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Opulence of pharaoh Ramses II unveiled at German exhibition
All about Russell's Viper
Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) is a venomous snake found in Asia. The species is named for Patrick Russell, a Scottish herpetologist who first described many of India's snakes. In Bengali, this snake is called Chandrobora since it carries lenticular or more precisely lunar marks all over its body. Apart from being a member of the big four snakes in India, Russell's viper is also responsible for causing the most snakebite incidents and deaths among all venomous snakes. Appearance These snakes are deep yellow, tan, or brown in color, with three series of dark brown spots that run the length of the body. Each of these spots has a black ring around it, the outer border of which is intensified with a rim of white or yellow. The head has a pair of distinct dark patches, one on each temple, together with a pinkish, salmon, or brownish V or X marking that forms an apex towards the snout. Behind the eye is a dark streak, outlined in white, pink, or buff. The venter is white, whitish, yellowish, or pinkish, often with an irregular scattering of dark spots. Distribution Geography Continents: Asia Sub-Continents: East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia Countries: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Pakistan, Cambodia, China, Taiwan,  WWF Biomes: Tropical dry forest, Tropical moist forests Russell's vipers are found in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Pakistan, Cambodia, Tibet, China (Guangxi, Guangdong), Taiwan, and Indonesia (Endeh, Flores, east Java, Komodo, and Lomblen Islands). These snakes are not restricted to any particular habitat but do tend to avoid dense forests. They are mostly found in open, grassy, or bushy areas, but may also be found in second-growth forests (scrub jungles), on forested plantations, and on farmland. Russell's vipers are most common in plains, coastal lowlands, and hills of suitable habitat. Humid environments, such as marshes, swamps, and rainforests, are avoided. They are also often found in highly urbanized areas and settlements in the countryside because of the abundance of rodents. Habits and Lifestyle Russell's vipers are solitary terrestrial creatures. They are primarily nocturnal foragers. However, during cool weather, they become more active during the day. These snakes like to bask in the sun during the day. The rest time is spent hiding in the caves, in cracks in the soil, or under the leaf litter. Adults move slowly and sluggishly unless they are threatened; after that, they can become very aggressive. Juveniles are generally more nervous in nature. When threatened, Russell's vipers form a series of S-loops, raise the first third of the body, and produce a hiss that is supposedly louder than that of any other snake. When striking from this position, they can exert so much force that even a large individual can lift most of their body off the ground in the process. These snakes are strong and may react violently to being picked up. The bite may be a snap, or they may hang on for many seconds. Group name: den, nest, pit, bed, knot Lifestyle: Terrestrial, Precocial, Ovoviviparous, Predator Seasonal behavior: Not a migrant Venom Venom of this species is delivered by means of solenoglyphous dentition. The quantity of venom produced by individual specimens is considerable. Venom yields for adult specimens have been reported as 130-250 mg, 150-250 mg, and 21-268 mg. For 13 juveniles with an average total length of 79 cm (31 in), the venom yield ranged from 8 to 79 mg (mean 45 mg). For most humans, a lethal dose is about 40-70 mg, well within the amount that can be delivered in one bite. In general, the toxicity depends on a combination of five different venom fractions, each of which is less toxic when tested separately. Venom toxicity and bite symptoms in humans vary within different populations and over time. Diet and Nutrition Russell's vipers are carnivores. They feed primarily on rodents but will also eat small reptiles, land crabs, scorpions, and other arthropods. Juveniles hunt lizards. As they grow and become adults, they begin to specialize in rodents. Mating Habits Russell's vipers are ovoviviparous which means that females give birth to live young. Mating usually occurs early in the year, although pregnant females may be found at any time. The gestation period lasts more than 6 months. Snakelets are produced from May to November, but mostly in June and July. Litters consist of 20-40 young, although fewer offspring may also occur. At birth, snakelets are 215-260 mm (8.5-10.2 in) in total length. They are independent at birth and reach reproductive maturity at around 2-3 years of age. Population threats The main threats to Russell's vipers include illegal collection and trade for food and skins. They are also often killed because of fear. Population number Presently, Russell's viper is not included in the IUCN Red List and its conservation status has not been evaluated. Ecological niche Russell's vipers are often found in settlements in the countryside attracted by rodents, thus playing a useful role in controlling their populations. Bites of Russell's Viper Dry bites or bites where only a very small amount of venom is injected may cause slight bleeding, pain, and swelling at the bite injury. If a moderate amount of venom was injected, you are more likely to have severe pain, swelling of the whole limb, and general ill feelings, such as nausea, vomiting, and weakness. Precautions to Avoid Bites Protective gear: Wearing rubber boots and gloves while out in snake habitats could prove useful. Flashlight: Rechargeable torches could help you see better during night time. Avoid dark corners: Snakes seek out shady or dark places where they can rest and cool down.  Know your snake prone area: Find out more about your local snake species and about the habitats they prefer. Do not disturb a snake: Snakes do not bother anyone if left alone. Do not imitate TV shows: Handling snakes takes immense practice and skill, which is not always portrayed on television. Do's and don'ts after bites Do's: Apply a bandage on the bite site covering the bite and the area around it as early as possible. The bandage should not be tight. Avoid unnecessary and sharp movements. Place a splint while bandaging, to avoid joint movements. Walking or running is not advisable. In case of a bite on the hand, bandage the arm and put in a sling from the shoulder. Don'ts Panicking during such times would make matters worse. Do not make any cut, scratch or incision, leave the bite alone. Do not suck the wound, it is a myth and medically not advisable. Do not apply an ice pack to the bitten area. Do not use a tight bandage or tourniquet. Alcohol, herbal medicine or aspirin are not medically-proven antidotes. Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Sub-Phylum: Vertebrata Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata Sub-Order: Serpentes Family: Viperidae Genus: Daboia Species: Daboia russelii Population size: Unknown Life span: 15 years Length: 120-166 cm/inch Source: Animalia Bio
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Here’s what to know about different salts
It can often be confusing to decide from a variety of salt types such as table salt, kosher salt, finishing salt. Here's a little explanation and some guidance. A little background information is helpful for truly understanding salt. For thousands of years, the production of it has been central to human culture. Naturally, salt is necessary for our survival. Sodium chloride is necessary for neuron, muscular, and digestive function as well as for controlling our body's fluid balance. There is very little salt naturally found in plants, thus early humans obtained all the salt they required by consuming animal flesh.   The specific date and technique by which humans discovered how to make salt—by mining rock salt from the soil or by evaporating seawater—are unknown, although it most likely occurred during the Neolithic era, when agriculture and animal husbandry began to flourish. As humans increased their dependence on vegetables and grains, they had to start salting their food.   And, as early civilizations grew, salt became one of their key economic drivers, according to Mark Kurlansky, author of "Salt: A World History."   Salt was inextricably linked to the geography and climate of its production until its mass manufacture in the early twentieth century.   Pre-industrial salt, according to Mark Bitterman, author of four books on salt and owner of the Meadow, a small chain of specialist salt shops, was the first local meal, a symbol of place and time.   What to use when   Salt comes in a bewildering multitude of varieties. Here's a primer on some of the most often used salts and how to use them.   Table Salt   Table salt is widely available and cheap, and it can be found in saltshakers all throughout the world. The majority is produced by pumping water into salt mines to dissolve the minerals, then evaporating the water under vacuum and separating the sodium chloride.   The tiny, delicate crystals have a consistent size and hue. To assist guard against iodine deficits, table salt is iodised, which demands the addition of chemicals such as dextrose or sodium bicarbonate for stability.   When sprinkled on food or while cooking, table salt dissolves quickly and can taste harsh and slightly metallic, as well as stridently salty. However, it can be used as an all-purpose cooking salt and is interchangeable with fine sea salt.   Kosher Salt   What defines kosher salt is its large, coarse grains. The term is a shortening of koshering or kashering salt, because its traditional use is to remove the blood from meat, as required by Jewish dietary laws. The large salt crystals draw out blood without dissolving much, which keeps the meat from becoming oversalted. And the coarse grain is perfect for making a salt crust, a traditional method for cooking whole fish that results in especially tender, juicy flesh.   Like table salt, most kosher salt is industrially produced. It isn’t iodized, but might contain anticaking agents, which will be listed on the label.   Common Sea Salt   Most inexpensive sea salt is industrially produced from seawater. Fine sea salt is often used in baking because of its ability to dissolve quickly, and can be used in place of table salt in cooking.   Traditional Sea Salts   Built on age-old traditions, sea salts like fleur de sel, sel gris and flaky salt are all made by evaporating seawater, either in the sun in warm climates, or by boiling. They can have a variety of trace minerals that add character, color and texture. Used as finishing salt, traditional sea salts can bring plenty of textures and flavors to the table.   Sea Salt Flakes   Flake salt is made by encouraging salt crystals to form slowly on the surface of the brine, so they can get especially large. Flake salt adds a gentle snap and bright saltiness to dishes. Because the flakes are so thin, you can add a fairly large pinch to dishes without oversalting, and this produces a crackly texture that dissipates quickly.   Fleur de Sel   Fleur de sel, also called flor de sal, translates to “the flower of salt,” a nod to its desirability. A product of warm, sunny climates, it’s been made in the same way for ages. Fleur de sel is not refined, so it contains whatever minerals are present in the water. You can use fleur de sel to finish any dish where you want a crunch that’s softer and more crumbly than flake salt, with a more complex flavor. It works particularly well with desserts, especially those that include caramel and chocolate.   Sel Gris   Sel gris, gray salt, is produced in the same types of solar- and wind-evaporating salt pans as fleur de sel, but is harvested from the clay bottom rather than the surface. It shines when sprinkled on roasted meats, fish and vegetables, but might be too earthy-tasting for desserts.   Himalayan Pink Salt   People have historically mined salt resources, notably those on Pakistan's Potwar Plateau, which is the source of Himalayan pink salt. It receives its pink color from trace minerals, which also lend it a moderately peppery flavor. Because of its solid texture, it is frequently marketed in grinders. It's a lovely finishing salt with a crisp texture for powerfully flavored foods.   It's also used to make cooking slabs that can be heated to 900 degrees. Mr. Bitterman, the author, suggests grilling slabs of Himalayan pink salt and using them to weight down poultry instead of a brick. Source: New York Times  
Dad Time: Spending quality time with father is a must
"Dad time" is essential to a child's overall development—it's not just a luxury. Good father-child interactions have a lasting effect on a child, influencing not just their early years but also their future relationships, careers, and general well-being. Fathers play an enormously important role in a child's life, helping them develop emotionally, socially, and cognitively. "Dad time" is more than just being there; it's about having meaningful conversations and doing things together that have a long-lasting effect on a child's development.   Reasons why it's important to spend time with a father: 1. ​​Improved academic achievement​ Academic achievement is favorably correlated with parental involvement in a child's schooling. Cooperative reading, helping with schoolwork, and stimulating conversations all support the development of cognition. 2. ​​Exemplary role modeling​ Fathers act as role models for their children, influencing their attitudes, actions, and morals. Fathers who spend meaningful time with their children can model moral values and important life skills for their children. 3. Connection on an emotional level​ A strong emotional tie is fostered by father-child bonding. Playing together gives the youngster a sense of safety and acceptance, which strengthens their emotional fortitude.   4. ​Increasing self-assurance​ Children can safely explore their powers in the company of their fathers. Children's confidence and self-esteem are bolstered by positive reinforcement, constructive criticism, and the sharing of accomplishments.   5. ​​Developing social skills​ Children acquire vital social skills like cooperation, communication, and dispute resolution through shared activities. Social connections between father and kid support social behavior that is in line with social norms.   6. ​​Promoting self-reliance​ Spending quality time with fathers requires striking a balance between promoting independence and offering assistance. When it comes to giving their kids a feeling of accountability and independence, fathers are extremely important. Source: Times of India  
Astronomers spot the oldest black hole
NASA astronomers have made a startling discovery as the team has managed to detect one of the oldest black holes with the help of the James Webb Space Telescope. The details are astonishing as the black hole might be dating back more than 13 billion years to the dawn of the universe. The earliest black holes have major possibilities to unlock a puzzle about the amazing counterparts of the galaxies including the Milky Way, which is a billion times bigger than the mass of the sun.  Now, the latest observations reveal that the galaxy called GN-z11 has pushed the origins of this mystery of the black hole’s infancy and has suggested that these black holes are either constructed big or grow rapidly in their early phase. Black holes are one of the universe’s most questionable and weirdest objects. They are extremely powerful and have an intense gravity with light or matter fighting hard to escape their grip.  The threshold of a black hole is traced out by its horizon, which is a no-point-of-return zone. Therefore, if anything goes beyond that boundary, it’s gone forever.
Does Japanese long-breathing promote weight loss?
The Japanese long-breathing exercise is being touted for its weight loss benefits. However, is this claim valid? We investigate. On your weight loss journey, you may have come across a lot of quick-fix hacks to lose those extra calories. One such technique that has come into the foray is the Japanese long-breathing exercise, which is being touted for its weight loss benefits. However, is this claim valid? We investigate. Championed by Japanese actor Miki Ryosuke, this technique, initially aimed at alleviating back pain, unexpectedly led to a weight loss of 13 kgs in a matter of weeks for Ryosuke. The underlying principle revolves around the belief that fat, composed of oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, disintegrates as oxygen reaches the fat cells during deep breathing, effectively aiding weight loss.
Feel the chill: Cold water bath benefits
Showers, whether hot or cold, may offer distinct advantages. While a hot shower may strengthen cardiovascular health and enhance sleep, a cold shower may assist lessen pain, swelling, and inflammation. Here are some possible advantages of taking a cold shower now that winter has officially arrived: Your body releases norepinephrine, which has anti-inflammatory properties, when exposed to cold water, which is why taking a simple cold shower can boost your immune system in multiple ways. According to one study, swimmers in cold water "had an improved adaptation to oxidative stress," while according to another, "cold water swimming can raise the body's tolerance." The simplest method to reap these wonderful benefits is to take a cold shower, which is even easier than swimming in cold water.
Social media addiction: How can we avoid it?
Users are spending more time online. Among children, social media consumption has skyrocketed compared to pre-pandemic levels. In the US, tech giants are on trial for endangering minors with addictive platforms. Oh why not, just one more post. Not that good? Well then how about the next one? That content will surely be more interesting. Anyone who's been on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or TikTok knows the feeling: Before we realize it, "a quick peek" can easily become an hour or two of doom scrolling. Social media is everywhere. We can access it through our phones, on our computers, at work, or during our free time. We use it to chat, to post, to stay up-to-date, to follow the latest gosssip, to hear what others have to say. But social media has its dark sides. The number of people consuming excessive amounts of social media content is rising. Over 6% of Germany's youth, or about 600,000 girls and boys, are addicted to social media and gaming. That's according to a study by German health insurer DAK and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), published this spring. It found that over two million minors used social media or streaming platforms in ways it labeled, "problematic." Accordingly, the amount of time children and young adults spend in front of a screen has risen sharply compared to pre-pandemic levels, up to about two hours and 45 minutes a day on social media alone. Helpful or harmful? So are social media just another dangerous contraption? "At the very least, their role is ambivalent," said Tobias Dienlin, assistant professor for interactive communication at the University of Vienna in Austria. "There is a lot of trivial content, but some of it can also be beneficial."  The expert added: "You can use social media in many different ways. You can passively consume content, or you can actively engage with social media to communicate and maintain relationships." As long as this happens in moderation, everything is fine, he said. Things only become problematic, he cautioned, when users start excessively frequenting social media sites. To date, there is no precise medical definition of social media addiction. "But just because a diagnosis doesn't exist, doesn't mean the phenomenon doesn't exist," said Dienlin. The media expert explained that excessive social media consumption became an addiction when users weren't able to get around to other important things in their lives, when they had the desire to use social media less but found themselves unable to think about anything else, and when they started neglecting real-life social relationships. Attractive algorithms Most social media platforms exploit peoples' neurological hardwiring by offering a system of short-term rewards. Likes and emojis provide positive reinforcement, and any unpleasant content can easily be swiped away. "Introducing the possibility to scroll endlessly has meant that users never finish browsing. There's always new content to see," Dienlin said. "Of course that's extremely addictive, because it means users have to actively disengage from their screens. When I finish reading a book, then I'm done. All television shows come to an end. But that's not the case online." What's more, many social media platforms run on algorithms designed to tailor the content we see to our personal preferences. This makes it even harder to control how much we consume. Those who struggle in other areas of their lives are particularly vulnerable to media addiction. "People who already have weak impulse control, or who struggle to organize their daily lives, have an even harder time with social media," Dienlin said. Escapism and echo chambers  To people who are lonely, or depressed, consuming excessive amounts of social media can also be a welcome escape from reality. "In these cases, it helps us regulate our mood and exit uncomfortable situations," the expert explained. "If I'm feeling bored, or overwhelmed, or if I'm feeling ashamed and guilty, and then I reach for my phone and open social media, it's all gone. In an instant." On the other hand, excessive social media consumption can also worsen existing psychological conditions, such as depression or eating disorders. This can happen when users seek out certain harmful content, which algorithms then learn to present more frequently in accordance with the users' stated preferences. US class action again big tech In the United States, hundreds of families have now joined a class action lawsuit against four of the world's largest tech firms. They blame Facebook operator Meta, Chinese TikTok operator ByteDance, Google and YouTube operator Alphabet, and Snapchat operator Snap for not only disregarding the risk of children becoming addicted to social media, but also actively promoting it. Several school districts have also filed suit. Among other things, the plaintiffs claim companies have insufficiently enforced parental controls and age-verification systems, and made it unnecessarily difficult to delete social media accounts. It was long unclear if the lawsuit would proceed, as the defendants denied all accusations, brushing them off as unsubstantiated. But in mid-November, a US district court judge rejected the social media giants' bid to throw out the case. But how meaningful might the case be? Dienlin is unsure: "A lawsuit like this attracts a lot of attention. The way I see it, it's not irrelevant to point these things out. But, as is so often the case, there are two sides to the story. If providers want to make their services more attractive, which any profit-oriented business aims to do, then they of course automatically raise the potential risk for addiction. But users can't deny their responsibility. We have to do both: optimize technology, and also train and help users." The EU has meanwhile launched investigations into YouTube and TikTok, too, on suspicion of violations against child protection regulations. Strategies to prevent addiction Above all, the expert recommended users remain vigilant about their own social media habits, as well as those of their children. "It's good to discuss it as a family, and to practice abstinence, without immediately resorting to thinking that all social media is absolute hogwash." He also recommended restricting time spent on social media, and physically putting phones aside occassionally. It's important for users to rediscover alternatives to their smartphones, too. Dienlin suggested physical activity, pursuing a hobby, meeting friends, or volunteering. "It would be wrong to assume that social media networks are to blame for us feeling down. Oftentimes, being glued to one's phone is indicative of a wider problem. But it can cause more problems," he explained. Even just realizing this, he said, could be the first step out of social media addiction.
Journalists' visit at The Korea Times office
A group of journalists participating in an invitation program organized by the Korea Foundation pose during a visit to The Korea Times' office in downtown Seoul, Monday.  From left are The Korea Times President-Publisher Oh Young-jin, RTV CEO Rahman Syed Ashik from Bangladesh), Le Manager Executive Director Sahar Mechri Kharrat from Tunisia, Canal 22 anchor Irma Gabriela Tlaseca Rodriguez from Mexico, Jordan Times Editor-in-Chief Mohammad Ghazal from Jordan, Guardian Media Ltd. Deputy Managing Editor Sampson Nanton from Trinidad and Tobago, The Gleaner reporter Simone Morgan-Lindo from Jamaica, La Provincia Managing Editor Antonio Cacereno from Spain and Miyagi Television Broadcasting President Tadayuki Tamai Japan.
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