Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2023/09/Earth_from_Space_Southern_Patagonian_Ice_Field">European Space Agency</a> features the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the Southern Andes. It is one of the world's largest continuous masses of ice outside the polar regions.&nbsp;



The Southern Patagonian Ice Field spreads across the border between Argentina and Chile and is an essential fresh water reservoir. Covering an area of about 12,363 square kilometers, it is home to numerous glaciers, including the well-known Perito Moreno and Upsala Glaciers in Argentina.



The ice field is situated within the Andes mountain range and is part of two national parks: the Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina and the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.&nbsp;



"Ice fields form as a result of accumulations of snow that turn into ice through years of compression and freezing. Shaped by the underlying topography, glaciers often form at the edges of an ice field," explained ESA.



"In this image, the ice mass feeds several smaller and bigger glaciers, including the Argentinian Perito Moreno Glacier in the top right corner. Located on a narrow channel, Perito Moreno feeds Lake Argentino and forms an ice dam that separates the main body of the lake, visible on top in turquoise, from its southern arm, which appears grey."



The Southern Patagonian Ice Field is crucial for the study of climate change as it reacts sensitively to temperature variations. Over recent years, it has experienced significant retreat and thinning due to global warming, leading to concerns over rising sea levels and loss of freshwater resources.&nbsp;



"Glaciers are the largest reservoirs of freshwater on our planet. The rate at which they may be melting or growing is one of the best indicators of climate change," said ESA. "The demise of glaciers is one of the main causes of sea-level rise. Many glaciers in Patagonia have retreated over the last 50 years."&nbsp;



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—--



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

The Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the Andes Mountains

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features a dust storm that moved across parts of Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in mid-September.



"This image, acquired by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) instrument on the NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP satellite, shows thick plumes of dust blowing hundreds of kilometers across the arid region on September 22, 2023," said NASA.



"The dust appears to emanate from the ephemeral Hamun wetlands, which partially surround the Iranian city of Zabol. When dry, this area becomes a hotspot for dust storms due to a persistent weather feature known as the Levar wind (or “120-day wind”), which blows out of the northwest from late-May to late-September."



Across the Sistan-Baluchistan province in southeastern Iran, three people were killed in accidents related to poor visibility and more than 1,300 others sought medical assistance for respiratory, heart, and eye ailments.



According to NASA, more than two decades of low water levels in the Hamun wetlands have led to a significant increase in dust storms. This has been especially the case during the 120-day winds, strong summer winds that occur from late May to late September.



"Water levels are influenced by rainfall and the flow of the Helmand river, which runs from the Hindu Kush mountains across Afghanistan before terminating at the wetlands. More frequent drought since 1999, along with increasing upstream demands on water resources for agriculture and other uses, have amplified the drying," said NASA.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—--



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

Brutal dust storm sweeps across Southern Asia

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> features dust flowing through the Tokar Gap, where the easternmost extent of the African Sahel meets the Red Sea.



"Mountain chains border both sides of the Red Sea, the long narrow inlet of the Indian Ocean that separates Saudi Arabia to the east from Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea to the west. One major exception is the Tokar Gap, a 100-kilometer (60-mile) break in the Red Sea Hills that serves as a conduit for both winds and dust," says NASA.



"In the summer, strong surface winds frequently stream through the gap from the southwest, often funneling narrow plumes of dust from the Tokar Delta over the Red Sea."



The photo was captured on June 24, 2023 by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite. The image shows a plume of dust from Sudan pushing through the Tokar Gap.



"In the winter, the winds reverse and winds typically gather over the Red Sea and move through the gap toward the southwest," says NASA.



"A 2019 analysis of weather conditions that fuel summer dust storms indicated that stronger winds moving through the Tokar Gap - and warmer air and soil temperatures - have increased the amount of airborne dust found in this area since 2002."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/ Wanmei Liang



—--



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

Dust from Africa streams through the Tokar Gap

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>&nbsp;features a fjord in western Greenland as the ice was joined by a mysterious arc.



"In summer, the fjords around Greenland are commonly littered with angular pieces of ice that have sloughed off from the island’s numerous outlet glaciers. But on August 3, 2023, the ice on a fjord in western Greenland was joined by a peculiar arc," said NASA.



"The thin, white feature spans much of Itilliarsuup Kangerlua, a tributary fjord of the Uummannaq Fjord system in Western Greenland. It extends about 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles) from the front of Kangilleq glacier."



While the origin of the arc remains unclear, experts have proposed some possible theories. Dan Shugar, a geomorphologist at the University of Calgary, suggests that the arc may be the result of a large iceberg that broke off from the front of the glacier.



"An iceberg breaking from the glacier - above or below the water’s surface - would displace water, creating a wave," explained NASA.



"Josh Willis, an oceanographer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Mike Wood, a glaciologist at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, agree that a newly formed iceberg is a likely explanation."



The scientists also pointed to a different phenomenon that is known to displace water in the fjords around Greenland. According to Willis, there could be water pushing ice away from the glacier face caused by an underwater plume.



The image was captured by the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—--



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

Mysterious arc joins ice on a fjord in western Greenland

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Sahara Desert on the afternoon of May 3, 2023, as the International Space Station passed above. An astronaut captured this striking image of hills and sand dunes in southern Mauritania.&nbsp;



"A line of dark, flat-topped hills known as mesas dominate the view," said NASA. "The small town of Guérou is a faint gray patch on the banks of a small stream. The faint line of a road can be seen cutting through the landscape and connecting with Guérou."



"The mesas are remnants of a large Paleozoic Era sandstone formation. They rise steeply 300 to 400 meters (1,000 to 1,300 feet) above the surrounding plain."&nbsp;



"Rocky surfaces in deserts often appear dark-toned as a result of a thin layer of black rock varnish that develops on rock surfaces enriched in manganese."



Southern Mauritania is part of the vast Sahelian region, which serves as a transitional zone between the Sahara Desert to the north and the more fertile savannahs of West Africa to the south.&nbsp;



The southern part of Mauritania is generally flatter and has a semi-arid climate. It receives more rainfall than the northern regions, but it's still quite sparse. The Senegal River, which forms the border between Mauritania and Senegal, is one of the major rivers in West Africa and is crucial for agriculture in this region.



The area around the Senegal River is the most agriculturally productive part of Mauritania. Rice, millet, and other grains are commonly cultivated. Fishing in the Senegal River is also a significant activity. Despite these resources, southern Mauritania remains relatively poor and underdeveloped.



The region is home to a mix of ethnic groups, including the Moors (both Arab-Berber Moors and Black Moors or Haratin) and various black African ethnic groups such as the Wolof, Pular (or Fulani), and Soninke.



Southern Mauritania faces a variety of challenges. Periodic droughts can devastate local agriculture. There are also socio-economic issues, including poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare.



The Diawling National Park, located in the southwest corner of Mauritania near the Senegal River, is one of the country's premier protected areas. The park is known for its birdlife and serves as an important wetland habitat.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



—--



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

Hills and sand dunes of southern Mauritania

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features a false-color image of Lake Abbe in northeast Ethiopia. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.&nbsp;



"Visible as the large round dark area, Lake Abbe, also known as Lake Abhe, straddles the border of Ethiopia to the west and Djibouti to the east. The lake is 19 km wide and 17 km long and is extremely salty. It is dotted with clusters of steaming limestone chimneys and surrounded by large salt flats, visible in white, and rift volcanoes," says ESA.



"The biggest volcano in the image is Mount Dama Ali, a dormant 25-km-wide shield volcano that rises on the northwest shore of the lake."



"Lake Abbe and Lake Afambo, which is visible at the top of the image, are part of a chain of six connected salt lakes, fed by the Awash River - one of Ethiopia’s biggest rivers.'



Copernicus Sentinel-2’s near-infrared channel highlights vegetation in bright red. This strategy makes it easy to spot algal blooms, such as the one that is visible in Lake Abbe. According to ESA, the light blue color on the west shore indicates sediment discharged into the lake.



"Because of its dry, desert, almost lunar landscape and the steaming, sulphuric vents, Lake Abbe is considered one of the most inaccessible areas on Earth," says ESA. "Earth observation satellites are key in these cases as they are particularly relevant for monitoring remote regions such as this."



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



—--



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

Lake Abbe in northeast Ethiopia

Crater Lake&nbsp;(Klamath:&nbsp;Giiwas) is a&nbsp;crater lake&nbsp;in south-central&nbsp;Oregon&nbsp;in the western United States. It is the main feature of&nbsp;Crater Lake National Park&nbsp;and is famous for its deep blue color and water clarity. The lake partly fills a nearly 2,148-foot-deep (655&nbsp;m) caldera that was formed around 7,700 (± 150) years ago&nbsp;by the collapse of the volcano&nbsp;Mount Mazama. There are no rivers flowing into or out of the lake; the evaporation is compensated for by rain and snowfall at a rate such that the total amount of water is replaced every 250 years. With a depth of 1,949 feet (594&nbsp;m),&nbsp;the lake is the&nbsp;deepest&nbsp;in the United States. In the world, it ranks ninth for maximum depth, and third for mean (average) depth. Crater Lake features two small islands.&nbsp;Wizard Island, located near the western shore of the lake, is a&nbsp;cinder cone&nbsp;approximately 316 acres (128 ha) in size.&nbsp;Phantom Ship, a natural rock pillar, is located near the southern shore.



The park has two developed campgrounds,&nbsp;Mazama Campground&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lost Creek Campground. They are open only in the summer. Mazama Campground has 214 sites for tents and RVs. Lost Creek Campground has 16 sites for tents only.&nbsp; Sleeping overnight in the park is allowed only for hotel guests, campground campers, and backpackers who obtain a&nbsp;backcountry permit. Camping in the park’s pullouts, picnic areas, and parking lots is prohibited.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

In a breakthrough study, experts have identified the driving force behind Earth's mightiest lightning strikes, known as “superbolts.” These phenomenally powerful electrical discharges are a thousand times stronger than ordinary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rotation-sun-lightning-earth/">lightning</a>.



The research, led by physicist Avichay Efraim of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, found that superbolts predominantly occur when a storm’s electrical charging zone is situated close to the Earth’s surface.&nbsp;



This proximity fosters the conditions necessary for generating superbolts, leading to “hotspots” seen above specific ocean areas and towering mountains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnificent-phenomenon-nbsp">Magnificent phenomenon&nbsp;</h2>



Superbolts are rare, comprising less than one percent of all lightning strikes. Each superbolt carries around 300 billion volts compared to the 300 million volts in a typical lightning strike. The researchers noted that superbolts can cause major damage to infrastructure and ships.&nbsp;



“Superbolts, even though they’re only a very, very tiny percentage of all lightning, they’re a magnificent phenomenon,” said Efraim.



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



Previous research showed that superbolts tend to cluster over the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the Altiplano in Peru and Bolivia, which is one of the tallest plateaus on Earth. "We wanted to know what makes these powerful superbolts more likely to form in some places as opposed to others," said Efraim.



The study brings to light the critical role of the charging zone's location. Through analyzing lightning data, including time, location, and energy of selected strikes, the researchers were able to correlate superbolt strength with specific environmental conditions.&nbsp;



Among these, the height of the land or water surface, the altitude of the charging zone, and the temperatures at the cloud top and base were considered.



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



Notably, the study dismissed previously held beliefs from earlier research, revealing that aerosols exert a negligible influence on superbolt strength.&nbsp;



Instead, the shorter distance between the charging zone and the Earth's surface emerged as a pivotal factor. The reduction in electrical resistance offered by this shorter distance enables the formation of higher-energy, and consequently, stronger lightning bolts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superbolt-hotspots">Superbolt hotspots</h2>



Efraim's team pinpointed three regions notorious for superbolt activity: the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Altiplano in Peru and Bolivia.&nbsp;



These areas share a common characteristic essential for superbolt generation - the minimal distance between the lightning charging zones and the Earth's surface.



“The correlation we saw was very clear and significant, and it was very thrilling to see that it occurs in the three regions,” Efraim said. “This is a major breakthrough for us."



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



The study, which provides the first explanation for the formation and distribution of superbolts worldwide, will help scientists determine how changes in climate could affect the occurrence of superbolt lightning in the future.&nbsp;



Efraim noted that warmer temperatures could cause an increase in weaker lightning, but more moisture in the atmosphere could counteract that.



In future research, the team plans to explore other factors that may contribute to superbolt formation, such as the magnetic field or changes in the solar cycle.



“There is much more unknown, but what we’ve found out here is a big piece of the puzzle,” said Efraim. “And we’re not done yet. There’s much more to do.”



The research is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2022JD038254">Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres</a>.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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



.

Superbolts: Secrets of supercharged lightning strikes revealed

In a breakthrough study, experts have identified the driving force...

The presence of plastic in oceans and terrestrial environments has long been a concern for environmentalists. Now, a study from <a href="https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/78501" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waseda University</a> reveals that the problem extends far beyond solid ground and deep waters. Airborne microplastics (AMPs), which are minute <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-dropped-into-the-ocean-can-travel-hundreds-of-miles-while-sinking/">plastic particles</a> less than 5mm in size, may have now become an integral component of clouds. This can lead to what is known as “plastic rainfall."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-microplastics">Understanding microplastics</h2>



Microplastics form from the degradation of larger plastic waste or are released from industrial effluents.&nbsp;



Alarmingly, these tiny particles are known to enter the bodies of humans and animals, with research detecting their presence in several organs including the lung, heart, blood, placenta, and even feces.&nbsp;



Approximately ten million tons of microplastics end up in oceans annually. From here, they are released into the atmosphere, potentially influencing the composition of clouds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-free-troposphere-nbsp">Free troposphere&nbsp;</h2>



"The free troposphere is an important pathway for the long-range transport of air pollutants owing to strong wind speeds; it has been observed that airborne microplastics are also transported in the free troposphere and contribute to global pollution," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"In addition, airborne microplastics may act as cloud condensation nuclei and ice nucleus particles during transport in the free troposphere and atmospheric boundary layer, thereby potentially promoting cloud formation."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-airborne-microplastics">Studying airborne microplastics</h2>



The experts investigated the role of airborne microplastics in the biosphere, focusing on their potential impacts on human health and the climate.&nbsp;



“Microplastics in the free troposphere are transported and contribute to global pollution. If the issue of 'plastic air pollution' is not addressed proactively, climate change and ecological risks may become a reality, causing irreversible and serious environmental damage in the future,” said study co-author Hiroshi Okochi.



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



To better understand the influence of airborne microplastics on the atmosphere, Okochi's team collected cloud water from several regions with varying altitudes. The collection sites included the summit of Mount Fuji, its southeastern foothills, and the summit of Mt. Oyama.



Using advanced imaging techniques, the team identified the presence of microplastics in the cloud water and further analyzed their physical and chemical properties.&nbsp;



Alarmingly, the team detected nine distinct types of polymers and a form of rubber.



Furthermore, these airborne microplastics were found to play a crucial role in rapid cloud formation, which could have wider implications for the global climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-and-climate-impacts">Ecological and climate impacts</h2>



The accumulation of airborne microplastics, especially in polar regions, might severely disrupt the planet's ecological balance and lead to a dramatic loss of biodiversity.&nbsp;



“AMPs are degraded much faster in the upper atmosphere than on the ground due to strong ultraviolet radiation, and this degradation releases greenhouse gases and contributes to global warming," said Okochi.



"As a result, the findings of this study can be used to account for the effects of AMPs in future global warming projections.”



Okochi collaborated with study lead author Yize Wang, also from Waseda University, and Yasuhiro Niida of PerkinElmer Japan Co. Ltd.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10311-023-01626-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Chemistry Letters</a>.



---



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



---



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.

"Plastic rain" is now a real thing as airborne microplastics are discovered in clouds

The presence of plastic in oceans and terrestrial environments has...

Periodontal disease is a prevalent issue among canines, impacting at least 80 percent of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/typical-american-dog-knows-18-words-and-love-is-at-the-top-of-the-list/">dogs</a> over the age of three. The disease begins with gingivitis, characterized by red, inflamed gums that may bleed.&nbsp;



If untreated, the condition escalates to periodontitis, leading to progressive alveolar bone damage and potential tooth loss, while also increasing the risk of cardiovascular and lung diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oral-hygiene-nbsp">Oral hygiene&nbsp;</h2>



With poor oral hygiene identified as a principal cause of periodontal disease, leading to plaque and tartar build-up, regular teeth brushing for dogs is advised by veterinarians.&nbsp;



However, many people do not comply with this advice, often because their dogs will not cooperate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-plaque-and-tartar">Reducing plaque and tartar</h2>



Dr. Jerzy Gawor is a veterinary dentistry practitioner and researcher at the Arka Veterinary Clinic in Krakow, Poland, and lead author of a new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1241197" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Veterinary Science</a>.&nbsp;



“Here we show that an additive to drinking water, based on pomegranate extract, can reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar in dogs,” said Dr. Gawor. “This additive thus helps dogs to maintain healthy gums, and may ultimately help to limit the occurrence of periodontal disease.”



The researchers examined Vet Aquadent® FR3SH™ - an over-the-counter oral hygiene product developed by French veterinary company Virbac.&nbsp;



“We did this study after obtaining evidence that the main ingredient, pomegranate extract, limits the growth of oral bacteria in dogs in vitro, including species involved in periodontal disease," said study co-author Dr. Celine Nicolas, an employee of Virbac.



"There was also evidence that the other components, inulin and erythritol, likewise play a role in the maintenance of a healthy oral microbiome in dogs."



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



The product, which can be easily added to dogs’ drinking water, was tested on 40 dogs representing 14 breeds. All subjects had mild to moderate gingivitis but were otherwise healthy.



The dogs were monitored over 30 days after a professional dental cleaning session. The research involved thorough oral health assessments, dental charting, and mouth radiography under general anesthesia.



Dogs were then divided into two groups: one receiving water with a 1% solution of Vet Aquadent® FR3SH™ daily, and the other receiving plain water. During the study, no other oral hygiene practices were implemented.



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



After 30 days, dogs receiving the pomegranate extract additive had a 47 percent reduction in plaque and a 24 percent decrease in tartar. Furthermore, the gums of dogs in the treatment group were completely healthy.&nbsp;



“The results showed that 30 days after the dental cleaning and polishing, dogs which had received the additive daily scored 47% lower for the amount of plaque, and had a 24% lower score for the amount of tartar, compared to dogs in the control group. The gum was also completely healthy in the active treatment group,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthier-dog-teeth">Healthier dog teeth</h2>



The study thus affirmed that the additive effectively limits plaque and tartar reformation post professional dental cleaning.&nbsp;



Dr. Gawor and team suggest that the product works by restricting the growth of harmful bacteria, especially preventing bacterial biofilms formation.



"Daily oral hygiene and prophylaxis are essential to prevent periodontal diseases in dogs. This includes active methods like brushing, passive methods like dental chews or water additives, or a combination, as well as regular clinical dental checks," said Dr. Gawor.



"The frequency of the latter should depend on the dog’s age, breed, size, and predisposition, as determined by veterinary clinicians."



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

Mouthwash with pomegranate helps prevent gum disease in dogs

Periodontal disease is a prevalent issue among canines, impacting at...

NASA was recently forced to pause its examination of the Bennu asteroid samples that landed on Earth this week, following the discovery of unexplained black dust within the container.&nbsp;



The samples, originally gathered from the surface of asteroid Bennu in 2020 during NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/osiris-rex/">OSIRIS-REx</a> mission, made their landing in the Utah desert last Sunday.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unknown-substances-on-bennu-sample">Unknown substances on Bennu sample</h2>



Upon opening the canister, which held approximately eight ounces of debris, scientists discovered unknown substances on the Touch and Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) located above the avionics deck.&nbsp;



A photograph taken by the scientists clearly showed that the interior of the silver lid was marked with black material. NASA announced that this dust is set for a preliminary analysis to verify whether it originates from asteroid Bennu.



“The TAGSAM, which holds the bulk of the sample, will be carefully opened in the coming weeks,”&nbsp;experts from NASA declared.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-securely-transferring-the-sample">Securely transferring the sample</h2>



The residue observed on the avionics deck, detected on Tuesday, is presumed to have originated during the collection process. NASA reported that this issue was resolved, enabling the secure transfer of the sample, but confirmation by scientists is pending.



Dante Lauretta, the OSIRIS-REx principal investigator, captured the image of the sample canister following the successful lid removal, adhering to the stipulated curation process.&nbsp;



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



The information acquired from the OSIRIS-REx mission is anticipated to enhance our understanding of potentially hazardous asteroids and contribute to future asteroid deflection strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curation-facility-nbsp">Curation facility&nbsp;</h2>



For thorough examination and preservation, the asteroid samples are to be managed at a newly established curation facility. This facility is overseen by NASA’s <a href="https://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/">Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science</a> division (ARES), situated at the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/johnson/">Johnson Space Center</a> in Texas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-osiris-rex">OSIRIS-REx</h2>



Launching in 2016, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft embarked on a $1 billion mission, reaching Bennu in 2018 and collecting samples in 2020 using a vacuum-equipped arm. By the time it returned, the spacecraft had traversed four billion miles.&nbsp;



Despite entering the atmosphere at 27,650 mph, it was vital to prevent the sample from contamination, slowing it to 11 mph using a parachute.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recovery-mission-nbsp">Recovery mission&nbsp;</h2>



NASA orchestrated a meticulous recovery mission in Utah, involving helicopters and a temporary clean room.&nbsp;



The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft deposited the sample container into Earth’s orbit on Sunday before proceeding to its next destination.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-extraterrestrial-sample-nbsp">Large extraterrestrial sample&nbsp;</h2>



The retrieved pebbles and dust are the largest extraterrestrial sample since the lunar missions and offer invaluable insights into the formation of Earth and life, giving us “an extraordinary glimpse” into the past 4.5 billion years, according to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bennu-nbsp">Bennu&nbsp;</h2>



Bennu, currently orbiting the sun 50 million miles away from Earth, is roughly the size of the Empire State Building.&nbsp;



The asteroid is a fragment of a larger space rock and is considered the most hazardous object in the Solar System due to its potential collision course with Earth, expected to come dangerously close to our planet in September 2182.&nbsp;



The observations and data from OSIRIS-REx will be instrumental in any future asteroid-deflection efforts. The spacecraft is now on course to reach asteroid Apophis in 2029.



---



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



---



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.

Mysterious black dust found on Bennu asteroid samples

NASA was recently forced to pause its examination of the...

A team of researchers led by the Antihydrogen Laser Physics Apparatus (ALPHA) collaboration at <a href="https://home.cern/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CERN</a> in Geneva, Switzerland has recently investigated experimentally the behavior of antimatter, showing that, much like regular matter, antimatter is subject to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gravity-warn-large-earthquakes/">gravity</a>’s pull.&nbsp;



Thus, the notion of antimatter exhibiting antigravity properties, which has already been argued to be theoretically improbable, has finally been dispelled by this study.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravitational-acceleration">Gravitational acceleration</h2>



According to the experts, the gravitational acceleration of antihydrogen is strikingly close to that of regular matter on Earth, nearly 9.8 meters per second per second.&nbsp;



“It surely accelerates downwards, and it’s within about one standard deviation of accelerating at the normal rate,” said co-author Joel Fajans, a physicist at the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Berkeley</a> who, alongside theorist Jonathan Wurtele (the current study’s senior author), first proposed the experiment over ten years ago.&nbsp;



“The bottom line is that there’s no free lunch, and we’re not going to be able to levitate using antimatter.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theory-of-relativity-nbsp">Theory of relativity&nbsp;</h2>



These findings are unlikely to astonish the majority of physicists. Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity, formulated before the identification of antimatter in 1932, does not discriminate between forms of matter, indicating that both antimatter and matter should exhibit identical responses to gravitational forces.&nbsp;



Every component of regular matter, such as protons, neutrons, and electrons, possesses counterparts bearing the opposite electrical charge, and interaction with their regular matter counterparts results in mutual annihilation.



“The opposite result would have had big implications; it would be inconsistent with the weak equivalence principle of Einstein’s general theory of relativity,” explained Wurtele.&nbsp;



“This experiment is the first time that a direct measurement of the force of gravity on neutral antimatter has been made. It’s another step in developing the field of neutral antimatter science.”



Fajans pointed out that there is no prevailing physical theory suggesting that gravity should repel antimatter. In fact, some physicists have argued that, if gravity were repulsive to antimatter, it could facilitate the creation of a perpetual motion machine - a concept deemed theoretically unfeasible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-mysteries">Cosmic mysteries</h2>



Despite this, the hypothesis that gravity might interact differently with matter and antimatter had sparked interest, as it offered a potential explanation for several cosmic mysteries.&nbsp;



For instance, it might have accounted for the spatial segregation of matter and antimatter in the early cosmos, explaining the observed scarcity of antimatter in our observable universe, particularly since most theories postulate that the Big Bang should have given rise to equivalent quantities of matter and antimatter.



According to Fajans, although there have been many indirect experiments suggesting that antimatter gravitates normally, they have been relatively subtle, failing to definitively prove this point.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-gravity">Measuring gravity</h2>



“Why not do the obvious experiment and drop a piece of antimatter, a sort of leaning tower of Pisa experiment? You know, the experiment that Galileo didn’t actually do - it was apocryphal - where he supposedly dropped a lead ball and a wooden ball from the top of the tower and proved that they both reached the ground at the same time,” he said.



“The real problem is that the gravitational force is incredibly weak compared to electrical forces. So far, it has proved impossible to directly measure gravity with a drop-style measurement with a charged particle, like a bare positron, because any stray electric field will deflect the particle much more than gravity will.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forces-of-nature">Forces of nature</h2>



Indeed, the gravitational force is the most feeble among the four known forces of nature. Although it dominates the evolution of the universe due to its universal impact over vast distances, on a minuscule piece of antimatter, its effect is negligible.&nbsp;



An electrical field of 1 volt/meter exerts a force on an antiproton that is approximately 40 trillion times greater than force of gravity exerted on it by the Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-approach-nbsp">A new approach&nbsp;</h2>



To overcome these experimental limitations, the scientists devised a new methodological approach. By 2010, significant quantities of antihydrogen atoms were being trapped by the ALPHA team, prompting Wurtele in 2011 to persuade Fajans that, given antihydrogen’s charge neutrality, it remains unaffected by electric fields, thus warranting an exploration of the possibility of a gravity measurement.&nbsp;



Although Fajans was initially skeptical, he eventually agreed to conduct simulations to test Wurtele’s idea. Further contributions from UC Berkeley lecturer Andrew Charman and postdoctoral fellow Andrey Zhmoginov led to an analysis concluding that antihydrogen experiences no more than about 100 times the acceleration due to Earth’s gravity compared to ordinary matter.



Despite its modest beginnings, this analysis encouraged the ALPHA team to devise a more accurate experiment.&nbsp;



In 2016, supported by various international sources, including the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Canadian government, and the Danish brewer Carlsberg, they began to construct a new experiment, ALPHA-g, which conducted its first measurements in 2022.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravity-does-not-repel-antimatter-nbsp">Gravity does not repel antimatter&nbsp;</h2>



The subsequent results are derived from simulations and statistical evaluation of the observations made in the previous year, estimating the gravitational constant for antimatter at 0.75 ± 0.13 ± 0.16 g, or, accounting for both statistical and systematic errors, 0.75 ± 0.29 g, which aligns with the expected 1 g within error bars. This experiment revealed that the change of gravity being repulsive for antimatter is so small as to be meaningless.



In the proposed ALPHA-g project by Wurtele and Fajans, the objective was to trap approximately 100 antihydrogen atoms within a magnetic bottle measuring 25 centimeters in length.&nbsp;



The ALPHA apparatus has the capability to confine antihydrogen atoms which possess a temperature just below half a degree above absolute zero, or 0.5 Kelvin.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravity-s-pull">Gravity's pull</h2>



Surprisingly, even at such low temperatures, the antiatoms are in motion at an average velocity of 100 meters per second, repetitively colliding with the powerful magnetic fields situated at the bottle’s extremities, with the magnetic dipole moment of an antihydrogen atom being repelled by the pinched 10,000 Gauss magnetic fields at each end of the bottle.



In a scenario where the bottle is positioned vertically, gravity causes the descending atoms to speed up, while the ascending ones slow down.&nbsp;



When the magnetic fields at both ends are equivalent or balanced, the atoms moving downward generally possess more energy.&nbsp;



Consequently, they have a higher likelihood of breaking through the magnetic mirror, colliding with the container, annihilating in a flash of light and producing three to five pions. The detection of these pions aids in discerning the direction in which the antiatom escaped, be it upwards or downwards.



“The balancing allows us to ignore the fact that the antiatoms are all of different energies. The lowest energy ones escape last, but they’re still subject to the balance, and the effect of gravity is enhanced for all antiatoms,” he explained.



Gradually reducing the mirror magnetic fields enables the escape of all atoms. If antimatter exhibits behavior identical to normal matter, a majority of the antiatoms - around 80 percent - are anticipated to escape through the bottom rather than the top.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-experimental-tool">Powerful experimental tool</h2>



Additionally, the experimental design of ALPHA permits alterations to the strength of the bottom magnetic mirror relative to the top one. This modification influences the energy of each antiatom, potentially counteracting or overpowering gravitational effects, which results in an equal or greater number of antiatoms exiting through the top as opposed to the bottom.&nbsp;



“This gives us a powerful experimental knob that allows us, basically, to believe the experiment actually worked because we can prove to ourselves that we can control the experiment in a predictable manner,” Fajan said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-uncertainty-nbsp">Challenges of uncertainty&nbsp;</h2>



Due to several uncertainties, the experiment’s outcomes necessitated statistical analysis. The investigators faced challenges including uncertainty in the quantity of trapped antihydrogen atoms, detection of every annihilation, potential presence of unidentified magnetic fields influencing the trajectories of antiatoms, and accurate measurement of the magnetic field within the bottle.&nbsp;



“ALPHA’s computer code simulating the experiment could be subtly wrong because we don’t know the precise initial conditions of the antihydrogen atoms, it could be wrong because our magnetic fields aren’t correct, and it could be wrong for some unknown unknown,” Wurtele explained. “Nonetheless, the control provided by adjusting the balance knob lets us explore the extent of any discrepancies, giving us confidence that our result is correct.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-nbsp">Future research&nbsp;</h2>



Anticipating future enhancements to both the ALPHA-g apparatus and the associated computer codes, the experts are optimistic about a hundredfold increase in the instrument’s sensitivity.&nbsp;



Despite the seemingly ordinary outcome, the importance of the experiment lies in its role as a critical examination of general relativity, a theory that has successfully withstood all previous tests.&nbsp;



“If you walk down the halls of this department and ask the physicists, they would all say that this result is not the least bit surprising. That’s the reality. But most of them will also say that the experiment had to be done because you never can be sure," said Wurtele.



Physics is an experimental science. You don’t want to be the kind of ignorant that you don’t do an experiment that explores possibly new physics because you thought you knew the answer, and then it ends up being something different.”&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06527-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



---



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



---



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.

Force of Earth's gravity on antimatter is measured for the first time

A team of researchers led by the Antihydrogen Laser Physics...

Scientists have recently uncovered remnants of DNA within the fossilized remains of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossilized-sea-turtle-flattened-dinosaur/">sea turtle</a>, closely related to contemporary Kemp’s ridley and olive ridley turtles, dating back six million years.&nbsp;



This finding marks one of the infrequent instances where genetic material has been identified in ancient vertebrate fossils. The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2023.2254356" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bone-cells-nbsp">Bone cells&nbsp;</h2>



The fossil, discovered along the Caribbean coast of Panama in 2015, presented notably well-preserved bone cells, known as osteocytes.&nbsp;



Though the fossil is incomplete, featuring a relatively intact carapace - the turtle’s shell - but lacking the rest of the skeleton, researchers estimate the turtle would have measured about a foot (30 cm) in length during its lifetime.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-remnants">DNA remnants</h2>



In some of these osteocytes, the cell nuclei remained intact and responded to a specific chemical solution. This reaction allowed the scientists to detect the remnants of DNA, essential for an organism’s development and functioning, explained study lead author Edwin Cadena, a paleontologist at the Universidad del Rosario in Bogota and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.



“I want to point out that we did not extract DNA, we only were able to recognize the presence of DNA traces in the nuclei,” Cadena said.&nbsp;



Given its perishable nature, DNA preservation in ancient remains is rare, but not unprecedented, with discoveries of DNA remnants dating back to around two million years in some ancient specimens from Greenland.



The only vertebrate fossils older than the newly studied turtle and showing similar DNA remnants belonged to two dinosaurs – Tyrannosaurus, from around 66 million years ago, and Brachylophosaurus, from about 78 million years ago. DNA remnants have also been reported in insects dating back tens of millions of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-history-nbsp">Evolutionary history&nbsp;</h2>



The turtle in question belongs to the genus Lepidochelys, which includes two of the seven existing sea turtle species – the Kemp’s ridley, primarily found in the Gulf of Mexico, and the more widespread olive ridley.&nbsp;



This fossil is pivotal in shedding light on the evolutionary history of this genus, which remains largely unclear.&nbsp;



Due to the incomplete nature of the remains, the researchers have refrained from identifying the turtle by its species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biomolecular-remains-nbsp">Biomolecular remains&nbsp;</h2>



“Each fossil, each fossil site has specific conditions of preservation that in some cases could have favored preservation of original biomolecular remains such as proteins and DNA," said Cadena.



"Maybe in the future and with more studies of this kind, we could be able at some point to sequence very small pieces of DNA and to infer things about their close relatives or involve that information in a broader molecular evolutionary study."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ridley-turtles-nbsp">Ridley turtles&nbsp;</h2>



Ridley turtles, specifically those in the Lepidochelys genus, are known for their relatively small size compared to other sea turtles and unique nesting habits.



There are two species within this genus: the Kemp's ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) and the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea).



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size">Size</h3>



Ridley turtles are among the smallest sea turtles, with adults usually weighing between 75 and 100 pounds.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shell">Shell</h3>



Their carapace (upper shell) is broad and somewhat heart-shaped, typically olive-green in Kemp’s ridleys and grayish-green in olive ridleys.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limbs">Limbs</h3>



They possess flippers with clawless tips, which are adapted for swimming in open oceans.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-and-distribution">Habitat and distribution</h3>



Kemp's ridley is primarily found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coast of North America. These turtles prefer coastal habitats like bays, estuaries, and lagoons.



Olive ridley is found in tropical regions of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. They are often found in open waters but migrate to coastal areas for nesting.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nesting">Nesting</h3>



One notable behavior of ridley turtles is “arribada,” a mass nesting phenomenon where thousands of females come ashore simultaneously to lay eggs.&nbsp;



Olive ridley turtles are particularly known for this behavior, with significant arribada events occurring in places like Ostional, Costa Rica.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



Ridley turtles are omnivores, consuming a variety of food items, including crabs, shrimp, mollusks, jellyfish, and occasionally algae and seaweed.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-status">Conservation status</h3>



Both species of ridley turtles are listed under the IUCN Red List. Kemp's ridley is classified as critically endangered, with major threats including habitat loss, accidental capture in fishing gear (bycatch), and climate change affecting their nesting sites.



Olive ridley is listed as vulnerable, facing threats like illegal egg collection, bycatch, and habitat destruction.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts-nbsp">Conservation efforts&nbsp;</h3>



Various conservation programs and legal protections are in place to help conserve ridley turtles, such as:



<ul>
<li>Establishing protected areas and wildlife refuges.</li>



<li>Implementing regulations and initiatives to reduce bycatch.</li>



<li>Engaging in public education and awareness campaigns.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arribadas-nbsp">Arribadas&nbsp;</h3>



The synchronized nesting events, or arribadas, are crucial for the survival of these species as it overwhelms predators, ensuring that more hatchlings can safely reach the ocean.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

DNA remnants found in six million-year-old sea turtle

Scientists have recently uncovered remnants of DNA within the fossilized...

A new study led by the University of South Carolina (USC) has found that distinct variations in the attributes of wildflowers, depending on their respective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-are-not-just-attracted-to-plants-by-scent-but-also-by-humidity/">pollinators</a>, are driven by a small number of key genetic differences.



Wildflowers exhibit unique sets of characteristics - termed “pollination syndromes” - that have evolved to cater to specific animal pollinators, such as insects or birds.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-penstemons">Penstemons</h2>



While most species within the Penstemon genus present wide, blue flowers, serving as landing spots for bees, evolution has led some species to develop narrow, red, tubular flowers, catering to hummingbird pollination.



The North American wildflower genus&nbsp;Penstemon&nbsp;displays remarkable floral syndrome convergence, with at least 20 separate lineages that have evolved from ancestral bee pollination syndrome (wide blue-purple flowers that present a landing platform for bees and small amounts of nectar) to hummingbird pollination syndrome (bright red narrowly tubular flowers offering copious nectar).&nbsp;



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



Related taxa that differ in floral syndrome offer an attractive opportunity to examine the genomic basis of complex trait divergence,” the authors explained.



The objective of this research was to explore how these distinctive pollination syndromes are preserved genetically.&nbsp;



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



The team sequenced the DNA of 229 plants from three related species of the Penstemon genus: P. neomexicanus and P. virgatus, which are bee-pollinated, and P. barbatus, adapted to hummingbird pollination.



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



Despite the stark differences in floral attributes, the experts found a relatively small number of genetic differences between P. barbatus and its bee-pollinated relatives.&nbsp;



Moreover, plants from the same geographical vicinity exhibited greater genetic similarity compared to those from varied locations, regardless of the species. These findings suggest that a genetic blending occurs between wildflowers adapted to both bee and hummingbird pollination.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varied-pollinators-nbsp">Varied pollinators&nbsp;</h2>



However, the researchers identified 21 sites that showcased consistent differences among species with varied pollinators. These sites are dispersed throughout the genome, suggesting an increased likelihood of the disruption of complementary floral traits by recombination, resulting in hybrids with diminished success.&nbsp;



Interestingly, three of these identified genetic variances were located proximal to genomic regions that determine flower color, width, and nectar volume - traits distinctive to different pollination syndromes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nbsp-flower-traits">&nbsp;Flower traits</h2>



The study provides evidence of occasional hybridization between neighboring bee- and hummingbird-pollinated Penstemon species, alongside an intense selection pressure to retain flower traits adapted to each type of pollinator.



“Although bee- vs. hummingbird-pollinated species are easily distinguished in the field, based on unmistakable differences in flowers and the overall stature of the plant, a surprisingly small number of genetic regions distinguish these different species at the genetic level,” concluded Carolyn Wessinger, an assistant professor of Evolution and Plant Biology at USC.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002294" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS Biology</a>.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

Just a few genetic differences tailor flowers to specific pollinators

A new study led by the University of South Carolina...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

Big Bend National Park&nbsp;is an American&nbsp;national park&nbsp;located in&nbsp;West Texas, bordering Mexico. The park has national significance as the largest protected area of&nbsp;Chihuahuan Desert&nbsp;topography&nbsp;and&nbsp;ecology&nbsp;in the United States, and was named after a&nbsp;large bend&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Rio Grande/Río Bravo. &nbsp;The park protects more than 1,200 species of plants, more than 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles, and 75 species of mammals. Additional park activities include scenic drives, programs led by Big Bend park rangers, and stargazing.



There are&nbsp;four&nbsp;campgrounds in Big Bend National Park. The National Park Service (NPS) operates three developed frontcountry campgrounds that provide drinking water and restroom facilities. In addition, a full hookup RV camping area is operated by the park concessioner, Forever Resorts. Reservations are required for Big Bend National Park Campgrounds. Reservations can be made by visiting&nbsp;recreation.gov. For visitors with rugged vehicles, or the willingness to leave the road behind and backpack into the wild, Big Bend provides options for&nbsp;backcountry camping. A backcountry permit is required for all backcountry camping and river trips.