Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features South Korea, where a November storm set a new record for daily snowfall in Seoul.



“Wintry weather arrived in full force in South Korea. In the last week of November 2024, a storm brought record-breaking accumulations of snow to Seoul. The heavy snow disrupted travel and damaged structures in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153649/heavy-snows-in-korea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“On the morning of November 27, residents of Seoul awoke to 16.5 centimeters (6.5 inches) of new snow. That amount already surpassed the previous daily snowfall record for Seoul in November since records began in 1907, according to news reports.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowfall-across-the-korean-peninsula-nbsp">Snowfall across the Korean Peninsula&nbsp;</h2>



Yet, as NASA noted, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-snow-complexity-can-improve-winter-safety/">snow</a> kept flying. By the morning of November 28, Seoul had accumulated a total of 11.3 inches. About 22 miles to the south, the city of Suwon received 17 inches of snow.&nbsp;



“When clouds cleared the following day, the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite captured this image, revealing a broad coating of white across the Korean Peninsula,” said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-snowfall-event-in-south-korea-nbsp">Rare snowfall event in South Korea&nbsp;</h2>



Meteorologists attributed this rare event to a sharp contrast between cold northern air and the warmer surface of the Yellow Sea.



Officials said that the temperature difference between the air and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-ocean-temperatures-highest-in-650-years-greatly-harming-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea surface</a> was more profound than normal due to unusual warmth in recent weeks, which likely contributed to the storm’s intensity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-the-snowfall">Impacts of the snowfall</h2>



“Those who braved the weather around Seoul witnessed landmarks transformed into a winter wonderland. However, the storm grounded hundreds of flights across the country, kept dozens of ferries in port, and snarled traffic,” said NASA.&nbsp;



“The weight of the snow also toppled trees and damaged greenhouses and other agricultural facilities in areas surrounding Seoul, according to reports.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowfall-in-seoul-south-korea-nbsp">Snowfall in Seoul, South Korea&nbsp;</h2>



Snowfall is not unusual in Seoul, but its frequency and accumulation levels are typically moderate. 



Seoul has a temperate climate with cold, dry winters, and snow is a normal part of the season from December to February. However, heavy snowfall is rare, with most snowfalls being light to moderate.&nbsp;



The city averages about 25-30 days of snow per year, with a total accumulation that is far less than what is seen in colder regions of the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-snowfall-patterns-nbsp">Climate change and snowfall patterns&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ski-resorts-face-snow-scarcity-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> is altering snowfall patterns globally, with variations in both frequency and intensity - depending on the region. 



Warmer average temperatures are shifting precipitation from snow to rain in many areas, particularly in low-lying regions and mid-latitudes. This trend reduces the duration and extent of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-has-decreased-in-recent-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow cover</a>, especially at lower elevations. 



However, paradoxically, some regions experience heavier snowstorms due to increased atmospheric moisture. Warmer air can hold more water vapor, leading to intense snowfall under the right conditions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-climate-impacts">Complex climate impacts</h3>



In high-altitude and polar regions, the impact is more complex. Some areas, like the Himalayas and the Arctic, see diminished snowfall because of warmer conditions and melting ice.&nbsp;



Conversely, parts of the Arctic and Antarctica may experience <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-increases-snowfall-over-west-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increased snowfall</a> due to changes in wind patterns and enhanced evaporation over open waters caused by sea ice loss. 



For example, in recent years, storms fueled by unusual temperature differentials have resulted in historic snowfalls in some areas, like the U.S. Northeast and parts of East Asia, as warmer oceans supply more moisture to cold air masses.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifts-in-the-seasons">Shifts in the seasons</h3>



Seasonal timing is also shifting, with snowfalls occurring later in fall and ending earlier in spring. 



These changes disrupt ecosystems that rely on consistent snowpacks, affect water resources dependent on snowmelt, and complicate winter activities such as agriculture and tourism.



Overall, the effects of climate change on snowfall are not uniform but are instead influenced by local geography, altitude, and changing weather systems.&nbsp;



As global temperatures continue to rise, these shifts are expected to intensify, requiring adaptation in water management, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Winter storm set a new snowfall record in Seoul, South Korea

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 1333, a reflection nebula located in the Perseus molecular cloud about 960 light-years away from Earth. The photo is a mosaic of images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-webb-nbsp-nbsp">The power of Webb&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



“Webb’s superb sensitivity allows astronomers to investigate young objects with extremely low masses. Some of the faintest ‘stars’ in the picture are in fact newly born free-floating brown dwarfs with masses comparable to those of giant planets,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



The same cluster was featured as the 33rd anniversary image of the Hubble Space Telescope in April 2023.&nbsp;



According to ESA, Hubble’s image just scratched the surface of this region, because clouds of dust obscure much of the star formation process. 



"Observing with larger aperture and in the infrared part of the spectrum, Webb is capable of peering through the dusty veil to reveal newborn stars, brown dwarfs and planetary mass objects."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-s-view-of-ngc1333">Webb’s view of NGC1333</h2>



ESA noted that the center of the image presents a deep peek into the heart of the NGC1333 cloud.&nbsp;



“Across the image we see large patches of orange, which represent gas glowing in the infrared. These so-called Herbig-Haro objects form when ionized material ejected from young stars collides with the surrounding cloud. They are hallmarks of a very active site of star formation."



The disks of gas and dust that surround the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> in this image may eventually produce planetary systems.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-of-the-sun">Formation of the Sun</h2>



“Similar to the young stars in this mosaic, our own Sun and planets formed inside a dusty molecular cloud, 4.6 billion years ago. Our Sun did not form in isolation but as part of a cluster, which was perhaps even more massive than NGC 1333,” explained ESA.



Over time, the stars in the Sun's birth cluster would have drifted apart due to gravitational interactions and the dispersion of gas in the region.



Astronomers have been studying certain clues, such as isotopic signatures in meteorites, that hint the Sun may have formed near massive stars. These stars likely produced supernovae, which could have influenced the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-objects-spotted-in-the-outer-solar-system-beyond-pluto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a> by injecting heavy elements like iron-60.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-1333">Star formation in NGC 1333</h2>



NGC 1333 is a vibrant example of a stellar nursery, where active <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 ongoing. It is known for its chaotic appearance, shaped by the interactions between newborn stars and the surrounding material.



Within NGC 1333, astronomers have observed a high level of turbulence, which makes the region dynamic and complex. 



These disturbances are caused by the outflows of young stars as they eject material into their surroundings, creating shock waves and influencing further star formation.&nbsp;



These outflows are often seen as jets, which are visible in multiple wavelengths of light, especially infrared, as the surrounding dust absorbs visible light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-ngc-1333">Significance of NGC 1333</h2>



NGC 1333 is also an area of interest for studying the early stages of star and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet formation</a>, as many of the stars within the cluster are in their infancy, still in the process of gathering material and developing protoplanetary disks.&nbsp;



In images, NGC 1333 is marked by bright patches of blue and red, representing reflection <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebulae</a> and the ionized gas created by energetic young stars.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-perseus-molecular-cloud-nbsp">The Perseus molecular cloud&nbsp;</h2>



The Perseus molecular cloud is a vast region of cold gas and dust located about 600 light-years away from Earth in the constellation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/1500-billion-orphan-stars-discovered-in-the-perseus-galaxy-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseus</a>.&nbsp;



It is one of the most studied star-forming regions in our galaxy due to its relative proximity and the diversity of its young stellar objects. This cloud spans several hundred light-years and contains dense pockets of gas where new stars are actively forming.&nbsp;



These areas are often enshrouded in thick dust, which obscures them in visible light but allows astronomers to study them using infrared and radio wavelengths.



The Perseus molecular cloud is particularly interesting because of the chemistry taking place within it, including the formation of complex organic molecules that could be precursors to life.&nbsp;



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



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Stellar nursery shines in the Perseus cloud

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the galaxy NGC 2090, located approximately 40 million light-years away in the constellation Columba.



NGC 2090 is a stunning spiral galaxy that is notable for its well-defined structure, featuring a bright central core surrounded by tightly wound spiral arms.&nbsp;



These arms are filled with young, hot stars and interstellar gas, indicating active star formation.&nbsp;



Captured by the Webb Telescope’s MIRI and NIRCam instruments, the image reveals the galaxy's winding spiral arms and the swirling gas and dust of its disc in magnificent and unique detail, noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-ngc-2090">Observations of NGC 2090</h2>



The galaxy’s spiral pattern is relatively symmetrical, making it a fascinating object of study for astronomers interested in galactic evolution and dynamics.&nbsp;



Observations of NGC 2090, including those conducted by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-helps-solve-the-mystery-of-a-young-eruptive-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> Space Telescope, have provided valuable insights into the properties of its stellar populations, gas content, and the nature of its spiral structure.



“NGC 2090 was one of many galaxies studied by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to refine the measurement of the Universe’s expansion rate, or ‘Hubble constant,’” said ESA.&nbsp;



“This can be done by observing a special type of variable stars named ‘Cepheids’ in relatively nearby galaxies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-into-ngc-2090">New insights into NGC 2090</h2>



A Cepheid-based measurement from 1998 indicated that NGC 2090 is 37 million light-years away from Earth. However, the latest measurements suggest that the galaxy is 40 million light-years away.



“Already before that Hubble project in 1998, NGC 2090 had been well studied as a very prominent nearby example of star formation,” noted ESA.&nbsp;



“Described as a ‘flocculent’ spiral, this galaxy has a patchy, dusty disc and arms that are flaky or not visible at all. We can see those patterns well in Hubble's visible-light images. However, Webb’s NIRCam near-infrared data reveal the spiral arms with remarkable clarity.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-spiral-galaxies">What are 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 among the most common and visually striking types of galaxies in the universe.&nbsp;



They are characterized by their flat, disk-like shape with a bright central bulge surrounded by sweeping spiral arms.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiral-arms-and-central-bulge-nbsp">Spiral arms and central bulge&nbsp;</h3>



The arms of a spiral galaxy are regions where stars, gas, and dust are concentrated, often glowing brightly with the light of young, hot stars that form within them.&nbsp;



The central bulge typically contains older stars and can host a supermassive black hole at its core.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-spiral-galaxies-nbsp">Types of spiral galaxies&nbsp;</h3>



Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on how tightly their arms are wound and the size of their central bulge, ranging from tightly wound "Sa" galaxies to loosely wound "Sc" types.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-nbsp">Star formation&nbsp;</h3>



The structure of spiral galaxies is maintained by the interplay of gravity and angular momentum, with a rotating disk of stars and gas giving rise to their iconic shape.&nbsp;



They are active sites of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-star-redefines-our-understanding-of-stellar-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> due to the abundance of gas in their arms.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies often have a halo of older stars and globular clusters surrounding their disks, which provides clues about their formation and evolution.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barred-spiral-galaxy">Barred spiral galaxy</h3>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, the galaxy that contains our Solar System, is a prime example of a barred spiral galaxy, a subtype where a bar-shaped structure of stars extends from the central bulge.&nbsp;



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



Columba is a small and relatively faint constellation in the southern sky, whose name means "dove" in Latin. It was introduced in the late 16th century by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius and first appeared in a celestial atlas by Johann Bayer in 1603.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-jupiter-discovered-in-the-great-bear-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">constellation</a> is said to represent the dove sent out by Noah during the biblical flood, tying it to themes of hope and peace.



Columba lies near the larger constellation Canis Major and is bordered by others such as Lepus and Puppis.&nbsp;



Although it lacks particularly bright stars, its most notable star, Alpha Columbae (also called Phact), shines at a magnitude of approximately 2.6 and is a hot blue-white star. Beta Columbae, another prominent star in the constellation, is a slightly cooler, yellow-white star.



The constellation is best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere during the summer months, though it can also be seen from lower latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope&nbsp;



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Webb unveils spiral galaxy NGC 2090 in magnificent detail

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



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



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



The galaxy is notable for its relatively young appearance and the fact that it contains very few heavy elements. These characteristics indicate that it has experienced little <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> compared to other galaxies of similar age.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Dwarf galaxy provides a window into the early universe

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a satellite view of retreating glaciers in Alaska, where meltwater is rapidly expanding glacial lakes. The image was captured on August 4, 2024 by the Landsat 8 satellite.



“In parts of Alaska, water is replacing ice. As glaciers thin and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-images-reveal-hidden-retreat-of-arctic-glaciers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">retreat</a>, meltwater collects at their fronts, forming proglacial lakes. According to an analysis by Mauri Pelto, a glaciologist at Nichols College, three such lakes in the southeastern part of the state have grown rapidly in recent decades,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-retreating-glaciers-in-alaska">Retreating glaciers in Alaska</h2>



“A trio of glaciers - Yakutat, Alsek, and Grand Plateau - descend from inland mountains and flow onto the coastal plain southeast of Yakutat borough, ending at Harlequin Lake, Alsek Lake, and Grand Plateau Lake,” noted NASA.&nbsp;



The retreat of the glaciers, as well as the growth of the lakes, are visible in the image. When compared to an <a href="https://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/153000/153638/fastestlake_tm5_19840705_lrg.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">image</a> captured by Landsat 5 in the summer of 1984, the changes are even more evident.



NASA elaborated on the extent of the glacier retreat from 1984 to 2024. “During this period, Yakutat Glacier’s main arm retreated 4.3 miles, while Alsek Glacier’s northern and southern arms retreated 3.3 miles and 3.4 miles, respectively. Grand Plateau Glacier’s northern arm lost the most, retreating 4.8 miles.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-lakes-doubled-in-size-nbsp">Glacial lakes doubled in size&nbsp;</h2>



“Collectively, the three lakes more than doubled in size over 40 years. In 1984, they covered about 50 square miles. By 2024, they spanned 90 square miles. That’s an area larger than Seneca Lake (67 square miles) - one of the Finger Lakes in New York, which also have a glacial origin,” said NASA.



Pelto noted that the lakes forming in this region are immense - starting at the mountains and spreading toward the coast - making this a new lake district that is unique in our nation.



“Millions of other lakes, named and unnamed, dot the state. But this system has grown fast, so much so that Pelto thinks it might represent the fastest lake growth in the United States this century,” said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-glacier-retreat-nbsp">Understanding glacier retreat&nbsp;</h2>



Glacier retreat is a significant phenomenon driven primarily by global warming the results from rising greenhouse gas <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>. 



As temperatures rise, glaciers lose more ice during the summer melt than they can regain in winter snowfall, causing them to shrink over time. This process has profound implications for ecosystems, water resources, and global sea levels.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-lakes">Glacial lakes</h3>



When glaciers retreat, they often leave behind depressions in the landscape that can fill with meltwater, forming glacial lakes. These lakes are typically bounded by natural dams made of rock, ice, or moraine - accumulations of debris left behind by the glacier's movement.&nbsp;



Over the past century, the number and size of glacial lakes worldwide have increased significantly due to the accelerating pace of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-glaciers-offer-a-glimpse-of-our-harsh-climate-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> retreat. This trend is especially evident in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas, the Andes, and the Alps, as well as in polar areas such as Alaska and Greenland.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-positive-and-negative-impacts-nbsp">Positive and negative impacts&nbsp;</h3>



Glacial lakes can have both positive and negative impacts. They provide critical water sources for downstream communities, support biodiversity, and sometimes offer opportunities for hydropower development or tourism.&nbsp;



However, they also pose serious risks. The dams holding back these lakes can fail suddenly, causing glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). These catastrophic events can devastate downstream areas, destroying infrastructure, agricultural lands, and habitats while endangering human lives.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-changes">Monitoring changes</h3>



Understanding glacier retreat and glacial lake formation requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining climate science, hydrology, and geology.&nbsp;



Monitoring these changes is essential to mitigate associated risks and adapt to the evolving landscape shaped by a <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fperu-has-lost-over-half-of-its-glaciers-in-six-decades%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming planet</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacier-retreat-worldwide">Glacier retreat worldwide</h2>



Studies and satellite observations show that most glaciers in almost all regions of the world are shrinking.&nbsp;



Melting glaciers contribute significantly to global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emergency-meeting-reveals-the-alarming-extent-of-antarcticas-ice-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a>, which threatens coastal communities and ecosystems.



The retreat of glaciers is considered one of the clearest indicators of climate change. Some glaciers are retreating at unprecedented rates, indicating accelerating climate impacts.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Retreating glaciers and expanding meltwater lakes in Alaska

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the star-forming region NGC 604, which is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). The image was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.



By studying regions like NGC 604, astronomers can gain insights into the complex interactions between stars and the interstellar medium, as well as the conditions that lead to the birth of stars. This, in turn, helps in understanding the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and the universe as a whole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-stars-of-ngc-604">Massive stars of NGC 604</h2>



"Sheltered among NGC 604’s dusty envelopes of gas are more than 200 of the hottest, most massive kinds of stars, all in the early stages of their lives," said <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"These types of stars are known as B-types and O-types, the latter of which can be more than 100 times the mass of our own Sun. It’s quite rare to find this concentration of them in the nearby universe. In fact, there’s no similar region within our own Milky Way galaxy."



According to ESA, this concentration of massive stars, combined with its relatively close distance, means NGC 604 gives astronomers an opportunity to study these objects at a fascinating time early in their life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gigantic-region-of-ionized-hydrogen">Gigantic region of ionized hydrogen</h2>



NGC 604 is one of the largest known regions of ionized hydrogen, also known as an H II region. This nebula is significantly larger than the Orion Nebula, which is one of the most well-known H II regions in our own <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 galaxy</a>.&nbsp;



NGC 604 spans about 1,500 light-years across, making it one of the largest H II regions in the Local Group of galaxies. This group includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and about 54 other smaller galaxies. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-604-starburst-phenomenon">NGC 604 starburst phenomenon </h2>



Within NGC 604, there are hundreds of young, hot, massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>. These stars have ionized the surrounding gas, causing it to glow and creating the nebula. The region is a prime example of a starburst phenomenon, where stars form at a much higher rate than in typical galactic conditions.



“The bright orange streaks in this image signify the presence of carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs," explained ESA.



"As you travel further from the immediate cavities of dust where the star is forming, the deeper red signifies molecular hydrogen. This cooler gas is a prime environment for star formation. Ionized hydrogen from ultraviolet radiation appears as a white and blue ghostly glow."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-star-formation">More about star formation </h2>



Star formation is crucial for the evolution of galaxies and the synthesis of heavy elements. In the cores of stars, elements heavier than helium are created.



The elements are spread throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-stars-shakti-shiva-shaped-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> when stars reach the end of their lives and expel their material - either gently through winds or violently via supernova explosions. This enriching process allows for the formation of new stars and planets, and ultimately, the potential for life.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cloud collapse</h3>



The process begins when part of a molecular cloud becomes unstable and starts to collapse under its own gravity. This can be triggered by events like shock waves from nearby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, galactic collisions, or the influence of other massive stars.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Formation of a protostar</h3>



As the cloud collapses, it fragments into smaller clumps. Each clump will eventually form one or more stars. 



The material within these clumps continues to fall inward, heating up as it does so, eventually forming a warm core called a protostar. At this stage, the protostar is not yet hot enough for nuclear fusion (the process that powers stars) to occur.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Accretion disk</h3>



Around the protostar, material from the surrounding cloud continues to fall inward, forming a rotating disk. This material slowly accretes onto the protostar, increasing its mass.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nuclear fusion begins</h3>



Once the core of the protostar reaches a high enough temperature and pressure, hydrogen atoms begin to fuse into helium, releasing energy in the process. This marks the transition from a protostar to a main sequence star, like our sun.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Main sequence and beyond</h3>



The star will spend the majority of its life in the main sequence stage, where it balances the gravitational forces trying to collapse it and the outward pressure from nuclear fusion. 



Eventually, the star will exhaust its hydrogen fuel. Its subsequent evolution will depend on its initial mass, leading to various end stages such as red giants, supernovae, neutron stars, or black holes.



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



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Young, massive stars in the Triangulum Galaxy

Primordial black holes are enigmatic remnants from the universe's infancy that hold the key to unlocking some of the biggest secrets in space.



These small yet powerful black holes, along with elusive dark matter, remain among the most perplexing mysteries in astrophysics. Though theorized for decades, they have yet to be directly observed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primordial-black-holes-and-dark-matter">Primordial black holes and dark matter</h2>



Conventionally, when we speak of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-triple-system-first-evidence-showing-gentle-black-hole-formation-v404-cygni/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole formation</a>, we visualize a massive dying star collapsing onto itself.



Nevertheless, the early universe's turbulent environment might have allowed many minuscule black holes to form, even before the birth of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/odd-galaxy-may-hold-clues-to-the-first-stars-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first stars</a>.



These black holes from the universe's dawn, known as primordial black holes (PBHs), might form mysterious dark matter, which makes up 85% of the total mass in the universe.



In a game-changing approach, new research proposes that we scale our search both up and down to uncover these elusive entities. 



This radical proposal suggests that signs of these primeval black holes could range from the enormously vast, such as empty planetary bodies, to the fantastically small, such as microscopic passageways in everyday materials on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hollow-primordial-black-holes">Hollow primordial black holes </h2>



The researchers imagine a captivating scenario where a trapped primordial black hole inside a large celestial object, such as an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-impact-sparked-two-years-of-darkness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid</a> or a planet, would consume its liquid core, leaving it hollow. 



In a different scenario, a fleeting primordial black hole might leave behind straight tunnels large enough to be visible under a microscope, if it passes through a solid material, including substances present on Earth.



"The chances of finding these signatures are small, but searching for them would not require much resources and the potential payoff, the first evidence of a primordial black hole, would be immense," explained Dejan Stojkovic, PhD, professor of physics in the <a href="https://arts-sciences.buffalo.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UB College of Arts and Sciences</a> and the study's co-author.



Taking a new approach to this cosmic detective work, the researchers emphasize that conventional methods have failed in the quest to discover primordial black holes, sparking the need for innovative thinking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-in-the-universe">Clues in the universe</h2>



The experts proceeded to estimate how large a hollow celestial body could be without caving in on itself and the likelihood of a primordial black hole passing through an Earthly object.



The comforting conclusion was that such an occurrence would not be fatal to humans.



“Because of these long odds, we have focused on solid marks that have existed for thousands, millions or even billions of years," said study co-author De-Chang Dai, PhD, of National Dong Hwa University and Case Western Reserve University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trapped-primordial-black-holes">Trapped primordial black holes</h2>



In the cosmos’s infancy, dense zones in the rapidly expanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-study-claims-our-universe-is-27-billion-years-old-double-the-current-age-estimate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a> could have collapsed and formed PBHs.



While PBHs would have much less mass than stellar black holes born from dying stars, they would still be intensely concentrated. 



A PBH might become trapped within a planet, moon, or asteroid during or after its formation and absorb the liquid core of the object, leaving nothing but a hollow shell.



What happens next? The PBH might escape the object if it's hit by an asteroid. If the object survives, it could be a hollow celestial body, detectable via telescopes. 



By studying an object's orbit, scientists can deduce its mass and density.



"If the object has a liquid central core, then a captured PBH can absorb the liquid core, whose density is higher than the density of the outer solid layer," said Stojkovic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-everyday-items-as-black-hole-detectors">Everyday items as black hole detectors</h2>



On a smaller scale, PBHs might pass through objects without a liquid core, leaving behind a straight tunnel. Everyday items could, therefore, act as black hole detectors. 



The odds of a PBH passing through a human are minuscule. Even if it did, one probably wouldn't notice. 



Due to its small tension, a PBH would not tear apart human tissue. Furthermore, it moves so fast that it cannot release much of its kinetic energy during a collision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unresolved-mysteries-of-the-cosmos">Unresolved mysteries of the cosmos</h2>



Theoretical studies like these are vital as they challenge existing notions and open up new possibilities in the quest to decipher universal truths. 



The unresolved mysteries of the cosmos, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-dark-matter-does-not-exist-and-the-universe-is-27-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>, continue to baffle us, thereby motivating us to explore new frameworks beyond the century-old theories of quantum mechanics and general relativity.



"The smartest people on the planet have been working on these problems for 80 years and have not solved them yet," stated Stojkovic. "We don’t need a straightforward extension of the existing models. We probably need a completely new framework altogether," he added.



 In the grand scheme of things, we've only just scratched the surface of the universe’s mysteries.



These potentially hollow celestial bodies and microscopic tunnels in everyday objects could be the breadcrumbs leading us to the holy grail of astrophysical discovery - primordial black holes.



The research was supported by the National Science Foundation and National Science and Technology Council (Taiwan).



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2212686424002449" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physics of the Dark Universe</a>.



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Evidence of primordial black holes may be right here on Earth

Primordial black holes are enigmatic remnants from the universe's infancy...

Researchers have uncovered a connection between a specific type of body fat and the abnormal brain proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease, detectable up to 20 years before the first signs of dementia.&nbsp;



This discovery, presented at the <a href="https://www.rsna.org/annual-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting</a>, highlights the potential for lifestyle interventions targeting this fat to influence Alzheimer’s development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-detection-of-alzheimer-s-nbsp">Early detection of Alzheimer’s&nbsp;</h2>



Study lead author Mahsa Dolatshahi is a postdoctoral research associate at the <a href="https://www.mir.wustl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology</a> (MIR) at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.



“This crucial result was discovered because we investigated Alzheimer’s disease pathology as early as midlife - in the 40s and 50s - when the disease pathology is at its earliest stages, and potential modifications like weight loss and reducing visceral fat are more effective as a means of preventing or delaying the onset of the disease,” explained Dolatshahi.&nbsp;



With 6.9 million Americans over 65 currently living with Alzheimer’s - a figure projected to double by 2050 without medical breakthroughs - early interventions could significantly alter the trajectory of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-may-not-be-a-brain-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disease</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle-factors-and-alzheimer-s-disease-nbsp">Lifestyle factors and Alzheimer’s disease&nbsp;</h2>



The study examined how obesity, fat distribution, and metabolic factors contribute to Alzheimer’s pathology. It involved 80 cognitively normal middle-aged participants, with an average age of 49.4 years.&nbsp;



Among them, 57.5% were obese, with an average body mass index (BMI) of 32.31. Participants underwent brain PET scans, body MRI scans, metabolic assessments, and cholesterol analysis. MRI scans of the abdomen measured subcutaneous fat (fat beneath the skin) and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-abdominal-fat-linked-to-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visceral fat</a> (fat surrounding internal organs).



“We investigated the association of BMI, visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, liver fat fraction, thigh fat and muscle, as well as insulin resistance and HDL (good cholesterol), with amyloid and tau deposition in Alzheimer’s disease,” Dolatshahi said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visceral-fat-and-brain-protein-accumulation">Visceral fat and brain protein accumulation</h2>



The team analyzed thigh muscle scans to assess fat and muscle volumes, while PET scans measured amyloid plaques and tau tangles - abnormal proteins linked to Alzheimer’s.



Their results showed that higher levels of visceral fat were strongly associated with amyloid accumulation, explaining 77% of the relationship between high BMI and amyloid buildup. Other fat types, such as subcutaneous fat, did not account for this link.



“Our study showed that higher visceral fat was associated with higher PET levels of the two hallmark pathologic proteins of Alzheimer’s disease - amyloid and tau,” Dolatshahi noted.&nbsp;



“To our knowledge, our study is the only one to demonstrate these findings at midlife where our participants are decades out from developing the earliest symptoms of the dementia that results from Alzheimer’s disease.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metabolic-health-and-alzheimer-s-risk">Metabolic health and Alzheimer’s risk</h2>



The researchers found that increased insulin resistance and reduced HDL (good cholesterol) levels were linked to higher amyloid accumulation. Interestingly, higher HDL levels partially mitigated the impact of visceral fat on Alzheimer’s pathology.



“A key implication of our work is that managing Alzheimer’s risk in obesity will need to involve targeting the related metabolic and lipid issues that often arise with higher body fat,” explained senior study author Cyrus A. Raji, an associate professor of radiology at MIR.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-deeper-look-at-body-fat-distribution">A deeper look at body fat distribution</h2>



While prior studies have linked high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-and-bmi-do-not-accurately-reflect-a-persons-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMI</a> to brain health, this research is unique in distinguishing the effects of visceral fat from other types of body fat.



“This study goes beyond using BMI to characterize body fat more accurately with MRI and, in so doing, reveals key insights about why obesity can increase risk for Alzheimer’s disease,” Dolatshahi said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-obesity-and-brain-blood-flow">Obesity and brain blood flow</h2>



In a related study also presented at RSNA 2024, the team explored how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-obesity-rates-are-surging-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a> and visceral fat affect brain blood flow. Using MRI scans, researchers compared cerebral blood flow in individuals with high versus low visceral and subcutaneous fat. Those with high visceral fat exhibited reduced blood flow throughout the brain, while subcutaneous fat showed no significant impact.



“This work will have a considerable impact on public health because nearly three out of four Americans are overweight or obese,” said Raji.



‘Knowing that visceral obesity negatively affects the brain opens up the possibility that treatment with lifestyle modifications or appropriate weight-loss drugs could improve cerebral blood flow and potentially lower the burden of and reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.”



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Hidden body fat predicts Alzheimer’s 20 years before symptoms

Researchers have uncovered a connection between a specific type of...

We've always considered ourselves unique, haven't we? But peel back the layers, and you'll find that humans, like all species, are bound by the threads of evolution. 



One such thread is the instinct to come together when faced with external threats. The "common enemy effect" is&nbsp;a phenomenon in which we bond with others over a shared opponent or issue.



Humans do it, chimpanzees do it, and now we've learned that even our peaceful relatives, bonobos, exhibit this behavior in their own subtle way.&nbsp;At some point in their evolution, bonobos chose to make social bonding a priority.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outgroup-threats-and-ingroup-cohesion">Outgroup threats and ingroup cohesion </h2>



The discovery suggests that the link between outgroup threats and ingroup cohesion may have evolved several million years ago, before our evolutionary paths diverged.



The study was conducted by an international team of researchers led by <a href="https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyoto University</a>. 



They surmised that outgroup threats and ingroup cohesion may be an adaptation for group-based competition, a notion that has floated around since Darwin's days.



But they had a burning question - what about species that aren't known for their fierce inter-group rivalries? What about bonobos?



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



Bonobos are some of our closest primate relatives, sharing about 98.7% of their DNA with us humans. 



These smart apes are known for their peaceful and cooperative social structures, which really sets them apart from their more <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/chimpanzees-vs-bonobos-whats-the-difference/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aggressive chimpanzee cousins</a>.



They live in matriarchal societies where females take the lead, and they often use sexual behaviors to sort out conflicts and build social bonds. 



With their slender bodies, dark faces, and pink lips, bonobos are pretty easy to tell apart from chimpanzees, and their expressive, human-like eyes show a lot of emotion and understanding.



Bonobos thrive by foraging for fruits, leaves, and small animals. They're naturally arboreal, spending plenty of time in the trees, but they’re also pretty skilled on the ground. 



Lastly, they communicate using a mix of vocalizations, gestures, and facial expressions, showcasing their complex and sophisticated social intelligence.



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



Picture this -- eight groups of bonobos spread across five sites in four countries, all part of an experiment designed to echo previous studies conducted with chimpanzees. 



The process was simple -- expose the bonobos to vocalizations from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peaceful-bonobos-are-actually-more-aggressive-than-chimps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">other groups</a> and observe their reactions.



James Brooks, the study's lead author, was as curious as any of us. 



"We had no idea how this would turn out. If the bond between group cohesion and outgroup competition wasn't adaptive due to the lack of lethal competition between groups, there would be no point," Brooks shared. 



"But, if the effect had evolved before the human-chimpanzee-bonobo split, we might find some vestiges in modern bonobos."



The findings were startling yet insightful. The bonobos were clearly alert to the calls from outside groups, but their affiliation with their own group showed only a minor increase compared to chimpanzees.



Bonobos were seen sitting upright more and resting less, hinting at a slight increase in social grooming, a crucial behavior for reinforcing social bonds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-dynamics-in-bonobos-evolution">Social dynamics in bonobos evolution</h2>



The reactions of the bonobos during the study spark a fascinating discourse on social dynamics within their groups. 



Unlike chimpanzees, who often exhibit heightened aggression in response to outgroup threats, bonobos are recognized for their relatively peaceful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bonobos-cooperation-challenges-beliefs-about-human-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interactions</a>. 



This raises an intriguing question: how do these contrasting responses inform our understanding of social behavior in primates?



The study suggests that while awareness of external vocalizations exists, the bonobos maintain a subtle approach to group cohesion, prioritizing social bonding over defensive aggression. 



This behavior may reflect an evolutionary strategy that emphasizes alliance-building in the face of potential threats, thereby fostering collaboration within rather than competition between groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-conservation">Implications for conservation</h2>



The insights gained from this research extend well beyond the realm of academia; they carry significant implications for conservation efforts and our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-theory-enemy-of-my-enemy-is-my-friend-proven-by-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding of human behaviour</a>.



Recognizing that evolutionary traits from our primate relatives can inform why and how we interact socially underscores the importance of preserving species like the bonobo. 



Their unique perspective on social interaction offers a valuable lens through which we can examine human responses to conflict and cooperation today. 



As we navigate global challenges that require cross-cultural collaboration, appreciating the nuances of social behavior across species can illuminate pathways to strengthen our own communal ties and foster understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bonobos-evolution-and-group-conflict">Bonobos evolution and group conflict</h2>



The authors suggest that our shared ancestor, who roamed the earth 5–6 million years ago, might have experienced some group-based conflict. 



But as the intensity decreased in the bonobos' evolutionary journey, so too did the strength of the effect.



"Although our research unearths deep roots of group conflict among our species, the real takeaway is that it can be overcome. And not just in isolated incidents, but on a species level," said Brooks.



Contrast this with other ape species -- <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-gorilla-day-supporting-the-guardians-of-the-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gorillas</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-orangutan-day-2024-protecting-the-people-of-the-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orangutans</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-chimpanzee-day-celebrating-our-closest-cousins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimpanzees</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-groups-of-skywalker-gibbons-found-through-their-love-songs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gibbons</a>, and humans -- all of whom have been observed killing each other.



Bonobos seem to have found a way to break this vicious pattern. It's not just because they don't commit lethal aggression today, but more importantly, they somehow stopped doing it millions of years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-study">Significance of the study</h2>



"Humans are capable of both: we can commit horrific acts to those we see as outside our group, but we're also capable of collaborating and working together across borders," said study senior author Shinya Yamamoto.



"Bonobos teach us that the ways our ancestors treated other groups does not seal our fate. Our own species has elements of both chimpanzee and bonobo <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bonobos-are-more-interested-in-the-emotions-of-strangers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">group relations</a>, so it is crucial that we understand how both can, and have, evolved."



So next time you find yourself in a heated debate, think about our peaceful cousins, the bonobos. After all, they've proven that it's possible to adapt, evolve, and most importantly, choose peace over conflict.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0307975" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a>.



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Bonobos are the only primates, including humans, that don't kill others in their species

We've always considered ourselves unique, haven't we? But peel back...

Many,Living,Earthworms,For,Fishing,In,The,Soil,,Background

There's an invasion happening right under our feet, and most of us have no idea. Across North America, at least 70 imported, alien earthworm species are quietly altering our ecosystems, posing a largely overlooked threat.



That's where Elizabeth Hadly steps in. She's the Paul S. and Billie Achilles Professor at the <a href="https://humsci.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences</a> and the senior author of a recent study on this very issue.



“Earthworms tell the story of the Anthropocene, the age we live in,” says Hadly. “It is a story of global homogenization of biodiversity by humans, which often leads to the decline of unique local species and the disruption of native ecosystem processes.”



They built the largest-ever database of these alien earthworms and warn that we need to better understand and manage these invaders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earthworms-friends-or-foes">Earthworms -- Friends or foes?</h2>



Earthworms are nature’s ultimate recyclers, quietly working their magic beneath our feet. 



These wriggly creatures belong to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-worms-can-distinguish-sunlight-from-moonlight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">annelid family</a> and thrive in soil worldwide, except in places that are too cold or dry for their taste.



They come in a variety of sizes, ranging from tiny half-inch worms to some whoppers over 10 feet long (looking at you, giant Gippsland earthworm of Australia).



Most earthworms prefer moist, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-soil-esoil-boosts-crop-production-by-50-in-just-15-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient-rich soil</a>, where they spend their days munching on organic matter like dead leaves, decomposing plants, and other goodies.



Since the late 1800s, people have brought earthworms to North America from places like Asia, Europe, South America, and Africa.



Sometimes, these introductions have boosted the agricultural economy. Other times, they've done more harm than good.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-earthworms-do-their-jobs">How earthworms do their jobs</h2>



What’s cool about earthworms is their ability to transform dirt into fertile soil. 



As they eat, they break down organic material and poop it out as castings, which are packed with nutrients that plants absolutely love.



They also create tiny tunnels as they burrow, which helps water and air flow through the soil -- essential for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-bacteria-makes-flowers-more-attractive-to-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy plant roots</a>. 



These little guys are underground architects and farmers, keeping ecosystems balanced without breaking a sweat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alien-earthworm-invasion-consequences">Alien earthworm invasion consequences</h2>



These imported earthworms often consume aboveground leaf litter more aggressively than native species. 



This change in the soil's surface can negatively impact native plants, amphibians, and insects. 



In the northern broadleaf forests of the U.S. and Canada, alien earthworms stress trees like sugar maples by altering the soil's microhabitat. 



This shift can set off a chain reaction, making it easier for invasive plants to spread.



Ironically, for a creature we associate with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-amazonians-modified-the-soil-to-create-fertile-dark-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">improving soil</a>, some alien earthworms can actually degrade it. They may alter soil properties like nutrients, pH, and texture, leading to poorer quality crops.



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



Earthworms are also biologically fascinating. They breathe through their skin, so staying moist is a must for them. 



They don’t have eyes, but they’re sensitive to light and vibrations, which helps them avoid predators.



Speaking of predators, they’re a favorite snack for birds, frogs, and even some mammals. And get this -- earthworms are hermaphrodites, meaning each worm has both male and female reproductive organs.



When they mate, they exchange sperm, and each worm can produce cocoons filled with eggs. It’s a pretty efficient way to keep the worm world thriving!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-alien-earthworms-are-winning">Why alien earthworms are winning</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-threat-of-invasive-species-requires-immediate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Invasive species</a> of all kinds are a problem, but alien earthworms especially troublesome because they have some tricks up their sleeves. 



Unlike most native species, many female alien earthworms can reproduce without needing a male. 



On top of that, climate change is opening up new territories for them. As permafrost melts in northern areas void of native earthworms, these invaders find new places to thrive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eye-opening-numbers">Eye-opening numbers</h2>



The research team built a database of native and alien earthworms using thousands of records from 1891 to 2021. They found alien earthworms in 97% of the soils they studied across North America. 



These invaders represent 23% of the continent’s 308 earthworm species and account for 12 of the 13 most widespread species. 



To put that in perspective, in the U.S., only 8% of fish species, 6% of mammals, and 2% of insects and arachnids <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-species-use-wildfires-and-drought-as-an-opening-to-move-in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">are alien</a>.



In Canada, the situation is even more striking. The proportion of alien earthworms is three times greater than that of native ones. 



Across most of the lower 48 U.S. states and Mexico, there's about one alien earthworm for every two native species.



“These ratios are likely to increase because human activities facilitate the development of alien species that threaten native earthworm species, a phenomenon still largely overlooked,” says study lead author Jérôme Mathieu, an associate professor of ecology at the Sorbonne.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-these-alien-earthworms-matter">Why do these alien earthworms matter?</h2>



To sum it all up, not all alien earthworms are troublemakers. But their widespread presence and unknown impacts on various ecosystems make them worth paying attention to. 



The researchers suggest several solutions, like encouraging the use of native worms for composting and fishing bait, and early detection through regular monitoring and citizen science initiatives.



By shedding light on these little-known dynamics, the study highlights the vital roles earthworms play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killing-animals-ecosystem-non-native-culling-harmful-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shaping ecosystems</a> and how they function in landscapes dominated by humans.



“This is most likely the tip of the iceberg,” says co-author <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/lab/John-Warren-Reynolds-Lab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Warren Reynolds</a> of the Oligochaetology Laboratory and the New Brunswick Museum in Canada. 



“Many other soil organisms may have been introduced, but we know very little about their impacts.”



Next time you're out in your garden or taking a walk in the woods, remember that there's a whole world beneath your feet that's more complicated than it seems. 



Those wriggly worms might not just be helping your plants grow -- they could be part of a bigger story of ecological change that we're only beginning to understand.



----



The study was conducted by researchers from <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>, <a href="https://www.sorbonne-universite.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sorbonne University</a>, and other institutions. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-023-02310-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Alien earthworms are invading and harming ecosystems across North America

There's an invasion happening right under our feet, and most...

Imagine our early human ancestors standing in the ancient landscapes of southern Jordan, thoughtfully examining rocks before deciding which ones to use for their tools. 



It turns out they weren't just grabbing any stone that was easy to break; they had specific preferences and technical skills in choosing the right material.



Archaeologists Eiki Suga and Seiji Kadowaki have been exploring this fascinating aspect of early human behavior. 



They're from <a href="https://en.nagoya-u.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nagoya University</a> in Japan, and their recent research offers new insights into how Paleolithic humans selected rocks for tool-making.



Their study, published in the Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology, focuses on prehistoric sites dating from 70,000 to 30,000 years ago.



These sites are in the Jebel Qalkha area of southern Jordan, a crucial region as Homo sapiens expanded from Africa into Eurasia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-humans-rocks-and-tools">Early humans, rocks, and tools</h2>



As early humans moved into new territories, they relied on stone tools made from materials like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sophisticated-tools-ancestors-found/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obsidian and flint</a>. 



Understanding how they crafted these tools helps archaeologists piece together aspects of their culture and daily life.



Suga and Kadowaki analyzed flint nodules from outcrops that ancient people used during the Middle and Upper <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-age-art-discovery-reveals-15800-year-old-fishing-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paleolithic periods</a>. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/stone-tool-discovery_fine-grained-flint_middle-grained-flint_credit-Maruyama_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/stone-tool-discovery_fine-grained-flint_middle-grained-flint_credit-Maruyama_1s.webp" alt="An archaeologist, Eiki Suga, showing fine-grained flint (left) and middle-grained flint (right). Credit: Megumi Maruyama" class="wp-image-1952311"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An archaeologist, Eiki Suga, showing fine-grained flint (left) and middle-grained flint (right). Credit: Megumi Maruyama</figcaption></figure>



They wanted to see if early humans were intentionally selecting certain types of flint based on its properties.



They hypothesized that these humans looked for flint that was translucent and smooth because it could be easily shaped into sharp edges. This suggests a level of sophistication in recognizing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-age-humans-used-tools-to-make-timber-for-woodworking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best materials</a> for specific tools.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-the-rocks-qualities">Testing the rocks' qualities</h2>



To investigate, the team used two devices: a Schmidt Hammer and a Rockwell Hardness Device. 



The Schmidt Hammer measures how a material rebounds after being struck, indicating its hardness. The Rockwell device presses a diamond point into the rock to test its strength.



Initially, as expected, they found that fine-grained flint required less force to fracture than medium-grained flint. 



This made it more attractive for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-homo-sapiens-stone-tools-preserved-volcanic-ash-grotta-di-castelcivita/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">producing smaller tools</a>. In fact, many stone tools from the Early Upper Paleolithic period, around 40,000 to 30,000 years ago, were made from fine-grained flint.



But here's where it gets interesting. 



An earlier study by the same team revealed that during the Late Middle Paleolithic and the Initial Upper Paleolithic periods, from 70,000 to 40,000 years ago, medium-grained flint was more commonly used for tools. 



So, if fine-grained flint was easier to work with, why did our ancestors sometimes opt for the tougher medium-grained variety?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tools-were-carefully-chosen-by-early-humans">Tools were carefully chosen by early humans</h2>



Digging deeper, the researchers discovered that much of the fine-grained flint in the area had internal fractures caused by geological activities. 



These fractures made the flint unsuitable for larger tools, like Levallois products and robust blades.



Therefore, even though medium-grained flint was harder to modify, it was more durable for making larger tools. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/stone-tool-discovery_ancient-human-evolution_credit-Matsuhita_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/stone-tool-discovery_ancient-human-evolution_credit-Matsuhita_1s.webp" alt="Investigation of mechanical properties of rocks suggested that paleolithic humans changed their choice of raw material to suit their stone tool morphologies and production techniques. Credit: Eiki Suga, Reiko Matsushita" class="wp-image-1952309"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Investigation of mechanical properties of rocks suggested that paleolithic humans changed their choice of raw material to suit their stone tool morphologies and production techniques. Credit: Eiki Suga, Reiko Matsushita</figcaption></figure>



This indicates that Paleolithic humans made deliberate choices based on the intended use of the tool, balancing ease of crafting with durability.



"This study illustrates that the Paleolithic humans changed their choice of raw material to suit their stone tool morphologies and production techniques," Suga explained. 



"We believe that these prehistoric humans had a sensory understanding of the characteristics of the rocks and intentionally selected the stone material to be used according to the form and production technique of the desired stone tools."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-much-smarter-than-we-thought-back-then">Much smarter than we thought back then</h2>



This research offers a window into the thoughtful decision-making of our ancestors. 



They weren't just using what was readily available; they were assessing the qualities of different materials and selecting the best one for the job.



"This intentional selection of the lithic raw material may have been an important component of the production of stone tools," Suga said. 



"This may show some aspect of flexible technological behavior adapted to the situation."



Their ability to adapt and make these choices reflects a level of technological and cognitive sophistication that adds depth to our understanding of human evolution.



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



There are still many questions about how and why Homo sapiens expanded their reach between 50,000 and 40,000 years ago. 



While ancient DNA has shown that modern humans interacted and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-and-humans-lived-side-by-side-45000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interbred with Neanderthals</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-denisovan-species-humans-lived-undisturbed-tibetan-plateau-160000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denisovans</a>, it doesn't tell us the whole story.



"If we want to know what happened that allowed Homo sapiens to thrive, we need to study cultural remains, such as stone tools, excavated from archaeological sites," Suga pointed out. 



"This kind of resource use is an important record for elucidating the evolution of human technological behavior, environmental adaptation, and the process of population growth at that time."



By examining these tools and the materials chosen to make them, researchers can piece together how early humans <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-neanderthals-mastered-adhesive-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adapted to their environments</a> and what strategies they used to survive and flourish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-tools-and-early-evolution">Humans, tools, and early evolution</h2>



To sum it all up, this study emphasizes the importance of archaeology in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-humans-have-lived-walked-died-on-earth-complex-question/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding human history</a>. 



The choices made by Paleolithic humans in selecting their materials reveal a level of ingenuity and adaptability that has been a hallmark of our species.



As we continue to explore and discover more about our ancestors, each finding adds a new piece to the puzzle of human evolution. 



It's a reminder of the complex journey that has led us to where we are today and the innate curiosity and problem-solving skills that have always been part of human nature.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41982-023-00164-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology</a>.



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Stone tool discovery challenges entire theory of early human intelligence and evolution

Imagine our early human ancestors standing in the ancient landscapes...

In a comprehensive 30-year study of American adults, researchers found that individuals who consumed the highest ratio of plant-based protein to animal-based protein had a 19% lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a 27% lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) compared to those with the lowest ratio.



The findings suggest that a plant-to-animal protein ratio of at least 1:2 is effective in preventing CVD, while an even higher ratio of 1:1.3 may be necessary to protect against CHD. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-protein-and-heart-health">Plant protein and heart health</h2>



The research is the first of its kind to investigate how the specific ratio of plant to animal protein impacts <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-fruits-and-vegetables-improve-heart-health/">heart health</a>.



Study lead author Andrea Glenn conducted the research as a postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health</a> and is now an assistant professor at <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York University</a>.



“The average American eats a 1:3 plant to animal protein ratio. Our findings suggest a ratio of at least 1:2 is much more effective in preventing CVD. For CHD prevention, a ratio of 1:1.3 or higher should come from plants,” said Glenn.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-decades-of-data">Three decades of data</h2>



The researchers analyzed 30 years of dietary, lifestyle, and heart health data from nearly 203,000 men and women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Studies I and II and the Health Professionals’ Follow-up Study.&nbsp;



Participants reported their dietary intake every four years. The team calculated each participant’s total daily protein intake in grams, as well as their specific consumption of animal and plant proteins. 



During the study period, there were 16,118 documented cases of CVD, including over 10,000 CHD cases and more than 6,000 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-blood-type-determine-your-stroke-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stroke</a> cases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-reduction-with-plant-proteins">Risk reduction with plant proteins</h2>



After adjusting for participants’ health history, demographic, and lifestyle factors, the study found that a higher ratio of plant to animal protein was associated with lower risks of CVD and CHD.&nbsp;



Compared to those who consumed the lowest plant-to-animal protein ratio (~1:4.2), individuals with the highest ratio (~1:1.3) experienced a 19% reduction in CVD risk and a 27% reduction in CHD risk.&nbsp;



These benefits were even greater among participants who consumed more protein overall. Those who obtained 21% of their energy from protein and maintained a higher plant-to-animal protein ratio saw a 28% lower risk of CVD and a 36% lower risk of CHD, compared to those consuming 16% of their energy from protein.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-substituting-meat-with-plant-based-sources-nbsp">Substituting meat with plant-based sources&nbsp;</h2>



No significant associations were found between stroke risk and the protein ratio; however, substituting red and processed meats with plant-based sources like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-nuts-every-day-does-not-cause-weight-gain-but-it-does-improve-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nuts</a> was linked to a reduced risk of stroke.



The researchers explored whether there is a point where increasing plant protein intake no longer provides additional benefits or could have negative effects.&nbsp;



They found that the risk reduction for CVD begins to level off around a 1:2 ratio of plant to animal protein, but the risk of CHD continues to decrease at higher ratios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dietary-changes-for-heart-health-nbsp">Dietary changes for heart health&nbsp;</h2>



According to the researchers, these risk reductions are likely due to replacing red and processed meats with plant protein sources, especially nuts and legumes.&nbsp;



Such dietary changes have been shown to improve cardiometabolic risk factors like blood lipid levels, blood pressure, and inflammatory biomarkers. Plant proteins are often rich in fiber, antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, which contribute to these benefits.



“Most of us need to begin shifting our diets toward plant-based proteins,” said senior author Frank Hu, Fredrick J. Stare Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology at Harvard Chan School.&nbsp;



“We can do so by cutting down on meat, especially red and processed meats, and eating more legumes and nuts. Such a dietary pattern is beneficial not just for human health but also the health of our planet.”



The researchers emphasized that the ratios identified are estimates, and additional studies are necessary to determine the optimal balance between plant and animal protein. Further research is also needed to understand how protein intake may affect stroke risk.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.09.006" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</a>.



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Eating more plant protein lowers the risk of heart disease 

In a comprehensive 30-year study of American adults, researchers found...

A study led by Rice University has revealed the remarkable evolutionary history of anglerfish, deep-sea creatures whose unusual adaptations have long fascinated both scientists and the public.&nbsp;



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-024-02586-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>, the research reveals how these mysterious animals defied expectations by diversifying in the harsh, resource-poor environment of the bathypelagic zone - the open ocean depths ranging from 3,300 to 13,000 feet below the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-the-seafloor-to-open-waters">From the seafloor to open waters</h2>



The study, led by biologists including Kory Evans of <a href="https://www.rice.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rice University</a> and his former undergraduate student Rose Faucher, investigated the evolutionary progression of anglerfish (Lophiiformes) as they moved from seafloor habitats to the deep sea's open waters.&nbsp;



By employing advanced genetic analysis and 3D imaging of museum specimens, the researchers reconstructed the anglerfish's evolutionary tree and identified the morphological innovations that enabled them to thrive in one of Earth's most challenging environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-adaptations-of-deep-sea-anglerfish">Unique adaptations of deep-sea anglerfish</h2>



While anglerfish are famous for their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bioluminescence-emerged-in-animals-540-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bioluminescent</a> lures that dangle from their heads to attract prey in the deep sea's eternal darkness, their evolutionary tale encompasses much more than this notable feature.&nbsp;



The study revealed that deep-sea pelagic anglerfish (ceratioids) descended from benthic, or seafloor-dwelling, ancestors.&nbsp;



These ancestors inhabited the continental slope before venturing into the bathypelagic zone's open waters - a shift that paved the way for rapid evolutionary changes.&nbsp;



The ceratioids developed characteristics such as larger jaws, smaller eyes, and laterally compressed bodies - adaptations suited to an environment with scarce food and no sunlight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-morphological-diversity-of-anglerfish-nbsp">Surprising morphological diversity of anglerfish&nbsp;</h2>



Despite these directional trends, ceratioids exhibited remarkable variability in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-anemones-can-regrow-their-entire-body-in-its-original-shape/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">body shapes</a>, ranging from the typical globose anglerfish to elongated forms like the “wolftrap” phenotype, which features a jaw structure resembling a trap.&nbsp;



This was the most unexpected finding of the study, as the bathypelagic zone did not limit evolution as previously thought, despite its apparent lack of ecological diversity.&nbsp;



Instead, anglerfish achieved high levels of phenotypic disparity, surpassing their benthic relatives in both shallow and deep waters.&nbsp;



This suggests that, rather than being constrained by the deep sea's environmental challenges, ceratioids explored new evolutionary avenues, diversifying their body forms and hunting strategies.



“With their unique traits like bioluminescent lures and large oral gapes, deep-sea anglerfish may be one of the few documented examples of adaptive radiation in the resource-limited bathypelagic zone,” said Evans, a co-corresponding author on the paper and assistant professor of biosciences.&nbsp;



“These traits likely gave anglerfish an edge in exploiting scarce resources and navigating the extreme conditions of their environment, although we don’t have strong evidence directly linking this diversity to this kind of resource specialization.”



Evans pointed out that the research allows for the possibility that nonadaptive processes, such as relaxed selection or random mutations, might have also contributed to the observed variability.



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



The researchers also compared anglerfish groups across different habitats and uncovered more surprising results. Coastal species like frogfish, which live in diverse and productive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-may-not-adapt-quickly-enough-to-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reef</a> environments, displayed much lower rates of evolutionary change than their deep-sea counterparts.



“The idea that a resource-poor, homogenous environment - like being surrounded on all sides by nothing but water - would produce diverse body and skull plans is really counterintuitive in this field,” said Faucher, who was co-first author of the paper along with Elizabeth Christina Miller, a postdoctoral fellow at the <a href="https://uci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Irvine</a>.&nbsp;



“When fish have different features to interact with, like corals and plants in shallow water or sand and rocks on the seafloor, that’s when we would expect fish to have a lot of variation in shape. Instead, we’re seeing it in these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-legacy-decades-old-ddt-found-in-deep-sea-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea fish</a> who have nothing but water to interact with.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methodology-and-breakthrough-findings">Methodology and breakthrough findings</h2>



To carry out this study, the researchers utilized a combination of advanced methods. They constructed a phylogeny of anglerfish using data from 1,092 genetic loci across 132 species, representing about 38% of described species, supplemented by fossil calibrations and genomic data to estimate divergence times and ancestral habitats.&nbsp;



Morphological data were gathered from museum specimens, including linear body measurements and 3D skull shape analyses via micro-CT scans.&nbsp;



To assess evolutionary trends, they applied phylogenetic comparative methods to evaluate phenotypic and lineage diversification, while disparity analyses measured the extent of morphological variation across anglerfish groups and habitats.&nbsp;



They then used Bayesian models to reconstruct ancestral habitats, revealing that ceratioids originated from benthic ancestors before moving to the pelagic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-twilight-zone-stabilizes-the-marine-food-chain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zone</a>. 



Finally, principal component analyses visualized how anglerfish occupied different regions of phenotypic space, shedding light on evolutionary trends in body, skull, and jaw shapes.



“Anglerfish are a perfect example of how life can innovate under extreme constraints,” said Evans. “This work not only enhances our understanding of deep-sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ocean-day-a-unified-approach-to-protect-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> but also illustrates the resilience and creativity of evolution.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-life-in-extreme-environments">Understanding life in extreme environments</h2>



The significance of this study extends beyond the evolutionary history of anglerfish. It offers valuable insights into how life adapts to extreme environments. The deep sea is one of Earth's least understood ecosystems, yet it plays a crucial role in global biodiversity and the planet's carbon cycle.&nbsp;



Understanding how organisms like anglerfish succeed in such conditions helps scientists predict how life might respond to environmental changes, including those caused by climate change. Moreover, the study addresses broader questions in macroevolution: how new species arise, adapt, and diversify.&nbsp;



By demonstrating that even resource-poor environments can foster significant evolutionary radiation, the research challenges conventional wisdom and opens new pathways for studying evolution in extreme habitats.



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Deep-sea anglerfish defy evolutionary expectations

A study led by Rice University has revealed the remarkable...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

It was two weeks later and Austin and Carlos were on the riverboat, ready for action. Austin was grateful to see how happy and excited Carlos was about spending time with him.
The guide saw Carlos’ camera and informed him that he would not be able to take photos on this tour. Austin thought it was a pointless rule, but soon, he would understand why the rule was put in place. Photo Credit: YouTube – Okefenokee Swamp Park

The Special Day