Vishwam Sankaran

Chennai

Science and Technology Reporter at The Independent

Non-binary. SciTech reporter @Independent. Words @labhopping @TheNextWeb @PTI_News. Send tips to [email protected]

Articles

Common household chemical found linked to heart disease deaths

1 day ago | independent.co.uk | Vishwam Sankaran

India leads in deaths linked to toxic plastic chemicals known as phthalates Daily exposure to chemicals used in common household plastic products could be behind hundreds of thousands of heart disease-related deaths every year, according to a new study. Scientists have long warned of health problems linked to this class of plastic chemicals called phthalates, typically found in cosmetics, detergents, solvents, plastic pipes, and bug repellants.
New snail species with shell shaped like Picasso’s art discovered

2 days ago | independent.co.uk | Vishwam Sankaran

Researchers propose a new method to classify snails based on shell geometryA tiny new snail species discovered in Thailand has been named after legendary artist Pablo Picasso, due to the strange, complex geometric patterns seen on its shell. The species, measuring only 3 millimetres (0.1 in) in size, has been named Anauchen picasso owing to the rectangularly angled whorls on its shell.
New snail species with shell shaped like Picasso’s art discovered

2 days ago | nz.news.yahoo.com | Vishwam Sankaran

A tiny new snail species discovered in Thailand has been named after legendary artist Pablo Picasso, due to the strange, complex geometric patterns seen on its shell. The species, measuring only 3 millimetres (0.1 in) in size, has been named Anauchen picasso owing to the rectangularly angled whorls on its shell. These whorl patterns “look like a cubist interpretation of other snails with ‘normal' shell shapes,” prompting researchers to name it after Picasso.
Groundbreaking new drug could cut blood pressure by 15 points within week, scientists say

2 days ago | independent.co.uk | Vishwam Sankaran

Participants were not able to lower their blood pressure before taking new drugFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
Scotland stone circles reveal ‘ultimate adventure story’ of human presence in Europe

2 days ago | independent.co.uk | Vishwam Sankaran

Early humans likely chose the site due to its good access to coastal and riverine resourcesStrange stone circles found at the Isle of Skye could be evidence of the earliest human occupation of Scotland’s frigid northwest, pushing survival boundaries, a new study says. The research sheds more light on the “ultimate adventure” undertaken by early humans to reach the “far end” of Scotland, say archaeologists from the University of Glasgow.
The bizarre reason some people are fine on just four hours of sleep a night

4 days ago | ca.style.yahoo.com | Vishwam Sankaran

The Weather NetworkFailed Venus probe likely to crash down to Earth overnightLaunched over 50 years ago, this piece of the Kosmos 482 mission was designed to survive the punishing conditions on Venus. CNNMile-wide underwater volcano ready to erupt off the West CoastOne of the Pacific Ocean’s lesser-known volcanoes will blow its vent in the coming months, causing 10,000 earthquakes in one day. Here’s what scientists are saying.
The bizarre reason some people are fine on just four hours of sleep a night

4 days ago | independent.co.uk | Vishwam Sankaran

Scientists identified a rare gene mutation (N783Y in the SIK3 gene) that allows some individuals to function well on only 4-6 hours of Sleep. This mutation affects a phosphate exchange process crucial to the Sleep-wake cycle, leading to less Sleep and potentially more deep Sleep. Mice with the same mutation slept 30 minutes less than unaltered mice, confirming the gene's role in Sleep duration. This discovery could lead to new therapies for Sleep disorders and improve Sleep quality.
The bizarre reason some people are fine on just four hours of sleep a night

4 days ago | aol.co.uk | Vishwam Sankaran

Scientists identified a rare gene mutation (N783Y in the SIK3 gene) that allows some individuals to function well on only 4-6 hours of Sleep. This mutation affects a phosphate exchange process crucial to the Sleep-wake cycle, leading to less Sleep and potentially more deep Sleep. Mice with the same mutation slept 30 minutes less than unaltered mice, confirming the gene's role in Sleep duration. This discovery could lead to new therapies for Sleep disorders and improve Sleep quality.
The bizarre reason some people are fine on just four hours of sleep a night

4 days ago | uk.style.yahoo.com | Vishwam Sankaran

The Independent America is saying goodbye to the Southern accent The diminishment of the ‘yat’ accent is most noticeable in millennials The Guardian José Pizarro’s recipe for slow-roast pork belly with spring onion mojo verde A lively, Spanish-inspired Sunday lunch alternative with a fresh, herby sauce to offest the richness of slow-roasted pork The Independent Wooden spears found in a German coal mine could change the history of human hunting This potential shift in ownership could reshape...
Rare mutation means some people thrive on just four hours of sleep a night

4 days ago | independent.ie | Vishwam Sankaran

Rare mutation means some people thrive on just four hours of sleep a nightA gene mutation has been linked to needing less sleep. Photo: AlamyScientists have discovered a rare genetic mutation that lets some people thrive with just four hours of sleep, an advance that could lead to new therapies to induce better sleep and rest. Doctors recommend at least seven to nine hours of bedtime each night, with sleep deprivation linked to early onset of Alzheimer’s and heart disease.