Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the devastating floods that swept across Pakistan during the summer of 2025.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/154781/monsoon-rains-flood-pakistan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">image</a>, captured by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) aboard NOAA’s polar-orbiting satellite, tells a stark story. Depicted in false color to highlight the presence of water, it reveals broad areas of Pakistan’s landscape drowned beneath muddy expanses. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-rivers-split-a-century-old-mystery-has-finally-been-solved/">Rivers</a> are indistinguishable from the surrounding countryside, demonstrating just how much territory has been lost to the flood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-deluge-that-overwhelmed-the-land">A deluge that overwhelmed the land</h2>



What began as a particularly strong monsoon season in late June has turned into one of the worst <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-floods-what-turns-a-rainstorm-into-a-catastrophe/">flood</a> events in living memory, with the eastern Punjab province seeing its most severe inundation in history.&nbsp;



Millions of people have been affected, with entire villages swallowed by rivers and farmland drowned under relentless rainfall.



By mid-August, torrential rains pounded the northern mountains, setting off destructive flash floods and landslides. Water surged downstream with little relief for communities in its path.&nbsp;



By the close of the month, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-atmosphere-has-a-memory-that-affects-the-timing-of-monsoons/">monsoon</a> rain totals across the country measured 21 percent higher than normal, and in Punjab the increase reached 36 percent.&nbsp;



These figures translated into staggering human consequences, with nearly four million people affected in eastern Punjab alone and close to two million forced to evacuate. About 4,000 villages were inundated as rivers overtopped their banks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-toll-of-pakistan-s-floods-nbsp">The human toll of Pakistan’s floods&nbsp;</h2>



In Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, the flooded Ravi River spilled into housing developments and submerged major roads.&nbsp;



To the south along the Chenab, the rising waters engulfed nearby villages and forced authorities to move more than 25,000 people - roughly half the population - from Jalalpur Pirwala by September 8.&nbsp;



In Sindh province, low-lying districts braced for similar outcomes. Evacuations were carried out in anticipation of floodwaters advancing along the Indus River.



The flood’s reach has gone far beyond homes and streets. According to reports, an estimated 75 percent of Pakistan’s farmland has suffered damage. Fields of rice, sugarcane, and cotton - the backbone of agricultural livelihoods - now lie underwater.&nbsp;



These losses will ripple across food security, household income, and the national economy for months, and possibly even years. Farmers who were already struggling with rising input costs now face the prospect of losing entire harvests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monsoon-floods-in-pakistan-nbsp">Monsoon floods in Pakistan&nbsp;</h2>



The numbers highlight how overwhelming this disaster has become. Evacuations on such a scale stretch emergency services to their limits.&nbsp;



Relief agencies have called the flooding in Punjab the worst in the region’s history, a sobering reminder of how vulnerable the densely populated plains are when the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-atmosphere-has-a-memory-that-affects-the-timing-of-monsoons/">monsoon</a> intensifies.



The unfolding tragedy recalls the catastrophic monsoon of 2022, when Sindh province bore the brunt of widespread inundation.&nbsp;



Flat, low-lying terrain makes this region particularly susceptible to prolonged flooding, with waters lingering for weeks.&nbsp;



In 2025, once again, Sindh has been hit hard. The difference now is the sheer magnitude of rainfall concentrated over a short span of time, overwhelming embankments and drainage systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recovery-resilience-and-responsibility">Recovery, resilience, and responsibility</h2>



As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/once-in-a-thousand-years-extreme-storms-are-becoming-much-more-frequent/">floodwaters</a> begin to recede in many regions, Pakistan enters a phase where recovery is urgent but complicated. Rebuilding homes, restoring roads, and clearing debris will take months.&nbsp;



Restoring basic services - clean water, electricity, healthcare - is critical. Farmers must assess ruined fields, decide whether to replant, and find seeds and supplies. Many will need financial help to get back on their feet.



Global climate scientists warn that this kind of extreme monsoon behavior is becoming more likely as the atmosphere warms. Infrastructure built for past rainfall patterns may no longer suffice.&nbsp;



In areas like Punjab and Sindh, better flood defenses, improved drainage systems, and early warning networks will be essential to reduce future devastation.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flood-fatalities-experts-reveal-the-hidden-health-impacts/">human cost</a> of this disaster is not over. Displaced families will need long-term support, including food and shelter. Mental health impacts from loss and upheaval may persist.&nbsp;



The scale of this disaster calls for more than short-term relief. It requires long-term solutions. Governments, aid organizations, and local communities share the responsibility to rebuild in ways that not only replace what was destroyed but also create stronger, safer, and more sustainable systems for the future.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Pakistan’s monsoon floods leave millions displaced

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the devastating floods that swept across Pakistan during the summer of 2025.&nbsp; The image, captured by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) aboard NOAA’s polar-orbiting satellite, tells a stark story. Depicted in false color to highlight the presence of water, it reveals broad areas of Pakistan’s landscape drowned beneath muddy expanses.  Rivers are indistinguishable from the surrounding countryside, demonstrating just how much territory has been lost to the flood. A deluge that...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Butterfly Nebula, located about 3,400 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius.&nbsp;



It’s what astronomers call a planetary nebula - the brief phase when a dying star sheds its outer layers into space.



Despite the name, planetary nebulae have nothing to do with planets. Early astronomers thought these glowing shells looked round, like distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/">worlds</a> seen through primitive telescopes.&nbsp;



The name stuck, even though many nebulae are anything but round. The Butterfly Nebula, with its outstretched “wings” of gas and dust, is a perfect example.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-butterfly-with-a-hidden-heart">Butterfly with a hidden heart</h2>



At the center of this spectacular cloud lies the remnant of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sun-like-stars-release-massive-superflares-every-100-years/">Sun-like star</a>. It has burned through its fuel and shed most of its mass, leaving behind a blazing hot core.&nbsp;



The star energizes the nebula, making it glow across the spectrum. Yet until recently, the star itself remained hidden.



A dark band of dust and gas cuts through the nebula like the “body” of the butterfly. This band is actually a torus, a doughnut-shaped structure that blocks visible light.&nbsp;



The torus shapes the nebula by forcing gas outward in two opposite directions, creating the iconic bipolar wings. It also conceals the central star from optical view.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-telescope-brings-clarity">Webb telescope brings clarity</h2>



The <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> has now pierced the dust with its Mid-Infrared Instrument, offering the sharpest view yet of the nebula’s core. 



By working in “integral field unit mode,” Webb captured <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Webb/Webb_investigates_complex_heart_of_a_cosmic_butterfly" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">images</a> and spectra at multiple wavelengths simultaneously. The result is a detailed portrait of how the nebula looks in different slices of light.



The team also added data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array in Chile, which revealed colder gas and dust.&nbsp;



Together, these instruments exposed a structure of extraordinary complexity, with nearly 200 spectral lines tracing atoms and molecules woven into layered shells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-central-star-revealed">The central star revealed</h2>



The Webb observations finally pinned down the location of the nebula’s hidden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-stars-shape-planetary-systems-like-ours-with-ultraviolet-radiation/">star</a>. Its surrounding dust cloud glows brightly in mid-infrared light, betraying its position for the first time.&nbsp;



With a scorching temperature of 220,000 Kelvin - around 400,000 degrees Fahrenheit - this is one of the hottest known central stars in a planetary nebula.



That heat drives the nebula’s glow, but its power doesn’t escape evenly. The dense torus channels the outflow, creating the striking wings that stretch across space.&nbsp;



Webb data show that the torus contains crystalline silicates such as quartz, along with irregular grains about a millionth of a meter across. For cosmic dust, that’s relatively large, suggesting the particles have been accumulating for a long time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jets-layers-and-chemical-signatures">Jets, layers, and chemical signatures</h2>



Outside the torus, the nebula displays a multilayered design. Atoms that need the most energy to ionize cluster near the center. Those requiring less energy appear farther out.&nbsp;



Among the highlights are iron and nickel, which mark out two jets blasting away from the star in opposite directions. These fast-moving streams help sculpt the overall shape of the nebula.



The team also found evidence of carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs.&nbsp;



On Earth, PAHs are common in soot from fires, exhaust fumes, and even burnt toast. In the Butterfly Nebula, they appear to form when bursts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracing-solar-wind-directly-to-its-source-for-the-first-time/">stellar wind</a> collide with the surrounding gas.&nbsp;



This could be the first time PAHs have been spotted forming in an oxygen-rich planetary nebula, offering a rare window into the chemistry of dying stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fleeting-beauty-of-the-butterfly-nebula">Fleeting beauty of the Butterfly Nebula</h2>



The entire spectacle will not last long by cosmic standards. The planetary nebula stage endures only about 20,000 years - a brief flicker compared to a star’s lifetime of billions of years.&nbsp;



The Butterfly Nebula is a reminder of how short-lived and yet astonishingly beautiful the final chapters of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-star-redefines-our-understanding-of-stellar-evolution/">stellar evolution</a> can be.



The results of this study are <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/542/2/1287/8241385" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published</a> in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 



The research shows that even well-studied objects like the Butterfly Nebula can surprise us when viewed with fresh eyes.&nbsp;



Webb’s infrared vision has revealed not only the hidden star at the heart of the butterfly, but also the intricate chemistry that surrounds it - from crystalline dust to unexpected organic molecules.



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, J. Kastner, M. Zamani (ESA/Webb)



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Secrets of the Butterfly Nebula uncovered by Webb

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

As for MacDonald, he sees it as essential that people today at least recognize the atrocities that led to the establishment of Yellowstone National Park and the United States itself. As he reflected, “When people look at Yellowstone, they should see a landscape rich with Native American history, not a pristine wilderness. They’re driving on roads that were Native American trails. They’re camping where people camped for thousands of years.” Photo credit: Herbert C. Lanks/FPG/Archive Photos/Getty Images

“A landscape rich with Native American history”

As for MacDonald, he sees it as essential that people...

In some parts of the park, geysers erupt multiple times a day while delighted tourists look on. But in others, these volatile vents lie dormant, waiting for their time to explode. And it was one such sleeping giant, known as Ear Spring, which boiled over in September 2018, sending a jet of water and debris high up into the air. Photo credit: Inger Vandyke /VW PICS / Universal Images Group / Getty Images

Ear Spring

In some parts of the park, geysers erupt multiple times...

But as the geyser erupted in its most violent explosion for more than 60 years, something unexpected occurred. And before long, the area around Ear Spring was littered with strange relics. Lost at Yellowstone over the decades, they reappeared in dramatic fashion, revealing a fascinating glimpse into years gone by. Photo credit: Prisma Bildagentur / Universal Images Group / Getty Images

A Glimpse At The Past

But as the geyser erupted in its most violent explosion...

So what exactly was it that emerged from Ear Spring that day? Given the long and rich history of Yellowstone, there are plenty of contenders. Because this vast, 3,500-square-mile swathe of land is arguably the most ancient, as well as the oldest-official national park in America. And there’s little doubt that countless objects and artifacts have been lost there over the years. Photo credit: Westend61 / Getty Images

What Came Out?

So what exactly was it that emerged from Ear Spring...

Yellowstone has been a point of interest for tens of millions of years, geologically speaking – long before there were humans around to marvel at its sights. Located on a thin point in the Earth’s crust, it’s a spot where molten magma lurks close to the surface. And at various points over the centuries, this has caused some spectacular eruptions to break forth. Photo credit: Education Images / Universal Images Group / Getty Images

A Long History

Yellowstone has been a point of interest for tens of...

Add to that a whole host of seismic activity, and it becomes clear why Yellowstone is one of the most volatile places on Earth. But despite the dangers of this otherworldly landscape, it has long been a source of fascination. Home to some 500 geysers and thousands more geothermal features, it appeared as an almost hellish landscape to the white settlers who arrived there in the 19th century. Photo credit: Education Images / Universal Images Group / Getty Images

Seismic Activity

Add to that a whole host of seismic activity, and...

Yet reports of a place where the rivers erupted into steam and the mud boiled, were treated with skepticism by the settler community at large. But then in 1869 the first proper expedition to what would become Yellowstone National Park took place. And before long, it was confirmed that this improbable-sounding spectacle was real. Photo credit: Bill Wight CA / Getty Images

Myths And Rumors

Yet reports of a place where the rivers erupted into...

So years later the U.S. Congress announced the creation of Yellowstone National Park – the first reserve of its kind ever created in America. And some have argued that it is the oldest to be found anywhere in the world. More than 150 years later, it remains one of the country’s most-visited natural attractions. Photo credit: Malcolm Manners / Flickr

First Of Its Kind

So years later the U.S. Congress announced the creation of...

A new national map spotlights the locations where PFAS toxic chemicals, which have been tied to cancer, have turned up in the water sources that feed public taps. 



The chemicals sit under a big umbrella called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (<a href="https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a>), and scientists have not given them a clean bill of health.



One key correction matters here. Only some PFAS earn the Group 1 carcinogen label, which means they are carcinogenic to humans. 



The current consensus puts perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in that box, while perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is classified as possibly carcinogenic, and not proven in people,.



This is according to a summary by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (<a href="https://www.iarc.who.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IARC</a>) and a companion article in <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12183505/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Oncology</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-map-tracks-pfas-in-drinking-water">Map tracks PFAS in drinking water</h2>



Graham F. Peaslee of the <a href="https://www.nd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Notre Dame</a> has tracked PFAS in real world settings for years. 



“For a lifetime of exposure at these concentrations in our drinking water, the risk of disease was unacceptably high,” Peaslee explains.



A new Waterkeeper Alliance <a href="https://waterkeeper.org/news/new-analysis-finds-pfas-in-98-of-tested-u-s-waterways-across-19-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> collected PFAS samples upstream and downstream of suspected sources in 19 states. 



It detected one or more PFAS in 98 percent of waterways tested, and it documented hotspots where levels of PFOA or PFOS exceeded federal limits.



Several cases stand out in the public data set. A Michigan waterway showed PFOA at 44 parts per trillion, and a South Carolina site measured PFOS at 30 parts per trillion. 



One North Carolina river reach posted PFOS at 23 parts per trillion with PFOA at 10 parts per trillion.



Sampling focused on places most likely to funnel <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pfas-forever-chemicals-in-tap-water-linked-to-33-percent-increase-in-cancer-rates/">PFAS</a> into rivers and creeks. That means reaches near a wastewater treatment plant and downstream fields where biosolids are applied as soil amendments. 



In these areas, PFAS can ride along in treated effluent and in sludge spread on land.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limits-on-pfas-levels-in-water">Limits on PFAS levels in water</h2>



In April 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/26/2024-07773/pfas-national-primary-drinking-water-regulation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPA</a>) finalized a national drinking water rule that sets legally enforceable maximum contaminant level limits for several PFAS. 



For PFOA and PFOS, the limit is 4 parts per trillion, and utilities originally had until 2029 to comply.



Those are tiny numbers, but they matter in risk terms. If a surface water source feeding a public system sits above those limits for PFOA or PFOS, the utility must monitor and, if needed, add treatment so that finished water meets the standard.



On May 14, 2025, the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-it-will-keep-maximum-contaminant-levels-pfoa-pfos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPA</a> announced it would retain the PFOA and PFOS limits and give systems more time to meet them. 



At the same time, it would reconsidering standards for several other PFAS. The agency’s announcement also signaled an intent to extend compliance for PFOA and PFOS to 2031.



That decision drew strong reactions because it leaves many communities managing mixtures with less federal guardrail for the shorter chain compounds. 



It also means states and cities may need to decide how far to go on their own, and which technologies to buy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exposure-adds-up">Exposure adds up</h2>



PFAS do not readily degrade in the environment, and they can move from household goods to landfills to wastewater plants, then back into surface water used for drinking supplies. 



Even when concentrations are low, steady intake can increase body burdens over time.



“Ideally, we need to strengthen drinking water monitoring and treatment to reduce PFAS exposure through this route,” said Jennifer L. Freeman, a professor of toxicology at <a href="https://www.purdue.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purdue University</a>. 



She added that the standards set in 2024 were a step in the right direction and should not be weakened.



A part per trillion is a measurement used for trace pollutants. It helps regulators set enforceable lines, at very low doses, for those contaminants that have health concerns. It also pushes laboratories and utilities to rely on highly sensitive methods to see what is present.



EPA Method 1633, which Waterkeeper’s lab used, reflects that push toward sensitive and standardized testing. It aims to give comparable results across states so a reading in one watershed means the same thing in another.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-water-utilities">Local water utilities</h2>



If your city relies on a river, reservoir, or well field flagged by the map, your water utility will be testing on a set schedule and reporting results to the public. 



You will see whether finished tap water meets federal limits, and what steps the utility is taking if it does not.



Treatment options exist, but they vary in cost and fit. Granular activated carbon, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis all remove <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-that-eat-forever-chemicals-discovered-in-contaminated-soil/">PFAS</a> to differing degrees. 



Utilities will need to match the options to source water chemistry, budget, and system scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-water-and-local-governments">PFAS, water, and local governments</h2>



Treating one pollutant at a time can miss a major opportunity to reduce overall cancer risk. A peer reviewed <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40541903/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> estimates that tackling multiple co-occurring contaminants together could prevent more than 50,000 lifetime cancer cases in the United States.



The logic is simple. Many water systems face several pollutants at once, and integrated treatment can reduce exposures more efficiently than piecemeal fixes.



Expect more state level rules and funding as federal timelines stretch and communities press for action. 



Some states have already set their own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-dietary-fiber-supplement-could-remove-pfas-forever-chemicals-from-the-body/">PFAS</a> limits or passed laws to curb the use of PFAS in consumer products, which reduces what ends up in wastewater and land.



Public water systems will continue the cycle of monitoring, reporting, and upgrading as needed. The best outcome is steady, measurable drops in PFAS at the tap, along with clear communication about progress.



The study is published in <a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/6968b3fd79054a48b164f62c1e21a124" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research</a>.



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Map marks cities in the US where PFAS toxins were detected in drinking water

A new national map spotlights the locations where PFAS toxic...

Music often does more than entertain. It paints images in our minds, builds worlds, and stirs emotions we can’t always explain. A new study shows how even the tiniest human touches in sound can influence this inner world.



The findings from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/music/our-research/cross-disciplinary-research/sydney-music-mind-and-body-lab.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sydney Music, Mind and Body Lab</a>, reveal how subtle shifts in rhythm and tone may fuel imagination in ways technology alone cannot replicate. 



These delicate imperfections - tiny fluctuations in timing or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-and-the-mind-new-clues-about-how-we-experience-pleasure/">volume</a> - can transform repetitive beats into living experiences, sparking imagery that feels real and immersive.



Rather than simply hearing structured sounds, listeners create journeys filled with color, movement, and narrative. The study suggests that the human quality of music holds unique power to trigger creativity and emotional depth. 



The research also shows why live performances, with all their small variations, can feel more moving than flawless recordings, and why imagination often thrives when music carries traces of human touch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-musical-shifts-big-mental-impact">Small musical shifts, big mental impact</h2>



Researchers asked 100 participants to imagine a journey while listening to repetitive drumming. Some heard <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-use-rhythmic-drumming-to-communicate-in-forests/">drumming</a> with random micro-variations in loudness and timing, while others heard perfectly uniform beats or silence.



Those who listened to music with micro-variations reported richer imagery, longer imagined journeys, and more lifelike scenes. 



They often described environments filled with movement, color, or emotion that felt authentic and dynamic, which suggests these subtle rhythmic details significantly influence how the brain constructs vivid inner experiences.



"What excites me is that these little details in music are something we can all feel, even if we don't always notice them consciously," said lead researcher Ceren Ayyildiz.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-touch-makes-rhythm-alive">Human touch makes rhythm alive</h2>



The study, published in Scientific Reports, relied on computer simulations of drum <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-music-tunes-the-emotions-in-our-memories/">sounds</a>. Researchers created two versions: one with flawless uniformity and another with tiny, natural shifts mimicking human performance.



They then analyzed participants’ mental imagery responses with Bayesian multilevel modeling. The results showed that small fluctuations, often unconsciously introduced by performers, significantly enhance imagination.



These subtle imperfections did not distract listeners; instead, they added depth and texture to the soundscape, making the music feel more organic. Participants reported that the variations encouraged richer narratives, longer journeys, and greater immersion in imagined experiences.



This demonstrates that even the smallest rhythmic nuances can transform sound from a mechanical sequence into something that resonates with the human mind, shaping how people visualize and emotionally respond to music.



"It's not just technical perfection but the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-touch-molecular-basis-elkin1-discovery/">human touch</a> that makes music feel more alive and sparks the imagination," Ayyildiz said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-musical-skills-amplify-imagination">Musical skills amplify imagination</h2>



Listeners with musical training or strong immersion ability experienced even more vivid mental imagery. For them, micro-variations brought authenticity and richness missing from machine-perfect sounds.



"One possible explanation for this finding is that listeners may perceive drumming with tiny random changes - a core component of human music performance - as more natural and organic," said Ayyildiz.



The study highlights how human imperfections in rhythm bring authenticity and create a sense of connection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-and-sound-variations-aid-therapy">Music and sound variations aid therapy</h2>



The insights also suggest therapeutic and practical applications. "Mental imagery already plays an important role in many cognitive therapies," said senior author Dr. Steffen Herff.



"Deliberately tailoring background music - for example through subtle changes in timing and loudness - could be used to either stimulate or dampen imagination depending on the specific therapeutic target," 



For audio engineers and producers, the study provides a new perspective. Micro-variations are already used in studio production as key aesthetic drivers in many forms of music including electronic dance music and hip-hop.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-expression-drives-connection">Human expression drives connection</h2>



For musicians, especially drummers, the findings emphasize the creative weight of subtle timing shifts. 



"This study demonstrates how the tiny details in rhythmic timing and expression can greatly alter our perceptions of music," said researcher Dr. Simon Barker.



"The relationship between micro-rhythmic variations and imagination, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/physicists-make-bold-claims-that-time-is-an-illusion-question-its-existence/">illusion</a>, and connection are at the core of the art of drumming, and this study is a lovely example of this central aspect of rhythmic expression and communication."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-s-power-comes-from-touch">Music’s power comes from touch</h2>



The study adds to a growing body of work exploring music’s role in imagination, connection, and even loneliness. 



Its message is clear: even in a world of machine-perfect precision, the smallest human variations breathe life into sound, reminding us of music’s timeless power to shape emotion, enrich creativity, strengthen bonds, and nurture a uniquely human sense of presence and belonging.



"Even tiny fluctuations can make music more meaningful," said Ayyildiz. "It's a reminder that the human feel still matters."



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/FEh_WfGeCTo?si=4ftg3JG20m5vyTxE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Here, tiny fluctuations in timing and loudness introduce a human touch that breathes life into the rhythm - the kind of nuance shown to spark richer mental imagery. Credit: University of Sydney </figcaption></figure>



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-12604-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.&nbsp;



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Tiny human touches can make music sound more powerful

Music often does more than entertain. It paints images in...

Sargassum seaweed is piling up on Florida’s beaches, and it’s making a dangerous journey for sea turtle hatchlings even riskier.



Every summer, the sand becomes a highway as thousands of tiny turtles burst from their nests and scramble toward the ocean. For most of them, this short sprint is the difference between life and death.



They’ve already beaten the odds just by hatching. Now, they must avoid predators, stay cool under the rising sun, and find the water before their strength runs out.



But this growing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sargassum-seaweed-a-growing-problem-could-become-a-sustainable-solution/">seaweed problem</a> is more than just beach clutter - it’s a new threat that’s slowing them down at a time when every second counts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-smelly-beach-junk">More than just smelly beach junk</h2>



Sargassum seaweed often washes up along Florida’s coast. It’s that brown, leafy stuff that starts to smell after a while. Out in the Atlantic, it floats in huge mats that provide habitat for marine life.



But when too much piles up on shore, sargassum seaweed creates a thick, tangled mess that’s hard for anything small to get through - including baby sea turtles.



Over the past few years, sargassum levels have exploded. Summer beachgoers aren’t the only ones frustrated. 



Sea turtle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-impacts-the-size-of-sea-turtle-hatchlings/">hatchlings</a> are now struggling to cross these growing piles to reach the ocean. It’s not just an inconvenience. It’s a survival threat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-how-turtles-navigate-the-sargassum">Testing how turtles navigate the sargassum</h2>



Until recently, no one had looked closely at how sargassum affects sea turtle hatchlings. Researchers from Florida Atlantic University (<a href="https://www.fau.edu/science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FAU</a>) set out to investigate.



The team tested three species common in Florida: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/leatherback-sea-turtles-where-the-worlds-largest-turtles-go-to-eat/">leatherbacks</a>, loggerheads, and green turtles. These are the same turtles that nest on beaches from Boca Raton to Juno Beach.



The researchers built 50-foot (15 meter) crawlways in the sand and placed mats of loose sargassum up to 7.5 inches (19 centimeters) high - roughly the height of a large shoebox on end - at the finish line.



A dim light at the far end mimicked the natural glow over the ocean that hatchlings instinctively head towards. Then the team observed how the turtles responded.



The team measured how long it took for the turtles to reach the water, tracked whether they got flipped over while crawling through the seaweed, and even checked their blood sugar levels to see how much energy they were burning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sargassum-slows-turtles-down">Sargassum slows turtles down </h2>



The results were clear. All three species took much longer to reach the ocean when sargassum was in the way. Leatherbacks were slowed by 54% with lighter sargassum, and 158% with heavier coverage.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loggerhead-turtles-migrate-using-a-secret-thermal-corridor/">Loggerheads</a> saw a 91% delay in light coverage and 175% in heavy seaweed. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reintroduction-of-green-turtles-has-been-a-success-in-the-cayman-islands/">Green turtles</a> slowed by 75% and 159%, respectively.



Some turtles couldn’t even finish the crawl in time. The biggest delay came when hatchlings had to climb over the thick seaweed, which slowed them down to a crawl - literally.



“The longer a hatchling stays on the beach, the more at risk it becomes - not just from predators like birds and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-did-billions-of-crabs-vanish-from-the-bering-sea/">crabs</a>, but also from overheating and dehydration, especially after sunrise,” said Dr. Sarah Milton of the FAU Department of Biological Sciences.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7xqe2C6RR6I?feature=share"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/leatherback-hatchling_sargassum-seaweed-obstacles_FAU_1s.webp" alt="A leatherback hatchling navigates over sargassum on Juno Beach in July 2021. Credit: Abbey M. Appelt, Florida Atlantic University" class="wp-image-1986078"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A leatherback hatchling navigates over sargassum on Juno Beach in July 2021. Click image for video. Credit: Abbey M. Appelt, Florida Atlantic University</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-stuck-and-flipped">Getting stuck and flipped</h2>



The sargassum didn’t just slow the turtles down. It threw them off balance. Hatchlings kept flipping over while trying to climb the mats. In some cases, it happened over and over.



One unlucky turtle flipped more than 20 times in a single trial. Every time that happened, it wasted time and energy, and made hatchlings easy targets for predators.



These juveniles only have a small window to make it to the water before heat and dehydration kick in.



“When sargassum piles are higher - some can be over a meter high on South Florida beaches in the summer and extend for hundreds of meters down the beach - we can expect more failed attempts, particularly when hatchlings have to cross multiple bands of <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sargassum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seaweed</a> just to reach the ocean,” said Milton.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-sign-of-burnout-yet">No sign of burnout - yet</h2>



Even with all that effort, the turtles didn’t show signs of physical exhaustion - at least not in their blood sugar levels. Glucose remained in normal ranges for all three species, no matter how much seaweed they faced. 



Only leatherbacks in the no-crawl control group had noticeably higher glucose, which researchers say shows that crawling itself is demanding - but the sargassum didn’t drain them any faster, at least in the short term.



Still, that doesn’t mean it’s harmless.



“For sea turtle hatchlings, reaching the ocean is already a race against time – and survival. Now, increasingly large mats of sargassum are adding new challenges to this critical journey,” said Milton.



“As these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robot-discovers-surprising-food-source-sargassum-for-deep-ocean-creatures/">seaweed accumulations</a> grow taller and more widespread, they risk blocking hatchlings entirely, draining their limited energy or leaving them stranded. Beyond impeding movement, sargassum may also reduce nesting space and alter incubation conditions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sargassum-management-and-turtles">Sargassum management and turtles</h2>



Sargassum isn’t going away anytime soon. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-broke-records-for-450-straight-days/">Warmer oceans</a> and nutrient runoff are fueling massive blooms across the Atlantic, and more of it is expected to hit Florida’s shores every year.



This growing issue isn’t just about beach aesthetics. It's quietly making a tough journey even tougher for baby turtles trying to survive their first few minutes of life.



Without changes in how beaches are maintained, these seaweed mats could keep getting in the way - and turtle populations may suffer down the line.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-24-00092.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Coastal Research</a>.



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Sargassum seaweed is a deadly obstacle course for baby sea turtles

Sargassum seaweed is piling up on Florida’s beaches, and it’s...

Summer heat waves are becoming harsher across urban areas. Concrete, asphalt, and dense buildings trap heat, creating what scientists call the urban-heat-island effect.



For city dwellers, this translates into hotter days and nights, increased discomfort, and higher health risks. As global temperatures climb, researchers and planners are looking closely at natural ways to cool cities.



Urban trees are often viewed as allies against sweltering heat. Their shade can offer instant relief, while their leaves help cool air through evaporation. But new research shows that trees alone are not guaranteed to ease urban heat.



A study led by environmental engineers at <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a> and <a href="https://www.eawag.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eawag</a> highlights that the key factor lies beneath the surface: soil moisture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-drives-cooling-power">Water drives cooling power</h2>



The research investigated several neighborhoods in Zurich to measure cooling potential. Findings revealed that trees noticeably lower surrounding air temperatures only when the soil around them is moist. 



Dry soil limits their cooling power. The researchers also found that evaporation from the ground itself plays a vital role, working much like a damp sponge slowly drying out.



The study also compared city layouts. In Zurich’s less dense areas, where green space is more available, watered trees created zones with little heat stress. 



In compact neighborhoods, though, even extensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heat-is-making-crop-harvests-wildly-unpredictable/">greening</a> had limits, especially during extreme heat. Cooling potential depends not only on vegetation but also on water supply and available space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shade-evaporation-and-water">Shade, evaporation, and water</h2>



Cooling in cities comes mainly from two mechanisms: shade and evaporation. Shade reduces radiant heat from buildings and streets, while evaporation removes heat by transforming water into vapor. 



The ETH study found that shade was often the stronger cooling force, but irrigated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-soils-release-more-carbon-than-plants-can-replace/">soils</a> added significant benefits through evaporation. Soil moisture kept leaves functioning, yet once temperatures climbed beyond certain thresholds, leaves closed their pores, reducing evaporative cooling. 



To maintain this cooling effect, steady irrigation was essential. For Zurich’s soil, bringing one cubic meter (about 35 cubic feet) from dry to optimal moisture required nearly 100 liters of water (about 26 gallons).



Daily upkeep ranged from 2 to 4 liters (0.5 to 1 gallon) per square meter during summer. Larger tree patches helped conserve water by shading the soil, while automated irrigation systems guided by weather forecasts offered a more efficient way to keep moisture levels stable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-trees-heat-and-water">Balancing trees, heat, and water</h2>



The study also noted that water management must strike a balance. Heavy irrigation improves cooling but can increase flood risk if soils remain oversaturated.



Frequent, light watering combined with good drainage works better than heavy irrigation.



Another trade-off involves <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-cover-crops-may-be-the-future-of-sustainable-farming/">mulching</a>. While mulch conserves water and benefits plants, it suppresses soil evaporation, which plays a key role in cooling at pedestrian level. The researchers suggest using tree grates as a compromise, allowing evaporation while still protecting roots.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cities-share-heat-lessons">Cities share heat lessons</h2>



Zurich’s case is not unique. Cities like Singapore and Melbourne have pioneered integrated blue-green infrastructure, combining water features with greenery to create cooler urban pockets. These efforts show that irrigation and vegetation design must work hand in hand. 



In desert cities such as Phoenix, irrigation of urban trees has already been shown to reduce local air temperatures by several degrees. Yet the challenge remains to balance cooling benefits with sustainable water use, especially in water-scarce regions.



"On heat-wave days in Zurich, it will not be possible to create heat shelters that fully solve heat by only using trees and water," said Lucas Gobatti, first author and doctoral student at ETH Zurich and Eawag.



During extreme events, even fully irrigated large tree patches could not eliminate heat stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-extreme-heat">Preparing for extreme heat</h2>



The study stresses that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-in-the-wrong-place-can-make-cities-hotter/">planting trees</a> without considering water supply and soil conditions will fall short. Intelligent water management, such as irrigation systems that adapt to rainfall and heat forecasts, is vital. 



But other measures must complement greenery, such as cooling centers, shaded public spaces, and indoor shelters.



"The city should also consider improving heat adaptation plans, following examples such as Barcelona, where citizens are given access to public buildings to cool down, rehydrate, and reduce heat exhaustion during heat waves," said Gobatti.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-meets-blue">Green meets blue</h2>



The findings reinforce that urban cooling requires combined strategies. Trees provide shade and comfort, but water management, species choice, and urban design play equally important roles. 



Future research is exploring how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-weed-may-lead-to-drought-resistant-crops/">drought-resistant</a> trees or varying planting patterns might influence cooling. 



What remains clear is that climate resilience in cities will depend on integrated approaches - green infrastructure paired with thoughtful water use and inclusive public-health planning.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42949-025-00220-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Urban Sustainability</a>.



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Urban trees can cool cities, but only if they get enough water

Summer heat waves are becoming harsher across urban areas. Concrete,...

A peer-reviewed report has documented a new animal species - a small marsupial, found at 8,740 feet (2,660 meters) in the eastern Andes of Peru. Turns out this is not just a variant of something already known, but a new species in its own right.



The animal was collected inside <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/548" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Río Abiseo National Park</a>, which is a <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNESCO World Heritage</a> site. The Park protects cloud forests, high grasslands, and a trove of archaeological heritage.



The new marsupial, Marmosa chachapoya, is a mouse opossum and belongs to a group that is represented by many species across the Americas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-marmosa-chachapoya">Discovering Marmosa chachapoya</h2>



The work was led by Silvia E. Pavan, museum curator at <a href="https://www.humboldt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cal Poly Humboldt</a>, in collaboration with colleagues in Peru and the American Museum of Natural History (<a href="https://www.amnh.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AMNH</a>). 



Her team documented the specimen’s features and sequenced specific DNA regions to test whether they matched any named species.



The holotype was captured in 2018, in an upper montane rainforest site within the Park. Rather than rely on a glance and a hunch, the researchers paired careful measurements with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/landmark-study-reveals-275-million-new-genetic-variants/">genetic data</a> to reach a clear conclusion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-barcoding-confirmed-new-species">DNA barcoding confirmed new species</h2>



DNA <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1691236/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">barcoding</a> is a method, widely adopted since 2003, that uses short DNA sequences to identify species with consistency across labs and continents. It supports, rather than replaces, traditional anatomy by adding a measurable genetic line.



In this study, the scientists looked at a piece of DNA that codes for the protein cytochrome b, along with other parts of the animal’s DNA. They then compared these genetic pieces to samples kept in museum collections.



The results showed that the animal from Peru is related to <a href="https://www.mammaldiversity.org/taxon/1000042/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marmosa lepida</a> and <a href="https://www.gbif.org/species/119360389" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marmosa andersoni</a>, but is clearly a different species.



“The animal from Abiseo is very different in its DNA, about 8% different from Marmosa lepida,” wrote Pavan. For small mammals, that much difference is considered a big gap and shows that this species has been separate for a long time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-sets-marmosa-chachapoya-apart">What sets Marmosa chachapoya apart</h2>



Species status does not rest on DNA alone. The researchers documented a long, narrow face and a tail that is longer than the head and body combined, which is typical for these agile climbers.



The animal also had “a remarkably narrow and long rostrum with a very long premaxillary process; absence of postorbital processes,” wrote Pavan. 



The belly fur is orange with a gray base, and the facial mask is dark but does not stretch back to the ears.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-andes-keep-turning-up-surprises">Andes keep turning up surprises</h2>



The eastern Andes is home to many species that only exist in small, separate areas, a pattern known as <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/endemism" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endemism</a>. 



Scientists consider this region one of the richest biodiversity zones in South America. Many species of animals occur here that are both unique and threatened.



The discovery of Marmosa chachapoya also revises the altitudinal limits of its group. While its close relatives have only been found as high as about 5,187 feet (1,580 meters), this new species was recorded at 8,740 feet (2,660 meters) in the cloud forests of Río Abiseo.



Cloud forest bands change quickly with height, and species often swap out along the slope. That patchwork helps explain why short field windows can still turn up animals that science has not yet named.



Río Abiseo is not just scenic. It is a protected landscape with archaeological sites and intact ecological processes that allow small mammals to persist in pockets that are hard to reach.



The Park’s legal status limits access, so surveys depend on careful planning and permits. That makes each specimen count, especially when populations are small or scattered.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-marmosa-specimen-gives-solid-evidence">One Marmosa specimen gives solid evidence</h2>



Describing a species from a single specimen can sound thin. In this case, the authors backed the designation with multiple lines of evidence, from cranial features to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-study-changes-what-we-knew-about-irelands-oldest-graves/">DNA</a> from four genes. 



They also anchored the comparisons in museum collections across the Americas.



The researchers noted traits that might vary with age, such as glands and skull ridges. 



They also explained why those would not erase the clear differences they had documented. It is a cautious approach that invites follow-up while making the data usable now.



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



Every time a species is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colorful-aquarium-creature-cherax-pulverulentus-is-new-crayfish-species-never-catalogued/">named</a> and positioned on the tree of life, it becomes easier to track, protect, and study. 



Laws, park plans, and conservation funding work better when the organisms have names and documented ranges.



There is also a local story here. The species epithet honors people of the Chachapoya culture, whose legacy is part of the same landscape that shelters this animal today.



Future trips will aim to find more of these animals and figure out exactly where they live between the Marañón and Huallaga rivers. 



Teams will search at the same heights and in similar forests to learn if the species is limited to one small area or spread across more of the cloud forests.



New DNA studies could help show how it fits in with its closest relatives. Collecting more animals will also reveal details about its size, behavior, and how much it varies in different places.



The study is published in <a href="https://bioone.org/journals/american-museum-novitates/volume-2025/issue-4037/4037.1/A-New-Species-of-Marmosa-Mammalia--Didelphimorphia--Didelphidae/10.1206/4037.1.full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Museum Novitates</a>.



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New species of mouse opossum discovered that has a tail longer than its body

A peer-reviewed report has documented a new animal species -...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-in-urban-air">Invisible threat in urban air</h2>



City dwellers face an unseen danger with every breath. New findings from Emory University researchers suggest that fine particulate matter from <a href="http://earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emissions may significantly elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease</a>. The study examined brain tissue samples from 224 individuals who had confirmed diagnoses and volunteered their brains for scientific research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-connections-emerge">Disturbing connections emerge</h2>



Scientists analyzed neuritic plaques — protein clusters that characterize Alzheimer's — while mapping each participant's exposure to PM2.5 particles based on residential location and surrounding traffic density. The correlation proved more alarming than anticipated. Individuals experiencing higher pollution exposure showed nearly double the likelihood of elevated plaque accumulation in brain tissue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-matters">Timing matters</h2>



The research team discovered that pollution exposure during the final year before death demonstrated the strongest association with brain changes. This timeline suggests relatively rapid impacts from environmental toxins on neural health. The connection remained robust even after accounting for various demographic and health factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-vulnerability-patterns">Genetic vulnerability patterns</h2>



Perhaps most concerning, people lacking the APOE gene—which naturally predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's — exhibited more than twice the susceptibility to pollution-related brain damage. Study author Dr. Anke Huels noted this indicates environmental elements like air contamination could trigger the disease in cases where hereditary factors don't explain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-implications">Public health implications</h2>



These findings, published in <a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a>, underscore the critical importance of air quality regulations in urban planning. The research suggests that implementing stricter emission controls and promoting alternative transportation could serve as powerful tools in Alzheimer's prevention.



As cities worldwide grapple with growing traffic congestion and aging populations, this study highlights an urgent need for comprehensive approaches to environmental health that protect both our lungs and our minds.



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.



"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.



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



The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.



The research, published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.



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Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-earth-became-a-frozen-wasteland">When Earth became a frozen wasteland</h2>



Imagine Earth as a giant snowball, frozen solid from the North Pole to the equator. This wasn't the plot of a science fiction movie – it was our planet's reality 700 million years ago during an extreme ice age that has puzzled scientists for decades.



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



Australian researchers from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> have finally cracked one of geology's greatest mysteries: what caused the Sturtian glaciation and why it persisted for an unprecedented 57 million years. This period occurred long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, when no complex plants or multicellular animals existed.



Dr. Adriana Dutkiewicz, the study's lead author, describes a world completely unlike today's climate. "Imagine the Earth almost completely frozen over," she explained. "The planet was blanketed in ice from poles to equator, and temperatures plunged."



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



The research team discovered that this massive freeze resulted from a "double whammy" of geological events. First, plate tectonic activity reduced volcanic carbon dioxide emissions to historically low levels. Volcanic activity typically releases CO2 into the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect that keeps Earth warm.



Simultaneously, weathering of volcanic rocks in what is now Canada actively absorbed atmospheric CO2, further reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. When atmospheric carbon dioxide levels dropped below 200 parts per million – less than half of today's levels – glaciation engulfed the entire planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-climate-implications">Modern climate implications</h2>



Published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a>, this research provides crucial insights into Earth's climate system. While geological climate changes occur over millions of years, the study emphasizes that human-induced climate change is happening at a pace ten times faster than previously observed natural changes, highlighting the urgent need to understand our planet's delicate climate balance.



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