Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency showcases the striking beauty of the planetary nebula NGC 2899, which resembles a moth in flight. The photo was captured by the Hubble Space Telescope.



“The planetary nebula NGC 2899 is shaped like a single macaroni noodle, with its edges pointed up, but its edge-on central torus is semi-transparent in the middle,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The top and bottom edges are thick and orange. The center is semi-transparent blue and green. The wider central region looks roughly like a moth, also filled with semi-transparent blue and green.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-defining-features-of-the-planetary-nebula">Defining features of the planetary nebula</h2>



The nebula features a bipolar, cylindrical outflow of gas extending diagonally, driven by intense radiation and stellar winds from a central <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-planets-are-more-habitable-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a> with a scorching temperature of nearly 22,000 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;



“In fact, there may be two companion stars that are interacting and sculpting the nebula, which is pinched in the middle by a fragmented ring or torus - looking like a half-eaten donut,” said ESA.



Streams of gaseous “pillars” extend outward, all pointing back toward the central source of energy. The vibrant colors in the image come from glowing hydrogen and oxygen gases.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-and-significance-of-ngc-2899">Discovery and significance of NGC 2899</h2>



NGC 2899 was discovered by British astronomer John Herschel on March 2, 1835, during his survey of the southern skies from the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Herschel cataloged many deep-sky objects in the southern hemisphere, contributing significantly to the New General Catalogue (NGC) compiled later by John Louis Emil Dreyer.



NGC 2899 is located approximately 4,500 light-years from Earth in the southern constellation Vela, which is part of the larger Vela-Puppis-Carina region of the Milky Way known for its rich <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fluffy-molecular-clouds-may-change-our-understanding-of-star-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star-forming activity</a> and remnants of past stellar explosions.&nbsp;



Vela, whose name means "sails" in Latin, represents the sails of the ancient Greek mythological ship Argo Navis. This region of the sky is particularly abundant in nebulae, star clusters, and other deep-sky objects, making it a focal point for astronomical observations.&nbsp;



The nebula’s distance places it well within our galaxy, offering astronomers a valuable glimpse into the later stages of stellar evolution and the processes that sculpt and illuminate planetary nebulae.



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



Nebulae are vast clouds of gas and dust in space, often serving as the birthplaces or remnants of stars.&nbsp;



They come in various types, including emission nebulae that glow due to ionized gases energized by nearby stars, reflection nebulae that shine by scattering starlight, and dark nebulae that obscure light from background <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-star-may-be-dragging-a-planet-along-with-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>.&nbsp;



Planetary nebulae form when dying stars shed their outer layers, creating colorful, often symmetrical shapes. Nebulae can span light-years across and are key to understanding the life cycles of stars and the structure of galaxies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fate-of-dying-stars">The fate of dying stars</h2>



Not all dying stars become planetary nebulae. In fact, stars much more massive than the Sun follow a very different and far more violent path.&nbsp;



These massive stars end their lives in dramatic supernova explosions, releasing tremendous energy and scattering heavy elements into space, which enriches the interstellar medium.&nbsp;



What remains after the explosion depends on the star’s mass. The collapsed core can form a neutron star - an incredibly dense object composed mostly of neutrons. Or, if the star was even more massive, it may create a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-confirm-lone-black-hole-wandering-through-our-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a>, where gravity is so intense that not even light can escape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examples-of-winged-nebulae-nbsp">Examples of “winged” nebulae&nbsp;</h2>



Several well-known nebulae are noted for their "winged" or symmetrical, wing-like appearances, often earning them evocative nicknames.&nbsp;



One of the most famous is the Butterfly Nebula, located in the constellation Scorpius. This planetary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragons-egg-nebula-is-a-truly-stunning-sight-to-behold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> displays two expansive lobes that resemble butterfly wings, shaped by fast stellar winds from a dying star.



The Omega Nebula (also known as the Swan Nebula) in the constellation Sagittarius is a bright star-forming region that has been said to resemble a swan in flight. It has broad, glowing "wings" formed by clouds of ionized hydrogen gas. 



Similarly, the Eagle Nebula has an overall shape reminiscent of a bird with outstretched wings, which inspired its name. It is located in the constellation Serpens and home to the iconic "Pillars of Creation."



Image Credit: ESA



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Planetary nebula with ethereal wings captured by Hubble

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency showcases the striking beauty of the planetary nebula NGC 2899, which resembles a moth in flight. The photo was captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. “The planetary nebula NGC 2899 is shaped like a single macaroni noodle, with its edges pointed up, but its edge-on central torus is semi-transparent in the middle,” noted ESA. “The top and bottom edges are thick and orange. The center is semi-transparent blue and green. The wider central...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the vibrant colors of the Mawrth Vallis region of Mars. The image reveals a landscape abundant in iron, magnesium, and aluminum.&nbsp;



Mawrth Vallis lies just south of the dichotomy boundary, a ridge marking the divide between Mars' southern highlands and northern lowlands. Layered, clay-rich deposits found in this valley indicate prolonged interactions with water. 



Mawrth Vallis is considered a prime candidate for studying past habitability and the potential for preserved biosignatures. The region continues to captivate scientists due to its geological complexity and history of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-has-a-water-reservoir-two-miles-deep-enough-to-fill-earths-red-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liquid water</a> flow. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-colors-of-mars">The colors of Mars</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-samples-from-mars-could-reveal-fascinating-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a> gets its distinctive red color from iron oxides, or rust, on its surface. The Martian soil and dust are rich in iron minerals, which oxidize when exposed to the small amounts of oxygen present in the Martian atmosphere.&nbsp;



This oxidation process gives the planet its reddish hue, similar to how iron objects on Earth develop rust. 



The scattering of sunlight by these iron oxide particles further enhances the reddish appearance when viewed from a distance. However, the human eye can only perceive a fraction of Mars' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-captured-in-true-color-like-youve-never-seen-the-red-planet-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">true color</a> palette.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-striking-colors-revealed">Striking colors revealed</h2>



The European Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS) aboard the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) offers a more detailed view, showcasing a striking diversity of colors.&nbsp;



This CaSSIS <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2024/06/Metallic_Mars_landscape" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">image</a> reveals yellow layers rich in iron and magnesium clays, overlain by white and blue layers abundant in aluminum.&nbsp;



The area is draped by a dark, heavily eroded layer, illustrating a vibrant, metallic landscape formed around 3.6 billion years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upcoming-rosalind-franklin-mission">Upcoming Rosalind Franklin mission</h2>



The Rosalind Franklin mission is a joint mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Roscosmos aimed at exploring the surface of Mars to search for signs of past or present life. 



The mission is named after Rosalind Franklin, the pioneering British scientist whose work was crucial in the discovery of DNA's structure.



The rover is designed to drill up to two meters below the Martian surface, where it is believed any signs of life may be better preserved, away from the harsh surface radiation. 



The Rosalind Franklin rover was originally scheduled to launch in 2020, but technical delays and the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the launch window to 2028. 



Once on Mars, the rover will collaborate with other missions like NASA's Perseverance and Curiosity rovers to advance our understanding of the Red Planet's habitability and history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-mars-ancient-past">Studying Mars’ ancient past</h2>



While Rosalind Franklin prepares for its mission, the TGO remains in orbit, conducting crucial research to unravel Mars' ancient past and assess its potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-mars-seismic-discoveries-and-the-quest-for-past-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitability</a>.&nbsp;



Since beginning its full science mission in 2018, TGO has not only captured stunning images but also provided a comprehensive inventory of Mars' atmospheric gases and mapped water-rich locations on the planet's surface.



For six years, CaSSIS has delivered breathtaking views of Mars in vivid color, documenting features ranging from volcanic landscapes to active dust devils and immense sand dunes.&nbsp;



Understanding Mars' water history and its implications for past <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-is-letting-out-mysterious-methane-burps-but-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a> remains a core focus of ESA’s ExoMars missions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metals-on-mars">Metals on Mars</h2>



Mars is rich in various metals that contribute to its geological and mineralogical diversity. 



While iron is the most prominent, magnesium is also abundant. It is often found in the form of clays, contributing to the planet's diverse mineral composition. 



Aluminum is another significant metal present on Mars, commonly found in layered deposits and sediments. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-major-changes-over-time">Major changes over time</h2>



The metals are not evenly distributed but are found in various concentrations across the Martian surface. 



For instance, regions like Mawrth Vallis exhibit a complex layering of different metal-rich minerals, including iron and magnesium-rich clays overlain by aluminium-rich layers.&nbsp;



This diversity indicates a rich geological history involving water activity, volcanic processes, and sedimentary deposition.



The presence of these metals suggests that Mars has undergone significant chemical and physical processes over billions of years, shaping its current landscape.&nbsp;



Understanding the distribution and composition of metals on Mars helps scientists piece together the planet's history and assess its past potential for habitability.



Image Credit: ESA/TGO/CaSSIS



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Metallic Mars: The diverse colors of the Red Planet

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

Of course, Aldrin was still showered with plenty of attention in the wake of the historic landing. He recalled, “When I returned from the moon I became a celebrity, a hero, with ticker tape parades and speeches. But that’s not really what I looked for or desired.” And he wasn’t the only member of the Aldrin family who struggled to cope with all the increased recognition. Photo Credit: Thames TV/YouTube

Buzz Aldrin interview | Apollo 11 Moon Landing

Of course, Aldrin was still showered with plenty of attention...

Just like his grandfather and several cousins, Aldrin’s mother tragically committed suicide. The astronaut told&nbsp;National Geographic&nbsp;that she’d previously found the level of interest in his first space mission – Gemini 12 – hard to deal with. For its part, the moon landing only saw her discomfort intensified. Aldrin said, “My older sister and I both came to the conclusion that perhaps that, along with other things, caused her to take her life.” Photo Credit: Bettmann/Getty Images

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, pilot of the (NASA) spacecraft Gemini 12 performs stand up extra vehicular activity

Just like his grandfather and several cousins, Aldrin’s mother tragically...

Aldrin himself also came back to Earth with something of a bump. After leaving the world of NASA behind, the astronaut had planned to take a commandment of cadet role within the Air Force Academy. But apparently being the second man on the moon doesn’t count for much within the U.S. military, and Aldrin was passed over in favor of a former classmate. Photo Credit: PhotoQuest/Getty Images

Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin in a Gemini 12 space capsule craft during a simulation

Aldrin himself also came back to Earth with something of...

Instead, Aldrin was hired as a test pilot school commander. This was despite the fact that he hadn’t undergone any test pilot training himself. Yet this sadly didn’t prove to be his calling. He told&nbsp;National Geographic, “I was interested in space, not airplanes. So, after a year, I decided to retire from the Air Force. I’d already left NASA and wasn’t anxious to join some corporation. So, I was not sure what the rest of my life would be like.” Photo Credit: Dave Doe/ FlickrB

"I was interested in space" - Buzz Aldrin

Instead, Aldrin was hired as a test pilot school commander....

A life consumed by the demon drink was what awaited Aldrin over the following years. His addiction is something the astronaut believes he may have inherited genetically. Aldrin added, “That brought me to consuming alcohol more and more and, of course, you can’t straighten out something in your head unless you have a clear mind.” Photo Credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The Miami Project

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin during The 24th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner

A life consumed by the demon drink was what awaited...

Thankfully, Aldrin has managed to remain sober for nearly four decades. And he has one particular coping mechanism whenever things get a little tough. The spaceman explained, “If, occasionally, my mind gets the sense that the world around me is not doing what I’d like it to do, I may disappear for a day or even a week. That’s something I’ve needed to deal with.” Photo Credit: NASA

Apollo 11 Bootprint on the Moon

Thankfully, Aldrin has managed to remain sober for nearly four...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Sudbury Basin in southeastern Ontario, which was created by an impact crater about 1.8 billion years ago. The crater is fifty times older than Popigai, which formed 36 million years ago.&nbsp;



According to NASA, it can take a moment to discern the shape of the Sudbury Basin impact structure amid the modern landscape.&nbsp;



Many mines are visible around the basin, especially around the rim, due to an abundance of ore deposits rich in nickel and copper. These deposits were found long before the impact crater itself.&nbsp;



The powerful collision was initially linked to an asteroid, but later determined to be a comet. NASA explains that the collision punctured the Earth’s crust, allowing material from the mantle to well up from below and fill the basin with melted rock. When a shockwave shattered the surrounding rocks, minerals from the melted rock were able to surface.&nbsp;



The image was captured on September 11, 2020 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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

The Sudbury Basin in southeastern Ontario

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

Like Neil Armstrong, NASA astronaut Alan Shepard is a hugely revered figure within American history and culture. That’s hardly surprising, though, considering that he was the first U.S. citizen to ever travel into space and that he later reached the Moon in 1971. It was during this latter mission, in fact, that he did something crazy that’s fascinated people ever since. What he did up on the Moon has been the subject of intense speculation over the decades, but now an expert has finally cleared things up. Photo Credit: NASA/Wikipedia Commons

Like Neil Armstrong, NASA astronaut Alan Shepard is a hugely...

In the heart of Mexico, a food revolution is quietly taking shape. Food scientist Raquel Gomez is reimagining one of the country’s most iconic foods - the tortilla. 



With a vision to provide a longer-lasting, nutrient-rich option, Gomez is developing a wheat flour tortilla infused with probiotics. This innovation has the potential to impact millions, particularly those in impoverished areas where refrigeration is a luxury. 



Gomez’s work is more than just a scientific endeavor; it is a mission to tackle malnutrition and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-system-can-predict-child-malnutrition-before-it-strikes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> insecurity in Mexico.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tortillas-can-spoil-quickly">Tortillas can spoil quickly</h2>



In Mexico, tortillas aren’t just food - they’re a way of life. Every <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-alternative-seafood-can-help-save-our-oceans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meal</a> revolves around them. Breakfast might include huevos rancheros with tortillas. Lunch often features tacos or quesadillas. Dinner could be a simple tortilla roll with beans or cheese. It’s a staple that shows up on every plate, every day.



But there’s a problem. Tortillas spoil quickly. Fresh corn tortillas, in particular, become inedible within a few days, especially in hot, humid conditions. 



Most Mexicans can’t store large quantities because they don’t have refrigerators. So, they buy fresh tortillas daily from neighborhood shops, known as tortillerías.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tortillas-that-last">Tortillas that last</h2>



Gomez sees a better way. Instead of buying tortillas every day, why not make one that lasts longer? She’s developed a wheat flour tortilla that can stay fresh for up to a month without refrigeration. That’s unusual. Traditional tortillas start to grow mold in just a few days.



But this isn’t just a scientific experiment. "It was developed with the most vulnerable people in mind," Gomez said. She’s thinking about families without fridges, those in rural areas where food spoils quickly.



If her tortillas can last a month, that means fewer trips to the market, less money spent, and more security for families struggling to get by.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-probiotics-extend-shelf-life">Probiotics extend shelf life </h2>



Probiotics are live microorganisms commonly found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forgotten-indigenous-crops-could-help-solve-modern-climate-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods</a> like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi. They’re often called “good bacteria” because they promote gut health and aid digestion. But in Gomez’s lab, probiotics are doing more than just that. 



The team has incorporated probiotics into their tortilla dough. Most tortillas don’t contain these beneficial microorganisms. But here, they’re the secret weapon. Why? Because probiotics do two critical things.



First, they prevent mold growth. In these probiotic-packed tortillas, the good bacteria outcompete the mold, keeping the tortilla fresh for weeks.



Second, they provide nutritional benefits. Probiotics are known to improve gut health, thus aiding in digestion and boosting the immune system. So, Gomez’s tortilla isn’t just a food item. It’s also a functional food - one that nourishes the body while staying fresh without preservatives.



The result is a tortilla that doesn’t just sit on the shelf - it lasts on the shelf. It remains nutritious. It stays edible. And for families without refrigeration, that’s a game changer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-malnutrition-with-tortillas">Fighting malnutrition with tortillas</h2>



This isn’t just food science. It’s survival science. Nearly 14% of children under five in Mexico suffer from chronic malnutrition. In Indigenous communities, the number jumps to 27 percent.



Gomez wants her tortilla in those kitchens. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lab-grown-chicken-just-got-a-flavor-and-texture-boost/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food</a> that lasts means fewer trips to the store, less expense and more meals on the table.



Teresa Sanchez lives in Chiapas, one of Mexico’s poorest states. In her small, wooden house, there’s no refrigerator. She has never owned one. Instead, she cooks on a wood-burning stove, just as her mother and grandmother did. It’s a way of life passed down through generations.



When asked why she doesn’t have a fridge, Sanchez’s answer is simple: "Where are you going to get a refrigerator if there's no money?" Refrigerators are expensive, and in areas like Chiapas, few families can afford them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-waste-and-more-stability">Less waste and more stability</h2>



Without refrigeration, keeping food fresh becomes a constant challenge. Sanchez boils meat to preserve it. If it doesn’t get eaten that day, she boils it again the next day. And the day after that. Repeated boiling keeps bacteria at bay, but it also drains nutrients and alters taste.



Gomez knows this cycle all too well. She’s met families like Sanchez’s. She understands the daily struggle to keep food from spoiling. 



The new tortilla is designed to last for weeks without a fridge, and to offer a solution for families who can’t afford to lose food to spoilage. For people like Sanchez, it could mean less boiling, less waste, and more stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preservatives-or-probiotics">Preservatives or probiotics?</h2>



Most tortillas on store shelves are packed with preservatives. Calcium propionate is the common one. It keeps mold away, but there’s a cost. 



"One of the most commonly used additives in processed wheat flour tortillas is calcium propionate, which is considered harmful to the colon's microbiota," said Guillermo Arteaga, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.unison.mx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sonora</a>.



Gomez takes a different path. Her tortillas rely on probiotics instead. They are natural, clean and do not contain artificial ingredients.



Right now, Gomez’s tortillas use wheat flour. It’s the go-to in northern Mexico. But in the south, corn rules. Corn is cheaper, more readily available, and more culturally significant.



However, corn also spoils faster. Gomez wants to change that. Her team is working to adapt the probiotic method to corn tortillas. It’s not easy. Different grain requires different fermentation, but it’s worth trying.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-the-tortillas-beyond-the-lab">Moving the tortillas beyond the lab</h2>



In 2023, Gomez’s work seemed poised for a breakthrough. The National Autonomous University of Mexico (<a href="https://www.unaminternacional.unam.mx/en/unam" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNAM</a>) signed a deal to distribute her probiotic tortillas. This could have brought the tortillas to stores and, more importantly, to the people who need them most.



But the deal fell through. The reasons aren’t specified, but the outcome is clear - the tortillas never made it to market. They remained in the lab, stuck in the experimental phase.



Despite the setback, Gomez kept pushing forward. In December, she received recognition for her work from the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. The award acknowledged her innovation and the potential impact of her tortillas.



But while awards validate her efforts, they don’t put food on people’s tables. The tortillas need to move beyond the lab and into the hands of people like Teresa Sanchez, where they can actually help families struggling with food insecurity. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-convincing-people-to-try-lab-made-tortillas">Convincing people to try lab-made tortillas</h2>



Gomez faces a tough challenge. In Mexico, fresh tortillas aren’t just food - they’re tradition. Families buy them warm, soft, and straight from neighborhood shops every day. 



The idea of a lab-made tortilla, even one packed with probiotics and designed to last a month without a fridge, feels foreign. Gomez knows this. "It was developed with the most vulnerable people in mind," she says, as if reminding herself why she started.



Gomez wants her tortilla in kitchens like Sanchez’s - a product that can endure the heat, stay fresh, and reduce food waste. But for now, the tortillas remain in the lab, waiting for a chance to reach those who need them most.



Gomez keeps working, keeps testing, keeps hoping. The tortillas haven’t made it to market yet. Maybe they never will. But if they do, they could be more than just food. They could buy time - time to eat, time to save money, time to survive. For families like Sanchez’s, that time could mean everything.



Information for this article was obtained from <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250513-scientists-in-mexico-develop-tortilla-for-people-with-no-fridge">Agence France-Presse</a>.



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New tortillas can last a month without refrigeration

In the heart of Mexico, a food revolution is quietly...

Plants in the Alps are now springing to life sooner than they did just a few decades ago. A new study shows that over the past 25 years, vegetation in mountain regions has begun growing about six days earlier on average after snowmelt than it used to.



The research, led by Michael Zehnder of the <a href="https://www.slf.ch/en/%C3%B9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF</a>, points to a clear driver: rapid warming following the disappearance of seasonal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-droughts-could-quadruple-by-2100-harming-water-supplies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-speeds-up-alpine-spring">Warming speeds up alpine spring</h2>



“On average, as a result of climate change, the ambient temperature is almost two degrees Celsius warmer after the disappearance of snow cover than it was 25 years ago,” Zehnder said. 



The warmth accelerates growth, quickly turning snow-covered slopes into green alpine meadows. While that might seem like a small shift in timing, it marks a substantial change in the rhythm of alpine life. 



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-spring-flowers-can-save-bees-and-boost-pollination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> is reshaping mountain ecosystems,” Zehnder said. From flowers to farming, the pace of spring is picking up across elevations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alpine-life-feels-the-change">Alpine life feels the change</h2>



The changes in plant timing go beyond scientific curiosity. They touch various aspects of daily life in alpine regions.



For instance, “alpine farming might also start earlier in the future,” Zehnder noted, suggesting that warmer, greener pastures could prompt earlier seasonal grazing. 



Hikers and tourists may also experience spring in the alpine region earlier than in past decades, potentially altering the timing of peak visitation.



But perhaps most consequential is what this shift could mean for alpine biodiversity. Some plants quickly respond to warm temperatures. Others rely on internal clocks or light levels, waiting for longer days before growing.



Some plants don’t begin growing right after the snow disappears. Some species wait for longer daylight, while others sprout quickly in response to rising temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-clocks-at-different-heights">Different clocks at different heights</h2>



The study uncovered important variation across elevations. Near the treeline, around 2,000 meters above sea level, vegetation required more cumulative warmth to begin growing when snowmelt came early. 



In other words, the earlier the snow disappeared, the more warming days plants seemed to need before responding.



But higher up the slopes, plant communities showed more consistency. Even when snowmelt occurred early, these high-altitude plants appeared to rely on a fixed number of warm days before growth kicked in.



These subtle differences could have long-term consequences for how mountain vegetation evolves. 



Species that respond quickly to warmth may expand their range or outcompete those tied more rigidly to other cues. Over time, that could change not only which plants dominate specific locations but also the entire structure of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alpine-ecosystems-are-thrown-off-balance-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alpine ecosystems</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-the-mountain-spring">Monitoring the mountain spring</h2>



To measure these changes, Zehnder analyzed data from 40 stations that are part of the <a href="https://www.sensalpin.ch/en/measuring-networks/imis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intercantonal Measurement and Information System</a> (IMIS), a Swiss weather and snow-monitoring network. Each station includes an ultrasonic sensor that tracks snow depth throughout the year.



“This way we receive data without having to be in the field ourselves,” Zehnder explained. Because those sensors work in summer, they detect subtle ground cover changes as snow melts and vegetation appears.



Zehnder used machine learning to train a model that distinguishes snow-covered ground from plant-covered ground using sensor data. With this model, he was able to pinpoint when each location made the transition from winter white to spring green over a 25-year period, from 1998 to 2023.



Still, to know which species were growing at the monitored sites, Zehnder had to go into the field himself. That meant trekking to remote IMIS stations at altitudes ranging from 1,700 to 2,700 meters above sea level. 



“Researchers cannot tell from the IMIS station data which plants are growing under the sensors,” he noted, so direct observation was essential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-picks-the-favorite-plants">Climate picks the favorite plants</h2>



Zehnder emphasized that not all Alpine plant species will benefit equally from earlier snowmelt and rising temperatures. 



“It’s important, though, to understand how different plant communities will have different responses to even earlier snowmelt in the future and who the winners and losers will be,” Zehnder said.



The shift in timing is likely to favor species that respond directly to warmth over those that wait for longer days. As these dynamics play out, the makeup of alpine meadows may transform, potentially reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-pressure-has-a-hidden-impact-on-plant-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant diversity</a> in some locations.



Combining environmental data, fieldwork, and machine learning, the study reveals how climate change is shifting alpine life’s timing. With snow melting earlier and spring arriving sooner, the alpine region - like many of the world’s mountain ranges - are on the move.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.70195" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Alpine spring begins earlier, speeding up plant growth

Plants in the Alps are now springing to life sooner...

On May 13, 2025, scientists announced intriguing findings about the protective role of skin bacteria against sunlight. The research highlights how certain microorganisms on the skin might reduce the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.



The scientists studied how some skin microbes adjust our response to UV exposure by breaking down a compound called <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/cis-urocanic-acid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cis-urocanic acid</a>. This discovery sheds new light on how the skin's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/teen-skin-bacteria-could-hold-the-secret-to-acne-prevention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microscopic allies</a> could influence sun-related health issues.



The study was led by Dr. VijayKumar Patra from the International Center for Infection Research in Lyon, France, and the Research Unit for Photodermatology at the<a href="https://www.medunigraz.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Medical University of Graz</a> in Austria.



Dr. Patra and his colleagues uncovered how the skin’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-tool-analyzes-face-age-to-predict-cancer-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> might influence sun-induced effects through a specialized metabolic process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-bacteria-reduce-uv-damage">Skin bacteria reduce UV damage</h2>



The skin’s outer layer, known as the stratum corneum, is home to many microorganisms that coexist with our cells. Researchers have found that these organisms adapt to the skin’s available nutrients, creating products that can affect local immune responses.



One key factor is how the microbiome deals with sun-triggered molecules. By handling these molecules, microbes shape how skin cells react to environmental challenges. 



The experts observed that certain strains thrive when cis-urocanic acid is present, hinting at new ways to view sun protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-microbes-and-immune-responses">Skin microbes and immune responses</h2>



Scientists refer to cis-urocanic acid as an <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6223114/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immunosuppressive molecule</a> that can tamp down local defense mechanisms. This property is helpful in some cases, but it also raises concerns about skin damage if the immune system is weakened at the wrong moment.



Investigators found that <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK7919/">microbial metabolism</a> can reduce the impact of cis-urocanic acid on immune cells. They discovered a clear tie between bacterial growth patterns and skin’s ability to respond to sun exposure.



“This is the first time we have demonstrated a direct metabolic link between UV radiation, a host-derived molecule, and bacterial behavior that affects immune function,” said Dr. Marc Vocanson, from the French Institute of Health and Medical Research (<a href="https://www.inserm.fr/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INSERM</a>). 



The research illustrates how basic skin processes and microbial communities interact in surprising ways.



The findings strengthen the idea that the microbiome helps manage signals that keep our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alice-ball-young-chemist-transformed-an-ancient-kava-plant-into-an-effective-therapy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skin</a> healthy. They also suggest that interactions between bacteria and immune cells can shift with changes in the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-inside-sun-exposed-skin">What happens inside sun-exposed skin</h2>



When the skin is hit by UVB rays, a common type of ultraviolet radiation, a molecule called trans-urocanic acid in the outer skin layer changes form. It turns into cis-urocanic acid, which has strong effects on immune activity in the area.



This transformation isn’t just chemical - it has real consequences for how the skin reacts to threats. Cis-urocanic acid tends to suppress immune responses, which might help with inflammation but can also make the skin more <a href="https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/60355" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vulnerable</a> to infections or cancer-causing mutations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-ways-to-protect-skin">New ways to protect skin </h2>



Dr. Peter Wolf is an expert in the research unit for photodermatology at the Medical University of Graz.



“These findings open the door to microbiome-aware sun protection, where we not only protect the skin from UV radiation, but also consider how resident microbes can alter the immune landscape after exposure,” said Dr. Wolf.



This perspective could influence the design of sunscreens and after-sun care. Experts note that any new approach will need to account for the balance between cutting down damaging UV effects and preserving beneficial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protein-changes-discovered-protect-humans-mammals-from-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">functions</a>. 



The research may ultimately reshape how physicians use UV-based therapies for conditions like psoriasis or dermatitis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-bacteria-to-heal-skin">Using bacteria to heal skin</h2>



Changes in the microbiome might influence how sunburns develop or how quickly skin recovers after strong UV exposure. Some scientists are already investigating how lotions with helpful bacteria could support skin repair.



At this stage, there is still plenty to learn before these ideas translate into clinical treatments. 



The researchers stress that controlled studies are needed to confirm the best way to keep the skin microbiome stable while reducing UV risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-bacteria-and-uv-protection">Skin bacteria and UV protection</h2>



“This pivotal study shows that microbial communities are not passive victims of environmental stress but dynamic regulators of immune responses, capable of metabolizing UV-induced skin products such as cis-urocanic acid,” said Dr. Anna Di Nardo of <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC San Diego</a>.



She noted that skin bacteria can shape how our bodies deal with UV-induced changes, highlighting the significance of microbial metabolism as a factor in skin health. 



Dr. Di Nardo also mentioned growing concerns about sun damage and the potential role of beneficial microbes in preventing long-term effects.



Scientists across dermatology and immunology agree that this link between microbes and UV response holds promise for better prevention strategies. It also raises questions about whether tailored skincare could tap into these microbial interactions in the future. 



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X(25)00405-1/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Investigative Dermatology</a>.



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Our skin's bacteria could be a natural sunscreen

On May 13, 2025, scientists announced intriguing findings about the...

Mountain environments have captured our imagination for centuries. They offer striking landscapes, distinctive habitats, and a sense of calm that many species find comforting.



A recent analysis suggests that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-finally-learn-what-makes-plants-roots-grow-faster-and-stronger-autophagy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> may cope with rising temperatures better than people once thought. 



This new research, led by I-Ching Chen from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (<a href="https://www.aaas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AAAS</a>), challenges the idea that all mountain species are on a one-way trip toward extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-warming-affects-mountain-species">How warming affects mountain species</h2>



Scientists have long examined how warming affects animal and plant ranges. One <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">group</a> found that alpine regions are experiencing temperature changes faster than many lower areas. This has prompted questions about how quickly species move to stay in suitable conditions.



Traditional theories point to a simple path: as warmth creeps higher, species must scramble upslope or vanish. 



Some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-wetlands-are-turning-into-mercury-hotspots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountain</a> creatures do climb to cooler elevations, but a new dataset of thousands of historical and modern range records suggests that most are managing shifts without the sweeping extinctions many feared.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extinction-predictions-may-be-overstated">Extinction predictions may be overstated</h2>



The widely recognized <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1817416115" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">escalator to extinction</a> concept predicts that steep terrain restricts movement. Higher elevations leave little room for escape, so species get stuck and face extinction. 



However, the researchers found no solid evidence of mass disappearances linked directly to this idea. "Observed changes largely fell within random expectations, accounting for geometric constraints,” noted Chen. 



The team used a <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43586-020-00001-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bayesian modeling approach</a>, a probabilistic method that helps analyze data under uncertain conditions, to track changes in where species live.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-species-with-limited-ranges">Mountain species with limited ranges</h2>



Some species occupy narrow ranges and were predicted to vanish first when forced to new territory. Many have expanded to higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-plants-are-not-safe-from-rapid-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ground</a>, but they did not always abandon lower limits.



The study’s findings suggest that tight mountain boundaries are not immediately sealing any fate. Instead, these expansions reflect a flexible response that might help these specialized creatures endure ongoing temperature shifts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-species-adapt-to-warming">How species adapt to warming</h2>



Not all species respond to warming by moving up. Some adjust by shifting their activity times, altering diets, or evolving faster reproduction cycles to cope with heat.



A <a href="https://academic.oup.com/conphys/article/4/1/cow035/2951699" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> in the Rocky Mountains found certain butterflies adapted by changing when they emerged each season rather than climbing higher elevations. These shifts show that elevation isn’t the only axis of climate response.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-blurs-species-boundaries">Climate change blurs species boundaries</h2>



<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016953470300288X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biotic homogenization</a> is a process where different communities start to look more alike. Lowland species gradually move upslope, and unique mountain specialists mix with newcomers. Over time, these once-distinct groups blend.



Homogenization can reduce diversity of traits that once set each area apart. One <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1219033" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigation</a> in the European Alps found increasing plant diversity at higher elevations, but it also showed a trend toward more generalist species over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertain-future-for-mountain-species">Uncertain future for mountain species</h2>



Some scientists warn that the study only reflects current trends, not long-term outcomes. Species might still face delayed consequences known as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169534709001918" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction debt</a>, where loss happens years after the initial environmental change.



Climate disruptions can also affect reproduction, migration timing, and food chains in ways that take time to appear in range maps. Without ongoing monitoring, early warning signs might be missed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-long-term-effects-of-warming">Potential long-term effects of warming</h2>



Some researchers point out that warming may accelerate, so any delay in extinctions could be temporary. Mountains might be resilient now, but conditions may shift faster than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-rising-mountains-give-birth-to-new-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> can handle in coming decades.



Others emphasize that different regions vary in elevation spread, terrain complexity, and existing conservation measures. Local factors may play a big role in determining which mountain areas remain robust and which slip into trouble.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-mountain-ecosystems">Protecting mountain ecosystems </h2>



Scientists note that mountain ecosystems connect with rivers, valleys, and forests. When one part of the chain changes, the surrounding zones feel the impact. 



Some of the study’s authors caution that future ecological interactions may look different as more generalist species move upslope.



Conservation efforts in these regions will likely require new ways to track ongoing shifts. Observing subtle changes in how species occupy space across mountain slopes can help protect vulnerable spots before problems escalate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-on-mountain-species">New insights on mountain species</h2>



Though the picture is more optimistic than predicted for some high-elevation creatures, it raises new concerns about shrinking distinctions between once-separate communities. 



The immediate threat may not be widespread die-offs, but a quiet rearrangement of biodiversity.



Skeptics advise monitoring these patterns closely. Conditions are always changing, and caution remains wise where habitats and their inhabitants are so intimately tied to unique geographic features.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq9512" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Most mountain species are actually adapting to warming instead of flirting with extinction

Mountain environments have captured our imagination for centuries. They offer...

Last week, NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-2020-perseverance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseverance</a> rover revealed something unusual on the slopes of Jezero Crater. It snapped a photo of a strange rock, covered in round lumps that looked like spider eggs in a nest.



<a href="https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/people/stackmorgan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Katie Stack Morgan</a> at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is leading efforts to figure out how this puzzling object formed and ended up in this location. 



Because the rock, now known as <a href="https://assets.science.nasa.gov/dynamicimage/assets/science/missions/mars2020/2025/perseverance-rover-updates/ASCAM_SOL1442_scam01442_MOS_LR08_FUS_RGB_____St_Pauls_Bay_________P01.jpg?w=3034&amp;h=2083&amp;fit=clip&amp;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St. Pauls Bay</a>, doesn’t seem to match its surroundings, the team suspects it might have been moved by geological processes that took place long ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-egg-like-spherules-in-the-mars-rock">Egg-like spherules in the Mars rock</h2>



The rover captured the image on March 11, 2025, showing a large chunk of “float rock” that stands out against the lighter rocks and red dust. 



Scientists use the term float rock to describe stones that are no longer in the spot where they formed.



This piece of debris is peppered with spherules less than an eighth of an inch (3 millimeters) in size. 



NASA researchers think these spheres could be related to past meteor strikes or are possibly the result of groundwater reactions within the Martian crust.



In 2004, NASA's <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mer-opportunity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Opportunity</a> rover discovered tiny orbs that researchers nicknamed "blueberries.” These spherules were found on Meridiani Planum and were later identified as hematite-rich lumps.



That discovery led to the suggestion that water once flowed through the rock, creating concretions in the process. 



But Martian spherules don’t always come from water activity, and other scenarios - like cooling volcanic droplets - can generate similar shapes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-rock-spherules-and-meteors">Mars rock spherules and meteors</h2>



One possibility is that these mini-spheres formed when a meteorite slammed into the surface and hurled molten bits high into the atmosphere. Those fragments could have cooled rapidly, creating little blobs of rock that fused together.



If that’s the case, this St. Pauls Bay rock might have traveled a considerable distance before landing in its current spot. This movement would offer fresh insights into how impacts scatter materials around the planet.



Another scenario involves groundwater percolating through subsurface rock layers. Over time, mineral-laden water might have cemented certain components, leaving behind small knobs or nodules.



These lumps may have become visible through erosion. If this turns out to be the right track, it would add to evidence that <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Jezero_crater_through_the_eyes_of_Mars_Express" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jezero Crater</a> once hosted liquid water, which intrigues those scientists who are searching for evidence of ancient life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-placing-the-rock-in-context">Placing the rock in context</h2>



"The team is now working to link the spherule-rich texture observed in St. Pauls Bay to the wider stratigraphy at Witch Hazel Hill," NASA officials wrote in a recent update. 



They aim to pinpoint which rock <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-collects-26th-rock-sample-on-mars-plans-to-bring-them-all-to-earth-for-study/">layers</a> on the hill match the composition of this peculiar find, and establish whether it simply rolled down the hill.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mars_rock_St-Pauls-Bay_spherical-structures_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mars_rock_St-Pauls-Bay_spherical-structures_NASA_1s.webp" alt="This image from NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover, a fusion-processed SuperCam Remote Micro Imager (RMI) mosaic, shows part of the “” target, acquired from the lower Witch Hazel Hill area of the Jezero crater rim. The image reveals hundreds of strange, spherical-shaped objects comprising the rock. Perseverance acquired this image on March 11, 2025, or sol 1442 — Martian day 1,442 of the Mars 2020 mission. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/LANL/CNES/IRAP." class="wp-image-1970271"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This image from NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover, a fusion-processed SuperCam Remote Micro Imager (RMI) mosaic, shows part of the “” target, acquired from the lower Witch Hazel Hill area of the Jezero crater rim. The image reveals hundreds of strange, spherical-shaped objects comprising the rock. Perseverance acquired this image on March 11, 2025, or sol 1442 - Martian day 1,442 of the Mars 2020 mission. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/LANL/CNES/IRAP.</figcaption></figure>



Geologic mapping with Perseverance’s cameras and instruments will help narrow down where the rock originated. 



If they discover a layer that matches St. Pauls Bay, it will fill in gaps about past processes that shaped this corner of Mars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Special tools on Perseverance can test the chemistry of the spherules found in the Mars rock. Pinpointing the iron, magnesium, and other elements inside the spheres will guide scientists toward one hypothesis over another.



If the chemical signature leans toward volcanic elements, that may confirm an eruption or impact-related event. On the other hand, a heavy presence of water-altered minerals might hint at a more sedate origin involving groundwater flows.



By pursuing the origin of these lumps, researchers could unravel more about how rocks traveled across the planet. Even a single misplaced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/freya-castle-rock-with-black-and-white-stripes-found-on-mars-has-nasa-excited/">stone</a> can hold clues about large-scale collisions, floods, or volcanic outbursts that shaped Mars eons ago.



Rover teams see every oddity as a chance to learn about unseen processes beneath the Red Planet’s surface. More roving observations and sample analyses will determine whether St. Pauls Bay rock is a special case or part of a broader pattern scattered around Jezero Crater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solving-the-mars-rock-spherules-puzzle">Solving the Mars rock spherules puzzle</h2>



Scientists may soon direct the rover to examine darker layers around the crater that are visible from orbit. If these layers share similar chemistry, it would mean the rock simply rolled downhill.



If not, that outcome could point to an origin far from <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/resource/perseverances-climb-to-witch-hazel-hill/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Witch Hazel Hill</a>. Sorting that out may reveal how widespread spherule formation is within Jezero Crater and whether it links to events elsewhere on Mars.



This puzzling chunk of stone is a tantalizing reminder that we still have much to learn. Even after decades of Mars missions, new discoveries continue to disrupt assumptions.



Although the lumps look like “spider eggs,” there’s no indication of any real alien critters. The small nodules remain a geological phenomenon, and it’s up to researchers to decode their past.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-value-of-continued-investigation">The value of continued investigation</h2>



Some experts say even small clues can reshape our understanding of Martian history. One odd rock might <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-found-alive-sealed-inside-rock-after-2-billion-years/">rewrite</a> timelines of when volcanic or impact events took place.



Perseverance is designed to collect these intriguing snapshots of planetary evolution. Studying them up close helps build a clearer picture of Mars, layer by layer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-the-story-in-the-rocks">Finding the story in the rocks</h2>



The rover’s mission isn’t just about dramatic rocks. It’s about piecing together the puzzle of a once-dynamic world that may have held conditions suitable for microbial life.



Every time NASA encounters an unexpected object like the St. Pauls Bay rock, it highlights the diversity of geological processes that occurred on Mars. By tracking this single rock to its source, researchers can expand our knowledge of planetary processes beyond Earth.



Information for this article comes from a NASA online <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/blog/shocking-spherules/">press release</a>. 



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Martian rock looks like a nest of spider eggs

Last week, NASA’s Perseverance rover revealed something unusual on the...

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...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

Planetary nebula with ethereal wings captured by Hubble

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