Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut photograph of the Amazon River in Brazil. This particular stretch of river is located near the port city of Parintins.



"The river is the largest on Earth and allows seagoing ships to reach Parintins even though it is 800 kilometers (500 miles) inland from the Atlantic Ocean," says NASA.



"Seagoing ships can progress 3,600 kilometers (2,200 miles) up the Amazon River - more than halfway across the South American continent - to the port of Iquitos in Peru."&nbsp;



The muddy color of the river is tied to the Andes Mountains, a major source of sediments and mineral nutrients. According to NASA, the sediment erodes from the Andes Mountains located to the west and is carried generally eastward toward the ocean.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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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The lower Amazon River in Brazil

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 an astronaut photograph of the Espíritu Santo Archipelago, a group of islands located in the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, off the eastern coast of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico.&nbsp;



"Sunglint reflects off the water surface, accentuating wave movement, ship wakes, and cloud shadows," said NASA. "The islands appear rust-colored due to previous tectonic and volcanic activity that deposited layers of black lava and pink volcanic ash."



"The Baja Peninsula acts as a natural wind and wave break that protects islands in the Gulf of California from erosion. Slowed erosion has resulted in the preservation of rock shelters and caves."



"Exploration and excavation of these shelters contribute to understanding the geomorphology, geology, and ancient human patterns on the islands. Archeologists have found human artifacts artifacts dating back approximately ten thousand years, providing evidence of human activity on the islands."



The Espíritu Santo Archipelago is part of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur and consists of several islands, the largest and most well-known of which is Isla Espíritu Santo. The other main islands in the archipelago are Isla Partida, Los Islotes, and a few smaller islets.



Espíritu Santo and its surrounding islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, featuring dramatic cliffs, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. The region is home to a rich diversity of marine life, including sea lions, manta rays, whale sharks, and various species of whales and dolphins. It also supports a variety of bird species, such as blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and pelicans, making it a popular destination for birdwatching.



The Espíritu Santo Archipelago has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a Mexican Protected Natural Area, which helps to preserve its unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Ecotourism is popular in the area, with visitors participating in activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and wildlife watching.



The islands are accessible by boat from the nearby city of La Paz, which is the capital of Baja California Sur. There are numerous tour operators that offer day trips and multi-day excursions to the Espíritu Santo Archipelago, allowing visitors to explore the islands and their remarkable natural features.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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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Espíritu Santo Archipelago in the Gulf of California

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Dark Canyon Complex, which is a rugged, remote area in southeastern Utah. It's part of the larger Cedar Mesa Plateau and includes both the Dark Canyon Wilderness and Dark Canyon Primitive Area.&nbsp;



These are areas of steep canyons, high plateaus, and rock formations that are characteristic of the Colorado Plateau.



"Deep, meandering canyons cut through the Colorado Plateau in southeastern Utah in this photograph, taken by an astronaut on the International Space Station on April 6, 2023," says NASA.



"These canyons, known as the Dark Canyon complex, have distinctive geology, ecology, and archeology. They are some of the only intact protected canyons in the United States."



"This rugged and remote landscape has been shaped by erosion. Over thousands of years, the Colorado River and smaller tributaries have eroded winding, steep-walled canyons into the sedimentary rock. Dark Canyon - one of seven canyons within the complex - cuts diagonally across the photo."



"Within this canyon, sandstone walls tower up to 3,000 feet, shading visitors from morning and afternoon sun - hence its name. The canyon’s steep walls expose roughly 250 million years of geologic history and contain deposits from the Permian period. Cockleshell and crinoid stem fossils have been found in the area."



The astronaut photograph is provided by the ISS Crew Earth Observations Facility and the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Johnson Space Center. The image was taken by a member of the Expedition 69 crew.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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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The Dark Canyon Complex in southeastern Utah

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency </a>&nbsp;features Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, and its surroundings. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission on February 21, 2023.



"Situated some 50 km south of the North Korean border, the metropolitan area of Seoul appears as the grey area in the centre of the image," says ESA.



"The Han River runs through the city, and to the right of the image it can be seen partly covered by ice. It is one of the biggest rivers in the Korean peninsula. It flows westward through Seoul into the Yellow Sea, named so because of the yellowish sand that colours its water."



"Seoul is surrounded by forested mountains, which appear brown in this wintery image. Bukhansan National Park lies just north of the city. The park is like an island, acting as a big green lung for the surrounding urban environment."



Image Credit: ESA&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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The city of Seoul, South Korea 

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 Typhoon Mawar as it approached Guam on May 24, 2023. According to NASA, the violent storm was one of the strongest in decades to lash the U.S. territory.



Mawar carried sustained winds of about 140 miles per hour, which is the equivalent of a Category 4 storm.&nbsp;



"The image shows the typhoon’s cloud bands completely covering the islands, which were already being lashed with powerful winds and heavy rain," says NASA.



"The typhoon maintained its category 4 strength as the storm’s center traversed the Rota Channel, between the islands of Guam and Rota, at about 9 p.m. local time on May 24."



"The eye’s southern wall passed over much of Guam, according to the U.S. National Weather Service, and delivered the most extreme winds to the northern-third of the island."



Brandon Aydlett, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said the central and northern parts of the island received more than two feet of rain as the eyewall passed, and most of Guam received about a foot of rain during the storm.



The image was captured by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-20 satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Typhoon Mawar slams the U.S. territory of Guam

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Yukon River in Alaska, where an unusually rapid spring thaw caused devastating floods in May 2023.&nbsp;



Several other Alaskan rivers, including the Tanana and the Kuskokwim River, were also impacted. Both early snowpack melt and ice breakup played a role in the record flooding.&nbsp;



According to NASA, the town of Circle - which is located on the banks of the Yukon - underwent dramatic flooding as broken-up ice pushed down the river. Flooding started at about 5 p.m. on May 13.&nbsp;



“It was reported that the water rose 10 feet in a 30-minute period shortly after that,” said meteorologist Jim Brader of the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast office in Fairbanks. “Although ice jams happen every year, this year was much worse than average."



Brader explained that flooding to this extent may occur every 10 to 20 years in some locations, but preliminary data indicate that the flood at Circle was near the record level of 1945.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Rapid spring melt in Alaska triggers damaging river floods

So what exactly is it that makes the Farallones a no-go zone? And why do those brave enough to make the crossing risk life and limb to do so? These islands, it turns out, have a long and brutal past, developing a deadly reputation long before the U.S. government declared them off-limits Photo Credit: Kevin Schafer/Getty Images

Deadly reputations

In a recent study conducted in the lowland rainforests along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, researchers have unraveled fascinating details about the behavior and activity patterns of two sympatric sloth species, Bradypus variegatus and Choloepus hoffmanni. These revelations not only shed light on the ecological dynamics of these intriguing creatures, but also highlight their remarkable ability to adapt to a myriad of environmental conditions.



The elusive nature of sloths has historically posed significant challenges to conducting long-term observational research on them. A team led by Dr. Rebecca Cliffe, Founder and Executive Director of <a href="https://slothconservation.org/">The Sloth Conservation Foundation</a>, set out to use micro data loggers to continuously monitor the activities of both three-toed (Bradypus) and two-toed (Choloepus) sloths.&nbsp;



The observation period spanned over days to weeks, which allowed the researchers to explore how these slow-moving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-will-happen-if-modern-large-mammals-become-extinct/">mammals</a> adjusted their activities in response to fluctuating environmental conditions and how such behavior correlated with their unique low-energy lifestyle.



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.15430">PeerJ Life &amp; Environment</a>, the study's findings reveal that both Bradypus and Choloepus sloths display cathemeral activity patterns, which are marked by irregular and variable periods of activity throughout the 24-hour day. This behavior pattern allows the sloths to optimize favorable environmental conditions while minimizing their exposure to predation.



One of the most intriguing findings of this study was the significant variability observed in the activity levels of the sloths. Such flexibility is suggestive of the various strategies these sloths have evolved to adapt to their surroundings, which improves the odds of survival in fluctuating environmental conditions.



Contrary to initial expectations, the researchers found that the daily temperature did not notably influence the sloths' activity. However, the Bradypus sloths displayed an interesting trait: they were more active at night when the temperature dropped, and the nights following colder days saw increased nocturnal activity as well. This observation implies a potential link between temperature variations and the behavioral tendencies of these sloths.



Dr. Cliffe stressed how vital this research is for conservation efforts and for better understanding the repercussions of anthropogenic activities and climate change on the tropical ecosystems of South and Central America. As these ecosystems become increasingly vulnerable, understanding the behavioral ecology of their inhabitants, such as sloths, becomes vital for formulating effective conservation strategies.



The use of micro data loggers in this study has undoubtedly offered unprecedented insights into the behavioral patterns and adaptations of these enigmatic creatures, demonstrating a revolutionary way to investigate the behavioral ecology of elusive species. These findings not only contribute valuable knowledge about sloth ecology, but also underline the importance of preserving and protecting tropical rainforests and their unique inhabitants.



<h2 id="h-more-about-sloths">More about sloths</h2>



Sloths are fascinating creatures that inhabit the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Belonging to the family Bradypodidae, there are six species of sloths, divided into two groups: the two-toed sloths and the three-toed sloths.



Sloths are arboreal mammals known for their slow movements and unique energy-saving adaptations. These adaptations are part of their survival strategy, as they allow sloths to spend most of their lives in trees, feeding on leaves, twigs, and buds. Their low-energy diet and slow metabolism allow them to conserve energy, which is critical for their survival in resource-poor environments.



One of the most distinctive traits of sloths is their ability to hang from branches with their strong and long claws. This behavior helps protect them from predators like eagles and jaguars. Additionally, sloths are excellent swimmers and can drop from a tree into a river to swim across it.



Sloths have a highly unusual trait: they have the lowest and most variable body temperature of any mammal, ranging from 24 to 33 degrees Celsius. This variability allows them to better regulate their energy usage. Also, sloths only descend from their tree dwellings about once a week to defecate and urinate, a unique behavior among arboreal mammals.



Sloths have a symbiotic relationship with the algae that grow on their fur. The algae provide sloths with camouflage, helping them blend in with the green foliage of their habitat and avoid predators. In return, sloths provide the algae with shelter and water. Additionally, the fur of sloths houses a variety of insects, including beetles and moths.



Sloths are not just slow movers, but they also sleep a lot. Depending on the species, sloths sleep for around 15 to 20 hours a day. This extreme sleep schedule is another energy-saving adaptation.



Conservation efforts are crucial for sloths as they face numerous threats from deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and illegal pet trade. While some sloth species are listed as vulnerable, others, like the critically endangered Pygmy Three-toed Sloth, are on the brink of extinction. Therefore, understanding the behavior and ecological needs of sloths, as demonstrated in the study conducted by Dr. Rebecca Cliffe and her team, is key to ensuring their survival.



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Study reveals the secret survival strategies of sloths

In a recent study conducted in the lowland rainforests along...

In an era of heightened environmental awareness, a new study has shed light on the complex interplay between food production and biodiversity. The research reveals that our quest to feed the world could inadvertently be driving the loss of biodiversity at an alarming rate.



The study focuses on the environmental footprint of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/computational-tools-may-improve-the-future-of-farming/">farming</a>, particularly when it comes to food staples like beef, which are notorious for their substantial carbon emissions. Now, new evidence suggests that these same dietary essentials may contribute significantly to the loss of biodiversity.



Study senior author Keiichiro Kanemoto, an associate professor at the <a href="https://www.chikyu.ac.jp/rihn_e/">Research Institute for Humanity and Nature</a> (RIHN) in Kyoto, Japan, noted that, "Food production remains the main cause of biodiversity loss.”



According to the researchers, the problem intensifies when food production encroaches upon areas of high conservation priority. A prevailing issue is the lack of data that could outline which products and countries contribute most to this biodiversity decline.



The researchers set out to bridge this data gap by merging information on agricultural land use and species habitats. They have now identified the agricultural crops exerting the greatest pressure on biodiversity.



The study, published in the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/">Proceedings of the National Academies of Science</a>, ranks commodities based on whether they are sourced from high conservation priority regions. While previous studies have attempted to quantify the carbon, land, and water footprints of the agriculture industry, the threat that farming poses to biodiversity has been less understood, and often overlooked.



The new findings will inform policies designed to strike a balance between preserving biodiversity and maintaining global food security. The research data, encompassing 50 agricultural products sourced from 200 countries, has been made publicly available on Google Earth Engine, a platform often utilized for environmental analyses.



The international research team, with members from Norway, the Netherlands, and Japan, further segmented agricultural areas into four tiers based on their conservation priority. The highest conservation priority was assigned to areas where staple commodities like beef, rice, and soybeans were predominantly produced. Conversely, other staples like barley and wheat were found to be more commonly sourced from areas of lower conservation priority.



Daniel Moran is a senior scientist at the Climate and Environmental Institute NILU and a research professor at the <a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/">Norwegian University of Science and Technology</a>'s (NTNU) Industrial Ecology Programme. “A surprising takeaway for me was how much the impact of the same crop can vary based on where it is sourced from,” said Professor Moran.



The study pointed out striking discrepancies in where certain crops are grown. For example, beef and soybeans are produced in high conservation priority areas in Brazil, but not in North America.



The influence of international trade was also highlighted, as the study revealed the significant role of affluent nations like the US in driving agricultural demand in high conservation priority areas. The research revealed how different nations exhibit vastly different biodiversity food footprints. Countries like the United States, EU, China, and Japan heavily depend on imports to meet their beef and dairy consumption needs.



The researchers also touched on the looming threat of climate change. With rising temperatures projected to alter cropping patterns and available habitats, they used their model to examine future scenarios to understand how the relationship between wild biodiversity and farming might evolve.



The experts predict that as the world grows warmer, species will colonize new territories, potentially opening up fresh high conservation priority areas while mitigating conflicts in existing conservation hotspots.



“Our spatial approach is a valuable complementary method with other standard techniques to evaluate the impact agriculture has on biodiversity. The knowledge gained from our study should help reduce the trade-off many nations associate with agriculture production and environmental protection,” said Kanemoto. “It fills in a big missing piece in the footprint of food.”



“Our lifestyles are causing alarming damage to the atmosphere and water supplies. Farmers and governments worldwide are seeking policies that sustain prosperity while minimizing irreversible harm to the environment. Similar sustainable development policies are needed for agriculture. The calculation of detailed footprints for food and other farmed commodities is crucial to support these policies,” said Professor Moran.



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Feeding the world at a cost: Food production and biodiversity loss

In an era of heightened environmental awareness, a new study...

According to a new study led by the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx">University of Birmingham</a> and the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/">British Antarctic Survey</a> (BAS), a tiny flightless midge (Eretmoptera murphyi) that has recently colonized Antarctica’s Signy Island is currently driving major changes to the island’s soil ecosystem. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tweets-provide-insights-on-how-invasive-insects-spread/">invasive insect</a> significantly increasing the rates of plant decomposition, resulting in three to five-fold rises in soil nitrate levels compared to sites housing only native invertebrates.



“Antarctic soils are very nutrient limited systems because decomposition rates are so slow. The nutrients are there, but it has taken this invasive midge to unlock them on Signy Island. It is an ‘ecosystem engineer’ in a similar way to earthworms in temperate soil systems,” said lead author Jesamine Bartlett, a field ecologist at Birmingham.



“Up until now, low nutrient availability has been as much of a barrier to the establishment of certain terrestrial species in Antarctica as low temperatures or low moisture availability. So the activity of&nbsp;Eretmoptera&nbsp;on Signy, in combination with climate change, potentially ‘opens the door’ for other species to become established which can further accelerate ecosystem change,” added senior author Scott Hayward, a senior lecturer in Biosciences at the same university.



E. murphyi is a native of South Georgia (an island in the sub-Antarctic region), and was first introduced to Signy Island accidentally during a botany experiment in the 1960s. 



After the insect had massively proliferated in the 1980s, the levels of nitrates measured in soil colonized by this midge was comparable to that found close to seal wallows – an amazing phenomenon most likely due to the fact that population densities of midge larvae can reach in excess of 20,000 individuals per m2&nbsp;in some locations. 



Since it can ride on the soles of boots of researchers and tourists, and can survive in sea water for extended periods of time, the insect is expected to soon reach and colonize other islands.



“Physiologically,&nbsp;Eretmoptera&nbsp;has the capacity to survive in many other locations in Antarctica, so monitoring its spread on Signy, and associated ecosystem impacts is important and remains part of our ongoing research,” Hayward said.



“A particular feature of the Antarctic is that it has had very few invading species so far and protecting this ecosystem is a very high priority. While at some level, there’s plenty of awareness of the implications of invading species, this research really highlights how the tiniest of animals can still have a hugely significant impact,” concluded co-author Peter Convey, an expert in Polar Ecology at BAS.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2023.108965">Soil Biology and Biochemistry</a>.



<h2 id="h-more-about-antarctic-soils">More about Antarctic soils</h2>



Antarctic soils are quite different from the soils found in most other regions of the world due to the unique climate and ecological conditions of the Antarctic region.



Antarctica is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth. Most of Antarctica is covered by ice. The ice-free regions are mainly found in the coastal areas and in the Dry Valleys region of East Antarctica.



Due to the extreme cold, dry, and windy conditions, soil formation processes in Antarctica are very slow compared to those in other parts of the world. These soils also receive very little organic input because there are few organisms (primarily limited to bacteria, lichens, and mosses) capable of surviving in the harsh Antarctic conditions.



The most common types of soil in Antarctica are called "Cryosols". Cryosols are permanently frozen soils (permafrost) that are characterized by ice formations and by the processes, signs and impacts of freezing and thawing. Because of the extreme conditions, Cryosols in Antarctica are often further classified as "Hyperskeletic" (more than 90% coarse material), "Skeletic" (40-90% coarse material), or "Leptic" (thin soils with a maximum thickness of 10 cm over bedrock).



Antarctic soils are also characterized by low nutrient content, high salinity in some areas, and the presence of unique features such as patterned ground and polygonal soil structures caused by freeze-thaw cycles.



These soils are important for studying past climate conditions and for understanding the limits of life on Earth. Because they are so unique and fragile, they are also protected by international treaty (the Antarctic Treaty System) from damage or contamination.



Despite the inhospitable conditions, Antarctic soils harbor diverse microbial communities. These microbes have adapted to survive and thrive in the extreme cold, dryness, and high UV radiation. They play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition in these soils, and their study provides insights into the possibilities of life in extreme environments, including other planets.



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By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Invasive insect is transforming Antarctic soils, paving the way for new species

According to a new study led by the University of...

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> (WHOI) has provided clear evidence of a human “fingerprint” on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humanity-should-brace-for-catastrophic-climate-change/">climate change</a>, showing that specific signals from human activities have altered the temperature structure of our planet’s atmosphere.



While differences between tropospheric and lower stratospheric temperature trends have long been recognized as anthropogenic effects on the climate, scientists have largely ignored what happens from the mid to the upper stratosphere (about 25-50 kilometers above the Earth’s surface).



“Including this information improves the detectability of a human fingerprint by a factor of five. Enhanced detectability occurs because the mid to upper stratosphere has a large cooling signal from human-caused CO2&nbsp;increases, small noise levels of natural internal variability, and differing signal and noise patterns,” the authors explained.



While in the troposphere, noise can include daily weather, interannual variability caused by El Niños and La Niñas, and longer-term natural fluctuations in climate, in the upper stratosphere such noises are smaller, making anthropogenic climate change signals easier to distinguish.&nbsp;



“Extending fingerprinting to the upper stratosphere with long temperature records and improved climate models means that it is now virtually impossible for natural causes to explain satellite-measured trends in the thermal structure of the Earth’s atmosphere,” the scientists argued.



“This research undercuts and rebuts claims that recent atmospheric and surface temperature changes are natural, whether due to the Sun or due to internal cycles in the climate system,” said study lead author Benjamin Santer, an expert in Physical Oceanography at WHOI.&nbsp;



“A natural explanation is virtually impossible in terms of what we are looking at here: changes in the temperature structure of the atmosphere. This research puts to rest incorrect claims that we don’t need to treat climate change seriously because it is all natural.”



This study is rooted in the earlier work of Suki Manabe and Richard Wetherald in 1967, who utilized a simple climate model to investigate the potential impact of CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion on atmospheric temperature. Their modeling revealed a distinct finding: an elevation in CO2 levels resulted in increased heat retention within the troposphere (the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere) and decreased heat dissipation in the stratosphere (the layer above the troposphere), consequently causing warming in the troposphere and cooling in the stratosphere.&nbsp;



This projection of tropospheric warming and stratospheric cooling in response to rising CO2 levels has been consistently supported by more intricate models and validated through comparisons of model outcomes with global-mean atmospheric temperature measurements obtained from weather balloons and satellites.



While these earlier studies focused on global-mean temperature alterations in the middle and upper stratosphere, approximately 25 to 50 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, they did not delve into the intricate patterns of climate change within this particular layer. However, advancements in simulations and satellite data have now made it possible to examine this region more comprehensively.&nbsp;



The current study marks the first attempt to identify discernible climate change patterns, often referred to as “fingerprints,” specifically attributed to human activities in the middle and upper stratosphere.



“The human fingerprints in temperature changes in the mid to upper stratosphere due to CO2 increases are truly exceptional because they are so large and so different from temperature changes there due to internal variability and natural external forcing. These unique fingerprints make it possible to detect the human impact on climate change due to CO2 in a short period of time (~10 - 15 years) with high confidence,” said co-author Qiang Fu, a professor of Atmospheric Sciences at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/">University of Washington</a>.



“This study shows that the real world has changed in a way that simply cannot be explained by natural causes. We now face important decisions, in the United States and globally, on what to do about climate change. I hope those decisions are based on our best scientific understanding of the reality and seriousness of human effects on climate,” Santer concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2300758120">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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New evidence that climate change is caused by human activities

A new study led by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution...

As cities become rapidly more densified, there is now construction very close to roads and thoroughfares. Although scientists have already known that traffic noise can have a negative impact on human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oil-and-gas-production-linked-to-77-billion-in-annual-health-care-costs/">health</a>, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.chalmers.se/en/">Chalmers University of Technology</a> in Sweden has now found that exposure to even as little as 40 decibels of such noise – the usual level of background noise in an office environment or kitchen – can have a detrimental effect on cognitive performance.



The experts conducted a laboratory experiment in which participants took concentration tests while being exposed to background traffic noise, consisting of two audio sequences simulating trucks passing at a distance of ten and fifty meters. More specifically, they had to look at a computer screen and react to certain letters, and assess their perceived workload afterward.&nbsp;



The results showed that the participants had significantly poorer results on the test, and felt that the task was more difficult to carry out, with traffic noise in the background.



“What is unique about our study is that we were able to demonstrate a decline in performance at noise levels as low as 40 dB, which corresponds to the regular noise level in an office environment or a kitchen,” said lead author Leon Müller, a doctoral student in Applied Acoustic at Chalmers.



“The audio sequence simulating the closer passages, where the sound changes significantly as the vehicle passes by, was usually the one that bothered the test subjects the most. This could be because traffic that is further away is perceived as a more constant drone.”



These findings highlight the negative impact of traffic noise on health and job performance. In recent years, the distance between roads and newly built housing has been allowed to shrink in many cities in Sweden and beyond. For instance, the current Swedish regulations for where construction is permitted are based on the average noise level over a 24-hour period and fail to take into account individual passer-bys or the peaks of low frequency noise indoors.&nbsp;



Since such noise is mainly generated by heavy traffic at low speeds, it is very difficult to avoid even with well-insulated windows and buildings that comply with the construction norms and guidelines for sound isolation.



“The calculations for different types of facades show that it is difficult to achieve ideal indoor sound environments near heavily trafficked roads,” said Jens Forssén, a professor of Applied Acoustics at Chalmers and lead author of a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1351010X221143571">study</a> modelling such low-frequency noise. “Reducing speeds is not a solution, as our calculations show that the indoor noise exposure can even increase at lower speeds.”



According to the researchers, noise and the sound environment are factors that are often considered too late in the planning process. While construction adjustments to better utilize the space in terms of noise pollution could certainly help, the most effective solution would be to avoid urban densification in areas where traffic noise would have too great an impact on health and wellbeing.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20053798">International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-health-impacts-of-traffic-noise">Health impacts of traffic noise</h2>



Traffic noise has several potential health impacts. Here are some of the most significant:



<h3 id="h-sleep-disturbances">Sleep disturbances</h3>



The World Health Organization recognizes traffic noise as a major cause of sleep disturbances. Lack of quality sleep can lead to various health issues such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, depression, and increased risk of chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease.



<h3 id="h-cardiovascular-issues">Cardiovascular issues</h3>



Chronic exposure to traffic noise can potentially lead to cardiovascular diseases. It is believed that noise acts as a stressor, causing the body to release stress hormones which in turn affect heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this can increase the risk of hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes.



<h3 id="h-hearing-impairment">Hearing impairment</h3>



Long-term exposure to high levels of traffic noise can potentially lead to noise-induced hearing loss. This can occur when the delicate structures within the ear are damaged by prolonged loud noise.



<h3 id="h-mental-health-issues">Mental health issues</h3>



There is evidence to suggest that chronic noise pollution, including traffic noise, can lead to an increase in stress levels, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, it can affect concentration, leading to decreased performance and productivity.



<h3 id="h-child-development">Child development</h3>



Some studies have suggested that chronic exposure to traffic noise may affect cognitive development and learning in children. Noise can be distracting and disruptive, potentially affecting concentration, attention span, and academic performance.



<h3 id="h-annoyance-and-quality-of-life">Annoyance and quality of life</h3>



Apart from specific physical and mental health issues, noise pollution from traffic can also significantly affect people's quality of life. Chronic noise can cause annoyance, disrupt daily activities, and overall decrease well-being.



While further research is needed to fully understand the extent of these impacts and their mechanisms, it is clear that traffic noise has potential negative implications for public health. Mitigation strategies can include things like improved urban planning, the use of noise barriers, noise-reducing asphalt, and promoting quieter modes of transport.



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By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Even slight traffic noise impacts work performance

As cities become rapidly more densified, there is now construction...

In the midst of rising Atlantic Ocean temperatures and the looming presence of El Nino, the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA) forecasts a near-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic in 2023.&nbsp;



These predictions, made by NOAA forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center - a division of the National Weather Service - anticipate a 40 percent likelihood of a near-normal season, with a 30 percent chance each for either an above-normal or below-normal season.



The Atlantic hurricane season, traditionally stretching from June 1 to November 30, will likely witness 12 to 17 named storms, with winds blowing at a minimum of 39 mph, according to NOAA's estimates.&nbsp;



Within this range, five to nine storms are predicted to escalate into hurricanes, packing winds of 74 mph or more, and one to four of these could become major hurricanes of category 3, 4 or 5, with winds exceeding 111 mph. The confidence level of NOAA in these projections stands high at 70 percent.



Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo commended the efforts of the Commerce Department and NOAA in advancing the scientific and technological aspects of hurricane modeling.



“Thanks to the critical investments this year, NOAA will be able to deliver even more accurate forecasts, helping ensure communities have the information they need to prepare for and respond to the destructive economic and ecological impacts of Atlantic hurricanes," said Raimondo.



NOAA's outlook suggests that the upcoming hurricane season may be less active than recent ones, due to various influencing factors. The convergence of some of these factors may suppress storm development, while others may fuel it, which contributes to an overall forecast of a near-normal season.&nbsp;



Intriguingly, after the continual presence of La Nina for three hurricane seasons, NOAA scientists now anticipate a high potential for El Nino to develop in the upcoming summer.&nbsp;



While El Nino often suppresses Atlantic hurricane activity, its potential impact might be offset by favorable conditions inherent to the tropical Atlantic Basin.&nbsp;



Other factors that could play a role include warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, which provide the energy for storm development, and the potential for an above-normal west African monsoon, which contributes to the generation of some of the stronger and longer-lived Atlantic storms.



These conditions are part of the long-term variability in Atlantic atmospheric and oceanic conditions conducive to hurricane development. This state, known as the high-activity era for Atlantic hurricanes, has been responsible for more active Atlantic hurricane seasons since 1995.



NOAA Administrator Dr. Rick Spinrad emphasized the importance of NOAA's data and expertise for decision-making during hurricanes, particularly in the context of a changing climate.&nbsp;



"This year we are operationalizing a new hurricane forecast model and extending the tropical cyclone outlook graphic from five to seven days, which will provide emergency managers and communities with more time to prepare for storms," said Dr. Spinrad.



NOAA is gearing up to implement a suite of enhancements and improvements this summer, such as expanding the capacity of the agency's operational supercomputing system by 20 percent. This advancement in computing capability will empower NOAA to improve and run more intricate forecast models, including significant model upgrades during this hurricane season.



Notably, the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS), jointly created by NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic &amp; Meteorological Laboratory Hurricane Modeling and Prediction Program and NOAA’s National Weather Service Environmental Modeling Center, will become operational by late June. This model has demonstrated a 10-15 percent improvement in track forecasts over existing operational models based on retrospective analysis of tropical storms and hurricanes from the 2020-2022 seasons.



In addition, the Probabilistic Storm Surge model upgrade will advance storm surge forecasting for the contiguous U.S. and new forecasts for surge, tide and waves for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.&nbsp;



Forecasters now have the ability to run the model for two storms simultaneously. This model provides forecasters with the likelihood, or probability, of various flooding scenarios including a near worst-case scenario to help communities prepare for all potential outcomes.



Over the last 10 years, flooding from tropical storm <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-in-the-tropics-linked-to-reduced-rainfall/">rainfall</a> was the single deadliest hazard. To give communities more time to prepare, the Weather Prediction Center is extending the Excessive Rainfall Outlook an additional two days, now providing forecasts up to five days in advance. The outlook shows general areas at risk for flash flooding due to excessive rainfall.



“As we saw with Hurricane Ian, it only takes one hurricane to cause widespread devastation and upend lives. So regardless of the number of storms predicted this season, it is critical that everyone understand their risk and heed the warnings of state and local officials. Whether you live on the coast or further inland, hurricanes can cause serious impacts to everybody in their path,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.&nbsp;



“Visit ready.gov or listo.gov for readiness resources, and get real time emergency alerts by downloading the FEMA App. Actions taken today can save your life when disaster strikes. The time to prepare is now.”



—-



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NOAA forecasts near-normal 2023 Atlantic hurricane season

In the midst of rising Atlantic Ocean temperatures and the...

In a recent study published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0285041">PLOS One</a>, data from more than 10,000 adults has revealed a compelling link between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/physical-activity-can-protect-mental-health-in-pre-teen-years/">physical activity</a> and greater pain tolerance. The extensive research, conducted by Anders Årnes and his team from the <a href="https://unn.no/om-oss/university-hospital-of-north-norway">University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø</a>, confirms that a more active lifestyle has potential advantages for dealing with chronic pain.



For years, experts have maintained that a habit of physical activity could help in managing, and even preventing chronic pain, primarily by boosting an individual's tolerance to pain. But no definitive conclusion has been established on this topic, despite numerous studies, particularly due to their small size or narrow focus on specific demographic groups.



Årnes and his team sought to address these limitations and bring clarity to the relationship between physical activity and pain tolerance. They approached this by analyzing data collected from 10,732 Norwegian adults who had participated in the Tromsø Study - a large population survey conducted periodically in Norway. The researchers utilized data from two rounds of the survey, carried out from 2007 to 2008 and then from 2015 to 2016.



The data offered an insight into the participants' self-reported levels of physical activity and their respective pain tolerances. The pain tolerance of each participant was evaluated using a unique test, which involved submerging their hand in cold water, providing a tangible measurement for comparison.



Statistical analysis of this data revealed a clear trend. Participants who reported a physically active lifestyle during either round of the Tromsø Study displayed a higher pain tolerance compared to those who led a sedentary lifestyle in both survey periods.&nbsp;



Furthermore, individuals with higher total activity levels over the span of both surveys exhibited higher pain tolerance. Even participants who reported a rise in physical activity levels in the 2015/2016 survey compared to the 2007/2008 survey demonstrated an overall higher level of pain tolerance.



Interestingly, the research did not present a statistically significant relationship between changes in activity levels and alterations in pain tolerance between the two rounds of the study. However, it did strongly suggest that maintaining physical activity, initiating an active routine, or even augmenting physical activity levels is positively linked to higher pain tolerance.



In light of these findings, Årnes and his team propose that promoting physical activity could potentially serve as a strategy for mitigating or even warding off chronic pain. While the research provides a strong indication of this relationship, the experts note that future research is necessary to firmly establish a cause-and-effect relationship between physical activity and pain tolerance, as well as explore any potential therapeutic applications this link may have.



"Becoming or staying physically active over time can benefit your pain tolerance. Whatever you do, the most important thing is that you do something!"&nbsp;



This conclusion not only supports the notion that an active lifestyle can lead to increased pain tolerance, but also serves as a call to action for individuals to engage in more physical activity, regardless of its intensity or nature.



<h2 id="h-more-about-physical-activity-and-chronic-pain">More about physical activity and chronic pain&nbsp;</h2>



The relationship between physical activity and chronic pain is complex and involves several aspects of human physiology and psychology. Understanding this relationship can have significant implications for managing chronic pain, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.



First, it's important to understand what chronic pain is. Unlike acute pain, which is a normal response to an injury or illness, chronic pain is a persistent condition that lasts for three months or longer. It can occur in various parts of the body and can be associated with a wide range of medical conditions, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine, and back problems, among others. Chronic pain can severely impact quality of life, affecting sleep, mood, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks.



Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to manage chronic pain. It has numerous benefits that can contribute to alleviating chronic pain symptoms. Here are some key ways physical activity helps:



<h3 id="h-release-of-endorphins">Release of endorphins</h3>



Physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers. These chemicals interact with the receptors in the brain to reduce the perception of pain and promote a feeling of well-being.



<h3 id="h-muscle-strength-and-flexibility">Muscle strength and flexibility</h3>



Regular exercise can help increase strength and flexibility, which can alleviate pain, particularly in conditions like arthritis and back pain. Stronger muscles provide better support to the joints, reducing joint strain.



<h3 id="h-weight-management">Weight management</h3>



Regular physical activity can help manage weight, which is crucial because excess weight can put additional strain on the body, leading to increased pain, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees and the back.



<h3 id="h-improved-sleep">Improved sleep</h3>



Physical activity can also contribute to better sleep, which is often a challenge for people with chronic pain. Good sleep is crucial for the body’s healing processes and can help to reduce pain severity.



<h3 id="h-mental-health-benefits">Mental health benefits</h3>



Chronic pain often coexists with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Regular physical activity can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of these conditions, which in turn can help in managing chronic pain.



Despite the numerous benefits of physical activity, it's essential to approach it correctly when dealing with chronic pain. Overexertion can potentially exacerbate pain. Therefore, it's recommended to start slow and gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise.&nbsp;



It is also crucial to select the right type of exercise. Activities like swimming, yoga, and walking can be beneficial for people with chronic pain, as these are low-impact exercises that can be easily modified based on individual capabilities.



Recent research, such as the study conducted by Anders Årnes and his team, suggests that staying physically active over time can also increase your pain tolerance, further reinforcing the potential of physical activity as a strategy for managing chronic pain. However, more research is needed to fully understand this relationship and how it can be harnessed therapeutically.



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No pain no gain: Physical activity enhances pain tolerance

In a recent study published in the journal PLOS One,...

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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

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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

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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...

Photo Credit: Michael Macor/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images / Jan Roletto/NOAA

San Francisco - Farallon Islands