Scientists Discover Two New Cave-Dwelling Snail Species Named After “The Lord of the Rings” Characters

Science and Health

Idiopyrgus meriadoci (left) and Idiopyrgus eowynae (right). Credit: Snails: Salvador RB and Bichuette ME. Background: Envanto
New snail species named after “The Lord of the Rings” characters have been found in Brazil. These troglobitic snails, adapted to cave environments, face threats from environmental degradation.
Scientists have named two newly discovered freshwater snail species from Brazil after characters from The Lord of the Rings.
The species, described in the open-access journal Zoosystematics and Evolution, were named Idiopyrgus eowynae and Idiopyrgus meriadoci in honor of Éowyn and Meriadoc Brandybuck from J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic series.
Idiopyrgus eowynae sp. nov. A, B. Holotype LES 29795;. C. Paratype (typical morph) #1 LES 29796; D. Paratype (typical morph) #2 LES 29796; E, F. Paratype (dark morph) LES 29797; G. Paratype (typical morph) #3 LES 29796, juvenile, showing the protoconch in greater detail as well as the sculpture of the first teleoconch whorls; H. Detail of the body whorl of holotype in dorsal view, showing the teleoconch sculpture, in particular the multitude of spiral lines; I. Paratype #3 in apical view, showing the protoconch. Credit: Salvador RB and Bichuette ME
In their research paper, the authors explain the name Idiopyrgus eowynae, stating, “Éowyn exemplifies courage, resilience, and resistance against darkness, both internal and external, standing against Gríma Wormtongue and the Witch-king of Angmar.”
As for Idiopyrgus meriadoci, they write, “Besides standing with Éowyn against the Witch-king in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Merry is also an example of the fight for nature conservation in Middle-earth, pushing the Ents into action and ultimately ending Saruman’s threat to Fangorn Forest.”
Idiopyrgus meriadoci sp. nov. A, B. Holotype LES 29798; C. Paratype #1 LES 29820; D. Paratype #2 LES 29820; E. Detail of the spire of the holotype in apertural view, showing the teleoconch sculpture in the early whorls; F. Detail of the body whorl of holotype in apertural view, showing the teleoconch sculpture; F. Detail of the protoconch of the holotype. Credit: Salvador RB and Bichuette ME
Habitat and Unique Characteristics of the Newly Discovered Species
The discovered species are troglobitic and were found in a single limestone cave in the Serra do Ramalho karst area of Bahia state, northeastern Brazil. The gastropods belong to the family Tomichiidae, a group previously known for inhabiting surface freshwater environments but now shown to have adapted to subterranean ecosystems.
Both snails have unique periostracal hairs—thorn-like structures—on their shells, a feature uncommon among Brazilian freshwater snails. Their cave-specific adaptations include reduced pigmentation, fragile shells, and small size.
Gruna do Pedro Cassiano (“Pedro Cassiano cave”), Serra do Ramalho karst area, Carinhanha municipality, Bahia state, Brazil; A. Cave surroundings showing the limestone outcrops and the dried vegetation, sparse and altered by human impacts; B. Cave entrance.; C. Cave gallery showing the small subterranean drainage; D. Detail of the drainage with the apparatus of water extraction; E. Submerged roots, microhabitat of Idiopyrgus spp.; F. Detail of the microhabitat of Idiopyrgus spp., showing thinner roots; G. Xangoniscus aff. aganju, an amphibious troglobitic isopod that co-exists with Idiopyrgus spp.; H. Trichomycterus rubbioli, a cave catfish that co-exists with Idiopyrgus spp. Credit: Salvador RB and Bichuette ME
Conservation Challenges and Cultural Influence in Taxonomy
The Gruna do Pedro Cassiano cave, where the snails were discovered, is a fragile ecosystem threatened by water extraction, deforestation, and climate change. Due to the species’ limited habitat and environmental threats to their subterranean ecosystem, the authors recommend their classification as vulnerable. The findings highlight the importance of protecting Brazil’s subterranean biodiversity and raise concerns about the impact of human activities on these delicate ecosystems.
On his choice of Tolkien-inspired names for the new species, lead author Dr. Rodrigo B. Salvador of the Finnish Museum of Natural History said, “I tend to use lots of pop culture references in my species names—from books, comics, Dungeons & Dragons, and video games. If we think about it, there is a long-standing tradition in taxonomy of using names from mythology and literature to name species.
Distribution map of Idiopyrgus spp. (and Spiripockia punctata) in caves of the state of Minas Gerais and Bahia, Brazil. Credit: Salvador RB and Bichuette ME
“Granted, in the old days, those names mostly came from Greek and Roman myths and Shakespeare. Today, we have newer mythologies and literature classics, so in a way, we’re just continuing that tradition.”
Reference: “Idiopyrgus Pilsbry, 1911 (Gastropoda, Tomichiidae): a relict genus radiating into subterranean environments” by Rodrigo Brincalepe Salvador and Maria Elina Bichuette, 8 November 2024, Zoosystematics and Evolution.DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.136428

‘The Substance’ director Coralie Fargeat removes movie from Camerimage Film Festival

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

(Credits: Far Out / MUBI) Sat 16 November 2024 9:39, UK One of 2024’s most notable body horror films, The Substance, will no longer appear at Camerimage Film Festival in Poland. The film’s director, Coralie Fargeat, has chosen to remove her work from the festival after its director made regressive comments about female filmmakers and cinematographers. First founded back in 1993, the Camerimage Film Festival is currently under the leadership of festival director Marek Żydowicz, who has been heavily criticised for his controversial comments. During a recent column in Cinematography World, the organiser seemed to suggest that greater representation of female filmmakers in festival programs might lead to “mediocre film productions.” “Should we reject what is esteemed and valuable just to ‘make space’ for the necessity of social change?” he continued. “Whilst festivals like Cannes, Berlin or Venice are criticised for their selections due to succumbing to or promoting [political or ideological trends], Camerimage remains committed to artistic values as the foremost criterion for qualifying and promoting film art.” However, these comments have proved to be detrimental to this year’s Camerimage Festival.Coralie Fargeat found these comments too offensive to ignore and promptly pulled out of the festival’s programming. Posting to X, formerly Twitter, the director shared, “After discovering the highly misogynistic and offensive words of the director of the Camerimage Film Festival, I have decided to pull The Substance from the festival (and [director of photography] Benjamin Kračun has decided not to attend).” Furthering her explanation, Fargeat wrote, “The Substance is about the impact of exactly these types of behaviours on our world. We shouldn’t tolerate them anymore. We send our support to all involved in the festival and hope this decision will help create a much-needed change.”Director Steve McQueen – whose film Blitz was set to open the festival – also chose to pull out of the event in light of these comments. Although Żydowicz later apologised for the column, it was too little too late for McQueen, who said, “I have enormous respect for cinematographers of all genders, including women, and believe we have to do and demand better to make room for everyone at the table.”In response to the departure of McQueen, Żydowicz published a statement reading, “It was with great sadness that I accepted Steve McQueen’s decision to withdraw from the festival. I apologise once more, and I would like to take this opportunity to sit down in an open forum and talk about how to move forward together in a more open and inclusive manner.” “The festival is here to embrace each other as a community and to share in the appreciation of the images we cherish together as a community,” he continued, “Let’s have a meaningful discourse together as a community so that we can begin to rebuild in a more equitable manner. Let us have a conversation and determine the steps that will make the festival, our industry, more open, unified and representative of all voices.”[embedded content]Related TopicsSubscribe To The Far Out Newsletter

Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister: EWS processes should be based on and guided by best available science and technologies

Science and Health

Baku, November 16, AZEZRTAC“The world is already experiencing changes in average temperature, shifts in the seasons, an increasing frequency of extreme weather events, and slow onset events. Countries and communities need to develop EWS as adaptation solutions and implement actions to respond to current and future climate change impacts,” said Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Umayra Taghiyeva as she addressed a high-level event on Strengthening Climate Information and Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems for Increased Resilience held as part of the COP29.“Successful creation of EWS not only depends on governments, but also on the active and sustained engagement of stakeholders, including local communities, national, regional, multilateral and international organizations, public and private sectors, civil society and other relevant actors, as well as an effective management of knowledge. EWS processes should be based on and guided by the best available science and technologies. Under the Paris Agreement, the Global Goal on Adaptation was established. Following the conclusion of a 2-year work programme, at cop28, Parties adopted the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience, as part of the UAE Consensus. The framework includes a range of targets for climate adaptation and resilience and provides a platform for increased implementation of adaptation actions such as EWS on the ground,” the deputy minister added.

UN: Morocco’s Hilale to co-chair ECOSOC forum on science, technology and innovation

Science and Health

The President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Ambassador Bob Rae, has appointed Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Omar Hilale, to co-chair, with Finland’s Ambassador, Elina Kalkku, the ECOSOC Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals to be held on May 7 and 8, 2025.
The choice of Morocco reflects the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in the field of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in light of the remarkable progress in the digital transformation of the Kingdom’s infrastructure and its positioning as an African leader in AI.
This designation is also a recognition of the Royal vision that initiated an ambitious digital transformation project since the start of His reign, aimed at modernizing digital and telecommunications infrastructures, improving access to technology for citizens and integrating technology and innovation into education and for the benefit of young people.

UN: Morocco’s Hilale to co-chair ECOSOC forum on science, technology and innovation

Science and Health

The President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Ambassador Bob Rae, has appointed Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Omar Hilale, to co-chair, with Finland’s Ambassador, Elina Kalkku, the ECOSOC Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals to be held on May 7 and 8, 2025.
The choice of Morocco reflects the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in the field of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in light of the remarkable progress in the digital transformation of the Kingdom’s infrastructure and its positioning as an African leader in AI.
This designation is also a recognition of the Royal vision that initiated an ambitious digital transformation project since the start of His reign, aimed at modernizing digital and telecommunications infrastructures, improving access to technology for citizens and integrating technology and innovation into education and for the benefit of young people.

UN: Morocco’s Hilale to co-chair ECOSOC forum on science, technology and innovation

Technology

The President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Ambassador Bob Rae, has appointed Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Omar Hilale, to co-chair, with Finland’s Ambassador, Elina Kalkku, the ECOSOC Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals to be held on May 7 and 8, 2025.
The choice of Morocco reflects the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in the field of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in light of the remarkable progress in the digital transformation of the Kingdom’s infrastructure and its positioning as an African leader in AI.
This designation is also a recognition of the Royal vision that initiated an ambitious digital transformation project since the start of His reign, aimed at modernizing digital and telecommunications infrastructures, improving access to technology for citizens and integrating technology and innovation into education and for the benefit of young people.

Camp Crasher OTT Release Date: Here’s when you can stream the Argentinian Comedy Film Online

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Camp Crasher OTT Release: The Argentinian Comedy film is all set to premiere on December 6th on Netflix.  The film is about a Single Mother’s struggle and how she balances her life with her son.
[embedded content]
Plot
The story of the film follows the life of a single mother and her son. How the mother does everything for her son all by herself and tries to maintain a balance with her work and personal life.
However things take a dramatic turn when the mothers co-incidentally reads one of her son’s what’s app chat’s with his father in which he had asked his father to take him away as he doesn’t feel like living with his mother anymore.
However, as the mother goes through the text, she feels shocked and surprised and thinks of all the better ways to keep him to herself. In the end of the message, the father says okay he’ll think about it.
Meanwhile her son is planning for his school trip and is excited to be with his friends and have lots of fun. Finally the day of the school trip comes and all the children reach the school to board the bus
Meanwhile one of the teachers in the school informed the parents that he has some bad news to share. He informs the parents that the driver who was suppose to take the bus is tested positive for drugs and won’t be able to make it.
All the parents and the children look at each other and start whispering. However, Romi’s mother jumps in and offers a plan. She tells them that she has 2 proposals, one to drop the trip or she can drive the bus.
The parents happily agree and she safely takes the children to the trip and all of them had lots of fun.

Camp Crasher – Official Trailer (2024) Natalia Oreiro, Milo Lis, Comedy Series pic.twitter.com/EbWnq5ZEmN
— Movie Coverage (@MovieCoverage_) November 7, 2024

Lord Swraj Paul wins top honour at Asian Business Awards

Business News

Hosted by the Asian Media Group, the Asian Business Awards recognise and reward top achievers from the community.

Lord Swraj Paul, who founded Caparo, was recognised with the coveted Asian Business of the Year award.

By:
EasternEye

ONE of Britain’s best-known industrialists scooped the top honour at the annual Asian Business Awards on Friday (15).
Lord Swraj Paul, who founded Caparo, an international business conglomerate producing steel and niche engineering products, was recognised with the coveted Asian Business of the Year award.
The 94-year-old moved to the UK in the 1960s to seek medical treatment for his young daughter, Ambika, but stayed on and set up his business empire, which has now diversified into hotels and property, power and logistics, finance and investment.

Congratulations to The Rt Hon. Lord Swraj Paul of Marylebone, Founder of Caparo, for being named Asian Business of the Year at the Asian Business Awards!
Join us in celebrating his outstanding achievements and the inspiring legacy!#ABA2024 #BusinessExcellence pic.twitter.com/52esEpQPek
— Asian Business Awards (@AsianBizAwards) November 15, 2024
After winning the award, Lord Paul said: “I remember when Mark Tully interviewed me when I first started in Britain. He asked, ‘Lord, how much are you British, and how much are you Indian?’ I said, ‘I am a hundred per cent British and a hundred per cent Indian.’”
Caparo has revenues of $1 billion, with a presence in the US, Canada, the UK, India and the UAE, employing 11,000 people.
“My family and I fought for India’s freedom. My brother and I, along with others, came to our house where I started in 1948. I later built my first factory in Huntingdon, at John Baker’s facility. The second plant I built at that time was opened by the Prince of Wales, who is now the King,” he said.
Lord Paul is also known for his philanthropy, having donated major sums to London Zoo and funding universities in the UK and US.
In total, nine winners were recognised on the night, as the best of British Asian enterprise and success was celebrated at the gala event.
Chief guest Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Cabinet Office minister, paid tribute to Asian businesses, saying they have grown to be “an economic powerhouse in this country”.
He added: “And some of those business founders came to the UK with next to nothing, built their way up, created wonderful success stories.

“Through sheer graft, and the power of their own ingenuity, they managed to build incredible organisations touching every part of our national life—from food and drink, to pharma and healthcare, to hospitality and retail.
“It’s important that we celebrate the talent and hard work that is present in this room this evening. Tonight is about honouring the best.
“I want to congratulate everyone who wins an award tonight, to thank you for everything you have done, and to look forward to a future where the UK goes from strength to strength.”
Another highlight was the launch of the latest edition of Eastern Eye’s Asian Rich List 2025, a compilation of the 101 wealthiest Asians in the country.
With an estimated wealth of £34.5 billion, the Hinduja family retained their top ranking this year.
Gopichand Hinduja unveiled the glossy publication in front of 700 guests at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.
Among those who attended were MPs, CEOs, and business and community leaders.
Indian high commissioner Vikram Doraiswami thanked the organisers for the opportunity to launch the Asian Rich List. He spoke about the importance of the bilateral relationship between India and the UK, and said: “The South Asian community here has generated tremendous value over decades.
“The relationship between the UK and India has tremendous potential for further growth. In trade, investment, education, and science and technology, this partnership will be one of the major drivers of progress for the remainder of this century.
“To that end, we at the High Commission congratulate everyone who made it onto this year’s list. For those who didn’t, perhaps channel your inner John Lennon and rattle your jewellery,” he said.
Hosted by the Asian Media Group, publishers of Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat news weeklies, the Asian Business Awards recognise and reward top achievers from the community.
Winners included Asian Business CEO of the Year 2024 is Nish Kankiwala, CEO, John Lewis Partnership.

We’re thrilled to announce that Nish Kankiwala, CEO of @JLPJobs, has been awarded CEO of the Year supported by Westcombe Group at the Asian Business Awards!
Join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement!#ABA2024 #AsianBusinessAwards24 pic.twitter.com/NlDPNJ2HBy
— Asian Business Awards (@AsianBizAwards) November 15, 2024
He told the audience: “Technology should enable better human decisions, not replace them. For example, at John Lewis, we collect vast amounts of data about customer behaviour. But sometimes, we forget that we don’t actually know the customer as well as we think.
“The future lies in combining data with human insight. Data science and AI can be enablers and enhancers of decision-making, but they can’t replace human intuition.
“Fail quickly if you’re going to fail—that’s critical. One mistake I’ve made is being too patient with organisational changes. When turning around a business, you need to build capabilities ahead of its current state. If you don’t, you’ll end up with an organisation fit for today but incapable of driving future growth.
“Another lesson is distinguishing between tactics and strategy. Early in my career, I spent too much time on tactical fixes when the real issue was a flawed strategy. Strategy boils down to two questions: where do you want to play, and how do you win? If you get those right and execute them well, businesses tend to thrive,” Kankiwala said.
Valimex Foodservice, which supplies groceries to London’s top hotels and restaurants, was named Asian Business Fast Growth Business of the Year.

Congratulations to Valimex Foodservice for winning Fast Growth Business of the Year at the Asian Business Awards supported by @PrathamUK!Their dedication to innovation and excellence in the foodservice industry is truly inspiring.@ValimexUK#ABA2024 #AsianBusinessAwards24 pic.twitter.com/6OGaD1JPhE
— Asian Business Awards (@AsianBizAwards) November 15, 2024
Under the leadership of directors Viraaj and Raajev Thakrar, Valimex’s fleet of refrigerated vehicles services various sectors, such as healthcare, education and hospitality.
A leading family business in the pharmaceuticals sector, was crowned winner of the Asian Business Next Gen Award. CEO Hatul Shah collected the award for Sigma Pharmaceuticals, the country’s largest independent wholesaler in the pharmacy channel. Its revenues have risen by 30 per cent to £270 million, and the company has also enjoyed an eight-fold rise in profit.

Congratulations to Hatul, Bhavin, Rajiv, and Paras Shah of @sigmaplcuk, for winning the Next Gen of the Year Award supported by the Koolesh Shah Family Foundation at the Asian Business Awards!Here’s to many more successes ahead!#ABA2024 #AsianBusinessAwards24 pic.twitter.com/aGhoLsK6JA
— Asian Business Awards (@AsianBizAwards) November 15, 2024
Mane Kancor, which supplies spices, produces essential oils, natural antioxidants and blends, won the International Business of the Year award.
The Franchise Business was awarded to Lavanya Gamsani, director, Sriram Abhi Limited and her chain of Subway stores.
Femme Fabric Solutions, a feminine hygiene company to end the stigma of period poverty in India and other parts of the world, was named Asian Business Sustainable Business of the Year.
The Asian Business Food and Drink Business of the Year was won by Wanis International Foods, one of the largest specialist food and drink wholesalers in Europe, while Brown & Burk won the Asian Business Healthcare Business of the Year.

We are thrilled to announce that Wanis has been awarded the Food & Drink Business of the Year at the prestigious Asian Business Awards!
Congratulations to the entire Wanis team on this well-deserved recognition!#ABA2024 #BusinessExcellence #Wanis pic.twitter.com/dNjXUbXOuH
— Asian Business Awards (@AsianBizAwards) November 15, 2024
Guests raised funds for Pratham UK.
Aditya Solanki, Chief Operating Officer at Asian Media Group, said: “The Asian business community has always demonstrated unparalleled determination, skill, and a commitment to excellence. Over the past 26 years, we have witnessed the rise of visionary leaders who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also paved the way for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“They have not only contributed significantly to the UK’s economy but have also become a driving force in philanthropy, social impact, and community cohesion.
“The Asian Business Awards have served as a platform to recognise and applaud these individuals, and tonight, we continue that tradition.”