Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features vibrantly colored water near the coastline of Vancouver Island.



"The colorful plumes - which are likely comprised of both phytoplankton and sediment - stood out in this image, acquired by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-20 satellite on July 26," said NASA.



"Clouds covered much of Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia at the time of this image. But coastal areas were cloud-free, exposing water that likely contained flourishing populations of phytoplankton - floating plant-like organisms that are the foundation of the aquatic food web."



During the summer in the northeast Pacific Ocean, phytoplankton blooms are frequent due to offshore winds pushing surface waters away from the coast. This leads to the upwelling of cooler, nutrient-rich waters from the depths, which fuels the growth of phytoplankton.&nbsp;



The Salish Sea plays a significant role in supplying nutrients through its circulation and upwelling, enhancing phytoplankton productivity along the continental shelf near Vancouver Island. Additionally, the bloom may also be fueled by nutrient-rich sediment runoff from the coast.



Vancouver Island is known for its lush landscapes, including mountains, forests, and stunning coastlines. The island is also home to the city of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.&nbsp;



Vancouver Island offers various outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, including opportunities to see whales and bears. The island has a rich Indigenous history, which is reflected in many of its local arts and cultural exhibits



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Vibrant colors off the coast of Vancouver Island

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features a massive smoky storm cloud that developed over Northwestern Canada on September 16, 2023.



"For much of summer 2023, fires burned through boreal forests in northern British Columbia and Alberta, and in the South Slave Region of the Northwest Territories. The blazes triggered evacuations as they approached towns and unleashed plumes of smoke that occasionally dipped south into the United States," said NASA.



"In mid-September, strong winds from a passing cold front interacted with some of the fires to create a vast smoke-infused cloud spiral. The smoky storm, which spanned hundreds of kilometers, is visible in this image captured by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-20 satellite."



Wind gusts as high as 40 miles per hour intensified the fires and created towering “fire clouds” called pyrocumulonimbus clouds, which boosted smoke up into the storm clouds.&nbsp;



“We see dozens of pyrocumulonimbus clouds each year, but this was an impressive event,” said Colin Seftor, an atmospheric scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.&nbsp;



Seftor monitors the spread of the airborne aerosols within wildfire smoke using the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite sensor on the NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP satellite.



“After the smoke was lofted up and entrained within the circulation of a passing low-pressure system, it resulted in the highest aerosol measurements we’ve seen this year,” said Seftor. “We did see two other smoke events in Canada in mid-August and early September, when aerosol index values were nearly as high,” he added.



Atmospheric scientist Hiren Jethva analyzed data collected by a lidar sensor on NASA’s ICESat-2 to measure the height of the smoke plume. “ICESat-2 data show a rising smoke cloud ranging from 6 to 11 kilometers,” he said.&nbsp;



According to NASA, scientists track smoke heights as part of a broader effort to understand how aerosols within wildfire smoke affect the radiation budget and climate when they form smoke layers above clouds.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Smoke-infused storm cloud over the Northwest Territories 

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features the port city of Derna on the northeastern coast of Libya, where heavy rainfall caused catastrophic flooding that killed thousands of people.&nbsp;



"On September 10 and 11, over 100 millimeters (4 inches) of rain fell on Derna. The city lies at the end of a long, narrow valley, called a wadi, which is dry except during the rainy season," explained NASA.



"Floods triggered two dams along the wadi to collapse. The failure of the second dam, located just one kilometer inland of Derna, unleashed 3- to 7-meter-high floodwater that tore through the city. According to news reports, the flash floods destroyed roads and swept entire neighborhoods out to sea."



The image was captured by the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9 on September 18. It shows the eroded banks of Wadi Derna, and muddy water off the coast.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"Preliminary estimates by the United Nations Satellite Center (UNOSAT) indicate that 3,100 buildings in Derna were damaged by rushing water. According to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM), about 40,000 people in the country were displaced by the storm, and 30,000 of those were displaced from Derna," said NASA.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Aftermath of catastrophic flooding in Derna, Libya

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features the western region of Morocco, where a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck on September 8, 2023. The violent earthquake killed thousands of people and many are still missing more than a week later.



"The damage proxy map shown above is a NASA Earth Observatory version of a map created by the Earth Observatory of Singapore - Remote Sensing Lab (EOS-RS). The map uses modified Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite data processed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and with software originally developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Caltech," said NASA.



"To map the landscape, including buildings, Sentinel-1’s radar sends pulses of microwaves toward Earth’s surface and 'listens' for reflected echoes of those waves. In the map above, the damage proxy data from EOS-RS was laid over a Landsat 9 image and combined with a digital elevation model based on data collected by the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission."



According to NASA, the most severe destruction occurred in small rural villages in the High Atlas Mountains. Near the epicenter, entire communities were destroyed.



A resident of the town of Tinzert, Hakim Idlhousein, told CNN that it took just 10 seconds for his whole village to disappear. The homes have been reduced to rubble, and the survivors are still waiting for government aid. These hardest-hit regions have been difficult to reach after roads were destroyed by the earthquake.&nbsp;



"Help has been slow to come and has so far mostly consisted of food and water brought up into the mountains in private cars by volunteers from across Morocco," reported CNN.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Entire villages destroyed by earthquake in the High Atlas Mountains

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Cook Strait, which separates New Zealand's North and South Islands.



"Named after James Cook, who was the first European to sail through it, the PoipuCook Strait is just 23 km wide at its narrowest point, so on a clear day it is possible to see across the strait. However, it is also renowned as one of the roughest and most unpredictable stretches of water in the world, owing to strong winds, conflicting currents and variable tides," says ESA.



"This dynamic environment is depicted here by the various shades of blue in the water and swirls. Both shores feature steep cliffs which, in the image, result in the white colour caused by the big waves crashing against the rocky coast."



New Zealand is a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, consisting of two main islands, both marked by volcanoes and glaciation. It is known for its stunning and diverse landscapes, which include beaches, mountains, forests, lakes, and farmland. The capital city is Wellington, while the most populous city is Auckland, both located in the North Island.



The country is renowned for its strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. It has a diverse economy with key sectors including tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. New Zealand is famous for its dairy industry, especially the export of products like milk and cheese.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Cook Strait, New Zealand

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Mendenhall Glacier - a stunning glacier located about 13 miles from downtown Juneau in Southeast Alaska. Mendenhall is easily accessible and is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year.&nbsp;



The photograph was captured on July 28, 2023 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8. When compared to a previous image captured in 1985 by Landsat 5, scientists found that Mendenhall had retreated by about one mile.



According to NASA, thinning has also taken a toll on the glacier during the past four decades, causing it to narrow by about 2,000 feet at the bend closest to its front.



"Mendenhall Glacier started retreating in the mid-1700s following a period of glaciation that began 3,000 years ago. But in recent decades, Alaska has been warming twice as fast as the rest of the United States, helping to push the region’s glaciers into an especially steep decline," said NASA.



"The Juneau Icefield, of which Mendenhall Glacier is a part, lost 63 out of 1,050 small glaciers inventoried between 2005 and 2019. During that same period, the icefield lost 10 percent of its glacier area."



The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center provides excellent views of the glacier and offers interpretive programs about the natural history of the glacier. The center is a popular destination for tourists visiting Juneau.



There are several activities available for tourists including guided walks, boat tours, and even ice cave explorations. The glacier and its surroundings also offer opportunities for wildlife viewing.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Mendenhall Glacier in Southeast Alaska

So, as documented in the PBS series Nature: Spy in the Wild 2, filmmakers and scientists created a hidden camera that could infiltrate an ape troop. This piece of technology, however, did more than simply record.

Spy in the Wild

The Biden administration has announced that starting next week, every US household can request up to four free at-home Covid tests.&nbsp;



This initiative is an effort to prevent a potential winter surge in Covid cases, especially with the emergence of the Eris and BA.2.86 variants.



The $600 million program was initiated in early 2022, a period when retailers experienced a shortage of tests.&nbsp;



When the Covid public health emergency was declared over in May, the program to distribute Covid tests was suspended.



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



To date, over 755 million free Covid tests have been distributed across the US by the Biden administration.&nbsp;



These tests, as clarified by the Health and Human Services (HHS), are intended for use throughout the remainder of the year. Detailed instructions regarding the checking of expiration dates will be included.



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



In recent months, there have been a surge in Covid infections and hospitalizations. Across hospitals in the United States, the data shows 20,538 Covid admissions in the week leading up to September 9. 



This figure indicates a 7.7% week-on-week rise in hospital admissions - representing the slowest increase since early July, a time when hospitalizations were at an all-time low.&nbsp;



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



In addition, Covid-related deaths are beginning to plateau, with 844 recorded in the week leading up to August 19.



Despite the introduction of updated vaccines and the current wave being relatively mild, disruptions could continue, possibly due to reasons such as staff absences.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wastewater-monitoring-nbsp">Wastewater monitoring&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Amy Kirby, who leads the CDC's <a href="https://wastewaterscan.org/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=search&amp;utm_content=adgroup1&amp;utm_campaign=wastewaterscan&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwmbqoBhAgEiwACIjzEMS_xAkXS55BDNX45aCEJE6vPjs3KxjsO5z2StMQbepQ13aHRNAL8BoC6ugQAvD_BwE">wastewater monitoring program</a>, emphasized the uncertainty, stating it's "really too early to tell" if a significant winter surge would materialize.



Wastewater monitoring has emerged as a crucial indicator of the virus's prevalence. The CDC's recent surveillance of Covid wastewater indicates declines in mid-Atlantic states like Virginia and Maryland.&nbsp;



However, the Midwest and Northeast show a consistent increase in Covid traces, especially with school reopenings.



Marlene Wolfe, program director for WastewaterSCAN, mentioned that their findings point towards a "flattening out" of Covid spread. WastewaterSCAN currently tracks 183 sites across 36 states.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



Bill Hanage of <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a> also emphasized the importance of wastewater surveillance, especially now that public health officials are not actively tracking individual Covid cases. 



The wastewater monitoring method, likened to weather forecasts, provides an indication of the virus's spread even before individuals show symptoms.



As the nation faces the possibility of another Covid surge in the winter, the Biden administration's free testing initiative and wastewater surveillance remain crucial tools.&nbsp;



While current data may be encouraging, experts like Dr. Kirby warn that it is essential for the public to remain vigilant and proactive, especially with the unpredictability of the virus.



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Free Covid tests may help combat winter surge in the US

The Biden administration has announced that starting next week, every...

In a recent opinion paper, a team of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fibonacci-spirals-an-unexpected-twist-in-plant-evolution/">plant</a> scientists has introduced a novel method to sequester carbon dioxide by "re-greening" arid regions, without competing with agriculture or food production.



This innovative solution was proposed by a research team led by Heribert Hirt from the <a href="https://www.kaust.edu.sa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King Abdullah University of Science and Technology</a>.



Their report, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2023.08.009" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trends in Plant Science</a>, suggests that deserts could be transformed into carbon sinks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-climate-challenge">The climate challenge</h2>



As carbon dioxide (CO2) levels rise, the race is on to find solutions beyond merely cutting emissions.&nbsp;



"With greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations at the highest level for 2 million years, humanity is facing an unprecedented challenge from climate change," wrote the researchers.



"Consequently, average temperature increases, ice sheet melting, ocean/sea level increases, and extreme weather patterns are becoming routine. These changes threaten the foundations of human civilization."



Capturing and storing vast amounts of CO2 already in the atmosphere has become crucial. Reforestation is considered to be an ideal approach, but often clashes with agricultural needs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-deserts-into-carbon-sinks">Turning deserts into carbon sinks</h2>



The researchers propose that we could transform arid ecosystems into efficient carbon-capture systems with improved soil health, enhanced photosynthetic efficiency, and larger root biomass by engineering ideal combinations of plants, soil microbes, and soil type.



“Re-greening deserts by restoration of ecosystem functions, including carbon sequestration, should be the preferential approach,” wrote the researchers.&nbsp;



“The advantage of reclaiming arid regions for re-greening and carbon sequestration is that they do not compete with lands used in agriculture and food production.”



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



Arid regions cover approximately one-third of our planet's land surface. These areas typically support minimal vegetation due to water scarcity.&nbsp;



Yet, certain plants, adapted to these harsh conditions, have evolved ways to survive.&nbsp;



Some use unique photosynthesis methods, others have special root systems, and a few even produce oxalates which can convert into water during droughts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-oxalate-carbonate-pathway">The oxalate-carbonate pathway</h2>



Oxalates are ions made up of carbon and oxygen. Soil microbes consume these oxalates as their primary carbon source.&nbsp;



Upon doing so, they release carbonate molecules into the soil. These molecules can react with calcium in calcium-rich and alkaline soils, forming stable calcium carbonate deposits.



This biogeochemical process can be enhanced in arid lands to transform them from barren stretches into thriving carbon sinks, complete with healthy soils and plants.&nbsp;



“Overall, in this form of carbon sequestration, one out of every sixteen photosynthetically fixed carbon atoms might be sequestered into carbonates,” wrote the study authors.



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



To initiate this transformation, the authors propose the creation of "fertility islands."&nbsp;



These are small pockets of revived habitat where plants and microbes can flourish and eventually spread, creating a blanket of vegetation across the arid landscape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-future-directions">Challenges and future directions</h2>



Despite its promise, this method also has some challenges. Arid conditions naturally mean slower plant growth, which could limit the pace of carbon sequestration.&nbsp;



Additionally, the adoption and effectiveness of this technology rely heavily on the financial and political will of countries with arid regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



As the global community searches for ways to tackle the impending climate crisis, re-greening arid lands could offer a solution.&nbsp;



Not only could this method sequester vast amounts of carbon, but it could also restore ecosystems, bringing life back to some of the most barren places on Earth.



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Deserts as carbon sinks? Study reveals potential for greening arid regions

In a recent opinion paper, a team of plant scientists...

Photovoltaics,And,Wind,Turbines,Generating,Electricity,In,Solar,Power,Station

A new comprehensive assessment led by <a href="https://www.portlandrealestate.com/">Portland Real Estate</a> has recently revealed how states fare on their green initiatives.&nbsp;



The analysis considered various components such as emission types and amounts, accessibility to nature for residents, air and water quality, use of green transportation options, fossil fuel production, and overall energy usage.&nbsp;



Based on these parameters, an environmental impact score was derived for each state. Here are the top 10 least <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-foods-are-healthy-and-environmentally-friendly/">environmentally friendly</a> states:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-mississippi-33-7-100-nbsp">1. Mississippi (33.7/100)&nbsp;</h2>



Mississippi struggles most with its green initiatives, securing the lowest spot. It faces serious challenges in transportation, evidenced by the lack of hybrid or electric vehicles.&nbsp;



Only 0.23 percent of its population uses public transport. Its water efficiency and sustainability score are dismal, at just 2/100, attributed to the high number of residents accessing contaminated water facilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-louisiana-34-6-100-nbsp">2. Louisiana (34.6/100)&nbsp;</h2>



Louisiana, though slightly ahead of Mississippi, has the nation’s poorest nature score at 20.7 out of 100. The state has a mere 50 square miles dedicated to parks and is significantly lacking in hiking trails.&nbsp;



Additionally, its substantial contribution of 183.3 million tons to national CO2 emissions cannot be overlooked.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-new-mexico-35-2-100-nbsp">3. New Mexico (35.2/100)&nbsp;</h2>



New Mexico’s lower ranking arises from concerns related to water quality, with 1.1 million residents depending on unreliable water sources.&nbsp;



The state also has the 13th poorest air quality and is a significant producer of coal, with an annual production close to 9,265 thousand short tons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-alabama-35-8-100-nbsp">4. Alabama (35.8/100)&nbsp;</h2>



Alabama’s low score stems from transportation challenges, with just 1.53 percent of its vehicles being electric or hybrid.&nbsp;



The state’s score also lags due to a mere 75 square miles being covered by parks. Additionally, it ranks 13th in the country for CO2 emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-north-dakota-36-3-100-nbsp">5. North Dakota (36.3/100)&nbsp;</h2>



North Dakota’s environmental challenges are accentuated by its high emissions rate, rising to 3.32kg of black carbon per person annually.&nbsp;



Its transportation metrics are also concerning, with a mere 0.19 percent of vehicles being green. Furthermore, the state is a significant producer of fossil fuels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-west-virginia-37-5-100-nbsp">6. West Virginia (37.5/100)&nbsp;</h2>



West Virginia faces significant water quality challenges, with 934,993 residents depending on compromised water facilities. Its CO2 emissions also stand out, rising up to 76.9 million tons annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-oklahoma-38-8-100-nbsp">7. Oklahoma (38.8/100)&nbsp;</h2>



Oklahoma’s low score is due to transportation and nature-related challenges. The state has a limited number of electric or hybrid vehicles and lacks expansive green spaces, with only 88 square miles dedicated to parks. Additionally, its annual CO2 emission stands at 63.1 million tons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-alaska-39-6-100-nbsp">8. Alaska (39.6/100)&nbsp;</h2>



Alaska, despite its vast natural landscapes, has the second-highest emissions score.&nbsp;



The state produces 36 million tons of CO2 yearly. Its fossil fuel production is also significant, and only a small percentage of its vehicles are green.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-texas-40-7-100-nbsp">9. Texas (40.7/100)&nbsp;</h2>



Texas, a significant contributor to CO2 emissions, produces a staggering 624 million tons annually. Its fossil fuel production is also substantial, and it ranks low in air quality metrics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-kentucky-41-6-100-nbsp">10. Kentucky (41.6/100)&nbsp;</h2>



Kentucky’s challenges revolve around water quality and transportation. It has a low percentage of green vehicles, and its annual CO2 emissions reach 101.9 million tons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highlight-oregon-51-6-100-nbsp">Highlight: Oregon (51.6/100)&nbsp;</h2>



Oregon ranks as the 20th greenest state. Its transportation score is commendable, with 8.42 percent of vehicles being hybrid or electric. However, it struggles with emissions, producing 9.25 tons of CO2 per person annually.



“It is interesting to see how each state has scored in the various factors that contribute to a less green environment. When deciding where to live or buy a home, a greener environment is a deciding factor for many,” a spokesperson from Portland Real Estate concluded.&nbsp;



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Going green: Which U.S. states are the least environmentally friendly?

A new comprehensive assessment led by Portland Real Estate has...

NASA is edging closer to the conclusion of its ambitious seven-year mission, aiming to prevent a catastrophic collision of a massive asteroid named <a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/asteroids-comets-and-meteors/asteroids/101955-bennu/overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bennu</a> with Earth. Recent findings have indicated that there's a 1 in 2700 chance of Bennu slamming into Earth on September 24, 2182.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-menace-of-asteroid-bennu">The menace of asteroid Bennu</h2>



Roughly the size of the iconic Empire State Building, Bennu spans about a third of a mile wide. The potential aftermath of its predicted collision with Earth could equate to the explosive energy of 22 atomic bombs. 



The asteroid makes its presence felt by passing Earth approximately every six years. However, scientists anticipate that its most perilous close encounter could be a mere 159 years away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OSIRIS-REx mission</h2>



In a proactive move, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> dispatched a spacecraft to Bennu in 2016. This mission was crucial for collecting samples and advancing the agency's strategy to stave off a doomsday-like asteroid deflection scenario.



"It feels very much like the last few miles of a marathon, with a confluence of emotions like pride and joy coexisting with a determined focus to complete the race well,” expressed an impassioned Rich Burns, the project manager for OSIRIS-REx at NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Historic sample collection</h2>



In October 2020, NASA's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/osiris-rex-is-bringing-an-asteroid-sample-back-to-earth-this-month-worrying-many-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSIRIS-REx</a> spacecraft made history by alighting on Bennu's surface and procuring a chunk of rocky material. Weighing in at approximately 8.8 ounces (250 grams), this represents not only NASA's inaugural asteroid sample but also the largest ever extracted from space.



Come this Sunday, September 24 at around 10:42 AM U.S. Eastern Time, the world will watch with bated breath as the OSIRIS-REx mission dispatches this precious sample <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/OSIRIS-REx_mission_infographic_2big-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">back to Earth</a>. When the spacecraft is roughly 63,000 miles from Earth, it will jettison the sample-return capsule, roughly the size of a mini-fridge.



Entering Earth's atmosphere at an intense 28,000 mph, enduring temperatures akin to double that of lava, the capsule's descent will be <a href="https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/20381/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tempered using parachutes</a>. This will ensure a controlled landing in the Great Salt Lake Desert, Utah, marking the culmination of the OSIRIS-REx's monumental seven-year odyssey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deciphering the secrets of the solar system</h2>



These asteroid fragments are expected to furnish scientists with a rare peek into the planet formation phenomena that created our solar system approximately 4.5 billion years ago.



"Pristine material from asteroid Bennu will help shed light on the formation of our solar system 4.5 billion years ago and perhaps even on how life on Earth began,” elucidated Nicola Fox, an associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Origin of asteroid Bennu's name</h2>



Discovered in September 1999 by the <a href="https://www.ll.mit.edu/impact/watch-potentially-hazardous-asteroids" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research</a> (LINEAR) survey, the asteroid initially bore the moniker 1999 RQ36. It wasn't until 2013 that a nine-year-old from North Carolina christened it Bennu. Following his triumph in the 'Name that Asteroid!' competition, he drew inspiration for the name from an ancient Egyptian deity.



As NASA approaches the final leg of this critical mission, the world watches in anticipation, rooting for its success and the vast potential knowledge it promises to unravel about our universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-asteroid-bennu">More about asteroid Bennu</h2>



As mentioned above, asteroid Bennu stands as one of the most intriguing celestial bodies in our solar system. This near-Earth asteroid, discovered in 1999, presents scientists with both a chance to study the early solar system and an opportunity to better understand potential asteroid threats.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-and-composition">Formation and composition</h3>



Bennu originated from the primordial debris that helped form our solar system about 4.5 billion years ago. This diamond-shaped rock measures about 500 meters in diameter. This is roughly equivalent to the height of the Empire State Building. Researchers believe that Bennu offers insights into the raw materials present during the solar system's early days because of its rudimentary nature.



When scientists examine Bennu's surface, they find a dark and rocky world. The asteroid's rough landscape consists primarily of boulders and rocks, with very few flat areas. The darkness of Bennu's surface comes from its carbon-rich composition, indicating that organic molecules, which form the basis for life as we know it, might exist there.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-path-and-potential-threat">Path and potential threat</h3>



Bennu orbits the Sun on a trajectory that occasionally brings it close to Earth. While currently it poses no direct threat, its orbit intersects with Earth's, which classifies Bennu as a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA). 



As mentioned previously, researchers estimate that there is a 1 in 2,700 chance of Bennu impacting Earth in the late 22nd century. However, scientists constantly monitor its trajectory to ensure we have an accurate understanding of any future threat.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-osiris-rex-a-truly-groundbreaking-mission">OSIRIS-REx: A truly groundbreaking mission</h3>



The allure and potential importance of Bennu led NASA to launch the OSIRIS-REx mission in 2016. This spacecraft aimed to approach, study, and collect a sample from Bennu's surface. The mission achieved multiple milestones. These include the detailed mapping of the asteroid's surface, gaining insights into its geology, and understanding its rotational dynamics.



In 2020, a significant achievement for the mission occurred when OSIRIS-REx touched Bennu's surface and successfully collected samples. The spacecraft will return these samples to Earth on September 24, 2023, offering scientists a pristine piece of the early solar system to analyze.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-the-future">Implications for the future</h3>



Understanding Bennu serves a dual purpose. On one hand, its study aids our comprehension of the origins of life on Earth. The presence of organic molecules on Bennu could provide clues about the building blocks of life and their distribution throughout the solar system. 



On the other hand, understanding the properties and trajectories of near-Earth asteroids like Bennu is crucial for planetary defense. This knowledge enables us to predict and possibly mitigate potential future impacts.



In summary, Bennu represents more than just a floating rock in space. It's a bridge to our past, a beacon for scientific discovery, and a reminder of the dynamic nature of our solar system. Through the combined efforts of observational astronomy and space missions like OSIRIS-REx, we continue to unveil the secrets Bennu holds.



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NASA mission to stop asteroid Bennu collision with Earth ends Sunday with high drama

NASA is edging closer to the conclusion of its ambitious...

The quest to understand the origins of life and the potential for its existence elsewhere in the universe has taken a monumental leap. A team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin–Madison</a>, led by NASA-supported astrobiologist <a href="https://www.kacarlab.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Betül Kaçar</a>, has published a "chemical cookbook" that compiles hundreds of recipes with the potential to give rise to life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-chemical-cookbook-of-life-s-origins">The chemical cookbook of life's origins</h2>



The study, published in the Journal of the <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.3c07041" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Chemical Society</a>, offers a comprehensive "chemical cookbook" that details the combination of molecules — involving atoms from all groups and series across the periodic table — capable of initiating autocatalytic reactions. 



These are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-a-galaxy-12-billion-light-years-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical reactions</a> that sustain themselves by producing molecules that encourage the same reaction to happen again and again.



“The origin of life really is a something-from-nothing process,” says Kaçar. “But that something can’t happen just once. Life comes down to chemistry and conditions that can generate a self-reproducing pattern of reactions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-on-comproportionation-reactions">Focus on comproportionation reactions</h2>



One of the fascinating aspects of this research lies in the team's focus on comproportionation reactions. In these particular types of reactions, two compounds that include the same element but in different reactive states combine to create a new compound. This new compound then has the element in a state that is between the original states.



For a chemical reaction to be autocatalytic, the outcome must also provide starting materials for the reaction to happen again. "So the output becomes a new input," explains <a href="https://geoscience.wisc.edu/people/adams-zach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zach Adam</a>, a co-author of the study and a UW–Madison geoscientist. 



This creates a self-perpetuating cycle of reactions, almost like a growing population of rabbits: a pair produces a litter, and the new rabbits grow up to create more litters, rapidly increasing the population.



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



This new "chemical cookbook" could significantly narrow the search for life elsewhere in the universe. By identifying the most likely conditions under which these autocatalytic reactions could occur, scientists can specify which planetary environments to focus on in their search for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-discovery-saturns-moon-enceladus-has-all-of-the-ingredients-necessary-for-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extraterrestrial life</a>.



Kaçar suggests that, although we may never know exactly how life originated on Earth, experiments could be conducted under various planetary conditions to understand better how life could arise elsewhere. 



"We will never definitively know what exactly happened on this planet to generate life. We don't have a time machine,” Kaçar says. “But, in a test tube, we can create multiple planetary conditions to understand how the dynamics to sustain life can evolve in the first place.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-research-muse-consortium">The future of research: MUSE consortium</h2>



Betül Kaçar leads a NASA-supported consortium called <a href="https://museastrobiology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MUSE</a> (Metal Utilization &amp; Selection Across Eons). The lab will particularly focus on reactions involving the elements molybdenum and iron. 



However, the researchers are equally enthusiastic about the potential discoveries that could come from the most peculiar and unusual parts of their new "chemical cookbook."



In concluding her remarks, Kaçar referenced Carl Sagan: "Carl Sagan said if you want to bake a pie from scratch, first you must create the universe. I think if we want to understand the universe, first we must bake a few pies."



As researchers continue to delve into this new compilation of chemical reactions, the answers to some of the most fundamental questions about life's origins and its possibility elsewhere in the universe may be closer than ever before.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-ingredients-for-life-as-we-know-it">More about the ingredients for life as we know it</h2>



Life, as we know it on Earth, requires a specific concoction of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-discovery-about-earths-formation-raises-probability-of-finding-life-on-other-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ingredients to thrive</a>. Understanding these components not only deepens our comprehension of life on our planet, but it also aids in our quest for extraterrestrial life. Let's delve into the primary ingredients essential for life:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water">Water</h3>



Water tops the list. Every living organism on Earth depends on water, making it a fundamental ingredient for life. It serves as a solvent, facilitating biochemical reactions, and plays a crucial role in regulating temperature.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon">Carbon</h3>



Carbon is the backbone of organic molecules, including DNA, proteins, fats, and sugars, which are essential for life. Its unique capability to form four bonds makes it exceptionally versatile, allowing for a vast array of complex molecules.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrients">Nutrients</h3>



Every organism needs a source of nutrients to fuel its activities. This includes essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. While plants obtain nutrients from soil and sunlight, animals derive them by consuming plants or other animals.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy">Energy</h3>



Life requires energy. On Earth, this energy primarily comes from the Sun. Plants capture sunlight and convert it into chemical energy through photosynthesis. Animals, in turn, consume plants or other animals to obtain this energy.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmosphere">Atmosphere</h3>



An atmosphere provides gases essential for life. Humans and many animals need oxygen, while plants require carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. The Earth's atmosphere also offers protection from harmful solar radiation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature">Temperature</h3>



For biochemical reactions to occur efficiently, an optimal temperature range is crucial. On Earth, this range allows for liquid water, a vital component for life. Extremes in temperature can disrupt cellular processes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-and-rna">DNA and RNA</h3>



These molecules store and transmit genetic information, guiding the growth, development, and reproduction of organisms. DNA provides the blueprint, while RNA acts as the messenger, ensuring proteins are made correctly.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cell-membranes">Cell membranes</h3>



Life, as we understand it, is cellular. Cell membranes, composed mainly of lipids, separate the interior of the cell from the external environment, regulating the exchange of substances.



In summary, while the universe is vast and diverse, the fundamental ingredients for life remain consistent. As we search for life beyond Earth, these components serve as our guide, prompting us to explore places where they might coexist.



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Scientists create "chemical cookbook" with recipes that will create life

The quest to understand the origins of life and the...

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/">University of Oxford</a> is shedding light on a concerning issue that many may have overlooked. The researchers have determined that sewage pollution is more detrimental to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hypoxia-is-a-serious-problem-in-rivers-worldwide/">rivers</a> than agriculture.



The study was launched ahead of World Rivers Day, which is celebrated on September 24th.&nbsp;



The researchers found that even when sewage undergoes treatment, its discharge into rivers affects water quality far more than runoff from surrounding land use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



The experts took into consideration three pollution sources: treated sewage discharge, agriculture, and urban run-off.&nbsp;



The team tested four rivers in England both up- and downstream of sewage discharge points across three different months.



While water companies in the UK have the green light to release treated wastewater into rivers, untreated wastewater can also be released during heavy rainfalls, a phenomenon termed as storm overflow.&nbsp;



This not only leads to significant ecological ramifications but can also jeopardize human health if that water is utilized for drinking, recreational, or agricultural activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings-from-the-study">Key findings from the study</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sewage-is-a-primary-pollutant">Sewage is a primary pollutant</h3>



Sewage, whether treated or untreated, is responsible for the spike in nutrients, algae, and sewage fungus in rivers.&nbsp;



Moreover, it severely alters the ecosystem by changing the composition of plant, animal, and microbial communities in the water.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shift-in-river-communities">Shift in river communities</h3>



Downstream of sewage input, rivers exhibited a noticeable shift in macroinvertebrate and algae communities.&nbsp;



The surge in resilient groups like cyanobacteria and worms is especially alarming. Cyanobacteria are infamous for releasing toxic chemicals that can be lethal to many aquatic species.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agriculture-s-role">Agriculture's role</h3>



Though sewage discharge is a dominant threat, agricultural run-off also contributes to the degradation of water quality, especially harming specific sensitive insect groups such as mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-issue">Addressing the issue</h2>



“Our study highlights the disproportionate impact that sewage discharge has on river quality, presenting an urgent need for a comprehensive action plan targeting the sewage discharge problem," said study lead author Dr. Dania Albini.



"Improvements to waste water plants should be implemented along with more regulations. These efforts are crucial in safeguarding the integrity and safety of our rivers - fundamental elements of both ecosystems and human wellbeing.”



Ecological state of UK waterways



The revelations from the study are timely, especially considering the deteriorating state of the UK's waterways.&nbsp;



With over 90% of freshwater habitats in England's vital rivers being affected by various pollutants, a holistic strategy addressing pollution is imperative for the well-being of both the environment and its inhabitants.



“There is ongoing debate about the cause of the poor ecological state of many rivers in the UK because it is difficult to disentangle different pollution sources," said study senior author Dr. Michelle Jackson.



"Here, we show that even treated sewage appears to have a stronger influence on river communities than pollution from the surrounding land. This important information should be used to prioritize the management and conservation of our rivers moving forward.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



James Wallace, CEO of the UK-based charity River Action, said the research demonstrates yet again the damage from unregulated water companies and agriculture.&nbsp;



"In addition to the catastrophic impact on wildlife from nutrient pollution, the public should be aware that sewage systems do not remove dangerous bacteria such as E.coli and intestinal enterococci from treated sewage," said Wallace.



"For instance, recent citizen science on the River Thames found that Thames Water’s outflows often have four to five times the safe levels of bacteria, that has likely caused serious illness in swimmers and rowers."&nbsp;



"When will the government make water companies and farms clean up their act, especially in places where human lives and sensitive protected habitats are threatened?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-detection-system">Early detection system</h2>



The researchers have also developed a new method to detect potentially dangerous "sewage fungus" outbreaks.



This mix of fungus, algae, and bacteria causes unpleasant smells and severely reduces oxygen levels, which can cause mass fish mortality.



"Rapid identification of sewage fungus pollution events will allow early intervention which would help prevent any potential negative consequences for local wildlife," said Dr. Jackson.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.16934">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Sewage pollution is a greater threat to rivers than agriculture

A new study led by the University of Oxford is...

A recent study from <a href="https://www.elte.hu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eötvös Loránd University</a> has explored the question of why flat-faced dogs are so popular despite their major health risks.&nbsp;



The results of the study suggest that flat-faced dogs such as pugs and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/english-bulldogs-are-suffering-from-poor-breeding-practices/">bulldogs</a> have infant-like traits and behaviors that humans find irresistible.



"Infant-like traits may be present not only in appearance but also in behavior in brachycephalic breeds, eliciting caring behavior in owners," wrote the study authors.



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



Pugs and French bulldogs, with their wrinkled faces and flat noses, have charmed their way into the hearts of many dog lovers



However, these brachycephalic breeds are also prone to severe health issues, raising questions about the seemingly paradoxical rise in their popularity.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-are-brachycephalic-dogs-so-popular">Why are brachycephalic dogs so popular?</h2>



The term "brachycephalic" refers to breeds of dogs that have flattened faces and shortened muzzles, a result of selective breeding rather than natural evolution.&nbsp;



Despite the known health risks, such as breathing and skin problems, these breeds have witnessed an unprecedented rise in ownership in recent years.&nbsp;



The Kennel Club reported a 2,747-percent increase in registered French Bulldogs since 2004 in the UK alone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-brachycephalic-paradox">The brachycephalic paradox</h2>



The researchers aimed to understand the so-called "brachycephalic paradox" - why these breeds continue to gain popularity despite well-documented welfare issues, high veterinary costs, and shorter lifespans.&nbsp;



"The focus of this paper is the ‘kindchenschema’ effect (also known as the cute effect); a well-studied phenomenon in psychological research in which infantile features in images of both children and animals are regularly found to provoke positive and affectionate feelings in human observers, and to prompt careful and nurturant behaviors," wrote the study authors.



"Our aim here is to discover whether relative muzzle shortening across a range of dog breeds is linked to the key facial features known to be appealing to, and to elicit nurturant behaviors in, human observers."&nbsp;



"Specifically, we sought to discover whether muzzle shortening in the sagittal plane of dogs’ heads (i.e. in profile) is statistically associated with known ‘kindchenschema’ features in the coronal plane (i.e. fronto-facial features such as the relative size of eyes and forehead)."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



The team used a unique experiment to compare 30 flat-faced dogs, including 15 English bulldogs and 15 French bulldogs, and 13 Hungarian Mudis, a breed with mid-length muzzles.



The dogs were presented with three boxes with different opening mechanisms, each containing a sausage.&nbsp;



The animals had two minutes to open the boxes while both the experimenter and the owner stood out of direct sight.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



Interestingly, Mudis were much more adept at solving the task, but the brachycephalic breeds were 4.5 times more likely to look back at the human observers for help.



This suggests that short-faced dogs have a tendency to seek out human assistance when faced with problems. As a result, the dogs may be perceived as helpless - forging a stronger bond with their owners. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-kindchenschema-effect">The kindchenschema effect</h2>



Furthermore, the assistance-seeking behavior of these dogs seems to be tied to the kindchenschema effect, just as the researchers had hypothesized.



The experts also confirmed that the short muzzle length in brachycephalic dogs correlates with more infant-like facial proportions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-basic-human-instincts">Basic human instincts</h2>



Despite the public's understanding of the adverse health impacts, the study suggests that the innate human tendency to care for creatures that appear helpless or childlike may override cognitive reasoning.&nbsp;



The behaviors of flat-faced dogs that people interpret as helplessness and help- seeking - together with childlike looks - seem to activate our basic nurturing instinct.



"Humans find it very difficult to cognitively override strong instinctive predispositions and still choose brachycephalic breeds, disregarding future health and welfare issues," wrote the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paradoxical-appeal-nbsp">Paradoxical appeal&nbsp;</h2>



This brings to light the ethical dilemma surrounding the demand for these breeds. While their "cute" features may be compelling, they also set the stage for a range of health problems.



"Recent research has indicated that many owners understand that brachycephalia can have adverse consequences for health but choose to keep such breeds anyway," wrote the researchers.



"This may be partly due to the perceived positive behavioral traits of some of these breeds, with owners’ denial of their dogs’ health problems, or with the paradoxical appeal of disabled dogs."&nbsp;



"Either way, there is little doubt that some aspects of the appearance of brachycephalic animals is also a crucial driver of ownership."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



The study forces us to confront questions about responsible pet ownership and ethical breeding practices.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Going forward, increased awareness and education are crucial for prospective pet owners to make informed decisions that consider the well-being of these beloved animals.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-41229-8#:~:text=Owners%20might%20interpret%20these%20behaviours,eliciting%20caring%20behaviour%20in%20owners." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Flat-faced dogs have childlike traits that humans cannot resist

A recent study from Eötvös Loránd University has explored the...

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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

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

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



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...

Even a camera isn&#8217;t a perfect solution; gorillas would realize that the technology doesn&#8217;t belong in their native habitat and act accordingly. Thankfully for the scientific community, those who study the apes are nothing if not creative.

Lights, Cameras... Wait

Most animals are also skeptical of outsiders, especially those of the human variety, and gorillas are no exception. If a scientist simply walked up to a troop of apes in the wild, things would get pretty ugly.