Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Abell S1063, a massive galaxy cluster located about 4.5 billion light-years from Earth. The galaxy cluster was captured by the Webb telescope in stunning detail.



According to <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/05/Webb_glimpses_the_distant_past" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>, the image is what’s known as a deep field - a long exposure of a single area of the sky, collecting as much light as possible to draw out the most faint and distant galaxies that don’t appear in ordinary images.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxies-of-the-early-universe">Galaxies of the early universe </h2>



Composed of nine separate snapshots taken at different near-infrared wavelengths over roughly 120 hours, this image represents Webb’s most detailed and deepest view of a single target so far.&nbsp;



Thanks to the gravitational lensing effect of Abell S1063, astronomers can peer deeper into the past than ever before - possibly viewing some of the universe’s very <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-galaxies-formed-from-the-earliest-elements-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first galaxies</a>.



“The eye is first drawn, in this new NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope Picture of the Month, to the central mega-monster that is galaxy cluster Abell S1063. This behemoth collection of galaxies, lying 4.5 billion light-years from Earth in the constellation Grus (the Crane), dominates the scene,” noted ESA.



“Looking more closely, this dense collection of heavy galaxies is surrounded by glowing streaks of light, and these warped arcs are the true object of scientists’ interest: faint galaxies from the universe’s distant past.”



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



Galaxy clusters are the largest known gravitationally bound systems and include not just galaxies, but also vast amounts of hot, X-ray-emitting gas and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-true-nature-of-dark-matter-may-be-revealed-in-a-supernova/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>.&nbsp;



The galaxies within a cluster move through this hot intracluster medium, and their interactions can lead to phenomena like galaxy mergers or the stripping of gas from galaxies.&nbsp;



Galaxy clusters are important for studying the large-scale structure of the universe, the behavior of dark matter, and the evolution of galaxies over cosmic time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hundreds-of-galaxies-bound-together-nbsp">Hundreds of galaxies bound together&nbsp;</h2>



As one of the most densely populated clusters known, Abell S1063 contains hundreds of galaxies bound together by gravity.&nbsp;



Its immense mass makes it an excellent example of a gravitational lens - a cosmic phenomenon where the cluster’s gravity bends and magnifies the light from galaxies far behind it.&nbsp;



This effect allows astronomers to observe incredibly faint and distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-like-galaxies-were-present-in-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> that would otherwise be beyond our detection limits.



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



The cluster has been the focus of several major observational campaigns. It was prominently featured in the Hubble Space Telescope’s Frontier Fields program, which used its gravitational lensing power to study the early universe.&nbsp;



“The new imagery from Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) takes this quest even further back in time,” said ESA.



“This image showcases an incredible forest of lensing arcs around Abell S1063, which reveal distorted background galaxies at a range of cosmic distances, along with a multitude of faint galaxies and previously unseen features.”



These observations are helping scientists probe the Cosmic Dawn era - the period shortly after the Big Bang.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-cosmic-dawn-nbsp">Exploring the Cosmic Dawn&nbsp;</h2>



The Cosmic Dawn refers to a time in the history of the universe when the first stars and galaxies began to form and shine. This pivotal era occurred roughly between 100 million and 1 billion years after the Big Bang.&nbsp;



During the Dark Ages, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fastest-feeding-black-hole-found-in-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a> had cooled enough for neutral hydrogen to form, but no luminous objects yet existed to light it up.&nbsp;



The birth of the first stars - often massive and short-lived - marked the beginning of the Cosmic Dawn. These stars emitted intense ultraviolet radiation, which gradually ionized the surrounding hydrogen gas in a process known as reionization.&nbsp;



This transformed the universe from a cold, opaque environment into one that was transparent to light, enabling the large-scale structure of the cosmos to take shape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-grus">The constellation Grus</h2>



Grus is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-jupiter-discovered-in-the-great-bear-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">constellation</a> in the southern sky, its name derived from the Latin word for "crane," a type of large, graceful bird.&nbsp;



It was introduced in the late 16th century by the Dutch navigators Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman, during an era of celestial charting tied to European exploration of the southern hemisphere.&nbsp;



Grus is part of a group of constellations known as the "Southern Birds," which also includes Phoenix, Tucana, and Pavo.



This constellation lies near the celestial south pole and is best seen from the Southern Hemisphere during the months of August through October.&nbsp;



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, H. Atek, M. Zamani



-----



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.



-----

Hundreds of galaxies illuminate the early universe 

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Abell S1063, a massive galaxy cluster located about 4.5 billion light-years from Earth. The galaxy cluster was captured by the Webb telescope in stunning detail. According to ESA, the image is what’s known as a deep field - a long exposure of a single area of the sky, collecting as much light as possible to draw out the most faint and distant galaxies that don’t appear in ordinary images.&nbsp; Galaxies of the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-spiral-galaxies">What are spiral galaxies?</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiral galaxies</a> are among the most common and visually striking types of galaxies in the universe.&nbsp;



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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.



-----

Webb unveils a spiral galaxy in magnificent detail

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

Professor Ruggles told the BBC that it was likely a priest “who watched the Sun rise or set, while in the plaza next door the crowds were feasting.” So even though the ceremonial crowds could’ve seen the Sun, they wouldn’t have witnessed it rise from that all-important vantage point. And access to that special spot was the true expression of ancient power. Photo Credit: World Monuments Fund/YouTube

Stand on ceremony

Professor Ruggles told the BBC that it was likely a...

And, as we said, you can still experience some of that power today. After all, the Sun rises and sets in pretty much the same way today as it did 2,300 years ago. So if you ever find yourself in the deserts of Peru without your Apple Watch, you’ll know exactly how to tell what time of year it is! Meanwhile, another Peruvian site has come under scrutiny — one that is more well-known, but still harboring many secrets. Photo Credit: World Monuments Fund/YouTube

Modern musing

And, as we said, you can still experience some of...

Called,The,White,Lipped,Island,Pit,Viper‚

White lipped is a venomous pit viper species found in eastern Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands (Indonesia and East Timor). Their color patterns are often found to be green or a blue-green color with specific populations even containing yellow variants as well.

White Lipped Island Pit Viper

White lipped is a venomous pit viper species found in eastern Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands (Indonesia and East...

European,Bee-eater,(merops,Apiaster),On,The,Branch

The European bee-eater is a near passerine bird in the bee-eater family, Meropidae. It breeds in southern Europe and in parts of north Africa and western Asia. This species, like other bee-eaters, is a richly coloured, slender bird. It has brown and yellow upper parts, whilst the wings are green and the beak is black.  Female tends to have greener rather than gold feathers on shoulders.

European Bee-eater

The European bee-eater is a near passerine bird in the bee-eater family, Meropidae. It breeds in southern...

Fan,Throat-ed,Lizard,Male,Get,Beautiful,Colors,During,Mating,Season

Fan-throated lizard is a species of agamid lizard found in eastern peninsular India. They are brown, with a series of dark spots along the middle of the back, the spot on the neck being the darkest; a whitish band along each side of the back and a gular appendage tricolored—blue, black, and red.

Fan-throated Lizard

Fan-throated lizard is a species of agamid lizard found in eastern peninsular India. They are brown,...

Red,Lionfish

Red lionfish is mainly native to the Indo-Pacific region, but has become an invasive species in the Caribbean Sea, as well as along the East Coast of the United States and East Mediterranean and also found in Brazil at Fernando de Noronha. Lionfish have distinctive brown or maroon, and white stripes or bands covering the head and body.

Red Lionfish

Red lionfish is mainly native to the Indo-Pacific region, but has become...

Yemen,Chameleon,Isolated,On,Black,Large,Background.lizard,On,The,Green

Yemen Chameleon is native to the Arabian Peninsula in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Males grow to around 17-24 inches in length and females around 14 inches, they grow casques on their head and are born as pastel green before growing stripes and more colorful as they grow. They are known for their variable color changes due to a variety of factors, including to show aggression, social status, reproduction, and stress.

Yemen Chameleon

Yemen Chameleon is native to the Arabian Peninsula in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Males grow to...

Flamingo,Isolated

Adult American flamingos are smaller on average than&nbsp;greater flamingos, but are the largest flamingos in the Americas.&nbsp; Most of its plumage is pink, giving rise to its earlier name of&nbsp;rosy flamingo&nbsp;and differentiating adults from the much paler greater flamingo. The wing coverts are red, and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink and white with an extensive black tip. The legs are entirely pink.&nbsp;The American flamingo breeds in the Galápagos Islands, coastal&nbsp;Colombia,&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;and nearby islands, northern&nbsp;Brazil,&nbsp;Trinidad and Tobago, along the northern coast of the&nbsp;Yucatán Peninsula,&nbsp;Cuba,&nbsp;Jamaica,&nbsp;Hispaniola&nbsp;(Dominican Republic&nbsp;and&nbsp;Haiti),&nbsp;the Bahamas,&nbsp;Virgin Islands, the&nbsp;Turks and Caicos Islands,&nbsp;Cameron Parish, Louisiana, and in extreme&nbsp;southern Florida.

American Flamingo

Adult American flamingos are smaller on average than&nbsp;greater flamingos, but...

From grounding airliners to fertilizing distant oceans, volcanic eruptions are known for dramatic effects. Yet one influence has remained elusive: the way ash lofted into the upper atmosphere changes the delicate ice clouds that blanket the planet’s high altitudes.



A new investigation led by <a href="https://www.llnl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory</a> (LLNL) closes that gap. It reveals that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-homo-sapiens-stone-tools-preserved-volcanic-ash-grotta-di-castelcivita/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic ash</a> grains from powerful eruptions do more than just drift. They actively reshape the microphysical structure of cirrus clouds, altering how Earth absorbs and releases heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-ash-and-cloud-formation">Volcanic ash and cloud formation </h2>



The research team analyzed ten years of observations captured by <a href="https://eospso.nasa.gov/missions/cloudsat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s CloudSat</a> satellite radar and its companion <a href="https://asdc.larc.nasa.gov/project/CALIPSO" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CALIPSO lidar</a>. These instruments measure ice crystal size and count, and map the height of ash-filled plumes inside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clouds-also-fuel-arctic-warming-not-just-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clouds.</a> 



The experts compared months before and after three well-documented mid-latitude eruptions - Kasatochi in Alaska (2008), Sarychev in Russia’s Kuril Islands (2009), and Calbuco in Chile (2015). This comparison allowed the scientists to tease out the fingerprint of volcanic particles on cirrus formation.



“Our research helps close a significant knowledge gap about whether and how volcanic eruptions influence cloud formation,” said lead author Lin Lin, a scientist at LLNL. Other aerosols like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust</a> or pollution rise slowly or stay low, making their effects harder to isolate. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cloudy-chaos-was-expected">Cloudy chaos was expected</h2>



Before looking at the data, the team expected to see cloudy scenes packed with many small ice particles, assuming that the extra ash grains would offer more surfaces on which ice could form.



“At the beginning of the study, we did expect clouds affected by volcanic eruptions to look different from natural clouds, but not in the way we ultimately found,” Lin said.



She and her colleagues were surprised to discover that ash-rich plumes produced the opposite pattern: the satellite record showed cirrus composed of fewer but markedly larger crystals. Clouds also became more frequent in the altitude band where the ash circulated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-ash-changes-ice">Volcanic ash changes ice</h2>



Why would adding particles decrease the number of ice shards? The answer lies in how ice nucleates.



In a pristine, extremely cold parcel of air, liquid droplets can freeze spontaneously once temperatures drop below about –38 °C, a process called homogeneous nucleation. Volcanic ash changes the script by providing gritty mineral surfaces. 



These surfaces encourage water molecules to align into an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-beauty-revealed-in-ice-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice</a> lattice at warmer temperatures and lower humidity through heterogeneous nucleation.



Because that freezing starts earlier, just a handful of ash grains can swoop up most of the available water vapor, starving the air of moisture before additional crystals can form. The result is a small population of oversized, slowly settling ice particles.



“The results completely overturned our original expectations,” Lin explained. “We anticipated that volcanic aerosols would lead to an increase in the number of ice crystals in clouds. But to our surprise, the data showed the opposite.”



She added that adapting the analysis to match the unexpected outcome - rather than clinging to the initial theory - was a challenge and a joy. “Letting go of our initial idea and developing a new explanation based on unexpected findings was both the hardest and most rewarding part of the process.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-ash-alters-earth-s-climate">Volcanic ash alters Earth's climate</h2>



Cirrus clouds are thin, wispy blankets that let in most incoming sunlight yet trap infrared radiation heading back to space, exerting a net warming influence. Clouds with fewer, bigger crystals tend to be more transparent to infrared heat, potentially cooling the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fading-clouds-are-accelerating-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a>.



Volcanic ash may thin cirrus clouds, offsetting some short-term warming from sunlight-reflecting sulphate aerosols released during eruptions. Determining which influence dominates will require climate models to track ash as a distinct type of ice-nucleating particle - something many current models do not yet do.



The findings matter beyond volcanic episodes. Ash grains share chemical similarities with desert dust, a common aerosol in the upper troposphere. If dust creates sparse-crystal cirrus, it may subtly shift the greenhouse effect over dusty areas like the Sahara outflow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cloud-data-helps-flight-safety">Cloud data helps flight safety</h2>



Understanding how ash reshapes cirrus also has practical payoffs. Aviation maps focus on ash mass, but cloud changes can hinder satellite detection and long-range plume tracking.



For climate researchers, the study supplies a rare set of satellite-verified numbers to test how future models handle heterogeneous ice nucleation in ash-rich layers.



The LLNL team is already turning to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ocean-warming-four-times-faster-than-global-average/">Arctic</a>, where mineral dust and soot mingle above the pack ice. If northern cirrus respond similarly, changes in heat trapping could accelerate or slow polar warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waiting-for-the-next-eruption"><a></a>Waiting for the next eruption</h2>



Large stratospheric eruptions are infrequent, but each one offers a fresh laboratory in the sky. With improved sensors now flying and more sophisticated retrieval techniques, the next event will allow scientists to verify whether the ash-cirrus link holds in different meteorological settings.



Until then, the decade-long record examined here provides the clearest demonstration that volcanic ash “slices” into the atmosphere in ways that reverberate through cloud physics and, ultimately, Earth’s climate.



The study shows eruptions spread giant ice crystals, linking geology, weather, and Earth’s energy balance in a surprising way.



As Lin puts it, the work reminds us that unexpected discoveries often “overturn our original expectations” - and that science advances when researchers are willing to follow the evidence, even when it clouds their initial view.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ads0572" 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.



-----

Fire and ice: Volcanic ash plays a surprising role in cloud formation

From grounding airliners to fertilizing distant oceans, volcanic eruptions are...

This is not your father’s Kawasaki. And it’s definitely not your great-grandfather’s horse. Kawasaki recently previewed a mechanical, horse-like creature at the <a href="https://www.japan.travel/en/expo2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osaka-Kansai Expo</a>. 



Known as CORLEO, it relies on a hydrogen engine to strut across tough terrain, offering a different view of Japan’s clean-energy goals.



Seen walking on four metal legs, this technological marvel sparked many questions about blending robotics with sustainable power.



<a href="https://www.ece.cmu.edu/directory/bios/Shinji%20Watanabe.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Shinji Watanabe</a> from Kawasaki's Advanced Robotics Division noted that this concept is still in its infancy. The design pulls ideas from video games, mixing the look of a panther with the carriage of a military stallion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-corleo-rides-on-ai-and-hydrogen">CORLEO rides on AI and hydrogen</h2>



CORLEO’s 150 cubic-centimeter engine runs on hydrogen, which produces only water as its byproduct. That detail lines up with growing national interest in lowering <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/5/1190" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a> through next-generation energy.



“<a href="https://www.khi.co.jp/expo2025/concept01/index_en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The vehicle is beginner-friendly</a>,” Kawasaki claims. His statement hints at a vehicle that moves according to body shifts instead of complicated controls. 



Weight-based steering is meant to feel closer to horseback riding than operating a typical motorcycle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-four-legs-make-corleo-different">Four legs make CORLEO different</h2>



Unlike typical motorcycles, this machine doesn’t rely on two wheels or treads. Its four-limbed frame steps one foot at a time, guided by an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/using-artificial-intelligence-ai-to-make-quantum-computers-reality/">artificial intelligence</a> system that adapts to dips and rises in the path.



The motion is reminiscent of large animals, though Kawasaki’s approach tries to merge mechanical precision with a natural gait. Bifurcated hooves with rubber pads help it tackle bumpy roads and even rocky hills.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concept-vs-real-world-use">Concept vs. real-world use</h2>



At the expo, CORLEO mostly showed off its ability to stand and shift positions. The promise of galloping at high speed is still far off.



The timeline for any large-scale production is unclear, though Kawasaki has said it hopes to see real-world use before 2050. The video teased at the event was computer-generated, so the actual leaps remain hypothetical.



Some watchers might think this concept is just for show. Yet it hints at more serious <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7758092" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robotic</a> efforts across Japan, including cargo carriers and <a href="https://www.ifi.uzh.ch/dam/jcr:49a7b802-a891-4393-ade2-36dce8aa56ca/JFR15_Majdik.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rescue machines</a> that benefit from walking mechanisms.



The capacity to navigate uneven terrain could be a game-changer in remote areas. A system that requires no heavy batteries and only outputs water may eventually help reduce pollution in pristine locations.



Kawasaki isn’t alone in dreaming up a rideable animal-like robot. <a href="https://www.xpeng.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">XPeng</a> from China introduced smaller quadrupeds styled as a unicorn and a pony, though their designs target younger riders.



For grown adults seeking a futuristic mount, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-hydrogen-reserves-discovered-beneath-earths-mountains/">hydrogen</a> power brings more torque and range than many battery-based approaches. Still, the gap between entertaining concept and everyday transport is huge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-corleo">What's next for CORLEO?</h2>



CORLEO might overshadow other projects in Kawasaki’s robotics division, but the company has a long history in industrial automation. 



Its CL series robots handle demanding tasks like welding and heavy lifting in factories across the globe.



Balancing that practical side with a sleek consumer-facing creation is part of a broader trend. Machines that look more animal than robot might appear in theme parks, tourism, or even specialized military roles someday.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/kawasaki_CORLEO_horse-robot_hydrogen-powered_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/kawasaki_CORLEO_horse-robot_hydrogen-powered_1s.webp" alt="Kawasaki’s revolutionary off-road personal mobility vehicle, CORLEO, offers excellent all-terrain capability, powered by four robotic legs, together with the handling and stability of Kawasaki’s motorcycles. While preserving the joy of riding, the vehicle continually monitors the rider’s movements to achieve a reassuring sense of unity between human and machine. Credit: Kawasaki" class="wp-image-1971297"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kawasaki’s revolutionary off-road personal mobility vehicle, CORLEO, offers excellent all-terrain capability, powered by four robotic legs, together with the handling and stability of Kawasaki’s motorcycles. While preserving the joy of riding, the vehicle continually monitors the rider’s movements to achieve a reassuring sense of unity between human and machine. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Kawasaki</figcaption></figure>



CORLEO stands as a bold demonstration of what hydrogen-based designs might achieve if the core technology matures. 



It could one day march through rocky trails and mountain paths with no carbon footprint, though for now, it remains an ambitious prototype.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hydrogen-combined-with-ai">Hydrogen combined with AI</h2>



Japan has poured resources into fueling stations, aiming to power buses and trucks with cleaner energy. Some experts see <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-largest-natural-hydrogen-deposit-discovery-is-worth-a-staggering-184-billion/">hydrogen</a> adoption as a way to stabilize electricity demand, although high production costs remain a sticking point.



Commercial success hinges on robust infrastructure and accessible refueling sites. Without enough stations, even the best hydrogen engine could stall in terms of widespread acceptance.



Many robotics labs incorporate advanced <a href="https://www.jmlr.org/papers/volume17/15-522/15-522.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algorithms</a> to help machines plan routes and respond to sudden shifts in their environment. CORLEO’s system may follow the same path, using sensors to adjust each footfall in real time.



That kind of intelligence allows the machine to assess whether a slope is safe or if it should slow down. It might also enable future versions to detect obstacles like fallen branches or ditches before taking a step.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-on-the-horizon">Challenges on the horizon</h2>



Hydrogen <a href="https://acris.aalto.fi/ws/portalfiles/portal/61225644/ENG_Elberry_et_al_Large_scale_compresssed_hydrogen_storage_International_Journal_of_Hydrogen_Energy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storage</a> involves high pressures or super-cold temperatures, which can raise costs and complexity for consumer vehicles. 



AI-driven controls also demand significant processing power, pushing companies to refine hardware that can handle heavy computation without draining too much energy.



There is also the issue of public perception. A mechanical horse may intrigue some, but others may find it too futuristic to trust on busy roads or remote trails. It marks a bold early milestone in hydrogen-driven innovation.&nbsp;



Click here to <a href="https://youtu.be/vQDhzbTz-9k" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watch a video of CORLEO in action...</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.



-----

Kawasaki unveils a robotic horse that gallops using hydrogen fuel and artificial intelligence

This is not your father’s Kawasaki. And it’s definitely not...

Emotions have always been tricky. People often second-guess how others feel, and even well-trained professionals can miss signs of frustration or sadness. 



Now, a new study suggests that artificial intelligence (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ai-could-protect-millions-of-people-from-vision-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI</a>) and large language models (LLMs) might be better at reading the room than many humans.



The work was led by the University of Geneva (<a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNIGE</a>) and the University of Bern (<a href="https://www.unibe.ch/index_eng.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UniBE</a>). One of the key investigators was Dr. Katja Schlegel, a lecturer in the Division of Personality Psychology, Differential Psychology, and Assessment at the Institute of Psychology at UniBE.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-models-and-emotion-quizzes">AI models and emotion quizzes </h2>



The research team worked with six generative AIs, including ChatGPT, to see how well they could handle <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6546921/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional intelligence</a> questions. 



Each question asked for the most effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-robot-interaction-are-we-prepared-for-the-ethical-challenges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reaction</a> to a particular scenario, where someone was caught up in negative feelings. A real-world example might be deciding whether to talk to a supervisor about a stolen idea or keep quiet and stay resentful.



“This suggests that these AI systems not only understand emotions, but also grasp what it means to behave with emotional intelligence,” noted Dr. Marcello Mortillaro, senior scientist at UNIGE’s Swiss Center for Affective Sciences (CISA).



The team discovered that these AIs answered correctly more often than typical human participants.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-proves-its-emotional-intelligence">AI proves its emotional intelligence </h2>



Those working on the project reported that the participating AIs earned an accuracy rate of around 81 percent. Previous studies had placed the human average at 56% in the same tests.



Each AI was given prompts describing situations where someone was sad, worried, annoyed, or otherwise emotionally off balance, and they chose the best coping strategy from multiple-choice answers.



The researchers were surprised by how consistent these performance levels were. Even when the same question was posed multiple times, the AIs picked the most emotionally sound course of action.



“They proved to be as reliable, clear and realistic as the original tests, which had taken years to develop,” noted Dr. Schlegel. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-emotional-intelligence-tests">Creating emotional intelligence tests</h2>



The next step involved asking ChatGPT-4 to whip up brand-new emotional intelligence tests from scratch. The system produced fresh <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chick-emotions-shed-new-light-on-animal-welfare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scenarios</a> and answer sets faster than any typical human-led process.&nbsp;



Over 400 individuals tried these computer-generated quizzes. The researchers found that participants rated them as valid and coherent. 



There were minor differences in content variety, but these new questionnaires held up well in test comparisons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-uses-in-daily-life">Practical uses in daily life</h2>



This exploration suggests a potential future where AI-based tutoring and personal development tools include emotional coaching. 



Guidance counselors, team-building specialists, and leadership trainers might lean on these systems to create group exercises for conflict resolution. A user could receive direct suggestions for handling tense conversations with co-workers or relatives.



This does not mean AI is about to replace human interaction. Many situations still call for a personal touch. However, the data show that computers can be surprisingly efficient at mapping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-helps-humans-have-20-minute-conversation-with-humpback-whale-named-twain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feelings</a> and recommending balanced approaches.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-lacks-the-ability-to-feel">AI lacks the ability to feel</h2>



Despite its strong performance on emotional intelligence tests, AI still lacks the ability to truly feel anything. 



Emotional intelligence in humans includes not just choosing the right response, but sensing tone, body language, and context in real-time interactions, factors AI can’t fully interpret or replicate. 



Even a perfect answer on a test doesn’t mean the AI could read the room during a live conversation or adjust based on shifting moods.



There’s also the issue of transparency. These models don’t tell us how they arrive at their answers. When it gets a question right, we don’t know if it’s following emotional logic or just regurgitating patterns it has seen. 



That makes it hard to build trust in high-stakes areas like mental health care or mediation, where understanding emotions isn’t just useful, it’s essential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-universal-emotions">Capturing universal emotions</h2>



Social robots and virtual coaches have been around for years, but they used to rely on simpler models that scanned facial expressions or voice tones. 



Now, with massive text databases and more <a href="https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&amp;type=pdf&amp;doi=ce8008cce8e8b8c40d4d3c5c667ecf9cbeac9fb1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">advanced language processing</a>, AI can respond to emotional cues based on extensive learned patterns.



Some experts say these machines might keep evolving. Others warn that cultural nuances can confuse AI, because emotional norms differ by region and background. Despite that, many see a benefit in using software that captures the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26357337/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universal aspects</a> of stress, sadness, or joy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-can-t-replace-human-empathy">AI can't replace human empathy</h2>



Just because AI can pick the right answers doesn’t mean it should act on them without supervision. Emotionally intelligent behavior still needs a human filter, especially when the stakes are high. 



Whether it’s advising a student in distress or guiding workplace decisions, people must remain in control of how these tools are applied.



There’s also the risk of over-reliance. If users start trusting AI more than their own judgment, or begin offloading sensitive decisions to it entirely, that could dull emotional growth and accountability. 



Experts warn that while AI can support learning, it should never replace human empathy or relational wisdom.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-may-help-in-emotional-decisions">AI may help in emotional decisions</h2>



The study sheds light on how AI systems might one day collaborate with humans in education, training, and mediating disputes. 



Their knack for spotting the <a href="https://arxiv.org/vc/arxiv/papers/2302/2302.02083v1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best course of action</a> in emotional dilemmas raises questions about how we can use them in coaching, therapy, and everyday life.



Time will tell if these systems keep improving or if there’s a plateau in how much they can mimic our own self-awareness. What is certain is that they have already shown a knack for matching, and even surpassing, many folks in emotional understanding.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44271-025-00258-x#citeas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Psychology</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.



-----

AI shows better emotional intelligence than humans

Emotions have always been tricky. People often second-guess how others...

Plastic pollution often brings to mind landfills, oceans, and overflowing garbage dumps. Few people think about their home appliances. Yet, inside many modern kitchens, ordinary plastic containers undergo a process that could harm our environment in unseen ways.



A new study from the <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Queensland</a> now reveals a surprising source of plastic pollution: household dishwashers.



This finding opens a new chapter in the conversation about how domestic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-deaths-in-india-linked-to-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a> contributes to global pollution. The research brings attention to the connection between plastic use, cleaning habits, and wastewater contamination. 



For a long time, dishwashers were overlooked in environmental discussions. However, the reality they reveal is not so spotless.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-particles-from-dishwashers">Plastic particles from dishwashers</h2>



Led by Dr. Elvis Okoffo from the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, the study examines how plastic containers behave under typical dishwashing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-air-pollution-forms-may-help-us-prevent-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a>. 



“We demonstrated that plastic containers and utensils washed in dishwashers release plastic particles,” Dr. Okoffo noted.



This isn't just speculation. The researchers tested full dishwasher loads of common household plastic items and tracked what entered the wastewater after one cycle.



The results show that mechanical dishwashing - while convenient - can have unexpected side effects. Plastics degrade under exposure to high heat, water pressure, and cleaning chemicals.



These conditions cause both visible and invisible fragments of plastic to break off, eventually flowing down the drain. The kitchen becomes a surprising entry point for plastic pollutants into the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-from-dishwashers-in-wastewater">Plastic from dishwashers in wastewater</h2>



Washing plastic items may appear harmless, but the long-term outcome could be significant. “Even seemingly harmless everyday actions can have cumulative environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consequences</a>,” Dr. Okoffo explained. 



“The introduction of plastics into the environment carries a potential risk of adverse impacts on environmental and human health.”



Dishwashers can reach temperatures of up to 70°C. Under this heat, plastic reacts chemically and physically. Repeated exposure weakens the structural integrity of plastic items. Combined with the friction of water jets and detergents, this breakdown releases a startling number of particles.



The study revealed that one dishwasher cycle can release around 920,000 plastic particles. This includes both microplastics, which are smaller than 5 millimeters, and nanoplastics, which are even smaller and often escape detection. 



If every household with a dishwasher contributes to this cycle, the numbers become astronomical - about 33 million particles per home every year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sources-of-plastic-pollution">Sources of plastic pollution</h2>



While the particle count is high, the actual weight of released <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-patients-have-a-unique-vulnerability-to-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> remains small. “Despite the high number of particles released, the total mass released from plastic containers is low and is minor compared to other known sources of plastic pollution,” Dr. Okoffo said. 



The study estimates that about 6 milligrams of plastic per person are released yearly. That amount equals roughly a quarter of a single grain of rice. But this does not make the problem any less important. Nanoplastics are tiny enough to pass through water filtration systems. 



Once they reach the environment, nanoplastics are difficult to remove and may accumulate in marine life and drinking water sources. Their small size allows them to travel far, possibly entering food chains and affecting both ecosystems and human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-solutions-in-appliance-design">Potential solutions in appliance design</h2>



Dr. Okoffo believes the responsibility does not lie with consumers alone. Appliance manufacturers and plastic producers must think about design solutions. 



“Plastic manufacturers could also develop plastics that are more resistant to degradation during dishwashing,” he suggested.



Appliances can also evolve. By fitting dishwashers with built-in particle traps or advanced filters, engineers could prevent many of these fragments from entering the water system. 



Capturing the pollutant at its origin avoids the expensive and difficult task of cleaning it up later. This proactive approach could spare wastewater facilities and marine systems from further harm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-for-conscious-cleaning">A call for conscious cleaning</h2>



With 58% of Australian households regularly using dishwashers, the study holds weight beyond the lab. The results apply to millions of homes worldwide. Changing how we clean plastic could shift our overall environmental footprint.



"Removing this pollutant before it can enter the environment is better than implementing costly measures after the pollutant has already been released,” said Dr. Okoffo. 



His words encourage prevention over reaction - a principle that often gets overlooked in environmental policy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-dishwashing-choices-can-help">Small dishwashing choices can help</h2>



Plastic waste doesn't only come from discarded bags or bottles. The tools we use daily - food containers, utensils, and kitchen gadgets - contribute in less obvious ways. Each dishwashing cycle that includes plastic is part of a wider issue. Though the waste is microscopic, the impact is measurable.



“Small changes, when multiplied across millions of households, can help reduce the global burden of plastic pollution,” Dr. Okoffo concluded. 



A shift in household practices, product materials, and appliance design could set the stage for lasting environmental improvements.



The study doesn’t demand radical lifestyle changes. Instead, it asks us to be mindful. In the quiet hum of a dishwasher lies a chance to rethink our role in the plastic lifecycle. Small steps, taken by many, still count.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsestwater.4c00768" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS ES&amp;T Water</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.



-----

Dishwashers release nearly a million plastic particles per cycle

Plastic pollution often brings to mind landfills, oceans, and overflowing...

Major depressive disorder is a serious mental health condition that can disrupt daily functioning. Roughly 10 percent of U.S. adults experience it at any given time.



Furthermore, a higher portion (around 20 percent) will deal with <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15061154/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MDD symptoms</a> at some point during their lifetime. Standard antidepressants prove ineffective for 30 percent, leaving many without a clear <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-the-hidden-casualty-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solution</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-ketamine-treatment-works">How ketamine treatment works</h2>



Ketamine has emerged as a fast-acting approach for certain individuals with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-and-the-internet-who-benefits-and-who-suffers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depression</a>. It often shows results in hours rather than the usual weeks required by traditional antidepressants.



Despite its benefits, repeat infusions are often necessary. That can raise concerns about possible side effects or addiction.



A fresh perspective comes from Dr. Lisa Monteggia of <a href="https://www.vanderbilt.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vanderbilt University</a>. She collaborated with Dr. Ege Kavalali to examine ways to prolong ketamine’s effect from about a week to around two months.



The experts aimed to see how a particular signaling pathway known as <a href="https://geneglobe.qiagen.com/us/knowledge/pathways/erk-mapk-signaling" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ERK</a> is involved in ketamine’s powerful impact. They tested whether ramping up ERK activity could lock in those antidepressant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/151-million-americans-have-mental-health-disorders-linked-to-leaded-gasoline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a> for a longer stretch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prolonging-the-antidepressant-effects">Prolonging the antidepressant effects</h2>



The researchers used a compound called BCI to block a protein phosphatase that normally curbs ERK. By inhibiting this <a href="https://www.neb.com/en-us/applications/protein-analysis-and-tools/protein-phosphatases-and-kinases" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phosphatase</a>, they boosted ERK’s activity and extended ketamine’s influence.



“The antidepressant-like behavioral effects of acute ketamine treatment were extended by DUSP6 inhibition for up to 2 months,” noted Zhenzhong Ma, who led the study. 



The team found that a single dose of ketamine, when combined with this approach, offered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/outdoor-classes-improve-childrens-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benefits</a> that lasted far beyond the usual timeframe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fewer-ketamine-treatments-fewer-risks">Fewer ketamine treatments, fewer risks</h2>



Repeated ketamine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/surprising-mental-health-benefits-of-living-near-green-spaces/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infusions</a> can become a hassle for patients. This extended approach may spare people from multiple hospital visits, limiting risks tied to frequent dosing.



There’s also hope that fewer infusions can reduce issues like disconnection from reality. Some worry about the chance of dependence, so lengthening ketamine’s effectiveness with minimal dosing could be a game-changer.



“The premise of this study was based on a testable mechanistic model that we developed that accounts for ketamine’s rapid antidepressant action,” said Dr. Monteggia. According to the researchers, improved timing matters in how ketamine triggers rapid relief.&nbsp;



The research highlights ketamine’s ability to set off changes at <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526047/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">synapses</a> that correlate with less severe depression symptoms. When those synapses keep functioning well for longer, relief can hang around without repeated treatments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-forward-with-caution">Moving forward with caution</h2>



Despite the encouraging findings, there are practical hurdles before this strategy can move from the lab to patient care. 



The compound BCI might not be safe for human use in its current form, so the quest is on for related molecules that produce a similar outcome.



Scientists also face a complex puzzle when dealing with <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539894/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurotransmitters</a> and other signaling elements that influence mood. Pinpointing targets that amplify ketamine’s benefits without adding serious side effects remains a top priority.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-dose-lasting-relief">One dose, lasting relief</h2>



Studies exploring ways to keep a single dose of ketamine effective for longer could reshape depression treatment. Researchers believe that sustaining the therapeutic window might deliver more stable relief, though further tests are crucial.



By fine-tuning the proteins involved in these pathways, doctors may one day reduce or remove the need for regular infusions. For many, this concept offers hope of a more manageable treatment that maintains mental well-being over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-on-existing-knowledge">Building on existing knowledge</h2>



Other investigations have pointed to different molecules that enhance the effect of ketamine’s fast-acting properties. Researchers are working to confirm whether combining strategies could lead to even longer periods of relief.



Some believe that therapy personalized to each person’s unique brain chemistry will eventually be the norm. 



As science uncovers these intricate pathways, the door stays open for new interventions that stretch benefits without adding burdens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-shift-in-mental-health-care">A shift in mental health care</h2>



Major depressive disorder imposes a severe burden, but new approaches offer a sense of possibility. Extending ketamine’s effect from a brief window to several weeks could transform how depression is managed.



The researchers emphasize that nobody should experiment with ketamine outside of a clinical program. It remains a controlled substance that demands careful administration and vigilant monitoring.



Excitement about prolonged relief does not minimize the serious nature of depression. Researchers continue to keep safety at the forefront, aiming for personalized treatments that balance effectiveness with patient well-being.



For those grappling with MDD, each new study sparks cautious optimism about better outcomes. Although many steps remain, this discovery marks a valuable moment in the conversation around depression treatment.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abb6748" 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.



-----

Ketamine treatment may now last months instead of weeks

Major depressive disorder is a serious mental health condition that...

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...

Hundreds of galaxies illuminate the early universe

News coming your way