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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Spiral galaxy NGC 6744 in the constellation Pavo

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Costa Atlántica Reserve in Argentina

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Messier 82, a starburst galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. This galaxy is actively forming new stars at a rate ten times that of the Milky Way.



In a study using the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> (JWST), an international team of astronomers has taken an unprecedented look at Messier 82 (M82), revealing intricate details about its frenzied star formation. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-nircam-and-infrared-observations">The power of NIRCam and infrared observations</h2>



The study, led by Alberto Bolatto, utilized Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) to penetrate the thick dust and gas covering the galaxy's core, a region critical to understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>. 



"M82 has garnered a variety of observations over the years because it can be considered as the prototypical starburst galaxy," noted Bolatto. “With Webb’s size and resolution, we can look at this star-forming galaxy and see all of this beautiful new detail.”



Webb's NIRCam has proven crucial for observing areas like M82’s center, where layers of dust typically obscure the view in other wavelengths. The camera's ability to capture infrared light allows it to reveal the galaxy's core and its dynamic processes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messier-82-image-shows-the-power-of-webb-nbsp">Messier 82 image shows the power of Webb&nbsp;</h2>



“This image shows the power of Webb. Every single white dot in this image is either a star or a star cluster. We can start to distinguish all of these tiny point sources, which enables us to acquire an accurate count of all the star clusters in this galaxy,” noted study co-author Rebecca Levy from the University of Arizona.



One of the NIRCam's innovative features is its mode that prevents bright sources from overwhelming the detector, which was particularly useful in studying the intensely active center of Messier 82.&nbsp;



In the image, dark brown tendrils of dust weave through the galaxy's glowing white core, interspersed with small green specks that represent concentrated areas of iron from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> remnants. Red patches highlight regions where molecular hydrogen is illuminated by the radiation from nearby young stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-galactic-winds">Insights into galactic winds</h2>



The study also focused on understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spin-of-a-new-black-hole-is-unlocking-galactic-mysteries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic wind</a>, driven by the rapid rate of star formation and subsequent supernovae, influences M82’s environment. The NIRCam images showed clumpy streams of gas, appearing in red, which extend above and below the galaxy's plane, marking the path of this wind rushing out from the starburst's core.



A key revelation came from the NIRCam’s tracing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), sooty chemical molecules that map out the structure of the galactic wind. To the surprise of researchers, the PAH emissions closely resembled the patterns of the hot, ionized gas, suggesting a more complex interaction within the wind than previously understood.&nbsp;



"It was unexpected to see the PAH emission resemble ionised gas," said Bolatto. "PAHs are not supposed to live very long when exposed to such a strong radiation field, so perhaps they are being replenished all the time. It challenges our theories and shows us that further investigation is required."



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-observations-of-messier-82">Future observations of Messier 82</h3>



The findings from Webb are just the beginning. The team plans to further analyze Messier 82 with additional data, including spectroscopic observations, to determine the ages of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collisions-hubble-spots-a-string-of-pearls-star-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> and the duration of each star formation phase within the starburst environment.&nbsp;



These observations will also assist in a broader understanding of similar processes in early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>, which were common in the young universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study">Broader implications of the study</h2>



Study co-author Torsten Böker of the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> emphasized the broader implications of these findings. 



“With these amazing Webb images, and our upcoming spectra, we can study how exactly the strong winds and shock fronts from young stars and supernovae can remove the very gas and dust from which new stars are forming,” explained Böker.&nbsp;



“A detailed understanding of this ‘feedback’ cycle is important for theories of how the early universe evolved, because compact starbursts such as the one in M82 were very common at high redshift.”



The study not only illuminates the specific mechanics of star formation in M82 but also enhances our general understanding of galactic evolution and the lifecycle of galaxies.&nbsp;



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA



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Messier 82: Unlocking the mysteries of star formation

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features Tropical Storm Francine moving across the Gulf of Mexico on the afternoon of September 10, 2024. 



Just hours after the photo was captured by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-21 satellite, the storm intensified into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-hurricanes-are-intensifying-faster-due-to-climate-change/">hurricane</a> strength.



By September 11, Francine had become a Category 2 hurricane, reaching wind speeds of 100 miles per hour. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storms-fueled-by-rising-ocean-temperatures">Storms fueled by rising ocean temperatures</h2>



“Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are a fair predictor of the readiness of the ocean to fuel and sustain storms. Meteorologists generally agree that SSTs should be above 82 degrees Fahrenheit to sustain and intensify hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153309/francine-bears-down-on-louisiana" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“During the time of Francine’s development on September 8 to 10, temperatures in the southwestern Gulf were several degrees above that threshold and slightly above the 2003-2014 average for those dates, according to data from the Multiscale Ultrahigh Resolution Sea Surface Temperature (MUR SST) project.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-hurricane-francine">Impacts of Hurricane Francine</h2>



Louisiana was hit hardest by Francine, with coastal areas experiencing life-threatening storm surges up to 10 feet, heavy rainfall, and significant flooding. In Terrebonne Parish, where Francine made landfall, more than 200,000 residents lost power.&nbsp;



Southern regions of Texas also experienced heavy rainfall and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flooding</a>. Despite some weakening as Francine moved inland, Mississippi and other parts of the Gulf Coast still experienced flash flooding and strong winds as the system degraded into a tropical depression.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2024-atlantic-hurricane-season">2024 Atlantic hurricane season</h2>



The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has been notably active, but with an unusual break in activity leading up to Hurricane Francine.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-start-for-storms">Early start for storms</h3>



The season officially began on June 1, 2024. By early September, there had been five named storms, including three hurricanes, with one reaching Category 5 status - Hurricane Beryl in July.&nbsp;



Beryl set an early-season record as it intensified rapidly due to exceptionally warm sea surface <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-has-nearly-doubled-in-the-last-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-calm">Surprising calm</h3>



While the early part of the season saw significant activity, including Beryl's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-causes-the-rapid-intensification-of-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">explosive growth</a>, the basin has experienced a surprising calm since mid-August. 



From August 12 to September 3, there was no tropical activity, marking the quietest stretch in over 50 years. Experts attribute this inactivity to several factors, including cooling waters in parts of the Atlantic and shifts in atmospheric patterns over Africa that disrupted storm formation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-ahead">What's ahead</h3>



Looking ahead, forecasts are cautious but not pessimistic. Despite the quiet period, researchers still expect more activity, with potential for further storm development through September.



Predictions are pointing to up to 14 named storms - seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes - by the end of the 2024 season.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurricanes-in-the-gulf-of-mexico-nbsp">Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico&nbsp;</h2>



The location of the Gulf of Mexico makes it a hotspot for hurricane development and landfall. Warm sea surface temperatures, especially in late summer and early fall, provide the energy needed for these storms to grow in intensity.&nbsp;



When atmospheric conditions such as low wind shear and high moisture are favorable, hurricanes can rapidly intensify, becoming major threats to coastal regions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-little-time-for-preparation-nbsp">Little time for preparation&nbsp;</h3>



The Gulf of Mexico's geography also means that hurricanes have a relatively short distance to travel before making landfall, often allowing little time for preparation.&nbsp;



Communities in coastal states like Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida are frequently in the path of these storms.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devastating-impacts">Devastating impacts</h3>



Over the years, hurricanes like Katrina, Harvey, and Ida have highlighted the devastating impacts, from storm surges and flooding to wind damage and disruption of infrastructure.&nbsp;



Due to the Gulf's importance as an economic hub, especially for oil production and shipping, hurricanes can also have significant economic repercussions.



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



The region's vulnerability to hurricanes is compounded by climate change, which has led to warmer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-ocean-heating-signals-alarm-for-a-3c-warmer-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean temperatures</a> and more intense storms. 



Predictions suggest that while the overall number of hurricanes may not increase, the number of major hurricanes (Category 3 and above) could rise. This will make the Gulf Coast an even more dangerous area during hurricane season, which typically lasts from June to November.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Hurricane Francine makes landfall in Louisiana 

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features an incredible new image of the Crab Nebula in bright neon colors. 



“The unusual image was produced by combining data from telescopes spanning nearly the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to X-rays,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. 



Colored in red, the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) provided information about the nebula gathered in the radio regime.



NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope took infrared images, which appear yellow, while the NASA/ESA <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-captures-another-cosmic-masterpiece-in-galaxy-ngc-2217/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> Space Telescope provided images made in optical wavelengths, colored in green.&nbsp;



Blue colors represent ultraviolet observations made by ESA’s XMM-Newton telescope, and the purple colors are X-ray radiation data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-about-the-crab-nebula-nbsp">About the Crab Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The Crab Nebula, located in the constellation Taurus, contains the remnants of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova explosion</a> first observed on Earth in 1054 AD. This explosion was recorded by Chinese astronomers and possibly by Native American rock art.&nbsp;



The nebula spans about 11 light-years across and lies approximately 6,500 light-years away from Earth. It is one of the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-the-mysterious-origins-of-the-crab-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studied objects</a> in the sky, largely due to its status as a bright and dynamic supernova remnant.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-crab-pulsar">The Crab Pulsar</h2>



The Crab Nebula contains a pulsar at its center, which is a rapidly rotating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-spinning-neutron-star-completely-defies-our-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron star</a> that emits pulses of radiation. This pulsar, known as the Crab Pulsar, spins about 30 times per second and is a significant source of gamma rays and other forms of high-energy radiation.&nbsp;



The nebula itself is a complex structure of filaments and synchrotron radiation. The filaments are remnants of the original star's outer layers, while the synchrotron radiation emerges from electrons spiraling in the magnetic fields produced by the pulsar.



“Surrounding the pulsar lies a mix of material; some of it was originally expelled from the star before it went supernova, and the rest was ejected during the explosion itself,” explained ESA.&nbsp;



“Fast-moving winds of particles fly off from the neutron star, energizing the dust and gas around it. These different layers and intricacies of the nebula can be observed in all of the different wavelengths of light.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crab-nebula-observation-nbsp">Crab Nebula observation&nbsp;</h2>



Throughout its history, the Crab Nebula has provided critical insights into the processes of stellar death, the behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pulsars-are-helping-astronomers-pinpoint-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pulsars</a>, and the mechanics of supernova remnants.&nbsp;



Its continuous observation has revealed changes over time, such as the expansion of its filaments and variations in its brightness, offering a dynamic laboratory for astrophysical studies.



Overall, the Crab Nebula is a highly energetic and object, providing valuable insights into the processes following a supernova explosion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-facts-about-nebulae">Fascinating facts about nebulae</h2>



Nebulae are some of the most breathtaking and intriguing structures in the universe. They are vast clouds of gas and dust, often considered stellar nurseries where new stars are born. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colors-of-nebulae">Colors of nebulae </h3>



One of the most fascinating aspects of nebulae is their ability to glow in different colors. This occurs because they either reflect the light of nearby stars or emit light due to the ionization of gases within them, particularly hydrogen. 



Some nebulae, like the famous Orion Nebula, are visible to the naked eye and serve as one of the nearest regions of active star formation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-nebulae">Planetary nebulae </h3>



Stars are born in dense regions of nebulae, and when they die, some will expel their outer layers, creating stunning structures known as planetary nebulae. The colorful clouds left behind can shine brightly for thousands of years. 



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



Another amazing fact is that some nebulae are so vast that light can take years to travel from one side to the other, stretching across hundreds of light-years.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-remnants">Star remnants </h3>



Perhaps even more mind-boggling is the fact that nebulae are the remnants of previous generations of stars. Supernova explosions of massive stars can create these glowing clouds of gas and dust, seeding the cosmos with the elements necessary for the formation of new stars and planets.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, G. Dubner (IAFE, CONICET-University of Buenos Aires) et al.; A. Loll et al.; T. Temim et al.; F. Seward et al.; VLA/NRAO/AUI/NSF; Chandra/CXC; Spitzer/JPL-Caltech; XMM-Newton/ESA; and Hubble/STScI



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Crab Nebula: The brilliant remains of a massive star explosion

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features wildfires in the state of Mato Grosso in Brazil. These fires have been some of the most devastating in recent history.&nbsp;



The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission on September 9, 2024. “The infrared signal acquired by the mission’s multispectral instrument allows the extent of the burned areas to be seen and highlights where the fires were still active on the date of acquisition,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brazil-fires-of-2024">Brazil fires of 2024</h2>



2024 has shaped up to be one of Brazil's most intense fire seasons. The country is facing its worst drought since national measurements began, which has fueled a surge in wildfires across critical regions like the Amazon, the Pantanal wetlands, and the Cerrado savanna.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-amazon">The Amazon</h3>



By September 2024, Brazil had already recorded nearly 160,000 fires - the highest number since 2010. In the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-threaten-environmental-gains-in-the-amazon/">Amazon</a>, the first half of the year saw the most wildfires in 20 years, with fire activity up by 40% compared to previous record years.



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



Climate change and human-driven deforestation are worsening the situation. The combination of extreme drought, slash-and-burn agriculture, and the ongoing degradation of forests has created ideal conditions for fire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-of-2023-were-a-global-environmental-setback/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outbreaks</a> to spread uncontrollably. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fires-in-the-pantanal-nbsp">Fires in the Pantanal&nbsp;</h2>



Regions like the Pantanal have been especially hard-hit, with large portions of the biome burned earlier than usual, long before the peak of fire season.



The fires have significantly impacted the fragile ecosystem of the Pantanal, which is one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands.&nbsp;



Between August 1 and 27, over 3,800 fires were recorded in the Pantanal, marking an alarming increase compared to the previous year.&nbsp;



These fires have led to severe damage to local wildlife, with hundreds of animals, including jaguars and anteaters, suffering from burns. Firefighters have been mobilized, but the scale of the fires and the vast, difficult-to-access areas have made containment efforts challenging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-irreversible-impacts-on-biodiversity">Irreversible impacts on biodiversity</h2>



Furthermore, the fires have released toxic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twenty-years-of-air-quality-improvement-erased-by-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoke</a> that has spread across Brazil, affecting cities as far as São Paulo and Brasília. The use of satellite imagery from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission has been crucial in monitoring the active fires and the extent of burned areas. 



Environmentalists are warning that the destruction of native vegetation and animal habitats could have long-term, irreversible effects on the region’s biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-wildfires">Climate change and wildfires</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-attribute-extreme-heat-and-wildfires-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> and wildfires are deeply interconnected. As the Earth's climate warms due to the increase in greenhouse gases, many regions around the world are experiencing hotter, drier conditions. 



These changes create the perfect environment for wildfires to ignite and spread. Warmer temperatures dry out vegetation, making forests and grasslands more flammable.&nbsp;



When a spark - whether from a lightning strike, a human activity, or another source - hits this dry vegetation, fires can erupt rapidly and become difficult to control.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longer-fire-seasons">Longer fire seasons</h3>



In addition, changing weather patterns have led to longer fire seasons in many parts of the world. Areas that were once too wet or cool to experience frequent fires are now seeing them more often.&nbsp;



For example, the Arctic and subarctic regions, including parts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-in-siberia-are-a-growing-global-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Siberia</a> and Alaska, have experienced unusually intense wildfires in recent years, partly due to warming temperatures and thawing permafrost.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-severity">Fire severity</h3>



Climate change also affects the severity of fires. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to more extreme weather events such as thunderstorms, which can generate lightning and ignite fires.&nbsp;



Furthermore, prolonged droughts caused by changing rainfall patterns make forests more susceptible to large, destructive wildfires. Once a fire starts, the hot, dry conditions fuel its rapid spread, often overwhelming firefighting efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reinforcing-feedback-loop">Reinforcing feedback loop</h2>



The aftermath of wildfires further exacerbates climate change. When forests burn, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide stored in trees and soil into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.&nbsp;



This creates a feedback loop, where more fires lead to more carbon emissions, which in turn accelerate climate change, making future fires more likely and more intense. As climate change continues to progress, wildfires are expected to become more frequent, larger, and more destructive across many parts of the world.



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Brazil's devastating 2024 fire season rages on

Gene regulation has become a key focus of scientific discovery since scientists first cracked the code of DNA, unraveling the intricate sequence of molecules that dictate our cells' behavior. But DNA, while pivotal, is only half of the story.



Our bodies consist of numerous cell types, from skin to muscle to brain cells, all containing the same DNA. Yet, the question remains: how does each cell know when to become skin, muscle, or brain cells?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-blueprint-of-dna">Complex blueprint of DNA</h2>



Picture <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-collect-human-dna-from-water-air-and-basically-everywhere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> as a long, twisted ladder, packed with billions of tiny building blocks. It carries the precise instructions that guide the growth, function, and repair of our bodies. When unraveled, this ladder can stretch up to two meters long, much too long to fit within the tiny confines of a cell.



Chromatin, a complex of DNA and proteins, solves this problem by packaging the DNA into a condensed, organized structure that fits within the cell nucleus. 



It functions like beads on a string, looped and packed into chromosomes, which allows DNA to be assembled in a small area and unpacked whenever the cell needs access to genetic information.



In this complex code, DNA contains both coding and non-coding sequences. Coding DNA, or genes, supply the instructions for building proteins, the essential cellular building blocks and mediators. Non-coding DNA plays a pivotal supporting role in controlling when and how these genes are switched on or off to form <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/junk-proteins-responsible-for-aging-cause-als/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proteins</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-chromatin-in-gene-regulation">Role of chromatin in gene regulation</h2>



Chromatin organization is crucial to the process of gene regulation. Tightly packed chromatin restricts access to genes, keeping them off. In contrast, loosely packed chromatin allows genes to be turned on and expressed.



Although all humans inherit a fixed set of genes, their expression can vary widely due to factors such as diet, stress, and exposure to pollution. 



This phenomenon, known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epigenetic-dna-clocks-predict-biological-age-more-accurately/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epigenetics</a>, controls the identity and function of cells, thus shaping the cell's destiny.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emerging-frontiers-in-research">Emerging frontiers in research </h2>



Every two years, the Office of Emerging Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Activities (EFMA) under the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United States National Science Foundation</a> identifies pioneering research topics for the NSF Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) program. 



In 2018 and 2019, the EFRI program focused on chromatin and epigenetic engineering to uncover new ways to manipulate gene activation and deactivation.



Working under four-year grants, interdisciplinary teams tackle challenging, high-risk, high-reward projects to address some of the nation's most pressing challenges. 



Through increasing our understanding and developing innovative tools, these advancements have the potential to combat diseases, enhance crop performance, or even develop organisms that can remediate environmental damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gene-regulation-and-tissue-regeneration">Gene regulation and tissue regeneration</h2>



One team of scientists has developed a high-resolution <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genome-mapping-completed-for-dozens-of-common-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> imaging platform to visualize chromatin in 3D, enabling more accurate predictions for genome engineering outcomes. 



This can lead to precise manipulation of genes with applications in cancer treatment, organ regeneration, injury prevention, and reversing aging. 



Drugs and interventions are being developed to target cells affected by cancer or oxygen loss from strokes or heart attacks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-dna-arrangement">Understanding DNA arrangement</h2>



Another team discovered that a special protein complex called INO80 is a crucial driver of chromatin movements inside the nucleus. 



Using a newly engineered device, the experts can now observe chromatin interactions happening in real time inside living cells. This can greatly contribute to the understanding of tissues made up of many different cell types, such as the brain or immune system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pioneering-genetic-delivery">Pioneering genetic delivery</h2>



Using principles derived from paper art origami, a group of researchers has made significant advances in delivering DNA into cells using nanostructures. 



DNA can be packaged very tightly within these intricate designs, enabling even the longest genes to be delivered into the nucleus. 



This method offers a safer, more cost-efficient alternative to traditional viral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revolutionary-gene-therapy-shows-promise-in-treating-autism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gene therapy</a> and holds promise for treating diseases and enhancing live cell imaging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-path-to-gene-regulation">A new path to gene regulation</h2>



Another project harnesses the power of chromatin and epigenetic engineering to combat disease. 



The researchers developed new genome-editing technologies to target the non-coding regulatory regions of DNA that turn genes on or off. 



These epigenetic marks can mimic changes that might occur in response to the environment - assisting in tailoring disease interventions more accurately.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-generations-of-scientists">New generations of scientists</h2>



EFRI teams provide valuable experiences for aspiring scientists through NSF Research Experience and Mentoring programs. 



These programs offer paid research experiences and mentoring to promote diversity and inclusion within the field of gene and epigenetic engineering. 



Such collaborative efforts are fuelling scientific advancement and cultivating a new generation of scientists equipped to tackle complex challenges in genetic and epigenetic engineering.



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Gene regulation: Controlling cells to improve medical treatments

Gene regulation has become a key focus of scientific discovery...

In a recent breakthrough study involving more than 50 global climate researchers, we now have a clearer projection of how carbon emissions may influence the degeneration of Antarctica's ice sheet over the next three centuries. 



The study mentions the critical role of collaborative modeling in forecasting the complex future of our planet's icy extremity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctic-ice-in-an-uncertain-future">Antarctic ice in an uncertain future</h2>



Right now, predicting the fate of Antarctica's glaciers post-2100 is like trying to read the tea leaves. The existing ice-sheet models give us varied outcomes.



So, what did these researchers do? They analyzed data from 16 different ice-sheet models and crunched the numbers.



And they all agree - ice sheet loss from Antarctica will indeed intensify. But it's not all doom and gloom for now, as it will be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-past-present-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gradual throughout the 21st century</a>, even with the current carbon emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-total-collapse-of-the-antarctic-ice-sheet">Total collapse of the Antarctic ice sheet </h2>



The uniform pattern takes a nosedive past 2100. The models, under current emission levels, forecast a rapid retreat of ice in most of Antarctica's western basins. 



The aftermath? By 2200, melted glaciers might cause a rise in global sea levels by around 5.5 feet. Akin to watching an action thriller, some numerical experiments even predicted almost total collapse of the Antarctic ice sheet by 2300.



"The results show that the Antarctic contribution to sea-level rise remains limited until 2100 but increases rapidly afterward. The ice retreats in most basins of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, and some numerical experiments suggest a near-complete collapse of this region by 2300," wrote the researchers.



"The time when these glaciers start retreating varies depending on the choice of ice flow model, but the speed at which they retreat is consistent among the models once the retreat begins."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-long-term-projections">Need for long-term projections</h2>



Hélène Seroussi, lead author of the study and an associate professor at Dartmouth's Thayer School of Engineering, argues that the conversation needs to shift.



"When you talk to policymakers and stakeholders about sea-level rise, they mostly focus on what will happen up to 2100. There are very few studies beyond that," said Seroussi.



"Our study provides the longer-term projections that have been lacking. The results show that beyond 2100, the long-term impact for the regions most susceptible to sea-level rise become amplified."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-at-emissions-scenarios">Looking at emissions scenarios </h2>



The team also modeled how Antarctica's ice sheet would fare under both high and low emission scenarios through 2300. 



"While current carbon emissions have only a modest impact on model projections for this century, the difference between how high- and low-emission scenarios contribute to sea-level rise grows sharply after 2100," said co-author Mathieu Morlighem, a <a href="https://earthsciences.dartmouth.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth</a> professor of earth sciences.



What does this mean for us? "These results confirm that it is critical to cut carbon emissions now to protect future generations," said Professor Morlighem. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-of-the-collapse-remains-unknown">Timing of the collapse remains unknown</h2>



How and when the retreat of Antarctica's ice sheet and glaciers would start is up for debate depending on the ice-flow model used. However, once a rapid loss of ice commences, all models concur that there will be no turning back.



"All the models agree that once these large changes are initiated, nothing can stop them or slow them down. Several basins in West <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-new-tipping-point-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a> could experience a complete collapse before 2200," said Seroussi.



"The exact timing of such collapses remains unknown and depends on future greenhouse gas emissions, so we need to respond quickly enough to reduce emissions before the major basins in Antarctica are lost."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-the-antarctic-ice-sheet">Future of the Antarctic ice sheet</h2>



Despite the grim outlook, there's a silver lining. This study could pave the way for further collaborative models. These could hold the key to understanding and rectifying discrepancies in projections for regions with significant modeling uncertainties, including the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/speed-of-greenland-ice-melt-confirmed-to-be-rapidly-increasing-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland ice sheet</a>.



Despite the enormity of the task, Seroussi remains hopeful. "We're learning from the community of scientists what is going to happen."



"This collaboration means we have a better, more robust assessment of the uncertainty, and we can see where our models agree and where they disagree so that we know where to focus our future research."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024EF004561" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's Future</a>.



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When will the Antarctic ice sheet collapse?

In a recent breakthrough study involving more than 50 global...

Sometimes, the stars (or rather, the Harvest Moon) align to give us a night sky spectacle that's truly out of this world. This year, on September 17, we're in for a celestial treat that's sure to have everyone looking skyward in awe.



Not only will we witness a radiant full Harvest Moon illuminating the night, but we’ll also experience a partial lunar eclipse, which occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that partially obscures the Moon.



To top it all off, we’ll have a rare supermoon, a phenomenon that happens when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.



This extraordinary lunar event is celebrated globally with festivals, captivating stories shared around campfires, and, of course, a little bit of science to help us understand the wonder of these natural occurrences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harvest-moon-and-a-partial-lunar-eclipse">Harvest moon and a partial lunar Eclipse</h2>



<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/moon/eclipses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">An eclipse occurs</a> when the Moon moves through the Earth's shadow, effectively blocking the Sun’s light from reaching our planet.



The upcoming partial lunar eclipse is set to kick off at 8:41 PM EDT, providing an excellent opportunity for skywatchers to witness this natural phenomenon.



However, the real spectacle begins when the Moon dips into the Earth’s full shadow at 10:13 PM, transforming its appearance. 



During this phase, just 8% of the Moon will be obscured, resulting in a visually stunning event as the Moon takes on a deep orangish hue.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/longest-partial-lunar-eclipse-of-the-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The beautiful display</a> will continue until 12:47 AM on Wednesday, September 18, making it a perfect occasion for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts to gather and marvel at the beauty of our universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-this-harvest-moon-is-a-supermoon">This Harvest Moon is a supermoon</h2>



In addition to the exciting partial lunar eclipse, this full moon is also a supermoon. <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/moon/what-is-a-supermoon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The term "supermoon"</a> was first introduced in 1979 and specifically refers to a new or full Moon that occurs within 90% of its closest approach to Earth. 



While we can't observe a new Moon with the naked eye, it's the full supermoons that truly capture our attention and awe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-supermoon-blue-moon-will-outshine-and-outsize-all-other-moons-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with their impressive display</a>.



The September supermoon is particularly special as it marks the year's second supermoon, following the one in August. This supermoon ties with the upcoming October Moon for being the closest, largest, and brightest of the year. 



As the Moon rises in the sky, its larger-than-life presence will be impossible to miss, glowing with an intensity that will surely mesmerize stargazers and moon enthusiasts around the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harvest-is-one-of-many-names">"Harvest" is one of many names</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-harvest-moon-will-rise-this-week-along-with-three-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This full Moon</a> carries several names, each reflecting different cultural traditions and seasonal markers.



Traditionally known as the Harvest Moon, this Moon is the closest full one to the autumnal equinox. For centuries, it was a farmer's friend, lighting up the night so they could gather crops late into the evening. 



It rises just 10-20 minutes later each night, which means many nights of extended twilight -- perfect for farming.



The northeastern U.S.'s Algonquin people named this the Corn Moon, a sign it was time to harvest key crops. Europe also knew it as the Fruit or Barley Moon, marking the ripening of fruits or the barley harvest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traditional-harvest-moon-festivities">Traditional Harvest Moon festivities</h2>



This full Moon is much more than an astronomical event -- it’s a global cultural affair.



In Hindu culture, Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival honoring the god Ganesha, ends, and Pitru Paksha begins -- a period devoted to paying respect to ancestors. 



Buddhists in Bangladesh and Thailand celebrate it as Madhu Purnima, or the Honey Full Moon Festival.



In East Asia, it's the time for the Mid-Autumn Festival, with family reunions and mooncakes. Meanwhile, in Korea, it aligns with Chuseok, a significant harvest festival. Japan celebrates the Moon with the Moon-Viewing Festival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-look-up-admire-be-thankful">Look up, admire, be thankful</h2>



Regardless of where you are -- looking at the stars, participating in a festival, or just admiring the night sky -- think about the countless people worldwide doing the same. 



This full Moon illuminates our lives and reminds us, despite our differences, we all share the same sky.



So put on your favorite stargazing outfit, gather your loved ones, and take a moment to look up at the Moon. 



Delight in the brilliance of the supermoon, contemplate the orbital mechanics behind the partial lunar eclipse, and maybe even remember that we're all human beings living under the same brilliant sky.



Happy Moon-gazing!



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Full moon trifecta: Harvest moon, supermoon, and partial eclipse

Sometimes, the stars (or rather, the Harvest Moon) align to...

Super-Earths face significant challenges in forming near metal-poor stars, according to a new study.



This discovery challenges previous assumptions about planet formation and sheds new light on how the universe's earliest stars may have influenced the distribution of planets in our galaxy. 



By using metallicity - the abundance of elements heavier than helium - astronomers can trace the history of stars and planetary systems, offering fresh insights into the conditions needed for super-Earth formation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metallicity-and-planet-formation">Metallicity and planet formation</h2>



Metallicity, in astronomical terms, measures the presence of elements heavier than helium within a star. 



Stars rich in these elements, like our sun, are younger, while metal-poor stars date back to the early universe. 



Previous studies hinted at a gradual decline in planet formation as metallicity decreases, but this new research uncovers a sharp boundary where the formation of super-Earths becomes extremely unlikely.



Study lead author Kiersten Boley recently earned her PhD in astronomy at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State University</a>.



“When <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-discover-a-new-way-that-stars-die/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars cycle through life</a>, they enrich the surrounding space until you have enough metals or iron to form planets. But even for stars with lower metallicities, it was widely thought that the number of planets it could form would never reach zero,” explained Boley.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-occurrence-rates-of-super-earth-formation">Occurrence rates of super-Earth formation</h2>



To test existing predictions, Boley’s team developed a catalog of 10,000 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-stars-shakti-shiva-shaped-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metal-poor stars</a> using data from NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Based on known trends, they expected to find around 68 super-Earths.



Yet, contrary to expectations, the researchers detected none. “We essentially found a cliff where we expected to see a slow or a gradual slope that keeps going,” said Boley. “The expected occurrence rates do not match up at all.”



This "cliff" extends to nearly half the age of the universe, meaning super-Earth formation became viable only about seven billion years ago. 



“Seven billion years ago is probably the sweet spot where we begin to see a decent bit of super-Earth formation,” noted Boley.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metal-poor-stars-and-super-earths">Metal-poor stars and super-Earths</h2>



The implications of these findings are profound. Stars formed before this metallicity threshold would have lacked the materials needed for super-Earth formation, drastically limiting the number of such planets in our galaxy.



“In a similar stellar type as our sample, we now know not to expect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet formation</a> to be abundant once you pass a negative 0.5 metallicity region,” said Boley.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-in-the-search-for-life">Implications in the search for life</h2>



For those hunting for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extraterrestrial-life-moons-planets-detected-single-grain-ice-floating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extraterrestrial life</a>, this discovery refines where to focus the search. "You don’t want to search areas where life wouldn’t be conducive or in areas where you don’t even think you’re going to find a planet,” noted Boley.



The study’s insights into planet formation provide essential clues, ranging from whether a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-planet-discovered-with-an-ocean-not-far-from-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet can hold water</a> to its magnetic field - key conditions for life.



While the study raises important questions about planet formation, further research is needed. Fortunately, upcoming projects like NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and the European Space Agency’s PLATO mission will help expand the search for planets in habitable zones.



“Those instruments will be really vital in terms of figuring out how many planets are out there and getting as many follow-up observations as we can,” said Boley.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-super-earths">Understanding super-Earths</h2>



Super-Earths are exoplanets that are more massive than Earth but significantly smaller than ice giants like Uranus or Neptune. Despite their name, the planets are not necessarily similar to Earth in terms of conditions or habitability.&nbsp;



The term “super-Earths” primarily refers to their size, which ranges from about 1.5 to 10 times the mass of Earth.



These planets are of great interest to scientists because they are some of the most common types of exoplanets found in our galaxy, even though we don’t have any in our own solar system.&nbsp;



Some super-Earths may be rocky like Earth, with thin atmospheres, while others might have thick, gaseous atmospheres like Neptune. These planets could potentially host liquid water, making them prime targets in the search for life beyond our solar system.



The study was a collaboration between researchers from Ohio State, Caltech, the University of Arizona, McGill University, Penn State, and the University of Southern Queensland, with support from the National Science Foundation and NASA.



The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-3881/ad6570" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astronomical Journal</a>.



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Super-Earths need metal-rich stars to form properly

Super-Earths face significant challenges in forming near metal-poor stars, according...

Pile,Of,Freshly,Cut,Wood,Logs,And,Empty,Field,With

Forests are the Earth's lungs, forever sucking up carbon dioxide and throwing out fresh oxygen. But that's only half the story.



Here's the twist -- forests also exhale CO2. In short, they inhale carbon dioxide for growth, but they also exhale it back out, usually in smaller amounts. A bit of an unexpected plot twist.



Now, the University of Leicester's new study has a cheeky bit more to add to this story. 



Tree stems in tropical forests that are bouncing back from logging are found to produce carbon dioxide at a greater rate than those in untouched forests.



So, bouncing back from logging, and yet they're sending out more carbon dioxide?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-and-carbon-dioxide">Trees and carbon dioxide</h2>



When we talk about fewer surrounding trees to compete with, the tree stems in logged forests are seen to have a growth spurt and take in carbon dioxide at a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-farming-practices-boost-soil-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">faster rate</a> than stems in untouched forests. 



However, this rapid growth also comes with a side effect -- a faster release of carbon dioxide. So, chopped down, left with fewer competitors, and now, they're growing at a quick pace and just as quickly giving out carbon dioxide.



This research was led by Maria Mills, a PhD student from the University of Leicester's School of Geography, Geology and the Environment (<a href="https://le.ac.uk/gge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GGE</a>). 



Their conclusion calls for a spotlight to be thrown on logged landscapes that are currently understudied despite being more prominent than old-growth forests across the tropics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-of-a-forest-s-carbon-cycle">Heart of a forest's carbon cycle</h2>



What is 'carbon flux'? Think of it as the forest's way of balancing its books. It measures the net carbon balance. 



But this doesn't tell us much about where the fluctuations are coming from -- it's like knowing your bank balance without any information on the transactions.



If we don't know where the fluctuations are coming from, we also don't know why we're getting certain fluxes and what's driving those fluxes.



The researchers gathered data from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> in Malaysian Borneo as part of a long-term ecological monitoring program. 



By measuring the individual components of the forest carbon cycle and carbon fluxes, they were able to observe certain patterns and fluxes. 



Understanding these is crucial for predicting future climate change and land use change scenarios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-carbon-dioxide-in-forests">Studying carbon dioxide in forests</h2>



Did you know that most of a forest’s biomass is stored in the stems or woody trunk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-is-important-but-reforestation-can-help-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a>? Well, these scientists did, and they used this information to their advantage. 



The team studied stem respiration of a tree sample, and then extrapolated the values for all the trees in the one-hectare study plots.



Shockingly, tree-level results showed higher carbon release levels per unit of stem surface area in logged versus old-growth plots. 



Specifically, 37 grams of carbon per meter squared of woody stem every month in a logged plot versus only 26 grams in an old-growth plot.



Also, it is important to note that when scaled across the entire one-hectare plots, there was no difference between logged and old-growth results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncharted-territory-of-carbon-dynamics">Uncharted territory of carbon dynamics</h2>



This study was about considering individual trees versus the whole ecosystem, and what drives carbon emissions at both levels. 



"There are differences between individual trees, and between individual ecosystems, for example logged versus unlogged forests," Mills explained.



“We see higher respiration per square meter in logged plots because the trees in those plots are growing faster. Growth has a metabolic cost, so we get respiration following growth." 



The trees in logged plots grow faster because they have access to more light -- as there are more gaps in logged plots from when timber trees have been extracted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forests-logging-and-carbon-emissions">Forests, logging, and carbon emissions</h2>



There are other reasons for these differences which link back to the trees’ functional traits and soil nutrients, but ultimately it comes down to the priority for trees in logged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-fires-diminish-forests-carbon-storage-ability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> to invest in growth. 



In old-growth plots, alternatively, there is a lot more investment and priority for tree maintenance.



"Given how expansive logged forests are, they could be considered as the ‘new normal’ for contemporary tropical forests.  We need to put more research efforts into understanding what goes on in logged forests, both in terms of their carbon fluxes and their wider ecological functioning," Mills concluded.



To sum it all up, Mills and her team uncovered very important information on how climate change is impacted by forest carbon dynamics. 



Let's remember, understanding how forests drive environmental conditions is not just about satisfying our curiosity, it's also crucial in our fight against climate change. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.20043" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.



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Trees in forests recovering from logging release much more carbon dioxide

Forests are the Earth's lungs, forever sucking up carbon dioxide...

Wounds that resist healing have long posed a significant challenge in medical care, but a recent discovery offers a solution that combines luxury with cutting-edge science.



Researchers have tapped into the remarkable healing properties of gold nanoparticles mixed with antioxidant-rich red wine.



This unexpected fusion of precious metal and natural compounds paves the way for a revolutionary approach to treating chronic wounds and other medical conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traditional-medicine-and-new-technology">Traditional medicine and new technology </h2>



In the heart of South Africa, the <a href="https://www.uwc.ac.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Western Cape</a> hosts a team of researchers driven to make significant strides in medical science.



The team's dedication to exploring novel solutions for persistent health challenges has led them to a fascinating discovery that blends traditional medicine with cutting-edge technology.



Their latest research was focused on a concoction combining gold nanoparticles with the potent antioxidants found in red wine. The innovative formula has shown tremendous potential, as lab tests revealed that it significantly accelerated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-protein-in-milk-could-revolutionize-wound-healing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wound healing</a>.



Remarkably, in just 72 hours, wounds treated with this unique mixture of gold and red wine healed almost entirely - a promising and exciting outcome that could pave the way for future advancements in chronic wound care.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dangers-of-chronic-wounds">The dangers of chronic wounds</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blueberries-could-be-key-to-treating-non-healing-wounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chronic wounds</a>, defined as those that fail to heal within three months, represent a widespread and persistent health challenge, affecting approximately 3.8 million patients each year. 



Chronic wounds often stall in the inflammatory phase, a stage where the body’s natural healing processes become hindered. This prevents progression to the crucial remodeling phase where new tissue begins to grow and repair the damaged area.



For individuals with underlying conditions like diabetes, this issue becomes even more serious. Poor blood circulation, a common complication of diabetes, exacerbates the healing process, leaving these wounds vulnerable to infections. 



In severe cases, the inability to heal can lead to devastating outcomes, including the risk of limb amputation. Identifying solutions for chronic wound care is a medical priority.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-wound-healing-power-of-gold">The wound healing power of gold</h2>



The research team hypothesized that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-secret-role-of-seawater-in-gold-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gold</a> could act as the ideal catalyst to jump-start the healing process for chronic wounds. 



Gold’s renowned <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-with-milk-has-powerful-anti-inflammatory-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anti-inflammatory properties</a>, combined with its natural compatibility with human tissues, have made it a valuable element in medical treatments for centuries. 



Its unique ability to reduce inflammation without causing adverse reactions allows gold to interact harmoniously with the body, promoting faster recovery.



Historically, gold has played a significant role in medicine, with gold particles being used as early as the 20th century to treat chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis in the UK. 



Building on this legacy, the research team explored how gold could unlock similar benefits in the realm of wound care, providing a modern twist to an age-old remedy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-antioxidants-of-red-wine">Powerful antioxidants of red wine</h2>



Red grapes, the foundation of many popular wines, are rich in powerful antioxidants like resveratrol. These naturally occurring compounds play a crucial role in protecting the body from oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful free radicals.



Free radicals can damage cells and impede the healing process, but the antioxidants in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/red-wine-grapes-have-unexpected-gut-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">red wine</a> help to counteract these effects.



By combating these damaging molecules, resveratrol and other antioxidants support the body’s ability to repair itself. 



The antioxidants ensure that tissues receive a sufficient oxygen supply, which is essential for regeneration and recovery, ultimately boosting the healing process and enhancing the body's natural defenses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combining-gold-and-red-wine">Combining gold and red wine</h2>



The team tested their hypothesis by drying red wine to obtain extracts, which were then mixed with chloroauric acid, a gold-containing chemical. 



The blend was applied to a lab dish containing human skin cells, with a scratch in the middle to simulate a wound.



Cells treated with this golden mixture saw an 80% wound closure within 72 hours, compared to 50% with wine alone. 



The combination of cabernet sauvignon and gold proved even more effective, healing wounds almost entirely in the same time frame.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-wound-care">The future of wound care</h2>



Renowned vascular surgeon Stella Vig of <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/services/hospital/croydon-university-hospital/RJ611" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Croydon University Hospital</a> praised the novel use of red wine and the innovative production of gold nanoparticles. Both silver and gold nanoparticles could play a critical role in reducing wound infections.



Dr. Ahmed Osman from <a href="https://www.qub.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen’s University, Belfast</a> added that gold particles encourage cell growth and enhance the natural healing process of the skin.



This revolutionary approach to wound healing, combining gold and red wine, holds remarkable promise for the future of wound care. 



While further research is needed, the implications are significant, opening new avenues for advanced medical treatments.



-----



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Healing chronic wounds with gold and red wine

Wounds that resist healing have long posed a significant challenge...

We all know we should reduce, reuse, and recycle - but how successful have we been, particularly in the realm of food waste? Surprisingly, not as successful as one might think after a food waste ban.



But, don't let this discourage you. On the contrary, it’s an opportunity to improve and adapt our strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-success-in-food-waste-management">Success in food waste management</h2>



You might feel shell-shocked to learn that out of the first five US states to implement food waste bans, only the Bay State - Massachusetts - succeeded in diverting waste from landfills and incinerators.



This finding comes from a recent study at the University of California Rady School of Management.



The study implies a need to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/better-refrigeration-could-significantly-reduce-global-food-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">re-evaluate current strategies</a>. It's not all disappointment, though. We can look at Massachusetts’ approach as a benchmark for effective policy implementation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-so-effective-food-waste-bans">Not-so-effective food waste bans</h2>



Between 2014 and 2024, nine US states made it illegal for commercial waste generators such as grocery chains to dump their food waste in landfills. They targeted a 10-15% <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transforming-food-waste-compost-into-biodegradable-bioplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waste reduction</a>.



Robert Evan Sanders is an assistant professor of marketing at the Rady School of Management and co-author of the study.



“We can say with high confidence that the combination of waste bans did not reduce landfilled waste by more than 3%, and that is&nbsp;including&nbsp;Massachusetts, which successfully reduced landfilled waste by 7% - gradually achieving a 13.2% reduction,” said Sanders. 



“Essentially, the data suggest that in four out of the five states we studied, these laws did nothing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-fusion-turning-food-waste-into-culinary-delights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reduce waste</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-food-waste">Global food waste</h2>



Our global food waste is contributing to about 8 to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. It's a problem we can’t afford to ignore. 



"We certainly don’t think states should abandon these laws, but more action needs to be taken to make them effective,” noted co-author Fiorentia Anglou, who conducted the research while earning her PhD at the University of Texas (UT) at Austin's <a href="https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McCombs School of Business</a>.



The researchers pinpointed three distinctive features in the Massachusetts food waste ban that likely contributed to its effectiveness. 



These features include a robust composting infrastructure, easily understandable legal language, and rigorous enforcement measures. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amount-of-waste-going-to-landfills">Amount of waste going to landfills</h2>



The researchers adopted a variant of the synthetic control method. In simpler terms, they compared each state that adopted the ban to similar states that hadn’t implemented a waste ban. 



The goal was to predict how much waste these states would have sent to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/landfills-emit-exorbitant-amount-methane-into-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landfills</a> without these bans in place.



“With most of these laws, about 70% of commercial organic waste would have been illegal to send to landfills," said co-author Ioannis Stamatopoulos, a professor at the McCombs School of Business.



“If you take all that organic waste out of landfills, it should reduce the amount of waste that's going into landfills by 10% in some cases, and that should have been something we were able to see in the data but did not."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-collection-on-food-waste">Data collection on food waste </h2>



The research encompassed data from 36 states, covering the waste produced by 274 million Americans - or a whopping 85% of the U.S. population.



While some states offered the data on their websites, most of it had to be amassed manually from public records requests and contacting state agencies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-forward-with-effective-policies">Moving forward with effective policies</h2>



“Our findings indicate that simply implementing a food waste ban is not enough to achieve significant reductions in landfill waste,” noted the researchers.



"Massachusetts has shown that with the right combination of comprehensive coverage and effective enforcement, these bans can work. It's crucial for other states to learn from this model and adapt their policies accordingly to meet environmental targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”



Isn't it time other states learned from this model? Let's refine our policies accordingly to achieve environmental targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The good news is that some states are already making progress.



California, for instance, enacted SB 1383 in 2022 mandating all jurisdictions to offer organic waste collection services for residents and businesses.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn4216" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Food waste bans are ineffective in reducing landfill waste

We all know we should reduce, reuse, and recycle -...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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.

Many Offers