Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a Copernicus Sentinel-2 photograph of Lake Maracaibo, located in the northwestern part of Venezuela. The lake is a significant geographical and ecological feature of South America. 



Lake Maracaibo is often considered more of a tidal bay due to its direct connection to the Caribbean Sea through the Tablazo Strait. It is one of the oldest lakes on Earth, formed approximately 36 million years ago.



"With an area of over 13,000 sq km, Lake Maracaibo is generally considered the largest lake in South America, although by some estimates it should be considered an inlet of the Caribbean Sea since much of its water is brought in by its direct connection to the ocean," explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"As a result, the water in the northern part of the lake is rather brackish, while the southern waters are fresh, owing to the many rivers that flow into the lake. The biggest, the Catatumbo River, can be seen entering the lake from southwest, where a large amount of sediment carried by the river appears as a yellowish plume."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-catatumbo-lightning">The Catatumbo lightning</h2>



The lake is renowned for a unique weather phenomenon - the Catatumbo lightning. This natural spectacle occurs primarily where the Catatumbo River meets the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-has-affected-almost-every-lake-in-north-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a>.



Known as the most persistent lightning storm in the world, it produces frequent and dramatic flashes of lightning, illuminating the night sky for an average of 260 nights per year.



These storms generate thousands of lightning strikes in a single night, making the region one of the most electrified places on the planet. 



The phenomenon is so intense that it has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the place with the highest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-on-earth-can-influence-the-weather-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lightning</a> activity.



Scientists believe the lightning is influenced by the area's geography and climate, including the warm air rising from the lake and its surrounding mountains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economical-significance-of-lake-maracaibo">Economical significance of Lake Maracaibo </h2>



Home to one of the world's largest oil and gas reserves, Lake Maracaibo plays an important role in Venezuela’s economy.



The discovery of petroleum in the early 20th century transformed the region into a major oil-producing area, leading to the establishment of numerous oil rigs and platforms. 



However, this economic activity has come at a cost. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-losing-their-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pollution</a> from oil spills, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff has significantly degraded the lake's ecosystem.



The appearance of a green, slimy algae known as Lemna has further exacerbated environmental concerns, threatening marine life and the livelihoods of local communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-ties-to-lake-maracaibo">Cultural ties to Lake Maracaibo </h2>



The cultural significance of Lake Maracaibo is deeply rooted in the traditions and lifestyle of the Indigenous Añu people, who have inhabited its shores for centuries. The Añu, also known as Paraujano, are known for their distinctive stilt houses, called palafitos.



These wooden structures are built directly over the water, connected by walkways or small boats, allowing the Añu to live harmoniously with their aquatic environment. The architectural style of these stilt houses inspired the early Spanish explorers to nickname the region "The Venice of the Americas."



The Añu's way of life is closely tied to the lake. They rely on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-fishing-must-be-redefined-to-halt-ocean-destruction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> as a primary source of food and income, using traditional methods passed down through generations.



For the Añu, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-significantly-impacts-lake-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> is more than a resource - it is the spiritual and cultural foundation of their identity and daily lives. However, modernization and environmental challenges have disrupted this traditional lifestyle. 



The oil industry’s expansion around Lake Maracaibo has led to significant environmental degradation, which threaten the lake's biodiversity and the Añu’s primary sources of sustenance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lake-maracaibo-and-venezuelan-history">Lake Maracaibo and Venezuelan history</h2>



Lake Maracaibo also played a pivotal role in Venezuelan history, particularly during the Battle of Lake Maracaibo in 1823. 



This naval battle was a decisive conflict in Venezuela’s war for independence from Spain and marked one of the final military engagements of the South American liberation movements led by figures like Simón Bolívar.



Today, the lake represents a remarkable blend of natural beauty, industrial significance, and cultural heritage. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-conservation-efforts">Ongoing conservation efforts </h2>



The need to protect the extraordinary environment of Lake Maracaibo is widely acknowledged. Ongoing efforts aim to harmonize ecological conservation with economic development.



Efforts to preserve the Añu culture and the lake's ecosystem have been initiated by local and international organizations. These initiatives focus on promoting sustainable development, preserving Indigenous languages and traditions, and mitigating the environmental damage caused by industrial activities. 



Despite these challenges, the Añu have shown remarkable resilience, maintaining their cultural identity and advocating for their rights and the health of their ancestral lands.



Image Credit: ESA



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Lake Maracaibo: The lightning capital of the world

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features an incredible image of the Crab Nebula in bright neon colors. 



“The unusual image was produced by combining data from telescopes spanning nearly the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to X-rays,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.&nbsp;



Colored in red, the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) provided information about the nebula gathered in the radio regime.



NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope took infrared images, which appear yellow, while the NASA/ESA <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-captures-another-cosmic-masterpiece-in-galaxy-ngc-2217/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> Space Telescope provided images made in optical wavelengths, colored in green.&nbsp;



Blue colors represent ultraviolet observations made by ESA’s XMM-Newton telescope, and the purple colors are X-ray radiation data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-about-the-crab-nebula-nbsp">About the Crab Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The Crab Nebula, located in the constellation Taurus, contains the remnants of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova explosion</a> first observed on Earth in 1054 AD. This explosion was recorded by Chinese astronomers and possibly by Native American rock art.&nbsp;



The nebula spans about 11 light-years across and lies approximately 6,500 light-years away from Earth. It is one of the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-the-mysterious-origins-of-the-crab-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studied objects</a> in the sky, largely due to its status as a bright and dynamic supernova remnant.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-crab-pulsar">The Crab Pulsar</h2>



The Crab Nebula contains a pulsar at its center, which is a rapidly rotating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-spinning-neutron-star-completely-defies-our-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron star</a> that emits pulses of radiation. This pulsar, known as the Crab Pulsar, spins about 30 times per second and is a significant source of gamma rays and other forms of high-energy radiation.&nbsp;



The nebula itself is a complex structure of filaments and synchrotron radiation. The filaments are remnants of the original star's outer layers, while the synchrotron radiation emerges from electrons spiraling in the magnetic fields produced by the pulsar.



“Surrounding the pulsar lies a mix of material; some of it was originally expelled from the star before it went supernova, and the rest was ejected during the explosion itself,” explained ESA.&nbsp;



“Fast-moving winds of particles fly off from the neutron star, energizing the dust and gas around it. These different layers and intricacies of the nebula can be observed in all of the different wavelengths of light.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crab-nebula-observations">Crab Nebula observations </h2>



Throughout its history, the Crab Nebula has provided critical insights into the processes of stellar death, the behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pulsars-are-helping-astronomers-pinpoint-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pulsars</a>, and the mechanics of supernova remnants.&nbsp;



Its continuous observation has revealed changes over time, such as the expansion of its filaments and variations in its brightness, offering a dynamic laboratory for astrophysical studies.



Overall, the Crab Nebula is a highly energetic and object, providing valuable insights into the processes following a supernova explosion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-facts-about-nebulae">Fascinating facts about nebulae</h2>



Nebulae are some of the most breathtaking and intriguing structures in the universe. They are vast clouds of gas and dust, often considered stellar nurseries where new stars are born. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colors-of-nebulae">Colors of nebulae </h3>



One of the most fascinating aspects of nebulae is their ability to glow in different colors. This occurs because they either reflect the light of nearby stars or emit light due to the ionization of gases within them, particularly hydrogen. 



Some nebulae, like the famous Orion Nebula, are visible to the naked eye and serve as one of the nearest regions of active star formation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-nebulae">Planetary nebulae </h3>



Stars are born in dense regions of nebulae, and when they die, some will expel their outer layers, creating stunning structures known as planetary nebulae. The colorful clouds left behind can shine brightly for thousands of years. 



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



Another amazing fact is that some nebulae are so vast that light can take years to travel from one side to the other, stretching across hundreds of light-years.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-remnants">Star remnants </h3>



Perhaps even more mind-boggling is the fact that nebulae are the remnants of previous generations of stars. Supernova explosions of massive stars can create these glowing clouds of gas and dust, seeding the cosmos with the elements necessary for the formation of new stars and planets.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, G. Dubner (IAFE, CONICET-University of Buenos Aires) et al.; A. Loll et al.; T. Temim et al.; F. Seward et al.; VLA/NRAO/AUI/NSF; Chandra/CXC; Spitzer/JPL-Caltech; XMM-Newton/ESA; and Hubble/STScI



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Crab Nebula: The remains of a massive star explosion

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 6744 - a large, barred spiral galaxy located approximately 30 million light-years away in the constellation Pavo.&nbsp;



The galaxy is often considered a close analog to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uma3-u1-faintest-star-system-found-orbiting-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> due to its similar structure and size, spanning about 175,000 light-years across.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-space-mission-nbsp">Euclid space mission&nbsp;</h2>



The image was captured by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid</a> space telescope. NGC 6744 stands out as a prime example of the galaxies currently forming the majority of stars in the nearby universe, making it an ideal subject for study with the Euclid mission.&nbsp;



Euclid’s extensive field-of-view allows it to capture the entire galaxy, showcasing not only its large-scale spiral structure but also revealing intricate details on smaller scales across various wavelengths. These details include feather-like dust lanes, known as “spurs,” emerging from the spiral arms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-6744">Star formation in NGC 6744</h2>



Euclid's observations enable scientists to count individual stars within NGC 6744, trace the distribution of stars and dust throughout the galaxy, and map the dust associated with the gas that fuels the development of new stars. 



<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> is a key process in the growth of galaxies, making these studies crucial for understanding galaxy evolution.



Researchers are utilizing Euclid’s data to explore the relationship between dust, gas, and star formation; to map the distribution of different stellar populations and identify regions of active star formation; and to investigate the underlying physics of spiral galaxy structures.&nbsp;



Spiral arms play a significant role in star formation by compressing gas, yet the precise mechanisms behind this process are still unclear. The presence of “spurs” along NGC 6744’s spiral arms offers valuable insights into the dynamics of star formation within these structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-new-dwarf-galaxies-nbsp">Discovering new dwarf galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



Additionally, Euclid's dataset will help scientists identify clusters of old stars (globular clusters) and discover new dwarf galaxies around NGC 6744. Remarkably, Euclid has already identified a new dwarf satellite galaxy of NGC 6744 - a surprising discovery given that the galaxy has been studied extensively.



With Euclid’s detailed observations, scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of the processes shaping galaxies, providing essential clues to the evolution and appearance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universes-expansion-rate-hubble-tension-puzzles-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-ngc-6744">More about NGC 6744</h2>



NGC 6744's disk is rich in star-forming regions and contains numerous young, bright blue stars. The galaxy's nucleus is slightly elongated and has a bar structure, which influences the motion of the stars and gas within it.&nbsp;



The spiral arms of NGC 6744 are well-defined and extend outward, wrapping around the central bar. Additionally, NGC 6744 has a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 6744A, which is interacting with it, adding to the complexity and interest of this distant system.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiral-galaxies">Spiral galaxies</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiral galaxies</a> are one of the most common types of galaxies in the universe, characterized by their distinct, spiral-shaped structure.&nbsp;



The galaxies typically consist of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, along with a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. This bulge is often surrounded by a halo of older stars.&nbsp;



The spiral arms, which extend from the central bulge, are regions of active star formation and are rich in young, hot stars, giving them a bright, bluish appearance.&nbsp;



These arms are also sites where interstellar gas and dust are concentrated, leading to the formation of new stars.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on the tightness of their spirals and the size of their central bulge, with classifications ranging from tightly wound arms in Sa galaxies to more loosely wound arms in Sc galaxies. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, our home galaxy, is a prime example of a spiral galaxy.



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



Pavo, which means "peacock" in Latin, is a constellation in the southern sky. It was named by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius in the late 16th century, based on observations made during the Dutch explorations of the southern hemisphere. 



Pavo is one of the 12 constellations created by Plancius from the records of explorers Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman. 



The constellation is known for its distinctive shape, resembling a peacock with a long, curved tail. Pavo is not visible from most of the northern hemisphere, but it can be seen from the southern hemisphere, particularly during the winter months.



The constellation contains several interesting celestial objects, including the star Peacock, also known as Alpha Pavonis, which is the brightest star in the constellation. This star is a blue-white subgiant located about 179 light-years from Earth.



Image Credit: <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA&nbsp;



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Spiral galaxy NGC 6744 in the constellation Pavo

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. It is one of the world's longest glaciers outside of the polar regions.&nbsp;



“An astronaut aboard the International Space Station took this photo of glaciers in the high-elevation valleys of the Pamir Mountains of Central Asia. The upper portion of Fedchenko Glacier crosses the center of the scene.”



NASA noted that most of the larger glaciers in the image show a prominent pattern of light- and dark-brown parallel lines.&nbsp;



“The darker ‘streamlines,’ known as medial moraines, give a sense of the direction of flow of the ice down the valleys. These are concentrations of debris that has been eroded by the glacier from the adjacent mountainsides or a rocky outcrop,” said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fedchenko-a-high-altitude-glacier">Fedchenko: A high-altitude glacier</h2>



Fedchenko Glacier stretches for approximately 48 miles and covers an area of around 270 square miles. This massive glacier is a critical source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-a-sudden-drop-in-global-freshwater-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater</a>, feeding several rivers and influencing the region's hydrology.



Fedchenko Glacier lies at high altitudes, with its origins in the high peaks of the Pamirs, where snow accumulates heavily. Despite being situated in a relatively arid region, the glacier's significant size and volume are maintained by substantial snowfall.&nbsp;



Named after Alexei Pavlovich Fedchenko, a Russian explorer and naturalist, the glacier was first surveyed in 1928 during Soviet-era expeditions. It plays a crucial role in climate studies, as changes in its length and mass provide insights into the effects of global warming in Central Asia.&nbsp;



The glacier is also part of a spectacular and remote landscape, surrounded by towering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-preferred-the-mountains-and-it-changed-our-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a> and rugged terrain, making it a key feature of the Pamirs' natural beauty.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-glaciers-worldwide">Threats to glaciers worldwide</h2>



Like many glaciers worldwide, Fedchenko faces the threat of retreat due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peru-has-lost-over-half-of-its-glaciers-in-six-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>, raising concerns about water availability and ecosystem changes in the region.



Rising global temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of glacier melting. Warmer temperatures not only melt glacier surfaces but also increase the flow of meltwater beneath them, accelerating their disintegration.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activities-and-pollution-nbsp">Human activities and pollution&nbsp;</h3>



Deforestation and urbanization exacerbate these effects by reducing reflective snow cover and increasing heat absorption in nearby areas.&nbsp;



Airborne pollutants like soot and black carbon darken glacier surfaces, reducing their ability to reflect sunlight and speeding up the rate of melting. 



Industrial activities and tourism in glacier regions add physical stress and pollution, further degrading these fragile ecosystems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-supplies">Water supplies</h3>



The loss of glaciers has far-reaching consequences. It disrupts freshwater supplies for millions of people who depend on glacial runoff for drinking water, agriculture, and hydropower.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-sea-levels">Rising sea levels</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-unleash-invasive-species-into-unexpected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Melting glaciers</a> contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems worldwide. Additionally, the loss of glaciers impacts biodiversity, as many species rely on cold, glacial habitats for survival.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-glaciers">Protecting glaciers</h3>



Efforts to mitigate these threats focus on reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-hidden-sources-of-greenhouse-gases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas</a> emissions, protecting glacier regions from industrial exploitation, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.&nbsp;



However, without urgent action, the continued decline of glaciers will have profound implications for the planet's climate, water systems, and ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pamir-mountains-nbsp">The Pamir Mountains&nbsp;</h2>



The Pamir Mountains, often called the "Roof of the World," are a vast and rugged mountain range located in Central Asia.&nbsp;



They span across Tajikistan, Afghanistan, China, and Kyrgyzstan, forming a vital part of the junction where the Himalayas, the Tian Shan, the Karakoram, the Kunlun, and the Hindu Kush converge.&nbsp;



With peaks soaring over 7,000 meters, including Ismoil Somoni Peak, the range is home to some of the highest altitudes on Earth.



The Pamir Mountains have been central to trade and cultural exchange for centuries, serving as a critical segment of the ancient Silk Road.&nbsp;



Today, the mountains are a popular destination for trekkers and explorers drawn by their breathtaking beauty and challenging terrain.



The Pamirs are not only a natural wonder but also a biological treasure trove, supporting unique wildlife that is adapted to extreme altitudes.&nbsp;



Culturally, the mountains are home to diverse communities, each with its unique traditions and ways of life, shaped by the harsh but majestic environment.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a satellite view of retreating glaciers in Alaska, where meltwater is rapidly expanding glacial lakes. The image was captured on August 4, 2024 by the Landsat 8 satellite.



“In parts of Alaska, water is replacing ice. As glaciers thin and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-images-reveal-hidden-retreat-of-arctic-glaciers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">retreat</a>, meltwater collects at their fronts, forming proglacial lakes. According to an analysis by Mauri Pelto, a glaciologist at Nichols College, three such lakes in the southeastern part of the state have grown rapidly in recent decades,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-retreating-glaciers-in-alaska">Retreating glaciers in Alaska</h2>



“A trio of glaciers - Yakutat, Alsek, and Grand Plateau - descend from inland mountains and flow onto the coastal plain southeast of Yakutat borough, ending at Harlequin Lake, Alsek Lake, and Grand Plateau Lake,” noted NASA.&nbsp;



The retreat of the glaciers, as well as the growth of the lakes, are visible in the image. When compared to an <a href="https://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/153000/153638/fastestlake_tm5_19840705_lrg.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">image</a> captured by Landsat 5 in the summer of 1984, the changes are even more evident.



NASA elaborated on the extent of the glacier retreat from 1984 to 2024. “During this period, Yakutat Glacier’s main arm retreated 4.3 miles, while Alsek Glacier’s northern and southern arms retreated 3.3 miles and 3.4 miles, respectively. Grand Plateau Glacier’s northern arm lost the most, retreating 4.8 miles.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-lakes-doubled-in-size-nbsp">Glacial lakes doubled in size&nbsp;</h2>



“Collectively, the three lakes more than doubled in size over 40 years. In 1984, they covered about 50 square miles. By 2024, they spanned 90 square miles. That’s an area larger than Seneca Lake (67 square miles) - one of the Finger Lakes in New York, which also have a glacial origin,” said NASA.



Pelto noted that the lakes forming in this region are immense - starting at the mountains and spreading toward the coast - making this a new lake district that is unique in our nation.



“Millions of other lakes, named and unnamed, dot the state. But this system has grown fast, so much so that Pelto thinks it might represent the fastest lake growth in the United States this century,” said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-glacier-retreat-nbsp">Understanding glacier retreat&nbsp;</h2>



Glacier retreat is a significant phenomenon driven primarily by global warming the results from rising greenhouse gas <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>.&nbsp;



As temperatures rise, glaciers lose more ice during the summer melt than they can regain in winter snowfall, causing them to shrink over time. This process has profound implications for ecosystems, water resources, and global sea levels.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-lakes">Glacial lakes</h3>



When glaciers retreat, they often leave behind depressions in the landscape that can fill with meltwater, forming glacial lakes. These lakes are typically bounded by natural dams made of rock, ice, or moraine - accumulations of debris left behind by the glacier's movement.&nbsp;



Over the past century, the number and size of glacial lakes worldwide have increased significantly due to the accelerating pace of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-glaciers-offer-a-glimpse-of-our-harsh-climate-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> retreat. This trend is especially evident in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas, the Andes, and the Alps, as well as in polar areas such as Alaska and Greenland.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-positive-and-negative-impacts-nbsp">Positive and negative impacts&nbsp;</h3>



Glacial lakes can have both positive and negative impacts. They provide critical water sources for downstream communities, support biodiversity, and sometimes offer opportunities for hydropower development or tourism.&nbsp;



However, they also pose serious risks. The dams holding back these lakes can fail suddenly, causing glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). These catastrophic events can devastate downstream areas, destroying infrastructure, agricultural lands, and habitats while endangering human lives.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-changes">Monitoring changes</h3>



Understanding glacier retreat and glacial lake formation requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining climate science, hydrology, and geology.&nbsp;



Monitoring these changes is essential to mitigate associated risks and adapt to the evolving landscape shaped by a <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fperu-has-lost-over-half-of-its-glaciers-in-six-decades%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming planet</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacier-retreat-worldwide">Glacier retreat worldwide</h2>



Studies and satellite observations show that most glaciers in almost all regions of the world are shrinking.&nbsp;



Melting glaciers contribute significantly to global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emergency-meeting-reveals-the-alarming-extent-of-antarcticas-ice-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a>, which threatens coastal communities and ecosystems.



The retreat of glaciers is considered one of the clearest indicators of climate change.&nbsp;Some glaciers are retreating at unprecedented rates, indicating accelerating climate impacts.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Retreating glaciers and expanding meltwater lakes in Alaska

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency (ESA) features the distant galaxy LEDA 22057, which is located about 650 million light-years away in the constellation Gemini. 



Within the galaxy lies a pale blue dot - SN 2024PI, a supernova explosion that was discovered by an automated survey in January 2024.



“The survey covers the entire northern half of the night sky every two days and has cataloged more than 10,000 supernovae,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/01/Pale_blue_supernova_dot" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The supernova is visible in this image: located just down and to the right of the galactic nucleus, the pale blue dot of SN 2024PI stands out against the galaxy’s ghostly spiral arms.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-remnants-of-a-supernova-nbsp">The remnants of a supernova&nbsp;</h2>



ESA noted that the image was taken about a month and a half after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shockingly-bright-carbon-monoxide-detected-in-supernova-remnant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> was discovered, so it appears many times fainter than its maximum brilliance.



“SN 2024PI is classified as a Type Ia supernova. This type of supernova requires a remarkable object called a white dwarf, the crystallized core of a star with a mass less than about eight times the mass of the Sun,” explained ESA.



“When a star of this size uses up the supply of hydrogen in its core, it balloons into a red giant, becoming cool, puffy and luminous. Over time, pulsations and stellar winds cause the star to shed its outer layers, leaving behind a white dwarf and a colorful planetary nebula.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fate-of-white-dwarfs">The fate of white dwarfs</h2>



Most stars in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> will eventually end their lives as white dwarfs. Whether a star becomes a white dwarf depends on its mass.&nbsp;



Stars that are significantly more massive will end their lives differently. Massive stars - which exceed the critical mass threshold of eight times the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/team-creates-video-showing-the-sun-in-gamma-rays-over-a-14-year-period/">Sun</a> - undergo more violent deaths.&nbsp;



After exhausting their nuclear fuel, they can collapse under their immense gravity and trigger a supernova explosion. Depending on the remaining core mass, they may leave behind either a neutron star or a black hole, rather than a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hungry-white-dwarf-stars-eat-heavy-metals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a>.&nbsp;



These remnants represent extreme outcomes of stellar evolution and are fundamentally different from white dwarfs.



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



Gemini is one of the twelve zodiac constellations located in the northern celestial hemisphere.&nbsp;



Its name means "twins" in Latin, reflecting its representation of the mythological twins Castor and Pollux from Greek and Roman mythology.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-of-gemini">Stars of Gemini</h3>



The stars Castor and Pollux, which form the heads of the twins, are the brightest stars in Gemini and are key to its identification.&nbsp;



Pollux is a bright orange giant star, while Castor is a multiple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-found-in-the-habitable-zone-of-a-binary-star-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star system</a> made up of six stars.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neighboring-constellations">Neighboring constellations</h3>



Gemini lies between Taurus to the west and Cancer to the east, and it is bordered by several other constellations, including Orion to the south.



It is most visible in the night sky during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in January and February.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-gemini">Significance of Gemini</h3>



The constellation is part of the ecliptic, the path that the Sun appears to take through the sky, making it significant in both astronomy and astrology.



Astronomically, Gemini is home to several interesting deep-sky objects, including the open star cluster M35, which is easily visible with binoculars or a small telescope.&nbsp;



The constellation also contains several stars and stellar systems of interest, such as variable stars and binary systems.



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



In Greek mythology, Castor and Pollux were the sons of Leda, but they had different fathers - Castor was mortal, while Pollux was divine, being the son of Zeus.&nbsp;



Their story is one of loyalty and brotherhood, as Pollux begged Zeus to share his immortality with Castor after his brother's death. As a result, Zeus placed them in the sky as the constellation Gemini, symbolizing their eternal bond.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-culture">Modern culture</h3>



In modern culture, Gemini continues to be associated with duality, adaptability, and communication in astrology.&nbsp;



The constellation also holds significance in space science, lending its name to NASA's Gemini program in the 1960s. This program conducted critical missions that paved the way for the Apollo moon landings.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Supernova explosion captured in the constellation Gemini 

Shenandoah National Park&nbsp;is an American&nbsp;national park&nbsp;that encompasses part of the&nbsp;Blue Ridge Mountains&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Commonwealth of Virginia.&nbsp;The park is long and narrow, with the&nbsp;Shenandoah River&nbsp;and its broad&nbsp;valley&nbsp;to the west, and the rolling hills of the&nbsp;Virginia Piedmont&nbsp;to the east.&nbsp;Skyline Drive&nbsp;is the main park road, generally traversing near the ridgeline of the mountains. Almost 40% of the land area—79,579 acres (124.3&nbsp;sq&nbsp;mi; 322.0&nbsp;km2)—has been designated as&nbsp;wilderness&nbsp;and is protected as part of the&nbsp;National Wilderness Preservation System. The highest peak is&nbsp;Hawksbill Mountain&nbsp;at 4,051 feet.



Shenandoah National Park campgrounds are open seasonally, from early spring until late fall.&nbsp;Reservations are highly recommended on weekends and holidays. Many sites can be reserved 6 months ahead of time. A free backcountry camping permit is required to camp in Shenandoah's backcountry.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Five million years ago, one of the most spectacular events in Earth's history unfolded as a massive flood refilled the Mediterranean Sea. This wasn't a typical flood - it was a colossal surge of water that transformed a vast salt desert into the blue waters we know today.



The Zanclean Megaflood, a massive influx of water, ended the Messinian Salinity Crisis, a period during which the Mediterranean Sea had largely evaporated, leaving behind vast salt flats. 



This transformative flood, occurring between 5.97 and 5.33 million years ago, refilled the basin in a dramatic and rapid event, challenging long-held scientific theories.



An international team of researchers, including scientists from the University of Southampton, has now identified a series of geological features in Southeast Sicily that point to the reality of this megaflood. 



The findings offer the most detailed and convincing evidence yet of one of the largest floods in Earth's history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-end-of-the-messinian-salinity-crisis">End of the Messinian Salinity Crisis</h2>



Before the Zanclean Megaflood, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mediterranean-nearly-lost-all-of-its-water-6-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean</a> was unrecognizable compared to today. During the Messinian Salinity Crisis, the Mediterranean Sea became isolated from the Atlantic Ocean. 



Without a constant influx of water, it began to evaporate under the intense heat, leaving behind thick salt deposits and transforming the region into an arid wasteland. The loss of water reshaped the entire landscape, creating vast salt plains and deep canyons.



For years, scientists believed that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-whales-epic-voyage-exposes-perils-of-the-mediterranean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean</a> refilled gradually over approximately 10,000 years. This view suggested that small, sustained breaches in natural barriers allowed water to trickle back into the basin, slowly restoring the sea. 



However, in 2009, researchers discovered an erosion channel stretching from the Gulf of Cadiz to the Alboran Sea. This discovery suggested that the refilling was not a slow process but rather a single, massive flood event lasting between two and sixteen years.



The latest research, published in the journal&nbsp;Communications Earth &amp; Environment, provides further confirmation that the refilling of the Mediterranean was anything but gradual. Instead, it was a catastrophic event of unimaginable scale, reshaping the Mediterranean landscape in a matter of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-flood-in-the-mediterranean">Massive flood in the Mediterranean</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
“The Zanclean megaflood was an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, with discharge rates and flow velocities dwarfing any other known floods in Earth’s history. Our research provides the most compelling evidence yet of this extraordinary event,” noted Dr. Aaron Micallef, lead author of the study and a researcher at the <a href="https://www.mbari.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute</a>.
</blockquote>



To understand just how enormous this flood was, researchers estimate that it had a discharge rate of between 68 and 100 Sverdrups (Sv), with one Sv equal to one million cubic meters of water per second. 



By comparison, the combined discharge of all modern rivers on Earth is approximately one Sverdrup. This means the Zanclean Megaflood involved an amount of water far exceeding anything seen in recorded history.



The force of this flood was enough to carve deep channels, erode solid rock formations, and transport vast amounts of sediment across the region. Scientists now believe that this event fundamentally altered the geography of the Mediterranean, leaving behind geological scars that persist to this day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flood-clues-beneath-the-mediterranean">Flood clues beneath the Mediterranean</h2>



To uncover the full impact of the Zanclean Megaflood, researchers examined over 300 streamlined ridges across the Sicily Sill, a submerged land bridge that once divided the Mediterranean’s western and eastern basins. These ridges provide clear evidence of large-scale, turbulent water flow.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
"The morphology of these ridges is compatible with erosion by large-scale, turbulent water flow with a predominantly north easterly direction. They reveal the immense power of the Zanclean Megaflood and how it reshaped the landscape, leaving lasting imprints on the geological record," explained study co-author Professor Paul Carling of the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a>.
</blockquote>



By studying these ridges, scientists found that they were topped with a layer of rocky debris. This debris consisted of material eroded from the ridge flanks and surrounding regions, indicating it had been deposited suddenly and with immense force. 



Importantly, this sediment layer aligns with the transition from the Messinian to the Zanclean period, providing further confirmation that the flood occurred at this critical juncture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-w-shaped-channel">Role of W-shaped channel</h2>



A crucial piece of evidence came from seismic reflection data, a technique that uses sound waves to create images of subsurface geological formations. This method revealed a previously unknown “W-shaped channel” on the continental shelf east of the Sicily Sill.



This channel, carved deep into the seabed, appears to have played a vital role in directing floodwaters toward the Noto Canyon, a deep underwater valley in the eastern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-invasive-crustacean-species-discovered-in-the-mediterranean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean</a>. 



The shape and location of the channel suggest it functioned like a giant funnel, helping to transport the enormous volume of water into the deeper sections of the sea.



Computer models developed by the research team simulated the likely behavior of the floodwaters. The results showed that as the flood progressed, water flow intensified, reaching speeds of up to 32 meters per second (72 miles per hour). 



This powerful current deepened channels, eroded rock formations, and transported sediment over vast distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lasting-impact-of-the-megaflood">Lasting impact of the megaflood</h2>



Dr. Micallef highlights the significance of these findings, not just for understanding the Mediterranean’s past but for studying large-scale floods on Earth and other planets.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
“These findings not only shed light on a critical moment in Earth’s geological history but also demonstrate the persistence of landforms over five million years. It opens the door to further research along the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-ocean-warming-in-2024-is-a-warning-for-our-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean margins</a>.”
</blockquote>



The research highlights the long-lasting impact of the Zanclean Megaflood. Even millions of years later, its effects remain visible in the Mediterranean’s underwater topography. 



Understanding how such catastrophic floods shape landscapes can provide valuable insights into similar events that may have occurred on Mars or other planetary bodies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-chapter-in-earth-s-history">New chapter in Earth’s history</h2>



The Zanclean Megaflood is now recognized as one of the most significant flooding events in Earth’s history. 



This research, supported by the <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Geographic Society</a>, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, redefines how scientists understand the Mediterranean’s transformation.



By combining geological surveys, numerical modeling, and seismic imaging, researchers have reconstructed a detailed picture of this catastrophic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/40-percent-of-earths-land-has-became-permanently-drier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">event</a>. 



The findings challenge previous assumptions and open new avenues for exploring past megafloods and their role in shaping the planet.



The study is published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01972-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>&nbsp;and is available online.



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Massive flood refilled the Mediterranean Sea millions of years ago

Five million years ago, one of the most spectacular events...

A spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) has been documented in Egypt for the first time in over 5,000 years. This lone individual was caught and killed by locals in the Elba Protected Area, a remote region in southeastern Egypt about 30 km from the Sudanese border. 



The discovery, detailed in a recent&nbsp;Mammalia&nbsp;journal publication, challenges long-standing beliefs about the species’ historical range and survival in North Africa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-egypt-s-long-history-without-hyenas">Egypt’s long history without hyenas</h2>



For centuries, spotted hyenas have been absent from Egypt, with their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-animal-day-2024-building-a-legacy-of-compassion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a> thought to be confined to sub-Saharan Africa.



Occasional reports hinted at their presence, but no verifiable records existed. That changed in February 2024, when local pastoralists encountered the hyena after it killed two of their goats.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
“My first reaction was disbelief until I checked the photos and videos of the remains. Seeing the evidence, I was completely taken aback. It was beyond anything we had expected to find in Egypt,” noted Dr. Abdullah Nagy, the lead author of the study from <a href="https://azhar.edu.eg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Al Azhar University</a>.
</blockquote>



This unexpected sighting forces researchers to reconsider the distribution of spotted hyenas, raising critical questions about the animal’s movement patterns, the environmental factors influencing its migration, and the possibility of further incursions into Egypt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-the-hyena-travel-so-far-north">How did the hyena travel so far north?</h2>



One of the biggest mysteries surrounding this discovery is how the hyena managed to travel&nbsp;500 km north of its known range in Sudan. 



Spotted hyenas are highly adaptable predators and scavengers, capable of traveling up to 27 km per day in search of food. However, moving such a vast distance into a region where they have not been recorded for millennia suggests a significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lion-numbers-have-reached-a-critical-low-in-uganda/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecological shift</a>.



To explore possible explanations, researchers analyzed Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data from satellite images spanning from 1984 to 2022. 



NDVI is an indicator of vegetation health and density, which in turn reflects precipitation and grazing conditions. The study revealed striking trends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-alters-migration-paths">Climate change alters migration paths</h2>



Over the past four decades, the region has experienced&nbsp;prolonged droughts interspersed with relatively wet periods. 



However, the last five years - between 2019 and 2024 - showed a marked increase in NDVI values compared to the previous two decades. This suggests that increased rainfall has led to improved grazing conditions, potentially supporting a larger prey base for carnivores.



Dr. Nagy suggested that this changing landscape may have created a corridor for the hyena’s migration.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
“The fact that the corridor area has become less <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancestors-of-giant-pandas-had-a-completely-different-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmentally harsh</a>, offering easier passage along ‘the highway,’ may explain how the hyena reached this far north. However, the motivation for its extensive journey into Egypt is still a mystery that demands further research,” Dr. Nagy said.
</blockquote>



The possibility that climate change is reshaping wildlife movement patterns is a significant area of concern. If these climatic shifts continue, Egypt may witness more unexpected wildlife appearances in the coming years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-fatal-encounter-in-wadi-yahmib">A fatal encounter in Wadi Yahmib</h2>



The hyena’s journey into Egypt ultimately ended in a deadly conflict with humans. In February 2024, it entered Wadi Yahmib, a remote part of the Elba Protected Area, and preyed on two goats belonging to local pastoralists. 



The livestock depredation prompted an immediate response from herders, who are experienced trackers and intimately familiar with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammoth-remains-found-in-deadly-quicksand-trap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> in their region.



Determined to eliminate the threat, they&nbsp;pursued the hyena&nbsp;over rugged terrain, eventually running it down with a&nbsp;pickup truck on February 24, 2024. The body was left for scavengers after it was photographed and geolocated, allowing researchers to confirm its identity and document the unprecedented sighting.



This event highlights the ongoing&nbsp;human-wildlife conflict&nbsp;in rural regions. Unlike in parts of the Horn of Africa, where communities have a long history of coexisting with spotted hyenas, Egyptian herders have no experience dealing with this species. 



Their livelihoods depend on livestock, and any predator that threatens their animals is viewed as a direct economic threat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-could-more-hyenas-be-heading-to-egypt">Could more hyenas be heading to Egypt?</h2>



The presence of a spotted hyena so far north raises the question of whether this was a&nbsp;one-time event&nbsp;or the beginning of a larger trend. Scientists speculate that the combination of&nbsp;climate change, shifting pastoralist practices, and political instability in Sudan&nbsp;could contribute to increased movement of hyenas into Egypt.



The Elba Protected Area, where the hyena was discovered, is&nbsp;Egypt’s most floristically diverse region, with unique environmental conditions that may attract more wildlife in the future. Researchers note that this is not the first case of a large predator appearing in the region. 



In 2014, a&nbsp;male leopard (Panthera pardus) was killed&nbsp;in southeastern Egypt after it preyed on livestock. This suggests that the region may still function as a migration corridor for carnivores, despite centuries of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/surprising-number-of-hyenas-are-killed-by-vehicles-every-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decline in their populations</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-grazing-patterns">Role of grazing patterns</h2>



One possible factor influencing the hyena’s movement is&nbsp;livestock grazing patterns. In recent years, local herders have shifted toward&nbsp;free-range grazing, allowing their animals to move across wider areas instead of confining them to specific enclosures. 



This change, combined with improved rainfall and vegetation, may have created a more favorable landscape for predators like hyenas.



Additionally, nearby human settlements, including&nbsp;a slaughterhouse in the town of Shalatin, could serve as an attraction for scavengers. 



Scavengers such as Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus) and lappet-faced vultures (Torgos tracheliotos) have already been observed frequenting the area, suggesting that spotted hyenas may also have been drawn to human-related food sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-will-hyenas-establish-in-egypt-again">Will hyenas establish in Egypt again?</h2>



Despite the favorable environmental conditions, scientists believe that&nbsp;spotted hyenas are unlikely to establish a permanent population in Egypt&nbsp;due to intense human persecution. 



Large predators are already rare in the country, and any attempt to recolonize former habitats would likely face strong resistance from local communities.



Spotted hyenas have a long history of adapting to human-altered landscapes - sometimes even increasing their populations in areas where they scavenge on waste. However, in regions where they are seen as threats rather than ecological contributors, they are often killed before they can establish a foothold.



The study suggests that&nbsp;conservationists should monitor hyena movements and reassess their conservation status in response to changing climate conditions. 



Spotted hyenas are already listed as a species of&nbsp;Least Concern&nbsp;by the IUCN Red List, but their ability to expand into new territories may require new considerations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-chapter-for-egyptian-wildlife">A new chapter for Egyptian wildlife</h2>



The discovery of a&nbsp;spotted hyena in Egypt after 5,000 years&nbsp;is a remarkable ecological event that highlights the&nbsp;dynamic relationship between climate change, human activity, and wildlife movement. 



Whether this was an isolated occurrence or the&nbsp;beginning of a larger pattern&nbsp;remains to be seen, but the evidence suggests that Egypt’s wildlife landscape is evolving.



This event also serves as a reminder that nature is constantly adapting to environmental changes. The return of a predator long thought extinct in the region may be a sign of deeper ecological shifts that scientists must continue to investigate.



For now, the mystery of Egypt’s wandering hyena remains unsolved. But as researchers dig deeper into the factors influencing its journey, the world may soon learn whether Egypt is witnessing the start of a wildlife resurgence - or just an unusual anomaly in the shifting sands of time.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/mammalia-2024-0031/html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mammalia</a>.



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Spotted hyena returns to Egypt after 5,000 years

A spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) has been documented in Egypt...

Climate patterns in the Arctic have been shifting in ways that many researchers find concerning, and thawing permafrost now stands out as a major issue in these far-northern regions.



Permafrost is ground that has been frozen for at least two years, and often for centuries or millennia. The frozen ground underpins roads, buildings, and other infrastructure, supporting entire communities. If this foundation disappears too quickly, about three million people could be in harm’s way.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-permafrost-is-melting-faster-than-ever">Permafrost is melting faster than ever</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/permafrost-is-becoming-a-source-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Permafrost</a> extends across large parts of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Russia, and Nordic countries. As global temperatures climb, this soil is warming faster than predicted in the past.&nbsp;



There is now growing <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/srocc/chapter/chapter-3-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concern</a> about the release of carbon dioxide and methane, which contribute to heat-trapping greenhouse effects in Earth's atmosphere.



Beyond this, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01883-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new research</a> indicates that local economies and health systems in Arctic communities may also be at risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-millions-at-risk-from-melting-permafrost">Millions at risk from melting permafrost </h2>



Study co-director Susanna Gartler, an anthropologist at the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a>, has been working with an international team of experts to investigate how melting permafrost could alter daily life in the Arctic.&nbsp;



This project involved engineers, physicists, environmental scientists, social scientists, and health experts from the University of Vienna, the <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danish Technical University</a>, and <a href="https://www.umu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umea University</a>.



The research, conducted between 2017 and 2023, focused on four <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thawing-permafrost-may-release-billions-of-tons-of-carbon-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> regions: Longyearbyen (Svalbard, Norway), Avannaata (Greenland), the Beaufort Sea region with the Mackenzie River Delta (Canada), and the Bulunskiy district of the Sakha Republic (Russia).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-infrastructure-is-feeling-the-heat">Infrastructure is feeling the heat</h2>



One of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-wildfires-will-drastically-intensify-as-permafrost-thaws/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">central hazards</a> identified by the team is the potential failure of buildings, roads, and other structures that were not built to handle shifting ground. The once-stable frozen ground is weakening, leading to cracked foundations in coastal and river areas.&nbsp;



“I have a camp by the river. This summer, a large piece of land next to my cabin broke off and plunged into the river. It’s scary,” said one resident. Some deltas have lost entire swaths of land in a single night, increasing the burden on local communities.



Thawing ground does more than rattle building foundations. It can also disrupt transit routes used for delivering food, medical equipment, and other goods. Snow-covered roads that used to be passable throughout winter might now become muddy quagmires, limiting access to certain villages for months.&nbsp;



Airstrips that rely on solid ground may also sink, forcing planes to divert. In areas that are dependent on seasonal hunting and fishing, even the simplest supply run could become a major hurdle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns-over-water-and-food">Concerns over water and food</h2>



Residents in some communities, such as Longyearbyen, are concerned about water shortages and contamination. 



The <a href="https://www.nve.no/om-nve/nves-listefoerte-kulturminner/dammer/isdammen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Isdammen dam</a>, constructed on Arctic permafrost, faces the risk of collapse as the ground continues to thaw. Residents fear that contamination from new ground movements could seep into the drinking supply.&nbsp;



In parts of Canada, fishing and hunting cabins are harder to access when the ground changes, which complicates food availability. Mudslides, known as thaw slumps, can appear at random.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contaminants-and-infectious-agents">Contaminants and infectious agents </h2>



Researchers warn that thawing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-permafrost-melt-devastating-role-accelerating-global-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> permafrost can expose contaminants and infectious agents that have been locked away in cold storage. Oil and gas waste, once buried deep, could now potentially leak into local waterways. 



Decades ago, many industries assumed the soil would stay frozen indefinitely, so disposal pits were left in the ground. Similar worries apply to certain bacterial or viral pathogens that could awaken as temperatures rise.&nbsp;



This heightened exposure to potential diseases highlights the pressure on health infrastructures in remote Arctic towns and settlements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-permafrost-collapse-in-the-arctic">Addressing permafrost collapse in the Arctic</h2>



Scientists involved in the <a href="https://nunataryuk.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nunataryuk project </a>have flagged multiple issues for policymakers to tackle. They emphasize the need for immediate local adaptation - from stabilizing roads to designing new water and waste systems. 



Ongoing work, such as the follow-up initiative called <a href="https://illuq.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ILLUQ</a>, is exploring links between permafrost loss, community well-being, and environmental pollution.&nbsp;



The hope is that with improved knowledge, small communities will have more tools to prepare for sudden changes, and larger governments will reconsider how to manage industrial operations, food security programs, and long-term infrastructure planning in these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-permafrost-thaw-in-alaska-threatens-global-climate-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vulnerable areas</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01883-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth and Environment</a>.



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Permafrost is no longer permanent: Arctic communities in danger

Climate patterns in the Arctic have been shifting in ways...

Astronomers have long sought to find the origin of the building blocks of life, and how elements like carbon, which are essential for life, spread across the universe. 



Recent findings using data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have unveiled a fascinating process in action. 



In the Milky Way, 5,000 light-years away, two massive stars in the Wolf-Rayet 140 system are spewing out massive amounts of carbon-rich dust.



This process provides valuable insight into the origin of elements that are necessary for the formation of new stars and planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-and-carbon-dust">Stars and carbon dust</h2>



In the Wolf-Rayet 140 system, two massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-reveal-the-first-detailed-image-of-a-dying-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> orbit each other in stretched-out, oval-shaped paths called elongated orbits. 



Every eight years, their orbits bring them close together. During these close approaches, the powerful winds from each star crash into one another. This collision compresses the materials in the winds, creating dust particles that are rich in carbon.



The carbon-rich dust doesn’t stay near the stars. Instead, it forms into expanding shells that spread outward into space. 



These shells are visible because of the James Webb Space Telescope's ability to observe mid-infrared light, which highlights cooler materials like this dust. This discovery allows astronomers to track how the dust forms and spreads.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-movement-of-carbon-dust-shells">Movement of carbon dust shells</h2>



“The telescope not only confirmed that these dust shells are real, its data also showed that the dust shells are moving outward at consistent velocities, revealing visible changes over incredibly short periods of time,” said Emma Lieb, a doctoral student and lead author of the study.



Amazingly, the dust shells created by the stars in Wolf-Rayet 140 expand at an incredible speed of over 1,600 miles (2,500 kilometers) per second, which is almost 1% of the speed of light. 



This rapid expansion is extraordinary, as most changes in space occur over much longer timescales.



The <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> has identified 17 distinct shells of dust, each representing a moment when the stars' close encounters produced new material. 



These shells span over 130 years, showing the consistent and ongoing process of dust creation.



However, many older shells may have already dispersed into space and become too faint to detect. Thousands more are expected to form as this process continues over time.



“We are used to thinking about events in space taking place slowly, over millions or billions of years. In this system, the observatory is showing that the dust shells are expanding from one year to the next,” remarked Jennifer Hoffman, a co-author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-dust-seeds-stars-and-planets">Carbon dust seeds stars and planets</h2>



These carbon-rich dust particles vary in structure, either forming amorphous clouds as large as our solar system or floating individually.



“Mid-infrared observations are absolutely crucial for this analysis, since the dust in this system is fairly cool. Near-infrared and visible light would only show the shells that are closest to the star,” noted Ryan Lau, a co-author of the study.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Wolf-Rayet-140_dust-shells_time-lapse_Webb_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Wolf-Rayet-140_dust-shells_time-lapse_Webb_NASA_1s.webp" alt="The dust is racing away from the central stars at almost 1% the speed of light and no longer lines up in the third image. When the winds of the massive stars, which are buried within the white central region in the first and second images, collide and that material compresses, it forms carbon-rich dust that moves away from the stars. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI" class="wp-image-1956620"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The dust is racing away from the central stars at almost 1% the speed of light and no longer lines up in the third image. When the winds of the massive stars, which are buried within the white central region in the first and second images, collide and that material compresses, it forms carbon-rich dust that moves away from the stars. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI</figcaption></figure>



The dust generated by Wolf-Rayet 140 might eventually contribute to the formation of new stars and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-planet-system-hd110067-discovered-that-moves-in-perfect-mathematical-harmony/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets in the galaxy</a>. 



“We know carbon is necessary for the formation of rocky planets and solar systems like ours,” Hoffman added. 



“It’s exciting to get a glimpse into how binary star <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">systems</a> not only create carbon-rich dust, but also propel it into our galactic neighborhood.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-wolf-rayet-140">Future of Wolf-Rayet 140</h2>



The Wolf-Rayet star in the Wolf-Rayet 140 system is approaching the end of its life, a phase that brings significant cosmic consequences. 



Being more than ten times the mass of the Sun, this star's immense size and energy will determine how it ends its days.



One possible outcome is a supernova explosion, a dramatic and powerful event that could completely disrupt the surrounding environment. 



If this happens, the carbon-rich dust shells that the star has been producing might be scattered across space, potentially contributing to the formation of new stars and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-planets-formed-in-the-harsh-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a> elsewhere.



The other possibility is that the star will collapse under its own force of gravity to form a black hole. If this occurs, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-diamond-dust-reverse-global-warming-and-cool-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust</a> shells already created would likely remain intact, preserving a unique snapshot of the star’s legacy in the cosmos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-have-we-learned">What have we learned?</h2>



This dual possibility highlights the profound impact such massive stars can have on their surroundings and on the future of the materials they produce.



“A major question in astronomy is, where does all the dust in the universe come from? If carbon-rich dust like this survives, it could help us begin to answer that question,” Lau noted.



The James Webb Space Telescope continues to provide unparalleled insights into the cosmos. As it peers into the origins of elements and celestial structures, it brings humanity closer to understanding our place in the universe.



The study is published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad9aa9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>.



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Webb finds hidden carbon factories in these massive dust rings

Astronomers have long sought to find the origin of the...

The morning ritual of walking the dog might be more than just a daily chore for older adults. New research from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin has revealed the significant benefits of regular dog walking for older adults.



The researchers found that walking a dog frequently can improve mobility, reduce the risk of falls, and lower the fear of falling - an important factor in maintaining independence and quality of life as people age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-falls-major-concern-for-older-adults">Falls: Major concern for older adults</h2>



Falls are a leading cause of hospital admissions among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-all-aging-cells-are-bad-some-help-to-heal-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older people</a> and the most common cause of accidental death in later life. 



They often lead to fractures, including hip fractures, which can result in a loss of independence, increased reliance on healthcare services, admission to nursing homes, and even premature death. 



In Ireland, <a href="https://tilda.tcd.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TILDA</a> data shows that around 30% of people over the age of 70 experience a fall every year, and one in eight require emergency care due to a fall.



With an aging population, the number of older adults experiencing falls will only increase in the coming decades. 



This makes fall prevention a critical issue. Identifying simple, cost-effective strategies to reduce the risk of falls is essential for improving public health and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. 



Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to maintain strength, balance, and mobility, but finding enjoyable and sustainable ways to stay active is key.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-walks-benefit-older-adults">Dog walks benefit older adults</h2>



The study analyzed data from over 4,100 adults aged 60 and older who participated in TILDA Wave 5. 



The team categorized participants into two groups: those who walked their dogs at least four times a week and those who either did not own a dog or owned a dog but did not walk it regularly.



By using self-reported data on falls and fear of falling, combined with objective mobility assessments through the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) test, the researchers were able to determine whether regular dog walking had a measurable impact on fall risk and mobility.



The TUG test is a well-established method used to assess mobility and fall risk in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-undergo-very-rapid-change-aging-at-two-very-specific-times/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older adults</a>. Participants are timed as they stand up from a chair, walk three meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down again. 



The time taken to complete the task is a strong predictor of fall risk, with slower times indicating reduced mobility and a higher likelihood of falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regular-dog-walks-and-improved-mobility">Regular dog walks and improved mobility </h2>



The results of the study showed a clear link between regular dog walking and improved mobility. Participants who walked their dogs frequently completed the TUG test significantly faster than those who did not, with an average time of 10.3 seconds compared to 11.7 seconds for the group that did not walk a dog regularly.



This suggests that regular dog walking helps maintain agility and physical function, both of which are critical for preventing falls.



In addition to better mobility, regular dog walkers were also found to be 40% less likely to experience unexplained falls. 



This is a significant finding, as falls often lead to serious injuries and long-term disability. By engaging in regular walking with a dog, older adults may improve their balance and coordination, making them less prone to sudden falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-fear-of-falling">Reduced fear of falling</h2>



Another important outcome of the study was the reduction in fear of falling among dog walkers. Fear of falling is a major concern for many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/muscles-defy-aging-with-remarkable-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older adu</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/muscles-defy-aging-with-remarkable-resilience/">lts</a> and can lead to a cycle of inactivity, reduced confidence, and further mobility decline. 



The study found that participants who walked their dogs regularly were 20% less likely to report fear of falling. This suggests that dog walking not only has physical benefits but also plays a crucial role in maintaining psychological well-being and confidence in mobility.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-walking-is-more-than-just-exercise">Dog walking is more than just exercise</h2>



While physical activity in general is known to have numerous health <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-25-years-of-research-revealed-about-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benefits</a>, this study suggests that the specific activity of dog walking provides unique advantages. 



Unlike structured exercise programs, which some older adults may find difficult to maintain, walking a dog is an enjoyable and routine-based activity that provides both motivation and companionship.



"While this may be partly due to increased physical activity, it is also likely that increased social interaction, companionship, and purpose derived from having a dog also plays an important role,"&nbsp;said Professor Robert Briggs, consultant geriatrician at St James’s Hospital and Trinity College, and co-author of the study.&nbsp;



"We see how important pets are in the lives of older people we encounter both in St James's Hospital and the TILDA study, and it is therefore heartening to see the benefits borne out in this study."



"Our findings highlight the value of regular dog walking as a simple and accessible activity that not only improves physical health but also has benefits for mental well-being and confidence among older adults," said study lead author Dr. Eleanor Gallagher, Specialist Registrar in Geriatric Medicine from <a href="https://www.tcd.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-encouraging-healthy-aging">Encouraging healthy aging</h2>



The study reinforces the idea that health-promoting activities should be both enjoyable and easy to incorporate into daily life. 



Walking a dog provides structure, companionship, and motivation - elements that help older adults stay consistent with their physical activity. Unlike other forms of exercise, which may feel like a chore, dog walking offers a sense of purpose and social connection, making it more sustainable over the long term.



For older adults looking to improve their mobility, reduce their risk of falls, and maintain their independence, adopting or regularly walking a dog may be a simple yet highly effective solution. 



The benefits extend beyond just physical health, contributing to overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discrimination-speeds-up-aging-molecular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">well-being</a> and a higher quality of life in later years. 



As research continues to highlight the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle, studies like this one offer practical and accessible strategies to help older adults age healthily and confidently.



The study is published in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/advance-article/doi/10.1093/gerona/glaf010/7951863?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences</a>. 



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Dog walking improves mobility and prevents falls in older adults

The morning ritual of walking the dog might be more...

Sunburn is painful skin damage that we've all experienced after spending a bit too much time outdoors without protection from UV rays. Whether it's from a lazy beach day or an exhilarating hike, the aftermath tells a singular tale - crimson skin and a nagging sting.



We've long believed that stepping out into the sun requires ample sunscreen slathering, shade-seeking, and hat-wearing, especially between the peak hours of 12 noon and 3 p.m.



However, researchers at the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> and <a href="https://www.ntu.edu.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nanyang Technological University</a> (NTU Singapore) have made surprising new strides in our understanding of sunburn.



As it turns out, the DNA damage we've always associated with sunburn might not be the complete story.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-rna-and-sunburn-damage">DNA, RNA, and sunburn damage</h2>



When it comes to sunburn, the prevailing wisdom suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-collect-human-dna-from-water-air-and-basically-everywhere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> damage triggers inflammation and subsequent cell death.



However, this recent research suggests that the real offender might be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rna-world-unraveling-mysteries-life-origin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RNA</a>, not DNA. 



"Sunburn damages the DNA, leading to cell death and inflammation. So the textbooks say," stated assistant professor Anna Constance Vind from the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the <a href="https://researchprofiles.ku.dk/en/organisations/institut-for-cellul%C3%A6r-og-molekyl%C3%A6r-medicin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a>. 



"But in this study we were surprised to learn that this is a result of damage to the RNA, not the DNA that causes the acute effects of sunburn." 



But what's the difference between DNA and RNA? While they share similarities, the two aren't interchangeable. 



DNA is a more consistent molecule, whereas RNA is more transitory. 



A particular type of RNA, messenger RNA (mRNA), carries information from DNA to create proteins - the fundamental building blocks of cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-rna">Importance of RNA</h2>



The importance of mRNA in our body's response to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-does-skin-become-leathery-after-too-much-uv-light-from-sun-exposure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UV radiation</a> can't be understated. 



"DNA damage is serious as the mutations will get passed down to progenies of the cells, RNA damage happens all the time and does not cause permanent mutations," Vind explained. 



"Therefore, we used to believe that the RNA is less important, as long as the DNA is intact. But in fact, damages to the RNA are the first to trigger a response to UV radiation."



Investigating more deeply into the matter was no small task.



The researchers embarked on a study involving both mice and human skin cells to better understand the consequences of UV radiation on the skin. They discovered a consistent response in both species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zak-alpha-the-protector">ZAK-alpha - the protector</h2>



RNA damage activates a response in ribosomes (protein complexes that interpret the mRNA to assemble proteins).



This process is managed by a protein known as ZAK-alpha, which triggers what is referred to as the "ribotoxic stress response."



Think of it like a vigilant watchman, always on the lookout for RNA damage. When it detects any, it won't hesitate to call for backup.



"We found that the first thing the cells respond to after being exposed to UV radiation is damage to the RNA, and that this is what triggers cell death and inflammation of the skin," explained Professor Simon Bekker-Jensen, who was also from the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine.



In mice exposed to UV radiation we found responses such as inflammation and cell death, but when we removed the ZAK gene, these responses disappeared, which means that ZAK plays a key role in the skin's response to UV-induced damage.



"So you could say that everything depends on this one response, which monitors all protein translations occurring. The cells respond to the RNA damage, realizing that something is wrong, and this is what leads to cell death," Bekker-Jensen elaborated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-sunburn-and-uv-damage">Rethinking sunburn and UV damage</h2>



The study's findings question our long-held beliefs about sunburn and how our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/skins-secret-strength-shields-against-puncture-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skin</a> safeguards itself. It suggests that RNA damage sparks a quicker, more efficient response, which safeguards the skin from additional harm.



"The fact that the DNA does not control the skin's initial response to UV radiation, but that something else does and that it does so more effectively and more quickly, is quite the paradigm shift," reflected Vind.



Knowing how our skin reacts to UV damage at a cellular level could potentially transform prevention and treatment approaches to sunburn and other inflammatory skin conditions.



"Many inflammatory skin diseases are worsened by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-parents-are-not-using-sunscreen-properly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sun exposure</a>. Thus, understanding how our skin responds at the cellular level to UV damage opens the door to innovative treatments for certain chronic skin conditions," explained Dr. Franklin Zhong, Nanyang assistant professor at NTU's Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and a co-author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rewriting-the-textbooks">Rewriting the textbooks</h2>



In closing, it seems now is the time to revise our textbooks and rethink how we perceive the effects of UV radiation on our skin. 



"This new knowledge turns things upside down. I think most people associate sunburn with DNA damage; it is established knowledge," Professor Simon Bekker-Jensen concluded. "But now we need to rewrite the textbooks, and it will affect future research on the effects of UV radiation on the skin."



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1097276524008840" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molecular Cell</a>.



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Main cause of sunburn is finally identified, and it's time to rewrite the textbooks

Sunburn is painful skin damage that we've all experienced after...

A global survey spanning 68 countries has revealed that public trust in scientists remains high. This study, led by researchers from the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, is the largest post-pandemic analysis of trust in science, societal expectations, and research priorities. 



With responses from nearly 72,000 individuals, the findings challenge the common perception that public confidence in scientists is in decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trust-in-science-remains-high">Trust in science remains high</h2>



The study found that, on average, people across the world have a moderately high level of trust in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/power-of-words-how-language-framing-shapes-our-perception/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientists</a>. 



"Our results show that most people in most countries have a relatively high level of trust in scientists and want them to play an active role in society and politics," noted Viktoria Cologna, principal investigator from <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a>.



On a scale from 1 (very low trust) to 5 (very high trust), the average trust level was 3.62, indicating that most respondents still view scientists favorably. 



Furthermore, 78% of participants perceive scientists as qualified, 57% consider them honest, and 56% believe they are concerned about the well-being of the public. These findings counter the widely repeated claim that there is a crisis of trust in science.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-gap-between-scientists-and-public">Growing gap between scientists and public</h2>



While the overall trust in scientists remains strong, the study also uncovers areas of concern. One key issue is the perceived disconnect between scientists and the public. 



Only 42% of respondents believed that scientists pay attention to public opinion. This suggests that while people trust scientists, they feel that researchers do not always consider the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blinking-plays-crucial-role-vision-human-perception/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perspectives</a> and priorities of the general public.



"Our results also show that many people in many countries feel that the priorities of science are not always well aligned with their own priorities," said study co-author Niels G. Mede from the <a href="https://www.uzh.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Zurich</a>.



"We recommend that scientists take these results seriously and find ways to be more receptive to feedback and open to dialogue with the public." 



This perceived gap may contribute to skepticism in certain areas of research and policy. When scientists fail to communicate effectively with the public or do not engage in meaningful discussions, trust can erode over time. 



The findings suggest that more efforts are needed to bridge this divide and ensure that scientific research aligns with public needs and expectations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-political-polarization-and-regional-differences">Political polarization and regional differences</h2>



The study also highlights significant differences in trust levels in science based on political orientation and regional contexts.



In Western countries, people with right-wing political views tend to trust scientists less than those with left-wing views. This trend reflects a growing political polarization in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/time-flies-by-much-faster-as-we-get-older-human-perception/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attitudes</a> toward science, particularly on topics such as climate change, public health, and technological advancements.



However, the study revealed that in most countries, political ideology does not strongly influence trust in scientists. This suggests that while political divisions exist in certain regions, they do not necessarily represent a global trend.



Instead, trust in science is shaped by a combination of cultural, economic, and historical factors unique to each country.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-more-active-role-for-scientists">A more active role for scientists </h2>



The survey results indicate that a majority of people want scientists to engage more actively in public life and policymaking. 



Globally, 83% of respondents believed that scientists should communicate their work to the public, highlighting the importance of science communication in building trust and understanding.



Beyond communication, 52% of the respondents supported greater involvement of scientists in policymaking. This reflects a strong public desire for science-based decision-making in areas such as health, environment, and social policy.



However, opinions on advocacy remain divided. While a significant portion of the population believed scientists should contribute to shaping policies, only 23% believed they should actively advocate for specific policies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-priorities-do-not-always-align">Scientific priorities do not always align</h2>



The study also examined public perceptions of research priorities. Participants ranked health, energy solutions, and poverty reduction as the most important areas of scientific research. 



These findings highlight widespread support for science that directly improves quality of life and addresses global challenges.



Conversely, research on defense and military technology received lower priority among respondents. Many believe that science is currently placing too much emphasis on military advances rather than focusing on issues that directly benefit society.



This misalignment between public expectations and scientific priorities suggests a need for greater transparency in funding decisions and research agendas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strengthening-trust-in-science">Strengthening trust in science</h2>



Despite the positive findings on public trust, the study emphasized the need for scientists to actively engage with the public. Trust is not static - it requires continuous effort from the scientific community to maintain and strengthen.



By promoting open discussions, listening to public concerns, and ensuring that research aligns with societal needs, scientists can reinforce their credibility and relevance in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotions-sensory-perception-brain-fascinating-interplay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modern world</a>.



As scientific advances continue to shape societies, the relationship between researchers and the public will remain critical. Strengthening trust through communication, transparency, and responsiveness will help ensure that science continues to serve the needs of people worldwide.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-02090-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Human Behaviour</a>.



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Most people trust science, but want better communication

A global survey spanning 68 countries has revealed that public...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

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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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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.

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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;