<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features dust streaming from Lago Colhué Huapi, a shallow endorheic lake located in the Chubut Province in southern Argentina.</p>



<p>"Strong northwesterly winds often race down the eastern side of the Andes Mountains and whip across the central Patagonian Desert. In the process, they sometimes lift dust from Argentina’s drying Lago Colhué Huapi, fueling intense dust storms," said NASA.</p>



<p>"Lago Colhué Huapi is a particularly rich source of dust because the shallow lake regularly grows and shrinks with variations in the flow of the Senguer River and the pace of evaporation. When lake water levels are low, as they were when MODIS captured this image, fine-grained, lightweight particles are easily transported by the wind."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-activity-from-lago-colhue-huapi">Dust activity from Lago Colhué Huapi</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-in-the-gulf-of-alaska-help-shape-the-global-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dust storms</a> in this region are most common during the summer months from December to March. There are 15 to 30 dust storms in a typical year. </p>



<p>"Dust storms are frequent and persistent enough in this area that they have exposed an open-air archaeological site along the lake’s edge," said NASA.</p>



<p>"The Puesto Roberts 1 site, located in an old floodplain on the southeast side of Lago Colhué Huapi, was first identified in 2019 when archaeologists noticed that winds had exposed a five-centimeter layer of sandy loam soil littered with stone tools and the bones of a wild species of llama called guanaco."</p>



<p>"Archaeologists identified 427 artifacts at the site - including stone cutting blades, milling tools, scrapers, and egg-shaped bola stones used for hunting - spread across 15 square meters, according to a 2022 study led by Heidi Hammond, an archaeologist at the National University of the Patagonia San Juan Bosco."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-lago-colhue-huapi">More about Lago Colhué Huapi</h2>



<p>This lake is an interesting geographical feature primarily because it acts as a seasonal sink for the Senguerr River, which in turn gathers waters from various smaller streams in the region.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size">Size</h3>



<p>Due to its shallow nature, the size of Lago Colhué Huapi can vary significantly with the seasons and the amount of water it receives from its sources. During times of drought or reduced rainfall, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-pushing-lakes-to-their-boiling-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> can shrink considerably, affecting the local ecosystem and the wildlife that depends on it.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate">Climate</h3>



<p>The lake's surroundings are characterized by a semi-arid climate, which influences the type of vegetation and animal life that can thrive in the area. Despite the harsh conditions, the region around Lago Colhué Huapi supports a variety of bird species, making it a site of interest for birdwatchers and naturalists.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-challenges">Environmental challenges </h3>



<p>In recent years, Lago Colhué Huapi has faced environmental challenges, including the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, which has led to lower water levels and increased salinity. These changes pose threats to the lake's ecological balance and the species that inhabit its waters and shores. The situation at Lago Colhué Huapi serves as a reminder of the broader environmental issues facing water bodies in arid and semi-arid regions around the world.</p>



<p>The image was captured on March 29, 2024 by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Aqua satellite.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



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Dust streams from Lago Colhué Huapi in Argentina 

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

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features the star-forming region NGC 604, which is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). The image was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.</p>



<p>By studying regions like NGC 604, astronomers can gain insights into the complex interactions between stars and the interstellar medium, as well as the conditions that lead to the birth of stars. This, in turn, helps in understanding the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and the universe as a whole.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-stars-of-ngc-604">Massive stars of NGC 604</h2>



<p>"Sheltered among NGC 604’s dusty envelopes of gas are more than 200 of the hottest, most massive kinds of stars, all in the early stages of their lives," said ESA.</p>



<p>"These types of stars are known as B-types and O-types, the latter of which can be more than 100 times the mass of our own Sun. It’s quite rare to find this concentration of them in the nearby Universe. In fact, there’s no similar region within our own Milky Way galaxy."</p>



<p>"This concentration of massive stars, combined with its relatively close distance, means NGC 604 gives astronomers an opportunity to study these objects at a fascinating time early in their life."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gigantic-region-of-ionized-hydrogen">Gigantic region of ionized hydrogen</h2>



<p>NGC 604 is one of the largest known regions of ionized hydrogen, also known as an H II region. This nebula is significantly larger than the Orion Nebula, which is one of the most well-known H II regions in our own <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 galaxy</a>. </p>



<p>NGC 604 spans about 1,500 light-years across, making it one of the largest H II regions in the Local Group of galaxies, which includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and about 54 other smaller galaxies. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-604-starburst-phenomenon">NGC 604 starburst phenomenon </h2>



<p>Within NGC 604, there are hundreds of young, hot, massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>. These stars have ionized the surrounding gas, causing it to glow and creating the nebula. The region is a prime example of a starburst phenomenon, where stars form at a much higher rate than in typical galactic conditions.</p>



<p>“The bright orange streaks in this image signify the presence of carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs," explained ESA.</p>



<p>"As you travel further from the immediate cavities of dust where the star is forming, the deeper red signifies molecular hydrogen. This cooler gas is a prime environment for star formation. Ionized hydrogen from ultraviolet radiation appears as a white and blue ghostly glow."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-star-formation">More about star formation </h2>



<p>Star formation is crucial for the evolution of galaxies and the synthesis of heavy elements. Elements heavier than helium are created in the cores of stars and spread throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-stars-shakti-shiva-shaped-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> when stars reach the end of their lives and expel their material, either gently through winds or violently via supernova explosions. This enriching process allows for the formation of new stars and planets, and ultimately, the potential for life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-process-of-star-formation">Process of star formation</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cloud collapse</h3>



<p>The process begins when part of a molecular cloud becomes unstable and starts to collapse under its own gravity. This can be triggered by events like shock waves from nearby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, galactic collisions, or the influence of other massive stars.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Formation of a protostar</h3>



<p>As the cloud collapses, it fragments into smaller clumps. Each clump will eventually form one or more stars. The material within these clumps continues to fall inward, heating up as it does so, eventually forming a warm core called a protostar. At this stage, the protostar is not yet hot enough for nuclear fusion, the process that powers stars, to occur.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Accretion disk</h3>



<p>Around the protostar, material from the surrounding cloud continues to fall inward, forming a rotating disk. This material slowly accretes onto the protostar, increasing its mass.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nuclear fusion begins</h3>



<p>Once the core of the protostar reaches a high enough temperature and pressure, hydrogen atoms begin to fuse into helium, releasing energy in the process. This marks the transition from a protostar to a main sequence star, like our Sun.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Main sequence and beyond</h3>



<p>The star will spend the majority of its life in the main sequence stage, where it balances the gravitational forces trying to collapse it and the outward pressure from nuclear fusion. </p>



<p>Eventually, the star will exhaust its hydrogen fuel. Its subsequent evolution will depend on its initial mass, leading to various end stages such as red giants, supernovae, neutron stars, or black holes.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope</p>



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NGC 604 is home to hundreds of hot, massive stars

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

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features thick haze over Thailand during the fire season. The photograph was captured by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the Suomi NPP satellite on March 16, 2024.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waves-of-smoke-and-haze">Waves of smoke and haze</h2>



<p>"Each year in January and February, satellites begin to detect waves of smoke and fire in Southeast Asia, particularly in highland forests in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. Fire activity continues to increase through March and April, reaches a peak during the height of the dry season, and then fades in May with the start of the rainy season," noted NASA.</p>



<p>"Individual fires are usually small and short-lived. But they are often so numerous that smoke, along with air pollution from rural and urban areas, mixes to produce thick layers of haze that blanket the landscape." </p>



<p>"Such hazes contain mixtures of small airborne particles called aerosols and gaseous pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone that degrade air quality and have harmful health effects."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haze-in-thailand-nbsp">Haze in Thailand&nbsp;</h2>



<p>An international field campaign - the Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ) - was recently launched to investigate the haze in Thailand.</p>



<p>"During the last two weeks of March 2024, NASA’s DC-8 and Gulfstream III aircraft flew several flights over Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and rural areas surrounding the cities to sample air quality with several sensors. At the same time, satellites observed the haze from above," said NASA.</p>



<p>James Crawford, ASIA-AQ’s principal investigator, said the team is collaborating closely with national and local government entities in Thailand.</p>



<p>“The goal is to take as many simultaneous measurements of pollutants as possible from the ground, air, and space,” said Crawford. The team will use the data to gain a better understanding of how the haze forms, evolves chemically over time, and moves throughout the region.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haze-and-public-health-in-thailand">Haze and public health in Thailand </h2>



<p>According to media reports, nearly 200,000 people have been hospitalized this year due to air quality in the region, with over 1.3 million people falling ill since January.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-root-causes">Root causes</h3>



<p>The root causes of the haze include agricultural burning, particularly of corn fields, as part of slash-and-burn practices to prepare land for the next planting cycle. This is exacerbated by the dry season when there's little rain to wash the pollutants away. </p>



<p>The situation is worsened by industrial emissions and vehicle fumes, particularly in urban areas like Bangkok​.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-solutions-are-needed">Sustainable solutions are needed</h3>



<p>Efforts to address the crisis have been complex, involving local and transboundary issues. Much of the agricultural burning occurs not only within Thailand but also in neighboring countries like Myanmar and Laos, contributing to the transboundary nature of the haze. </p>



<p>Activists and local communities have called for sustainable solutions that do not exacerbate the poverty of smallholder farmers, emphasizing the need for affordable and realistic alternatives to burning​.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigation-measures-nbsp">Mitigation measures&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The Thai government has implemented a no-burning rule until the end of April to combat wildfires and haze, but enforcement and effectiveness remain challenges​​. </p>



<p>Some measures taken to mitigate the immediate effects of pollution in urban areas include spraying water and seeding clouds to encourage rain, although these have had limited success​​.</p>



<p>This ongoing environmental crisis has sparked widespread concern among citizens, who are increasingly using public interest litigation to hold companies and the government accountable for environmental commitments. </p>



<p>With recent political changes, there is hope that the new administration will take more decisive action against the haze, possibly through more stringent regulations and international cooperation​​.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-impacts-of-haze">Health impacts of haze</h2>



<p>Haze poses several health hazards for those exposed to it, particularly when it contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Here are some of the main health risks associated with exposure to haze:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-respiratory-problems">Respiratory problems</h3>



<p>Haze can aggravate conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). The fine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heatwaves-and-air-pollution-may-double-fatal-heart-attack-risk/">particles</a> can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and reducing lung function.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cardiovascular-issues-and-haze">Cardiovascular issues and haze</h3>



<p>Exposure to fine particulate matter can also affect the cardiovascular system, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Particles can affect blood vessel function and promote the formation of blood clots.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eye-irritation">Eye irritation</h3>



<p>Haze can cause eye irritation, leading to conditions such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or exacerbated symptoms in people with existing eye conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-problems">Skin problems</h3>



<p>For some people, exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/">polluted air</a> can cause skin irritation or exacerbate skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-immune-function">Reduced immune function</h3>



<p>There is evidence to suggest that prolonged exposure to polluted air can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-mental-health">Impact on mental health</h3>



<p>There are growing concerns about the impact of air pollution on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-multiple-chronic-health-conditions/">mental health</a>, with studies suggesting a link between exposure to polluted air and an increased risk of depression and anxiety.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pregnant-women-and-children">Pregnant women and children</h3>



<p>Pregnant women, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of haze. There may be increased risks of preterm birth and low birth weight in babies, and children may experience delayed development and reduced lung function.</p>



<p>The health impacts of haze can be mitigated by staying indoors on days when air quality is particularly poor, using air purifiers, wearing masks designed to filter out fine particles, and following local health advisories.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



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

Haze pollution is an environmental crisis in Thailand

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features smoke streaming from a fire near the border of Oaxaca and Chiapas in southern Mexico.</p>



<p>"As Mexico entered peak fire season in March 2024, dry and warm conditions helped fuel the flames of more than 100 active blazes across the country," said NASA.</p>



<p>"According to Mexico’s National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR), there were 120 actively burning fires across Mexico on March 27. Preliminary data indicated that fires that day affected more than 7,000 hectares (27 square miles) across 19 of Mexico’s 31 states."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-season-in-mexico-nbsp">Fire season in Mexico&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Fire season in Mexico is a period marked by a heightened risk of wildfires, primarily occurring from January through June, with the peak usually observed between March and May. This timing is largely due to the country's climatic patterns, where the end of the dry season and the beginning of the warmer spring months create conditions ripe for fires.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These conditions include dry vegetation, which serves as ample fuel for wildfires, and the onset of warmer temperatures, which can exacerbate the risk of fires starting and spreading.</p>



<p>Mexico's varied topography and climatic zones mean that fire risk and behavior can differ significantly across the country. However, areas with extensive forest cover, such as the pine-oak forests in the northern and central regions, are particularly vulnerable during the fire season.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Human activities, including agricultural practices such as the clearing of land through burning (known as "slash and burn"), contribute significantly to the ignition of these wildfires. Additionally, accidental fires caused by campfires, cigarettes, or even deliberate arson add to the annual fire count.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-fire-seasons-across-the-globe-nbsp">Intense fire seasons across the globe&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The phenomenon of more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-wildfire-years-are-just-getting-started/">intense fire seasons</a> across the globe is a complex and multifaceted issue that intertwines with climate change, land management practices, and human activities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over the past decades, several regions around the world have experienced unprecedented wildfires in both frequency and intensity. These fires have resulted in devastating impacts on ecosystems, wildlife, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/">air quality</a>, and human settlements.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-north-america-nbsp">North America&nbsp;</h3>



<p>In North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, fire seasons have become significantly longer and more destructive.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The combination of prolonged droughts, higher temperatures, and an increase in the amount of dead and dry vegetation has turned vast areas into tinderboxes, ready to ignite with a single spark.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Notably, the wildfires in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-caused-the-devastating-2020-fire-season-in-california/">California</a> have set records for their sheer size and the amount of destruction they've caused, burning millions of acres and destroying thousands of homes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-australia-nbsp">Australia&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Australia's fire season during 2019-2020, known as the Black Summer, was one of the most severe in the country's history. A prolonged drought and extreme heatwaves contributed to widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-bushfires-triggered-rare-multi-year-la-nina/">bushfires</a> that burned through millions of hectares, destroyed over 3,000 homes, and led to the loss of at least 33 lives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The environmental impact was catastrophic, with significant losses to wildlife and biodiversity, including an estimated billion animals killed.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon-rainforest-nbsp">Amazon rainforest&nbsp;</h3>



<p>In the Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the Earth's lungs, there has been an alarming increase in fires. These are largely attributed to deforestation and agricultural practices.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The fires not only contribute to the global carbon emissions but also result in the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of vital ecosystems that are crucial for global climate regulation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-europe-nbsp">Europe&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Europe has not been spared either, with countries like Greece, Portugal, and Spain experiencing deadly wildfires that have been linked to heatwaves and changing precipitation patterns. The Mediterranean region, in particular, is becoming more susceptible to wildfires as temperatures rise and summers become drier.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-siberia-fires">Siberia fires</h3>



<p>Russia's Siberia has also seen an increase in fire activity, with massive wildfires engulfing vast areas of forest. The smoke from these fires has reached as far as the United States and Canada, highlighting the global impact of such events. These fires not only release significant amounts of carbon dioxide but also thaw permafrost, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas.</p>



<p>The increasing intensity and frequency of fire seasons around the world underscore the urgent need for global action on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-impacts-are-evolving-due-to-climate-change-but-in-what-ways/">climate change</a> and more sustainable land management practices. As temperatures continue to rise and weather patterns become more extreme, the challenge of managing wildfires and mitigating their impacts becomes increasingly daunting.</p>



<p>The image was captured on March 27, 2024 by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



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Intense fire season in Mexico is part of a worldwide trend

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features the Little Dumbbell Nebula, also known as Messier 76, located in the constellation Perseus 3,400 light-years away from Earth.</p>



<p>Astronomers captured this new image of the Little Dumbbell Nebula to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope, a joint venture between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).</p>



<p>The snapshot provides not only a breathtaking view but also deep insights into the life cycle of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> and the dynamic processes within nebulae.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-messier-76">Understanding Messier 76</h2>



<p>Messier 76 is categorized as a planetary nebula, a term which historically arises from its round, planet-like appearance when viewed through early, low-power telescopes. However, the term is somewhat misleading as planetary nebulae have no connection to actual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-17-exoplanets-that-have-oceans-and-possibly-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a>. </p>



<p>Instead, they represent an expansive shell of luminous gases expelled by a dying red giant star, which subsequently collapses into a dense, hot white dwarf. This transformation marks the late stages of stellar evolution for medium to low-mass stars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-messier-76">Structure of Messier 76</h2>



<p>The structure of Messier 76 is particularly notable. It comprises a central ring - viewed edge-on - giving the appearance of a bar-like feature, with two distinct lobes emanating from either side. This formation is believed to be the result of materials ejected by the star during its red giant phase, possibly sculpted by interactions with a companion star.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although this binary companion is not visible in current Hubble images, its presence is inferred from the thick disk of dust and gas aligned with its orbital plane. The phenomenon of the companion star potentially being absorbed by the primary star, a process akin to stellar cannibalism, is a captivating aspect of the nebula's history.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dynamic-environment-of-the-nebula">The dynamic environment of the nebula</h2>



<p>At the core of the nebula, the primary star, now collapsing into a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a>, reaches extreme temperatures, estimated at a scorching 120,000 degrees Celsius - about 24 times hotter than the surface of our Sun. </p>



<p>This intensely hot remnant is visible as a small, bright point at the center of the nebula. Directly below this, another star can be seen; however, it is merely aligned with the nebula by chance and is not a part of it.</p>



<p>The dynamics within Messier 76 are driven by powerful forces. The central disk seems to constrict the material, creating two lobes of gas escaping along the rotational axis of the star, perpendicular to the disk.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The lobes are propelled outward by a potent stellar wind, moving at a staggering two million miles per hour. This rapid movement is sufficient to travel the distance from Earth to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeless-mystery-solved-scientists-uncover-what-is-inside-the-moons-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> in just over seven minutes. </p>



<p>The collision of the fast-moving gas with older, slower-moving material ejected during the star’s red giant phase results in the stunning glowing effect seen in the nebula. The glow, ignited by the ultraviolet radiation from the white dwarf, is a spectacle of colors with red emanating from nitrogen and blue from oxygen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cosmic-moment-in-time">A cosmic moment in time</h2>



<p>Despite its current brilliance, the existence of the Little Dumbbell Nebula is fleeting on a cosmological scale, expected to last only about 15,000 years - a mere moment in the lifespan of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-is-ripping-the-universe-apart-but-we-arent-sure-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>. </p>



<p>This brief period highlights the transient nature of such cosmic phenomena, which, while short-lived, provide crucial insights into the mechanics of stellar evolution and the complex interactions within these celestial sculptures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-messier-76">More about Messier 76</h2>



<p>Messier 76 was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1780. It was later cataloged by Charles Messier, who included it in his famous list of nebulous objects.</p>



<p>The nebula's faintness and small size require a good telescope to be observed effectively, with larger telescopes able to reveal more of its fine details and structure.</p>



<p>Studying objects like Messier 76 helps astronomers understand the life cycle of stars and the processes that occur during the late stages of stellar evolution. The materials expelled by planetary nebulae like Messier 76 eventually contribute to the interstellar medium, from which new stars and planetary systems may form.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA Space Agency </p>



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Cosmic cannibalism and stellar winds: Unveiling the secrets of Messier 76 

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a wall of dust moving across the Korean Peninsula on April 25, 2024.</p>



<p>As the Northern Hemisphere ushers in the warmth of spring, East Asia grapples with a less welcome sign of the season: colossal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-in-the-gulf-of-alaska-help-shape-the-global-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust storms</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desert-dust-reaches-the-korean-peninsula-nbsp">Desert dust reaches the Korean Peninsula&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Originating from the expansive Gobi and Taklamakan deserts, these dust plumes journey across China, reaching as far as the Korean Peninsula and southern Japan, reshaping the springtime landscape both literally and metaphorically.</p>



<p>The phenomenon was starkly illustrated on April 25, 2024, when NASA's Aqua satellite, equipped with the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) sensor, captured a dramatic image of a massive dust wall traversing the Korean Peninsula.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primary-source-of-the-dust-over-korea">Primary source of the dust over Korea</h2>



<p>The imagery from the preceding day, courtesy of South Korea’s GEO-KOMPSAT-2A satellite and NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites, pinpointed the Gobi Desert in Inner Mongolia as the primary source of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atmospheric-dust-plays-surprisingly-crucial-role-in-stabilizing-ocean-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust</a>. </p>



<p>Compounding the environmental spectacle, a phytoplankton bloom, partially veiled by the dust, was visible to the east of the Korean Peninsula, presenting a complex interaction of earth and ocean.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-does-the-dust-go">Where does the dust go?</h2>



<p>This seasonal dust does not simply settle locally but sometimes ascends high into the atmosphere, occasionally soaring above cloud level. This elevation enables the particles to traverse vast distances, including crossing the Pacific Ocean to North America.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, not all the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust</a> achieves such heights; much remains nearer to the ground, significantly deteriorating air quality in one of the planet's most densely populated areas.</p>



<p>The health implications of these dust storms are profound. Breathing in the fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, is linked to severe cardiovascular and respiratory issues.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-storms-in-east-asia-nbsp">Dust storms in East Asia&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dust storms in East Asia are commonly known as yellow dust, Asian dust, yellow wind, or China dust storms. The storms are typically most frequent in spring and can extend into early summer. They arise when strong winds lift large amounts of sand and dust from deserts in China and Mongolia, then transport these particles across the region.</p>



<p>The key factors contributing to these dust storms include:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-conditions">Natural conditions</h3>



<p>The Gobi Desert and other arid regions in China and Mongolia are the primary sources of the dust. The natural aridness and loose soil make these areas prone to dust lift-off under certain meteorological conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meteorological-factors">Meteorological factors</h3>



<p>Spring brings about changes in temperature and pressure, which can result in strong winds. These winds are capable of carrying dust over long distances. The occurrence and intensity of these storms are closely linked to weather patterns such as the strength of the Siberian High and the East Asian jet stream.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impact">Human impact</h3>



<p>Overgrazing, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a>, and land degradation have exacerbated the frequency and intensity of dust storms. Human activities have led to increased desertification, which contributes to the severity of the storms.</p>



<p>Efforts to combat these dust storms have included afforestation projects, such as planting trees to stabilize the soil, and sustainable land management practices aimed at reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oases-grow-by-human-effort-but-face-threats-from-desertification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desertification</a>. Regional cooperation among affected countries has also been essential in monitoring and managing the impacts of these dust events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-korean-peninsula-nbsp">More about the Korean Peninsula&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Korean Peninsula extends southward from the eastern end of the Asian continent and is bordered by the Sea of Japan (East Sea) to the east, the Yellow Sea to the west, and the Korea Strait connecting to the East China Sea to the south. It is divided into two distinct sovereign states: North Korea and South Korea.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-context">Historical context</h3>



<p>Historically, the Korean Peninsula was unified for much of its history under various kingdoms such as Goguryeo, Silla, Baekje, and later the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. The last, the Joseon Dynasty, lasted until the early 20th century.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Following the end of World War II in 1945, the peninsula was divided into North and South Korea in 1948 amid growing Cold War tensions, leading to the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, which ended with an armistice but no formal peace treaty.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-aspects-of-north-and-south-korea">Cultural aspects of North and South Korea </h3>



<p>Korean culture is distinguished by its language, customs, and cuisine. Both North and South Korea share cultural foundations based on their Confucian heritage, which influences social etiquette, family relations, and personal conduct. However, decades of separation have fostered distinct societal developments in each country.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economy">Economy</h3>



<p>North Korea has a largely isolated economy with limited engagement with the international community, heavily reliant on its natural resources and some agricultural output.</p>



<p>South Korea boasts the 10th largest economy in the world (as of 2021), with strong industries in electronics, telecommunications, automobile production, shipbuilding, and chemical manufacturing. It is also a leader in technological innovation and infrastructure.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-current-issues">Current issues</h3>



<p>The Korean Peninsula continues to face challenges, including security concerns due to North Korea's nuclear ambitions and the ongoing military tensions between the North and South. </p>



<p>Additionally, both countries deal with internal and external economic pressures, global market dynamics, and cultural exportation impacting global perceptions and economic health.</p>



<p>The Korean Peninsula presents a unique study in contrasts, with profound historical ties and shared cultural elements, yet marked differences in political, economic, and social systems.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Massive wall of dust travels over the Korean Peninsula 

<p>Her efforts paid off, and Luna was able to spend her first winter outside of a cage cozily tucked into her own den. When spring came, she was ready to do it all again!</p>

Settling In

Smiling,Happy,Healthy,Middle,Aged,50s,Woman,Holding,Glass,Of

<p>In the quest to extend human lifespan and improve overall health, scientists have been searching for effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-delays-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anti-aging interventions</a>. They may have found one by accident. A drug used for high blood pressure, known as rilmenidine, may also be effective in slowing the aging process.</p>



<p>While caloric restriction has been considered the most robust method to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-cells-could-be-used-to-slow-down-or-even-reverse-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">promote longevity</a> across species, its mixed results and side effects in humans have led researchers to explore alternative solutions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rilmenidine-potential-game-changer-in-the-fight-against-aging">Rilmenidine: Potential game-changer in the fight against aging</h2>



<p>Researchers from <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zürich</a>, <a href="https://hms.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Medical School</a>, and the <a href="https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liverpool</a>, led by Professor João Pedro Magalhães, have found that rilmenidine, an antihypertensive medication, can extend lifespan and slow aging in animals.</p>



<p>The study demonstrates that treating animals with rilmenidine at both young and older ages increases lifespan and improves health markers, mimicking the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intermittent-fasting-may-be-the-secret-to-slowing-down-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caloric restriction</a>. </p>



<p>Professor Magalhães, now based at the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a>, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, "With a global aging population, the benefits of delaying aging, even if slightly, are immense."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-the-i1-imidazoline-receptor">Role of the I1-imidazoline receptor</h2>



<p>The researchers also discovered that the healthspan and lifespan benefits of rilmenidine treatment in the roundworm <em>C. elegans</em> are mediated by the I1-imidazoline receptor nish-1. </p>



<p>This identification of nish-1 as a potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-identified-anti-aging-drugs-using-ai-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">longevity target</a> opens up new avenues for future research and drug development.</p>



<p>I1-imidazoline receptors are a family of receptors that bind to imidazoline compounds and are involved in various physiological processes. </p>



<p>These receptors are found in both invertebrates and vertebrates, including humans. They are distinct from alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, although some imidazoline compounds can bind to both receptor types.</p>



<p>I1-imidazoline receptors are located in the central nervous system, particularly in the brainstem and hypothalamus, as well as in peripheral tissues such as the kidneys, pancreas, and adipose tissue. They play a role in regulating blood pressure, insulin secretion, and lipid metabolism.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i1-imidazoline-receptors-are-the-unsung-heroes-of-physiology">I1-Imidazoline receptors are the unsung heroes of physiology</h3>



<p>Several studies have investigated the potential therapeutic applications of targeting I1-imidazoline receptors. For example, some research suggests that activating these receptors may have antidepressant effects and could be useful in treating depression and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lsd-can-treat-crippling-anxiety-with-a-single-dose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety disorders</a>. </p>



<p>Other studies have explored the role of I1-imidazoline receptors in regulating glucose homeostasis and their potential as targets for the treatment of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-deprivation-linked-type-2-diabetes-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type 2 diabetes</a>.</p>



<p>However, much remains to be discovered about the specific functions and mechanisms of I1-imidazoline receptors in different species and their potential as therapeutic targets. </p>



<p>Further research is needed to fully understand the role of these receptors in various physiological processes and to develop targeted therapies that can harness their potential for treating a range of conditions, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-protein-linked-to-healthier-aging-and-lower-risk-of-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging-related diseases</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anti-aging-advantages-of-rilmenidine">Anti-aging advantages of rilmenidine</h2>



<p>One of the key advantages of rilmenidine is its potential for future translatability to humans. Unlike other drugs previously studied for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harvard-scientists-fountain-of-youth-pill-sparks-controversy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anti-aging purposes</a>, rilmenidine is a widely-prescribed, oral antihypertensive medication with rare and non-severe side effects. </p>



<p>This makes it a more feasible and safer option for human use compared to caloric restriction, which has shown mixed results and side effects in human studies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-untapped-potential-of-drug-repurposing">Untapped potential of drug repurposing</h2>



<p>Professor Magalhães highlighted the immense potential of repurposing drugs for extending lifespan and healthspan, stating, "Repurposing drugs capable of extending lifespan and healthspan has a huge untapped potential in translational geroscience." </p>



<p>This study marks the first time rilmenidine has been shown to increase lifespan in animals, paving the way for further exploration of its potential clinical applications.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promising-step-towards-healthier-aging">Promising step towards healthier aging</h2>



<p>This study on rilmenidine, led by Professor João Pedro Magalhães, offers a glimmer of hope in the search for effective anti-aging interventions. </p>



<p>By demonstrating rilmenidine's ability to extend lifespan and improve health markers in animals, the researchers have unlocked a potential game-changer in the field of geroscience. </p>



<p>As they continue to explore the drug's mechanisms and potential clinical applications, the prospect of repurposing this widely-prescribed antihypertensive medication for healthier aging becomes increasingly tangible. </p>



<p>With further research and development, rilmenidine could pave the way for a new era of accessible and effective anti-aging solutions, bringing us one step closer to the dream of a longer, healthier life.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acel.13774" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aging Cell</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

High blood pressure drug called 'rilmenidine' dramatically slows aging in animals

In the quest to extend human lifespan and improve overall...

<p>The latest negotiations on a global treaty to address plastic pollution concluded in Canada early Tuesday, advancing the dialogue despite significant debates, particularly over the prospect of setting global limits on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-production-increases-create-identical-plastic-pollution-increase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic production</a>. </p>



<p>This session marked a pivotal shift as negotiators for the first time discussed the draft text of the treaty, moving from conceptual discussions to concrete treaty language.</p>



<p>The session in Ottawa, which is the fourth of five planned meetings, saw negotiators grappling with one of the most contentious issues: the potential limitation of plastic production.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highly-complex-issue">Highly complex issue</h2>



<p>Despite strong objections from countries and industries reliant on plastic production, this issue remained in the treaty draft. Since most plastic is manufactured using fossil fuels and chemicals, reducing production is a highly complex issue.</p>



<p>As the meeting wrapped up, the committee resolved to continue refining the treaty's terms before reconvening for the final session in South Korea later this year.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The next session will focus on key issues such as financing mechanisms for the treaty's implementation, assessing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/4200-harmful-plastic-chemicals-hidden-in-everyday-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> of concern in plastics, and examining product design. </p>



<p>However, Rwanda's representative expressed concern that by not directly addressing the volume of plastic production, negotiators were avoiding a critical issue.</p>



<p>“In the end, this is not just about the text, it’s not just about the process,” said Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, the executive secretary of the committee. “It is quite simply about providing a better future for generations and for our loved ones.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-on-circularity-nbsp">Focus on circularity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Industry representatives, however, have different priorities. Stewart Harris from the <a href="https://icca-chem.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Council of Chemical Associations</a> emphasized the industry's focus on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recycling-is-not-enough-to-address-the-plastic-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recycling</a> and reusing plastics, a concept often referred to as “circularity.” </p>



<p>Thus, the Council does not want a cap on plastic production, and considers that chemicals should not be regulated through this agreement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Harris also expressed satisfaction with the progress made in discussions, particularly around additional work on financing and plastic product design.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-issue-of-microplastics-nbsp">Addressing the issue of microplastics&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The negotiations were also informed by scientific input aimed at dispelling myths about plastics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I heard yesterday that there’s no data on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-migrate-from-the-gut-to-other-organs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a>, which is verifiably false: 21,000 articles on micro and nanoplastics have been published,” said Bethanie Carney Almroth, an ecotoxicology professor and co-leader of the <a href="https://ikhapp.org/scientistscoalition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty</a>. She also mentioned challenges faced by scientists, including harassment by industry lobbyists.</p>



<p>In a news conference on Saturday, members of an Indigenous Peoples’ Caucus said that microplastics are contaminating their food supply and threatening their communities and ways of life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We have bigger stakes. These are our ancestral lands that are being polluted with plastic,” said Juressa Lee of New Zealand. “We’re rights holders, not stakeholders. We should have more space to speak and make decisions than the people causing the problem.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-goal-to-move-forward-with-plastics-treaty">Common goal to move forward with plastics treaty</h2>



<p>Despite these challenges, the diverse group of countries shared a common goal to progress with the treaty.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Because at the end of the day, we’re talking about the survival of the future of life, not only of human life but all sorts of life on this planet,” argued Ecuador’s chief negotiator, Walter Schuldt.</p>



<p>However, the discussions, initiated by a resolution proposed by Rwanda and Peru, have been marked by slow progress and intense debate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We took a major step forward after two years of lots of discussion. Now we have text to negotiate,” said Björn Beeler, the international coordinator for the <a href="https://www.ipen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Pollutants Elimination Network</a>. “Unfortunately, much more political will is needed to address the out of control escalating plastic production.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastics-treaty-negotiations-continue">Plastics treaty negotiations continue</h2>



<p>As the plastics treaty negotiation process continues, the involvement of affected communities and advocacy groups underscores the urgent need for change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>From Louisiana to New Zealand, individuals and groups are calling for actions that go beyond government discussions to address the tangible impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-interlinked-crisis-of-plastic-pollution-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution</a> on communities and natural environments. </p>



<p>This collective effort highlights a global recognition of the need for significant and effective measures to combat plastic pollution, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.</p>



<p>“We are working toward a world where we won’t have plastic litter everywhere in our ecosystems,” said Mathur-Filipp. “The energy is there, the will is there and I know we will get an instrument by the end of the year.”</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Plastics treaty talks: Slow progress yet restored hope

The latest negotiations on a global treaty to address plastic...

<p>In a remarkable discovery, scientists have found higher-than-usual amounts of manganese in lakebed rocks within <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mars_Gale-Crater_Newport-Ledge_Curiosity-rover_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gale Crater on Mars</a>. The results suggest that the sediments were formed in a river, delta, or near the shoreline of an ancient, habitable lake on ancient Mars.</p>



<p>The research team, led by Patrick Gasda of Los Alamos National Laboratory's Space Science and Applications group (<a href="https://organizations.lanl.gov/isr/isr-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISR-1</a>), used the <a href="https://www.msl-chemcam.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ChemCam</a> instrument onboard NASA's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-records-a-martian-day-from-dawn-to-dusk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curiosity rover</a> to make this intriguing finding.</p>



<p>"It is difficult for manganese oxide to form on the surface of Mars, so we didn't expect to find it in such high concentrations in a shoreline deposit," said Gasda, expressing his surprise at the discovery.</p>



<p>"On Earth, these types of deposits happen all the time because of the high oxygen in our atmosphere produced by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-is-letting-out-mysterious-methane-burps-but-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthetic life</a>, and from microbes that help catalyze those manganese oxidation reactions," Gasda explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-manganese-on-mars">Mystery of manganese on Mars</h2>



<p>The presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-mars-had-less-oxygen-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manganese oxide</a> on Mars is perplexing, as there is no evidence of life or a clear mechanism to produce oxygen in the planet's ancient atmosphere. </p>



<p>"On Mars, we don't have evidence for life, and the mechanism to produce oxygen in Mars's ancient atmosphere is unclear, so how the manganese oxide was formed and concentrated here is really puzzling," Gasda added. </p>



<p>"These findings point to larger processes occurring in the Martian atmosphere or surface water and shows that more work needs to be done to understand oxidation on Mars," he concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-sedimentary-rocks-from-ancient-mars">Exploring sedimentary rocks from ancient Mars</h2>



<p>The sedimentary rocks explored by the Curiosity rover are a mix of sands, silts, and muds. The research team investigated how manganese could have been enriched in the sandy rocks. </p>



<p>The confusion lies in the fact that they are more porous and allow for easier groundwater passage compared to the muds that make up most of the lakebed rocks in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gale-crater-reveals-secrets-of-water-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gale Crater</a>. </p>



<p>They considered possibilities such as the percolation of groundwater through the sands on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-has-a-water-reservoir-two-miles-deep-enough-to-fill-earths-red-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shore of a lake</a> or mouth of a delta and what oxidant could be responsible for the precipitation of manganese in the rocks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ChemCam: Unveiling the elemental composition of Martian rocks</h2>



<p>The ChemCam (Chemistry and Camera) instrument, referred to above, is a key scientific tool onboard NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission's Curiosity rover. </p>



<p>It was developed through a collaboration between Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in the United States and the French space agency, Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES). </p>



<p>ChemCam is designed to analyze the chemical composition of Martian rocks and soil using a technique called Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS).</p>



<p>Here are some key features and facts about the ChemCam instrument:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)</strong>: ChemCam uses a powerful laser to vaporize small portions of Martian rocks or soil from a distance of up to 7 meters (23 feet). The laser creates a plasma, which emits light with wavelengths characteristic of the elements present in the target.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Remote Micro-Imager (RMI)</strong>: In addition to the LIBS system, ChemCam also includes a high-resolution camera called the Remote Micro-Imager. The RMI provides context images of the analyzed targets, allowing scientists to better understand the geological setting of the sampled area.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Elemental analysis</strong>: ChemCam can detect and quantify the presence of various elements, including lighter elements like hydrogen, lithium, beryllium, and boron, which are difficult to detect with other techniques. It can also measure the abundances of heavier elements, such as carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Rapid analysis</strong>: The instrument can analyze multiple points on a single rock or soil target within a matter of minutes, providing a quick and efficient means of gathering chemical data.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Depth profiling</strong>: By firing multiple laser pulses at the same location, ChemCam can analyze the composition of rocks and soils at different depths, providing insights into the vertical distribution of elements.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Discovering manganese</strong>: In 2016, ChemCam detected high levels of manganese oxides in Martian rocks, which was unexpected given the planet's current atmospheric conditions. This discovery led to new questions about the history of Mars' atmosphere and the potential for past habitable environments.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Instrument specs</strong>: ChemCam's laser operates at a wavelength of 1067 nanometers and can fire at a rate of up to 10 Hz. The instrument weighs approximately 10 kilograms (22 pounds) and consumes about 14 watts of power during operation.</li>
</ul>



<p>The data collected by ChemCam has greatly contributed to our understanding of the geological history and potential habitability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-explores-mars-ridge-with-intriguing-watery-past/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>, including its contribution to this recent study of Gale Crater.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-life-on-ancient-mars">Implications for life on ancient Mars</h2>



<p>On Earth, manganese becomes enriched due to atmospheric oxygen, a process often accelerated by the presence of microbes. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/curiosity-mars-rover-finds-more-compelling-evidence-for-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">If life existed</a> on ancient Mars, the increased amounts of manganese in these rocks along the lake shore would have been a helpful energy source for metabolism. </p>



<p>"The Gale lake environment, as revealed by these ancient rocks, gives us a window into a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lake-sediments-found-in-jezero-crater-hint-at-past-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable environment</a> that looks surprisingly similar to places on Earth today," remarked Nina Lanza, principal investigator for the ChemCam instrument. </p>



<p>"Manganese minerals are common in the shallow, toxic waters found on lake shores on Earth, and it's remarkable to find such recognizable features on ancient Mars," she explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-window-into-the-past-shows-earth-mars-similarities">Window into the past shows Earth/Mars similarities</h2>



<p>In summary, the discovery of higher manganese levels in ancient lakebed rocks on Mars by NASA's Curiosity rover and the ChemCam instrument opens up exciting new possibilities for understanding the Red Planet's geological history and its potential for hosting life in the past. </p>



<p>As scientists continue to investigate these intriguing findings, they inch closer to unraveling the mysteries surrounding the Martian atmosphere, surface water, and the formation of manganese oxide deposits. </p>



<p>This intriguing research showcases the similarities between Earth and Mars and highlights the importance of ongoing exploration and scientific inquiry in our quest to comprehend the universe and our place within it.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023JE007923" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Geophysical Research Planets</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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More evidence that ancient Mars was Earth-like and habitable

In a remarkable discovery, scientists have found higher-than-usual amounts of...

<p>Solar activity has reached high levels, with five sunspot groups present on the visible solar disk. In addition, background X-ray flux levels have increased mostly in the low C-class levels, according to a forecast discussion prepared by the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>, and the <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Weather Prediction Center</a> on May 1, 2024.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/news/r2-moderate-hf-radio-blackout-observed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Region 3654</a>, located at solar coordinates S07W70 with a Fkc/beta-delta classification, has weakened slightly in its magnetic complexity, with the gamma configuration appearing to diminish. </p>



<p>However, the mixed polarity delta spot in the intermediate section has retained its magnetic shear, and the instability was evident as it produced an <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/m9-5_solar-flare_region-3654_GOES_043024_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">M9.5/2b flare at 30/2346 UTC</a> and a long duration <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GVRo2WxRHc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">C5.8 at 01/0758 UTC</a>. </p>



<p>An associated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-solar-outburst-detected-simultaneously-at-earth-the-moon-and-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CME</a> was observed with the long duration C5.8 flare, but analysis suggests an Earth-directed component is unlikely due to the region's far west location.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-region-3663-emerges-and-undergoes-slow-growth">New region 3663 emerges and undergoes slow growth</h2>



<p>New Region 3663, located at N25E27 with a Bxo/beta classification, emerged and underwent slow growth but remained stable. The remaining regions were inactive and had little change.</p>



<p>The forecast predicts that solar activity is likely to be moderate, with a slight chance of low-level <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noaa-alert-severe-geomagnetic-solar-storm-warning-issued/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X-class flares</a> (R3; Strong) on May 1, primarily due to the magnetic complexity of Region 3654 and its history of flare production. </p>



<p>However, as the region rotates closer to the limb, M-class flare probabilities decrease to a chance on May 2 and further decrease as the region rotates beyond the limb on May 3.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energetic-particle-flux-remains-normal-to-moderate">Energetic particle flux remains normal to moderate</h2>



<p>The greater than 2 MeV electron flux was normal to moderate, and the greater than 10 MeV proton flux remained at background levels. </p>



<p>The forecast expects the greater than 2 MeV electron flux to continue at normal to moderate levels from May 1-3, while the greater than 10 MeV proton flux is expected to maintain at background levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-wind-environment-experiences-disturbance">Solar wind environment experiences disturbance</h2>



<p>The solar wind environment was indicative of a slow regime until a disturbance in the field occurred near 30/1130 UTC. Total IMF increased from ambient levels and peaked at 14 nT, while the Bz component underwent a prolonged southward deflection with a maximum negative deviation of -8 nT. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-solar-wind-which-creates-beautiful-auroras-on-earth-is-now-less-mysterious/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solar wind</a> speed underwent a slight escalation but peaked around 425 km/s. The cause of the disturbance is uncertain, but a possible candidate is an isolated negative polarity CH HSS or a transient passage.</p>



<p>The forecast anticipates a disturbed and variably enhanced solar wind field over the next three days due to possible weak transient passages followed by additional CH HSS effects from an isolated positive polarity CH HSS that should become geoeffective on May 3. </p>



<p>Additionally, a CME that departed the Sun on April 29 with mainly a westward component may cause near proximity influences or weak flanking effects later on May 3.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geomagnetic-field-reaches-active-levels">Geomagnetic field reaches active levels</h2>



<p>The geomagnetic field reached active levels for a few periods in response to the disturbed solar wind field. The forecast expects G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storming during the early hours of May 1 due to transient-like effects. </p>



<p>Active levels, with a chance of G1 (Minor) storms, are anticipated from May 2-3 in varying response to CH HSS effects and possible transient passages.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minor-geomagnetic-storming-anticipated-as-solar-wind-fluctuates">Minor geomagnetic storming anticipated as solar wind fluctuates</h2>



<p>In summary, the Space Weather Prediction Center's forecast discussion reveals a dynamic and ever-changing solar environment. As Region 3654 continues to generate flares and new regions emerge, solar activity remains high. </p>



<p>The forecast predicts moderate activity with a chance of strong X-class flares, while particle flux levels remain stable. The solar wind environment experiences disturbances, potentially causing geomagnetic storming in the coming days. </p>



<p>As these events unfold, scientists continue to monitor and analyze the data, providing crucial information to help us understand and prepare for the impacts of solar activity on our planet.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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NOAA Alert: Powerful M9.5 flare from strong solar activity causes radio blackouts

Solar activity has reached high levels, with five sunspot groups...

<p>The <a href="https://www.mightyearth.org/wp-content/uploads/Tai-Monkey-Project1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tai Forest Monkey Project</a>, operating a research field station in Ivory Coast for three decades, experienced a significant setback on the sole day it was unstaffed due to nearby conflict in Liberia, resulting in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poaching-has-long-term-impacts-on-elephants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poaching</a> of 18 endangered monkeys. </p>



<p>This incident highlights the vital role that such field stations play in not only advancing scientific knowledge but also protecting biodiversity by deterring poaching and illegal resource extraction.</p>



<p>According to a recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/conl.13014" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Conservation Letters</em></a>, it is highly important to conserve the red colobus monkey <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/speedbumps-help-protect-endangered-red-colobus-monkeys/">species</a> found across Africa, including those in the Tai Project field station area. </p>



<p>These monkeys are recognized as a conservation priority due to their vulnerability to hunting and climate change impacts.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endangered-red-colobus-monkeys">Endangered red colobus monkeys</h2>



<p>“One of the primates at our field station is a red colobus species that is endangered,” said study co-author W. Scott McGraw, a primate behaviorist at OSU, and co-director of the Tai Monkey Project.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If we were to stop our work and pull out of the forest, I would not be surprised to see the numbers of all animals just crash. By simply being at the field station, we are protecting what we’re studying in addition to generating knowledge. Every one of those species of red colobus in Africa is in danger. And the places where they’re protected the most are those that have research field stations.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts-for-red-colobus-monkeys">Conservation efforts for red colobus monkeys</h2>



<p>The ongoing efforts to protect red colobus monkeys and their habitats involve collaboration between nearly 20 institutions from the United States, Europe, and Africa. </p>



<p>Experts from these institutions focus on actions such as designating red colobus as priority conservation species, conducting ecological surveys to identify populations needing protection, increasing investment in protected area management, and engaging with local communities living near these habitats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-colobus-monkey-extinction">Red colobus monkey extinction </h2>



<p>The urgency of these efforts was highlighted by the tragic confirmation of the first <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/if-primates-go-extinct-so-will-their-parasites/">primate extinction</a> in 500 years, Miss Waldron’s red colobus, which McGraw and his team documented in the late 1990s. </p>



<p>“People would say, well, there are lots of other primates – who cares if we lose one? But we argued that this could be the beginning of a wave of extinction that could make its way across all of Africa,” McGraw explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This was the tip of the iceberg suggesting we were on the edge of catastrophe. What’s next? Then the leopards go, then the hippos go.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-field-stations">The role of field stations</h2>



<p>Further emphasizing the role of field stations, a <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/conl.13007" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">companion article</a> by McGraw and 172 other scientists outlined how these outposts significantly contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildlife-conservation-can-help-stabilize-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> and forest conservation. </p>



<p>The analysis, based on a survey of 157 field station leaders in 56 countries, showed that the presence of a staffed field station greatly reduces hunting and enhances enforcement of anti-poaching laws, impacting over 1,200 threatened animal species and nearly 50 square miles of habitat per station.</p>



<p>Despite the crucial conservation work these stations perform, many still struggle with funding, especially following the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Most of these field stations are located in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-biodiversity-hotspots-can-be-found-on-small-scales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity hotspots</a>, and operate at a relatively low cost,” McGraw said. “We work in a well-known national park, but every day we hear gunshots around us. We’ve collected good evidence over 30 years that the density of animals drops off dramatically immediately outside of our primary study area. So just by being there, we are affording protection.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continued-threats-to-biodiversity-nbsp">Continued threats to biodiversity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The plight of red colobus monkeys in Ivory Coast exemplifies broader challenges, where illegal cocoa farming and hunting in protected areas are rampant due to the high demand for chocolate. </p>



<p>McGraw and his team found that patrolling two forest reserves significantly reduced illegal activities, yet the conversion of protected lands into cocoa farms continues to threaten biodiversity.</p>



<p>“In the eastern part of Ivory Coast, where there should be forest, it looks like a bomb has dropped,” McGraw said. “So much of the forest has been cut down, and that which remains is under increasing pressure from us.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The human population growth is so steep and is taking place in areas often containing the largest number of threatened taxa. People are, in many cases, eking out a living right next to a forest containing biodiversity that they’ve grown up with. It’s a real conservation crisis.”</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Red colobus monkeys are threatened by poachers in Africa

The Tai Forest Monkey Project, operating a research field station...

<p>In the vast expanse of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/betelgeuse-one-of-our-brightest-stars-will-vanish-from-sight-next-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orion constellation</a>, a peculiar group of stars has captured the attention of astronomers for decades. These stars, known as FUor stars, exhibit sudden and dramatic<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/orion-nebula_FU-Ori-binary-system_NRAO_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> increases in brightness</a>, defying the typical behavior of young stellar objects. </p>



<p>Now, thanks to the powerful observations made by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (<a href="https://www.almaobservatory.org/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ALMA</a>), the secrets behind these enigmatic outbursts are finally being unraveled.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-puzzling-case-of-fuor-stars">Puzzling case of FUor stars</h2>



<p>Antonio Hales, deputy manager of the North American ALMA Regional Center and scientist with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (<a href="https://www.nrao.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NRAO</a>), led a research team that delved into the mysteries of FU Orionis, a double star system that first caught astronomers' attention in 1936. </p>



<p>Published in <em>The Astrophysical Journal</em>, their findings shed light on the mechanisms fueling these stellar eruptions.</p>



<p>"FU Ori has been devouring material for almost 100 years to keep its eruption going. We have finally found an answer to how these young outbursting stars replenish their mass," explains Hales. "For the first time we have direct observational evidence of the material fueling the eruptions."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fuor-stars-and-their-fuel-source">FUor stars and their fuel Source</h2>



<p>Using ALMA's advanced capabilities, the researchers detected a long, thin stream of carbon monoxide falling onto FU Orionis. </p>



<p>However, this gas stream alone seemed insufficient to sustain the ongoing outburst. Instead, the team hypothesized that this accretion streamer is a remnant of a much larger feature that previously fell into the young stellar system.</p>



<p>"It is possible that the interaction with a bigger stream of gas in the past caused the system to become unstable and trigger the brightness increase," suggests Hales.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modeling-the-accretion-streamer">Modeling the accretion streamer</h2>



<p>To better understand the dynamics of the mass flow into FU Orionis, the researchers employed novel numerical methods to model the accretion streamer and estimate its properties. </p>



<p>Aashish Gupta, a Ph.D. candidate at the European Southern Observatory (<a href="https://www.eso.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESO</a>) and co-author of the study, developed these innovative modeling techniques.</p>



<p>"We compared the shape and speed of the observed structure to that expected from a trail of infalling gas, and the numbers made sense," says Gupta.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alma-s-comprehensive-view">ALMA's comprehensive view</h2>



<p>The observations made by ALMA showcased the instrument's remarkable ability to explore a wide range of angular scales, providing a comprehensive view of star and planet formation dynamics. </p>



<p>Sebastián Pérez of Universidad de Santiago de Chile (<a href="https://www.usach.cl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USACH</a>) and co-author of the research, highlights the significance of this capability.</p>



<p>"The range of angular scales we are able to explore with a single instrument is truly remarkable. ALMA gives us a comprehensive view of the dynamics of star and planet formation, spanning from large molecular clouds in which hundreds of stars are born, down to the more familiar scales of solar systems," adds Pérez.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-star-and-planet-formation">Implications for star and planet formation</h2>



<p>Beyond solving the mystery of FU Orionis, these findings have broader implications for our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orion-nebula-destroys-an-oceans-worth-of-water-every-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star and planet formation</a>. </p>



<p>The researchers believe that all stars undergo outburst events, which play a crucial role in shaping the chemical composition of accretion disks and the planets that eventually form around them.</p>



<p>"By understanding how these peculiar FUor stars are made, we're confirming what we know about how different stars and planets form. We believe that all stars undergo outburst events. These outbursts are important because they affect the chemical composition of the accretion disks around nascent stars and the planets they eventually form," emphasizes Hales.</p>



<p>The study of FU Orionis has been a long-term endeavor for the research team, dating back to ALMA's first observations in 2012. Hales expresses his excitement about finally having answers to the puzzling behavior of these outbursting stars.</p>



<p>"We have been studying FU Orionis since ALMA's first observations in 2012," adds Hales. "It's fascinating to finally have answers."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orion-constellation-fu-orionis-and-future-observations">Orion constellation, FU Orionis and future observations</h2>



<p>The observations of FU Orionis in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-stars-shape-planetary-systems-like-ours-with-ultraviolet-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orion constellation</a> by ALMA have solved a long-standing mystery in astronomy and paved the way for a better understanding of star and planet formation. </p>



<p>By unraveling the secrets behind the enigmatic behavior of FUor stars, researchers have confirmed the crucial role that outburst events play in shaping the chemical composition of accretion disks and the planets that form around them. </p>



<p>As astronomers continue to explore the vast reaches of the universe, the insights gained from studying these peculiar stars will undoubtedly contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the cosmic processes that govern the birth and evolution of stellar systems.</p>



<p>The full study was published in <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad31a1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a></em>.</p>



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Mystery of Orion's erupting 'FUor' stars solved after 100 years

In the vast expanse of the Orion constellation, a peculiar...

<p>The formidable, saber-like fangs of <em>Smilodon fatalis</em>, also known as saber-toothed cats, are a symbol of prehistoric ferocity and a subject of scientific fascination. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/smilodon-fatalis_sabertoothed-cat_fang-fossil_UCBerkeley_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">These fangs</a>, famously preserved at the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, intrigue visitors and scientists alike with their unique structure and evolutionary purpose. </p>



<p>Researchers found some of these fangs with a curious feature: a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/smilodon-fatalis_sabertoothed-cat_Massimo-Molinero_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">double set of teeth</a> comprising both a baby and a permanent tooth within the same socket.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smilodon-fatalis-and-double-fangs"><em>Smilodon fatalis</em> and double fangs</h2>



<p>Jack Tseng, an associate professor of integrative biology, has dedicated years to studying these peculiar specimens. His upcoming research publication illuminates the evolutionary advantages of this dental arrangement.</p>



<p>Tseng's study suggests that the presence of the milk tooth alongside the erupting permanent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sabertooth-skull-offers-new-clues-about-the-extinct-mammal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">saber tooth</a> plays a critical role in preventing the tooth from breaking under lateral pressures. </p>



<p>This insight was supported by advanced computer modeling and physical tests using 3D-printed replicas of saber teeth.</p>



<p>Initially, Tseng and his team proposed that the baby tooth acts as a stabilizing buttress during the eruptive phase of the permanent tooth. </p>



<p>They based this hypothesis on growth data, which shows that saber-toothed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-sabertooth-cat-big-polar-bear/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cats</a> retained this dual-tooth system for up to 30 months during their adolescence.</p>



<p>"Imagine a timeline where you have the milk canine coming out, and when they finish erupting, the permanent canine comes out and overtakes the milk canine, eventually pushing it out," noted  Tseng.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predator-evolution-of-smilodon-fatalis">Predator evolution of <em>Smilodon fatalis</em></h2>



<p>The implications of this study extend beyond dental mechanics to insights into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-new-species-of-sabertooth-cat-discovered-in-south-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predatory behavior</a> and survival strategies of saber-toothed cats. </p>



<p>The dual-fang stage likely provided young Smilodon with a 'learning curve' period, during which they could experiment with their hunting techniques without the immediate risk of damaging their formidable weapons.</p>



<p>Tseng suggests that this prolonged dual-tooth stage acted as an evolutionary adaptation, allowing the young predators to take risks and learn effective hunting strategies while under the protective 'insurance policy' of the milk tooth. </p>



<p>"The double-fang stage is probably worth a rethinking now that I've shown there's this potential insurance policy, this larger range of protection," Tseng explained. "It allows the equivalent of our teenagers to experiment, to take risks, essentially to learn how to be a full-grown, fully fledged predator."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beam-theory">Beam theory</h2>



<p>Tseng's research incorporated beam theory, an engineering principle typically used to assess the structural strength and behavior of materials under various stress conditions. </p>



<p>By utilizing this theory for the study of Smilodon's saber teeth, he was able to create simulations that mimicked how these teeth would react under different types of stress, focusing particularly on lateral bending -- how the teeth would bend side to side under pressure.</p>



<p>His analysis showed that although the bending strength of the saber teeth -- how much force they could withstand before bending -- remained relatively unchanged, their stiffness, or how much they resisted bending when force was applied, diminished as the teeth grew longer. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-function-of-the-smilodon-fatalis-milk-tooth">Function of the <em>Smilodon fatalis</em> milk tooth</h2>



<p>This finding suggests that the longer the tooth, the more prone it was to bend under force, potentially leading to breakage.</p>



<p>Crucially, Tseng found that the presence of a milk tooth alongside the permanent tooth in young Smilodon played a significant role in enhancing the overall structural integrity of the growing fang. </p>



<p>The milk tooth seemed to serve as a supportive structure, improving the alignment of the tooth's stiffness with its bending strength. </p>



<p>This improved alignment significantly reduced the risk of the saber tooth breaking during hunting, particularly when catching and subduing prey. </p>



<p>The combination of the baby and permanent teeth provided a critical balance, ensuring that young saber-toothed cats could effectively and safely develop their hunting skills without the immediate risk of damaging their essential fangs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications">Broader implications</h2>



<p>While the focus of Tseng's study was <em>Smilodon fatalis</em>, the findings have broader implications for understanding other saber-toothed species as well. </p>



<p>Moreover, the presence of similar dental features in other species suggests that this adaptation could be more widespread than previously thought. This opens new avenues for research into the evolutionary pathways that led to the development of such specialized predatory adaptations.</p>



<p>Tseng's work not only enhances our understanding of one of the most iconic predators of the Pleistocene but also invites us to reconsider how we view the growth and development of these fascinating creatures.</p>



<p>As these investigations continue, they not only illuminate the past but also enrich our broader understanding of evolutionary biology and the mechanics of survival in the natural world.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ar.25447" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Anatomical Record</a></em>.</p>



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Young saber-toothed cats had double fangs, but for good reason

The formidable, saber-like fangs of Smilodon fatalis, also known as...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.</p>



<p>"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."</p>



<p>"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."</p>



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.</p>



<p>In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. </p>



<p>Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.</p>



<p>Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. </p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.</p>



<p>“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. </p>



<p>The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.</p>



<p>“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”</p>



<p>The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...


<p>Luna actually started digging a second den. Whether she was making up for lost time or simply trying to create her dream bedroom, the result was the same. She now had two choices for her hibernation location! Photo Credit: Four Paws </p>


Plan B Den

<p>Luna's massive paws made quick work of the dirt and, before long, she had dug out a perfect den. But the bear wasn't satisfied. There was still more work to be done! </p>