Science
What did the study reveal about people who look alike (doppelgangers)?
The study revealed that lookalike humans not only share striking physical resemblances but also have similar genetic sequences, making them comparable to 'virtual twins.' Researcher Estella explained that these similarities extend beyond just appearance, encompassing genomic, epigenomic, and microbiome profiles. The research utilized a unique set of samples to examine how these biological factors contribute to human resemblance. This groundbreaking study suggests that doppelgangers share deeper biological connections than previously understood, potentially changing our understanding of the relationship between genetics and physical appearance.
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WION
02:40 - 03:06
What does new research suggest about doppelgangers beyond physical similarities?
Recent research reveals that doppelgangers share more than just physical appearance - they may also have similar genetic profiles. According to a study published in Cell Reports, individuals identified as lookalikes often possess similar genotypes that influence both their physical features and behavioral traits. This surprising connection extends beyond mere facial resemblance, suggesting a biological foundation for why some unrelated people mirror each other so closely. The research, which examined 32 sets of doubles documented by Canadian artist Fran Noir Brunel, also found intriguing overlaps in lifestyle choices and educational backgrounds among these lookalikes, indicating genetics may influence more than just appearance.
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00:05 - 00:23
What does new research reveal about genetic similarities between doppelgangers?
Research published in Cell Reports reveals that doppelgangers share more than just facial similarities—they often possess similar genetic variants affecting both physical appearance and behavioral traits. The study, which analyzed 32 sets of lookalikes using facial recognition algorithms and DNA tests, found that these individuals share genetic sequences making them like 'virtual twins' despite being unrelated. Beyond appearance, these doppelgangers often showed similarities in education levels, height, weight, and even smoking history. The research provides valuable insights into how genomics, epigenomics, and microbiomics contribute to human resemblance.
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WION
00:05 - 03:21
How did India's ASTROSAT space observatory contribute to our understanding of dwarf galaxy formation and evolution?
India's ASTROSAT, the country's first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory, made groundbreaking observations of dwarf galaxies located 1.5 to 3.9 billion light years from Earth. Using its Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT), researchers analyzed 17 hours of data to capture evidence of star formation activity and material movement within these cosmic structures. The observatory successfully documented material flowing from the outer edges of 11 dwarf galaxies toward their centers, providing concrete evidence of the galaxy maturation process. This discovery is particularly significant because it offers the first direct observation of how dwarf galaxies, containing only a few billion stars, evolve into mature galaxies like the Milky Way with 200-400 billion stars. These findings challenge existing theoretical models of galaxy evolution and represent a major advancement in our understanding of cosmic assembly processes, demonstrating ASTROSAT's remarkable capabilities in ultraviolet astronomy research.
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WION
00:05 - 02:49
How has India's ASTROSAT space telescope contributed to our understanding of dwarf galaxy formation and evolution?
India's ASTROSAT, the country's first multi-wavelength space telescope, has made groundbreaking discoveries about dwarf galaxy formation using its Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT). Led by astronomer Anshuman Borgohain from Tezpur University, researchers analyzed 17 hours of ASTROSAT data and observed star-forming complexes on the outskirts of dwarf galaxies, finding evidence of material movement from outer edges toward the center in 11 dwarf galaxies. The study reveals that young, large star-forming clumps form on the periphery of these galaxies and spiral inward within a billion-year timescale, contributing to galaxy growth. This research is particularly significant because dwarf galaxies' diverse physical properties challenge current theoretical models of galaxy evolution, and ASTROSAT's resolving power and deep field imaging capabilities have enabled scientists to witness the live formation of these distant galaxies.
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01:20 - 03:14
How is India's ASTROSAT satellite contributing to our understanding of dwarf galaxy formation and evolution?
India's ASTROSAT satellite, specifically its Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT), has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding dwarf galaxy formation. The satellite's remarkable resolving power and deep field imaging capabilities have enabled astronomers to observe the "live formation" of distant dwarf galaxies, capturing processes that were previously difficult to study. ASTROSAT has successfully identified very young, large star-forming clumps that form on the periphery of dwarf galaxies and then spiral inward toward the galaxy's center over billion-year timescales. This observation directly shows how these galaxies grow and assemble over time. The findings are particularly significant because the diversity in dwarf galaxy properties challenges current theoretical models of galaxy evolution, making ASTROSAT's observations crucial for advancing our understanding of cosmic structure formation and galaxy maturation processes.
Watch clip answer (01:10m)WION
02:03 - 03:14