Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the summit crater of Mount Erebus peeking through the clouds. Erebus is the southernmost active volcano on Earth and the second-highest volcano in Antarctica.



Mount Erebus is situated on Ross Island in the Ross Sea. It was discovered in 1841 by the British explorer Sir James Clark Ross, who named it after his ship, the Erebus.



It stands at an elevation of about 3,794 meters (12,448 feet). It's a stratovolcano, characterized by a conical shape and layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash.



Mount Erebus is known for its persistent lava lake, which is visible in the image. "The lake has been active since at least 1972 and is one of only a few long-lived lava lakes on Earth. It constantly churns and occasionally spews bombs of molten rock in Strombolian eruptions," said NASA.



"Geologists want to learn why an active lava lake has persisted here for so long. Recent research suggests one reason could be the magma’s low water content, which makes it less volatile as it approaches the surface."



Due to its unique features, Mount Erebus is an important site for scientific research. Researchers study its geology, unique gas emissions, and microbial life in its extreme environment.



However, the harsh Antarctic climate and its remote location make it a challenging environment for research. Additionally, its volcanic activity poses risks.



The image was captured on November 25,2023 by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Mount Erebus breaks through the clouds

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

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



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



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



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



The population of Seoul is over 9 million people, and the metropolitan area, which includes neighboring cities like Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, is one of the most populous in the world.



Seoul is a city where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge technology. It is known for its vibrant cultural scene, extensive history, and rapid economic development. The city's skyline is a blend of modern skyscrapers and traditional palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, showcasing its rich heritage.



Seoul is a hub for education, with several top-ranked universities and research institutes. The city also thrives in technology and innovation - home to global companies like Samsung and LG. Street markets like Myeongdong and Insadong offer a taste of local life and traditional crafts, while districts like Gangnam are famous for their upscale shopping and entertainment.



Seoul's green spaces, like Namsan Park and the Han River Park, provide a refuge from the urban hustle. The city's blend of history, culture, technology, and nature makes it a unique and dynamic metropolis, attracting millions of visitors each year.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Seoul, South Korea 

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

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features a Copernicus Sentinel-2 photograph of the city of Bentiu in South Sudan.



"The country has always experienced a degree of seasonal flooding, which normally recedes in the dry season. However, four consecutive years of incessant flooding have submerged villages, farmlands and roads. In 2023, flood waters reached almost 2 meters in some places," said ESA.



"This false-color image, captured in January 2023, clearly shows the extent of the flooded areas around Bentiu. Information from the mission’s near-infrared channel was used to process this image so water bodies appear in dark blue or black. Sediment in the waters is bright blue, while the vibrant shades of red, mainly bordering rivers, denote vegetation."



According to ESA, the yellowish area in the center of the image is the city of Bentiu - standing out like an island surrounded by floods.&nbsp;



"From Bentiu, the Bahr el-Ghazal River meanders through the inundated floodplain in a northeasterly direction. It can be traced in black in the right of the image flowing through Lake No into the White Nile," said ESA.



"Fed by the White Nile, the large, swampy area running from the centre of the image to the bottom right is the Sudd. It is a network of channels, lakes and swamps and one of Africa’s largest floodplains, providing watering and feeding grounds for many endemic mammals and birds, as well as for large populations of migratory species."



Bentiu is known for its significance in the oil industry. It's the capital of Unity State, an area rich in oil fields, making it a crucial economic hub for South Sudan. However, this wealth in natural resources has also made Bentiu a focal point of conflict, particularly during the South Sudanese Civil War.



The city's history has been shaped by its strategic importance in the region. It has seen significant development in the oil sector, but this has been marred by political and ethnic conflicts. These conflicts have often resulted in severe humanitarian crises, affecting the local population with issues like displacement and shortages of basic necessities.



Despite its challenges, Bentiu is a key player in South Sudan's economy and its future development. The city's role in the oil industry cannot be overstated, and efforts are ongoing to stabilize the region and improve living conditions for its residents.



The city's demographics are diverse, reflecting the ethnic variety of South Sudan, but this diversity has also been a source of tension at times. Efforts towards peace and reconciliation in Bentiu and the wider Unity State are crucial for the long-term stability and prosperity of South Sudan.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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The city of Bentiu in South Sudan

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Malaspina Glacier in southeastern Alaska. With a size of approximately 1,680 square miles, Malaspina is the world’s largest piedmont glacier. It covers an area larger than the state of Rhode Island.&nbsp;



"To human eyes, glacial ice typically looks white tinged with blue. But in this false-color satellite image, the rippled ice of Alaska’s Malaspina Glacier appears more fiery than frosty," said NASA.



"In this configuration, watery features are displayed in reds, oranges, and yellows; vegetation appears green; and rock is shown in shades of blue."



A piedmont glacier forms when steep valley glaciers spill into flat plains, where they spread out into bulbous, lobate shapes. Malaspina is fed by the Seward Ice Field and other smaller glaciers.&nbsp;



Despite its size, it's relatively thin for a glacier of its magnitude, averaging only about 600 meters (2,000 feet) in thickness.



The Malaspina Glacier is a classic example of a glacier experiencing significant retreat and thinning due to climate change. This has raised concerns about its long-term stability and the broader implications for sea-level rise.&nbsp;



The glacier's meltwater contributes to the Gulf of Alaska, and its changes are closely monitored by scientists.



Most of the Malaspina Glacier is located within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Its visually striking nature, including crevasses and moraines, makes it a subject of interest not only for scientists but also for photographers and nature enthusiasts.&nbsp;



The image was captured on October 27, 2023 by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Malaspina Glacier in southeastern Alaska 

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/151929/indonesian-fires-return-in-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut photograph of the Moon peeking over Earth's horizon. The image was captured as the International Space Station was orbiting over Iraq. 



"Taken at an oblique angle from an altitude of 406 kilometers (252 miles), the photo has a perspective that highlights Earth’s atmospheric limb, or the edge of the atmosphere," says NASA.



"The blue-toned haze that fades into the darkness of space is the mesosphere, which reaches an altitude of about 80 kilometers (50 miles). Above the mesosphere is the thermosphere. Although this layer is part of Earth’s atmosphere, it is commonly considered part of outer space."



According to NASA, the Moon is about 405,500 kilometers (251,000 miles) away from Earth at its furthest point, or apogee.



"Below the wispy clouds in the middle of the view is Lake Assad, a Euphrates River reservoir in northern Syria," notes NASA.



"Lake Assad is Syria’s largest lake and a primary source of the region’s drinking and irrigation water. The Tabqa Dam, which created the lake, is the largest hydroelectric dam in the country."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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The Moon peeks over Earth's horizon

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features a rare view of Elephant Island off the coast of Antarctica. The photo was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission in February 2023.



Elephant Island is an ice-covered, mountainous island in the Southern Ocean. It is located in the outer reaches of the South Shetland Islands.



"The highest peaks are Mount Pendragon, which reaches around 970 meters, visible on the southern end, and, moving northeast, Mount Elder, which reaches around 945 meters," said ESA.



"North of Mount Elder, the wide Endurance Glacier can be seen in the centre of the image. It is the main discharge glacier on the island and drains to the south and into the Weddel Sea. Thin sea ice, visible in light blue in front of the calving front, separates the glacier terminus from the open ocean waters."



Elephant Island holds a special place in polar exploration history because of its role in the Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-1917). After their ship, the Endurance, was trapped and then crushed by ice in the Weddell Sea, Shackleton and his crew sailed lifeboats over treacherous seas to reach Elephant Island. It was an inhospitable place with no sources of food or shelter, but it was land.



Realizing that there was no chance of rescue from Elephant Island, Shackleton and a few crew members set out in a small lifeboat, the James Caird, to sail 800 miles to South Georgia Island where they hoped to find help. This journey is considered one of the greatest boat journeys ever accomplished. They did eventually reach South Georgia, and Shackleton was able to return to Elephant Island and rescue the remaining crew members.



Though it's largely ice-covered, Elephant Island is home to various wildlife, particularly seals, penguins, and seabirds. The island is uninhabited by humans, but it is a popular destination for expedition cruises and is often visited by those interested in polar exploration history.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Elephant Island off the coast of Antarctica

Picture,Of,Tired,Unhappy,Dark-skinned,University,Student,Rubbing,Neck,Because

A new study highlights the significant impact of sleep deprivation on decision-making, particularly in high-stress jobs like politics, military leadership, and first response.&nbsp;



The research sheds light on the critical role sleep plays in maintaining cognitive performance and emotional well-being, especially under <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/petting-dogs-and-cats-dramatically-reduces-stress/">stress</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-sleep-nbsp">Importance of sleep&nbsp;</h2>



The importance of sleep is well-documented in terms of human health, cognitive functioning, and emotional regulation.&nbsp;



Previous studies have indicated that a lack of sleep can lead to reduced neurocognitive functions, including attention, motor responses, inhibition control, and working memory.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risky-decision-making-nbsp">Risky decision-making&nbsp;</h2>



However, the new research provides further insights, particularly into how sleep deprivation affects risky decision-making at a neuroimaging level.



The researchers discovered that 24 hours of sleep deprivation significantly alters an individual’s decision-making process. The effect is evidenced by dampened neural responses to the outcomes of decisions.&nbsp;



This means that individuals who have pulled an all-nighter show reduced positive emotions when they experience wins and lessened negative emotions when faced with losses, compared to their reactions when well-rested.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-deprivation-and-decisions">Sleep deprivation and decisions</h2>



Zhuo Fang, a data scientist in the Department of Psychology at the <a href="https://www.uottawa.ca/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Ottawa</a>, emphasized the emotional impact of sleep deprivation.&nbsp;



“Common sense does dictate if people incur sleep loss, sleep disturbance or a sleep disorder that their cognitive function will be impacted, their attention and efficiency will decrease. But there is an emotional impact, too,” said Fang.



“If you experience even just one night of sleep deprivation, there will be an impact, even on a neural level. So, we wanted to combine brain imaging and behaviour to see that impact."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights-on-sleep-and-decision-making">Key insights on sleep and decision-making</h2>



The study involved 56 healthy adults and found that a single night without sleep significantly decreased brain activation in response to winning and losing situations. This indicates that acute sleep loss can dampen neural responses during risk-taking decisions.&nbsp;



Furthermore, total sleep deprivation disrupts the link between neural response and an individual’s risk-taking behavior, likely due to altered risk perception.



While many studies have shown the broad effects of sleep deprivation on various brain and cognitive functions, including attention processing, memory consolidation, and learning, this study uniquely focuses on the specific impact of sleep loss on decision-making.



The findings highlight the necessity of adequate sleep, particularly for those in professions where critical decisions are made under conditions of sleep deprivation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



“These results underscore the importance of maintaining adequate sleep and how individuals should refrain from making important decisions when experiencing chronic or acute sleep deprivation,” said Fang.&nbsp;



“In specific professions where decision-makers are required to operate under accumulated sleep loss, specialized training or fatigue risk management might be necessary to enable them to handle such situations effectively.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/psyp.14465" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psychophysiology</a>.



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Lack of sleep leads to risky decision-making

A new study highlights the significant impact of sleep deprivation...

Sentinel warning calls in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/">birds</a> may be universally understood, transcending continental boundaries, according to a new study.&nbsp;



This discovery not only expands our understanding of animal communication but also hints at an evolutionary convergence in vocal signals related to danger.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-danger">Signs of danger</h2>



The research was led by Henry Pollock, executive director of the Southern Plains Land Trust, and Jonah Dominguez, a graduate student at the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.



Sentinel species, like the Paridae family, are pivotal in mixed-species groups for their distinct alarm calls. These calls, like the “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” of chickadees, are recognized by various bird species, emphasizing their role as universal signals of danger.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anti-predator-behavior-nbsp">Anti-predator behavior&nbsp;</h2>



“Many animals form mixed-species groups, and the thought is that this is an anti-predator behavior,” said Pollock. “There is safety in numbers, and there is a benefit to surrounding yourself with a more diverse set of eyes and ears."



"However, you have to be able to understand the information that the others around you give to make use of it.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



The research team set out to investigate whether bird communities across three continents – North America, Europe, and Asia – could interpret the alarm calls of a previously unknown sentinel, the dusky-throated antshrike, a Central and South American bird known for its sentinel role.



The study included contributions from Mark Hauber (GNDP) and international collaborators from Serbia and China.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-results">Surprising results</h2>



The experts played warning calls of the dusky-throated antshrike to different bird flocks. They theorized that birds would react most strongly to familiar local sentinel calls. But the results were surprising.



“We expected to see some kind of response to the novel antshrike’s calls, but predicted that birds wouldn’t respond as strongly to it as their own local sentinel’s calls,” said Dominguez.&nbsp;



“However, we were surprised to find no statistical difference in how birds responded to the local versus foreign sentinel’s alarm call. Birds were responding to the unfamiliar antshrike’s call as if it was a bird they’ve known their whole lives.”&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-universal-recognition-nbsp">Universal recognition&nbsp;</h2>



According to the researchers, flocks of birds across all three continents responded equally as strongly to the unfamiliar antshrike’s warning calls as they did to familiar, local sentinel’s warning calls.&nbsp;



The experts say this finding suggests there is something to sentinel calls that makes them universally recognizable.&nbsp;



For messages that contain important information, such as a warning call for danger, evolution likely converges on similar sounding calls that help get across the message as quickly as possible, according to the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-central-theme-nbsp">Central theme&nbsp;</h2>



“It’s possible that these calls are more readily recognized across species because they have a central theme – essentially something about them that is unique and conserved despite millions of years in evolutionary history,” explained Dominguez.&nbsp;



“There is research in other animals on specific amplitudes and frequencies of sound that cause innate responses, even in animals that are unfamiliar with those sounds. Our study can help researchers figure out what those acoustic elements might be for birds.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signal-recognition-nbsp">Signal recognition&nbsp;</h2>



“What’s amazing is that our findings are consistent across three different continents with completely different bird communities, which suggests there is some signal encoded within these sentinel alarm calls that cause birds to respond to them, independent of previous experience with that signaler,” explained Pollock.&nbsp;



“This really highlights that signal recognition is not always something that has to be learned through environmental experience.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-prospects-nbsp">Future research prospects&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers said the study opens the door to many future research directions. They noted that testing birds with the calls of other sentinels and getting more granular in terms of the behavioral responses are potential next steps.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-defining-sentinel-species">Defining sentinel species</h2>



Dominguez wants to find the common thread among sentinel birds in an effort to standardize what is categorized as a sentinel species across the literature.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“Sentinel species are not very well defined, as the term is used nebulously for any animals that engage in mixed-species foraging and signaling,” said Dominguez.&nbsp;



“There’s lots of birds that we don’t typically think of as sentinels being classified as them in the literature, and others that probably are sentinels that are being overlooked. I want to figure out if there’s a common thread between them, and whether the term should be used on the species level or more on a flock level.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2023.0332" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biology Letters</a>.



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Sentinel warning calls seem to be universally understood by birds

Sentinel warning calls in birds may be universally understood, transcending...

NASA's <a href="https://mars.nasa.gov/odyssey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter</a>, a veteran in Martian exploration, has achieved yet another milestone in its long-standing mission. Celebrating its 22nd year at Mars, the spacecraft has captured a series of awe-inspiring panoramic images of the red planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brand-new-perspective-nbsp">Brand new perspective&nbsp;</h2>



Jonathon Hill of <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a> is the operations lead for Odyssey’s camera, called the Thermal Emission Imaging System (<a href="https://mars.nasa.gov/odyssey/mission/instruments/themis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">THEMIS</a>). 



“If there were astronauts in orbit over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-may-have-finally-discovered-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>, this is the perspective they would have,” said Hill. “No Mars spacecraft has ever had this kind of view before.”



The collection of ten images, taken from approximately 250 miles above Mars, showcases a breathtaking view of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Mars_horizon_Odyssey-orbiter_1medium-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian landscape</a> enveloped in layers of clouds and dust. These visuals provide a stunning representation of Mars and will greatly improve our scientific understanding of the planet’s atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behind-the-scenes-nbsp">Behind the scenes&nbsp;</h2>



Creating such an expansive view wasn't without its challenges. Engineers at <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> and Lockheed Martin Space, the teams responsible for managing and operating Odyssey, invested three months in planning <a href="https://mars.nasa.gov/resources/27804/odysseys-themis-views-the-horizon-of-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">these observations</a>. 



THEMIS, an infrared camera sensitive to warmth, typically points straight down and is fixed in place on the orbiter. Its primary function involves mapping ice, rock, sand, and dust on Mars’ surface, along with monitoring temperature changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-operation">Complex operation</h2>



To capture a unique perspective of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-found-for-life-on-mars-where-ancient-rivers-once-flowed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>, the entire spacecraft had to be rotated almost 90 degrees – a maneuver that required precise calculations to ensure the solar panels remained sunlit without overheating sensitive equipment. 



This reorientation temporarily cut off communication with Earth, adding another layer of complexity to the operation.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="jndRDp73Mq-3206047-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-martian-atmosphere">The Martian atmosphere</h2>



The innovative method allowed for the observation of details in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-martian-sky-often-has-an-eerie-green-glow-at-night-called-nightglow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian atmosphere</a> that would otherwise remain unseen from a typical overhead perspective.



“I think of it as viewing a cross-section, a slice through the atmosphere,” said Jeffrey Plaut, Odyssey’s project scientist at JPL. “There’s a lot of detail you can’t see from above, which is how THEMIS normally makes these measurements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-odyssey-s-images-of-phobos">Mars Odyssey's images of Phobos </h2>



Apart from capturing Mars, the mission also focused on Phobos, one of Mars’ moons.&nbsp;



By altering the angle and lighting conditions under which Phobos was observed, the team added unique data to their existing collection, which could potentially contribute to understanding the moon's origin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



These efforts are not only significant for the Odyssey mission but also for the upcoming Mars Moon eXplorer (<a href="https://www.mmx.jaxa.jp/en/">MMX</a>) mission, a collaborative effort between NASA and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). 



MMX aims to return samples from Phobos and Deimos, and insights gained from Odyssey’s observations of Phobos will be invaluable.



Odyssey's latest accomplishment marks a significant milestone in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elon-musks-spacex-plans-to-land-a-spacecraft-on-mars-in-3-to-4-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars exploration</a>, offering unprecedented views of the Martian horizon and contributing vital data that could shape future missions and scientific understanding of the red planet and its moons. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mars-odyssey-orbiter-mission">The Mars Odyssey orbiter mission</h2>



The Mars Odyssey mission, a pivotal chapter in the exploration of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-internal-structure-of-mars-core-is-finally-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>, was launched by NASA on April 7, 2001. Its primary objective was to map the Martian surface and search for evidence of water and ice, thus paving the way for future Mars exploration missions.



Upon reaching Mars' orbit on October 24, 2001, Mars Odyssey began a meticulous mapping of the planet's surface using its advanced suite of scientific instruments. As mentioned previously, the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS), a key instrument aboard, provided detailed images of the Martian surface in both visible and infrared light. These images were crucial in identifying the mineral composition of Mars' surface and in detecting temperature variations that hinted at the presence of water ice.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-important-discoveries-from-mars-odyssey">Important discoveries from Mars Odyssey</h3>



A significant breakthrough came when Mars Odyssey discovered vast amounts of hydrogen beneath the Martian surface, particularly near the polar regions. This discovery strongly suggested the presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-explores-mars-ridge-with-intriguing-watery-past/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water ice</a>, a vital resource for human missions to Mars in the future, as well as a potential indicator of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-mars-seismic-discoveries-and-the-quest-for-past-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">past Martian life</a>.



In addition to its scientific achievements, Mars Odyssey served as a vital communication relay for other Mars missions, including the Mars Exploration Rovers and the Phoenix lander. This role proved essential in ensuring the success and longevity of these missions, as Mars Odyssey relayed data and commands between Earth and the Martian surface.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-martian-environment">Understanding the Martian environment</h3>



Mars Odyssey also contributed significantly to our understanding of the Martian environment, studying the planet's radiation levels to assess the potential risks to future human explorers. Its findings helped in planning for the protection and safety of astronauts on future human missions to Mars.



Throughout its mission, Mars Odyssey set records for its longevity and continued to provide valuable data well beyond its initial mission timeline. Its enduring success stands as a testament to human ingenuity and our relentless pursuit of knowledge about our neighboring planet. 



The Mars Odyssey mission, by mapping the Martian terrain, searching for water, and serving as a communication relay, has laid a solid foundation for the ongoing exploration of Mars.



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Mars Odyssey orbiter captures unprecedented images of the Red Planet

NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter, a veteran in Martian exploration,...

In an unprecedented move, <a href="https://www.insta360.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insta360</a> has successfully launched the first ultra-high-resolution cameras into Earth's orbit, offering an unparalleled view of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-earth-like-planet-may-be-hiding-just-beyond-neptune/">planet</a>.&nbsp;



This monumental feat, which involved over a year of research, development, and testing, marks a significant milestone in space imaging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insta360-s-x2-cameras">Insta360's X2 cameras</h2>



Insta360, a leading camera company based in Shenzhen, China, initiated the project in 2021. The team focused on adapting their commercially available X2 cameras for the rigors of space.&nbsp;



On January 16, the company launched two X2 cameras 500 kilometers into space and attached them to satellites. The cameras were designed to withstand the extreme conditions of space, including extreme temperatures and cosmic radiation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-successful-project">Successful project</h2>



"The project runs on hard work, but a fair bit of luck, too. Space can be unpredictable, and there is no backup hardware or software if the camera runs into any issues," said Insta360.



"Luckily, both cameras and their sensors are still fully functioning and offer an incredible look at outer space."



The cameras have now captured <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0MZ87HLEQb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stunning images</a> of Earth, presenting the "Blue Marble" in extraordinary detail and from a unique 360-degree perspective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-insta360-cameras-for-space">Testing Insta360 cameras for space</h2>



To prepare for the space environment, Insta360 utilized a thermal vacuum chamber or Space Environment Simulator.&nbsp;



The engineers faced the daunting task of modifying the cameras to endure the harsh conditions of space.&nbsp;



This process involved extensive testing, including exposure to extreme temperatures, radiation, and vacuum simulations, to ensure the cameras' functionality in orbit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-obstacles-nbsp">Overcoming obstacles&nbsp;</h2>



One of the critical challenges was the cameras' response to extreme cold, leading to system crashes, and the impact of radiation on the sealing glue.&nbsp;



In addition, the vacuum environment tests revealed potential issues with lens pressure, threatening image resolution and quality. These hurdles were addressed to ensure the cameras' resilience and operational excellence in space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-technology-nbsp">Advanced technology&nbsp;</h2>



The X2 cameras boast an impressive 5.7K resolution, capturing 360-degree videos and photos of Earth against the backdrop of space.&nbsp;



The quality of these images surpasses the capabilities of standard viewing platforms, including YouTube and many high-end 4K TVs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extraordinary-earth-images">Extraordinary Earth images </h2>



The success of this mission is attributed to collaborations with Media Storm and Spacety, a satellite company employing synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) systems. These systems enable high-resolution imaging comparable to larger satellites but with smaller antennas, showcasing innovative approaches in satellite technology.



Insta360's X2 cameras are set to orbit Earth every 90 minutes for two years, after which they will exit Earth's orbit and disintegrate in space.&nbsp;



This time frame offers a unique window for capturing extraordinary images of our planet and beyond, heralding a new era in space photography and exploration.



Image Credit: Insta360&nbsp;



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Ultra-high-resolution Earth images captured from orbit

In an unprecedented move, Insta360 has successfully launched the first...

A recent study by a team of researchers from Italy, Norway, Canada, and the US suggests that before their eventual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-winter-dinosaurs-were-likely-killed-by-dust/">extinction</a>, dinosaurs might have faced repeated "volcanic winters" that left them in a weakened state.&nbsp;



These findings come from an analysis of sulfur and fluorine gasses trapped in ancient volcanic rocks from the <a href="https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/dinosaurs-ancient-fossils/extinction/deccan-traps-volcanoes#:~:text=The%20Deccan%20Traps%20date%20back,volcanic%20eruption%20ever%20on%20land." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deccan Traps supervolcano</a>, which erupted around 200,000 years before the asteroid impact that is widely believed to have caused the dinosaurs’ extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-volcanic-winters">Studying volcanic winters</h2>



The study, which focuses on these gases, reveals that their release could have caused global temperatures to drop by up to 18 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).&nbsp;



This discovery contributes to the ongoing debate among paleontologists and scientists regarding the precise cause of the dinosaurs’ demise. The research aligns with the "press-pulse extinction model," which suggests that a combination of factors led to the extinction event.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unstable-climate-conditions">Unstable climate conditions</h2>



“Our research demonstrates that climatic conditions were almost certainly unstable, with repeated volcanic winters that could have lasted decades, prior to the extinction of the dinosaurs,” said study co-author Don Baker, a geologist at <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill University</a> in Montreal.&nbsp;



“Our work helps explain this significant extinction event that led to the rise of mammals and the evolution of our species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



The team analyzed sulfur and fluorine compounds in samples from the Deccan Traps in India’s Western Ghats, near Bombay. They employed synchrotron radiation x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry to measure these compounds’ concentrations. Baker likened the process to cooking pasta, where a small amount of the salt in boiling water is absorbed by the pasta.&nbsp;



Similarly, the team estimated the volume of sulfur and fluorine gases that entered the atmosphere during the Cretaceous period based on the compounds’ presence in the lava rocks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



Notably, the researchers found that the highest sulfur content, as high as 1,800 parts-per-million, correlated with a drop in temperature during the late Cretaceous period. They estimated that between 86,000 and 466,000 cubic-kilometers of sulfur gas were released into the atmosphere, leading to significant climatic changes.



Although the team did not attribute major climate change to fluorine gases, they noted these gases' toxic local effects, including acid rain, crop failure, and livestock poisoning, as observed in historical accounts of the Laki volcano eruptions in Iceland in the 18th century. These effects might have similarly impacted the dinosaurs’ environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-triggers">Multiple triggers</h2>



The researchers conclude that the Deccan Traps’ volcanic activity set the stage for a global biotic crisis by triggering repeated short volcanic winters.&nbsp;



However, they believe the "final blow" was the Chicxulub asteroid impact in Mexico, which caused massive environmental devastation. This impact, combined with the preceding volcanic activity, likely accelerated the dinosaurs’ extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications">Study implications</h2>



The study, published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adg8284" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>, highlights the intricate interplay of environmental factors leading up to one of Earth’s most significant extinction events.&nbsp;



“Our dataset indicates that volcanic-driven climate disturbance was already underway,” the researchers noted, underscoring the complexity of the events that led to the end of the dinosaur era.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-volcanic-winters">More about volcanic winters</h2>



As mentioned above, volcanic winters are climatic events resulting from major volcanic eruptions that inject large amounts of ash and sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the Earth's stratosphere. Let's dig a little deeper.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanism-of-volcanic-winters">Mechanism of volcanic winters</h3>



Eruption Dynamics: Large volcanic eruptions expel ash and gases high into the stratosphere.



Formation of Sulfur Aerosols: The sulfur dioxide reacts to form sulfuric acid aerosols, which reflect sunlight away from Earth, leading to cooling.



Longevity in the Stratosphere: These aerosols can remain in the stratosphere for years, prolonging their cooling effect.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-winters-impact-on-climate">Volcanic winters' impact on climate</h3>



Global Cooling: Volcanic winters typically result in a noticeable drop in global or regional temperatures.



Weather Pattern Disruptions: These temperature changes can alter normal weather patterns, causing droughts or excessive rainfall.



Agricultural Impact: Reduced sunlight and cooler temperatures adversely affect crop yields, potentially leading to famines.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-instances">Historical instances</h3>



The Year Without a Summer (1816): Following the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora, 1816 experienced dramatically lowered temperatures, leading to widespread crop failures.



The Toba Catastrophe (Around 74,000 Years Ago): The Toba super-volcano eruption is believed to have caused a decade-long volcanic winter, severely impacting early human populations.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-concerns-and-future-risks">Modern concerns and future risks</h3>



Today, advanced monitoring and climate modeling allow for better prediction and preparedness for volcanic winters. A major eruption today could significantly impact our globalized society, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and preparedness.



In summary, volcanic winters, though rare, pose a significant risk due to their ability to alter global climates and disrupt human activities. Understanding and preparing for these events is crucial in our increasingly interconnected world.



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Volcanic winters weakened the dinosaurs before the asteroid hit

A recent study by a team of researchers from Italy,...

Silhouettes,Of,A,Couple,Sitting,On,The,Top,Of,The

The Andromedids meteor shower, historically significant and fascinating from both astronomical and historical perspectives, offers a unique spectacle in the night sky. This "lost" meteor shower is associated with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biela%27s_Comet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biela's Comet</a>, which was discovered in 1826 by Wilhelm von Biela, and has the potential to put on a brilliant celestial display this weekend.



The Andromedids, also known as the Bielids, are so named because their radiant point, from where they appear to emanate, lies in the constellation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-features-found-in-the-heart-of-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andromeda</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-significance">Historical significance</h2>



The Andromedids have a rich history, marked by an intense meteor storm in 1872 and another in 1885. These events coincided with the expected return of Biela's Comet, which had split into two pieces during its 1846 perihelion passage. 



The meteor storms were caused by Earth passing through the debris left by the disintegrating comet. The 1872 storm was particularly noteworthy, with observers reporting up to several thousand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meteors-may-transfer-life-from-earth-to-other-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meteors</a> per hour, a truly spectacular event.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observational-features">Observational features</h2>



The Andromedids are known for their low velocity, appearing slower in the sky compared to other meteor showers. This characteristic is attributed to the relatively small relative velocity between the meteoroids and Earth. The meteors are generally faint, lacking the bright fireballs associated with more active showers.



However, in December 2011, astronomers unexpectedly observed a burst of predominantly faint meteors originating from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-image-of-cassiopeia-a-supernova-reveals-new-details/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cassiopeia</a> constellation. Further analysis identified these meteors as remnants from the 1649 closest approach of the once-lost comet 3D/Biela.



This comet is famously associated with the remarkable Andromedid meteor storms of 1872 and 1885. Research also suggests the potential for a more intense display of these meteors in early December 2023.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-andromedids-current-activity">Andromedids current activity</h2>



In contemporary times, the Andromedids are a minor meteor shower, significantly less intense than their historical peaks. This decline is primarily due to the dispersal and depletion of the debris from Biela's Comet. The shower typically peaks in late November, with a variable and often low rate of meteors.



However, this year may be a different story. The anticipated peak of the Andromedids display is expected around 19:00 Universal Time on December 2nd, offering an advantageous viewing opportunity for Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia.



In North America, the sun will set approximately 3 to 4 hours following the predicted peak, making it an ideal location for observation should the activity occur later than anticipated. Observers worldwide are encouraged to keep an eye on the sky during late November and early December and to share any sightings from this meteor shower.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-importance">Scientific importance</h2>



The study of the Andromedids has contributed to our understanding of cometary physics and meteoroid streams. The disintegration of Biela's Comet and the resulting meteor storms provided early evidence of the connection between comets and meteor showers. Observations of the Andromedids help astronomers understand the evolution and life cycle of cometary debris in the solar system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-andromedids-viewing-tips">Andromedids viewing tips</h2>



For those interested in observing the Andromedids, the best viewing conditions include a dark sky far from city lights, clear weather, and minimal moonlight interference. While the current rates are low, patient observers might still spot a few meteors emanating from Andromeda during the shower's peak.



The Andromedids meteor shower, though now a shadow of its former glory, remains a topic of interest for astronomers and skywatchers alike. Its historical significance and the insights it provides into cometary behavior make it an important chapter in the story of our solar system's dynamic and ever-changing nature.



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A 'lost' meteor shower named Andromedids offers a celestial surprise this weekend

The Andromedids meteor shower, historically significant and fascinating from both...

In recent research conducted at the <a href="https://nin.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience</a>, scientists have made a significant discovery about how our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/">brains</a> process social interactions, such as observing someone else’s actions. 



This study suggests that our perception is heavily influenced by our expectations, rather than solely by the visual information we receive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-information-processing-nbsp">Information processing&nbsp;</h2>



Traditionally, it was believed that when we watch someone perform an action, our brain processes the information in a sequential manner.&nbsp;



First, the visual regions of the brain are activated by seeing the action, followed by the activation of parietal and premotor regions involved in performing similar actions ourselves.&nbsp;



This theory, based on studies where subjects observed isolated actions, like picking up a knife, presumed a direct flow of information from sight to action understanding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



However, the new study challenges this notion about human perception. The research was led by Christian Keysers and Valeria Gazzola at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, along with colleagues Chaoyi Qin, Frederic Michon, and collaborators from the <a href="https://www.jichi.ac.jp/english/">Jichi Medical University</a> in Japan.



The research involved epilepsy patients who participated in intracranial EEG research for medical purposes, providing a unique opportunity to measure brain activity with exceptional precision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted</h2>



During the study, participants watched videos of everyday actions, such as making breakfast or folding clothes. The researchers tested two conditions: one where the actions were shown in their natural, predictable sequence, and another where the same actions were presented in a random order.&nbsp;



This experimental design allowed the team to assess how brain regions involved in action observation communicate under different circumstances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



The findings were groundbreaking. When actions were shown in a predictable sequence, the brain increasingly relied on its motor system to predict what would happen next. Essentially, what we expect to happen next shapes what our brain perceives.&nbsp;



“What we would do next, becomes what our brain sees,” explained senior author Christian Keysers. This contrasts sharply with the classical model of information flow from visual to motor areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeing-what-we-expect-to-see">Seeing what we expect to see</h2>



This shift towards a predictive brain model indicates that our brains are not just passive receivers of sensory input. Instead, they actively generate predictions about what will happen next, and these expectations can suppress the actual sensory input.&nbsp;



This phenomenon allows us to perceive the world as we expect it to be, unless our expectations are violated, prompting us to become aware of the actual sensory input.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



The study’s findings contribute to a broader understanding within neuroscience about how our brains function. It suggests that we perceive and interact with the world based more on our internal expectations and predictions than on the external stimuli we encounter.&nbsp;



This paradigm shift in understanding brain function and human perception opens up new avenues for exploring how we engage with the world around us.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113432" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Reports</a>.



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Human perception: Our brain sees not what we see, but what we expect

In recent research conducted at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience,...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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