Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut view of Mount Nemrut, a volcano located in eastern Turkey near Lake Van.



Mount Nemrut is notable for its immense caldera, which was formed through a series of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruptions</a>. The caldera, one of the largest in the world, now contains several lakes such as Lake Nemrut.&nbsp;



"The eastern half of the caldera is partially filled by solidified lava flows from past eruptions. Snow cover present at the time of this photo accentuates pressure ridges that formed as the lava was flowing and cooling," noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



"These pressure ridges vary in size, thickness, and orientation due to the varying viscosity and flow direction of the lavas during eruptions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-of-lake-nemrut">Formation of Lake Nemrut</h2>



"Lake Nemrut (Nemrut Gölü) occupies the western half of the caldera, creating a rough crescent shape that partially submerges the old lava flows," said NASA.



"This freshwater lake, reaching up to 176 meters deep, is accompanied by a smaller lake at the upper-center of the caldera."



The lake was formed after the collapse of the Nemrut volcano's summit. This collapse created a massive crater, which gradually filled with water over time, forming the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unesco-world-heritage-site">UNESCO World Heritage Site </h2>



Mount Nemrut and its surroundings are part of a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their ecological and geological significance.



The site is home to diverse wildlife, including various bird species that use the lake as a stopover during migration. The caldera also contains smaller lakes and wetlands, adding to the area's biodiversity.



Lake Nemrut is a popular destination for tourists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts, offering stunning views of the volcanic landscape.



Despite its popularity, the lake remains relatively remote and unspoiled, contributing to its appeal as a natural wonder.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mount-nemrut-has-shaped-the-landscape">Mount Nemrut has shaped the landscape</h2>



Geologically, Mount Nemrut is interesting because its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruptions</a> have played a key role in shaping the local landscape. 



Its last major eruption occurred around 1441 AD, which indicates that it's not currently active.



The area around Nemrut is known for its geothermal activity, including hot springs and fumaroles, suggesting that there is still significant heat beneath the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tribute-to-a-king">Tribute to a king</h2>



Over thousands of years, various civilizations have inhabited the region around Nemrut, leaving behind a wealth of archaeological sites.



The summit of Mount Nemrut is dominated by a vast funerary mound constructed by King Antiochus I Theos, who ruled the Kingdom of Commagene in the 1st century BCE. 



The site was intended to serve as his tomb sanctuary and a place to commemorate the king's vision of divine kingship and unity between Eastern and Western cultures.



The mound, made of loose crushed stones, measures about 50 meters (164 feet) in height and spans a diameter of 150 meters (492 feet), creating an imposing feature visible from afar.



Surrounding the mound are terraces on the eastern, western, and northern sides, each adorned with colossal statues and reliefs. The statues, ranging in height from 8 to 10 meters (26 to 33 feet), represent various deities, including Zeus, Apollo, Hercules, and the goddess Tyche, alongside King Antiochus himself. 



The heads of the statues, many of which have toppled over due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-map-shows-75-percent-of-the-u-s-at-risk-of-damaging-earthquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earthquakes</a> and erosion, lie scattered around the site.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiritual-and-religious-practices">Spiritual and religious practices</h2>



In addition to the statues, inscriptions at Mount Nemrut provide valuable historical information about the kingdom, the king's lineage, and the religious practices of the time.



The site is not only a marvel of ancient engineering but also a spiritual and astronomical center. Scholars believe the terraces were aligned with celestial events, serving as an observatory for solstices and equinoxes.



In addition to its natural and historical significance, the Nemrut volcano has been the subject of scientific study, as researchers aim to understand more about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activity</a> in the region, the history of its eruptions, and the potential risks it may pose in the future.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Mount Nemrut: Ancient mysteries and natural marvels 

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features La Niña, a global climate event that is expected to be short-lived.



The map represents sea surface height anomalies on January 13, 2025 across the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;



“Shades of blue indicate sea levels that were lower than average, while shades of red indicate areas where the ocean stood higher than normal. Normal sea level conditions appear in white,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153917/la-nina-is-here" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-onset-of-la-nina-nbsp">The onset of La Niña&nbsp;</h2>



According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), sea surface temperatures in the east-central equatorial Pacific dropped below average in December 2024, marking the onset of La Niña. This cooling pattern has persisted into early 2025.



NOAA's Climate Prediction Center indicates a 59% chance that La Niña conditions will continue through February-April 2025, with a likely transition to ENSO-neutral conditions during March-May 2025.



“After seven months of waiting, La Niña - the cooler sister of El Niño - finally showed up in the eastern Pacific Ocean in early December 2024. La Niña may not stick around long, though,” said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-la-nina">What is La Niña?</h2>



La Niña is a phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle that occurs when strengthened easterly trade winds enhance the upwelling of cooler water from the depths of the eastern tropical Pacific.&nbsp;



This process leads to a significant cooling of surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific near the equator. The intensified trade winds also drive warm equatorial waters westward toward Asia and Australia.&nbsp;



“This dramatic cooling of the ocean’s surface layers affects the atmosphere by modifying the moisture content across the Pacific,” explained NASA.



“In a report published on January 9, 2025, the NOAA Climate Prediction Center confirmed that La Niña conditions were present. They measured sea surface temperatures 0.7 degrees Celsius (1.3 degrees Fahrenheit) below average in an area of the tropical Pacific, from 170° to 120° West longitude, known as the Niño 3.4 region.”



“The signature of La Niña is also visible in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean as areas of lower-than-average water levels. That’s because cooler water contracts, lowering sea levels. (Conversely, warmer water expands, raising them).”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-la-nina-forecast-nbsp">La Niña forecast&nbsp;</h2>



Josh Willis, an oceanographer and Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich project scientist at JPL, pointed out that although La Niña is here, it’s not a particularly strong one.



Willis noted that during an especially strong La Niña in 2010-2011, temperatures in the tropical Pacific were about 1.6°C (2.9°F) below average in January 2011, compared to just 0.7°C (1.3°F) below average in January 2025.&nbsp;



NOAA predicts that this La Niña will remain weak and is unlikely to drop below -1°C from the average - the threshold for a moderate-strength event. Neutral conditions are expected to return during the meteorological spring.



La Niña’s interaction between the ocean and atmosphere alters global atmospheric circulation, shifting mid-latitude jet streams in ways that can intensify rainfall in some regions and cause drought in others.&nbsp;



In the western Pacific, Indonesia and Australia may experience increased rainfall. The central and eastern Pacific is expected to experience reduced cloud cover and precipitation, leading to drier conditions in Brazil, Argentina, and other parts of South America. Meanwhile, Central America may see wetter conditions.&nbsp;



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



In North America, La Niña typically brings cooler, stormier weather to the Pacific Northwest, while the southern United States and northern Mexico tend to experience warmer, drier conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-source-of-variability">Natural source of variability</h2>



“ENSO adds a natural source of year-to-year variability in global temperatures. Because such a wide swath of the Pacific is cold, La Niña tends to keep a lid on the average global surface temperature,” explained NASA.



“But even the cool water in the Pacific does not completely offset long-term warming trends; some of the hottest years on record have coincided with La Niña, such as in 2010 and 2020.”



The map is based on data that was acquired by the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite and processed by scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).&nbsp;



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La Niña has arrived - but it may not stay for long

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Corbassière glacier, a high-altitude glacier in Switzerland. The glacier originates on the northern slope of the Grand Combin, which is one of the highest peaks in the Pennine Alps.



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



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



"Glaciers are natural archives of past climate. In their frozen layers lies evidence of Earth’s changing temperature and atmospheric composition. But as the climate warms, some of the longest records of our changing planet are melting away," said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The experts determined that melting on the glacier's surface likely penetrated the glacier layers below and carried away the aerosol ions. 



"This melting rendered the core unusable in the team’s research, and other attempts to core the glacier had the same result. The valuable information stored in the ice was destroyed," explained NASA.



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



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-features-of-the-corbassiere-glacier">Features of the Corbassière Glacier</h2>



The Corbassière Glacier is a captivating natural feature located in the Swiss Alps, part of the canton of Valais. 



The glacier stretches over approximately 9 kilometers, making it one of the significant glaciers in the region. It originates from the Grand Combin, an imposing mountain massif that reaches heights of over 4,300 meters, contributing greatly to the glacier's nourishment through snow and ice accumulation.



A distinct feature of the Corbassière Glacier is its accessibility and the dramatic scenery it offers, which attracts many hikers and nature enthusiasts. 



One of the most notable attractions near the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomsday-glacier-seems-to-have-lost-its-ability-to-recover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> is the Corbassière footbridge, a 210-meter long suspension bridge that provides stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding peaks. 



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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The Corbassière glacier in the Swiss Alps

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the galaxy I Zwicky 18, which was captured in remarkable detail by the James Webb Space Telescope.



I Zwicky 18 is a blue compact dwarf <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> located approximately 59 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-i-zwicky-18">Star formation in I Zwicky 18</h2>



The galaxy is notable for its relatively young appearance and the fact that it contains very few heavy elements. These characteristics indicate that it has experienced little <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> compared to other galaxies of similar age.



“The galaxy was first identified by Swiss astronomer Fritz Zwicky in the 1930’s and resides roughly 59 million light-years from Earth,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. “This galaxy has gone through several sudden bursts of star formation.”&nbsp;



According to ESA, I Zwicky 18 is typical of the kinds of galaxies that inhabited the early universe and is much smaller than our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-star-j1249-36-spotted-trying-to-escape-our-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-telescope-image-of-the-galaxy">Webb telescope image of the galaxy</h2>



“Two major starburst regions are embedded in the heart of the galaxy. The wispy brown filaments surrounding the central starburst region are bubbles of gas that have been heated by stellar winds and intense ultraviolet radiation unleashed by hot, young stars,” said ESA.



“A companion galaxy resides nearby to the dwarf galaxy, which can be seen at the bottom of the wider-field image. The companion may be interacting with the dwarf galaxy and may have triggered that galaxy's recent star formation.”&nbsp;



ESA explained that the “orange blobs” surrounding the galaxy are the dim glow from ancient fully formed galaxies at much larger distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-characteristics-of-i-zwicky-18">Key characteristics of I Zwicky 18</h2>



As previously mentioned, the galaxy has a very low abundance of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, suggesting that it has not undergone significant stellar processing.



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



Despite its old age, I Zwicky 18 contains many young, hot stars. This suggests that it might have experienced a burst of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-detects-awe-inspiring-newborn-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> relatively recently in its history.



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



The galaxy has a high density of gas, which is a prime ingredient for star formation. This gas is mostly in the form of hydrogen.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-characteristics">Unusual characteristics</h3>



Its characteristics are more typical of primordial galaxies found in the early universe, making it a valuable object of study for understanding galaxy formation and evolution.



Ultimately, I Zwicky 18 provides insights into the conditions and processes that might have been prevalent in the early universe.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycles-of-stars-and-dust">Life cycles of stars and dust</h3>



The image was captured as part of a Webb program to study the life cycle of dust in I Zw 18.&nbsp;



“Scientists are now building off of previous research with Hubble obtained at optical wavelengths, studying individual dusty stars in detail with Webb’s equivalent spatial resolution and sensitivity at infrared wavelengths.”&nbsp;



ESA noted that this galaxy is of particular interest as its content of elements heavier than helium is one of the lowest of all known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> in the local universe.&nbsp;



“Such conditions are thought to be similar to those in some of the first star-forming galaxies at high redshift, so the Webb study of I Zw 18 should shed light on the life-cycle of stars and dust in the early universe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-ursa-major">The constellation Ursa Major </h2>



Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear, is one of the most prominent and easily recognizable constellations in the northern sky. 



Its name, "Ursa Major," means "Great Bear" in Latin, and it has been a significant part of various mythologies and star lore across cultures for thousands of years. 



One of the most famous asterisms within Ursa Major is the Big Dipper, a group of seven bright stars that form a shape resembling a ladle or dipper. The Big Dipper is often used as a navigation tool because it points to Polaris, the North Star, located in the nearby constellation Ursa Minor.



Ursa Major is best viewed in the northern hemisphere and is circumpolar, meaning it is visible year-round for much of the Northern Hemisphere. Its position changes with the seasons, rotating around Polaris, the North Star.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope



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Dwarf galaxy provides a window into the early universe

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the galaxy ESO 300-16, which is located 28.7 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Eridanus. 



The galaxy is part of the ESO (European Southern Observatory) catalog, which includes a vast collection of galaxies observed in the southern hemisphere.



It is notable for its chaotic structure, lacking the well-defined <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/hubble-captures-a-collection-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiral arms</a> or elliptical shape seen in many other galaxies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ghostly-assemblage-of-stars">Ghostly assemblage of stars</h2>



According to <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>, ESO 300-16 is a ghostly assemblage of stars which resembles a sparkling cloud. 



"A rogue’s gallery of distant galaxies and foreground stars complete this astronomical portrait, which was captured by the Advanced Camera for Surveys," said ESA.



"This observation is one of a series which aims to get to know our galactic neighbors; around three quarters of the known galaxies suspected to lie within 10 megaparsecs of Earth have been observed by Hubble in enough detail to resolve their brightest stars and establish the distances to these galaxies."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-irregular-galaxy-structure">Irregular galaxy structure </h2>



ESO 300-16 lies at a relatively close distance to Earth compared to many other extragalactic objects, making it an interesting target for studies on galaxy formation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>. 



Its irregular structure suggests that it may have undergone past interactions with other galaxies or is in a stage of dynamic evolution.



One of the most striking features of ESO 300-16 is its wispy, diffuse appearance, with scattered patches of bright star-forming regions embedded within a fainter background. This indicates ongoing star formation, which is a common characteristic of irregular galaxies. 



Unlike large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiral galaxies</a>, where star formation is often concentrated in well-organized arms, ESO 300-16's active regions are more randomly distributed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raw-material-for-star-formation">Raw material for star formation</h2>



Due to its irregular nature, the galaxy does not have a well-defined nucleus. Instead, it appears as a loose collection of stars, gas, and dust, which astronomers can study to understand the processes shaping such galaxies. 



Irregular galaxies like ESO 300-16 are often rich in gas and dust, providing the raw material for new stars to form. 



Observations in different wavelengths, such as infrared and ultraviolet, can help reveal the presence of young, hot stars and cooler dust clouds that might be sites of future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-formation-reignited-in-the-galaxy-leo-p-after-billions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-evolution-of-galaxies">Studying the evolution of galaxies </h2>



Hubble observations of ESO 300-16 provide insight into the structure and stellar populations of the galaxy, helping astronomers piece together its history and evolutionary path. 



The study of galaxies like ESO 300-16 contributes to our broader understanding of how galaxies form and evolve, especially those that do not fit into the traditional classifications of spirals and ellipticals.



Because irregular galaxies are often shaped by gravitational interactions or past mergers, ESO 300-16 may have had a turbulent past. 



It could have once been part of a larger system before being disrupted, or it might have formed in an environment where gravitational influences from nearby galaxies prevented it from developing a more regular shape. 



Studying its motion and the distribution of its stars can provide clues about any past interactions it may have experienced.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-glimpse-into-the-early-universe">A glimpse into the early universe </h2>



ESO 300-16 also provides a glimpse into what some galaxies in the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universe-is-expanding-faster-than-science-can-explain-hubble-tension-physics-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a> might have looked like. 



Many early galaxies were irregular in shape before evolving into more structured forms over time. As a result, studying nearby irregular galaxies like ESO 300-16 can offer valuable analogs for understanding galaxy formation in the distant past.



Although ESO 300-16 is not one of the most famous galaxies, it remains an important object for astronomers studying irregular galaxies, star formation, and the role of interactions in shaping galactic structures. 



Image Credit: ESA



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Ghostly galaxy in the constellation Eridanus

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features smoke from the Magdalena Valley fire, which is one of multiple fires burning in the Andes Mountains of Patagonia.



NASA noted that the fires had burned about 30,000 hectares (115 square miles) of forest in south-central Argentina by February 11, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate their homes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patagonia-fires-fueled-by-wind-and-heat">Patagonia fires fueled by wind and heat</h2>



“Strong winds and unusually high temperatures fueled the region’s blazes, which began in December 2024,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153929/fires-rage-in-patagonia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“Warm, dry wind from the west crossed the Andes and swept through Lanín National Park at speeds up to 45 kilometers (28 miles) per hour in early February. As the wind flowed down the lee side of the Andes, it compressed, increasing the air temperature and driving down humidity.”&nbsp;



“A similar phenomenon occurs during the Chinook Winds, which flow down the east side of the Rocky Mountains.”



René Garreaud is an atmospheric scientist at the University of Chile. She pointed out that westerly winds crossing the Andes were stronger than average from early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-global-heat-in-january-2025-defied-climate-expectations/">January</a> to early February. During this same time frame, central and northern Argentina were exceptionally hot.



“Maximum temperatures hovered around 35-45 degrees Celsius (95-113 degrees Fahrenheit), which is 3-5°C above normal, according to Argentina’s national weather service. The weather service noted that these ‘extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-attribute-extreme-heat-and-wildfires-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a>’ were expected to persist in parts of the country until February 12," said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fires-across-patagonia">Fires across Patagonia</h2>



The Patagonia wildfires have affected vast areas across multiple provinces. In the Lanín National Park, located in Neuquén Province, fires consumed over 50,000 acres of forest.&nbsp;



The challenging terrain and dense vegetation were obstacles to firefighting efforts. Fortunately, no populated areas were immediately threatened.



In Río Negro Province, the town of El Bolsón suffered significant damage. The fires destroyed more than 100 homes and led to the tragic death of an 87-year-old resident who chose to stay behind to protect his animals.&nbsp;



Authorities have determined that these fires were intentionally set, with evidence pointing to deliberate actions in multiple locations.



Chubut Province was also heavily impacted. In the town of Epuyén, approximately 2,000 hectares were burned and around 200 families were evacuated.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2025-wildfire-season">2025 wildfire season</h2>



In addition to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fewer-forest-fires-happen-today-than-in-the-past-ironically-causes-bigger-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fires</a> in Patagonia, Argentina's northeastern province of Corrientes has also been battling wildfires since January, with up to 250,000 hectares of farmland and pine forests consumed.&nbsp;



This highlights the widespread nature of the wildfire crisis affecting various regions of the country simultaneously.&nbsp;



The 2025 wildfire season in Patagonia stands as one of the most severe in recent history. The intense fire activity emphasizes the need for enhanced preventive measures and rapid response strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfires-in-a-changing-climate-nbsp">Wildfires in a changing climate&nbsp;</h2>



Climate change is making wildfires more frequent, intense, and widespread by altering key environmental conditions. Rising global temperatures dry out <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intense-forest-fires-leave-scorched-earth-heating-the-planet-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a>, creating more fuel for fires and extending wildfire seasons.&nbsp;



In many regions, what used to be a short fire season has now stretched to nearly year-round conditions. Higher temperatures also contribute to more intense heat waves, which further dehydrate forests and grasslands, increasing their susceptibility to ignition.



Shifting precipitation patterns play a crucial role as well. Some areas are experiencing prolonged droughts, reducing soil moisture and leaving landscapes parched.&nbsp;



When rain does arrive, it often comes in intense bursts rather than steady, soaking periods, which leads to rapid vegetation growth that later dries out and becomes additional fuel.&nbsp;



Strong winds, exacerbated by changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-from-forest-fires-have-surged-by-60-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric conditions</a>, help spread fires faster and make them harder to contain. As the climate continues to change, wildfires are becoming not just a seasonal event but a year-round challenge in many parts of the world.&nbsp;



Scientists emphasize the need for proactive adaptation measures, such as improved forest management, early warning systems, and stronger fire-resistant infrastructure, to mitigate the growing risks.



The image was captured on February 9 by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.



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Multiple fires are raging in Patagonia 

Deep below the ocean’s surface, underwater mountains rise from the seafloor, creating landscapes few have explored. These seamounts, often teeming with life, stand in stark contrast to the vast, open ocean surrounding them. 



New research has revealed that these hidden peaks hold far more predators than the open sea, drawing large numbers of sharks and other marine hunters.



A study led by the University of Exeter and the Ascension Island Government found that seamounts in the South Atlantic Ocean support astonishing levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a>. 



The research focused on three seamounts near Ascension Island, uncovering why these locations serve as prime gathering spots for predators. 



Scientists discovered that shallow seamounts, with peaks less than 100 meters below the surface, were particularly rich in marine life, including sharks and tuna.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-seamounts-attract-predators">Why do seamounts attract predators?</h2>



Scientists have long suspected that seamounts act as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-like-marine-life-found-on-underwater-mountains-includes-100-new-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hubs for marine life</a>. Some of these underwater mountains create nutrient-rich upwellings that boost phytoplankton growth, which forms the foundation of ocean food chains.



 However, this new study found no evidence of such upwellings at the seamounts near Ascension Island. Instead, the researchers observed a different pattern. Marine life increased at every level of the food web, even without a surge in phytoplankton.



Zooplankton, which consume phytoplankton, were twice as abundant near the seamounts as in the open ocean. Sharks, at the top of the food chain, were 41 times more numerous than in surrounding waters.



“Seamounts have been likened to oases of life in the comparative deserts of the open ocean,” said Dr. Sam Weber from the <a href="https://ecologyconservation.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centre for Ecology and Conservation</a> at Exeter’s Penryn Campus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-seamounts-attract-predators">Why seamounts attract predators </h2>



Several factors explain why seamounts attract so many predators. The underwater peaks interrupt ocean currents, pushing smaller organisms into concentrated areas. This creates an easy feeding ground for fish, which, in turn, draws larger predators.



Dr. Weber and his team suggest that filter-feeding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seamounts-underwater-mountains-impact-ocean-circulation-climate-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> benefit from food being swept over the seamount peaks, making prey easier to catch.



The peaks may also prevent prey from escaping into deeper waters, effectively trapping them in a confined space. This allows predators to hunt with greater success, making these locations an efficient source of food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seamounts-are-social-hubs">Seamounts are social hubs </h2>



Beyond hunting opportunities, seamounts appear to serve another function. Researchers found that some predators use these underwater mountains as social meeting points. 



Sharks and other species may gather to interact, mate, or rest before returning to the open ocean.



“Also, some predators appear to use seamounts as ‘hubs’ to gather, socialise, mate or rest, and as a base to return to after hunting in the open ocean. This may lead to more top predators on seamounts than you would expect based on the amount of food available,” Dr. Weber explained.



The findings suggest that seamounts are more than just feeding zones. They may be essential gathering sites for marine predators, helping them interact and maintain social structures within their populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-found-at-seamounts">Species found at seamounts</h2>



The experts found that certain species consistently gather at seamounts. Among them are Galapagos and silky sharks, along with yellowfin and bigeye tuna.



Some individuals remained at a single seamount for long periods, while others traveled between seamounts up to 80 kilometers apart.



The researchers also noted a “halo” effect around the seamounts, where marine life remained abundant up to five kilometers into the surrounding ocean. This suggests that the influence of seamounts extends beyond their immediate area, affecting a much larger ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-for-seamount-ecosystems">Conservation for seamount ecosystems</h2>



The seamounts included in the study fall within the <a href="https://www.ascensionmpa.ac" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ascension Island Marine Protected Area</a>. This vast 445,000 square kilometer zone is free from large-scale commercial fishing and seabed mining, ensuring that marine life can thrive without human interference.



“Our results reinforce the conservation significance of shallow seamounts for many top predators,” Dr. Weber said.



“This research also offers fundamental insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oceans-are-rapidly-changing-colors-matching-climate-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seamounts</a>’ role as activity hubs and oases for marine species and shows how these remarkable habitats influence the oceans that surround them.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-deeper-understanding-of-seamounts">A deeper understanding of seamounts</h2>



Despite their importance, seamounts remain one of the least studied ecosystems in the ocean. This research sheds light on the critical role they play in supporting marine predators and influencing broader oceanic food webs. 



Understanding these underwater structures is essential for ocean conservation, as protecting seamounts could help maintain predator populations and overall marine biodiversity.



The study gathered data from a National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition aboard the British Antarctic Survey research vessel <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/polar-operations/sites-and-facilities/facility/rrs-james-clark-ross/rrs-james-clark-ross-computing-facilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RRS James Clark Ross</a>. Funding came from a European Union BEST grant and the UK government’s <a href="https://www.darwininitiative.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Darwin Initiative</a>. 



As scientists continue to explore these hidden underwater worlds, seamounts may reveal even more secrets about the complex relationships that shape life in the ocean.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3003016" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a>.



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Seamounts are gathering hubs for ocean predators

Deep below the ocean’s surface, underwater mountains rise from the...

When people hear "Chernobyl," they often think of the 1986 nuclear disaster that led to mass evacuations. Yet, the region remains home to diverse wildlife, including dogs that have become a focus of genetic research.



In 2018, researchers collected blood samples from eight canines in Ukraine’s Chernobyl Exclusion Zone - four near the power plant and four in Chornobyl city, roughly 10 miles away. Preliminary findings sparked questions about how environmental toxins might shape these animals over time.



Dr. Matthew Breen is a professor in the Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences at the <a href="https://cvm.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine</a>. He played a central role in analyzing the animals’ DNA. 



The findings revealed a notable genetic split between the dogs, despite their close proximity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-differences-in-chernobyl-dogs">Differences in Chernobyl dogs</h2>



A team from <a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a> and <a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/">Columbia University</a> Mailman School of Public Health discovered that the canines near the power plant were genetically distinct from those in the nearby city. 



The results challenge the assumption that animals living so close together would share similar genetic profiles.



“We have been working with two dog populations that, while separated by just 16 kilometers, or about 10 miles, are genetically distinct,” explained Dr. Matthew Breen. 



The genetic differences raise new questions about how decades of exposure to unique contaminants can shape survival strategies.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-back-at-chernobyl-s-legacy">Looking back at Chernobyl's legacy</h2>



The meltdown at the plant is considered one of history’s worst nuclear power accidents. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, significant levels of radioactive material from the compromised nuclear plant spread across much of Eastern Europe.



Residents were evacuated, and many areas remain off-limits due to lingering contamination. Despite these challenges, animals continued to roam the area, forming populations that today provide unique insights into long-term genetic outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-exposure-to-chernobyl-contaminants">Dog exposure to Chernobyl contaminants </h2>



The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is an area where lingering radioactive contaminants and heavy metals may pose long-term challenges for local species. 



Scientists suspect that ongoing contact with these hazards could leave detectable marks in a population’s <a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Genome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a>, which is the complete set of genetic instructions in each cell.



Study co-senior author Norman Kleiman is a professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia Mailman.



“Most people think of the Chernobyl nuclear accident as a radiological disaster in an abandoned corner of Ukraine, but the potential adverse health implications are much wider,” said Kleiman.



It is likely that other pollutants, including lead and pesticides, also influence the dogs’ genetic composition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radiation-exposure-and-genetic-changes">Radiation exposure and genetic changes</h2>



By sifting through DNA at the chromosomal level and moving down to individual nucleotides, the researchers looked for signs of accumulated damage. They focused on sections tied to repairing DNA, since that is where potentially harmful mutations might show up.



Low-level exposure to radiation over many generations could create subtle changes that become evident in how genes function. Early results did not reveal obvious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-surprising-mutations-in-sars-cov-2-virus/">mutations</a> that could be traced directly to this radiation.



The team considered that only the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chernobyl-wolves-have-evolved-resistance-to-cancer/">hardiest dogs</a> may have reproduced successfully in the difficult environment of Chernobyl following the 1986 accident. Researchers are investigating whether these survivors already carried traits that shielded them from ongoing threats.



Such inherited advantages might have given future litters a better shot at coping with residual waste and radioactive particles. Experts note that selective pressures can rapidly refine a population’s genetic framework under harsh circumstances.



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



The lessons from these dogs could be applied to human communities from around the world that confront toxic exposures. If certain genetic signatures indicate enhanced resilience, related research may illuminate how people respond to contaminants in their own neighborhoods.



“Studying companion animals like these dogs offers a window into the kinds of adverse health risks that people may face,” said Kleiman. In regions where industrial pollution remains high, the health implications could be far-reaching.



Scientists plan to measure other forms of pollution in the area to see if there are interactions that mask or enhance certain gene variants. Work continues as the region remains politically unstable, adding logistical hurdles to ongoing projects.



Nevertheless, researchers hope that ongoing data collection will further clarify how diverse environmental factors shape living organisms across the generations. 



Megan Dillon, a doctoral candidate at NC State, believes that uncovering these patterns will help in designing strategies to protect animals and people in future disaster zones.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0315244" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>.



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Chernobyl dogs carry unexpected genetic characteristics

When people hear "Chernobyl," they often think of the 1986...

For six decades, marine biologists at UC Santa Cruz have closely monitored northern elephant seals that make their way to Año Nuevo Natural Reserve.&nbsp;



With thousands of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-seals-have-genetic-scars-from-intense-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seals</a> gathering on the beach for breeding and molting, researchers have been able to collect over 350,000 individual observations on more than 50,000 animals.&nbsp;



This long-term study has provided invaluable insights into the fitness, foraging patterns, and population dynamics of these massive marine mammals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seals-as-smart-sensors">Seals as smart sensors </h2>



Now, a new study suggests that elephant seals can serve as “smart sensors” for monitoring fish populations in the ocean’s twilight zone - the deep, dimly lit layer between 200 and 1,000 meters below the surface.&nbsp;



The research was led by Roxanne Beltran, assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at <a href="https://www.ucsc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Cruz</a>.



The study demonstrates how tracking the seals’ foraging success can offer a novel way to estimate fish abundance across vast ocean regions, a task that conventional monitoring tools have struggled to accomplish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elephant-seals-in-the-twilight-zone">Elephant seals in the twilight zone</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-twilight-zone-stabilizes-the-marine-food-chain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">twilight zone</a> is a critical region in the ocean, containing the majority of the planet’s fish biomass. However, studying it presents significant challenges. Ships and buoys can only sample limited areas, while satellites cannot penetrate below the ocean’s surface.&nbsp;



Because the twilight zone is where elephant seals hunt for food, their movements provide a previously impossible method to assess fish populations on a large scale.



“Given the importance of the ocean for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-ocean-holds-carbon-hidden-mechanisms-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sequestration</a>, climate regulation, oxygen production, and food for billions of people, there is an urgent need to measure changes in marine ecosystems,” Beltran said.&nbsp;



“Our research shows that the vast foraging extent and millions of feeding attempts by elephant seals make them a fantastic ecosystem sentinel, both for fish populations and top predators in the open ocean.”



Each elephant seal makes approximately 75,000 foraging dives over a seven-month period, covering nearly 6,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;



The researchers estimate that tracking just 14 seals per year could provide fish abundance data across an astonishing 4.4 million cubic kilometers of ocean volume.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seal-foraging-success-and-oceanic-changes">Seal foraging success and oceanic changes</h2>



Beyond simply tracking where seals search for food, weighing them before and after their foraging migrations provides crucial information about prey availability. This offers a long-term record of fluctuations in fish populations, which is particularly important as commercial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bleaching-effect-coral-loss-threatens-fisheries-and-livelihoods/">fisheries</a> push into deeper waters in search of new protein sources.&nbsp;



Sustainable management of these fisheries requires reliable assessments of fish stocks and their responses to environmental changes.



Beltran and her colleagues integrated data from decades of elephant seal research to analyze how their foraging success correlates with oceanographic conditions.&nbsp;



The findings suggest that changes in seal pup survival rates over the past 40 years are tightly linked to variations in the ocean environment, reinforcing the seals’ role as natural indicators of ecosystem health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decades-of-data-on-elephant-seals">Decades of data on elephant seals</h2>



In addition to its scientific implications, the study highlights the importance of hands-on research training for students. The paper includes 14 undergraduate co-authors, all of whom participated in a field-based course led by Beltran and <a href="https://anonuevoreserve.ucsc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Año Nuevo Natural Reserve</a> Director Patrick Robinson.&nbsp;



Through this immersive program, students analyzed six decades of data, developed scientific questions, and contributed directly to the study’s findings.



“We want the students to feel like they are part of a community of scientists,” said Allison Payne, a graduate student in the Beltran Lab who served as the course’s teaching assistant.&nbsp;



“It’s an incredible opportunity for the students and instructors alike to collaborate on real-world science, and it builds students’ confidence in navigating the scientific process.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biological-oceanographic-research">Biological oceanographic research </h2>



One of the undergraduate co-authors, Madi Reed, examined how oceanographic conditions influence seal pup survival. She found dramatic fluctuations in elephant seal reproductive success that strongly correlated with changing ocean conditions.&nbsp;



“It was really exciting to directly experience how the concepts we learned in our classes could be applied to real research,” Reed said. “This discovery has hugely inspired my current drive to pursue a career in biological oceanographic research.”



Beltran’s lab has also published a related perspective in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.14482" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology Letters</a>, discussing the importance of long-term studies in providing inclusive research opportunities for students.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seals-and-twilight-zone-conservation">Seals and twilight zone conservation</h2>



The twilight zone plays a crucial role in marine food webs, serving as an essential feeding ground for economically valuable species like tuna and squid.&nbsp;



However, scientific estimates of twilight-zone fish populations remain highly uncertain, with a 10-fold range of possible values. This uncertainty presents a major challenge for fisheries management, especially as discussions about commercially harvesting twilight-zone fish gain momentum.



The new study, which builds on decades of research led by Burney LeBoeuf and Dan Costa, helps bridge this gap by linking elephant seal foraging success to broader oceanographic trends.&nbsp;



“This effort documented the coupling between the elephant seals' behavior thousands of miles at sea, to their breeding success on the beach,” said Costa, a distinguished professor of ecology and evolutionary biology.&nbsp;



“This could only be accomplished with a long-time series coupled with a multidisciplinary team, including oceanographers, demographers, modelers, and seal biologists.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-ocean-s-pulse">Measuring the ocean's pulse</h2>



Past studies from this long-term research program revealed several groundbreaking discoveries, including the long-distance foraging migrations of elephant seals, the sheer volume of their feeding attempts, and the connection between maternal foraging success and pup health.



Now, the latest findings demonstrate that elephant seal foraging success aligns closely with broad-scale oceanographic indices that can be monitored by satellites.&nbsp;



“This linkage allowed us to measure the ocean's pulse and estimate fluctuations in fish availability five decades into the past and a few years into the future,” Beltran explained.



By providing a critical ecological baseline, this research can help inform sustainable fishing policies and assess the impacts of climate change on deep-sea fish populations.&nbsp;



With growing concerns about human-driven environmental changes, long-term studies like this one are becoming increasingly essential for understanding and protecting the ocean’s vast, yet largely unexplored, ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adp2244" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Elephant seals provide a window into the ocean’s twilight zone

For six decades, marine biologists at UC Santa Cruz have...

Solar cells are at the forefront of renewable energy, but their sustainability has long been a challenge. Now, a team of scientists has devised an innovative method to recycle them efficiently, offering a potential breakthrough in the fight against electronic waste.



This is more than just a solution - it’s a monumental step toward sustainability and a possible game-changer for the global energy crisis.



The researchers have developed a way to reprocess all components of perovskite solar cells without relying on harmful solvents. Remarkably, the recycled cells retain the same efficiency as their original, unprocessed counterparts.



Even more impressive, this breakthrough is powered by a simple yet effective ingredient - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-molecule-discovery-will-force-textbooks-to-be-rewritten/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> - providing a sustainable alternative to conventional, toxic chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energizing-our-future-with-solar-cells">Energizing our future with solar cells</h2>



With the current surge in electrification in various sectors - from our digital technologies to our vehicles - energy consumption is all set to soar.



To prevent this substantial increase in electricity usage from fuelling climate change, numerous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-utilities-may-be-100-percent-renewable-energy-by-2060/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable energy</a> sources need to join forces. Solar energy has long been seen as a vital player in this ensemble. 



Silicon-based solar panels have been in the commercial sphere for over three decades. However, their life cycle is nearing its end, leading to a significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electronic-waste-is-growing-five-times-faster-than-recycling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waste problem</a>.



Study lead author Xun Xiao is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology at <a href="https://liu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Linköping University</a>.



“There is currently no efficient technology to deal with the waste of silicon panels. That’s why old solar panels end up in the landfill. Huge mountains of electronic waste that you can’t do anything with," said Xiao.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emerging-solar-cell-technologies">Emerging solar cell technologies </h2>



The researchers are focused on developing flagship solar cell technologies that inherently accommodate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-trash-to-treasure-e-waste-is-a-literal-gold-mine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recycling</a>.



“We need to take recycling into consideration when developing emerging solar cell technologies. If we don’t know how to recycle them, maybe we shouldn’t put them on the market at all," noted study co-author Feng Gao, a professor of optoelectronics.



Perovskite solar cells are cost-effective and simple to produce. They are also lightweight, flexible, and transparent.



With a potential 25% efficiency in converting solar energy into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tech-uses-chicken-feathers-to-generate-clean-electricity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electricity</a>, perovskite solar cells rival modern silicon-based counterparts.



“There are many companies that want to get perovskite solar cells on the market right now, but we’d like to avoid another landfill. In this project, we’ve developed a method where all parts can be reused in a new perovskite solar cell without compromising performance in the new one," noted study co-author Niansheng Xu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recycling-perovskite-with-water">Recycling perovskite with water</h2>



Even though the power-packed perovskite solar cells have a shorter lifespan than silicon panels, it is crucial that their recycling process is both productive and environmentally benign.



A small amount of lead, vital for high efficiency, is present in these cells. This creates the need for a well-functioning recycling procedure.



Existing methods to disassemble perovskite solar cells often require a toxic, environmentally damaging, and potentially carcinogenic compound present in paint solvents. 



However, the experts at Linköping University have ingeniously replaced it with water. The result? High-quality perovskite recycled from the water solution, without compromising efficiency or performance.



This breakthrough not only eliminates hazardous waste but also simplifies the recycling process, making large-scale implementation more feasible.



“We can recycle everything - covering glasses, electrodes, perovskite layers and also the charge transport layer," said Xiao.



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



With plans to develop this method for larger scale use, the scientists are optimistic that perovskite solar cells will play a crucial role in future energy supply, once the proper infrastructure is established.



"We demonstrate that our recycling strategy can greatly alleviate the environmental burden of waste perovskite modules, especially for the human toxicity and resource depletion impacts, and also reduce the levelized cost of electricity," wrote the researchers.



"This study demonstrates unique opportunities of holistic perovskite solar module recycling - which are barely possible for other PV technologies - for a sustainable and circular solar economy in the future."



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08408-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Scientists recycle solar cells sustainably - with water

Solar cells are at the forefront of renewable energy, but...

Strange as it sounds, some scientists think the earliest life forms on Earth may have painted our planet in shades of purple rather than the green we see today. 



This idea, known as the Purple Earth hypothesis, suggests that single-celled organisms depended on a less complex molecule than chlorophyll to harness sunlight.



NASA-supported work points to retinal as that pivotal molecule, which lent these microbes a vivid violet color. 



The concept has been investigated by astrobiologist Dr. Edward Schwieterman of the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a>, and professor Shiladitya DasSarma of the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a>.



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



Chlorophyll is the green pigment that makes plants, algae, and some bacteria look so vibrant. More importantly, it’s the powerhouse behind photosynthesis - the process that lets plants turn sunlight into energy. 



Without chlorophyll, life as we know it wouldn’t exist because it’s the first step in producing the oxygen we breathe and the food we eat. 



This molecule absorbs light, mostly from the blue and red spectrum, while reflecting green, which is why leaves look green. 



It's packed into tiny structures inside plant cells called chloroplasts, where the magic of photosynthesis happens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-color-from-a-different-molecule">Early color from a different molecule</h2>



While modern plants rely on chlorophyll, it may not have been <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-building-blocks-of-life-zinc-arrived-on-early-earth-planetesimals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>’s first choice for photosynthesis. Retinal is simpler and was likely present on Earth when atmospheric oxygen was scarce.



During that period, known for low oxygen and a hazy sky, scientists believe sunlight was still abundant enough to power these purple microbes. This scenario points to a very different Earth from the lush, leafy version we see now.



Many of these primeval organisms fell under the archaea umbrella, a group that thrives in environments hostile to most other life. 



One notable example is often called halobacterium, a bright purple microbe that survives in salty spots like the Great Salt Lake.



Despite its name, halobacterium is not a bacterium but an archaeon that uses photosynthesis in a less common way. It absorbs green wavelengths through retinal and reflects red and blue, which produces its striking purple appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-purple-earth-turned-green-nbsp">How purple Earth turned green&nbsp;</h2>



Over time, other organisms evolved the more efficient pigment, chlorophyll, enabling them to harvest sunlight at stronger wavelengths.



This shift eventually overshadowed the retinal-based approach and helped fuel the Great Oxygenation Event, when oxygen levels in our atmosphere rose dramatically.



Retinal-based life did not disappear, but it was no longer the dominant force shaping the planet’s surface color. Chlorophyll-using organisms thrived, turning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-planets-formed-in-the-harsh-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>’s general look from purple to green.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-colorful-life">Searching for colorful life</h2>



Astrobiologists suspect exoplanets might host creatures that still rely on retinal. 



“If the Purple Earth hypothesis was correct and there was a dominance of purple organisms in the early Earth, then we might be able to find another planet that’s at an earlier stage of evolution,” said DasSarma.



Color signals from these far-off worlds could reveal whether simple purple life is out there. Early retinal-based photosynthesis might offer a stepping stone before more advanced pigments evolve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-purple-pockets-on-modern-earth">Purple pockets on modern Earth</h2>



Although Earth is now mostly green, places like the Dead Sea still shine with violet hues thanks to halobacterium. These hardy microbes thrive in extreme salt concentrations that deter many other forms of life.



By studying these vibrant spots, researchers gain insights into how purple life could survive on extraterrestrial terrains with similarly tough conditions. Observing them also helps scientists refine the signals they might seek on exoplanets.



Today’s vegetation has a recognizable red edge, where leaves strongly absorb red light but reflect a specific infrared wavelength. 



Retinal, on the other hand, would likely create a different type of spectral fingerprint that peaks in the green region.



Scientists are calling for <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-78071-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">instruments</a> that can track a wider range of wavelengths to detect such signatures. This approach broadens our view of what life might look like on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-other-planets-collected-first-water-from-unexpected-source-planetesimals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a> circling distant stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-future-holds">What the future holds</h2>



Advances in telescope technology will soon allow more detailed observations of exoplanet atmospheres and surfaces. 



Analysts hope to find color patterns that reflect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-laid-the-foundation-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biological processes</a>, whether they resemble chlorophyll or something entirely different. A confirmed Purple Earth <a href="https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20170011333" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phase</a> would be a key reminder that life can take unexpected paths.&nbsp;



“This is another reference point in a library of potential biosignatures that we can search for elsewhere,” said Schwieterman. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-earth-s-purple-past-matters">Why Earth’s purple past matters</h2>



The Purple Earth hypothesis remains unproven, yet it encourages new ways of thinking about our planet’s past and the search for life beyond. 



If <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/looking-to-earths-ancient-climate-to-predict-our-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>’s earliest successful photosynthesizers truly glowed purple, then that color might reappear wherever organisms adopt retinal as their main solar sponge.



This imaginative view highlights life’s capacity to adapt in surprising ways. It also urges us to look for signals we might otherwise miss if we focus only on what we see today.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/1705.05791" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astrobiolo</a><a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/1705.05791" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gy</a>.



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"Purple Earth Hypothesis" is gaining momentum in the scientific community

Strange as it sounds, some scientists think the earliest life...

Coral reefs are known for their vibrant colors and abundant marine life. They shelter countless fish and invertebrate species, stabilize coastlines, and supply vital resources for communities.



Scientists have speculated whether these important habitats underwent dramatic shifts in the distant past. A new investigation has unearthed a major interruption in coral growth in the Gulf of Eilat, raising new questions about coral resilience.



This region, at the northern tip of the Red Sea, is home to corals that tolerate warmer waters than many other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-is-transforming-nightlife-on-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef systems</a>. Their apparent resilience has made the area a favored spot for studying how reefs cope with changing conditions.



The latest findings come from a team led by Professor Adi Torfstein of The Hebrew University and Professor Oren Levy of Bar-Ilan University, in collaboration with several other international scientists.



The research opens a window into the historical factors that have shaped coral life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-coral-reefs-matter">Why coral reefs matter</h2>



Reefs are not just pretty landscapes. They play a role in the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon balance</a> of the oceans. Coral reefs are also biodiversity hotspots that support tourism and feed local fisheries.



Some species that thrive in reef environments form the basis of drug discovery. These organisms produce compounds that could one day lead to breakthroughs in treatments for human diseases.



Furthermore, coral skeletons serve as natural archives, preserving details about past water temperatures and nutrient levels. By sampling these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-may-not-adapt-quickly-enough-to-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">structures</a>, researchers can piece together long-term climate shifts that might otherwise go unnoticed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pause-in-coral-growth">Pause in coral growth </h2>



The researchers found that there was a hiatus in coral growth between 4,400 and 1,000 years before 1950. The corals on certain reefs stopped growing for several thousand years.



The researchers suggest that a mix of tectonic (Earth’s crust movement) and glacio-eustatic (sea-level fluctuation due to ice changes) forces lowered the water level in this region. Similar patterns were noted in other parts of the globe, hinting at a larger climate trend.



Corals in certain deeper zones survived and, when the sea rose again, they repopulated the reefs in shallower areas where other corals had died out. This rebound demonstrates how a single interruption might not eliminate a reef forever.



Most striking was the finding that this standstill persisted for nearly three millennia, which is a significant stretch in geological terms. 



The researchers believe the pause in coral growth coincided with a period of global cooling, which reduced sea levels enough to disrupt reef expansion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-threats-to-coral-reefs">Future threats to coral reefs</h2>



Coral <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coral_bleach.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bleaching</a> events have become more frequent in the past few decades, and have often been linked to the presence of warmer waters. Some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-bleaching-has-reached-catastrophic-levels-on-the-great-barrier-reef/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reefs</a> bounce back, but others suffer long-term harm, especially if pollution or destructive fishing adds stress to the situation.



Ocean <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/acidification.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">acidification</a> is another growing concern, as shifting pH levels can dissolve coral skeletons faster than they can regenerate. This chemical imbalance makes it tougher for new corals to build their stony foundations.



"Understanding how reefs have responded to past sea-level changes helps us predict their future resilience and informs conservation strategies. While our research shows that coral communities can recover after major disruptions, today’s climate crisis presents unprecedented challenges that demand urgent action,” noted Dr. Torfstein.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-ancient-corals">Studying ancient corals</h2>



To investigate the environmental conditions in ancient times, the team drilled coral cores up to ten feet deep into the seafloor. Each layer in these samples contains evidence about the salinity, temperature, and ecological conditions at the time the coral skeleton was formed.



By comparing layers from different time periods, the researchers identified distinct phases of coral growth. One of the biggest revelations was a shift in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/physics-and-astronomy/carbon-isotopes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon isotopes</a> over recent centuries, suggesting increased human impact on local waters.



The approach of drilling and analyzing such extensive coral reef samples had been rarely applied in this region. It provided a way to see how these reefs evolved over the past 10,000 years, capturing both abrupt changes and gradual trends in the environmental indicators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-ancient-corals">Learning from ancient corals</h2>



As scientists build on these findings, they understand more about the broader ocean changes that can happen over thousands of years. This perspective is critical, considering that short-term surveys often miss the subtle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-may-be-more-resilient-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shifts</a> that accumulate over centuries.



Many marine ecosystems, from kelp forests to seagrass meadows, also face stress from temperature swings and habitat loss. Learning from coral core records might help researchers anticipate shifts in other environments that share similar vulnerabilities.



Local communities in Eilat rely on healthy reefs for tourism and fishing, which raises the stakes for successful conservation. Some groups are exploring restoration projects, including transplanting young <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protecting-coral-reefs-is-a-matter-of-humans-rights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corals</a> and monitoring water quality, to help reefs survive tough conditions.



The study is published in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.70073" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Breaks in ancient coral growth reveal Earth's climate past

Coral reefs are known for their vibrant colors and abundant...

Scientists are constantly searching for ways to improve crop yields, enhance food quality, and speed up plant breeding. Traditional methods take years, sometimes decades, to create new crop varieties with better genetic traits. 



However, researchers at the University of Queensland (<a href="https://www.uq.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UQ</a>) have introduced a remarkable technique that could change the future of agriculture.



For the first time, the experts have successfully delivered genetic material into plants through their roots. This approach, detailed in the journal Nature Plants, offers a faster and more efficient way to modify plants. 



By using nanoparticles to transport synthetic mRNA, the researchers have opened new possibilities for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-technology-will-accelerate-the-pace-of-plant-species-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agricultural advancements</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nanoparticles-carry-genetic-material-in-plants">Nanoparticles carry genetic material in plants</h2>



Professor Bernard Carroll from UQ’s <a href="https://scmb.uq.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences</a> explained how this technology can help fine-tune plant genes. He highlighted the slow and expensive nature of traditional breeding and genetic modification methods.



"Traditional plant breeding and genetic modification take many generations to produce a new crop variety, which is time-consuming and expensive," said Professor Carroll.



The research team has developed a way to introduce nanoparticles into plant roots. These nanoparticles, initially created for vaccine and cancer treatment delivery in animals, have now been repurposed for plant genetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-use-dna-duplication-to-increase-their-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modification</a>. 



Professor Gordon Xu’s group at UQ developed these nanoparticles, which offer a promising method for introducing beneficial traits into plants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-past-tough-plant-cell-walls">Getting past tough plant cell walls</h2>



Unlike human or animal cells, plant cells have rigid walls that make genetic modifications challenging. The research team tackled this problem by coating the nanoparticles with a special protein. 



The protein softened the tough plant cell walls, allowing the nanoparticles to penetrate and deliver genetic material directly into the cells.



"The protein coating helped the nanoparticle break through the cell walls to deliver a synthetic mRNA cargo into plants for the first time," said Professor Carroll.



This technique allows scientists to introduce specific genetic instructions into plants. The mRNA molecules serve as messengers, guiding the plant cells to produce desired proteins. 



The researchers tested their method on multiple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-climates-force-plants-to-compete-with-each-other/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a>, including Arabidopsis, a model plant closely related to canola and cabbage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-movement-of-genetic-material-within-plants">Movement of genetic material within plants</h2>



One of the most surprising findings of the study was how the nanoparticles moved within the plant. Instead of releasing their genetic cargo into a single cell, the nanoparticles traveled with water, spreading the mRNA throughout the plant.



"It was surprising that rather than delivering all of its load in the first cell it entered, the nanoparticle traveled with water through the plant distributing the mRNA as it went," said Professor Carroll.



The unexpected movement of nanoparticles opens exciting possibilities for plant genetic modification. If scientists can control and refine this process, they could develop <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-plant-can-cause-severe-burns-and-dna-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a> with improved traits much more quickly than before.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faster-alternative-to-traditional-breeding">Faster alternative to traditional breeding</h2>



The ability to modify plant genes quickly could revolutionize agriculture. Traditional breeding methods require years of careful crossbreeding to achieve desirable traits such as better flavor, increased yield, or improved resistance to pests. 



Genetic modification using conventional methods also involves long and complex processes.



"With further research, we could target an issue with a crop such as flavor or quality and have a new variety without the need for a decade of cross breeding or genetic modification," noted Professor Carroll.



This new nanoparticle-based technique provides a faster alternative. The mRNA delivered into the plant does not permanently alter the plant’s DNA. Instead, it temporarily instructs the plant to produce a beneficial protein and then degrades naturally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-parallel-with-mrna-vaccines">A parallel with mRNA vaccines</h2>



The way this technology works is similar to mRNA vaccines in humans. Just as mRNA vaccines instruct human cells to produce a protein that stimulates the immune system before breaking down, the synthetic mRNA delivered into plants expresses a protein and then disappears.



"Similar to how an mRNA vaccine produces a protein to stimulate the immune system and then degrades away, the mRNA we deliver into plants is expressed transiently and then disappears," said Professor Carroll.



This characteristic makes the technique more adaptable and safer for rapid agricultural improvements. Scientists could use it to introduce temporary changes in plants without affecting their genetic makeup permanently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developing-plant-genetics-research">Developing plant genetics research</h2>



The potential applications of this technology extend beyond academic research. 



The University of Queensland has already patented the technique through its commercialization company, UniQuest. They are now looking for partners to help further develop and apply this technology in real-world agriculture.



The research team included experts such as Professor Zhi Pin (Gordon) Xu and Dr. Jiaxi Yong from UQ’s <a href="https://aibn.uq.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology</a> and the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation.



The research could pave the way for faster and more precise <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-fern-contains-50-times-more-dna-than-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop improvement</a> methods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-game-changer-for-agriculture">A game-changer for agriculture</h2>



The ability to modify plants more efficiently without lengthy breeding cycles or complex genetic modifications could transform food production. Farmers may soon have access to crops with better flavors, higher nutritional value, and greater resilience against environmental stresses.



As this technology advances, researchers will continue refining it to ensure its safety and effectiveness. The next step will be to scale up the process and explore its potential in various agricultural settings.



The discovery marks a new era in crop science, offering a promising path toward improving global food security. With further research and collaboration, this nanoparticle-based approach could redefine how we develop and enhance crops for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41477-024-01882-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Plants</a>.



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Nanoparticles unlock a new way to genetically modify plants

Scientists are constantly searching for ways to improve crop yields,...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

It was quite a sight for the surrounding onlookers. But that’s got us wondering — what kind of state was Annette in after the dramatic rescue? Marcel offered some insight about that while chatting to CTV News, providing a vivid description of his wife before she got to the nearby hospital. Photo Credit: CTV News/YouTube

How was Annette?

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