Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a galaxy that is located about 600 million light-years away in the constellation Gemini. The Hubble Space Telescope observed a supernova in this galaxy - which appears as a bright blue dot in the photograph.



“This picture was taken roughly two months after a supernova named SN 2022aajn was discovered in this galaxy. The supernova is visible as a blue dot at the center of the image, brightening the hazy body of the galaxy,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-supernova">What is a supernova?</h2>



Supernovae are spectacular explosions marking the violent deaths of stars. These cosmic events are so luminous they can briefly outshine entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-are-much-bigger-than-we-originally-believed-gas-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and radiate more energy in a few weeks than our Sun will in its entire lifetime.&nbsp;



Supernovae explosions release heavy elements like carbon, oxygen, and iron into the interstellar medium. This stellar debris becomes the building blocks for new stars, planets, and even life itself. 



Supernovae also produce neutron stars or black holes, depending on the remaining core’s mass after the explosion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-supernovae-nbsp">Types of supernovae&nbsp;</h2>



There are two main types of supernovae, classified based on their causes. Type I supernovae occur when a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a> in a binary system accretes material from its companion star, eventually reaching a critical mass and triggering a runaway nuclear reaction.&nbsp;



Type II supernovae happen when a massive star, at least eight times the mass of the Sun, exhausts its nuclear fuel. Unable to support its own gravity, the core collapses, resulting in a massive explosion that ejects the outer layers into space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-distance-to-faraway-galaxies-nbsp">Measuring the distance to faraway galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



According to ESA, SN 2022aajn is a Type Ia supernova. “Supernovae of this type help astronomers measure the distance to faraway galaxies. This is possible because Type Ia supernovae are thought to be of the same intrinsic luminosity - no matter how bright they seem from Earth, they put out the same amount of light as other Type Ia supernovae.”



This means that researchers can calculate the distance to the supernova and its host galaxy by comparing the observed brightness to the expected brightness.



“This seemingly simple measurement method is complicated by cosmic dust. The farther away a supernova is, the fainter and redder it will appear - but intergalactic dust can make a supernova appear fainter and redder as well,” explained ESA.



“To understand this complication, researchers will use Hubble to survey a total of 100 Type Ia supernovae in seven wavelength bands from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared.”



By analyzing the brightness of supernovae across multiple wavelengths, researchers can distinguish between the influences of dust and distance, refining our measurements of galaxies that exist billions of light-years away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-many-galaxies-exist">How many galaxies exist?</h2>



The number of galaxies in the universe is estimated to be around two trillion, based on observations from Hubble and more recent data from the James Webb Space Telescope. 



This estimate is derived from deep-field surveys that reveal countless galaxies, each containing billions to trillions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interstellar-tunnel-found-that-connects-our-solar-system-to-other-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>.&nbsp;



However, because our observations are limited by current technology and the vastness of the cosmos, the actual number could be even higher.&nbsp;



Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-galaxies-formed-from-the-earliest-elements-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> remain unseen due to their extreme distances, faintness, or obstruction by cosmic dust.



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



Gemini is one of the 12 zodiac constellations and is best known for representing the mythological twins Castor and Pollux. It is located in the northern celestial hemisphere and is most visible during winter in the Northern Hemisphere.&nbsp;



The constellation is bordered by Taurus to the west, Cancer to the east, and Orion to the south.



The two brightest stars in Gemini - Castor and Pollux - represent the heads of the twins and are easy to spot. Pollux, the brighter of the two, is an orange giant star about 34 light-years from Earth, while Castor is a more complex system made up of six stars. 



The constellation also contains several notable deep-sky objects, including the open cluster Messier 35, which is a beautiful collection of young stars located near Gemini’s western border.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Hubble spots a supernova in the constellation Gemini 

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

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. 



“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>.&nbsp;



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.&nbsp;Some glaciers are retreating at unprecedented rates, indicating accelerating climate impacts.



The image was captured on August 4, 2024 by the Landsat 8 satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Retreating glaciers and expanding meltwater lakes in Alaska

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.



“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 in the 33rd anniversary image of the Hubble Space Telescope in April 2023. 



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-ngc-1333">Webb’s view of NGC 1333</h2>



ESA noted that the center of the image presents a deep peek into the heart of the NGC 1333 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-stars-in-the-sun-s-birth-cluster">Stars in the Sun's birth cluster</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-early-stages-of-planet-formation">Early stages of planet formation </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.



These stars are still in the process of gathering material and developing protoplanetary disks. 



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 NASA features the spiral galaxy NGC 2566, which is located 76 million light-years away in the constellation Puppis. The image was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



“A prominent bar of stars stretches across the center of this galaxy, and spiral arms emerge from each end of the bar. Because NGC 2566 appears tilted from our perspective, its disk takes on an almond shape, giving the galaxy the appearance of a cosmic eye,” said <a href="https://phys.org/news/2024-12-hubble-spies-spiral-galaxy-ngc.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“As NGC 2566 appears to gaze at us, astronomers gaze right back, using Hubble to survey the galaxy's star clusters and star-forming regions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-appearance-of-ngc-2566">Complex appearance of NGC 2566</h2>



NGC 2566 lies at a considerable distance from Earth, making it a challenging object for amateur astronomers to observe in detail without powerful telescopes.&nbsp;



It can be seen in the Southern Hemisphere sky and is better observed from locations with minimal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-light-pollution-influences-interest-in-astronomy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light pollution</a>.&nbsp;



The galaxy's arms are populated with young, bright stars, regions of active star formation, and interstellar gas and dust - giving it a dynamic and complex appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-ages-of-stars">Measuring the ages of stars</h2>



According to NASA, data from Hubble is especially valuable for studying stars that are just a few million years old. “These stars are bright at the ultraviolet and visible wavelengths to which Hubble is sensitive.”



“Using these data, researchers can measure the ages of NGC 2566's stars, which helps piece together the timeline of the galaxy's star formation and the exchange of gas between star-forming clouds and the stars themselves.”



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



Star formation in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> is a fascinating and complex process that unfolds over millions of years. It begins in vast clouds of gas and dust, known as molecular clouds, which are often found in the spiral arms of galaxies or in regions of irregular or starburst galaxies.&nbsp;



These clouds provide the raw material for star formation, consisting primarily of hydrogen and helium, with trace amounts of heavier elements.



As the molecular clouds collapse under their own gravity, regions within them begin to condense and fragment, forming dense clumps. Within these clumps, protostars emerge. Their formation is driven by the gravitational pull drawing in surrounding gas.&nbsp;



During this process, the gas heats up due to increasing pressure, eventually igniting nuclear fusion in the core, signaling the birth of a new star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rate-of-star-formation-nbsp-across-galaxies">Rate of star formation&nbsp;across galaxies</h2>



The rate of star formation varies across galaxies is influenced by numerous factors. In spiral galaxies like the Milky Way, star formation is most active in the spiral arms, where density waves compress gas and dust, triggering the collapse of molecular clouds.&nbsp;



Elliptical galaxies, which often have little cold gas and dust, typically exhibit low rates of star formation or none at all.



Starburst galaxies, on the other hand, experience episodes of exceptionally high star formation, often triggered by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-captures-a-galaxy-collision-with-a-radiant-smile/">galactic collisions</a> or interactions. 



These events can funnel large amounts of gas into central regions, leading to intense star-forming activity. However, such bursts are usually short-lived on cosmic timescales, exhausting the available gas quickly.



The environment within a galaxy also plays a significant role. Stellar winds and supernova explosions from existing stars can both inhibit and promote star formation. They may disperse gas, preventing further collapse, or compress nearby clouds, triggering new star formation.&nbsp;



Over time, as galaxies evolve, the availability of gas diminishes, leading to a gradual decline in star formation activity.



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



The Puppis constellation in the southern sky represents the stern of a ship. It was once part of a larger constellation known as Argo Navis, which depicted the mythical ship of Jason and the Argonauts.&nbsp;



However, Argo Navis was later divided into three separate constellations: Puppis, Carina (the keel), and Vela (the sails). Puppis is the largest of these three and contains many notable celestial objects.



This constellation is home to several bright stars, including Naos (Zeta Puppis), a hot, massive star that emits intense ultraviolet radiation. Puppis also hosts a wide variety of deep-sky objects, such as open <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-star-clusters-captured-in-the-extreme-outskirts-of-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> and nebulae.&nbsp;



Among these, Messier 46 and Messier 47 stand out. Both are beautiful star clusters that are visible through binoculars or small telescopes. The region is dense with stars because it lies along the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-collision-may-change-everything-we-know-about-our-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, making it a prime area for stargazing and astrophotography. 



Image Credit: NASA



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A cosmic eye in the Puppis constellation

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features the spiral...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features UGC 5460, a spiral galaxy that is located about 60 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.&nbsp;



“This image combines four different wavelengths of light to reveal UGC 5460’s central bar of stars, winding spiral arms and bright blue star clusters. Also captured in the upper left-hand corner of this image is a far closer object: a star just 577 light-years away in our own galaxy,” said <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“UGC 5460 has hosted two recent supernovae named SN 2011ht and SN 2015as. It’s because of these two stellar explosions that Hubble targeted this galaxy, collecting data for three observing programmes that aim to study various kinds of supernovae.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-core-collapse-supernova-nbsp">A core-collapse supernova&nbsp;</h2>



SN 2015as is an example of a core-collapse supernova. This type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> occurs when the core of a massive star - typically with more than 8 times the mass of the sun - can no longer support its own gravity after exhausting its nuclear fuel. 



This causes the core to collapse under its own weight, leading to an extremely violent explosion. The collapse triggers the release of an enormous amount of energy, expelling the outer layers of the star into space.



In the aftermath of the explosion, a dense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shockingly-bright-carbon-monoxide-detected-in-supernova-remnant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remnant</a> is created. This is often a neutron star or black hole, depending on the mass of the original star. Core-collapse supernovae are some of the most powerful events in the universe.



According to ESA, Hubble observations of SN 2015as will help researchers understand what happens when the expanding shockwave of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-dandelion-year-1181-leaves-behind-zombie-star-defying-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> collides with the gas that surrounds the exploded star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-stars-with-large-eruptions-nbsp">Rare stars with large eruptions&nbsp;</h2>



“SN 2011ht might have been a core-collapse supernova as well, but it could also be an impostor called a luminous blue variable. Luminous blue variables are rare stars that experience eruptions so large that they can mimic supernovae,” noted ESA.



“Crucially, luminous blue variables emerge from these eruptions unscathed, while stars that go supernova do not. Hubble will search for a stellar survivor at SN 2011ht’s location, and the explosion’s identity may be revealed at last.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-spiral-galaxy">What is a spiral galaxy?</h2>



Spiral galaxies are some of the most recognizable and beautiful structures in the universe. They are known for their distinctive arms that spiral outward from a central bulge.&nbsp;



These galaxies are typically composed of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter. The arms are often sites of intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fluffy-molecular-clouds-may-change-our-understanding-of-star-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>, where clouds of gas collapse to form new stars. 



In the center of a spiral galaxy lies a dense concentration of older stars and, often, a supermassive black hole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-a-spiral-galaxy-nbsp">Structure of a spiral galaxy&nbsp;</h2>



The structure of a spiral galaxy is generally divided into three main components: the disk, the bulge, and the halo.&nbsp;



The disk is where the spiral arms are located and contains most of the galaxy's visible stars and interstellar medium.&nbsp;



The bulge is a tightly packed region of older stars at the core, and the halo consists of a sparse collection of stars and globular clusters that surround the galaxy.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies can be classified into different types based on the tightness and number of their spiral arms, as well as the size of their central bulge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-milky-way-galaxy">The Milky Way galaxy</h2>



Our solar system is located within a large spiral galaxy known as the Milky Way. The name refers to its appearance as a dim, milky band of light stretching across the night sky.&nbsp;



The term "Milky Way" comes from ancient Greek mythology, where it was associated the goddess Hera's milk spilling into the sky. In Greek, it was called "Galaxias Kyklos," meaning "milky circle."&nbsp;



Spanning about 100,000 light-years in diameter, the Milky Way is composed of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter. The galaxy has a distinct disk shape with spiral arms that wind outward from a central bulge, which houses a supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-black-hole-unleashes-mysterious-flares/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a>. 



Our sun is located in one of the spiral arms - known as the Orion Arm - positioned roughly halfway from the center to the outer edge.&nbsp;



The Milky Way is part of a small group of galaxies called the Local Group, which includes the Andromeda Galaxy and several smaller galaxies.



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Hubble views a spiral galaxy with stellar explosions

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features an incredible image of the Crab Nebula in bright neon colors.&nbsp;



“The unusual image was produced by combining data from telescopes spanning nearly the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to X-rays,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.&nbsp;



Colored in red, the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) provided information about the nebula gathered in the radio regime.



NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope took infrared images, which appear yellow, while the NASA/ESA <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-captures-another-cosmic-masterpiece-in-galaxy-ngc-2217/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> Space Telescope provided images made in optical wavelengths, colored in green.&nbsp;



Blue colors represent ultraviolet observations made by ESA’s XMM-Newton telescope, and the purple colors are X-ray radiation data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-the-crab-nebula">What is the Crab Nebula? </h2>



The Crab Nebula, located in the constellation Taurus, contains the remnants of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova explosion</a> first observed on Earth in 1054 AD. This explosion was recorded by Chinese astronomers and possibly by Native American rock art.&nbsp;



The nebula spans about 11 light-years across and lies approximately 6,500 light-years away from Earth. It is one of the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-the-mysterious-origins-of-the-crab-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studied objects</a> in the sky, largely due to its status as a bright and dynamic supernova remnant.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-crab-pulsar">The Crab Pulsar</h2>



The Crab Nebula contains a pulsar at its center, which is a rapidly rotating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-spinning-neutron-star-completely-defies-our-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron star</a> that emits pulses of radiation. This pulsar, known as the Crab Pulsar, spins about 30 times per second and is a significant source of gamma rays and other forms of high-energy radiation.&nbsp;



The nebula itself is a complex structure of filaments and synchrotron radiation. The filaments are remnants of the original star's outer layers, while the synchrotron radiation emerges from electrons spiraling in the magnetic fields produced by the pulsar.



“Surrounding the pulsar lies a mix of material; some of it was originally expelled from the star before it went supernova, and the rest was ejected during the explosion itself,” explained ESA.&nbsp;



“Fast-moving winds of particles fly off from the neutron star, energizing the dust and gas around it. These different layers and intricacies of the nebula can be observed in all of the different wavelengths of light.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crab-nebula-observations-nbsp">Crab Nebula observations&nbsp;</h2>



Throughout its history, the Crab Nebula has provided critical insights into the processes of stellar death, the behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pulsars-are-helping-astronomers-pinpoint-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pulsars</a>, and the mechanics of supernova remnants.&nbsp;



Its continuous observation has revealed changes over time, such as the expansion of its filaments and variations in its brightness, offering a dynamic laboratory for astrophysical studies.



Overall, the Crab Nebula is a highly energetic and object, providing valuable insights into the processes following a supernova explosion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-facts-about-nebulae">Fascinating facts about nebulae</h2>



Nebulae are some of the most breathtaking and intriguing structures in the universe. They are vast clouds of gas and dust, often considered stellar nurseries where new stars are born. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colors-of-nebulae">Colors of nebulae </h3>



One of the most fascinating aspects of nebulae is their ability to glow in different colors. This occurs because they either reflect the light of nearby stars or emit light due to the ionization of gases within them, particularly hydrogen. 



Some nebulae, like the famous Orion Nebula, are visible to the naked eye and serve as one of the nearest regions of active star formation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-nebulae">Planetary nebulae </h3>



Stars are born in dense regions of nebulae, and when they die, some will expel their outer layers, creating stunning structures known as planetary nebulae. The colorful clouds left behind can shine brightly for thousands of years. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-size">Massive size</h3>



Another amazing fact is that some nebulae are so vast that light can take years to travel from one side to the other, stretching across hundreds of light-years.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-remnants">Star remnants </h3>



Perhaps even more mind-boggling is the fact that nebulae are the remnants of previous generations of stars. Supernova explosions of massive stars can create these glowing clouds of gas and dust, seeding the cosmos with the elements necessary for the formation of new stars and planets.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, G. Dubner (IAFE, CONICET-University of Buenos Aires) et al.; A. Loll et al.; T. Temim et al.; F. Seward et al.; VLA/NRAO/AUI/NSF; Chandra/CXC; Spitzer/JPL-Caltech; XMM-Newton/ESA; and Hubble/STScI



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Crab Nebula: The remains of a massive star explosion

Rather than living in nature, Lily grew up in Albania’s Aulona Amusement Park. While it's assumed she was illegally brought to the park by hunters, things only got worse in captivity. Photo Credit: Shon Ellerton

Attraction Bear

New technology is transforming weather prediction. Aardvark Weather is a system that uses artificial intelligence to deliver accurate forecasts in just minutes - right from a regular desktop computer. It’s tens of times faster than current methods and requires only a fraction of the computing power.



The technology was developed by scientists at the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>, with support from the Alan Turing Institute, Microsoft Research, and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (<a href="https://www.ecmwf.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ECMWF</a>).



The system lays the foundation for a new kind of forecasting that could shift the way we understand and prepare for weather around the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-traditional-weather-forecasting-works">How traditional weather forecasting works</h2>



Right now, most weather forecasts come from massive systems that require supercomputers to run. These systems are highly accurate but expensive, complex, and slow.



Each step in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-era-in-forecasting-ai-will-improve-extreme-weather-warnings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forecasting</a> process - from collecting data to generating local predictions - takes hours and involves many technical stages. Even minor updates to these systems take large teams of experts and years to implement.



Recently, companies like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.huawei.com/en/news/2023/8/pangu-weather-forcast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Huawei</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.microsoft.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft</a>&nbsp;have demonstrated that AI can replace one of those steps - the numerical solver, which calculates how weather systems evolve.​



This has made forecasting both faster and more accurate. ECMWF is already using a mix of these traditional and AI-based tools.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approach-to-weather-forecasting">New approach to weather forecasting </h2>



Aardvark goes a step further. It replaces the entire pipeline with a single machine learning model. The system takes real-time data from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-data-could-revolutionize-weather-forecasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellites</a>, sensors, and weather stations, and immediately outputs both local and global forecasts.



The result? Lightning-fast predictions that can be generated on a desktop computer. And because it’s trained directly on data, the system avoids many of the hurdles that come with designing new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bridging-the-gap-the-quest-for-accurate-weather-forecasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forecasting</a> models from scratch.



Professor Richard Turner is the lead researcher for Weather Prediction at the <a href="https://www.turing.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alan Turing Institute</a> and Professor of Machine Learning in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge.



“Aardvark reimagines current weather prediction methods offering the potential to make weather forecasts faster, cheaper, more flexible and more accurate than ever before, helping to transform weather prediction in both developed and developing countries,” said Professor Turner.



“Importantly, Aardvark would not have been possible without decades of physical-model development by the community, and we are particularly indebted to ECMWF for their ERA5 dataset which is essential for training Aardvark.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-doing-more-with-less-data">Doing more with less data</h2>



Even when Aardvark uses only 10% of the data that conventional models need, it still outperforms the United States' national GFS forecasting system in many categories. 



Aardvark also holds its own against forecasts produced by expert analysts working with dozens of models. This efficiency makes it not only fast, but incredibly versatile.



The model can be quickly trained to produce location-specific predictions - like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> for African farms or wind speeds for European wind farms. That level of customization used to take years to build. With Aardvark, it can happen in weeks.



“These results are just the beginning of what Aardvark can achieve,“ said Anna Allen, lead author from the University of Cambridge.



“This end-to-end learning approach can be easily applied to other weather forecasting problems, for example <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-propose-adding-a-category-6-to-the-current-hurricane-intensity-scale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a>, wildfires, and tornadoes. Beyond weather, its applications extend to broader Earth system forecasting, including air quality, ocean dynamics, and sea ice prediction.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecasting-for-everyone">Forecasting for everyone</h2>



One of Aardvark’s most promising features is accessibility. Since it doesn’t rely on expensive supercomputers, the model can be used anywhere - even in countries with limited computing infrastructure. This levels the playing field for weather prediction and planning.



“We have been thrilled to collaborate on this project which explores the next generation of weather forecasting systems - part of our mission to develop and deliver operational AI-weather forecasting while openly sharing data to benefit science and the wider community,” said Matthew Chantry, Strategic Lead for Machine Learning at ECMWF.



”It is essential that academia and industry work together to address technological challenges and leverage new opportunities that AI offers. Aardvark’s approach combines both modularity with end-to-end forecasting optimisation, ensuring effective use of the available datasets.” 



Dr. Chris Bishop is the director of <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/lab/microsoft-research-ai-for-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft Research AI for Science</a>. He noted that Aardvark represents not only an important achievement in AI weather prediction but it also reflects the power of collaboration and bringing the research community together to improve and apply AI technology in meaningful ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-aardvark">What’s next for Aardvark </h2>



The next step is to build a team within the Alan Turing Institute focused on expanding Aardvark’s use, especially in developing countries. The experts also plan to integrate the model into wider efforts around environmental prediction, including sea ice and ocean behavior.



“Unleashing AI’s potential will transform decision-making for everyone from policymakers and emergency planners to industries that rely on accurate weather forecasts. Aardvark’s breakthrough is not just about speed, it’s about access,” said Dr. Scott Hosking, Director of Science and Innovation for Environment and Sustainability at The Alan Turing Institute.



”By shifting weather prediction from supercomputers to desktop computers, we can democratize forecasting, making these powerful technologies available to developing nations and data-sparse regions around the world.”



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08897-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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AI prediction model is a major breakthrough in weather forecasting

New technology is transforming weather prediction. Aardvark Weather is a...

Singapore has made history as the first country to install an art gallery 7,000 meters (22,965 feet) underwater.



This underwater installation consists of three stainless steel cubes created by artist and architect Lakshmi Mohanbabu, who previously sent her artwork into space aboard the International Space Station in 2022.



In December, the artworks were deployed by NuStar Technologies off the coast of Japan near the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-virus-discovered-in-the-deepest-part-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mariana Trench</a>.



The installation is more than a symbolic gesture. It’s part of a collaborative project with Japan’s Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (<a href="https://www.jamstec.go.jp/e/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMSTEC</a>), which aims to enhance early warning systems for undersea earthquakes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-blend-of-science-art-and-engineering">A blend of science, art, and engineering</h2>



One of the three cubes was created using a novel hybrid manufacturing technique developed by researchers from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore).



The installation coincides with Singapore’s SG60 celebrations and was recognized in a ceremony held at&nbsp;Gallery ART NOW, attended by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ntu.edu.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NTU</a>&nbsp;Board Chair Goh Swee Chen, who also chairs the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nac.gov.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Arts Council</a>.



Each cube is 10 centimeters (3.94 inches) wide, made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, and showcases five symbols from Mohanbabu’s “Universal Language of Symbols.”



The five featured designs - Nautilus, Primary, Secondary, Windmill, and Dromenon - represent shared elements of human experience, such as movement, direction, and time.



These symbols are displayed on five of the six faces of each hollow cube, each with a unique top-facing design. For instance, the cube made using NTU’s 3D printing method features Dromenon on its top, while the others display Primary and Nautilus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-gallery-in-the-deep-ocean">Art gallery in the deep ocean</h2>



This project is a tribute to all those impacted by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-disasters-are-on-the-rise-but-hazard-plans-are-inadequate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural disasters</a>. According to Mohanbabu, art has the unique ability to connect humanity across physical and metaphorical depths. 



"With the Deep Ocean Interactions Project, we aim to inspire meaningful change highlighting our interconnected existence by bringing people together through a shared journey and purpose," said Mohanbabu.



"The earlier interactions cubes that had orbited around Earth in space will also be sent to the moon as part of a permanent art installation. With these two art installations, Singapore is the first nation to have artworks on the moon and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noaa-finds-golden-orb-unknown-object-cannot-identify-seascape-alaska-5-deep-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep ocean</a>."



"This milestone is also a testament to Singapore’s pioneering spirit and tenacity as we celebrate SG60 this year."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-discovery-and-cultural-expression">Scientific discovery and cultural expression </h2>



The cubes were incorporated into the Long-Term Borehole Monitoring System (LTBMS), originally developed to track <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-fracking-linked-to-mysterious-gentle-tremors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic activity</a> around tectonic plate boundaries. 



To include the artwork,&nbsp;<a href="https://nustartech.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NuStar Technologies</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;JAMSTEC&nbsp;modified the LTBMS to add custom cavities and holders.



An ultra-deep-sea camera system was also deployed to capture images and footage of the installation at these record depths.



The cubes were officially installed on December 12, 2024, becoming part of the Dense Ocean Network System for Earthquakes and Tsunamis (DONET), Japan’s early-warning system.



“Together with Lakshmi and our partners at JAMSTEC, we have demonstrated that the deep ocean can be a platform for both scientific discovery and cultural expression," said Goi Kim Kok, managing director of NuStar Technologies.



"It is also timely that next year will mark the 60th anniversary of Singapore-Japan diplomatic relations.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stronger-structures-for-extreme-environments">Stronger structures for extreme environments</h2>



NTU Singapore played a critical role in the creation of one of the cubes, using a technique called LAPIS (Laser Patterning and Incorporation of Sheets).



The method combines 3D printing with laser cutting to stack 80 ultra-thin layers of stainless steel, creating a wall just 4mm thick. 



The result is a structure over 70 percent stronger than conventional steel and capable of withstanding the crushing pressure and corrosive nature of the deep sea.



Professor Lai Changquan developed LAPIS with his team at NTU’s Singapore Centre for 3D Printing.



"This project demonstrates the potential of interdisciplinary research to push the boundaries of what is possible. Creating a piece of art capable of withstanding the immense pressures of the deep ocean is a testament to the versatility and durability of our technology," said Professor Changquan.



Following the success of this project, Professor Lai and his students launched a start-up with support from NTU's Innovation and Entrepreneurship initiative. Their goal is to expand the use of this technology in aerospace, maritime, and energy sectors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-across-land-sea-and-space">Art across land, sea, and space</h2>



This is the third time Mohanbabu has worked with NTU SC3DP. Previous collaborations included prototyping and 3D printing miniature Interactions artworks.



In 2022, two of her cubes were sent to space as part of the Moon Gallery project, with plans for them to be placed on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-plans-to-build-house-on-the-moon-by-2040/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> in 2025.



Now, with installations in outer space and the ocean floor, the Deep Ocean Interactions Project stands as a reflection of Singapore’s spirit of innovation and unity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-gallery-connecting-cultures">Art gallery connecting cultures</h2>



Mohanbabu sees this project as a symbol of what is possible when creativity and science meet. She hopes it inspires others to push past limits - whether that’s aiming for the stars or reaching the bottom of the sea.



The colors of the three cubes - red and white, ocean blue and orange, and purple and aquamarine blue - represent Earth, change, and cosmic mystery.



The red and white cube celebrates the relationship between Singapore and Japan, drawing from shared flag symbolism of the sun, stars, and moon.



More than a statement piece, this project is a working model of how design, science, and purpose can come together to spark global connections - and maybe even save lives through its earthquake monitoring mission.



Image Credit: NTU Singapore



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Singapore has installed an art gallery deep in the ocean

Singapore has made history as the first country to install...

For centuries, farmers have struggled to keep their crops safe. Droughts, pests, and poor soil are common challenges. But among the most silent and destructive enemies are parasitic weeds. 



These plants do not grow on their own. Instead, they cling to healthy crops and steal vital nutrients. In regions already battling food insecurity, the damage can be catastrophic.



Now, researchers at the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a> may have found a unique solution. Their work focuses on a curious plant hormone and a clever trick: make the weeds destroy themselves. This breakthrough opens a new chapter in how we think about weeds, crops, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-future-climate-conditions-will-transform-plant-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parasitic-weeds-cause-major-crop-losses">Parasitic weeds cause major crop losses</h2>



In sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, fields of rice, sorghum, and other staples often fall victim to parasitic weeds. These aren’t just nuisances. They can wipe out entire harvests. For farmers depending on a single crop to feed their families and communities, the loss is devastating.



Unlike typical weeds, these invaders don’t grow alongside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-changing-skies-alter-plant-growth-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a>. They embed themselves into the host’s root system. Once attached, they steal water and nutrients directly. Crops weaken before they can fully develop. The result is lower yields, hunger, and economic hardship.



Farmers in these regions often lack access to strong herbicides or expensive biotechnology. That leaves them with limited tools to stop the spread. This is where UCR’s research offers new hope - by using the weeds’ own instincts against them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-parasitic-weeds-sense-plant-signals">How parasitic weeds sense plant signals</h2>



At the heart of this discovery lies a class of plant hormones called strigolactones. These chemicals, though not widely known outside of plant science, are extremely powerful. 



Inside the plant, the hormones help regulate growth, root development, and responses to stress. But their external role is even more fascinating.



“Most of the time, plant hormones do not radiate externally - they aren’t exuded. But these do,” said UCR plant biologist and study co-author David Nelson. “Plants use strigolactones to attract fungi in the soil that have a beneficial relationship with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-may-stop-absorbing-carbon-if-temperatures-continue-to-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> roots.”



This natural relationship between fungi and plants benefits both sides. The fungi help gather nutrients from the soil, while the plant offers carbohydrates. It’s an elegant system - until parasitic weeds enter the picture.



The weeds have evolved to recognize strigolactones. To them, the hormone is a green light. When they detect it, they germinate and prepare to attack. That’s where the researchers saw their opportunity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tricking-parasitic-weeds">Tricking parasitic weeds</h2>



What if the weeds could be triggered to germinate when no host is present? Without a host, the weeds would sprout, fail to attach to anything, and die. This is the approach UCR’s scientists are testing.



“These weeds are waiting for a signal to wake up. We can give them that signal at the wrong time - when there’s no food for them - so they sprout and die,” Nelson said. “It’s like flipping their own switch against them, essentially encouraging them to commit suicide.”



This concept isn’t just theoretical. One parasitic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-how-climate-change-will-alter-plant-growth-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a>, broomrape, produces thousands of seeds on a single stalk. Those seeds lie dormant in the soil for years. But once they detect strigolactones, they awaken. 



By releasing synthetic versions of the hormone at the wrong time, researchers aim to reduce their numbers before they can cause damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-synthetic-hormones-in-the-lab">Building synthetic hormones in the lab</h2>



To control this process, scientists need a way to produce strigolactones outside the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-understanding-of-light-detection-in-plants-may-revolutionize-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a>. That’s where microbial engineering comes in. Led by Yanran Li, formerly at UCR and now at UC San Diego, the team created a novel system using bacteria and yeast.



The researchers engineered E. coli and yeast cells to mimic the chemical pathways found in plants. These microbes became tiny hormone factories. With them, the team could study each step of strigolactone production in a clean, controlled setting.



“This is a powerful system for investigating plant enzymes,” Nelson said. “It enables us to characterize genes that have never been studied before and manipulate them to see how they affect the type of strigolactones being made.”



Beyond research, this method may allow large-scale production of synthetic strigolactones. That could mean practical, affordable tools for farmers in the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-enzymes-and-possibilities">Evolution, enzymes, and possibilities</h2>



The team’s work also sheds light on how these hormones evolved. They identified a key metabolic branch point — an internal decision made by the plant to direct its chemicals either inward or outward. This may explain how strigolactones took on their unique role outside the plant body.



Understanding this evolution opens more doors. It helps scientists design more precise synthetic versions. They can fine-tune the signals to work in different environments or target specific weeds.



Researchers are continuing to test the strategy in more realistic settings. The idea sounds promising, but real fields are unpredictable. Soil types, weather, and local plant life all affect the outcome.



“We’re testing whether we can fine-tune the chemical signal to be even more effective,” Nelson said. “If we can, this could be a game-changer for farmers battling these weeds.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parasitic-weeds-reveal-wider-hormone-uses">Parasitic weeds reveal wider hormone uses</h2>



Though the research began with crop protection in mind, strigolactones may offer broader benefits. Studies suggest they might have anti-cancer or anti-viral properties. 



There is also interest in using them to fight citrus greening disease, which has devastated Florida's citrus industry.



Because they affect how cells grow and communicate, these hormones are catching the attention of scientists in medicine and environmental science. What started as a way to help plants may one day help people, too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clever-solution-to-a-growing-problem">Clever solution to a growing problem</h2>



Parasitic weeds are a quiet threat to global food supplies. But this new approach offers a clever counterattack. By understanding and manipulating natural plant signals, researchers may have found a way to protect crops without harming the environment.



This work is still developing, but its promise is clear. With careful research, dedicated teams, and innovative tools, science may help turn one of nature’s sneakiest tricks into an advantage for farmers everywhere.



The study was made possible in part by the NSF-funded <a href="https://plants3d.ucr.edu/training/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants3D</a> traineeship program at UCR. Led by Professor Julia Bailey-Serres, the program brings together biology, engineering, and creativity. Its goal is to prepare students for a future where food insecurity grows alongside climate change.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp0779" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Can parasitic weeds be tricked into dying? Scientists think so

For centuries, farmers have struggled to keep their crops safe....

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often brings to mind soldiers who have seen action in war, or survivors of accidents. But what happens to those who witness others going through traumatic experiences?



Military veterans, first responders, and even bystanders make up 10 percent of PTSD cases. New research from Virginia Tech sheds light on this often-overlooked group.



The experts found that observing trauma causes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/work-stress-linked-to-higher-stroke-risk-in-young-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unique changes</a> in the brain. These differ from changes seen in people who directly experience trauma. This discovery may lead to improved and more specific treatments for PTSD in those who are indirectly affected.



“Currently, patients with directly acquired PTSD and bystander PTSD are treated the same way - with a combination of therapy and medication,” said Timothy Jarome, the project’s principal investigator and associate professor of neurobiology in the <a href="https://cals.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Agriculture and Life Sciences</a>.



“Our research suggests that indirect trauma and direct trauma create different biological responses, which could mean they require different treatment strategies that target distinct brain pathways.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observation-can-also-harm-the-brain">Observation can also harm the brain</h2>



Professor Jarome has long studied memory-related disorders such as PTSD and dementia. His interest in bystander PTSD began after the 2021 Miami condominium collapse. He noticed that even people who saw the tragedy from afar showed symptoms like insomnia and anxiety.



“People who saw it from across the street reported that they were suffering from nightmares, insomnia, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-health-may-be-the-key-to-anxiety-relief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety</a>,” noted Professor Jarome.



“They were showing symptoms of PTSD, but didn’t go through it or have any connection to the people in the building. We sought out to understand the brain mechanisms behind how that occurred.”



To explore this, Jarome's team focused on three main brain regions that are linked to fear memory: the amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex, and retrosplenial cortex. They examined how trauma changed proteins in these areas.



The findings confirmed that indirect trauma triggers different patterns in protein degradation in these three brain areas than direct trauma does.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ptsd-from-trauma-differs-by-gender">PTSD from trauma differs by gender</h2>



The researchers also discovered gender-based differences in how brains process indirect trauma. Past work by Jarome's lab had linked the K-63 ubiquitin protein to PTSD in women. This new research builds on that and confirms that female and male brains don’t respond to observed trauma in the same way.



“Our findings highlight significant biological differences in how male and female brains respond to witnessing trauma,” said study lead author Shaghayegh Navabpour.



"These differences may help explain why women are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD, leading to more targeted treatments that consider these sex-specific factors.”



The study opens a door to designing treatment plans based on the type of trauma experienced and the gender of the patient. Jarome’s next step involves studying the role of empathy in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-significantly-lowers-heart-disease-risk-by-reducing-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans</a>.



Empathy is rooted in a brain area called the anterior insular cortex and could explain why witnessing trauma affects people so deeply.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contributions-to-ptsd-trauma-research">Contributions to PTSD trauma research</h2>



This research was made possible by a $420,000 grant from the <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute of Mental Health</a>. It funded materials and supported student researchers.



“At academic institutions, students - undergraduate, graduate, and postdocs - are the driving force for research,” Jarome said.



“While faculty members might secure the funding to do the projects, the reality is that the work is done by these students as they're going through their training. Without graduate students, especially, but also undergraduates and postdocs, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-eats-away-our-brains-cognitive-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">science</a> doesn't advance."



Navabpour is a former <a href="https://www.vt.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> Ph.D. student in translational biology, medicine, and health. She now works as a postdoctoral researcher at <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> on drug development for Alzheimer’s disease.



“My time in Dr. Jarome’s lab was hugely valuable in shaping my career and preparing me for my current role as a postdoc and my goal of becoming a faculty member,” said Navabpour.



“I learned how to think scientifically - how to ask the right questions and approach problems critically - and gained hands-on experience with key methods and techniques that continue to inform my research.”



This study changes how we view PTSD and its link to trauma. It reminds us that you don’t need to be in harm’s way to be deeply affected. With better understanding, future treatments may become more personal and precise.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0315564" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



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Witnessing trauma may cause PTSD in a different way

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often brings to mind soldiers who...

The European Space Agency (<a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>) has unveiled the first survey data from its Euclid mission. The images feature a spectacular collection of galaxies, clusters, and deep cosmic fields. This release previews what will soon become one of the largest cosmic maps ever created.



Three deep field mosaics highlight hundreds of thousands of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strange-signals-from-the-center-of-our-galaxy-hint-at-a-new-kind-of-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>. Their shapes, brightness, and distributions offer a rich visual of the cosmic web. 



Each observation captures active galactic nuclei and rare, short-lived celestial events.



These glimpses already provide hints about the unseen forces shaping our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-found-in-the-early-universe-that-shouldnt-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universe</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-maps-26-million-galaxies">Euclid maps 26 million galaxies</h2>



The Euclid mission mapped 63 square degrees of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/andromeda-galaxy-shows-signs-of-violent-past-collisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a>-filled sky in just one week. 



That area equals 300 full Moons. It captured more than 26 million galaxies, including quasars up to 10.5 billion light-years away. The plan is for Euclid to scan each of the three deep regions 30–52 times before 2030.



The final sky map will cover one-third of the sky, around 14,000 square degrees. 



These repeat passes will build an incredibly detailed 3D cosmic atlas that will help researchers explore how galaxies formed and how dark matter shaped their journey.



“We are unlocking a treasure trove of information for scientists to dive into,” stated Professor Carole Mundell, director of science at the European Space Agency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-reveals-galaxy-web-structure">Euclid reveals galaxy web structure</h2>



Each new observation sharpens our view of the universe's large-scale structure. 



Filaments of normal and dark matter stretch across space like a vast web. These filaments are where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-radiation-may-actually-be-a-catalyst-for-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> formed and evolved. 



Euclid’s visible and near-infrared instruments offer precision in measuring the shapes and distances of these galaxies.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Euclid_Deep-Field-South_70x-zoom_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Euclid_Deep-Field-South_70x-zoom_ESA_1s.webp" alt="This image shows an area of Euclid’s Deep Field South. The area is zoomed in 70 times compared to the large mosaic. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1963129"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This image shows an area of Euclid’s Deep Field South. The area is zoomed in 70 times compared to the large mosaic. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



“Just think of the discoveries that await us,” noted Valeria Pettorino, an astrophysicist who works on the Euclid Project.



ESA scientists expect these images to refine our understanding of dark matter and dark energy. Together, these two invisible components make up 95% of the cosmos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-classifying-galaxies-by-shape-and-features">Classifying galaxies by shape and features </h2>



Euclid’s massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spherex-will-scan-the-galaxy-to-look-for-lifes-ingredients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> dataset requires fresh strategies. Every day, it sends back 100 GB of data. 



Scientists use AI models and citizen science to process this flood of information. A key result is a new catalogue of over 380,000 galaxies classified by shape and features.



“AI is a fundamental and necessary part of our process,” noted Mike Walmsley, a Euclid Consortium scientist based at the University of Toronto, Canada, who has been heavily involved in astronomical deep learning algorithms for the past decade. .



The Zoobot algorithm, trained by nearly 10,000 volunteers, now classifies galaxies by traits like spiral arms and mergers. This first catalogue is just 0.4% of what Euclid is expected to deliver.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravitational-lenses-reveal-hidden-matter">Gravitational lenses reveal hidden matter</h2>



When light travels to us from faraway galaxies, it doesn't always move in a straight line. If it passes through matter - like a galaxy or a cluster of galaxies - on the way, the light gets bent. 



This bending is called gravitational lensing. It's a natural effect caused by gravity and helps scientists detect dark matter, which we can't see directly.



Using artificial intelligence and help from human volunteers, Euclid has already found 500 possible examples of strong gravitational lenses. Most of these had never been seen before.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Euclid_Galaxies-in-different-shapes_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Euclid_Galaxies-in-different-shapes_ESA_1s.webp" alt="This image shows examples of galaxies in different shapes, all captured by Euclid during its first observations of the Deep Field areas. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1963131"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This image shows examples of galaxies in different shapes, all captured by Euclid during its first observations of the Deep Field areas. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



By the end of the mission, it is anticipated that Euclid will find about 100,000 strong lenses. That’s a hundred times more than we currently know. 



Each one gives scientists a powerful tool to study how dark matter is spread out across the Universe and how galaxies are shaped by it.



“We are combining the strengths of Euclid, AI, citizen science, and experts into a single discovery engine,” said Pierre Ferruit, ESA’s Euclid mission manager.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-the-euclid-mission">What’s next for the Euclid mission</h2>



By March 2025, Euclid had already scanned 2,000 square degrees of the sky, packed with galaxies. That’s about 14% of its total planned survey. This work is just the start. 



The mission will share its first full set of cosmology data in October 2026. That upcoming release will include many repeated observations of three special regions called deep fields. 



These repeated scans will give scientists a clearer, more detailed view of those distant parts of the Universe.



Euclid launched in July 2023. It began regular science work in February 2024. ESA built the spacecraft with support from NASA and companies like Thales Alenia Space and Airbus. 



The mission is backed by the Euclid Consortium, a global team of over 2,000 scientists from 15 countries.



You can now explore the first deep field images through the <a href="https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/esdc/esasky" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESASky</a> platform. This is just the beginning. Euclid will continue to uncover the hidden structure of the cosmos.



Details of the latest Euclid Project images are available in this ESA <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid/Euclid_opens_data_treasure_trove_offers_glimpse_of_deep_fields" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press release.</a>



Image Credit: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by M. Walmsley, M. Huertas-Company, J.-C. Cuillandre



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Euclid captures 26 million galaxies in vivid deep field photos

The European Space Agency (ESA) has unveiled the first survey...

Lightning storms often inspire fear or awe, but they can also reveal unexpected beauty. High above the thunderclouds, something extraordinary unfolds. Not the familiar white streaks of lightning, but flashes of glowing red. These rare phenomena, called red sprites, dance silently in the upper atmosphere.



Neither fiction nor fantasy, these are real bursts of electrical energy, named for their jellyfish-like shapes and vivid color.



Now imagine witnessing them not over flatlands or oceans, but above the highest peaks on Earth - the Himalayas. In May 2022, the night sky over Tibet erupted with over a hundred red sprites.



Two Chinese astrophotographers captured the rare spectacle in vivid detail. Their footage revealed more than beauty; it opened a new window into understanding powerful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-next-big-solar-storm-could-plunge-us-into-darkness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric forces</a>.



The story doesn't begin or end with the photos. It extends into the heart of a thunderstorm and reaches up to the edge of space, where science meets wonder.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance-of-ghost-sprites">Appearance of ghost sprites </h2>



On May 19, 2022, astrophotographers Angel An and Shuchang Dong were stationed near Pumoyongcuo Lake. This lake is one of the three sacred lakes on the southern Tibetan Plateau. They weren’t chasing lightning or storms but looking up for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-lights-called-steve-are-challenging-what-we-thought-we-knew-about-auroras/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rare sky events</a>. 



What they witnessed surpassed every expectation. More than 100 red sprites lit up the night sky. These were not isolated flickers. 



The sprites danced, some grew into secondary jets, and something never before seen in Asia appeared - green airglow at the ionosphere’s base. Scientists now call these glowing phenomena "ghost sprites."



Their images and video quickly spread across global platforms. Major news outlets picked up the event. Weather enthusiasts and scientists alike were fascinated. Not just for the beauty, but for what such displays might reveal about our planet’s atmospheric behavior.



This wasn’t just a random show. The conditions had to be just right. And that raised important questions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spark-behind-the-red-sprites">Spark behind the red sprites</h2>



Curiosity turned into investigation. Professor Gaopeng Lu and his team at the <a href="https://en.ustc.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Science and Technology of China</a> led the study. 



The researchers were determined to trace the origin of this massive sprite event. What caused such an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/four-planets-will-align-this-week-during-a-rare-nighttime-spectacle-heres-how-to-see-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intense display</a> above the Himalayas?



"This event was truly remarkable," said Professor Gaopeng Lu. "By analyzing the parent lightning discharges, we discovered that the sprites were triggered by high-peak current positive cloud-to-ground lightning strikes within a massive mesoscale convective system."



"This suggests that thunderstorms in the Himalayan region have the potential to produce some of the most complex and intense upper-atmospheric electrical discharges on Earth."



The source of these sprites lay in the electrical fury of storms over the region. But understanding the full picture required more than just looking at the sky. It required time, accuracy, and new tools.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-of-the-red-sprites">Timing of the red sprites </h2>



The research team faced a serious challenge. The footage lacked precise timestamps. Without exact timing, connecting each sprite to a specific lightning strike was nearly impossible. 



So, the team designed a new technique. They used satellite trajectory data and star field analysis to pinpoint the time each sprite appeared.



With this method, they linked individual sprites to the exact lightning discharges that caused them. One anonymous reviewer noted its broader value, stating that the method could help citizen scientists. With this tool, even non-experts could contribute valuable observations to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/winter-solstice-the-shortest-day-of-the-year-has-arrived/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric science</a>.



The technique may shape how future red sprite events are studied. The more accurate the data, the more we can learn about what goes on above us during storms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-himalayan-storm-that-broke-records">A Himalayan storm that broke records</h2>



The parent lightning strikes came from a mesoscale convective complex. This is a large, organized storm system. 



It stretched from the Ganges Plain in northern India to the southern slopes of the Tibetan Plateau. The lightning occurred in stratiform precipitation zones - areas with broad, layered rain clouds rather than short, intense bursts.



This specific storm produced more red sprites in a single event than any ever recorded in South Asia. That level of activity puts Himalayan storms on par with those in the U.S. Great Plains and off the coasts of Europe. Until now, those regions were considered top hotspots for red sprite activity.



This discovery changes the way scientists view Himalayan thunderstorms. The mountains, it seems, aren't just high in elevation. They’re also strong enough to send energy straight into the upper atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-of-red-sprite-activity">Effects of red sprite activity</h2>



What does this all mean beyond the flash of light in the sky? These events aren’t just visual spectacles. The study showed that red sprites, ghost sprites, and other upper-atmosphere discharges may influence how different layers of the atmosphere interact. 



They could affect how energy and particles move. They might even shift the chemical balance in ways we’re only beginning to understand.



The spectacle captured on camera in May 2022 was not just nature’s beauty on display. It became a moment that linked science, photography, and cosmic forces. Red sprites remind us that even in familiar places, the sky has secrets left to share. 



The Himalayas, long a symbol of Earth’s power and peace, now add another mystery to their legacy - a glowing red whisper in the sky.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00376-024-4143-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advances in Atmospheric Sciences</a>.



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Mysterious and stunning "red sprite" lightning strikes seen above the Himalayas

Lightning storms often inspire fear or awe, but they can...

A small mistake in a laboratory can sometimes lead to unexpected wonders. That is exactly what happened when a germanium wafer with evaporated metal films was left out overnight, and spiral patterns became etched into its surface.



The <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prmaterials/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevMaterials.9.035201" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">researchers</a> who stumbled upon these strange patterns realized that chemical reactions, nudged by mechanical stress in the metal layer, could spontaneously carve stunning designs in the semiconductor.



The study was led by <a href="https://www.ucla.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a> doctoral student Yilin Wong and Giovanni Zocchi, a professor of physics.



The resulting images have already sparked conversations among experts who are curious about how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/liquid-metals-may-create-a-greener-future-for-chemical-production/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemistry</a> and force might work together in nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-forming-metal-patterns">Self-forming metal patterns</h2>



In the early days of pattern formation research, <a href="https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=3243990" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientists</a> studied the <a href="http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Belousov-Zhabotinsky_reaction" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction</a> to see how chemical reactions could arrange themselves in repeating waves. 



That work inspired decades of experiments on <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-60853-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reaction-diffusion systems</a>, yet many setups still rely on older methods.



This new approach is the first significant addition to that research area since the 1950s, and it focuses on creating patterns not just through <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prmaterials/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevMaterials.9.035201" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemistry</a> but also through mechanical deformations.



By harnessing a stressed metal film on a germanium wafer, patterns that include spirals, flower-like shapes, and other forms arise over the course of a day or two.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-germanium-matters">Why germanium matters</h2>



<a href="https://irds.ieee.org/topics/semiconductor-materials" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Semiconductor materials</a> such as germanium have long been valued for electronics, thanks to their efficient pairing with thin films. 



In the right environment, their surfaces can be carefully etched, making them useful for controlled studies.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/spiral-patterns_logarithmic_yellow_nature_UCLA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/spiral-patterns_logarithmic_yellow_nature_UCLA_1s.webp" alt="A logarithmic spiral with a diameter of 500 μm, approximately half the diameter of a sewing needle. Credit: UCLA" class="wp-image-1963124"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A logarithmic spiral with a diameter of 500 μm, approximately half the diameter of a sewing needle. Credit: UCLA</figcaption></figure>



In this case, the wafer was topped with <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Chromium-HealthProfessional/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chromium</a> and gold, then exposed to a mild etching solution. 



Over time, the stressed metal began to lift in certain spots, leading to wrinkles that guided the etching into spiral paths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-surprising-laboratory-mistake">A surprising laboratory mistake</h2>



One night, a sample was accidentally left with a drop of water on it. People usually rinse away water droplets or dry them off, to avoid letting them sit on surfaces.&nbsp;



“I was trying to develop a measurement technique to categorize biomolecules on a surface through breaking and reforming of the chemical bonds,” explained Wong.



The following day, that misstep revealed tiny dots that turned out to be chemical etch marks spiraling across the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanical-strain-and-metal-patterns">Mechanical strain and metal patterns</h2>



When a thin metal layer is under stress, it can buckle or separate from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iron-meteorites-reveal-unexpected-metal-distribution-in-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface</a> below. This can shape the way chemical reactions proceed at the interface.



The research team found that mechanical strain drove local deformations which, in turn, altered how the solution etched the wafer. As the reaction advanced, wrinkles formed, guiding the spiral shapes and other patterns.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/spiral-patterns_logarithmic_nature_UCLA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/spiral-patterns_logarithmic_nature_UCLA_1s.webp" alt="Two logarithmic spirals, each with a diameter of 260 μm, featuring a central etch pit in the shape of an inverted pyramid. Credit: UCLA" class="wp-image-1963125"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Two logarithmic spirals, each with a diameter of 260 μm, featuring a central etch pit in the shape of an inverted pyramid. Credit: UCLA</figcaption></figure>



Two processes united to create these designs. One was the straightforward etching reaction, and the other was the buildup of physical tension or compression in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/metals-have-doubled-in-streams-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metal</a> coating.



The combination links <a href="https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainscatalysts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical catalysis</a> with mechanical force, a phenomenon also seen in living systems where enzymes and tissues interact. This experiment is special because it captures both aspects in a non-living setup.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revisiting-turing-s-theory">Revisiting Turing’s theory</h2>



Mathematician <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.1952.0012" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alan Turing</a> predicted that certain chemicals can spontaneously create stripes, spots, or other arrangements. His theory explained how basic processes could give rise to complex patterns without a guiding hand.



Turing’s theory now supports the formation of these spiral etchings. Physical stress joins reaction-diffusion dynamics in this system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patterns-that-resemble-biological-structures">Patterns that resemble biological structures</h2>



Living organisms rely on enzymes to kick-start growth, and that expansion distorts tissues. These deformations then loop back to affect how cells continue to develop.



This current experiment mirrors that interaction, though on a simpler, inanimate level. Some shapes on the wafer even resemble what we see in natural tissues, according to Professor Zocchi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-electrified-edge">An electrified edge</h2>



The system forms what some describe as an <a href="https://eepower.com/capacitor-guide/types/electrolytic-capacitor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electrolytic capacitor.</a> This was highlighted by Professor Zocchi after observing how ions move and accumulate under the metal film.



It ensures the process is not just about dissolving the wafer. Charge also shifts between layers, affecting the overall reaction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steady-formation-of-metal-patterns">Steady formation of metal patterns </h2>



Typically, the patterns appear within a day or two once the chip is placed in a humid chamber with the solution. The reaction is mild but steady, leaving enough time for wrinkles to grow.



“The thickness of the metal layer, the initial state of mechanical stress of the sample, and the composition of the etching solution all play a role in determining the type of pattern that develops,” said Professor Zocchi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-metal-patterns-further">Exploring the metal patterns further</h2>



Some scientists see this method opening doors for advanced surface engineering. Others imagine it might shed light on how materials behave under stress or how nature sculpts itself.



For now, the lab mishap has sparked plenty of excitement. Every etched swirl is a reminder that major breakthroughs can come from unexpected moments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-the-lab">Looking beyond the lab</h2>



Researchers hope to adapt these patterns for <a href="https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/6-774-physics-of-microfabrication-front-end-processing-fall-2004/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microfabrication</a>, sensor design, or decorative coatings. The interplay between chemistry and mechanics could also inform new types of materials that self-organize.



“In the biological world, this kind of coupling is actually ubiquitous,” said Professor Zocchi, adding that it is refreshing to see it in a synthetic setting.



These designs may help science close the gap between theory and real-world structures, bridging the concepts introduced by Turing with next-generation technologies.&nbsp;



The study is published in <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prmaterials/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevMaterials.9.035201" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Materials</a>.



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Spiral patterns can spontaneously form on metal surfaces

A small mistake in a laboratory can sometimes lead to...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



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Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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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

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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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Luna, a brown bear, probably lost her parents to poachers as a cub. While no one is exactly sure what her childhood was like, she quickly found herself in a terrible situation. Photo Credit: Four Paws

Orphaned As A Cub

Because animal lovers across the planet know there are other animals like Napa, they're working tirelessly to put a stop to circuses. Life in nature, however, can be quite a bit tougher. Napa made a quick adjustment to her new environment but a rescued brown bear named Luna had a tougher adjustment. Photo Credit: Arosa Bärenland / Instagram

Orphaned As A Cub

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