Bats Avoid Mid-Air Crashes by Adjusting Their Echolocation During Flight

Bats fly out of caves in large numbers every night. Even though they fly in huge numbers they do not collide. Scientists have observed this for years. The ability of bats to navigate without crashing remains an area of study. Many species rely on echolocation to sense their surroundings. They emit calls and listen to echoes. When many bats use echolocation at the same time, interference should occur. Scientists refer to this issue as jamming. This raises the question of why bats do not collide when leaving caves in large groups.

How Bats Navigate Without Collisions

According to a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers from Tel Aviv University examined greater mouse-tailed bats in Israel's Hula Valley. The study was conducted over two years. Small tracking devices were placed on multiple bats. These trackers recorded their locations and sounds. Some of these devices contained ultrasonic microphones. The mics were there to capture the auditory scene. Since bats were tagged outside the cave, data at the opening of the cave was not available. A computational model developed by Omer Mazar was used to simulate the missing data. This model recreated the entire sequence of bat emergence.

Findings on Echolocation Adjustments

As per the findings, 94 percent of echolocations were jammed when bats exited the cave. Within five seconds, jamming decreased significantly. Two behavioral adjustments were noted. First, bats moved outward from the dense group while staying in formation. They changed their echolocation strategy. Calls became shorter, weaker, and at a higher frequency. Scientists expected bats to avoid jamming by dispersing. The change in frequency was unexpected.

Reason Behind Echolocation Changes

Omer Mazar, a researcher involved in the study, explained this shift. He stated in an interview with Phys.org that bats prioritise detecting the nearest barrier. In this case, the obstacle is another bat. They did this by changing the method of echolocation. They gather precise information about their immediate surroundings. This reduces the risk of collisions
 

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OpenAI Is Planning to Release an Open-Source Reasoning-Focused AI Model

OpenAI is planning to release an open-source artificial intelligence (AI) model. This would be the San Francisco-based AI firm's first open-source reasoning-focused AI model, and it is expected to be released in the next few months. This will be the company's first open-source release since the GPT-2 model, which was introduced in November 2019. The AI firm is currently seeking feedback from the developer community to better understand their needs and requirements. OpenAI said that a major focus in the development of the AI model will be on safety.

OpenAI Planning to Release an Open-Source AI Model

The open-source space in AI has become quite competitive. From companies focused on the community, such as Meta, Mistral, and Alibaba, to tech giants, such as Google and Microsoft, have all released multiple open models. However, OpenAI has been missing in this area ever since the release of GPT-2, and has focused on only releasing closed software that cannot be downloaded or modified for either research or commercial purposes.

Earlier this year, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was also asked a question on the same topic during an ask-me-anything (AMA) session on Reddit. Altman admitted that the company has been “on the wrong side of history” in this aspect and “need to figure out a different open-source strategy.” But he also added that it was not the company's highest priority.

However, on Monday, the company CEO shared an “Open model feedback” form in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), suggesting that the AI firm is now planning to build an open-weight AI model with advanced reasoning. For the unaware, the weights are just the numerical values of the connections the AI makes to generate an output.

While it is a significant part of the AI model, without the dataset and training techniques in the public domain, the model cannot be replicated or built from scratch to add onto another system. Such black boxed AI models are generally considered partially open.

Altman said that the safety of the model will remain a core focus area for the company, given that the model will be modified post-release. The AI firm plans to refer to its Preparedness Framework for this.

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USDC-Issuer Circle Plans IPO, Files Paperwork with US SEC: All Details

Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, is planning to go public this year. The US-based crypto firm recently filed for an initial public offering (IPO) with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). If approved, Circle's stocks will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “CRCL”. As part of the listing process, Circle has filled SEC's S-1 form – which is a registration statement that firms planning to go public need to submit to the SEC. It essentially provides key details about the firm and their businesses to the SEC as well as the investor community.

The filing shows that Circle plans to introduce three classes of common stock -- Class A (one vote per share), Class B (five votes per share, capped at 30 percent voting power), and Class C (non-voting). Despite the founders' voting power, Circle said it will not be classified as a “controlled company” under the NYSE rules.

As of now, Circle has not disclosed how many shares it plans to offer and what its IPO target price would be.

Key Details Circle Mentioned in the S-1 Form

Circle claimed in its filing that assets under its management reached the valuation of approximately $1.6 billion (roughly Rs. 13,694 crore) as of December 31, 2024.

The company also informed investors that between 2022 and 2024, its stablecoin-related reserves rose from $735.9 million (roughly Rs. 6,299 crore) to $1.7 billion (roughly Rs. 14,554 crore). While 99 percent of Circle's revenue last year came from its stablecoin reserves, the firm also churns a portion of its income via yield-bearing Treasury bills, the filing shows.

Explaining its decision to the public, Circle stated that the move seeks to enhance transparency and accountability while engaging with the investor community.

“Operating as a US-listed public company represents our continued dedication to transparency and accountability, as we will become subject to the reporting, corporate governance, and other requirements that are applicable to a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange,” the company said in its filing.

As per reports, Circle's IPO could go live between April and June.

Data by CoinGecko shows that Coinbase, Galaxy Digital, and Mara Holdings are among the top ten largest blockchain firms by market cap as of February 4.

Associated Risks

Now that Circle is planning its IPO, it has compiled a list of risk factors that the investors should beware of.

“Stablecoins may face periods of uncertainty, loss of trust, or systemic shocks resulting in the potential for rapid redemption requests (or runs). Extreme scenarios, such as market shocks that affect the value of USDC's reserves may lead to redemption delays and USDC reserves being insufficient to meet all redemption requests,” the firm explained.

The company acknowledged its exposure to credit risks and cautioned that its compliance and risk management strategies may be ineffective. It also warned investors that purchasing Class A common stock carries significant risk.

Circle's Journey So Far

Circle launched as a peer-to-peer payments technology company in October 2013 by Jeremy Allaire and Sean Neville. Over the last twelve years, the USDC supply has swollen to over 60 billion tokens. According to CoinMarketCap, USDC is the seventh largest crypto by market valuation.

In September 2024, Circle partnered with Sony to expand the USDC ecosystem through the Soneium blockchain. Under the deal, the USDC stablecoin was finalised as a key token within the Soneium network.

Ahead of its planned IPO, USDC received an approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) for use within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This allows all firms operating in the DIFC to integrate the USDC token into their daily economic activities.

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Racharikam OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch it Online?

Telugu political drama Racharikam is arriving on Lionsgate Play on April 11. Directed by Suresh Lankalapalli, the film is set in the 1980s and revolves around love and political turmoil in the village of Rachakonda. Bhargavi Reddy and Shiva find themselves entangled in a conflict that stems from family, politics, and social hierarchies. With themes of male power and caste oppression, the narrative explores the complexities of political ambition and personal relationships.

When and Where to Watch Racharikam

Racharikam will premiere exclusively on Lionsgate Play on April 11. Viewers with an active subscription can watch the film on the streaming platform.

Official Trailer and Plot of Racharikam

The trailer shows the intense political rivalries which causes emotional struggles. Among all of this is a love story set against a backdrop of these very power struggles. The plot follows Bhargavi Reddy who is an aspiring politician and Shiva who is a youth leader from the Mana Sakthi Party. Bhargavi's and her brother, Vivek Reddy's political ambitions gets tangles with her father's opposition to her love story. Political motivations are shown intertwining with personal relationships, as tensions arise. All of this ends up leading to a dramatic confrontation.

Cast and Crew of Racharikam

The film stars Apsara Rani and Vijay Shankar in lead roles. The film has Varun Sandesh, Srikanth Iyengar, Vijay Ram Raju, Esshwar and Hyper Aadi in supporting roles. The music has been composed by Vengi.

Reception of Racharikam

Upon its theatrical release on January 31, Racharikam received strong reviews, with an IMDb rating of 9.3/10. The film's storytelling, performances, and political themes were well received.

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China Loses 26 Percent of Its Glaciers Due to Global Warming, Claims New Study

China has reportedly witnessed a significant decline in glacier area over the last six decades. As per a new study published online,  the country has lost nearly 26 percent of its total glacier coverage since the 1960s. The study claims that the lost of such glacier area might be due to the rapid increase in global temperatures around the globe. Official data confirmed that close to 7000 small glaciers have entirely vanished from the landscape. The shrinking of glacier masses has been observed to accelerate over the past few years as warming trends continue to intensify.

Glacier Loss Confirmed by Chinese Academy of Sciences

According to a study released by the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources under the Chinese Academy of Sciences it was recorded that China's glacier area had reduced to nearly 46000 square kilometres by 2020. The total number of glaciers was stated to be around 69000 at that time. This marked a steep fall from an earlier figure of approximately 59000 square kilometres reported between 1960 and 1980 when glacier count stood at roughly 46000.

Impact of Glacier Retreat on Water Security and Environment

The melting of glaciers has raised concerns over freshwater availability across several regions. Environmental agencies have cautioned that the loss of glacier mass may result in higher competition for water resources in the years to come. The Tibetan Plateau which hosts a large portion of these glaciers has been referred to as the Third Pole owing to the vast ice reserves it holds.

Efforts to Slow Glacier Melting

Attempts have been made by Chinese authorities to slow the melting process through technological interventions. Artificial snow systems and snow blankets have been deployed as part of these initiatives.

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Greenland’s Melting Glaciers Expose 1,620 km of New Coastline Since 2000

Greenland's melting glaciers have exposed 1,620 kilometers of previously ice-covered coastline in the last 20 years. Arctic marine-terminating glaciers have significantly receded, according to satellite imagery from 2000 to 2020, exposing new land to the elements. This change illustrates the continued effects of global warming as the region's geography is altered by shrinking ice flows. The newly exposed areas now face environmental changes, such as possible ecosystem shifts, sediment displacement, and new opportunities for scientific exploration.Over the past two decades, glaciers melting in Greenland have revealed 1,620 kilometres of previously ice-covered coastline. Satellite imagery from 2000 to 2020 has shown a significant retreat in Arctic marine-terminating glaciers, exposing new land to the elements.

Satellite Data Tracks Greenland's Changing Landscape

According to a study published in Nature Climate Change, researchers examined satellite images to map changes in the northern hemisphere's glacier coverage. The study found that 2,466 kilometres of coastline have been revealed in the Arctic over 20 years, with Greenland accounting for 66 percent of the total. Glacial retreat has been most pronounced at Zachariae Isstrom, where 81 kilometres of coastline have been exposed—twice as much as any other Arctic glacier.

Newly Exposed Islands and Potential Territorial Claims

The discovery of 35 islands larger than 0.5 square kilometers, 29 of which are in Greenland, and 13 of which are not shown on any maps, is another result of the retreat of ice. The study further suggests that these 35 islands might be in danger as multiple nations might claim it for its natural resources. Researchers also pointed out in the study that these islands may have significant scientific value. The report adds that the new landscapes might provide new insights into Arctic geology and marine ecosystems.

Newly Exposed Islands and Potential Territorial Claims

The discovery of 35 islands larger than 0.5 square kilometers, 29 of which are in Greenland, and 13 of which are not shown on any maps, is another result of the retreat of ice. These islands' unexplored status raises the possibility of future territorial claims by nations looking to access unexplored natural resources. Researchers point out that these emerging landscapes may have scientific value, providing new insights into Arctic geology and marine ecosystems.

Environmental Implications of Glacier Loss

Long-term environmental effects are yet unknown as Arctic ice continues to melt. Researchers caution that the loss of ice affects global climate patterns by causing sea levels to rise and ocean currents to shift. Local governments, communities, and environmental researchers face both opportunities and challenges as a result of the recently exposed coastline.
 

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Dhanush’s NEEK Now Available on Prime Video: A Romantic Drama on Love and Heartbreak

Dhanush's Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam (NEEK) has finally been released on OTT after its theatrical run. The film is written and directed by Dhanush. The movie also marks the debut of Pavish Narayan. Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam follows the story of a young man who attends his former lover's wedding. The film also shows his journey on how he moves on and embraces his arranged marriage. 

When and Where to Watch Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam

NEEK premiered in theatres in February. The film is now available for streaming on Prime Video. The film caters to a younger audience, reflecting modern relationships and emotions.

Official Trailer and Plot of Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam

The official trailer of the movie reveals the struggle the protagonist deals with his unresolved emotions he attends his ex-lover's wedding. The story talks about his internal struggle, which creates moments of humour, drama, and introspection. The film focuses on different angles of love, heartbreak, and new beginnings.

Cast and Crew of Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam

Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam features Pavish Narayan, Anikha Surendran, Matthew Thomas, Priya Prakash Varrier, Rabiya Khatoon, Ramya Ranganathan, and Venkatesh Menon in their pivotal roles. The movie also features senior actors R. Sarathkumar, Naren, and Saranya Ponvannan. The music has been composed by GV Prakash Kumar, while Dhanush has backed the project under Wunderbar Films.

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