Scientists in China have created a chimera (mixed) monkey with distinctive features like green eyes and glowing fingertips. According to a CNN report, the primate has been created using two sets of DNA, something that is still experimental that they say could ultimately benefit medical research and conservation of species. The lab-born monkey survived for 10 days after which it was euthanised, the outlet further said. The research detailing the process of how the monkey was created has been published in journal Cell.

The primate was created using an unprecedented experiment, by combining the stem cells of two genetically distinct fertilized eggs from the same monkey species – a long-tailed macaque.

It was the world’s first live birth of a chimeric – or mixed – monkey with stem cells, CNN quoted the researchers as saying.

“It is encouraging that our live birth monkey chimera had a big contribution (of stem cells) to the brain, suggesting that indeed this approach should be valuable for modeling neurodegenerative diseases,” the outlet quoted study co-author Miguel Esteban, principal investigator at the Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, as saying.

“Monkey chimeras also have potential enormous value for species conservation if they could be achieved between two types of nonhuman primate species, one of which is endangered. If there is contribution of the donor cells from the endangered species to the germ line, one could envisage that through breeding animals of these species could be produced,” he added.

The animal contained varying but relatively high ratio of cells that grew out of the stem cells.

The scientists said the presence of donated stem cells ranged from a low of 21 per cent all the way up to 92 per cent. The highest percentage was seen in brain tissues, according to Science Alert.

Chimeric mice were first created in the 1960s and have been commonly used in biomedical research.

At least 40 of the 43 Myanmarese soldiers, who fled to Mizoram after militia group People’s Defence Force overran two military bases in the neighbouring country’s Chin state, were handed over to the Myanmar military government on Tuesday, an official said.

He said the soldiers approached Mizoram police at Zokhawthar in Champhai district on Monday after the PDF raided the two military bases at Rihkhawdar and Khawmawi in Chin state.

“Forty Myanmarese soldiers fled to Zokhawthar and approached Mizoram police on Monday, while three others did the same on Tuesday,” the official told PTI.

He said around 40 Myanmar soldiers were handed over to Assam Rifles, which in turn handed them over to the Myanmar military government at Tamu in Myanmar on Tuesday. The remaining soldiers will also be pushed back, he added.

A senior state home department official said around 2,500 to 5,000 people from Chin state have fled to Mizoram following heavy gunfight between Myanmar army and pro-democracy rebel groups since Sunday.

Champhai deputy commissioner James Lalrinchhana confirmed that the rebels attacked two military bases at Rihkhawdar and Khawmawi.

In retaliation, the Myanmar army also launched airstrikes at both these places, officials added.

Zokhawthar village council president Lalmuanpuia claimed that at least seven members of PDF have been reportedly killed in the airstrikes.

Zokhawthar and Khawmawi are located in close proximity divided by Tiau river, which runs along the Indo-Myanmar border, while Rihkhawdar is about 4km from Zokhawthar.

Industrialist Anand Mahindra never ceases to amaze us with his social media posts. The Twitter handle of the Mahindra Group Chairman is a goldmine of interesting, inspiring and heartwarming content that can make anyone’s day. The 68-year-old also imparts important life lessons to his 10.8 million social media followers through his posts. However, this time around, the industrialist reacted to a picture of his lookalike and his response left everyone laughing.

A user who goes by the username PJ took to X (formerly Twitter) and shared a photo of his colleague from Pune who resembled Mr Mahindra. He wrote, “@anandmahindra You too can get shocked after seeing this person. My colleague from Pune, lookalike Anand Mahindra.” Responding to the same, Mr Mahindra, in a witty manner said, “Looks like we were separated  during some Mela in our childhood…”

This response by the industrialists left many users in splits. Since being shared, his post has amassed over a million views and 10,000 likes.

“It’s incredible how life has a way of weaving connections. Wishing you both a joyful reunion!” remarked the user.

“Identical twins?” joked another person.

A third user added, “Humour level #1000 @anandmahindra Sir.”

“Not any other mela, has to be Kumbh Mela,” remarked a person.

“Unbelievable. I was stunned upon seeing it, my goodness, what a combination of faces. Oh my, amazing!” added another person.

Another internet user added, “Could be some Auto Expo.. not mela.”

“If he goes to court, you will have to prove he is not your brother,” another user joked.

“Do u have a family song to verify if he is really a family member?” added a person.

A few days ago, the business tycoon shared a photo of a unique snack he found at a store during his visit to New York. It wasn’t the snack itself, but the packaging on top that drew his interest. The photo displayed several packets of the popular Bombay namkeen mixture. The name on the packaging mentioned ‘Anand’, which piqued his interest. “Encountered in New York. Lawyers tell me I would not be successful in suing for brand violation,” wrote Anand Mahindra in his tweet.