This week brought great insights to the world of science. From an ancient human skeleton discovered in Mexico to the gut microbes that evolved with humans, here are some of the most intriguing scientific discoveries of the week.

Climate change is not the only cause of devastating Pakistan floods

Climate change was responsible for a 50% increase in precipitation in two Pakistani provinces late last month, but it wasn’t the main reason for the devastating floods that killed more than 1,500 people, according to a new study. understood.

Pakistan’s overall vulnerability, including those living at risk, is the main reason for the disaster, said the scientists who conducted the study. Other weather events, such as the intense heatwaves that hit the region early in the summer and the wetter-than-usual monsoon from La Niña, also contributed to the severity of the floods.

Saturn’s tilt may have been caused by a ‘missing moon’

The rings of Saturn and its tilt are symbolic. A simulation-based study by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) scientists found that a “missing moon” called a chrysalis may be responsible for the tilt. Scientists theorize that the pupa’s trajectory became unstable between 200 million and 100 million years before her. In the grazing impact that caused Saturn’s tilt, the Moon was ripped into bits and formed part of the planet’s rings.

Ancient human bones found in Mexican cave

Prehistoric human remains have been found in a cave system near the Caribbean coast of Mexico. Scientists believe the cave system was flooded at the end of the last ice age 8,000 years ago.

Some of the oldest human remains have been found in sinkhole caves or ‘cenotes’. The most recent find was found near where the Mexican government plans to build a railroad track. A strip of jungle has already been cleared to lay the track. Scientists fear the cave system could collapse, become contaminated, or be closed because of the project and subsequent development.

The gut microbiota has evolved with humans

A new study finds that the gut microbiome has evolved in step with humans. increase.

The study also found that gut microbes are passed down from generation to generation like genes. This discovery may enable more personalized treatment tailored to the patient’s needs.

New Atlas of Migratory Birds Shows Extraordinary Journeys

Scientists have created an online atlas of birds that illustrates the migration routes of about 450 bird species in the United States. The site uses GPS tags to track bag movements and collects online data from hundreds of scientific studies that match over 100 years of bird sign data.

IISc Scientists Develop Gold-Coated Vesicles to Fight Tuberculosis

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have devised a new method to combat tuberculosis in adolescents and adults. Scientists used outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), gold-coated, spherical, membrane-bound particles that are released by some bacteria. When delivered to immune cells, these vesicles are expected to trigger an immune response.

Sunlight can have a big impact on your mood and sleep cycle

A new study finds that the dimmer and brighter sunlight that accompanies seasonal changes affects our moods. Sunlight, detected in small areas of the brain via light-sensitive cells in the retina, affects not only your sleep cycle, but also your hormones, mood, and diet. New research may help develop new treatments to treat mood disorders.

IISc scientists aim to build molecular neurotrophic computing technology

In a move towards developing devices that can mimic the workings of neurons in the brain, researchers at IISc Bangalore designed neuromorphic devices using previously unused organic materials.

Relationship between Moon Wobble and Mangrove Forests

A new study finds that long-term oscillations in the moon’s orbit over 18.61 years can influence the expansion and contraction of mangrove forests. The bizarre relationship between the two could help determine mangroves’ role as effective carbon sinks in the coming decades, scientists say.