sponging

A routine deep-sea survey off Southern California unexpectedly revealed massive, ancient sponge mounds, previously hidden in a well-explored area. These structures, vital nurseries for marine life, were found to be largely composed of dead sponges, whose skeletons form a base for new growth. The discovery highlights how much remains unknown even in familiar marine environments.

Marine biologists were stunned to discover living glass sponge reefs off British Columbia, previously believed extinct for millions of years. These ancient, self-building structures thrive by efficiently filtering nutrients from deep-sea currents. This remarkable find highlights the ocean's hidden secrets and the resilience of prehistoric ecosystems, proving the deep sea is a dynamic realm.

Microscopic squiggles found in 890-million-year-old Canadian reef rocks may represent the oldest animal body fossils, potentially pushing back the origin of animal life by 350 million years. These structures, resembling the skeletons of modern sponges, challenge the traditional view of the Cambrian explosion as the definitive start of animal evolution, suggesting early animals coexisted with bacteria in low-oxygen environments.

Your kitchen sink harbors more germs than a toilet, a health expert reveals. Raw meat and vegetable scraps introduce dangerous bacteria, making it a breeding ground for illness. Fortunately, a simple baking soda and vinegar scrub can sanitize it weekly. Also, ditch your sponge for reusable Swedish dishcloths to truly combat kitchen grime.

PlayStation Plus subscribers in June get a surprise: Grounded, the popular survival game from Xbox-owned Obsidian, is free on PS4 and PS5. Joining it are the co-op shooter Warhammer 40,000: Darktide and the character brawler Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2. EA Sports FC 26 also extends its availability, offering more time to grab it.

India dominates global dried flower exports; potpourri leads shipments, says TNAU

Residents of several villages near the JIADA industrial area in Balidih are alleging that factories are polluting their region with toxic smoke and ash. They claim steel and sponge iron units are damaging agriculture, contaminating water, and negatively impacting public health, leading to respiratory ailments. Local leaders are threatening agitation if the situation doesn't improve.

Surprisingly, the base of your toilet is a germ breeding ground, frequently neglected during cleaning. Bacteria love to lurk at the junction of porcelain and tile, causing contamination to spread. Fear not! A common pantry item, white vinegar, is your ally. Spray it generously around the base, allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes, and then wipe clean.

Instinctively choosing one of three keys reveals insights into your personality and how you navigate life. The gold ornate key suggests an authoritative leader, the antique rustic key points to an introspective "old soul," and the soft pink heart key indicates a compassionate emotional anchor. This quick test offers a moment for self-reflection on your current headspace and energy.

As Mirzapur makes the transition from streaming to the big screen with Mirzapur: The Movie, Ali Fazal opens up about returning as Guddu Pandit in a new format. The actor talks about approaching the film independently from the series, adapting to the demands of cinema, and revisiting a character audiences have followed for years. He also reflects on expanding the Mirzapur world, credits writer Puneet Krishna for shaping Guddu’s layers, and admits that taking a streaming franchise to theatres feels both exciting and uncertain as there are no real precedents for it in India.

The mango season has slipped effortlessly into glasses across the city. Mango Pop Cold Brew layers espresso with mango foam and fizz, while the Mango House Special keeps things tropical and playful.

Delhi has reported its first two heat stroke cases this season. A 24-year-old student collapsed on a train, and a middle-aged man was found unconscious on the street. Both required intensive care and emergency cooling. Doctors emphasize the critical need for rapid treatment during hot weather to prevent severe complications.

Researchers have discovered geological sponges in fractured volcanic rocks beneath the South Atlantic seafloor, capable of storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide over millions of years. These talus breccias absorb excess CO2 from seawater, suggesting Earth's oceans may hold significantly more carbon than previously calculated, impacting global carbon cycle understanding.

Residents of Balidih's JIADA industrial area are alleging that nearby factories are turning the region into a hub of toxic smoke and ash. Steel and sponge iron units are accused of damaging agriculture, contaminating water sources, and adversely affecting public health, leading to respiratory ailments and reduced crop productivity.

Trishala Dutt, daughter of Sanjay Dutt, reveals a difficult childhood in New York. She faced racism and bullying from a young age. The loss of her mother at eight deeply affected her. Dutt found solace in journaling and later, a pivotal conversation with her aunt empowered her. She pursued psychology and became a therapist, using her experiences to help others.