Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut photograph of Fayzabad, a culturally diverse city in the Kokcha River valley of northern Afghanistan. The photo was captured as the International Space Station passed over central Asia.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Fayzabad and the Kokcha River valley 

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a plume of Saharan dust pouring off the coast of southern Morocco.



The Sahara Desert is the world's biggest source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-is-an-understudied-contributor-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">airborne dust</a>. Each year, it releases hundreds of millions of tons of mineral dust that are lifted into the atmosphere and transported across vast distances up to thousands of miles. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saharan-air-layer-nbsp">Saharan Air Layer&nbsp;</h2>



The transport of Saharan dust is primarily driven by the trade winds and atmospheric phenomena such as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL). This dry air mass often accompanies tropical storms across the Atlantic, sometimes even influencing the development and intensity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saharan-dust-can-intensify-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a>.&nbsp;



“From late spring to early fall, it is common for the dry, dusty Saharan Air Layer to carry the particles westward across the Atlantic Ocean high in the atmosphere. With different wind patterns in the winter and spring, dust emerging from North Africa can drift over the United Kingdom and western Europe at relatively low altitudes,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153246/dust-pours-off-the-moroccan-coast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“Saharan Air Layer activity subsides after mid-August, according to NOAA, making it less likely that the plume shown here is bound for a transoceanic journey. Instead, it arcs to the north after blowing out over the ocean. Earlier in the summer, however, several clouds of fine dust from the Sahara reached the United States, creating hazy skies over Texas.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-saharan-dust-nbsp">Impacts of Saharan dust&nbsp;</h2>



Saharan dust plays a crucial role in global climate and environmental systems. For example, Saharan dust can affect weather patterns by absorbing and scattering sunlight, influencing temperature and cloud formation. It also plays a role in fertilizing ecosystems, such as the Amazon rainforest, by providing essential nutrients like iron and phosphorus.&nbsp;



However, Saharan dust also has more complex impacts. It can reduce air quality, leading to respiratory issues in people living downwind of the dust. In addition, the dust impacts <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atmospheric-dust-plays-surprisingly-crucial-role-in-stabilizing-ocean-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> health by contributing to algae blooms, which can create dead zones in marine environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-clouds-and-human-health">Dust clouds and human health</h2>



In a recent study from Texas A&amp;M University, researchers explored the potential health impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria and fungi</a> that travel within dust plumes.&nbsp;



The team found traces of several pathogens known to cause disease in humans, as listed by the World Health Organization (WHO).



Study co-author Dr. Daniel Spalink noted that while the DNA of several pathogenic bacteria and fungi were identified in African dust, it is not yet known if they can infect us and make us sick. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summertime-dust-events">Summertime dust events</h2>



“Scientists are interested in summertime Saharan dust events in part because of the influence they can have on large storm systems. Dry, stable, dust-laden air can inhibit tropical cyclone formation in the North Atlantic. And in a new study, researchers found that dust can modulate the amount of rainfall brought by these storms,” noted NASA.



“Using a machine-learning model based on meteorological data, NASA’s IMERG (Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for GPM) precipitation estimates, and other satellite measurements, the study’s authors found that dust optical depth - a measure of how much light filters through a dusty plume - was a key predictor of rainfall from tropical cyclones.”



The researchers concluded that smaller amounts of dust particles promote the formation of rain clouds, while the sunlight-blocking effects of large dust clouds ultimately suppress precipitation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saharan-dust-storms">Saharan dust storms</h2>



Dust storms in the Sahara Desert are some of the most far-reaching in the world. These storms, also known as haboobs, occur when strong winds lift large quantities of sand and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-impacts-dust-levels-on-a-global-scale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust</a> from the desert's surface into the atmosphere.&nbsp;



Saharan dust storms vary in intensity, with some being relatively mild while others are severe, reducing visibility to almost zero and creating hazardous conditions. They often happen in the spring and early summer when the temperature difference between the desert and the surrounding regions creates strong pressure gradients, fueling powerful winds.



Ultimately, these dust storms are a natural part of life. They shape the landscape over time by eroding rock formations and redistributing sand dunes. Despite their destructive potential, they are also a reminder of the dynamic and interconnected nature of Earth's climate systems.



The image was captured on August 24, 2024 by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the Suomi NPP satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Saharan dust launches off the Moroccan coast

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a false-color radar depiction of central Ethiopia.



According to ESA, the photograph is a blend of multiple Sentinel-1 images from spring, summer and autumn 2023, which have been overlaid to create this single image.



“Radar images capture surface texture rather than reflected light so they are naturally black and white but here images from each season have been assigned a different color: red, green and blue respectively,” explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“When the images are combined, the different colors reveal variations that occurred in the different seasons.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rugged-terrain-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Rugged terrain of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



ESA noted that Ethiopia’s terrain is one of the most rugged in Africa. The landscape is primarily characterized by highlands and plateaus.&nbsp;



The Ethiopian Highlands, also known as the Roof of Africa, dominate this region and include some of the highest peaks in Africa, such as Ras Dashen. The terrain features steep escarpments, deep valleys, and numerous rivers.&nbsp;



The central part of the country is also home to the Great Rift Valley, which runs through Ethiopia and includes a series of lakes and volcanic mountains. This region's varied topography contributes to its rich biodiversity and distinct climate zones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lakes-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Lakes of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



According to ESA, water bodies appear dark in this image because flat water surfaces reflect the radar signal away from the satellite. “The various colors visible in some lakes are due either to the changing surface currents and sediments from rivers or to variations in water level.”



Lake Ziway is one of the largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/africas-flamingos-at-risk-due-to-rising-lake-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> in the region. It is located about 160 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.&nbsp;



The lake is known for its rich bird diversity, including large populations of pelicans, cormorants, and herons. Lake Ziway also supports local fishing communities.



Lake Shala is the deepest lake in the Ethiopian Rift Valley and is known for its volcanic origins. It has a maximum depth of 266 meters and is surrounded by hot springs and steep, rocky cliffs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Climate of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



Central Ethiopia features a diverse climate, primarily influenced by its elevation and geographical location within the tropics.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highland-climate">Highland climate</h3>



Much of central Ethiopia consists of highlands, with elevations ranging from 1,500 to over 3,000 meters above sea level. These highlands experience a temperate climate, with cooler <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-in-africa-are-rising-above-levels-that-rhinoceros-can-tolerate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a> compared to the lowlands.&nbsp;



The average temperatures range from 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher elevations, such as those found in the Ethiopian Highlands, can experience temperatures that are close to freezing at night.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainy-seasons">Rainy seasons</h3>



Central Ethiopia has two main rainy seasons. The primary rainy season, known as the "Kiremt," occurs from June to September and brings the majority of the annual rainfall.&nbsp;



The "Belg," or short rainy season, occurs from March to May. The rainfall during these periods supports agriculture, which is a key part of the region's economy.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-season">Dry season</h3>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/africas-wet-forests-have-seen-an-alarming-rise-in-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dry season</a>, known as the "Bega," spans from October to February.&nbsp;During this time, the region experiences significantly less rainfall, and the weather tends to be sunny and dry. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Culture of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-not-the-only-animals-that-create-their-own-culture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">culture</a> of central Ethiopia is a dynamic blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. This culture is characterized by a strong sense of community and a profound connection to the region's historical and spiritual roots.



The Amhara people have played a significant role in the cultural and political life of central Ethiopia. The Amhara are known for their rich heritage, which includes the Amharic language, a Semitic tongue that serves as one of the country's official languages.



Orthodox Christianity is a key aspect of central Ethiopian culture, particularly among the Amhara and other highland communities.&nbsp;



This part of East Africa is also known for its traditional music and dance, which reflect the region's historical depth and cultural diversity.&nbsp;



The cuisine of central Ethiopia is another significant cultural aspect, with injera (a spongy flatbread made from teff) being a staple food.&nbsp;Injera is typically served with a variety of stews (wats) and salads.



The communal eating experience, where meals are shared from a single large plate, emphasizes the importance of community and togetherness.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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The vibrant seasons of central Ethiopia

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

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 Costa Atlántica Reserve stretching along the Atlantic coast in Argentina.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-refuge-for-migratory-birds-nbsp">A refuge for migratory birds&nbsp;</h2>



“At the far southern reaches of South America, a stretch of tidal flats, shoals, and beaches serves as a refuge for migratory shorebirds and copious aquatic life,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“The Costa Atlántica Reserve in Argentina extends for 220 kilometers (140 miles) along the eastern shore of Tierra del Fuego. The area was designated a Ramsar site in 1995 and a provincial nature reserve in 1998." 



According to NASA, the reserve is the southernmost site both on the Ramsar list and in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-costa-atlantica-reserve">Significance of the Costa Atlántica Reserve</h2>



The Costa Atlántica Reserve is an important conservation site that signifies Argentina's commitment to preserving its rich <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal biodiversity</a>. 



This vast expanse of protected area serves as a sanctuary for many species, ranging from migratory birds to marine mammals and diverse plant life.



“Tidal habitats along the coast support some 135 species of birds, while crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and cetaceans feed in the productive coastal waters,” said NASA.&nbsp;



“The topography inland of Costa Atlántica, stretching into Chile to the west, is blanketed in shrubs and grassland vegetation adapted to dry conditions - part of a semiarid ecosystem known as the Fuegian steppe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-ecological-balance-nbsp">Maintaining ecological balance&nbsp;</h2>



Established to safeguard the delicate ecosystems of dunes, estuaries, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-lagoons-have-high-loads-of-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal lagoons</a>, the reserve plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.&nbsp;



It provides critical habitats for numerous threatened species, including the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/southern-right-whales-have-shifted-their-foraging-grounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Right Whale</a>, which finds refuge in these waters during its breeding season.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-costa-atlantica-reserve-a-living-laboratory-nbsp">Costa Atlántica Reserve: A living laboratory&nbsp;</h2>



The Costa Atlántica Reserve is not only a refuge for wildlife but also a living laboratory for scientific research. Conservationists and researchers work within its bounds to monitor ecosystems, study species behaviors, and develop strategies for sustainable management.&nbsp;



This ongoing research is pivotal in understanding the impacts of climate change on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-river-deltas-face-major-threats-beyond-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal environments</a> and in devising measures to mitigate these effects.



Furthermore, the reserve illustrates the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts. Local communities are engaged in sustainable tourism and educational programs. 



Through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bird-photographers-improve-nesting-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eco-tourism</a> initiatives, visitors can experience the natural beauty of the reserve while contributing to its preservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tierra-del-fuego-archipelago">Tierra del Fuego archipelago</h2>



According to NASA, the broader landscape of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago was shaped by glaciers.&nbsp;



“Ice advanced over the mountains and lowlands during cold climatic periods between the mid-Pleistocene, about 1 million years ago, and the Last Glacial Maximum, about 20,000 years ago. San Sebastián Bay formed in a tectonic depression that was deepened by glacial erosion," noted NASA. 



“Further evidence of glaciation, including hummocky moraines and fields of glacial erratics, appears around the bay, though it is too small to be visible in this image.”



“Partially enclosed by a long, sandy peninsula, San Sebastián Bay attracts copious migratory birds, some of which shuttle seasonally between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.”



“Large populations of the Hudsonian godwit, white-rumped sandpiper, and other long-distance flyers congregate in the vast intertidal zones. This part of the reserve, however, is vulnerable to the impact of oil and gas extraction from onshore and offshore deposits.”



The image was captured on February 20, 2024 by the <a href="https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellites/landsat-9/landsat-9-instruments/oli-2-design/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OLI-2</a> (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Costa Atlántica Reserve in Argentina

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



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



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



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



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



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messier-82-image-shows-the-power-of-webb-nbsp">Messier 82 image shows the power of Webb&nbsp;</h2>



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



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



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



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



The study also focused on understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spin-of-a-new-black-hole-is-unlocking-galactic-mysteries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic wind</a>, driven by the rapid rate of star formation and subsequent supernovae, influences M82’s environment. The NIRCam images showed clumpy streams of gas, appearing in red, which extend above and below the galaxy's plane, marking the path of this wind rushing out from the starburst's core.



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



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



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-observations-of-messier-82">Future observations of Messier 82</h3>



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



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



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



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



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



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



The study not only illuminates the specific mechanics of star formation in M82 but also enhances our general understanding of galactic evolution and the lifecycle of galaxies.&nbsp;



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



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Messier 82: Unlocking the mysteries of star formation

In a recent study, researchers have uncovered the existence of two distinct maps within the brain's secondary motor cortex. The research offers a transformative perspective on how the brain orchestrates spatial planning and navigation.



These dual maps - one self-centered and the other world-centered - provide vital insights into how our brains manage complex tasks, from planning movements to understanding our position in the environment.



This remarkable breakthrough could have far-reaching implications for understanding a variety of neurological conditions (such as stroke) that impair spatial attention and disrupt an individual’s ability to navigate their surroundings.



The research opens new avenues for targeted therapies that could enhance recovery and improve quality of life for patients suffering from such conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dual-maps-in-the-brain">Dual maps in the brain</h2>



“We discovered that the premotor cortex uses a self-centered coordinate system for spatial planning, but that it also encodes a world-centered map that is used for determining the body’s current position in the world," said Dr. Jeffrey Erlich, Group Leader at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre at <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>.



"This self-centered and world-centered information is combined in individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neurons-can-predict-human-speech-before-we-say-a-word/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurons</a> in a multiplicative way, which makes it easier to disentangle downstream.”



The study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, introduces a novel task that allowed the researchers to differentiate between self-centered and world-centered reference frames using machine learning techniques.



The experts recorded neural activity from the frontal orienting field (FOF), a part of the secondary motor cortex in rats, to decode this information.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-brain-transitions-between-maps">How the brain transitions between maps </h2>



“Imagine being asked where the nearest coffee shop is. You could say ‘walk forward and turn left’ (self-centered directions) or ‘walk North then East’ (world-centered directions)," said Dr. Erlich.



"We want to understand how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-daydream-to-awareness-the-brains-alert-mechanism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain transitions</a> between these reference frames and transforms them into action.”



The task involved carefully training rats to place their nose into a designated starting porthole, after which a light would illuminate to indicate the target porthole. 



This setup required the rats to focus on the visual cue as a guide for their next move, enhancing their understanding of the spatial layout.



Following an auditory cue, the rats then moved to the target porthole to receive a reward, reinforcing the connection between the cues and their actions. 



The crucial waiting period between the appearance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/visual-cues-initiate-the-brains-decision-to-cooperate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visual cue</a> and the auditory signal allowed the researchers to closely monitor neural activity. 



This pause provided an opportunity to distinguish between the brain’s planning phase and the subsequent action, enabling the experts to determine whether the frontal orienting field (FOF) was using a self-centered or world-centered map for spatial planning during the task.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-map-found-in-the-frontal-orienting-field">Map found in the frontal orienting field</h2>



“By adding the right amount of complexity to our task, we were able to have good experimental control over the timings. This approach allowed us to tease apart the different dimensions of representation,” noted Dr. Erlich.



Interestingly, the researchers discovered a world-centered map in the frontal orienting field, a finding that had not been previously reported.



“We were surprised to find a world-centered map in FOF as this has never been reported before. We want to explore what this position information is being used for and under what circumstances it becomes functionally relevant,” said Dr. Erlich.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-maps-and-spatial-attention">Brain maps and spatial attention</h2>



Brain maps play a crucial role in shaping how we perceive, navigate, and interact with the world. They are essential for motor control, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotions-sensory-perception-brain-fascinating-interplay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensory perception</a>, and spatial awareness, representing the relationships between our bodies and our environment.



In this study, the discovery of self-centered and world-centered maps offers a new understanding of how the brain processes different types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pupils-enlarge-dilate-when-working-memory-engaged-focused-on-task/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spatial information</a>.



These two maps work in tandem, allowing the brain to plan movements and navigate through space, reflecting its incredible adaptability.



Gaining a deeper understanding of how these maps are formed and maintained could provide critical insights into neurological conditions that impair spatial awareness.



This knowledge may pave the way for new therapies aimed at improving spatial attention and aiding recovery in patients with conditions like hemispatial neglect.



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



The research team is now focused on exploring how these dual maps function during tasks involving world-centered instructions, as well as investigating how the brain plans more complex sequences of movements.



The findings could have significant implications for understanding the links between spatial attention and neurological disorders, with the potential to inform new treatments for conditions such as stroke.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.jneurosci.org/content/44/37/e0018242024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JNeurosci</a>.



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Two distinct maps discovered in the brain

In a recent study, researchers have uncovered the existence of...

Imagine a world where everyone accurately gauges the carbon footprint of the richer and poorer segments of society. It appears such a world is fantastical, according to a recent study. 



A common miscalculation surfaces: the carbon footprint of wealthier individuals is consistently underestimated, whereas that of the less privileged sections is drastically overestimated. 



This surprising pattern is observed across different socio-economic statuses and nationalities, highlighting a pervasive global misunderstanding of how wealth influences environmental impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-footprint-of-various-income-groups">Carbon footprint of various income groups </h2>



The credit for this intriguing insight goes to an international consortium of researchers from <a href="https://www.cbs.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Copenhagen Business School</a>, the <a href="https://www.unibas.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Basel</a>, and the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>. 



The team conducted a survey involving 4,000 participants from Denmark, India, Nigeria, and the United States about inequality in personal carbon footprints.



The survey participants were asked to estimate the carbon footprints for three income groups: the bottom 50%, the top 10%, and the top 1%.



“Poorer people have more immediate concerns, such as how they’re going to pay their rent or support their families,” said lead author Dr. Kristian Steensen Nielsen from Copenhagen Business School. “But across all income groups, people want real solutions to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gen-ai-and-social-media-divert-peoples-attention-from-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate crisis</a>, whether those are regulatory or technological.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-perception-vs-reality-gap">The perception vs. reality gap</h2>



The survey results revealed a universal trend. The average personal carbon footprint of the poorest 50% was grossly overestimated, while the footprints of the top 1% and 10% were significantly underestimated.



These findings highlight the profound inequality in carbon footprints and how misperceptions influence public opinion.



“These countries are very different, but we found the rich are pretty similar no matter where you go, and their concerns are different to the rest of society,” said Dr. Ramit Debnath, a professor at the University of Cambridge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-the-carbon-footprint-concept">Evolution of the carbon footprint concept</h2>



The concept of a personal carbon footprint, which estimates the total <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/state-of-the-climate-greenhouse-gases-hit-a-record-high-in-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> produced by an individual’s activities, has been a popular benchmark for environmental impact since the mid-2000s. 



The concept gained attention when BP, a fossil fuel company, ran a large-scale advertising campaign urging people to quantify and reduce their carbon footprints.



“There are definitely groups out there who would like to push the responsibility of reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/circular-economy-needed-to-reduce-americas-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a> away from corporations and onto individuals, which is problematic,” noted Dr. Debnath. 



“However, personal carbon footprints can illustrate the profound inequality within and between countries and help people identify how to live in a more climate-friendly way.”



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



Interestingly, individuals from the top 10% income group were more likely to back <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/auto-emission-climate-policies-save-children-boost-economies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate policies</a> such as taxes on red meat consumption, peak period electricity pricing, and subsidizing carbon dioxide removal technologies. 



According to the researchers, this may reflect higher education levels and greater resources among the affluent, along with a preference for technology-driven solutions to the climate crisis.



“Greater awareness and discussion of existing inequality in personal carbon footprints can help build political pressure to address these inequalities and develop <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-based-climate-solutions-are-now-more-critical-than-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate solutions</a> that work for all,” said Nielsen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-the-carbon-footprint-debate">Rethinking the carbon footprint debate</h2>



As conversations about climate change grow louder, awareness of personal carbon footprints is evolving.



Historically, the emphasis has been placed on individual actions, such as recycling and using energy-efficient appliances. However, the study highlights that these actions, while important, may not address the larger issue of carbon inequality.



The wealthiest individuals, who often have the largest carbon footprints due to higher consumption levels, remain under less scrutiny.



This imbalance raises critical questions about how climate policies can be made more inclusive, ensuring that the highest emitters take on the largest share of responsibility for mitigating climate impacts. 



In order to drive effective change, policies must target the wealthiest individuals and their significant environmental footprints, rather than focusing solely on smaller-scale individual actions.



The research was funded by the Carlsberg Foundation, the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, the Quadrature Climate Foundation, and the Swiss National Science Foundation.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-024-02130-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Carbon footprints of the wealthy are vastly underestimated

Imagine a world where everyone accurately gauges the carbon footprint...

Scuba diving isn't just for adventure seekers anymore. Even the world’s smallest - and apparently the scrappiest - members of the animal kingdom are doing it. A particular type of semi-aquatic lizard has something truly unique to show us about the art of survival with air bubbles in the underwater world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysteries-of-underwater-lizard-breathing">Mysteries of underwater lizard breathing</h2>



The research was led by Lindsey Swierk, an assistant research professor of biological sciences at <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a>. 



Swierk's work is centered on the study of water anoles, semi-aquatic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-lizard-day-2024-celebrating-our-scaly-companions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lizards</a> native to the tropical rainforests of southern Costa Rica. Her research has unveiled remarkable feats about these fascinating creatures.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="AqHKrMKm7J-3862001-12187" type="single"]</div>



“We know that they can stay underwater for a really long time. We also know that they're pulling oxygen from this bubble of air. We didn’t know whether there was actually any functional role for this bubble in respiration," Swierk noted.



"Is it something that lizards do that is just a side effect of their skin’s properties or a respiratory reflex, or is this bubble actually allowing them to stay underwater longer than they would, say, without a bubble?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lizards-dive-underwater-to-survive">Lizards dive underwater to survive</h2>



What our research team was eager to find out, said Swierk, was the actual role this bubble played in the lizard's underwater survival.



She questioned - is this bubble a byproduct of the lizard's skin properties and respiratory reflex, or is it an ingenious tool allowing these creatures to outlast their time underwater?



To disentangle the mystery, Swierk conducted an experiment that involved applying a substance to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-sea-lizard-khinjaria-had-teeth-like-daggers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lizards</a>’ skin that would prevent bubble formation. 



The logic? “Lizard skin is hydrophobic. Typically, that allows air to stick very tightly to the skin and permits this bubble to form. But when you cover the skin with an emollient, air no longer sticks to the skin surface, so the bubbles can't form,” explained Swierk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bubbles-are-life-savers-quite-literally">Bubbles are life-savers, quite literally</h2>



The recorded findings were compelling. It turned out that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-lizard-faces-an-unexpected-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lizards</a> in the control group, which were not subjected to the emollient, could stay underwater an impressive 32% longer than their bubble-deprived counterparts.



“This is really significant because this is the first experiment that truly shows adaptive significance of bubbles. Rebreathing bubbles allow lizards to stay underwater longer. Before, we suspected it – we saw a pattern -- but we didn't actually test if it served a functional role,” said Swierk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lizards-bubbles-and-underwater-breathing">Lizards, bubbles, and underwater breathing</h2>



The function of these bubbles isn't just about a lizard's whim to stay longer in the water. It’s a life or death situation where the ability to stay underwater longer provides the perfect refuge from predators. 



Anoles are kind of like the chicken nuggets of the forest. Birds eat them, snakes eat them.



“So by jumping in the water, they can escape a lot of their predators, and they remain very still underwater," said Swierk.



"They're pretty well camouflaged underwater as well, and they just stay underwater until that danger passes. We know that they can stay underwater at least about 20 minutes, but probably longer.”



What's even more intriguing is the question of whether these lizards are using the bubble as a "physical gill." This term is used for insects that use bubbles to breathe underwater.



Swierk’s graduate student, Alexandra Martin, is working on testing this theory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-the-physical-gill-hypothesis">Investigating the physical gill hypothesis</h2>



Martin's research involves a meticulous examination of the gas exchange process occurring within these bubbles. 



By measuring the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide in and around the bubble as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coexisting-lizards-challenge-what-we-know-about-natural-selection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lizard</a> remains submerged, the team hopes to determine whether there is sufficient gas exchange to classify this bubble as a 'physical gill.' 



Such a discovery would not only deepen our understanding of these lizards' physiology but could also have broader implications for studying similar adaptations across different species. 



Martin is optimistic, stating: "If successful, this finding could redefine how we perceive aquatic adaptations in reptiles."



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



The findings concerning water anoles have stirred interest in evolutionary biology, particularly regarding the development of survival mechanisms. 



The ability to remain submerged for extended periods may represent a significant evolutionary advantage.



Researchers are now considering whether such adaptations are isolated to specific locales or if they might be more widespread among related species. 



Further exploration on the lizard breathing bubbles could provide insights into how these traits evolved and highlight the environmental pressures that prompted such unique adaptations. 



Investigating these enigmatic survival strategies enhances our understanding of evolutionary processes, shedding light on the dynamic interactions between organisms and their environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-greater-impact">The greater impact</h2>



When discussing the wider implications of her research, Swierk noted the exciting potential of bioinspired materials.



More broadly, she considers the sheer delight of unearthing new animal behaviors that engage and excite our curiosity.



“I've had people talk to me about how much they love scuba diving and freediving, and how they're interested in how animals might do the same thing,” said Swierk. 



“So there's a great opportunity to get people excited about science by having this relationship between what they love to do and what’s evolved in nature. Even in animals that seem commonplace -- you're always finding new things.”



Her research paper, “Novel rebreathing adaptation extends dive time in a semi-aquatic lizard,” has brought to light a new facet of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-lizard-faces-an-unexpected-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lizard survival tactics</a> that has been hiding beneath the water's surface all this time. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2024.0371" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biology Letters</a>.



Video Credit: Binghamton University 



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Some lizards 'scuba dive' by using air bubbles to breathe underwater

Scuba diving isn't just for adventure seekers anymore. Even the...

The woolly mammoth, an iconic symbol of prehistoric Earth and a close relative of the modern elephant, fascinates our imagination and scientific curiosity, especially regarding its extinction.



Among the multidimensional questions surrounding these ancient beasts, one that stands out pertains to their untimely extinction approximately 4,000 years ago. 



The answer may surprise you, and it constitutes an ingenious theory, connecting woolly mammoth extinction with... hay fever!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-allergenic-apocalypse-theory">Allergenic apocalypse theory</h2>



Researchers across Europe have suggested a peculiar theory -- <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-pollen-may-help-clouds-form-impacting-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant pollen</a>. The mammoths, similar to their present-day relatives, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/african-elephants-will-soon-become-extinct-without-immediate-international-help/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a>, possessed an extraordinarily sensitive sense of smell.



Pollen, as it turns out, might have caused allergic reactions in these gargantuan creatures, compromising their olfactory prowess. 



This would have hampered their ability to detect mates from afar, consequently affecting their breeding rates, leading to population decline, and ultimately resulting in their downfall.



Researchers posit that during the breeding season, susceptibility to odors is very important for animals. 



The development of allergies from plant pollen could lead to decrements in sensitivity to odors in animals during the breeding season, thereby possibly explaining the extinction due to a decrease in mating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-woolly-mammoth-an-ancient-titan">Woolly mammoth: An ancient titan</h2>



The woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) was one of the last successors in the lineage of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-mammoths-survived-longer-than-initially-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammoth species</a>.



Standing around 13 feet tall and weighing approximately six tons, these massive mammals were quite common across northern Europe, Asia, and North America during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-age-data-analysis-reshapes-climate-future-lowers-warming-estimates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">last Ice Age</a>.



They <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-drove-woolly-mammoths-to-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">co-existed with early humans</a>, who benefited from hunting these beasts for food and using their bones and tusks for creating weapons and artwork.



However, the specific reason for woolly mammoth extinction remains a topic of intense debate, with a plethora of theories postulating human hunting and drastic climate change as major factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-on-woolly-mammoth-extinction">Evidence on woolly mammoth extinction</h2>



This study, which opens up a new perspective on the extinction of these colossal creatures, has its roots in detailed analysis of tissue samples recovered from mammoth corpses encased in the permafrost of north-eastern Siberia.



The researchers identified traces of immunoglobulins, or antibodies, which are Y-shaped proteins utilized by the immune system to battle infections, and also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollen-allergies-will-be-intensified-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">allergens</a> such as plant metabolites, volatile organic compounds, and pollen that the mammoths likely inhaled.



This critical discovery suggests the presence of allergic diseases and related symptoms, including loss of sense of smell. 



The researchers theorize that "Probably these changes in allergic responses of mammoths at a period of climate changes led to a decrease in the mammoth population and, as a result, to their disappearance." 



This study is the first of its kind, introducing the allergy theory and detecting fragments of immunoglobulins in mammoths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grand-debate-continues">Grand debate continues</h2>



Despite this research, the woolly mammoth extinction debate continues, offering a variety of compelling arguments.



A 2015 study by British researchers assigned blame to humans for the mammoth extinction event, stating that the creatures quickly died out wherever prehistoric people expanded on continents and islands. 



However, a 2008 genetic study suggested that climate change and diseases were the most probable causes of extinction, and a 2021 study attributed the extinction to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-age-data-analysis-reshapes-climate-future-lowers-warming-estimates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rapid climate warming</a>, leading to melting icebergs, and subsequently wiping out the vegetation on which mammoths relied.



Despite these varied perspectives, the overarching consensus is that no single reason can fully encapsulate the complex phenomena leading to extinction. 



Instead, a collection of factors, including the intriguing allergy theory, paints a more comprehensive picture of the woolly mammoth's transition into the annals of history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-woolly-mammoth-s-legacy">Woolly mammoth's legacy </h2>



The extinction of the woolly mammoth remains a complex and multifaceted mystery, with each new discovery providing a piece of the puzzle. 



While the pollen allergy theory offers an innovative angle, it is clear that more research is needed to fully understand the factors that contributed to the downfall of these magnificent creatures. 



Future studies, including further examination of tissue samples and environmental conditions, could shed light on how allergies, climate change, human interference, or a combination of all these factors led to the woolly mammoth's extinction. 



As scientists continue to explore these questions, the woolly mammoth's legacy endures, symbolizing the delicate balance between species survival and environmental change.



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The researchers associated with this unprecedented study represent various prestigious institutions including the <a href="https://www.unict.it/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Catania</a> and <a href="https://www.polimi.it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polytechnic University of Milan</a> in Italy, the <a href="https://new.ras.ru/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russian Academy of Sciences</a>, and the Israeli firm SpringStyle.



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Hay fever: The culprit behind woolly mammoth extinction?

The woolly mammoth, an iconic symbol of prehistoric Earth and...

Have you ever pondered how some animals, like shrimp, can effortlessly navigate their way back to their home cave from great distances? This knack for finding their way back is known as homing. 



Notable examples include salmon that swim hundreds of miles upstream to their birthplace and racing pigeons that can find their way home over vast distances. 



But it's not just fish and birds that have this fascinating ability. This sense of 'home' is also present in other species such as bees, frogs, rats, and even sea turtles. 



They rely on physical cues like landmarks, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's magnetic field</a>, and the sky's pattern of polarized light to return home. Now, add one more name to the list -- the cave-dwelling mysid shrimp.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shrimp-and-their-homing-abilities">Shrimp and their homing abilities</h2>



To give this scientific endeavor its due recognition, it's important to mention the scientist spearheading this research. Enter <a href="https://www.imbe.fr/thierry-perez.html?lang=fr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Thierry Pérez</a>, CNRS Research Director at the marine research station of Endoume near Marseille in France. 



Pérez, along with his diligent team, shines a light on the homing behavior of a unique cave-dwelling mysid shrimp, also informally known as the possum shrimp. Female possum shrimps carry their larvae in pouches, hence earning them this colloquial name.



Dr. Pérez's recent investigation, documented in Frontiers in Marine Science, reveals an intriguing aspect of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-impacting-marine-life-more-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homing behavior</a> of these shrimps. 



Their research unveils that the shrimps can differentiate between the unique chemical seascapes of their home caves from those of nearby caves. 



So, what's a chemical seascape? Think of it as a unique water-borne odor bouquet, characteristic of a particular underwater cave.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anatomy-of-a-cave-dwelling-shrimp">Anatomy of a cave dwelling shrimp</h2>



The specific mysid species in focus here, Hemimysis margalefi, is a resident of sea caves in the northwestern Mediterranean.



Known for their dense swarming behavior, these shrimps revolutionize the traditional notion of staying put. They embark on nightly migrations into open waters, only to return home by dawn. 



This adventurous routine is planned primarily for feeding on algae, detritus, and other zooplankton.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shrimp-s-chemical-homing-abilities">Shrimp's chemical homing abilities</h2>



To dig deeper into the mysteries of these shrimps' homing abilities, Dr. Pérez and his team conducted a unique experiment involving three underwater caves situated in Calanques National Park off southern France. 



The time had come to put their hypothesis to the test. Do these shrimps really distinguish their home caves based on a distinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/device-sniffs-out-unknown-ocean-molecules-that-can-be-used-for-drug-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical seascape</a>?



The team meticulously set up a system involving a Y-shaped channel, shrimps, and water samples from the three caves. 



Each shrimp was allowed to choose between water flows from two different caves. The difference in the time spent by a shrimp in each water flow would hint at their preference for their home cave.



And the results? Loud and Clear: The shrimps proved the scientist's hypothesis to be correct. 



The H. margalefi shrimp showed an evident preference for the water from their respective caves over water from other caves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-clues-shrimp-use-for-homing">Chemical clues shrimp use for homing</h2>



So, what makes the waters from different caves smell differently to the shrimps? 



The researchers analyzed the waters from the three caves using cutting-edge technology and discovered that each cave's water had a varying composition of natural compounds and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-mining-forms-dust-clouds-that-devastate-marine-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-introduced pollutants</a>.



On the surface, it seems like we're merely discussing shrimp behavior, but take a step back, and the implications are profound. 



These creatures play a critical role in the functioning of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-microbes-can-tell-us-about-global-changes-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystem</a> and any disruption in this system, such as changes in water quality, could impact the entire ecosystem. 



This concern is particularly relevant today, given the increased frequency of mass coral and sponge mortalities triggered by global changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-implications">Conservation implications</h2>



The discoveries related to Hemimysis margalefi's homing behavior underscore the intricate relationships organisms have with their habitats, presenting crucial implications for conservation biology.



The ability of these shrimps to use chemical cues to locate their home caves highlights the need to preserve the unique chemical environments of marine ecosystems. 



As chemical compositions can be altered by both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-weaker-ocean-will-release-more-carbon-into-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural processes</a> and human activities, maintaining water quality is imperative to ensure the survival and functionality of such species.



These findings prompt a reevaluation of current environmental protections, advocating for advanced monitoring and mitigation strategies to safeguard biological diversity, particularly amidst escalating anthropogenic threats.



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



The pioneering study by Dr. Pérez and his team opens several promising avenues for further research. 



Future studies could explore the adaptive significance of homing behaviors in other cave-dwelling marine species like shrimps, broadening our understanding of their ecological roles and needs.



“We know that food availability in marine cave ecosystems largely depends on the daily migrations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-help-predict-ocean-biodiversity-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zooplankton</a> such as mysids," Perez explained.



"Our results suggest that any change in water quality or sessile fauna inside caves can alter their chemical seascape, with a likely negative impact on the functioning of the whole ecosystem."



This is concerning, because due to global change, mass mortality of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-fate-of-coral-reefs-lies-in-the-hands-of-their-tiny-inhabitants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sponges and corals</a> are becoming more frequent.



“We are currently following up on our results by trying to correlate the chemical seascapes from different caves with the biodiversity of sessile organisms living in them, focusing on the role of metabolites from sponges and corals," concludes Perez.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-studying-homing-shrimp">Significance of studying homing shrimp</h2>



As the scientific community delves deeper, these integrated approaches will not only enhance our comprehension of marine ecosystems but also bolster efforts in their protection and restoration.



While this research offers intriguing insights into the homing abilities of mysid shrimps, it also hints at the broader picture of environmental change and its impact. 



Dr. Pérez and his team continue to delve deeper, correlating biodiversity with the chemical seascape of various caves. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2024.1448616/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Marine Science</a>.



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Shrimp have the ability to 'smell' their way home underwater

Have you ever pondered how some animals, like shrimp, can...

When you think about evolution, the ear might not be the first thing that springs to mind. But it turns out that our ears, the little organ tucked away in our skull plays a surprising role in how mammals adapt to their environments. 



An international team of scientists has discovered something quite astonishing. Mammals with little to no genetic connection but sharing similar lifestyles have evolved similar inner ear shapes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mammals-and-their-inner-ears">Mammals and their inner ears</h2>



One could argue that few parts of the animal body are as vital yet overlooked as the vertebrate inner ear. This intricate structure has two vital tasks: maintaining balance and preserving hearing. 



It's interesting to note that its complex shape varies among animals. One might think this diversity speaks to the modifications needed for different environments and locomotor behaviors. 



Yet, closely related species seem to have more comparable inner ear shapes than those distantly related.



Does this mean neutral (non-adaptive) evolution plays a larger role in shaping the inner ear's morphology than we initially suspected? This latest study on the inner ears of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-mammals-live-depends-more-on-climate-than-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse group of mammals</a> provides some new hints.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virtual-3d-models-bring-clarity">Virtual 3D models bring clarity</h2>



In order to better understand the evolution of the inner ear in Afrotheria, an international team of evolutionary biologists and paleontologists, including researchers from the Natural History Museum Vienna, studied the inner ear's shape in Afrotheria. 



This group consists of related mammals that drastically differ in their anatomy and habitats: aardvark, elephants, golden moles, hyraxes, rodent-like elephant shrews, and sea cows. 



They compared these ear shapes to those of analogous but distantly related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-geographic-isolation-shaped-global-species-habitat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammals</a>, like anteaters, 'true' moles, rodents, hedgehogs, and dolphins.



The team relied on X-ray microtomography on skulls stored in museum collections to construct virtual 3D models of the inner ear. 



The aim was to compare inner ear shapes between Afrotherians and their analogues and to analyze ear shape in relation to habitat and movement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shared-selection-pressure">Shared selection pressure</h2>



"We found that the inner ear shape is more similar between analogous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ontocetus-posti-extinct-walrus-like-mammal-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> than between non-analogous ones, even when the latter share a more recent common ancestor and are therefore more closely related", explains Nicole Grunstra, first author of the study.&nbsp;



For instance, dolphins and sea cows display greater ear shape similarity due to adaptations to a solely aquatic environment, even though the latter is more closely related to other Afrotherians such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-elephant-day-2024-saving-the-gentle-giants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a> or hyraxes.



The study found similar tendencies among other distantly related species with similar environment or nutrition methods: subterranean species and tree-dwelling ones share similar ear shapes. 



"We were also able to show that eco-morphologically similar mammals evolved similar ear shapes as an adaptation to shared ecological niches or locomotion, rather than by chance", interprets senior author Anne Le Maître from Konrad Lorenz Institute (<a href="https://www.kli.ac.at" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KLI</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolving-ears-of-mammals">Evolving ears of mammals</h2>



This research seems to conflict with recent studies on birds, reptiles, and certain mammals, which have questioned the importance of adaptive mechanisms in shaping inner ear variation. 



One explanation might be that adaptive differences in ear shape surface more when comparing species with diverse ecological strategies.



Another explanation revolves around the concept of 'evolvability', or the inherent capacity for adaptive evolution. 



The mammalian ear, particularly sophisticated among vertebrates, can detect a wider range of sounds, especially high pitches. 



The anatomical, genetic, and developmental complexity of the ear potentially widens the range of possible ear shapes that can evolve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptations-of-mammals">Adaptations of mammals</h2>



"An increase in genetic and developmental factors of a trait gives natural selection more knobs to turn, which facilitates the evolution of different adaptations," adds co-senior author Philipp Mitteröcker from the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a>.&nbsp;



Perhaps the increased evolvability of the ear played a notable part in adaptations to new environments and locomotor behaviors during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mammals-have-evolved-over-66-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammalian evolution</a>.



In the ever-evolving tapestry of life on Earth, the surprisingly convergent evolution in the inner ear of mammals serves as a potent reminder of the marvels of adaptation and evolution.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52180-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Mammals evolved similar inner ears despite different ancestry

When you think about evolution, the ear might not be...

Cloud,Dust,Of,Tree

Spring is a time for blossoms and hay we often associate pollen with allergic reactions -- a cause of sniffles and sneezes. But who would've guessed that tiny pollen spores wield such power over clouds and the overall weather?



It turns out pollen plays a vital role in facilitating the freezing of water in clouds, inciting more precipitation and cloud ice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollen-more-than-meets-the-eye">Pollen: More than meets the eye</h2>



Dr. Jan Kretzschmar, meteorologist and lead author of the study from Leipzig University, alongside co-author Professor Johannes Quaas, Professor of Theoretical Meteorology at Leipzig, decided to take a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollen-can-actually-change-the-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">closer look</a> at how pollen impacts the weather.



Apparently, pollen enhances ice formation in clouds, even at temperatures between minus 15 and minus 25 degrees Celsius (5°F to -13°F). 



Without these ice-nucleating particles (INPs), water in clouds only freezes at temperatures below minus 38 degrees Celsius (-36°F).



“This is supported by laboratory results showing that pollen acts as an ice nucleus, influencing the freezing temperature of water in clouds and promoting precipitation,” says Dr. Kretzschmar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollen-clouds-and-weather-patterns">Pollen, clouds and weather patterns</h2>



Globally, pollen's effect on ice formation might not seem substantial compared to other substances like dust. However, on a regional and seasonal level, pollen's power <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crops-worldwide-are-insufficiently-pollinated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">becomes evident</a>. 



We usually experience the pollen onslaught in the spring. Not only do these particles trigger our allergies, but they also rise into the atmosphere, entering cold air layers and stimulating ice formation.



Our tiny hero, pollen, doesn't stay up there for long. Its size restricts it to a short atmospheric tenure. But here's the plot twist: when pollen comes in contact with humid conditions, it ruptures into smaller fragments.&nbsp;



These minute particles stick around longer in the air and in large quantities, can penetrate cold atmospheric layers, triggering ice formation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollen-s-influence-on-clouds">Pollen's influence on clouds</h2>



Understanding how pollen impacts weather requires delving into its unique properties and interaction with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric conditions</a>.&nbsp;



Pollen grains possess a rough surface and can absorb moisture, making them remarkably effective as ice-nucleating particles, particularly in certain environmental conditions. 



This quality is essential in the phase transition of water from liquid to solid, as the presence of such particles lowers the energy barrier for freezing. 



Through this process, pollen effectively accelerates the formation of ice crystals within clouds, an initiation crucial for precipitation development.&nbsp;



Consequently, pollen's interaction with existing cloud constituents helps propagate more extensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-changing-rainfall-patterns-impact-plants-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">precipitation patterns</a>, making it a pivotal factor in local meteorology during peak pollen periods.



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



The revelation that pollen contributes significantly to cloud microphysics presents challenges and opportunities for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric science</a>. 



Current climate models predominantly factor in major ice-nucleating agents like dust or soot, often overlooking the transient yet potent influence of pollen. 



Integrating pollen dynamics into these models can enhance predictive accuracy, especially in regions with prolific plant life. 



Future research is expected to focus on quantifying pollen's variability in different ecosystems, investigating its contribution to cloud dynamics, and exploring how changes in vegetation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-is-expected-to-exceed-the-1-5c-warming-limit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> might alter its role.&nbsp;



By refining our understanding of pollen's multifaceted impact on the atmosphere, scientists can develop more comprehensive climate models that better capture the intricate interplay between terrestrial biosystems and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-gets-an-unpredictable-boost-from-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric processes</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollen-s-role-in-a-changing-weather">Pollen's role in a changing weather</h2>



Now, let's take a dip into the pool of climate change. With the onset of the pollen season shifting, extending, and the volumes of pollen in the air increasing, we might be looking at heightened <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cities-experience-more-rainfall-than-surrounding-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">local precipitation</a>.



Biodiversity is another piece of the puzzle. In spring, numerous plant species let loose volumes of pollen simultaneously. This natural event impacts cloud formation and the amount of ice particles in the atmosphere.&nbsp;



How vast is this impact? That's what scientists are keen to figure out. Understanding pollen's role could help generate more accurate climate models.&nbsp;



If we can correctly simulate the effect of pollen and how it interacts with the climate, we will be able to make more accurate predictions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollen-an-important-factor-in-cloud-formation-nbsp">Pollen, an important factor in cloud formation&nbsp;</h2>



So, can we consider pollen as an unsuspecting player in our planet's weather system? Perhaps. The upcoming research results are eagerly awaited. 



You might have started reading this article thinking pollen was just a trivial plant byproduct. But now, doesn't it feel like there is more to the story?



Remember, every time you sneeze this spring season, there's more going on than just a minor allergy. You might just be witnessing a phenomenon that could change our understanding of the weather.



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This research was carried out by researchers from <a href="https://www.uni-leipzig.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leipzig University</a>, the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (<a href="https://www.tropos.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TROPOS</a>), the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (<a href="https://www.idiv.de/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iDiv</a>) Halle-Jena-Leipzig and the <a href="https://www.bgc-jena.mpg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry</a>. It's astounding what everyday things can teach us.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad747a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.&nbsp;



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Pollen alters cloud formation and changes weather patterns

Spring is a time for blossoms and hay we often...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;



Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. 



Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.



Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. 



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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