Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features UGC 5460, a spiral galaxy that is located about 60 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.&nbsp;



“This image combines four different wavelengths of light to reveal UGC 5460’s central bar of stars, winding spiral arms and bright blue star clusters. Also captured in the upper left-hand corner of this image is a far closer object: a star just 577 light-years away in our own galaxy,” said <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“UGC 5460 has hosted two recent supernovae named SN 2011ht and SN 2015as. It’s because of these two stellar explosions that Hubble targeted this galaxy, collecting data for three observing programmes that aim to study various kinds of supernovae.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-core-collapse-supernova-nbsp">A core-collapse supernova&nbsp;</h2>



SN 2015as is an example of a core-collapse supernova. This type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> occurs when the core of a massive star - typically with more than 8 times the mass of the sun - can no longer support its own gravity after exhausting its nuclear fuel. 



This causes the core to collapse under its own weight, leading to an extremely violent explosion. The collapse triggers the release of an enormous amount of energy, expelling the outer layers of the star into space.



In the aftermath of the explosion, a dense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shockingly-bright-carbon-monoxide-detected-in-supernova-remnant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remnant</a> is created. This is often a neutron star or black hole, depending on the mass of the original star. Core-collapse supernovae are some of the most powerful events in the universe.



According to ESA, Hubble observations of SN 2015as will help researchers understand what happens when the expanding shockwave of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-dandelion-year-1181-leaves-behind-zombie-star-defying-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> collides with the gas that surrounds the exploded star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-stars-with-large-eruptions-nbsp">Rare stars with large eruptions&nbsp;</h2>



“SN 2011ht might have been a core-collapse supernova as well, but it could also be an impostor called a luminous blue variable. Luminous blue variables are rare stars that experience eruptions so large that they can mimic supernovae,” noted ESA.



“Crucially, luminous blue variables emerge from these eruptions unscathed, while stars that go supernova do not. Hubble will search for a stellar survivor at SN 2011ht’s location, and the explosion’s identity may be revealed at last.”



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



Spiral galaxies are some of the most recognizable and beautiful structures in the universe. They are known for their distinctive arms that spiral outward from a central bulge.&nbsp;



These galaxies are typically composed of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter. The arms are often sites of intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fluffy-molecular-clouds-may-change-our-understanding-of-star-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>, where clouds of gas collapse to form new stars. 



In the center of a spiral galaxy lies a dense concentration of older stars and, often, a supermassive black hole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-a-spiral-galaxy-nbsp">Structure of a spiral galaxy&nbsp;</h2>



The structure of a spiral galaxy is generally divided into three main components: the disk, the bulge, and the halo.&nbsp;



The disk is where the spiral arms are located and contains most of the galaxy's visible stars and interstellar medium.&nbsp;



The bulge is a tightly packed region of older stars at the core, and the halo consists of a sparse collection of stars and globular clusters that surround the galaxy.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies can be classified into different types based on the tightness and number of their spiral arms, as well as the size of their central bulge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-milky-way-galaxy">The Milky Way galaxy</h2>



Our solar system is located within a large spiral galaxy known as the Milky Way. The name refers to its appearance as a dim, milky band of light stretching across the night sky.&nbsp;



The term "Milky Way" comes from ancient Greek mythology, where it was associated the goddess Hera's milk spilling into the sky. In Greek, it was called "Galaxias Kyklos," meaning "milky circle."&nbsp;



Spanning about 100,000 light-years in diameter, the Milky Way is composed of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter. The galaxy has a distinct disk shape with spiral arms that wind outward from a central bulge, which houses a supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-black-hole-unleashes-mysterious-flares/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a>. 



Our sun is located in one of the spiral arms - known as the Orion Arm - positioned roughly halfway from the center to the outer edge.&nbsp;



The Milky Way is part of a small group of galaxies called the Local Group, which includes the Andromeda Galaxy and several smaller galaxies.



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Hubble views a spiral galaxy with stellar explosions

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features UGC 5460, a spiral galaxy that is located about 60 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.&nbsp; “This image combines four different wavelengths of light to reveal UGC 5460’s central bar of stars, winding spiral arms and bright blue star clusters. Also captured in the upper left-hand corner of this image is a far closer object: a star just 577 light-years away in our own galaxy,” said ESA. “UGC 5460 has...

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a blanket of dust over the Tarim Basin - a vast, arid region in northwestern China. 



Mountain peaks are visible through a break in the dust. These peaks are part of Tekilik Shan, a subrange of the Kunlun Mountains.



Though not as widely known as some other mountain ranges in the area, Tekilik Shan plays a significant role in shaping local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-pushing-nature-toward-a-breaking-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather</a> patterns and geography.



Its snow-covered peaks can rise above 13,000 feet, contributing to the dramatic elevation differences that define the basin’s borders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-storms-in-the-tarim-basin-nbsp">Dust storms in the Tarim Basin&nbsp;</h2>



Spring marks the height of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust storm</a> activity in the Tarim Basin, particularly in its southern region.&nbsp;



“It’s a time of year when regional wind patterns shift in ways that cause winds and storm systems to sweep in from the northwest,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/154126/a-curtain-of-dust-over-the-tarim-basin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“In early spring, when landscapes in this region are especially dry and have minimal vegetation, land surfaces warm rapidly under the Sun’s heat every morning, fueling convection that can help loft dust upward by the afternoon.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fingerlike-dust-formations-nbsp">Fingerlike dust formations&nbsp;</h2>



Satellite images revealed dust formations with fingerlike shapes that mirrored the landscape below. These projections aligned with valleys, which channeled and directed the airborne dust.&nbsp;



Ralph Kahn is an atmospheric scientist at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder and scientist emeritus at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.



According to Kahn, the dust may have been “self-lofting.” In this process, sunlight heats recently stirred-up surface dust, creating pockets of convection that lift it even higher into the air.



This interpretation is supported by hourly observations from Japan’s Himawari-9 geostationary satellite, which showed dust gradually rising into the Tekilik Shan throughout the day. By late afternoon, the storm had grown dense enough to obscure the mountains.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decline-in-atmospheric-dust">Decline in atmospheric dust</h2>



Long-term satellite data from MODIS suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-in-the-gulf-of-alaska-help-shape-the-global-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric dust</a> levels in this region have declined by about 1.5 percent each year since the early 2000s.&nbsp;



NASA researcher Hongbin Yu attributes this trend mainly to springtime changes - such as altered wind speeds, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-moisture-can-predict-severe-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil moisture</a>, or vegetation cover - rather than shifts in other seasons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainfall-in-the-tarim-basin-nbsp">Rainfall in the Tarim Basin&nbsp;</h2>



“The <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Takla-Makan-Desert" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Takla Makan Desert</a> is one of the driest, most barren expanses on Earth. Flanked by mountain ranges on three sides and parched by the resulting <a href="https://glossary.ametsoc.org/wiki/Rain_shadow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rain shadow</a>, parts of the Tarim Basin receive no more than 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) of rain per year,” noted NASA.



“Dust storms can lead to public health problems in populated areas downwind by transporting small particles, bacteria, and viruses that infiltrate human respiratory systems.”&nbsp;



NASA added that dust storms can also affect Earth’s climate by scattering and absorbing incoming solar radiation and changing the properties of clouds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-landscape-of-the-tarim-basin-nbsp">Landscape of the Tarim Basin&nbsp;</h2>



The Tarim Basin is one of the largest endorheic basins in the world, meaning that its rivers do not drain into the sea but instead flow into interior lakes or evaporate.&nbsp;



The basin is encircled by three mountain ranges: the Tien Shan to the north, the Kunlun Mountains to the south, and the Pamirs to the west. These ranges create a powerful rain shadow effect, making the region exceptionally dry.



At the heart of the Tarim Basin lies the Taklamakan Desert, one of the most extreme deserts on Earth. The desert is known for its high dunes, intense temperature swings, and minimal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-will-wreak-havoc-on-mountain-ranges-as-warming-climate-turns-snow-to-rain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-and-geology">History and geology</h2>



Despite its harsh environment, the basin has been historically significant. It was a key section of the ancient Silk Road, with several oases such as Kashgar, Khotan, and Loulan serving as vital trading and cultural centers for centuries.



Geologically, the basin is rich in natural resources, particularly oil and natural gas, and has become a focal point for China's energy exploration and development.&nbsp;



The region’s challenging climate and remote location, however, make infrastructure development and human habitation difficult.&nbsp;



The image was captured on March 27, 2025 by the Operational Land Imager instrument on Landsat 8.



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Blanket of dust covers China’s Tarim Basin

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the port town of Torrevieja, Spain. According to NASA, the waters in the surrounding lagoons appear like wells in a watercolor palette, with distinct colors resulting from varying aquatic environments.&nbsp;



"In this photograph taken by an astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS), the blues of the Mediterranean Sea contrast with the pink and green hues of La Mata and Torrevieja salt lagoons. Sunglint further alters the appearance of all three water bodies, painting portions white with reflections of the Sun," reports NASA.



The Torrevieja Salt Lagoon is hypersaline and is colored a shade of pink by salt-loving algae such as Dunaliella salina. This organism can be found in saltwater basins worldwide.&nbsp;As a result of freshwater runoff from nearby mountains, the La Mata Lagoon has less salt.



"A salt factory is located on the southeastern margin of the Torrevieja Lagoon. These lagoons produce hundreds of tons of salt every year and have fueled much of the local economy for centuries," reports NASA.



"Along the southern borders of the lagoons, nature preserves provide refuge to migratory and native birds, including the Greater Flamingo, Northern Gannet, and Spanish Sparrow. Brine shrimp live in the lagoons and are a food source for the birds. These preserves are Ramsar sites, which are internationally recognized conservation wetland areas."



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 vibrant salt lagoons of Torrevieja, Spain

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Laguna Ojo de Liebre on the Pacific coast of Mexico.



The lagoon is located near the town of Guerrero Negro, which is about halfway between the US/Mexico border and the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. Laguna Ojo de Liebre is the site of one of the largest saltworks in the world. 



"Each year, workers extract 9 million metric tons of salt by evaporating and crystallizing seawater in collection ponds that cover 33,000 hectares (82,000 acres). The evaporation and crystallization ponds surrounding Laguna Ojo de Liebre are featured in this natural-color image, which was acquired on March 23, 2022, by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8," reports NASA.



The lagoon is part of the Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This protected area in Mexico is an important sanctuary for the North Pacific grey whale.&nbsp;



"The whales migrate between their winter nursery grounds in the lagoons and their summer feeding grounds in the Chukchi, Beaufort, and Bering seas," says NASA. "Between January and March, some coastal towns host festivals celebrating the gray whales as they come to birth calves after their long migration. The lagoons also host countless other marine species and migrating birds."



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

Laguna Ojo de Liebre on the coast of Mexico

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features three Ethiopian lakes - Shala, Abijata, and Langano - which were once all connected by a large inland sea called Lake Galla. Around 10,000 years ago, Galla began to shrink when tectonic movement diverted key rivers that supplied it with water.



By 2,000 years ago, Lake Galla had declined so much that it became three separate bodies of water, explained NASA. "Despite their shared origin, the lakes have evolved separately and now have different appearances and water chemistries."



"Lake Shala, the largest and deepest of the three, fills an expansive volcanic caldera that collapsed 3.5 million years ago. With several hot springs and fumaroles near it, the lake’s waters are known for being unusually warm, saline, and rich in phosphate. It is classified as a soda lake because the water is strongly alkaline, meaning it has a high pH."



"Like many other soda lakes, Shala is biologically productive despite the extreme water conditions. It supports an array of life ranging from an abundance of microorganisms to small crustaceans to vast flocks of flamingos."



Lake Langano, which appears brown in the photo, is a freshwater lake that is mainly supplied with water from nearby streams. This water carries reddish brown sediment from the mountains.&nbsp;



The most shallow of the three Ethiopian lakes is Lake Abijata, with a maximum depth of 46 feet. According to NASA, the green color of the water is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton.&nbsp;



The image was captured on March 29, 2022 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

Three Ethiopian lakes with very different chemistry

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Furneaux Islands off the northeast coast of Tasmania.&nbsp;



The photo was captured by a camera on the International Space Station as it passed through the southernmost part of its cyclical orbit path. The ISS External High-Definition Camera camera is dedicated to Earth observation.&nbsp;



The Furneaux Group contains more than 100 islands in the eastern Bass Strait, which separates mainland Australia from Tasmania. The largest of these include Flinders, Cape Barren, and Clarke.



The islands are named after Captain Tobias Furneaux, an English navigator and Royal Navy officer who first spotted them in 1773. The group&nbsp; largest islands&nbsp;



"The sparsely populated Flinders Island appears mostly two-toned from 400 kilometers (250 miles) above," reports NASA. "Dark brownish scrub areas contrast with mottled green vegetated woodland and agricultural areas. Bright beaches outline the islands, and tidal sand banks are visible between them."



"The Furneaux Group once formed the backbone of a land bridge between Tasmania and Victoria, Australia. That land bridge was submerged by rising sea levels at the end of the Earth’s most recent ice age, with the topographic high points becoming islands."



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

Furneaux Islands off the northeast coast of Tasmania

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the coast of Teahupo’o in southern Tahiti, where you can find some of the heaviest waves in the world.&nbsp;



"Among surfers, the term 'heavy' can refer to any wave that is particularly dangerous. That includes waves that are literally heavy, heaving a crushing amount of water toward the shore and onto unlucky surfers," reports ESA.



The image was captured on May 2, 2022 by the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI) on Landsat 9. According to ESA, the waves at Teahupo’o tend to be the strongest from April to October.



"Winter storms originating in the Southern Ocean and the South Indian Ocean frequently move into the southwest Pacific Ocean basin. From there, large storm-generated swells can travel unimpeded toward the southern coast of Tahiti. Swells that approach Teahupo’o from the south or southwest are perfectly aligned to produce the area’s famously powerful barrel waves," says ESA.



"But the legendary waves would not exist without equally perfect bathymetry. The seafloor around Tahiti rises quickly from about 5,000 feet deep at 3 miles from shore to just 1,000 feet deep at 0.3 miles from shore. As a result, southwesterly swells carry ample energy from the open ocean until they are very close to shore and crashing into the reef off Teahupo’o."



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

The legendary waves of Tahiti

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features fire activity and thick smoke during crop-burning season in northwestern India.&nbsp;



"When the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi NPP satellite captured this natural-color image on November 1, 2022, a plume of smoke curled from northeastern Pakistan to the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh," says NASA.



"Many farmers, particularly in the states of Punjab and Haryana, use fire as a fast, cheap way to clean up and fertilize fields before planting winter crops. However, a surge of smoke in the heart of the densely populated Indo-Gangetic Plain often contributes to a sharp deterioration of air quality across the region, including in the capital city of Delhi."



Smoke from crop burning mixes with other forms of air pollution in the city. On November 1, 2022, the air quality index in Delhi reached a "severe category" of 424, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.&nbsp;



"Geography and weather also exacerbate the region’s air quality problems. Temperature inversions are common in November and December as air rolls off the Tibetan Plateau and mixes with smoky air from the Indo-Gangetic plain," says NASA.



"An inversion can function like a lid, with the warm air trapping pollutants near the surface and helping hem pollutants in between the Himalayan Mountains to the north and the Vindhya Mountains to the south."



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

Crop-burning season in northwestern India

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an eery face discovered by Lawrence Coy and Steven Pawson in a visualization of wind and temperature data.



"By day, Lawrence Coy and Steven Pawson are NASA scientists at Goddard Space Flight Center who develop complex data assimilation and reanalysis models of Earth’s atmosphere. But when they need a break, they have an unconventional hobby - searching for ghostly faces swirling in their data," says NASA.



“The best time to find faces is in the winter in the polar regions of the northern hemisphere,” explains Pawson. “That’s when the dark conditions of the ‘polar night’ lead to a ring of westerly winds in the stratosphere that atmospheric scientists have long called the stratospheric polar vortex or circumpolar vortex.”



“Finding these never gets old, and it’s a fun way to get people to think about the stratosphere and our data assimilation models. It’s also a good way to highlight year-to-year differences in the stratosphere.”



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/ Joshua Stevens



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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

Ghostly faces in the stratosphere

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Bahrain, an archipelago on the southwestern coast of the Persian Gulf. The small island country, which is officially called the Kingdom of Bahrain, has grown rapidly in recent years.&nbsp;



"As developers reclaimed land from the sea, the shape of the island nation’s coastline has changed. So, too, has the underwater habitat around it," says NASA.



Norman Kuring is a retired researcher from NASA’s ocean biology group, who processed the image using color-filtering techniques to draw out details in the water. “I wasn’t looking for Persian Gulf imagery specifically in this case,” said Kuring. “The region just looked clear that day, and the shallow bottom offered interesting possibilities.”



Near the shores of Bahrain, the Gulf is just a few meters deep in some places, and sunlight reflects off of surfaces beneath the water.



Eman Ghoneim, a physical geographer at UNC Wilmington, thinks the dark shapes along the seafloor toward the bottom-left of the image are old sand dunes. "Thousands of years ago, when sea levels were lower, the dunes were sculpted by wind into crescent shapes. Then rising seas submerged them," explains NASA.



"Perhaps most obvious submerged features in the images are the large reefs surrounding Bahrain, visible as the light-green areas offshore." "Historically, these structures known as 'fasht' were coral or pearl oyster reefs. Today, most of them are dead coral skeletons, although some rocky surfaces still have living corals attached to them, according to Ghoneim, who has studied this underwater habitat with satellites and field surveys."



The image was captured on July 24, 2022 by the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9.



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 fascinating underwater landscape of Bahrain

A growing body of scientific work is revealing a remarkable feature of certain microbes. They can “breathe” in a way that produces electricity instead of relying on oxygen, suggesting unusual survival strategies that could inspire future clean energy solutions.



This <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0092867425002892" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discovery</a> came to light when researchers noticed that some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/previously-overlooked-viruses-may-secretly-shape-bacterial-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> thrive in conditions with little or no oxygen by sending out electrons into their environment.



Soon after, they found a key detail: these bacteria hand off electrons through certain molecular carriers, enabling them to keep growing while essentially “exhaling” electric current. Caroline Ajo-Franklin of <a href="https://www.rice.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rice University</a> helped guide this project.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria-produce-electricity">Bacteria produce electricity</h2>



Some species, including <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9481105/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shewanella</a> and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/geobacter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geobacter</a>, have long been <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nrmicro2113" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">known</a> to transfer electrons to external surfaces, even metal oxides, while growing in oxygen-limited zones. 



Scientists realized these organisms produce a small but steady electric current through this process.



Biki Bapi Kundu is a Rice doctoral student and first author of the study who took a closer look at an everyday bacterium and figured out the mechanism behind its power output.&nbsp;



“This newly discovered mechanism of respiration is a simple and ingenious way to get the job done,” said Bapi Kundu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-generate-energy-without-oxygen">Microbes generate energy without oxygen</h2>



These electricity-generating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-recreate-an-ancient-war-trick-to-defeat-viruses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> do not rely on the usual electron acceptors, like oxygen. Instead, they latch onto conductive surfaces. 



By pushing electrons onto external materials, they gain energy to keep going in oxygen-deprived spots. 



Researchers now know that certain bacteria use a special molecule known as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867425002892" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">naphthoquinone</a> to help pass electrons to their outside world.



Once those electrons move out, the cells generate energy in a self-sustained system. The process bears similarities to how a battery releases current.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-transfer-electrons-like-a-battery">Microbes transfer electrons like a battery</h2>



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-type-of-microbes-found-earths-deep-soil-critical-zone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> gain an advantage by freeing up electrons they would otherwise hold onto. Through that exit pathway, they can break down carbon sources more efficiently than in standard fermentation processes.



It seems that this feature might be lurking in a wider range of microbes than previously thought. One research group discovered that these electricity-making strategies are not limited to organisms specifically adapted to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-virus-discovered-in-the-deepest-part-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme habitats</a>.



“Our research not only solves a long-standing scientific mystery, but it also points to a new and potentially widespread survival strategy in nature,” said Ajo-Franklin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uses-for-electricity-producing-bacteria">Uses for electricity-producing bacteria</h2>



Because electricity-producing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-pass-down-their-memories-to-fight-viruses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> can relieve the buildup of electrons, they have potential uses in various industrial applications. 



Some scientists foresee improved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteriophages-could-revolutionize-fracking-wastewater-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wastewater treatment</a>, where these microbes might help remove pollutants while sending out an electric signal.



This line of work could also help with biomanufacturing. While certain processes bog down from electron imbalances, electricity-generating organisms might balance the system by shuttling electrons away in real time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-vision-for-clean-energy">Long-term vision for clean energy</h2>



With a bit of engineering, these cells might even harness carbon dioxide through renewable power. The concept mimics photosynthesis in plants, but here, bacteria could rely on external electricity in a controlled setting.



In the future, we may see specialized microbial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/23-new-marine-bacteria-species-discovered-that-influence-global-ocean-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communities</a> that maintain their own flow of electrons, feeding into sensors and energy devices. 



Researchers note that these bacteria may also prove handy in areas where oxygen is scarce, like underground or potentially even in space technology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria-as-real-time-sensors">Bacteria as real-time sensors</h2>



Experts believe electricity-making cells could bring improvements to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-health-ai-can-identify-insects-based-on-their-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental monitoring</a>. Their electrical signals change when toxins are present, so they can provide real-time alerts about pollution or water quality.



Some hope that such systems might open the door to new diagnostic tools as well. The natural inclination of these microbes to shuttle electrons might allow them to perform tasks that previously demanded more complex instruments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-all-of-this-mean">What does all of this mean?</h2>



These findings expand our perspective on microbial metabolism. Once thought to be limited to fermentation under oxygen-free conditions, many ordinary bacteria may hold hidden skills for electron transfer. 



The implications extend across fields from bioengineering to synthetic biology. Researchers are optimistic that this work will encourage a deeper examination of how microbes manage energy in their native habitats. 



By understanding these strategies, scientists can look for ways to steer or optimize electron transfer on a larger scale.



Academics point out that an improved knowledge of microbial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/edge-state-atoms-how-electrons-find-their-groove-in-frictionless-flow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electron flow</a> could open new doors in sustainable technology. 



If cultivated in controlled bioreactors, these organisms might help curtail industrial waste and boost the output of valuable chemicals.



At the same time, study authors are cautious about the next steps. They say that scaling up these systems requires more data and design know-how, but they remain confident about the future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0092867425002892" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell</a>.



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Life finds a way: Some bacteria "breathe" by producing electricity instead of relying on oxygen

A growing body of scientific work is revealing a remarkable...

Astronomers have spotted something that appears to stretch around ten billion light years across. This so-called Hercules–Corona Borealis Great Wall is being reevaluated, and it might be more extensive and nearer to Earth than earlier calculations suggested.



Its immense size has fueled discussions about how matter spreads out in the cosmos. Some see it as an oddity that cannot be explained by standard maps of the universe, while others say more data will shed light on its nature.



One person at the center of these efforts is <a href="https://www.uah.edu/announcements/16621-welcome-dr-jon-hakkila-new-associate-provost" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Jon Hakkila</a> from the <a href="https://www.uah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alabama in Huntsville</a>. He and his team have examined the way <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4434/13/2/16" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gamma-ray bursts</a> signal the edges of this structure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hercules-corona-borealis-supercluster">Hercules–Corona Borealis supercluster</h2>



Researchers label this structure a supercluster because of how it gathers countless galaxies in one region. 



They rely on <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/What_is_red_shift" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">redshifts</a> to estimate distances and found that multiple galaxies, linked by these bursts, cluster in an area bigger than anything else known.



“It is larger than the size of most anything to which it might be compared,” said Dr. Hakkila at the end of a discussion featured in recent observations. 



His remark highlights how standard theories about universal uniformity cannot fully account for this sprawling arrangement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-bursts-matter">Why bursts matter</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-confirm-lone-black-hole-wandering-through-our-galaxy/">Astronomers</a> use gamma-ray bursts to measure cosmic distances because these bursts shine more brightly than typical stellar processes. 



They can be powered by supernova events or by merging neutron stars and are detectable across vast stretches of space.



Since these bursts come from catastrophic stellar endings, they appear wherever stars exist in large numbers. 



By tracking them, observers gain a glimpse of how far matter extends, even in places that defy straightforward study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-hercules-corona-borealis-compares">How Hercules–Corona Borealis compares</h2>



This wall isn’t the only oversized feature that’s caused a stir. 



Structures like the <a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2016/11/aa28567-16/aa28567-16.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sloan Great Wall</a>, the <a href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2014RMxAC..44..201C/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Huge Large Quasar Group</a>, and the <a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2016/11/aa28567-16/aa28567-16.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giant Quasar Arc</a> have all pushed against the expected boundaries of cosmic uniformity.



Still, the Hercules–Corona Borealis Great Wall dwarfs them. 



At around ten billion light years long, it’s nearly twenty-five times the size of the Sloan Great Wall, which was already thought to be massive when it was discovered in 2003.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-scientists-still-have-doubts">Why scientists still have doubts</h2>



Some astronomers caution that the current GRB dataset might not be complete enough to draw final conclusions. 



The precision of burst positions and redshifts isn’t always high, and small errors can create the illusion of larger structures than what actually exists.



There’s also the issue of sampling bias, since parts of the sky are harder to observe due to dust or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/35-years-of-hubble-the-telescope-that-changed-our-view-of-the-universe/">telescope</a> access. Until more consistent coverage is available, there’s always the chance that what looks like a wall might just be a trick of patchy data.



Any structure beyond about 1.2 billion light years in size is generally viewed with caution by theorists, because the <a href="https://astro.wku.edu/astr106/structure/cosmologicalprinciple.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmological principle</a> implies matter should look uniform at enormous distances. Yet this giant wall sits right at the limit of what current models can handle without adjustments.



“The jury is still out on what it all means,” said Dr. Hakkila during a recent briefing. Some models can accommodate something so grand, but others fall short.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hercules-corona-borealis-not-fully-mapped">Hercules–Corona Borealis not fully mapped</h2>



One of the biggest hurdles in confirming the wall’s full outline is the limited number of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) available with known distances. 



The team used <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2312.10050" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">542 GRBs</a> in their study, and only about half of those were in the right part of the sky to trace this particular structure.



Because the detection of GRBs depends on many factors - like the brightness of the event, telescope availability, and even sky conditions - the data is naturally uneven. 



That unevenness makes it harder to rule out random clustering or signal confusion without more coverage from upcoming missions.



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



Astronomers are eager to figure out exactly where this wall starts and ends. 



“Since the most distant extent of the Hercules–Corona Borealis Great Wall is hard to verify, the most interesting finding is that the closest parts of it lie closer to us than had previously been identified,” said Dr. Hakkila.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-debris-now-threatens-working-satellites/">New satellites</a> under development may sharpen the data needed to sort out lingering unknowns. 



In the meantime, scientists see the current findings as a reason to reevaluate large-scale structures and how they might push the boundaries of our cosmic road maps.



A proposed European mission called <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/1907.00616" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">THESEUS</a> (Transient High Energy Sky and Early Universe Surveyor) could change everything. 



With its wide field of view and heightened sensitivity, it may detect thousands of new gamma-ray bursts, especially from very distant or faint sources.



If launched, THESEUS would give researchers the dense data they need to finally outline the full size of the Hercules–Corona Borealis Great Wall—or prove that it doesn’t stretch quite as far as it seems.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2015/12/aa24829-14/aa24829-14.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universe 2025</a>.



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'Largest structure in the universe' is even bigger than astronomers imagined and still a huge mystery

Astronomers have spotted something that appears to stretch around ten...

A new investigation at a high‑Andean temple reveals that the distant ancestors of the Inca wielded psychoactive plants as a political tool. 



Archaeologists have uncovered bone tubes still coated with traces of mind‑altering snuff, showing that Chavín lords used controlled visions to cement their rule almost three millennia ago.



The discovery comes from a project led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/">University of Florida</a>, <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/">Stanford University</a>, and partner institutions across South America. 



The experts analyzed artifacts from Chavín de Huántar, a vast ceremonial center that sits 10,000 feet above sea level in the Peruvian Andes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-use-of-psychoactive-plants">Ancient use of psychoactive plants</h2>



Inside narrow passageways and hidden rooms, the team found small hollow bones carved into elegant inhalation tubes. 



Chemical testing detected nicotine from wild tobacco relatives and residue from vilca beans, whose potent compounds are related to DMT.



Microscopic work confirmed plant particles embedded in the ancient surfaces. The date of the deposits makes this the oldest direct evidence for psychoactive plant use yet known in the high Andes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rituals-shaped-social-order">Rituals shaped social order</h2>



The placement of the tubes mattered. They were sealed within private chambers that could hold only a handful of people. That setting implies exclusive ceremonies, not widespread communal feasts.



The evidence matches a broader pattern of Chavín architecture, which funnels visitors through labyrinths toward dimly lit sanctuaries where sights, sounds, and fragrances overwhelm the senses.



“Taking psychoactives was not just about seeing visions. It was part of a tightly controlled ritual, likely reserved for a select few, reinforcing the social hierarchy,” said Daniel Contreras, an anthropological archaeologist at the University of Florida and a co‑author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chavin-rituals-meant-to-stun">Chavín rituals meant to stun</h2>



Stone corridors at Chavín already distort light and echo footsteps. Researchers have also recovered giant trumpets fashioned from imported conch shells. 



The deep blasts of those horns, amplified by the tunnels, would have rattled bone. Add intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-presence-hallucinations-impact-on-social-perception/">hallucinations</a>, and followers might have felt a raw presence of gods or spirits.



“The supernatural world isn’t necessarily friendly, but it’s powerful,” Contreras said. “These rituals, often enhanced by psychoactives, were compelling, transformative experiences that reinforced belief systems and social structures.”



By staging such events, leaders wrapped their authority in cosmic mystery. Participants emerged convinced that rank and building labor served a higher design. 



Craftspeople who carved the monumental granite slabs and farmers who fed the workforce likely saw themselves as part of a living myth, not as servants under duress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-belief-used-for-power">Belief used for power</h2>



“One of the ways that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wealth-inequality-began-shaping-human-societies-10000-years-ago/">inequality</a> was justified or naturalized was through ideology - through the creation of impressive ceremonial experiences that made people believe this whole project was a good idea,” Contreras said.



The snuff tubes thus fit a larger strategy. Earlier Andean settlements show few signs of strict hierarchy. By Chavín times, around 800 BCE, society had acquired priests, skilled artisans, and regional trade routes. 



Control over sacred knowledge, including plant lore, helped elites turn soft power into hard architecture and coordinated labor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychoactive-plant-mixture">Psychoactive plant mixture</h2>



Vilca beans grow in lowland forests far from Chavín’s icy heights. Their presence points to long‑distance exchange networks and to careful botanical skill.



When roasted, mixed with lime, and inhaled, the powder produces vivid visions, rapid heartbeat, and disorientation. 



Wild tobaccos add <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nicotine-pouches-are-a-new-dangerous-trend-among-teens/">nicotine</a>’s stimulant rush and sharp aroma. Combined, these plants could propel users into what seemed another realm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bringing-invisible-details-to-light">Bringing invisible details to light</h2>



Contreras has worked at the site for nearly 30 years in a project directed by Stanford archaeologist John Rick.



Their excavations have mapped hidden galleries, sculpted stone icons, and water channels that once gurgled beneath temple floors. The new chemical analyses bring invisible details to light, showing not only what people did but also what they felt.



“It’s exciting that ongoing excavations can be combined with cutting‑edge archaeological science techniques to get us closer to understanding what it was like to live at this site,” Contreras said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-vision-to-empire">From vision to empire</h2>



The Chavín phenomenon spread a shared artistic style and worldview up and down the Peruvian coast and sierra. Later Andean states inherited its taste for grand plazas, stone imagery, and elite ritual.



By demonstrating the intentional use of psychoactive plants in tightly managed settings, the study bridges the gap between small egalitarian hamlets and the vast empires that eventually ruled the Cordillera.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-modern-glimpse-of-ancient-minds">A modern glimpse of ancient minds</h2>



Today, visitors to Chavín de Huántar walk through restored corridors where carved fangs and staring eyes still pierce the dim light. 



Knowing that select priests once knelt here, inhaled potent smoke, and proclaimed cosmic truths changes how we read those walls.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/archaeologists-find-hallucinogenic-seeds-in-ancient-bones-black-henbane/">bone</a> tubes, simple yet sophisticated, remind us that chemistry, belief, and social order have long been intertwined. In the high Andes, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meditation-reveals-common-altered-states-of-consciousness/">altered consciousness</a> was more than a personal journey - it was statecraft written in breath and stone.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2425125122">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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How psychoactive plants helped build an ancient empire

A new investigation at a high‑Andean temple reveals that the...

Happy,Mature,Female,Teacher,Educator,Helping,African,American,Junior,School

Grading student work can take up countless hours for teachers, especially when assignments call for deep thinking, explanations, or scientific modeling. However, a new study suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) could help ease that burden - but only if used carefully and alongside human input.



The research was led by Xiaoming Zhai, associate professor and director of the <a href="https://coe.uga.edu/research/labs/ai4stem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI4STEM Education Center </a>at <a href="https://www.uga.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Georgia</a>’s Mary Frances Early College of Education. The study explores how well Large Language Models (LLMs) can assess student work compared to human graders.



“Asking kids to draw a model, to write an explanation, to argue with each other are very complex tasks,” Zhai said. “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-teaching-other-robots-its-no-longer-science-fiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Teachers</a> often don’t have enough time to score all the students’ responses, which means students will not be able to receive timely feedback.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-grading-vs-human-judgment">AI grading vs. human judgment</h2>



The study focused on middle school students’ responses to science questions aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. One question, for example, asked students to create a model showing how particles behave when heat energy is added. 



The correct answer would explain that molecules speed up as they heat and slow down when cooled. The research team fed student answers into an LLM called Mixtral and asked it to grade them. 



But unlike most AI grading studies, where the AI is trained using examples of human‑scored answers, this study took a different approach. Here, the LLM had to create its own grading rubric and apply it to student work.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trading-accuracy-for-speed">Trading accuracy for speed</h2>



The researchers found that Mixtral could grade responses very quickly. However, it tended to rely on shortcuts, such as looking for specific keywords, rather than assessing the actual depth of the students’ understanding.



“Students could mention a temperature increase, and the large language model interprets that all students understand the particles are moving faster when temperatures rise,” Zhai explained.



“But based upon the student writing, as a human, we’re not able to infer whether the students know whether the particles will move faster or not.”



In other words, the AI might give points to a student simply for mentioning the right terms, even if the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-logic-lives-experts-identify-the-brain-region-responsible-for-reasoning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reasoning</a> behind the answer is unclear or incorrect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-ai-with-human-standards">Improving AI with human standards</h2>



The study suggests that LLMs need better guidelines to match human grading standards. Specifically, AI models perform better when they use detailed rubrics created by teachers, which outline exactly what to look for in a good response.



Without these rubrics, the AI only reached about 33.5% accuracy when compared to human grading. With access to human‑created rubrics, that accuracy jumped to just over 50%.



“The train has left the station, but it has just left the station,” Zhai said. “It means we still have a long way to go when it comes to using AI, and we still need to figure out which direction to go in.”



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



One key difference between human graders and LLMs is how they handle complex or incomplete answers. 



According to the researchers, while LLMs will mark a student’s response as correct if it includes certain keywords,. However, it cannot evaluate the logic the student is using.



This happens because LLMs tend to “over‑infer,” assuming a student understands a concept based on surface clues. Human teachers, though, look for evidence of clear thinking and accurate reasoning. 



Without explanations for why certain answers earned specific grades, the AI lacks the context to make fine‑tuned decisions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teachers-want-help-not-replacement"><a></a>Teachers want help, not replacement</h2>



Despite these limitations, many teachers are interested in using AI <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/man-vs-machine-why-students-still-write-better-than-ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tools</a> to speed up routine grading.



“Many teachers told me, ‘I had to spend my weekend giving feedback, but by using automatic scoring, I do not have to do that. Now, I have more time to focus on more meaningful work instead of some labor‑intensive work,’” Zhai said. “That’s very encouraging for me.”



Rather than fully replacing human graders, the researchers suggest that AI systems should serve as assistants. This way, it frees teachers to concentrate on tasks that require human judgment, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creativity-improves-life-satisfaction-and-overall-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creativity</a>, and connection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-comes-next-for-ai-grading"><a></a>What comes next for AI grading</h2>



The research highlights both the promise and the challenges of using AI in classrooms. While current LLMs can process large batches of student work quickly, they still need better instructions, oversight, and refinement to deliver meaningful feedback. 



Teachers remain essential for guiding the use of these tools, setting expectations, and ensuring fairness. As AI technologies continue to evolve, the hope is that future models will become more adept at understanding not just keywords but the quality of student reasoning.



With thoughtful design and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-humans-and-ai-work-better-together/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human‑AI collaboration</a>, these tools could become powerful allies in helping teachers support student learning - without sacrificing weekends to piles of ungraded papers.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10758-025-09836-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technology, Knowledge and Learning</a>.



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Grading with AI: Faster than teachers, but not smarter

Grading student work can take up countless hours for teachers,...

Scientists have come up with a new high-resolution map of the ocean floor. The newly released findings show nearly 100,000 underwater mountains that were previously unknown.



<a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/profiles/dsandwell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Sandwell</a> from Scripps Institution of Oceanography contributed to this research and credits advanced satellite observations for the detailed results. 



<a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/profiles/dsandwell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The SWOT mission</a>, launched in December 2022, is central to collecting the critical data that enabled this mapping effort.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-satellites-outpace-ships">How satellites outpace ships</h2>



Mapping the ocean floor with ships takes time, fuel, and money. Even with sonar, a single vessel might only cover a narrow strip of seafloor each day.



Satellites like SWOT cover about 90% of the Earth every 21 days. They don’t match the detail of sonar, but they make up for it with speed, scale, and frequency of observation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-seafloor-maps-matter">Why seafloor maps matter</h2>



Ships equipped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-swot-satellite-mission-maps-earths-ocean-floors-from-space-in-stunning-detail/">with sonar instruments can survey the ocean</a> bottom directly, but only about one-quarter of the seafloor has been charted in this way. That knowledge gap spurred scientists to turn to satellite-based data for a bigger picture.



“Seafloor mapping is key in both established and emerging economic opportunities, including rare-mineral seabed mining, optimizing shipping routes, hazard detection, and seabed warfare operations,” said <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/people/nadya-vinogradova-shiffer-physical-oceanography-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer</a> at the end of a NASA statement. 



Accurate mapping has practical uses for navigation and cable-laying, and it also shapes our understanding of ocean processes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-ocean-mountains">Hidden ocean mountains</h2>



<a href="https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/seamounts.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seamounts</a> are underwater mountains that rise from the ocean floor but do not break the surface. These features were once hard to detect if they measured less than about 3,300 feet in height.



The new satellite map can sense seamounts less than half that tall. By zeroing in on tiny gravitational “bumps” on the water’s surface, the data predict the position of these newly discovered peaks, boosting known seamount counts from 44,000 to nearly 100,000.



The technique behind the map depends on gravity - not cameras. Since seamounts and abyssal hills have more mass than the surrounding seafloor, they tug slightly more on the ocean above them.



That tug creates tiny rises in the water’s surface, sometimes only a few centimeters high. The SWOT satellite detects those subtle changes and translates them into detailed maps that outline what’s below.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influence-of-abyssal-hills">Influence of abyssal hills</h2>



“Abyssal hills are the most abundant landform on Earth, covering about 70% of the ocean floor,” said <a href="https://yaoyu9404.github.io/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yao Yu</a> at the end of a recent study. Scientists also looked at <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0079661115001391" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">abyssal hills</a>, which are smaller mounds covering much of the deep sea.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/nasa_SWOT-mission_seamounts_Abyssal-hills_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/nasa_SWOT-mission_seamounts_Abyssal-hills_NASA_1s.webp" alt="The joint NASA–CNES (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales) Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission uses phase-coherent, wide-swath radar altimetry to measure ocean surface heights at high precision. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1968742"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The joint NASA–CNES (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales) Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission uses phase-coherent, wide-swath radar altimetry to measure ocean surface heights at high precision. Credit: NASA</figcaption></figure>



These rolling ridges can be just a few miles wide, making them difficult to observe from previous satellites. Any shifts in tectonic plates over time leave patterns on these hills, creating a geological record that is now clearer than ever.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-mountains-currents-and-tides">Ocean mountains, currents, and tides</h2>



Seafloor structures direct deep-sea currents that move heat and nutrients across the globe. Currents flowing over steep slopes can drive pockets of marine life to gather near the slopes, forming biodiversity hotspots.



Understanding these dynamics leads to better insights about how ocean patterns impact climate and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fishing-removes-key-nutrients-from-marine-ecosystems/">marine ecosystems</a>. 



Oceanographers look at everything from tidal movements to nutrient exchange in these areas and plan to refine that analysis further with ongoing data collection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-thrives-in-hidden-places">Life thrives in hidden places</h2>



Underwater mountains and hills create slopes where currents slow down just enough to drop nutrients. These nutrient-rich zones become gathering spots for plankton, fish, and deep-sea corals.



Even in the darkest parts of the ocean, these formations act like magnets for life. Mapping them helps scientists locate fragile ecosystems that may need protection from deep-sea mining and trawling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-the-knowledge-gap">Bridging the knowledge gap</h2>



Mapping isn’t the main purpose of the SWOT satellite, but its radar altimeter collects precise measurements of water heights. 



That information can be converted into a topographic map of the sea surface, which mirrors the contours of the bottom.



This helps researchers chart terrain in places where ship-based sonar data remain sparse. It also complements efforts by the <a href="https://seabed2030.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seabed 2030</a> project to fully survey the global seafloor by the end of this decade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-military-and-climate-benefits">Unexpected military and climate benefits</h2>



Improved seafloor maps don’t just help scientists and sailors. Defense agencies use them to detect submarines, design sonar strategies, and assess undersea terrain for stealth operations.



The same data also play a role in climate modeling. Accurate bathymetry helps researchers trace heat flow in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-hidden-skin-could-protect-us-from-climate-change/">ocean</a>, a major factor in predicting long-term weather patterns and identifying areas vulnerable to sea level changes.



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



Scientists plan to measure the depth of each feature more precisely next. They have squeezed out nearly all possible details about seafloor shapes from the first year of SWOT data, which could revolutionize future marine research.



Even with the best technology, complete sonar-based coverage of Earth’s ocean will still take time. However, satellite missions like SWOT will speed up progress and ensure more sections of the ocean floor are understood.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ads4472" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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NASA's new underwater map reveals nearly 100,000 hidden mountains beneath the ocean

Scientists have come up with a new high-resolution map of...

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



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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...

Hubble views a spiral galaxy with stellar explosions

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