Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a brilliant stellar nursery located about 163,000 light-years away.



According to ESA, the image is one of the most photogenic examples of the many stellar nurseries observed by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope during its 30-year lifetime. 



“The portrait features the giant nebula NGC 2014 and its neighbor NGC 2020 which together form part of a vast star-forming region in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-stellar-nursery">What is a stellar nursery?</h2>



Stellar nurseries are regions in space where new stars are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">born</a> - often within vast clouds of gas and dust called molecular clouds.&nbsp;



These areas are fascinating because they are cradles of stellar evolution, where gravity causes clumps of gas to collapse, eventually forming protostars.&nbsp;



Over time, the protostars will heat up and start the nuclear fusion process that powers a star.



One of the most well-known stellar nurseries is the Orion Nebula, which is visible to the naked eye and located about 1,350 light-years from Earth.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-nature-of-a-stellar-nursery-nbsp">Dynamic nature of a stellar nursery&nbsp;</h2>



Within these nurseries, the balance between gravity and pressure determines the types of stars that form, from massive, luminous stars to smaller, cooler ones like our Sun.&nbsp;



The environment is incredibly dynamic, with powerful winds from young stars shaping the clouds and triggering the birth of even more stars.



These regions are often illuminated by the light from massive newborn stars - creating stunning, colorful displays. The light reveals the intricate structure of the dust and gas, sculpted by the energy of young stars.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-stellar-nurseries-nbsp">Significance of stellar nurseries&nbsp;</h2>



Stellar nurseries are essential for understanding the early stages of planetary formation, as protoplanetary disks (the material from which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets form</a>) are often found around young stars in these regions.



Stellar nurseries play a crucial role in the ongoing evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>. They are responsible for the continuous birth of new stars that enrich the interstellar medium with heavier elements. This constant recycling of material is key to the development of future generations of stars and planets.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the study of these regions helps astronomers understand the fundamental processes that govern the life cycles of stars and the overall dynamics of the universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-local-group">The Local Group</h2>



The Local Group is a collection of over 80 galaxies that includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Triangulum Galaxy, along with numerous smaller dwarf galaxies. These galaxies are bound together by gravity and span a region roughly 10 million light-years across.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-thin-disk-is-billions-of-years-older-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> and Andromeda are the dominant members, with their respective satellite galaxies orbiting them.&nbsp;



The Local Group is part of a larger structure known as the Virgo Supercluster, and its galaxies are moving toward the gravitational center of the Local Group, contributing to its dynamic nature.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-magellanic-cloud">Large Magellanic Cloud</h2>



The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is the fourth largest galaxy in the Local Group and can be seen with the naked eye from the Southern Hemisphere.&nbsp;



This irregular dwarf galaxy is home to the Tarantula Nebula, one of the most active star-forming regions in our cosmic neighborhood.&nbsp;



The Large Magellanic Cloud played a key role in astronomical history, particularly when the supernova SN 1987A was observed, providing valuable insights into stellar evolution.&nbsp;



The LMC's interaction with the Milky Way, along with its own companion, the Small Magellanic Cloud, is believed to influence its shape and star formation activity. Its proximity and unique properties make it a crucial object of study for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>, star formation, and the dynamics of interacting galaxies.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and STScI



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Hubble captures a stunning stellar nursery

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the barred spiral galaxy NGC 1559, located around 35 million light-years away in the southern constellation Reticulum. The image was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.&nbsp;



"The data featured in this portrait make use of two of Webb’s instruments: the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) and Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam)," noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Here MIRI captures the glow of interstellar dust grains, which trace out the interstellar medium, the fuel for future star formation. NIRCam shows the light from stars, even young stars hidden behind prodigious amounts of dust. NIRCam also captures emission from ionized nebulae around young stars."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-reveals-galaxies-in-new-light">Webb reveals galaxies in new light</h2>



According to ESA, the data was collected by the <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/phangs/home">PHANGS team</a> as part of a program in which Webb will observe 55 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/">galaxies</a> that have also been mapped by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) radio telescope, the Hubble Space Telescope, and more.&nbsp;



"By combining Webb’s unprecedented view of the dust and stars with data from these other facilities, the team aims to obtain a new, highly detailed view of how stars are born, live, and die in galaxies across the Universe."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-1559-a-loner-in-space">NGC 1559: A loner in space</h2>



Although NGC 1559 appears to sit close to one of our nearest neighbors in the sky - the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) - this is just a trick of perspective, noted ESA.



While it is part of the Reticulum constellation, NGC 1559 is not part of the Local Group of galaxies but instead resides in a more distant region of space.



"In reality, NGC 1559 is physically nowhere near the LMC in space; in fact it truly is a loner, lacking the company of any nearby galaxies or membership of any galaxy cluster," said ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-1559">Star formation in NGC 1559</h2>



NGC 1559 is notable for its active star formation and strong magnetic fields. It has also been the site of several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, making it of particular interest to astronomers who study stellar evolution and the life cycle of stars.



The structure of NGC 1559 includes well-defined spiral arms that contain young, hot stars and regions of ionized gas, indicative of ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-extragalactic-wonder">An extragalactic wonder</h2>



Despite being relatively small compared to larger galaxies like the Milky Way, NGC 1559 is an important object for understanding how barred spiral galaxies evolve and the processes that trigger supernovae.



The galaxy’s remote location and active nature make it a fascinating subject of study in the field of extragalactic astronomy. 



The isolation of NGC 1559 allows for a clearer view of its structure without much interference from neighboring galaxies.



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



Barred spiral galaxies are a type of spiral galaxy characterized by a central bar-shaped structure composed of stars. This bar extends out from the core and connects to the galaxy's spiral arms, which swirl outward in a graceful pattern.



Scientists believe that the bar plays a crucial role in the evolution of the galaxy, funneling gas towards the core and potentially triggering star formation or feeding a central black hole. 



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, our own galaxy, is an example of a barred spiral. These galaxies are quite common in the universe, making up about two-thirds of all observed spiral galaxies.



The bar itself is thought to be a temporary feature, developing as the galaxy matures and possibly disappearing over time as the dynamics of the stars change. 



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



Reticulum is a small, faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name means "the reticle" in Latin, which refers to the crosshairs in an eyepiece of a telescope.



The constellation was named in the 18th century by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille to honor the reticle he used in his scientific instruments. It is one of the 88 modern constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union.



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, A. Leroy, J. Lee and the PHANGS Team



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Spiral galaxy glows with young stars and interstellar dust

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Researchers are utilizing Euclid’s data to explore the relationship between dust, gas, and star formation. The data can also be used to map the distribution of different stellar populations and identify regions of active star formation.



Spiral arms play a significant role in star formation by compressing gas, yet the precise mechanisms behind this process are still unclear. 



The presence of “spurs” along NGC 6744’s spiral arms offers valuable insights into the dynamics of star formation within these structures.



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



Additionally, Euclid's dataset will help scientists identify clusters of old stars (globular clusters) and discover new dwarf galaxies around NGC 6744. 



Remarkably, Euclid has already identified a new dwarf satellite galaxy of NGC 6744 - a surprising discovery given that the galaxy has been studied extensively.



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



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



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



The spiral arms of NGC 6744 are well-defined and extend outward, wrapping around the central bar. 



Additionally, NGC 6744 has a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 6744A, which is interacting with it, adding to the complexity and interest of this distant system.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-spiral-galaxies">Types of spiral galaxies</h2>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Young stars illuminate a spiral galaxy in the constellation Pavo

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features Lake Chad in central Africa. The photograph was taken by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station.



According to <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/154407/lake-chads-water-wetlands-and-dunes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, Lake Chad once ranked among the largest natural lakes in the world. It was a critical resource for millions of people and animals, supporting agriculture and fishing across the region.&nbsp;



Lake Chad straddles the borders of Chad, Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon. The shallow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-warming-toward-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> is primarily fed by the Chari River, which brings water from the Central African Republic. 



The water levels are also influenced by seasonal rainfall. The rainfall patterns vary significantly across the basin but generally follow a wet-dry seasonal cycle.



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



From the 1960s to the early 2000s, the lake lost more than 90 percent of its surface area. It transformed from a vast expanse of open water into a patchwork of wetlands, reed beds, and scattered pools.&nbsp;



This environmental decline has had severe consequences for local communities, leading to food and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-water-security-relies-on-the-origins-of-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water insecurity</a>, loss of livelihoods, and increasing competition over scarce resources.



“Ongoing droughts and the rising demand for fresh water have shrunk the lake to less than a tenth of the area it covered in the middle of the last century,” noted NASA.



“Although the lake has experienced dry and wet periods for thousands of years, there has been a significant decline in the amount of lake water available since the 1960s.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conflict-culture-and-economy">Conflict, culture, and economy</h2>



Lake Chad is a geopolitical hotspot. The region has been affected by conflict, including the insurgency led by Boko Haram, which has displaced millions and further complicated efforts to manage and protect the lake’s fragile ecosystem.&nbsp;



Despite these challenges, regional governments and international organizations are working to restore and sustain the lake, including ambitious proposals to divert water from the Congo River basin.



Culturally and economically, Lake Chad remains vital. It is a hub for trade and social exchange among diverse ethnic groups and continues to provide fish and fertile land despite its reduced size.&nbsp;



The future of Lake Chad hinges on sustainable water management, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-extremes-alter-how-sunlight-travels-through-clear-lakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> resilience, and political cooperation across national boundaries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-lake-chad-nbsp">Evolution of Lake Chad&nbsp;</h2>



According to NASA, the evolution of Lake Chad has been documented by astronaut photography over the past 60 years.&nbsp;



“During the Apollo 7 mission in 1968, an astronaut acquired an oblique <a href="https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/SearchPhotos/photo.pl?mission=AS07&amp;roll=8&amp;frame=1932" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photograph</a> of the lake as one large body of water. In 1982, another <a href="https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/SearchPhotos/photo.pl?mission=STS005&amp;roll=39&amp;frame=1022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photo</a> from the space shuttle mission STS-5 recorded receding water levels and encroaching sand dunes.”



“A <a href="https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/SearchPhotos/photo.pl?mission=ISS042&amp;roll=E&amp;frame=244403" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photo</a> taken in 2015 during space station Expedition 42 captured the lake’s remaining waters and wetlands in dark green, blue, and brown, contrasting with the sandy shades of the surrounding land.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-lake-chad">Wildlife of Lake Chad</h2>



Lake Chad still supports wildlife, though species diversity and abundance have declined significantly due to ecosystem degradation



The lake and its surrounding wetlands are home to several species of fish, including tilapia, catfish, and Nile perch, which are important both ecologically and economically.&nbsp;



These fish support a major regional fishing industry, although overfishing and changes in water conditions have put pressure on fish populations.



Birds are another key component of the ecosystem. The lake serves as a crucial habitat and stopover point for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-may-be-using-quantum-physics-for-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a> traveling along the African-Eurasian flyway. 



Species such as herons, storks, ducks, and geese can be found in the region, especially during the wet season when parts of the lake flood and create rich feeding grounds.



Mammals that depend on the surrounding floodplains and wetlands include hippos and various antelope species, yet their numbers have declined.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts-and-challenges">Conservation efforts and challenges</h2>



Reptiles like Nile crocodiles and turtles also inhabit the lake's waters and marshy areas. In the past, larger wildlife such as elephants and lions may have roamed the wider Lake Chad basin, but they are now mostly gone from the immediate lake area due to habitat loss and human activity.



Despite these challenges, Lake Chad remains an important, yet increasingly fragile, refuge for wildlife in a region where water and natural habitats are becoming more scarce.&nbsp;



Conservation efforts aim to balance the needs of people and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-freshwater-species-are-threatened-with-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>, but the success of such efforts depends on managing the lake’s limited resources in the face of climate change, political instability, and population growth.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Lake Chad: A vanishing lifeline in Central Africa

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a stunning image of Andromeda, the nearest spiral galaxy to our Milky Way.



The extraordinary image was captured by ESA's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flyeye-telescope-will-spot-asteroids-faster-than-ever-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flyeye telescope</a> in May 2025 during its first light campaign. This was not just a technical test; it became a powerful demonstration of the telescope’s capabilities. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-andromeda-in-a-single-frame">Capturing Andromeda in a single frame</h2>



The image was produced from 16 simultaneous 30-second exposures, each corresponding to one segment of the instrument’s view. What’s remarkable is that this relatively brief imaging session managed to capture the entire span of Andromeda in a single frame.&nbsp;



“For a dedicated astronomical telescope such as the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, viewing the whole Andromeda Galaxy requires stitching together hundreds of individual observations. This <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/01/Hubble_s_panoramic_view_of_the_Andromeda_Galaxy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble image</a> of Andromeda, for example, took over 10 years and 600 snapshots to make,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/06/Flyeye_s_view_of_the_Andromeda_galaxy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“Flyeye, on the other hand, is a survey telescope designed to see as much of the sky at once as possible, and to rapidly scan for new near-Earth objects. This image of Andromeda takes up just one sixteenth of the telescope’s full field of view.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viewing-the-sky-like-never-before">Viewing the sky like never before</h2>



The Flyeye telescope is a uniquely engineered wide-field survey instrument that gets its name from the compound eyes of insects. The ability to image a vast celestial object like Andromeda so quickly and efficiently speaks volumes about the future role of Flyeye.&nbsp;



While the telescope was primarily designed for planetary defense - specifically, detecting near-Earth objects like asteroids and comets - it is proving to be a versatile tool for wide-field astrophotography.&nbsp;



Once the full network of Flyeye telescopes is operational, ESA will be able to monitor two-thirds of the visible sky up to three times per night. This will greatly enhance our ability to detect moving objects, transient phenomena, and changes in the sky in near real-time.



Flyeye represents a major leap in how we scan and interpret the sky, combining the speed of modern survey telescopes with the breadth and automation required for planetary protection and astrophysical discovery. The image of Andromeda, captured so efficiently, is an early glimpse of that future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-andromeda">A closer look at Andromeda</h2>



The Andromeda Galaxy is the most distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-the-milky-way-on-a-collision-course-new-clues-from-hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">object</a> visible to the naked eye from Earth. Located approximately 2.5 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda, it spans more than 220,000 light-years across - making it more than twice the size of the Milky Way. 



The galaxy contains an estimated one trillion stars, which is several times more than the number in our galaxy.



Andromeda is on a slow but steady <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-collision-may-change-everything-we-know-about-our-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collision course</a> with the Milky Way. Astronomers estimate that the two galaxies will begin to merge in about 4 billion years, eventually forming a single, much larger elliptical galaxy. 



This future collision is not a threat to individual stars or planets, including our solar system, because of the immense distances between stars. Instead, it will be a dramatic and relatively gentle gravitational reshaping of both galaxies over billions of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-important-object-of-study">An important object of study</h2>



Visually, Andromeda appears as a faint, elongated smudge in dark skies, best seen in the Northern Hemisphere during autumn. 



Through binoculars or a small telescope, more structure becomes visible, including its bright core and hints of spiral arms. It has several satellite galaxies of its own, including M32 and M110, both of which are dwarf elliptical galaxies.



As a member of the Local Group - a small cluster of about 80 galaxies that includes the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brightest-era-of-the-universe-reveals-how-the-milky-way-formed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, Triangulum Galaxy, and numerous dwarf galaxies - Andromeda plays a key role in our understanding of galactic formation and evolution. 



It has been studied extensively in multiple wavelengths, from radio to X-ray, revealing not only its stars and dust lanes but also a massive halo of hot gas surrounding it and evidence of past galactic mergers.



Andromeda remains an important object of study for both scientists and skywatchers. It gives us a glimpse of what the Milky Way might look like from the outside and helps us understand what could happen when our galaxy and Andromeda eventually collide.



Image Credit: ESA



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Andromeda: One trillion stars in a single frame

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), located about 3,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Draco.&nbsp;



The nebula's name comes from its eye-like appearance when viewed through a telescope. This particular image, which reveals the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horsehead-nebula-webb-telescope-captured-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> in stunning detail, was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-planetary-nebula">Complex planetary nebula </h2>



According to ESA, the Cat's Eye Nebula is one of the most complex planetary nebulae that has ever been discovered.



“A planetary nebula forms when Sun-like stars gently eject their outer gaseous layers to form bright nebulae with amazing twisted shapes," explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Until recently, it was thought that shells around planetary nebulae were a rare phenomenon. However, astronomers have instead shown that these rings are likely to be the rule rather than the exception."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance-of-the-cat-s-eye-nebula-nbsp">Appearance of the Cat's Eye Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The central focus of the Cat's Eye is a hot, dying star that has shed its outer layers to form the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragons-egg-nebula-is-a-truly-stunning-sight-to-behold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a>. It is surrounded by concentric gas shells, jets of high-speed gas, and unusual shock-induced knots of gas.



“Although the rings may be the key to explaining the final ‘gasp’ of the dying central star, the mystery behind the Cat’s Eye Nebula’s nested ‘Russian doll’ structure remains largely unsolved,” noted ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rings-around-the-cat-s-eye">Rings around the cat’s eye</h2>



“This image, taken with Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), reveals the full pattern of eleven or more concentric rings, or shells, around the Cat’s Eye. Each ‘ring’ is actually the edge of a spherical bubble seen projected onto the sky - which is why it appears bright along its outer edge.”



According to ESA, observations suggest that the star ejected its mass in a series of pulses at 1,500-year intervals. “These convulsions created dust shells that each contains as much mass as all of the planets in our solar system combined.”



Several explanations have been proposed for this phenomenon, including cycles of magnetic activity similar to our Sun's sunspot cycle, the influence of companion stars orbiting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dying-stars-may-be-a-source-of-gravitational-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dying star</a>, or stellar pulsations.&nbsp;



Another theory suggests that the material is ejected smoothly from the star, with the rings forming later due to the creation of waves in the outflowing material.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-draco-nbsp">The constellation Draco&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extrasolar-ocean-planet-discovered-in-the-draco-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draco</a> is a constellation in the northern sky that represents a dragon. It's one of the largest constellations, winding between the Big and Little Dippers.&nbsp;



In Greek mythology, Draco is often identified as the dragon Ladon, who guarded the golden apples in the garden of the Hesperides.



Draco is a circumpolar constellation for most northern hemisphere observers, meaning it never sets below the horizon and can be seen all year round.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-famous-planetary-nebulae">Famous planetary nebulae </h2>



Planetary nebulae are some of the most beautiful and intriguing objects in the universe.&nbsp;



One of the most famous is the Ring Nebula, or M57, located in the constellation Lyra. This nebula is renowned for its nearly perfect ring shape, which is the result of a dying star shedding its outer layers.&nbsp;



Another well-known planetary nebula is the Helix Nebula, or NGC 7293, often referred to as the "Eye of God" due to its eye-like appearance. The Helix Nebula is one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth, making it a popular target for amateur astronomers.&nbsp;



The Dumbbell Nebula, or M27, in the constellation Vulpecula, is another striking example. It is named for its resemblance to a dumbbell and is notable for being the first planetary nebula ever discovered, by Charles Messier in 1764.&nbsp;



The Butterfly Nebula, or NGC 6302, is located in the constellation Scorpius. Its name comes from its distinctive bipolar structure, resembling the wings of a butterfly. The nebula's central star is one of the hottest known, with a surface temperature of around 250,000 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;



The Eskimo Nebula, or NGC 2392, in the constellation Gemini, is known for its resemblance to a face surrounded by a fur parka, which gives it its name. Its intricate structure, including filaments and bubble-like shapes, makes it a fascinating object of study.&nbsp;



These nebulae not only captivate us with their beauty but also provide valuable insights into the life cycles of stars and the processes that shape our galaxy.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



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Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

Grand Teton National Park&nbsp;is an American&nbsp;national park&nbsp;in northwestern&nbsp;Wyoming. At approximately 310,000 acres (1,300&nbsp;km2), the park includes the major peaks of the 40-mile-long (64&nbsp;km)&nbsp;Teton Range&nbsp;as well as most of the northern sections of the valley known as&nbsp;Jackson Hole. Grand Teton National Park is only 10 miles (16&nbsp;km) south of&nbsp;Yellowstone National Park, to which it is connected by the&nbsp;National Park Service–managed&nbsp;John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. Along with surrounding&nbsp;national forests, these three protected areas constitute the almost 18-million-acre (73,000-square-kilometer)&nbsp;Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the world's largest intact mid-latitude temperate ecosystems.



Camping is a great way to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of Grand Teton National Park. There are many options for camping. If you are feeling adventurous and searching for solitude, get a permit to pitch a tent in the&nbsp;backcountry. Looking for a few more comforts? You can tent camp or park and plug in your recreational vehicle at over 1,000 campsites at seven park campgrounds.All park campgrounds are by advanced reservations only. Campsites are reservable on&nbsp;Recreation.gov.&nbsp;

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Most people go through life feeling glued to their skin. Hands move, feet follow, and the world stays in front of their eyes. Yet a surprising slice of the population has reported slipping loose, hovering a few feet up, and seeing their own body from the outside. 



The phenomenon is called an out-of-body experience (OBE), and its meaning has long puzzled science.



Researchers estimate that anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of global adults have touched this odd territory at least once.



Such accounts crop up in emergency rooms, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-deeply-enhances-meditation-insights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meditation retreats</a>, and even on living-room couches during an afternoon nap. 



Pilots under high G-forces have logged them, and neurologists have induced similar sensations in lab volunteers by tickling a small patch of brain behind the right ear. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-obes-the-strangest-trip-of-all">OBEs: The strangest trip of all</h2>



OBEs share a common script: sight and touch split. People feel <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-human-brain-adapts-to-weightlessness-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weightless</a>, hear the room dimly, and watch themselves from above. 



Laboratory work links the effect to the temporoparietal junction, the brain’s traffic circle for balance, vision, and the sense of owning a body. 



When signals there clash - because of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-eats-away-our-brains-cognitive-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a>, epilepsy, lack of oxygen, or a virtual-reality headset - the mind may decide to leave its usual seat.



Historical texts show that monks, shamans, and soldiers have all written about brief departures. Modern imaging backs them up: the body stays put. 



Yet cardiology monitors sometimes register sudden drops in heart rate during an OBE, hinting at a reflex that calms the nervous system when things feel too intense.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surveying-the-floaters">Surveying the floaters</h2>



After years of scattered anecdotes, a fresh survey from the <a href="https://med.virginia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia</a> School of Medicine takes stock. The team surveyed more than 500 adults who were certain they had floated. 



Four out of five said it happened between one and four times; the rest reported at least five departures. Most first left their body in childhood.



Nearly three-quarters called the event spontaneous. Nine percent linked it to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-arabians-burned-harmal-plants-to-heal-and-protect/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychoactive compounds</a>, while 8.2 percent said meditation, visualization, or similar practices did the trick. Only 0.7 percent pointed to hypnosis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-obes-and-the-stress-connection">OBEs and the stress connection</h2>



The new data reveal a heavy shadow of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/child-maltreatment-triples-the-risk-of-substance-use/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early hardship</a>. Many participants recalled medical trauma or abusive homes. 



They also carried more mental-health diagnoses than peers who had never floated, and the likelihood of a diagnosis increased the longer it had been since that first OBE. 



Many people who’ve had out-of-body experiences (OBEs) worry there’s something wrong with them and keep quiet out of fear of being judged. 



“Unfortunately, many mental-health professionals still view these experiences in the same way,” said Weiler, a neuroscientist with UVA’s <a href="https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Division of Perceptual Studies</a>.



Weiler’s team found that individuals who’ve had OBEs often report poorer mental health than those who haven’t. 



However, the researchers believe OBEs may act as “a coping mechanism in response to past trauma,” rather than a sign of illness. 



They urge clinicians to reconsider how they view these experiences and to meet them with “greater openness and sensitivity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gains-from-leaving-the-body">Gains from leaving the body</h2>



The survey also tracked unexpected upsides. Fifty-five percent of participants said the experience changed their life; seventy-one percent felt a lasting benefit; and forty percent called it the greatest thing that had ever happened to them. 



Many described a lighter view of death, deeper calm, and a sharper sense of connection to other people. These reports match earlier studies in hospital patients, where OBEs sometimes eased anxiety after major surgery.



While stress can tip the brain into an OBE, curiosity clearly plays a role. Some volunteers used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wim-hof-method-helps-fight-stress-inflammation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breathing exercises</a> or sleep-onset tricks to nudge the event on purpose, chasing the mental clarity they felt hovering in the air. 



Scientists studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meditation-slows-biological-aging-at-the-molecular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meditation</a> note similar patterns of detachment during deep practice, though the body stays motionless on the cushion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-implications">Clinical implications</h2>



“This view,” the researchers write, “shifts the focus from causation to the possibility that OBEs may also emerge as a consequence - a coping strategy for navigating difficult or traumatic experiences.” 



Their argument moves attention away from the spectacle of floating and toward the stress that often hides underneath. 



“If OBEs are understood not as symptoms of pathology but as coping mechanisms - especially in response to trauma - this reframing can lead to several important shifts in clinical practice, research, and public understanding,” Weiler explained.



“Ultimately, we hope to reduce the stigma around this topic, encourage help-seeking, and build community and resilience among experiencers.”



Therapists who meet an OBE client might soon ask different questions: not “Why did you split from your body?” but “What weight were you carrying when you launched?” 



Workshops for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/witnessing-trauma-may-cause-ptsd-in-a-different-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PTSD</a> already teach grounding techniques, yet some clinicians now explore whether guided imagery that safely mimics an OBE can loosen painful memories without triggering panic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-do-obes-go-from-here">Where do OBEs go from here?</h2>



Portable brain scanners and motion-tracking beds promise sharper views of the moment liftoff begins. Researchers aim to map the split-second traffic between inner ear, skin sensors, and sight that lets the self drift. 



Others wonder whether the heart’s slowdown during OBEs could teach new ways to manage panic attacks or chronic pain.



For now, the lesson is plain: when the mind steps outside, it may be staging a clever retreat, buying time until life feels safe again. 



Listening to the story behind that retreat might help bring both mind and body back into easy conversation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0191886925002545" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Personality and Individual Differences</a>.



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When the mind leaves the body - scientists investigate the incredible phenomenon of OBEs

Most people go through life feeling glued to their skin....

Bright,Red,Sea,Cucumber,(holothuroidea),,Bali,,Indonesia

Best known for their role in cleaning the ocean floor, sea cucumbers may also hold the key to slowing the progression of cancer.



A new study has found that a sugar compound derived from these marine creatures can block an enzyme linked to cancer growth - without the side effects of current treatments.



The findings come from a research team led by the <a href="https://olemiss.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Mississippi</a> (UM) in collaboration with <a href="https://www.georgetown.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Georgetown University</a>. 



By examining the biochemistry of a specific <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-cucumbers-protect-coral-reefs-from-disease-and-death/">sea cucumber</a> species, scientists uncovered a natural compound that targets Sulf-2, an enzyme known to promote cancer development and spread.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-sea-cucumbers-the-basics">Understanding sea cucumbers - the basics</h2>



Sea cucumbers are soft-bodied marine animals that inhabit ocean floors across the globe, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. 



Despite their name, they are not vegetables but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/starfish-are-apparently-one-big-head-crawling-on-seafloor-with-no-body-needed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">echinoderms</a> - relatives of sea stars and sea urchins. 



Their elongated, leathery bodies help them navigate through sand and sediment, where they play a vital ecological role as bottom feeders. 



By ingesting organic matter from the sea floor and excreting cleaner sediment, sea cucumbers contribute significantly to nutrient cycling and the health of marine ecosystems.



In addition to their ecological importance, sea cucumbers have drawn attention for their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-eating-sea-cucumbers-can-prevent-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medicinal and culinary value</a>, particularly in East and Southeast Asia. 



Rich in collagen, vitamins, and bioactive compounds, they have long featured in traditional remedies and gourmet dishes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-sugars-with-powerful-effects"><a></a>Unique sugars with powerful effects</h2>



Marwa Farrag is a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the UM Department of BioMolecular Sciences.



“Marine life produces compounds with unique structures that are often rare or not found in terrestrial vertebrates,” Farrag explained.



“The sugar compounds in sea cucumbers are unique. They aren’t commonly seen in other organisms. That’s why they’re worth studying.”



Farrag led the cancer study, which focused on a molecule called fucosylated chondroitin sulfate, extracted from Holothuria floridana, a species of sea cucumber. 



Through lab testing and computer modeling, the team showed that this compound can successfully inhibit Sulf-2, the enzyme that cancer cells often manipulate to help them spread.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slowing-the-progression-of-cancer">Slowing the progression of cancer</h2>



Our cells are coated in complex sugar structures called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/researchers-successfully-restore-sugar-in-the-brains-sweet-layer-and-recover-memory/">glycans,</a> which help regulate immunity, communication, and the detection of foreign threats. 



In cancer cells, Sulf-2 enzyme patterns change, creating glycan structures that aid disease progression.



“The cells in our body are essentially covered in ‘forests’ of glycans,” said senior author Vitor Pomin, an associate professor of pharmacognosy at UM. 



“Enzymes change the function of this forest - essentially prunes the leaves of that forest. If we can inhibit that enzyme, theoretically, we are fighting against the spread of cancer.”



The team’s experiments showed that the sea cucumber compound effectively blocks Sulf-2 activity. Notably, these results aligned with what their computer simulations had predicted.



“We were able to compare what we generated experimentally with what the simulation predicted, and they were consistent,” said co-author Robert Doerksen, a professor of medicinal chemistry at UM. “That gives us more confidence in the results.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safer-cancer-therapy">Safer cancer therapy</h2>



One of the most promising aspects of the sea cucumber compound is its safety. Many existing treatments that inhibit Sulf-2 also interfere with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweetener-erythritol-sugar-substitute-linked-to-blood-clots-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood clotting</a> - a serious risk for cancer patients.



“If you are treating a patient with a molecule that inhibits blood coagulation, then one of the adverse effects that can be pretty devastating is uncontrolled bleeding,” said co-author Joshua Sharp, a UM associate professor of pharmacology. 



“So, it’s very promising that this particular molecule that we’re working with doesn’t have that effect.”



The research suggests that a marine-based drug like this could be both safer and more feasible to produce than animal-based alternatives.



“Some of these drugs we have been using for 100 years, but we’re still isolating them from pigs because chemically synthesizing it would be very, very difficult and very expensive,” Sharp said. “That’s why a natural source is really a preferred way to get at these carbohydrate-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-scientist-discovers-that-common-non-cancer-drugs-when-combined-can-kill-cancer-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drugs</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clean-efficient-drug-sources">Clean, efficient drug sources</h2>



Harvesting compounds from marine life also carries fewer health risks than obtaining them from land animals, especially when it comes to viral contamination.



“It’s a more beneficial and cleaner resource,” Pomin said. “The marine environment has many advantages compared to more traditional sources.”



Still, some people in parts of Asia consider sea cucumbers a delicacy, so they aren’t a limitless resource. Harvesting large numbers for pharmaceutical use would be impractical and environmentally damaging.



“One of the problems in developing this as a drug would be the low yield, because you can’t get tons and tons of sea cucumbers,” Pomin said. 



“We have to have a chemical route, and when we’ve developed that, we can begin applying this to animal models.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-research-collaboration">Cancer research collaboration</h2>



The study brought together specialists in chemistry, pharmacology, computational biology, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-ever-ocean-dna-study-uncovers-mysteries-of-marine-life/">marine science</a>. It highlights how tackling cancer demands expertise from many different fields.



“This research took multiple expertise - mass spectrometry, biochemistry, enzyme inhibition, computation,” Pomin said. “It’s the effort of the whole team.”



Though still in early stages, this research could pave the way for a new class of cancer therapies derived from the ocean.



These treatments may be both effective and safe. With further development, the strange-looking sea cucumber may soon play an unexpected role in cancer, one of medicine’s biggest battles.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/glycob/article-abstract/35/6/cwaf025/8122264?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glycobiology</a>.



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Sea cucumbers may help slow the spread of cancer, and without the side effects

Best known for their role in cleaning the ocean floor,...

Young,Man,Holding,His,Neck,In,Pain.,Medical,Concept.

When a throbbing knee or aching back refuses to quit, many of us head straight for the pantry. A scoop of ice cream or a fistful of chips can soothe more than the soul. 



Researchers have long noticed the same comfort-seeking reflex in lab animals, hinting that something in the very act of eating can turn down the volume on pain. 



The phenomenon, known as <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3226930/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ingestion analgesia</a>, crops up even when the “meal” is a single lick of sugar water.



The idea that food might blunt discomfort has usually centered on the brain’s reward circuits. 



Yet a growing body of work is pulling the spotlight toward the nerves that sit outside the skull. These peripheral messengers, it turns out, don’t just ferry pain - they can hush it, too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enter-trpv1-and-d₂o">Enter TRPV1 and D₂O</h2>



Scientists have discovered a novel way to relieve pain by targeting TRPV1, a key ion channel involved in sensing heat and physical discomfort. 



Instead of using conventional painkillers, the approach uses <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_water" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heavy water (D₂O)</a> to subtly alter the channel’s behavior, effectively reducing its overactivity. 



TRPV1 is best known for triggering the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mild-chili-peppers-may-be-the-anti-spice-weve-been-looking-for/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">burning sensation from chili peppers</a>, but it also plays a central role in many types of pain, with the added benefit of being non-addictive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comfort-food-s-secret-side-effect">Comfort food's secret side effect</h2>



For rodents, a nibble of chocolate during a mild heat test leads to fewer squeaks and squirms. Scientists traced the mellowing effect to hormones that surge as digestion kicks in. 



Chief among them is glucagon-like peptide-1, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-loss-drugs-unexpectedly-help-people-drink-less-alcohol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GLP-1</a>, a gut signal that rises when nutrients hit the small intestine. 



In humans, GLP-1 keeps blood sugar in check by nudging the pancreas to release insulin, but its life in the bloodstream is fleeting - barely one or two minutes.



Drugmakers have stretched that clock by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-alternative-to-ozempic-glp-1-fgf21-may-soon-be-available-for-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crafting GLP-1</a> analogs that linger for hours. These longer-lasting versions already help people with type 2 diabetes and, more recently, individuals seeking weight loss. 



The same molecules have been shown to sap pain inside the brain and spinal cord, raising a simple, tantalizing question: could they also soothe pain at the nerve endings scattered through skin, joints, and organs?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trpv1-channel-the-gatekeeper">TRPV1 channel - the gatekeeper</h2>



Fresh experiments suggest the answer is yes. GLP-1 appears to shoulder past a notorious gatekeeper of pain, the TRPV1 channel. 



Think of TRPV1 as a molecular thermostat: when capsaicin from a pepper, a hot stove, or acidic conditions switches it on, ions rush through its pore, igniting a pain signal. 



In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/patients-with-chronic-pain-are-turning-to-cannabis-for-relief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic pain disorders</a>, the channel can become hypersensitive, turning even a light touch into agony.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/TRPV1_water-permeability_drug-free-pain-relief_credit-NBE_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/TRPV1_water-permeability_drug-free-pain-relief_credit-NBE_1s.webp" alt="Tracking the water permeability of TRPV1 using up-conversion nanoprobes in single live cells. Credit: Nature Biomedical Engineering" class="wp-image-1973637"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tracking the water permeability of TRPV1 using up-conversion nanoprobes in single live cells. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Nature Biomedical Engineering</figcaption></figure>



Directly blocking TRPV1 has helped in animal tests, but the strategy often wreaks havoc with body temperature, leaving patients flushed or chilled.



GLP-1 seems to take a subtler route. Instead of wedging the channel shut, it tweaks TRPV1 just enough to stop the excess firing while sparing the body’s heat control. The result is a calmer signal with no feverish side effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooling-down-a-hot-channel">Cooling down a hot channel</h2>



Details of that tweak came into sharper focus thanks to a collaboration that stretched from Singapore to Beijing. Professor Liu Xiaogang of the <a href="https://nus.edu.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National University of Singapore</a> and colleagues had pivoted from hormones to water - specifically, heavy water, or D₂O. 



Their team fashioned a luminescent nanoprobe able to tell ordinary H₂O from its heftier cousin as the molecules darted through single TRPV1 pores.



When D₂O slipped through the channel, pain signals in nerve cells sputtered. In living models of both acute and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-chronic-pain-have-high-rates-of-depression-and-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic inflammatory pain</a>, injections of D₂O eased sensitivity without muting other nerve reflexes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trpv1-pain-management-strategy">TRPV1 pain management strategy</h2>



This discovery deepens our understanding of TRPV1 function and lays the groundwork for new pain-management strategies. 



The research team now plans to investigate how D₂O influences additional ion channels, aiming to adapt this mechanism for treating neurological disorders and other clinical challenges.



The solvent-mediated pathway to analgesia stands out as a major advance in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chronic-pain-is-harder-to-treat-in-women-but-a-new-target-offers-hope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain therapy</a> and could usher in safer, non-addictive options for patients.



Although calming an overactive channel with solvent molecules may sound unconventional, D₂O is already well known in nuclear reactors and biochemical laboratories. 



In small doses it poses little risk, making it an appealing complement - rather than a replacement - to existing drugs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



Pair GLP-1 analogs with the solvent trick and a two-pronged strategy emerges: tamp down abnormal TRPV1 activity while letting the body keep its natural thermostat. 



That approach could offer relief to millions who live with neuropathic pain, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oregano-herb-helps-reduce-and-prevent-joint-pain-from-arthritis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">osteoarthritis</a>, or lingering post-surgical aches.



These are all conditions where current options rely heavily on opioids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, both of which are carry-overs from the last century and are not without drawbacks.



Clinical translation will demand careful dosing studies, long-term safety checks, and creative formulations. 



Yet the blueprint is simple: use a compound we already make after every meal, fortify it so it sticks around, and harness its knack for silencing wayward pain channels. 



Add a dash of heavy water for extra finesse, and the humble act of eating might inspire the next generation of pain relief - no prescription for comfort food required.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-024-01288-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Biomedical Engineering</a>.



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Pain relief breakthrough as scientists discover a safer, non-addictive approach

When a throbbing knee or aching back refuses to quit,...

Gut-brain,Connection,Or,Gut,Brain,Axis.,Concept,Art,Showing,A

Scientists have uncovered a new link between gut bacteria and depression through a small contaminant‑modified lipid molecule. The finding suggests that environmental chemicals in the gut may fuel immune responses tied to mental health.



They set out to discover how one gut bacterium might play an active role in major depressive disorder.



Researchers from Harvard and the Broad Institute focused on <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27421818/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Morganella morganii</a>, a gut bacterium previously <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-021-00991-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">linked</a> to depression, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. 



Their aim was to pinpoint a specific molecule that connects the bacterium to inflammation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/teens-with-problematic-smartphone-use-suffer-from-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a>.



Using a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/bioassay" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bioassay</a> approach, they discovered unusual <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/phospholipid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phospholipids</a> made by M. morganii. These lipids mimic cardiolipins but include an environmental contaminant, diethanolamine (DEA), instead of the usual glycerol.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contaminant-triggers-inflammation">Contaminant triggers inflammation</h2>



When M. morganii adds a chemical called DEA to its fats (lipids), it changes the molecule in a way that triggers the body’s immune system. 



Tests showed that this new molecule turns on special sensors in immune cells called <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2014.00461/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TLR1 and TLR2</a>.



Once these sensors are activated, the immune cells release a substance called <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4176007/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interleukin-6 (IL-6)</a>. IL-6 causes inflammation and has been <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7139933/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">linked</a> to depression in genetic studies, suggesting it plays a role in mental health.



“There is a story out there linking the gut microbiome with depression, and this study takes it one step further, toward a real understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind the link,” said senior author Jon Clardy, the Christopher T. Walsh, PhD Professor of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology in the <a href="https://hms.harvard.edu/research/blavatnik-institute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blavatnik Institute</a> at HMS.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-system-and-bacterial-lipids">Immune system and bacterial lipids</h2>



Researchers found that special lipids from M. morganii - called MmDEACLs - can kickstart the immune system by attaching to two receptors, TLR1 and TLR2, which are known for spotting bacterial molecules.



This set off the release of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a signaling protein linked to long-term inflammation and immune-related illnesses. 



But here’s the twist: only the versions of these lipids that contained DEA caused a strong IL-6 response.



It turns out that small changes in the shape of the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/fatty-acids" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fatty acid chains</a> - like having a double bond instead of a ring - made a big difference in how strongly the immune system reacted. 



This shows that our immune system can pick up on very fine molecular details in bacterial chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-matters">Why this matters</h2>



This discovery offers strong molecular evidence that gut bacteria altered by environmental pollutants can influence immune pathways tied to depression. 



It suggests <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-depression-often-hold-tightly-to-self-doubt/">depression</a> may have an autoimmune or inflammatory component in some cases.



It also raises the possibility that DEA‑modified lipids could serve as biomarkers, helping to identify individuals whose depression may stem from this mechanism.



“We knew that micropollutants can be incorporated into fatty molecules in the body, but we didn’t know how this occurs or what happens next,” Clardy said. “DEA’s metabolism into an immune signal was completely unexpected.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chronic-gut-inflammation-and-depression">Chronic gut inflammation and depression</h2>



Long-term exposure to<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5805548/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> inflammatory signals</a> like IL-6 has been repeatedly linked to the development of depression. 



Elevated IL-6 levels are often found in people with major depressive disorder and can disrupt normal brain signaling, especially in mood-related areas like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.



This supports the idea that <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic inflammation</a>, sparked by environmental contaminants processed by <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3983973/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut bacteria</a>, could act as a biological trigger for depression in some individuals. 



Rather than being purely psychological, these cases might respond better to treatments that target the immune system.



This work follows earlier <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8001875/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">findings</a> where individual gut bacteria and their molecules were tied to inflammation, immune modulation, and disease outcomes. 



It also strengthens the gut‑immune‑brain concept by adding a contaminant‑mediated chemical twist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environment-and-mental-health">Environment and mental health</h2>



The role of diethanolamine (<a href="https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/diethanolamine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DEA</a>) in this study highlights the broader impact of <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11352651/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental micropollutants</a> on human biology. 



DEA is widely used in industrial processes and personal care products, and its presence in the environment means exposure is nearly unavoidable for most people in developed countries.



When a common bacterium like M. morganii transforms DEA into an immune-stimulating molecule, it creates a new layer of interaction between pollution, the microbiome, and the immune system. 



This connection raises public health concerns about how chemical exposures might shape disease risks in ways not previously considered.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treating-depression-in-the-gut">Treating depression in the gut</h2>



Researchers note that while the mechanism is clear, further work is needed to determine how often this occurs in depressed individuals and whether blocking this pathway alleviates symptoms.



They plan to explore whether other gut microbes use similar chemical substitutions and what portion of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-too-much-salt-may-contribute-to-depression/">depression</a> cases might involve this contaminant‑inflammation route.



“Now that we know what we’re looking for, I think we can start surveying other bacteria to see whether they do similar chemistry and begin to find other examples of how metabolites can affect us,” said Clardy.



By revealing how a gut bacterium turns a common contaminant into a pro‑inflammatory agent, the study offers new insight into the complex makeup of mental health disorders, and hints at novel ways to detect and treat them.



-----



<a href="https://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/Profiles/display/Person/194993" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sunghee Bang</a> and <a href="https://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/Profiles/display/Person/196377" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yern‑Hyerk Shin</a> led this study at <a href="https://hms.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Medical School</a> and the <a href="https://www.broadinstitute.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broad Institute</a>, collaborating with <a href="https://bcmp.hms.harvard.edu/faculty-staff/jon-clardy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jon Clardy</a>’s group. 



The study is published in the <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.4c15158" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the American Chemical Society</a>.



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Bacteria living in your gut may cause depression, not your brain, says a new study

Scientists have uncovered a new link between gut bacteria and...

Early data from NASA’s new PUNCH mission are already revealing how solar storms move through the solar system. The four-spacecraft constellation, now in its final commissioning phase, is giving scientists an unprecedented view of how coronal mass ejections (CMEs) form and travel. 



The data also shows how these massive bursts of solar plasma interact with the space environment surrounding Earth.



These insights were presented at the 246th meeting of the <a href="https://aas.org/meetings/aas246" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Astronomical Society</a> by Dr. Craig DeForest of the Southwest Research Institute (<a href="https://www.swri.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SwRI</a>).



The mission, known formally as the Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/punch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PUNCH</a>), aims to map the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/silent-storms-experts-identify-the-mysterious-source-of-solar-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a> and solar atmosphere as a continuous system from the Sun’s surface to interplanetary space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-single-view-across-the-solar-system">Single view across the solar system</h2>



“These preliminary movies show that PUNCH can actually track <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electron-activity-in-auroras-will-help-us-understand-space-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space weather</a> across the solar system and view the corona and solar wind as a single system,” said Dr. DeForest.



“This big-picture view is essential to helping scientists better understand and predict space weather driven by <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/nmp/st5/SCIENCE/cme.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CMEs</a>, which can disrupt communications, endanger satellites, and create auroras on Earth.”



The system’s four suitcase-sized satellites operate as one coordinated array, creating what is effectively an 8,000-mile-wide virtual telescope.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sun_CME_Punch-Mission_SWRI_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sun_CME_Punch-Mission_SWRI_1s.webp" alt="NASA’s PUNCH mission, led by SwRI, used its Narrow Field Imager to collect images of solar activity. By blocking the Sun’s bright face, NFI captures the Sun’s atmosphere in unprecedented detail. The June 3 CME shown at the top of the image grew to enormous size, 100 times that of the Sun, as it traveled across the solar system. Credit: NASA/SwRI" class="wp-image-1973627"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">NASA’s PUNCH mission, led by SwRI, used its Narrow Field Imager to collect images of solar activity. By blocking the Sun’s bright face, NFI captures the Sun’s atmosphere in unprecedented detail. The June 3 CME shown at the top of the image grew to enormous size, 100 times that of the Sun, as it traveled across the solar system. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA/SwRI</figcaption></figure>



By combining images from each satellite, the mission maps the Sun’s outer atmosphere transforming into the solar wind. 



This stream of charged particles constantly flows from the Sun and shapes conditions throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interstellar-tunnel-found-that-connects-our-solar-system-to-other-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-camera-captures-solar-events">Camera captures solar events</h2>



Each of the <a href="https://punch.space.swri.edu/punch_about_mission.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">four spacecraft</a> carries a specialized camera designed to detect faint, fast-moving solar structures.



Three satellites house Wide Field Imagers, which can see the entire sweep of a CME as it bursts from the Sun and expands outward. 



The fourth satellite features a Narrow Field Imager. Essentially a coronagraph, it blocks the Sun’s intense brightness to capture sharper views of the faint corona.



The first images already include a CME observed in June. These images give scientists detailed snapshots of the Sun’s outer layers during plasma ejections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-the-journey-in-3d">Tracking the journey in 3D</h2>



Until now, such events were only partly visible, often from fragmented ground-based or spacecraft perspectives. 



PUNCH now enables continuous tracking of a CME’s full journey from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/widest-high-resolution-photo-of-the-sun-ever-captured-solar-orbiter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sun</a>'s surface through interplanetary space.



“These first integrated images of our home in space are astonishing, but the best is yet to come,” noted Dr. DeForest.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/bOi8fDGtmZo
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Video credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center</figcaption></figure>



“Once the spacecraft are in their final formation and the ground processing is fully sighted over the next few months, we’ll be able to track the solar wind and space weather in 3D throughout our neighborhood in space.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-space-weather">Predicting space weather</h2>



PUNCH launched into orbit on March 11, 2025 with a clear goal: to better understand how solar activity evolves from surface events into large-scale space weather. This weather affects both Earth and spacecraft.



The mission’s unique orbit and imaging capabilities allow it to deliver 3D data on solar material as it travels across the inner solar system.



Space weather caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-are-closer-to-predicting-the-timing-and-intensity-of-solar-flares/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar flares</a> and CMEs can interfere with satellite operations, affect astronauts, and disrupt power grids on Earth.



By capturing these phenomena in real time, PUNCH reveals their origins and paths more clearly than ever before. This knowledge is essential for predicting their impacts.



The solar storm mission also marks a technological milestone. 



With its small, coordinated spacecraft and integrated imaging strategy, PUNCH represents a new kind of space observatory. It is compact, cost-effective, and capable of delivering continuous, wide-field observations over vast distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead-with-punch">Looking ahead with PUNCH</h2>



As the four spacecraft move into final positioning, mission scientists expect to refine their data even further.



Over the coming months, ground teams will complete processing pipelines that stitch together images from all four satellites. The result will be unprecedented 3D movies of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/silent-storms-experts-identify-the-mysterious-source-of-solar-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a> and corona in motion.



The mission will also shed light on basic questions about how solar material and storms change as they leave the Sun.



Why do some bursts move faster than others? How do solar storms evolve as they pass planets and spacecraft? And what clues in their formation could help scientists issue earlier warnings?



With PUNCH, scientists are now seeing space weather as one continuous, connected process - from the moment it ignites at the Sun to the moment it reaches Earth.



The early data has already begun to change how researchers visualize the solar system’s dynamic environment - and in time, it may change how we respond to it.



Information for this article was obtained from a NASA <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/punch/2025/06/10/nasas-punch-releases-its-first-images-of-huge-eruptions-from-sun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press release</a>.



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Huge 'coronal mass ejection' captured by NASA's new solar mission

Early data from NASA’s new PUNCH mission are already revealing...

Ghostly Stellar Tendrils of the Vela Supernova Remnant

Earth’s climate history may need to include a chapter addressing the ramifications of distant supernovae explosions. New research suggests that great bursts of radiation from nearby stellar death events could have nudged Earth into sudden atmospheric shifts, sparking cool spells, wildfires, and even selective extinctions.



The study was conducted by Robert Brakenridge, a senior research associate at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (<a href="https://www.colorado.edu/instaar/">INSTAAR</a>).



Drawing on fresh telescope data and centuries-long natural archives, Brakenridge links at least eleven ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-travels-back-in-time-to-better-understand-supernovae-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a> to sharp swings recorded in tree rings and other geological markers on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-supernovae-the-basics">Understanding supernovae - the basics</h2>



A supernova marks the explosive death of a star, releasing an extraordinary burst of light and energy into the cosmos. 



This phenomenon occurs when a massive star exhausts its nuclear fuel and its core <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-dandelion-year-1181-leaves-behind-zombie-star-defying-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collapses under its own gravity</a>. 



In moments, the star's outer layers are blasted into space, outshining entire galaxies for weeks or even months.



Supernovae play a critical role in the universe’s evolution. These explosions forge and disperse heavy elements like iron, gold, and uranium, seeding future stars, planets, and even life. 



In fact, many of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-space-cosmic-rays-from-supernova-sparked-rapid-earth-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elements in your body</a> were born in a supernova.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supernovae-and-earth-s-climate">Supernovae and Earth's climate</h2>



If a supernova explosion were to happen within roughly 150 light-years, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geomagnetic-superstorm-caused-major-changes-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s upper atmosphere</a> may bear the brunt.



Brakenridge’s updated model shows that an intense pulse of radiation would erode <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ozone-day-2024-advancing-climate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stratospheric ozone</a> while simultaneously shredding methane, a potent greenhouse gas.



The combined hit would allow more ultraviolet sunlight to reach the surface and cool the planet by dialing down the greenhouse effect.



Running the numbers with telescope measurements of recent stellar blasts, Brakenridge found that even a brief exposure - perhaps lasting a few years - could thin the ozone layer by double-digit percentages.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-methane-emissions-threaten-earths-habitability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Methane</a> levels aloft would also tumble, dragging surface temperatures lower. 



Cascading impacts might include a spike in fire-prone lightning, stress on sun-sensitive species, and a chain of regional climate anomalies rippling outward for centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-ray-fingerprints-in-tree-trunks">Cosmic ray fingerprints in tree trunks</h2>



Direct testing in the sky must wait for the next nearby supernova, so Brakenridge scoured earthly archives instead.



Trees lock atmospheric carbon into their rings, recording the pulse of radioactive carbon-14 created when cosmic rays strike nitrogen. His survey of 15,000 years of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-tree-rings-help-predict-extreme-solar-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree-ring</a> data reveals eleven pronounced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-glaciers-offer-a-glimpse-of-our-harsh-climate-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon-14 spikes</a>.



“The events that we know of, here on Earth, are at the right time and the right intensity,” Brakenridge said. Each spike aligns in timing and magnitude with a known stellar explosion cataloged by astronomers.



“We have abrupt environmental changes in Earth’s history. That’s solid; we see these changes,” Brakenridge said. “So, what caused them?”



Scientists first aired the supernova-climate idea in the 1980s. However, it lingered in theory until modern instruments began capturing the full spectra of nearby blasts.



By merging those space-based observations with tree rings, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-fossil-discovery-stuns-and-worries-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice cores</a>, and marine sediments, the new paper pushes the concept toward an empirical footing that scientists can assess across disciplines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supernovae-and-earth-s-climate-future">Supernovae and Earth's climate future</h2>



“When nearby supernovae occur in the future, the radiation could have a pretty dramatic effect on human society,” Brakenridge said. “We have to find out if indeed they caused environmental changes in the past.”



One obvious candidate is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supergiant-star-betelgeuse-may-have-a-buddy-causing-it-to-flicker/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Betelgeuse</a>, the red supergiant that glows on Orion’s shoulder and is expected to explode sometime in the next 100,000 years - possibly tomorrow.



Astronomers debate its exact distance, but its eventual demise will offer a real-time laboratory for the atmospheric effects Brakenridge models.



“As we learn more about our nearby neighboring stars, the capability for prediction is actually there,” Brakenridge said. “It will take more modeling and observation from astrophysicists to fully understand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kilonova-explosion-light-years-away-would-devastate-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s exposure to such events</a>.”



That predictive power could feed into climate planning. By identifying nearby stars and their explosion rates, researchers may build a timetable of possible atmospheric jolts.



The outlook is probabilistic, not fatalistic. Most supernovae occur far away from Earth, and even a nearby one wouldn’t wipe out life. 



Knowing the odds could help societies prepare for UV spikes or sudden cooling decades before they occur.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-climate-faces-multiple-threats">Earth's climate faces multiple threats</h2>



Brakenridge’s synthesis adds a galactic layer to the jigsaw of forces shaping Earth’s climate. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-giant-volcanic-eruptions-alter-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Volcanic eruptions</a>, orbital cycles, and greenhouse emissions remain dominant drivers, yet supernovae might act as rare but potent wildcards.



If his links between stellar death throes and Earth’s sudden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-climate-shift-sheds-light-on-future-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate shifts</a> withstand further scrutiny, the planet’s environmental story could expand beyond its atmosphere. It would extend to the luminous cataclysms of the Milky Way.



That wider view does more than satisfy curiosity. It reminds us that the planet’s thin shell of air is vulnerable to events both underfoot and far above. 



It also shows that the universe can leave fingerprints in the most familiar places. These include a slim tree ring, a patch of ancient soot, or a whisper of extra carbon-14 inside an icy core.



According to Brakenridge, each of those clues might point back to a night sky once brightened by a dying star - and forward to the next.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/539/4/3201/8106599" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</a>.



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Supernovae explosions seem to have altered Earth's climate in the past, and could do so again at any time

Earth’s climate history may need to include a chapter addressing...

Fungi,Aspergillus,,Black,Mold,,Which,Produce,Aflatoxins,And,Cause,Pulmonary

Imagine inhaling hundreds of invisible spores every day. Most float in and out without leaving a trace. Yet some belong molds that don't respect boundaries.



Some fungus species will infect lungs, spoil crops, and disrupt ecosystems all at the same time. In short, they can wreak massive havoc and leave death in their wake.



Most molds and fungi are helpful, but some fungus and mold will jump from hospital wards to honeybee hives, and the line between helpful recycler and harmful invader grows blurrier each year.



Most of the time, healthy immune systems swat away dangerous spores and fight off infection. Trouble arises when weakened defenses, rising temperatures, and heavy fungicide use tip the scales. 



Suddenly, the same fungus that quietly decomposes the fallen leaves in your yard can trigger relentless coughs, damage corn silos, and shrug off medicines that once kept it in check.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aspergillus-fungus-easily-adapts">Aspergillus fungus easily adapts</h2>



After studying fungal threats for years, Dr. Norman van Rhijn and colleagues at <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Manchester</a> mapped how three notorious Aspergillus species - A. flavus, A. fumigatus, and A. niger - might spread through the end of the century. 



They fed climate change scenarios into global models and watched the virtual spores drift. One scenario (SSP585), which assumes a fossil-fuel-dependent future, paints an unsettling picture: habitats across Europe become markedly friendlier to these pathogens.



Aspergillus fungus thrives because its genome bends easily to new pressures. It lives on soil, grains, animal feathers, even coral skeletons. Out in the wild, it recycles nutrients, but on farms and in clinics, the story shifts. 



Farmers spray <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-fungus-is-among-us-drug-resistant-fungi-is-thriving-in-every-corner-of-the-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">azole fungicides</a> to protect wheat and peanuts; doctors use nearly identical azole drugs to save patients with lung infections. That overlap nudges Aspergillus toward drug resistance - similar to bacteria evolving against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-rivers-are-highly-saturated-with-human-antibiotics-helping-bacteria-develop-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-reshapes-global-mold-map">Climate reshapes global mold map</h2>



Temperature, humidity, and extreme weather events dictate where spores settle. 



“Changes in environmental factors, such as humidity and extreme weather events, will change habitats and drive fungal adaptation and spread,” said Dr. van Rhijn. 



“We’ve already seen the emergence of the fungus <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-microbes-aerosols-can-travel-thousands-of-miles-through-the-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Candida auris</a> due to rising temperatures, but, until now, we had little information on how other fungi might respond to this change in the environment.” 



He added that fungi remain “relatively under-researched compared to viruses and parasites,” yet the new maps show they will likely reach “most areas of the world in the future.”



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Aspergillus_global-distributions_map_credit-MaxENT_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Aspergillus_global-distributions_map_credit-MaxENT_1s.webp" alt="MaxENT model accurate described Aspergillus global distributions. Credit: University of Manchester" class="wp-image-1973600"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">MaxENT model accurate described Aspergillus global distributions. Click image to enlarge. Credit: University of Manchester</figcaption></figure>



Those maps point to striking numbers. Under the high-emissions pathway, the range of A. flavus in Europe could jump about 16 percent, potentially putting another one million people at risk of infection. 



A. fumigatus - the chief culprit behind invasive aspergillosis - could expand its European footprint by 77.5 percent, threatening up to nine million more residents. 



In Africa, paradoxically, parts of the continent may become too hot for some fungi to survive, hinting at complex regional trade-offs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecasting-aspergillus-fungus-spread">Forecasting Aspergillus fungus spread</h2>



Forecasting pathogens decades ahead may sound speculative, but it builds on earlier warnings. Hospitals already grapple with Aspergillus fungus outbreaks after building renovations or severe dust storms. 



Meanwhile, intensive-care units report stubborn cases in patients recovering from influenza or COVID-19. 



Rising outdoor spore loads could translate to more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-deadly-molds-attack-the-immune-system-of-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hospital admissions</a> and costlier treatments, especially because diagnostics for fungal infections lag far behind those for bacteria or viruses.



Mycotoxin contamination adds another layer. A single year of heavy Aspergillus growth can saddle the U.S. corn industry with losses topping $1 billion. 



Increased heat and humidity extend the window for mold growth in silos and fields, forcing farmers to discard grain or blend batches to dilute toxins - strategies that still carry economic and health risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-current-drugs-don-t-work">Current drugs don't work</h2>



Azole resistance has climbed steadily in Europe and Asia. Patients with resistant Aspergillus fungus infections face mortality rates exceeding 50 percent, partly because alternative drugs can damage the kidneys or liver. 



Each hectare treated with agricultural azoles raises the odds that environmental spores will carry resistance genes into hospitals. 



Public-health agencies now track these genes in soil and compost piles, hoping to spot trouble before it reaches intensive care.



Fungicide demand is also changing. As some African regions exceed the thermal limits for certain molds, farmers elsewhere may spray more to protect lengthening growing seasons.



That feedback loop - more fungicide, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-plays-an-overlooked-role-in-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stronger resistance</a> - complicates food security and patient care alike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farms-food-and-rising-bills">Farms, food, and rising bills</h2>



Aspergillus isn’t the lone shapeshifter. Fusarium, which devastates wheat and oat fields, and Cryptococcus, an opportunistic pathogen in AIDS patients, also respond to warming climates. 



“Fungal pathogens pose a serious threat to human health by causing infections and disrupting food systems. Climate change will make these risks worse," explains Viv Goosens of <a href="https://wellcome.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellcome</a>.



"To address these challenges, we must fill important research gaps. By using models and maps to track the spread of fungi, we can better direct resources and prepare for the future.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aspergillus-fungus-and-human-health">Aspergillus fungus and human health</h2>



Fungi account for an estimated 1.5 to 3.8 million species, yet fewer than 10 percent carry official descriptions, and only a sliver have sequenced genomes. 



The scarcity of basic data hinders vaccine development and slows the hunt for safer drug targets. 



Recognizing this blind spot, the <a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> added Aspergillus fungus and Candida species to its priority list for emerging threats in 2022.



Researchers now call for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-of-food-safety-ai-can-detect-contamination-early/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coordinated monitoring</a> - combining air quality sensors, agricultural sampling, and hospital surveillance - to trace spore movement in near-real time. 



Such efforts could flag hotspots, guide fungicide regulations, and spark investment in rapid diagnostics. Without them, today’s manageable mold may evolve into tomorrow’s silent pandemic.



No single fix will erase the risk. Cutting greenhouse gas emissions limits the environmental changes that favor Aspergillus fungus. 



Smarter fungicide policies slow resistance on farms. Better ventilation in buildings reduces indoor spore counts, while new antifungal classes extend doctors’ toolkits. 



Piece by piece, these steps can keep an ancient decomposer from becoming an outsized menace in a warming world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-6545782/v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research Square</a>.



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Deadly fungus that can 'eat you from the inside out' is now in the U.S. and quickly spreading around the world

Imagine inhaling hundreds of invisible spores every day. Most float...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



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Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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Grand Canyon National Park, located in northwestern Arizona, is the 15th site in the United States to have been named as a national park. The park's central feature is the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-san-luis-valley-of-colorado/">Colorado </a>River, which is often considered one of the Wonders of the World.  The Grand Canyon, including its extensive system of tributary canyons, is valued for its combination of size, depth, and exposed layers of colorful rocks dating back to Precambrian times. The canyon itself was created by the incision of the Colorado River and its tributaries after the Colorado Plateau was uplifted, causing the Colorado River system to develop along its present path. The primary public areas of the park are the South and North Rims, and adjacent areas of the canyon itself. The rest of the park is extremely rugged and remote, although many places are accessible by pack trail and backcountry roads. The South Rim is more accessible than the North Rim and accounts for 90% of park visitation.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

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