Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the reddish-brown waters of the Betsiboka River Delta in Madagascar. It is one of the most visually striking river deltas in the world, especially when viewed from space.



The Betsiboka River is the largest river in Madagascar by discharge, and its delta is equally significant. The river flows into Bombetoka Bay, which further leads to the Mozambique Channel.



One of the most notable characteristics of the Betsiboka River Delta is its bright color when viewed from space.



"In this case, the color is caused by the transport of iron-rich sediment. The sediment can clog waterways in the delta’s estuarine environment, but it can also form new islands that become colonized by mangroves. Many other water bodies, such as the reservoir fed by the Jacui River in southern Brazil, are colored by reddish sediment," said NASA.



"Despite their rusty color, these arteries of water are important for biodiversity. Algae and other microorganisms serve as a vital food source for vulnerable bird species, such as the Andean flamingo in the Laguna Colorada. Within the Betisboka River Delta, the estuary provides food, such as seagrasses, to the endangered green turtle and vulnerable dugong, or sea cow."



The photo was captured by an astronaut on the space station on September 30, 2023.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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The Betsiboka River Delta in Madagascar

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut view of the northeast coast of Somalia. This region, which borders the Indian Ocean, has a mix of sandy beaches and rugged cliffs



"The detailed image reveals a desert landscape etched by wind and water," said NASA. "Over time, streams have cut canyons into the earth. But streams in this region are ephemeral, making groundwater the main source of fresh water."&nbsp;



"The water table is shallow (wells are typically drilled less than 20 meters deep) and meets the surface toward the coast, creating springs."



"Bidirectional winds sculpted the tan, brown, and reddish sand into transverse sand dunes visible near the stream’s deltas. The orientation of the sand dunes indicates that they were likely formed by summer winds blowing up the coast from the southwest."



The economy of northeast Somalia is primarily based on fishing, livestock, and trade. The long coastline provides ample opportunities for fishing, which is a significant source of food and income.



The region is home to important port cities like Bosaso, which is a hub for trade and commerce. These ports are vital for both the local and national economy.



The area is rich in cultural heritage, with a history that dates back to ancient times. It is believed to be part of the ancient Land of Punt, known for its trade relations with ancient Egypt.



The climate is typically hot and dry, with irregular rainfall. This environment shapes the lifestyle and agricultural practices of northeast Somalia.



Despite the arid conditions, the region supports a variety of wildlife, including species adapted to desert and semi-desert habitats.



The photograph was captured on August 9, 2023 as the International Space Station orbited over the Horn of Africa.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Northeast Somalia: A landscape shaped by wind and water

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Cyclone Michaung, which slammed into the southern Indian coast on December 5, 2023 with intense winds and torrential rainfall. Michaung made landfall between Nellore and Kavali in the state of Andhra Pradesh. 



"When it made landfall, the storm had sustained winds of 90 to 100 kilometers (56 to 62 miles) per hour, according to the India Meteorological Department," said NASA.



"The VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-20 satellite captured this image after landfall, as the weakening storm moved northward and winds had slowed to 65 to 75 kilometers per hour."



As the cyclone approached, tall waves crashed into southern coastal towns and entire villages were submerged, according to a report from Reuters. Trees were uprooted, roads were damaged, and cars were swept away.&nbsp;



By Wednesday, rescue operations were launched in Chennai, a city of over six million people. Rescuers used inflatable rafts and ropes to pull people from their flooded homes and air force helicopters dropped food to some of those who remained stranded.



Among the widespread destruction, there have been 13 confirmed deaths due to causes including falling structures and electrocution.



Cyclones are relatively common along the southern coast of India, particularly in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. This region is prone to cyclonic activity primarily due to its geographical location and certain meteorological factors.&nbsp;



Cyclones in this area tend to occur mainly in two seasons: the pre-monsoon season (April-June) and the post-monsoon season (October-December).



During these periods, warm ocean temperatures, high humidity, and favorable wind patterns contribute to the development and intensification of cyclones.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Cyclone Michaung caused widespread destruction in southern India

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a volcanic plume drifting from Anak Krakatau, a small island in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. 



Anak Krakatau, which means "Child of Krakatoa," emerged from the sea in 1927, forming over the caldera of the infamous Krakatoa volcano, which erupted catastrophically in 1883.&nbsp;



This earlier eruption was one of the most violent volcanic events in recorded history, known for its immense power and the global climate impact it had due to the large amount of ash it sent into the upper atmosphere.



Anak Krakatau has been growing continuously since its emergence, with frequent eruptions that have reshaped its structure and size over time.&nbsp;



"Geologists have tallied 57 eruptive periods from this location since the beginning of the Holocene, roughly 11,700 years ago," said NASA. "The most recent eruptive period, which started in May 2021 and continued into December 2023, has featured frequent but generally mild Strombolian blasts of volcanic gases and ash particles."&nbsp;



"Materials ejected from the volcano’s vent are typically lofted a few hundred meters above the summit, and small lava flows occasionally drain down the island's flanks and into the sea."



"Beginning on November 26, 2023, geologists with the Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation began to report more intense explosions, with plumes of volcanic material rising up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above the vent."&nbsp;



The public has been warned to stay at least 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the crater. Due to elevated risks of ash in the area, the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in Darwin, Australia, has issued multiple warnings to the aviation community.



The image was captured on December 2, 2023 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Volcanic activity has intensified on Anak Krakatau

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;



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Lake Abbe in northeast Ethiopia

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>&nbsp;features an astronaut photograph of Abu Dhabi, located on the coast of the Persian Gulf.



Abu Dhabi is the capital and the second-most populous city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is also the capital of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the largest of the UAE's seven emirates.&nbsp;



Abu Dhabi possesses around 9% of the world's proven oil reserves and about 5% of the world's natural gas. Consequently, oil exports have fueled its rapid development and provided substantial wealth.



"Prior to the formation of the UAE in the 1970s, Abu Dhabi was a municipality of less than 62,000 people. The region experienced a rapid population increase over the past five decades due to its role in the petroleum and financial industries, which enabled the city’s population to grow to about 1.5 million people by the early 2020s," said NASA.



The city places a strong emphasis on promoting Emirati culture and heritage. It hosts numerous events, festivals, and has several museums and cultural centers.



"The landscape of the Abu Dhabi emirate is mainly composed of wind-blown sand, mangroves, rocky outcrops, and intertidal flats. The Abu Dhabi Sabkha, visible along the coastline as brown, non-vegetated land, was produced by wind erosion of ancient dunes and the deposition of tidal sediments," said NASA.



"Sabkhas are flat coastal areas that are characteristically high in salt. The abundance of salt in the soil limits the ability of vegetation to develop on the sabkha."



"In contrast to the barren sabkha, green mangrove forests are present along the coastline as well. Mangrove forests are regions of shrubs and trees with dense root systems that protect the intertidal zones from coastal erosion."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates

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

She loved coming home to a house full of lively and hilarious puppies. They gave her so much love and entertainment. She could have lived happily like that forever but she knew they wouldn’t be puppies for much longer. She also had a business to cater to. But that didn’t stop her from deciding to keep one of the girl’s that seemed special.

Loving Home

In a comprehensive new study, scientists have assembled a detailed 66 million-year history of Earth's atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and corresponding temperatures. The research offers critical insights into the current and future state of our planet's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/">climate</a>.&nbsp;



The study was conducted over the course of seven years by a consortium of over 80 researchers from 16 countries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensitivity-of-earth-s-climate-nbsp">Sensitivity of Earth's climate&nbsp;</h2>



The experts determined that the last time Earth's atmosphere contained CO2 levels comparable to today was 14 million years ago, which is much earlier than previously estimated.&nbsp;



This revelation underscores the sensitivity of Earth's climate to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/state-of-the-climate-greenhouse-gases-hit-a-record-high-in-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> and human-driven concentrations of CO2, with potential long-term effects spanning millennia.



“We have long known that adding CO2 to our atmosphere raises the temperature,” said Bärbel Hönisch, a geochemist at <a href="https://www.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a>’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory who coordinated the consortium. “This study gives us a much more robust idea of how sensitive the climate is over long time scales.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co2-levels-and-global-temperature-rise">CO2 levels and global temperature rise </h2>



The research suggests that for every doubling of atmospheric CO2, average global temperatures could increase by 1.5 to 4.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 to 8.1 Fahrenheit) in the near future, with some studies proposing even higher increases.



The study highlights a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-tipping-points-report-shows-humanity-on-a-disastrous-trajectory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concerning trend</a>: from around 280 parts per million (ppm) of CO2 in the late 1700s, we have reached approximately 420 ppm today, a 50% increase. 



This trajectory could lead to levels of 600 ppm or more by the century's end, pushing the planet along a path of uncertain but significant warming, with an increase of about 1.2 degrees C (2.2 degrees F) already observed since the late 19th century.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-historical-co2-levels">Studying historical CO2 levels</h2>



The researchers used a range of scientific methods, including analysis of air bubbles in ice cores, ancient soil and ocean sediment chemistry, and fossil plant leaf anatomy, to track historical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-accelerated-in-the-last-decade-making-it-the-hottest-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature trends</a> relative to CO2 levels. 



The team meticulously reviewed and recalibrated existing data, excluding less reliable studies in light of new findings, to create a more accurate and comprehensive CO2 versus temperature curve over 66 million years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-prediction-nbsp">Dramatic prediction&nbsp;</h2>



This new curve suggests a dramatic prediction: a doubling of CO2 could increase global temperatures by 5 to 8 degrees C. However, this "Earth system sensitivity" metric reflects climate changes over hundreds of thousands of years, not the shorter timescales directly relevant to human experience.



The study authors explained that over long periods, increases in temperature may emerge from intertwined Earth processes that go beyond the immediate greenhouse effect created by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-carbon-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2 in the air</a>. 



These include melting of polar ice sheets, which would reduce the Earth’s ability to reflect solar energy; changes in terrestrial plant cover; and changes in clouds and atmospheric aerosols that could either heighten or lower temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-effects-of-co2-levels">Cascading effects of CO2 levels</h2>



“If you want us to tell you what the temperature will be in the year 2100, this does not tell you that. But it does have a bearing on present climate policy,” said study co-author Dana Royer, a paleoclimatologist at Wesleyan University. “It strengthens what we already thought we knew. It also tells us that there are sluggish, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cascading effects</a> that will last for thousands of years.”



Hönisch said the study will be useful for climate modelers trying to predict what will happen in coming decades, because they will be able to feed the newly robust observations into their studies, and disentangle processes that operate on short versus long time scales. She noted that all the project’s data are available in an open database, and will be updated on a rolling basis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



Covering the Cenozoic era, the study offers a refined understanding of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2-temperature relationship</a>, particularly for certain time periods. It confirms that the hottest period was around 50 million years ago, with CO2 levels reaching up to 1,600 ppm.



The researchers conclude that the last time CO2 was consistently higher than now was about 16 million years ago at about 480 ppm. By 14 million years ago, atmospheric CO2 had decreased to today’s human-induced level of 420 ppm.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messing-with-the-atmosphere">Messing with the atmosphere</h2>



The decline continued, and by 2.5 million years ago, atmospheric CO2 reached about 270 or 280 ppm, kicking off a series of ice ages. It was at or below that when modern humans came into being about 400,000 years ago, and persisted there until we started messing with the atmosphere on a grand scale 250 years ago, said the experts.



"Regardless of exactly how many degrees the temperature changes, it’s clear we have already brought the planet into a range of conditions never seen by our species,” said study co-author Gabriel Bowen, a professor at the University of Utah. “It should make us stop and question what is the right path forward.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adi5177" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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CO2 levels linked to cascading effects that last for millennia 

In a comprehensive new study, scientists have assembled a detailed...

The widespread practice of deicing roads, a crucial safety measure in icy conditions, is causing an unintended environmental crisis: the increasing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/influx-of-salt-in-water-soil-and-air-poses-a-potential-health-crisis/">salinization</a> of soil, air, and water.&nbsp;



Researchers from <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> and the University of Maryland set out to better understand and possibly help mitigate this growing issue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-toll-nbsp">Environmental toll&nbsp;</h2>



Rock salt, commonly used for deicing, plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of pedestrians and motorists during winter. However, the study highlights the environmental toll of this practice.



The team found that the act of deicing roads is making the Earth’s air, soil, and freshwater increasingly salty, a trend that poses a significant existential threat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-slowly-building-crisis">A slowly building crisis</h2>



Megan Rippy, an assistant professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering, describes the situation as a "slow-moving train wreck."&nbsp;



“It’s playing out so slowly that it’s easy to overlook that our streams, lakes, and drinking water resources are becoming progressively saltier.”&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disrupting-the-salt-cycle">Disrupting the salt cycle</h2>



Salts are naturally occurring. They are made up of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sulfate ions.



Human activities such as mining, land development, agriculture, construction, and industrial processes are rapidly accelerating the natural salt cycle, leading to environmental degradation. This human-induced salinization harms biodiversity and, in severe cases, makes drinking water unsafe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impacts">Potential impacts</h2>



“Ecosystems are finely tuned to a certain level of salinity, and as that increases over time it can lead to big impacts, for example loss of important species, including fish. That applies to humans too," said Rippy.



"Too much salt in irrigation water can cause crops to fail, and salt in drinking water supplies has been linked to human health effects like preeclampsia. This is happening in the U.S. and around the world."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-effects">Cascading effects</h2>



The study reveals a startling fact: human-caused salinization has affected about 2.5 billion acres of soil globally - an area equivalent to the size of the United States. Furthermore, salt ions in streams and rivers have increased over the past 50 years, in line with the rise in global salt use and production.&nbsp;



The intrusion of salt into the air, particularly through the aerosolization of road salts, is causing a decline in air quality, detrimental to wildlife and crops.



This research has established for the first time that humans affect the concentration and cycling of salt on a global, interconnected scale.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-solutions">Sustainable solutions</h2>



Stanley Grant, the director of the Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Laboratory, emphasizes the substantial impact of road salts in the U.S., which produces 44 billion pounds annually. These salts account for a significant portion of the total dissolved solids in U.S. waterways.&nbsp;



Alternative deicing methods, like the use of beet juice in Washington, D.C., and other cities, offer a promising yet challenging solution, given the balance between environmental safety and effective road maintenance.



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



“There’s a lot of interest in how we can change the way roads are maintained in the winter to reduce road salt use and its impacts on ecosystems and drinking water supplies,” said Bhide. “It’s a tricky issue, because deicing roads also reduces traffic accidents and saves lives.”&nbsp;



Salinization is also associated with cascading effects, noted the researchers. For example, saline dust accelerates the melting of snow, which can harm communities that rely on snow for water supplies.&nbsp;



“History is littered with ancient civilizations that collapsed because they couldn’t balance their salt budget. I’m hoping this article will raise awareness and lead to action on this issue, so that history doesn’t repeat itself,” said Grant.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/natrevearthenviron/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Reviews Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Less ice, more salt: The environmental cost of deicing

The widespread practice of deicing roads, a crucial safety measure...

Red sprites, also known as "red fairies" are a type of transient luminous event (TLE), primarily appearing as red flashes of light occurring above thunderstorms. They are part of a larger family of upper-atmospheric phenomena linked to thunderstorm activity, alongside blue jets and elves. 



Discovered only in the late 20th century, red sprites have since captivated scientists and sky-watchers alike with their elusive and spectacular nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-andreas-mogensen-video">Andreas Mogensen video</h2>



ESA astronaut <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Andreas_Mogensen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andreas Mogensen</a> captured <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/red-sprite_ISS_Andreas-Mogensen_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this image</a> of a red fairy hovering above a thundercloud as a part of the Thor-Davis experiment at <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danish Technical University</a>. “Red sprites,” as they are called in scientific circles, are rare Transient Luminous Events (TLEs) that form above thunderclouds. They typically emerge between 40 to 80 kilometers above Earth.



As demonstrated in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/red-sprite_Davis-camera-video_ISS_ESA_1big.gif">Davis camera video</a>, thunder precedes the appearance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/red-sprites-above-the-u-s-and-central-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">red fairies</a> higher in the sky. The Davis camera's uniqueness lies in its operation. It functions more like our eyes' retinas, sensitive to light changes, allowing it to capture up to the equivalent of 100,000 frames per second, unlike a standard camera.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-sprite-discovery-and-background">Red sprite discovery and background</h2>



The existence of red sprites eluded scientific documentation until 1989, largely due to their brief duration and high altitude. 



Pilots had reported sightings of unusual aerial phenomena for years. However, these accounts remained anecdotal until researchers, using high-speed cameras, captured the first images of red sprites. This breakthrough paved the way for a new field of atmospheric research.



Red sprites manifest as reddish-orange flashes, often accompanied by tendrils extending both upward and downward. They typically occur in clusters and can stretch 50 to 90 kilometers above the Earth's surface, into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-rocket-launch-ripped-a-hole-in-earths-ionosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ionosphere</a>. The coloration is a result of nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere getting excited by the electrical discharge.



Red sprites develop in conjunction with large-scale thunderstorm activity, specifically above the intense electrical discharges of positive cloud-to-ground lightning. They are believed to arise from the imbalance in electrical charge between the upper atmosphere and the thunderclouds below.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance-and-research">Scientific significance and research</h2>



The study of red sprites offers valuable insights into atmospheric electricity and upper-atmosphere conditions. They play a role in the Earth’s electrical balance and can impact various atmospheric chemical processes.



Advancements in high-speed photography and observational techniques have significantly enhanced our understanding of red sprites. Satellites, airborne observations, and ground-based photometric arrays are now instrumental in studying these transient events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-studying-red-sprites">Challenges of studying red sprites</h2>



Despite advancements, observing and studying red sprites remain challenging due to their unpredictability and brief lifespan. Future research aims to better understand the impact of sprites on the atmosphere and their relation to other meteorological phenomena.



In summary, red sprites, while still shrouded in mystery, offer a fascinating glimpse into the complex interplay of Earth's weather systems and atmospheric electricity. Continued research and observation promise to uncover more secrets of these ephemeral lights, deepening our understanding of our planet's atmospheric dynamics.



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



As discussed above, red sprites are a form of upper atmospheric lightning, a spectacular and somewhat mysterious phenomenon that captures the curiosity of scientists and sky-watchers alike. Unlike the more familiar lightning that occurs within clouds or between clouds and the ground, red sprites are transient luminous events that appear high above thunderstorms, reaching into the Earth's ionosphere.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-and-characteristics">Discovery and characteristics</h3>



The story of red sprites begins with their discovery. Although pilots had reported seeing unusual red lights above thunderstorms for decades, the scientific community largely dismissed these reports until 1989. That year, scientists at the University of Minnesota accidentally captured images of red sprites while filming a thunderstorm. This serendipitous discovery marked the beginning of focused scientific research into these elusive phenomena.



Red sprites are named for their distinct coloration. Typically, they appear as red at higher altitudes and fade to blue at lower altitudes. This coloration is due to the interaction of electrical discharges with nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere. Sprites can take various shapes, including jellyfish-like forms with tendrils extending downward and columnar shapes known as "carrot sprites."



Forming at altitudes between 50 to 90 kilometers (31 to 56 miles), red sprites occur directly above large thunderstorm systems. They are fleeting, lasting only milliseconds, and are best observed at night. Their formation is thought to be linked to the intense electrical activity in thunderstorms. When a powerful positive lightning strike occurs within the cloud, it can create an imbalance in the electric field above the storm, triggering the appearance of sprites.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-importance">Scientific importance</h3>



The study of red sprites is not just for aesthetic appreciation. It also holds significant scientific importance. Understanding sprites can provide insights into the electrical and chemical processes in the upper atmosphere. They are also thought to play a role in the Earth's global electric circuit, a complex system that involves the entire planet's electromagnetic environment.



Research into red sprites is challenging due to their brief and unpredictable nature. Scientists use specialized high-speed cameras and sensitive telescopes to capture and study these elusive events. Additionally, research aircraft and satellites are employed to gain a better vantage point for observing and analyzing sprites.



In recent years, public interest in red sprites has grown, thanks in part to the spread of information on social media and the increasing accessibility of high-quality cameras. Amateur astronomers, astronauts and photographers have captured stunning images of red sprites, contributing to both the public's awareness and the scientific community's understanding of these fascinating natural phenomena.



In summary, red sprites are a mesmerizing and complex element of our planet's atmospheric behavior. They represent a beautiful intersection of earth science and atmospheric physics, offering both aesthetic wonder and scientific intrigue. As research continues, we can expect to learn more about how these fleeting flashes of light fit into the broader puzzle of Earth's atmospheric processes.



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"Red sprite" phenomenon captured by space station astronaut

Red sprites, also known as "red fairies" are a type...

A recent scientific investigation has unveiled a potential link between the human gut microbiome and breast health, emphasizing the impact of dietary and lifestyle choices on overall wellbeing.&nbsp;



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



The study, focusing on the influence of flaxseed components known as lignans on gut microorganisms, revealed their significant role in modulating the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the mammary gland.&nbsp;



These miRNAs are crucial in regulating genes associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breast-cancer-incidence-linked-to-high-particulate-air-pollution/">breast cancer</a>, particularly those governing cell growth and movement. This research has been published in the journal <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/spectrum.02290-23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microbiology Spectrum</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gastrointestinal-microbiota">Gastrointestinal microbiota</h2>



Jennifer Auchtung, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Food Science and Technology Department at the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nebraska - Lincoln</a> and the editor overseeing the paper’s review, highlighted the crucial role of gastrointestinal microbiota. 



“The gastrointestinal microbiota plays an important role in modifying many components of our diet to impact human health,” she explained. 



"In this study, we found correlations between diets enriched in flaxseed, cecal microbiota composition and miRNA profiles in the mammary gland that regulate many pathways, including those involved in cancer development."



"This preliminary study supports further research into the role that the microbiota plays in dietary approaches to reduce risk factors associated with disease.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flaxseed-lignans">Flaxseed lignans</h2>



The research team delved into how flaxseed lignans, found abundantly in flaxseed and associated with lower breast cancer mortality among postmenopausal women, affect the gut microbiota in young female mice.&nbsp;



The experts discovered that these lignan components induce specific miRNA responses in the mammary gland, with miRNAs being short, noncoding RNAs that control gene expression by targeting specific mRNA regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



The study aimed to explore whether manipulating the interaction between microbiota and mammary gland miRNAs could diminish breast cancer risks.&nbsp;



For this, female mice were fed flaxseed lignan components to examine the connection between gut cecal microbiota profiles and miRNA expression in the mammary gland. The cecum, a crucial part of the digestive system, is thought to be involved in short-chain fatty acid production and may act as a hub for anaerobic bacteria.



The experiments revealed that a particular flaxseed oil lignan, upon microbial processing, releases bioactive metabolites with potential antitumor effects. 



This finding indicates a relationship between the microbiota and mammary gland miRNA, with flaxseed lignans altering this interaction to reduce cancer risk.



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



Elena M. Comelli, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a> and the paper’s senior author, reflected on the implications of these findings. 



“If these findings are confirmed, the microbiota becomes a new target to prevent breast cancer through dietary intervention.” Thus, this study paves the way for further exploration into how dietary modifications can potentially serve as preventive measures against breast cancer.



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Flaxseed’s influence on the gut could reduce breast cancer risk

A recent scientific investigation has unveiled a potential link between...

In a study led by the <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Göttingen</a>, researchers have unveiled striking dynamics in plant-pollinator networks, particularly highlighting the amplifying effect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-expansion-linked-to-global-decline-of-wild-pollinators/">urbanization</a> on seasonal variations. 



This research, critical in the era of rapid urbanization, offers novel insights into biodiversity within tropical megacities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urbanization-and-biodiversity">Urbanization and biodiversity</h2>



The global trend towards urbanization is often viewed as a threat to biodiversity. However, the researchers pointed out that flowering plants are often more diverse in cities than in the countryside.



This phenomenon is attributed to the proliferation of flowering plants and agricultural crops in urban areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-pollinator-interactions-nbsp">Plant-pollinator interactions&nbsp;</h2>



"All species engage in interactions, and the complex ecological networks resulting from these interactions - such as those between plants and their pollinators - are key components of ecosystems," wrote the study authors.



"While our knowledge on the structure of interaction networks has improved considerably in recent decades, we still know little about how dynamic these interactions are across environmental, spatial and temporal gradients."



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



The research team, led by Dr. Gabriel Marcacci, now a postdoc at the Swiss Ornithological Institute and the University of Neuchâtel, embarked on an extensive year-long study in Bengaluru, India.&nbsp;



This bustling metropolis, emblematic of rapid urban growth in the tropics, provided a fertile ground for examining the interactions between plants and their pollinators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights">Key insights</h2>



The study encompassed all local seasons: the mild-dry winter, the hot-dry summer, and the rainy monsoon. By analyzing bee species, the plants they visited, and the frequency of these interactions, the team constructed detailed plant-pollinator networks for each location and season.



The researchers found that the interactions between plants and pollinators, which are important for agricultural production, are surprisingly dynamic.&nbsp;



There was a significant variation in the plant and bee species involved in pollination across different seasons.&nbsp;



To identify the factors contributing to the variations in plant-pollinator interactions, the team considered multiple elements: the time of year, proximity to the city center, and the degree of urbanization, indicated by the presence of "sealed surfaces" like roads and buildings.



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



Dr. Marcacci emphasized the significance of this research for understanding tropical urban ecosystems.&nbsp;



"Our study provides new insights into the role of urbanization in the dynamics of networks involving plants and pollinators in the tropics, which have been little studied. This is particularly important as current and future urban expansions are largely occurring in tropical regions, where they are subject to different ecological, climate and social factors than in temperate zones," said Dr. Marcacci.



"Our results point to major changes in plant-pollinator networks over the course of the year and to the little-recognized importance of seasonality for the interactions between plants and their pollinators, especially in rapidly growing tropical megacities," wrote the study authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-planning">Urban planning</h2>



This study not only contributes to our understanding of urban ecology but also calls for thoughtful urban planning and biodiversity conservation, particularly in tropical megacities facing rapid growth.&nbsp;



The unique dynamics of plant-pollinator networks in these settings are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring sustainable agricultural production - an aspect that city planners and environmentalists must consider in the face of escalating urban expansion.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ele.14324" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology Letters</a>.



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Urbanization alters the dynamics of plant-pollinator networks

In a study led by the University of Göttingen, researchers...

A new study predicts a significant expansion in the nesting range of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) due to rising global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-linked-to-vision-impairment/">temperatures</a>.



The Mediterranean green turtle is a species that is often overshadowed in climate change discussions.



A team of researchers led by Chiara Mancino has unveiled how global warming could reshape the nesting dynamics of these turtles, potentially altering the ecological landscape of the Mediterranean.



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



"Climate change is reshaping global ecosystems at an unprecedented rate, with major impacts on biodiversity. Therefore, understanding how organisms can withstand change is key to identify priority conservation objectives," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"Marine ectotherms are being extremely impacted because their biology and phenology are directly related to temperature. Among these species, sea turtles are particularly problematic because they roam over both marine and terrestrial habitats throughout their life cycles."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transforming-the-coastline-nbsp">Transforming the coastline&nbsp;</h2>



The experts theorized that nesting ground availability for green turtles will increase in the Mediterranean following hotter summers and winters, shifting their nesting locations in response to rising temperatures.



Based on their modeling study, the team predicts that the turtles will expand their nesting range by 60 percent under the worst case emissions scenario.&nbsp;



This expansion is set to transform the Mediterranean coastline, extending the turtles' nesting grounds beyond their current range in Turkey and Cyprus to vast stretches of North African, Italian, and Greek shores.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-predictive-accuracy-nbsp">High predictive accuracy&nbsp;</h2>



For the investigation, Mancino and colleagues developed a model to predict the suitability of various points on the Mediterranean coastline as green turtle nesting locations.



First, the researchers tested the predictive accuracy of their model against 178 verified nesting sites recorded from 1982 to 2019. The findings revealed a high predictive accuracy, with sea surface temperature, salinity, and human population density emerging as pivotal factors influencing nesting site suitability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights-on-green-turtles">Key insights on green turtles</h2>



The researchers analyzed four distinct greenhouse gas emission scenarios and their implications for green turtle nesting by 2100.&nbsp;



The correlation was clear: more severe climate conditions led to a broader nesting range. The worst-case scenario predicted a dramatic 62.4% increase in nesting range, extending to the North African coastline up to Algeria, significant parts of Italy and Greece, and the southern Adriatic Sea.



"Our models show an increase in nesting probability in the western Mediterranean Sea, irrespective of the climate scenario we consider. Contrary to what is found in most global change studies, the worse the climate change scenario, the more suitable areas for green turtles will potentially increase," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



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



However, this potential expansion is not without its challenges. The experts warn that this increase in green turtle nesting range in the heavily populated central and western Mediterranean would bring them into increased contact with humans and urbanized beaches, which could negatively affect nesting success.&nbsp;



The researchers emphasize the urgency for future studies to focus on mitigating these potential negative impacts.&nbsp;



"To better inform future management of marine turtles, there is the need to understand future threats, as well as to couple predictions of marine turtle distribution with an assessment of exposure to these threats," wrote the study authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-turtles-and-biodiversity-collapse">Green turtles and biodiversity collapse</h2>



The Mediterranean Sea represents one of the most vulnerable regions in the world when considering the impacts of global warming, noted the researchers.



"The Mediterranean has always been hugely exploited by humans, with important and potentially negative interactions between human activities and climate changes."



"The basin currently hosts more than 500 million inhabitants, a third of whom live along the coasts, and is the first tourist destination in the world with 360 million visitors per year."&nbsp;



"The combination of climate change and human impacts clearly generate the starting baseline for a biodiversity collapse, especially for species exploiting at the same time marine and terrestrial habitats as sea turtles."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-46958-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Nesting range of green turtles will explode in a warmer climate 

A new study predicts a significant expansion in the nesting...

Close,Up,Of,Colorful,Atomic,Particle,Background,Science,3d,Illustration

In a groundbreaking announcement, physicists from University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>) have presented a radical theory that unifies the realms of gravity and quantum mechanics while preserving the classical concept of spacetime, as outlined by Einstein. 



This innovative approach, detailed in two simultaneously published papers, challenges over a century of scientific consensus and proposes a revolutionary perspective on the fundamental nature of our universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dichotomy-in-modern-physics">Dichotomy in modern physics</h2>



Modern physics rests on two contradictory pillars: quantum theory, which rules the microscopic world, and Einstein’s theory of general relativity, explaining gravity through spacetime curvature. These theories, despite their individual successes, have remained irreconcilable, creating a significant rift in our understanding of the universe.



Traditionally, scientists have believed that a quantum version of Einstein's theory of gravity was necessary. This belief fueled the development of string theory and loop quantum gravity. However, the new theory from UCL takes a divergent path.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ucl-theory-a-postquantum-perspective">UCL theory: A postquantum perspective</h2>



Professor Jonathan Oppenheim of UCL Physics &amp; Astronomy, the lead proponent of this theory, argues for a "postquantum theory of classical gravity." This radical idea, as elaborated in his paper in <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prx/accepted/d6078Ke1S941110a26ad9584bc2567e68f9f76c1e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review X (PRX)</a>, suggests that spacetime may remain classical and not subject to quantum mechanics. 



Instead of altering spacetime, this theory revises quantum theory itself, predicting unpredictable and significant fluctuations in spacetime. These fluctuations, larger than those anticipated by quantum theory, could render the weight of objects uncertain at precise measurements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experimental-tests-and-implications">Experimental tests and implications</h2>



A second paper in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-43348-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>, led by Professor Oppenheim’s former PhD students, proposes an experiment to validate this theory. The experiment involves measuring a mass (like the 1kg standard previously used by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in France) with extreme precision to detect potential weight fluctuations over time. 



Professor Oppenheim, Professor Carlo Rovelli, and Dr. Geoff Penington -- leading proponents of quantum loop gravity and string theory, respectively -- have placed <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/oppenheim/pub/quantum_vs_classical_bet.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a bet</a> with 5000:1 odds on the outcome of the experiment, or any other evidence that might emerge, which would confirm the quantum versus classical nature of spacetime.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravity-spacetime-and-quantum-theory">Gravity, spacetime, and quantum theory</h2>



For the past five years, the UCL research team has been rigorously examining this theory and its implications. Professor Oppenheim notes the importance of resolving the contradiction between quantum theory and general relativity.



Oppenheim stated, "<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/relativity_quantum-mechanics_Isaac-Young_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum theory</a> and Einstein's theory of general relativity are mathematically incompatible with each other, so it's important to understand how this contradiction is resolved. Should spacetime be quantised, or should we modify quantum theory, or is it something else entirely? Now that we have a consistent fundamental theory in which spacetime does not get quantised, it’s anybody’s guess.”



Zach Weller-Davies, a co-author and key contributor to the theory, highlights that this discovery not only challenges our understanding of gravity but also provides a method to probe its potential quantum nature. "If <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/precision-mass-measurement_Isaac-Young_2medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacetime</a> doesn’t have a quantum nature, then there must be random fluctuations in the curvature of spacetime with a particular signature that can be verified experimentally," he explains.



“We have shown that if spacetime doesn’t have a quantum nature, then there must be random fluctuations in the curvature of spacetime which have a particular signature that can be verified experimentally," Weller-Davies continued. “In both quantum gravity and classical gravity, spacetime must be undergoing violent and random fluctuations all around us, but on a scale which we haven’t yet been able to detect. But if spacetime is classical, the fluctuations have to be larger than a certain scale, and this scale can be determined by another experiment where we test how long we can put a heavy atom in superposition* of being in two different locations."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-gravity-implications-for-quantum-theory">Beyond gravity: Implications for quantum theory</h2>



Co-authors Dr. Carlo Sparaciari and Dr. Barbara Šoda emphasize the significance of these experiments in determining the correct approach to understanding gravity.



Dr Šoda said, “Because gravity is made manifest through the bending of space and time, we can think of the question in terms of whether the rate at which time flows has a quantum nature, or classical nature. And testing this is almost as simple as testing whether the weight of a mass is constant, or appears to fluctuate in a particular way.”



Dr Sparaciari elucidated, “While the experimental concept is simple, the weighing of the object needs to be carried out with extreme precision. But what I find exciting is that starting from very general assumptions, we can prove a clear relationship between two measurable quantities – the scale of the spacetime fluctuations, and how long objects like atoms or apples can be put in quantum superposition of two different locations. We can then determine these two quantities experimentally.”  



This postquantum theory extends its influence beyond understanding gravity. It negates the need for the problematic “measurement postulate” in quantum theory. Quantum superpositions would naturally localize due to their interactions with classical spacetime.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-era-in-physics">A new era in physics</h2>



Originating from Professor Oppenheim's efforts to solve the black hole information problem, this theory allows for the possibility of information destruction, contradicting standard quantum theory but aligning with general relativity’s predictions about black holes.



This announcement marks a potential paradigm shift in physics. As Professor Sougato Bose of UCL Physics &amp; Astronomy, not involved in this specific announcement but a pioneer in related research, remarks, “Experiments to test the nature of spacetime will take a large-scale effort, but they're of huge importance from the perspective of understanding the fundamental laws of nature.”



Indeed, these efforts could lead to a unified understanding of gravity and quantum mechanics, resolving one of the most profound dilemmas in modern physics. The implications of this theory, if proven correct, are vast, potentially reshaping our understanding of the universe at its most fundamental level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-theory-of-relativity">More about the theory of relativity</h2>



As mentioned above, Einstein's theory of relativity, a cornerstone of modern physics, revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and gravity. This theory comes in two parts: Special Relativity and General Relativity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-special-relativity-1905">Special Relativity (1905)</h3>



Albert Einstein introduced Special Relativity in 1905. This theory fundamentally changed our perception of space and time. It asserts two key principles:



The Laws of Physics are the Same for All Non-accelerating Observers: No matter how fast an observer is moving, they will measure the same speed of light and observe the same laws of physics.



The Speed of Light is Constant: The speed of light in a vacuum is the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion or the motion of the light source.



Special Relativity led to several groundbreaking conclusions:



Time Dilation: Time passes slower for objects moving at high speeds compared to those at rest. This effect becomes significant only at speeds close to the speed of light.



Length Contraction: Objects contract in length along the direction of motion as they approach the speed of light.



E=mc²: This famous equation relates energy (E) to mass (m) with the speed of light (c) as the constant of proportionality. It implies that energy and mass are interchangeable, laying the groundwork for nuclear energy and weapons.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-general-relativity-1915">General Relativity (1915)</h3>



Ten years later, Einstein expanded on his theory with General Relativity, which addresses gravity and acceleration:



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravity-as-curvature-of-spacetime">Gravity as Curvature of Spacetime</h4>



Einstein proposed that gravity is not a force between masses but rather a result of the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy. Massive objects like stars and planets warp the space around them, and other objects move along these curves, which we perceive as gravitational attraction.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-equivalence-principle">Equivalence Principle</h4>



This principle states that the effects of gravity are indistinguishable from the effects of acceleration. For instance, being in a closed room on Earth's surface (where gravity pulls you down) feels the same as being in a room in a spaceship that accelerates upwards.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-general-relativity-has-passed-numerous-tests">General Relativity has passed numerous tests</h3>



Light Bending: It predicts that light bends in a gravitational field. Observations during solar eclipses have confirmed this, where stars' positions near the sun appear shifted due to the sun's gravity bending the light.



Time Dilation Due to Gravity: Clocks run slower in stronger gravitational fields. This effect, tested using precise atomic clocks at different altitudes, is integral for the accuracy of GPS systems.



Gravitational Waves: Predicted by Einstein, these ripples in spacetime, caused by massive accelerating objects (like merging black holes), were directly detected in 2015, confirming a major prediction of General Relativity.



In summary, Einstein's theory of relativity redefined our understanding of the universe. Special Relativity showed that space and time are relative and interconnected, leading to phenomena like time dilation and mass-energy equivalence. General Relativity further advanced this by describing gravity as the curvature of spacetime, profoundly influencing cosmology and astrophysics.



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



As also discussed above, quantum mechanics, a fundamental theory in physics, describes the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels. It emerged in the early 20th century as scientists explored phenomena that classical physics couldn't explain. Here are some key aspects of quantum mechanics:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wave-particle-duality">Wave-Particle Duality</h3>



Quantum mechanics introduces the concept of wave-particle duality. Particles, such as electrons and photons, exhibit both particle-like and wave-like properties. For example, electrons can produce interference patterns (a wave property) in a double-slit experiment, while also showing particle characteristics in other contexts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertainty-principle">Uncertainty Principle</h3>



Werner Heisenberg formulated the Uncertainty Principle, a cornerstone of quantum mechanics. It states that it is impossible to simultaneously know the exact position and momentum of a particle. The more precisely you measure one, the less precise the measurement of the other becomes. This principle challenges the classical notion of determinism.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-superposition-and-entanglement">Quantum superposition and entanglement</h3>



Quantum Superposition: Quantum particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously, as illustrated by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conscious-awareness-when-does-our-sense-of-purpose-emerge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Schrödinger's</a> cat thought experiment. A particle in a superposition state doesn't have a specific position, energy, or other physical property until it's measured.



Quantum Entanglement: Particles can become <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-can-instantly-execute-a-task-that-would-normally-take-47-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entangled</a>, meaning the state of one particle instantly influences the state of another, regardless of the distance separating them. This phenomenon, famously described by Einstein as "spooky action at a distance," defies classical ideas of spatial separation and information transfer.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-tunneling">Quantum tunneling</h3>



Quantum tunneling occurs when particles pass through barriers that they shouldn't be able to, according to classical physics. This effect is crucial in many modern technologies, such as semiconductors and superconducting devices.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-state-collapse">Quantum state collapse</h3>



Upon measurement, a quantum system 'collapses' from a superposition of states to a single state. This collapse is instantaneous and is at the heart of many interpretations of quantum mechanics, including the famous Copenhagen interpretation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-of-quantum-mechanics">Applications of quantum mechanics</h3>



Quantum mechanics has led to numerous technological advancements:



Semiconductors: The foundation of modern electronics, including computers and smartphones, relies on quantum mechanics.



Quantum Computing: Quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits, which can be in superpositions of states, offering potentially exponential increases in computing power for certain problems.



Medical Imaging: Techniques like MRI and PET scans depend on principles of quantum mechanics.



In summary, quantum mechanics reveals a strange, counterintuitive world at the smallest scales, fundamentally different from our everyday experiences. Its principles have not only deepened our understanding of the universe but also driven significant technological progress.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-43348-2">Nature Communications</a>.



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Radical new theory finally unites gravity, spacetime, and the quantum realm

In a groundbreaking announcement, physicists from University College London (UCL)...

<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



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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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" 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.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

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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

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She was thrilled the little ones were all healthy and happy and would go to good homes. But being such a special event in their lives, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of empty nest syndrome as Miley’s kids left the house one by one.

Keeping One

It wasn’t as if Cecilia wasn’t used to letting puppies go. It was her business after all. She waited the standard two months before looking for owners. Offers poured in – it seemed everyone wanted a part of the miraculous family. But there was one noticeable difference.