Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features the port city of Derna on the northeastern coast of Libya, where heavy rainfall caused catastrophic flooding that killed thousands of people.&nbsp;



"On September 10 and 11, over 100 millimeters (4 inches) of rain fell on Derna. The city lies at the end of a long, narrow valley, called a wadi, which is dry except during the rainy season," explained NASA.



"Floods triggered two dams along the wadi to collapse. The failure of the second dam, located just one kilometer inland of Derna, unleashed 3- to 7-meter-high floodwater that tore through the city. According to news reports, the flash floods destroyed roads and swept entire neighborhoods out to sea."



The image was captured by the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9 on September 18. It shows the eroded banks of Wadi Derna, and muddy water off the coast.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"Preliminary estimates by the United Nations Satellite Center (UNOSAT) indicate that 3,100 buildings in Derna were damaged by rushing water. According to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM), about 40,000 people in the country were displaced by the storm, and 30,000 of those were displaced from Derna," said NASA.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Aftermath of catastrophic flooding in Derna, Libya

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features the western region of Morocco, where a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck on September 8, 2023. The violent earthquake killed thousands of people and many are still missing more than a week later.



"The damage proxy map shown above is a NASA Earth Observatory version of a map created by the Earth Observatory of Singapore - Remote Sensing Lab (EOS-RS). The map uses modified Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite data processed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and with software originally developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Caltech," said NASA.



"To map the landscape, including buildings, Sentinel-1’s radar sends pulses of microwaves toward Earth’s surface and 'listens' for reflected echoes of those waves. In the map above, the damage proxy data from EOS-RS was laid over a Landsat 9 image and combined with a digital elevation model based on data collected by the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission."



According to NASA, the most severe destruction occurred in small rural villages in the High Atlas Mountains. Near the epicenter, entire communities were destroyed.



A resident of the town of Tinzert, Hakim Idlhousein, told CNN that it took just 10 seconds for his whole village to disappear. The homes have been reduced to rubble, and the survivors are still waiting for government aid. These hardest-hit regions have been difficult to reach after roads were destroyed by the earthquake.&nbsp;



"Help has been slow to come and has so far mostly consisted of food and water brought up into the mountains in private cars by volunteers from across Morocco," reported CNN.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Entire villages destroyed by earthquake in the High Atlas Mountains

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Cook Strait, which separates New Zealand's North and South Islands.



"Named after James Cook, who was the first European to sail through it, the PoipuCook Strait is just 23 km wide at its narrowest point, so on a clear day it is possible to see across the strait. However, it is also renowned as one of the roughest and most unpredictable stretches of water in the world, owing to strong winds, conflicting currents and variable tides," says ESA.



"This dynamic environment is depicted here by the various shades of blue in the water and swirls. Both shores feature steep cliffs which, in the image, result in the white colour caused by the big waves crashing against the rocky coast."



New Zealand is a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, consisting of two main islands, both marked by volcanoes and glaciation. It is known for its stunning and diverse landscapes, which include beaches, mountains, forests, lakes, and farmland. The capital city is Wellington, while the most populous city is Auckland, both located in the North Island.



The country is renowned for its strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. It has a diverse economy with key sectors including tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. New Zealand is famous for its dairy industry, especially the export of products like milk and cheese.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Cook Strait, New Zealand

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Mendenhall Glacier - a stunning glacier located about 13 miles from downtown Juneau in Southeast Alaska. Mendenhall is easily accessible and is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year.&nbsp;



The photograph was captured on July 28, 2023 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8. When compared to a previous image captured in 1985 by Landsat 5, scientists found that Mendenhall had retreated by about one mile.



According to NASA, thinning has also taken a toll on the glacier during the past four decades, causing it to narrow by about 2,000 feet at the bend closest to its front.



"Mendenhall Glacier started retreating in the mid-1700s following a period of glaciation that began 3,000 years ago. But in recent decades, Alaska has been warming twice as fast as the rest of the United States, helping to push the region’s glaciers into an especially steep decline," said NASA.



"The Juneau Icefield, of which Mendenhall Glacier is a part, lost 63 out of 1,050 small glaciers inventoried between 2005 and 2019. During that same period, the icefield lost 10 percent of its glacier area."



The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center provides excellent views of the glacier and offers interpretive programs about the natural history of the glacier. The center is a popular destination for tourists visiting Juneau.



There are several activities available for tourists including guided walks, boat tours, and even ice cave explorations. The glacier and its surroundings also offer opportunities for wildlife viewing.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Mendenhall Glacier in Southeast Alaska

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a dark patch of water located east of the Delmarva Peninsula. The image was captured on May 6, 2023 by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite.&nbsp;



"The bright, silvery appearance of much of the water is due to sunglint - an optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight reflects off the surface of the water at the same angle that a satellite sensor views it. The result is mirror-like specular reflection that shows up as long, bright areas in MODIS data," explains NASA.



"The 'roughness' of the water surface can influence how sunglint areas appear in MODIS images - sometimes creating distinctive patterns within them. Most of the time, winds create enough waves and choppiness in the water that light gets reflected in a variety of directions (diffuse reflection) as it hits the sea surface."&nbsp;



With weaker winds, the sea surface is smooth. This was the case at the time the photograph was captured along the U.S. East Coast.



Scott Bachmeier is a research meteorologist with the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.



“Within a region of light winds, the appearance of the rather flat underlying water surface - either darker than adjacent water, or extremely bright - depends on the sun-satellite geometry,” explains Bachmeier.



Chuanmin Hu is a professor of Optical Oceanography at the University of South Florida.



“In this case, the dark features were likely areas with very weak winds,” says Professor Hu. ”But other things that change the ‘roughness’ of the water can lead to changes in sunglint patterns as well. These include oil slicks, freshwater slicks, ship wakes, ocean circulation, internal waves, and ocean circulation.”



“Some of the narrow dark features inside Delaware Bay and Chesapeake Bay may be partly due to freshwater, but freshwater slicks are not generally as large as the main dark patch visible east of the Delmarva Peninsula."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Dark features appear near the Delmarva Peninsula

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features a Copernicus Sentinel-2 photograph of Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 sq km, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," said ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 km eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalized and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Throughout its history, Dublin has been a center for literature, arts, and culture. It has been home to notable figures like James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and W.B. Yeats. Today, Dublin is a vibrant European capital with a mix of historic charm and modern liveliness.



There are many awe-inspiring historical sites to explore in the city, including the Dublin Castle. Dating back to the 13th century, this was the seat of English, and later British, rule in Ireland for about 700 years. Today, it's used for state events and ceremonies.



The Christ Church Cathedral, founded around 1028, is one of Dublin's oldest buildings. The cathedral has been a place of pilgrimage for almost 1,000 years.



Built in the 13th century, St. Patrick's Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Ireland. It's famously associated with Jonathan Swift, who was the dean from 1713 to 1745.



"Dublin is also home to the Guinness Storehouse, which covers seven floors surrounding a glass atrium shaped in the form of a pint of Guinness. The seventh floor houses the Gravity Bar with spectacular views of Dublin," noted ESA.



Dublin boasts a variety of green spaces, both within its city limits and in the surrounding areas. These parks and gardens offer residents and visitors a place for recreation and a break from urban life.



Phoenix Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe. It is home to the Dublin Zoo, numerous monuments, sports fields, and a herd of wild deer.



St. Stephen's Green is located in the city center. This Victorian park has beautifully landscaped gardens, ponds, a playground, and a bandstand for live performances.



Iveagh Gardens is a centrally located, lesser-known park which offers a quiet refuge. Often referred to as Dublin's "secret garden," it features a beautiful cascade, sunken lawns, and a maze.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast 

That wasn't the only unique behavior the camera captured, though. One night during mealtime, the spy gorilla recorded something that scientists hadn't seen before. They couldn't believe their eyes...or ears.

Never-Before-Seen

Europa,One,Of,Jupiters,Moons,Its,Surface,Is,A,Ice

In a revolutionary discovery that further intensifies the debate surrounding extraterrestrial life, astronomers utilizing NASA’s <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> have detected the presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Europa_carbon-discovery-image_JWST_1big.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> on Jupiter’s moon, Europa. 



This vital find opens the gateway to a plethora of speculations and possibilities regarding the existence of conditions conducive to life, considering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stealth-ocean-discovered-on-one-of-saturns-moons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa</a> is one of the few worlds in our solar system believed to potentially harbor life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beneath-the-icy-crust-a-saltwater-ocean">Beneath the icy crust: A saltwater ocean</h2>



Previous studies highlighted the existence of a salty ocean beneath Europa’s water-ice crust, concealing a rocky seafloor. However, what eluded scientists was the confirmation of whether this ocean housed life-essential chemicals, specifically carbon. 



The breakthrough findings from the Webb have now identified <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Europa_carbon-discovery-image_JWST_2big.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> in a region known as Tara Regio on Europa's icy surface, an area also known for its “chaos terrain” due to the disrupted surface ice and indications of material exchange between the ocean and the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-source-of-carbon-an-internal-gift">Source of carbon: An internal gift</h2>



Analysis reveals this identified carbon likely originates from the subsurface ocean and is not a product of external entities like meteorites, dismissing prior uncertainties regarding its origin. Its presence in a geologically young area suggests its deposition on a relatively recent timescale, adding a crucial layer to our understanding of Europa’s potential habitability.



“Understanding the chemistry of Europa’s ocean will help us determine whether it’s hostile to life as we know it, or if it might be a good place for life,” stated Geronimo Villanueva of NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a>, the lead author of one of the illuminating papers describing the findings.



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



These revelations bear immense significance as they not only strengthen the claims of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-confirms-an-ocean-on-europa-may-be-habitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa’s ocean</a> potentially being a refuge for life but also help to decipher the intricate chemical composition of the ocean. 



Carbon, being the backbone of life as we comprehend it, its presence and origin in Europa provide pivotal insights into the conditions and possibilities of life on this distant moon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-ocean-surface-connection">Insights into ocean-surface connection</h2>



There has been extensive debate among scientists about the extent of connectivity between Europa’s ocean and its surface. 



“This suggests that we may be able to learn some basic things about the ocean’s composition even before we drill through the ice to get the full picture,” Villanueva added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-s-near-infrared-spectrograph">Webb's Near-Infrared Spectrograph</h2>



The utilization of the integral field unit of Webb’s <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/content/observatory/instruments/nirspec.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Near-Infrared Spectrograph</a> (NIRSpec) enabled astronomers to pinpoint the location of specific chemicals, giving an unprecedented glimpse into the chemical localization on Europa’s surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-for-future-missions">Significance for future missions</h2>



The discoveries not only shape the direction of future research endeavors but also form the basis for upcoming missions, notably NASA’s <a href="https://europa.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa Clipper</a> spacecraft, set to launch in October 2024. It is designed to perform numerous close flybys of Europa to delve deeper into its potential to support life. 



Additionally, these findings will significantly inform ESA’s forthcoming <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Juice" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer</a> (JUICE) mission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plume-activity-a-continuous-enigma">Plume activity: A continuous enigma</h2>



While the new data does not reveal any evidence of plume activity, it does establish a stringent upper limit on the rate of material potentially being ejected. However, the non-detection of plumes doesn’t conclusively rule out their existence. 



“All we can say with 100% confidence is that we did not detect a plume at Europa when we made these observations with Webb,” stated Heidi Hammel from the <a href="https://www.aura-astronomy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy</a>.



In summary, the revelation of carbon dioxide on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jupiters-moons-are-warming-each-other-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa’s surface</a> is a monumental stride in our pursuit of extraterrestrial life, enriching our understanding of this distant moon and its ocean’s chemistry. As researchers continue to unravel Europa’s mysteries, the knowledge acquired will be pivotal for forthcoming missions and explorations, potentially rewriting our understanding of life in the universe. 



The publication of these groundbreaking findings in Science stands as a testament to the unrelenting human endeavor to reach beyond the known and explore the unseen realms of our universe.



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



Jupiter's moon, Europa, draws attention as one of the most intriguing celestial bodies in our solar system due to its potential to harbor life. With its icy façade and underlying mysteries, Europa kindles curiosity and exploratory fervor among scientists and space enthusiasts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concealed-oceanic-wonder">Concealed oceanic wonder</h3>



Beneath its icy shell, Europa conceals a vast ocean of salty liquid water. Scientists believe that this ocean harbors twice the amount of water found on Earth, making it a prime location in the search for extraterrestrial life. The icy crust encapsulating this ocean possibly ranges from 10 to 30 kilometers in thickness, acting as a shield against Jupiter's harsh radiation belts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tantalizing-geology">Tantalizing geology</h3>



Europa presents a dynamic and complex geological surface. It possesses a predominantly water-ice surface, intertwined with a myriad of fractures and ridges. Some areas, known as "chaos terrains," exhibit disrupted and restructured ice, indicative of potential exchanges between the subsurface ocean and the surface, a phenomenon that further fuels scientific inquiries into Europa's internal activities.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetic-field-mysteries">Magnetic field mysteries</h3>



The magnetic field measurements taken by the Galileo spacecraft hint at the existence of a subsurface conductive layer, speculated to be Europa's salty ocean. This presumed ocean could be a host to hydrothermal vents on the seafloor, which, on Earth, support diverse and robust ecosystems, fostering hopes for the presence of life in Europa's dark, submerged world.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radiation-scarred-surface">Radiation-scarred surface</h3>



Europa endures a relentless bombardment of intense radiation from Jupiter’s magnetic field, which scars its surface and creates a hostile environment. However, this radiation also interacts with the icy surface to produce oxidants, compounds that could potentially fuel life in the subsurface ocean.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-astrobiology">Potential for astrobiology</h3>



The presence of essential elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, and now, as recent discoveries suggest, carbon dioxide, elevate Europa's status as a prime candidate in the search for life beyond Earth. Scientists postulate that the interplay between the irradiated surface and the concealed ocean could generate the chemical energy necessary for life to thrive.



Europa, with its concealed ocean and compelling geological features, stands as a beacon in our pursuit of unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos. The prospect of life in its hidden, watery realms propels scientific investigations and explorations, seeking to expand our knowledge of our solar system and life's existence within it. As advancements in technology pave the way for more in-depth explorations, Europa continues to tantalize our imaginations and beckon us closer to uncovering its secrets.



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Alien life on Europa? CO2 discovery by Webb increases the odds

In a revolutionary discovery that further intensifies the debate surrounding...

Researchers at <a href="https://www1.lehigh.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lehigh University</a> have made a groundbreaking discovery - sand that can flow uphill. This finding has the potential to redefine our understanding of granular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodegradable-plastic-materials-do-not-biodegrade-in-the-ocean/">materials</a> and their behavior.



The research also opens the door to numerous applications ranging from healthcare to material transport.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-phenomenon">New phenomenon</h2>



The Lehigh team demonstrated that when torque and an attractive force are applied to sand grains, they can flow uphill, ascend walls, and even traverse stairs.&nbsp;



This behavior defies our traditional understanding of gravity-driven granular flow and could signify the start of a new chapter in the study of granular materials.



“After using equations that describe the flow of granular materials, we were able to conclusively show that these particles were indeed moving like a granular material, except they were flowing uphill," said study co-author Professor James Gilchrist.



Dr. Samuel Wilson-Whitford, the lead author of the paper and a former research associate at Gilchrist’s laboratory, first stumbled upon this phenomenon while researching microencapsulation.&nbsp;



He found that when a magnet was rotated beneath a vial containing iron oxide-coated polymer particles, known as microrollers, the grains began heaping uphill.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="EHnaCnkpka-3013499-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-mechanics">Understanding the mechanics</h2>



The researchers found that activating the microrollers with the magnet resulted in the particles rotating and forming temporary doublets. This dynamic leads to cohesion that yields a negative angle of repose due to a previously unheard-of negative coefficient of friction.



“Up until now, no one would have used these terms,” said Professor Gilchrist. “They didn’t exist. But to understand how these grains are flowing uphill, we calculated what the stresses are that cause them to move in that direction."&nbsp;



"If you have a negative angle of repose, then you must have cohesion to give a negative coefficient of friction. These granular flow equations were never derived to consider these things, but after calculating it, what came out is an apparent coefficient of friction that is negative.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-applications">Potential applications</h2>



The implications of this discovery are far-reaching. The microrollers can potentially be utilized to mix substances, segregate materials, or move objects.&nbsp;



The newfound understanding of their collective behavior suggests that they could be employed in microrobotics, which could revolutionize healthcare.



The team is now using a laser cutter to build tiny staircases, and is taking videos of the material ascending one side and descending the other. A single microroller couldn’t overcome the height of each step, but working together they can, said Professor Gilchrist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-nbsp">Future research&nbsp;</h2>



“This first paper just focuses on how the material flows uphill, but our next several papers will look at applications, and part of that exploration is answering the question, can these microrollers climb obstacles? And the answer is yes.”



Gilchrist has submitted a paper that delves into using these microrollers for delivering nutrients through soil, emphasizing their potential in agricultural applications.



"We’re studying these particles to death, experimenting with different rotation rates, and different amounts of magnetic force to better understand their collective motion. I basically know the titles of the next 14 papers we’re going to publish.”



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41327-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



Video Credit: Laboratory for Particle Mixing and Self-Organization, Lehigh University



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Defying gravity: Team discovers sand that can flow uphill

Researchers at Lehigh University have made a groundbreaking discovery -...

The vast green expanse of the Amazon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-rainforest-is-on-the-brink-of-collapse/">rainforest</a> stands in sharp contrast to the infertile lands that lie beneath its canopy. A large portion of Amazonian soil is nutrient-deprived and acidic, which is not conducive to agriculture.



In hundreds of sites across the Amazon, archaeologists have dug up patches of black, fertile soil. This “dark earth” has been found near ancient human settlements that date back hundreds of thousands of years.&nbsp;



The origin of this fertile land - whether a deliberate creation or an unintended byproduct of old civilizations - has been a subject of dispute.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-large-settlements">Supporting large settlements</h2>



However, new research from MIT, the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/">University of Florida</a>, and several Brazilian institutions indicates that ancient Amazonians consciously produced this “dark earth” to boost soil quality and uphold expansive societies.



Professor Taylor Perron from MIT highlights the significant role humans played in this transformation.&nbsp;



“If you want to have large settlements, you need a nutritional base. But the soil in the Amazon is extensively leached of nutrients, and naturally poor for growing most crops,” said Professor Perron.&nbsp;



“We argue here that people played a role in creating dark earth, and intentionally modified the ancient environment to make it a better place for human populations.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-carbon-sink-nbsp">Powerful carbon sink&nbsp;</h2>



Over centuries, the soil's enrichment through organic waste, food remnants, and charcoal led to the accumulation of carbon-rich residues. This means that early Amazonians may have unintentionally created a powerful carbon sink.&nbsp;



“The ancient Amazonians put a lot of carbon in the soil, and a lot of that is still there today,” said study co-author Samuel Goldberg, who performed the data analysis as a graduate student at MIT and is now at the University of Miami.&nbsp;



“That’s exactly what we want for climate change mitigation efforts. Maybe we could adapt some of their indigenous strategies on a larger scale, to lock up carbon in soil, in ways that we now know would stay there for a long time.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intentional-actions">Intentional actions</h2>



The research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adh8499">Science Advances</a>, draws heavily on data and observations from earlier studies.&nbsp;



Focusing on the Kuikuro Indigenous Territory in the southeastern Amazon, the team observed modern-day Kuikuro's soil management practices. They found striking parallels between these practices and the ancient dark earth creation methods.



The team noted intentional soil modification activities among the Kuikuro, such as waste pile decomposition into fertile land and the scattering of ash and organic waste in fields, which led to dark earth formation.



“We saw activities they did to modify the soil and increase the elements, like spreading ash on the ground, or spreading charcoal around the base of the tree, which were obviously intentional actions,” said former MIT postdoc and lead author Morgan Schmidt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultivating-fertile-soil">Cultivating fertile soil</h2>



Through meticulous analysis, the research team found consistencies in the spatial arrangement of ancient and modern dark earth, further supporting the idea that ancient Amazonians purposefully cultivated the soil to sustain larger populations.



Modern and ancient dark earth was also similar in composition, containing elements such as carbon, phosphorus, and other nutrients.



“These are all the elements that are in humans, animals, and plants, and they’re the ones that reduce the aluminum toxicity in soil, which is a notorious problem in the Amazon,” Schmidt says. “All these elements make the soil better for plant growth.”



“The key bridge between the modern and ancient times is the soil,” said Goldberg. “Because we see this correspondence between the two time periods, we can infer that these practices that we can observe and ask people about today, were also happening in the past.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invaluable-knowledge-nbsp">Invaluable knowledge&nbsp;</h2>



By estimating carbon content in ancient dark earth, the team determined that each old village could have sequestered several thousand tons of carbon, which would be preserved over centuries.



The researchers conclude that the lessons from the Amazon's ancient dark earth could serve as a beacon for modern sustainable farming, emphasizing the invaluable knowledge passed down by Indigenous Amazonians.



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Ancient Amazonians modified the soil to create fertile “dark earth”

The vast green expanse of the Amazon rainforest stands in...

Researchers unearthed a new species of tarantula exhibiting a vibrant electric blue coloration, nestled within the enigmatic landscapes of Thailand’s mangrove forests. This exciting discovery unfolded in the Phang-Nga province and is the inaugural record of a tarantula species dwelling in Thai mangrove ecosystems.



Dr. Narin Chomphuphuang and his research ensemble, accompanied by local wildlife aficionado and YouTuber <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwahnsJVPWodYOLoTQl3q6A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JoCho Sippawat</a>, embarked on this trailblazing expedition following the revelation of Taksinus bambus -- the first <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/four-new-tarantula-species-discovered-in-colombia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tarantula</a> known to inhabit bamboo stalks, in Thailand. Their quest was driven by the zeal to delve deeper into the secretive world of these arachnids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-encounter-with-the-vibrant-creature">Encounter with the vibrant creature</h2>



The distinctive <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/spider_Chilobrachys-natanicharum_Yuranan-Nanthaisong_2medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electric blue</a> of the tarantula immediately distinguished it from its peers, its color acting as a beacon in the dense, dark green foliage. 



Narin explained, “The first specimen we found was on a tree in the mangrove forest. These tarantulas inhabit hollow trees, presenting a challenge in catching them, as one needs to climb trees and lure them out of complex hollows amidst humid and slippery conditions.”



The expedition meticulously maneuvered through the terrain in the evenings and nocturnal hours during low tide, overcoming obstacles to collect two specimens, showcasing the tarantula’s elusive nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-symphony-of-colors">A symphony of colors</h2>



The electric blue tarantula, it was discovered, doesn’t owe its striking coloration to pigments, but rather to the intricate nanostructures within their hair, manipulating light to craft the illustrious blue hue, sometimes revealing an enchanting violet tint, creating a mesmerizing iridescent effect. 



The mechanism to appear blue necessitates the absorption of minimal energy while reflecting high-energy blue light, making blue one of the most scarce and fascinating colors in nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-prior-commercial-appearance">A prior commercial appearance</h2>



Before its scientific documentation, this species had been seen in commercial tarantula markets as the "Chilobrachys sp. Electric Blue Tarantula," however, without any records of its distinctive attributes or its natural surroundings.



Dr. Narin elucidated the adaptability of the electric blue tarantula, explaining, “These tarantulas can flourish in both arboreal and terrestrial environments in evergreen forests but are confined to tree hollows in mangrove forests due to tidal activities.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-naming-the-new-tarantula-species">Naming the new tarantula species</h2>



The scientific designation, Chilobrachys natanicharum, resulted from an auction campaign, with Nichada Properties Co., Ltd., Thailand, emerging victorious, proposing a blend of the names of company executives Mr. Natakorn Changrew and Ms. Nichada Changrew. 



The proceeds from the auction have been channeled to bolster the education of Lahu children in Thailand and to aid impoverished cancer patients. The Lahu people, an indigenous tribe known for their rich culture and traditions, face stark educational disparities due to financial constraints. 



Similarly, many cancer sufferers grapple with economic adversities, hindering their access to quality medical care. The donation aims to bridge these gaps and extend support to those in dire need.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns-over-habitat-destruction">Concerns over habitat destruction</h2>



Dr. Narin emphasized the indispensability of taxonomy in research, from resolving everyday queries about species names to undertaking pivotal conservation research to thwart species extinction. He underscored its critical role in advancing knowledge and fostering conservation efforts.



The looming menace of deforestation imperils mangrove forests and their unique inhabitants like the electric blue tarantula—one of the world’s rarest. This discovery brings forth pertinent questions about humanity's inadvertent role in habitat destruction and the subsequent displacement of these exceptional species, prompting reflections on conservation imperatives.



This discovery, a beacon of Thailand’s rich biodiversity, has not only expanded the realms of arachnological knowledge but has also sparked crucial conversations about ecological conservation, habitat preservation, and the proactive roles that can be played to shield these extraordinary creatures from extinction.



The study was published in the <a href="https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/106278/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal ZooKeys</a>.



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Electric blue tarantula discovered in a Thai mangrove forest

Researchers unearthed a new species of tarantula exhibiting a vibrant...

Happy,Relaxed,Young,Woman,Sitting,On,Couch,Using,Cell,Phone,

A meticulous and expansive global study has unveiled intricate patterns in life satisfaction and emotional states across various age demographics.



The extensive participant pool comprised 460,902 individuals across 443 samples, providing a diverse spectrum of data. This was essential to discerning patterns in subjective well-being throughout different life stages. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-core-findings-on-life-satisfaction">Core findings on life satisfaction</h2>



The researchers focused primarily on exploring alterations in life satisfaction, positive emotional states, and negative emotional states. Professor Susanne Bücker, who initiated the project at <a href="https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ruhr University Bochum</a> before transitioning to <a href="https://www.dshs-koeln.de/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">German Sport University, Cologne</a>, illuminated the study's core insights. 



Life satisfaction reportedly experiences a decrement from the ages of 9 to 16, sees a subtle elevation until the age of 70, and then witnesses a gradual decline until 96. The decline during adolescence is chiefly associated with the tumultuous phase of puberty and its consequential impacts on physical and social development.



Conversely, negative emotional states exhibit variability from ages 9 to 22, decrease progressively until 60, and then ascend once again. 



In contrast, positive emotional states predominantly undergo a decline from ages 9 to 94. The research reveals a pronounced median change in both positive and negative emotional states compared to life satisfaction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-age-and-emotion-a-positive-trend">Age and emotion: A positive trend</h2>



Summarizing the findings, Professor Bücker emphasized the predominantly positive trend in life satisfaction and negative emotional states spanning a substantial period of one's life. 



Notably, satisfaction experiences a resurgence from early adulthood, notwithstanding the diminishment of positive states from childhood to late adulthood.



However, all aspects of subjective well-being tend to face deterioration in extremely late adulthood. The researchers theorize that this could be attributed to several factors. These include the decline in physical performance, deterioration of health, and the decrease in social contacts experienced by older individuals, primarily due to the loss of peers.



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



This extensive research serves as a pivotal resource, enlightening the understanding of subjective well-being across various life stages. The insights derived are invaluable for devising targeted intervention strategies, especially those aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by older adults. 



By focusing on mitigating the decline in life satisfaction and emotional states in later life stages, interventions can significantly enhance the quality of life for older people. This would involve treating their unique needs and circumstances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-insights-on-life-satisfaction">Comprehensive insights on life satisfaction </h2>



In summary, this important study offers profound insights into the intricate patterns of life satisfaction, happiness, and emotional states across different age groups. The detailed analysis and diverse participant pool ensure the reliability and relevance of the findings, serving as a beacon for future research and intervention strategies. 



The emphasis on life stages, from puberty to extremely late adulthood, presents a holistic view, elucidating the multifaceted nature of human emotional states and satisfaction levels throughout life. By leveraging these insights, there is immense potential to enhance subjective well-being and life satisfaction for individuals at every stage of life.



The study was executed by researchers from prominent universities such as the German Sport University, Cologne, Ruhr University Bochum, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, and the Universities of Bern and Basel in Switzerland.



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The science of happiness: What makes people satisfied with their lives?

A meticulous and expansive global study has unveiled intricate patterns...

NASA is edging closer to the conclusion of its ambitious seven-year mission, aiming to prevent a catastrophic collision of a massive asteroid named <a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/asteroids-comets-and-meteors/asteroids/101955-bennu/overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bennu</a> with Earth. Recent findings have indicated that there's a 1 in 2700 chance of Bennu slamming into Earth on September 24, 2182.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-menace-of-asteroid-bennu">The menace of asteroid Bennu</h2>



Roughly the size of the iconic Empire State Building, Bennu spans about a third of a mile wide. The potential aftermath of its predicted collision with Earth could equate to the explosive energy of 22 atomic bombs. 



The asteroid makes its presence felt by passing Earth approximately every six years. However, scientists anticipate that its most perilous close encounter could be a mere 159 years away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OSIRIS-REx mission</h2>



In a proactive move, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> dispatched a spacecraft to Bennu in 2016. This mission was crucial for collecting samples and advancing the agency's strategy to stave off a doomsday-like asteroid deflection scenario.



"It feels very much like the last few miles of a marathon, with a confluence of emotions like pride and joy coexisting with a determined focus to complete the race well,” expressed an impassioned Rich Burns, the project manager for OSIRIS-REx at NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Historic sample collection</h2>



In October 2020, NASA's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/osiris-rex-is-bringing-an-asteroid-sample-back-to-earth-this-month-worrying-many-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSIRIS-REx</a> spacecraft made history by alighting on Bennu's surface and procuring a chunk of rocky material. Weighing in at approximately 8.8 ounces (250 grams), this represents not only NASA's inaugural asteroid sample but also the largest ever extracted from space.



Come next Sunday, at around 3.42 pm BST, the world will watch with bated breath as the OSIRIS-REx mission dispatches this precious sample <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/OSIRIS-REx_mission_infographic_2big-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">back to Earth</a>. After traversing 63,000 miles, the spacecraft will relinquish a capsule, roughly the size of a mini-fridge, preserving the sample.



Hurtling towards Earth at an intense 28,000 mph and enduring temperatures akin to double that of lava, the capsule's descent will be <a href="https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/20381/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tempered using parachutes</a>. This will ensure a controlled landing in the Great Salt Lake Desert, Utah, marking the culmination of the OSIRIS-REx's monumental seven-year odyssey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deciphering the secrets of the solar system</h2>



These asteroid fragments are expected to furnish scientists with a rare peek into the planet formation phenomena that created our solar system approximately 4.5 billion years ago.



"Pristine material from asteroid Bennu will help shed light on the formation of our solar system 4.5 billion years ago and perhaps even on how life on Earth began,” elucidated Nicola Fox, an associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Origin of asteroid Bennu's name</h2>



Discovered in September 1999 by the <a href="https://www.ll.mit.edu/impact/watch-potentially-hazardous-asteroids" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research</a> (LINEAR) survey, the asteroid initially bore the moniker 1999 RQ36. It wasn't until 2013 that a nine-year-old from North Carolina christened it Bennu. Following his triumph in the 'Name that Asteroid!' competition, he drew inspiration for the name from an ancient Egyptian deity.



As NASA approaches the final leg of this critical mission, the world watches in anticipation, rooting for its success and the vast potential knowledge it promises to unravel about our universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-asteroid-bennu">More about asteroid Bennu</h2>



As mentioned above, asteroid Bennu stands as one of the most intriguing celestial bodies in our solar system. This near-Earth asteroid, discovered in 1999, presents scientists with both a chance to study the early solar system and an opportunity to better understand potential asteroid threats.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-and-composition">Formation and composition</h3>



Bennu originated from the primordial debris that helped form our solar system about 4.5 billion years ago. This diamond-shaped rock measures about 500 meters in diameter. This is roughly equivalent to the height of the Empire State Building. Researchers believe that Bennu offers insights into the raw materials present during the solar system's early days because of its rudimentary nature.



When scientists examine Bennu's surface, they find a dark and rocky world. The asteroid's rough landscape consists primarily of boulders and rocks, with very few flat areas. The darkness of Bennu's surface comes from its carbon-rich composition, indicating that organic molecules, which form the basis for life as we know it, might exist there.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-path-and-potential-threat">Path and potential threat</h3>



Bennu orbits the Sun on a trajectory that occasionally brings it close to Earth. While currently it poses no direct threat, its orbit intersects with Earth's, which classifies Bennu as a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA). 



As mentioned previously, researchers estimate that there is a 1 in 2,700 chance of Bennu impacting Earth in the late 22nd century. However, scientists constantly monitor its trajectory to ensure we have an accurate understanding of any future threat.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-osiris-rex-a-truly-groundbreaking-mission">OSIRIS-REx: A truly groundbreaking mission</h3>



The allure and potential importance of Bennu led NASA to launch the OSIRIS-REx mission in 2016. This spacecraft aimed to approach, study, and collect a sample from Bennu's surface. The mission achieved multiple milestones. These include the detailed mapping of the asteroid's surface, gaining insights into its geology, and understanding its rotational dynamics.



In 2020, a significant achievement for the mission occurred when OSIRIS-REx touched Bennu's surface and successfully collected samples. The spacecraft will return these samples to Earth on September 24, 2023, offering scientists a pristine piece of the early solar system to analyze.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-the-future">Implications for the future</h3>



Understanding Bennu serves a dual purpose. On one hand, its study aids our comprehension of the origins of life on Earth. The presence of organic molecules on Bennu could provide clues about the building blocks of life and their distribution throughout the solar system. 



On the other hand, understanding the properties and trajectories of near-Earth asteroids like Bennu is crucial for planetary defense. This knowledge enables us to predict and possibly mitigate potential future impacts.



In summary, Bennu represents more than just a floating rock in space. It's a bridge to our past, a beacon for scientific discovery, and a reminder of the dynamic nature of our solar system. Through the combined efforts of observational astronomy and space missions like OSIRIS-REx, we continue to unveil the secrets Bennu holds.



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Big weekend for NASA: Mission to stop asteroid Bennu collision returns sample to Earth

NASA is edging closer to the conclusion of its ambitious...

A new study published by <a href="https://global.oup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford University Press</a> uncovers the evolutionary adaptations in bats that may explain their extraordinary capability to ward off <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-increases-risk-of-fatal-bacterial-infections/">infections</a> and resist cancer. This discovery, believed to be associated with bats' rapid evolution, may have promising implications for cancer research.



Bats have long fascinated scientists due to their unique attributes. Not only are they the only mammals capable of sustained flight, but they also boast long lifespans, remarkably low cancer rates, and incredibly robust immune systems.&nbsp;



Furthermore, it is widely believed that bats played a pivotal role in the emergence of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus. Their peculiar ability to tolerate various viral infections possibly arises from distinct features in their innate immune response.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-human-health-nbsp">Implications for human health&nbsp;</h2>



The implications of understanding bats are far-reaching, especially for human health. Gaining insights into the bat immune system's mechanisms that enable it to withstand viral infections might pave the way for better strategies in preventing zoonotic disease transmissions to humans.&nbsp;



Furthermore, by comparing the genomic data of bats to other mammals more susceptible to cancer, researchers could unearth new knowledge about cancer's origins and its intricate relationship with immunity.&nbsp;



While mice remain a primary organism for experimental studies due to their ease of manipulation, they lack many attributes relevant to human diseases. In contrast, bats offer a more comprehensive perspective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



"The ability of bats to tolerate viral infections may stem from unusual features of their innate immune response. Together, these adaptations make bats a powerful system for investigating a wide variety of genotype-to-phenotype relationships, including several with implications for human health," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"For example, by better understanding the mechanisms of the bat immune system that allow them to tolerate viral infections, researchers may be better able to prevent zoonotic outbreaks."



"In addition, comparative genomic analyses of bats and cancer-susceptible mammals may shed new light on the causes of cancer and links between cancer and immunity."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



For their investigation, the researchers used the Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-read platform, along with bat samples from the American Museum of Natural History in Belize. The genomes of two bat species, the Jamaican fruit bat and the Mesoamerican mustached bat, were sequenced.&nbsp;



The team conducted an extensive comparative genomic analysis involving various bats and other mammals.



"Our comparative genomic analysis of these genome sequences, which have been released as a public resource, provides several new insights into unique features of innate immune response and cancer resistance in bats," said the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered-nbsp">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



The scientists identified genetic modifications in six DNA repair-related proteins in bats.&nbsp;



Furthermore, 46 proteins related to cancer suppression were found to be altered in bats. These modified genes related to cancer were present over two times more in bats than in other mammals.



“By generating these new bat genomes and comparing them to other mammals we continue to find extraordinary new adaptations in antiviral and anticancer genes,” said study lead author Armin Scheben.&nbsp;



“These investigations are the first step towards translating research on the unique biology of bats into insights relevant to understanding and treating aging and diseases, such as cancer, in humans.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evad148" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Genome Biology and Evolution</a>.



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Unique biology of bats may hold secrets of cancer resistance

A new study published by Oxford University Press uncovers the...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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Today’s Video of the Day 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;



"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.



"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."



"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."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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Today's Video of the Day 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;



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;



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.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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



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;



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;



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. 



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.



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. 



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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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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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



“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. 



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.



“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;



“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.”



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



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.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

Once it was accepted by the group, the spy gorilla got to work filming. After beating its chest, for example, it was able to observe some young apes during playtime! Photo Credit: WJCT

Playtime

The dominant male accepted the gesture. The spy gorilla was in! Before long, the rest of the troop crowded around the camera, vying to check out their strange, new visitor. Photo Credit: BBC / YouTube