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 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 nebula in stunning detail, was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. Complex planetary nebula  According to ESA, the Cat's Eye Nebula is one of the most complex planetary nebulae that has ever been discovered. “A planetary...

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features Ksudach, a remarkable volcanic complex located on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.



“The peninsula is one of the world’s most active volcanic arcs due to tectonic plate movement, with the Pacific Plate subducting under the Eurasian Plate,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153779/ksudachs-nested-calderas-and-craters" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explosive-eruptions-of-ksudach">Explosive eruptions of Ksudach</h2>



Ksudach is classified as a shield <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-camera-helps-scientists-forecast-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcano</a> due to the gentle slopes formed by its extensive lava flows. The combination of its shield-like structure and the prominent caldera system makes Ksudach a unique volcanic feature on the Kamchatka Peninsula.



“Several overlapping calderas and craters comprise the volcano. Calderas are large, bowl-shaped depressions created by the collapse of overlying material into an emptied subsurface magma chamber,” explained NASA.



“Craters are circular depressions created by volcanic activity, surface impacts, or explosions.”



This volcanic system has a fascinating geological history shaped by multiple explosive eruptions.&nbsp;



The most significant of these occurred around 240 AD, leaving behind a prominent caldera that now hosts scenic crater lakes, such as Lake Ksudach. 



“Lakes within the volcanic region are primarily recharged by rain and snowmelt from the winter season. This photo shows the water’s contrasting blue hues surrounded by green vegetation,” noted NASA.



“Traces of snow fill valleys within and outside the volcano’s caldera complex. These snow-covered areas highlight the drainage patterns from higher to lower elevations. Water that flows through these erosional pathways and into the caldera supports its vegetation and lakes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-landscape-of-ksudach-nbsp">Unique landscape of Ksudach&nbsp;</h2>



Ksudach's landscape also features pyroclastic deposits, lava flows, and hydrothermal features like fumaroles.&nbsp;



The surrounding environment - which is part of the UNESCO-listed Kamchatka Volcanoes - supports a diverse ecosystem with unique wildlife. 



Despite its remote location, Ksudach has drawn the attention of geologists, offering insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-volcanic-eruptions-are-more-harmful-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic processes</a> and the dynamics of caldera formation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-nature-of-earth-s-geology-nbsp">Dynamic nature of Earth's geology&nbsp;</h2>



The most well-documented eruption of Ksudach occurred in March 1907. This eruption ranks as one of the largest in Kamchatka in the 20th century, with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 5.



The eruption produced a colossal ash column that soared into the stratosphere, dispersing fine particles over vast distances and contributing to global atmospheric changes.&nbsp;



The sheer force of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/icelands-volcanic-eruptions-may-continue-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruption</a> unleashed pyroclastic flows - fast-moving avalanches of hot gas, ash, and volcanic debris - that raced down the volcano's slopes, obliterating everything in their path.&nbsp;



These flows, capable of reaching temperatures over 1,000°C, decimated vegetation and altered the topography of the surrounding region.&nbsp;



Simultaneously, tephra deposits blanketed the landscape in layers of thick volcanic material, smothering ecosystems and creating a barren wasteland.&nbsp;



Today, Ksudach is considered an active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcano</a> but remains dormant. The region is closely monitored due to its potential for renewed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pacific-ring-of-fire-nbsp">Pacific Ring of Fire&nbsp;</h2>



The Kamchatka Peninsula lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped zone encircling the Pacific Ocean where tectonic activity is highly concentrated.&nbsp;



This geologically dynamic area features numerous volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, and frequent seismic activity - making it a hotspot for both natural beauty and scientific study. 



Kamchatka is home to over 160 volcanoes, with about 30 considered active, including Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the highest and one of the most active in the region.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-activity-nbsp">Volcanic activity&nbsp;</h3>



As the Pacific Plate dives into the Earth's mantle, it melts and generates magma that feeds Kamchatka’s volcanic systems.&nbsp;



This ongoing tectonic interaction also contributes to the broader activity of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which accounts for approximately 75% of the world's active and dormant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supervolcano-italy-solfatara-crater-phlegraean-fields-shows-signs-of-waking-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanoes</a> and about 90% of its earthquakes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-significance-nbsp">Broader significance&nbsp;</h3>



Beyond its geological significance, the Kamchatka Peninsula boasts a diverse ecosystem that is home to animals such as snow sheep, brown bears, red foxes, and unique plants that are adapted to its harsh environment. 



The coastal waters surrounding the peninsula support various fish species, including abundant salmon, as well as sea lions and killer whales.



The interplay of volcanic landscapes and pristine wilderness makes it a natural laboratory for understanding Earth's dynamic processes.



The image was captured by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



-----



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.



-----

Ksudach: A volcano shaped by explosive forces

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

Then, in the years that followed, Sinclair’s grandson Aubrey Robinson established a sugar plantation on the nearby island of Kauai. He also set about planting 10,000 trees on Niihau each year. And his efforts worked in increasing rainfall on the island, making it more habitable and sustainable in turn. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain

Made More Habitable

Then, in the years that followed, Sinclair’s grandson Aubrey Robinson...

But just a few decades later in 1893, the Hawaiian Monarchy came to end with the annexation by the American government. As the Hawaiian islands were being pulled into statehood, the culture and traditions became suppressed — except for on Niihau, that is. Photo Credit: Pan Pacific Press/Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images

The Issue Of Statehood

But just a few decades later in 1893, the Hawaiian...

Because of its status as private property, the Sinclairs were able to create a greater degree of separation between themselves and the encroaching United States. This really came into effect in the 1930s when Niihau made a dramatic proclamation. Photo Credit: James L. Amos / Getty Images

Loophole

Because of its status as private property, the Sinclairs were...

In order to preserve Niihau’s unique way of life, then, the location has been off-limits to the general public since 1930s. That decision was made when a polio epidemic struck the Hawaiian Islands, during which the Robinsons decided to close off Niihau from the rest of the world. Photo Credit: knudsentrust.org / Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain

Off Limits

In order to preserve Niihau’s unique way of life, then,...

And Bruce Robinson has explained the reasoning behind the island’s shutdown. He told&nbsp;Good Morning America, “My uncle wanted to protect the residents here from the epidemic. It was forbidden to come out here unless you had a doctor’s certificate, and there was a two-week quarantine. And it worked. We never got polio out here.” Photo Credit: Baby Wild Films / YouTube

Precautionary

And Bruce Robinson has explained the reasoning behind the island’s...

Even when the threat of polio subsided, however, Niihau remained largely inaccessible to the public. And as a result, the mystery surrounding the island intensified, leaving many outsiders intrigued as to what life there is like. Yet the Robinson family themselves are somewhat perplexed over the fascination with their land. Photo Credit: Baby Wild Films / YouTube

Public Fascination

Even when the threat of polio subsided, however, Niihau remained...

“[Locals] go back and forth all the time. In fact, every person on Niihau has been to the mainland,” Robinson explained. “They know all about it. It’s a well-traveled population – totally bilingual, some working on three languages. While it is an ancient type of culture, they’re a very modern type of people.” Photo Credit: midway512 / YouTube

Locals Come And Go Freely

“[Locals] go back and forth all the time. In fact,...

Many Niihauans also continue to farm and fish – much like their ancestors did. And for some of the natives, these activities continue to provide sources of income. Other residents, meanwhile, have found work on the Robinsons’ ranch, while a handful relies on welfare payments. Photo Credit: Hunter Brumels / Unsplash

Sources of Income

Many Niihauans also continue to farm and fish – much...

The deep sea guards secrets of Earth’s past. Its sediment layers silently record carbon cycles, climate shifts, and ecosystem upheavals. Among the vast oceans, the Pacific holds the most heat and carbon. Yet, it remains one of the least explored when it comes to long-term climate data.



“It's easy to forget that two-thirds of our planet is covered with salty ocean water, especially when you don’t live near the coast,” said Professor Elizabeth Griffith from <a href="https://www.osu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>. “It’s also hard to realize just how much of it we haven’t explored yet.”



Legacy data is thin. Only eight Pacific High sites have been sampled using modern drilling methods. These include Shatsky Rise, Hess Rise, Allison Guyot, Limalok Guyot, Lo-En Guyot, Ontong Java Plateau, Mid-Pacific Mountains,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Magellan Rise. 



Most of our insights still rely on decades-old <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sediment-in-the-great-blue-hole-reveals-an-alarming-storm-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sediment</a> cores, many of which are now partly degraded and depleted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pacific-sediment-holds-a-climate-record">Pacific sediment holds a climate record</h2>



Pacific Highs are submerged geological plateaus, rich in carbonate sediments ideal for preserving past <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/darkening-oceans-are-shrinking-vital-marine-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> signals. These sites sit above the carbonate compensation depth, where shells of tiny organisms survive long enough to become fossilized.



During warmer epochs, the deep ocean turned acidic, eroding many fossil records. Yet, these Highs remained relatively untouched. Sediment cores from sites like Shatsky Rise have revealed Earth’s ancient greenhouse climates, mass extinctions, oceanic anoxic events, and recovery patterns.



But sediment continuity is not guaranteed. Currents and internal tides sometimes erode layers. That’s why scientists argue for multi-site sampling. More complete and widespread records help piece together zonal and latitudinal ocean changes over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-ancient-climate-clues">Uncovering ancient climate clues</h2>



Technology has transformed ocean drilling. Ships like the JOIDES Resolution enabled long, continuous core recovery from multiple holes per site. This method replaced the earlier “spot-coring” that often missed climate transitions.



Still, many key events - like the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary - are poorly represented in Pacific cores. New proxies now let researchers study microbial communities, biomarkers, and porewaters, but these methods need fresh <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-large-water-body-on-earth-does-not-touch-land-known-as-the-sargasso-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sediment</a>.



“When you’re extrapolating from such a huge time and spatial scale, you need more than one or two data points to get complete records and ground truth modeling,” said Professor Griffith.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-pacific-sediment-cores">Urgent need for Pacific sediment cores</h2>



Gaps in spatial data limit model accuracy. Researchers stress the importance of gathering new cores to improve climate models, reduce uncertainty, and capture ecological transitions.



Scientific drilling helps reconstruct circulation patterns, biological pump dynamics, and responses to warming and acidification. These insights are crucial for understanding how oceans will absorb excess CO₂ and how marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-secretly-reshape-landscapes-in-powerful-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a> will adapt - or collapse.



The 2024 Ohio State workshop emphasized community-led research planning. Experts recommended revisiting sites with excellent preservation, like Hess Rise, and launching new expeditions to still-unexplored Highs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-effort-needed">Global effort needed</h2>



Scientific progress depends on global cooperation. “One of the benefits of the ocean drilling community has always been that it’s a larger effort,” said Professor Griffith.



“Working with legacy core material is a crucial part of my research, but it will never replicate the experience of sailing on a deep-sea scientific drilling expedition and fostering international collaboration at sea,” noted study co-author Batoul Saad.



The loss of the U.S. riserless drillship threatens this effort. Funding cuts and aging infrastructure make it harder to pursue long-term sediment recovery missions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-training-the-next-generation">Training the next generation</h2>



Pacific Highs are more than research sites. They are training grounds for the next wave of ocean scientists. Coordinated “expeditions” to core repositories and collaborative drilling missions centered on Pacific sediment cores will allow students and early-career researchers to engage deeply with Earth science.



“As individuals, much of the work of supporting science involves just being curious about the planet that we live on and that sustains us," said Professor Griffith.



"Once you become curious, realizing how much you impact your surroundings leads to better decisions and new scientific discoveries.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sampling-for-future-climate-models">Sampling for future climate models</h2>



Future reconstructions of Earth’s climate will depend on how well we sample the past. New drilling, combined with legacy data and emerging tools, will help clarify what the Pacific has to tell us.



As climate models evolve, grounding them in physical evidence becomes critical. The Pacific’s buried layers might just hold the clues to predicting tomorrow’s Earth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025PA005133" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology</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.



-----

Pacific sediment cores unlock millions of years of climate history

The deep sea guards secrets of Earth’s past. Its sediment...

Giant viruses were once mysterious. Now, they appear essential to the ocean's balance. These viruses infect protists - single-celled marine life like algae, amoebas, and flagellates. 



Protists sit at the base of the food web. When giant viruses infect them, the effects ripple through the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-based-viruses-discovered-that-trap-carbon-and-combat-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a>. Sometimes, these infections even trigger harmful algal blooms. These blooms can hurt marine animals and affect public health.



Researchers now want to know more. If we understand these viruses better, we might predict when and where blooms will occur. That would help protect coastal communities. A team at the <a href="https://www.earth.miami.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science</a> has taken a big step forward.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-giant-viruses-influence-marine-life">How giant viruses influence marine life</h2>



The research team analyzed vast sets of publicly available environmental DNA sequences collected from marine waters around the world. 



By applying their specialized tool to this massive data pool, they were able to recover 230 previously unknown, high-quality giant virus <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/23-new-marine-bacteria-species-discovered-that-influence-global-ocean-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genomes</a>.



The genomes originated from samples collected across a diverse range of oceanic regions, stretching from the frozen Arctic Ocean in the north to the remote reaches of the South Pacific.



Among the sampling locations, the Baltic Sea stood out. This brackish body of water, known for its unique ecological conditions, yielded the highest number of discoveries - 108 high-quality viral genomes. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diversity-of-giant-viruses">Diversity of giant viruses</h2>



In addition to these complete sequences, the team also identified 398 partial giant virus genomes, expanding the known diversity even further.



The recovered viruses spanned several well-known taxonomic orders. Most belonged to Imitervirales and Algavirales, two dominant groups in marine viral ecology. Remarkably, the researchers also detected members of the rare Mirusviricota order. 



This group is particularly significant because it shows evolutionary links between giant viruses and herpesviruses, suggesting a much deeper history than previously thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-virus-dna-and-protein-makeup">Giant virus DNA and protein makeup</h2>



Many of the new viral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-found-in-yellowstones-hot-springs-may-be-near-the-root-of-all-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genomes</a> were large - some over 1.3 million base pairs long. Genomes in the Algavirales group were among the biggest. Pandoravirales showed the highest GC content, which affects how the DNA behaves and is processed.



The researchers didn’t just stop at sequencing. They studied proteins inside these viruses and calculated nitrogen and sulfur in each protein chain. 



These values offer clues about virus-host dynamics. A high nitrogen content might drain host resources during infection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virus-genes-control-how-hosts-make-energy">Virus genes control how hosts make energy</h2>



The team found genes for photosynthesis and carbon metabolism. These include genes involved in glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and even chlorophyll-binding proteins. 



“We discovered that giant viruses possess genes involved in cellular functions such as carbon metabolism and photosynthesis - traditionally found only in cellular organisms," said Benjamin Minch, the lead author of the study.



Imitervirales carried many of these genes. Algavirales carried fewer, despite larger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-recreate-an-ancient-war-trick-to-defeat-viruses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> sizes. This hints at two different infection strategies. Imitervirales might rely more on hijacking and augmenting host metabolism.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-hotspot-for-viral-diversity">A hotspot for viral diversity </h2>



The Baltic Sea turned out to be a hotspot for viral diversity. Researchers found many new proteins there, including 88% of the novel proteins identified in this study. 



Salinity, depth, and bacterial production played major roles in shaping these viral communities.



“This study allowed us to create a framework to improve existing tools for detecting novel viruses that could aid in our ability to monitor pollution and pathogens in our waterways,” Minch added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photosynthesis-a-hijacked-process">Photosynthesis: A hijacked process</h2>



Newly discovered viral proteins linked to photosystems I and II, cytochrome b6f, and ATP synthase suggest that giant viruses can tweak their host’s photosynthetic machinery. That helps the virus maintain the host's energy production during infection.



“Giant viruses are often the main cause of death for many phytoplankton, which serve as the base of the food web supporting ocean ecosystems and food sources,” said Mohammad Moniruzzaman, co-author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tools-and-open-access-data">Tools and open access data</h2>



All this was made possible by <a href="https://gitlab.com/benminch1/BEREN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BEREN</a> - a new tool that spots giant viruses in public DNA libraries. The team avoided re-analyzing datasets already mined, like Tara Oceans, and focused on untapped sources.



Giant viruses remain one of biology’s great surprises. With just 1,800 marine genomes recovered to date, there’s much more to find. The new genomes add weight to the idea that viruses shape entire ecosystems.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44298-025-00122-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Viruses</a>.



The full dataset, genomes, and code are open-access on <a href="https://figshare.com/projects/Expansion_of_the_genomic_and_functional_diversity_of_global_ocean_giant_viruses/214120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Figshare</a> and <a href="https://zenodo.org/records/14782687" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zenodo</a>. 



Image Credit: Grieg Steward, Ph.D., <a href="https://manoa.hawaii.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa</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.



-----

Giant viruses hijack ocean plants to control marine food webs

Giant viruses were once mysterious. Now, they appear essential to...

Flat,Lay,Composition,With,Tasty,Maple,Syrup,And,Dry,Leaves

Sweet treats come with strings attached. Added sugar pushes blood pressure higher, drives visceral fat, and nudges blood glucose past healthy limits. For most people, swapping table sugar for something less taxing could be a small shift with outsized benefits.



A new study suggests that the switch might already be sitting on the breakfast table. 



Researchers looked at what happens when adults trade two tablespoons of refined sugar for an equal amount of pure maple syrup, and the results point to improvements in several early warning signs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strawberries-promote-cardiometabolic-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiometabolic</a> trouble.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sugar-has-invaded-our-lives">Sugar has invaded our lives</h2>



Americans swallow about 17 teaspoons of added sugar each day, roughly two to three times the <a href="https://www.heart.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Heart Association</a>’s recommended cap for men and women. 



Health guidelines urge keeping added sugars below ten percent of daily calories and, ideally, closer to six percent for better heart health.



Cutting back is easier when the replacement tastes familiar. Maple syrup fits the bill but offers more than sweetness. 



Scientists have cataloged more than 67 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-polyphenols-promote-heart-health-youthful-skin-and-a-healthy-waistline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polyphenols</a> in the amber liquid alongside minerals, vitamins, and amino acids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maple-syrup-vs-sugar-the-test">Maple syrup vs. sugar - the test</h2>



The latest work, led by Dr. André Marette at Laval University’s <a href="https://www.iucpq.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quebec Heart and Lung Institute</a> and Dr. Marie-Claude Vohl at the Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (<a href="https://www.inaf.ulaval.ca/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INAF</a>), enrolled 42 volunteers aged 18 to 75 with body mass index values between 23 and 40. 



Each person replaced five percent of daily calories - about two tablespoons - with either Canadian maple syrup or a flavored sucrose syrup for eight weeks. After a four-week washout, the groups switched syrups so every participant served as their own control.



“We know from decades of research that maple syrup is more than just sugar. It contains over 100 natural compounds, including polyphenols, that are known to prevent disease in part through their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-with-milk-has-powerful-anti-inflammatory-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anti-inflammatory effects</a>,” remarked Dr. Marette. 



Because the fundamental chemistry of maple syrup is unique, they wondered if ingesting maple syrup instead of an equivalent amount of refined sugar would differently impact cardiometabolic health and the intestinal microbiota in humans. 



According to Dr. Marette, "The results were extremely encouraging. I did not expect to see so many improvements of risk factors within a relatively short treatment period.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-shifts-in-key-markers">Surprising shifts in key markers</h2>



After eight weeks on maple syrup, participants handled an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meal-time-has-a-major-influence-on-our-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oral glucose</a> tolerance test far better than when they consumed the sucrose syrup, showing a change of -50.59 versus +29.93. 



Systolic blood pressure edged down by -2.72 millimeters of mercury, while it crept up +0.87 millimeters on the sucrose phase. 



Android fat mass - deep abdominal fat linked to heart disease - dropped -7.83 grams on maple syrup but rose +67.61 grams with refined sugar.



“Both individually and collectively, the study findings are quite significant. The combined decrease of such key risk factors may help to reduce the risk of diabetes and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>," Dr. Marette enthused. 



"Making a commitment to lifestyle changes and small adjustments to our everyday diets is important and can be a powerful tool in preventing future diseases.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-maple-syrup-is-different">Why maple syrup is different</h2>



Blood tests were only half the story. Stool samples showed fewer Klebsiella species and Bacteroides pectinophilus - microbes tied to inflammation - after maple syrup consumption. 



At the same time, Lactocaseibacillus casei and Clostridium beijerinckii flourished. These shifts hint that maple’s natural compounds may influence metabolism partly through the gut.



Pure maple syrup brings trace nutrients along for the ride. 



Two tablespoons supply about 35 percent of a day’s manganese, 15 percent of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-carb-diets-have-more-nutritional-value-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">riboflavin</a>, eight percent of copper, and small but measurable amounts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amaranth-seeds-rich-in-calcium-and-iron-prevents-tumors-and-keeps-bones-strong/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calcium</a>, thiamin, and potassium, all while carrying roughly twelve percent fewer calories than light corn syrup. 



Refined sugar, in contrast, arrives stripped of such extras.



“With each new study, we learn more about the benefits that natural products from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-plant-species-show-great-promise-in-fight-against-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medicinal plants</a> and functional foods, like maple syrup, provide,” noted Dr. Navindra Seeram. 



“The promising results of this first human trial provide more reasons to educate consumers about maple syrup’s many health benefits. It is truly a ‘smarter sweetener’ and a healthier alternative to refined sugar.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-maple-syrup-data-is-needed">More maple syrup data is needed</h2>



The sample size was modest, and the trial lasted just eight weeks. Even so, the consistency across multiple risk factors stands out.



“While this study was limited to a relatively small sample size (42 men and women) and took place during a relatively short period, the results are still significant,” Dr. Marette remarked. 



“We now have human evidence to support replacing refined sugars with maple syrup, a natural sweetener, for preventing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/christensenella-minuta-gut-bacteria-linked-obesity-different-men-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolic diseases</a>."



The scientists' next goal is to conduct larger studies with other populations to explore how replacing refined sugars with maple syrup might impact their unique health conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-make-the-swap">How to make the swap</h2>



Swapping maple syrup for sugar in your diet is as simple as it sounds.



“Before the study, I would consume pure maple products regularly but not consistently," one study participant shared. 



"I have always enjoyed it. Today my routine is to replace refined sugars with two tablespoons of pure Canadian maple syrup daily."



Small swaps add up. Cutting just two tablespoons of refined sugar trims roughly 96 calories and more than 24 grams of straight sucrose.



By choosing pure maple syrup in place of refined sugar, you enact a modest dietary change backed by evidence of healthier glucose responses, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-foods-might-work-like-medicines-to-lower-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lower blood pressure</a>, diminished visceral fat, and a more favorable gut microbiome.



While larger studies will refine these insights, the present trial already encourages individuals, clinicians, and food producers to rethink sweetening habits and embrace this nutrient-rich natural syrup as a wiser everyday indulgence.



For anyone edging toward metabolic trouble, that simple switch may be one easy step toward better numbers at the next check-up.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://jn.nutrition.org/article/S0022-3166(24)00465-6/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Nutrition</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.



-----

This sugar substitute has surprising health benefits, including weight management

Sweet treats come with strings attached. Added sugar pushes blood...

Where do fish go for a deep clean? Coral reefs. These underwater hubs host bustling stations where small fish perform hygiene services for their larger neighbors. 



Cleaner fish dart around bigger "clients," even entering mouths to remove parasites and bacteria. Some even offer what looks like a massage.



But are these fish spas just about grooming? Or could they affect the entire microbial network of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-reef-awareness-day-2025-bringing-corals-back-to-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef</a>?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cleaner-fish-help-microbes-travel">Cleaner fish help microbes travel</h2>



A study published in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series explores this hidden layer of reef life. The research was led by experts at the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a> and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (<a href="https://www.whoi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHOI</a>).



The team set out to investigate whether cleaner stations help spread harmful pathogens or helpful microbes. 



If microbes move easily around a reef, they may influence coral bleaching or disease resistance. Understanding these interactions could inform coral restoration strategies.



“How pathogens or microbes are moving around a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reef-fish-populations-are-boosted-by-ocean-connectivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef</a> could be critically important to understanding how individuals will be affected,” said lead author Anya Brown, an assistant professor with the UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory and a National Geographic Explorer. 



“We know microbes play a role in coral bleaching, for example. This study really lays a foundation for using cleaner fish stations as a way to study movement of microbes around the reef environment.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cleaner-gobies-and-fish-visits">Cleaner gobies and fish visits </h2>



The scientists chose to study the cleaning goby, a tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-jaws-twist-to-feed-more-effectively-on-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> known for its services on Caribbean reefs. Despite its small size, the goby plays a key role in reef life. It has a striped body and is about the size of a human pinky finger.



In June 2021, the researchers removed these gobies from some cleaning stations on reefs in Puerto Rico and St. Croix. They wanted to see what would happen when these little cleaners were taken out of the picture. 



The team analyzed changes in water quality, shifts in the kinds of microbes in the water, and how other fish, especially damselfish, responded. Damselfish often visit gobies to get cleaned.



The results were revealing. Places that still had gobies attracted more fish. These active cleaning spots seemed to influence the tiny life forms in the water too. But each reef reacted differently, showing that microbial shifts depend on local reef conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-beyond-parasite-removal">Impacts beyond parasite removal</h2>



Cleaner fish do more than just remove parasites from other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-cant-survive-rising-sea-urchin-numbers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a>. Their cleaning activity may also change the types and amounts of microbes in the reef.



By interacting closely with many fish, cleaner fish might help spread certain microbes or reduce harmful ones. This can affect not only the health of individual fish but also the balance of microscopic life across the reef. So, their impact extends beyond visible cleaning - it reaches the invisible microbial world that supports the whole ecosystem.



Study co-author Paul Sikkel is a research professor at the Rosenstiel School’s Department of Marine Biology and Ecology.



“While larger organisms on coral reefs attract the most attention, the study underscores the huge impact tiny organisms such as these fish can have and how important they are to helping healthy reef ecosystems function,” said Sikkel.



“While cleaner fish are well-known for their role in consuming parasites and reducing stress in other fish, this is the first field study to quantify their effects on microbes of other fish and the surrounding coral reef environment.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-collaboration-and-next-steps">Global collaboration and next steps</h2>



Scientists from several institutions collaborated on the research, including Amy Apprill and Jeanne Bloomberg from WHOI, and Gina Hendrick and Matthew Nicholson from the <a href="https://www.miami.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Miami</a>. Marta Soares and Raquel Xavier joined from the <a href="https://www.up.pt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Porto</a> in Portugal. 



The study was supported by major science organizations. Funding came from the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, WHOI, and <a href="https://www.fct.pt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portugal’s Foundation for Science and Technology</a>. 



Even though cleaner fish are tiny, they can influence entire ecosystems. Researchers are just beginning to understand how these fish help control the movement of microbes and maintain reef balance. The study opens new questions about the deeper connections shaping ocean life.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v761/meps14851" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Ecology Progress Series</a>.



-----



Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> 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/"> EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/"> Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Cleaner fish may spread helpful microbes across coral reefs

Where do fish go for a deep clean? Coral reefs....

Most people know hurricanes as destructive giants. On land, they tear through cities, uproot trees, and flood entire regions. But when these storms pass over the ocean, something else happens that is more subtle, but not less important. 



The violent winds stir the sea, pulling up cold, nutrient-rich water from the depths and setting off a chain reaction of biological changes.



In 2018, a group of researchers led by Professor Michael Beman from <a href="https://www.ucmerced.edu/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_campaign=GoogleLocalListing&amp;utm_medium=organic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Merced</a> found themselves in the midst of this transformation.



While studying oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) in the Eastern Tropical North Pacific, they encountered Hurricane Bud. Instead of halting their expedition, they took a chance.



The team was presented with a rare scientific opportunity: observing how a powerful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-hurricane-activity-will-change-over-the-next-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricane</a> could rapidly change the ocean’s chemistry and biology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurricane-leads-to-rare-ocean-sampling">Hurricane leads to rare ocean sampling</h2>



The team launched their expedition from Mazatlán, Mexico, and set a course toward San Diego. The goal was to study naturally occurring OMZs, which are regions in the mid-depth ocean that contain very little oxygen.



As Hurricane Bud intensified into a Category 4 cyclone, the researchers monitored weather forecasts closely. “We were very careful, and we had plans A, B, C and D in place,” Beman said. “The forecasting was extremely accurate, and we knew the storm rapidly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-predict-the-weather-but-what-about-extreme-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intensified</a>.”



Rather than retreat, the team navigated between research sites and found shelter behind islands. Once the storm passed, they sailed directly into the region it had just churned. 



“There was some skill involved, but definitely some luck, too, and we ended up adding a sampling location right where the storm was at maximum power," said Bernan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurricane-sparks-massive-ocean-changes">Hurricane sparks massive ocean changes</h2>



The ocean’s surface was bright green, stained with chlorophyll from a massive phytoplankton bloom. These microscopic plants thrive when nutrients are abundant - and the hurricane had delivered exactly that. 



Cold water from the depths had risen, carrying nitrogen, phosphate, and other essential elements to the surface.



“When we got there, you could actually see and smell the difference in the ocean,” said Beman. “It was green from all the chlorophyll being produced. There were totally different organisms there, and they were going nuts in the wake of the storm.”



These blooms feed entire marine food webs. Bacteria, zooplankton, shellfish, fish, and even whales take advantage of the sudden buffet. 



"We were doing this at a time of year when there’s not a lot going on biologically in these areas of the ocean, so these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-amplified-hurricane-strength/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricane</a>-generated blooms are like oases for ocean organisms," said Bernan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-with-low-oxygen-levels">Water with low oxygen levels</h2>



Unfortunately, the same deep waters that delivered nutrients also carried low oxygen levels. These oxygen minimum zones, usually found over 100 meters below the surface, rose rapidly.



At one site, Station 3.5, the OMZ had shoaled to just 41 meters deep. At other points, the oxygen-deficient zone (ODZ) reached as shallow as 50 meters. This shoaling poses a threat to fish and invertebrates that cannot survive in such conditions. 



For Beman, the data was a revelation. “I’ve never seen measurements like that in those areas of the ocean, ever,” he said. The change was not just physical. The hurricane altered the ocean’s chemistry and biology as well.



Anaerobic processes - those that do not rely on oxygen - were suddenly active closer to the surface. The researchers observed signs of nitrogen cycling and sulfate reduction, both of which affect global nutrient balances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storm-leaves-chemical-traces">Storm leaves chemical traces</h2>



The researchers gathered water samples from just below the surface. These revealed high levels of nitrate, phosphate, and ammonium at around 11 meters depth. These nutrients are essential for phytoplankton growth. 



Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) levels were unusually low, likely due to the introduction of deep ocean water. In contrast, particulate organic carbon (POC) was high, supporting the idea that a bloom was in full swing.



Further chemical analysis uncovered more than 1,600 distinct compounds. Many were known phytoplankton markers like fucoxanthin and MGDG lipids. Others, such as lumichrome and tryptophan, are believed to mediate communication between microbes and algae. 



These chemical fingerprints offered a detailed look into the biological activity that followed the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricane-helene-a-glimpse-into-the-future-of-natural-disasters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storm</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-respond-with-adaptation">Microbes respond with adaptation</h2>



RNA and DNA analysis showed microbial shifts. Flavobacteria dominated near the surface, breaking down phytoplankton. Cyanobacteria and Proteobacteria thrived too. Deeper in the ODZ, low-oxygen specialists like Desulfobacteria and Nitrospina took over.



“Margot noticed the subsurface changes from the hurricane when she was preparing her thesis chapters, especially the fact that the oxygen minimum zone had rapidly shoaled,” Beman said. 



“Irina searched her unique organic matter data to look for changes driven by the hurricane, which turned out to be very clear and dramatic.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurricanes-trigger-similar-ocean-changes">Hurricanes trigger similar ocean changes</h2>



Twenty years of satellite data showed storms near Station 3.5 often triggered phytoplankton blooms. Bud was part of a recurring pattern.



According to the study, these storms account for 7 to 15 percent of the region’s total annual carbon export. While short-lived, the impact of each storm lingers as carbon-rich material sinks into the deep sea. These events contribute meaningfully to oceanic carbon cycling.



The Eastern Tropical North Pacific is already one of the planet’s major sites for fixed nitrogen loss. Beman and his colleagues will continue to analyze the samples and share their data with others.



“We’ve met many, many times to analyze the data and figure out what effects the hurricane had and why,” he said. The team believes there is still much to uncover.



“We are just scratching the surface of what these storms do,” Beman added. “It was a rough few days at sea. I hope we continue to learn as much as we can about what actually happens during and after hurricanes.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/epdf/10.1126/sciadv.ado8335" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</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.



-----

Hurricanes stir up dramatic changes in the deep ocean

Most people know hurricanes as destructive giants. On land, they...

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...

Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

News coming your way