Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features smoke streaming over the Atlantic Ocean from a deadly fire outbreak in Portugal. The Copernicus Sentinel-3 image was captured on September 17, 2024.



“Dozens of wildfires are reported throughout the country, mainly in the north. The fires forced the closure of two railway lines and several motorways, including part of the main road between Lisbon and Porto,” said <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-firefighters-stretched-to-the-limit">Firefighters stretched to the limit</h2>



According to a report from NPR, more than 100 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-season-of-2023-redefined-what-is-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> stretched thousands of firefighters to the limit in northern Portugal on Wednesday, as Prime Minister Luís Montenegro declared a state of calamity.



"We are well aware that these difficult hours are not over yet," Montenegro told the nation. "We have to continue to give everything we have and ask for help from our partners and friends so that we can reinforce the protection of our people and property."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-outbreak-in-northern-and-central-portugal-nbsp">Fire outbreak in northern and central Portugal&nbsp;</h2>



The fires have been fueled by dry conditions, strong winds, and high temperatures. The northern and central regions of Portugal, particularly in areas like Aveiro and Albergaria-a-Velha, have been hit hardest by the fire outbreak.&nbsp;



Over 5,000 firefighters were deployed to combat the flames, but the blazes have still managed to consume over 62,000 hectares of land, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people, including firefighters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-fire-damage-and-evacuations">Widespread fire damage and evacuations</h2>



Residents were forced to evacuate, with many homes and industrial areas destroyed. Roads were also closed due to the encroaching flames and thick <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoke</a>, severely affecting transportation.



NPR said that while authorities have yet to release figures for property damage or the number of evacuees, Portuguese state broadcaster RTP has shown charred houses in rural villages and local residents trying to battle flames with buckets of water, hoses, and even large tree branches.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-responding-to-the-portugal-fires">Responding to the Portugal fires</h2>



The situation became so severe that Portugal sought assistance from the European Union. Greece, Spain, and France contributed firefighting aircraft, while the European Commission activated its RescEU program to provide additional support.&nbsp;



“The Copernicus Emergency Management Service was activated to help authorities respond to the emergency,” said ESA.



“Using satellite data, the service provides information for emergency response for different types of disasters, including meteorological and geophysical hazards, deliberate and accidental disasters, humanitarian disasters, and for prevention, preparedness, response and recovery activities.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-climate-breakdown">A climate breakdown</h2>



The situation remains critical, although there are signs of improvement as the weather is expected to turn, which could help contain the fires.&nbsp;



The dry conditions which fueled the wildfire outbreak in Portugal coincided with deadly flooding in central Europe. The European Union said that the juxtaposed extreme weather events are proof of a “climate breakdown.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-conditions-and-fire-outbreaks-nbsp">Dry conditions and fire outbreaks&nbsp;</h2>



Hot, dry conditions are a key factor in the outbreak and spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twenty-years-of-air-quality-improvement-erased-by-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>. These conditions create a highly flammable environment where vegetation, like grasses, shrubs, and trees, becomes dry and can easily ignite.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-vegetation">Dry vegetation</h3>



When the weather is dry for extended periods, vegetation loses its moisture content and becomes more combustible. Even a small spark can set off a fire in such conditions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-temperatures-nbsp">High temperatures&nbsp;</h3>



Heat intensifies the drying of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increased-co2-is-making-wildfires-more-severe-and-frequent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a> and raises the temperature of the fuel (plants, leaves, etc.), making it easier for it to catch fire and spread. High temperatures also reduce soil moisture, drying out more of the surrounding area.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wind-fans-the-flames">Wind fans the flames </h3>



In dry, hot conditions, winds can carry embers to new locations, causing fires to spread rapidly. Wind also fans the flames, intensifying the heat and increasing the speed of the fire's movement.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-humidity">Low humidity</h3>



Dry air, often measured by low humidity levels, exacerbates fire risk. When humidity is low, moisture is drawn out of plants and soil more quickly, further drying the landscape.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-and-human-activity">Lightning and human activity</h3>



In hot, dry conditions, natural causes like lightning can ignite wildfires. However, human activities (campfires, discarded cigarettes, power lines) also play a significant role, particularly in areas that are primed for fire due to these weather patterns.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-nbsp">Climate change&nbsp;</h3>



In areas prone to drought, wildfires can be particularly destructive, and as climate change intensifies, hotter and drier weather is becoming more common, increasing wildfire risks globally.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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More than 100 fires are burning in Portugal

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency...

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut photograph of Fayzabad, a culturally diverse city in the Kokcha River valley of northern Afghanistan. The photo was captured as the International Space Station passed over central Asia.



Fayzabad is the capital of the Badakhshan Province. It is located in a mountainous part of northeastern Afghanistan at an elevation of about 4,000 feet.



“The city is situated along the Kokcha River, which flows northward within a deep river valley surrounded by the Hindu Kush Mountains and eventually discharges into the Amu Darya River,” noted NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-of-fayzabad-nbsp">Climate of Fayzabad&nbsp;</h2>



According to <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, the climate of Fayzabad varies from cold semi-arid to Mediterranean-influenced warm-summer humid continental.



The summer months are warm, with average high temperatures ranging from 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



The winter months are cold, with average low temperatures often dropping below freezing - sometimes reaching as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



The region receives moderate precipitation, mostly during the spring and winter. Snowfall is common in winter, adding to the mountainous region's picturesque landscape.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fayzabad-culture">Fayzabad culture</h2>



Historically, Fayzabad has been a center of learning and culture, though its development has been hampered by years of conflict.&nbsp;



Despite these challenges, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-started-cumulative-culture-around-600000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">culture</a> remains a vital component of the region, which is known for its traditional crafts including weaving and embroidery.



Cultural life in Fayzabad is influenced by its predominantly Tajik population, along with other ethnic groups such as Uzbeks and Hazaras. The local cuisine is a blend of traditional Afghan flavors, incorporating ingredients like rice, meat, and a variety of spices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-use-changes-nbsp">Land use changes&nbsp;</h2>



“This territory has experienced notable changes in its land use in recent decades, especially with commercial and administrative growth near the airport,” noted NASA.



“Among the changes: a new airstrip built west of the Kokcha River. However, mountains hem in the city and limit how much development is possible.”



“Despite these topographical barriers, some development has spread into hilly areas south of Fayzabad. Green vegetation is mostly confined to mountain valleys, stream channels, and the Kokcha River floodplain.”&nbsp;



“The Kokcha River meanders through the valley, providing a vital water resource for the region. Fields of predominantly wheat and rice cover much of the floodplain, though these flat areas are mixed with residential, industrial, and commercial activity as well.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kokcha-river-nbsp">Kokcha River&nbsp;</h2>



The Kokcha River originates in the Hindu Kush mountains. It stretches approximately 360 kilometers before joining the Amu Darya, one of Central Asia's major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hypoxia-is-a-serious-problem-in-rivers-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a>.&nbsp;



The Kokcha River traverses rugged terrain, providing vital irrigation for agriculture in the region and supporting local communities' livelihoods.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-amount-of-water-do-earths-rivers-hold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> basin features diverse landscapes that include mountainous areas and fertile valleys.&nbsp;



Throughout history, the Kokcha River has played a crucial role in the region's cultural and economic development, serving as a natural resource for the inhabitants and influencing settlement patterns.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Fayzabad and the Kokcha River valley 

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features...

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a plume of Saharan dust pouring off the coast of southern Morocco.



The Sahara Desert is the world's biggest source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-is-an-understudied-contributor-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">airborne dust</a>. Each year, it releases hundreds of millions of tons of mineral dust that are lifted into the atmosphere and transported across vast distances up to thousands of miles. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saharan-air-layer-nbsp">Saharan Air Layer&nbsp;</h2>



The transport of Saharan dust is primarily driven by the trade winds and atmospheric phenomena such as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL). This dry air mass often accompanies tropical storms across the Atlantic, sometimes even influencing the development and intensity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saharan-dust-can-intensify-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a>.&nbsp;



“From late spring to early fall, it is common for the dry, dusty Saharan Air Layer to carry the particles westward across the Atlantic Ocean high in the atmosphere. With different wind patterns in the winter and spring, dust emerging from North Africa can drift over the United Kingdom and western Europe at relatively low altitudes,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153246/dust-pours-off-the-moroccan-coast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“Saharan Air Layer activity subsides after mid-August, according to NOAA, making it less likely that the plume shown here is bound for a transoceanic journey. Instead, it arcs to the north after blowing out over the ocean. Earlier in the summer, however, several clouds of fine dust from the Sahara reached the United States, creating hazy skies over Texas.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-saharan-dust-nbsp">Impacts of Saharan dust&nbsp;</h2>



Saharan dust plays a crucial role in global climate and environmental systems. For example, Saharan dust can affect weather patterns by absorbing and scattering sunlight, influencing temperature and cloud formation. It also plays a role in fertilizing ecosystems, such as the Amazon rainforest, by providing essential nutrients like iron and phosphorus.&nbsp;



However, Saharan dust also has more complex impacts. It can reduce air quality, leading to respiratory issues in people living downwind of the dust. In addition, the dust impacts <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atmospheric-dust-plays-surprisingly-crucial-role-in-stabilizing-ocean-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> health by contributing to algae blooms, which can create dead zones in marine environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-clouds-and-human-health">Dust clouds and human health</h2>



In a recent study from Texas A&amp;M University, researchers explored the potential health impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria and fungi</a> that travel within dust plumes.&nbsp;



The team found traces of several pathogens known to cause disease in humans, as listed by the World Health Organization (WHO).



Study co-author Dr. Daniel Spalink noted that while the DNA of several pathogenic bacteria and fungi were identified in African dust, it is not yet known if they can infect us and make us sick. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summertime-dust-events">Summertime dust events</h2>



“Scientists are interested in summertime Saharan dust events in part because of the influence they can have on large storm systems. Dry, stable, dust-laden air can inhibit tropical cyclone formation in the North Atlantic. And in a new study, researchers found that dust can modulate the amount of rainfall brought by these storms,” noted NASA.



“Using a machine-learning model based on meteorological data, NASA’s IMERG (Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for GPM) precipitation estimates, and other satellite measurements, the study’s authors found that dust optical depth - a measure of how much light filters through a dusty plume - was a key predictor of rainfall from tropical cyclones.”



The researchers concluded that smaller amounts of dust particles promote the formation of rain clouds, while the sunlight-blocking effects of large dust clouds ultimately suppress precipitation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saharan-dust-storms">Saharan dust storms</h2>



Dust storms in the Sahara Desert are some of the most far-reaching in the world. These storms, also known as haboobs, occur when strong winds lift large quantities of sand and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-impacts-dust-levels-on-a-global-scale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust</a> from the desert's surface into the atmosphere.&nbsp;



Saharan dust storms vary in intensity, with some being relatively mild while others are severe, reducing visibility to almost zero and creating hazardous conditions. They often happen in the spring and early summer when the temperature difference between the desert and the surrounding regions creates strong pressure gradients, fueling powerful winds.



Ultimately, these dust storms are a natural part of life. They shape the landscape over time by eroding rock formations and redistributing sand dunes. Despite their destructive potential, they are also a reminder of the dynamic and interconnected nature of Earth's climate systems.



The image was captured on August 24, 2024 by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the Suomi NPP satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Saharan dust launches off the Moroccan coast

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a false-color radar depiction of central Ethiopia.



According to ESA, the photograph is a blend of multiple Sentinel-1 images from spring, summer and autumn 2023, which have been overlaid to create this single image.



“Radar images capture surface texture rather than reflected light so they are naturally black and white but here images from each season have been assigned a different color: red, green and blue respectively,” explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“When the images are combined, the different colors reveal variations that occurred in the different seasons.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rugged-terrain-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Rugged terrain of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



ESA noted that Ethiopia’s terrain is one of the most rugged in Africa. The landscape is primarily characterized by highlands and plateaus.&nbsp;



The Ethiopian Highlands, also known as the Roof of Africa, dominate this region and include some of the highest peaks in Africa, such as Ras Dashen. The terrain features steep escarpments, deep valleys, and numerous rivers.&nbsp;



The central part of the country is also home to the Great Rift Valley, which runs through Ethiopia and includes a series of lakes and volcanic mountains. This region's varied topography contributes to its rich biodiversity and distinct climate zones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lakes-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Lakes of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



According to ESA, water bodies appear dark in this image because flat water surfaces reflect the radar signal away from the satellite. “The various colors visible in some lakes are due either to the changing surface currents and sediments from rivers or to variations in water level.”



Lake Ziway is one of the largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/africas-flamingos-at-risk-due-to-rising-lake-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> in the region. It is located about 160 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.&nbsp;



The lake is known for its rich bird diversity, including large populations of pelicans, cormorants, and herons. Lake Ziway also supports local fishing communities.



Lake Shala is the deepest lake in the Ethiopian Rift Valley and is known for its volcanic origins. It has a maximum depth of 266 meters and is surrounded by hot springs and steep, rocky cliffs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Climate of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



Central Ethiopia features a diverse climate, primarily influenced by its elevation and geographical location within the tropics.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highland-climate">Highland climate</h3>



Much of central Ethiopia consists of highlands, with elevations ranging from 1,500 to over 3,000 meters above sea level. These highlands experience a temperate climate, with cooler <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-in-africa-are-rising-above-levels-that-rhinoceros-can-tolerate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a> compared to the lowlands.&nbsp;



The average temperatures range from 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher elevations, such as those found in the Ethiopian Highlands, can experience temperatures that are close to freezing at night.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainy-seasons">Rainy seasons</h3>



Central Ethiopia has two main rainy seasons. The primary rainy season, known as the "Kiremt," occurs from June to September and brings the majority of the annual rainfall.&nbsp;



The "Belg," or short rainy season, occurs from March to May. The rainfall during these periods supports agriculture, which is a key part of the region's economy.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-season">Dry season</h3>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/africas-wet-forests-have-seen-an-alarming-rise-in-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dry season</a>, known as the "Bega," spans from October to February.&nbsp;During this time, the region experiences significantly less rainfall, and the weather tends to be sunny and dry. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Culture of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-not-the-only-animals-that-create-their-own-culture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">culture</a> of central Ethiopia is a dynamic blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. This culture is characterized by a strong sense of community and a profound connection to the region's historical and spiritual roots.



The Amhara people have played a significant role in the cultural and political life of central Ethiopia. The Amhara are known for their rich heritage, which includes the Amharic language, a Semitic tongue that serves as one of the country's official languages.



Orthodox Christianity is a key aspect of central Ethiopian culture, particularly among the Amhara and other highland communities.&nbsp;



This part of East Africa is also known for its traditional music and dance, which reflect the region's historical depth and cultural diversity.&nbsp;



The cuisine of central Ethiopia is another significant cultural aspect, with injera (a spongy flatbread made from teff) being a staple food.&nbsp;Injera is typically served with a variety of stews (wats) and salads.



The communal eating experience, where meals are shared from a single large plate, emphasizes the importance of community and togetherness.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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The vibrant seasons of central Ethiopia

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 6744 - a large, barred spiral galaxy located approximately 30 million light-years away in the constellation Pavo.&nbsp;



The galaxy is often considered a close analog to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uma3-u1-faintest-star-system-found-orbiting-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> due to its similar structure and size, spanning about 175,000 light-years across.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-space-mission-nbsp">Euclid space mission&nbsp;</h2>



The image was captured by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid</a> space telescope. NGC 6744 stands out as a prime example of the galaxies currently forming the majority of stars in the nearby universe, making it an ideal subject for study with the Euclid mission.&nbsp;



Euclid’s extensive field-of-view allows it to capture the entire galaxy, showcasing not only its large-scale spiral structure but also revealing intricate details on smaller scales across various wavelengths. These details include feather-like dust lanes, known as “spurs,” emerging from the spiral arms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-6744">Star formation in NGC 6744</h2>



Euclid's observations enable scientists to count individual stars within NGC 6744, trace the distribution of stars and dust throughout the galaxy, and map the dust associated with the gas that fuels the development of new stars. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Star formation</a> is a key process in the growth of galaxies, making these studies crucial for understanding galaxy evolution.



Researchers are utilizing Euclid’s data to explore the relationship between dust, gas, and star formation; to map the distribution of different stellar populations and identify regions of active star formation; and to investigate the underlying physics of spiral galaxy structures.&nbsp;



Spiral arms play a significant role in star formation by compressing gas, yet the precise mechanisms behind this process are still unclear. The presence of “spurs” along NGC 6744’s spiral arms offers valuable insights into the dynamics of star formation within these structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-new-dwarf-galaxies-nbsp">Discovering new dwarf galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



Additionally, Euclid's dataset will help scientists identify clusters of old stars (globular clusters) and discover new dwarf galaxies around NGC 6744. Remarkably, Euclid has already identified a new dwarf satellite galaxy of NGC 6744 - a surprising discovery given that the galaxy has been studied extensively.



With Euclid’s detailed observations, scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of the processes shaping galaxies, providing essential clues to the evolution and appearance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universes-expansion-rate-hubble-tension-puzzles-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-ngc-6744">More about NGC 6744</h2>



NGC 6744's disk is rich in star-forming regions and contains numerous young, bright blue stars. The galaxy's nucleus is slightly elongated and has a bar structure, which influences the motion of the stars and gas within it.&nbsp;



The spiral arms of NGC 6744 are well-defined and extend outward, wrapping around the central bar. Additionally, NGC 6744 has a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 6744A, which is interacting with it, adding to the complexity and interest of this distant system.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiral-galaxies">Spiral galaxies</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiral galaxies</a> are one of the most common types of galaxies in the universe, characterized by their distinct, spiral-shaped structure.&nbsp;



The galaxies typically consist of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, along with a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. This bulge is often surrounded by a halo of older stars.&nbsp;



The spiral arms, which extend from the central bulge, are regions of active star formation and are rich in young, hot stars, giving them a bright, bluish appearance.&nbsp;



These arms are also sites where interstellar gas and dust are concentrated, leading to the formation of new stars.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on the tightness of their spirals and the size of their central bulge, with classifications ranging from tightly wound arms in Sa galaxies to more loosely wound arms in Sc galaxies. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, our home galaxy, is a prime example of a spiral galaxy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-pavo">The constellation Pavo</h2>



Pavo, which means "peacock" in Latin, is a constellation in the southern sky. It was named by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius in the late 16th century, based on observations made during the Dutch explorations of the southern hemisphere. 



Pavo is one of the 12 constellations created by Plancius from the records of explorers Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman. 



The constellation is known for its distinctive shape, resembling a peacock with a long, curved tail. Pavo is not visible from most of the northern hemisphere, but it can be seen from the southern hemisphere, particularly during the winter months.



The constellation contains several interesting celestial objects, including the star Peacock, also known as Alpha Pavonis, which is the brightest star in the constellation. This star is a blue-white subgiant located about 179 light-years from Earth.



Image Credit: <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA&nbsp;



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Spiral galaxy NGC 6744 in the constellation Pavo

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Costa Atlántica Reserve stretching along the Atlantic coast in Argentina.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-refuge-for-migratory-birds-nbsp">A refuge for migratory birds&nbsp;</h2>



“At the far southern reaches of South America, a stretch of tidal flats, shoals, and beaches serves as a refuge for migratory shorebirds and copious aquatic life,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“The Costa Atlántica Reserve in Argentina extends for 220 kilometers (140 miles) along the eastern shore of Tierra del Fuego. The area was designated a Ramsar site in 1995 and a provincial nature reserve in 1998." 



According to NASA, the reserve is the southernmost site both on the Ramsar list and in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-costa-atlantica-reserve">Significance of the Costa Atlántica Reserve</h2>



The Costa Atlántica Reserve is an important conservation site that signifies Argentina's commitment to preserving its rich <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal biodiversity</a>. 



This vast expanse of protected area serves as a sanctuary for many species, ranging from migratory birds to marine mammals and diverse plant life.



“Tidal habitats along the coast support some 135 species of birds, while crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and cetaceans feed in the productive coastal waters,” said NASA.&nbsp;



“The topography inland of Costa Atlántica, stretching into Chile to the west, is blanketed in shrubs and grassland vegetation adapted to dry conditions - part of a semiarid ecosystem known as the Fuegian steppe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-ecological-balance-nbsp">Maintaining ecological balance&nbsp;</h2>



Established to safeguard the delicate ecosystems of dunes, estuaries, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-lagoons-have-high-loads-of-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal lagoons</a>, the reserve plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.&nbsp;



It provides critical habitats for numerous threatened species, including the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/southern-right-whales-have-shifted-their-foraging-grounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Right Whale</a>, which finds refuge in these waters during its breeding season.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-costa-atlantica-reserve-a-living-laboratory-nbsp">Costa Atlántica Reserve: A living laboratory&nbsp;</h2>



The Costa Atlántica Reserve is not only a refuge for wildlife but also a living laboratory for scientific research. Conservationists and researchers work within its bounds to monitor ecosystems, study species behaviors, and develop strategies for sustainable management.&nbsp;



This ongoing research is pivotal in understanding the impacts of climate change on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-river-deltas-face-major-threats-beyond-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal environments</a> and in devising measures to mitigate these effects.



Furthermore, the reserve illustrates the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts. Local communities are engaged in sustainable tourism and educational programs. 



Through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bird-photographers-improve-nesting-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eco-tourism</a> initiatives, visitors can experience the natural beauty of the reserve while contributing to its preservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tierra-del-fuego-archipelago">Tierra del Fuego archipelago</h2>



According to NASA, the broader landscape of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago was shaped by glaciers.&nbsp;



“Ice advanced over the mountains and lowlands during cold climatic periods between the mid-Pleistocene, about 1 million years ago, and the Last Glacial Maximum, about 20,000 years ago. San Sebastián Bay formed in a tectonic depression that was deepened by glacial erosion," noted NASA. 



“Further evidence of glaciation, including hummocky moraines and fields of glacial erratics, appears around the bay, though it is too small to be visible in this image.”



“Partially enclosed by a long, sandy peninsula, San Sebastián Bay attracts copious migratory birds, some of which shuttle seasonally between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.”



“Large populations of the Hudsonian godwit, white-rumped sandpiper, and other long-distance flyers congregate in the vast intertidal zones. This part of the reserve, however, is vulnerable to the impact of oil and gas extraction from onshore and offshore deposits.”



The image was captured on February 20, 2024 by the <a href="https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellites/landsat-9/landsat-9-instruments/oli-2-design/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OLI-2</a> (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Costa Atlántica Reserve in Argentina

From the years 1809 to 1822, Jacobus lost five of his 11 children, his spouse Hannah, and one of their grandchildren. That’s seven family deaths in 13 years. Heartbreaking. It would have been perfectly understandable if Jacobus had spent the time shut away in mourning. But it seemed nothing could stop him from working. Photo Credit: PeskyMonkey/Getty Images

Heartbreak after heartbreak

Plants, just like humans, interact in complex and dynamic ways, forming relationships that can shape entire ecosystems.



Sometimes, plants work in harmony, supporting each other for mutual benefit. Other times, one species helps another while remaining unaffected.



In some cases, a plant may even utilize resources that another plant has produced for its own benefit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-interactions-of-plants">Complex interactions of plants</h2>



Plant interactions are classified into three distinct types: symbiotic facilitation, where both plants benefit each other; commensalistic facilitation, where the nurtured plant neither impacts the benefactor positively nor negatively; and antagonistic facilitation, where the bestowed partner benefits at the expense of its benefactor.



The existence of antagonistic facilitation has been disputed for a long time. However, a new study provides compelling evidence that this type of interaction between plant species is indeed possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pioneer-plants-the-unsung-heroes">Pioneer plants: The unsung heroes</h2>



The research was conducted by Dr. Ricardo Martínez-García, CASUS Young Investigator, along with lead authors Ciro Cabal from the <a href="https://www.urjc.es/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King Juan Carlos University</a> and Gabriel A. Maciel from the South American Institute for Fundamental Research.



The study shines a light on a particular phenomenon that has intrigued ecologists for years - the pioneering role of certain plant species in cultivating wastelands.



The pioneer plants, in their quest for survival, start colonizing uninhabited ground. They produce resources like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-produce-their-own-nitrogen-fertilizer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lack-of-phosphorus-will-limit-growth-of-the-amazon-rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phosphorus</a> that are scarce in the soil. This not only aids their growth but also paves the way for other species to thrive in these desolate lands.



Opportunistic plants help themselves to the smorgasbord of resources provided by the pioneers. Yet, the pioneer plants remain unbothered because they still benefit from their hard work.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-antagonistic-facilitation">Evidence of antagonistic facilitation </h2>



The findings strongly suggest the presence of antagonistic facilitation in these pioneer areas.



The findings extend beyond just proving the existence of antagonistic facilitation. According to Cabal, the team's model also shows that plant interactions are an emergent property of resource availability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-dynamics-over-time">Shifting dynamics over time</h2>



The model indicates that antagonistic facilitation is the dominant strategy in environments with low and intermediate resource availability.



However, as the soil changes over time and more plant species begin to flourish, the interaction between the species also changes. 



The pioneer species continue to increase the availability of resources, but due to the overall abundance of resources now, the other plants are no longer impacted.



At this stage, the pioneers' mining ability starts to become a burden, putting them at a disadvantage. Ultimately, other plant species outcompete the pioneers to claim the territory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-world-of-plant-interactions">Fascinating world of plant interactions </h2>



Ecological research often leans on modeling as a tool for testing hypotheses and exploring ideas that are challenging to investigate in field or laboratory experiments. 



In this case, a mathematical model was developed to predict the density and spatial distribution of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/autophagy-what-makes-plant-roots-grow-faster-stronger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roots</a> of interacting plants. The results proved to have a significant overlap with greenhouse experiments.



The model was further refined to depict the interaction of pioneer plants with their environment, taking into account the dynamics of an in-demand soil resource, the size and shape of root systems, and the costs of growing and maintaining roots.



Ultimately, the study illustrates the fascinating world of plant interactions, and the role of such relationships in shaping our natural environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-plants-communicate">How plants communicate</h2>



In addition to their fascinating interactions, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-plant-communication-on-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants communicate</a> in surprising ways. Through their root systems, plants exchange chemical signals to coordinate growth, warn others of potential threats, and even compete for resources.



Recent studies have shown that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released when under stress, signaling nearby species to activate their own defense mechanisms.



This underground network of chemical exchanges plays a critical role in shaping communities and influencing which species thrive in various ecosystems.



Understanding this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-complex-biochemical-communication-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication network</a> adds another layer to how plants interact, not just through resource sharing or competition but through a hidden language that helps them navigate their environment.



This phenomenon further supports the idea that plant interactions are far more complex than previously understood, encompassing both cooperation and competition.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.20053" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.



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Secret lives of plants: Exploring complex interactions

Plants, just like humans, interact in complex and dynamic ways,...

Underwater,Marine,Life,,Boulder,Brain,Coral,,Colpophyllia,Natans,,In,The

We've all heard that temperatures are rising. But in the southwestern Pacific, around the Fijian archipelago, sea surface temperatures have hit an all-time high -- the highest in over six centuries -- greatly harming coral in the region.



This startling discovery, revealed through coral research, comes from an international team of experts in climate science, proving once more the severe implications of rising temperatures.



In fact, the team's research indicates that 2022 was the hottest year in these regions since 1370. These findings were revealed by examining a massive colony of Diploastrea heliopora, a giant coral species found in Fiji.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-reefs-in-rising-sea-surface-temperatures">Coral reefs in rising sea surface temperatures</h2>



Aside from their breathtaking beauty and diverse ecosystems, coral reefs serve as profound archives of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-is-likely-the-hottest-year-in-recorded-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">past climatic and environmental shifts</a>.&nbsp;



Specifically, changes in the chemical composition of these long-lived massive corals provide invaluable data that traces centuries of climatic changes in the tropics, shaping the narrative of human experiences with climate fluctuations.



A notable scientist contributing to this research is Professor Denis Scholz, head of the Isotope-geochemical Palaeoclimatology / Speleothem Research group at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (<a href="https://www.uni-mainz.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JGU</a>) Institute of Geosciences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-colony-and-sea-temperatures-nbsp">Coral colony and sea temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



Speaking of valuable, the team procured a 2-meter-long (6.5-foot) core from the aforementioned giant coral colony. 



Considering the coral only grows 3 to 6 millimeters (0.12 to 0.24 inches) annually, this is no small feat.



Experts then analyzed the core's skeletal chemical composition, drawing conclusions on temperature variations spanning 627 years. 



This data was further enriched by 26 years of instrumental water <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-is-expected-to-exceed-the-1-5c-warming-limit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature measurements</a>.



Ever heard of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-event-may-push-earth-towards-its-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a>-Southern Oscillation? It's one of the primary phenomena influencing global climate, affecting human activities and natural ecosystems across the globe.&nbsp;



The southwestern Pacific region plays a significant role in modulating this very oscillation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-temperature-sensors">Living temperature sensors</h2>



We have thermometers and other temperature measuring devices. But nature has provided researchers with living temperature sensors in the form of corals. 



These underwater wonders record the chemical composition of their surrounding ocean in their skeletons, day in and day out.



One particular aspect of this recording is the skeletal Strontium to Calcium ratio. When this ratio dips, it points to higher temperatures. 



According to Professor Denis Scholz, head of the Isotope-geochemical Palaeoclimatology / Speleothem Research group at the JGU Institute of Geosciences, the current Strontium/Calcium ratio in the Fijian archipelago coral implies the highest sea surface temperature in the past 653 years.



"We used the uranium-thorium dating method to determine the age of each deposited layer. Thus, we were able to independently check and finally confirm the identification of the counting of individual annual layers. This enabled the precise and absolute dating of the coral," explained Scholz.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-through-past-to-predict-future">Looking through past to predict future</h2>



These findings don't merely paint a picture of our past, but they also provide a glimpse into our future.&nbsp;



Given the current climate model simulations, researchers are predicting more frequent bouts of droughts and heavy rainfall events in different areas of the Pacific throughout the 21st century.&nbsp;



And if no measures are taken to counter these effects, the results could be disastrous for both the ecosystems of the vulnerable Pacific islands and their inhabitants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-marine-biodiversity">Implications for marine biodiversity</h2>



The rich marine life in the southwestern Pacific is under threat from the rising temperatures of its seas. Coral reefs, which are like underwater rainforests, are home to about 25% of all ocean species.&nbsp;



Warmer water temperatures can lead to coral bleaching, which harms these beautiful ecosystems and reduces the variety of life they support.&nbsp;



This not only affects the corals themselves but also disrupts the natural balance among species and threatens the health of fisheries that island communities rely on for food and income.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uniting-for-a-common-goal">Uniting for a common goal</h2>



This alarming study is a result of global collaboration spanning three continents. 



Involved universities and organizations include Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (<a href="https://www.unam.mx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNAM</a>), Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, the <a href="https://le.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a>, the University of New South Wales (<a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNSW</a>), <a href="https://www.monash.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monash University</a>, <a href="https://www.u-bordeaux.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Université de Bordeaux</a>, the <a href="https://www.hereon.de/index.php.en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon</a>, and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.



In the face of these startling revelations on rising sea surface temperatures, how will you respond? Let's redefine our approach to ecological responsibility.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ado5107" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Pacific Ocean temperatures have never been this high in 650 years

We've all heard that temperatures are rising. But in the...

Have you ever found yourself in a quandary about whether children should use their fingers to count? If you have, you're not alone. Many preschool teachers are in the same boat. 



Some believe that little ones who resort to finger counting are struggling with math. Others see it as a clear sign of advanced numerical knowledge. 



One of the lead researchers for this study is Dr. Catherine Thevenot from the Institute of Psychology at the <a href="https://www.unil.ch/central/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Lausanne</a>. 



Her team decided to investigate if a finger counting strategy could give a leg up to kindergarten-aged children when faced with arithmetic problems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-finger-counting-on-kids">Impact of finger counting on kids</h2>



The experiment, which involved 328 five and six-year-olds (mainly white European kids living in France), set out to determine if children who don’t ordinarily count on their fingers could be trained to do so. And more importantly, it sought to find out if this training would improve their arithmetic abilities.



The process was straight-forward. Recruited through their teachers, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kids-with-too-much-screen-time-struggle-to-gain-language-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">children</a> underwent a pre-test, a two-week training period, a post-test right after the training, and a delayed post-test.



The children who were trained and did not originally count on their fingers showed a substantial improvement in performance (from 37% to 77% of correct responses), outperforming those in the control group.



We now have the first study to prove that a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/board-games-help-children-improve-their-math-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">child's arithmetic performance</a> can be boosted by teaching them a finger counting strategy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crunching-numbers-with-dr-thevenot">Crunching numbers with Dr. Thevenot</h2>



As it turns out, the catalyst for this research was a question that kept cropping up during her interactions with primary school teachers -- should they encourage or discourage their pupils to count on their fingers? The lack of a clear answer in existing research prompted her to investigate the issue.



"Our findings are highly valuable because, for the first time, we provide a concrete answer to the long-standing question of whether teachers should explicitly teach children to use their fingers for solving addition problems -- especially those who don’t do so naturally. The answer is yes," Dr Thevenot said.



"Our study demonstrates that finger calculation training is effective for over 75% of kindergartners. The next step is to explore how we can support the remaining 25% of children who didn’t respond as well to the intervention." 



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



"When I first saw the results, I was amazed by the huge improvement in performance among children who didn’t initially use their fingers to solve the problems. Before our intervention, these children were only able to solve about one-third of the addition problems at pre-test," Dr. Thevenot said.



"After training, however, they were solving over three-quarters of them! The difference was striking, especially compared to the control groups, where gains were insignificant. The extent of this improvement truly exceeded my expectations," she concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-for-education">Broader implications for education</h2>



The insights gleaned from this study could have far-reaching implications for educational practices. 



By allowing children, particularly those who might initially struggle with arithmetic, the freedom to employ finger counting, educators can foster an environment that is both supportive and conducive to learning. 



This study challenges the traditional pedagogical stance that views finger counting as a crutch indicative of mathematical deficiency. 



Instead, it paints finger counting as a valuable tool that can enhance a child's comprehension of numbers and arithmetic processes, potentially leading to more effective teaching strategies that embrace individual learning styles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-comes-next">What's comes next?</h2>



What does the future hold? Well, they are now probing if the children have gained a deeper understanding of numbers or are simply following a procedure to solve problems. 



Initial results are promising according to Dr. Thevenot, but more tests are required for confirmation.



The study by Dr. Thevenot and her team opens several avenues for further investigation. Future research could explore the long-term impacts of finger counting as a foundational skill integrated into early mathematics education. 



Additionally, examining how cultural differences affect the perception and utilization of finger counting in various educational systems can provide a more comprehensive understanding of its benefits and limitations. 



Importantly, expanding the demographics beyond the initial cohort to include diverse populations will enhance the generalizability of the findings. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-show-of-hands">A show of hands</h2>



To sum it up, it seems that finger counting could be instrumental in reducing disparity in mathematics among children. 



So, the next time you see a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kindergarten-conduct-childhood-behavioral-problems-will-cost-society-later/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">child</a> using their ten tiny tools to solve a math problem, remember, they might just be on to something. And, who knows? Maybe we adults could pick up a thing or two from those little fingers.



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This study is summarized from an article in Child Development, titled "Finger counting training enhances addition performance in kindergarteners," authored by Poletti, C., Krenger, M., Létang, M., Hennequin, B., and of course, our Dr. Thevenot from <a href="https://www.unil.ch/central/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Lausanne</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cdev.14146" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Child Development</a>.



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Finger counting boosts math skills in children

Have you ever found yourself in a quandary about whether...

In a discovery that could reshape our understanding of Earth's ancient history, researchers have found evidence suggesting that our planet may have once had a ring system around 466 million years ago.&nbsp;



This ring system is believed to have formed at the onset of a period known as the Ordovician impact spike - a time of unusually intense meteorite bombardment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-positions-of-impact-craters">Unusual positions of impact craters</h2>



The hypothesis emerged from reconstructions of plate tectonics from the Ordovician period, which reveal the unusual positions of 21 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-would-happen-small-asteroid-hit-earth-nasa-ai-simulation-found-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid impact</a> craters.&nbsp;



What makes this finding puzzling is that all of these craters are located within 30 degrees of the equator, despite the fact that over 70 percent of Earth's continental crust lay outside this region during that time. Conventional theories do not account for this anomaly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-debris-ring-around-earth-nbsp">Debris ring around Earth&nbsp;</h2>



According to the researchers, this unusual impact pattern was caused by a large asteroid passing close to Earth.&nbsp;



As the asteroid entered Earth’s Roche limit - the distance within which an object is pulled apart by tidal forces - it shattered, creating a debris ring around Earth. This is similar to the ring systems we see around Saturn and other gas giants today.



“Over millions of years, material from this ring gradually fell to Earth, creating the spike in meteorite impacts observed in the geological record,” explained lead author Andy Tomkins from <a href="https://www.monash.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monash University</a>’s School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment.&nbsp;



“We also see that layers in sedimentary rocks from this period contain extraordinary amounts of meteorite debris.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-implications-of-an-earth-ring-system">Climate implications of an Earth ring system</h2>



What makes this discovery even more intriguing are the potential climate implications. The researchers speculate that the ring could have cast a shadow over Earth, blocking sunlight and contributing to a significant global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-cooling-event-caused-extinction-of-first-early-humans-in-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cooling event</a> known as the “Hirnantian Icehouse.”



This cooling period, which occurred near the end of the Ordovician, is recognized as one of the coldest phases in the last 500 million years of Earth's history.



“The idea that a ring system could have influenced global temperatures adds a new layer of complexity to our understanding of how extra-terrestrial events may have shaped Earth's climate,” noted Tomkins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-the-crater-pattern-nbsp">Investigating the crater pattern&nbsp;</h2>



Under normal circumstances, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-would-happen-small-asteroid-hit-earth-nasa-ai-simulation-found-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid</a> impacts on Earth are distributed randomly across the planet, just as we see with impact craters on the moon or Mars.&nbsp;



However, to investigate whether the pattern of Ordovician craters was non-random and clustered closer to the equator, the researchers examined the continental surface area from that time capable of preserving such craters.



The experts focused on stable landmasses, or cratons, with rocks older than the mid-Ordovician period, avoiding areas buried under sediments or ice, regions that had been eroded, or those that had been affected by tectonic activity.&nbsp;



Using Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis, the researchers identified suitable regions across various continents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regions-well-suited-for-preserving-craters">Regions well-suited for preserving craters</h2>



Regions like Western Australia, Africa, the North American Craton, and parts of Europe were found to be well-suited for preserving these craters. 



Surprisingly, while only 30 percent of this land area was located near the equator, all of the impact craters from this period were found within that narrow region. 



Statistically, the chances of this occurring by coincidence are incredibly slim - equivalent to flipping a three-sided coin and landing tails 21 times in a row.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-asteroid-debris-rings-nbsp">Impact of asteroid debris rings&nbsp;</h2>



This discovery has far-reaching implications beyond geology. It forces scientists to reconsider the broader impact that celestial events, like asteroid debris rings, might have had on Earth’s evolutionary history.&nbsp;



The findings also raise new questions about the possibility of other ancient ring systems that may have influenced the development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clues-to-lifes-beginnings-found-in-ancient-chemical-reactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a> on our planet.



Could similar rings have existed during other periods of Earth’s history, affecting everything from the planet’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-volcanic-past-reveals-the-shocking-reality-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> to the distribution of life?&nbsp;



This research opens up a new frontier in studying Earth’s past, providing a fresh perspective on the dynamic interactions between our planet and the wider cosmos.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2024.118991" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth and Planetary Science Letters</a>.



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Earth may have had a Saturn-like ring system

In a discovery that could reshape our understanding of Earth's...

Turns out, your morning ritual of sipping on a hot brew may be more than a wake-up call - it might also be protecting your health. The latest caffeine research suggests that drinking coffee or tea - in moderation, of course - could lower your risk of facing certain health conditions related to the heart.



The findings reveal an unexpected health boon linked to moderate caffeine indulgence - a potential drop in the risk of developing cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CM). This term refers to the concurrent existence of several ailments - stroke, type 2 diabetes, and coronary heart disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caffeine-and-heart-health">Caffeine and heart health</h2>



Study co-author Dr. Chaofu Ke is an associate professor at <a href="http://eng.suda.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soochow University</a> in Suzhou, China, and an expert in epidemiology and biostatistics.



The team's findings serve up a fresh perspective on the potential benefits of caffeine. “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robusta-coffee-could-save-our-morning-brew-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coffee</a> and caffeine consumption may play an important protective role in almost all phases of CM development,” said Dr. Ke.



At the core of the research is a treasure trove of substantial data sourced from the UK Biobank, which holds the health records of about 180,000 people.



None of the participants had any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dedicated-coffee-drinkers-have-lower-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiometabolic diseases</a> at the start of the study. Dr. Ke and his team set out to investigate if there was a link between sipping on coffee or tea and the future onset of these conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-morning-brew-a-hero-in-disguise">Morning brew: A hero in disguise?</h2>



The findings have certainly stirred the scientific pot. The group of participants that relished moderate amounts of caffeine seemed to have a reduced risk of developing new cardiometabolic conditions.



These individuals were compared with those who either didn't touch caffeine or had less than a cup daily.



"Those who consumed three cups a day saw their risk reduced by 48.1%, or 40.7% for daily intake between 200-300 milligrams,” said Dr. Ke.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-caffeine-directly-related-to-heart-health">Is caffeine directly related to heart health?</h2>



Dr. Gregory Marcus is the Associate Chief of Cardiology for Research and a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (<a href="https://www.ucsf.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSF</a>).



“These observations add to the growing body of evidence that caffeine, and commonly consumed natural substances that contain caffeine such as tea and coffee, may enhance cardiovascular health,” said Dr. Marcus.



Despite the compelling evidence, we are not popping the champagne just yet. Is there a direct cause-effect relationship between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecule-in-coffee-trigonelline-keeps-muscles-young/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caffeine consumption</a> and improved cardiometabolic health? Or could invisible factors be swaying the results?



A myriad of lifestyle choices can potentially solve this puzzle. From regular exercise, healthy eating, ample sleep, to stress management - all of these can boost overall health. Could caffeine be simply one cog in the complex machine of heart health?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed </h2>



The findings could have a butterfly effect on public health guidelines and personal health habits. Could your daily java or tea routine be shielding your heart health? Could be. But remember that golden rule - everything in moderation.



Apart from shining a spotlight on the heart and overall health benefits of caffeine, the current study also sets the stage for future inquiries. 



Upcoming research may dive deeper into the biological processes behind caffeine’s protective effects and compare the differences in genetics, diet, and lifestyles across various cultures.



“It is important to emphasize that, while these data suggest a relationship between caffeine, tea, and coffee and a reduced risk of a combination of cardiovascular diseases, we need to be careful before we infer true causal effects,” said Dr. Marcus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personal-decisions-on-consuming-caffeine">Personal decisions on consuming caffeine</h2>



If all this talk about caffeine is making you rethink your intake, proceed with caution. Balance is the key. Check in with your healthcare professional to ensure caffeine helps your health and doesn't harm it.



Aim for two to three cups a day to reap the potential heart benefits of caffeine. As you enjoy those mindful sips, take pride in possibly living a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-fruits-and-vegetables-improve-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">longer and healthier life</a>.



As for the research, the experts noted that future studies are warranted to validate the implicated metabolic biomarkers underlying the relationship between caffeine intake and cardiometabolic multimorbidity.



The study is published in the Endocrine Society’s&nbsp;<a href="https://academic.oup.com/jcem/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1210/clinem/dgae552/7754545" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &amp; Metabolism</a>. 



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Caffeine has a protective effect on heart health

Turns out, your morning ritual of sipping on a hot...

In science fiction movies like Frankenstein and Re-Animator, human bodies are revived, existing in a strange state between life and death. While this may seem like pure fantasy, a recent study suggests that a “third state” of existence might actually be present in modern biology.&nbsp;



According to the researchers, this third state occurs when the cells of a dead organism continue to function after its death, sometimes gaining new capabilities they never had while the organism was alive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-third-state-beyond-traditional-boundaries">"Third state" beyond traditional boundaries </h2>



Amazingly, if further experiments on cells from dead animals -- including humans -- prove this ability, it could even challenge the definition of legal death. 



The study, published in the journal <a href="https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physiol.00004.2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physiology</a>, was led by Professor Peter Noble from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington in Seattle</a> and Alex Pozhitkov from the <a href="https://www.cityofhope.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">City of Hope National Medical Center</a> in Duarte, California.



“Life and death are traditionally viewed as opposites,” the researchers wrote in an article for The Conversation. 



“But the emergence of new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/past-snowball-earth-conditions-drove-evolution-complex-multicellular-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellular life-forms</a> from the cells of a dead organism introduces a 'third state' that lies beyond the traditional boundaries of life and death.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cells-come-alive-after-death">Cells come alive after death</h2>



In this third state, certain cells -- when given nutrients, oxygen, bioelectricity, or biochemical signals -- have the capacity to transform into new multicellular organisms, exhibiting new functions even after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-near-death-experiences-validated-by-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">death</a>.



The researchers reviewed recent studies showing the incredible capability of cells to reorganize and take on new forms after the death of the organism.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-cells-become-xenobots-nbsp">Skin cells become xenobots&nbsp;</h2>



In 2021, U.S. scientists found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-bioprinted-fully-functional-human-skin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skin cells</a> from dead frogs could adapt to a lab environment and spontaneously form multicellular organisms -- actual living machines called “xenobots.” 



While most machines are constructed from materials like steel and plastic, which can degrade or break over time and have harmful side effects, living systems made from self-renewing and biocompatible materials would avoid those negative consequences.



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-design-and-build-walking-robots-in-seconds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">xenobots</a> displayed behaviors far beyond their original biological purpose, using hair-like structures called cilia to move through their surroundings.



They also proved adept at material collection, information recording, self-healing, and limited replication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lung-cells-become-anthrobots-nbsp">Lung cells become anthrobots&nbsp;</h2>



Similarly, other researchers discovered that human lung cells could self-organize into tiny multicellular organisms known as “anthrobots.” 



Anthrobots range in size from the width of a human hair to the tip of a sharpened pencil. Remarkably, these multicellular robots are designed to self-assemble and have demonstrated a pronounced healing effect on other cells.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anthrobots-scientists-create-tiny-biological-robots-from-human-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">These anthrobots</a> could not only move independently but also repair themselves and heal damaged nerve cells nearby.



They have shown capabilities surpassing those of the xenobots, addressing critical questions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-proteins-can-record-cellular-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cellular assembly</a> and cooperation in the body, and the potential for cells to be reassembled into different structures for varied functions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cells-functioning-in-the-third-state">Cells functioning in the third state</h2>



The experts point to these examples as evidence of new cellular functions that don’t exist during life, illustrating cellular changes in unexpected ways.&nbsp;



However, how exactly these cells function in the third state after an organism dies remains a mystery. 



One possible explanation, reminiscent of Frankenstein-style ideas, involves a hidden system of “electrical circuits” that reanimate the cells.



These channels and pumps may generate electrical signals that allow cells to communicate and perform specific functions like growth and movement, shaping the structure of the new organism they form.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-that-influence-the-third-state-nbsp">Factors that influence the third state&nbsp;</h2>



Whether cells can enter this third state depends on several factors, including environmental conditions such as temperature and energy availability. 



Access to fuel and the ability to metabolize that energy also play a crucial role in whether cells can survive and continue functioning postmortem.



Other variables, like the organism’s age, health, sex, and species type, also influence whether cells can enter the third state. 



The research team suggests that these factors “shape the postmortem landscape” -- determining whether or not cells can persist in this unique state.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexplored-frontiers-in-biology">Unexplored frontiers in biology</h2>



The research opens up “unexplored frontiers” in biology that could one day bring animal cells, and potentially human cells, into this third state.&nbsp;



However, whether this future will resemble something out of Re-Animator, where reanimated tissue leads to catastrophic consequences, remains to be seen. 



In the 1980s cult film, a medical student discovers how to bring human tissue back to life, with dire and violent results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possibilities-for-innovative-treatments-nbsp">Possibilities for innovative treatments&nbsp;</h2>



This third state not only sheds light on the remarkable adaptability of cells, but also opens up possibilities for innovative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gene-regulation-controlling-cells-to-improve-medical-treatments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatments</a>.



For instance, anthrobots could be created from a person’s own living tissue to deliver medication without triggering an immune response.



Each Anthrobot starts as a single cell from an adult donor’s trachea, equipped with cilia that facilitate movement. 



Researchers at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.njit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIJT</a>) developed conditions to maximize this motility, observing various shapes and movement types, marking a significant feature of this biorobotics platform.



These engineered anthrobots, when introduced into the body, could dissolve arterial plaque in patients with atherosclerosis or help clear excess mucus in those with cystic fibrosis.



They are biodegradable and safe, with a limited lifespan and strictly laboratory-bound existence, eliminating concerns of external exposure or uncontrolled proliferation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformative-potential-of-the-third-state">Transformative potential of the third state</h2>



Notably, these multicellular organisms have a limited life span, breaking down naturally after four to six weeks. This built-in “kill switch” prevents the risk of potentially harmful cell growth.



“This research has the potential to transform regenerative medicine, redefine legal death, and provide insights into life's physiological limits, paralleling inquiries in embryogenesis,” the authors concluded. 



To sum it all up, gaining a deeper understanding of how certain cells can continue functioning and transform into multicellular organisms after an organism’s death, the "third state," holds great potential for advancing both personalized and preventive medicine. 



Stay tuned...this field of biology is getting very interesting, indeed.



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"Third state" of existence beyond life and death confirmed by scientists

In science fiction movies like Frankenstein and Re-Animator, human bodies...

Astronomers have made a fascinating discovery which supports the theory that supermassive black holes can be the death knell for their host galaxies by depriving them of the fuel required for star formation.



An international team of scientists, co-led by the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>, utilized the capabilities of the NASA/ESA James Webb Space Telescope to study a galaxy similar in size to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-features-found-in-the-heart-of-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dead-galaxy-with-minimal-star-formation">Dead galaxy with minimal star formation </h2>



The galaxy, affectionately named Pablo’s Galaxy (officially GS-10578), hails from the early universe about two billion years after the Big Bang. However, the galaxy is far from thriving - it appears "dead" with minimal star formation.



"Based on earlier observations, we knew this galaxy was in a quenched state: it’s not forming many stars given its size, and we expect there is a link between the black hole and the end of star formation,” explained co-lead author Dr. Francesco D’Eugenio from Cambridge’s Kavli Institute for Cosmology.



The connection between the galaxy’s inactive state and the supermassive black hole was not confirmed until the Webb Telescope's advanced observation power came into play, allowing researchers to examine whether this star-formation drought is temporary or permanent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cutting-off-the-galaxy-s-food-source">Cutting off the galaxy’s food source </h2>



Pablo’s Galaxy, with a mass about 200 billion times that of our Sun, formed most of its stars between 12.5 and 11.5 billion years ago.



“In the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-like-galaxies-were-present-in-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early universe</a>, most galaxies are forming lots of stars, so it’s interesting to see such a massive dead galaxy at this period in time. If it had enough time to get to this massive size, whatever process that stopped star formation likely happened relatively quickly," said Professor Roberto Maiolino.



Using Webb, the researchers confirmed that this galaxy is expelling gas at incredibly high speeds - around 1,000 kilometers per second - fast enough to escape the galaxy’s gravitational pull. These gas clouds, pushed out by the black hole, are critical for star formation.



“We found the culprit. The black hole is killing this galaxy and keeping it dormant, by cutting off the source of ‘food’ the galaxy needs to form new stars," said Dr. D’Eugenio.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-new-observations">Insights from new observations </h2>



Webb’s unparalleled sensitivity even detected cold, dense gas clouds previously unseen with earlier telescopes. These clouds block light from behind the galaxy, helping researchers track the mass of gas being ejected.



The mass loss exceeds what the galaxy needs to sustain star formation, confirming the hypothesis that the black hole is starving the galaxy to death. 



The next step in understanding this cosmic phenomenon will focus on observations by the Atacama Large Millimeter-Submillimeter Array (ALMA), which will target the coldest gas components of the galaxy.



Researchers plan to investigate whether any hidden fuel for star formation still exists and to further study the impact of the supermassive black hole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-holes-and-star-formation">Black holes and star formation</h2>



“We knew that black holes have a massive impact on galaxies, and perhaps it’s common that they stop <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/barred-spiral-galaxy-ngc-1559-is-a-hotspot-for-star-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>, but until Webb, we weren’t able to directly confirm this,” said Maiolino. 



“It’s yet another way that Webb is such a giant leap forward in terms of our ability to study the early universe and how it evolved.”



The role of black holes in shaping galaxies has long intrigued astronomers, but the discovery of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-may-talk-to-galaxies-through-energetic-winds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole winds</a> driving star formation quenching adds a crucial piece to the puzzle. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-hole-starving-its-galaxy">Black hole starving its galaxy</h2>



The researchers observed powerful winds of gas, driven by the immense gravitational forces of the supermassive black hole, sweeping through the galaxy. 



The winds expel gas at such high velocities that it escapes the galaxy’s gravitational pull, preventing new stars from forming.



This process, known as quenching, essentially halts the galaxy's growth. The amount of gas removed is significant, and the fact that it happens so early in the galaxy’s development highlights the transformative role black holes play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic evolution</a>. 



The discovery confirms theories that black hole-driven winds can stifle a galaxy’s potential long before it reaches its full star-forming capability.



The study opens up new avenues for understanding how black holes can regulate galaxy life cycles, especially during the early stages of the universe.



The research was supported by the Royal Society, the European Union, the European Research Council, and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02345-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.



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Black hole is starving its host galaxy of star-forming fuel

Astronomers have made a fascinating discovery which supports the theory...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.



In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;



Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. 



Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.



Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. 



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.



“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. 



The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.



“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;



“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”



The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;



The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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Plus, sheltered in the extra buildings were 20 locals. It was like a mini-community of sorts and was probably full of activity. Even so, it’s likely no amount of company could make up for the difficulties that Jacobus faced in his lifetime. Photo Credit: Facebook/Dyckman Farmhouse Museum

A difficult time

Well, according to the Dyckman Farmhouse Museum Alliance website, the main building housed a group of ten in 1820. Jacobus was one of them, of course, and he had three children. Their names were Isaac, Michael, and Jacob. And Jacobus’ niece and grandson came to join the clan, too. Photo Credit: Facebook/Dyckman Farmhouse Museum