Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 6744 - a large, barred spiral galaxy located approximately 30 million light-years away in the constellation Pavo.&nbsp;



The galaxy is often considered a close analog to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uma3-u1-faintest-star-system-found-orbiting-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> due to its similar structure and size, spanning about 175,000 light-years across.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-space-mission-nbsp">Euclid space mission&nbsp;</h2>



The image was captured by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid</a> space telescope. NGC 6744 stands out as a prime example of the galaxies currently forming the majority of stars in the nearby universe, making it an ideal subject for study with the Euclid mission.&nbsp;



Euclid’s extensive field-of-view allows it to capture the entire galaxy, showcasing not only its large-scale spiral structure but also revealing intricate details on smaller scales across various wavelengths. These details include feather-like dust lanes, known as “spurs,” emerging from the spiral arms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-6744">Star formation in NGC 6744</h2>



Euclid's observations enable scientists to count individual stars within NGC 6744, trace the distribution of stars and dust throughout the galaxy, and map the dust associated with the gas that fuels the development of new stars.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Star formation</a> is a key process in the growth of galaxies, making these studies crucial for understanding galaxy evolution.



Researchers are utilizing Euclid’s data to explore the relationship between dust, gas, and star formation; to map the distribution of different stellar populations and identify regions of active star formation; and to investigate the underlying physics of spiral galaxy structures.&nbsp;



Spiral arms play a significant role in star formation by compressing gas, yet the precise mechanisms behind this process are still unclear. The presence of “spurs” along NGC 6744’s spiral arms offers valuable insights into the dynamics of star formation within these structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-new-dwarf-galaxies-nbsp">Discovering new dwarf galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



Additionally, Euclid's dataset will help scientists identify clusters of old stars (globular clusters) and discover new dwarf galaxies around NGC 6744. 



Remarkably, Euclid has already identified a new dwarf satellite galaxy of NGC 6744 - a surprising discovery given that the galaxy has been studied extensively.



With Euclid’s detailed observations, scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of the processes shaping galaxies, providing essential clues to the evolution and appearance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universes-expansion-rate-hubble-tension-puzzles-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-ngc-6744">More about NGC 6744</h2>



NGC 6744's disk is rich in star-forming regions and contains numerous young, bright blue stars. The galaxy's nucleus is slightly elongated and has a bar structure, which influences the motion of the stars and gas within it.&nbsp;



The spiral arms of NGC 6744 are well-defined and extend outward, wrapping around the central bar. 



Additionally, NGC 6744 has a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 6744A, which is interacting with it, adding to the complexity and interest of this distant system. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-spiral-galaxies">Types of 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 one of the most common types of galaxies in the universe, characterized by their distinct, spiral-shaped structure.&nbsp;



The galaxies typically consist of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, along with a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. This bulge is often surrounded by a halo of older stars.&nbsp;



The spiral arms, which extend from the central bulge, are regions of active star formation and are rich in young, hot stars, giving them a bright, bluish appearance.&nbsp;



These arms are also sites where interstellar gas and dust are concentrated, leading to the formation of new stars.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on the tightness of their spirals and the size of their central bulge, with classifications ranging from tightly wound arms in Sa galaxies to more loosely wound arms in Sc galaxies. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, our home galaxy, is a prime example of a spiral galaxy.



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



Pavo, which means "peacock" in Latin, is a constellation in the southern sky. It was named by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius in the late 16th century, based on observations made during the Dutch explorations of the southern hemisphere. 



Pavo is one of the 12 constellations created by Plancius from the records of explorers Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman. 



The constellation is known for its distinctive shape, resembling a peacock with a long, curved tail. Pavo is not visible from most of the northern hemisphere, but it can be seen from the southern hemisphere, particularly during the winter months.



The constellation contains several interesting celestial objects, including the star Peacock, also known as Alpha Pavonis, which is the brightest star in the constellation. This star is a blue-white subgiant located about 179 light-years from Earth.



Image Credit: <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA&nbsp;



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Young stars illuminate a spiral galaxy in the constellation Pavo

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 6744 - a large, barred spiral galaxy located approximately 30 million light-years away in the constellation Pavo.&nbsp; The galaxy is often considered a close analog to the Milky Way due to its similar structure and size, spanning about 175,000 light-years across.&nbsp; Euclid space mission&nbsp; The image was captured by the Euclid space telescope. NGC 6744 stands out as a prime example of the galaxies currently forming the majority of stars in...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Columbia Glacier, a tidewater glacier located in Prince William Sound on the south coast of Alaska.



The Columba Glacier is one of the most rapidly changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-pose-great-threat-to-biodiversity-in-mountain-ranges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a> in the world and has been closely studied for the insights it provides into glacial mechanics and climate change impacts. 



"Since the early 1980s, the Columbia Glacier has retreated more than 20 km and lost about half of its total volume. This one glacier accounts for nearly half of the ice lost in the Chugach Mountains," noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"The changing climate is thought to have caused its retreat. Until 1980, when its rapid and constant retreat began, the glacier’s terminus was observed at the northern edge of Heather Island, which lies near the end of Columbia Bay, the inlet into which the glacier currently flows before draining into Prince William Sound."



ESA noted that this satellite image, captured in September of 2023, reveals a mostly ice-free Columbia Bay dotted with numerous icebergs and fragmented sea-ice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-calving-events">Dramatic calving events</h2>



The Columbia Glacier is known for its dramatic calving events, where large chunks of ice break off from the glacier's terminus and fall into the sea, becoming icebergs.



This process has been particularly active as the glacier has retreated, contributing to hazards for shipping in Prince William Sound.



The glacier has been the focus of extensive scientific research, serving as a case study for understanding the dynamics of tidewater glaciers and their responses to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preparing-for-ocean-acidification-a-silent-killer-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. Studies have used satellite imagery, field observations, and modeling to track its changes over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-impacts-on-the-columbia-glacier">Climate impacts on the Columbia Glacier</h2>



"Columbia is just one of the many glaciers suffering from the effects of climate change. Most of the glaciers around the world are losing mass," said ESA.



"However, before the advent of satellites, measuring their retreat and studying their vulnerability to climate change was difficult considering their size, remoteness and rugged terrain they occupy."



Now, noted ESA, different satellite instruments are available to gather information systematically and over large areas, providing an effective means to monitor change, keep track of all calving stages, and quantify the melting rate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-columbia-s-retreat-nbsp">Climate change and Columbia's retreat&nbsp;</h2>



Columbia Glacier flows from the Chugach Mountains into Columbia Bay. It was once one of the largest contributors to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a> due to its significant ice loss.&nbsp;



The glacier's dynamics are influenced by its interaction with water, where the terminus meets the ocean. As the glacier flows into the sea, large chunks of ice calve off the front, leading to dramatic scenes of ice crashing into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shelf-sediment-ocean-composition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>. 



This process has been intensifying due to warmer temperatures and changes in water circulation, which undermine the ice from below.



Columbia Glacier's retreat has significant implications for marine navigation and local ecosystems. The increase in icebergs calving into the bay poses hazards to ships, while the fresh meltwater impacts local water temperatures and salinity, affecting the habitat of fish and other marine life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melting-glaciers-in-a-warming-climate">Melting glaciers in a warming climate </h2>



Glaciers, which are large masses of accumulated snow and ice, store about 69 percent of the world's freshwater. As the climate warms, these glaciers increasingly melt and release freshwater into nearby seas and the ocean at large.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influx-of-freshwater">Influx of freshwater</h3>



The influx of freshwater from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-pose-great-threat-to-biodiversity-in-mountain-ranges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting glaciers</a> alters the salinity (salt concentration) of the ocean water. Since freshwater is less dense than saltwater, its addition can lead to stratification in which lighter, less salty water layers on top of denser, saltier water.&nbsp;



Stratification can disrupt ocean currents, which are driven in part by differences in water density and temperature. These currents are crucial for regulating global climate by distributing heat and nutrients around the planet.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-salinity-nbsp">Changes in salinity&nbsp;</h3>



Furthermore, changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a> can affect marine life, which often has narrow salinity tolerance ranges. For example, shifts in salinity can impact breeding cycles, migration patterns, and the availability of nutrients.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-carbon-cycle">Global carbon cycle</h3>



As the ocean's composition changes, its capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere could also be altered, affecting the global carbon cycle and, by extension, climate change feedback mechanisms.



The melting of glaciers contributes to more pronounced changes in ocean conditions, impacting everything from global climate systems to local ecosystems in marine environments.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Columbia Glacier on the south coast of Alaska

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

The Rhone River flowing out of Lake Geneva Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Rhone River as it cascades out of the largest lake in the Alps, Lake Geneva.

According to NASA, the river flows across 505 miles from the Rhone Glacier in the Swiss Alps to the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of France.

This photograph was captured on April 6. 2018 at the ISS Crew Earth Observations Facility and is provided by the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit at the Johnson Space Center.The Rhone River flowing out of Lake Geneva

The lake and the community of Lake Geneva were named for the town of Geneva, New York, located on Seneca Lake, which government surveyor John Brink thought it resembled. To avoid confusion with the nearby town of Geneva, Illinois, the city was renamed Lake Geneva; later the lake was renamed Geneva Lake.
Lakeshore attractions include Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva Yacht Club, the George Williams College campus of Aurora University, and Yerkes Observatory. The observatory is owned by the University of Chicago, which has established a study group to plan a regional center for science education at the observatory.

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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 


Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory

The Rhone River flowing out of Lake Geneva

The Rhone River flowing out of Lake Geneva Today's Image...

The vanishing Aral Sea Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> shows the heart-shaped Aral Sea.

This beautiful, emerald body of water is shrinking as a direct result of human activities. 

Before the 1950s, the Syr Darya and the Amu Darya rivers carried freshwater down from the mountains and into the Aral Sea, which lies between Kazakhstan in the north and Uzbekistan in the south.

In the 1960s, Soviet irrigation projects diverted the rivers to the desert. This has caused the Aral Sea, which was once the fourth largest lake in the world, to shrink dramatically. The vanishing Aral Sea shown above in image.

The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission on August 30, 2018.

The Aral Sea was an endorheic lake lying between Kazakhstan (Aktobe and Kyzylorda Regions in the north) and Uzbekistan (Karakalpakstan autonomous region in the south). The name roughly translates as "Sea of Islands", referring to over 1,100 islands that had dotted its waters; in the Turkic languages and Mongolic languages aral means "island, archipelago". The Aral Sea drainage basin encompasses Uzbekistan and parts of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and Iran

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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

Image Credit: European Space Agency

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The vanishing Aral Sea

The vanishing Aral Sea Today's Image of the Day from...

Dust flying off the west coast of Africa Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> shows massive plumes of sand blowing off the west coast of South Africa during an intense dust storm.

On September 25, 2019, the skies turned fiery red over coastal towns as fierce winds fueled the swirling sand. 

The dust particles produced poor visibility in some areas like Alexander Bay, where the streets became nearly invisible.Dust flying off the west coast of Africa

This image was captured by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP satellite. Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.3 million km2 (11.7 million square miles) including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of Earth's total surface area and 20% of its land area. With 1.3 billion people as of 2018, it accounts for about 16% of the world's human population. The continent is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Isthmus of Suez and the Red Sea to the northeast, the Indian Ocean to the southeast and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The continent includes Madagascar and various archipelagos. It contains 54 fully recognised sovereign states (countries), four territories and two de facto independent states with limited or no recognition. The majority of the continent and its countries are in the Northern Hemisphere, with a substantial portion and number of countries in the Southern Hemisphere. 

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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

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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Dust flying off the west coast of Africa

Dust flying off the west coast of Africa Today's Image...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a> features an incredible shot of the Earth and the Moon.

The photographs that were  combined to generate this view are from NASA’s Galileo spacecraft.

Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only astronomical object known to harbor life. According to radiometric dating and other evidence, Earth formed over 4.5 billion years ago. Earth's gravity interacts with other objects in space, especially the Sun and the Moon, which is Earth's only natural satellite. Earth orbits around the Sun in 365.256 days, a period known as an Earth sidereal year. During this time, Earth rotates about its axis about 366.256 times.
Earth's axis of rotation is tilted with respect to its orbital plane, producing seasons on Earth. The gravitational interaction between Earth and the Moon causes tides, stabilizes Earth's orientation on its axis, and gradually slows its rotation. Earth is the densest planet in the Solar System and the largest and most massive of the four rocky planets.

The Moon is an astronomical body that orbits Earth as its only natural satellite. It is the fifth-largest satellite in the Solar System, and by far the largest among planetary satellites relative to the size of the planet that it orbits (its primary). The Moon is, after Jupiter's satellite Io, the second-densest satellite in the Solar System among those whose densities are known.
The Moon is thought to have formed about 4.51 billion years ago, not long after Earth. The most widely accepted explanation is that the Moon formed from the debris left over after a giant impact between Earth and a hypothetical Mars-sized body called Theia. New research of Moon rocks, although not rejecting the Theia hypothesis, suggests that the Moon may be older than previously thought

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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

Image Credit: NASA

Incredible shot of the Earth and the moon

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features an incredible...

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> presents various views of the Sun from the SOHO solar observatory on the morning of the March equinox.

These images were captured from different ultraviolet wavelengths by SOHO’s Extreme ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (EIT). Each wavelength channel is sensitive to solar material at a different temperature range.

The SOHO spacecraft was launched in 1995 to monitor the surface of the Sun along with solar wind.

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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

Image Credit: European Space Agency

Views of the Sun from SOHO

Striking green swirls in Lake Khanka Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a shallow freshwater lake located on the border of Russia and northeastern China known as Lake Khanka.

The striking green swirls in the water most likely represent the presence of chlorophyll-rich phytoplankton.

According to NASA, phytoplankton and other suspended solids in the lake are easily mixed by the wind. 

The image was captured on April 12, 2019 by the Operational Land Imager on Landsat 8.

On the Delisle map of 1706, the lake is named Himgon and from it flows a river labelled with the names Usurou and Ousuri.
On the map of Johann Matthias Hase 1739, the river flowing from Lake Hinka is called by the names Ousoury and Schur.
On the map of d'Anville, made in 1752, the lake is named Hink, and from it issues the river Songhachan, which flows, in turn, into the river Usuri. Striking green swirls in Lake Khanka
On an 18th century map showing the "Irkutsk governorate with the adjacent islands and the western coast of <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/two-migrations-north-america/">America"</a>, the river issuing from Lake Hinka is named as the Usuri.
On the map of 1860, attached to the Convention of Peking, two lakes are shown: the larger Oz. Khankai (Russian: "Lake Khankai"), with Khankai glossed as signifying "quiet", (but given without a Manchu transliteration), and the smaller Oz. Dobiku (Russian: "Lake Dobiku") - given with a Manchu transliteration of Dobiku. From the big lake is shown flowing a river, labelled with the Russian names Uzhu and Sungachan, with the second of these names being glossed with a Manchu transliteration.

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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

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory

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Striking green swirls in Lake Khanka

Striking green swirls in Lake Khanka Today's Image of the...

Today’s Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> shows a thick haze lingering in the sky over northern Thailand. Hazy skies over northern Thailand

The country has been experiencing unhealthy levels of smoke and air pollution for more than a month, as farmers use prescribed burns to clear their land for the planting season.

According to meteorologists, the poor air quality is expected to last until May.

This image was captured on April 12, 2019 by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi NPP satellite.Hazy skies over northern Thailand

Thailand,officially the Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam, is a country at the centre of the Southeast Asian Indochinese Peninsula composed of 76 provinces. At 513,120 km2 (198,120 sq mi) and over 68 million people, Thailand is the world's 50th-largest country by total area and the 21st-most-populous country. The capital and largest city is Bangkok, a special administrative area. Thailand is bordered to the north by Myanmar and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and the southern extremity of Myanmar. Its maritime boundaries include Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand to the southeast, and Indonesia and India on the Andaman Sea to the southwest. It is a unitary state. Although nominally the country is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, the most recent coup, in 2014, established a de facto military dictatorship under a junta.

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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

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory

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Hazy skies over northern Thailand

Today’s Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory shows...

Total solar eclipse 2020: a view from above Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA_Earth_Observatory">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the shadow of the Moon crossing the face of Earth during the total solar eclipse on December 14, 2020.

According to NASA, the Moon completely blocked the disk of the Sun for about two minutes, and the much dimmer solar corona and its streamers became visible to the naked eye.

Total solar eclipse 2020: a view from above The “path of totality” was approximately 60 miles  wide and passed across South America through Chile and Argentina. However, thick cloud cover from an atmospheric river event made it difficult for many people to view the eclipse. A solar eclipse occurs when a portion of the Earth is engulfed in a shadow cast by the Moon which fully or partially blocks sunlight. This occurs when the Sun, Moon and Earth are aligned. Such alignment coincides with a new moon indicating the Moon is closest to the ecliptic plane. In a total eclipse, the disk of the Sun is fully obscured by the Moon. In partial and annular eclipses, only part of the Sun is obscured.

The image was captured by the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) on Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite 16 (GOES-16).

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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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

Total solar eclipse 2020: a view from above

Total solar eclipse 2020: a view from above Today's Image...

A burst of lightning near the geographic North Pole is stirring anxious questions about our changing climate. It showed up on August of, 2019, when atmospheric conditions lined up in a way few that had ever imagined.



Researchers discovered 342 lightning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-meltdown-is-accelerating-global-warming-already-changing-earth-in-unimaginable-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">events</a>, with 122 being in a single thunderstorm that traveled over the ice and came within about 27 miles (43 kilometers) of the North Pole.



Jianqiu Zheng and colleagues from the <a href="https://en.ustc.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Science and Technology of China</a> analyzed the event and found it was tied to an unusual surge of warm air.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-heat-now-fuels-rare-storms">Arctic heat now fuels rare storms</h2>



Temperatures in the far north have been <a href="https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/arctic-sea-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climbing</a> faster than the global average. This shift opens the door for moisture to move into places where it once rarely ventured.



Warm air masses from lower <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drastic-warming-will-transform-the-arctic-beyond-recognition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">latitudes</a> can now slip into polar regions and create the unstable backdrop for storms. Ice sheets still dominate much of the area, but the air above them is no longer as consistently frigid.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-formed-high-above-north-pole">Lightning formed high above North Pole </h2>



Scientists noted a thundercloud that formed about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) above the surface of the ice. That formation defied the usual pattern, where storms typically begin closer to ground level.



“This thunderstorm was unlike anything we typically see in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-may-fuel-the-spread-of-diseases-by-unleashing-frozen-viruses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a>,” said Zheng. It developed when a patch of warm, moist air was forced upward by a cooler layer that hugged the ice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warm-and-cold-air-collided">Warm and cold air collided</h2>



The team attributed this odd weather to a <a href="https://www.weather.gov/lmk/basic-fronts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frontal system</a> that lifted balmy, humid air over a wedge of cold air at the surface. That collision helped launch storm clouds into a zone where lightning is more likely to spark.



The experts relied on ERA5 reanalysis <a href="https://www.ecmwf.int/en/forecasts/dataset/ecmwf-reanalysis-v5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data</a> (archived meteorological observations) to piece together how air parcels moved and converged at the time. 



This data offered clues on how two conflicting air masses produced an elevated thundercloud in a zone known for extreme cold.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-lightning-near-the-north-pole">Tracking lightning near the North Pole</h2>



The storm’s path was logged by the World Wide Lightning Location Network (<a href="https://wwlln.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWLLN</a>), a global sensor system that monitors lightning strikes using radio waves. 



This network recorded the closest-known lightning strike to the North Pole, just 27 miles (43 kilometers) away, which helps confirm just how far these unusual storms can reach.



Without systems like WWLLN, events like this could go unnoticed in remote parts of the planet. The ability to track such rare <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-industrialization-how-will-it-impact-delicate-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phenomena</a> offers scientists a clearer picture of atmospheric behavior in a rapidly warming Arctic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impact-on-future-forecasts">Potential impact on future forecasts</h2>



“As temperatures rise, we may see more thunderstorms in areas where they were once extremely rare,” said Baohua Ren, a corresponding author of the study who hinted at the ripple effects of higher temperatures..



Shifts in polar climate may force meteorologists to adjust forecasting models. Storm frequency, lightning counts, and general weather patterns could all see new variations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-what-s-ahead">Predicting what's ahead</h2>



Changes in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-may-be-ice-free-sooner-than-we-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> often extend beyond regional boundaries. Variations in sea ice coverage, wind patterns, and ocean currents can trickle down to mid-latitudes and transform familiar seasonal weather.



Some experts wonder whether more frequent lightning in high latitudes might disturb wildlife or disrupt shipping routes.



Elevated storm occurrence might also affect how the upper atmosphere behaves, though more research is needed before making firm predictions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-lightning-near-the-north-pole">Implications of lightning near the North Pole </h2>



Lightning isn’t just a flash in the sky, it’s a sign of powerful atmospheric instability. For lightning to occur, there must be strong updrafts and separation of electrical charges within clouds, conditions that are rare in cold, dry regions like the Arctic.



When lightning appears near the North Pole, it signals a major shift in local energy balance. It means the atmosphere had enough moisture, warmth, and motion to support the buildup of charge, which is a clear sign that traditional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-arctic-warming-map-shows-alarming-changes-in-climate-hotspots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> norms are changing.



A single thunderstorm doesn’t rewrite climate science, but it emphasizes the importance of global temperature trends. <a href="https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/24/4451/2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polar warming events</a> and unexpected weather can align to produce conditions once thought impossible in icy places. 



Scientists see this development as an indication of how quickly the environment can shift. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-polar-events">Extreme polar events</h2>



Researchers note that more observational campaigns will help explain how moist air triggers lightning near the North Pole. These efforts could improve our ability to understand and track extreme polar weather events.



Polar scientists also emphasize the potential influence on local communities. People who depend on stable ice for hunting or travel might face new hazards when warmer air creates thunderstorms and slushier terrain.



The study was published in <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00376-024-4141-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advances in Atmospheric Sciences</a>.



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Lightning near the North Pole signals major climate shifts

A burst of lightning near the geographic North Pole is...

Many people wonder if a simple approach can bring lasting improvements to mental health. A new study on psychedelic compounds might spark a deeper conversation about how the brain recovers from stress-related conditions.



Researchers used mice to investigate how a single dose of a psychedelic compound can support cognitive flexibility. The lead investigator, Dr. Omar J. Ahmed from the <a href="https://lsa.umich.edu/psych/people/faculty/ojahmed.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a>, oversaw an experiment that tested how the animals responded to unexpected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelics-sexuality-and-self-discovery-what-a-new-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changes</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-a-psychedelic-dose-rewires-the-brain">How a psychedelic dose rewires the brain</h2>



Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new connections. Psychedelic drugs have shown promise in boosting these adaptive changes in certain parts of the brain.



Research has already <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9671959/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hinted</a> at benefits for people with depression and anxiety. This new investigation goes a step further by looking at how long these benefits last.



Experts are exploring how <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1853/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">serotonin 2a receptor</a> activation might reshape the way we learn. This receptor is linked to mood regulation and perception, so it makes sense that tweaking it could alter how the brain adapts.



According to the investigators, only one dose was given to each mouse, with no additional treatments. Later, they ran tests that looked at how quickly the mice switched strategies under new conditions.



Some scientists say the prefrontal cortex is key to tasks that demand judgment and quick <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-ibogaine-can-now-be-produced-without-rare-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptation</a>. Strengthening its connections may explain why a single dose can produce effects that last far beyond the initial exposure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-psychedelic-dose-boosts-flexible-thinking">One psychedelic dose boosts flexible thinking</h2>



“What makes this discovery particularly significant is the sustained duration of cognitive benefits following just one psychedelic dose,” explained Professor Omar Ahmed. The researchers saw a clear advantage in how the psychedelic group tackled changing rules.



Male and female mice both showed an uptick in mental adaptability. This broad effect indicates that the underlying mechanism could benefit a wide range of individuals.



“A key question is what happens with two, three, or even twenty doses taken over several months,” said Dr. Ahmed. Investigators are curious about how repeated doses might affect flexibility in the long run. 



Such questions may guide the next phase of research. They might also help clarify whether more doses lead to better <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increased-use-of-psilocybin-in-u-s-raises-health-concerns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outcomes</a> or if there is a tipping point.



Yet, not all psychedelics work the same way. Comparing substances with varying strengths and modes of action is essential to pinpoint which ones offer the most stable improvement in learning.



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



Many people who deal with mood disorders struggle to cope with shifting demands. A boost in flexible thinking could help them adapt more quickly to life’s uncertainties.



Therapies that strengthen neuroplasticity show promise for conditions such as depression and PTSD. Psychedelics might become another avenue to support these neural changes, though more data from human studies are needed.



Some <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6220878/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> suggest that psilocybin, a well-known psychedelic, has produced lasting improvements in mental well-being. Researchers note that this effect can persist for weeks, hinting at a mechanism that goes beyond a short-term shift in perspective.



“The most striking aspect of our findings is that these cognitive benefits were measured 15-20 days after a single psychedelic administration,” noted Elizabeth J. Brouns. Experts are also excited about the possibility of helping older adults or those with conditions tied to memory decline. 



PTSD, in particular, involves disrupted patterns of recall that can get stuck in negative loops. Breaking these loops might involve a shift in how the brain processes threats and rewards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-brain-healing">Future research on brain healing</h2>



Expanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/confirmed-magic-mushrooms-can-effectively-treat-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">knowledge</a> about psychedelics might reshape how clinicians approach mental health. Some professionals predict that well-monitored psychedelic therapy could complement existing treatments.



Scientists plan to test different compounds, doses, and schedules to see what works best. They also want to confirm if these changes in flexibility come from changes in the prefrontal cortex or from other parts of the brain.



Since studies point to stable neuroplasticity shifts after just one dose, the timeline for integrating these treatments may be shorter than previously thought. At the same time, caution is key because not everyone responds the same way to psychedelics.



Before new guidelines become mainstream, rigorous research is needed to cover safety and efficacy. Investigators remain optimistic that single-dose therapies could one day make a difference for a variety of people.



Legal frameworks around psychedelics are evolving in the United States. These changes might eventually open paths for more clinical trials that evaluate safety and practicality.



These findings offer a fresh perspective on how one-time interventions may guide the future of mental health care. More thorough testing in clinical settings will reveal which populations stand to benefit the most.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/psychedelics/aop/article-10.61373-pp025r.0002/article-10.61373-pp025r.0002.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psychedelics</a>.



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One psychedelic dose can improve brain functioning for extended periods of time

Many people wonder if a simple approach can bring lasting...

Mind blanking - those moments when our thoughts disappear and we seem to experience a pause in consciousness - is a familiar, yet surprisingly misunderstood part of human experience. 



Often described as “thinking of nothing” or “feeling drowsy,” this phenomenon is now being reevaluated by scientists who believe it deserves distinct recognition in neuroscience research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-of-mind-blanking">The mystery of mind blanking </h2>



In a recent opinion article, an international team of neuroscientists and philosophers compiled decades of findings on mind blanking, including recent discoveries from their own studies involving brain activity scans.



The collaboration began at the 25th Annual Meeting of the <a href="https://theassc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness</a> in Amsterdam in 2022, where researchers agreed that it was time to treat mind blanking not as a side effect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-wandering-might-be-more-productive-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mind wandering</a>, but as a separate mental state altogether.



“During wakefulness, our thoughts transition between different contents. However, there are moments that are seemingly devoid of reportable content, referred to as mind blanking,” the experts wrote. “It remains unclear what these blanks represent, highlighting the definitional and phenomenological ambiguities surrounding mind blanking.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-phenomenon">Exploring the phenomenon</h2>



Traditionally, mind blanking has been explored through frameworks designed to study mind wandering - the spontaneous drift of thoughts we experience throughout the day. 



However, the researchers argue that mind blanking is more than just another form of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-daydream-to-awareness-the-brains-alert-mechanism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daydreaming</a>. It is often accompanied by sleepiness, sluggishness, or cognitive lapses, and deserves to be studied independently.



“We sought to better understand mind blanking by parsing through 80 relevant research articles - including some of our own in which we recorded participants' brain activity when they were reporting that they were 'thinking of nothing,’” explained senior author Athena Demertzi, a neuroscientist at the <a href="https://www.uliege.be/cms/c_8699436/en/uliege" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liège</a> in Belgium.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-research-revealed"><a></a>What the research revealed</h2>



The review offers several key insights. First, mind blanking occurs in everyone, although the frequency varies between individuals. On average, it occupies about 5% to 20% of our waking hours. 



These episodes are often linked to lapses in attention, failures in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a>, or a sudden halt in inner dialogue. They tend to appear more frequently during long attention-heavy tasks, after sleep deprivation, or intense physical exertion.



Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddler-screen-time-linked-to-atypical-sensory-behaviors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ADHD</a>) report experiencing mind blanking more frequently than others. It is also listed as a symptom in the clinical description of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in the DSM-5, and appears in other neurological conditions such as strokes, seizures, traumatic brain injury, and Kleine-Levin syndrome.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-changes-in-brain-function">Distinct changes in brain function</h2>



Studies using fMRI and EEG scans show that mind blanking is associated with distinct changes in brain function. 



The phenomenon involves disruptions in the brain's frontal, temporal, and visual networks, reduced complexity in neural signals, and what scientists refer to as “local sleep episodes” - moments when parts of the brain temporarily fall into a sleep-like state even during wakefulness.



During experiments that involved sustained mental focus, participants showed signs of mind blanking through decreased heart rate, smaller pupil size, and patterns of slow brain waves. 



Meanwhile, voluntary mind clearing (like in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meditation-can-rapidly-reduce-ptsd-without-revisiting-trauma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meditation</a>) produced deactivation in areas like the inferior frontal gyrus, Broca’s area, the supplementary motor cortex, and the hippocampus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-framework-for-thoughtless-moments">A framework for thoughtless moments</h2>



The research team proposes a novel framework to describe mind blanking as a collection of states influenced by physiological arousal - what they term “vigilance.” 



Whether a person is in a low-arousal state (such as fatigue) or a high-arousal state (such as cognitive overload), mind blanking appears more likely to occur when the brain’s normal mechanisms for attention, memory, or speech fail to function.



“The experience of a 'blank mind' is as intimate and direct as that of bearing thoughts,” said co-author Jennifer Windt, a neuroscientist at <a href="https://www.monash.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monash University</a> in Australia.



“Our aim here is to start a conversation and see how mind blanking relates to other seemingly similar experiences, such as meditation,” added co-author Antoine Lutz from the <a href="https://www.crnl.fr/en/page-base/crnl-presentation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lyon Neuroscience Research Center</a> in France.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-brain-looking-to-the-future">The brain: Looking to the future</h2>



Ultimately, the team hopes future research will treat mind blanking as a meaningful mental state, not merely an absence of cognition. They argue it holds crucial insights for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-stops-paying-attention-to-repeated-distractions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attention</a>, consciousness, and mental health.



“We believe that the investigation of mind blanking is insightful, important, and timely,” said lead author Thomas Andrillon of the University of Liège.



“Insightful because it challenges the common conception that wakefulness involves a constant stream of thoughts. Important because mind blanking highlights the interindividual differences in subjective experience. Collectively, we stress that ongoing experiences come in shades with varying degrees of awareness and richness of content."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/trends/cognitive-sciences/fulltext/S1364-6613(25)00034-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trends in Cognitive Sciences</a>.



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When the brain goes silent: The complex reality of mind blanking

Mind blanking - those moments when our thoughts disappear and...

Forests are one of Earth’s greatest natural defenses against climate change. They absorb carbon dioxide, regulate rainfall, and shelter a huge portion of the planet’s biodiversity. 



Yet for all their importance, large parts of the world’s forests remain poorly understood and hard to monitor - even with the help of space technology - and they remain vulnerable to both natural and human-driven change.



Until recently, forest monitoring relied heavily on ground teams manually measuring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-forests-are-struggling-to-keep-pace-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a>, mapping biodiversity, and estimating carbon stored in different ecosystems. These efforts, though essential, are slow, labor-intensive, and often constrained by difficult terrain or limited funding.



Now, a breakthrough is underway. The tools of modern space science are being directed toward Earth’s forests like never before. This marks the beginning of what scientists call the "forest space age" - a bold, global effort to transform our understanding of forests from above.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-forest-carbon-from-space">Tracking forest carbon from space</h2>



On April 29, the European Space Agency (<a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>) will launch the Biomass mission. It will carry the first P-band radar into space, capable of seeing through dense forest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2025-our-power-our-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canopies</a>. This satellite is expected to revolutionize how we estimate forest structure and carbon storage.



P-band radar technology stands out because it can detect elements of forests that other sensors miss. It reaches past the leafy treetops and captures detailed information about trunks, stems, and branches — the key areas where trees hold carbon.



Biomass won’t be alone for long. Soon, the US–India <a href="https://nisar.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NISAR mission</a> will join it. This satellite carries an L-band synthetic aperture radar that complements Biomass’s P-band data. 



Together, these missions will offer a multi-layered picture of forests. Add to that NASA’s GEDI lidar aboard the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Space Station</a>, the Copernicus Sentinel-1’s C-band radar, and more missions in the pipeline, and the result is a powerful suite of tools monitoring forests from orbit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-forests-with-satellites">Monitoring forests with satellites </h2>



Never before have so many instruments been trained on Earth’s forests at once. These satellites are not just capturing snapshots. They provide consistent, global-scale monitoring over time, allowing scientists to detect patterns and trends in forest health, loss, and growth.



ESA’s Climate Change Initiative’s Biomass Project is already using this wealth of data to analyze long-term forest changes. 



By integrating historical and current satellite data, the project delivers a clear view of how biomass has changed year after year. This time-series approach reveals shifts in forest dynamics and provides essential input for climate models.



When satellite data is used together with global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-undisturbed-forests-support-greater-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> projections, it enables better predictions of how forests will react to temperature shifts, droughts, or human pressures. The scale and depth of data now available were once unthinkable. Yet space technology alone cannot give us the full picture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-groundwork-still-matters">Why groundwork still matters</h2>



Despite their reach and resolution, satellites can’t do everything. They can't directly measure biomass or recognize plant species from above. Tropical forests, for instance, are home to staggering biodiversity. This complexity makes it hard for remote sensors to categorize forest types or species without help.



“Even the most advanced satellite can’t tell a mahogany from a Brazil nut tree without help from the ground, and there are more than ten thousand tree species in the Amazon alone,” said Professor Oliver Phillips from the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>.



Ground-based science is still vital. Forest ecologists and botanists work in jungles, swamps, and mountain forests to collect the details satellites miss. They measure tree height, diameter, species type, and carbon density, all while navigating unpredictable and sometimes dangerous conditions. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forests-rely-on-space-technology">Forests rely on space technology</h2>



To make sure that space-based data reflects reality, scientists compare it with direct measurements from the ground. This process, called ground validation, is particularly important in tropical forests where tree diversity is high and canopy structure varies widely.



For this reason, long-term on-the-ground studies continue to play a critical role. They ensure accuracy, identify regional patterns, and help calibrate satellite instruments. Forests change slowly and subtly over time. 



Only with repeat measurements at tree level can we detect those shifts and check if the satellite data aligns with what is actually happening on the ground.



Ground validation is not just a technical necessity. It is also a scientific collaboration that stretches across borders and disciplines, bringing together ecologists, geographers, botanists, and remote sensing experts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-introducing-geo-trees">Introducing GEO-TREES</h2>



To improve this collaboration and support local expertise, scientists launched a global project called <a href="https://geo-trees.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GEO-TREES</a>. It is an initiative designed to connect remote sensing specialists with field researchers and promote balanced partnerships around the world.



“The aim of GEO-TREES is to establish a sustainable funding mechanism to support ecologists and experts working in the forest to take the tree-by-tree measurements that are needed to validate satellite data products," noted ESA’s <a href="https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO/Biomass" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biomass</a> Mission manager, Klaus Scipal.



“GEO-TREES will implement rigorous ground-validation protocols and push for major investments in the people behind the data – particularly in the Global South, where much of the world’s biodiversity resides.”



Through GEO-TREES, there is now an effort to formalize funding pathways for fieldwork. This helps ensure that forest scientists on the front lines have the resources, training, and recognition they need to carry out accurate and consistent data collection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-missions-and-ground-observations">Space missions and ground observations </h2>



Measuring trees, hiking through flooded forests, climbing into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-forests-rose-again-after-the-planets-most-extreme-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canopies</a> - this is not easy work. Yet without these efforts, satellite missions would lack reliable reference points. The success of Earth observation depends on the dedication of those who live and work close to the forests.



“Satellites, such as our Biomass, offer a wealth of information to understand our changing world, but we must not forget those working tirelessly on the ground taking in situ measurements, often in difficult conditions, who allow us to have confidence in the data returned from space,” said Scipal.



That trust between space-based observation and field data is what gives global forest monitoring its strength. Both are needed, and both are now being more closely linked than ever before.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-phase-of-planetary-care">A new phase of planetary care</h2>



“The dedicated teams working in the field to collect vital ground-truth data are important to the success of our missions," added ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Simonetta Cheli.



“Their contributions help ensure that our Earth Explorer missions deliver outstanding science - science that lies at the core of our <a href="https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FutureEO programme</a>.”



As Earth faces increasing environmental pressures, forests will continue to play a critical role in regulating our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> and sustaining life. By combining the power of satellite technology with the knowledge and hard work of people on the ground, we are entering a new phase of planetary care.



The "forest space age" is more than a technological achievement. It is a worldwide collaboration between the skies and the soil, with the goal of understanding and protecting the forests we all depend on.



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Forest space age: Satellites can track canopies and carbon storage

Forests are one of Earth’s greatest natural defenses against climate...

Many people hope to find something that helps them feel stronger and more energetic as they get older. Researchers have explored different paths and trials, with a special focus on nutrients that might protect our bodies from the strains of aging.



<a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=XXKmfjUAAAAJ&amp;hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Harshani Nadeeshani</a> from the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, and her colleagues have analyzed <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d42473-022-00002-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nicotinamide mononucleotide</a> (NMN) as a potential candidate. 



Their efforts have sparked plenty of discussion about whether this compound can help ward off common age-related concerns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nmn-at-a-glance">NMN at a glance</h2>



NMN is a molecule related to vitamin B3. It plays a part in maintaining healthy cellular energy levels by boosting <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/nicotinamide-adenine-dinucleotide" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide</a> (NAD+) in our cells.



Some researchers propose that higher NAD+ levels could support the way cells handle stress. This idea has driven projects that test NMN in both animals and humans to see if it can reduce common problems <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-anti-aging-drug-interleukin-11-boosts-lifespan-prevents-cancer-gray-hair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">linked to aging</a>, such as sluggish metabolism and low energy.



Enthusiasm around NMN stems from studies on animals. Early experiments suggest that adding NMN to a balanced diet may affect the body’s metabolic functions in ways that look positive.



A small human trial noted that NMN might help with insulin sensitivity in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abe9985" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prediabetic</a> individuals. That finding caught the attention of people who watch their blood sugar or manage early metabolic issues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-people-and-nmn-what-we-know">People and NMN: What we know</h2>



Scientists have tried to figure out if NMN can support healthy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-every-day-proven-studies-to-delay-biological-aging-in-humans/">aging</a> by stabilizing cellular energy processes. 



One group reported that when they gave healthy adults a single dose of NMN, they observed no negative reactions. This gave them a reason to test higher amounts over a longer span in follow-up work.



Another project looked at how NMN might help muscle cells. Some findings signaled that normal energy production may be supported, but experts still emphasize that these results do not confirm lasting benefits in humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-nmn-behaves-in-people">How NMN behaves in people</h2>



Researchers continue to wonder how NMN behaves if it is taken every day for months or even years. Extended use could bring about different outcomes than short trials, and those effects remain unclear.



There is also a discussion about whether NMN might lose its effectiveness in people whose lifestyle includes a high-fat diet. 



Since many factors can affect how the body processes supplements, more trials are needed to see who could benefit most from NMN.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safety-and-concerns">Safety and concerns</h2>



No major safety issues have emerged from small pilot <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10721522/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a>, but the number of participants was limited. Some nutrition experts suggest starting with modest amounts under a health professional’s guidance.



Concerns linger about how an abundance of NAD+ may affect cells linked to inflammation or unwanted growth. Several lab findings argue that normal pathways can keep things balanced, but extra data from larger studies is essential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-impact">Long-term impact</h2>



A handful of ongoing trials aim to measure how NMN influences markers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-reverse-aging-a-bold-new-approach-could-reprogram-cells/">aging</a> across different ages and lifestyles. Some focus on metabolic factors, while others look at endurance or cognitive performance.



If these investigations show consistent benefits, manufacturers could face requests to set specific guidelines on dosage. 



Right now, people often depend on whatever label instructions appear on supplement bottles, which is not always backed by large-scale proof.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-considerations">Practical considerations</h2>



People who already follow a healthy diet, regular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-term-exercise-can-make-belly-fat-healthy/">exercise routine</a>, and proper medical care should know that NMN is not a replacement. It may act as a complementary approach that supports the body’s existing processes.



Cost remains a sticking point. High-purity NMN supplements can be expensive, and quality can vary. Consumers must be watchful of unregulated products that make strong claims without published research to back them up.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-the-scientific-community-trials">Role of the scientific community: Trials</h2>



Authorities in nutrition science are looking at how to define standard doses. They also plan to track potential side effects in people who combine NMN with other health regimens.



Third-party labs have started analyzing product purity. This step is critical in ensuring that over-the-counter supplements contain what their labels promise.



Studies on NMN remind us that science seldom provides simple answers. Different lifestyles, genetic backgrounds, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/outdoor-exercise-amplifies-physical-and-mental-health-benefits/">health</a> conditions can affect how well a supplement works for any individual.



Experts note that the best data come from randomized controlled trials with a sizable group of volunteers. They also stress that safety profiles need repeated confirmation over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hope-and-caution">Hope and caution</h2>



NMN’s buzz shows a growing interest in preserving wellness well <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-every-day-proven-studies-to-delay-biological-aging-in-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">into our later years</a>. This push for solutions is a good sign, as it encourages deeper research into how our cells age.



Still, caution is advised. People should consider discussing any new supplement with a trusted healthcare provider, especially if they have specific medical concerns or take other medications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-knowledge-with-reality">Balancing knowledge with reality</h2>



Some see NMN as an easy fix for people with age-related issues, but experts warn that a single compound cannot cancel out all wear and tear on the body. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifespan-is-influenced-more-by-lifestyle-than-genetics/">Lifestyle</a> factors like diet, fitness, and stress reduction often play a more central role in long-term health.



At the same time, properly designed trials in humans could reveal clearer benefits or downsides. This highlights the need for well-supported research to guide those who buy these products.



NMN studies are evolving quickly. While some investigators see a path toward broader application, others demand greater proof of safety and effectiveness.



Consumers should stay aware that this compound is not regulated like a standard medication. Many questions remain about how best to use NMN, but there is hope that ongoing research will clarify key points.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090123221001491" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Advanced Research</a>.



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A scientific review analyzes the potential and limitations of NMN for slowing down aging

Many people hope to find something that helps them feel...

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.



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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



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...

Young stars illuminate a spiral galaxy in the constellation Pavo

News coming your way