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...

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features a Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission view of Tutuila, a tropical island in the American Samoa archipelago.



American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of five main islands and two atolls. The largest and most populous island is Tutuila, where Pago Pago, the capital city, is situated.



The eastern part of the chain of islands forms the American Samoa, while the western part forms the independent state of Samoa.



Tutuila Island is known for its rugged terrain, lush landscapes, and deep harbors. It's the economic and political center of American Samoa, with the majority of the population residing here. The island's geography features volcanic peaks, with Mount Alava and Matafao Peak being the highest points, offering stunning views and rich biodiversity.



American Samoa as a whole has a unique blend of American and Samoan culture. The territory maintains traditional Samoan customs, making it a fascinating place for cultural studies. The economy primarily revolves around fishing and the services sector, with canned tuna being a significant export.



The National Park of American Samoa, partly located on Tutuila, helps preserve the tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and Samoan culture. This park is unique because it's one of the only national parks in the United States that's leased rather than owned by the government, reflecting the strong communal land traditions of Samoa.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Tutuila in the American Samoa archipelago 

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the summit crater of Mount Erebus peeking through the clouds. Erebus is the southernmost active volcano on Earth and the second-highest volcano in Antarctica.



Mount Erebus is situated on Ross Island in the Ross Sea. It was discovered in 1841 by the British explorer Sir James Clark Ross, who named it after his ship, the Erebus.



It stands at an elevation of about 3,794 meters (12,448 feet). It's a stratovolcano, characterized by a conical shape and layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash.



Mount Erebus is known for its persistent lava lake, which is visible in the image. "The lake has been active since at least 1972 and is one of only a few long-lived lava lakes on Earth. It constantly churns and occasionally spews bombs of molten rock in Strombolian eruptions," said NASA.



"Geologists want to learn why an active lava lake has persisted here for so long. Recent research suggests one reason could be the magma’s low water content, which makes it less volatile as it approaches the surface."



Due to its unique features, Mount Erebus is an important site for scientific research. Researchers study its geology, unique gas emissions, and microbial life in its extreme environment.



However, the harsh Antarctic climate and its remote location make it a challenging environment for research. Additionally, its volcanic activity poses risks.



The image was captured on November 25,2023 by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Mount Erebus breaks through the clouds

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

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency </a>&nbsp;features Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, and its surroundings. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission on February 21, 2023.



"Situated some 50 km south of the North Korean border, the metropolitan area of Seoul appears as the grey area in the center of the image," says ESA.



"The Han River runs through the city, and to the right of the image it can be seen partly covered by ice. It is one of the biggest rivers in the Korean peninsula. It flows westward through Seoul into the Yellow Sea, named so because of the yellowish sand that colours its water."



"Seoul is surrounded by forested mountains, which appear brown in this wintery image. Bukhansan National Park lies just north of the city. The park is like an island, acting as a big green lung for the surrounding urban environment."



The population of Seoul is over 9 million people, and the metropolitan area, which includes neighboring cities like Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, is one of the most populous in the world.



Seoul is a city where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge technology. It is known for its vibrant cultural scene, extensive history, and rapid economic development. The city's skyline is a blend of modern skyscrapers and traditional palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, showcasing its rich heritage.



Seoul is a hub for education, with several top-ranked universities and research institutes. The city also thrives in technology and innovation - home to global companies like Samsung and LG. Street markets like Myeongdong and Insadong offer a taste of local life and traditional crafts, while districts like Gangnam are famous for their upscale shopping and entertainment.



Seoul's green spaces, like Namsan Park and the Han River Park, provide a refuge from the urban hustle. The city's blend of history, culture, technology, and nature makes it a unique and dynamic metropolis, attracting millions of visitors each year.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Seoul, South Korea 

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features a Copernicus Sentinel-2 photograph of the city of Bentiu in South Sudan.



"The country has always experienced a degree of seasonal flooding, which normally recedes in the dry season. However, four consecutive years of incessant flooding have submerged villages, farmlands and roads. In 2023, flood waters reached almost 2 meters in some places," said ESA.



"This false-color image, captured in January 2023, clearly shows the extent of the flooded areas around Bentiu. Information from the mission’s near-infrared channel was used to process this image so water bodies appear in dark blue or black. Sediment in the waters is bright blue, while the vibrant shades of red, mainly bordering rivers, denote vegetation."



According to ESA, the yellowish area in the center of the image is the city of Bentiu - standing out like an island surrounded by floods.&nbsp;



"From Bentiu, the Bahr el-Ghazal River meanders through the inundated floodplain in a northeasterly direction. It can be traced in black in the right of the image flowing through Lake No into the White Nile," said ESA.



"Fed by the White Nile, the large, swampy area running from the centre of the image to the bottom right is the Sudd. It is a network of channels, lakes and swamps and one of Africa’s largest floodplains, providing watering and feeding grounds for many endemic mammals and birds, as well as for large populations of migratory species."



Bentiu is known for its significance in the oil industry. It's the capital of Unity State, an area rich in oil fields, making it a crucial economic hub for South Sudan. However, this wealth in natural resources has also made Bentiu a focal point of conflict, particularly during the South Sudanese Civil War.



The city's history has been shaped by its strategic importance in the region. It has seen significant development in the oil sector, but this has been marred by political and ethnic conflicts. These conflicts have often resulted in severe humanitarian crises, affecting the local population with issues like displacement and shortages of basic necessities.



Despite its challenges, Bentiu is a key player in South Sudan's economy and its future development. The city's role in the oil industry cannot be overstated, and efforts are ongoing to stabilize the region and improve living conditions for its residents.



The city's demographics are diverse, reflecting the ethnic variety of South Sudan, but this diversity has also been a source of tension at times. Efforts towards peace and reconciliation in Bentiu and the wider Unity State are crucial for the long-term stability and prosperity of South Sudan.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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The city of Bentiu in South Sudan

Rustic,Style,Birds,Feeder

Ashley Dayer, an associate professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at <a href="https://fishwild.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a>, is challenging the traditional view of bird feeding as an activity solely beneficial for birds. 



In a recent study, Dayer emphasizes the significance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> feeding not only for avian populations but also for human wellbeing. This perspective invites a broader discussion on integrating bird feeding into public policy and guidance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-aspect-of-bird-feeding">Human aspect of bird feeding</h2>



Dayer's approach brings a novel dimension to wildlife management by considering the human aspect alongside avian wellbeing. 



"Wildlife agencies and others making decisions on managing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/body-sizes-and-shapes-of-birds-are-shrinking-as-the-earth-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> feeding need to be considering not only what the science is behind what’s going on with birds, but also the science behind what’s going on with people,” explains Dayer. 



This perspective seeks to balance ecological concerns with the psychological and emotional impacts on people who engage in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-traits-help-birds-thrive-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> feeding.



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



The importance of understanding human interactions with wildlife is further highlighted by Dayer's and her team's ongoing research. This unique study, perhaps the first of its kind, is not only observing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rebellious-birds-use-anti-bird-spikes-to-build-their-nests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> but also the emotional responses of the people involved. 



“People are not only reporting what they see at their bird feeders, but also their emotional responses to it,” Dayer said. “It’s pretty fun because most citizen science projects focus just on the natural or physical science, but we’re now able to look at the human piece of it.”



This approach, funded by a substantial grant from the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, delves into the psychological aspects of bird feeding, a factor often overlooked in traditional wildlife studies.



Dayer's interest in this topic was sparked by the response of various state agencies to avian disease outbreaks, often advising the public to stop feeding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-can-switch-their-perception-of-earths-magnetic-field-on-and-off/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> without concrete evidence of its effectiveness in disease control. This observation led to the realization that current policies lack a comprehensive understanding of the human impact of such recommendations. 



The ongoing research by Dayer and her team seeks to fill this gap, aiming to inform future guidelines that consider both avian health and human wellbeing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaboration-with-project-feederwatch">Collaboration with Project FeederWatch</h2>



To further their research, the team is collaborating with <a href="https://feederwatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Project FeederWatch</a>, a program by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada. 



This partnership leverages FeederWatch's extensive network and long-standing practice of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unique-molting-patterns-may-have-saved-birds-during-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> observation, enriching the study with valuable data on bird counts and human interactions over the years.



Dayer's personal connection to birds, stemming from her family's practice, adds a heartfelt dimension to her scientific pursuit. Her mother always had bird feeders outside their family’s home, and the birds became almost like children for her.



“She’ll go on vacation and cut the vacation short because she needs to go home and feed her birds,” Dayer said. “So I’ve lived with someone who was really into bird feeding and have seen how important it can be to them.”



She reflects on how bird feeding can be a meaningful and accessible way for people from various backgrounds and abilities to connect with nature. “People in urban areas can feed birds. People with just a deck can feed birds. People with a wide range of physical abilities can feed birds. So it’s just a great way to keep that human connection to wildlife,” Dayer said.



This personal insight strengthens her advocacy for policies that recognize bird feeding as a valuable bridge between humans and wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-policies-for-both-sides-of-bird-feeding">Policies for both sides of bird feeding</h2>



Both Dayer and her colleague Dana Hawley, a professor of biological sciences, envision their work as a stepping stone towards developing guidelines that benefit both wild birds and the people who feed them. 



“In all my years of studying how bird feeding impacts wild birds, I didn’t give much thought to how it can also impact the people that spend their time and money feeding and watching birds,” Hawley said. “I get calls every year from people who see a sick bird at their feeder and want to know how they can help prevent disease spread. All in all, this made me wonder about how policy decisions that aim to minimize disease spread can inadvertently impact the people who feed the birds.”



Their goal is to establish policies that ensure the health of bird populations while fostering a healthy relationship between humans and their feathered neighbors, especially in urban and suburban settings.



In summary, through this research and advocacy, Virginia Tech's team is reshaping the narrative around bird feeding, highlighting its role as a mutually beneficial activity that deserves recognition and support in wildlife management and policy-making.



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



Climate change is significantly impacting bird populations worldwide. Rising temperatures are shifting habitats, compelling many species to migrate earlier or move to higher altitudes. For instance, in North America, birds traditionally seen in southern regions are now appearing further north. This shift disrupts ecosystems, as native birds compete with newcomers for food and nesting sites.



Moreover, altered weather patterns, like increased frequency and intensity of storms, are directly threatening birds. Severe weather events can destroy habitats, reduce food availability, and hinder breeding success. Coastal birds are particularly vulnerable, as rising sea levels and storm surges erode nesting sites.



Changes in seasonal cycles are also affecting birds. Earlier springs and later autumns disrupt the timing of food availability, particularly insects, which many bird species rely on for feeding their young. This mismatch between breeding times and food peak can lead to lower survival rates for fledglings.



Finally, climate change exacerbates other threats to birds, such as habitat loss and pollution. As natural habitats are altered or destroyed by climate-related factors, birds lose their homes and food sources. Pollution, intensified by climate change effects like warmer waters, further contaminates their habitats.



Overall, climate change poses a multi-faceted threat to bird populations, challenging their survival in rapidly changing environments. At the current rate, they're going to need a lot more help from bird feeders very soon just to survive.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pan3.10566">People and Nature</a>.



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Bird feeding benefits people as much as birds

Ashley Dayer, an associate professor in the Department of Fish...

In an alarming development, the <a href="https://www.globalcarbonproject.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Carbon Project</a> science team has reported that global carbon emissions from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/">fossil fuels</a> have surged to record levels in 2023.&nbsp;



The annual Global Carbon Budget, a comprehensive study involving over 120 scientists from around the world, has projected fossil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to be 36.8 billion tons this year, marking a 1.1 percent increase from 2022.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insufficient-reductions-nbsp">Insufficient reductions&nbsp;</h2>



This rise in carbon emissions comes despite a decline in some regions like Europe and the United States. However, these reductions are not sufficient to offset the overall global increase.&nbsp;



The scientists warn that the pace of global action to cut fossil fuels is lagging far behind what is necessary to prevent catastrophic climate change.



The report also highlights a slight decrease in emissions from land-use changes, such as deforestation. Still yet, these reductions are not enough to be counterbalanced by current levels of reforestation and afforestation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-fuel-emissions-in-10-year-plateau">Fossil fuel emissions in 10-year "plateau"</h2>



Consequently, the total global CO2 emissions, including both fossil fuels and land-use changes, are projected to reach 40.9 billion tons in 2023.&nbsp;



This is about the same as 2022 levels, and part of a 10-year “plateau” - far from the steep reduction in emissions that is urgently needed to meet global climate targets, noted the experts.&nbsp;



The study was conducted by institutions including the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, the University of East Anglia (UEA), CICERO Center for International Climate Research, and Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slow-pace-of-action">Slow pace of action</h2>



Study lead author Professor Pierre Friedlingstein from Exeter’s Global Systems Institute expressed dismay at the slow pace of action against fossil fuel emissions.&nbsp;



“The impacts of climate change are evident all around us, but action to reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuels remains painfully slow,” said Professor Friedlingstein.



“It now looks inevitable we will overshoot the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement, and leaders meeting at COP28 will have to agree rapid cuts in fossil fuel emissions even to keep the 2°C target alive.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-5-c-global-warming-threshold">1.5°C global warming threshold</h2>



The researchers also investigated the time remaining before the world consistently exceeds the 1.5°C global warming threshold. With the current emission levels, there's a 50% chance that this limit will be consistently breached in about seven years.&nbsp;



This forecast, however, comes with significant uncertainties, particularly due to the unknown additional warming from non-CO2 agents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasingly-serious-impacts">Increasingly serious impacts</h2>



Professor Corinne Le Quéré from UEA’s School of Environmental Sciences emphasized that the latest CO2 data clearly shows that current efforts are insufficient.&nbsp;



“The latest CO2 data shows that current efforts are not profound or widespread enough to put global emissions on a downward trajectory towards Net Zero, but some trends in emissions are beginning to budge, showing climate policies can be effective," said Professor Le Quéré.



“Global emissions at today’s level are rapidly increasing the CO2 concentration in our atmosphere, causing additional climate change and increasingly serious and growing impacts.”&nbsp;



“All countries need to decarbonize their economies faster than they are at present to avoid the worse impacts of climate change."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-key-findings-on-fossil-fuel-carbon-emissions">Other key findings on fossil fuel carbon emissions</h2>



<ul>
<li>Regional trends vary dramatically. Emissions in 2023 are projected to increase in India (8.2%) and China (4.0%), and decline in the EU (-7.4%), the USA (-3.0%) and the rest of the world (-0.4%).</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Global emissions from coal (1.1%), oil (1.5%) and gas (0.5%) are all projected to increase.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Atmospheric CO2 levels are projected to average 419.3 parts per million in 2023, 51% above pre-industrial levels.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>About half of all CO2 emitted continues to be absorbed by land and ocean “sinks”, with the rest remaining in the atmosphere where it causes climate change.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Global CO2 emissions from fires in 2023 have been larger than the average (based on satellite records since 2003) due to an extreme wildfire season in Canada, where emissions were six to eight times higher than average.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Current levels of technology-based Carbon Dioxide Removal (ie excluding nature-based means such as reforestation) amount to about 0.01 million tonnes CO₂, more than a million times smaller than current fossil CO2 emissions.</li>
</ul>



The Global Carbon Budget report, now in its 18th annual edition, is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-5301-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth System Science Data</a>.



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Fossil fuel carbon emissions hit a record high in 2023

In an alarming development, the Global Carbon Project science team...

Psilocybe,Semilanceata,Mushrooms,Growing,On,A,Trunk,In,The,Forest.

In a remarkable advancement in the field of mycology, scientists have conducted an extensive study on the genome data of various "magic mushroom" isolates and cultivars. 



This research aims to understand the effects of domestication and cultivation on these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-learn-why-psilocybin-mushrooms-make-you-hallucinate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychedelic fungi</a>. The findings could pave the way for the development of novel cultivars with unique properties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magic-mushrooms-lack-genetic-diversity">Magic mushrooms lack genetic diversity</h2>



The study primarily focuses on the mushroom <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-microdosing-may-improve-mental-health-by-boosting-stress-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psilocybe cubensis</a>, a species renowned for its psychoactive properties. Researchers have discovered that commercial cultivars of this mushroom exhibit a significant lack of genetic diversity. 



Their domestication for human consumption is the cause of this finding. In stark contrast, a naturalized population of these mushrooms in Australia demonstrates far greater genetic diversity. This diversity includes unique gene variants responsible for the production of psilocybin, the active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelics-could-help-us-reinvent-ourselves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychedelic compound</a> in these mushrooms.



Alistair McTaggart, a researcher from <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Queensland</a>, Australia, expressed surprise at the extreme homozygosity observed in some cultivars. According to McTaggart, this lack of diversity could be the result of targeted inbreeding.



“Some of these cultivars have been nearly stripped of any diversity except at their genes controlling sexual reproduction,” McTaggart says. “Whether this happened intentionally, by targeted inbreeding to fix traits over the last half century, or unintentionally through a lack of diversity to cross against is hard to know.” he says.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-driven-research">Community-driven research</h2>



An intriguing aspect of this research is its grassroots origin. The study was propelled by an underground community passionate about magic mushrooms, many of whom are co-authors. 



Without formal financial support, these enthusiasts collected samples and contributed to the DNA sequencing of over 100 varieties, highlighting a unique community-driven approach to scientific research.



The team sequenced genomes from 38 Australian isolates and compared them to 86 commercially available cultivars. This comparison aimed to assess the impact of domestication on commercially available mushrooms and to understand the introduction and naturalization of mushrooms in Australia. 



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australia-is-the-first-country-to-legalize-psychedelics-for-mental-health-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian samples</a> showed a rebound in population size sufficient to maintain genetic diversity, unlike their commercially cultivated counterparts.



The study's findings suggest that the unique gene variants in Australian mushrooms could lead to differences in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-did-mushrooms-evolve-psychedelic-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin synthesis</a>. McTaggart's start-up, <a href="https://www.funkyfungus.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Funky Fungus</a>, is already leveraging these insights to develop "designer shrooms." These cultivars could offer a variety in the production of psychedelic tryptamines, thanks to the heterozygosity of psilocybin alleles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magic-mushrooms-and-mental-health">Magic mushrooms and mental health</h2>



McTaggart underscores the potential significance of these developments for the use of psilocybin as a natural compound in treating mental health disorders. He points out that magic mushrooms could be a cost-effective source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hallucinogen-use-is-on-the-rise-among-young-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> for natural drug development. 



“The trailblazers who domesticated magic mushrooms have set the stage for how we can advance cultivation and innovate with shrooms as we improve our understanding of psilocybin and its benefits," McTaggart points out.



The study also opens doors to understanding the production of other compounds in magic mushrooms that may influence the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-may-protect-against-opioid-use-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> experience.



In summary, this revealing study sheds light on the genetic complexities of Psilocybe cubensis, and also marks a significant step in the development of novel psychedelic substances. The collaborative nature exhibited here, bridging scientific inquiry and community involvement, sets a precedent for future studies in this field. 



As the research unfolds, it promises exciting developments in the realm of natural psychedelics and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-can-treat-depression-by-restructuring-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health treatment</a>.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)01460-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Genetic diversity of ‘magic mushrooms’ leaves room for new cultivars

In a remarkable advancement in the field of mycology, scientists...

Smoke,From,The,Cameron,Peak,Fire,In,Northern,Colorado,Rolling

The devastating wildfires in the United States and Canada have left a significant impact on air quality and public health. Recent studies highlight the alarming effects of these fires, particularly in the context of efforts to combat air pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toll-of-wildfires-on-air-and-health">Toll of wildfires on air and health</h2>



A comprehensive study spanning two decades (2000-2020) has revealed a concerning increase in air pollution in the western U.S., primarily due to the growing intensity and frequency of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>. This trend has resulted in an estimated 670 additional premature deaths annually in the region. 



The researchers emphasize that these wildfires have negated the progress made through federal air quality improvement initiatives, largely driven by reductions in automobile emissions. <a href="https://engineering.uiowa.edu/people/jun-wang" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jun Wang</a>, the lead corresponding author and a professor at the <a href="https://uiowa.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Iowa</a>, expressed deep concern about the situation. 



"Our air is supposed to be getting cleaner, mainly due to EPA regulations on emissions. However, the fires have limited or erased these air-quality gains," he stated. 



Wang further noted the detrimental impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> in fire-prone areas and their surroundings, which effectively undermines two decades of EPA efforts to improve air quality. He expounded, “In other words, all the efforts for the past 20 years by the EPA to make our air cleaner basically have been lost in fire-prone areas and downwind regions. We are losing ground.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-wildfires-and-air-quality">Studying wildfires and air quality</h2>



The research team meticulously calculated the concentration of black carbon, a harmful air pollutant linked to respiratory and heart diseases. They used a detailed grid system covering the continental U.S. to map these concentrations. 



Findings show a 55% increase in black carbon in the western U.S., predominantly due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-intensity-fires-reduce-the-risk-of-catastrophic-wildfires-by-60-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>. The highest rates of premature mortality were observed in this region, exacerbated by smoke from both local and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-of-2023-were-a-global-environmental-setback/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadian wildfires</a>. The researchers caution that the figure of 670 additional deaths per year is conservative, given the incomplete understanding of black carbon's health impacts.



“Wildfires have become increasingly intensive and frequent in the western U.S., resulting in a significant increase in smoke-related emissions in populated areas,” Wang and his team write. “This has likely contributed to a decline in air quality and an increase in attributable mortality.”



The study also sheds light on the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-farming-and-wildfires-is-more-likely-to-cause-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> on the Midwest, where transported smoke has minimally impacted health so far. However, Wang warns of potential worsening air quality if wildfire incidents increase. Interestingly, the eastern U.S. did not experience significant air quality declines during the study period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-from-multiple-sources">Data from multiple sources</h2>



The team used a combination of satellite data and information from 500 ground-based air quality monitoring stations. Recognizing the limitations of surface station data, especially in rural areas, they employed deep learning techniques to estimate black carbon concentrations with higher accuracy. 



The calculation of premature deaths involved a formula considering life span, black carbon exposure, and population density. "This is the first time black carbon concentrations have been examined everywhere, and at such a high resolution," Wang noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-study-and-implications">Future study and implications</h2>



<a href="https://weijing-rs.github.io/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jing Wei</a>, the study's lead author, played a pivotal role in collecting and analyzing satellite data on fine particulates and their health impacts. Now at the University of Maryland’s <a href="https://essic.umd.edu/joom2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center</a>, Wei highlights the counteractive effect of increasing wildfires against the reduction in anthropogenic emissions, exacerbating air pollution and heightening health risks.



“The increasing number and intensity of wildfires in the U.S. counteract or even overshadow the reduction in anthropogenic emissions, exacerbating air pollution and heightening the risks of both morbidity and mortality,” says Wei.



In summary, the study serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing battle against air pollution, where natural disasters like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-particles-erode-the-ozone-layer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> pose significant challenges. It calls for a renewed focus on mitigating these environmental threats to safeguard public health and maintain air quality improvements.



The full study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(23)00235-8/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Planetary Health</a>.



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Twenty years of air quality improvement erased by wildfires

The devastating wildfires in the United States and Canada have...

In an amazing development, researchers from <a href="https://www.tufts.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tufts University</a> and Harvard University’s <a href="https://wyss.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wyss Institute</a> have engineered a new class of tiny biological robots, termed "Anthrobots". These robots, originating from human tracheal cells, are capable of traversing surfaces and significantly promoting neuronal growth in damaged areas within a laboratory setting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-genesis-of-anthrobots">The genesis of Anthrobots</h2>



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



This innovation serves as the cornerstone for future applications, envisioning the use of patient-derived biobots as innovative tools for disease treatment, regeneration, and healing.



The concept of Anthrobots builds on earlier research by Michael Levin from Tufts University and Josh Bongard from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>. Their previous work involved creating "<a href="https://now.tufts.edu/2020/01/16/living-machines-are-created-lab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xenobots</a>" from frog embryo cells. These Xenobots displayed abilities such as navigation, material collection, information recording, self-healing, and limited replication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anthrobot-functionality">Anthrobot functionality</h2>



The current study by Levin and PhD student Gizem Gumuskaya reveals the successful creation of bots from adult human cells, sans any genetic modification. These bots have shown capabilities surpassing those of the Xenobots, addressing critical questions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-proteins-can-record-cellular-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cellular assembly</a> and cooperation in the body, and the potential for cells to be reassembled into different structures for varied functions.



Gumuskaya, with her unique background in architecture, likens the reprogramming of cell interactions to the arrangement of stones and bricks into various architectural structures. She emphasizes the potential of cells to form new multicellular shapes and undertake different tasks.



“We wanted to probe what cells can do besides create default features in the body,” said Gumuskaya, who earned a degree in architecture before coming into biology. “By reprogramming interactions between cells, new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-materials-could-revolutionize-medical-microrobots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellular structures</a> can be created, analogous to the way stone and brick can be arranged into different structural elements like walls, archways or columns.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-xenobot-to-superbot">From "Xenobot" to "superbot"</h2>



Researchers observed that these cells could not only form new shapes but also move across surfaces and stimulate growth in neuron layers damaged by laboratory procedures. The effectiveness of Anthrobots in encouraging neuronal growth, particularly under the clustered assembly known as “superbot”, is a significant finding, though the exact mechanisms are still being explored.



“The cellular assemblies we construct in the lab can have capabilities that go beyond what they do in the body,” said Levin, who also serves as the director of the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts and is an associate faculty member of the Wyss Institute. 



“It is fascinating and completely unexpected that normal patient tracheal cells, without modifying their DNA, can move on their own and encourage neuron growth across a region of damage,” Levin continued. “We’re now looking at how the healing mechanism works, and asking what else these constructs can do.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-anthrobots-are-made">How Anthrobots are made</h2>



Utilizing human cells allows for the creation of patient-specific bots, minimizing immune response risks and the need for immunosuppressants. These Anthrobots are biodegradable and safe, with a limited lifespan and strictly laboratory-bound existence, eliminating concerns of external exposure or uncontrolled proliferation.



Each Anthrobot starts as a single cell from an adult donor's trachea, equipped with cilia that facilitate movement. The researchers developed conditions to maximize this motility, observing various shapes and movement types, marking a significant feature of this biorobotics platform.



Levin envisions adding features to Anthrobots for responsive and functional roles in the body or for engineered tissue construction in laboratories. The team, including Simon Garnier from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, has categorized these Anthrobots based on shape and movement, highlighting their significance in bridging the gap between nanotechnology and larger engineered devices.



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



In testing their therapeutic potential, the researchers developed a model involving scratched human neuron layers. The Anthrobots, especially in their "superbot" form, showed remarkable capability in encouraging neural growth and healing wounds. 



Contrary to expectations that genetic modifications would be necessary for Anthrobot cells to promote neural growth, unmodified Anthrobots surprisingly triggered significant regrowth. They formed a neuronal bridge as dense as the surrounding healthy cells. In areas without Anthrobots, neurons failed to grow. In the lab's simplified 2D environment, Anthrobot assemblies efficiently healed live neural tissue.



The researchers suggest that further development of these bots could expand their applications. These include clearing arterial plaque in atherosclerosis patients, repairing damage in the spinal cord or retina, detecting bacteria or cancer cells, and delivering targeted drugs. Theoretically, Anthrobots could aid in tissue healing and deposit pro-regenerative drugs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-implications-outside-of-the-lab">Future implications outside of the lab</h2>



This opens possibilities for applications in areas like atherosclerosis, spinal cord or retinal nerve damage repair, bacterial or cancer cell recognition, and targeted drug delivery.



Gumuskaya elaborates on the innate abilities of cells to self-assemble into complex structures and perform diverse functions. “The cells can form layers, fold, make spheres, sort and separate themselves by type, fuse together, or even move,” Gumuskaya said. 



“Two important differences from inanimate bricks are that cells can communicate with each other and create these structures dynamically, and each cell is programmed with many functions, like movement, secretion of molecules, detection of signals and more. We are just figuring out how to combine these elements to create new biological body plans and functions -- different than those found in nature,” Gumuskaya concluded.



This understanding is crucial not only in constructing new biological entities but also in gaining insights into natural body plans and regenerative treatments.



In summary, the creation of Anthrobots marks a pivotal advancement in biomedical technology. It not only illustrates the potential of biotechnology in medical applications but also paves the way for a deeper understanding of human cellular capabilities and their therapeutic applications.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.202303575" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Science</a>.



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Anthrobots: Scientists create tiny biological robots from human cells

In an amazing development, researchers from Tufts University and Harvard...

Snowstorm,In,The,Mountains

In the quest for better water conservation planning along the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biden-administration-proposes-water-rationing-to-save-the-colorado-river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado River</a>, researchers have turned their focus to the role of mountains in shaping the impact of El Niño and La Niña on precipitation in western North America. 



This new study emerges amid a transition from a strong La Niña to a potent El Niño, aiming to enhance the precision of winter precipitation predictions in the intermountain West.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-mountains-and-el-nino">Studying mountains and El Niño</h2>



The research team, led by James Stagge, an assistant professor at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>, delved into 150 years of rain and snow data and its correlation with historic El Niño-Southern Oscillation (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-detects-early-warning-signs-of-an-el-nino-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ENSO</a>) patterns. 



Their findings reveal a trend of increasing winter precipitation in the north and a decrease in the south, particularly during the late 20th century. The study highlights how mountains amplify or obstruct precipitation, causing heavier rainfall on their western flanks and reduced precipitation eastward.



Stagge emphasizes the significance of accurate winter precipitation forecasts for managing water resources in one of the world's most water-stressed regions. 



He points out, “If you can predict how much precipitation you’ll have in the winter, you’ll have a good sense of what your summer dry period will look like in terms of your water allocation.” Improved predictions enable better preparation for droughts and conservation measures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-el-nino-southern-oscillation-enso">El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)</h2>



ENSO, encompassing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forecasters-warn-of-weather-chaos-as-el-nino-arrives-early/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a> and La Niña, relates to temperature anomalies in the Pacific Ocean and significantly influences global weather patterns. In this study, the focus was on the intermountain West, a region historically overlooked in ENSO studies. Researchers used water gauge readings from 1871 and linked them to ENSO trends recorded by the NOAA's <a href="https://psl.noaa.gov/enso/mei/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Multivariate ENSO Index</a>.



Stagge’s team prioritized observational data over climate models, seeking a closer alignment with reality. They scrutinized the specifics of precipitation changes during El Niño and La Niña years at different elevations and locations. 



This approach revealed nuanced historic patterns, especially in the northern intermountain region, where elevation variations complicate the tracking of ENSO's effects on winter precipitation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orographic-effect-and-regional-variations">Orographic effect and regional variations</h2>



The study underscores the orographic effect, where moist Pacific air ascends over mountains, releasing precipitation, and leaving drier air on the eastern side. This phenomenon, combined with ENSO, results in significant precipitation disparities. The research also noted a dipole effect, with opposing precipitation responses in the north and south during ENSO phases.



The findings suggest that ENSO forecasts are more indicative in the north, while quantitative temperature change estimates might be more beneficial in the south. This disparity is attributed to the varying topography and its influence on air flow and precipitation.



In summary, Stagge’s study offers a valuable tool for water managers and stakeholders in western North America. By enhancing the understanding and prediction of precipitation patterns, it paves the way for more effective water shortage preparation and conservation strategies. 



The integration of this research with NOAA's data and modeling tools could further refine short-term forecasts, offering a boon to the region's water-dependent economy and large cities.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44221-023-00163-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Water</a>.



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How mountains impact El Niño winters and snowfall amounts

In the quest for better water conservation planning along the...

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)...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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