Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a stunning image of Andromeda, the nearest spiral galaxy to our Milky Way.



The extraordinary image was captured by ESA's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flyeye-telescope-will-spot-asteroids-faster-than-ever-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flyeye telescope</a> in May 2025 during its first light campaign. This was not just a technical test; it became a powerful demonstration of the telescope’s capabilities. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-andromeda-in-a-single-frame">Capturing Andromeda in a single frame</h2>



The image was produced from 16 simultaneous 30-second exposures, each corresponding to one segment of the instrument’s view. What’s remarkable is that this relatively brief imaging session managed to capture the entire span of Andromeda in a single frame.&nbsp;



“For a dedicated astronomical telescope such as the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, viewing the whole Andromeda Galaxy requires stitching together hundreds of individual observations. This <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/01/Hubble_s_panoramic_view_of_the_Andromeda_Galaxy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble image</a> of Andromeda, for example, took over 10 years and 600 snapshots to make,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/06/Flyeye_s_view_of_the_Andromeda_galaxy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“Flyeye, on the other hand, is a survey telescope designed to see as much of the sky at once as possible, and to rapidly scan for new near-Earth objects. This image of Andromeda takes up just one sixteenth of the telescope’s full field of view.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viewing-the-sky-like-never-before">Viewing the sky like never before</h2>



The Flyeye telescope is a uniquely engineered wide-field survey instrument that gets its name from the compound eyes of insects. The ability to image a vast celestial object like Andromeda so quickly and efficiently speaks volumes about the future role of Flyeye.&nbsp;



While the telescope was primarily designed for planetary defense - specifically, detecting near-Earth objects like asteroids and comets - it is proving to be a versatile tool for wide-field astrophotography.&nbsp;



Once the full network of Flyeye telescopes is operational, ESA will be able to monitor two-thirds of the visible sky up to three times per night. This will greatly enhance our ability to detect moving objects, transient phenomena, and changes in the sky in near real-time.



Flyeye represents a major leap in how we scan and interpret the sky, combining the speed of modern survey telescopes with the breadth and automation required for planetary protection and astrophysical discovery. The image of Andromeda, captured so efficiently, is an early glimpse of that future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-andromeda">A closer look at Andromeda</h2>



The Andromeda Galaxy is the most distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-the-milky-way-on-a-collision-course-new-clues-from-hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">object</a> visible to the naked eye from Earth. Located approximately 2.5 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda, it spans more than 220,000 light-years across - making it more than twice the size of the Milky Way. 



The galaxy contains an estimated one trillion stars, which is several times more than the number in our galaxy.



Andromeda is on a slow but steady <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-collision-may-change-everything-we-know-about-our-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collision course</a> with the Milky Way. Astronomers estimate that the two galaxies will begin to merge in about 4 billion years, eventually forming a single, much larger elliptical galaxy. 



This future collision is not a threat to individual stars or planets, including our solar system, because of the immense distances between stars. Instead, it will be a dramatic and relatively gentle gravitational reshaping of both galaxies over billions of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-important-object-of-study">An important object of study</h2>



Visually, Andromeda appears as a faint, elongated smudge in dark skies, best seen in the Northern Hemisphere during autumn. 



Through binoculars or a small telescope, more structure becomes visible, including its bright core and hints of spiral arms. It has several satellite galaxies of its own, including M32 and M110, both of which are dwarf elliptical galaxies.



As a member of the Local Group - a small cluster of about 80 galaxies that includes the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brightest-era-of-the-universe-reveals-how-the-milky-way-formed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, Triangulum Galaxy, and numerous dwarf galaxies - Andromeda plays a key role in our understanding of galactic formation and evolution. 



It has been studied extensively in multiple wavelengths, from radio to X-ray, revealing not only its stars and dust lanes but also a massive halo of hot gas surrounding it and evidence of past galactic mergers.



Andromeda remains an important object of study for both scientists and skywatchers. It gives us a glimpse of what the Milky Way might look like from the outside and helps us understand what could happen when our galaxy and Andromeda eventually collide.



Image Credit: ESA



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Andromeda: One trillion stars in a single frame

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a stunning image of Andromeda, the nearest spiral galaxy to our Milky Way. The extraordinary image was captured by ESA's Flyeye telescope in May 2025 during its first light campaign. This was not just a technical test; it became a powerful demonstration of the telescope’s capabilities.  Capturing Andromeda in a single frame The image was produced from 16 simultaneous 30-second exposures, each corresponding to one segment of the instrument’s view. What’s remarkable...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), located about 3,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Draco.&nbsp;



The nebula's name comes from its eye-like appearance when viewed through a telescope. This particular image, which reveals the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horsehead-nebula-webb-telescope-captured-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> in stunning detail, was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-planetary-nebula">Complex planetary nebula </h2>



According to ESA, the Cat's Eye Nebula is one of the most complex planetary nebulae that has ever been discovered.



“A planetary nebula forms when Sun-like stars gently eject their outer gaseous layers to form bright nebulae with amazing twisted shapes," explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Until recently, it was thought that shells around planetary nebulae were a rare phenomenon. However, astronomers have instead shown that these rings are likely to be the rule rather than the exception."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance-of-the-cat-s-eye-nebula-nbsp">Appearance of the Cat's Eye Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The central focus of the Cat's Eye is a hot, dying star that has shed its outer layers to form the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragons-egg-nebula-is-a-truly-stunning-sight-to-behold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a>. It is surrounded by concentric gas shells, jets of high-speed gas, and unusual shock-induced knots of gas.



“Although the rings may be the key to explaining the final ‘gasp’ of the dying central star, the mystery behind the Cat’s Eye Nebula’s nested ‘Russian doll’ structure remains largely unsolved,” noted ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rings-around-the-cat-s-eye">Rings around the cat’s eye</h2>



“This image, taken with Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), reveals the full pattern of eleven or more concentric rings, or shells, around the Cat’s Eye. Each ‘ring’ is actually the edge of a spherical bubble seen projected onto the sky - which is why it appears bright along its outer edge.”



According to ESA, observations suggest that the star ejected its mass in a series of pulses at 1,500-year intervals. “These convulsions created dust shells that each contains as much mass as all of the planets in our solar system combined.”



Several explanations have been proposed for this phenomenon, including cycles of magnetic activity similar to our Sun's sunspot cycle, the influence of companion stars orbiting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dying-stars-may-be-a-source-of-gravitational-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dying star</a>, or stellar pulsations.&nbsp;



Another theory suggests that the material is ejected smoothly from the star, with the rings forming later due to the creation of waves in the outflowing material.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extrasolar-ocean-planet-discovered-in-the-draco-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draco</a> is a constellation in the northern sky that represents a dragon. It's one of the largest constellations, winding between the Big and Little Dippers.&nbsp;



In Greek mythology, Draco is often identified as the dragon Ladon, who guarded the golden apples in the garden of the Hesperides.



Draco is a circumpolar constellation for most northern hemisphere observers, meaning it never sets below the horizon and can be seen all year round.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-famous-planetary-nebulae">Famous planetary nebulae </h2>



Planetary nebulae are some of the most beautiful and intriguing objects in the universe.&nbsp;



One of the most famous is the Ring Nebula, or M57, located in the constellation Lyra. This nebula is renowned for its nearly perfect ring shape, which is the result of a dying star shedding its outer layers.&nbsp;



Another well-known planetary nebula is the Helix Nebula, or NGC 7293, often referred to as the "Eye of God" due to its eye-like appearance. The Helix Nebula is one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth, making it a popular target for amateur astronomers.&nbsp;



The Dumbbell Nebula, or M27, in the constellation Vulpecula, is another striking example. It is named for its resemblance to a dumbbell and is notable for being the first planetary nebula ever discovered, by Charles Messier in 1764.&nbsp;



The Butterfly Nebula, or NGC 6302, is located in the constellation Scorpius. Its name comes from its distinctive bipolar structure, resembling the wings of a butterfly. The nebula's central star is one of the hottest known, with a surface temperature of around 250,000 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;



The Eskimo Nebula, or NGC 2392, in the constellation Gemini, is known for its resemblance to a face surrounded by a fur parka, which gives it its name. Its intricate structure, including filaments and bubble-like shapes, makes it a fascinating object of study.&nbsp;



These nebulae not only captivate us with their beauty but also provide valuable insights into the life cycles of stars and the processes that shape our galaxy.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

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

Frederikshåb Isblink meltwater colors the Labrador Sea Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Frederikshåb Isblink, a glacier in southwest Greenland that flows downward from the Greenland Ice Sheet. After winding through a series of valleys, the glacier flattens out on a delta along the coast. 



In this image xaotured by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8, meltwater draining from Frederikshåb is mixing with the darker waters of the Labrador Sea.



According to ESA, Greenland’s glaciers function like bulldozers, grinding away and pulverizing rocks along the land surface. This produces a powder called glacial flour, made up of silt and clay, that builds up in the water around the glaciers. 















Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



---



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

Frederikshåb Isblink meltwater colors the Labrador Sea

Frederikshåb Isblink meltwater colors the Labrador Sea Today's Image of...

In 1959, NASA chose seven men to train for space exploration. It was an absolute honor to participate in such an elite task force, but Alan Shepard was the only one who actually succeeded in making it all the way to the moon. However while it may seem glamorous, Shepard’s journey was rife with trauma. After years of silence, he’s finally coming clean about the dark experiences he underwent—and the details are truly shocking. Photo Credit: NASA

Man Who Went To Space Twice Shares Troubling Secret

In 1959, NASA chose seven men to train for space...

Anyone who was alive during the late '60s remembers how intense the Apollo 11 launch was. The world watched in awe as three American astronauts — Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins — piloted the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle with success. But this foray into space wouldn't have been possible without Alan Shepard. Photo Credit: Nasa/Getty Images

Only The Best Wanted

Anyone who was alive during the late '60s remembers how...

See, the 1969 Apollo 11 flight wouldn't have gotten off the ground if not for a dedicated group of seven astronauts chosen by NASA in 1959. Each individual had no idea what to expect, considering NASA was breaking into completely new territory, but they were all thrilled at the chance to participate. Photo Credit: NASA/Flickr

The Special Seven

See, the 1969 Apollo 11 flight wouldn't have gotten off...

One of the most talented and respected astronauts in the group was a man named Alan Shepard. During World War II, Shepard worked aboard a Navy vessel, and after the war ended he became a test pilot. His talents eventually brought him to NASA in 1959 as one of the Mercury Seven astronauts. Photo Credit: NASA History and Science / Wikimedia Commons | {{PD-USGov}}

Shepard Moves To NASA

One of the most talented and respected astronauts in the...

Shepard and his crew were all put through grueling physical and mental challenges to prove they were fit for space travel. Finally, after working tirelessly for two years, Shepard took control of a spacecraft he named Freedom 7 on the very first Project Mercury flight. He was the first American to venture into the vast unknown. Photo Credit: Nasa/Getty Images

Freedom At Last

Shepard and his crew were all put through grueling physical...

Freedom 7 managed to enter into space on May 5, 1961, but Shepard was unable to achieve orbit around Earth. However, he did fly 116 miles high before coming back down. The trip was nothing short of exhilarating for both the astronaut and the anxious engineers watching at NASA, but everyone was still well aware of the dangers space travel posed. Photo Credit: NASA / Wikimedia Commons | {{PD-USGov}}

Not Without Danger

Freedom 7 managed to enter into space on May 5, 1961,...

For one thing, if something went awry, the only help an astronaut had was the vocal instructions from the control center; the bulk of the problem solving was on the astronaut's shoulders. Additional pressures were added to Alan's journey, too. Troubles he couldn't anticipate. Photo Credit: Bettmann / Getty Images

Adding To The Pressure

For one thing, if something went awry, the only help...

The world’s oceans are home to some of the most iconic marine megafauna, including sharks, whales, turtles, and seals. These ocean giants sit at the top of ocean food webs, playing critical roles in keeping marine ecosystems healthy. 



But they face mounting threats as human pressures reshape the oceans they call home.



A major new study has tracked the movements of over 100 marine megafaunal species to pinpoint the most important areas in our oceans for urgent conservation.



The research, conducted by a global team including scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (<a href="https://www.whoi.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHOI</a>) and The Australian National University (<a href="https://www.anu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ANU</a>), highlights where protective efforts must focus.



The study is part of the UN-endorsed MegaMove project, a massive collaboration involving nearly 400 scientists from more than 50 countries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-marine-megafauna-the-basics">Understanding marine megafauna - the basics</h2>



Marine megafauna are the giants of the ocean - large animals like whales, dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/offshore-wind-farms-are-now-habitats-for-sharks-and-rays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giant rays</a>. These creatures play critical roles in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. 



For example, whales help circulate nutrients by diving deep and then surfacing to breathe, effectively stirring the ocean layers. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-sea-turtles-swim-and-choose-their-paths-instead-of-drifting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sea turtles</a> keep seagrass beds healthy by grazing, while sharks regulate the food web by preying on the sick and weak. 



These species aren't just beautiful and fascinating - they're essential. Their presence supports biodiversity and helps oceans function as stable, resilient systems.



Despite their importance, marine megafauna face mounting threats from human activity. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seamounts-face-severe-destruction-from-bottom-trawling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Overfishing</a>, ship strikes, entanglement in plastic waste, noise pollution, and habitat loss all take a toll. 



Climate change compounds these challenges by warming waters and disrupting migration and breeding patterns. Many of these animals are long-lived and slow to reproduce, so their populations can't bounce back quickly once harmed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-highways-of-marine-megafauna">Hidden highways of marine megafauna</h2>



Currently, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-fall-short-on-2030-biodiversity-targets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine protected areas</a> (MPAs) cover just eight percent of the world’s oceans. However, the UN High Seas Treaty aims to expand that coverage to 30 percent. This new study shows that while the 30 percent goal is important, it may not be enough.



“The impacts of a changing ocean on marine megafauna are already evident,” said Camrin Braun, assistant scientist and ocean ecologist at WHOI. 



“Our recent work tracking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine predators</a>, including an earlier WHOI-led study, indicates changes in the ocean are expected to fundamentally alter the status quo for where these species are and how they live.”



The research team tracked animal movements to find areas critical for feeding, breeding, and migration.



“We found that the areas used by these animals overlap significantly with threats like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tuna-fishing-gear-is-harming-oceans-more-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a>, shipping, warming temperatures, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-changing-the-entire-earth-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution</a>,” said Ana Sequeira, marine ecologist at ANU and the study’s lead author. 



“The 30 percent protection goal is seen as helpful but insufficient to protect all important areas, meaning that additional mitigation strategies are needed to alleviate pressures beyond areas that will be protected.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-effort-to-protect-marine-megafauna">Global effort to protect marine megafauna</h2>



The MegaMove project, launched by Sequeira in 2020, aims to unite the marine movement ecology community to confront the urgent challenges facing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cascading-oxygen-loss-could-endanger-our-oceans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean life</a>.



“MegaMove brings together an international network of researchers to provide innovative research to advance the global conservation of marine megafauna,” Sequeira said.



The team emphasizes that while expanding protected areas is crucial, it’s equally important to tackle threats outside those zones.



“Our research shows that, in addition to protected areas, implementing mitigation strategies like changing fishing gear, using different lights in nets, and traffic schemes for ships will be key to alleviating current human pressure on these species,” Sequeira explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ranking-oceans-for-conservation">Ranking oceans for conservation</h2>



Study co-lead author Dr. Jorge Rodríguez, from Instituto de Física Interdisciplinar y Sistemas Complejos, shared new insights on how the team identified priority areas for marine megafaunal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-conservation-credit-system-could-reduce-costs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a>.



“We’ve outlined the top areas for 30 percent protection, ranking them based on their use by marine megafaunal species,” Rodríguez said.



“Our analysis identifies which areas in the global ocean these species are using as residencies or migratory corridors. We specifically focused on ranking higher those areas used for these important behaviors by the largest number of species.”



According to Sequeira, even if the whole 30 percent protection were selected in key areas used by marine megafauna, it would still not be enough to conserve them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-a-changing-ocean">Preparing for a changing ocean</h2>



Braun emphasized the need for flexibility in conservation strategies as ocean conditions continue to evolve.



“Adaptive management approaches, and stronger mitigation strategies are critical components of the coordinated international approach necessary to conserve these species into the future,” Braun said. 



“We need all the tools we can get if we are going to successfully balance conservation goals with human uses in a changing ocean.”



The study connects closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 14, which focuses on life below water.



By combining large-scale tracking data and coordinated international efforts, this research offers a clear path forward - a future where marine megafauna continue to thrive alongside a growing human presence on the seas.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl0239" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Marine megafauna face growing threats - despite global protections

The world’s oceans are home to some of the most...

Greenland’s eastern edge rarely causes a stir, yet instruments across the world lit up at the same time with a slow, steady beat that lasted nine full days. 



The pulse rose and fell every ninety-two seconds - far too sluggish for people to feel but strong enough to rattle bedrock from Alaska to Australia. No typical quake behaves that way.



Scientists soon linked the signal to Greenland's Dickson Fjord, a narrow inlet hemmed in by 3,000-foot cliffs. 



<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59851-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fresh satellite images</a> showed a new scar where a section of mountain had vanished. Something colossal had struck the water and set the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/mysterious-arc-joins-ice-on-a-fjord-in-western-greenland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fjord in motion</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-falls-dickson-fjord-rises">Mountain falls, Dickson Fjord rises</h2>



On September 16, 2023, more than 25 million cubic yards of rock and ice - enough to fill 10,000 Olympic-size pools - broke loose and plunged into Dickson Fjord.



The impact hurled up a mega-tsunami wave, reaching about 650 feet high. 



The surge barreled down the two-mile corridor, bounced off the headland, and tore back again, wrecking roughly $200,000 in equipment at an empty research post on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ella_Island" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ella Island</a>.



Water did not calm after the first pass. Instead, it began rocking from wall to wall, a motion known as a seiche. 



Computer models later showed the surface rising as much as 30 feet, then sinking the same amount in a steady rhythm that pressed on the seafloor like a giant piston.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-heartbeat-in-the-crust">Unusual heartbeat in the crust</h2>



Seismic stations normally record frantic scribbles during earthquakes. This time, the trace formed smooth peaks spaced a minute and a half apart and barely weakened over the better part of two weeks. 



No seiche had ever produced such a persistent global signature. One modeling group pegged the slosh at about 8½ feet; a second group estimated 23 to 30 feet. 



The disagreement stemmed from different assumptions about the fjord’s shape, but both sets of simulations agreed on the source: the landslide-driven wave. 



“It was a big challenge to do an accurate computer simulation of such a long-lasting, sloshing tsunami,” said Alice Gabriel of UC San Diego’s <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigators-follow-the-clues">Investigators follow the clues</h2>



The mystery drew seventy-plus researchers from forty-one institutions. 



“When we set out on this scientific adventure, everybody was puzzled and no one had the faintest idea what caused this signal,” said Kristian Svennevig of the <a href="https://eng.geus.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland</a>. 



“All we knew was that it was somehow associated with the landslide. We only managed to solve this enigma through a huge interdisciplinary and international effort.”



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/greenland-mega-tsunami_dickson-fjord_landslide-location_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/greenland-mega-tsunami_dickson-fjord_landslide-location_1s.webp" alt="Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite image of the Dickson Fjord in East Greenland. Credit: Thomas Monahan." class="wp-image-1972830"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite image of the Dickson Fjord in East Greenland. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Thomas Monahan.</figcaption></figure>



Field teams measured fresh gouges high on the cliffs, while supercomputers recreated the avalanche’s path and the fjord’s response. 



“It was exciting to be working on such a puzzling problem with an interdisciplinary and international team of scientists,” said Robert Anthony of the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Geological Survey</a>. 



“Ultimately, it took a plethora of geophysical observations and numerical modeling from researchers across many countries to put the puzzle together and get a complete picture of what had occurred.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-s-silent-hand">Climate’s silent hand</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-sheet-jakobshavn-glacier-seen-melting-in-real-time-from-earth-orbit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glacier ice</a> once buttressed the failing slope, but warming air and ocean water have eaten away at that natural brace. 



“Climate change is shifting what is typical on Earth, and it can set unusual events into motion,” Gabriel noted. 



Similar instability elsewhere triggered a deadly tsunami in <a href="https://esurf.copernicus.org/articles/8/1021/2020/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karrat Fjord</a> in 2017 that destroyed eleven houses and claimed four lives.



Dickson Fjord sits near a popular cruise route. Though no passengers were present last year, the episode highlights rising risks as Arctic travel grows. 



Authorities are now reviewing early-warning options that combine satellite feeds with real-time seismic data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellites-sharpen-the-picture">Satellites sharpen the picture</h2>



Conventional radar altimeters see only a thin line beneath each spacecraft. By contrast, the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (<a href="https://swot.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SWOT</a>) mission launched in December 2022 maps a 30-mile-wide swath with 8-foot resolution. 



“Climate change is driving the emergence of unprecedented extremes, particularly in remote regions like the Arctic, where our ability to monitor conditions using traditional physical sensors is limited,” explained Thomas Monahan of the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.



“SWOT represents a breakthrough in our ability to study oceanic processes in areas such as fjords - places that have long posed challenges for earlier satellite technologies," Monahan continued. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/greenland-mega-tsunami_dickson-fjord_landslide-location_Copernicus-Sentinel-2-data_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/greenland-mega-tsunami_dickson-fjord_landslide-location_Copernicus-Sentinel-2-data_1s.webp" alt="Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite image of the Dickson Fjord in East Greenland with the observed sea-surface height measurements from the SWOT satellite of the Earth-shaking wave on October 11th overlaid. Credit: Thomas Monahan." class="wp-image-1972832"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite image of the Dickson Fjord in East Greenland with the observed sea-surface height measurements from the SWOT satellite of the Earth-shaking wave on October 11th overlaid. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Thomas Monahan.</figcaption></figure>



"This research highlights how next-generation Earth observation satellites can transform our understanding of these dynamic environments."



Professor Thomas Adcock, also from Oxford, remarked, “This study demonstrates how advanced satellite data can finally illuminate phenomena that have eluded us for years.”



He added, “We’re now gaining new insights into oceanic extremes like tsunamis, storm surges, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-extreme-rogue-wave-recorded-in-the-pacific-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rogue waves</a>. To fully harness the potential of these new datasets, we’ll need to push the boundaries of both machine learning and our understanding of ocean physics.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-dickson-fjord">Lessons from Dickson Fjord</h2>



Researchers are now combing seismic archives for similar slow pulses. 



“This shows there is stuff out there that we still don't understand and haven't seen before,” said Carl Ebeling of Scripps. 



“The essence of science is trying to answer a question we don't know the answer to - that's why this was so exciting to work on.”



Every new discovery will refine models of how slope failure, fjord geometry, and water depth interact. 



Better forecasts could one day provide critical minutes of warning for ships and settlements in high-latitude waters - proof that even the quietest corners of the planet deserve a closer listen.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adm9247" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a> and <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59851-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

650-foot mega-tsunami sends seismic waves around world and satellites captured the action

Greenland’s eastern edge rarely causes a stir, yet instruments across...

A team of engineers has recently revealed an innovative new tool for tracking stress: a modified dental floss device that can detect cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, in real time from saliva.



Constructed by scientists at <a href="https://www.tufts.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tufts University</a>, the device could offer a simple, inexpensive, and user-friendly alternative to traditional stress-monitoring methods. Those methods typically rely on self-reported questionnaires or costly psychiatric evaluations.



“It started in a collaboration with several departments across Tufts, examining how stress and other cognitive states affect problem solving and learning,” said Sameer Sonkusale, a professor of electrical and computer engineering and lead researcher on the project.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-stress-through-flossing">Measuring stress through flossing</h2>



Scientists have long recognized that stress can cause harmful long-term effects. Chronic exposure can increase blood pressure, suppress the immune system, and contribute to conditions like depression, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/practicing-mindfulness-can-quiet-the-noise-of-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety</a>, and cardiovascular disease. 



“We didn’t want to create an additional source of stress, so we thought, 'can we make a sensing device that becomes part of your day-to-day routine?' Cortisol is a stress marker found in saliva, so flossing seemed like a natural fit to take a daily sample," said Sonkusale



Despite its serious implications, monitoring stress levels over time remains a challenge. This new floss-based technology could change that.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-device-with-big-potential">Tiny device with big potential</h2>



The stress-sensing floss is designed to look and feel just like a standard plastic floss pick. The difference lies in the built-in electronics that sit in the handle. 



As a person flosses, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-use-saliva-sharing-to-infer-close-relationships/">saliva</a> wicks up through the floss via capillary action, traveling into the handle and across a sensor tab. Electrodes embedded in this tab then detect the presence and concentration of cortisol in the sample.



A technology called electropolymerized molecularly imprinted polymers, or eMIPs, powers the detection mechanism.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-approach-to-stress">A new approach to stress</h2>



Originally developed nearly 30 years ago, eMIPs work much like a mold. Researchers form a polymer around a target molecule - in this case, cortisol - and then remove the molecule, leaving behind an imprint.



This “mold” has both the physical and chemical shape needed to recognize and bind with free-floating cortisol molecules in new samples.



“The eMIP approach is a game changer,” Sonkusale said. “Biosensors have typically been developed using antibodies or other receptors that pick up the molecule of interest. Once a marker is found, a lot of work has to go into bioengineering the receiving molecule attached to the sensor.”



Electropolymerized molecularly imprinted polymers do not require extensive investments in developing antibodies or receptors. Instead, a polymer cast can be rapidly created whenever a new marker for stress, disease, or any condition is discovered.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-versatile-health-tool">A versatile health tool</h2>



The floss sensor’s modular design and eMIP system can adapt to detect various biomarkers, not just cortisol. It could potentially track glucose for diabetes, estrogen for fertility monitoring, or other molecules linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-worsens-cardiovascular-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular health</a>, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.



There is also potential for integrating multiple sensing capabilities into a single device. A multi-biomarker floss sensor could deliver a more comprehensive view of a person’s health by detecting several chemical indicators simultaneously.



While still in development, the sensor has demonstrated accuracy comparable to the best stress-detection tools currently on the market. The Tufts team is now working to commercialize the technology via a startup for use in homes and clinics.



However, the researchers emphasize that people should use this tool for ongoing monitoring rather than for initial diagnoses.



“For diagnostics, blood is still the gold standard, but once you are diagnosed and put on medication, if you need to track, say, a cardiovascular condition over time, then monitoring with the sensor can be easy and allows for timely interventions when needed,” Sonkusale said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-chronic-stress">Managing chronic stress</h2>



One of the most striking aspects of this technology is its seamless integration into a daily routine. 



Unlike wearable trackers or bulky diagnostic tools, the floss device requires no new habits or specialized training. Users simply floss as usual and get an immediate snapshot of their stress levels.



Sonkusale and his research group developed the new device as part of a broader portfolio of thread-based sensor technologies. 



These include sensors embedded in clothing to detect motion, sweat metabolites, and environmental gases, as well as transistors for flexible electronics. The dental floss sensor, however, may be one of their most user-friendly innovations yet.



The research could help pave the way toward more personalized, real-time health monitoring. This innovation makes it easier for individuals to manage chronic stress and its long-term health effects with a simple swipe of floss.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsami.5c02988" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Stress-detecting dental floss could revolutionize personal health

A team of engineers has recently revealed an innovative new...

The ocean is responsible for about half of the oxygen we breathe. Yet even before we understood this vital role of the ocean, we were captivated by it. World Oceans Day, celebrated each year on June 8, gives us a moment to reconnect with this immense, life-sustaining force.



This year’s global theme, “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” encourages deep appreciation and meaningful action. Wonder leads to care, and that care can change the course of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-seaweed-day-2025-saving-the-oceans-sustainable-powerhouse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oceans</a>’ future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oceans-as-climate-guardians">Oceans as climate guardians</h2>



The ocean isn’t just vast - it’s vital. Covering more than 70% of Earth’s surface, it stores 50 times more carbon dioxide than our atmosphere. Its currents regulate temperatures, transport nutrients, and carry warmth around the globe.



Beneath its surface lies not just coral reefs and mysterious trenches but also the very threads that tie climate systems together. 



Without <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/darkening-oceans-are-shrinking-vital-marine-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oceans</a>, monsoons would collapse, winters would deepen, and summers would scorch. In short, Earth’s balance rests within saline waters that many of us have never even seen.



Yet, for all it gives, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ocean-animals-connect-countries-and-continents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> faces unprecedented threats. Climate change heats the seas and melts polar ice. Acidification weakens coral reefs. Oil spills, chemical runoff, and floating plastics choke marine life. Overfishing empties waters that once teemed with abundance. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theme-for-world-oceans-day-2025">Theme for World Oceans Day 2025</h2>



Certainly. Here's a revised version without the "soft and poetic" reference:



"Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us" implies a powerful truth: awe sparks responsibility. When we take time to truly wonder at something, we begin to care - and caring is what drives us to act.



This theme urges us to not just observe the ocean but to see it with renewed eyes. It asks us to listen to stories of fishermen, divers, coastal children, and scientists. It invites all generations to fall in love with the ocean again.



“Knowing is the key to caring, and with caring there is hope that people will be motivated to take positive actions,” said Professor Sylvia Earle, a world-renowned oceanographer. Her words resonate deeply in 2025. Wonder is no longer a passive feeling - it’s the first step toward protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-efforts-to-protect-the-ocean">Global efforts to protect the ocean</h2>



The United Nations will host this year’s global celebration in Nice, France. The timing is symbolic. It coincides with the opening of the <a href="https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/ocean2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UN Ocean Conference</a>, an international gathering committed to turning ocean promises into measurable outcomes.



At this event, world leaders, researchers, conservationists, and Indigenous voices will share ideas and announce commitments. 



Workshops will focus on deep-sea mining, marine pollution, coastal resilience, and the rights of small island states. Art exhibits and music performances will remind us of the ocean’s cultural power.



Virtual participation will allow anyone with an internet connection to join. Whether from the coast of Kerala or the heart of Kansas, the ocean will feel a little closer this June 8. The event’s hybrid nature mirrors the global truth: every community has a stake in the sea’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-ocean-currents-play-a-huge-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-oceans-day-urges-sustainable-fishing">World Oceans Day urges sustainable fishing</h2>



While the official UN theme centers on wonder, many environmental groups emphasize another vital topic: sustainable fishing. Their campaign tagline, “Sustainable Fishing Means More,” captures the urgent need to rethink how we extract food from the ocean.



Overfishing threatens food security and biodiversity. It harms traditional livelihoods and unravels ecological balance. 



Fish populations fall. Nets grow heavier with bycatch. Ocean floors are scraped and scarred. Yet, when managed wisely, fishing can coexist with marine conservation.



Sustainable practices ensure long-term abundance. They support coastal communities, protect young fish, and allow ocean ecosystems to recover. 



This secondary theme reminds us that sustainability isn’t just environmental - it’s economic, cultural, and moral.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-can-help-oceans-everyday">We can help oceans everyday</h2>



You don’t need to live near the sea to protect it. World Oceans Day&nbsp;reminds us that every action matters. What we do on land eventually affects the ocean. Pollution from cities, factories, and farms often travels through rivers into the sea. The things we buy, the food we eat, and even the way we vote all make a difference.



Loving sea turtles means protecting where they live. That means saying no to plastic, harmful chemicals, or seafood caught in damaging ways. Choosing what to support means choosing what survives.



Words matter too. When we talk about ocean problems, more people understand and care. Sharing stories, science, or even photos can inspire action. Watching ocean documentaries or supporting clean-up events helps people feel connected.



Real wonder turns into responsibility. Awareness is the first step toward saving the ocean - no matter where you live.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-oceans-day-calls-for-lasting-care">World Oceans Day calls for lasting care</h2>



World Oceans Day 2025 doesn’t end with a one-day celebration. Its message must live in classrooms, boardrooms, policy debates, and family dinners. It should guide how cities manage storm drains, how tourists behave on beaches, and how companies treat marine resources.



The ocean has always given more than it receives. Now, the tide is turning. We must choose respect over exploitation, wonder over indifference, and sustainability over short-term gain.



“Without the ocean, life on Earth would not exist,” says marine biologist Enric Sala. “If we lose the ocean, we lose ourselves.” 



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

World Oceans Day 2025: Protecting the waters that sustain humanity and all life on Earth

The ocean is responsible for about half of the oxygen...

Plants suffer greatly during summer droughts, which can lead to billions of dollars in lost crops, and a higher demand for irrigation. This can cause a decline in productivity, resulting in food shortages and rising prices. It’s a familiar story - but one that might soon change.



Researchers from <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a>, the University of Colorado, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have shown conclusively that plants can help themselves recover from severe drought, without outside intervention. 



This process, called “refilling,” has been debated by plant scientists for years. But the new research demonstrates that it can happen naturally in plants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-behind-plant-recovery">The science behind plant recovery</h2>



When plants dry out, they suffer damage deep inside. Their water transport system, known as the xylem, becomes blocked by gas bubbles. These bubbles, called embolisms, prevent water from flowing. 



In many plants, recovery is difficult of even impossible once <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-trees-decide-between-growing-and-breathing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">embolisms</a> have formed. Scientists have long debated whether plants can clear these blockages on their own. Some experiments suggested they could, but the methods used raised doubts.



Traditional studies often involved cutting plants and forcing water back into the tissues under unnatural pressures. Critics pointed out that this could create “artifacts” - results that didn’t reflect what happens in nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-plant-recovery-in-real-time">Observing plant recovery in real-time </h2>



To settle the debate, the CSU, CU, and USDA team took a different approach. They used a micro-CT scanner, an advanced type of X-ray machine, to watch the plants without harming them. This machine allowed the researchers to observe internal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sensors-that-detect-plant-stress-could-revolutionize-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant processes</a> as they unfolded in real time.



What they found was striking. Within 24 hours of watering, a type of wild grass that had become dehydrated showed a complete reversal of embolism. Its water transport system - initially almost entirely blocked - returned to full function.



“This is the first convincing evidence of the reversal, or refilling, of embolism in a vascular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-plant-species-remain-unphotographed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a>, with the plant regaining full functional recovery afterward,” said Sean Gleason, a researcher with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, and a CSU affiliate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-crops">What this means for crops</h2>



The implications are significant. If scientists can understand the genetic mechanisms behind refilling, they might be able to breed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-cover-crops-may-be-the-future-of-sustainable-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a> that can survive droughts more effectively.



The team has already started looking for other plants with this trait. The hope is to identify the genetic triggers that make refilling possible. Once found, these traits could be introduced into agricultural crops.



"If a plant can recover from drought quickly by refilling, then you might be able to recoup some losses during a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exquisite-mechanism-will-help-plants-survive-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> year,” said Troy Ocheltree, a CSU associate professor in the Warner College of Natural Resources. 



“If plants can refill, this may allow flexibility in the amount and timing of irrigation, although additional work is required to identify how refilling would impact crop water use.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-resilient-plant-hiding-in-plain-sight">A resilient plant hiding in plain sight</h2>



The plant that proved the theory wasn’t found in a lush field or a greenhouse. It was discovered growing in a parking lot, thriving in the cracks of hot, dry asphalt.



The research team, including lead author Jared Stewart and graduate students Brendan Allen and Stephanie Polutchko, picked this grass because of its resilience. 



After a prolonged drought, the grass appeared dead and had up to 88% of its xylem blocked. But once watered, its vascular system bounced back overnight.



So far, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-grass-could-protect-crops-against-deadly-pathogens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild grass</a> is the only species known to refill naturally. However, the researchers believe others might exist.



“We don't know how common this is,” Ocheltree said. “But the fact that we found a plant in the parking lot that refills makes me think there's probably others out there that also refill. It shifts our mindset.”



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



A key part of the study’s success was access to a micro-CT scanner from CSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. 



This specialized machine, which is typically used for small animals, emits lower radiation levels than standard CT scanners. It allowed the researchers to scan the plants repeatedly without causing harm.



Support from the lab’s staff was essential. Professor Nicole Ehrhart, director of CSU’s Center for Healthy Aging, and lab technician Laura Chubb played critical roles. Chubb initially scanned the plants and later trained Gleason to operate the machine.



“The resilience of this humble grass - reviving its vascular system overnight - was both surprising and deeply compelling,” Ehrhart said.



“Collaborations like this remind us how powerful it can be when tools developed for biomedical research are applied in new ways to answer fundamental questions about life. We were thrilled to contribute to such impactful science.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breeding-plants-to-resist-drought">Breeding plants to resist drought</h2>



The discovery opens the door to exciting possibilities. With further research, scientists might find more species capable of refilling. 



Experts can work toward breeding these drought-resistant traits into crops - a step that could improve food security and help farmers adapt to a changing climate.



For now, a scrappy little grass from a parking lot is showing the world that recovery from drought isn’t just possible - it’s real.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2420618122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

How a humble plant may help us save crops from drought

Plants suffer greatly during summer droughts, which can 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.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter 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/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

Andromeda: One trillion stars in a single frame

News coming your way