Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Saharan dust over the Bay of Biscay, where a phytoplankton bloom makes the water appear bright green and blue. According to NASA, sediment runoff likely contributes to some of the color, especially in areas closer to the shore.



"For the past few decades, scientists have been observing natural ocean fertilization events - episodes when plumes of volcanic ash, glacial flour, wildfire soot, and desert dust blow out onto the sea surface and spur massive blooms of phytoplankton. But beyond these extreme events, there is a steady, long-distance rain of dust particles onto the ocean that promotes phytoplankton growth just about all year and in nearly every basin," says NASA.



In a recent study, researchers from Oregon State University, the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and NASA set out to investigate how mineral dust from land fertilizes the growth of phytoplankton in the ocean. For the research, the team analyzed satellite observations and developed an advanced computer model.



"According to the new study, dust deposition onto the ocean supports about 4.5 percent of yearly global export production - a measure of how much of the carbon phytoplankton take up during photosynthesis sinks into the deep ocean. However, this contribution approaches 20 percent to 40 percent in some ocean regions at middle and higher latitudes," explained NASA.



"Phytoplankton play a large role in Earth’s climate and carbon cycle. Like land plants, they contain chlorophyll and derive energy from sunlight through photosynthesis. They produce oxygen and sequester a tremendous amount of carbon dioxide in the process, potentially on a scale comparable to rainforests. And they are at the bottom of an ocean-wide food pecking order that ranges from tiny zooplankton to fish to whales."



Lorraine Remer, a research professor at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, noted that dust particles can travel thousands of miles before falling into the ocean, where they nourish phytoplankton long distances from the dust source.



“We knew that atmospheric transport of desert dust is part of what makes the ocean ‘click,’ but we didn’t know how to find it,” said Professor Remer.



The image was captured on April 8, 2011 by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



---



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 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a>.

Desert dust over the Bay of Biscay

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features shows wildfire smoke from Canada pouring into the northeastern United States.



"Winds typically move smoke from fires in Quebec toward the east and out to sea. But in June 2023, a persistent coastal low centered near Prince Edward Island instead steered smoke south into the United States. This image, from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite 16 (GOES-16), shows smoke sweeping into New York and Pennsylvania on the morning of June 7, 2023," says NASA.



"Smoke reaching the northeastern United States from Canada in 2023 from fires raging in western Canada has mostly arrived at fairly high altitudes. But since the fires in Quebec are relatively close to the northeast U.S., a much larger proportion of the smoke arrived in surface-level air."



"Around the time of the image, AirNow air quality monitors measured levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) soaring above 400 micrograms per cubic meter of air in Syracuse, New York - the highest on record for the city since routine measurements began in 1999."



Ryan Stauffer, an atmospheric scientist based at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, noted that the smoke pollution from New York to the D.C. region is the most significant since at least July 2002, when a similar situation occurred with nearby fires in Quebec. “This event is rivaling, and in some cases will likely surpass the observed 2002 smoke pollution.”



According to Stauffer, the air quality index for PM2.5 in New York City surpassed 175 (code red) on June 6, topping the previous record of 167 from 2002. On June 7, “the D.C. region joined New York City and experienced some of its most smoke-polluted air in the past 25 years,” he said.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



—--



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

Smoke from Canada pours into New York and Pennsylvania

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the largest man-made reservoir in California, Lake Shasta, which filled to nearly 100 percent capacity in May 2023. This is the highest level that Shasta has reached in four years.&nbsp;



"Since 2019, a prolonged period of extreme drought resulted in dwindling reservoir levels. In the early months of 2023, heavy rains and meltwater from an above-average mountain snowpack caused a notable turnaround," said NASA.



"Lake Oroville, the state’s second-largest reservoir, was also near capacity on May 29, at 97 percent full. Both Lake Oroville and Shasta Lake are critical not only for water storage, but also for flood control, recreation, irrigating cropland in the Central Valley, and preventing saltwater intrusion into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta."



NASA noted that full reservoirs do not ensure plentiful water for years into the future, and that the past four years are a testament to how drastically reservoirs can change in a short amount of time.&nbsp;



"The California DWR is collaborating with other agencies to incorporate better forecasting and observation technologies in order to optimize water releases."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



—--



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

Lake Shasta reaches nearly 100 percent capacity

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Quebec, where about 160,000 hectares have burned since the start of the year.



"An unusually intense start to Canada’s wildfire season filled skies with smoke in May 2023. Then, at the beginning of June, scores of new fires raged in the central Canadian province of Quebec, some of which were ignited by lightning," says NASA.



"The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this view of smoke billowing from the fires on June 3. Shortly after the fires started, about 5,000 residents were ordered to evacuate near the city of Sept-Îles in the province’s east."&nbsp;



"As the fires grew, evacuations were extended to an additional 9,000 people in surrounding communities and in western Quebec’s Val-d’Or and Normétal municipalities. As of June 5, more than 150 wildfires were active in Quebec."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



—--



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

Forest fires rage in Quebec

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the west coast of South America. The photo was captured by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station while orbiting over the Atacama Desert and Central Andes Mountains near the border of Bolivia, Peru, and Chile.



"Over the Pacific Ocean, marine stratocumulus clouds develop over cold water that rises from the ocean depths as the Peru current (Humboldt current) flows north along the west coast of South America," says NASA. "The coastline is marked by low mountains that are dissected by canyons carved by rivers that flow down the western side of the Andes."



The Atacama Desert receives less than 0.2 inches of rain per year on average. According to NASA, this dry environment provides an ideal setting to conduct Mars analog studies.



"Active and inactive volcanoes comprise the Central Andean Volcanic Arc within the Atacama Desert and Andes Mountains. One of the inactive volcanoes visible in this photo is Bolivia’s Nevado Sajama, which has a maximum elevation of 6,542 meters (21,463 feet). Nevado Sajama and other volcanoes in the region often have glaciers and snow cover due to their high elevation."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



---



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.

The west coast of South America

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut photograph of the Cape Cod peninsula, located in the easternmost portion of Massachusetts. The peninsula extends into the Atlantic Ocean and is a significant feature of the East Coast of the United States.



Cape Cod peninsula is characterized by its beaches, villages, and seafood. It's a popular tourist destination, particularly in the summer months, with people visiting for its beautiful landscapes and unique culture.



Cape Cod consists of 15 towns, including Provincetown, Hyannis, Falmouth, and Chatham. Each town has its own distinctive character and attractions. For example, Provincetown, located at the tip of the peninsula, is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, while Hyannis is famous as a ferry gateway to the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.



The Cape Cod National Seashore, a national park covering much of the Outer Cape, including the entire east-facing coast, provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and beachgoing.



Historically, Cape Cod was a landmark for early explorers of the Americas. It was among the first places settled by the English in North America in the Pilgrim Fathers' era, and it played a key role in the early history and development of the United States.&nbsp;



Today, the Cape's history is preserved in numerous museums, historic sites, and lighthouses. In addition, a variety of wildlife can be found in the region, such as whales, seals, and many species of birds.



"The variety of ecosystems within Cape Cod National Seashore sustain over 450 species of amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, and mammals, including 32 species that are rare or endangered," says NASA. "One of those species is the American oystercatcher, a large shorebird that uses a knife-like bill to eat shellfish."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



—--



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

Cape Cod peninsula in the northeastern United States

Finally, in October 2016, FOUR PAWS and local officials were able to confiscate Napa from the Corona Circus grounds. But due to lack of long-term facilities, Napa had to be placed in temporary holding at the&nbsp;Palic Zoo in Serbia. Photo Credit: FOUR PAWS

Back In Isolation

Northern,Light,,Aurora,Borealis,At,Kirkjufell,In,Iceland.,Kirkjufell,Mountains

NASA's Parker Solar Probe, on its journey to the Sun, has revealed previously unseen structures of the solar wind, right where it is formed. The way the probe perceives it, the solar wind emanates from the Sun's surface much like water jets from a showerhead.



A paper published in the journal Nature this week, led by scientists Stuart D. Bale from the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Berkeley</a>, and James Drake of the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland-College Park</a>, illustrates how the Parker Solar Probe has detected streams of high-energy particles. These particles mirror the supergranulation flows within coronal holes, suggesting these regions as the birthplace of the "fast" solar wind.



Coronal holes are unique areas where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magnetic-field-solar-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a> lines radiate from the Sun's surface without looping back inward, consequently forming open field lines that encompass most of the space surrounding the Sun.



During quiet periods of the Sun, these holes are primarily located at the poles, preventing the fast solar wind they produce from reaching Earth. However, every 11 years, the Sun's activity peaks, its magnetic field flips, and these holes can be seen all over the Sun's surface, leading to bursts of solar wind aimed directly at Earth.



<h2 id="h-origins-of-the-solar-wind">Origins of the solar wind</h2>



The process of how and where the solar wind originates is crucial for predicting solar storms. These storms, while responsible for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/catch-the-aurora-borealis-in-iceland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's breathtaking auroras</a>, can also disrupt satellites and the electrical grid. As Drake puts it, "Winds carry lots of information from the Sun to Earth, so understanding the mechanism behind the Sun's wind is important for practical reasons on Earth."



The scientists describe the coronal holes like showerheads. From the bright spots where magnetic field lines dive into and out of the Sun's surface, evenly spaced jets burst forth. These jets of charged particles are flung out of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/measures-suns-energy-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sun</a> when the oppositely directed magnetic fields in these funnels collide and reconnect.



Bale explains, "The photosphere is covered by convection cells, like in a boiling pot of water, and the larger scale convection flow is called supergranulation." He goes on to illustrate how these supergranulation cells pull the magnetic field down with them into a funnel, intensifying the magnetic field. "The spatial separation of those little drains, those funnels, is what we're seeing now with solar probe data," he said.



The Parker Solar Probe's detection of some exceptionally high-energy particles - ones traveling at speeds 10 to 100 times faster than the solar wind average - led the researchers to believe that this process, known as magnetic reconnection, must be the source of the wind. The primary purpose of launching the probe in 2018 was to establish the origin of these high-energy particles: were they caused by magnetic reconnection or acceleration by plasma or Alfvén waves?



"The big conclusion is that it’s magnetic reconnection within these funnel structures that’s providing the energy source of the fast solar wind," Bale concluded. The research strongly suggests that it's reconnection that's responsible for the high-energy particles detected.



The same funnel structures, as Nour Raouafi of the <a href="https://www.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University</a> suggests, probably align with the bright jetlets that can be seen from Earth within coronal holes. "Solving the mystery of the solar wind has been a six-decade dream of many generations of scientists. Now, we are grasping at the physical phenomenon that drives the solar wind at its source — the corona,” Raouafi said.



<h2>Sampling the solar wind</h2>



The solar wind evolves into a homogeneous, turbulent flow as it traverses the 93 million miles to Earth. The charged particles and entangled magnetic fields interact with Earth's magnetic field, dumping electrical energy into the upper atmosphere, which excites atoms and produces vivid auroras. Understanding and predicting intense solar winds, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-storms-earths-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar storms</a>, and their effects near Earth are some of the key goals of NASA's Living With a Star program, which funded the Parker Solar Probe.



The probe's main task is to determine the structure and acceleration of the solar wind near its birthplace, the Sun's surface or photosphere. The probe must approach the Sun closer than ever before - within 13 million miles, or about 25 to 30 solar radii.



According to Bale, once the probe dives below that altitude, the solar wind undergoes minimal evolution and displays more of its initial structure. This allows scientists to see the imprints of the Sun on the wind.



In 2021, the probe's instruments identified magnetic field switchbacks in Alfvén waves, closely associated with the regions generating the solar wind. As the probe neared the Sun, it became clear that the probe was moving through structured jets of material, rather than mere turbulence. Bale, Drake, and their colleagues traced these jets back to the supergranulation cells in the photosphere, where the magnetic fields accumulate and funnel into the Sun.



<h2>Mysteries and questions remain</h2>



The question that loomed was, what accelerates the charged particles in these funnels? Is it magnetic reconnection, which would catapult the particles outward, or hot plasma waves streaming out of the Sun, which would allow particles to ride a wave?



The detection of extremely high-energy particles within these jets suggested to Bale that magnetic reconnection must be responsible for particle acceleration and the generation of Alfvén waves, which could give the particles an additional thrust.



Bale further explained, "Our interpretation is that these jets of reconnection outflow excite Alfvén waves as they propagate out. That's an observation that's well known from Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/northern-lights-linked-to-electrons-traveling-at-millions-of-miles-per-hour/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetotail</a>, as well, where you have similar kind of processes. I don't understand how wave damping can produce these hot particles up to hundreds of keV, whereas it comes naturally out of the reconnection process."



The Parker Solar Probe can approach the Sun no closer than 4 million miles, or about 8.8 solar radii above the surface, without risking damage to its instruments. Bale anticipates that data collected from this altitude will confirm their conclusions, despite the Sun's heightened activity during its solar maximum. This increased activity might obscure the processes that scientists aim to observe.



"We're lucky that we launched it in the solar minimum," Bale commented, reflecting on the Parker Solar Probe's journey. He implied that the quieter solar activity during the probe's launch allowed them to make discoveries that would have been impossible during more chaotic solar conditions.



<h2>More about NASA’s Parker Solar Probe</h2>



<a href="http://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Parker Solar Probe</a> is a pioneering mission that has set its sights on our very own star, the Sun. The probe's main goal is to uncover the mysteries of the corona, the Sun's outer atmosphere, and to learn more about the highly energetic particles present in the solar wind.



Named after astrophysicist Eugene Parker, the probe was launched on August 12, 2018. It's the first spacecraft to be named after a living individual. <a href="https://news.uchicago.edu/story/eugene-parker-legendary-figure-solar-science-and-namesake-parker-solar-probe-1927-2022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eugene Parker</a> is the scientist who first theorized the existence of the solar wind back in 1958.



The Parker Solar Probe is unique because it ventures closer to the Sun than any previous spacecraft. It's designed to withstand the extreme temperatures and conditions near the Sun. The probe is shielded by a 4.5-inch-thick carbon-composite shield, which can withstand temperatures up to about 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit.



The probe is equipped with four major instrument suites that are designed to measure magnetic fields, plasma and energetic particles, and capture images of the solar wind. These suites include the Fields Experiment (FIELDS), the Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun (ISIS), the Wide-Field Imager for Solar Probe (WISPR), and the Solar Wind Electrons Alphas and Protons (SWEAP) investigation.



Over the course of its seven-year mission, the probe will complete 24 orbits of the Sun, coming within 4 million miles of the Sun's surface. This is about seven times closer than any previous mission.



The Parker Solar Probe has several primary science objectives. One is to trace the flow of energy that heats and accelerates the solar corona and solar wind. Another is to determine the structure and dynamics of the plasma and magnetic fields at the sources of the solar wind. The probe also aims to explore the mechanisms that accelerate and transport energetic particles.



By achieving these objectives, scientists hope to improve their ability to forecast <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-weather-forecast-data/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space weather</a> events that impact life on Earth, as well as satellites and astronauts in space. The mission encapsulates the essence of exploration, as it journeys into a region of space never before explored by human-made objects.

The solar wind, which creates beautiful auroras on Earth, is now less mysterious

NASA's Parker Solar Probe, on its journey to the Sun,...

How do the lifestyle and environment of our four-legged companions impact their health and aging? Professor Noah Snyder-Mackler from the <a href="https://www.asu.edu/">ASU</a> School of Life Sciences poses this question, underlining the fact that the shorter lifespan of dogs and the intensive care they receive from their owners make them perfect models for studying the effects of social and physical environment on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flat-faced-dogs-remain-wildly-popular-despite-severe-health-risks/">health</a>, aging, and survival.



Now, an enormous survey and data collection effort involving over 21,000 dog owners has shed light on key social determinants that influence the health and aging of our beloved canines.



<h2 id="h-dogs-need-other-dogs">Dogs need other dogs</h2>



The findings indicate that a dog's social support network has the most substantial impact on their health outcomes. In fact, social support is found to be five times more influential than financial factors, household stability, or the owner's age.



Under the guidance of Professor Snyder-Mackler, PhD student Bri McCoy, and MSc student Layla Brassington, the team embarked on an extensive analysis of the collected data, which represented a staggering 21,410 dogs.&nbsp;



The researchers aimed to identify the vital social factors for a healthy lifestyle, a significant stride in the Dog Aging Project's community-science endeavor.



<h2 id="h-the-dog-aging-project">The Dog Aging Project</h2>



For those unfamiliar, the Dog Aging Project is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the University of Washington and Texas A&amp;M School of Medicine.&nbsp;



The initiative includes over a dozen institutions around the country, including ASU. It aims to understand how genes, lifestyle, and the environment influence aging and disease outcomes. So far, more than 45,000 dogs from across the U.S. are enrolled in the project.



Daniel Promislow, the co-director and principal investigator, proudly describes the study's broad reach. He notes that the data gathered through the Dog Aging Project will allow follow-up studies to explore how and why environmental factors affect dogs' health.



The ASU team used a large survey that posed a variety of questions to dog owners about themselves and their pets. The inquiries spanned numerous areas, including physical activity, environment, dog behavior, diet, medications and preventatives, health status, and owner demographics.



<h2 id="h-five-key-factors-that-influence-a-dog-s-wellbeing">Five key factors that influence a dog’s wellbeing</h2>



From these responses, the team identified five key factors - neighborhood stability, total household income, social time with children, social time with animals, and owner age - that combined to shape a dog's social environment and were associated with canine wellbeing.



The analysis revealed that the environment in which a dog lives significantly impacts their health, disease diagnoses, and physical mobility, even after accounting for the dog's age and weight. Specifically, financial and household adversity correlated with poorer health and reduced physical mobility.&nbsp;



Conversely, more social companionship, such as living with other dogs, was associated with better health. The influence of social support was five times stronger than financial factors.



McCoy emphasizes the importance of social companionship for a dog's health, mirroring the importance of social connections among humans and other animals.



<h2 id="h-study-finds-a-few-unexpected-results">Study finds a few unexpected results</h2>



Two unexpected findings emerged from the study, which is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/emph/eoad011/7161464">Evolution Medicine and Public Health</a>. First, an inverse relationship was found between the number of children in the household and dog health. Brassington explains that dedicating more time to children likely results in less time spent with the "furry" children. McCoy frames this as a "resource allocation" issue, rather than children being harmful to dogs.



The second counterintuitive finding highlighted the role of finance in disease diagnoses. Dogs from wealthier households tend to have more diseases diagnosed, likely due to more frequent veterinary care and the financial ability to afford additional tests.



The study's results were consistent across both pure and mixed breed dogs, as well as specific breeds. However, as the data was obtained through owner-reported surveys, there may be errors, biases, or misinterpretations.



<h2 id="h-next-steps-for-the-research-team">Next steps for the research team</h2>



The research team's next steps involve exploring potential links between survey data and underlying physiology. Professor Snyder-Mackler is interested in understanding how these external factors are translating into tangible health effects on dogs.&nbsp;



"We now want to understand how these external factors are getting under the skin to affect the dog's health - how is the environment altering their bodies and cells?" he noted.



The researchers are keeping a close eye on a subgroup of around 1,000 dogs from the larger study. These animals are part of a focused cohort where blood and other biological samples are being collected over several years to uncover these environmental impacts.



"In future research, we will look at electronic veterinary medical records, molecular and immunological measures, and at-home physical tests to generate more accurate measures of health and frailty in the companion dog," said Professor Snyder-Mackler.



<h2 id="h-study-s-conclusions-are-very-clear">Study’s conclusions are very clear</h2>



Still, the central takeaway from the study is clear. "Having a good network, having good social connectedness is good for the dogs that are living with us, said McCoy. "But the structure and equities that are in our society also have a detrimental effect on our companion animals as well. And they are not the ones thinking about their next paycheck or their health care.”



In conclusion, the findings could serve as a prescription for people to lead healthier lives. After all, what is good for our dogs may also be good for us.



“Overall, our study provides further evidence for the strong link between the social environment and health outcomes that reflects what is known for humans," said Professor Snyder-Mackler.&nbsp;



"We need to focus more attention to the role of the social environment on health and disease, and continued investigation of how each environmental factor can contribute to more years of healthy living (i.e., 'healthspan') in both companion dogs and humans."



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-bond-between-dogs-and-humans">More about the bond between dogs and humans</h2>



The bond between dogs and humans is an enduring relationship that dates back thousands of years. Dogs were among the first animals to be domesticated, and this long-shared history has resulted in a deep emotional and social bond between the two species.



<h3 id="h-companionship">Companionship&nbsp;</h3>



At the heart of this bond is the notion of companionship. Dogs, often referred to as "man's best friend," are cherished members of many families worldwide. They provide their owners with emotional support, companionship, and often contribute to their sense of safety and security.



This connection goes beyond simple companionship. Numerous studies have shown that having a dog can provide a range of health benefits. For example, dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and are less likely to experience heart attacks.&nbsp;



Dogs also promote a more active lifestyle, as they require regular exercise. This increased physical activity can benefit the cardiovascular system and help maintain a healthy weight.



<h3 id="h-psychological">Psychological&nbsp;</h3>



Psychologically, the bond between dogs and humans can also have profound impacts. Interacting with dogs can lead to lower stress levels and can even help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. The simple act of petting a dog can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease the production of the stress hormone cortisol.



<h3 id="h-emotional">Emotional</h3>



Furthermore, dogs have been shown to offer significant social and emotional benefits. For children, growing up with a dog can aid in their emotional development and boost their self-esteem.&nbsp;



Dogs can also teach children about responsibility, empathy, and compassion. For older adults, dogs can provide companionship and a sense of purpose, which can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.



It's also important to note that dogs have evolved to understand human emotions and to respond in ways that provide comfort and companionship. They are attuned to human emotions and often react empathetically to their owners' feelings. This emotional intelligence, combined with their unconditional love and loyalty, makes the bond between humans and dogs truly special.



<h3 id="h-two-way-street">Two-way street&nbsp;</h3>



However, this bond is not a one-way street. Just as humans derive emotional and health benefits from their dogs, the dogs also thrive on the love, care, and companionship provided by their human partners. As the study we discussed earlier suggests, dogs' health and well-being can be greatly affected by their social environment, which underscores the importance of this mutual bond.



Ultimately, the bond between dogs and humans is a symbiotic relationship characterized by mutual affection, emotional connection, and shared benefits. It's a relationship that is treasured by many and continues to be a subject of fascinating scientific study.



—-



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

Dogs live longer and happier lives when they get to socialize often

How do the lifestyle and environment of our four-legged companions...

A significant upsurge in the usage of non-LSD hallucinogens among young adults in the United States is causing concern among researchers. An insightful study conducted by the <a href="https://umich.edu/">University of Michigan</a> and Columbia University reveals that in the period between 2018 and 2021, the use of these drugs by individuals aged 19 to 30 almost doubled.



Back in 2018, it was found that 3.4% of young adults reported having used non-LSD hallucinogens in the past year. This figure spiked to 6.6% in 2021.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-sudden-surge-is-surprising">Sudden surge is surprising</h2>



While this prevalence remains relatively low compared to substance usage like alcohol and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infectious-pathogen-has-spread-to-90-percent-of-cannabis-farms-in-california/">cannabis</a>, this sudden surge over a mere three years presents potential public health worries.



"The increase in non-LSD hallucinogen use occurred while LSD use remained stable at around 4% in 2018 and 2021," stated Megan Patrick, a research professor in the Survey Research Center at U-M's Institute for Social Research.&nbsp;



Patrick, who is a co-author of the study, emphasized that the leap in prevalence is substantial and raises critical health-related concerns.



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



This noteworthy information was uncovered as a part of the Monitoring the Future study, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the results were published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/add.16259">Addiction</a>.&nbsp;



The study, involving a longitudinal follow-up of 12th-grade students transitioning into adulthood, focused primarily on substance use and health.



In addition to the overall increase in hallucinogen usage, the research team discovered that the consumption of these substances was notably higher among males compared to females.&nbsp;



Additionally, white young adults reported higher usage rates than Black young adults, and those whose parents possessed a college education, indicating a higher socioeconomic status, were also found to use these substances more frequently.



While the reasons behind the usage of these drugs, whether recreational or therapeutic, were not identified in the study, previous research has shown a link between nonmedical hallucinogen use and an increased risk of substance use disorders, self-harm, injury, and anxiety.



"With increased visibility for medical and therapeutic use, potentially comes diversion and unregulated product availability, as well as a lack of understanding among the public of potential risks," explained Katherine Keyes, a professor of epidemiology at Columbia Mailman School and the lead author of the study.



<h2 id="h-national-trend-of-psychedelic-drug-use-for-therapy-may-play-a-role">National trend of psychedelic drug use for therapy may play a role</h2>



Professor Keyes noted that despite the trend of psychedelic and hallucinogenic drugs being used for therapeutic purposes, approved therapeutic use under professional healthcare supervision is still rare in the United States. Thus, the trends observed in the study most likely represent nonmedical and nontherapeutic drug use.



The study found the use of psilocybin, commonly found in "shrooms," to be particularly prevalent among the non-LSD hallucinogens. "This is a rising concern for young adult health," Patrick warned.



As part of the Monitoring the Future study, participants were asked about their usage of LSD and other hallucinogens, such as mescaline, peyote, "shrooms," or PCP. The frequency of usage varied greatly, with responses ranging from none to 40 times or more over the past year.



The researchers are committed to keeping a watchful eye on these trends and are eager to delve deeper into the motives behind the usage of these substances by young adults. It is critical, they stress, to understand these motivations and patterns of use to mitigate any negative repercussions effectively.



This crucial research work was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the <a href="https://www.nih.gov/">National Institutes of Health</a>.



<h2 id="h-more-about-psychedelic-drugs-used-in-therapy">More about psychedelic drugs used in therapy&nbsp;</h2>



The use of psychedelic and hallucinogenic substances for therapeutic purposes has been an emerging field of research over the past decade. These substances include compounds like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), dimethyltryptamine (DMT, found in ayahuasca), and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).



The therapeutic value of these substances lies in their ability to profoundly alter perception and cognition, which can facilitate therapeutic introspection and personal insight when used in a carefully controlled setting under the guidance of a trained professional.



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



One of the most researched applications of psychedelic therapy is in the treatment of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).



For instance, studies have shown that psilocybin-assisted therapy can lead to significant and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in individuals with life-threatening cancer. Other studies have suggested that psilocybin can reset the brain's connectivity, leading to lasting therapeutic effects.



Similarly, MDMA has been investigated as a potential treatment for PTSD. In clinical trials, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has been shown to produce significant improvements in individuals with severe PTSD, often in cases where traditional therapies have failed.



<h3 id="h-addiction-treatment-and-therapy">Addiction treatment and therapy&nbsp;</h3>



In addition to mental health applications, some researchers are exploring the use of psychedelics for addiction treatment. Certain psychedelic substances, such as ibogaine (derived from the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga), have shown promise in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with substance abuse disorders, including alcohol and opioid addiction.



It's important to note, however, that while this research is promising, it is still in the relatively early stages. Most of these substances remain classified as Schedule I drugs under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, which means they are not currently accepted for medical use and have a high potential for abuse.



<h3 id="h-doctor-supervision-is-crucial">Doctor supervision is crucial</h3>



Further, the therapeutic use of these substances involves carefully controlled dosages and settings, and is coupled with psychotherapy - it's not a matter of simply taking the drug. Self-medication with psychedelic substances can have serious risks and should not be attempted without professional guidance.



Despite these challenges, the push for further research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances is gaining momentum. With ongoing clinical trials and a growing body of research, it's possible that we may see changes in the regulatory status and medical acceptance of these substances in the future.



—-



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

Hallucinogen use is on the rise among young adults

A significant upsurge in the usage of non-LSD hallucinogens among...

In moments of intense stress, many of us fall into the trap of indulging in high-calorie snacks. While this may seem pretty harmless, scientists have now discovered that the combination of chronic stress and comfort food instigates a series of changes in our brain. These changes drive us to eat more, intensify our cravings for sweet food, and eventually result in excessive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-fat-diet-linked-to-weight-gain-and-cognitive-decline/">weight gain</a>.



A research group from the <a href="https://www.garvan.org.au/">Garvan Institute of Medical Research</a> has conducted an innovative study showing how chronic stress has the power to disrupt the brain's natural response to fullness. In particular, the scientists pinpointed alterations within a brain region known as the lateral habenula. Ordinarily, when activated, the lateral habenula acts to suppress reward signals associated with eating.



“Our findings reveal stress can override a natural brain response that diminishes the pleasure gained from eating – meaning the brain is continuously rewarded to eat," said study senior author Professor Herbert Herzog. "We showed that chronic stress, combined with a high-calorie diet, can drive more and more food intake as well as a preference for sweet, highly palatable food, thereby promoting weight gain and obesity.”&nbsp;



Professor Herzog also stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy diet during periods of stress, a key implication of their research. The findings have been published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2023.05.010">Neuron</a>.



<h2 id="h-how-does-the-brain-react-to-chronic-stress">How does the brain react to chronic stress?</h2>



The team delved into the curious phenomenon where most individuals tend to eat more and select calorie-dense options high in sugar and fat when subjected to stress. However, this is not a universal response, as some people may experience decreased appetite under stressful conditions.&nbsp;



To dissect these disparate eating habits, the scientists studied how different areas in the brain reacted to chronic stress under various dietary regimes using mouse models.



“We discovered that an area known as the lateral habenula, which is normally involved in switching off the brain’s reward response, was active in mice on a short-term, high-fat diet to protect the animal from overeating. However, when mice were chronically stressed, this part of the brain remained silent - allowing the reward signals to stay active and encourage feeding for pleasure, no longer responding to satiety regulatory signals," explained study first author Dr. Kenny Chi Kin Ip.



As a result, he disclosed that mice exposed to chronic stress while on a high-fat diet gained double the weight compared to those on the same diet without stress.



At the heart of this weight gain was the molecule Neuropeptide Y (NPY), which the brain naturally generates in response to stress. When the researchers blocked NPY from activating brain cells in the lateral habenula of the stressed mice on a high-fat diet, the mice exhibited a reduced intake of comfort food and consequently less weight gain.



<h2 id="h-chronic-stress-leads-to-an-unhealthy-diet">Chronic stress leads to an unhealthy diet</h2>



The researchers further unraveled the complex relationship between stress and diet preferences using a "sucralose preference test." This involved giving mice the choice to drink either water or artificially sweetened water.



“Stressed mice on a high-fat diet consumed three times more sucralose than mice that were on a high-fat diet alone, suggesting that stress not only activates more reward when eating but specifically drives a craving for sweet, palatable food," said Professor Herzog. Interestingly, this predilection for sweetened water was not observed in stressed mice following a regular diet.



“In stressful situations it’s easy to use a lot of energy and the feeling of reward can calm you down – this is when a boost of energy through food is useful. But when experienced over long periods of time, stress appears to change the equation, driving eating that is bad for the body long term," explained Professor Herzog.



The findings indicate that stress is a key modulator of eating habits, capable of overpowering the brain's inherent capacity to maintain energy equilibrium. In essence, the research suggests that prolonged stress conditions can lead to unhealthy dietary habits and metabolic complications.



Professor Herzog concluded by reinforcing the importance of a healthy lifestyle and diet, particularly under persistent stress conditions: “This research emphasises just how much stress can compromise a healthy energy metabolism. It’s a reminder to avoid a stressful lifestyle, and crucially – if you are dealing with long-term stress – try to eat a healthy diet and lock away the junk food.”



<h2 id="h-more-about-chronic-stress">More about chronic stress&nbsp;</h2>



Chronic stress is a prolonged and constant feeling of stress that can negatively affect one's health if left unmanaged. It is different from acute stress, which is a normal reaction to changes and challenges in daily life. While acute stress can even be beneficial or motivational in short bursts (known as the 'fight-or-flight' response), chronic stress can be detrimental.



<h3 id="h-key-aspects-of-chronic-stress">Key aspects of chronic stress:</h3>



<h4 id="h-causes">Causes</h4>



Chronic stress can be caused by various factors such as ongoing work pressure, financial strain, challenging relationships, chronic illnesses, or constant exposure to a stressful environment. Sometimes, an accumulation of small stressors can also lead to chronic stress.



<h4 id="h-effects-on-the-brain-and-body">Effects on the brain and body</h4>



Chronic stress releases stress hormones like cortisol over an extended period, which can impact the brain’s structure and function. This can lead to alterations in mood, decision-making, and the way one handles further stress. It also impacts physical health, contributing to issues like heart disease, digestive problems, sleep disorders, weight gain, and a weakened immune system.



<h4 id="h-psychological-consequences">Psychological consequences</h4>



Chronic stress is associated with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can cause feelings of frustration, anger, irritability, and hopelessness.



<h4 id="h-behavioral-changes">Behavioral changes</h4>



People experiencing chronic stress might develop unhealthy coping strategies like overeating (as highlighted in the study conducted by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research), smoking, alcohol consumption, or drug abuse.



<h4 id="h-management-and-coping-strategies">Management and coping strategies</h4>



Managing chronic stress typically involves lifestyle changes. This includes incorporating regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring adequate sleep, and adopting relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. It is also important to build a strong support system through friends, family, or professional counseling.



<h4 id="h-professional-help">Professional help&nbsp;</h4>



Sometimes, chronic stress can be overwhelming, and individuals might need professional help. This can range from counseling and therapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy) to medication in some cases.



Understanding and acknowledging the impact of chronic stress is essential for well-being. It's important to recognize its signs and symptoms early and to adopt healthy coping strategies or seek professional help if necessary. By doing so, one can mitigate the adverse effects of chronic stress on both mental and physical health.

Chronic stress causes the brain to crave comfort food

In moments of intense stress, many of us fall into...

Each year, rescue centers release animals into the wild, assuming that they will thrive most in their natural habitat. However, such assumptions have not been tested scientifically with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/primates-danger-extinction/">primates</a> and investigations into the most effective methods of release have been scarce.&nbsp;



Now, a team of scientists led by <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/">Durham University</a> and the <a href="https://janegoodall.org/">Jane Goodall Institute</a> has found that a group of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) – a species of monkey native to west central Africa – who were returned to the wild using a carefully phased approach adapted well, exhibiting a lower stress response in the wild than in the sanctuary from which they were released.



“Many primate releases are conducted based on the assumption that it improves animal welfare, but very few studies have actually tested this,” said senior author Joanna Setchell, a zoologist at Durham. “Our work applies rigorous science to this assumption, providing evidence that a carefully planned release of mandrills can work well with the right design, monitoring, and evaluation.”



<h2 id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted</h2>



The <a href="https://www.iucn.org/">International Union for the Conservation of Nature</a> (IUCN) recommends a gradual release and post-release monitoring to ensure that, when animals are released into the wild, their stress responses are low, allowing them to survive and adapt to the new environment. However, this slow and steady process is rarely applied due to high costs and time restrictions.



For the current study, the experts transferred 15 mandrills from the Tchimpounga Sanctuary – which were orphaned by hunting and rescued by Congolese authorities - to a pre-release enclosure in the Conkouati-Douli National Park, and afterwards into the park itself.&nbsp;



This process involved the mandrills spending time in a pre-release enclosure built in the forest, provisions of extra food, careful observations of the animals’ condition, and interventions to remove animals that were not doing well. Even though all of the 15 mandrills survived, three of them had to be returned to the sanctuary as their transfer was not successful.



<h2 id="h-measuring-the-primates-stress-response">Measuring the primates' stress response&nbsp;</h2>



At every stage of the transfer, the scientists collected fecal samples from the mandrills, which they then used to measure their stress response non-invasively. As expected, the animals’ stress response initially increased after their move from the sanctuary to the pre-release enclosure, most likely due to their being transported in crates by car and boat.&nbsp;



However, in the pre-release enclosure, which provided the mandrills a safe place to adjust to their new environment, their stress response dropped again and did not increase after they were released in the forest. In fact, just one month after their release into the wild, their stress response dropped below the levels observed while they were in the sanctuary.&nbsp;



Moreover, after one year spent in the wild, the response was nearly half what it had been in the sanctuary, suggesting that the mandrills were faring quite well in their natural habitat. The results are published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/conphys/coad025">Conservation Physiology</a>.



“This project was ultimately successful because of years of pre-release preparation and extensive post-release support.&nbsp;We went to the extreme lengths to conduct this study because it’s important that all releases are&nbsp;learnt from and the results are reported,” said lead author Miles Woodruff, a primatologist at Durham.



“We are dealing with the life and death of critical&nbsp;species in sensitive environments and every individual matters.&nbsp;Our findings are very exciting because we now have physiological evidence to support the ‘why’ behind the IUCN’s suggestions to conduct soft releases of animals.”



<h2 id="h-more-about-mandrills">More about mandrills&nbsp;</h2>



Mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) are a type of primate that are native to rainforests in equatorial Africa, specifically in countries like Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Congo. They're a member of the Old World monkey family, Cercopithecidae, and are close relatives of baboons and drill monkeys.



Physically, mandrills are recognized for their vibrant, multicolored facial and rump markings. Males, in particular, have incredibly vivid markings, with blue and red skin on their faces and a yellow beard, while their rumps feature similar coloration. These striking colors become brighter when the animal is excited.&nbsp;



Mandrills are sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females have different physical characteristics. Male mandrills are significantly larger and more colorful than females, with males weighing up to 54 kilograms (120 pounds) and females usually around 12 kilograms (26 pounds).



In terms of behavior, mandrills are social animals, living in large groups called hordes, which can number in the hundreds. These groups are typically dominated by a single, older male and consist of several females and their young. They are primarily terrestrial animals, spending much of their time on the ground, but they can climb trees and often sleep in them.



Mandrills are omnivorous and their diet consists of a mix of fruits, roots, and insects, but they can also eat small vertebrates. Their cheek pouches allow them to carry food to be eaten later.&nbsp;



—-



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



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

Gradual release of rescued primates into the wild is highly effective

Each year, rescue centers release animals into the wild, assuming...

According to a new study published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ehjqcco/qcad025">European Heart Journal – Quality of Care and Clinical Outcomes</a>, individuals who had <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-attacks-young-women/">heart attacks</a> during the first Covid-19 lockdown in the UK and Spain are predicted to live 1.5 and 2 years less, respectively, than their pre-pandemic counterparts. 



Moreover, the experts estimate the additional costs to the UK and Spanish economies to rise as high as £36.6 million (€41.3 million) and €88.6 million, respectively, largely due to work absenteeism.&nbsp;



Heart attacks require urgent medical interventions with stents – called “percutaneous coronary intervention” (PCI) – to open the blocked arteries and restore blood flow. Delays resulting in lack of oxygen can lead to irreversible damage to the heart muscle and can cause heart failure or other complications.



<h2 id="h-fewer-patients-went-to-the-hospital-during-lockdown">Fewer patients went to the hospital during lockdown</h2>



During the first wave of the pandemic, as officials told people to stay at home and some routine emergency care was halted, about 40 percent fewer heart attack patients went to hospital. Those remaining at home following a heart attack were more than twice as likely to die, while those who delayed going to the hospital were nearly twice as likely to have significant complications which could have been avoided compared to people receiving prompt treatment.



“Restrictions to treatment of life-threatening conditions have immediate and long-term negative consequences for individuals and society as a whole,” said study corresponding author William Wijns, a professor of Interventional Cardiology at the <a href="https://www.universityofgalway.ie/">University of Galway</a> in Ireland. “Back-up plans must be in place so that emergency services can be retained even during natural or health catastrophes.”



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers estimated the long-term clinical and economic implications of reduced heart attack treatment during the first lockdowns in the UK and Spain in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), in which an artery supplying blood to the heart is completely blocked.&nbsp;



Survival projections took into account age, hospitalization status, and time to treatment using published data from both countries and compared them to data from one year before the pandemic. The data analysis revealed that 77 percent of STEMI patients in the UK were hospitalized before the pandemic compared to 44 percent during the first lockdown, with the equivalent rates in Spain being 74 percent and 57 percent.



<h2 id="h-long-term-repercussions">Long-term repercussions&nbsp;</h2>



By using a model estimating long-term survival, quality of life, and costs related to STEMI, the scientists found that patients who had a STEMI during the first UK lockdown would lose an average of 1.55 years compared to those presenting with this condition before the pandemic.&nbsp;



Moreover, those with a STEMI during the lockdown were predicted to lose about one year and two months of life in perfect health. In the case of Spain, the equivalent figures were 2.03 years of life lost, and one year and seven months of life in perfect health lost.



In addition, the researchers performed a cost analysis that took into account factors such as initial hospitalization and treatment, follow-up treatment, management of heart failure, and productivity loss in patients unable to return to work.&nbsp;



The investigation revealed that, in the UK – with an incidence of 49,332 STEMIs per year – reduced access to PCI during the first month of lockdown would cost an extra £36.6 million (€41.3 million) over the lifetime of the patients, while in Spain – with an annual incidence of 52,954 STEMIs – reduced access to PCI at the beginning of the pandemic would cost an additional €88.6 million over the patients’ lifetimes.



“The findings illustrate the repercussions of delayed or missed care. Patients and societies will pay the price of reduced heart attack treatment during just one month of lockdown for years to come. Health services need a list of lifesaving therapies that should always be delivered, and resilient healthcare systems must be established that can switch to emergency plans without delay. Public awareness campaigns should emphasize the benefits of timely care, even during a pandemic or other crisis,” Wijns concluded.



—



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



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

Covid lockdown cost heart attack patients up to two years of life

According to a new study published in the European Heart...

Seaweed,Farming,In,The,Clear,Coastal,Waters,Of,Zanzibar,Island

A new study led by <a href="https://www.tufts.edu/">Tufts University</a> has found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seaweed-farming-could-boost-food-security-yet-preserve-nature/">seaweed</a> farming could help mitigate hunger and malnutrition while also slowing climate change. Furthermore, the experts report that producing and selling seaweed could boost incomes for farmers in low- and middle-income countries, particularly across coastal regions in Africa and Southeast Asia.



Since seaweed farming requires no land, freshwater, or chemical fertilizers, it is a much more sustainable alternative for raising livestock and could become highly profitable as demands for nutrient-rich seaweed products grows around the globe. Such profits would increase the buying power for the households and communities who produce, process, package, and export it, which in turn could lead to healthier diets worldwide.



“One of the biggest problems of food insecurity in LMICs is the unaffordability of healthy diets,” said study lead author Patrick Webb, a professor of Nutrition Science at Tufts. “There are roughly 3.5 billion people in the world who can’t afford a healthy diet even if they choose local foods at local prices. For many of those people, cultivating and selling seaweed would lead to higher incomes and improved nutrition through purchases on the market.”



<h2 id="h-simple-techniques">Simple techniques&nbsp;</h2>



Historically, seaweed has been grown in parts of Asia for centuries, using simple techniques. For instance, farmers attach long lines of rope to the roots of the algae, which help nourish the plant by absorbing nutrients from the water. About two months later, they gather the seaweed by hand and let it dry in the sun.



“A lot of what we’re looking at on the farming side is not about finding new crops or different kinds of crops. It’s about what’s already being grown that could be scaled up cost-effectively,” Webb explained.



<h2 id="h-low-carbon-footprint">Low carbon footprint&nbsp;</h2>



Besides being relatively easy to grow, seaweed has a very low carbon footprint, and could even help decrease the ocean’s carbon levels. Although little is yet known about how much carbon dioxide seaweed releases during harvest, perennial brown algae farms were found to absorb up to ten tons of CO2 per hectare of sea surface each year. Moreover, when added to livestock feed, seaweed could help substantially reduce methane emissions.



“Unless we get significant warming of the oceans, cultivating seaweed offers a way that is not just climate friendly, but climate proof,” said Webb. “We don’t know how soon the industry will start to experience the negative effects of climate change, but the potential looks good. By farming seaweed, it’s not going to accelerate those negative effects. Whereas cutting down trees and adding more livestock certainly would.”



<h2 id="h-challenges-of-seaweed-farming">Challenges of seaweed farming&nbsp;</h2>



Unfortunately, there are several challenges for producing and processing seaweed. Since ocean waters are becoming increasingly acidic due to climate change, growing healthy, edible seaweed in such conditions is not easy. Moreover, seaweed’s main value as an export lies in some of its extracts as ingredients for other products, rather than as a vegetable to be eaten whole, and many LMICs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; do not yet have a proper infrastructure to effectively process, test, and regulate what will eventually land on consumers’ plates.



“The steps taken between the farm and the fork, that’s what we need to focus on,” Webb argued. “We need to work more closely with governments and the private sector to figure out where the bottlenecks are and how to overcome them.”



<h2 id="h-unlimited-opportunities">Unlimited opportunities&nbsp;</h2>



However, if these obstacles are successfully addressed, the opportunities of seaweed farming are boundless. The industry has already flourished in countries such as Indonesia, where seasonal labor is always available and farms have managed to achieve industrial-level economies of scale. The country is now a key exporter of two seaweed species from which carrageenan – a thickener found in meats and nut milks – is extracted.



“There are many different types of seaweed, and they all require somewhat of a different environment in which to grow. The vast coasts of Africa and Asia, not all of it will be prime real estate. But much of it will be,” Webb said.



In order for seaweed farming to expand and flourish in these regions, government should create food safety regulations and help attract local and international investment. “The Ministry of Agriculture, or even the Ministry of Fisheries in these countries probably never discusses seaweed. What if they did? They might discover a goldmine,” Webb concluded. The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2023.100686">Global Food Security</a>.



<h2 id="h-more-about-seaweed-farming">More about seaweed farming&nbsp;</h2>



Seaweed farming is the practice of cultivating and harvesting seaweed. In many parts of the world, it's a significant industry that can be a vital source of income and food.



<h3 id="h-cultivating-seaweed">Cultivating seaweed</h3>



There are various methods for cultivating seaweed, depending on the species and environmental conditions. Most methods involve using a substrate like ropes or nets, which the seaweed can attach to and grow from. The substrate is then anchored to the seabed using weights or floats to maintain its position in the water. For some species, such as kelp, farmers use horizontal long-lines near the water's surface, to which juvenile kelp is attached. The seaweed then grows hanging downwards.



<h3 id="h-harvesting-seaweed">Harvesting seaweed</h3>



Once the seaweed has grown sufficiently, it is harvested. The method of harvest again depends on the type of seaweed and its growth. Some seaweeds can be harvested by hand or using simple tools, while others may require more complex machinery. After the seaweed is harvested, it can be dried, processed, or sold fresh, depending on the market.



<h3 id="h-applications-of-seaweed">Applications of seaweed</h3>



Seaweed has a wide variety of uses, including food, fertilizer, and various industrial uses. It's a popular food item in many Asian countries, particularly in Japan, Korea, and China, where it's used in soups, salads, snacks, and sushi. Seaweed is also a source of carrageenan and agar, which are used as thickening and gelling agents in the food industry. Seaweed is also being researched for its potential uses in biofuel production, carbon sequestration, and as a source of valuable compounds for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.



<h3 id="h-sustainability">Sustainability</h3>



Seaweed farming is considered a sustainable practice as it doesn't require fresh water, arable land, or fertilizers, which are resources commonly used in traditional agriculture. It can also help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, and some types of seaweed can even absorb carbon dioxide, helping mitigate climate change.



—-



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



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

Seaweed farming could boost food security, slow climate change

A new study led by Tufts University has found that...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

Volunteers knew they needed legal help in order to relieve Napa from his inhumane life. They sought aid from local officials, but they also knew that the odds of rescuing him were slim indeed. Photo Credit: Peter Neumann/Unsplash

Slim Chance Of Rescue

Though Napa didn't know it yet, he wasn't as alone in the world as it seemed. FOUR PAWS, an international animal welfare charity that focuses on sustainable solutions for wild animals in need, heard about Napa's conditions and just had to take action. Photo Credit: @FourPaws / Facebook