northwest University (NWU) and Karakoram International University (KIU) want to carry out collaborative scientific expeditions in the Pamir-Hindu Kush-Karakoram region.

According to the recently signed partnership agreement between the two universities, they will work together on research projects, develop talent, and train teachers primarily in the areas of cultural heritage conservation and geological catastrophe prevention and control.

According to CEN, they also talked about expanding the options for Pakistani students to pursue postdoctoral and academic degrees at NWU.

“There is a strong need for external cooperation in geological disaster and cultural heritage preservation due to complex geological conditions, frequent disasters, and unique cultural heritage in the region where KIU is located,” stated KIU Vice Chancellor Engr. Prof. Dr. Attaullah Shah.

In addition to KIU’s distinct characteristics, NWU has an edge in areas such ecological environmental protection, natural disaster prevention and control, etc., according to NWU President Sun Qingwei.

China-Pakistan cooperation in earth science is constantly evolving. A DoU to jointly develop the Karakoram Observation and Research Station (KORS) on Natural Hazards was recently inked in February between KIU and CPJRC.

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Unveiling of the PSL X trophy in the Arabian Sea

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With the stunning introduction of its historic 10th edition trophy, Luminara, in Karachi’s coastal waters, the HBL Pakistan Super League has created history.
This extraordinary action, which represents creativity, tenacity, genius, and the essence of Pakistan’s top T20 league, is a new turning point in the league’s history.
The PCB released a video showing Colombian cliff-diving sensation Orlando Duque, aided by the Pakistan Navy, plunging into the Arabian Sea to retrieve the PSL X trophy, “Luminara,” which is picked up by former captain Sarfraz Ahmed and PSL CEO Salman Naseer on the Karachi shores.
Made from a single sheet of solid silver that has been expertly machined to create its elaborate stone settings, Luminara is a stunning work of art. The trophy, which weighs 10 kg and is embellished with 22,850 high-luster zircon stones, is a reflection of the HBL PSL’s competitive prowess, passion, and exceptional stars.
The Latin words “lumens,” which means “light,” and “luminare,” which means “torch,” are the sources of the name Luminara, which means illumination. It represents the league’s ten-year history of setting the standard for entertainment and cricket excellence.
With the assistance of the Pakistan Navy, a professional diver unearthed a treasure box from the deep sea during the revealing, which took place in the open waters of the Arabian Sea. The prized trophy was then presented to HBL PSL stakeholders in Karachi. The story describes an amazing performance that embodies the league’s richness, development, and unflinching attitude. Cricket players, franchise representatives, and HBL and PCB officials all witnessed this extraordinary spectacle, which increased the anticipation for HBL PSL X.
In his remarks on the momentous occasion, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi stated that the league’s dedication to innovation and quality is demonstrated by the introduction of “Luminara” at sea. “This trophy symbolizes the league’s illuminating history and its promising future as we commemorate ten years of the HBL PSL,” he continued.
“The HBL Pakistan Super League has always been about pushing boundaries, both on and off the field,” stated Salman Naseer, CEO of the HBL PSL. The HBL PSL has been a rich source of skill, tenacity, and sportsmanship, just like the sea is full of secrets and depth. This special reveal demonstrates the intense enthusiasm that our players and supporters have for the game.
The 10th edition of HBL PSL is set to take place in four cities – Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi from 11 April to 18 May. The opening match will be played between the defending champions Islamabad United (IU) and Lahore Qalandars (LQ) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

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The policy of repatriation is enforced by Pakistan, and the deadline for Afghan citizen card holders to leave the country is set for 18 days.

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It is only 18 days left until the deadline that the government has set for the departure of unlawful foreign nationals and holders of Afghan Citizen Cards. The deadline is rapidly approaching.

It is expected that the foreign nationals who are illegally residing in the country would face severe consequences if they do not leave the country by the 31st of March.

Considering that there are just 18 days left, the deadline for their departure is drawing near almost immediately. A guarantee has been provided by the government that there will be no instances of cruelty during the process of evacuation.

As an additional point of interest, the government has announced that preparations have been taken to provide food and medical services for individuals who are departing the nation.

It was highlighted by the government that foreign nationals who wish to remain in Pakistan must complete the legal conditions in order to obtain permission to do so.

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