Scientists have discovered traces of unknown species in the DNA of Africans

The remains of an unknown species of people or suitable samples for DNA extraction have not yet been found

American scientists conducted a study and found in modern African people from two to 19% of the DNA they received from a  previously unknown extinct group of hominids . This was reported by Naked Science with reference to the study. 

These genes, according to scientists, the inhabitants of Africa  received about 24,000 years ago. The existence of an unknown group of people is also indicated by archaeological finds that date back to the age of 16,000 years. Ancient and primitive features were discovered in some of the remains, which are already uncharacteristic for the inhabitants of the Late Stone Age. 

However, the remains of the most extinct group and suitable samples for DNA extraction have not yet been found. 

• On December 15, 2019,  it was reported that scientists were able to uncover the life expectancy of Neanderthals. 
• On January 31,  it was reported that scientists managed to find traces of Neanderthal DNA in the African genome.

Threats from the Sun will be tracked from the Lagrange point: ESA mission starts

A satellite to observe the "side" of our star invisible from Earth will be fixed at a gravitationally stable position in orbit - at the fifth point of Lagrange

The European Space Agency has moved from the concept category to the upcoming Lagrange mission. The satellite will detect potentially dangerous incidents on the Sun before they fall into the field of view of the Earth, and ahead of time warn the inhabitants of the planet about them.

The probe will track events such as flares, coronal mass ejections, geomagnetic storms, proton events, and more. In the future, this will save billions of euros in eliminating the consequences of abnormal solar activity.

Previously, the British authors' plan provided for the placement of probes in the Lagrangian points L1 and L5 of the Earth-Sun system, but, as of 2020, the project consists of one spacecraft - for L5. Perhaps the second will be launched later.

European Parliament takes action against illegal sale of cats and dogs

MPs called for the creation of a system of compulsory registration of cats and dogs and to tighten sanctions for violence and abuse

The European Parliament called for the creation of a pan-European system for protecting domestic cats and dogs in order to exclude their illegal and uncontrolled sale. It is reported by Ukrinform .

The corresponding non-legislative resolution was supported by 607 deputies, three were against and 19 abstained.

It is noted that the deputies of the European Parliament called for the creation of an action plan at the EU level to protect the welfare of animals at the level of pet owners, as well as in the health system - to stop the illegal sale of animals.

In particular, MEPs called for the creation of a system for the mandatory registration of cats and dogs in the EU; tougher sanctions for violence and abuse of pets; as well as encouraging people to take into the house, rather than buying animals.

According to the European Parliament, it is estimated that 46,000 dogs are sold monthly in the EU. Most of them do not have proper registration.

In October 2019, scientists released the results of a study on the effect of domestic dogs on humans. According to them: the risk of premature death from all causes for dog owners is 24% lower than for those who do not own them, and the likelihood of death from problems with the cardiovascular system is less by 31%.

Italian Senate lifts immunity from friend of Putin, will be judged

Former Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini accused of illegally holding 116 people on a ship off the coast of Sicily

The Italian Senate voted to strip the immunity of the former Italian Interior Minister, leader of the right-wing party of the North League, Matteo Salvini . Now he can be held accountable for refusing to accept a ship with migrants, the BBC reports .

Salvini is accused of illegally holding 116 people on a ship off the coast of Sicily for a week in August 2019.

The Italian politician has repeatedly stated that he wants to go to court to “tell the world” that his migration policy “saved tens of thousands of lives.”

"I am absolutely calm and proud of what I did. And I will do it again as soon as I return to the government," Salvini said.

Senators from the North League left the conference room without participating in the vote.

• In July, Italian prosecutors launched an investigation into a possible conspiracy of the League of the North with Russia.
• Salvini has denied allegations of funding for his party by Russia.
• In September, BuzzFeed named Russian North League curators.