Hibernation secrets of black bears could help humans
The researchers have studied the range of physiological changes in hibernating black bears and revealed bears' reduced metabolism to 25% of its normal level may be useful in emergency medicine, Kazakhstan Today reports.
Almaty. February 18. Kazakhstan Today - The researchers have studied the range of physiological changes in hibernating black bears and revealed bears' reduced metabolism to 25% of its normal level may be useful in emergency medicine, Kazakhstan Today reports.
Researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Stanford University say five bears subjected to the most detailed hibernation study ever undertaken in animals of their size remained in a state of reduced metabolism even weeks after awakening, the BBC reported Thursday.
Researchers say the pattern of the bears' heartbeats puzzled them, United Press International said.
"The bears typically during hibernation will take a deep breath and exhale and when they do, their heart stops and doesn't beat at all for 10, 15, 20 seconds," Brian Barnes, the Institute of Arctic Biology researcher who led the study, said.
"They held their breath for about a minute, and it's only when they inhale again that their heart picks up," he said. "It's just this alternative way of being that's very spare, that we didn't know was possible, particularly in large animals."
The research may yield clues that could prove useful in emergency medicine, the researchers said.
"If we could tell the mechanism by which they ... do this decrease in metabolic demand, that would be very interesting; should you have a heart attack or stroke or be gravely injured, the ability of your heart to deliver oxygen to your brain is compromised," Barnes said.
The study's senior author, Brian M. Barnes of the Institute for Arctic Biology at the University of Alaska, noted that after hibernating, black bears don't suffer the loss of bone and muscle mass that occurs in humans after a long period of inactivity, The Associated Press informed.
He said that if scientists could better understand the mechanisms behind the lower metabolic demand, it might be possible to develop new therapies and medicines for people.
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Nauryz Celebrated in Egypt
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The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Egypt, together with the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye , celebrated the great day of the Ulus - the holiday of Nauryz - at the residence of the Turkish Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
More than 120 guests took part in the organized festive event. Among them were representatives of the embassies of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and other countries, high-ranking officials from the Egyptian side and leading local media outlets.
Ambassador of Kazakhstan Askar Zhengis congratulated guests on the Nauryz holiday. In his speech, he spoke in detail about the role of Nauryz in the Turkic world, noting that it is a holiday of peace, kindness, and cooperation.
Ambassador Zhengis also noted that every year on March 14, Kazakhstan marks the start of the nationwide Nauryznama Decade, which includes numerous large-scale events, including exhibitions, festivals, literary and musical evenings, charity events, cultural and sporting events, and much more.
As part of the Nowruz celebrations in Egypt also hosted fairs featuring national dishes from participating embassies.
Guests were presented with a variety of national dishes reflecting the rich traditions of Kazakhstan. The national dish "Nauryz kozhe" was of particular interest to the guests. In addition, as part of the festive program, guests were shown videos about the culture and traditions of Nauryz celebrations.
Kazakh youth studying in Egypt performed numbers on national instruments, which was highly appreciated by the guests. The organized cultural event was highly appreciated by local guests and contributed to strengthening cooperation between our peoples.
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Air Astana cancels flights to Dubai until the end of April
Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Air Astana has been forced to extend the suspension of scheduled flights to Dubai from Almaty and Astana from 1 to 30 April inclusive, Air Astana reports.
Passengers on cancelled flights are offered the following options:
- a full refund of the ticket price without any penalties;
- free rebooking onto flights to Dubai departing up to and including 30 June;
- rebooking without penalties to other destinations served by the airline, subject to any fare supplements and airport charges, with a departure date up to and including 30 June.
The airline continues to monitor developments in the Middle East closely.
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Nauryz Celebrations Held in Washington, D.C.
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The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art hosted a ceremonial event celebrating Nauryz, an ancient holiday of spring renewal that symbolizes unity and the beginning of a new life cycle, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The event was jointly organized by the diplomatic missions of Central Asian countries and served as a platform for cultural dialogue and promoting public diplomacy.
As part of the program, Kazakhstan showcased the rich cultural heritage of its people through traditional national cuisine. Guests were offered key elements of the festive dastarkhan, including Nauryz kozhe, baursaks, zhent, and irimshik, reflecting the country’s centuries-old culinary traditions.
Particular attention was drawn to the installation of a traditional Kazakh yurt, which allowed visitors to explore elements of nomadic culture and everyday life. The exhibition was complemented by displays of Kazakh art, including handcrafted items and traditional jewelry.
Guests tried on Kazakh national costumes, deepening their cultural experience and sparking strong interest among a wide audience.
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Additional Almaty-Tashkent direct flight to be launched
Uzbekstan's Qanot Sharq Airlines has launched direct regular flights from Tashkent to Almaty, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The inaugural flight was welcomed at the Almaty International Airport with a traditional "water salute" and the first passengers were treated to sweets right at the gate.
Flights are operated three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, via Airbus A321neo aircraft, with a flight time of 1.5 hours.
Launch of the direct flight will further promote business relations, tourism, and cultural ties, strengthening Kazakh-Uzbek cooperation," the airport’s press service stated.
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Water level up in Sharlyk River of N Kazakhstan region
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In the North Kazakhstan region, water levels in some rivers are rising by several meters per day, although there is currently no threat of flooding, Qazinform News Agency reports.
According to the regional branch of Kazhydromet, over the past 24 hours the water level in the Sharlyk River rose by 153 cm near the village of Ruzaevka and by 93 cm near Andreyevka, while the Akkanburlyk River increased by 128 cm near Vozvyshenka. Water levels are also gradually rising in the Babykburlyk, Imanburlyk, and Mukyr rivers.
Over the past day, the Esil River rose by 76 cm near the village of Shoptikol, by 57 cm near Druzhba, and by 33 cm in Toksan bi.
At the Sergeyevskoye reservoir, the water level increased by 8 cm over the past 24 hours. The reservoir is currently 97.5% full.
According to weather forecasts, warm conditions will persist in the coming days. Tomorrow, temperatures in the southern parts of the region are expected to reach up to +20°C.
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From icy north to arid south: Sunday weather alerts issued across Kazakhstan
Much of Kazakhstan will experience dry weather on March 29. However, rain and thunderstorms are predicted in the west and south of the country, Qazinform News Agency has learned from Kazhydromet Weather Service.
Patchy fog is expected nationwide.
The northern regions will see black ice. Winds will strengthen in the west, south, and center, with dust storms in the southwest and south.
Besides, there is a high fire risk in the eastern part of the Kyzylorda region, the western part of the Turkistan region, and the southern part of the Zhetisu region.
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Vast anticyclone brings dry skies to much of Kazakhstan
Under the influence of a dominant anticyclone, no precipitation is expected in most of Kazakhstan on Saturday, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing Kazhydromet National Weather Service.
However, atmospheric fronts will cause rain (at times heavy) and thunderstorms in the west of the country.
Fog is expected throughout the country. There will be black ice in the northern part of Kazakhstan. Strong winds are expected in the western, southern, eastern, and central regions. Furthermore, the west and south will see dust storms.
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Kazakhstani students in Izmir celebrated Nauryz
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The international spring festival "Bahar" dedicated to the Turkic New Year Nauryz was held in Izmir Central park, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The event was organized by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality in cooperation with the Consulate General of the Kazakhstan. Students and residents of Izmir from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan took part in the festival. The festival became an important platform for promoting cultural and humanitarian cooperation and strengthening ties among representatives of Turkic peoples.
The Kazakh pavilion attracted visitors with the sound of the dombra and traditional national delicacies prepared by activists of the student association "Izmir Qazaq Jastary".
The holding of the "Bahar" festival contributed to the further strengthening of cultural ties, the development of public diplomacy, and the promotion of the national traditions of the Republic of Kazakhstan abroad.
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