<p>Acipenser sinensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports &#8212; NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.</p>
<p>ITIS Reports &#8212; ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.</p>
<p>FWS Digital Media Library &#8212; The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service&#8217;s National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis; Chinese: 中華鱘; pinyin: zhōnghuá xún) is a critically endangered member of the family Acipenseridae in the order Acipenseriformes. Historically, this anadromous fish was found in China, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula, but it has been extirpated from most regions due to habitat loss and overfishing. It is strictly protected by the Chinese government, named a &#8220;national treasure&#8221; much like its mammalian counterpart, the giant panda. China has several conservation programmes, including reserves specifically aimed at this species and restocking through release of juveniles in the Yangtze River.</p>


Acipenser sinensis

<p>According to researchers from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> and the <a href="https://nsidc.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Snow and Ice Data Center</a> (NSIDC), 2023 marked the sixth-lowest year for Arctic sea ice since satellite measurements began, likely hitting its annual minimum extent on September 19. </p>



<p>Meanwhile, Antarctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-levels-in-antarctica-have-reached-an-unprecedented-low/">sea ice</a> reached a record-breaking minimum, hitting its lowest maximum extent on September 10, a time when the ice cover is usually expanding rapidly during the coldest and darkest months.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasonal-changes">Seasonal changes</h2>



<p>Understanding the seasonal and yearly changes in sea ice is essential since this ice plays a pivotal role in shaping Earth’s polar ecosystems and influencing the global climate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Scientists from NASA and NSIDC employ satellites to gauge sea ice during its melting and freezing cycles, focusing on sea ice extent, which represents the total ocean area with at least 15 percent ice cover.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-ice-cover-nbsp">Arctic ice cover&nbsp;</h2>



<p>From March to September 2023, Arctic ice cover diminished from a peak area of 14.62 million square kilometers to 4.23 million square kilometers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This is approximately 1.99 million square kilometers below the average minimum from 1981–2010, representing a loss enough to cover the entire continental United States.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-record-low-ice-extent-in-antarctica-nbsp">Record low ice extent in Antarctica&nbsp;</h2>



<p>At the same time, Antarctic sea ice reached a record low winter maximum extent of 16.96 million square kilometers, about 1.03 million square kilometers below the former record-low set in 1986.</p>



<p>“It’s a record-smashing sea ice low in the Antarctic,” said Walt Meier, a sea ice scientist at NSIDC. “Sea ice growth appears low around nearly the whole continent as opposed to any one region.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures-nbsp">Rising temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This year, the Northwest Passage in the Arctic also saw notably low ice levels, indicating more open areas and a higher presence of loose, lower concentration ice.</p>



<p>The sea ice modifications are a result of warming temperatures over the decades. “It is more open there than it used to be. There also seems to be a lot more loose, lower concentration ice – even toward the North Pole – and areas that used to be pretty compact, solid sheets of ice through the summer. That’s been happening more frequently in recent years,” Meier reported.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-amplification-nbsp">Arctic amplification&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to Nathan Kurtz, the director of NASA’s Cryospheric Sciences Laboratory, the growing thinness of the ice is due to the Arctic warming about four times faster than the rest of the planet.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Thickness at the end of the growth season largely determines the survivability of sea ice. New research is using satellites like NASA’s ICESat-2 (Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite-2) to monitor how thick the ice is year-round,” he explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-driving-forces">Understanding the driving forces</h2>



<p>As Kurtz stresses, connecting current measurements to historical records is essential for understanding the driving forces behind these changes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“At NASA we’re interested in taking cutting-edge measurements, but we’re also trying to connect them to the historical record to better understand what’s driving some of these changes that we’re seeing,” he said.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-various-factors">Various factors</h3>



<p>The scientists are delving deeper to decipher the causes behind the scant growth of Antarctic sea ice. Various factors such as El Nino, alterations in wind patterns, and rising ocean temperatures are currently being investigated.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-heat-nbsp">Ocean heat&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Recent research indicates that ocean heat is likely a significant factor in delaying ice growth and enhancing melting during the warm season.</p>



<p>This year’s record-low extent is part of a continuing downward trend in Antarctic sea ice that began after 2014, reversing a slight increase of about one percent per decade before 2014.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The diminishing sea ice at both poles enhances warming through the “ice-albedo feedback” cycle, which leads to more solar energy absorption by the ocean, warming the ocean waters and further impeding sea ice growth.</p>



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Antarctic sea ice extent hit a record low this month

According to researchers from NASA and the National Snow and...

<p><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> has recently disclosed its ambitious $1 billion strategy to orchestrate the re-entry of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-iss-is-contaminated-with-a-disturbing-amount-of-harmful-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Space Station</a> (ISS) back to Earth. </p>



<p>The agency plans to retire the ISS in 2031 due to the structural stresses that have been accumulating over its prolonged period of service.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developing-a-space-tug">Developing a "space tug"</h2>



<p>In a novel approach, NASA is inviting companies to develop a “space-tug,” a potent vehicle with the capability to tow the ISS from its orbit and guide it towards Earth.</p>



<p>This specialized space tug, dubbed the US Deorbit Vehicle (USDV), is designed to maneuver the ISS from its position 175 miles above Earth to approximately 75 miles, marking the beginning of its ultimate descent into the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Retiring the ISS</p>



<p>Proposals for this innovative project are expected no later than November 17, and the phased retirement of the ISS is scheduled to commence in 2026, with NASA allowing the station to start decaying naturally.</p>



<p>“This has been done before, notably with the Mir space station. Many tons of material will hit the ocean relatively intact, and there will definitely be a warning to clear the airspace (we get about one of these a month for disposal of much smaller spacecraft like ISS cargo ships),” said Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>. </p>



<p>“Here’s what’s tricky. You can fly the ISS safely down to an altitude of about 250 km. After that, you need this special USDV ship to take over the steering – it’s like driving down a motorway with a lot of wind gusts - you need a lot of muscle power to stay on the road. If you ever lose control and the ISS starts tumbling, you’re in trouble because then you can’t reliably point the rocket engines in a particular direction.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-decay">Natural decay</h2>



<p>NASA’s initial step in this meticulous plan involves allowing the ISS to undergo natural decay, thereby reducing its orbit from around 250 miles to 200 miles above the Earth’s surface.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This gradual process will span a few years. In 2030, the residing crew of the ISS will embark on their final descent to Earth, securing any vital equipment.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-point-of-no-return">Point of no return</h2>



<p>The ISS will continue its approach towards the Earth, reaching the critical ‘point of no return’ at 175 miles above the surface.&nbsp;</p>



<p>At this point, the $1 billion space tug will exert a controlled force to nudge the ISS out of orbit. The ensuing re-entry will witness the external components of the station melting and the internal hardware vaporizing as the ISS traverses Earth’s atmosphere at a staggering 18,000 miles per hour.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The remnants that endure the re-entry will be directed towards Point Nemo, a designated region in the Pacific Ocean, which serves as a final resting place for over 260 spacecrafts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disposing-of-the-iss-safely">Disposing of the ISS safely</h2>



<p>“Another trick is that it will take about eight tons of propellant (fuel and oxidizer) to bring the station down from the lowest controllable height. But you can’t use a rocket engine that takes six hours to burn that much fuel because, in 30 minutes, you’ll be so low that you lose control and start tumbling,” McDowell explained.</p>



<p>“So you need a serious rocket engine that can burn through eight tons in only 15 minutes or so, doing the full deorbit burn in an amount of time shorter than the time taken to get too low to control. So the USDV has to be big (lots of propellant) and have a big engine (so big push in a short time), and none of the existing cargo ships have either of those. Hence the need to develop a new vehicle to dispose of the ISS safely.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-the-iss">History of the ISS</h2>



<p>The inception of the ISS was announced by President Ronald Reagan during his State of the Union Address on January 25, 1984, with a commitment for NASA to complete it within a decade.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The first US component was launched into space on December 4, 1998, and the station became operational two years later. Since the arrival of the first crew in November 2000, the ISS has welcomed more than 250 visitors from 20 countries.</p>



<p>The ISS was initially slated for decommission after 15 years of service, a timeline that has been significantly surpassed. However, due to signs of wear and tear, this iconic structure will finally be decommissioned.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-responsible-agencies">Responsible agencies</h2>



<p>The responsibility for the safe deorbit of the station is a collective effort among five space agencies - NASA, <a href="https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CSA</a> (Canadian Space Agency), <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a> (European Space Agency), <a href="https://global.jaxa.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAXA</a> (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and the State Space Corporation <a href="https://www.iafastro.org/membership/all-members/roscosmos.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roscosmos</a>. Each agency holds accountability for the hardware they have contributed. </p>



<p>The ISS, designed for interdependency, relies on this collaborative partnership, with the US, Japan, Canada, and ESA countries committed to its operation through 2030, and Russia until at least 2028.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decommissioning-strategies">Decommissioning strategies</h2>



<p>NASA evaluated several alternatives for the ISS’ decommissioning, including disassembly and return to Earth, elevation to a higher orbit, or allowing it to decay until it randomly descends to Earth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, these options were ruled out due to the structural design challenges, the need for re-boosting, and potential risks associated with uncontrolled descent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transition-plan">Transition plan</h2>



<p>In anticipation of the ISS’s retirement, NASA has already initiated a transition plan, inviting private companies to conceptualize a new space station. Companies like Axiom Space, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, and Northrup Grumman have expressed interest in operating a commercial station.</p>



<p>“The International Space Station is entering its third and most productive decade as a groundbreaking scientific platform in microgravity. This third decade is one of the results, building on our successful global partnership to verify exploration and human research technologies to support deep space exploration, continue to return medical and environmental benefits to humanity, and lay the groundwork for a commercial future in low-Earth orbit,” concluded Robyn Gatens, the director of ISS.</p>



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NASA initiates ambitious plan to bring the ISS back to Earth

NASA has recently disclosed its ambitious $1 billion strategy to...

<p>The Harvest Moon is set to rise this Thursday as the final supermoon of 2023, wrapping up a summer marked by big, radiant full <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-atmosphere-beyond-moon/">moons</a>.</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.space.com/harvest-full-moon-fourth-supermoon-2023-planet-parade" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space.com</a>, this special supermoon will be joined by a parade of planets, including the largest worlds in our solar system -&nbsp; Jupiter and Saturn - as well as Mercury, which is the smallest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-supermoon">What is a supermoon?</h2>



<p>A supermoon is a celestial phenomenon that occurs when the moon is at or near its closest approach to Earth in its orbit. This proximity makes the moon appear larger and brighter in the night sky compared to other periods in its cycle.</p>



<p>This year's last supermoon will hit its peak brilliance at approximately 6 a.m. ET on Friday after making its grand appearance on Thursday night, according to the <a href="https://www.almanac.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farmer's Almanac</a>. The illumination will still be visible on Friday evening.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-corn-moon">The Corn Moon</h2>



<p>This week's full moon is known as the "Harvest Moon," which is due to its proximity to the autumnal equinox which took place on September 23.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Traditionally, September's full moon has also been known as the Corn Moon, a tribute to the end-of-summer harvests.</p>



<p>While the Harvest Moon typically graces us in September, every three years it shifts to October. This means that not all Corn Moons earn the title of Harvest Moon.</p>



<p>Those who might miss out on this week's event need to mark their calendars for summer 2024, when the next supermoon will be visible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-origin-of-the-harvest-moon-nbsp">The origin of the Harvest Moon&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The term Harvest Moon is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions. "In the days before tractors with headlights, having moonlight to work by was crucial to getting the harvest in quickly before rain caused it to rot," explained Alan MacRobert, an editor at <a href="https://skyandtelescope.org/">Sky &amp; Telescope</a> magazine.</p>



<p>The timeline of the Harvest Moon aligns with the ripening of numerous crops in late summer and early autumn.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In those days, farmers, burdened with the immense workload, had no choice but to extend their labor hours past sunset. Moonlight was their guiding light.</p>



<p>NASA, citing the Oxford English Dictionary, notes that the term "Harvest Moon" made its first printed appearance in 1706.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-characteristics">Unique characteristics</h2>



<p>Beyond its agricultural significance, the Harvest Moon is also known for its unique characteristics.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brightness-and-timing">Brightness and timing</h3>



<p>One of the main reasons the Harvest Moon is special is due to its path across the sky. It rises during twilight for several nights in a row, which means there's no long period of darkness between sunset and moonrise.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This results in several evenings of bright moonlight early in the evening, which was traditionally helpful to farmers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-color">Color</h3>



<p>The Harvest Moon often appears orange in color as it rises. This is due to the angle at which it rises - making it seem larger on the horizon and its light having to pass through a larger portion of the Earth’s atmosphere. This scattering of light results in the orange hue.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-festivals">Festivals</h3>



<p>Many cultures have harvest festivals around the time of the Harvest Moon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, in East Asia, the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is celebrated around this time. It's a time of family gatherings, moon gazing, and the consumption of mooncakes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-significance-in-folklore">Cultural significance in folklore</h3>



<p>The Harvest Moon is a prominent fixture in various cultures' folklore and traditions. It has been associated with both romance and mysticism in various legends.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbol-of-abundance-nbsp">Symbol of abundance&nbsp;</h4>



<p>Given its association with the time of harvest, this moon symbolizes prosperity, abundance, and preparation for the winter months.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superstitions">Superstitions</h4>



<p>Some believed that the Harvest Moon could bring out certain behaviors in people and animals, often attributing heightened restlessness or craziness to its appearance.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fertility-and-romance">Fertility and romance</h4>



<p>In some cultures, the Harvest Moon is seen as a symbol of fertility, with some believing that its light has special properties. Couples might try to conceive under its light.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-end-of-cycle">End of cycle</h4>



<p>As the Harvest Moon signifies the ending of the harvest and the impending approach of winter, some myths might focus on themes of death, rebirth, or the cyclical nature of life.</p>



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Super Harvest Moon will rise this week, along with three planets

The Harvest Moon is set to rise this Thursday as...

<p>In a surprising new study, scientists have identified water fleas as a potential solution to the global water crisis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research suggests that these tiny creatures might be the key to cleaning persistent chemical pollutants from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-wastewater-is-a-hidden-solution-to-the-climate-crisis/">wastewater</a>, making it safer for industrial, agricultural, and domestic use.</p>



<p>“This novel nature-inspired technology provides a potentially revolutionary process for sustainably removing persistent chemical pollutants from wastewater," said study lead author Muhammad Abdullahi of the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx">University of Birmingham</a>. "By preventing these chemicals from being discharged, we can protect our environment and biodiversity.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-water-crisis">Global water crisis</h2>



<p>The world is currently facing a severe water crisis, which can be attributed to rapid urbanization, booming populations, unsound food production practices, and climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Due to these conditions, sustainable water management is urgently needed for the well-being of society, economy, and environment.</p>



<p>However, one of the significant challenges in wastewater management is the inability to effectively remove persistent chemical pollutants from domestic and industrial processes.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wastewater-treatment-nbsp">Wastewater treatment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Current wastewater treatment methods often fall short, allowing these pollutants to seep into rivers, reservoirs, irrigation systems, and aquifers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This results in the harmful entry of chemicals into the human food chain and water supply, endangering the health of approximately 92 million people annually.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-potential-of-daphnia">The potential of Daphnia</h2>



<p>Daphnia, commonly known as water fleas, may provide us with a remarkable new clean water solution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the Birmingham study, the researchers have found a way to use water fleas to remove pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals from wastewater without producing the harmful byproducts associated with present-day technologies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our profound understanding of water flea biology enabled us to pioneer a nature-inspired tertiary wastewater treatment technology. This refines municipal wastewater effluent and safeguards the ecological health of our rivers," said study senior author Professor Luisa Orsini.</p>



<p>“The water flea's remarkable ability to remain dormant for centuries allows scientists to revive dormant populations that endured varying historical pollution pressures. Leveraging this trait, researchers sourced strains with diverse tolerances to chemical pollutants, incorporating them into the technology.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resurrecting-water-fleas">Resurrecting water fleas</h2>



<p>Using specialized technology, the team has successfully integrated populations of water fleas into wastewater treatment plants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The uniqueness lies in the strain selection – by "resurrecting" water fleas from past environments, the experts have identified strains that have been historically resilient to different pollution pressures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study reveals the efficiency of four distinct water flea strains in removing a variety of pollutants, such as diclofenac, atrazine, arsenic, and PFOS (industrial chemicals).</p>



<p>“Our technology could improve the quality of wastewater effluent - meeting current and upcoming regulatory requirements to produce reusable water suitable for irrigation, industrial applications, and household use," said study co-author Dr. Mohamed Abdallah.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"By preventing persistent chemicals from entering waterways, we can also prevent environmental pollution.”</p>



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Water fleas may be the solution to our global water crisis

In a surprising new study, scientists have identified water fleas...

<p>Decreasing biodiversity, particularly in tropical rainforests, has a direct impact on the prevalence of viruses, according to a study led by the <a href="https://www.izw-berlin.de/en/home.html">Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research</a>.</p>



<p>Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.66550"><em>eLife</em></a>, the research demonstrates that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-animals-will-suffer-as-the-rainforest-turns-into-savanna/">rainforest</a> destruction leads to reduced diversity in mosquito species. This paves the way for more resilient mosquito species - and the viruses they carry - to become dominant.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The researchers set out to investigate how environmental changes, biodiversity loss, and the spread of pathogens may be connected.</p>



<p>The study was led by Professor Sandra Junglen, leader of the Ecology and Evolution of Arboviruses research group at <a href="https://virologie-ccm.charite.de/en/">Charité's Institute of Virology</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research team executed their study in and around Taï National Park in Côte d’Ivoire, encompassing a diverse array of land uses, from untouched rainforests to human settlements.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We identified the species of mosquitoes we had caught and tested them for viral infections,” explained study first author Kyra Hermanns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Then we looked at how the composition of mosquito species differs across the different land use types, where certain viruses are present, and how prevalent they are.”</p>



<p>In a healthy ecosystem such as a rainforest, many different viruses are present due to the wide variety of animal species - which act as hosts.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to Junglen, the team identified 49 virus species, with the majority found in undisturbed habitats. However, certain mosquito species adapted efficiently to cleared areas, bringing along their respective viruses.</p>



<p>"Most of the 49 different virus species were relatively rare in the areas studied. However, nine of them were commonly found in multiple habitats, with the prevalence of five virus species increasing in habitats that had been disturbed and reaching the highest figures in human settlements," said Junglen.</p>



<p>“This means that the clearing of tropical rainforests causes a decrease in the diversity of mosquito species, which changes the composition of host types. Some resilient mosquito species have multiplied very successfully in the cleared areas, bringing their viruses with them," explained the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevalence-of-viruses-nbsp">Prevalence of viruses&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The composition of a given community of species has a direct effect on the prevalence of viruses: “If one host species is very abundant, it is easier for viruses to spread,” said Junglen.</p>



<p>“All of the viruses we found to be more common were demonstrated to be present in a certain mosquito species."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The viruses belong to different families and have different properties. That means we were able to show for the first time that the spread of the viruses is attributable not to a close genetic relationship, but to the characteristics of their hosts – especially those mosquito species that adapt well to changing environmental conditions in habitats that have been disturbed.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Although the discovered viruses currently pose no threat to humans, the study sheds light on the dynamics of infectious diseases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our study makes clear just how important biodiversity is, and that decreasing biodiversity makes it easier for certain viruses to thrive because it causes their hosts to become more abundant,” said Junglen.</p>



<p>“Previously, these kinds of processes were studied almost exclusively using individual pathogens and individual hosts. Now we have a more complete picture that we can use for further research."</p>



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Biodiversity loss promotes the spread of viruses

Decreasing biodiversity, particularly in tropical rainforests, has a direct impact...

Female,Friends,Drinking,Beer,At,Music,Festival

<p>Rising global temperatures may be fueling an unexpected health crisis - an increase in hospital visits due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moderate-alcohol-consumption-does-not-increase-risk-of-early-death/">alcohol</a> and drug-related disorders. A study conducted by scientists at <a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/">Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health</a> has shed light on this alarming connection.</p>



<p>The study is possibly the first of its kind, offering a comprehensive look into the relationship between escalating temperatures and a subsequent rise in hospital visits.</p>



<p>"Our work highlights how hospital visits from alcohol- and substance-related disorders are currently impacted by elevated temperatures and could be further affected by rising temperatures resulting from climate change," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"Enhanced social infrastructure and health system interventions could mitigate these impacts."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alcohol-and-drug-disorders-nbsp">Alcohol and drug disorders&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In recent decades, the U.S. has witnessed a concerning surge in cases of binge drinking, alcohol-induced illnesses, and fatalities, particularly among middle-aged to older citizens. </p>



<p>Furthermore, drug overdose deaths have increased more than five times since the end of the 20th century.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For the study, the team analyzed data from over 671,625 alcohol- and 721,469 substance-related hospital admissions spanning two decades in New York State. This data was cross-referenced with daily temperatures and humidity levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>One of the significant revelations was the correlation between elevated temperatures and an increase in alcohol-related hospital admissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Possible explanations could include increased outdoor activities during pleasant weather, higher substance consumption, dehydration due to sweating, or a rise in DUI incidents.</p>



<p>For drug disorders involving cannabis, cocaine, opioids, and sedatives, a similar pattern was observed, but only up to a specific temperature - 65.8°F. The findings suggest that individuals might be less likely to venture outdoors beyond this temperature threshold.</p>



<p>“We saw that during periods of higher temperatures, there was a corresponding increase in hospital visits related to alcohol and substance use, which also brings attention to some less obvious potential consequences of climate change,” said study first author Dr. Robbie M. Parks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers note that their study may underestimate the link between temperature rise and substance use disorders because the most severe disorders may have resulted in deaths before a hospital visit was possible.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In subsequent research, scientists could investigate the potential correlation between the number of deaths and hospital admission records to get a fuller picture of a patient's medical trajectory.</p>



<p>Experts could also explore the effects of pre-existing health conditions aggravated by substance use in conjunction with soaring temperatures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-interventions-nbsp">Public health interventions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Our findings suggest that rising temperatures, including those caused by climate change, may influence hospital visits for alcohol and other drugs, emphasizing the need for appropriate and proportionate social and health interventions, as well as highlighting potential hidden burdens of climate change," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>There is an urgent need for public health officials and scientists to lead initiatives like public awareness drives to educate communities about the risks posed by warmer temperatures on substance abuse.</p>



<p>“Public health interventions that broadly target alcohol and substance disorders in warmer weather - for example, targeted messaging on the risks of their consumption during warmer weather - should be a public health priority,” said study senior author Dr. Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43856-023-00346-1"><em>Communications Medicine</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Rising temperatures may amplify alcohol and drug disorders

Rising global temperatures may be fueling an unexpected health crisis...

Reindeer,Roaming,On,Svalbard,Meadow

<p>The Svalbard reindeer, among all reindeer subspecies, stands out for its high level of inbreeding and notably low genetic diversity.</p>



<p>Around 7,000 to 8,000 years ago, the first <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reindeer-slowing-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reindeers</a> made their journey to Svalbard, likely traversing from Russia via Novaya Zemlya and the islands of Franz Josef Land. Starting perhaps with just a handful, their arrival on the Arctic archipelago might seem a precarious foundation based on evolutionary theory. </p>



<p>High inbreeding rates can lead to an accumulation of damaging genetic mutations which can cause disease and decrease survival rates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-rapidly-to-extreme-environments">Adapting rapidly to extreme environments</h2>



<p>Nicolas Dussex, a postdoctoral researcher from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology's <a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/inh/department-of-natural-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(NTNU) Department of Natural History</a>, studied this phenomenon more closely. Dussex noted that despite these initial challenges, the Svalbard reindeer has not only survived but thrived. Their population now exceeds 20,000 animals. </p>



<p>Dussex highlights their remarkable evolution to adapt to the extreme Arctic conditions. Compared to other northern reindeer and caribou subspecies, they are smaller, have shorter legs, can digest mosses in the absence of lichens, and can adjust their circadian rhythm to suit the drastic seasonal changes of Svalbard.</p>



<p>A collaborative research initiative involving NTNU and other institutions has delved deeper into the genetic makeup of the Svalbard reindeer. By examining genetic samples from 91 reindeer, the study aimed to uncover differences between them and their mainland relatives. </p>



<p>Professor Michael D. Martin, from NTNU’s Department of Natural History, remarked on the valuable insights that can be gleaned from studying such isolated populations, especially considering the Svalbard reindeer's history of near extinction in the early 1900s due to excessive hunting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-staving-off-extinction-by-inbreeding">Staving off extinction by inbreeding</h2>



<p>This near brush with extinction, resulting in only a few survivors, is termed as a 'bottleneck' in population biology. Such a scenario typically spells doom for a species due to increased inbreeding. </p>



<p>However, this inbreeding might have a silver lining. Known as 'purging', this process can potentially help eliminate harmful mutations. As harmful mutations manifest more rapidly in inbred populations, affected offspring tend to reproduce less, ensuring these damaging genes are less likely to be passed on. Dussex pointed out the paradox that, in the long run, inbreeding can have positive effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parallels-found-in-other-animal-species">Parallels found in other animal species</h2>



<p>The research also drew parallels with New Zealand's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-insights-will-help-protect-the-kakapo-parrot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kakapo parrots</a>, which, after a long period of isolation and inbreeding, showed signs of harmful genetic variants being eradicated from their population.</p>



<p>Brage Bremset Hansen, a senior researcher at NTNU and the <a href="https://www.nina.no/english/Home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian Institute for Nature Research</a>, emphasized the significance of these findings for population management and broader genetic studies. He cited the good genetic health of the Svalbard reindeer, despite the potential harmful mutations.</p>



<p>However, Dussex shared that there remain unanswered questions regarding the speed at which these mutations are counteracted, either over short spans of centuries or over millennia. This is a research area they're keen to expand upon, utilizing DNA samples from ancient bone remains and antlers.</p>



<p>Moreover, the team is also invested in understanding the beneficial mutations that have allowed the reindeer to thrive in Svalbard's unique environment. Researcher Mathilde Le Moullec has been instrumental in this, gathering most of the bone samples from across Svalbard.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-speed-of-climate-change">Overcoming speed of climate change</h2>



<p>A looming threat to these reindeers, however, is the accelerating pace of climate change. As Svalbard faces some of the fastest climate change rates worldwide, there's uncertainty over the reindeer's adaptability to the altered conditions. The rapid transformations in snow cover and vegetation could pose significant challenges.</p>



<p>Hansen warned that the adaptability the reindeers showcased after initially colonizing the islands might not extend to the current fast-paced warming. Their diminished genetic variation could be a stumbling block.</p>



<p>This situation could reflect the struggles of many terrestrial animals limited in mobility, as they grapple with the swift and disruptive changes caused by global warming. Yet, Martin remains hopeful, suggesting that this research lays a foundation for a deeper understanding of species adaptation capabilities in ever-shifting environments.</p>



<p>The full study was published at <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(23)01888-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-inbreeding">More about inbreeding</h2>



<p>Inbreeding, the mating of close relatives, is a phenomenon observed throughout the animal kingdom. It profoundly influences species' genetic diversity and evolutionary trajectory. </p>



<p>Inbreeding acts as a double-edged sword. It can both accentuate detrimental mutations and, paradoxically, can lead to the purging of these harmful alleles from the gene pool. This then enhances a species' adaptation and survival.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Biodiversity Crisis</h3>



<p>Inbreeding typically occurs when populations become isolated or decrease in size, leading to reduced genetic diversity. It increases homozygosity, whereby offspring inherit identical alleles from both parents. </p>



<p>This genetic similarity often brings recessive, harmful mutations to the forefront, causing a range of genetic disorders and decreasing overall fitness and survival rates. </p>



<p>Many species, including the cheetah and the giant panda, are witnessing the detrimental impacts of inbreeding. This is due to their shrinking, isolated populations, and habitat loss. Reduced genetic diversity makes these species more susceptible to diseases and decreases their ability to adapt to environmental changes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Purging and beneficial mutations</h3>



<p>Conversely, inbreeding can also be a mechanism for genetic refinement. As harmful mutations become more pronounced, individuals carrying these mutations are less likely to reproduce, gradually eliminating these deleterious alleles from the population. </p>



<p>As mentioned previously, this process is known as 'purging' and can theoretically lead to more robust populations in the long run. Instances of inbreeding, such as seen in the Svalbard reindeer, illustrate how isolated populations can survive and even thrive despite high levels of inbreeding. They owe their survival to the elimination of harmful genetic variants over time.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Adaptive evolution</h3>



<p>Inbreeding may also expedite the fixation of beneficial mutations within a population, thereby fostering adaptive evolution. </p>



<p>When beneficial alleles arise, inbreeding can help spread these favorable traits quickly throughout the population. This allows the species to adapt more rapidly to their environment. </p>



<p>This is particularly significant in isolated or newly established populations, where rapid adaptation can be crucial for survival.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Inbreeding management</h3>



<p>Recognizing the complex impacts of inbreeding is vital for conservation efforts and biodiversity management. Scientists actively study inbreeding patterns and their consequences to devise strategies for maintaining genetic diversity within endangered populations. </p>



<p>In many cases, interventions like translocations are utilized to introduce new genetic material into inbred populations. This process enhances their genetic health and adaptive potential. </p>



<p>Zoos and wildlife conservation programs often employ careful breeding strategies to prevent inbreeding depression and maintain the genetic vigor of endangered species.</p>



<p>In summary, inbreeding plays a complex, dual role in the animal kingdom. While it often leads to a decline in genetic diversity and can bring harmful mutations to the forefront, it also provides a pathway for the elimination of these deleterious alleles and the amplification of beneficial ones, fostering adaptive evolution. </p>



<p>A nuanced understanding of inbreeding and its impacts is crucial for the effective conservation and management of biodiversity in a rapidly changing world.</p>



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Inbreeding can actually be beneficial for some species in the long run

The Svalbard reindeer, among all reindeer subspecies, stands out for...

<p>A recent study from the <a href="https://uconn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Connecticut</a> has revealed that a moderate increase in daily walking can have significant health benefits for older adults with hypertension. </p>



<p>The findings suggest that an increase of merely 3,000 steps a day can help reduce high blood pressure in this demographic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hypertension">Hypertension</h2>



<p>High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a growing concern in the United States, with an alarming 80% of older adults being affected.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It's a precursor to various life-threatening conditions like heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes. The importance of maintaining a healthy blood pressure level cannot be overstated.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-of-daily-walking">Effects of daily walking</h2>



<p>Under the guidance of Linda Pescatello, a distinguished professor of kinesiology, and in collaboration with experts like Elizabeth Lefferts and Duck-chun Lee from Iowa State University, the team examined the effects of daily <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walking-is-a-powerful-tool-to-boost-brain-health-and-overall-well-being/">walking</a> on older adults with hypertension.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’ll all get high blood pressure if we live long enough, at least in this country,” said Pescatello. “That’s how prevalent it is.”</p>



<p>Pescatello is an expert on hypertension and exercise. Her previous research has demonstrated that exercise can have an immediate and long-lasting impact on blood pressure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The research was focused on sedentary individuals between 68 and 78, with an average daily step count of around 4,000.&nbsp;</p>



<p>After a review of existing literature, Lee set a goal of 3,000 additional steps, bringing their total daily steps to 7,000. This aligns with the guidelines set by the American College of Sports Medicine.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the study was conducted during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This meant that traditional, in-person methods were replaced with remote tools. Participants were equipped with pedometers, blood pressure monitors, and step diaries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The results were striking. There was an average reduction in participants’ systolic and diastolic blood pressure by seven and four points, respectively.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To put this into perspective, such reductions could potentially lead to an 11% decrease in the risk of mortality, a 16% reduction in cardiovascular mortality, an 18% lower risk of heart disease, and a 36% reduction in the risk of a stroke.</p>



<p>“It’s exciting that a simple lifestyle intervention can be just as effective as structured exercise and some medications,” said Lefferts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-pressure-medication">Blood pressure medication</h2>



<p>What's even more encouraging is the fact that these reductions rival those achieved through anti-hypertensive medications.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Of the participants, eight were already on such medications but still witnessed an improvement in their systolic blood pressure by simply walking more.</p>



<p>“In a previous study, we found that when exercise is combined with medication, exercise bolsters the effects of blood pressure medication alone,” said Pescatello.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It just speaks to the value of exercise as anti-hypertensive therapy. It’s not to negate the effects of medication at all, but it’s part of the treatment arsenal.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-every-step-counts">Every step counts</h2>



<p>Furthermore, the experts concluded that the number of steps mattered more than the speed or continuity of walking.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We saw that the volume of physical activity is what’s really important here, not the intensity,” said Pescatello. “Using the volume as a target, whatever fits in and whatever works conveys health benefits.”</p>



<p>While this was a pilot study, the results are promising and highlight the undeniable power of physical activity, even if it's just walking.</p>



<p>The research is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jcdd10080317" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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3,000 extra steps per day lowers blood pressure in older adults

A recent study from the University of Connecticut has revealed...

Healthy,Food,In,Heart,Diet,Concept,With,Stethoscope

<p>In the relentless pursuit to enhance public health and curb escalating healthcare costs, experts are advocating the integration of targeted food and nutrition strategies into the national healthcare system. Educating the public that "food is medicine" would be incredibly beneficial to the health care system and human health in general.</p>



<p>A <a href="https://tuftsfoodismedicine.org/true-cost-fim-case-study-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comprehensive report</a> released today from the Food is Medicine Institute at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University delineates the myriad health and economic benefits of such an approach.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-nutritional-intervention">Benefits of nutritional intervention</h2>



<p>The report, titled “The True Cost of Food: Food is Medicine Case Study”, elucidates the multifaceted benefits stemming from <a href="https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/initiative/food-is-medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food is Medicine</a> (FIM) efforts. These are defined as nutritional interventions within the healthcare system aimed at treating or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-diet-may-save-your-life-six-key-foods-lower-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preventing</a> chronic diet-related diseases. </p>



<p>The focus is not solely on amplifying nutritional uptake and enhancing health outcomes but also on alleviating food insecurity and propelling health equity forward.</p>



<p>Research indicates that FIM strategies, such as <a href="https://www.fimcoalition.org/our-model" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medically Tailored Meals</a> (MTMs), can play a pivotal role in averting nearly 1.6 million hospitalizations if nationally implemented in Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance schemes. </p>



<p>This is especially true for patients grappling with diet-related conditions and constrained in performing daily living activities. Incorporating FIM strategies will not only cut the work for hospitals, but also lead to an estimated net saving of $13.6 billion in healthcare costs in the first year post-implementation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-augmenting-health">Augmenting health</h2>



<p>Moreover, the initiation of produce prescription programs at a national level for patients battling diabetes and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungal-infections-are-threatening-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food insecurity</a> has the potential to prevent around 292,000 cardiovascular events. This would ultimately result in an additional 260,000 quality-adjusted life years. </p>



<p>The approach proves to be highly cost-effective from a health perspective, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $18,100/quality-adjusted life years. It also saves societal costs, registering a net savings of $-0.05 billion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-untold-impact-of-food-is-medicine">The untold impact of Food is Medicine</h2>



<p>Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, the report’s senior author, a renowned cardiologist, and Director of the <a href="https://foodasmedicineinstitute.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food is Medicine Institute</a>, emphasized the profound impact FIM interventions can have on the escalating death toll, which is around 10,000 weekly in the U.S, and the colossal $1.1 trillion spent annually due to poor diets affecting healthcare and productivity. </p>



<p>Mozaffarian mentioned, “Today’s report further underscores the profound significance of FIM interventions such as medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions, amalgamated with enhanced nutrition education for medical practitioners and insurance coverage for nutritional counseling spearheaded by a qualified dietitian."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-approach">Comprehensive approach</h2>



<p>This report underscores the pressing need to exploit the potential of FIM to its fullest. The research team proposed myriad national policy solutions focusing on the enhancement of infrastructure, creation of opportunities and funding, and bolstering of the <a href="https://www.usda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United States Department of Agriculture</a> nutrition programs.</p>



<p>Devon Klatell, Vice President, Food Initiative at The Rockefeller Foundation, accentuated the importance of comprehending the real costs of our food system, encompassing environmental, occupational, and health impacts, which are often overlooked. </p>



<p>Klatell said, “This report can guide governments, corporations, and consumers in appreciating the worth of Food is Medicine interventions by contemplating not merely the price of food but also the return on investment in upgraded health outcomes."</p>



<p>In summary, the Food is Medicine initiative posits a revolutionary approach in intertwining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-in-nutrition-science-dna-barcoding-reveals-dietary-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrition science</a> with healthcare strategies, offering promise in improving quality of life, reducing hospital workloads, and cutting healthcare costs. </p>



<p>It’s a call to action for governments, corporations, and consumers to reconsider food values and to embrace nutritional interventions for the betterment of public health and societal well-being. With concerted efforts from all sectors, the potential of Food is Medicine interventions can be unlocked, paving the way for a healthier and more equitable society.</p>



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Food is Medicine education could save millions of lives and billions of dollars

In the relentless pursuit to enhance public health and curb...

<p>In a study recently published by <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a>, scientists have found that earthworms play a substantial role in the global production of grains and legumes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the research, earthworms contribute to 6.5% of the worldwide grain yield, which is roughly equivalent to the annual cereal grain production of Russia, the fourth-largest producer globally.</p>



<p>“This is the first effort that I’m aware of that’s trying to take one piece of soil biodiversity and say, ‘OK, this is the value of it; this is what it’s giving us on a global scale,’” said study lead author Dr. Steven Fonte.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earthworms-boost-plant-productivity-nbsp">Earthworms boost plant productivity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Earthworms promote healthy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-diversity-increases-carbon-storage-in-forest-soils/">soils</a> in different ways. They enhance soil structure, optimize water retention, and enrich the soil by churning organic matter, making essential nutrients more accessible to plants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In fact, the presence of earthworms has been linked to a surge in plant productivity by an estimated 25 percent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The research was conducted by Dr. Fonte, Professor Nathan Mueller, and Marian Hsieh, a doctoral student at CSU.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team arrived at these figures by analyzing various data, including maps that highlight earthworm abundance, soil attributes, fertilizer usage, and crop yields.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grain-production-nbsp">Grain production&nbsp;</h2>



<p>One particularly fascinating revelation was the pronounced influence of earthworms in the grain production of the global south.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Earthworms contribute to 10 percent of the grain yield in Sub-Saharan Africa and eight percent in Latin America and the Caribbean.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earthworm-contribution">Earthworm contribution</h2>



<p>It’s likely the earthworms contributed more in those areas because farmers there tend to have less access to fertilizer and pesticides, explained Dr. Fonte.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead, they rely more on earthworm-rich organic matter like manure and crop residues, which help stimulate the beneficial effect earthworms have on plants. “Earthworms are contributing a lot in these areas where we have fewer chemical inputs."&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-biodiversity-nbsp">Soil biodiversity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Fonte noted that soil biodiversity has historically been undervalued, and he hopes this work will bring more attention to how healthy soils can have positive, tangible impacts on crops.  &nbsp;</p>



<p> “If we manage our soils in a more sustainable way, we can better harness or leverage this biodiversity and produce more sustainable agroecosystems,” said Dr. Fonte. “This work highlights that potential.” &nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Fonte also noted that other recent research has shown that soils contain as much as half the world’s biodiversity, a significant increase from previous estimates of approximately 25 percent.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Soils are just such an intricate habitat,” he said. “But there’s really been very few efforts to understand what that biodiversity means to our global crop yields.”  &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to Dr. Fonte, insights from this study could also have implications in future efforts to mitigate drought and erosion. For example, he said, earthworms can improve soil porosity, aiding in the beneficial capture and retention of water.  </p>



<p>The researchers emphasized that they are not advocating for anyone to transplant earthworms into places they do not already exist.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Fonte hopes this work shows how improved management of soil biology in places where earthworms already call home has the potential to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce our reliance on agrochemicals. He said the study marks an important first step.</p>



<p> </p>



<p>“Soils are still this huge, big black box that we don’t fully understand,” said Dr. Fonte. “This work helps show that there’s a lot of opportunity that we’re just kind of ignoring. There are probably other soil organisms that are even more important, especially microbial communities.” &nbsp;</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41286-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Earthworms are important drivers of global food production

In a study recently published by Colorado State University, scientists...

<p>Climate change is a pressing global concern that is pushing various plant and animal species towards the brink of extinction. A new study from <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/">UCLA</a> is focused on the survival of redwoods and oaks that thrive on California’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activity-impacts-97-percent-of-the-worlds-coastline/">coastline</a> and coastal mountains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-climate-crisis-nbsp">The climate crisis&nbsp;</h2>



<p>California's iconic redwoods and oaks face increasing challenges due to alterations in temperatures and rainfall patterns that are associated with human-caused climate change. Many of these species are currently teetering on the edge of their endurance limits.</p>



<p>Identifying suitable new habitats will soon become a matter of life or death for some California native species, noted study senior author Professor Lawren Sack. But if those trees could talk, where would they say they wanted to live?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-language-of-plants">Decoding the language of plants</h2>



<p>Professor Sack and his team of UCLA biologists sought answers within the plants themselves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their research unraveled a "language" embedded in the leaves and woody stems of plants, indicating their optimal habitats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This discovery holds promise for conservationists to better locate new regions for plant relocation and provide more effective protection for their existing habitats.</p>



<p>Traditionally, determining the best environment for plants was primarily based on their current habitats. This approach often falls short, especially in places like California where agriculture, industrialization, and urbanization have reshaped the natural habitats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In addition, climate change further complicates the relocation of these species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-scientific-model">New scientific model</h2>



<p>The study, which is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.14422"><em>Functional Ecology</em></a>, used a statistical model to estimate the preferred climatic conditions for various plant species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This estimation is derived from several plant parameters, such as height, leaf composition, wilting point, and wood density.</p>



<p>The model does not just reveal what conditions the plant can tolerate, but pinpoints the climate it prefers. This can provide vital information about how well-matched a plant is with its native environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-a-plant-prefers-to-live">Where a plant prefers to live</h2>



<p>“Plant species can directly reveal to us their climate preference and their vulnerability to potential climate change in the ‘language’ of their leaves and wood,” said Professor Sack.</p>



<p>“Now that we know this, if you give us a leaf and a piece of wood, we can give a good scientific prediction of where the plant prefers to live."</p>



<p>“We are tuning in to what the plants are telling us about their preferences, in the language of their tissues and physiology, aiming to help them survive escalating climate challenges.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>Professor Sack collaborated with UCLA postdoctoral scholar Camila Medeiros and an international team of researchers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team analyzed 10 distinct leaf and wood traits from more than 100 species in a range of environments mostly within the University of California Natural Reserve System.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-variety-of-ecosystems-nbsp">Variety of ecosystems&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The variety of ecosystems that were analyzed included desert, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, montane wet forest, mixed riparian woodland and mixed conifer broadleaf forest. These types of ecosystems cover about 70% of California’s land area.</p>



<p>“The correspondence of leaf and wood traits with species’ climates is striking,” said Medeiros.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, species native to warmer, drier climates tend to be shorter in stature, with thicker and denser leaves and lower wilting points - traits that enable them to continue photosynthesis when water is scarce and to grow faster when water is more readily available.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-physiology-and-climate-nbsp">Plant physiology and climate&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“The reflection of species’ preferred climate in their wood and leaves evidently arose from millennia of evolution that matched plant physiology to climate across California,” said Medeiros.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We also found that many plants in the ecosystems we sampled were occupying locations that differed in climate from what we estimated to be their optimal niche."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"As climate change ensues, we think this will tend to aggravate the sensitivity of many species, including common trees like the California buckeye and shrubs like the purple sage and California lilacs.”</p>



<p>The study is the first of its kind to determine whether plants’ functional traits can be used to accurately predict their climate preferences.</p>



<p>“Some previous studies analyzed individual approaches one by one, but our study was new in simultaneously applying all of them, and this gave us unprecedented predictive power,” said Medeiros.</p>



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Plants have a way of telling us what climate they can survive in

Climate change is a pressing global concern that is pushing...

<p>A team of astronomers led by the <a href="https://www.umontreal.ca/">University of Montréal</a> (UdeM) has recently made significant advancements in understanding the mysterious TRAPPIST-1 exoplanetary system, which was first discovered in 2016 and has sparked speculation regarding its potential to host human life.</p>



<p>Published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/acf7c4">Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>, the findings by astronomers at UdeM’s <a href="https://exoplanetes.umontreal.ca/en/">Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets</a> (iREx) and colleagues in Canada, the U.K., and the U.S. have shed light on the complex interplay between stellar activity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-class-of-exoplanets-discovered/">exoplanet</a> characteristics, underscoring the importance of parent stars in studying exoplanets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potentially-habitable-planets">Potentially habitable planets</h2>



<p>Located about 40 light-years away from Earth, TRAPPIST-1 is a star much smaller and cooler than our sun.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The star has captured the attention of scientists and space enthusiasts alike with its seven Earth-sized exoplanets, three of which are within its habitable zone, fueling hopes of finding potentially habitable environments beyond our solar system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research, led by iREx doctoral student Olivia Lim, employed the powerful James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to observe TRAPPIST-1 b, the exoplanet orbiting closest to the system’s star.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their observations were collected as part of the largest Canadian-led General Observers (GO) program during the JWST’s first year of operations, which also included observations of three other planets in the system, TRAPPIST-1 c, g, and h, using the Canadian-made NIRISS instrument aboard the JWST.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-spectroscopic-observations">First spectroscopic observations</h2>



<p>“These are the very first spectroscopic observations of any TRAPPIST-1 planet obtained by the JWST, and we’ve been waiting for them for years,” said Lim, the GO program’s principal investigator.</p>



<p>The experts used transmission spectroscopy to peer deeper into this distant world. By analyzing the central star’s light after it has passed through the exoplanet’s atmosphere during a transit, astronomers can identify the unique fingerprint left behind by the molecules and atoms found within that atmosphere.</p>



<p>“This is just a small subset of many more observations of this unique planetary system yet to come and to be analyzed,” said co-author René Doyon, the principal investigator of the NIRISS instrument. “These first observations highlight the power of NIRISS and the JWST in general to probe the thin atmospheres around rocky planets.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stellar-contamination-nbsp">Stellar contamination&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A key finding of the study was the significant role of stellar activity and contamination in determining the nature of an exoplanet.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Stellar contamination refers to the influence of the star’s own features, such as dark spots and bright faculae, on the measurements of the exoplanet’s atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The scientists found compelling evidence that stellar contamination plays a crucial role in shaping the transmission spectra of TRAPPIST-1 b and, likely, the other planets in the system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This contamination can create “ghost signals” that may fool the observer into thinking they have detected a particular molecule in the exoplanet’s atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signatures-of-stellar-activity">Signatures of stellar activity</h2>



<p>“In addition to the contamination from stellar spots and faculae, we saw a stellar flare, an unpredictable event during which the star looks brighter for several minutes or hours,” said Lim.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This flare affected our measurement of the amount of light blocked by the planet. Such signatures of stellar activity are difficult to model but we need to account for them to ensure that we interpret the data correctly.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>These findings highlight the importance of considering stellar contamination when planning future observations of all exoplanetary systems, particularly for systems like TRAPPIST-1, which is centered around a red dwarf star known for being particularly active with starspots and frequent flare events.</p>



<p>Based on the collected JWST observations, Lim and her team explored a range of atmospheric models for TRAPPIST-1 b, examining various possible compositions and scenarios. They found they could confidently rule out the existence of cloud-free, hydrogen-rich atmospheres, indicating that there appears to be no clear, extended atmosphere around TRAPPIST-1 b.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the data could not confidently exclude thinner atmospheres composed of pure water, carbon dioxide, or methane, nor an atmosphere similar to that of Titan, a moon of Saturn with its own atmosphere.</p>



<p>These results are consistent with previous JWST observations of TRAPPIST-1 b and confirm that Canada’s NIRISS instrument is a highly performing, sensitive tool able to probe atmospheres on Earth-sized exoplanets at impressive levels.</p>



<p><em>Image Credit: Benoît Gougeon, Université de Montréal</em></p>



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JWST provides new insights into a distant star and its exoplanets

A team of astronomers led by the University of Montréal...