Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Typhoon Mawar, also known as "Betty," which is the first typhoon of the season in the northwest Pacific. The intense storm struck Guam and the Philippines before heading toward Taiwan and southern Japan.



"With sustained winds that reached 295 kilometers (185 miles) per hour on May 25, the super typhoon grew to be one of the strongest May storms on record," says NASA.&nbsp;



"The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite acquired this natural-color image of Mawar at 05:20 Universal Time on May 30, 2023. Though the storm appeared to be bearing down on Taiwan, it was in the process of turning north and away from the island."



"After rapidly intensifying between May 24 and 25, Mawar then weakened significantly as it encountered cooler water temperatures and less favorable wind shear conditions as it neared Taiwan."



NASA reports that although Mawar did not strike the Philippines or Taiwan directly, the outer bands of the storm brought heavy rains to northern Luzon and rough seas to the eastern coast of Taiwan.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Typhoon Mawar is one of the strongest May storms on record

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> features the Messina Strait, a channel in the Mediterranean Sea that separates Sicily and Calabria. The photograph was captured by an astronaut onboard the International Space Station



The Messina Strait is 20 miles long with a depth of 820 feet, and joins the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north and the Ionian Sea to the south.&nbsp;



"Waves that follow the tide from west to east are visible in the right half of the photo. These are caused by internal waves, a process where stratified water layers of changing density and increasing depth horizontally propagate beneath the water surface. The waves are illuminated by sunglint—an optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight is directly reflected off the water and into a satellite’s sensor, or in this case, the astronaut’s camera," explains NASA.



"Alternating currents, relatively low water temperature, and high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen contribute to the region’s aquatic biodiversity. The strait hosts several deep-sea fish species such as Sloane’s viperfish (a predatory dragonfish) as well as commercially valuable fish like yellowtail and snapper. On the left side of the image, thin, white lines are likely ship wakes, some of which may belong to fishing boats."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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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Messina Strait in the Mediterranean Sea

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut photograph of the Amazon River in Brazil. This particular stretch of river is located near the port city of Parintins.



"The river is the largest on Earth and allows seagoing ships to reach Parintins even though it is 800 kilometers (500 miles) inland from the Atlantic Ocean," says NASA.



"Seagoing ships can progress 3,600 kilometers (2,200 miles) up the Amazon River - more than halfway across the South American continent - to the port of Iquitos in Peru."&nbsp;



The muddy color of the river is tied to the Andes Mountains, a major source of sediments and mineral nutrients. According to NASA, the sediment erodes from the Andes Mountains located to the west and is carried generally eastward toward the ocean.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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The lower Amazon River in Brazil

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut photograph of the Espíritu Santo Archipelago, a group of islands located in the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, off the eastern coast of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico.&nbsp;



"Sunglint reflects off the water surface, accentuating wave movement, ship wakes, and cloud shadows," said NASA. "The islands appear rust-colored due to previous tectonic and volcanic activity that deposited layers of black lava and pink volcanic ash."



"The Baja Peninsula acts as a natural wind and wave break that protects islands in the Gulf of California from erosion. Slowed erosion has resulted in the preservation of rock shelters and caves."



"Exploration and excavation of these shelters contribute to understanding the geomorphology, geology, and ancient human patterns on the islands. Archeologists have found human artifacts artifacts dating back approximately ten thousand years, providing evidence of human activity on the islands."



The Espíritu Santo Archipelago is part of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur and consists of several islands, the largest and most well-known of which is Isla Espíritu Santo. The other main islands in the archipelago are Isla Partida, Los Islotes, and a few smaller islets.



Espíritu Santo and its surrounding islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, featuring dramatic cliffs, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. The region is home to a rich diversity of marine life, including sea lions, manta rays, whale sharks, and various species of whales and dolphins. It also supports a variety of bird species, such as blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and pelicans, making it a popular destination for birdwatching.



The Espíritu Santo Archipelago has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a Mexican Protected Natural Area, which helps to preserve its unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Ecotourism is popular in the area, with visitors participating in activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and wildlife watching.



The islands are accessible by boat from the nearby city of La Paz, which is the capital of Baja California Sur. There are numerous tour operators that offer day trips and multi-day excursions to the Espíritu Santo Archipelago, allowing visitors to explore the islands and their remarkable natural features.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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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Espíritu Santo Archipelago in the Gulf of California

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Dark Canyon Complex, which is a rugged, remote area in southeastern Utah. It's part of the larger Cedar Mesa Plateau and includes both the Dark Canyon Wilderness and Dark Canyon Primitive Area.&nbsp;



These are areas of steep canyons, high plateaus, and rock formations that are characteristic of the Colorado Plateau.



"Deep, meandering canyons cut through the Colorado Plateau in southeastern Utah in this photograph, taken by an astronaut on the International Space Station on April 6, 2023," says NASA.



"These canyons, known as the Dark Canyon complex, have distinctive geology, ecology, and archeology. They are some of the only intact protected canyons in the United States."



"This rugged and remote landscape has been shaped by erosion. Over thousands of years, the Colorado River and smaller tributaries have eroded winding, steep-walled canyons into the sedimentary rock. Dark Canyon - one of seven canyons within the complex - cuts diagonally across the photo."



"Within this canyon, sandstone walls tower up to 3,000 feet, shading visitors from morning and afternoon sun - hence its name. The canyon’s steep walls expose roughly 250 million years of geologic history and contain deposits from the Permian period. Cockleshell and crinoid stem fossils have been found in the area."



The astronaut photograph is provided by the ISS Crew Earth Observations Facility and the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Johnson Space Center. The image was taken by a member of the Expedition 69 crew.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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The Dark Canyon Complex in southeastern Utah

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



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



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



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



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Seoul, South Korea 

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

The old man scratched his beard and said, “Some guys come out here <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-white-sharks-form-social-bonds-while-hunting/">hunting</a>. And if they don’t get anything, they get bored and fire at trees.” The rest of the group took on the same grin as the old-timer. They were old rounds from a rifle. It might not have been the magical treasure he had hoped for, but the trunk wasn’t ready to call it a day yet. Neither was Tony.

An Amusing Truth

Aerial,Drone,Top,View,Photo,Of,Small,Exotic,Atoll,Island

Today, <a href="https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv">Science Advances</a> published a groundbreaking study demonstrating that large-scale, offshore, fully-protected marine areas, often referred to as MPAs, are critical for preserving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predators-help-prevent-biodiversity-loss/">biodiversity</a> without posing detrimental effects on the fishing industry or food security.&nbsp;



The study unveils the evidence drawn from the first-ever “before and after” assessment of the impact on the fishing industry from establishing Mexico’s Revillagigedo National Park.



The research team, composed of US and Mexican scientists, discovered that the industrial fishing sector in Mexico experienced no economic losses five years after the creation of the park, even with a comprehensive fishing ban within the MPA.&nbsp;



This counters the common fears among fishermen and provides a reassuring response to the doubts raised by the Mexican industrial fishing lobby when the park was proposed. They argued that such a ban would negatively affect their catches and raise costs.



<h2 id="h-where-the-study-was-done">Where the study was done</h2>



Revillagigedo National Park, established in 2017, is also known as the "Galápagos of Mexico." Ranking as the world's 13th largest MPA, it stands as one of the few marine areas where all damaging human activities, including fishing, are strictly prohibited.&nbsp;



This stringent protection aims to aid the recovery of marine populations in the region, which hosts a diverse array of marine life. It shelters not only a significant aggregation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activities-threaten-australian-tiger-sharks/">sharks</a>, manta rays, tuna, humpback whales, and five species of sea turtles, but also more than 300 species of fish, 36 of which are uniquely found within these waters.



Study co-author Enric Sala is an Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic Society and founder of Pristine Seas. He commented: "This study, utilizing satellite tracking of fishing vessels and artificial intelligence (AI), shows that the fishing industry’s concerns are unfounded."&nbsp;



Sala stressed that even the largest MPAs, which protect entire ecosystems and thousands of marine species, don't impinge upon the fishing industry's targeted species. "The larger the MPA, the larger the benefits."



<h2 id="h-how-the-research-team-conducted-the-study">How the research team conducted the study</h2>



The study was undertaken by researchers from several institutions: the Mexican Center for Marine Biodiversity, <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/">UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a>, the Institute of Americas' Gulf of California Marine Program, and the National Geographic Society.&nbsp;



The experts scrutinized the behavior and productivity of the Mexican industrial fishing sector both before and five years after the introduction of North America's largest fully protected MPA, the Revillagigedo National Park.



The researchers harnessed various data sources to conduct their study: satellite tracking data, fish catch records from the Mexican Fisheries Commission, and cutting-edge AI tools from the Allen Institute for AI's Skylight platform. The ultimate objective was to determine if the creation of the MPA led to a reduction in fishing within the protected area, altered fishing catches, and caused the expansion of fishing into a larger area, which could consequently negatively affect marine biodiversity.



Dr. Fabio Favoretto, a postdoctoral scholar at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and lead author of the study, underlined the importance of satellite tracking devices and AI monitoring platforms in demonstrating compliance from the fishing industry.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-results-of-the-study">Results of the study</h2>



The data revealed that the Revillagigedo National Park's creation didn't have any adverse effects on the Mexican industrial fleet's catches or compel them to expand their fishing territories.



Additionally, the team employed machine learning to detect patterns associated with vessels. The satellite data analyzed were collected from GPS devices installed on approximately 2,000 fishing vessels.&nbsp;



The Skylight platform revealed only sporadic incidents of illegal fishing within the MPA after its establishment in 2017, emphasizing the potency of technology in protecting the 147,000 square kilometers of waters within the park’s boundary.



Contradicting the Mexican fishing industry's initial concern of losing 20 percent of their tuna and other pelagic catches the study provided convincing evidence that large, fully-protected MPAs can encourage a more sustainable and equitable use of the ocean without causing severe economic repercussions to the fishing industry.



Professor Octavio Aburto, co-author of the study and a marine biology expert at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, affirmed these findings. "Any argument to the contrary were just assumptions - this study provides the data to show that negative impacts to fishing do not exist," said Aburto.



He hopes this research will spark productive conversations with the fishing industry, ultimately leading to improved fish stocks and better protection of biodiversity.



<h2 id="h-safeguarding-biodiversity">Safeguarding biodiversity</h2>



This research comes at a crucial juncture when nations are considering how to achieve the global goal set forth at the UN Global Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in December 2022, to protect and conserve at least 30% of the ocean by 2030. Furthermore, just last month, United Nations members agreed on a legally-binding instrument to safeguard biodiversity in international waters beyond national jurisdictions.



"If the world is serious about protecting the natural world - our life support system - we need to drastically increase ocean protection," said Sala. "The clock is ticking until 2030."



The world's oceanic biodiversity, threatened by human activities such as overfishing, is rapidly diminishing, creating potential risks to food security, health, and the environment. By swiftly establishing marine protected areas in strategic ocean areas, the world can collectively secure more than 80 percent of the habitats of endangered species, a considerable leap from a current coverage of less than two percent.



Amid these global conversations, this study offers empirical evidence that large-scale MPAs within countries’ Exclusive Economic Zones can aid in reaching global conservation goals without compromising fisheries’ interests or a nation’s food security assurance.



<h2 id="h-hope-for-the-future">Hope for the future</h2>



The results challenge the long-held belief, propagated by the industrial fishing lobby, that ocean protection damages fisheries. Instead, the study suggests new avenues to rejuvenate the industry that is currently struggling due to overfishing and the impacts of global warming.&nbsp;



"Some argue that closing areas to fishing hurts fishing interests. But the worst enemy of fishing is overfishing and bad management - not protected areas," said Sala.&nbsp;



The findings of this study promise to enrich discussions in Mexico and elsewhere. Catalina López-Sagástegui, a co-author of the study and a researcher at the Institute of Americas, believes that "access to data and technology is improving our collective understanding of marine ecosystems health, which allows us to design and implement MPAs that help restore the health and resilience of marine ecosystems, benefiting fisheries in the long term."



Even those not directly involved in the study, like Dr. Reniel Cabral of James Cook University in Australia, concur with the study's findings. "It’s simple: When overfishing and other damaging activities cease, marine life bounces back. Target species and large predators come back, and entire ecosystems are restored within MPAs. With time, the ocean can heal itself and again provide services to humankind," said Dr. Cabral.



“MPAs are the most effective tool we have for protecting the health and diversity of our oceans," said Sala. "Our study helps to dispel the myth put forward by the industrial fishing lobby that MPAs harm them.”



Funding for the study was provided by Oceans 5 and the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, underscoring their commitment to understanding and protecting our oceans. As the study's findings make clear, protecting our oceans is not just about safeguarding marine life, it's also about ensuring a sustainable future for our fishing industry, and ultimately, for us all.



<h2 id="h-more-about-marine-protected-areas-mpas">More about Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)</h2>



Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are designated regions in the oceans or seas where human activities are more tightly regulated than in the surrounding waters to protect the natural or cultural resources contained within.&nbsp;



These resources can include various types of marine life, such as fish, crustaceans, and coral reefs, or even archaeological sites like shipwrecks.



<h3 id="h-benefits-of-mpas">Benefits of MPAs&nbsp;</h3>



<h4 id="h-protecting-biodiversity">Protecting Biodiversity&nbsp;</h4>



MPAs can help preserve diverse ecosystems and marine species, many of which are threatened or endangered.



<h4 id="h-maintaining-ecological-processes">Maintaining Ecological Processes</h4>



They protect the ecological processes necessary for the survival of marine life, like breeding and feeding.



<h4 id="h-supporting-fisheries">Supporting Fisheries</h4>



MPAs can improve the health of fish populations, leading to increased fish numbers and sizes, which can spill over into surrounding fishing areas.



<h4 id="h-safeguarding-cultural-heritage">Safeguarding Cultural Heritage</h4>



MPAs may protect culturally important sites and traditional fishing grounds.



<h4 id="h-enabling-scientific-research">Enabling Scientific Research</h4>



They offer opportunities for scientific research and monitoring of marine ecosystems and biodiversity.



<h4 id="h-enhancing-tourism">Enhancing Tourism</h4>



Well-managed MPAs can attract tourists for wildlife watching, snorkeling, and scuba diving, thus benefiting local economies.



There are various types of MPAs with different levels of protection. Some allow sustainable fishing and other non-extractive activities, while others, known as "no-take" zones or marine reserves, ban all forms of extraction, including fishing and mining.



The percentage of the world's oceans covered by MPAs is still far from the international target set in the Convention on Biological Diversity's Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and the newer 30x30 campaign, which aim to protect 30% of the Earth's land and sea areas by 2030. It is crucial to continue expanding and managing MPAs effectively to safeguard our oceans' health and biodiversity.



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Large ocean sanctuaries do not impact regional fishing industries

Today, Science Advances published a groundbreaking study demonstrating that large-scale,...

In a striking revelation, a survey has unearthed a new facet of how the COVID-19 lockdowns have tampered with our collective consciousness. Participants asked to remember the timing of significant events from 2021 showcased a high rate of errors.&nbsp;



These surprising insights spring from a study conducted by Daria Pawlak and Arash Sahraie of the University of Aberdeen, UK. Their findings have been published in the open-access journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0278250">PLOS ONE</a>.



Remembering past events often poses a challenge, especially as time marches on. Yet, our perception of time is not an isolated phenomenon. It's intertwined with our actions and emotions.&nbsp;



The unique circumstances created by the COVID-19 lockdowns have had a profound effect on both. Social isolation dictated by the lockdowns changed our daily routines, often throwing our emotions into a whirlpool. Earlier research has already hinted at the pandemic's influence in causing distortions in people's perception of time.



<h2 id="h-mysterious-link-between-time-perception-and-the-pandemic">Mysterious link between time perception and the pandemic</h2>



The intriguing link between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pets-and-owners-had-complex-relationships-during-the-pandemic/">pandemic</a> and time perception, backed by clinical reports of patients struggling to create accurate timelines of their medical history, inspired Pawlak and Sahraie. They embarked on a journey to delve deeper into the pandemic's effect on our sense of time.



In May 2022, Pawlak and Sahraie conducted an online survey. They presented 277 participants with questions about the year of several memorable recent events, such as the finalization of Brexit or Meghan Markle's entry into the British royal family. The study also examined factors related to mental health, including levels of boredom, depression, and resilience.



Not surprisingly, participants found it harder to accurately recall events from the distant past. However, what emerged as an unexpected trend was their struggle to remember events from 2021 - a mere year before the survey.&nbsp;



In fact, their recollection of 2021 was as flawed as their memories of events from three to four years prior. The year of the lockdown seemed to have blurred in their memories, leaving them grappling to pinpoint events accurately.



<h2 id="h-another-disturbing-correlation-discovered">Another disturbing correlation discovered</h2>



Alongside these intriguing findings, Pawlak and Sahraie discovered a correlation between errors in timing and mental health. Participants who misremembered event timings were also more likely to have experienced heightened levels of depression, anxiety, and physical mental demands during the lockdowns.&nbsp;



Interestingly, these individuals showcased lesser resilience. However, no significant correlation emerged between timeline accuracy and boredom. The results mirror previous observations made with prison inmates. This led the authors to propose a theory.&nbsp;



Accurate recollection of event timing, they argue, requires "anchoring" life events. These could be occasions like birthday celebrations or vacations, events noticeably absent during the lockdown. This lack of distinctive markers, they suggest, might have contributed to the collective disorientation in remembering the timing of significant 2021 events.



“Our paper reports on altered timescapes during the pandemic. In a landscape, if features are not clearly discernible, it is harder to place objects/yourself in relation to other features," said the researchers.



"Restrictions imposed during the pandemic have impoverished our timescape, affecting the perception of event timelines. We can recall that events happened, we just don’t remember when."



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-covid-19-pandemic">More about the COVID-19 pandemic</h2>



The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been a global health crisis of unprecedented scale since its emergence in late 2019.



Originating in Wuhan, China, the virus swiftly spread worldwide. It was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, transmitted when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also survive on surfaces for varying amounts of time, leading to indirect transmission.



COVID-19 symptoms range from mild to severe and can result in death, particularly in older individuals and those with underlying health conditions. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, loss of taste or smell, and difficulty breathing. However, a significant number of infected individuals remain asymptomatic, unknowingly contributing to the virus's spread.



Globally, governments implemented varying degrees of public health measures to curb the virus's spread. These included quarantines, travel restrictions, mask mandates, social distancing measures, and in many cases, complete lockdowns. These measures significantly impacted every aspect of life, leading to an international economic slowdown, disruptions in education, and an increase in mental health issues.



Scientific and medical communities worldwide worked at unprecedented speed to understand the virus and develop treatments and vaccines. By early 2021, multiple vaccines had received emergency use authorizations, and vaccination campaigns began worldwide. These vaccines have proven highly effective in preventing severe illness and death, though challenges remain, such as vaccine distribution equity and the emergence of new virus variants.



The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of global health security, exposed weaknesses in health systems worldwide, and underscored the need for international cooperation in tackling health crises. The virus continues to evolve, and dealing with its ongoing effects remains a global challenge.



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The COVID-19 pandemic blurred our memories

In a striking revelation, a survey has unearthed a new...

Deep down, we all have that burning sense of curiosity, that insatiable urge to explore the unknown. But how does this curiosity manifest in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/adults-are-more-compassionate-when-children-are-nearby/">children</a> compared to our closest animal relatives, the great apes? The answer may surprise you.



Researchers Alejandro Sánchez-Amaro of the <a href="https://www.eva.mpg.de/index/">Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology</a> and Federico Rossano of the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/">University of California San Diego</a> have recently published their findings in the open-access journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285946">PLOS ONE</a>.&nbsp;



This study marks the first direct comparison between human children and great apes regarding their propensity for exploration and risk-taking.



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



The investigation centered around a series of ingenious experiments involving rewards hidden under upturned cups. Children, chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, and orangutans were all presented with the same choice.



In each case, two cups were presented to the subjects. One cup, transparent, held a small reward visible to the participant - grapes for the apes, stickers for the children. The second cup was opaque, effectively concealing a larger reward. The test was designed to see whether the subjects would opt for the sure thing or take a gamble on the hidden, potentially greater, reward.



Children showed an outstanding inclination to explore the unknown, with 85 and 77 percent of them choosing the opaque cup at least once in the fourth and fifth trials, respectively. The apes, in contrast, were more cautious, with only 24 percent choosing the mysterious cup in the third trial.



However, when researchers briefly revealed the hidden reward and allowed participants a second chance at their choice, the playing field leveled somewhat. An overwhelming majority of both children and apes, over 88%, chose the opaque cup with the more substantial reward.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



The researchers observed that, although children seemed naturally more drawn to uncertainty and exploration, apes could learn the potential benefits of such behavior and adapt. In essence, the apes' decision-making became more adventurous after gaining awareness of the possible rewards of risk-taking.



"This study is the first to compare curiosity in human children and great apes using the same experimental set-up," said Sánchez-Amaro and Rossano. They believe the results imply that children may be inherently more inclined to explore the unknown, or perhaps they are simply less risk-averse than great apes.&nbsp;



However, they note, "after learning about the rewards of exploring uncertainty, apes quickly applied this knowledge to future scenarios."



This study offers an exciting glimpse into the cognitive parallels and differences between humans and our evolutionary cousins, and the potential role of curiosity in survival and learning. It reinforces the idea that exploration and risk-taking, tempered by learning and experience, are shared traits that span across our evolutionary family tree.



“In this comparative set of studies, we explored whether children and non-human great apes would be curious to forego a visible benefit under a transparent cup to explore an uncertain option under an opaque cup," said the researchers. "We found that children were more likely to explore the uncertain option than the great apes when no other information was available."&nbsp;



"Only after we unveiled the content of alternative opaque cups, which yielded better outcomes than the visible options during an intervention phase, did apes quickly overcome their initial risk aversion towards uncertain options. Children continued engaging in some level of exploration to diversify their options.”



<h2 id="h-the-evolutionary-benefits-of-curiosity">The evolutionary benefits of curiosity</h2>



Curiosity, the drive to seek out and explore new environments, is an integral part of many creatures' behavioral repertoire. But why has evolution favored this trait? How has curiosity provided a survival advantage to organisms across various species? Let's delve a little deeper.



<h3 id="h-knowledge-and-learning">Knowledge and Learning</h3>



Curiosity fuels learning and the acquisition of knowledge. It drives organisms to explore their surroundings, understand cause-and-effect relationships, and learn about the potential dangers and opportunities that exist. This continual process of learning helps creatures to adapt better to their environments, survive, and reproduce. In humans, our advanced cognitive abilities allow us to build on this knowledge over generations, leading to the development of complex societies and technologies.



<h3 id="h-resource-discovery">Resource Discovery</h3>



Curiosity can lead organisms to discover new resources. This might include finding new sources of food or better habitats. For example, an animal's curiosity might lead it to explore a new territory, where it discovers abundant food or a safer nesting place. This aspect of curiosity can be particularly beneficial in changing environments or when resources are scarce.



<h3 id="h-problem-solving">Problem-Solving</h3>



Curiosity is a key driver in problem-solving, a critical skill for survival in many species. It encourages individuals to experiment with different solutions when faced with challenges. Curious animals, including humans, tend to be better problem-solvers as they explore different strategies and learn from their experiences.



<h3 id="h-social-bonding">Social Bonding</h3>



Curiosity about others can lead to social bonding and improved group dynamics. In many social species, including humans, individuals show curiosity about each other. This can lead to stronger social bonds, improved cooperation, and better group cohesion, all of which can enhance survival.



<h3 id="h-innovation-and-evolution">Innovation and Evolution</h3>



On a larger scale, curiosity can lead to innovation and evolution. By driving organisms to explore and experiment, it can lead to the development of new behaviors, technologies, and ways of life. These can then spread through populations and drive evolutionary change.



It's important to note, however, that like many traits, curiosity comes with trade-offs. While it can lead to learning and the discovery of new resources, it can also expose an individual to risks. Too much curiosity can lead to wasted time, energy, or even danger if a curious individual exposes themselves to unnecessary risks. Therefore, a balance of curiosity and caution is often the most advantageous approach.



Overall, curiosity has been a major driver of survival, learning, and evolution in numerous species. As a result, it remains a fascinating area of study for scientists seeking to understand animal and human behavior.



—-



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Are children more curious than apes? Yes, and no, finds new study

Deep down, we all have that burning sense of curiosity,...

Dogs aren't just man's best friend - they can also become an integral part of a healthcare team, providing emotional and psychological support to patients during times of terminal illness, according to a recent study.&nbsp;



This study, undertaken in Japan, provides fascinating insights into the vital role that full-time hospital facility dogs (HFDs) play in the medical setting, particularly within the context of pediatric care.



The fascinating research, led by Natsuko Murata-Kobayashi from Shine On! Kids, Japan, and her team of colleagues, is slated for publication in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285768">PLOS ONE</a> journal on May 31, 2023. It delves into the impact of these specially trained dogs, whose purpose extends beyond that of regular volunteer therapy dogs. HFDs are groomed and trained by medical professionals to work in the hospital environment daily, becoming integral members of the healthcare team.



<h2 id="h-hospital-facility-dogs-hfds">Hospital facility dogs (HFDs)</h2>



The concept of HFDs isn't new in Japan. The first HFD team was introduced in 2010 at Shizuoka Children’s Hospital, a partnership initiative with the non-profit organization Shine On! Kids. The program has since garnered attention, prompting researchers to understand better the role these dogs play in patient care.



To facilitate this understanding, a comprehensive 20-question survey was distributed among the 626 full-time medical staff at Shizuoka Children’s Hospital in 2019. The survey aimed to gather their experiences and observations of the HFDs in action.&nbsp;



An impressive total of 431 healthcare professionals responded to the survey, with 270 of them having directly observed the HFD activities.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



The findings from the survey were enlightening. Most notably, HFDs have been seen to make a significant impact in terminal care and patient cooperation.&nbsp;



In fact, 73% of respondents reported that these dogs were "very often" or "always" beneficial in providing comfort and support during the final phase of life.&nbsp;



The same percentage of healthcare professionals also observed that HFDs played a crucial role in winning over patient cooperation, proving to be a valuable asset in the healthcare sector.



Beyond these primary areas of impact, the majority of the medical staff also noted that the presence of HFDs positively affected their workload. Furthermore, these dogs were instrumental in assisting children who had difficulty adapting to schedule changes.&nbsp;



Following an HFD intervention, it was observed that children became noticeably more expressive and communicative.



<h2 id="h-clear-recommendations-garnered-from-the-results">Clear recommendations garnered from the results</h2>



In light of these observations, the authors of the study conclude that the full-time model of having HFDs and nurse handlers is significantly beneficial in supporting patients in children's hospitals.&nbsp;



Yet, they acknowledge that further research is necessary to explore and optimize specific interventions of HFDs, promising an exciting avenue of inquiry into this compelling interplay of healthcare and animal-assisted therapy.



The study authors noted the significance of the finding that "terminal palliative care" provided by facility dogs working in Japanese children’s hospitals is highly valued by the medical staff. "Through accumulating evidence from research, we aim to contribute to the broader adoption of facility dogs in children’s hospitals both domestically and internationally.”



<h2 id="h-more-about-therapy-dogs">More about therapy dogs</h2>



Therapy dogs play an integral role in many medical and therapeutic settings, offering comfort, companionship, and emotional support to those in need. These dogs have been recognized for their ability to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while simultaneously promoting overall well-being and improvement in social, emotional, and cognitive functioning.



Therapy dogs undergo a training process to ensure that they're well-behaved, sociable, and comfortable in a variety of environments. They need to exhibit a calm and patient demeanor, showing tolerance with a variety of interactions, including petting, hugging, and sometimes crying or shouting from the people they're helping.



Once trained, therapy dogs can work in numerous environments. They are commonly found in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and even airports. In hospitals, they often visit patients to provide comfort and stress relief.&nbsp;



At schools, therapy dogs can help to create a supportive environment for children to learn and grow. Some therapy dogs even specialize in certain areas, like supporting those with autism, providing palliative care, or aiding individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).



However, it's important to note the distinction between therapy dogs and service dogs. While therapy dogs provide emotional support and comfort to many individuals, service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks for a person who has a disability, such as guiding a blind person or alerting a person with diabetes when their blood sugar levels drop.



Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact that therapy dogs have on physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. They truly represent a remarkable blend of companionship and therapeutic intervention, making a significant difference in many people's lives.



—-



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Full-time hospital therapy dogs benefit both patients and staff

Dogs aren't just man's best friend - they can also...

A remarkable study led by <a href="https://wsu.edu/">Washington State University</a> has unveiled that even in the absence of nerves, plants can perceptively sense touch and its cessation.



This discovery centers around the experiments in which individual plant cells displayed a noticeable reaction to the delicate touch of a fine glass rod. These cells responded by transmitting slow calcium signals to their neighboring cells.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-fascinating-discovery-stuns-scientists">Fascinating discovery stuns scientists</h2>



What's even more astonishing, upon the release of the pressure, these cells initiated much faster wave patterns.&nbsp;



While the scientific community has long recognized that plants can react to touch, the novel insight here is that plant cells generate distinct signals when they encounter touch and when it stops.



“It is quite surprising how finely sensitive plants cells are - that they can discriminate when something is touching them. They sense the pressure, and when it is released, they sense the drop in pressure," said study senior author Professor Michael Knoblauch.



He found it fascinating that plants manage to do this differently than animals, despite the absence of nerve cells and at such an exquisite level.



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



In pursuit of this breakthrough, Knoblauch and his team conducted 84 detailed experiments on 12 plants, specifically on thale cress and tobacco plants. These plants were uniquely bred to incorporate calcium sensors, thanks to modern technology.



The researchers studied pieces of these plants under a microscope, applying a subtle touch to the individual plant cells with a micro-cantilever. This tiny glass rod, almost the size of a human hair, enabled them to witness complex responses, varying with the intensity and duration of the touch. However, the distinction between the touch and its removal was vividly apparent.



<h2 id="h-waves-instead-of-nerves">Waves instead of nerves</h2>



The study revealed that a touch to a cell instigated slow waves of calcium ions, also known as cytosolic calcium. These waves propagated from the touched cell to adjacent cells within 30 seconds, lasting about three to five minutes. Conversely, the removal of the touch spurred an almost immediate set of rapid waves that subsided within a minute.



The researchers attribute these waves to alterations in the cell's internal pressure. Unlike their animal counterparts, plant cells possess strong cell walls, resistant to permeation. Consequently, even a light touch temporarily increases the pressure within a plant cell.



<h2 id="h-confirming-the-pressure-theory">Confirming the pressure theory</h2>



To validate this pressure theory, the team inserted a minuscule glass capillary pressure probe into a plant cell. They found that altering the pressure inside the cell triggered similar calcium waves to those stimulated by the onset and cessation of a touch.



Knoblauch compared this to humans and animals: “Humans and animals sense touch through sensory cells. The mechanism in plants appears to be via this increase or decrease of the internal cell pressure. And it doesn't matter which cell it is. We humans may need nerve cells, but in plants, any cell on the surface can do this."



Past research has demonstrated that plants can respond to pests such as caterpillars by activating defensive responses, like releasing chemicals that render leaves less appealing or toxic to the pest. Previous studies also established that brushing a plant incites calcium waves that activate various genes.



The latest study,&nbsp; published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01418-9">Nature Plants</a>, takes a step forward by distinguishing between the calcium waves activated by touch and its cessation.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-many-mysteries-remain">Many mysteries remain</h2>



However, how the plant's genes react to these signals remains a mystery. With advanced technologies like the calcium sensors utilized in this study, scientists can start unraveling this enigma, according to Knoblauch.



Knoblauch shares his vision for future research: “In future studies, we have to trigger the signal in a different way than has been done before to know what signal, if touch or letting go, triggers downstream events.”



The National Science Foundation financially backed this study. The international collaboration featured researchers from the Technical University of Denmark, Ludwig Maximilian Universitaet Muenchen and Westfaelische Wilhelms-Universitaet Muenster in Germany, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and of course, Washington State University.



<h2 id="h-plants-continue-to-amaze">Plants continue to amaze</h2>



These findings promise to provide the groundwork for further studies on plant senses and responses. The key lies in exploring diverse methods to stimulate signals and analyze how touch or letting go triggers subsequent events.



While there is much more to discover, this study has significantly broadened our understanding of how plants, despite lacking nerve cells, can sense their environment with a surprising degree of sensitivity. The plant kingdom continues to amaze us with its complex and efficient communication system, which operates in unique and innovative ways compared to animal life.



In a world grappling with ecological challenges, insights into the subtleties of plant behavior could serve as pivotal knowledge for environmental management, agriculture, and conservation. As our understanding of these green beings deepens, it's clear that there's more to plants than meets the eye.



The shared endeavor of these international researchers continues to shed light on the remarkable world of plants, ushering in a new era of plant biology and opening up a myriad of potential applications. Indeed, the future of plant science looks promising.



<h2 id="h-more-about-plants">More about plants</h2>



Plants are the backbone of all life on Earth and are essential to the survival and well-being of humans in countless ways. They play crucial roles in various ecological functions, including climate regulation, soil conservation, and water cycle maintenance, and they provide a wide array of goods and services directly benefiting humans.



<h3 id="h-photosynthesis-and-oxygen-production">Photosynthesis and Oxygen Production</h3>



Through the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide - a major greenhouse gas - and release oxygen, which is essential for most forms of life, including humans. This process helps regulate atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and contributes significantly to mitigating climate change.



<h3 id="h-food-production">Food Production</h3>



Plants serve as the primary food source for humans and other animals. From fruits, vegetables, and grains to the various spices and herbs we use for flavor, almost all of our diet comes directly or indirectly from plants. Moreover, many plants, like legumes, play a critical role in soil fertility by fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere, benefiting other crops.



<h3 id="h-medicinal-use">Medicinal Use</h3>



A significant portion of modern medicines are derived from plant extracts. For centuries, various cultures worldwide have utilized a vast array of medicinal plants for treating diseases and promoting overall health.



<h3 id="h-ecosystem-services">Ecosystem Services</h3>



Plants provide habitat and food for many species, thus supporting biodiversity. They also protect soil from erosion, improve soil quality through organic matter decomposition, and regulate water flow in many landscapes.



<h3 id="h-economic-importance">Economic Importance</h3>



Plants contribute greatly to economies worldwide. Timber, fibers, and many other plant materials are used for housing, furniture, and clothing. Many jobs are tied to the plant-based industries, including agriculture, forestry, and horticulture.



<h3 id="h-cultural-significance">Cultural Significance</h3>



Many plants have significant cultural, spiritual, and symbolic value in different societies. They play a crucial role in rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations, and some are considered sacred in various cultures.



<h3 id="h-climate-change-mitigation">Climate Change Mitigation</h3>



Forests, in particular, act as carbon sinks, absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide and storing carbon in their biomass. This function is crucial in the fight against global warming and climate change.



<h3 id="h-aesthetics-and-mental-health">Aesthetics and Mental Health</h3>



Gardening and exposure to nature have been shown to have therapeutic effects, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being. Furthermore, plants contribute to the aesthetic appeal of an area, be it a city park, a backyard, or a nature reserve.



<h3 id="h-scientific-importance">Scientific Importance</h3>



Plants are important in scientific research and are often used as model organisms in various studies, ranging from genetics to ecology.



To conclude, plants are an essential component of the Earth's ecosystems and our survival. Our responsibility is to protect and preserve plant life to maintain the health of the planet and ensure the well-being of future generations.



—-



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Plants can sense when something touches them, despite not having nerves

A remarkable study led by Washington State University has unveiled...

Several studies have already shown that what we eat is associated with changes in our sleep. However, research examining how diet itself directly affects sleep has been scarce.&nbsp;



According to a new study led by <a href="https://www.uu.se/">Uppsala University</a> in Sweden, one way to overcome this limitation is to have the same participant consume different types of diets in a randomized order.&nbsp;



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



By enrolling a cohort of 15 healthy participants and asking them to alternate between a healthy and unhealthy diet, the experts found that consumption of junk food led to a deterioration in the quality of participants’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sleep-helps-us-process-our-emotions/">deep sleep</a>.



“Both poor diet and poor sleep increase the risk of several public health conditions. As what we eat is so important for our health, we thought it would be interesting to investigate whether some of the health effects of different diets could involve changes to our sleep. In this context, so-called intervention studies - designed to allow the mechanistic effect of different diets on sleep to be isolated - have so far been lacking,” said senior author Jonathan Cedernaes, a professor of Medical Cell Biology at Uppsala.



While previous epidemiological studies have shown that diets with higher sugar content, for instance, are associated to poorer sleep, they failed to take into account the full complexity of sleep as an interplay of different physiological states, each marked by different types of electrical activity in the brain.&nbsp;



“Our sleep consists of different stages with different functions, such as deep sleep which regulates hormonal release, for example. Furthermore, each sleep stage is hallmarked by different types of electrical activity in the brain. This regulates aspects such as how restorative sleep is, and differs across different brain regions. But the depth or integrity of the sleep stages can also be negatively affected by factors such as insomnia and ageing. Previously, it has not been investigated whether similar changes in our sleep stages can occur after exposure to different diets,” Cedernaes explained.



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



The study sessions involved several days of monitoring in a sleep laboratory of 15 healthy individuals with normal sleep habits (an average of seven to nine hours of sleep per night). In random order, the participants were given both a healthy and unhealthy diet containing the same number of calories.&nbsp;



The unhealthy diet consisted of a higher sugar and saturated fat content and more processed food items. Each diet was consumed for a week, while participants’ sleep, activity, and meal schedules were monitored at an individual level. After each diet, participants’ sleep patterns were monitored in a sleep laboratory.



The investigations revealed that participants slept the same amount of time when they consumed the two diets and spent the same amount of time in different sleep stages. However, their deep sleep – particularly their slow-wave activity, a measure reflecting how restorative deep sleep is - appeared to be significantly affected by the unhealthy diet.



“Intriguingly, we saw that deep sleep exhibited less slow-wave activity when the participants had eaten junk food, compared with consumption of healthier food. This effect also lasted into a second night, once we had switched the participants to an identical diet. Essentially, the unhealthy diet resulted in shallower deep sleep. Of note, similar changes in sleep occur with ageing and in conditions such as insomnia. It can be hypothesized, from a sleep perspective, that greater importance should potentially be attached to diet in such conditions,” Cedernaes reported.



<h2 id="h-more-research-is-needed">More research is needed&nbsp;</h2>



Further research is needed to clarify how long-lasting the sleep effects of unhealthier diets may be, and how various functions that are regulated by deep sleep are altered by diet-induced shallower sleep.&nbsp;



Moreover, since previous studies have shown that memory is also regulated to a large extent by sleep, functional tests examining how memory processes are affected by reduced sleep quality due to unhealthy diets are necessary. Finally, it is not yet clear which substances in the unhealthy diet – and in what quantities - worsen the quality of deep sleep.



“As in our case, unhealthy diets often contain both higher proportions of saturated fat and sugar and a lower proportion of dietary fiber. It would be interesting to investigate whether there is a particular molecular factor that plays a greater role. Our dietary intervention was also quite short, and both the sugar and fat content could have been higher. It is possible that an even unhealthier diet would have had more pronounced effects on sleep,” Cedarneas concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/oby.23787">Obesity</a>.



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By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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—-



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Junk food consumption impairs deep sleep

Several studies have already shown that what we eat is...

In the harsh saltpans of North Africa, a unique breed of ants displays remarkable navigational prowess. These desert ants, known as Cataglyphis fortis, traverse vast expanses of desert to gather food for their colonies, journeying far from their nests into this barren and hostile terrain.&nbsp;



The real challenge, however, begins once the ants find food - typically a deceased insect - and must promptly navigate back to their nest through the extremely hot and desolate environment.



Marilia Freire, the lead author of a recent study published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.05.019">Current Biology</a>, spoke about the impressive orientation abilities of these insects. "The desert ant Cataglyphis fortis stands out due to its exceptional ability to navigate and forage in the harshest environments," she said.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-ants-have-a-fascinating-internal-navigation-system">Ants have a fascinating internal navigation system</h2>



According to Freire, these ants employ an innate navigation mechanism known as path integration, using a sun compass and step counter to track their covered distances. The ants also use both visible and olfactory cues, an ability likely refined through evolution in their arduous habitat, resulting in a navigation system unparalleled in precision.



The research team, observing these ants in Tunisia, noted an intriguing aspect of their nest structures. The nests situated in the center of the saltpans, where landmarks are sparse, had high mounds at their entrances.&nbsp;



Conversely, nests closer to the shrub-laden edges of the saltpans boasted less pronounced or barely discernible hills. This led the researchers to question if these distinct differences were aiding the ants in homing back to their nests.



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



Markus Knaden of the <a href="https://www.ice.mpg.de/">Max Plank Institute for Chemical Ecology</a> described the goal of the study: "It's always challenging to determine if an animal's behavior is purposeful or coincidental. The high nest mounds in the saltpan's center could be an outcome of varying soil structures or wind conditions. For our study, we devised a plan to remove these mounds. We then provided some nests with artificial landmarks and left others without, closely observing the resultant behavior."



The researchers tracked the ants' movements using a GPS device. This method allowed for detailed monitoring of the ants' paths to the saltpans and their journeys back home.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



Freire revealed a surprising discovery: "We noted that desert ants can travel much farther distances than we previously thought, with the longest single distance being over two kilometers. However, we also found a high mortality rate, with around 20% of foraging ants failing to return home after long journeys, succumbing to the harsh conditions. This phenomenon underscores the extreme selective pressure for superior orientation."



Further experiments indicated the vital role of nest hills as visual cues. The researchers painted a grid on the floor, which helped track the ants' movements accurately during their final approach to the nest.&nbsp;



When the nest hills were removed, fewer ants were able to find their way back. Simultaneously, their colony members began rebuilding nest mounds as quickly as possible.&nbsp;



Interestingly, when artificial landmarks - small black cylinders - were placed near the nest entrances from which the researchers had removed mounds, the ants did not invest in constructing new ones, suggesting the cylinders were adequate for orientation.



<h2 id="h-many-questions-left-unanswered">Many questions left unanswered</h2>



In ant colonies, work is divided among the members. Older and more experienced ants typically undertake foraging, while younger ants are tasked with building.&nbsp;



Thus, there must be some communication flow between these groups, though the researchers are still unclear about how this is accomplished. Freire speculated that ants inside the nest might notice fewer foragers returning home, prompting an increase in hill-building activities at the nest entrance.



Markus Knaden, who has been studying desert ants for a quarter of a century, continues to be captivated by their extraordinary capabilities. "These ants, despite their small brains, can learn visual and olfactory cues."



<h2 id="h-more-about-ants">More about ants&nbsp;</h2>



Ants are an integral part of the insect family Formicidae and belong to the order Hymenoptera, which also includes bees and wasps. They are known for their complex social structures and exceptional survival skills. Ant colonies can be found almost everywhere, except Antarctica and a few islands.



Ants come in a wide range of sizes and colors, from as small as 0.03 inches to as large as 2 inches in length. Their colonies are organized with various roles including the queen, workers, soldiers, and in some species, drones. Each caste has a specific duty within the colony.



<h3 id="h-ants-have-a-caste-system">Ants have a caste system</h3>



The queen is the primary reproducing female, usually the largest in the colony, responsible for laying all of the eggs. Some colonies have multiple queens.&nbsp;



The workers, which are typically sterile females, perform tasks like food gathering, nest maintenance, and brood care.&nbsp;



The soldiers are larger workers who defend the colony. Drones are the male ants, whose primary purpose is to mate with the queen.



<h3 id="h-communication-and-diet">Communication and diet</h3>



Ants have a unique form of communication involving pheromones. These chemical signals allow them to leave trails that other ants can follow, alert colony members to danger, and even guide them to food sources.



Their diet varies widely and can include seeds, nectar, fungus, or even other insects and small animals. Some species, like leafcutter ants, farm their own food. They cut pieces of leaves and carry them back to their colony to cultivate a special type of fungus that they eat.



<h3 id="h-extraordinary-strength">Extraordinary strength</h3>



One fascinating aspect of ants is their strength. They can carry objects 50 times their own body weight. This is due to their small size, which allows them to produce more force relative to their body weight.



<h3 id="h-impressive-construction-ability">Impressive construction ability</h3>



Ants are also known for their complex mound-building behaviors, creating intricate underground tunnel systems. Some species, like the red harvester ant, build their nests in a way that helps regulate temperature, humidity, and gas exchange.



<h3 id="h-important-role-in-earth-s-ecosystems">Important role in Earth’s ecosystems</h3>



The study of ants, known as myrmecology, has provided important insights into topics like social organization, navigation, and symbiosis. Ants often form symbiotic relationships with other insects, plants, and even fungi. Their success as a species is often attributed to their social structure, adaptability, and ability to modify habitats.



Despite being small, ants play a crucial role in the environment. They turn and aerate the soil, allowing water and oxygen to reach plant roots. They also help control pests by preying on eggs, larvae, and adults of various pest species.



There are more than 12,000 described species of ants. However, scientists believe there are many more still undiscovered, particularly in tropical areas. Ants have survived on Earth for over 100 million years, which speaks volumes about their adaptability and resilience.



—-



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Ants build higher nests when there are no visible landmarks

In the harsh saltpans of North Africa, a unique breed...

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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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[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...

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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...

The grey, gruff worker bent down and chuckled. Everyone stared at him, waiting eagerly for the truth. “Someone was bored,” he said with an amused grin. Bored? What was going on? How was 30-year-old metal connected to boredom. “Feel like clueing in the rest of us?” Tony asked.

Vague Answer

“Anyone know what this is?” he asked, trying to keep his mind firmly within reality – and not jump to wild ideas of hidden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/treasure-trove-of-fungi-discovered-on-a-south-pacific-island/">treasure</a>. One guy picked up one of the lumps and turned it around in his fingers. It seemed they were all as confused as Tony. It wasn’t until one of the older workers joined them, did he finally get an unexpected answer.