Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features a massive smoky storm cloud that developed over Northwestern Canada on September 16, 2023.



"For much of summer 2023, fires burned through boreal forests in northern British Columbia and Alberta, and in the South Slave Region of the Northwest Territories. The blazes triggered evacuations as they approached towns and unleashed plumes of smoke that occasionally dipped south into the United States," said NASA.



"In mid-September, strong winds from a passing cold front interacted with some of the fires to create a vast smoke-infused cloud spiral. The smoky storm, which spanned hundreds of kilometers, is visible in this image captured by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-20 satellite."



Wind gusts as high as 40 miles per hour intensified the fires and created towering “fire clouds” called pyrocumulonimbus clouds, which boosted smoke up into the storm clouds.&nbsp;



“We see dozens of pyrocumulonimbus clouds each year, but this was an impressive event,” said Colin Seftor, an atmospheric scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.&nbsp;



Seftor monitors the spread of the airborne aerosols within wildfire smoke using the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite sensor on the NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP satellite.



“After the smoke was lofted up and entrained within the circulation of a passing low-pressure system, it resulted in the highest aerosol measurements we’ve seen this year,” said Seftor. “We did see two other smoke events in Canada in mid-August and early September, when aerosol index values were nearly as high,” he added.



Atmospheric scientist Hiren Jethva analyzed data collected by a lidar sensor on NASA’s ICESat-2 to measure the height of the smoke plume. “ICESat-2 data show a rising smoke cloud ranging from 6 to 11 kilometers,” he said.&nbsp;



According to NASA, scientists track smoke heights as part of a broader effort to understand how aerosols within wildfire smoke affect the radiation budget and climate when they form smoke layers above clouds.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Smoke-infused storm cloud over the Northwest Territories 

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features the port city of Derna on the northeastern coast of Libya, where heavy rainfall caused catastrophic flooding that killed thousands of people.&nbsp;



"On September 10 and 11, over 100 millimeters (4 inches) of rain fell on Derna. The city lies at the end of a long, narrow valley, called a wadi, which is dry except during the rainy season," explained NASA.



"Floods triggered two dams along the wadi to collapse. The failure of the second dam, located just one kilometer inland of Derna, unleashed 3- to 7-meter-high floodwater that tore through the city. According to news reports, the flash floods destroyed roads and swept entire neighborhoods out to sea."



The image was captured by the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9 on September 18. It shows the eroded banks of Wadi Derna, and muddy water off the coast.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"Preliminary estimates by the United Nations Satellite Center (UNOSAT) indicate that 3,100 buildings in Derna were damaged by rushing water. According to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM), about 40,000 people in the country were displaced by the storm, and 30,000 of those were displaced from Derna," said NASA.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Aftermath of catastrophic flooding in Derna, Libya

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features the western region of Morocco, where a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck on September 8, 2023. The violent earthquake killed thousands of people and many are still missing more than a week later.



"The damage proxy map shown above is a NASA Earth Observatory version of a map created by the Earth Observatory of Singapore - Remote Sensing Lab (EOS-RS). The map uses modified Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite data processed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and with software originally developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Caltech," said NASA.



"To map the landscape, including buildings, Sentinel-1’s radar sends pulses of microwaves toward Earth’s surface and 'listens' for reflected echoes of those waves. In the map above, the damage proxy data from EOS-RS was laid over a Landsat 9 image and combined with a digital elevation model based on data collected by the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission."



According to NASA, the most severe destruction occurred in small rural villages in the High Atlas Mountains. Near the epicenter, entire communities were destroyed.



A resident of the town of Tinzert, Hakim Idlhousein, told CNN that it took just 10 seconds for his whole village to disappear. The homes have been reduced to rubble, and the survivors are still waiting for government aid. These hardest-hit regions have been difficult to reach after roads were destroyed by the earthquake.&nbsp;



"Help has been slow to come and has so far mostly consisted of food and water brought up into the mountains in private cars by volunteers from across Morocco," reported CNN.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Entire villages destroyed by earthquake in the High Atlas Mountains

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Cook Strait, which separates New Zealand's North and South Islands.



"Named after James Cook, who was the first European to sail through it, the PoipuCook Strait is just 23 km wide at its narrowest point, so on a clear day it is possible to see across the strait. However, it is also renowned as one of the roughest and most unpredictable stretches of water in the world, owing to strong winds, conflicting currents and variable tides," says ESA.



"This dynamic environment is depicted here by the various shades of blue in the water and swirls. Both shores feature steep cliffs which, in the image, result in the white colour caused by the big waves crashing against the rocky coast."



New Zealand is a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, consisting of two main islands, both marked by volcanoes and glaciation. It is known for its stunning and diverse landscapes, which include beaches, mountains, forests, lakes, and farmland. The capital city is Wellington, while the most populous city is Auckland, both located in the North Island.



The country is renowned for its strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. It has a diverse economy with key sectors including tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. New Zealand is famous for its dairy industry, especially the export of products like milk and cheese.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Cook Strait, New Zealand

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Mendenhall Glacier - a stunning glacier located about 13 miles from downtown Juneau in Southeast Alaska. Mendenhall is easily accessible and is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year.&nbsp;



The photograph was captured on July 28, 2023 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8. When compared to a previous image captured in 1985 by Landsat 5, scientists found that Mendenhall had retreated by about one mile.



According to NASA, thinning has also taken a toll on the glacier during the past four decades, causing it to narrow by about 2,000 feet at the bend closest to its front.



"Mendenhall Glacier started retreating in the mid-1700s following a period of glaciation that began 3,000 years ago. But in recent decades, Alaska has been warming twice as fast as the rest of the United States, helping to push the region’s glaciers into an especially steep decline," said NASA.



"The Juneau Icefield, of which Mendenhall Glacier is a part, lost 63 out of 1,050 small glaciers inventoried between 2005 and 2019. During that same period, the icefield lost 10 percent of its glacier area."



The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center provides excellent views of the glacier and offers interpretive programs about the natural history of the glacier. The center is a popular destination for tourists visiting Juneau.



There are several activities available for tourists including guided walks, boat tours, and even ice cave explorations. The glacier and its surroundings also offer opportunities for wildlife viewing.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Mendenhall Glacier in Southeast Alaska

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a dark patch of water located east of the Delmarva Peninsula. The image was captured on May 6, 2023 by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite.&nbsp;



"The bright, silvery appearance of much of the water is due to sunglint - an optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight reflects off the surface of the water at the same angle that a satellite sensor views it. The result is mirror-like specular reflection that shows up as long, bright areas in MODIS data," explains NASA.



"The 'roughness' of the water surface can influence how sunglint areas appear in MODIS images - sometimes creating distinctive patterns within them. Most of the time, winds create enough waves and choppiness in the water that light gets reflected in a variety of directions (diffuse reflection) as it hits the sea surface."&nbsp;



With weaker winds, the sea surface is smooth. This was the case at the time the photograph was captured along the U.S. East Coast.



Scott Bachmeier is a research meteorologist with the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.



“Within a region of light winds, the appearance of the rather flat underlying water surface - either darker than adjacent water, or extremely bright - depends on the sun-satellite geometry,” explains Bachmeier.



Chuanmin Hu is a professor of Optical Oceanography at the University of South Florida.



“In this case, the dark features were likely areas with very weak winds,” says Professor Hu. ”But other things that change the ‘roughness’ of the water can lead to changes in sunglint patterns as well. These include oil slicks, freshwater slicks, ship wakes, ocean circulation, internal waves, and ocean circulation.”



“Some of the narrow dark features inside Delaware Bay and Chesapeake Bay may be partly due to freshwater, but freshwater slicks are not generally as large as the main dark patch visible east of the Delmarva Peninsula."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Dark features appear near the Delmarva Peninsula

Farmer,Plantation,Checking,Quality,By,Tablet,Agriculture,Modern,Technology,Concept.

Researchers have ushered in a new era in plant science by creating a technology that brings the once-fictitious idea of human-plant communication to reality. This recently developed technology enables humans to ‘talk’ to plants and receive communication back from them, using light-based messaging. This incredible breakthrough was achieved by a team of scientists from the <a href="https://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University</a> (SLCU) 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-initiating-plant-defense-mechanisms">Initiating plant defense mechanisms</h2>



The experiments conducted by Alexander Jones’ research team at the university involved using light as a messenger to talk to plants. The light activates the natural defense mechanisms in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tobacco-and-zinnia-can-thrive-in-polluted-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tobacco plants</a> (Nicotiana benthamiana), showcasing that light can be a stimulus triggering plants’ immune responses. 



This implies that light, a universal medium of communication for humans, can now serve as a bridge for interspecies interaction between humans and plants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highlighter-created-to-talk-to-plants">Highlighter: Created to talk to plants</h2>



Before this discovery, the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> team engineered fluorescent light-based biosensors that could visually communicate real-time cellular activities in plants, revealing dynamics of critical plant hormones and how plants react to environmental stresses, effectively allowing plants to ‘talk’ to humans.



The latest development, Highlighter, is a tool documented in <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002303" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a> that uses specific light conditions to activate the expression of a target gene in plants, allowing humans to trigger defense mechanisms in plants. 



Dr. Jones explains, “If we could warn plants of an impending disease outbreak or pest attack, plants could then activate their natural defense mechanisms to prevent widespread damage.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-agricultural-challenges">Addressing agricultural challenges</h2>



This innovation holds promise for revolutionizing agricultural practices and humanity's relationship with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-pass-down-memories-to-help-offspring-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>. It could allow warning plants about approaching extreme weather events or pest attacks, enabling them to adjust growth patterns, conserve water, or activate defense mechanisms. 



This advanced communication with plants can lead to more sustainable and efficient farming practices, reducing dependency on chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-of-optogenetics">Science of optogenetics</h2>



Bo Larsen, the engineer behind Highlighter, has incorporated a light-controlled gene expression system or optogenetics system from a prokaryotic system into a eukaryotic system tailored for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fibonacci-spirals-an-unexpected-twist-in-plant-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>. 



Optogenetics uses light stimuli to control specific processes, enabling scientists to control biomolecular processes at a cellular level. It has revolutionized several fields, including neuroscience, by isolating the functions of individual neurons. 



However, applying optogenetics to plants has been challenging due to plants' inherent abundance of photoreceptors and their need for a wide spectrum of light for growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-development-of-highlighter">Development of Highlighter</h2>



In the creation of Highlighter, collaboration with experts like J. Clark Lagarias from <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> and others from the <a href="https://www.npl.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Physical Laboratory</a> was crucial to overcome challenges and to refine the technology. The system developed is minimally invasive, using light signals for activation and inactivation, unaffected by the usual light-dark cycling in growth chambers.



This technology has already demonstrated control over plant immunity, pigment production, and a yellow fluorescent protein. Dr. Jones emphasized that “Highlighter is an important step forward in the development of optogenetics tools in plants,” and it opens new avenues for crop improvement and research in plant biology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-talking-to-plants-what-the-future-holds">Talking to plants -- what the future holds</h2>



The ramifications of this development are profound. A growing toolbox for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-distribute-enormous-amounts-of-co2-to-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, with diverse optical properties, not only answers fundamental plant biology questions but also unlocks potential opportunities for crop improvement. 



Dr. Jones visualizes a future where different light conditions could trigger various responses, such as immune response or precise timing of specific traits like flowering or ripening, in plants.



The innovations emerging from the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University are propelling us into a future where humans and plants coexist in a symbiotic relationship of mutual communication and understanding, optimizing agricultural practices and revealing unexplored facets of plant biology. 



This breakthrough in human-plant communication signifies a monumental leap in our quest for harmonious coexistence with the plant kingdom, pointing towards a future where sustainable and efficient farming becomes a global reality.



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New invention enables humans to 'talk' to plants using light

Researchers have ushered in a new era in plant science...

Photo,Of,A,Red-crowned,Amazon,amazona,Viridigenalis

The endangered red-crowned parrot species is flourishing in the urban expanses of South Texas. This surprising discovery lies contrary to the usual detrimental impact of urban development on most animal species.



These vibrant birds have remarkably adapted to urban life despite widespread deforestation, pollution, and the illicit pet trade relocating them from their native habitats. The study was helmed by a <a href="https://www.tamu.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M</a>-led research team, co-authored by Dr. Donald J. Brightsmith and graduate student Simon Kiacz.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-urban-dwellers">Unexpected urban dwellers</h2>



Red-crowned parrots are characterized by their predominantly green plumage and distinctive cluster of red feathers on their heads. They originally inhabited a compact region in Northeastern Mexico. Due to rampant habitat destruction and illicit poaching, their existence is under severe threat in their native lands. 



This fact makes their proliferation in urban Texas all the more extraordinary. The unauthorized trade often involves poaching of eggs or fledglings, later sold at exorbitant prices.



Simon Kiacz noted, "Parrots are popular pets in places like South Texas and Latin America.” The lack of awareness regarding their protected status, even among law enforcement, is alarming. It’s crucial to note that the animal trade has significantly contributed to the red-crowned parrots’ presence in Texas, with many being brought over legally in the 1980s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-texas-embraces-red-crowned-parrots">Texas embraces red-crowned parrots</h2>



Texas has embraced these fascinating birds, awarding them native species status which is pivotal for their protection. Dr. Brightsmith highlighted the importance of this status, stating, “Without native species status, it would be much more difficult to provide protection for the species.” 



This acknowledgment spurred interest from <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas Parks &amp; Wildlife</a>, paving the way for extensive research on the adaptation and well-being of these parrots in South Texas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-the-path-to-conservation">Mapping the path to conservation</h2>



The research team meticulously counted and mapped the parrots, concentrating especially on the Rio Grande Valley. Remarkably, places like Brownsville have adopted the red-crowned parrot as their official mascot. 



With around 900 parrots residing in South Texas, Kiacz and his team closely monitored their breeding activity. These observations have provided a comprehensive insight into their thriving population.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbiotic-urban-adaptation">Symbiotic urban adaptation</h2>



The adaptation and thriving of red-crowned parrots in urban environments are unusual. The species, deemed as “synanthropes,” coexists harmoniously with human-made environments. Kiacz explains, “Humans have basically created the perfect environment for these parrots.” 



The relationship stems from their mutual liking for well-watered, ornamental plants producing fruit and seeds year-round. Even the propensity to plant non-native palm trees has inadvertently provided perfect nesting cavities for these parrots, further solidifying their urban adaptation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coexisting-with-red-crowned-parrots">Coexisting with red-crowned parrots</h2>



Despite their flourishing existence and negligible competition with local species for food, the parrots’ noise levels have been the sole inconvenience to the locals. The researchers hope that their findings will usher in heightened awareness and improved conservation efforts. They stress the importance of understanding and accepting these birds as part of the urban environment.



Kiacz emphasized the need for communal harmony stating, “the best help we can give these parrots is to teach people how to live with parrots as neighbors.” For instance, maintaining a dead, yet safe tree can provide nesting spaces for these parrots, fostering a symbiotic coexistence.



Brightsmith and Kiacz are currently delving deeper. They are studying the intricate relationships between red-crowned parrots and their sister species, exploring potential natural hybridization and its conservation implications.



In summary, the thriving existence of red-crowned parrots amidst urban sprawl is a testament to nature's resilience and adaptability. It opens up a plethora of opportunities for research and provides a unique perspective on urban conservation strategies, emphasizing the balance between urban expansion and biodiversity. 



The exploration of harmonious coexistence and continued conservation efforts are essential steps towards protecting these vibrant beings, allowing them to continue being our colorful neighbors in the urban jungle.



This study was <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/15/7/878" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recently published</a> in the scientific journal Diversity.



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Endangered red-crowned parrots are thriving in urban Texas areas

The endangered red-crowned parrot species is flourishing in the urban...

Encephalitis,,Yellow,Fever,,Malaria,Disease,,Mayaro,Or,Zika,Virus,Infected

Leaders and health experts across multiple African nations have raised alarm bells about the escalating malaria crisis, calling it the most severe in two decades. 



In a series of urgent appeals at the United Nations General Assembly last Friday, they emphasized the dire need for immediate, decisive action to curb the spread of this deadly disease, particularly in light of new challenges.



Malaria has long been a persistent threat in Africa, claiming lives at alarming rates. The continent bears the burden of 96% of malaria-related deaths worldwide, with children under the age of five representing up to 80% of these fatalities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-setbacks-in-eradication-efforts">Setbacks in eradication efforts</h2>



Efforts aimed at malaria treatment and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/malaria-carrying-mosquitoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eradication</a> are facing unprecedented setbacks. A prominent one is the insufficiency of funding to combat the disease effectively. Additionally, there is a decreased effectiveness of malaria drugs, hampering treatment efforts. 



A highly concerning development is the evolved resistance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-mosquitoes-eradicate-malaria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> to insecticides. This new resistance has experts urging the need to "get ahead of it before it outsmarts us."



President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau succinctly encapsulated the urgency of the situation, stating, "We are at a critical juncture. If we don’t act swiftly…we will undoubtedly see malaria upsurges and epidemics."



The <a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a>'s recent report disclosed a worrying trend: progress in combating malaria has either stalled or regressed in over 13 countries. This stagnation, coupled with the lack of access to lifesaving treatments for many, could seriously impede the goals to eliminate the disease by 2030.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-for-renewed-commitment">Call for renewed commitment</h2>



Julio Rakotonirina, the Director of Health and Humanitarian Affairs at the <a href="https://au.int/en/commission" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">African Union Commission</a>, underscored the importance of sustained political commitment and the translation of such commitment into tangible actions. He emphasized that, given most African Union member states are currently off-track to achieve malaria elimination by 2030, extensive work remains to be done.



The current malaria crisis in Africa is at a critical crossroad, and the time to act is now. Leaders and health experts are fervently calling for comprehensive strategies and full financing to battle malaria, including addressing the new challenges that have arisen. 



The insufficiency of funds, declining efficacy of drugs, and the adaptation of mosquitoes to insecticides necessitate innovative solutions and international cooperation to prevent further loss of life, especially among children.



A multifaceted approach, involving consistent political commitment, augmented funding, community engagement, and scientific innovation, is pivotal to outsmarting the disease and achieving the 2030 elimination goals. The call from African leaders is clear: the world must unite in its efforts to eliminate malaria and safeguard future generations from this ancient foe.



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African leaders call for urgent action on malaria

Leaders and health experts across multiple African nations have raised...

Mining.a,Large,Scale,Mining,Infrastructure,In,Australia,For,Gold,And

Geographers from the University of Lincoln, UK, report that approximately 23 million people globally reside on floodplains tainted with dangerously elevated levels of toxic waste. 



This alarming revelation stems from an extensive research effort involving the mapping of 22,609 active and 159,735 abandoned metal mines, and was published in the renowned journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adg6704" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerning-levels-of-toxic-waste-in-rivers">Concerning levels of toxic waste in rivers</h2>



The research led by Mark Macklin focused on discerning the levels of pollution percolating into the waterways from harmful contaminants such as lead, copper, zinc, and arsenic. The meticulous analysis concluded that about 479,200 kilometers of river channels covering 164,000 square kilometers are contaminated by toxic waste from hazardous chemicals on a global scale.



Macklin elucidates that the innovative method devised for this study empowers governments, environmental regulators, the mining sector, and local communities to predict the diffusion of mine waste in river systems around the globe. This prediction tool is a first, enabling accurate assessment of the mining impacts on ecosystems and human health, both offsite and downstream.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-study-methodology">Innovative study methodology</h2>



Macklin expressed his optimism that the new methodology would facilitate the mitigation of environmental ramifications stemming from both historical and contemporary mining practices. He stressed the importance of minimizing the impacts of future mining developments on communities. The focus should be on preserving food and water security amidst rising global demand for metals and minerals essential for transitional technologies.



This study is anticipated to have far-reaching impacts, aiding in the reduction of environmental damage induced by previous and current mining methodologies. Professor Chris Thomas, a key contributor to the research analysis, emphasized the urgency of global metal mining expansion to facilitate the transition to green energy. Thomas acknowledged the substantial global contamination mapped in the study as a legacy from the industrial era, advocating for modern mining to prioritize environmental sustainability.



He further explained, "Our methods, which also operate effectively at local scales, introduce a vital new strategy in this process." To implement this strategy, an applied unit of their research center, Water and Planetary Health Analytics, has been established to collaborate with the sector.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-mining-and-environmental-concerns">Modern mining and environmental concerns</h2>



Experts believe this development is crucial, especially when transitional technologies are experiencing an exponential demand for metals and minerals. This study is not only a beacon of knowledge shedding light on the environmental impacts of mining but also a compass guiding modern mining towards environmental sustainability and human safety. 



The approach proposed by the team serves as an invaluable asset for gauging and mitigating the repercussions of mining activities on ecological and human health.



This comprehensive research underscores the significance of refining mining practices and presents a new paradigm in environmental conservation. The goal is to enable a harmonious coexistence between mining endeavors and ecological well-being. 



The implications of this study are pivotal, offering a road map for industries, regulators, and communities to navigate the complexities of environmental conservation in mining, all while aligning with the escalating need for metals in advancing green technologies.



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23 million people are exposed to toxic waste from mining activities

Geographers from the University of Lincoln, UK, report that approximately...

Image,Of,African,Lady,In,Face,Mask,With,Thumbs,Up-child

In a blow to global health endeavors, the Independent Monitoring Board (IBM) of the <a href="https://polioeradication.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Polio Eradication Initiative</a> (GPEI) revealed that the mission to completely eradicate polio might miss its crucial objectives this year. 



The international strategy had aimed to halt the spread of wild polio in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the last remaining endemic countries, and curb the vaccine-derived strain, which is accountable for outbreaks worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stubborn-persistence">Stubborn persistence</h2>



Despite a staggering 99% reduction in polio cases since 1988 owing to widespread vaccination drives, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-polio-vaccine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complete obliteration</a> of this infectious disease remains an uphill battle. Polio's endurance hinders global health aspirations to see it become the second disease after smallpox, eradicated in 1980, to be completely wiped out.



However, Aidan O'Leary, Director of Polio Eradication at the <a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> (WHO), asserts, "It can be done. And we need to make sure we finish the job." His resolve underscores the international community’s commitment to achieving a polio-free world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-current-polio-landscape">Current polio landscape</h2>



To date, this year has witnessed only seven documented cases of wild polio, with five in Afghanistan and two in Pakistan. O'Leary is optimistic about halting the spread of this strain by early 2024, albeit a few months past the initial target, holding out hope for the complete eradication of wild polio by 2026.



However, the vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPVs) present a more formidable challenge. These originate from the mutated live virus in the oral polio vaccine, posing risks to unvaccinated populations if mutations turn virulent. Shockingly, recent instances of paralysis in children due to VDPVs are around 50 times higher than those from wild poliovirus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-challenges">Addressing the challenges</h2>



The GPEI conceded the challenges presented in IBM's review, acknowledging the ongoing struggles, particularly in areas facing insecurity. Eradicating vaccine-derived outbreaks is anticipated to be an especially lengthy process. 



O'Leary emphasized prioritizing vaccination and surveillance in areas like the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, northwestern Nigeria, south-central Somalia, and northern Yemen, where VDPVs are rampant. "This is what is needed to shift the game," O'Leary highlighted, implying a possible recalibration of timelines but a steadfast commitment to eradication efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-persisting-amidst-adversity">Persisting amidst adversity</h2>



Despite the hurdles, the concerted actions and unwavering dedication of the international community bring a ray of hope in the fight against polio. 



While the journey to eradicate polio is fraught with unprecedented challenges, the resilience and adaptability showcased by global health organizations and workers are pivotal in navigating the road ahead. The recalibration of strategies and a focus on the most affected regions are crucial to advancing towards a world free from the shadows of polio.



In summary, the path to polio eradication is intricate, marked by unforeseen obstacles and continuous learning. The setbacks experienced this year underscore the necessity for adaptability, fortitude, and a relentless pursuit of innovative solutions in the global fight against polio.



The ongoing endeavors and the relentless spirit of the global community illuminate the pathway to triumph over this debilitating disease, instilling hope for a polio-free future.



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Global campaign to eradicate polio is falling short

In a blow to global health endeavors, the Independent Monitoring...

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Swedish researchers from Stockholm University and Linne University have unveiled a startling discovery of vast methane leaks erupting from the seabed of the Baltic Sea. This revelation has caused renewed scrutiny in environmental circles and prompted deeper investigation into the underlying causes and potential ramifications.



The scientists stumbled upon methane bubbles escalating up to 370 meters in a delimited area of 20 square kilometers off the southeastern coast of Sweden. This discovery illustrates a phenomenon unseen in the ongoing study of underwater ecosystems and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-find-a-new-way-to-locate-methane-leaks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane emissions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-and-intact-bubbles">Intense and intact bubbles</h2>



Christian Stranne, a notable member of the research team from <a href="https://www.su.se/cmlink/stockholm-university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stockholm University</a>, in an official statement, emphasized the uniqueness of the methane leak conditions. He noted that the oxygen-free waters of the Baltic Sea might facilitate the intact rise of the bubbles to the surface. 



Stranne voiced his astonishment over witnessing intense bubbles originating from such unprecedented depths, stating, “We know that methane gas can bubble up from shallow seabeds near the Baltic Sea coast, but I’ve never seen such intense bubbles before – and definitely not from such a deep area."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-baltic-sea-methane-leaks-suspected">More Baltic Sea methane leaks suspected</h2>



This discovery suggests the potential presence of similar methane leaks in different regions of the Baltic Sea, due to the atypical levels of methane discovered. The unusual conditions have spurred the team into further exploratory and analytical endeavors to unravel the mystery behind the high methane levels in the area.



Marcelo Ketzer, the project leader and a professor of environmental science at Linne University, echoed Stranne's concerns and insights. He underscored the current lack of comprehensive knowledge about the factors influencing methane production in deeper regions and the trajectory of the released methane. Ketzer also stressed the urgent need for understanding the dynamics at play in these deeper realms of the Baltic Sea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-link-to-the-nord-stream-pipeline">Possible link to the Nord Stream Pipeline</h2>



This instance of methane leak aligns temporally with the ruptures in the Nord Stream Pipeline under the Baltic Sea reported a year prior, considered by the <a href="https://www.unep.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations Environment Programme</a> (UNEP) to be the largest single release of methane ever recorded.



Last September, the pipeline, pivotal for the transport of natural gas from Germany to Russia, suffered extensive damage due to sudden underwater explosions, leading to unanticipated and significant methane emissions.



This revelation fuels speculation and concerns over environmental safety and integrity, highlighting the necessity for meticulous analysis and research to comprehend the production, release, and impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> from the seabed. 



The increased scrutiny and extensive research spurred by this discovery will be paramount in understanding the environmental and ecological implications of methane leaks, and in developing strategies to monitor and mitigate any detrimental impacts on marine ecosystems and climate.



The concerted efforts by the research teams at Stockholm and Linne Universities to probe deeper into this phenomenon will play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the methane cycle in the Baltic Sea and potentially in other similar ecosystems globally. The revelations and insights gleaned from their ongoing research will be instrumental in advancing scientific knowledge and environmental conservation initiatives.



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Large methane leaks discovered in the Baltic Sea

Swedish researchers from Stockholm University and Linne University have unveiled...

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Recent research discovered that over 10% of English river sites contain hazardous levels of pesticides that are toxic to bees and also prohibited by the European Union (EU). 



The alarming levels of neonicotinoids, particularly in rivers in the east of England, South East, and West Midlands, expose severe environmental concerns and potential risks to aquatic life and human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-damaging-presence-of-neonicotinoids">Damaging presence of neonicotinoids</h2>



Of the 283 river sites that underwent examination by the Environment Agency between 2020 and 2022, at least one of the five neonicotinoids was present in 29. It is distressing to note that 55% of these 29 sites exhibited one or more neonicotinoids above the <a href="https://echa.europa.eu/environmental-quality-standards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Quality Standard</a> (EQS) set by the EU, deemed safe for aquatic species. Furthermore, over four times the acceptable limit of one or more pesticides marked 21% of the sites.



The research brought to light the presence of clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam. These pesticides, banned in the UK since 2018 for outdoor crops, are notorious for their harmful impacts on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/omega-3-oil-may-help-protect-pollinators-from-pesticides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> and aquatic organisms. 



Thiacloprid and Acetamiprid were also identified. The former was prohibited in 2020 due to potential detrimental effects on human health, while the latter, still allowed in the UK, is known to accumulate and damage various living organisms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-areas-with-highest-concentrations">Areas with highest concentrations</h2>



The east of England, the West Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humber showcased the highest concentrations of neonicotinoids at single sites. The rivers Ivel, Nene, Ouse, Tame, and Waveney in these regions were the most prevalent for pesticide use.



Tessa Wardley, the Director of Communications and Advocacy at the <a href="https://theriverstrust.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rivers Trust</a>, emphasized the likely understatement of the actual extent of neonicotinoid pollution in English rivers due to infrequent and inadequate monitoring by the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environment Agency</a>, especially during wet weather when the risk of rapid flushing of pesticides into rivers is heightened.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controversy-and-debate">Controversy and debate</h2>



This revelation coincides with ongoing debates within the government regarding the renewal of the usage of thiamethoxam for the fourth consecutive year. This debate has sparked controversy due to previous emergency authorizations contradicting expert counsel. 



The EU Court of Justice, in January 2023, deemed such emergency authorizations of seeds treated with banned neonicotinoids as violations of EU law.



Nick Mole, Policy Officer at Pesticide Action Network UK, termed the findings as “hugely concerning,” urging the UK government to put a halt to ‘emergency’ extensions for the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neonicotinoids-kill-bees-and-threaten-hundreds-of-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">banned pesticides</a> and to institute a robust and well-funded monitoring system for all UK water bodies urgently.



Barnaby Coupe, Land Use Policy Manager at The Wildlife Trusts, also criticized the UK government's ongoing approval of toxic pesticides, which he claims has ignored scientific findings and expert advice, resulting in a significant reduction in wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-government-actions">Government actions</h2>



In response, a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) assured that their comprehensive Plan for Water is addressing every source of pollution through enhanced investment, stricter regulation, and tougher enforcement. 



They further highlighted the government's commitment to minimizing the risks and impacts of pesticides and reducing the use of insecticides by farmers through increased funding and sustainable farming incentives.



In summary, the new research has sparked renewed urgency and concern regarding the hazardous levels of prohibited pesticides in English rivers, revealing the far-reaching impacts on wildlife, aquatic life, and potentially human health. 



The government is under increased pressure to enhance monitoring, regulation, and enforcement to combat the rising levels of harmful pesticides and to reconsider the allowances and extensions granted for the use of such chemicals in the agriculture sector.



This study was conducted by the <a href="https://www.wcl.org.uk/rt.asp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rivers Trust and Wildlife and Countryside Link</a> (WCL) 



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Concerning levels of bee-harming pesticides discovered in English rivers

Recent research discovered that over 10% of English river sites...

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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



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.

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

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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



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.

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...