Earliest North American Jurassic corals found
Washington: Researchers have found the fossil record of the earliest North American coral species that reappeared after the Triassic-Jurassic mass extinction event more that 200 million years ago.
Corals are particularly hard-hit by subtle changes in ocean temperature and acidity. About 200 million years ago, corals and reefs completely collapsed. During this particular extinction event, researchers have found no evidence of asteroid impact or other catastrophic events. Instead, the geologic and paleontological records point to massive global climate change.
After that mass extinction event, it took coral reefs more than 20 million years to completely recover. In the dusty, high desert of central Nevada in US, the team discovered the earliest North American Jurassic corals. New York Canyon in Nevada is swathed with sedimentary rocks that during the Jurassic period represented the west coast of North America. Geologists have flocked to this site for almost a hundred years to study the unique and continuous deposition of rocks that span the Triassic-Jurassic boundary.
The fossils left in the rocks offer a fairly complete snapshot of the mass extinction. Yet, the significance of the corals found there had not been noted until now. “The Jurassic corals represent a recovery of all species after the event,” Hodges said.
“They are simple, solitary corals that lived in thick mud, which may have helped their survival during such a tumultuous time. Or they may have migrated from the distant side of Pangea,” Hodges said. Regardless, they are the earliest representatives of the coral that would slowly rebuild and diversify over millions of years.
By studying these unique corals, Hodges along with George Stanley, professor at University of Montana, aim to contribute a better understanding of survival and recovery. The study was published in the journal GSA Today. (PTI)
World’s first medicinal chocolate developed
Washington: A US-based company claims to have developed the world’s first medicinal chocolate that may lower blood pressure and help maintain ‘good cholesterol’. The key ingredient in chocolate, cacao, contains antioxidants and minerals, and can also play a role in lowering blood pressure and maintaining ‘good cholesterol’.
However, the effects of this ingredient is usually offset by the fact that most chocolate bars contain at least 70 per cent fat and sugar. The new prototype bar, being developed by Kuka Xoco, contains only 35 per cent fats and sugar so that the cacao will be more effective, the ‘Metro’ reported.
“Using microgrammes of coco plant extract, we can de-bitter unsweetened cacao,” said Gregory Aharonian, spokesperson of Kuka Xoco. “This eliminates the need for sugar, sweeteners and much of the fat in chocolate, unleashing the medical benefits of cacao,” said Aharonian.
The current prototype cuts the fat content by half, but the company eventually plan to develop chocolate containing just ten per cent fat and sugar. (PTI)
Tiny Bulldog manages to chase 2 bears out of her garden in US
Los Angeles: A brave tiny French Bulldog in the US has proved size means nothing after she managed to chase off two huge bears that had sneaked into her garden. Jules, a 9 kg Bulldog, took her guard dog responsibilities seriously when the bears approached her family’s property in Monrovia in California.
When two bears managed to make it into the garden in broad daylight, Jules responded – running at the bears, which were five times her size, without hesitation, and barking at them until they fled.
Jules was rewarded for her courage with a bath, treat and plenty of affection from her grateful owners. (PTI)