Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut photograph of Fayzabad, a culturally diverse city in the Kokcha River valley of northern Afghanistan. The photo was captured as the International Space Station passed over central Asia.



Fayzabad is the capital of the Badakhshan Province. It is located in a mountainous part of northeastern Afghanistan at an elevation of about 4,000 feet.



“The city is situated along the Kokcha River, which flows northward within a deep river valley surrounded by the Hindu Kush Mountains and eventually discharges into the Amu Darya River,” noted NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-of-fayzabad-nbsp">Climate of Fayzabad&nbsp;</h2>



According to <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, the climate of Fayzabad varies from cold semi-arid to Mediterranean-influenced warm-summer humid continental.



The summer months are warm, with average high temperatures ranging from 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



The winter months are cold, with average low temperatures often dropping below freezing - sometimes reaching as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



The region receives moderate precipitation, mostly during the spring and winter. Snowfall is common in winter, adding to the mountainous region's picturesque landscape.&nbsp;



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



Historically, Fayzabad has been a center of learning and culture, though its development has been hampered by years of conflict.&nbsp;



Despite these challenges, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-started-cumulative-culture-around-600000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">culture</a> remains a vital component of the region, which is known for its traditional crafts including weaving and embroidery.



Cultural life in Fayzabad is influenced by its predominantly Tajik population, along with other ethnic groups such as Uzbeks and Hazaras. The local cuisine is a blend of traditional Afghan flavors, incorporating ingredients like rice, meat, and a variety of spices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-use-changes-nbsp">Land use changes&nbsp;</h2>



“This territory has experienced notable changes in its land use in recent decades, especially with commercial and administrative growth near the airport,” noted NASA.



“Among the changes: a new airstrip built west of the Kokcha River. However, mountains hem in the city and limit how much development is possible.”



“Despite these topographical barriers, some development has spread into hilly areas south of Fayzabad. Green vegetation is mostly confined to mountain valleys, stream channels, and the Kokcha River floodplain.”&nbsp;



“The Kokcha River meanders through the valley, providing a vital water resource for the region. Fields of predominantly wheat and rice cover much of the floodplain, though these flat areas are mixed with residential, industrial, and commercial activity as well.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kokcha-river-nbsp">Kokcha River&nbsp;</h2>



The Kokcha River originates in the Hindu Kush mountains. It stretches approximately 360 kilometers before joining the Amu Darya, one of Central Asia's major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hypoxia-is-a-serious-problem-in-rivers-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a>.&nbsp;



The Kokcha River traverses rugged terrain, providing vital irrigation for agriculture in the region and supporting local communities' livelihoods.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-amount-of-water-do-earths-rivers-hold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> basin features diverse landscapes that include mountainous areas and fertile valleys.&nbsp;



Throughout history, the Kokcha River has played a crucial role in the region's cultural and economic development, serving as a natural resource for the inhabitants and influencing settlement patterns.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Fayzabad and the Kokcha River valley 

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a plume of Saharan dust pouring off the coast of southern Morocco.



The Sahara Desert is the world's biggest source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-is-an-understudied-contributor-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">airborne dust</a>. Each year, it releases hundreds of millions of tons of mineral dust that are lifted into the atmosphere and transported across vast distances up to thousands of miles. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saharan-air-layer-nbsp">Saharan Air Layer&nbsp;</h2>



The transport of Saharan dust is primarily driven by the trade winds and atmospheric phenomena such as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL). This dry air mass often accompanies tropical storms across the Atlantic, sometimes even influencing the development and intensity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saharan-dust-can-intensify-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a>.&nbsp;



“From late spring to early fall, it is common for the dry, dusty Saharan Air Layer to carry the particles westward across the Atlantic Ocean high in the atmosphere. With different wind patterns in the winter and spring, dust emerging from North Africa can drift over the United Kingdom and western Europe at relatively low altitudes,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153246/dust-pours-off-the-moroccan-coast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“Saharan Air Layer activity subsides after mid-August, according to NOAA, making it less likely that the plume shown here is bound for a transoceanic journey. Instead, it arcs to the north after blowing out over the ocean. Earlier in the summer, however, several clouds of fine dust from the Sahara reached the United States, creating hazy skies over Texas.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-saharan-dust-nbsp">Impacts of Saharan dust&nbsp;</h2>



Saharan dust plays a crucial role in global climate and environmental systems. For example, Saharan dust can affect weather patterns by absorbing and scattering sunlight, influencing temperature and cloud formation. It also plays a role in fertilizing ecosystems, such as the Amazon rainforest, by providing essential nutrients like iron and phosphorus.&nbsp;



However, Saharan dust also has more complex impacts. It can reduce air quality, leading to respiratory issues in people living downwind of the dust. In addition, the dust impacts <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atmospheric-dust-plays-surprisingly-crucial-role-in-stabilizing-ocean-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> health by contributing to algae blooms, which can create dead zones in marine environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-clouds-and-human-health">Dust clouds and human health</h2>



In a recent study from Texas A&amp;M University, researchers explored the potential health impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria and fungi</a> that travel within dust plumes.&nbsp;



The team found traces of several pathogens known to cause disease in humans, as listed by the World Health Organization (WHO).



Study co-author Dr. Daniel Spalink noted that while the DNA of several pathogenic bacteria and fungi were identified in African dust, it is not yet known if they can infect us and make us sick. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summertime-dust-events">Summertime dust events</h2>



“Scientists are interested in summertime Saharan dust events in part because of the influence they can have on large storm systems. Dry, stable, dust-laden air can inhibit tropical cyclone formation in the North Atlantic. And in a new study, researchers found that dust can modulate the amount of rainfall brought by these storms,” noted NASA.



“Using a machine-learning model based on meteorological data, NASA’s IMERG (Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for GPM) precipitation estimates, and other satellite measurements, the study’s authors found that dust optical depth - a measure of how much light filters through a dusty plume - was a key predictor of rainfall from tropical cyclones.”



The researchers concluded that smaller amounts of dust particles promote the formation of rain clouds, while the sunlight-blocking effects of large dust clouds ultimately suppress precipitation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saharan-dust-storms">Saharan dust storms</h2>



Dust storms in the Sahara Desert are some of the most far-reaching in the world. These storms, also known as haboobs, occur when strong winds lift large quantities of sand and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-impacts-dust-levels-on-a-global-scale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust</a> from the desert's surface into the atmosphere.&nbsp;



Saharan dust storms vary in intensity, with some being relatively mild while others are severe, reducing visibility to almost zero and creating hazardous conditions. They often happen in the spring and early summer when the temperature difference between the desert and the surrounding regions creates strong pressure gradients, fueling powerful winds.



Ultimately, these dust storms are a natural part of life. They shape the landscape over time by eroding rock formations and redistributing sand dunes. Despite their destructive potential, they are also a reminder of the dynamic and interconnected nature of Earth's climate systems.



The image was captured on August 24, 2024 by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the Suomi NPP satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Saharan dust launches off the Moroccan coast

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a false-color radar depiction of central Ethiopia.



According to ESA, the photograph is a blend of multiple Sentinel-1 images from spring, summer and autumn 2023, which have been overlaid to create this single image.



“Radar images capture surface texture rather than reflected light so they are naturally black and white but here images from each season have been assigned a different color: red, green and blue respectively,” explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“When the images are combined, the different colors reveal variations that occurred in the different seasons.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rugged-terrain-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Rugged terrain of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



ESA noted that Ethiopia’s terrain is one of the most rugged in Africa. The landscape is primarily characterized by highlands and plateaus.&nbsp;



The Ethiopian Highlands, also known as the Roof of Africa, dominate this region and include some of the highest peaks in Africa, such as Ras Dashen. The terrain features steep escarpments, deep valleys, and numerous rivers.&nbsp;



The central part of the country is also home to the Great Rift Valley, which runs through Ethiopia and includes a series of lakes and volcanic mountains. This region's varied topography contributes to its rich biodiversity and distinct climate zones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lakes-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Lakes of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



According to ESA, water bodies appear dark in this image because flat water surfaces reflect the radar signal away from the satellite. “The various colors visible in some lakes are due either to the changing surface currents and sediments from rivers or to variations in water level.”



Lake Ziway is one of the largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/africas-flamingos-at-risk-due-to-rising-lake-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> in the region. It is located about 160 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.&nbsp;



The lake is known for its rich bird diversity, including large populations of pelicans, cormorants, and herons. Lake Ziway also supports local fishing communities.



Lake Shala is the deepest lake in the Ethiopian Rift Valley and is known for its volcanic origins. It has a maximum depth of 266 meters and is surrounded by hot springs and steep, rocky cliffs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Climate of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



Central Ethiopia features a diverse climate, primarily influenced by its elevation and geographical location within the tropics.



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



Much of central Ethiopia consists of highlands, with elevations ranging from 1,500 to over 3,000 meters above sea level. These highlands experience a temperate climate, with cooler <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-in-africa-are-rising-above-levels-that-rhinoceros-can-tolerate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a> compared to the lowlands.&nbsp;



The average temperatures range from 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher elevations, such as those found in the Ethiopian Highlands, can experience temperatures that are close to freezing at night.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainy-seasons">Rainy seasons</h3>



Central Ethiopia has two main rainy seasons. The primary rainy season, known as the "Kiremt," occurs from June to September and brings the majority of the annual rainfall.&nbsp;



The "Belg," or short rainy season, occurs from March to May. The rainfall during these periods supports agriculture, which is a key part of the region's economy.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-season">Dry season</h3>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/africas-wet-forests-have-seen-an-alarming-rise-in-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dry season</a>, known as the "Bega," spans from October to February.&nbsp;During this time, the region experiences significantly less rainfall, and the weather tends to be sunny and dry. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Culture of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-not-the-only-animals-that-create-their-own-culture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">culture</a> of central Ethiopia is a dynamic blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. This culture is characterized by a strong sense of community and a profound connection to the region's historical and spiritual roots.



The Amhara people have played a significant role in the cultural and political life of central Ethiopia. The Amhara are known for their rich heritage, which includes the Amharic language, a Semitic tongue that serves as one of the country's official languages.



Orthodox Christianity is a key aspect of central Ethiopian culture, particularly among the Amhara and other highland communities.&nbsp;



This part of East Africa is also known for its traditional music and dance, which reflect the region's historical depth and cultural diversity.&nbsp;



The cuisine of central Ethiopia is another significant cultural aspect, with injera (a spongy flatbread made from teff) being a staple food.&nbsp;Injera is typically served with a variety of stews (wats) and salads.



The communal eating experience, where meals are shared from a single large plate, emphasizes the importance of community and togetherness.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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The vibrant seasons of central Ethiopia

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Researchers are utilizing Euclid’s data to explore the relationship between dust, gas, and star formation; to map the distribution of different stellar populations and identify regions of active star formation; and to investigate the underlying physics of spiral galaxy structures.&nbsp;



Spiral arms play a significant role in star formation by compressing gas, yet the precise mechanisms behind this process are still unclear. The presence of “spurs” along NGC 6744’s spiral arms offers valuable insights into the dynamics of star formation within these structures.



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



Additionally, Euclid's dataset will help scientists identify clusters of old stars (globular clusters) and discover new dwarf galaxies around NGC 6744. Remarkably, Euclid has already identified a new dwarf satellite galaxy of NGC 6744 - a surprising discovery given that the galaxy has been studied extensively.



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



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



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



The spiral arms of NGC 6744 are well-defined and extend outward, wrapping around the central bar. Additionally, NGC 6744 has a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 6744A, which is interacting with it, adding to the complexity and interest of this distant system.&nbsp;



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Spiral galaxy NGC 6744 in the constellation Pavo

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Costa Atlántica Reserve stretching along the Atlantic coast in Argentina.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-refuge-for-migratory-birds-nbsp">A refuge for migratory birds&nbsp;</h2>



“At the far southern reaches of South America, a stretch of tidal flats, shoals, and beaches serves as a refuge for migratory shorebirds and copious aquatic life,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“The Costa Atlántica Reserve in Argentina extends for 220 kilometers (140 miles) along the eastern shore of Tierra del Fuego. The area was designated a Ramsar site in 1995 and a provincial nature reserve in 1998." 



According to NASA, the reserve is the southernmost site both on the Ramsar list and in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-costa-atlantica-reserve">Significance of the Costa Atlántica Reserve</h2>



The Costa Atlántica Reserve is an important conservation site that signifies Argentina's commitment to preserving its rich <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal biodiversity</a>. 



This vast expanse of protected area serves as a sanctuary for many species, ranging from migratory birds to marine mammals and diverse plant life.



“Tidal habitats along the coast support some 135 species of birds, while crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and cetaceans feed in the productive coastal waters,” said NASA.&nbsp;



“The topography inland of Costa Atlántica, stretching into Chile to the west, is blanketed in shrubs and grassland vegetation adapted to dry conditions - part of a semiarid ecosystem known as the Fuegian steppe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-ecological-balance-nbsp">Maintaining ecological balance&nbsp;</h2>



Established to safeguard the delicate ecosystems of dunes, estuaries, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-lagoons-have-high-loads-of-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal lagoons</a>, the reserve plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.&nbsp;



It provides critical habitats for numerous threatened species, including the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/southern-right-whales-have-shifted-their-foraging-grounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Right Whale</a>, which finds refuge in these waters during its breeding season.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-costa-atlantica-reserve-a-living-laboratory-nbsp">Costa Atlántica Reserve: A living laboratory&nbsp;</h2>



The Costa Atlántica Reserve is not only a refuge for wildlife but also a living laboratory for scientific research. Conservationists and researchers work within its bounds to monitor ecosystems, study species behaviors, and develop strategies for sustainable management.&nbsp;



This ongoing research is pivotal in understanding the impacts of climate change on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-river-deltas-face-major-threats-beyond-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal environments</a> and in devising measures to mitigate these effects.



Furthermore, the reserve illustrates the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts. Local communities are engaged in sustainable tourism and educational programs. 



Through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bird-photographers-improve-nesting-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eco-tourism</a> initiatives, visitors can experience the natural beauty of the reserve while contributing to its preservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tierra-del-fuego-archipelago">Tierra del Fuego archipelago</h2>



According to NASA, the broader landscape of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago was shaped by glaciers.&nbsp;



“Ice advanced over the mountains and lowlands during cold climatic periods between the mid-Pleistocene, about 1 million years ago, and the Last Glacial Maximum, about 20,000 years ago. San Sebastián Bay formed in a tectonic depression that was deepened by glacial erosion," noted NASA. 



“Further evidence of glaciation, including hummocky moraines and fields of glacial erratics, appears around the bay, though it is too small to be visible in this image.”



“Partially enclosed by a long, sandy peninsula, San Sebastián Bay attracts copious migratory birds, some of which shuttle seasonally between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.”



“Large populations of the Hudsonian godwit, white-rumped sandpiper, and other long-distance flyers congregate in the vast intertidal zones. This part of the reserve, however, is vulnerable to the impact of oil and gas extraction from onshore and offshore deposits.”



The image was captured on February 20, 2024 by the <a href="https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellites/landsat-9/landsat-9-instruments/oli-2-design/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OLI-2</a> (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Costa Atlántica Reserve in Argentina

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Messier 82, a starburst galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. This galaxy is actively forming new stars at a rate ten times that of the Milky Way.



In a study using the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> (JWST), an international team of astronomers has taken an unprecedented look at Messier 82 (M82), revealing intricate details about its frenzied star formation. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-nircam-and-infrared-observations">The power of NIRCam and infrared observations</h2>



The study, led by Alberto Bolatto, utilized Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) to penetrate the thick dust and gas covering the galaxy's core, a region critical to understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>. 



"M82 has garnered a variety of observations over the years because it can be considered as the prototypical starburst galaxy," noted Bolatto. “With Webb’s size and resolution, we can look at this star-forming galaxy and see all of this beautiful new detail.”



Webb's NIRCam has proven crucial for observing areas like M82’s center, where layers of dust typically obscure the view in other wavelengths. The camera's ability to capture infrared light allows it to reveal the galaxy's core and its dynamic processes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messier-82-image-shows-the-power-of-webb-nbsp">Messier 82 image shows the power of Webb&nbsp;</h2>



“This image shows the power of Webb. Every single white dot in this image is either a star or a star cluster. We can start to distinguish all of these tiny point sources, which enables us to acquire an accurate count of all the star clusters in this galaxy,” noted study co-author Rebecca Levy from the University of Arizona.



One of the NIRCam's innovative features is its mode that prevents bright sources from overwhelming the detector, which was particularly useful in studying the intensely active center of Messier 82.&nbsp;



In the image, dark brown tendrils of dust weave through the galaxy's glowing white core, interspersed with small green specks that represent concentrated areas of iron from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> remnants. Red patches highlight regions where molecular hydrogen is illuminated by the radiation from nearby young stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-galactic-winds">Insights into galactic winds</h2>



The study also focused on understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spin-of-a-new-black-hole-is-unlocking-galactic-mysteries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic wind</a>, driven by the rapid rate of star formation and subsequent supernovae, influences M82’s environment. The NIRCam images showed clumpy streams of gas, appearing in red, which extend above and below the galaxy's plane, marking the path of this wind rushing out from the starburst's core.



A key revelation came from the NIRCam’s tracing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), sooty chemical molecules that map out the structure of the galactic wind. To the surprise of researchers, the PAH emissions closely resembled the patterns of the hot, ionized gas, suggesting a more complex interaction within the wind than previously understood.&nbsp;



"It was unexpected to see the PAH emission resemble ionised gas," said Bolatto. "PAHs are not supposed to live very long when exposed to such a strong radiation field, so perhaps they are being replenished all the time. It challenges our theories and shows us that further investigation is required."



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-observations-of-messier-82">Future observations of Messier 82</h3>



The findings from Webb are just the beginning. The team plans to further analyze Messier 82 with additional data, including spectroscopic observations, to determine the ages of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collisions-hubble-spots-a-string-of-pearls-star-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> and the duration of each star formation phase within the starburst environment.&nbsp;



These observations will also assist in a broader understanding of similar processes in early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>, which were common in the young universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study">Broader implications of the study</h2>



Study co-author Torsten Böker of the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> emphasized the broader implications of these findings. 



“With these amazing Webb images, and our upcoming spectra, we can study how exactly the strong winds and shock fronts from young stars and supernovae can remove the very gas and dust from which new stars are forming,” explained Böker.&nbsp;



“A detailed understanding of this ‘feedback’ cycle is important for theories of how the early universe evolved, because compact starbursts such as the one in M82 were very common at high redshift.”



The study not only illuminates the specific mechanics of star formation in M82 but also enhances our general understanding of galactic evolution and the lifecycle of galaxies.&nbsp;



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA



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Messier 82: Unlocking the mysteries of star formation

The "soil footprint" is emerging as a crucial concept in sustainable farming, measuring the impact of agriculture on soil erosion. 



As the global population grows, the challenge of feeding everyone without depleting essential natural resources becomes more pressing. 



While much focus has been placed on carbon and water footprints, the soil footprint addresses the often-overlooked issue of soil degradation.



Tackling soil degradation is key to preserving life and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-introducing-the-soil-footprint">Introducing the soil footprint</h2>



Scientists Andrés Peñuela, Vanesa García Gamero, and Tom Vanwalleghem at the <a href="https://www.uco.es/internacional/extranjeros/en/about-uco" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Córdoba</a> have been instrumental in defining and applying the concept of the soil footprint in Spain, where soil erosion presents a critical challenge for agricultural sustainability.



Through their pioneering work, the experts have brought attention to an often-underappreciated yet vital resource: soil.



Unlike the more widely known carbon and water footprints, this latest footprint specifically focuses on soil - a resource that is frequently overlooked in discussions about environmental sustainability but is just as crucial for supporting life as water, air, or energy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-is-the-soil-footprint-calculated">How is the soil footprint calculated?</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-soils-produce-a-symphony-of-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Healthy soil</a> is the foundation of productive ecosystems, ensuring food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience.



The soil footprint quantifies the amount of soil lost during cultivation, offering a clear metric for evaluating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-adopt-regenerative-agriculture-better-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agricultural practices</a>. It is calculated by dividing the erosion rate by the crop's productivity, providing a tangible way to measure the sustainability of farming techniques.



A larger soil footprint indicates significant soil erosion, which can lead to devastating losses in essential nutrients, biodiversity, and the soil’s ability to retain water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raising-awareness-about-soil-erosion">Raising awareness about soil erosion </h2>



The rationale behind introducing the footprint is to encourage communication about the dire issue of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-erosion-rates-have-exploded-in-the-midwestern-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil erosion</a>.



The researchers believe that the concept can help raise awareness, just like the water footprint. By making consumers aware of the concept, they can join the fight in combating soil erosion.



The objective is to promote sustainable production models by encouraging all stakeholders, including consumers, to play their part. 



If consumers demand foods that do not contribute to soil erosion, this can motivate the productive sector to adopt sustainable practices, as observed with eco-friendly and cruelty-free products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-spain-s-soil-footprint">A closer look at Spain's soil footprint</h2>



The researchers applied the soil footprint concept to Spain's top ten crops, examining areas facing the most problems due to soil erosion.



The experts found that olive trees had the largest footprint, followed by cherry trees and wheat. The crops with the smallest soil footprints were onions, potatoes, and oranges.



"The solution is not to reduce the number of olive trees, but rather to incorporate strategies that protect the soil from erosion, such as vegetation cover," explained Peñuela.



Studies have shown that this management approach can significantly curb soil erosion in Mediterranean olive groves, thus reducing their soil footprint.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-farming">The future of farming</h2>



The soil footprint brings a new perspective to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-farming-is-good-for-farmers-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable farming</a>. It helps us understand the impact of our food choices on the environment and pushes us towards making more responsible decisions. After all, soil is a precious and finite resource that we must protect for generations to come.



By being mindful of our impact on soil, we can play a part in preserving land for future generations, just as we do with water and energy.



The soil footprint concept is a vital tool in our quest to achieve sustainable farming and ensure food security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-issue-of-soil-erosion">Global issue of soil erosion </h2>



While the soil footprint concept is gaining traction in Spain, its relevance extends far beyond national borders. Soil erosion is a global issue, affecting agricultural productivity and food security across continents.



In regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, unsustainable farming practices and climate change exacerbate soil degradation. 



The footprint offers a valuable metric for these regions to evaluate the long-term viability of their farming methods and implement soil <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-2024-a-call-for-land-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation strategies</a>.



By adopting this approach globally, we can promote more resilient agricultural systems and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on arable land.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667006224000303?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soil Security</a>.



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Soil footprint: A new frontier in sustainable farming

The "soil footprint" is emerging as a crucial concept in...

Ever had a catchy song lyric or a random fact stick in your head, making it harder to focus on other things? This phenomenon - where mental clutter builds up and affects memory - was explored in a recent study.



The research was led by Rob Reinhart, an associate professor of psychological and brain sciences at <a href="https://www.bu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston University</a>, along with his postdoctoral associate, Wen Wen. The team investigated how mental clutter impacts memory as we age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-changes-with-age">Memory changes with age</h2>



As we get older, our brains become less efficient at clearing out irrelevant information, leading to slower processing and more frequent lapses in memory.&nbsp;



The study identifies a brain pattern called beta frequency variability, which predicts memory performance in older adults.&nbsp;



Younger adults, on the other hand, show a stronger ability to hold on to relevant information. These findings offer a clearer picture of how memory changes with age and provide insights into cognitive health and mental well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-processes-in-working-memory-nbsp">Critical processes in working memory&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/working-memory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Working memory</a> is like a mental workspace that allows us to hold and manipulate information for short periods. It’s essential for tasks that require reasoning, problem-solving, and planning. 



As we age, working memory declines, which is normal to some degree but can also be linked to conditions like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/managing-negative-emotions-may-prevent-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a>.



In the research, Wen and her team highlight two critical processes in working memory: maintenance and deletion. Maintenance is about actively holding onto relevant information, while deletion is the process of removing outdated or irrelevant data.&nbsp;



Deletion is crucial because it keeps our mental workspace flexible and prevents cognitive overload. When these processes work together, we can efficiently maintain what’s important and clear out what is not.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rhythmic-patterns-of-brain-activity">Rhythmic patterns of brain activity</h2>



The study also focuses on beta-band neural oscillations, which are rhythmic patterns of brain activity that help regulate working memory. These oscillations can be recorded through an EEG, and they’re particularly important for modulating the contents of working memory.&nbsp;



Beta-band oscillations are thought to control how well we maintain or delete information from our mental workspace.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-differences-in-working-memory-nbsp">Key differences in working memory&nbsp;</h2>



When looking at younger and older adults, the experts found some key differences in how working memory functions. 



For younger adults, their ability to maintain information predicted how well they performed in memory tasks. 



For older adults, though, the critical factor was their ability to delete irrelevant information. This suggests that as we age, deletion deficits contribute significantly to cognitive decline, aligning with what’s known as the inhibition deficit theory of aging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-clutter-and-information-processing">Memory clutter and information processing </h2>



The research offers valuable insight into cognitive decline and how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aging-may-be-driven-by-genetic-imbalances/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a> affects memory. By breaking down working memory into its core processes - maintenance and deletion - the study provides a more detailed understanding of why memory problems occur as we get older. 



It turns out that being unable to efficiently delete irrelevant information can create a bottleneck in working memory, making it harder to maintain focus and process new information effectively.



One of the most surprising findings was how differently working memory functions between younger and older adults.&nbsp;



While maintenance plays a key role for younger individuals, older adults’ memory performance hinges more on their ability to delete unnecessary information.&nbsp;



Interestingly, while older adults showed maintenance deficits, these didn’t seem to affect their overall performance as much as their deletion deficits did.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study-nbsp">Broader implications of the study&nbsp;</h2>



The findings have practical implications, especially when it comes to developing interventions for age-related memory decline. For instance, many current memory training programs focus on improving maintenance, but this study suggests that targeting deletion might be even more effective for older adults.&nbsp;



Additionally, the research points to beta activity as a neural signature for the deletion process. This opens the door to new brain training methods or rehabilitation techniques, such as non-invasive neuromodulation, which could enhance or restore deletion functions in working memory by adjusting beta-band neural oscillations.



In summary, the study sheds light on the complexities of how our brains manage information as we age and highlights the importance of both maintaining relevant information and clearing out the clutter to keep our mental workspace efficient.



The experts noted that future research is needed to test the causal role of beta activity in modulating the influence from deficient deletion to subsequent maintenance in older adults.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002784" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a>.



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Memory clutter speeds up aging in the brain

Ever had a catchy song lyric or a random fact...

Vincent van Gogh’s famous painting The Starry Night is renowned for its swirling blue skies and luminous yellow stars, capturing the viewer with its vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes.&nbsp;



The painting presents a vision of the night sky that is both enchanting and immersive, with each star encased in radiant ripples, as if the sky itself were in motion.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-van-gogh-s-distinctive-brushstrokes-nbsp">Van Gogh's distinctive brushstrokes&nbsp;</h2>



The illusion of movement in The Starry Night is so vivid that it has piqued the curiosity of scientists who wonder how closely van Gogh’s depiction mirrors the actual physics of atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clear-air-turbulence-expected-to-intensify-in-a-warmer-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turbulence</a>.&nbsp;



While the movement of the sky in the painting is beyond measurement, van Gogh's distinctive brushstrokes can be scientifically analyzed.



In a study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0213627" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physics of Fluids</a> by AIP Publishing, researchers specializing in marine sciences and fluid dynamics from China and France analyzed van Gogh’s brushwork to uncover what they describe as “hidden turbulence” within the painting.&nbsp;



The team explored the physical properties of the swirling patterns in van Gogh’s The Starry Night and sought to determine whether they align with known principles of fluid dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-turbulence-in-the-starry-night-nbsp">Hidden turbulence in The Starry Night&nbsp;</h2>



“The scale of the paint strokes played a crucial role,” said lead author Yongxiang Huang, a scientist at the Xiamen University.&nbsp;



“With a high-resolution digital picture, we were able to measure precisely the typical size of the brushstrokes and compare these to the scales expected from turbulence theories.”



To do this, the researchers used van Gogh’s swirling brushstrokes as a model, similar to how scientists would study wind patterns by observing how leaves swirl in a vortex.&nbsp;



The team examined the painting's use of luminance, or the relative brightness of the colors, to represent the kinetic energy typically found in atmospheric turbulence.&nbsp;



The variation in brightness across the canvas allowed them to draw parallels between van Gogh’s strokes and the flow of energy in real atmospheric systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intuitive-understanding-of-natural-phenomena">Intuitive understanding of natural phenomena </h2>



“It reveals a deep and intuitive understanding of natural phenomena,” Huang said. “Van Gogh’s precise representation of turbulence might be from studying the movement of clouds and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-atmosphere-is-expanding-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmosphere</a>, or it could reflect an innate sense of how to capture the dynamism of the sky.”



The team focused on analyzing the spatial scale of 14 prominent swirling shapes in the painting to determine whether they followed the same energy transfer patterns observed in natural turbulent flows.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/starry-night_van-gogh_physics-analysis_atmospheric-dynamics_credit-Yinxiang-Ma_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/starry-night_van-gogh_physics-analysis_atmospheric-dynamics_credit-Yinxiang-Ma_1s.webp" alt="The authors measured the relative scale and spacing of the whirling brush strokes in van Gogh’s “The Starry Night,” along with variances in luminance of the paint, to see if the laws that apply in the physics of real skies apply in the artist’s depiction. The results suggest van Gogh had an innate understanding of atmospheric dynamics. He captured multiple dimensions of atmospheric physics with surprising accuracy. Credit: Yinxiang Ma" class="wp-image-1944953"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The authors measured the relative scale and spacing of the whirling brush strokes in van Gogh’s “The Starry Night,” along with variances in luminance of the paint, to see if the laws that apply in the physics of real skies apply in the artist’s depiction. The results suggest van Gogh had an innate understanding of atmospheric dynamics. He captured multiple dimensions of atmospheric physics with surprising accuracy. Credit: Yinxiang Ma</figcaption></figure>



Specifically, they wanted to see if the painting aligned with Kolmogorov’s law, a theory that describes how kinetic energy cascades from large to small scales in turbulent atmospheric systems.



The analysis revealed that the overall composition of The Starry Night indeed aligns with Kolmogorov’s theory. This was a significant finding, as it suggests that van Gogh’s depiction of the swirling night sky follows the same rules that govern atmospheric movement.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-of-van-gogh-s-work-nbsp">Complexity of Van Gogh's work&nbsp;</h2>



On a more detailed level, within the smaller paint strokes where luminance diffuses across the canvas, the researchers found evidence of Batchelor’s scaling.&nbsp;



This describes how energy behaves in small-scale turbulence, where passive scalar fields (such as temperature or concentration of a pollutant) follow similar energy laws to those in larger-scale flows.



The discovery of both Kolmogorov and Batchelor scaling in one system is rare and was a major motivator for the research team.&nbsp;



It highlights the complexity of van Gogh’s work, suggesting that the artist might have captured an intricate representation of atmospheric physics without the benefit of formal scientific knowledge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-starry-night-challenges-existing-theories-nbsp">The Starry Night challenges existing theories&nbsp;</h2>



“Turbulence is believed to be one of the intrinsic properties of high Reynolds flows dominated by inertia, but recently, turbulence-like phenomena have been reported for different types of flow systems at a wide range of spatial scales, with low Reynolds numbers where viscosity is more dominant,” Huang explained.



He went on to suggest that this study opens up new possibilities for understanding turbulence.&nbsp;



“It seems it is time to propose a new definition of turbulence to embrace more situations,” he added, indicating that their findings in The Starry Night might challenge existing theories and expand the scope of fluid dynamics research.



This research brings a new perspective to van Gogh’s masterpiece, revealing not just artistic genius, but also an uncanny alignment with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/missing-law-of-nature-explains-the-evolution-of-everything-that-exists-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laws of nature</a>.&nbsp;



By capturing the hidden turbulence in his night sky, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cnemaspis-vangoghi-new-gecko-species-discovered-india-named-after-van-gogh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">van Gogh</a> may have been unwittingly painting a scientifically accurate representation of the complex and dynamic forces at work in our atmosphere.



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Van Gogh's 'The Starry Night' masterpiece captured real world physics

Vincent van Gogh’s famous painting The Starry Night is renowned...

For the first time ever, scientists have successfully observed how valence electrons behave in organic molecules. This gives us a clearer picture of the complex nature of chemical bonds that make up all matter. 



By looking at how these electrons act, we can learn more about the stability and reactivity of different compounds.



Their findings have been published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, marking a major step forward in our understanding of how atoms interact to form molecules.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-true-nature-of-valence-electrons">True nature of valence electrons</h2>



Valence electrons are the outermost <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/attosecond-electron-freeze-frame-of-liquid-water-seen-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electrons in an atom</a>, and they play a key role in how atoms bond with one another. These electrons are responsible for a material's properties, especially during chemical bonding.



Despite their importance, isolating and observing these electrons directly has been tough for researchers. 



Most scientists have had to depend on theoretical models or indirect methods like spectroscopy to figure out how they behave. But now, this new method lets us get a direct and detailed look at these tricky particles.



This achievement was made possible through a sophisticated X-ray diffraction technique, which the researcher team from <a href="https://en.nagoya-u.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nagoya University</a> in Japan used to map the electron distribution in organic molecules. 



They were able to extract the electron density in atoms within a crystal, focusing first on glycine, a simple amino acid. 



Instead of the predicted smooth, continuous electron cloud, the team observed a fragmented, wave-like structure, challenging long-held ideas about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-realm-vibrating-atoms-tune-single-electron-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electron behavior</a>.



At the core of the study is a technique called Core Differential Fourier Synthesis (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourier_analysis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDFS</a>). Using this method, the researchers were able to specifically target and visualize the valence electrons of organic molecules.



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



This experiment took place at <a href="https://www.spring8.or.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SPring-8</a>, a renowned synchrotron X-ray facility. The team started their work by focusing on the glycine molecule.



What they found was astonishing: the electron cloud around the glycine molecule did not form the smooth, enveloping shape that many expected. Instead, it appeared as a fragmented and discrete state, reflecting the quantum mechanical wave nature of electrons.



"We named this method the CDFS method. Using this method, we observed the electron state of the glycine molecule, a type of amino acid," corresponding author Hiroshi Sawa said. 



"Although the method was relatively simple to perform, the result was impressive. The observed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/edge-state-atoms-how-electrons-find-their-groove-in-frictionless-flow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electron cloud</a> did not exhibit the smooth, enveloping shape that many predicted, but rather a fragmented, discrete state."



This wave-like behavior is a key aspect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum theory</a>, but seeing it so clearly in a real-world setting was both surprising and enlightening.



To make sense of these findings, the researchers produced a color map of the electron distribution. This type of visual tool is often used in chemistry to display variations in data, making complex information easier to interpret. 



In this case, the map showed interruptions in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intense-quantum-light-generates-weird-electron-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electron distribution</a> around the carbon atoms in glycine, revealing how electrons rearrange themselves during chemical bonding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valence-electrons-and-chemical-bonds">Valence electrons and chemical bonds</h2>



The fragmented electron distribution provides clear evidence of the wave nature of electrons, which are not continuously spread around atoms but instead form nodes -- areas where electrons are absent -- due to their wave-like properties. 



This observation challenges the traditional model of a continuous electron cloud and aligns more closely with modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanical theories</a>.



To confirm their findings, the researchers performed advanced quantum chemical calculations in collaboration with another institution, and the results matched perfectly. 



This solidified their discovery and validated the new experimental method as a reliable tool for visualizing electron behavior.



This newfound ability to observe valence electrons in detail offers exciting possibilities for multiple scientific fields. 



By understanding how electrons behave during bonding, researchers can better predict molecular interactions, a critical aspect of designing new drugs and functional materials. 



The study also has implications for the design of organic semiconductors and even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/landmark-study-reveals-275-million-new-genetic-variants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA research</a>, where molecular stability is key.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-in-health-and-material-science">Applications in health and material science</h2>



One of the most exciting aspects of this discovery is its potential to revolutionize drug development. The ability to visualize how molecules bond at the electron level could help scientists understand why some drugs work while others do not.



By mapping out electron behavior, researchers can pinpoint the exact interactions that lead to a drug’s effectiveness or failure, opening the door to more targeted and efficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-could-revolutionize-drug-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pharmaceutical design</a>.



"It may, for example, explain why some medicines work and others don't. Fields where interactions influence functionality and structural stability, such as organic semiconductors and research on the structure of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-building-block-of-life-called-tna-created-in-the-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA double helixes</a>, are likely to benefit most from our research," Sawa explained.



Additionally, this technique could greatly benefit the field of chemical engineering, particularly in the development of advanced materials. 



Understanding electron behavior can lead to the creation of new materials with enhanced properties, whether it be organic semiconductors used in electronics or materials designed for more efficient energy storage.



The team’s work on glycine is just the beginning. After their initial success, they moved on to studying cytidine, a more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex molecule</a>. 



Here, too, they were able to observe differences in electron behavior between different types of chemical bonds, further demonstrating the versatility and power of their new method.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-valence-electron-visualization">Future of valence electron visualization</h2>



To sum it all up, the ability to visualize valence electrons is a huge leap forward in chemistry and physics, with no shortage of potential applications. 



As this technique develops, scientists will use it to tackle many long-standing questions in chemistry and related fields.



By bringing together different areas of expertise, the team pulled off what was once seen as impossible: directly observing and mapping how valence electrons behave.



In the years ahead, we can expect this method to be applied to even more complex molecules, giving us deeper insights into molecular interactions and chemical reactions.



Whether it's in pharmaceuticals, materials science, or basic chemistry research, this breakthrough could really change how we understand the building blocks of matter.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.4c05673" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the American Chemical Society</a>.



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First observation of valence electrons reveals true nature of chemical bonding

For the first time ever, scientists have successfully observed how...

Every year, millions of birds migrate in search of warmer climates to escape the harsh winter. However, this seasonal journey does not necessarily help birds conserve energy as previously thought, according to a recent study from the <a href="https://www.ab.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior</a> (MPI-AB). 



By implanting miniaturized loggers into wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-blackbirds-get-sick-it-takes-weeks-for-them-to-recover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blackbirds</a>, scientists were able to record detailed measurements of the birds' heart rates and body temperatures every 30 minutes, from fall until the following spring. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-overall-energy-advantage-nbsp">No overall energy advantage&nbsp;</h2>



The study offers an unprecedented look into the true energetic costs of both migrating and staying in place. The data also uncovered an unexpected energy-saving mechanism used by blackbirds before migration begins.



“We never expected to discover that birds gain no overall energy advantage by escaping cold winters,” said Nils Linek, a first author of the study and researcher at MPI-AB.&nbsp;



“It was a longstanding textbook assumption that animals spend less energy by migrating to warmer places, but our findings have shown that these savings don’t add up. Rather, the energetics of migration is far more complex and interesting than theory predicted.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-energy-expenditure-of-blackbirds-nbsp">Measuring energy expenditure of blackbirds&nbsp;</h2>



Migration is a spectacular example of how animals adapt to changing seasons, but the fundamental question of why animals migrate has long puzzled scientists.&nbsp;



Part of the challenge has been the difficulty of studying the physiology of free-living animals over extended periods.&nbsp;



In this study, researchers from MPI-AB and <a href="https://www.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a> made a significant breakthrough by using sensors that measured the energy expenditure of blackbirds over the course of a full year, including their migration. 



They then paired this physiological data with energy modeling to calculate the predicted energetic costs of regulating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koalas-can-predict-hot-days-and-adjust-their-body-temperature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">body temperature</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blackbirds-save-up-energy-for-their-journey">Blackbirds save up energy for their journey</h2>



The data showed that migrating blackbirds conserved substantial amounts of energy in preparation for migration by lowering their metabolism three weeks before departing. This adjustment may offset the energy costs of the migratory flights.&nbsp;



“They are essentially turning down their internal thermostat, allowing them to save energy for the journey ahead,” explained Linek.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicted-energy-surplus-nbsp">Predicted energy surplus&nbsp;</h2>



Yet, once the birds reached their warmer wintering areas, they did not seem to reduce their overall daily energy expenditure as expected.



“This was not what we anticipated,” said co-first author Scott Yanco, a scientist at the Yale Center for Biodiversity and Global Change.&nbsp;



“The energy modeling we did in the study predicted that migration should definitely create an energy surplus because of the substantially reduced cost of keeping warm in milder climates.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-costs-in-overwintering-sites-nbsp">Hidden costs in overwintering sites&nbsp;</h2>



The mystery remains: where did this predicted energy surplus go? “We can only speculate at this point, but we suggest that there may be other physiological adaptations or hidden costs that migrant blackbirds face in their milder overwintering sites,” said Linek. 



“These might include factors such as the need to maintain vigilance in new environments, immune functions, or unknown stressors that offset the thermal advantage they should have experienced.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-partially-migratory-blackbirds">“Partially migratory” blackbirds</h2>



The researchers conducted their study in southern Germany, where blackbird populations are “partially migratory.” This means that while some blackbirds migrate south to regions like Spain and France, others remain in Germany throughout the year.&nbsp;



To track both migrant and resident birds, the researchers implanted heart rate and body temperature loggers into 120 wild blackbirds. These devices recorded data continuously from September until May.&nbsp;



Additionally, the team used radio transmitters to monitor the departure and return of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-migratory-birds-navigate-with-such-accuracy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>. Over one million data points were analyzed to compare the physiological differences between the two groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-blackbirds-in-remarkable-detail-nbsp">Tracking blackbirds in remarkable detail&nbsp;</h2>



“Using physiological data, we were able to see in remarkable detail how birds undertake and experience migration,” said co-author Tamara Volkmer, a doctoral student at MPI-AB.&nbsp;



“We could observe everything from the migratory flight itself to how they recovered afterward and what they did over the winter. By recording long-term, detailed energy measurements, we could glimpse the hidden costs of their impressive round trip.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-drivers-of-migration-nbsp">Evolutionary drivers of migration&nbsp;</h2>



The findings suggest that migration, despite its risks and challenges, does not result in energy savings in warmer climates. This raises new questions about the evolutionary drivers of migration.&nbsp;



“This could have implications for our understanding of migration and its underlying mechanisms across different bird species,” Linek explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study-nbsp">Broader implications of the study&nbsp;</h2>



The study also has broader implications for predicting how species will respond to future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-are-struggling-to-adapt-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate changes</a>.



Study senior author Jesko Partecke is a group leader at MPI-AB who has been studying blackbird migration for two decades.



“Understanding the physiological underpinnings of migration means that we can better forecast which species may adapt, which may alter their migratory patterns, and which may face greater risks as the world continues to warm,” said Partecke.&nbsp;



As climate change progresses, this research could prove essential in understanding how migratory species will cope with shifting environmental conditions, potentially altering migration strategies or even leading to the disappearance of certain migratory behaviors.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02545-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>, 



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Blackbirds reveal the true energy costs of migrating

Every year, millions of birds migrate in search of warmer...

For years, scientists thought they had a good grasp on what happens when a molecule of water meets air. You know, the stuff we read in textbooks? Turns out, we’ve been wrong. 



A group of researchers discovered that the molecules at the surface of salt water organize themselves in a way that’s totally different than we ever thought.



Dr. Yair Litman from the <a href="https://www.ch.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry</a> led the team, and this revelation shakes up some long-held beliefs in climate science. 



It might sound like just another science experiment, but this one has real-world implications, especially when it comes to understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-weaker-ocean-will-release-more-carbon-into-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how our atmosphere works</a> and how to mitigate human impacts on the planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemistry-at-the-surface-of-water-molecules">Chemistry at the surface of water molecules</h2>



When we think about where important chemical reactions happen, we might not immediately picture the surface of the ocean or a glass of salt water. But that’s exactly where critical interactions take place, especially when water meets air. 



Think of it: the evaporation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean water affects our climate</a>, drives weather patterns, and even influences the chemistry of the air we breathe. It’s a big deal.



For years, the science community has been trying to get a handle on exactly what happens at that surface, particularly how ions -- those tiny charged particles in salt -- behave when they hang out at the water’s edge. 



Are they neatly lined up? Do they play nice with water molecules? Well, until now, it was all pretty much guesswork. The exact behavior of ions at the water-air interface has been hotly debated.



That’s where Litman’s team, along with Dr. Kuo-Yang Chiang from the <a href="https://www.mpg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute</a>, comes in. Their study, published in Nature Chemistry, changes the game. 



By combining cutting-edge technology with advanced simulations, they’ve shown that water molecules at the surface of salt water don’t behave the way we’ve always thought. And yes, this is big news.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-at-the-surface-of-water-molecules">Looking at the surface of water molecules</h2>



The traditional view, found in most textbooks, was simple: ions, which are either positively or negatively charged, line up at the surface and organize water molecules in one direction. But according to this new research, that’s not how things work at all.



The team used a more advanced form of a technique called vibrational sum-frequency generation (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sum_frequency_generation_spectroscopy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VSFG</a>). In the past, VSFG allowed scientists to look at molecular vibrations on the surface of water. 



But it had a flaw -- it couldn’t tell whether these vibrations were positive or negative, which made it hard to interpret what was really going on. Kind of like trying to figure out a conversation by only hearing half of it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trying-a-different-technique">Trying a different technique</h2>



That’s where heterodyne-detected (HD)-VSFG came into play. This technique takes things a step further, allowing the team to not only measure the vibrations but also figure out their direction. 



The result? They discovered that ions at the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ancient-ocean-water-shaped-early-life-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface of salt water</a> don’t just form a single layer and organize water molecules in one direction. 



Instead, ions organize water molecules both up and down, flipping the textbook model on its head.



“Our work demonstrates that the surface of simple electrolyte solutions has a different ion distribution than previously thought,” Litman explained. 



“At the very top, there are a few layers of pure water, followed by an ion-rich layer, and then the bulk salt solution.”



This means that, rather than ions neatly lining up and orienting water molecules in one direction, they create a much more complex and dynamic environment. 



It’s like discovering that your once-quiet neighborhood is actually buzzing with activity behind closed doors.



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



If you’re thinking, “Okay, but why should I care how ions behave at the surface of water?” The answer lies in how this discovery affects <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weather-in-dry-regions-isnt-behaving-as-climate-models-predict/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric science</a>. 



The surface of water -- especially ocean water -- is where a lot of important reactions take place. Evaporation, cloud formation, and even how pollutants break down in the atmosphere all hinge on these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerosol-formation-earths-lower-atmosphere-soas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water-air interfaces</a>.



When we don’t fully understand how ions behave at the water’s surface, we can’t make accurate models for climate science. And in a world where understanding climate is crucial, having an accurate model is everything.



Dr. Kuo-Yang Chiang from the Max Planck Institute adds that this research not only deepens our understanding of liquid interfaces but could also be applied to other fields. 



"This paper shows that combining high-level HD-VSFG with simulations is an invaluable tool that will contribute to the molecular-level understanding of liquid interfaces."



In other words, this important revelation could help scientists develop better technologies for things like batteries and energy storage. 



And who knows, maybe it’ll even help us better understand how to manage some of the environmental issues we’re facing today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technique-has-far-reaching-applications">Technique has far-reaching applications</h2>



The implications of this study don’t stop at atmospheric science. Mischa Bonn, head of the Molecular Spectroscopy department at the Max Planck Institute, believes that this discovery could pave the way for a deeper understanding of other interfaces, like those found in batteries. 



"These types of interfaces occur everywhere on the planet, so studying them not only helps our fundamental understanding but can also lead to better devices and technologies," Bonn explained.



If we can get a better grip on how molecules behave on the surface of salt water, it could improve our understanding of how they behave on the surface of a solid material, too. That’s huge for anyone working on improving batteries or other energy storage solutions.



This is one of those discoveries where the impact might not be immediately obvious, but down the road, it could change everything -- from how we build devices to how we think about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-disinformation-is-a-persistent-scourge-in-the-battle-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate science</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-of-this-water-molecule-discovery">Applications of this water molecule discovery</h2>



To sum it all up, the findings from Dr. Litman’s team are just the beginning. Their discovery challenges decades of assumptions about water and ions, and it opens the door to a whole new area of research. 



The next steps? Applying these techniques to even more complex systems, like the interactions between water and solids, which could help us understand everything from pollution to clean energy.



It’s rare that a scientific discovery completely rewrites what we thought we knew. But when it does, it’s a reminder that science is always evolving. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41557-023-01416-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Chemistry</a>.



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Water molecule discovery will force textbooks to be rewritten

For years, scientists thought they had a good grasp on...

For astronomers, one of the most puzzling aspects of black holes has been the intense X-ray radiation emitted from their surroundings. While many theories have surfaced since the 1970s, researchers finally have a clearer picture of what's going on. 



A new study explains how the chaotic interplay between magnetic fields and plasma near black holes produces the X-rays we've been detecting for years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deeper-look-into-black-hole-physics">Deeper look into black hole physics</h2>



The fascinating part of this research lies in how the team <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-may-talk-to-galaxies-through-energetic-winds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modeled the interactions</a> between radiation, plasma, and magnetic fields. 



Associate Professor Joonas Nättilä and his group at the <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Helsinki</a>, known for its work in computational plasma astrophysics, has managed to replicate what happens around black holes using supercomputer simulations. 



This breakthrough allows us to understand, for the first time, how these extreme environments generate X-ray radiation through a chaotic dance of turbulence.



But what makes this finding so significant? In essence, the team has shown that magnetic turbulence heats up the plasma, causing it to radiate X-rays. 



This radiation, a long-standing enigma in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-jets-are-like-million-light-year-long-jedi-lightsabers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole studies</a>, is now better understood thanks to their work.



Moreover, the study, published in Nature Communications, used the first-ever plasma physics model to incorporate every important quantum interaction between radiation and plasma -- a feat that took years to achieve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-black-holes-through-x-rays">Studying black holes through x-rays</h2>



Black holes are fascinating cosmic objects. They're born when a large star collapses, creating such a dense concentration of mass that nothing, not even light, can escape their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jwst-has-detected-most-distant-black-hole-merger-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational pull</a>. 



As a result, direct observation of black holes is impossible, and we can only study their effects on nearby objects. That’s where X-rays come in.



Most known black holes exist in binary systems, where they have a companion star. The black hole slowly pulls matter from its partner, forming an accretion disk -- a swirling mass of gas and dust. 



This disk is where the magic happens. As the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-black-hole-disrupts-a-bigger-one-causing-cosmic-hiccups/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas spirals inward</a>, it heats up and becomes incredibly bright in the X-ray spectrum, which is how astronomers observe black holes indirectly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tale-of-turbulence-and-flares">A tale of turbulence and flares</h2>



Since the 1970s, scientists have speculated that these X-rays were tied to interactions between local gas and magnetic fields, much like the way solar flares heat the sun’s outer atmosphere. 



What Nättilä’s team has now demonstrated is that the accretion disk’s turbulence is so extreme that it impacts the plasma dynamics on a quantum level.



"The flares in the accretion disks of black holes are like extreme versions of solar flares," says Nättilä. 



His team’s simulations reveal that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-magnetic-fields-may-be-key-features-of-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic turbulence</a> near black holes is powerful enough to create conditions where even quantum effects are at play. This turbulent plasma naturally produces the kind of X-ray radiation we observe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-matter-and-antimatter-collide">When matter and antimatter collide</h2>



One of the most mind-bending findings from the study involves electron-positron pairs, a type of matter-antimatter interaction. Typically, electrons and positrons don’t occur together, but near black holes, the situation changes. 



The high-energy environment makes it possible for these particles to coexist, interact, and even annihilate each other, transforming back into radiation.



"In everyday life, such quantum phenomena where matter suddenly appears in place of extremely bright light are, of course, not seen, but near black holes, they become crucial," Nättilä explains.



This is a remarkable insight into the exotic world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magnetic-winds-fuel-the-growth-of-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole physics</a>, where the energy levels are so intense that quantum interactions become significant in ways they simply aren’t in our day-to-day lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-states-of-plasma-hot-and-cold">Two states of plasma: Hot and cold</h2>



One of the major revelations from this research is that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-waterfall-discovery-proves-einstein-right-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plasma surrounding black holes</a> can exist in two different equilibrium states, depending on the surrounding radiation field. In one state, the plasma is cold and transparent, while in the other, it is hot and opaque. 



This mirrors what astronomers have seen in X-ray observations of accretion disks, where the system alternates between "soft" and "hard" states.



These findings not only confirm years of observations but also provide a framework for understanding how plasma behaves in extreme environments. 



The team’s simulations have made it possible to visualize how these two states manifest and alternate based on the conditions around the black hole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-holes-x-rays-and-future-research">Black holes, x-rays, and future research</h2>



While this study answers some long-standing questions, it also opens the door to new lines of inquiry. Understanding the mechanics of X-ray radiation from black holes is just the tip of the iceberg. 



Now that we have these detailed simulations, scientists can learn more about the mysteries of black hole environments, such as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-a-kugelblitze-and-why-should-you-care/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">role of quantum effects</a> in other cosmic phenomena.



For Nättilä and his team, this is just the beginning. "It took us years to investigate and add to the simulations all quantum phenomena occurring in nature, but ultimately, it was worth it," Nättilä says.



Black holes may seem like distant, abstract phenomena, but studying them brings us closer to understanding the fundamental forces of our universe. 



The more we know about these invisible giants, the more we can comprehend the workings of space-time, gravity, and the very building blocks of matter. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51257-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Understanding the intense X-ray radiation that surrounds black holes

For astronomers, one of the most puzzling aspects of black...

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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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" 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.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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" 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.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 metal casing told him it was not a run-of-the-mill purchase. What was even better was the inside needle still worked! All in all, it was a nice piece of hunting or survival equipment. Can you guess what Tony found?

Better Than Average