Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut photograph of Fayzabad, a culturally diverse city in the Kokcha River valley of Northern Afghanistan. 



The photo was captured as the International Space Station passed over central Asia.



Fayzabad is the capital of the Badakhshan Province. It is located in a mountainous part of northeastern Afghanistan at an elevation of about 4,000 feet.



“The city is situated along the Kokcha River, which flows northward within a deep river valley surrounded by the Hindu Kush Mountains and eventually discharges into the Amu Darya River,” noted NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-of-fayzabad-nbsp">Climate of Fayzabad&nbsp;</h2>



The climate of Fayzabad varies from cold semi-arid to Mediterranean-influenced warm-summer humid continental, according to <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



The summer months are warm, with average high temperatures ranging from 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



The winter months are cold, with average low temperatures often dropping below freezing - sometimes reaching as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



The region receives moderate precipitation, mostly during the spring and winter. Snowfall is common in winter, adding to the picturesque landscape.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fayzabad-culture">Fayzabad culture</h2>



Historically, Fayzabad has been a center of learning and culture, though its development has been hampered by years of conflict.&nbsp;



Despite these challenges, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-started-cumulative-culture-around-600000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">culture</a> remains a vital component of the region, which is known for its traditional crafts including weaving and embroidery.



Cultural life in Fayzabad is influenced by its predominantly Tajik population, along with other ethnic groups such as Uzbeks and Hazaras. The local cuisine is a blend of traditional Afghan flavors, incorporating ingredients like rice, meat, and a variety of spices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-use-changes-nbsp">Land use changes&nbsp;</h2>



“This territory has experienced notable changes in its land use in recent decades, especially with commercial and administrative growth near the airport,” noted NASA.



“Among the changes: a new airstrip built west of the Kokcha River. However, mountains hem in the city and limit how much development is possible.”



“Despite these topographical barriers, some development has spread into hilly areas south of Fayzabad. Green vegetation is mostly confined to mountain valleys, stream channels, and the Kokcha River floodplain.”&nbsp;



“The Kokcha River meanders through the valley, providing a vital water resource for the region. Fields of predominantly wheat and rice cover much of the floodplain, though these flat areas are mixed with residential, industrial, and commercial activity as well.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kokcha-river-nbsp">Kokcha River&nbsp;</h2>



The Kokcha River originates in the Hindu Kush mountains. It stretches approximately 360 kilometers before joining the Amu Darya, one of Central Asia's major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hypoxia-is-a-serious-problem-in-rivers-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a>.&nbsp;



The Kokcha River traverses rugged terrain, providing vital irrigation for agriculture in the region and supporting local communities' livelihoods.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-amount-of-water-do-earths-rivers-hold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> basin features diverse landscapes that include mountainous areas and fertile valleys.&nbsp;



Throughout history, the Kokcha River has played a crucial role in the region's cultural and economic development, serving as a natural resource for the inhabitants and influencing settlement patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northern-afghanistan">Northern Afghanistan </h2>



Northern Afghanistan is known for its diverse landscape, featuring fertile plains, rugged mountains, and strategic rivers such as the Amu Darya. 



Historically, northern Afghanistan has been an important cultural and trade center. The city of Balkh, often referred to as "the mother of cities," is a hub of early civilization and a major stop on the Silk Road.



Northern Afghanistan has experienced periods of relative stability compared to the rest of the country, though it has also seen conflict - particularly during the Soviet invasion, the civil war of the 1990s, and the more recent Taliban resurgence.



The region's economy traditionally revolves around agriculture. Wheat, cotton, and fruits are key crops. In addition, there are vast mineral resources, although instability has hindered their full exploitation. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-northern-afghanistan">Wildlife of Northern Afghanistan </h2>



In mountainous regions of Northern Afghanistan, such as the Hindu Kush, you can find species like the elusive snow leopard, which is well-adapted to the rugged terrain. 



Other mountain-dwelling animals include the Asiatic black bear and the Siberian ibex, both of which thrive in the high-altitude environments.



The plains and valleys are home to various species of antelope, such as the goitered gazelle, as well as foxes, wolves, and smaller mammals like hares. 



Birdlife is also abundant, with species ranging from eagles and vultures in the mountains to waterfowl along rivers and wetlands. The region’s rivers and lakes, though under environmental pressure, support fish species and amphibians.



However, many of these species are under threat. Decades of war and instability have impacted conservation efforts, with illegal hunting and habitat destruction taking a toll on populations. 



Some areas, such as the Wakhan Corridor in the northeast, remain relatively untouched and serve as crucial refuges for wildlife where rare species like the Marco Polo sheep still roam. These havens are increasingly important for conservation efforts in the region.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Fayzabad and the Kokcha River valley 

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the spiral galaxy NGC 5643, which is located roughly 40 million light-years away in the constellation Lupus.&nbsp;



NGC 5643 belongs to the Hubble classification SBc, indicating that it is a barred spiral galaxy with loosely wound arms.&nbsp;



Its orientation, nearly face-on to Earth, provides astronomers with an exceptional view of its detailed spiral structure and central bar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-5643-a-grand-design-spiral-nbsp">NGC 5643: A grand design spiral&nbsp;</h2>



“NGC 5643 is what’s known as a grand design spiral, referring to how the galaxy’s two large, winding spiral arms are clear to see,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images">ESA</a>. “The spiral arms are defined by bright blue stars, lacy reddish-brown dust clouds and pink star-forming regions.”



“As fascinating as the galaxy appears at visible wavelengths, some of NGC 5643’s most interesting features are invisible to the human eye.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-activity-in-ngc-5643">Intense activity in NGC 5643</h2>



This galaxy is notable for its Seyfert 2 nucleus, a type of active galactic nucleus (AGN). The intense activity in its core is powered by a supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/awakening-of-a-black-hole-witnessed-for-the-first-time/">black hole</a> that accretes surrounding material, emitting energy across a wide range of wavelengths.&nbsp;



“When a supermassive black hole ensnares gas from its surroundings, the gas collects in a disc that heats up to hundreds of thousands of degrees. The superheated gas shines brightly across the electromagnetic spectrum, but especially at X-ray wavelengths,” said ESA.



Observations have revealed jets and outflows of material emanating from the nucleus, likely driven by the black hole’s activity.&nbsp;



NGC 5643’s AGN has been studied extensively for its role in galactic evolution, particularly in how its energetic processes interact with the galaxy’s interstellar medium.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-of-ngc-5643-x-1">The mystery of NGC 5643 X-1</h2>



ESA pointed out that NGC 5643’s active galactic nucleus isn’t the brightest source of X-rays in the galaxy. 



“Researchers using ESA’s XMM-Newton discovered an even brighter X-ray-emitting object, called NGC 5643 X-1, on the galaxy’s outskirts. What could be a more powerful source of X-rays than a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-black-holes-become-supermassive/">supermassive black hole</a>?”&nbsp;



“Surprisingly, the answer appears to be a much smaller black hole! While the exact identity of NGC 5643 X-1 is not yet known, evidence points to a black hole that is about 30 times more massive than the Sun.”&nbsp;



“Locked in an orbital dance with a companion star, the black hole ensnares gas from its stellar companion, creating a superheated disc that outshines the galactic center,” said ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-5643">Star formation in NGC 5643</h2>



NGC 5643 also exhibits prominent regions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/">star formation</a> within its spiral arms. These areas are rich in gas and dust - the raw materials for birthing new stars - and glow brightly in ultraviolet and infrared light.&nbsp;



Observations from the Hubble Space Telescope and the Very Large Telescope (VLT) have helped uncover the complex interplay between star formation and the galaxy's central activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extended-ionized-gas-regions-nbsp">Extended ionized gas regions&nbsp;</h2>



A defining feature of NGC 5643 is the presence of its extended ionized gas regions, which are shaped by the galaxy's AGN activity and star-forming regions.&nbsp;



These structures have been mapped through optical spectroscopy, revealing intricate patterns that help astronomers understand the physical conditions of the gas, such as density, temperature, and composition.



The galaxy also has a dust lane that crosses its nucleus, partially obscuring direct observations of the central region in visible light.&nbsp;



Overall, NGC 5643 offers a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of barred <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/">spiral galaxies</a> with active nuclei, serving as a valuable resource for studying the interactions between supermassive black holes, star formation, and galactic evolution.



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



Lupus is a constellation located in the southern sky, its name meaning "wolf" in Latin. It has been known since antiquity and was cataloged by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy.&nbsp;



Once part of the larger constellation Centaurus, Lupus was later recognized as a distinct constellation. It is relatively faint but holds historical significance in mythology, often associated with a sacrificial wolf in ancient stories.



Lupus is bordered by other constellations like Scorpius, Centaurus, and Libra. Its stars do not form a particularly striking pattern, but it contains a variety of interesting astronomical features. Among them are numerous double stars, globular clusters, and other deep-sky objects, visible through telescopes.&nbsp;



For observers in the Southern Hemisphere, Lupus is best seen in the winter and spring months, while it appears closer to the horizon for those in northern latitudes.



This constellation also lies along the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/">Milky Way</a>, offering a rich field of stars and nebulae for stargazers. Despite its modest brightness, Lupus holds a special place in the science of astronomy.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



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Secrets of a spiraling galactic powerhouse

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut view of the northeast coast of Somalia. This region, which borders the Indian Ocean, has a mix of sandy beaches and rugged terrain, including the Cal Madow mountain range.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-northeast-somalia">A closer look at Northeast Somalia </h2>



"The detailed image reveals a desert landscape etched by wind and water," said NASA. "Over time, streams have cut canyons into the earth. But streams in this region are ephemeral, making groundwater the main source of fresh water."&nbsp;



"The water table is shallow (wells are typically drilled less than 20 meters deep) and meets the surface toward the coast, creating springs."



According to <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, bidirectional winds sculpted the tan, brown, and reddish sand into transverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sand-dunes-hold-a-record-of-fire-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sand dunes</a> visible near the stream’s deltas. "The orientation of the sand dunes indicates that they were likely formed by summer winds blowing up the coast from the southwest."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economy-of-northeast-somalia">Economy of Northeast Somalia </h2>



The economy of northeast Somalia, specifically the autonomous region of Puntland, is primarily based on fishing, livestock, and trade. 



Puntland has a long coastline along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, and the waters are home to various types of fish, including tuna, mackerel, and lobster. 



However, the fishing industry is underdeveloped and faces challenges such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-fleets-hidden-industrial-fishing-activity-exposed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> by foreign vessels.



The arid landscape is well-suited for raising goats, sheep, camels, and cattle. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-in-livestock-are-major-drivers-of-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Livestock</a> is the main export, with animals being sold to markets in the Middle East.



The region is home to important port cities like Bosaso, which is a hub for trade and commerce. These ports are vital for both the local and national economy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-northeast-somalia">Wildlife of Northeast Somalia </h2>



The region includes a mix of desert-adapted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-desert-plants-are-not-immune-to-climate-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> and those that thrive in the more fertile areas near the coast and highlands. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mammals">Mammals</h3>



Large mammals such as the Somali wild ass, a critically endangered species, and the gerenuk, a long-necked antelope, are among the most notable inhabitants. 



The Somali wild ass is particularly suited to the harsh desert environment, while the gerenuk can survive long periods without water by feeding on moisture-rich vegetation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds">Birds</h3>



Birdlife in Northeast Somalia is also abundant, with a variety of species adapted to different habitats ranging from coastal areas to dry savannahs. 



Raptors such as the Somali ostrich and various eagles can be spotted, along with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-migratory-birds-navigate-with-such-accuracy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a> that pass through the region during seasonal changes. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-life-reptiles-and-insects">Marine life, reptiles, and insects</h3>



The coastal waters, especially along the Gulf of Aden, are home to dolphins, whales, and a variety of fish species.



The region's reptiles include various species of lizards, snakes, and tortoises, many of which are well-adapted to the arid conditions. Insects, particularly locusts and butterflies, play significant roles in the local ecosystem.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-conservation">Wildlife conservation </h3>



Despite its arid climate, Northeast Somalia's diverse ecosystems support a surprising range of wildlife, although many species face threats from habitat loss, overgrazing, and hunting. 



Conservation efforts are ongoing, but the region's political instability has often hampered effective wildlife management and protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture-of-northeast-somalia">Culture of Northeast Somalia </h2>



Northeast Somalia's culture is a mosaic of tradition, religion, and external influences, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of its people.



The region's culture is deeply intertwined with Islam, which influences daily life, social norms, and celebrations. Poetry and storytelling are highly valued, with oral traditions serving as a key method for passing down history and values. 



Somalis from this region are known for their hospitality, with the concept of "sooryo" emphasizing the importance of welcoming guests.



Family ties and clan affiliations play a significant role in the social structure, dictating everything from marriage to conflict resolution. 



The people of Northeast Somalia have a strong sense of identity and pride, which is often expressed through traditional dances, music, and clothing. Despite modern influences, there is a conscious effort to preserve traditional customs, especially in rural areas.



The photograph was captured on August 9, 2023 as the International Space Station orbited over the Horn of Africa.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Northeast Somalia: A landscape shaped by wind and water

Today's Image of the Day from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) features the Dark Wolf Nebula, located around 5,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Scorpius.



According to ESO, this image of the dark <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-reveal-the-ring-nebula-as-it-has-never-been-seen-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> creates the illusion of a wolf-like silhouette against a colorful cosmic backdrop.&nbsp;



“This image takes up an area in the sky equivalent to four full Moons, but is actually part of an even larger nebula called Gum 55. If you look closely, the wolf could even be a werewolf, its hands ready to grab unsuspecting bystanders,” noted <a href="https://www.eso.org/public/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESO</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-dark-nebulae">Observing dark nebulae </h2>



Dark nebulae are dense regions in space filled with gas and dust that absorb visible light, making them appear as dark patches against brighter backgrounds.&nbsp;



Unlike emission or reflection nebulae, dark nebulae do not glow on their own. Instead, they obstruct and obscure the light from stars and other objects lying behind them.&nbsp;



This characteristic makes them challenging to observe using visible-light telescopes, as they absorb and scatter light rather than reflecting or emitting it.&nbsp;



However, when viewed in infrared, where their obscuring effect is reduced, dark nebulae reveal intricate details about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-the-perseus-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">molecular clouds</a> they contain.



According to ESO, astronomers study these clouds of frozen dust because they often contain new stars in the making.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-wolf-nebula-nbsp">Dark Wolf Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The Dark Wolf Nebula is part of a larger complex known as the Lupus Molecular Cloud, one of several significant star-forming regions close to Earth.&nbsp;



Inside of dark nebulae, the conditions are prime for star formation. The dense gas and dust clump together under gravitational forces. As these clouds contract, they heat up, eventually igniting nuclear fusion and forming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-molecule-detected-in-space-where-stars-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new stars</a>.



The Dark Wolf Nebula is known for revealing young, low-mass stars - or T Tauri stars - which are in the early stages of their evolution. These stars are still surrounded by disks of material that may eventually form new planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-scorpius-nbsp">The constellation Scorpius&nbsp;</h2>



Scorpius is one of the most recognizable constellations in the sky. It resembles a scorpion with a long, curved tail and stinger.&nbsp;



Located in the southern sky, Scorpius is especially visible during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere and during the winter months in the Southern Hemisphere. 



The constellation is often associated with the story of Orion in Greek mythology. According to legend, the scorpion was sent by the goddess Artemis to kill Orion, the great hunter, either as punishment for his arrogance or to protect her animals, depending on the version of the tale.&nbsp;



The gods later placed both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orion-nebula-destroys-an-oceans-worth-of-water-every-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orion</a> and Scorpius in the sky, but in opposite parts of the heavens so they would never be seen together - as Scorpius rises in the east and Orion sets in the west.



Scorpius contains several notable stars and deep-sky objects. Its brightest star, Antares, is a red supergiant often referred to as the "heart of the scorpion" due to its reddish hue and central position. 



Antares is one of the largest visible stars in the sky and has a luminosity that is tens of thousands of times greater than that of our Sun. 



Scorpius is located close to the core of the Milky Way, making it a rich region for star clusters and nebulae. Among these are the Butterfly Cluster and the Ptolemy Cluster - both of which are visible to the naked eye under dark skies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-image-of-the-dark-wolf-nebula">Image of the Dark Wolf Nebula </h2>



“This image shows in spectacular detail how the dark wolf stands out against the glowing star-forming clouds behind it,” noted ESO.



“The colorful clouds are built up mostly of hydrogen gas and glow in reddish tones excited by the intense UV radiation from the newborn stars within them.”



The picture was created from images taken at different times. Each of the images has a filter that makes a different color of light visible.&nbsp;



Observations of the Dark Wolf Nebula provide astronomers with valuable information about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-star-redefines-our-understanding-of-stellar-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of stars</a> and the environments in which they form.



The image was captured by the VLT Survey Telescope (VST) at ESO’s Paranal Observatory in Chile.



Image Credit: ESO/VPHAS+ team



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Dark Wolf Nebula in the constellation Scorpius

Today's Image of the Day from the European Southern Observatory...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Messier 82, a starburst galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. This galaxy is actively forming new stars at a rate ten times that of the Milky Way.



In a study using the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> (JWST), an international team of astronomers has taken an unprecedented look at Messier 82 (M82), revealing intricate details about its frenzied star formation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-nircam">The power of NIRCam</h2>



The study, led by Alberto Bolatto, utilized Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) to penetrate the thick dust and gas covering the galaxy's core, a region critical to understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>.&nbsp;



"M82 has garnered a variety of observations over the years because it can be considered as the prototypical starburst galaxy," noted Bolatto. “With Webb’s size and resolution, we can look at this star-forming galaxy and see all of this beautiful new detail.”



Webb's NIRCam has proven crucial for observing areas like M82’s center, where layers of dust typically obscure the view in other wavelengths. The camera's ability to capture infrared light allows it to reveal the galaxy's core and its dynamic processes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messier-82-image">Messier 82 image </h2>



“This image shows the power of Webb. Every single white dot in this image is either a star or a star cluster. We can start to distinguish all of these tiny point sources, which enables us to acquire an accurate count of all the star clusters in this galaxy,” noted study co-author Rebecca Levy from the University of Arizona.



One of the NIRCam's innovative features is its mode that prevents bright sources from overwhelming the detector, which was particularly useful in studying the intensely active center of Messier 82.&nbsp;



In the image, dark brown tendrils of dust weave through the galaxy's glowing white core, interspersed with small green specks that represent concentrated areas of iron from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> remnants. Red patches highlight regions where molecular hydrogen is illuminated by the radiation from nearby young stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-galactic-winds">Insights into galactic winds</h2>



The study also focused on understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spin-of-a-new-black-hole-is-unlocking-galactic-mysteries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic wind</a>, driven by the rapid rate of star formation and subsequent supernovae, influences M82’s environment. 



The NIRCam images showed clumpy streams of gas, appearing in red, which extend above and below the galaxy's plane, marking the path of this wind rushing out from the starburst's core.



A key revelation came from the NIRCam’s tracing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), sooty chemical molecules that map out the structure of the galactic wind. To the surprise of researchers, the PAH emissions closely resembled the patterns of the hot, ionized gas, suggesting a more complex interaction within the wind than previously understood.&nbsp;



"It was unexpected to see the PAH emission resemble ionised gas," said Bolatto. "PAHs are not supposed to live very long when exposed to such a strong radiation field, so perhaps they are being replenished all the time. It challenges our theories and shows us that further investigation is required."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-observations-of-messier-82">Future observations of Messier 82</h2>



The findings from Webb are just the beginning. The team plans to further analyze Messier 82 with additional data, including spectroscopic observations, to determine the ages of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collisions-hubble-spots-a-string-of-pearls-star-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> and the duration of each star formation phase within the starburst environment.&nbsp;



These observations will also assist in a broader understanding of similar processes in early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>, which were common in the young universe.



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



Study co-author Torsten Böker of the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> emphasized the broader implications of these findings.&nbsp;



“With these amazing Webb images, and our upcoming spectra, we can study how exactly the strong winds and shock fronts from young stars and supernovae can remove the very gas and dust from which new stars are forming,” explained Böker.&nbsp;



“A detailed understanding of this ‘feedback’ cycle is important for theories of how the early universe evolved, because compact starbursts such as the one in M82 were very common at high redshift.”



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA



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Messier 82: Unlocking the mysteries of star formation

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a 9.5-mile section of Pangong Lake on the western end of the Tibetan Plateau. The image was captured by a crew member onboard the International Space Station.&nbsp;



“In this winter scene, a sheet of cracked ice tops part of the lake,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. “On the left side, open water appears blue. Shallow water offshore of a delta, formed by a small, winding river, appears green."



"Parallel lines along the coastlines of bays are visible in the high-resolution version of this image. These lines indicate raised beaches, which formed in the past when lake levels were higher.”



NASA pointed out that several roads cut across the landscape, including one with switchbacks that ascends a steep slope. "These roads facilitate tourist travel from both India and China.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migratory-birds-at-pangong-lake-nbsp">Migratory birds at Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake and its surroundings are home to numerous bird species, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-burn-unexpected-amounts-of-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>. Visitors can spot various waterfowl and waders that are rarely seen elsewhere.



“During the summer, species such as bar-headed geese and Brahminy ducks attract bird watchers to the lake, which is a major breeding ground for migrating birds,” said NASA.



Pangong Lake is one of the few places in India where the endangered black-necked crane is found during its breeding season. 



Ruddy shelduck and brown-headed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gulls-are-shifting-their-habitats-to-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gulls</a> are also frequently spotted around the lake. The ruddy shelduck is known for its striking orange-brown body and creamy white head, while the brown-headed gulls are often seen flying or swimming in the lake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-features-of-pangong-lake">Features of Pangong Lake </h2>



Pangong Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake situated in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-are-rising-unexpectedly-fast-on-the-tibetan-plateau/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, extending from India to the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. It is renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic setting, with the lake lying at an elevation of about 4,350 meters.



One of the most distinctive features of Pangong Lake is its changing colors, ranging from shades of blue to green and even red, influenced by the sky's reflection and the lake's mineral content.



This saline water lake is approximately 134 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide at its broadest point. Despite its considerable size, Pangong Lake is relatively shallow.&nbsp;



The lake gained additional popularity after being featured in several Indian films - most notably the Bollywood hit "3 Idiots." Its remote location requires a permit for visitors, especially due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control between India and China.



Despite the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding its location, Pangong Lake remains a favorite among tourists for its unparalleled natural beauty and serene environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-altitude-lakes">High-altitude lakes</h2>



High-altitude lakes are unique bodies of water found at elevations typically above 3,000 meters (about 10,000 feet) in mountain ranges like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/himalayan-glaciers-retreating-threat-is-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, Andes, and Rockies. 



These lakes are formed either by glacial activity, where glaciers erode the earth to create depressions that fill with melted snow and rainwater, or when natural dams created by landslides or moraines trap water in valleys.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-environments">Extreme environments</h3>



The conditions at high altitudes make these lakes distinct in several ways. The climate is typically colder and harsher, with significant temperature variations between day and night. 



This extreme environment affects both the physical characteristics of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> and the types of ecosystems they support. For example, due to lower atmospheric pressure, the boiling point of water is reduced, which can affect the type of life that can survive in these regions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-habitats">Critical habitats</h3>



Biologically, high-altitude lakes often have limited biodiversity because only certain types of plants and animals can tolerate the cold temperatures and lower oxygen levels in the water. 



Despite this, these lakes are crucial habitats for some unique species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. They also serve as important indicators of climate change, as variations in their water levels and temperatures can reflect environmental shifts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-high-altitude-lakes">Significance of high-altitude lakes </h3>



Lakes at high altitudes are often clear and pristine, due to the low density of human populations in these areas and minimal industrial activity, making them significant for ecological studies and attractive for tourism. 



However, they are sensitive ecosystems, and increased tourist activity brings challenges like pollution and habitat disruption.



High-altitude lakes are not only beautiful and scientifically significant but also hold cultural importance for local communities, often considered sacred and associated with historical and spiritual significance.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Pangong Lake on the Tibetan Plateau

Kings Canyon National Park&nbsp;is an American&nbsp;national park&nbsp;in the southern&nbsp;Sierra Nevada, in&nbsp;Fresno&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tulare Counties,&nbsp;California. Originally established in 1890 as General Grant National Park, the park was greatly expanded and renamed to Kings Canyon National Park on March 4, 1940. The park's namesake, Kings Canyon, is a rugged&nbsp;glacier-carved valley more than a mile (1,600&nbsp;m) deep. Other natural features include multiple 14,000-foot (4,300&nbsp;m) peaks, high mountain meadows, swift-flowing rivers, and some of the world's largest stands of&nbsp;giant sequoia&nbsp;trees. Kings Canyon is north of and contiguous with&nbsp;Sequoia National Park, and both parks are jointly administered by the&nbsp;National Park Service&nbsp;as the&nbsp;Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.



There are fourteen campgrounds in these parks, including three that are open year-round. Campgrounds require reservations in advance, and sites are usually full.&nbsp;

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

At first glance, the Cuban blue-headed quail dove appears ordinary. It has brown feathers, a slender beak, and a characteristic strut like other doves. 



Compared to Cuba’s colorful parrots, it might seem unremarkable. However, this bird has long puzzled biologists. Scientists have struggled to determine its origins, how it arrived on the island, or what <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-americas-birds-scientists-declare-a-full-on-emergency-in-the-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> it is related to.



For the first time, researchers have sequenced the bird’s DNA to uncover its history. Instead of clear answers, they found more confusion.



“This species has been an ornithological enigma for a very long time,” said Jessica Oswald, a Florida Museum of Natural History consultant staff affiliate and lead author of the study. 



“We focused on this dove species because we were anticipating an odd result that may help us understand the complex biogeography of the Caribbean. We did not anticipate it being so unique from an evolutionary perspective relative to anything else.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-unique-evolutionary-lineage">A unique evolutionary lineage</h2>



Scientists once believed the blue-headed quail dove was related to doves and pigeons from Central and South America. Some features, however, seemed more similar to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-undisturbed-forests-support-greater-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> from Australasia. Recent genetic analysis has disproved both theories.



The study shows that this dove is not closely related to species in Australia or the Americas. Instead, it stands apart from all known doves and pigeons.



“This species is even more evolutionarily distinct than the dodo was,” Oswald said. The dodo, also a type of dove, had at least one close relative, the Rodrigues solitaire, before both went extinct.



DNA evidence, along with fossil analysis, suggests that the blue-headed quail dove’s lineage may be as old as 50 million years. In comparison, humans and chimpanzees diverged just 5 to 6 million years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-history-of-caribbean-extinctions">The history of Caribbean extinctions</h2>



Oswald conducted this research as part of a broader <a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a> initiative to understand bird extinctions in the Caribbean.



About 12% of all Caribbean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-the-worlds-heliconia-species-are-at-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird species</a> have disappeared since humans arrived. These include a nearly four-foot-tall giant owl, over a dozen parrot species, a raptor larger than a bald eagle, a flightless ibis that fought with its wings, and a condor with a powerful bite.



Scientists have struggled to determine how these extinct birds relate to modern species. Oswald developed new methods to extract and sequence DNA from fossils, helping connect extinct and living birds.



Early tests on a Caribbean cave rail fossil revealed a previously unknown evolutionary link to birds in Africa, New Guinea, and New Zealand. A later study showed that a parrot, now restricted to Hispaniola, once lived across the Caribbean before human activity reduced its range.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cuban-dove-is-nearing-extinction">Cuban dove is nearing extinction</h2>



Though not extinct, the blue-headed quail dove faces serious threats.



“There are 1,000 mature individuals of this species left in Cuba. It is threatened by overhunting by people, habitat loss and invasive species like cats. It’s very much on the brink,” Oswald said.



Due to its rarity, no one had sequenced its DNA before. Most specimens in North American museums were collected decades ago, making DNA extraction difficult. 



Oswald used a technique she developed for fossils, applying it to a toe pad from a specimen collected in 1958, and anxiously awaited the DNA results.



“She called me up and said, ‘Are you sitting down?’ I thought she was going to tell me they didn’t get any good sequencing and had no data, but it was just the opposite,” said study co-author David Steadman, former curator of ornithology at the Florida Museum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-value-of-museum-specimens">Value of museum specimens</h2>



Steadman spent decades witnessing advancements in DNA technology. He sees this study as proof that museum collections remain vital for modern research.



“It’s another instance of the importance of museums and the long-term maintenance of specimens. As ancient DNA techniques have improved, we find that fossils, historical and modern specimens are even more useful than before.”



Oswald and Steadman were surprised by the results. Other Caribbean doves have known origins, with ancestors from North, Central, or South America. The blue-headed quail dove, however, remains a mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cuban-dove-may-be-the-last-of-its-kind">Cuban dove may be the last of its kind</h2>



“It’s a relictual species and has probably been in the Caribbean for a long time. Cuba is an old island,” Steadman said.



The dove's origins remain uncertain. It may be the last survivor of an ancient lineage, as genetic evidence suggests, or an isolated offshoot of another dove species stranded in Cuba long ago.



Despite its preference for ground living, its ancestors likely had the strong flight ability that allows doves and pigeons to spread across vast distances.



“There are some groups of birds that are spectacular dispersers, one being pigeons and doves. They just get up and go,” Oswald said. “Many are particularly good dispersers because they eat a lot of fruit and sometimes have to move large distances to look for fruiting trees.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-the-cuban-dove">The future of the Cuban dove</h2>



The blue-headed quail dove remains an evolutionary puzzle. While its origins are uncertain, its future is even more precarious. 



With its population dwindling, conservation efforts may be the only way to prevent it from following the dodo into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eel-trade-is-pushing-another-species-to-the-brink/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a>.



Researchers from multiple institutions contributed to this study, including Bret Boyd from&nbsp;<a href="https://lifesciences.vcu.edu/directory/boyd.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Commonwealth University</a>, Avery Szewczak and Julie Allen from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biol.vt.edu/People/Faculty.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a>, Michelle LeFebvre and Rob Guralnick from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Museum of Natural History</a>, and Brian Stucky from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a>.​



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2024.0464" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biology Letters</a>.



Image Credit: Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace.



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Rare dove is not related to any other birds we know today

At first glance, the Cuban blue-headed quail dove appears ordinary....

For years, scientists believed gorillas were less self-aware than chimpanzees, the most self-aware of the great apes. However, new research suggests that gorillas may possess similar levels of self-awareness, even though they typically fail the well-known mirror test.



A team of researchers from <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a>, the University of Vienna, and the University of Amsterdam studied chimpanzees and gorillas at Burgers' Zoo in Arnhem.



The study indicates that gorillas are able to identify their own bodies as barriers, similar to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-and-gorillas-can-form-lasting-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimpanzees</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-the-mirror-test">Rethinking the mirror test</h2>



One of the most common ways scientists measure <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-baboons-fail-to-recognize-themselves-in-mirrors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-awareness</a> is through the mirror test. In this test, an animal receives a small mark on its body that it can only see by looking in a mirror. If the animal touches or tries to remove the mark, it suggests they recognize their reflection.



"The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-baboons-fail-to-recognize-themselves-in-mirrors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mirror test</a> works well, but it's not suitable for all animals," said study co-author Jorg Massen. "Some animals don't rely much on vision and may dislike looking at faces. These species might fail the mirror test even if they are self-aware."



Gorillas are one such species. They usually score poorly on the mirror test, possibly because they tend to avoid direct eye contact. 



Looking in a mirror may feel unnatural or uncomfortable for them. But does this mean they lack self-awareness? Massen and his team decided to find out.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gorillas-seem-to-be-self-aware">Gorillas seem to be self-aware</h2>



To explore body awareness in gorillas, the researchers designed a new test. In the experiment, both gorillas and chimpanzees had to open a box lid to retrieve food.



However, in some cases, the box was placed on a pole, forcing the animal to sit on the lid itself. To get to the food, they had to realize their own body was blocking access.



"This is a basic form of body awareness. In humans, this develops at around 1.5 years old," explained Massen.



The results were striking. Both gorillas and chimpanzees figured out the task equally well. "What stood out was that both species quickly realized they needed to move off the box to open it," said Massen.



"This shows they were aware of their own bodies as an obstacle. So the fact that gorillas usually perform poorly in mirror tests doesn't mean they lack self-awareness."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-self-aware-gorillas">Significance of self-aware gorillas </h2>



Massen and his team argue that scientists should expand their approach to studying self-awareness in animals. 



"Thanks to this body awareness test, we now know more about the inner life of gorillas, which may be richer than we previously thought, or at least had scientific evidence for," said Massen.



Using different types of tests could also shed light on how self-awareness evolved. Some scientists believe self-awareness emerged early in the common ancestors of humans and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-apes-will-suffer-through-frequent-and-extreme-climate-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great apes</a>. 



Others think it may have developed separately in different ape species. Ongoing studies aim to determine whether chimpanzees, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orangutans-have-the-cognitive-ability-to-make-and-use-stone-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orangutans</a>, and other primates share the same kind of self-awareness.



"It's possible that apes have a similar type of self-awareness, but it could also be quite different. By combining different tests, we can better understand these differences," noted Massen.



This study also challenges how we define self-awareness. "Animals we often consider 'less intelligent' may actually have more complex thoughts than we imagine," Massen added.



By looking beyond the mirror test, scientists may uncover deeper insights into how animals understand themselves - and, ultimately, how human self-awareness evolved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-self-awareness-in-apes">Evolution of self-awareness in apes</h2>



The results of this research generate new questions regarding the development of self-awareness in great apes.



If gorillas are able to exhibit body awareness comparable to chimpanzees, yet fail mirror tests, then it may be that various species present self-awareness in different ways. This questions the long-standing theory that mirror recognition is the absolute indicator of an animal’s self-awareness.



Some experts propose that self-awareness is a spectrum, not an all-or-nothing personality. While chimpanzees might be expert visual self-recognizers, gorillas may be more dependent on spatial and physical self-awareness, which would just be as crucial for survival in their native habitats.



By expanding the ways that research is conducted, scientists can get a better idea of how various species perceive themselves and their environment.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajp.70010" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Primatolog</a>.



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Are gorillas self-aware? New research challenges old assumptions

For years, scientists believed gorillas were less self-aware than chimpanzees,...

It started as another exoplanet in a group labeled "ordinary." No one expected that a world, once thought to be a mini-Neptune, would reveal traits of a super-Venus and change how we see certain planetary types.



Astronomers used <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST data</a> to learn more about an unusual place called Enaiposha, that orbits a red dwarf star about 47 light-years away from the Sun.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-surprising-super-venus">A surprising "super-Venus"</h2>



Enaiposha, that also goes by the identifier <a href="https://exoplanetarchive.ipac.caltech.edu/overview/GJ%201214%20b#planet_GJ-1214-b_collapsible" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GJ 1214 b</a>, was first placed in a category that normally describes small, gas-rich worlds. New observations, however, suggest that it is more like Venus but on a bigger scale.



Researchers propose calling it a super-<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/resource/super-venus-artist-concept/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">venus</a> because it appears to have a thick atmosphere composed of hydrogen, helium, water, methane and carbon dioxide.



This finding came from recent measurements that showed faint traces of molecules at key parts of the spectrum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-enaiposha-breaks-the-mold">Why Enaiposha breaks the mold</h2>



Sub-Neptune planets that are smaller than Neptune in size are the most common type of planet known to exist in the Milky Way, but they are absent from the solar system. 



They have atmospheres that consist of a variety of gases and atmospheric spectroscopy is used to analyze what gases are present.



Enaiposha differs from a typical <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/neptune-like/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sub-neptune</a> in that its upper layers are blanketed by haze and aerosols. 



This makes it very difficult to analyze the atmosphere spectroscopically to establish which gases form the atmosphere on the exoplanet.



Venus also has clouds that block most views of its surface, but Enaiposha takes this phenomenon further. It is bigger, hotter, and enveloped by layers that make it especially hard to examine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-air-that-dims-the-light">An air that dims the light</h2>



When Enaiposha crossed between its star and Earth, tiny dips occurred at points on the spectrograph where certain gases absorb starlight. 



The data hinted at a metal-rich atmosphere with less hydrogen floating around than scientists had expected.



One portion of the team’s work pointed that water vapor was present in the atmosphere, but that alone was not the big story. 



Small signs of complex metals emerged, which is odd for a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-planets-may-be-the-place-to-look-for-extraterrestrial-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a> once categorized in a simpler way.



Furthermore, as starlight passed through Enaiposha's outer layers (atmosphere), certain wavelengths of light were also absorbed that indicated the signatures of carbon dioxide and methane. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co2-may-be-present-on-enaiposha">CO2 may be present on Enaiposha</h2>



The <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ada02c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> was led by astronomers Everett Schlawin from the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a> and <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/website-kohno/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kazumasa Ohno</a> from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (<a href="https://www.nao.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NAOJ</a>).



The scientists got a faint clue that carbon dioxide may exist in concentrations akin to those found on Venus. They saw how light changed as it went through Enaiposha’s thick skies.



“The detected CO2 signal from the first study is tiny, and so it required careful statistical analysis to ensure that it is real,” noted Ohno, the team member leading the theoretical investigations.



Experts sometimes place <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-planet-system-hd110067-discovered-that-moves-in-perfect-mathematical-harmony/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a> slightly bigger than Earth in the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/super-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">super-earth</a> bracket. Those even larger but still under Neptune’s mass sit in the mini-Neptune group.



This planet seems to occupy a weird middle zone. The findings have driven some scientists to propose that Enaiposha represents a new sub-type of exoplanet, or at least a neat twist on the usual groupings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haze-gets-in-the-way">Haze gets in the way</h2>



Research on Enaiposha, a super-Venus, is still tough because of the haze. Observations pick up only subtle signals from deeper parts of its atmosphere.



A single measurement can be overwhelmed by the star’s brightness. Multiple follow-up sessions and new instruments may be needed to confirm all of these ingredients.



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



Some wonder whether similar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-planets-are-more-habitable-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a> hide in other star systems. It may be risky to assume that everything beyond our Sun fits neatly into known boxes.



Astronomers have found thousands of strange worlds. This one stands out for defying what was presumed normal in the mini-Neptune category of exoplanets.



One encouraging aspect is how these methods might apply to places that could harbor life. Enaiposha is scorching, so it is not a promising location for habitability.



Still, the process of analyzing its hazes and thick skies could help scientists interpret atmospheres around other exoplanets in less extreme locations. That matters for anyone seeking to detect breathable air anywhere beyond our own system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enaiposha-and-future-exploration">Enaiposha and future exploration</h2>



Some want to see whether metals in Enaiposha’s air, as a super-Venus, can form droplets or complex clouds. That might explain why so little light passes through its atmosphere. 



Others suspect it could be a stepping stone for modeling how thick atmospheres evolve. It might also show that sub-Neptunes can morph into something else with time.



In future, further modeling of the planet's atmosphere, interior structure and origins will provide valuable insights about how sub-Neptunes like GJ 1214 b form and evolve.



The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad7fef" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>.



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New planet named Enaiposha is unlike anything in our solar system

It started as another exoplanet in a group labeled "ordinary."...

Koalas in a population north of the Brisbane River are showing a surprising genetic resistance to a virus that has weakened their species for generations. 



Scientists have discovered that some of these koalas have developed a unique genomic immunity to the retrovirus that suppresses their immune system and makes them more vulnerable to infections like chlamydia and even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koalas-are-infected-with-a-virus-that-causes-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>.



Researchers from <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Queensland</a> and UMass Chan Medical School made the discovery while studying koala populations in different regions. 



The findings, published in the journal Cell, could be a key step in efforts to protect one of Australia’s most iconic animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-koalas-hidden-immunity">Koalas’ hidden immunity</h2>



Koalas infected with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-retroviruses-have-been-found-in-koalas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">retrovirus</a> are at a higher risk of chlamydia, which has devastated populations in Queensland and New South Wales. 



The virus has also been linked to lymphomas that have caused significant mortality in captive koalas. 



However, scientists found that about 30% of koalas in the Sunshine Coast hinterland have a genetic adaptation that suppresses the virus.



“What we found is that there is a single genetic switch that has been activated in about 30% of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koalas-are-now-officially-listed-as-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">koala population</a> in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, suppressing the retrovirus,” said Professor Keith Chappell, a virologist at the Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. 



“This is in contrast to what we found in the population on the Gold Coast, where this adaptation is almost completely absent.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-natural-defense-spreading-over-time">A natural defense spreading over time</h2>



The study, led by research fellow Dr. Michaela Blyton, suggests that this adaptive genomic immunity functions similarly to how an immune system strengthens after exposure to pathogens. 



“Because this 'genomic immunity' can be inherited, the discovery suggests koalas with the trait could be used in breeding programs to reduce the susceptibility of other populations to the retrovirus, like on the Gold Coast,” said Dr. Blyton.



The researchers also found evidence that this adaptation is spreading through the northern koala population, though it will take generations to fully establish itself across the region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-rare-opportunity-to-study-evolution">A rare opportunity to study evolution </h2>



Professor Chappell explained that retroviruses can alter the genetic code of a species over time. In humans, about 8% of DNA comes from retroviral infections that occurred over millions of years.



In contrast, the koala retrovirus only entered the marsupial’s genome a few thousand years ago, which is considered very recent in evolutionary terms.



“Out of all the species on the planet, this is the only one where we can see a genetic response to a retrovirus in real time, rather than looking at responses to things that got into the genome millions of years ago,” said Professor Chappell.



“This allows the researchers to study exactly how these iconic critters are responding - it’s actually a pretty amazing situation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-adaptations-of-koalas">Genetic adaptations of koalas</h2>



At the University of Massachusetts, Professor William Theurkauf had spent decades studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-flies-on-treadmills-video-shows-how-insects-walk-and-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit flies</a> and their genetic responses to genome invaders. 



When he learned about the koala research, Professor Theurkauf saw clear parallels with his work and an opportunity for collaboration.



Despite the vast differences between fruit flies and marsupials, both studies shed light on how species develop genetic defenses against viral threats.



This trans-Pacific partnership has helped scientists gain deeper insight into how koalas are adapting at the genetic level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-stronger-koala-populations">Building stronger koala populations</h2>



The researchers caution that while the retrovirus is not the most immediate threat to koalas, understanding this genetic adaptation could improve conservation efforts. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koalas-face-critical-threats-from-disease-and-habitat-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Habitat destruction</a> and climate change remain the biggest dangers to koala populations.



By identifying populations with a natural resistance to the retrovirus, conservationists can develop targeted strategies to enhance the species' resilience against disease.



Koalas with this trait may be better suited for repopulation efforts in areas where disease has significantly reduced their numbers.



This discovery could lead to breeding programs that prioritize koalas with this genetic resistance, helping to build stronger populations that are less vulnerable to disease. 



Scientists are now eager to explore whether similar adaptations exist in other koala populations across Australia, potentially opening new doors for conservation strategies in the years to come.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0092867425001916" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell</a>.



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Koalas in Queensland show signs of immunity to deadly retrovirus

Koalas in a population north of the Brisbane River are...

Jay Falk and Scott Taylor first spotted the white-necked Jacobin hummingbird chick deep in Panama’s rainforest. The tiny bird, smaller than a pinky finger, was covered in brown fuzz. 



When they approached, the chick twitched and shook its head, displaying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-found-nesting-in-colonies-have-completely-defied-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a> they had never seen in birds before. This movement resembled a poisonous caterpillar found in the same region.



Taylor, an associate professor at <a href="https://www.colorado.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CU Boulder</a>, and his team described this mimicry in a paper published in the journal Ecology.



“We know so little about what nesting birds do in the tropics,” said Falk, the paper’s first author and a postdoctoral fellow in Taylor’s lab. "But this could be a very common thing if we had dedicated more efforts to observe and discover new things about the natural world.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-survival-strategies">Hidden survival strategies</h2>



White-necked Jacobin <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-americas-birds-scientists-declare-a-full-on-emergency-in-the-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbirds</a> are common in Central and South America. Males have shimmering blue and green feathers, while females have muted green plumage.



The tropical rainforest poses many dangers for small birds, with predators such as snakes, monkeys, birds, and insects. Studies suggest bird chicks in the tropics face higher predation risks than those in temperate forests.



During a trip to Soberanía National Park in 2024, Falk might have uncovered how these tiny hummingbird chicks survive. Despite regularly observing adult Jacobins at his feeders, he had never seen their chicks or nests. 



That changed when co-authors Michael Castaño and Sebastian Gallan-Giraldo found a female Jacobin incubating an egg near a forest trail. The nest, no bigger than Falk’s palm, blended seamlessly with its surroundings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hummingbird-chick-moves-like-a-caterpillar">Hummingbird chick moves like a caterpillar</h2>



The researchers observed the nest for a month and saw the chick hatch. 



Unlike most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-have-an-incredible-strategy-to-survive-food-shortages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbirds</a>, which are born naked, this chick had long brown feathers that made it resemble the nest material. Then, they noticed its strange jerking behavior. Scientists had never recorded such behavior in any hummingbird species.



“I started texting a video to people and asking them, ‘What does this look like?’” said Taylor. “And invariably, they said, ‘That looks like a caterpillar.’ It was very exciting.”



On the chick’s second day, a predatory wasp hovered over the nest while the mother was away. The chick twitched its body and swung its head from side to side, mimicking a caterpillar. A few seconds later, the wasp flew away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-other-species">Lessons from other species</h2>



Falk and Taylor couldn’t help but think of another study. That one was about a bird, the cinereous mourner chick, living in the Amazon. It didn’t just look different - it had an unusual trick.



Covered in bright orange feathers, it closely resembled a toxic caterpillar. When disturbed, it shook its head just like the real thing.



Curious, the researchers turned their attention to Panama’s caterpillars. What they found was striking. Many were covered in brown hairs that weren’t just for show. Those tiny spikes could cause excruciating pain, even death, to predators. 



And just like the hummingbird chick, some of these caterpillars had a habit of shaking their heads when they sensed danger. Was the tiny bird copying them? It certainly seemed possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hummingbird-mimics-a-caterpillar">Hummingbird mimics a caterpillar </h2>



This mimicry strategy, where a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-have-an-amazing-sense-of-touch-for-precise-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harmless species</a> imitates a dangerous one, is called Batesian mimicry. It is common in butterflies and snakes. For instance, non-venomous milk snakes resemble venomous coral snakes to deter predators.



“A lot of these really classic examples of Batesian mimicry involve butterflies mimicking other butterflies, or snakes mimicking other snakes. But here, we have a bird potentially mimicking an insect, a vertebrate mimicking an invertebrate,” Taylor said.



Though the study was based on a single observation, the team hopes to test their theory by placing artificial chicks with different appearances and behaviors in nests to see which ones avoid predation. They also encourage birdwatchers and citizen scientists to document more hummingbird nests.



“Our perception of the natural world is very biased by our own thoughts about what could be possible,” Taylor said. “It’s incredible what we can discover, but we really have to think broadly.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.70060" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a>.



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Hummingbird chick mimics a toxic caterpillar to evade predators

Jay Falk and Scott Taylor first spotted the white-necked Jacobin...

Hurricanes cause extensive damage on land and to offshore platforms - effects that scientists understand well. However, their impacts on deep ocean environments remains largely unexplored.



These storms stir up ocean layers, influencing marine ecosystems in ways that are difficult to study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurricane-and-ocean-changes">Hurricane and ocean changes</h2>



A deep-sea observatory southeast of Bermuda is shedding light on this mystery. This platform, anchored to the ocean floor, collects sediment, microplankton shells, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-hurricane-activity-will-change-over-the-next-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutants</a>. 



The station has recorded environmental changes for nearly five decades. The Oceanic Flux Program (<a href="https://www.mbl.edu/research/research-centers/ecosystems-center/research-projects/oceanic-flux-program-ofp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OFP</a>) at the Marine Biological Laboratory (<a href="https://www.mbl.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MBL</a>) operates this mooring.



Recently, the observatory provided crucial data on how hurricanes affect deep-sea ecosystems. The findings show that these storms move massive amounts of material from shallow reefs into deeper waters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-sea-impact-of-hurricanes">Deep-sea impact of hurricanes</h2>



A team led by Rut Pedrosa-Pamies, an assistant research investigator at MBL, examined sediments from Hurricanes Fabian (2003) and Igor (2010). 



These storms transported large amounts of carbonate-rich material from Bermuda’s shallow reefs into the deep ocean. The researchers found that these sediments remained in the ecosystem for weeks.



Fabian moved as much sediment in two weeks as would normally accumulate in a year. This material helps trap carbon for millennia and buffers ocean acidification caused by rising CO2 levels.



“This is the first time that a study has demonstrated, in near real time, this hurricane-induced transport from a shallow carbonate platform to the deep ocean,” said Pedrosa-Pamies.



“And it’s not just carbonate; [a hurricane] also transports a lot of other materials like phosphorus, lithogenic minerals, and also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-amplified-hurricane-strength/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutants</a>, such as lead.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurricane-driven-ocean-particles">Hurricane-driven ocean particles </h2>



“I’ve been interested in extreme weather events for a long time now,” said Pedrosa-Pamies. 



When a hurricane passes through, there is an upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich waters that nourish bacteria and plankton in the ocean’s upper layers, stimulating their productivity.



But how hurricanes can impact the deep-ocean water column that surrounds shallow-water reefs has not been well studied.



Hurricane Fabian’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-hurricanes-are-intensifying-faster-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sediments</a> settled quickly, but those from Igor remained suspended for weeks. This suggests that storm-driven sediment transport lasts much longer than expected.



“That’s a key finding, because it proves that particles that get suspended from these extreme weather events can last for a long time in the ecosystem and the water column,” noted Pedrosa-Pamies.



“And I’m sure this has implications for the microbiome at different water depths, and also in terms of sedimentation rates and how the particles are aggregating.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-shallow-water-reefs">Role of shallow-water reefs</h2>



Shallow-water reefs exist worldwide and create extensive carbonate platforms. These platforms shape ocean sedimentary processes and influence the carbon cycle. 



They generate about half of all shallow-water carbonate and contribute more than a quarter of the carbonate buried in the deep ocean.



While Fabian and Igor’s effects are small on a global scale, the study revealed how storms transport <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-broke-records-for-450-straight-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sediment</a>. This knowledge helps researchers understand how major storms influence carbon storage and ocean acidification.



"This study demonstrates, for the first time, hurricane-induced transport of deep sediments from reef carbonate platforms to the deep ocean in near-real time," wrote the researchers.



"This phenomenon has important implications for the marine carbon cycle because carbonate platform-derived carbonates may dissolve in the deep ocean and contribute to its buffering and carbon storage capacities."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decades-of-deep-sea-monitoring">Decades of deep-sea monitoring</h2>



The OFP has collected deep-sea data continuously since 1978. 



“Without having this time series, studying episodic events, like hurricanes in this case, would not be possible. You cannot sit out there when there is a storm passing and collect particles, while you have wind and big waves,” said Pedrosa-Pamies.



Bermuda’s location makes it ideal for such research. Bermuda is the northernmost subtropical coral reef and carbonate platform in the world, and it’s frequently impacted by hurricanes, noted Pedrosa-Pamies.



Retrieving the OFP’s samples is a complex, day-long process. Every six months, scientists pull up the mooring line to analyze the trapped particles.



“I just cannot reinforce enough how important the team effort is in a time <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricane-helene-a-glimpse-into-the-future-of-natural-disasters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">series</a> like this. It would not be possible with help of the entire crew,” said Pedrosa-Pamies. "And they are all fantastic, and we’ve been working with them for a long time.”



The study is published in the <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023JC020500" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Geophysical Research Oceans</a>. 



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How hurricanes help oceans fight climate change

Hurricanes cause extensive damage on land and to offshore platforms...

The universe is full of surprises, with each new discovery reshaping our understanding and offering astonishing new perspectives on space objects such as galaxies.



The James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>), launched just over three years ago, has already exceeded expectations. It peers deep into space, revealing galaxies from the dawn of time and answering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-found-in-the-early-universe-that-shouldnt-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">questions</a> once thought impossible.



A recent study from <a href="https://www.k-state.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kansas State University</a> has revealed something strange. The way galaxies rotate isn’t as random as scientists once believed. 



Instead, JWST images suggest a hidden pattern - one that challenges fundamental assumptions about the cosmos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-galaxies-spin-the-same-way">Most galaxies spin the same way</h2>



Lior Shamir, an associate professor of computer science at Kansas State University, examined images from the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (<a href="https://webbtelescope.org/contents/media/images/01GKT0RRJBP5ZMJRMCQNPT8SXP" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JADES</a>). 



His research focused on spiral galaxies and the direction in which they rotate. Logically, their spin should be evenly distributed. Half should turn one way, half the other - but that is not what Professor Shamir found.



Out of 263 galaxies with clearly identifiable rotation, about two-thirds spun clockwise. The remaining third rotated counterclockwise.



This imbalance suggests that the universe might not be as random as we think. It could have a built-in rotation - something baked into its very structure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-galaxy-spin-pattern">The galaxy spin pattern </h2>



"The analysis of the galaxies was done by quantitative analysis of their shapes, but the difference is so obvious that any person looking at the image can see it," said Professor Shamir.



"There is no need for special skills or knowledge to see that the numbers are different. With the power of the James Webb Space Telescope, anyone can see it."



This isn’t a discovery buried in complex equations. No advanced training is needed to spot the difference. The pattern is right there, staring back from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colliding-galaxy-clusters-stir-up-hot-sloshing-gas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depths of space</a>. That makes the finding even more surprising.



If something so clear has gone unnoticed until now, what else have astronomers missed?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-could-the-universe-itself-be-spinning">Could the universe itself be spinning?</h2>



There are two possible explanations for this anomaly. 



The first is radical: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/andromeda-galaxy-shows-signs-of-violent-past-collisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a> itself might have been born spinning. If true, this would support the controversial black hole cosmology theory, which suggests that everything we see exists inside a black hole. 



It’s an idea that challenges conventional thinking. But if galaxies across the cosmos follow a consistent rotation, it may not be so far-fetched.



If the universe does have a preferred direction of spin, it would mean something fundamental about physics has been overlooked. The laws governing the cosmos might not be as neutral as we thought. 



Instead, they could carry the fingerprint of a primordial motion - one set in place since the very beginning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-motion-and-galaxy-spin-data">Earth's motion and galaxy spin data</h2>



Not all solutions need to be extraordinary. Professor Shamir suggests another, more grounded possibility. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strange-signals-from-the-center-of-our-galaxy-hint-at-a-new-kind-of-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> itself rotates, and the Earth moves within it.



Because of this motion, light from galaxies spinning in the opposite direction might appear slightly brighter due to the Doppler effect. 



If this is the case, JWST’s observations are not revealing a cosmic imbalance. They are simply highlighting an observational bias caused by our own movement through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-the-universe-spinning-strange-galaxy-motion-suggests-that-it-is/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/galaxies_deep-universe_rotate-same-direction_puzzling_JWST_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/galaxies_deep-universe_rotate-same-direction_puzzling_JWST_1s.webp" alt="Spiral galaxies imaged by JWST that rotate in the same direction relative to the Milky Way (red) and in the opposite direction relative to the Milky Way (blue). The number of galaxies rotating in the opposite direction relative to the Milky Way as observed from Earth is far higher. Credit: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2025)." class="wp-image-1962612"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spiral galaxies imaged by JWST that rotate in the same direction relative to the Milky Way (red) and in the opposite direction relative to the Milky Way (blue). The number of galaxies rotating in the opposite direction relative to the Milky Way as observed from Earth is far higher. Credit: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2025).</figcaption></figure>



If this explanation holds, it would mean astronomers have been overlooking an important factor when studying deep-space images. 



The rotational motion of the Milky Way, once thought too slow to influence observations, could be subtly affecting how we measure light from distant galaxies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-distance-in-the-universe">Rethinking distance in the universe</h2>



"If that is indeed the case, we will need to re-calibrate our distance measurements for the deep universe," noted Professor Shamir.



That statement carries enormous implications. If astronomers have miscalculated distances because of unnoticed rotational effects, then our understanding of the universe’s size and structure may need adjustment. 



Some galaxies, which appear to be impossibly old under current models, might be much closer than assumed.



This could also help resolve one of cosmology’s biggest puzzles: the conflicting measurements of the universe’s expansion rate. 



The Hubble constant, which describes how fast space is stretching, has been the subject of debate for years. Different methods produce different results, leading to what scientists call the “Hubble tension.” 



If Shamir’s findings require astronomers to adjust their distance measurements, they might also provide a solution to this longstanding mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-previous-assumptions">Challenging previous assumptions</h2>



If the findings hold, the consequences could be enormous. The assumption that the universe has no preferred direction has been a cornerstone of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/andromeda-galaxy-the-violent-history-of-our-closest-cosmic-neighbor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmology</a> for decades. 



If JWST’s images suggest otherwise, then some of the most fundamental theories about the cosmos may need revision.



More research is needed. Future studies will have to confirm whether this pattern is real or just an illusion created by observational biases. 



Other telescopes, both space-based and ground-based, will likely be used to analyze additional galaxies.



If the pattern persists, scientists will have no choice but to rethink how the universe operates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



The James Webb Space Telescope continues to push the boundaries of what we know. Each new observation brings fresh questions.



Professor Shamir’s study is a reminder that even the simplest observations can upend decades of scientific understanding.



If the universe does have a built-in spin, it could change everything we know about cosmic evolution. If the anomaly is due to observational bias, it will still force astronomers to refine their tools and methods. 



Either way, one thing is certain: the cosmos isn’t done surprising us yet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/538/1/76/8019798?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</a>.



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Galaxies in the deep universe all rotate in the same direction, leaving scientists baffled

The universe is full of surprises, with each new discovery...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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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

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

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> 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



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

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



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

Sawtooth National Forest&nbsp;is a&nbsp;National Forest&nbsp;that covers 2,110,408 acres (854,052 ha) in the&nbsp;U.S. states&nbsp;of&nbsp;Idaho&nbsp;(~96 percent) and&nbsp;Utah&nbsp;(~4 percent). Managed by the&nbsp;U.S. Forest Service&nbsp;in the&nbsp;U.S. Department of Agriculture. Sawtooth National Forest offers facilities for recreation, with four ski areas,&nbsp;whitewater&nbsp;and&nbsp;flatwater&nbsp;boating, hunting, 81 campgrounds, and over 1,000&nbsp;mi (1,600&nbsp;km) of trails and roads for&nbsp;hiking,&nbsp;mountain biking, and&nbsp;all-terrain vehicle&nbsp;use, including two&nbsp;National Recreation Trails.&nbsp;



Sawtooth offers cabins, campgrounds, and dispersed camping. See the US Forest Service for more information.&nbsp;

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

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