<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Corbassière glacier, a high-altitude glacier in Switzerland. The glacier originates on the northern slope of the Grand Combin, which is one of the highest peaks in the Pennine Alps.</p>



<p>Collectively, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alpine-glaciers-will-lose-half-of-their-volume-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alpine glaciers</a> of Switzerland have lost more than half of their volume since the 1930s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-archives-of-past-climate">Natural archives of past climate </h2>



<p>"Glaciers are natural archives of past climate. In their frozen layers lies evidence of Earth’s changing temperature and atmospheric composition. But as the climate warms, some of the longest records of our changing planet are melting away," said NASA.</p>



<p>"In just over two decades, Corbassière has shrunk in area and surface mass. The glacier was darker in 2023 due to lack of snow, and the glacier’s tongue had retreated."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-cores-from-the-corbassiere-glacier">Ice cores from the Corbassière glacier</h2>



<p>To reconstruct past concentrations of atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-aerosols-impact-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a>, a team of scientists analyzed ice cores that were collected from the Corbassière glacier in 2018 and 2020. </p>



<p>Aerosols are tiny airborne particles that are deposited in the ice. "Such information from glaciers around the world can provide clues about past environmental conditions thousands of years ago," noted NASA.</p>



<p>"Ice cores contain ammonium, nitrate, and sulfate ions - signatures of aerosols lacing the snow that’s deposited on glaciers year after year. Ion concentrations are lower in winter than in summer because less polluted air can rise from the valley when the air is cold."</p>



<p>When the researchers analyzed the ice core from 2018, they found seasonal fluctuations in the amount of ion deposits - which is what they expected to find.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"But when we went to core the glacier in 2020, we noticed melting on the surface right away,” said Margit Schwikowski, an environmental chemist at <a href="https://www.psi.ch/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paul Scherrer Institute</a> in Switzerland.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-surface-melting-on-corbassiere-glacier">Rapid surface melting on Corbassière glacier</h2>



<p>The experts determined that melting on the glacier's surface likely penetrated the glacier layers below and carried away the aerosol ions. "This melting rendered the core unusable in the team’s research, and other attempts to core the glacier had the same result. The valuable information stored in the ice was destroyed," explained NASA.</p>



<p>Schwikowski has joined a team of other experts in an effort to preserve cores from the last remaining glaciers. Led by the <a href="https://www.ice-memory.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ice Memory Foundation</a>, the goal of the project is to obtain ice cores from 20 endangered glaciers around the world in 20 years and collect them in a global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-ice-has-a-history-of-rapid-and-unexpected-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate archive</a>.</p>



<p>“Glaciers are retreating worldwide, and we may find similar issues at other sites,” said Schwikowski. She added that even at the highest altitudes in the Alps, "glaciers are on the verge of becoming unsuitable as natural paleo-archives."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about the Corbassière Glacier</h2>



<p>The Corbassière Glacier is a captivating natural feature located in the Swiss Alps, part of the canton of Valais. This glacier stretches over approximately 9 kilometers, making it one of the significant glaciers in the region. It originates from the Grand Combin, an imposing mountain massif that reaches heights of over 4,300 meters, contributing greatly to the glacier's nourishment through snow and ice accumulation.</p>



<p>A distinct feature of the Corbassière Glacier is its accessibility and the dramatic scenery it offers, which attracts many hikers and nature enthusiasts. One of the most notable attractions near the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomsday-glacier-seems-to-have-lost-its-ability-to-recover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> is the Corbassière footbridge, a 210-meter long suspension bridge that provides stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding peaks. </p>



<p>This bridge not only enhances the experience for visitors but also serves as a crucial observation point for scientists studying glacier dynamics and the effects of climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Swiss Alps&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Swiss <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-in-the-alps-could-soon-be-cut-in-half/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alps</a> are a majestic and expansive mountain range that stretches across the southern part of Switzerland, forming a part of the greater Alpine region that spreads across several countries in Europe. </p>



<p>Renowned for their stunning beauty and formidable peaks, the Swiss Alps are not just a geographical landmark but also a cultural symbol of Switzerland, epitomizing its identity as a nation of scenic landscapes and outdoor adventure.</p>



<p>The region is famous for its dramatic scenery, including towering mountains, pristine lakes, and picturesque valleys. Among these peaks are some of the highest in Europe, such as the Dufourspitze, part of the Monte Rosa massif, which is the highest point in Switzerland. </p>



<p>The Matterhorn, perhaps the most iconic of all Swiss mountains, is celebrated for its unique, pyramid-like shape and is a magnet for climbers and tourists alike.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



<p>-----</p>



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



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



<p>-----</p>

Corbassière glacier: Earth's climate archives are melting away

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

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features dust streaming from Lago Colhué Huapi, a shallow endorheic lake located in the Chubut Province in southern Argentina.</p>



<p>"Strong northwesterly winds often race down the eastern side of the Andes Mountains and whip across the central Patagonian Desert. In the process, they sometimes lift dust from Argentina’s drying Lago Colhué Huapi, fueling intense dust storms," said NASA.</p>



<p>"Lago Colhué Huapi is a particularly rich source of dust because the shallow lake regularly grows and shrinks with variations in the flow of the Senguer River and the pace of evaporation. When lake water levels are low, as they were when MODIS captured this image, fine-grained, lightweight particles are easily transported by the wind."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-activity-from-lago-colhue-huapi">Dust activity from Lago Colhué Huapi</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-in-the-gulf-of-alaska-help-shape-the-global-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dust storms</a> in this region are most common during the summer months from December to March. There are 15 to 30 dust storms in a typical year. </p>



<p>"Dust storms are frequent and persistent enough in this area that they have exposed an open-air archaeological site along the lake’s edge," said NASA.</p>



<p>"The Puesto Roberts 1 site, located in an old floodplain on the southeast side of Lago Colhué Huapi, was first identified in 2019 when archaeologists noticed that winds had exposed a five-centimeter layer of sandy loam soil littered with stone tools and the bones of a wild species of llama called guanaco."</p>



<p>"Archaeologists identified 427 artifacts at the site - including stone cutting blades, milling tools, scrapers, and egg-shaped bola stones used for hunting - spread across 15 square meters, according to a 2022 study led by Heidi Hammond, an archaeologist at the National University of the Patagonia San Juan Bosco."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-lago-colhue-huapi">More about Lago Colhué Huapi</h2>



<p>This lake is an interesting geographical feature primarily because it acts as a seasonal sink for the Senguerr River, which in turn gathers waters from various smaller streams in the region.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Due to its shallow nature, the size of Lago Colhué Huapi can vary significantly with the seasons and the amount of water it receives from its sources. During times of drought or reduced rainfall, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-pushing-lakes-to-their-boiling-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> can shrink considerably, affecting the local ecosystem and the wildlife that depends on it.</p>



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



<p>The lake's surroundings are characterized by a semi-arid climate, which influences the type of vegetation and animal life that can thrive in the area. Despite the harsh conditions, the region around Lago Colhué Huapi supports a variety of bird species, making it a site of interest for birdwatchers and naturalists.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-challenges">Environmental challenges </h3>



<p>In recent years, Lago Colhué Huapi has faced environmental challenges, including the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, which has led to lower water levels and increased salinity. These changes pose threats to the lake's ecological balance and the species that inhabit its waters and shores. The situation at Lago Colhué Huapi serves as a reminder of the broader environmental issues facing water bodies in arid and semi-arid regions around the world.</p>



<p>The image was captured on March 29, 2024 by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Aqua satellite.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



<p>-----</p>



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



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



<p>-----</p>

Dust streams from Lago Colhué Huapi in Argentina 

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features the star-forming region NGC 604, which is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). The image was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.</p>



<p>By studying regions like NGC 604, astronomers can gain insights into the complex interactions between stars and the interstellar medium, as well as the conditions that lead to the birth of stars. This, in turn, helps in understanding the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and the universe as a whole.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-stars-of-ngc-604">Massive stars of NGC 604</h2>



<p>"Sheltered among NGC 604’s dusty envelopes of gas are more than 200 of the hottest, most massive kinds of stars, all in the early stages of their lives," said ESA.</p>



<p>"These types of stars are known as B-types and O-types, the latter of which can be more than 100 times the mass of our own Sun. It’s quite rare to find this concentration of them in the nearby Universe. In fact, there’s no similar region within our own Milky Way galaxy."</p>



<p>"This concentration of massive stars, combined with its relatively close distance, means NGC 604 gives astronomers an opportunity to study these objects at a fascinating time early in their life."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gigantic-region-of-ionized-hydrogen">Gigantic region of ionized hydrogen</h2>



<p>NGC 604 is one of the largest known regions of ionized hydrogen, also known as an H II region. This nebula is significantly larger than the Orion Nebula, which is one of the most well-known H II regions in our own <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 galaxy</a>. </p>



<p>NGC 604 spans about 1,500 light-years across, making it one of the largest H II regions in the Local Group of galaxies, which includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and about 54 other smaller galaxies. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-604-starburst-phenomenon">NGC 604 starburst phenomenon </h2>



<p>Within NGC 604, there are hundreds of young, hot, massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>. These stars have ionized the surrounding gas, causing it to glow and creating the nebula. The region is a prime example of a starburst phenomenon, where stars form at a much higher rate than in typical galactic conditions.</p>



<p>“The bright orange streaks in this image signify the presence of carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs," explained ESA.</p>



<p>"As you travel further from the immediate cavities of dust where the star is forming, the deeper red signifies molecular hydrogen. This cooler gas is a prime environment for star formation. Ionized hydrogen from ultraviolet radiation appears as a white and blue ghostly glow."</p>



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



<p>Star formation is crucial for the evolution of galaxies and the synthesis of heavy elements. Elements heavier than helium are created in the cores of stars and spread throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-stars-shakti-shiva-shaped-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> when stars reach the end of their lives and expel their material, either gently through winds or violently via supernova explosions. This enriching process allows for the formation of new stars and planets, and ultimately, the potential for life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-process-of-star-formation">Process of star formation</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cloud collapse</h3>



<p>The process begins when part of a molecular cloud becomes unstable and starts to collapse under its own gravity. This can be triggered by events like shock waves from nearby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, galactic collisions, or the influence of other massive stars.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Formation of a protostar</h3>



<p>As the cloud collapses, it fragments into smaller clumps. Each clump will eventually form one or more stars. The material within these clumps continues to fall inward, heating up as it does so, eventually forming a warm core called a protostar. At this stage, the protostar is not yet hot enough for nuclear fusion, the process that powers stars, to occur.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Accretion disk</h3>



<p>Around the protostar, material from the surrounding cloud continues to fall inward, forming a rotating disk. This material slowly accretes onto the protostar, increasing its mass.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nuclear fusion begins</h3>



<p>Once the core of the protostar reaches a high enough temperature and pressure, hydrogen atoms begin to fuse into helium, releasing energy in the process. This marks the transition from a protostar to a main sequence star, like our Sun.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Main sequence and beyond</h3>



<p>The star will spend the majority of its life in the main sequence stage, where it balances the gravitational forces trying to collapse it and the outward pressure from nuclear fusion. </p>



<p>Eventually, the star will exhaust its hydrogen fuel. Its subsequent evolution will depend on its initial mass, leading to various end stages such as red giants, supernovae, neutron stars, or black holes.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope</p>



<p>-----</p>



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



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



<p>-----</p>

NGC 604 is home to hundreds of hot, massive stars

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

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features thick haze over Thailand during the fire season. The photograph was captured by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the Suomi NPP satellite on March 16, 2024.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waves-of-smoke-and-haze">Waves of smoke and haze</h2>



<p>"Each year in January and February, satellites begin to detect waves of smoke and fire in Southeast Asia, particularly in highland forests in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. Fire activity continues to increase through March and April, reaches a peak during the height of the dry season, and then fades in May with the start of the rainy season," noted NASA.</p>



<p>"Individual fires are usually small and short-lived. But they are often so numerous that smoke, along with air pollution from rural and urban areas, mixes to produce thick layers of haze that blanket the landscape." </p>



<p>"Such hazes contain mixtures of small airborne particles called aerosols and gaseous pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone that degrade air quality and have harmful health effects."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haze-in-thailand-nbsp">Haze in Thailand&nbsp;</h2>



<p>An international field campaign - the Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ) - was recently launched to investigate the haze in Thailand.</p>



<p>"During the last two weeks of March 2024, NASA’s DC-8 and Gulfstream III aircraft flew several flights over Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and rural areas surrounding the cities to sample air quality with several sensors. At the same time, satellites observed the haze from above," said NASA.</p>



<p>James Crawford, ASIA-AQ’s principal investigator, said the team is collaborating closely with national and local government entities in Thailand.</p>



<p>“The goal is to take as many simultaneous measurements of pollutants as possible from the ground, air, and space,” said Crawford. The team will use the data to gain a better understanding of how the haze forms, evolves chemically over time, and moves throughout the region.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haze-and-public-health-in-thailand">Haze and public health in Thailand </h2>



<p>According to media reports, nearly 200,000 people have been hospitalized this year due to air quality in the region, with over 1.3 million people falling ill since January.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-root-causes">Root causes</h3>



<p>The root causes of the haze include agricultural burning, particularly of corn fields, as part of slash-and-burn practices to prepare land for the next planting cycle. This is exacerbated by the dry season when there's little rain to wash the pollutants away. </p>



<p>The situation is worsened by industrial emissions and vehicle fumes, particularly in urban areas like Bangkok​.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-solutions-are-needed">Sustainable solutions are needed</h3>



<p>Efforts to address the crisis have been complex, involving local and transboundary issues. Much of the agricultural burning occurs not only within Thailand but also in neighboring countries like Myanmar and Laos, contributing to the transboundary nature of the haze. </p>



<p>Activists and local communities have called for sustainable solutions that do not exacerbate the poverty of smallholder farmers, emphasizing the need for affordable and realistic alternatives to burning​.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigation-measures-nbsp">Mitigation measures&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The Thai government has implemented a no-burning rule until the end of April to combat wildfires and haze, but enforcement and effectiveness remain challenges​​. </p>



<p>Some measures taken to mitigate the immediate effects of pollution in urban areas include spraying water and seeding clouds to encourage rain, although these have had limited success​​.</p>



<p>This ongoing environmental crisis has sparked widespread concern among citizens, who are increasingly using public interest litigation to hold companies and the government accountable for environmental commitments. </p>



<p>With recent political changes, there is hope that the new administration will take more decisive action against the haze, possibly through more stringent regulations and international cooperation​​.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-impacts-of-haze">Health impacts of haze</h2>



<p>Haze poses several health hazards for those exposed to it, particularly when it contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Here are some of the main health risks associated with exposure to haze:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-respiratory-problems">Respiratory problems</h3>



<p>Haze can aggravate conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). The fine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heatwaves-and-air-pollution-may-double-fatal-heart-attack-risk/">particles</a> can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and reducing lung function.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cardiovascular-issues-and-haze">Cardiovascular issues and haze</h3>



<p>Exposure to fine particulate matter can also affect the cardiovascular system, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Particles can affect blood vessel function and promote the formation of blood clots.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eye-irritation">Eye irritation</h3>



<p>Haze can cause eye irritation, leading to conditions such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or exacerbated symptoms in people with existing eye conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-problems">Skin problems</h3>



<p>For some people, exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/">polluted air</a> can cause skin irritation or exacerbate skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-immune-function">Reduced immune function</h3>



<p>There is evidence to suggest that prolonged exposure to polluted air can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-mental-health">Impact on mental health</h3>



<p>There are growing concerns about the impact of air pollution on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-multiple-chronic-health-conditions/">mental health</a>, with studies suggesting a link between exposure to polluted air and an increased risk of depression and anxiety.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pregnant-women-and-children">Pregnant women and children</h3>



<p>Pregnant women, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of haze. There may be increased risks of preterm birth and low birth weight in babies, and children may experience delayed development and reduced lung function.</p>



<p>The health impacts of haze can be mitigated by staying indoors on days when air quality is particularly poor, using air purifiers, wearing masks designed to filter out fine particles, and following local health advisories.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



<p>-----</p>



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



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



<p>-----</p>



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

Haze pollution is an environmental crisis in Thailand

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features smoke streaming from a fire near the border of Oaxaca and Chiapas in southern Mexico.</p>



<p>"As Mexico entered peak fire season in March 2024, dry and warm conditions helped fuel the flames of more than 100 active blazes across the country," said NASA.</p>



<p>"According to Mexico’s National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR), there were 120 actively burning fires across Mexico on March 27. Preliminary data indicated that fires that day affected more than 7,000 hectares (27 square miles) across 19 of Mexico’s 31 states."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-season-in-mexico-nbsp">Fire season in Mexico&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Fire season in Mexico is a period marked by a heightened risk of wildfires, primarily occurring from January through June, with the peak usually observed between March and May. This timing is largely due to the country's climatic patterns, where the end of the dry season and the beginning of the warmer spring months create conditions ripe for fires.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These conditions include dry vegetation, which serves as ample fuel for wildfires, and the onset of warmer temperatures, which can exacerbate the risk of fires starting and spreading.</p>



<p>Mexico's varied topography and climatic zones mean that fire risk and behavior can differ significantly across the country. However, areas with extensive forest cover, such as the pine-oak forests in the northern and central regions, are particularly vulnerable during the fire season.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Human activities, including agricultural practices such as the clearing of land through burning (known as "slash and burn"), contribute significantly to the ignition of these wildfires. Additionally, accidental fires caused by campfires, cigarettes, or even deliberate arson add to the annual fire count.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-fire-seasons-across-the-globe-nbsp">Intense fire seasons across the globe&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The phenomenon of more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-wildfire-years-are-just-getting-started/">intense fire seasons</a> across the globe is a complex and multifaceted issue that intertwines with climate change, land management practices, and human activities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over the past decades, several regions around the world have experienced unprecedented wildfires in both frequency and intensity. These fires have resulted in devastating impacts on ecosystems, wildlife, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/">air quality</a>, and human settlements.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-north-america-nbsp">North America&nbsp;</h3>



<p>In North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, fire seasons have become significantly longer and more destructive.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The combination of prolonged droughts, higher temperatures, and an increase in the amount of dead and dry vegetation has turned vast areas into tinderboxes, ready to ignite with a single spark.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Notably, the wildfires in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-caused-the-devastating-2020-fire-season-in-california/">California</a> have set records for their sheer size and the amount of destruction they've caused, burning millions of acres and destroying thousands of homes.</p>



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



<p>Australia's fire season during 2019-2020, known as the Black Summer, was one of the most severe in the country's history. A prolonged drought and extreme heatwaves contributed to widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-bushfires-triggered-rare-multi-year-la-nina/">bushfires</a> that burned through millions of hectares, destroyed over 3,000 homes, and led to the loss of at least 33 lives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The environmental impact was catastrophic, with significant losses to wildlife and biodiversity, including an estimated billion animals killed.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon-rainforest-nbsp">Amazon rainforest&nbsp;</h3>



<p>In the Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the Earth's lungs, there has been an alarming increase in fires. These are largely attributed to deforestation and agricultural practices.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The fires not only contribute to the global carbon emissions but also result in the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of vital ecosystems that are crucial for global climate regulation.</p>



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



<p>Europe has not been spared either, with countries like Greece, Portugal, and Spain experiencing deadly wildfires that have been linked to heatwaves and changing precipitation patterns. The Mediterranean region, in particular, is becoming more susceptible to wildfires as temperatures rise and summers become drier.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-siberia-fires">Siberia fires</h3>



<p>Russia's Siberia has also seen an increase in fire activity, with massive wildfires engulfing vast areas of forest. The smoke from these fires has reached as far as the United States and Canada, highlighting the global impact of such events. These fires not only release significant amounts of carbon dioxide but also thaw permafrost, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas.</p>



<p>The increasing intensity and frequency of fire seasons around the world underscore the urgent need for global action on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-impacts-are-evolving-due-to-climate-change-but-in-what-ways/">climate change</a> and more sustainable land management practices. As temperatures continue to rise and weather patterns become more extreme, the challenge of managing wildfires and mitigating their impacts becomes increasingly daunting.</p>



<p>The image was captured on March 27, 2024 by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



<p>-----</p>



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



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



<p>-----</p>

Intense fire season in Mexico is part of a worldwide trend

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features the Little Dumbbell Nebula, also known as Messier 76, located in the constellation Perseus 3,400 light-years away from Earth.</p>



<p>Astronomers captured this new image of the Little Dumbbell Nebula to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope, a joint venture between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).</p>



<p>The snapshot provides not only a breathtaking view but also deep insights into the life cycle of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> and the dynamic processes within nebulae.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-messier-76">Understanding Messier 76</h2>



<p>Messier 76 is categorized as a planetary nebula, a term which historically arises from its round, planet-like appearance when viewed through early, low-power telescopes. However, the term is somewhat misleading as planetary nebulae have no connection to actual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-17-exoplanets-that-have-oceans-and-possibly-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a>. </p>



<p>Instead, they represent an expansive shell of luminous gases expelled by a dying red giant star, which subsequently collapses into a dense, hot white dwarf. This transformation marks the late stages of stellar evolution for medium to low-mass stars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-messier-76">Structure of Messier 76</h2>



<p>The structure of Messier 76 is particularly notable. It comprises a central ring - viewed edge-on - giving the appearance of a bar-like feature, with two distinct lobes emanating from either side. This formation is believed to be the result of materials ejected by the star during its red giant phase, possibly sculpted by interactions with a companion star.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although this binary companion is not visible in current Hubble images, its presence is inferred from the thick disk of dust and gas aligned with its orbital plane. The phenomenon of the companion star potentially being absorbed by the primary star, a process akin to stellar cannibalism, is a captivating aspect of the nebula's history.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dynamic-environment-of-the-nebula">The dynamic environment of the nebula</h2>



<p>At the core of the nebula, the primary star, now collapsing into a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a>, reaches extreme temperatures, estimated at a scorching 120,000 degrees Celsius - about 24 times hotter than the surface of our Sun. </p>



<p>This intensely hot remnant is visible as a small, bright point at the center of the nebula. Directly below this, another star can be seen; however, it is merely aligned with the nebula by chance and is not a part of it.</p>



<p>The dynamics within Messier 76 are driven by powerful forces. The central disk seems to constrict the material, creating two lobes of gas escaping along the rotational axis of the star, perpendicular to the disk.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The lobes are propelled outward by a potent stellar wind, moving at a staggering two million miles per hour. This rapid movement is sufficient to travel the distance from Earth to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeless-mystery-solved-scientists-uncover-what-is-inside-the-moons-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> in just over seven minutes. </p>



<p>The collision of the fast-moving gas with older, slower-moving material ejected during the star’s red giant phase results in the stunning glowing effect seen in the nebula. The glow, ignited by the ultraviolet radiation from the white dwarf, is a spectacle of colors with red emanating from nitrogen and blue from oxygen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cosmic-moment-in-time">A cosmic moment in time</h2>



<p>Despite its current brilliance, the existence of the Little Dumbbell Nebula is fleeting on a cosmological scale, expected to last only about 15,000 years - a mere moment in the lifespan of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-is-ripping-the-universe-apart-but-we-arent-sure-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>. </p>



<p>This brief period highlights the transient nature of such cosmic phenomena, which, while short-lived, provide crucial insights into the mechanics of stellar evolution and the complex interactions within these celestial sculptures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-messier-76">More about Messier 76</h2>



<p>Messier 76 was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1780. It was later cataloged by Charles Messier, who included it in his famous list of nebulous objects.</p>



<p>The nebula's faintness and small size require a good telescope to be observed effectively, with larger telescopes able to reveal more of its fine details and structure.</p>



<p>Studying objects like Messier 76 helps astronomers understand the life cycle of stars and the processes that occur during the late stages of stellar evolution. The materials expelled by planetary nebulae like Messier 76 eventually contribute to the interstellar medium, from which new stars and planetary systems may form.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA Space Agency </p>



<p>-----</p>



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



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



<p>-----</p>

Cosmic cannibalism and stellar winds: Unveiling the secrets of Messier 76 

<p>Quickly, they grabbed shovels and removed the ton of loose mud that had fallen into the hole, creating a slope down to the calf. With his mother waiting anxiously and aggressively in the wings, they had to act fast. When they were happy, they stepped away from the hole and moved the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/elephant-digs-to-save-6/">banana</a> truck that stood between them and the furious elephant.</p>

Rescue Mission

<p>In recent years, astronomers have stumbled upon a peculiar phenomenon in the vast expanse of the universe: enormous circular radio features surrounding some galaxies. Structures like the featured named Cloverleaf, collectively known as odd radio circles (ORCs), have puzzled scientists since their discovery in 2021. </p>



<p>Thanks to advancements in technology, radio surveys have become sensitive enough to detect these faint signals, leading to the identification of eight ORCs scattered randomly beyond our galaxy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-the-cloverleaf-orc">Hunting the Cloverleaf ORC</h2>



<p>Esra Bulbul, an astrophysicist at the Max Planck Institute for <a href="https://www.mpe.mpg.de/main" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extraterrestrial Physics</a> in Garching, Germany, and her postdoctoral researcher Xiaoyuan Zhang, have been at the forefront of unraveling the mystery of ORCs. </p>



<p>Their study focused on the Cloverleaf ORC, which has provided valuable insights into the formation and nature of these enigmatic structures.</p>



<p>"This is the first time anyone has seen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-x-ray-telescope-discovers-the-ghostly-cosmic-hand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X-ray emission</a> associated with an ORC," said Bulbul. "It was the missing key to unlock the secret of the Cloverleaf's formation."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-x-ray-vision-unlocks-orc-secrets">X-ray vision unlocks ORC secrets</h2>



<p>Bulbul and Zhang began their investigation by examining data from <a href="https://www.mpe.mpg.de/eROSITA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eROSITA</a>, an orbiting German/Russian X-ray telescope. </p>



<p>They noticed some X-ray emission that seemed to originate from the Cloverleaf, based on a mere 7 minutes of observation time. </p>



<p>This finding prompted them to assemble a larger team and secure additional telescope time with <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/XMM-Newton_overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">XMM-Newton</a>, an ESA mission with <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> contributions.</p>



<p>"We were allotted about five-and-a-half hours, and the data came in late one evening in November," Bulbul recounted. "I forwarded it to Xiaoyuan, and he came into my office the next morning and said, 'Detection,' and I just started cheering!"</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assembling-the-cloverleaf-orc-puzzle-pieces">Assembling the Cloverleaf ORC puzzle pieces</h2>



<p>The X-ray emission observed by the team traces the distribution of gas within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">group of galaxies</a>, much like police tape around a crime scene. </p>



<p>By analyzing how the gas has been disturbed, scientists determined that the galaxies embedded in the Cloverleaf are actually members of two separate groups that drew close enough together to merge.</p>



<p>"We really got lucky," Zhang said. "We saw several plausible X-ray point sources close to the ORC in eROSITA observations, but not the expanded emission we saw with XMM-Newton. It turns out the eROSITA sources couldn't have been from the Cloverleaf, but it was compelling enough to get us to take a closer look."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shock-waves-from-a-galactic-merger">Shock waves from a galactic merger</h2>



<p>The team proposes that the merger of the two galaxy groups produced shock waves that accelerated particles, resulting in the observed radio emission. </p>



<p>The temperature of the X-ray emission, around 15 million degrees Fahrenheit (8-9 million degrees Celsius), suggests that the Cloverleaf ORC is hosted by approximately a dozen galaxies that have gravitated together.</p>



<p>"Galaxies interact and coalesce all the time," said Kim Weaver, the NASA project scientist for XMM-Newton at NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a> in Greenbelt, Maryland, who was not involved in the study. </p>



<p>"But the source of the accelerated particles is unclear. One fascinating idea for the powerful radio signal is that the resident <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-map-of-supermassive-black-holes-unveiled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a> went through episodes of extreme activity in the past, and relic electrons from that ancient activity were reaccelerated by this merging event," Weaver concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elusive-nature-of-orcs-holds-their-mystery">Elusive nature of ORCs holds their mystery</h2>



<p>While the team has solved the mystery of the nature of the Cloverleaf ORC, their findings have also raised additional questions. <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-luminous-galaxy-ngc-3783-and-a-blue-giant-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Galaxy group</a> mergers are common, but ORCs are extremely rare, and it remains unclear how these interactions can produce such strong radio emissions.</p>



<p>"The power needed to produce such an expansive radio emission is very strong," Bulbul explained. "Some simulations can reproduce their shapes but not their intensity. No simulations explain how to create ORCs."</p>



<p>Bulbul and her team plan to study the Cloverleaf in more detail to unravel these remaining mysteries. "Mergers make up the backbone of structure formation, but there's something special in this system that rockets the radio emission," she said. "We can't tell right now what it is, so we need more and deeper data from both radio and X-ray telescopes."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-window-into-the-cosmos">Window into the cosmos</h2>



<p>The study of ORCs and galaxy mergers offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of cosmic phenomena. </p>



<p>As Weaver aptly put it, "We stand to learn a lot from more thorough observations because these interactions take in all kinds of science. You've pretty much got everything that we deal with in the cosmos put together in this little package. It's like a mini universe."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cloverleaf-orcs-and-the-future-of-radio-astronomy">Cloverleaf, ORCs, and the future of radio astronomy</h2>



<p>In summary, the discovery of the Cloverleaf ORC and the groundbreaking research conducted by Esra Bulbul, Xiaoyuan Zhang, and their team have opened a new chapter in our understanding of the universe. </p>



<p>Their findings highlight the complex interactions between galaxies and the formation of these enigmatic structures. As astronomers continue to explore the mysteries of ORCs and galaxy mergers, we eagerly anticipate the new insights and discoveries that will emerge from their tireless efforts. </p>



<p>The study of the Cloverleaf serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, advanced technology, and the indomitable human spirit in our quest to unravel the secrets of the cosmos.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/05/aa49900-24/aa49900-24.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy and Astrophysics</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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



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



<p>-----</p>

An ORC named 'Cloverleaf' is captured in a new light

In recent years, astronomers have stumbled upon a peculiar phenomenon...

An extraordinary celestial spiral

<p>A team of astronomers has recently captured a stunning image of an unusual pre-planetary nebula, known as IRAS 23166+1655, using the Advanced Camera for Surveys on the NASA/ESA <a href="https://esahubble.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a>. The nebula is located around the star LL Pegasi (also known as AFGL 3068) in the constellation of Pegasus (the Winged Horse).</p>



<p>The striking picture shows what appears to be a thin spiral pattern of astonishing regularity winding around the star, which is itself hidden behind thick dust. According to the researchers, the spiral pattern suggests a regular periodic origin for the nebula's shape.</p>



<p>The material forming the spiral is moving outwards a speed of about 50,000 km/hour. By combining this speed with the distance between layers, we calculate that the shells are each separated by about 800 years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-binary-system-believed-to-cause-the-spiral-formation">Binary system believed to cause the spiral formation</h2>



<p>The astronomers believe that the spiral arises because LL Pegasi is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-found-in-the-habitable-zone-of-a-binary-star-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">binary system</a>, with the star that is losing material and a companion star orbiting each other. </p>



<p>The spacing between layers in the spiral is expected to directly reflect the orbital period of the binary, which is indeed estimated to be also about 800 years.</p>



<p>The creation and shaping of planetary nebulae is an exciting area of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stellar-cannibalism-scientists-find-the-remnants-of-devoured-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar evolution</a>. Stars with masses from about half that of the Sun up to about eight times that of the Sun do not explode as supernovae at the ends of their lives. </p>



<p>Instead, a more regal end awaits them as their outer layers of gas are shed and drift into space, creating striking and intricate structures that to Earth-bound observers often look like dramatic watercolor paintings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ll-pegasi-the-enigmatic-star-behind-the-spiral-nebula">LL Pegasi: The enigmatic star behind the spiral nebula</h2>



<p>As mentioned previously, LL Pegasi is the star at the center of the remarkable spiral nebula IRAS 23166+1655. This enigmatic star has captured the attention of astronomers worldwide, as it plays a crucial role in the formation of the stunning geometric structure that surrounds it.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cool-pulsating-giant">Cool, pulsating giant</h3>



<p>LL Pegasi is a type of star known as an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star. These stars are in the late stages of their lives and have expanded to become cool, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-mystery-solved-the-puzzling-behavior-of-a-pulsar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pulsating giants</a>. </p>



<p>As they pulsate, they shed their outer layers of gas and dust into space, creating the building blocks for the intricate nebulae that will eventually surround them.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-binary-connection">Binary connection</h3>



<p>One of the most intriguing aspects of LL Pegasi is its suspected binary nature. Astronomers believe that the star is part of a binary system, where two stars orbit each other. </p>



<p>The presence of a companion star is thought to be the key factor in shaping the spectacular spiral structure of IRAS 23166+1655. As the stars orbit each other, they create a regular pattern of material ejection, leading to the formation of the evenly spaced shells that make up the spiral.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-ll-pegasi">Evolution of LL Pegasi</h3>



<p>As LL Pegasi continues to evolve, it will eventually shed its outer layers completely, exposing its hot core. This will mark the beginning of a new chapter in its life as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/cosmic-cannibalism-and-stellar-winds-unveiling-the-secrets-of-messier-76/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary nebula</a>. </p>



<p>The material ejected during its AGB phase will be ionized by the intense radiation from the exposed core, creating a glowing shell of gas that will expand into space. </p>



<p>The spiral structure created during the binary interaction phase will likely persist, adding to the beauty and complexity of the resulting planetary nebula.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-central-star-yet-to-emerge-from-dust-cocoon">Central star yet to emerge from dust cocoon</h2>



<p>IRAS 23166+1655 is just starting the process of creating a planetary nebula, and the central star has yet to emerge from the cocoon of enveloping dust. </p>



<p>The researchers used images from the Wide Field Channel of the Advanced Camera for Surveys on Hubble to create this picture. Images through a yellow filter (F606W, colored blue) were combined with images through a near-infrared filter (F804W, colored red). </p>



<p>The exposure times were 11 minutes and 22 minutes respectively, and the field of view spans about 80 arcseconds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ethereal-jewel-in-ll-pegasi">Ethereal jewel in LL-Pegasi</h2>



<p>In summary, the discovery of the stunning spiral formation in the pre-planetary nebula IRAS 23166+1655 by the Hubble Space Telescope has opened a new window into the captivating realm of stellar evolution. </p>



<p>As astronomers continue to study this remarkable object, they will undoubtedly unravel more secrets about the intricate processes that shape the cosmos. </p>



<p>This celestial masterpiece serves as a testament to the power of human curiosity and the technological marvels that allow us to explore the vast expanse of the universe. </p>



<p>With each new finding, we inch closer to understanding the fundamental laws that govern the birth, life, and death of stars, and the fascinating structures they leave behind.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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



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



<p>-----</p>

Pre-planetary nebula formation captured around the star LL-Pegasi

A team of astronomers has recently captured a stunning image...

<p>In the face of escalating animal extinction, an emerging field of conservation medicine suggests that chemists and pharmacists could play a crucial role in reversing this grim <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-species-day-millions-of-species-share-the-earth-with-humans-and-they-need-our-help/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trend</a>. </p>



<p>The researchers propose that integrating the expertise of medicinal chemists into wildlife conservation is a strategy that could potentially save numerous plant and animal species from the brink of extinction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemists-and-animal-extinction">Chemists and animal extinction </h2>



<p>The scientist leading this initiative, Timothy Cernak, a professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> College of Pharmacy, emphasizes the critical need for medicinal chemistry in conservation. </p>



<p>"Medicinal chemistry expertise is desperately needed on the frontlines of extinction," said Professor Cernak. "Animals are dying at staggering rates, but they don't have to. Modern bioscience has achieved enormous breakthroughs in treating human diseases, and the same medications and science can be applied in the wild."</p>



<p>Professor Cernak's lab not only focuses on drug discovery for human conditions but has also begun applying its findings to combat diseases in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-disease-transmission-between-wildlife-and-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>, such as the deadly fungus devastating amphibian populations. </p>



<p>This multifaceted approach to both human and animal health is gaining traction, and the research actively promotes the role of chemistry in conservation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-conservation-toolkit">Expanding the conservation toolkit</h2>



<p>The push for a collaborative approach in conservation is evident as Professor Cernak and his team, including local high school students, encourage professionals from various fields to join forces. </p>



<p>"We are chasing mass die-offs around the world," said Professor Cernak, listing species from lowland gorillas to the akikiki bird of Hawaii as being in critical danger. "It’s crucial to bring the power of modern pharmaceuticals and the dosing expertise of medicinal chemistry into conservation efforts."</p>



<p>By integrating medicinal chemistry, Professor Cernak believes that immediate, impactful interventions can be made in wildlife disease, a major driver of the current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extinction-event-shows-how-life-responds-to-extreme-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass extinction</a>. </p>



<p>The work in his lab includes using advanced techniques to test chemical compounds on affected wildlife, identifying potential treatments for diseases that are currently decimating species like the Panamanian golden frogs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-conservation-efforts">Future conservation efforts </h2>



<p>Beyond immediate interventions, Cernak envisions a larger role for pharmaceutical companies and emerging scientists in the field of conservation medicine.</p>



<p>“At the higher level, my mission is to have pharmaceutical companies be involved in this space and young scientists view this as the field they want to go into - a field that doesn’t really exist at this point,” he noted.</p>



<p>The immediate goal includes fundraising and expanding research to further establish the value of this nascent field.</p>



<p>The urgency of this mission is exemplified by recent incidents like the mass die-off of sea lion pups in Argentina from avian flu, highlighting the potential public health implications of wildlife diseases.</p>



<p>Additionally, the researchers are pioneering the use of AI and other technologies to expedite the drug discovery process, potentially enabling quicker responses to emerging threats to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-scale-wildlife-surveys-can-reveal-the-health-of-entire-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife health</a> and preventing further extinctions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-collaborative-future-in-conservation">A collaborative future in conservation</h2>



<p>The research efforts advocate for a harmonious integration of medicinal chemistry with the ongoing efforts of veterinarians and conservationists. </p>



<p>"Bringing chemists and pharmacists into the conservation fold isn’t meant to diminish the roles of other professionals but to blend their experience and achieve the same goals of saving lives - and ecosystems," explained Professor Cernak.</p>



<p>The concept of "One Health Pharmacy," which recognizes the interconnected health of plants, animals, and humans, is central to Cernak's philosophy. </p>



<p>This approach treats any living being - plant or animal - that is sick or in need, thereby reinforcing the link between human and environmental health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-chemistry-to-combat-animal-extinction">Harnessing chemistry to combat animal extinction</h2>



<p>The advancements in technology, particularly AI, are not only transforming drug discovery for human patients but are also setting the stage for future conservation efforts. </p>



<p>"Streamlining drug and agrochemical discovery with automation and artificial intelligence is likely to usher in a future era of accelerated medicinal invention tailored to specific patient populations," said the researchers. </p>



<p>They envision a future where medicinal chemistry can be directly applied to solve specific health issues in endangered species, offering new hope in the fight against extinction.</p>



<p>This innovative approach marks a significant shift in how conservation efforts may be conducted in the future, illustrating the potential for cross-disciplinary collaborations to foster solutions that benefit both wildlife and human populations alike.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02334" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Medicinal Chemistry</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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



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



<p>-----</p>

Chemists could be key to prevent animal extinction

In the face of escalating animal extinction, an emerging field...

Blue,Glowing,Quantum,Gravity,In,Space,,Surrender,,Computer,Generated,Abstract

<p>Gravity, the force that keeps our feet on the ground and the planets in orbit, is an integral part of our daily lives. Despite its ubiquity, the true <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gravity-measured-in-the-quantum-realm-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature of gravity</a> remains a mystery. Scientists are still grappling with the question of whether gravity is fundamentally a geometrical phenomenon, as proposed by Einstein, or if it is governed by the laws of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a>.</p>



<p>In a study published in <em>Physical Review X</em>, researchers from Amsterdam and Ulm have proposed an innovative experiment that could shed light on this age-old question. </p>



<p>Ludovico Lami, a mathematical physicist at the <a href="https://www.uva.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Amsterdam</a> and <a href="https://qusoft.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">QuSoft</a>, and his colleagues have designed a new approach that circumvents the challenges faced by previous experimental proposals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-gravity-conundrum">Quantum-gravity conundrum</h2>



<p>The quest to unify quantum mechanics and gravitational physics is one of the most significant challenges in modern science. Progress in this field has been hindered by the inability to conduct experiments in regimes where both quantum and gravitational effects are relevant. </p>



<p>As Nobel Prize laureate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-consciousness-and-you-what-happens-when-machines-become-sentient/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roger Penrose</a> once stated, we don't even know if a combined theory of gravity and quantum mechanics will require a "quantization of gravity" or a "granitization of quantum mechanics."</p>



<p>"The central question, initially posed by Richard Feynman in 1957, is to understand whether the gravitational field of a massive object can enter a so-called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/full-chemical-complexity-of-quantum-decoherence-finally-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum superposition</a>, where it would be in several states at the same time," explains Lami. </p>



<p>"Prior to our work, the main idea to decide this question experimentally was to look for gravitationally induced entanglement – a way in which distant but related masses could share <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-gravity-search-south-pole-neutrinos-experiment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum information</a>. The existence of such entanglement would falsify the hypothesis that the gravitational field is purely local and classical," he continued.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-the-delocalisation-dilemma">Overcoming the delocalisation dilemma</h2>



<p>The primary obstacle in previous experimental proposals has been the creation of distant but related massive objects, known as delocalised states. </p>



<p>The heaviest object for which quantum delocalisation has been observed to date is a large molecule, which is significantly lighter than the smallest source mass whose gravitational field has been detected. This discrepancy has pushed the hope of an experimental realization decades into the future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-designing-a-novel-experiment-to-beat-the-odds">Designing a novel experiment to beat the odds</h2>



<p>Lami and his colleagues have proposed a potential solution to this deadlock. Their experiment aims to reveal the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graviton-like-particle-observed-in-quantum-material-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantumness of gravity</a> without generating any entanglement. </p>



<p>"Our team designed and investigate a class of experiments involving a system of massive 'harmonic oscillators' – for example, torsion pendula, essentially like the one that Cavendish used in his famous 1797 experiment to measure the strength of the gravitational force," Lami explains. </p>



<p>"We establish mathematically rigorous bounds on certain experimental signals for quantumness that a local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">classical gravity</a> should not be able to overcome. We have carefully analysed the experimental requirements needed to implement our proposal in an actual experiments, and find that even though some degree of technological progress is still needed, such experiments could really be within reach soon."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-entanglement-theory">Power of entanglement theory</h2>



<p>Surprisingly, the researchers still rely on the mathematical machinery of entanglement theory in quantum information science to analyze their experiment, despite the absence of physical entanglement. </p>



<p>Lami clarifies, "The reason is that, although <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entanglement</a> is not physically there, it is still there in spirit -- in a precise mathematical sense. It is enough that entanglement could have been generated."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-of-quantum-gravity-research">New era of quantum gravity research</h2>



<p>In summary, the study by Lami and his colleagues from Amsterdam and Ulm opens a new chapter in the quest to unravel the quantum nature of gravity. </p>



<p>Their innovative experimental proposal, which relies on the mathematical framework of entanglement theory without requiring physical entanglement, brings us closer to answering the fundamental question posed by Richard Feynman over six decades ago. </p>



<p>As technological progress continues to advance, the realization of this experiment becomes increasingly feasible, promising to shed light on one of the most profound mysteries in modern physics. </p>



<p>The implications of this research extend far beyond the realm of theoretical physics, as a deeper understanding of the quantum-gravity relationship could revolutionize our perception of the universe and our place within it.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.14.021022">Physical</a><a href="https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.14.021022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.14.021022">Review X</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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



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



<p>-----</p>

Unraveling the quantum nature of gravity

Gravity, the force that keeps our feet on the ground...

<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a> have developed an innovative biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), commonly used in products like footwear and memory foam. </p>



<p>This new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bioplastics-are-just-as-toxic-as-traditional-plastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bioplastic</a>, which incorporates bacterial spores capable of decomposing the material at the end of its life cycle, represents a significant advancement in efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of the plastic industry. According to the experts, this development could transform the way commercial plastics are viewed in terms of environmental sustainability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodegradable-living-plastic">Biodegradable living plastic</h2>



<p>Thermoplastic polyurethane is valued for its soft yet durable properties, but its resistance to natural decomposition poses environmental challenges. The scientists aimed to address this issue by embedding spores from the bacterium <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> into the plastic. These spores can break down polymer materials, a feature that the team capitalized on.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It’s an inherent property of these bacteria. We took a few strains and evaluated their ability to use TPUs as a sole carbon source, then picked the one that grew the best,” said Jon Pokorski, a nanoengineering professor at the UC San Diego.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkably-biodegradable-plastic-nbsp">Remarkably biodegradable plastic&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The process involved feeding <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> spores and TPU pellets into a plastic extruder, where they were mixed and melted at 135 degrees Celsius and then extruded as thin strips.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To test the material’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodegradable-breakthrough-plastics-that-wont-make-us-sick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodegradability</a>, these strips were placed in both microbially active and sterile compost environments maintained at 37 degrees Celsius. The water and nutrients in the compost activated the spores, which facilitated the plastic's degradation. Remarkably, the strips achieved 90% degradation within five months. </p>



<p>“What’s remarkable is that our material breaks down even without the presence of additional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-microbes-from-earth-could-survive-the-conditions-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a>. Chances are, most of these plastics will likely not end up in microbially rich composting facilities. So this ability to self-degrade in a microbe-free environment makes our technology more versatile,” Pokorski said.</p>



<p>The safety of the degradation process is supported by the benign nature of <em>Bacillus subtilis</em>, which is not only used in probiotics but is also generally regarded as safe for humans and animals and beneficial to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/big-data-plant-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant health</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-the-bacterial-spores-nbsp">Adapting the bacterial spores&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Addressing the durability and safety of the process, the researchers adapted the bacterial spores to withstand the high temperatures necessary for plastic production using adaptive laboratory evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We continually evolved the cells over and over again until we arrived at a strain that is optimized to tolerate the heat,” explained co-senior author Adam Feist, a bioengineering research scientist at UC San Diego.</p>



<p>Moreover, the spores serve a dual function by also acting as a strengthening filler within the plastic, which is comparable to how rebar reinforces concrete.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Both of these properties are greatly improved just by adding the spores,” Pokorski said. “This is great because the addition of spores pushes the mechanical properties beyond known limitations where there was previously a trade off between tensile strength and stretchability.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scaling-up-the-technology">Scaling up the technology</h2>



<p>While the research currently focuses on laboratory-scale production, the team is actively working to scale up the technology for industrial application and extend it to other types of plastics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There are many different kinds of commercial plastics that end up in the environment - TPU is just one of them. One of our next steps is to broaden the scope of biodegradable materials we can make with this technology,” concluded Feist.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Biodegradable plastic is a type of plastic designed to decompose naturally in the environment under the action of living organisms, primarily bacteria.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike traditional plastics, which can take hundreds of years to break down and can leave harmful residues, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodegradable-breakthrough-plastics-that-wont-make-us-sick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodegradable</a> plastics are made from natural materials such as corn starch, sugarcane, or other plant-based substances. These materials enable the plastic to break down more quickly and safely when exposed to natural elements like heat, moisture, and microorganisms.</p>



<p>The production and use of biodegradable plastics are seen as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics because they are derived from renewable resources and are intended to reduce the accumulation of waste in landfills and oceans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the effectiveness of biodegradation depends on specific conditions such as temperature and the presence of microbes, which can vary widely in different environments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This means that while these plastics are designed to degrade in industrial composting facilities, they may not break down as efficiently in cooler, less active composting settings or in natural environments, leading to potential misunderstandings about their environmental benefits.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-47132-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>-----</p>



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



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



<p>-----</p>

Biodegradable ‘living plastic’ contains bacterial spores that break it down

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed...

<p>For many, the idea of biting into a sour lemon brings about a strong urge to rid oneself of the overwhelming tartness of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/taste-buds-wired-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sour</a> flavors. However, recent research reveals a fascinating twist in taste preferences among adults: approximately 12% actually revel in these intense sour sensations.</p>



<p>The study, conducted by researchers at <a href="https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/?cid=CPC39866&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw88yxBhBWEiwA7cm6pSYRIMr0bd1ruy2w1icHuOymsFT79la4b7YsJa8RYleKr0ZKHExBpRoCHo0QAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a> in collaboration with Italian scientists, marks a significant advancement in understanding the complexity of taste. The research has shed new light on adult taste preferences, challenging the prevailing notion that sour flavors are universally disliked.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-sour-puzzle">Unraveling the sour puzzle</h2>



<p>Historically, it has been understood that children may have a fondness for intense sour flavors - a preference evident in about one-third of the young population. Yet, until now, the persistence of this preference into adulthood had not been directly examined. </p>



<p>"This is the first time it's been convincingly shown that there is a segment of adults who likes strongly sour things," explained Professor John Hayes, director of the Sensory Evaluation Center at Penn State.</p>



<p>The researchers embarked on an international exploration to debunk the myth that adults grow out of their sour inclinations. </p>



<p>By analyzing the responses of adult participants from two distinct cultural backgrounds - the United States and Italy - they were able to observe how sourness was perceived across different demographics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preferences-for-sour-flavors">Preferences for sour flavors </h2>



<p>The study meticulously gauged the reactions of 143 American adults and 350 Italian adults to varying degrees of sourness in beverages - citric acid in water and pear juice spiked with citric acid, respectively. </p>



<p>Participants, predominantly white and of similar age and gender demographics, were recruited from a metropolitan area in Tuscany and from State College, Pennsylvania. The individuals were asked to rate the intensity of sourness and their liking of them. </p>



<p>The findings were revealing: the majority exhibited a strong dislike for increased sourness, but a notable minority of about 11 to 12 percent showed an increase in liking as the sour flavors intensified.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-consistency-in-sour-flavor-preferences">Cultural consistency in sour flavor preferences</h2>



<p>"Italian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saliva-influence-foods-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> culture and American food culture are so wildly different. And yet we end up with almost identical percentages, which suggests to us this is not an effect of prior exposure. It's probably something innately different about those people," noted Sara Spinelli, a researcher from the University of Florence and first author on the paper.</p>



<p>This uniformity across cultures underscores the existence of a "sour liker" demographic that transcends cultural boundaries, particularly in their preference for sour flavors. </p>



<p>The discovery of this consistent taste preference segment opens new avenues for food manufacturers to cater to this unique group. </p>



<p>Professor Hayes suggests that recognizing these differences can lead to the development of tailored <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-products-need-environmental-impact-labels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food products</a> that might encourage healthier eating habits, particularly in alternatives that are less sweet yet still palatable to the sour-enjoying populace.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-the-diversity-of-taste">Embracing the diversity of taste</h2>



<p>The study not only illuminates the persistence of sour flavor enjoyment into adulthood but also highlights the importance of considering individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-trained-an-ai-algorithm-to-taste-wine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taste</a> preferences in food science and product development. </p>



<p>"This could ultimately serve to promote the consumption of healthier foods and beverages that are lower in sweetness but still acceptable to consumers," said Professor Hayes.</p>



<p>The research underscores the diversity of our palates, particularly in flavor preferences. It serves as a reminder that appreciating this diversity can lead to enhanced consumer satisfaction and healthier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-improves-health-by-helping-people-make-smart-dietary-choices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dietary choices</a>. </p>



<p>Understanding the varied responses to sour flavors across different cultures highlights the potential for more tailored food products that cater to specific taste profiles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foods-with-sour-flavors">Foods with sour flavors</h2>



<p>Foods with sour flavors are quite diverse and often highly appreciated for their vibrant, tangy qualities. Sourness in foods can come from various sources like citrus fruits including lemons, limes, and oranges, which are naturally rich in citric acid. </p>



<p>Vinegar, used in dressings and marinades, also imparts a sharp sour taste due to acetic acid. Fermented products like yogurt, sour cream, and kefir have a distinctive tang due to lactic acid produced during fermentation. </p>



<p>Additionally, pickled vegetables, sauerkraut, and kimchi offer a unique sour flavor from the fermentation process. Tamarind, a popular ingredient in Asian and Latin American cuisines, provides a deep, puckering sourness to dishes. These ingredients not only enhance the taste of food but also can contribute to the complexity of a dish’s flavor profile, often balancing sweetness and spice.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0950329324000545?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Quality and Preference</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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



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



<p>-----</p>



<p></p>

A surprising amount of adults like intensely sour flavors

For many, the idea of biting into a sour lemon...

<p>A remarkable collaboration between astronomers, data scientists, and Google Cloud has uncovered a staggering 27,500 previously unseen asteroids. Many of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-photobombed-by-asteroid-beautiful-photo-galaxy-ugc-12158/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space rocks</a> lurk surprisingly close to our own planet. The discovered asteroids mark a significant advancement in our understanding of the solar system, paving the way for a more comprehensive planetary defense strategy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-daunting-task-of-tracking-asteroids">Daunting task of tracking asteroids</h2>



<p>Pinpointing asteroids in the vast cosmic expanse is a complex challenge. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-ryugu-holds-clues-about-bombardment-in-the-early-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">celestial objects</a> are often small and dim, making them difficult to distinguish against the tapestry of stars. </p>



<p>Their subtle movements require careful tracking over time. Additionally, other celestial phenomena can mimic the appearance of asteroids, necessitating further analysis for confirmation.</p>



<p>Traditional observation methods rely on powerful telescopes and extended observation periods.&nbsp;Astronomers must meticulously scan the night sky in search of faint points of light that may represent asteroids. This process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring significant resources and expert analysis.</p>



<p>Failing to detect even a relatively small asteroid carries substantial risk. An impact from an undetected asteroid can have significant consequences, potentially causing widespread damage or even regional devastation depending on its size and trajectory. </p>



<p>This underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to locate and track asteroids, especially those with orbits that put them on a potential collision course with Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thor-the-digital-space-detective-that-discovered-asteroids">THOR: The digital space detective that discovered asteroids</h2>



<p>THOR (Tracklet-less Heliocentric Orbit Recovery) is an innovative algorithm developed by the B612 Foundation's <a href="https://b612foundation.org/resource_subjects/asteroid-institute/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asteroid Institute</a>. It is a specialized software system designed to efficiently analyze massive amounts of astronomical data, searching for the telltale signs of asteroid activity.</p>



<p>THOR meticulously examines vast archives of astronomical images.&nbsp;Instead of relying solely on new telescope observations, THOR leverages the wealth of existing data, uncovering asteroids that may have been overlooked in prior analyses.</p>



<p>The algorithm possesses the ability to pinpoint and track potential asteroids with a remarkably high degree of accuracy. This accuracy allows astronomers to distinguish asteroid candidates from other celestial objects with greater confidence.</p>



<p>Moreover, THOR excels in efficiency.&nbsp;A key advantage of THOR is its ability to determine whether a moving point of light represents an asteroid within our solar system using only a limited number of observations. This minimizes the need for extensive follow-up observations, saving valuable time and telescope resources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-google-cloud-s-role-in-discovering-hidden-asteroids">Google cloud's role in discovering hidden asteroids</h2>



<p><a href="https://cloud.google.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Cloud</a>'s vast resources empowered THOR's breakthrough.&nbsp;The sheer computational power provided by Google Cloud was essential for THOR's success. Processing huge datasets and running complex algorithms requires significant processing capacity.</p>



<p>"This is an example of what is possible," says Massimo Mascaro, a technical director for Google Cloud's office of the CTO.&nbsp;Mascaro's statement emphasizes the transformative potential of cloud computing in scientific research. It opens up possibilities that were previously limited by computational constraints.</p>



<p>THOR's analysis of 1.7 billion points of light is a testament to cloud capabilities.&nbsp;The ability to sift through such a massive dataset within weeks showcases the speed and scalability cloud computing offers.</p>



<p>Without the resources of cloud computing, meticulously analyzing the <a href="https://noirlab.edu/public/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOIRLab</a> image archive would likely have taken significantly longer – potentially years. This delay could hinder timely asteroid discovery and impede the development of planetary defense strategies.</p>



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



<p>"This is the key to protecting the Earth from being hit by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-bennu-hints-at-the-possibility-of-life-on-an-ancient-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a>: knowing where all these are," emphasizes Dr. Ed Lu, former NASA astronaut and executive director of the Asteroid Institute. </p>



<p>The discovery of previously hidden asteroids marks a major advancement in mapping our solar system.&nbsp;Each identified asteroid adds a crucial piece to the cosmic puzzle, providing us with a more complete understanding of the objects and potential dangers within our solar neighborhood.</p>



<p>A comprehensive map is essential for proactive planetary defense. Knowing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psyche-asteroid-is-worth-10000-quadrillion-and-nasa-is-sending-a-space-probe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">location and trajectories</a> of asteroids is fundamental to identifying potential threats to Earth. With accurate mapping, scientists can calculate collision probabilities and develop early warning systems.</p>



<p>Additionally, mapping enables the development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dart-mission-released-boulders-with-the-explosive-capacity-of-an-atomic-bomb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deflection strategies</a>. If we detect an asteroid on a collision course, a detailed map of the solar system will be crucial for planning any necessary deflection missions. </p>



<p>This could involve strategies such as nudging the asteroid off course with a spacecraft or altering its surface properties to change its trajectory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-directions">Future directions</h2>



<p>This successful endeavor demonstrates the tremendous potential of combining traditional astronomy with the power of data science, cloud computing, and cutting-edge analysis tools. </p>



<p>The B612 Foundation is already exploring ways to integrate Google's advanced AI technologies into THOR's operation. This could potentially revolutionize the process even further, automating the verification of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/god-of-darkness-asteroid-apophis-prepares-for-visit-from-osiris-apex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid</a> candidates and making large-scale asteroid discovery incredibly efficient.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://rubinobservatory.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vera C. Rubin Observatory</a>, soon to become operational in Chile, will flood the astronomical world with new data. Scientists are eager to adapt the THOR algorithm to tackle this unprecedented influx of information, accelerating our efforts to chart the solar system and proactively protect our home planet.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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



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



<p>-----</p>

27,500 'hidden' near-Earth asteroids discovered using Google cloud

A remarkable collaboration between astronomers, data scientists, and Google Cloud...

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



<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



<p>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;</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>“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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>“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;</p>



<p>“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.”</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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


<p>The smell of the fresh bananas was too much for the starving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-seals-could-help-us-understand-ocean-warming/">elephant</a> – her instincts to survive ultimately overrode her efforts to save calf, even if it was just for a few minutes while she stopped and ate. Tiwari, his team, and the villagers sprung into action. They knew they didn’t have much time.</p>


Distracted

<p>Tiwari instructed the villagers to drive their two banana-laden trucks up to the hole in an attempt to drive the mother elephant away – a very risky move. They maneuvered the heavy vehicles inch by inch until they were between the mother and her calf. Surely the mother must be starving by now – they could try lure her away. But would it work?</p>