Microbial colonies found within volcanic rocks at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean suggest the potential for extraterrestrial life on Mars, either currently or in the past. Research led by Yohey Suzuki from the University of Tokyo has identified mysterious terrestrial microorganisms that survive in extreme conditions similar to those on Mars. These microbes were discovered in cracks formed in rocks beneath the surface of the Southern Pacific Ocean, between New Zealand and Tahiti. The study, recently published in Communications Biology, raises the possibility that life could exist on Mars, given its volcanic bands and evidence of ancient water. The upcoming NASA Perseverance rover mission, in collaboration with the European Space Agency, aims to collect rock samples from Mars for analysis on Earth.

Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14, has ancient origins dating back to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was later transformed by Pope Gelasius I into a celebration of love. San Valentino, born in Terni and martyred on February 14, is considered the protector of lovers. The Benedictine monks played a significant role in spreading the tradition to England and France. Over time, the celebration evolved from exchanging love notes to giving gifts like chocolates and flowers.

February will bring pleasant surprises in love for Aries, with the full moon on February 8th enhancing romantic prospects for both singles and those in relationships. The month promises passion and the potential for lasting connections. In terms of work, creativity and financial success are highlighted, especially in the latter half of the month. Health-wise, Aries will experience a resurgence of energy, making it an ideal time for physical care and reflection. The stars advise Aries to embrace diplomacy and avoid conflicts.

NASA's Curiosity rover has detected unusual increases in oxygen concentrations near Mars' Gale Crater. Scientists are surprised by the phenomenon, as the reasons behind the variation in oxygen levels on the Martian surface remain unexplained. The phenomenon does not appear to be related to atmospheric reactions, leading to speculation about geological or microbial causes. Mars' atmosphere is mostly composed of carbon dioxide, with small amounts of molecular nitrogen, argon, molecular oxygen, and carbon monoxide. Oxygen levels have been observed to increase by up to 30% during the Martian spring and summer, returning to normal in the autumn. Chemical reactions between carbon dioxide and water have been ruled out as explanations due to the scarce amount of water on Mars.

Kate Middleton is at the center of gossip in the UK, with speculation that she may be expecting her fourth child. Various behaviors, such as changing her hair color and avoiding official engagements, have fueled these rumors. Additionally, her daughter Charlotte reportedly hinted at the arrival of a new sibling. The British Royal Family has not commented on these rumors, leaving the public eagerly awaiting an official announcement.

Ferragosto, celebrated annually on August 15 in Italy, has roots in ancient Roman traditions where it marked the end of agricultural work and honored gods Opi and Conso. The term 'ferragosto' originates from Emperor Augustus's decree in 18 B.C. The Catholic Church later adopted the day to celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, with Pope Pius XII proclaiming it a dogma in 1950. The day is also marked by various cultural traditions worldwide, including processions in Spain, sea dives in Ireland, and the celebration of India's Independence Day.

Italy has approved the use of Car-T cell therapy for blood cancer treatment, with reimbursement from the National Health Service expected to start in September. The therapy is designated for patients with diffuse lymphoma who have not benefited from other treatments or have relapsed, as well as for patients under 25 with acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. The treatment involves modifying a patient's T lymphocytes to trigger an immune response against cancer cells. Reimbursement by the National Health Service will be based on successful outcomes, and specialized hematological centers across the country will be selected for administering the therapy. An additional project to extend the application of Car-T therapy to other forms of cancer is anticipated to start by the end of 2019.

Canadian radiotelescope Chime has detected eight new mysterious fast radio bursts (FRBs) from space, adding to the ongoing enigma surrounding these extragalactic signals. The FRBs, which can be repetitive or non-repetitive, are believed to originate from deep space, possibly from phenomena involving neutron stars. The team from McGill University, led by astrophysicist Andersen, noted variations in the repetition rates and intensities of the signals. One of the signals appears to be relatively close to our galaxy, though still billions of light-years away.

The Amazon rainforest continues to suffer from numerous fires, causing global concern. The northern states of Amazonas, Rondonia, Roraima, and Acre are the most affected. Satellite data from Inpe shows an 83% increase in fires compared to the previous year. The crisis highlights the global climate emergency and the rapid destruction of a vital oxygen source. Cams reports alarming carbon dioxide levels, leading to a dispute between French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Macron has called for the Amazon fires to be addressed at the upcoming G7 summit.

Researchers are exploring ambitious projects to combat global warming, including a Bill Gates-funded initiative to block sunlight by releasing calcium carbonate dust into the stratosphere. The project, led by Harvard University, aims to replicate the cooling effects observed after the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo. The first experiment, costing around $3 million, will take place in New Mexico, using a balloon to release the dust and monitor temperature changes. While the project shows promise, there are concerns about potential risks to the planet's natural balance.

Spain has issued an international alert for a potential listeriosis epidemic caused by contaminated pork meat from Magrudis SL, sold under the brand La Mechà. There are 150 confirmed cases and over 500 suspected cases, with the majority in Andalusia and some in Catalonia. One death has been reported, and around 50 hospitalizations, mainly involving pregnant women and children. Listeriosis, caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is a severe infection transmitted through contaminated food, posing significant risks to vulnerable populations.

Tiziano Ferro shares his first selfie with his husband Victor Allen on social media, taken during a trip to Universal Studios in Los Angeles. The couple recently had a private civil wedding in Sabaudia, Italy. Ferro, known for his privacy, expressed his happiness and gratitude for the support from fans. Victor Allen, a former Warner Bros manager, now works in communication and marketing.

Medical hypnosis will be available at Mauriziano Hospital in Turin from next autumn, offering a new pain relief method for childbirth. Directed by Dr. Nicoletta Biglia, the hospital's Obstetrics and Gynecology department will provide this technique, which has been used by members of the British royal family. Medical hypnosis, which focuses on relaxation and self-control, is seen as a viable alternative to epidural anesthesia, benefiting both mother and child by reducing pain and increasing blood flow to the placenta. However, it is not effective for everyone, with an estimated 20% of the population being non-receptive to hypnosis.

On World Tiger Day, the WWF emphasizes the critical state of tiger populations, with only 3,890 tigers left in the wild. The WWF's Tx2 program aims to double the number of tigers by 2022, requiring global cooperation to combat poaching, deforestation, and illegal wildlife trade. While countries like Nepal have seen a 19% increase in tiger numbers, challenges remain in regions like China and South-East Asia, where traditional beliefs and illegal trade continue to threaten tiger populations.

In 2019, Earth Overshoot Day falls on July 29, marking the date when humanity's demand for ecological resources exceeds what Earth can regenerate in a year. This date has been arriving earlier each year, indicating increasing resource consumption. Italy reached its Overshoot Day on May 15, ranking ninth globally for rapid resource depletion. The article highlights the need for significant political and environmental changes to shift this trend, including reducing carbon emissions, adopting renewable energy, and minimizing water waste.

Recent data from space confirm that Mars has abundant frozen water, challenging the common perception of the planet as arid. The NASA-led research using the Italian Sharad radar has mapped significant ice deposits, including 400,000 cubic kilometers of ice, not only at the poles but also at interesting latitudes. The European Space Agency (ESA) plans a mission by 2026 to collect rock samples from Mars' Jezero crater, aiming to uncover past life forms. The mission, coordinated by Sanjay ViJendran, is seen as a historic interplanetary treasure hunt.

The Poison Control Center at Policlinico Gemelli in Rome has been inundated with calls from concerned citizens about the violin spider bite. However, experts, including Paolo Maurizio Soave, assure that the spider is not dangerous or venomous, and its bite usually causes only minor local reactions. Despite two deaths in Italy in 2015 and 2017, these were due to pre-existing severe conditions in the patients. The violin spider, scientifically known as Loxosceles rufescens, is generally non-aggressive and tends to hide from humans, only biting when threatened.

MyAnpal, the new platform by the National Agency for Active Labor Policies, is now online to facilitate job matching between companies and job seekers, especially those receiving the citizenship income. The platform requires users to register and complete their profiles, allowing companies to contact suitable candidates. Additionally, the platform supports job searches abroad and offers a relocation allowance for those already receiving monthly benefits. The assistance service lasts six months, extendable if the allowance is not fully utilized.

The Ministry of Health has announced that there is no relationship between turmeric supplements and the recent cases of cholestatic hepatitis. The Technical Committee for Nutrition and Animal Health confirmed that the hepatitis cases were not due to contaminants in the products but likely due to pre-existing liver conditions or concurrent medication use. The Ministry had previously withdrawn several turmeric products from the market as a precaution. Moving forward, new labeling will warn consumers about the risks of turmeric supplements for those with certain liver conditions. The situation will continue to be monitored to ensure consumer safety.

Instagram is testing hiding the number of likes from public view, making them visible only to the account owner. This change aims to shift focus to the content itself rather than its popularity, potentially reducing performance anxiety among users. The initiative could impact influencers and brands who rely on like counts for their business. The testing phase will take time before any final decision is made.

The bear M49 escaped from a high-security enclosure, raising public safety concerns. The president of the Province of Trento, Maurizio Fugatti, authorized foresters to shoot the bear if it approaches inhabited areas. The bear had been under scrutiny for previous damages and intrusions. The Ministry of the Environment and animal rights organizations criticized the province's decision, arguing it reflects a failure in managing the bear population. The bear's fate remains uncertain, with a previous similar case resulting in the bear's death.