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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



This saline water lake is approximately 134 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide at its broadest point, despite its considerable size, it's relatively shallow.&nbsp;



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Pangong Lake in the Himalayas

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Webb Images features an extraordinary view of Uranus, the seventh planet from the sun in our solar system. 



The photo reveals the rings, moons, and extreme seasons of the ice giant Uranus in unprecedented detail.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-north-polar-cap-nbsp">Dynamic north polar cap&nbsp;</h2>



“The Webb image exquisitely captures Uranus’s seasonal north polar cap, including the bright, white, inner cap and the dark lane in the bottom of the polar cap,” noted NASA.



Unlike Earth, where polar ice caps are formed by the freezing of water, Uranus's polar caps are thought to be primarily composed of a dense concentration of haze in the atmosphere.&nbsp;



The polar cap's haze is likely composed of methane particles. Methane in Uranus's atmosphere condenses into ice particles, which then create a thick haze that scatters sunlight, giving the polar cap its distinct bright appearance in visible and infrared light.



The polar cap is dynamic and changes over time. It becomes more prominent during the summer season of each pole. As Uranus moves along its orbit, the cap's appearance transforms, with the haze becoming thicker and brighter when the pole is in continuous sunlight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-zeta-ring-nbsp">The Zeta ring&nbsp;</h2>



The inner and outer rings of Uranus are visible in the image, including Zeta - the innermost ring which is the faintest and most difficult to observe.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-photo-of-uranus-and-its-rings-and-moons-captured-by-the-webb-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rings of Uranus</a> are primarily composed of narrow bands of particles, likely made of water ice mixed with a dark material. These rings are distinct from those of Saturn in that they are much darker and narrower.



The faintness and characteristics of the Zeta ring make it a subject of interest in studies related to the dynamics and composition of planetary ring systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moons-of-uranus-nbsp">Moons of Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/multimedia/images/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb</a> photo also features nine of the planet’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-four-uranus-moons-may-have-oceans-that-are-miles-deep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a>, which appear as blue dots surrounding the rings. 



“Clockwise starting at 2 o’clock, they are: Rosalind, Puck, Belinda, Desdemona, Cressida, Bianca, Portia, Juliet, and Perdita. The orbits of these moons share the 98-degree tilt of their parent planet relative to the plane of the solar system,” noted NASA.



Uranus has 27 known moons, and they are divided into three main groups based on their orbits: the inner moons, the major moons, and the irregular moons.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-moon-ariel-may-have-a-hidden-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a> of Uranus are unique because they are named after characters from the works of William Shakespeare and Alexander Pope, rather than being named after figures from classical mythology, as is common for the moons of other planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ice-giant-uranus-nbsp">The ice giant Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



Uranus is classified as an "ice giant" because, unlike the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn, which are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, Uranus has a significant proportion of "ices" in its composition.&nbsp;



In astronomical terms, ices refer to volatile substances like water, ammonia, and methane, which exist in solid or liquid forms at the low temperatures found in the outer solar system.



Uranus has a thick atmosphere of hydrogen and helium, but beneath that, it contains a large, dense mantle composed of these ices, along with rock and other heavier elements.&nbsp;



The term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diamond-rain-may-be-common-on-giant-icy-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice giant</a> differentiates Uranus (and Neptune, the other ice giant) from the larger gas giants, emphasizing the different chemical compositions and internal structures of these planets.



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



Uranus has a unique and extreme climate, largely influenced by its unusual tilt, which causes the planet to rotate almost on its side. This tilt leads to extreme seasonal variations, with each pole experiencing 42 years of continuous sunlight followed by 42 years of darkness.&nbsp;



Even though it is closer to the sun than Neptune, Uranus is the coldest planet in the solar system, with temperatures plunging to as low as -224°C (-371°F). The reason for this is not fully understood, but it might be due to an internal heat distribution anomaly.



Despite these frigid conditions, Uranus experiences intense weather patterns, including powerful storms and winds that can reach speeds of up to 900 kilometers per hour. These winds blow in the same direction as the planet’s rotation and are some of the fastest in the solar system.



Storms on Uranus are driven by its internal heat and the interaction of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-is-more-gassy-less-icy-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric gases</a>. Observations have shown that these storms can be quite large, sometimes comparable in size to the Earth, and can last for several years.&nbsp;



The planet’s extreme axial tilt also means that the storms and weather patterns are highly variable, depending on the season. During equinoxes, when the Sun is directly over the equator, Uranus exhibits more storm activity compared to when the poles are pointed towards the Sun or away from it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-uranus">Observations of Uranus</h2>



“One day on Uranus is about 17 hours, so the planet’s rotation is relatively quick. This makes it supremely difficult for observatories with a sharp eye like Webb to capture one simple image of the entire planet - storms and other atmospheric features, and the planet’s moons, move visibly within minutes,” explained NASA.



“This image combines several longer and shorter exposures of this dynamic system to correct for those slight changes throughout the observing time.”



The first recorded observations of Uranus were made by John Flamsteed on December 13, 1690. However, Flamsteed mistakenly identified the planet as a star, which he named “34 Tauri."&nbsp;



It wasn't until March 13, 1781, that Uranus was officially identified as a planet by William Herschel. He initially thought he had discovered a comet, but further observations and calculations by other astronomers confirmed that it was a new planet, making Uranus the first planet discovered in modern history with the aid of a telescope.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI



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The ice giant Uranus in stunning detail

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Webb Images features...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), located about 3,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Draco. 



The nebula's name comes from its eye-like appearance when viewed through a telescope. This particular image, which reveals the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horsehead-nebula-webb-telescope-captured-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> in stunning detail, was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-nebulae-nbsp">Planetary nebulae&nbsp;</h2>



According to ESA, the Cat's Eye Nebula is one of the most complex planetary nebulae that has ever been discovered.



“A planetary nebula forms when Sun-like stars gently eject their outer gaseous layers to form bright nebulae with amazing twisted shapes," explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Until recently, it was thought that shells around planetary nebulae were a rare phenomenon. However, astronomers have instead shown that these rings are likely to be the rule rather than the exception."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance-of-the-cat-s-eye-nebula-nbsp">Appearance of the Cat's Eye Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The central focus of the Cat's Eye is a hot, dying star that has shed its outer layers to form the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragons-egg-nebula-is-a-truly-stunning-sight-to-behold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a>. It is surrounded by concentric gas shells, jets of high-speed gas, and unusual shock-induced knots of gas.



“Although the rings may be the key to explaining the final ‘gasp’ of the dying central star, the mystery behind the Cat’s Eye Nebula’s nested ‘Russian doll’ structure remains largely unsolved,” noted ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rings-around-the-cat-s-eye">Rings around the Cat’s Eye</h2>



“This image, taken with Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), reveals the full pattern of eleven or more concentric rings, or shells, around the Cat’s Eye. Each ‘ring’ is actually the edge of a spherical bubble seen projected onto the sky - which is why it appears bright along its outer edge.”



According to ESA, observations suggest that the star ejected its mass in a series of pulses at 1,500-year intervals. “These convulsions created dust shells that each contains as much mass as all of the planets in our solar system combined.”



Several explanations have been proposed for this phenomenon, including cycles of magnetic activity similar to our Sun's sunspot cycle, the influence of companion stars orbiting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dying-stars-may-be-a-source-of-gravitational-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dying star</a>, or stellar pulsations.&nbsp;



Another theory suggests that the material is ejected smoothly from the star, with the rings forming later due to the creation of waves in the outflowing material.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extrasolar-ocean-planet-discovered-in-the-draco-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draco</a> is a constellation in the northern sky that represents a dragon. It's one of the largest constellations, winding between the Big and Little Dippers.&nbsp;



In Greek mythology, Draco is often identified as the dragon Ladon, who guarded the golden apples in the garden of the Hesperides.



Draco is a circumpolar constellation for most northern hemisphere observers, meaning it never sets below the horizon and can be seen all year round.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-famous-planetary-nebulae">Famous planetary nebulae </h2>



Planetary nebulae are some of the most beautiful and intriguing objects in the universe.&nbsp;



One of the most famous is the Ring Nebula, or M57, located in the constellation Lyra. This nebula is renowned for its nearly perfect ring shape, which is the result of a dying star shedding its outer layers.&nbsp;



Another well-known planetary nebula is the Helix Nebula, or NGC 7293, often referred to as the "Eye of God" due to its eye-like appearance. The Helix Nebula is one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth, making it a popular target for amateur astronomers.&nbsp;



The Dumbbell Nebula, or M27, in the constellation Vulpecula, is another striking example. It is named for its resemblance to a dumbbell and is notable for being the first planetary nebula ever discovered, by Charles Messier in 1764.&nbsp;



The Butterfly Nebula, or NGC 6302, is located in the constellation Scorpius. Its name comes from its distinctive bipolar structure, resembling the wings of a butterfly. The nebula's central star is one of the hottest known, with a surface temperature of around 250,000 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;



Finally, the Eskimo Nebula, or NGC 2392, in the constellation Gemini, is known for its resemblance to a face surrounded by a fur parka, which gives it its name. Its intricate structure, including filaments and bubble-like shapes, makes it a fascinating object of study.&nbsp;



These nebulae not only captivate us with their beauty but also provide valuable insights into the life cycles of stars and the processes that shape our galaxy.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



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Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Southern Ring Nebula, also known as NGC 3132, located about 2,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Vela. This remarkably detailed image was created using data from Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam).



The Southern Ring Nebula is one of the more famous examples of planetary nebulae, often studied for its beauty and valuable insights into the end stages of stellar evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-power-the-southern-ring-nebula">Stars power the Southern Ring Nebula </h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragons-egg-nebula-is-a-truly-stunning-sight-to-behold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> is powered by two central stars in a binary system. The brighter star in visible light is actually a less massive companion, while the fainter, dimmer star is the dying, hot central star that has shed its outer layers to form the nebula. This star is a white dwarf and is responsible for the ionization of the gas in the nebula, causing it to glow.



“The bright star at the center of NGC 3132, while prominent when viewed by NASA’s Webb Telescope in near-infrared light, plays a supporting role in sculpting the surrounding nebula. A second star, barely visible at lower left along one of the bright star’s diffraction spikes, is the nebula’s source. It has ejected at least eight layers of gas and dust over thousands of years,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“But the bright central star visible here has helped ‘stir’ the pot, changing the shape of this planetary nebula’s highly intricate rings by creating turbulence. The pair of stars are locked in a tight orbit, which leads the dimmer star to spray ejected material in a range of directions as they orbit one another, resulting in these jagged rings.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-characteristics-of-the-southern-ring-nebula-nbsp">Key characteristics of the Southern Ring Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The Southern Ring Nebula displays a complex structure with multiple layers of gas and dust. The outer shells of the nebula consist of hydrogen and other elements that were ejected from the dying star in previous stages of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-stellar-objects-observing-the-early-lives-of-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>.&nbsp;These layers are illuminated by ultraviolet radiation from the central white dwarf.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coloration">Coloration</h3>



The colors seen in the Southern Ring Nebula come from the different gases present. For example, hydrogen emits red light, while oxygen emits blue-green light. These colors help astronomers study the composition and dynamics of the nebula.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size-and-shape">Size and shape</h3>



The nebula spans about half a light-year in diameter. Its intricate, symmetrical structure provides valuable insights into the late stages of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-collapse-black-hole-instead-of-supernova-vanish-from-sky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar evolution</a>, especially the processes involved in the shedding of outer layers by dying stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spotlights-from-the-bright-star">Spotlights from the bright star</h2>



ESA noted that hundreds of straight, brightly-lit lines pierce through the rings of gas and dust. “These ‘spotlights’ emanate from the bright star and stream through holes in the nebula like sunlight through gaps in a cloud.



“But not all of the starlight can escape. The density of the central region, set off in teal, is reflected by how transparent or opaque it is. Areas that are a deeper teal indicate that the gas and dust are denser - and light is unable to break free.”



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



According to ESA, this is not only a crisp image of a planetary nebula - it also shows us objects in the vast distances of space behind it. The transparent red sections of the nebula are filled with distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-have-hearts-and-lungs-that-help-them-live-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>.



“Look for the bright angled line at the upper left. It is not starlight - it is a faraway galaxy seen edge-on. Distant spirals, of many shapes and colors, also dot the scene. Those that are farthest away - or very dusty - are small and red,” said ESA.



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



Vela is a southern constellation that represents the sails of a ship. It was once part of a larger constellation called Argo Navis, which depicted the ship of the mythological hero Jason and the Argonauts. In the 18th century, Argo Navis was divided into three separate constellations: Vela (the sails), Carina (the keel), and Puppis (the stern).



Vela is notable for containing several interesting astronomical features. One of its most prominent stars is Gamma Velorum, also known as Suhail or Regor, which is a bright, massive star system consisting of multiple stars.&nbsp;



The constellation also hosts the Vela Supernova Remnant, the remains of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> explosion that occurred about 11,000 years ago. This remnant is associated with the Vela Pulsar, a neutron star formed from the supernova explosion, which is one of the brightest pulsars in the sky.



Vela is best observed in the Southern Hemisphere, where it can be seen in the summer months, though it is partially visible in the Northern Hemisphere as well. Its position along the Milky Way makes it a popular region for both amateur and professional astronomers to explore.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI



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Southern Ring Nebula in the constellation Vela 

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features Harrat Khaybar, one of the largest volcanic fields in Saudi Arabia. This extensive lava field, which covers 5,400 square-miles, was formed by eruptions over the last five million years.



“According to the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program, the volcanic field is still active, and eight lava flows are less than 1,500 years old. The last known eruption was reported in Harrat Khaybar in the 7th century,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



A couple of the youngest volcanic vents in Harrat Khaybar can be seen in this <a href="https://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/152000/152839/harratkhaybar_oli2_20240425_lrg.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">image</a>, which was captured by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jabal-qidr-nbsp">Jabal Qidr&nbsp;</h2>



“These volcanoes resulted from different eruptive styles: Jabal Qidr is a stratovolcano (or composite cone); Jabal Abyad is a felsic dome; and Jabal Bayda is a tuff cone,” explained NASA.



“Jabal Qidr, in the northern part of the volcanic field, is built from several generations of dark, basaltic lava flows. Qidr has a 400-meter-diameter summit crater and exhibits the textbook cone shape of a stratovolcano. This is the only stratovolcano in the harrats of western Saudi Arabia.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jabal-abyad-nbsp">Jabal Abyad&nbsp;</h2>



Visible in the center of the image, Jabal Abyad was formed from a more viscous, silica-rich lava classified as rhyolite, noted NASA.



"While Jabal Qidr exhibits the cone shape of a stratovolcano, Jabal Abyad is a lava dome - a rounded mass of thicker, more solidified lava flows. Abyad’s dome reaches over 2,090 meters above sea level, the highest elevation amongst all the surrounding harrats.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jabal-bayda-nbsp">Jabal Bayda&nbsp;</h2>



To the west of Jabal Abyad is Jabal Bayda, a tuff cone <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-aspect-of-volcanic-eruptions-observed-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcano</a> with a much larger summit crater measuring 1,400 meters in diameter, stated NASA.



"Tuff cones form from the interaction of rising magma with water. When heated rapidly by lava, water turns to steam and expands violently, fragmenting the lava into plumes of very fine grains of ash.”



In Arabic, abyad and bayda are the masculine and feminine words for “white.” The lighter color of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/mount-erebus-breaks-through-the-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a> is associated with lava that has high silica content. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-harrat-khaybar-nbsp">More about Harrat Khaybar&nbsp;</h2>



One of the notable features of Harrat Khaybar is its striking contrast between the black basaltic lava fields and white-colored rhyolitic lava domes. This contrast creates a visually stunning terrain, with some areas of the field resembling a lunar or Martian landscape.



Harrat Khaybar is part of a larger series of harrats, or lava fields, which are prevalent in the Arabian Peninsula. The largest of these volcanic fields is Harrat Rahat, which stretches over 20,000 square kilometers.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activity</a> in Harrat Khaybar began millions of years ago and has continued into relatively recent times, with the last known eruptions occurring several thousand years ago.



The field is also notable for its archaeological sites, including ancient rock art, which provide insights into the early human habitation of the area. 



The harsh environment of Harrat Khaybar has shaped both the natural ecosystem and the human activities throughout its history, making it a place of interest not only for volcanologists but also for archaeologists and ecologists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-activity-in-saudi-arabia">Volcanic activity in Saudi Arabia </h2>



Saudi Arabia, despite being more commonly associated with vast deserts, has a surprising history of volcanic activity.



Volcanic eruptions have occurred over the past few thousand years, with the most recent major eruption occurring in the year 1256. That eruption, from a series of fissures, sent lava flowing towards the city of Medina, but it stopped before reaching the urban area. Historical records document the panic that followed, as people feared the destruction of the city.



While there hasn't been a significant eruption since, there are still signs of geothermal activity, such as hot springs and occasional minor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-music-will-yellowstones-seismic-activity-produce/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic activity</a>. 



Researchers monitor the volcanic fields for any signs of future eruptions, though none are currently expected. Despite the long periods of dormancy, Saudi Arabia's volcanic landscape remains an important part of the country's natural history.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Harrat Khaybar: An active lava field in Saudi Arabia

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Wapiti Fire in central Idaho, which was ignited by lightning on July 24, 2024.&nbsp;



More than a month later, the fire continues to devastate areas across the Boise, Sawtooth, and Salmon-Challis National Forests.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explosive-fire-activity">Explosive fire activity</h2>



In its first month, the Wapiti Fire burned about 9,000 acres. It has now grown twelve times larger, burning more than 108,000 acres.



“Fire activity ramped up in late August, expanding its footprint to over 100,000 acres (400 square kilometers) by early September. The Wapiti fire, as well as the Middle Fork Complex fires burning nearby, have spurred evacuation orders and highway and public lands closures,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153274/wildland-fires-scorch-idaho-wilderness" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



By September 3rd, the Wapiti Fire was 2% contained, with firefighting efforts heavily focused on protecting nearby structures and communities, particularly around Stanley and Lowman.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unpredictable-behavior-of-the-wapiti-fire-nbsp">Unpredictable behavior of the Wapiti Fire&nbsp;</h2>



The fire's behavior has been unpredictable, intensifying during periods of unstable weather, especially when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thunderstorms-are-becoming-more-intense-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thunderstorms</a> with strong winds have passed through. This has made containment difficult and forced the evacuation of multiple areas, including the communities along Idaho Highway 21.&nbsp;



Efforts to manage the fire include using air tankers to drop fire retardant and creating containment lines to prevent further spread. However, the fire continues to threaten homes and critical infrastructure, with many structures already lost. 



Local authorities have emphasized the importance of residents being prepared for evacuation, advising them to gather essential documents and possessions in advance.



The fire has led to the closure of vast sections of national forest land, with restrictions expected to remain in place until at least the end of the year, depending on the fire's progression.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intensity-of-the-wapiti-fire-nbsp">Intensity of the Wapiti Fire&nbsp;</h2>



According to media reports, the intensity of the Wapiti Fire can be largely attributed to certain types of vegetation in the area that rapidly fuel fire. The main fuel in this case is timber in forests that already have “60-80% tree mortality from insects and disease,” 



To make matters worse, the Wapiti Fire is burning in areas that are difficult to reach. The fire is located in steep and rugged terrain within the Boise National Forest that is challenging for firefighting crews to access. The difficult terrain and limited access routes have greatly complicated firefighting efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-caused-wildfires-nbsp">Lightning-caused wildfires&nbsp;</h2>



Lightning is often responsible for igniting large, destructive fires, particularly in remote and forested areas. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-in-siberia-are-a-growing-global-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> occur when a lightning strike, typically from dry thunderstorms, ignites dry vegetation like grass, leaves, or trees.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contributing-factors">Contributing factors</h3>



The intensity and frequency of these wildfires are influenced by several factors, including the amount of available dry fuel, the local climate, and the specific characteristics of the lightning strike itself, such as its intensity and duration.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-western-united-states-nbsp">Western United States&nbsp;</h3>



In some regions, like the western United States, lightning is responsible for the majority of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-threaten-environmental-gains-in-the-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>, especially during the summer months when thunderstorms are more common. These fires can spread rapidly, driven by winds and the availability of dry fuel, making them difficult to control.&nbsp;



Lightning-caused wildfires can also lead to the formation of large fire complexes, where multiple fires merge into one, further complicating firefighting efforts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role">Ecological role</h3>



Interestingly, while lightning-caused wildfires can be destructive, they also play a crucial role in certain ecosystems. These fires can help to clear out dead vegetation, promote new growth, and maintain the health of fire-adapted ecosystems.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-fire-weather">The future of fire weather</h2>



The future of fire weather is deeply concerning, as climate change is expected to significantly worsen the conditions that lead to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-of-2023-were-a-global-environmental-setback/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-climate-paradox">The climate paradox</h2>



As global temperatures rise, the atmosphere will hold more moisture, but paradoxically, many regions will experience more intense and prolonged droughts. This will dry out <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increased-co2-is-making-wildfires-more-severe-and-frequent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a>, turning forests and grasslands into tinderboxes ready to ignite.&nbsp;



Additionally, higher temperatures will increase the likelihood of extreme heat waves, which can further desiccate landscapes and create the perfect conditions for fires to spread rapidly and uncontrollably.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-precipitation-patterns-nbsp">Changing precipitation patterns&nbsp;</h3>



Another factor influencing fire weather is changing precipitation patterns. While some areas might experience more rain, others will become drier, with rain increasingly falling in intense, short bursts rather than steady, prolonged periods. This leads to rapid runoff, reducing soil moisture and leaving the ground dry and more susceptible to fire. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wind-events-nbsp">Wind events&nbsp;</h3>



The intensity and frequency of wind events, driven by shifting atmospheric patterns, are also expected to increase, which can fan the flames of wildfires, causing them to spread more quickly and making them harder to control.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extended-fire-seasons">Extended fire seasons</h3>



In the future, fire seasons will likely become longer, and fires will grow in both size and intensity. Regions that have historically been less prone to wildfires may begin to see more frequent fire events as their climates change.&nbsp;



The combination of these factors will make managing wildfires more challenging, putting greater pressure on firefighting resources and leading to increased risks to human life, property, and ecosystems. 



The future of fire weather is a harsh reminder of the broader impacts of climate change, and the urgent need to adapt to our new reality.



The Wapiti Fire image was captured on August 31, 2024 by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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

Wapiti Fire in Idaho: Unpredictable and difficult to contain

If you’ve ever watched a dolphin swimming, you might have wondered why they move their bodies up and down, unlike fish, which swim by moving side to side.&nbsp;



Even though dolphins have a fishlike appearance, they belong to a group of mammals known as cetaceans (which includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises). These animals are descendants of land-dwelling ancestors, much like cats, dogs, elephants, and humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transition-from-land-to-water">Transition from land to water</h2>



Over time, cetaceans evolved and made profound changes to their bodies and skeletons to adapt to life in the water. Their hindlimbs reduced, they developed flippers and tail flukes, and their bodies <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/silky-shark-shatters-records-by-swimming-over-17000-miles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">streamlined</a> for efficient swimming. 



Despite these significant changes, cetaceans still retain certain characteristics from their land-dwelling days, such as having lungs and nursing their young with milk.&nbsp;



The up-and-down motion of their swimming also reflects the vertical movements that allow land mammals to run fast. But how their backbone adapted during the transition from land to water, about 53 million years ago, remained a mystery - until now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dolphins-developed-new-backbones">Dolphins developed new backbones</h2>



A recent study sheds new light on how cetaceans’ backbones were reorganized as their ancestors adapted to aquatic life. This research, conducted by an international team of scientists, challenges previous beliefs about the structure of these marine mammals' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-mammals-adaptable-backbones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">backbones</a>.



The study found that, contrary to earlier assumptions, the backbone of cetaceans is highly regionalized, even though its shape is more uniform along its length compared to land mammals. However, the way this regionalization happens is drastically different from how it occurs in terrestrial mammals.



“When their ancestor went back into the water, whales and dolphins lost their hind legs and developed a fish-like body,” said lead author Amandine Gillet, a Marie Curie Fellow at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>’s Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manchester</a>’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.



“But that morphological change also means the vertebral column is now the main part of the skeleton driving locomotion in an aquatic environment.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-streamlined-movement-for-swimming">Streamlined movement for swimming</h2>



In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/behavior-of-land-mammals-changed-dramatically-during-covid-19-lockdowns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">land mammals</a>, the vertebral column helps support the body, with the legs bearing the body’s weight. But when cetaceans transitioned to water, the forces acting on their bodies changed - gravity shifted to buoyancy, meaning their bodies no longer had to support their own weight on land.&nbsp;



This new environment required the backbones of dolphins and whales to adapt to allow for more fluid, streamlined movement in water. Previous studies focused on the shape of the vertebrae, looking for changes in their structure. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-history-of-backbones">Evolutionary history of backbones</h2>



In 2018, co-authors Stephanie Pierce and Katrina Jones used a statistical method to study the backbone’s evolutionary history in terrestrial mammals. They demonstrated that, compared to amphibians and reptiles, land mammals have a much more regionally diverse vertebral column.



“It’s a challenge to understand how the regions of a terrestrial mammal can be found in whales and dolphins, and one reason is because their backbone looks very different in terms of morphology, even though they evolved from them,” said Pierce, senior author of the study and a professor of organismic and evolutionary biology at Harvard.



“They lost the sacrum, a fused string of vertebrae bracing the hind legs and a critical landmark needed to distinguish the tail from the rest of the body.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dolphin-and-porpoise-backbones">Dolphin and porpoise backbones </h2>



Complicating matters, cetaceans' vertebrae became more homogeneous in appearance, making it harder to distinguish transitions between regions compared to land mammals, which have more distinct vertebrae changes.



“Not only do they have very similar vertebrae, but certain species, in particular porpoises and dolphins, have many more vertebrae than terrestrial mammals, with some species having close to 100 vertebrae,” said Jones, a presidential fellow in earth and environmental sciences at the University of Manchester.



“This makes it really challenging to translate regions found in terrestrial mammals to the backbones in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-like-societies-cetaceans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a> and dolphins.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-patterns-in-the-backbone-nbsp">Identifying patterns in the backbone&nbsp;</h2>



To overcome this, the team used a statistical method called Regions, which can identify patterns in the backbone despite the varying number of vertebrae in each species.&nbsp;



While this worked well for land mammals, cetaceans’ complex vertebrae counts presented computational challenges. Gillet, working with the Data Science Services team at Harvard, re-coded the program to handle the high vertebrae counts of cetaceans, resulting in the new software, MorphoRegions, which is now available for other researchers to use.



“This is definitely one of the biggest advances of our study,” said Pierce. “Amandine spent months refining the program so that it could analyze a system of high repeating units without crashing the computer.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-an-extensive-dataset">Analyzing an extensive dataset</h2>



Using the MorphoRegions method, Gillet analyzed data she collected during her PhD, examining 7,500 vertebrae from 139 specimens representing 62 cetacean species.&nbsp;



This extensive dataset allowed the team to see that the organization of the cetacean backbone differs from that of terrestrial mammals. Moreover, they found variations within cetaceans, identifying between six and nine regions depending on the species.



“We then worked from there to find commonalities across regions and identified a pattern common to all cetaceans, which is summarized by our Nested Regions Hypothesis,” said Gillet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-movement-in-specific-tail-regions">Movement in specific tail regions</h2>



This hypothesis suggests a hierarchical organization of the backbone, where the precaudal and caudal segments are divided into several modules, such as cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and fluke. Depending on the species, each module is further subdivided into regions, with some species having as many as nine post-cervical regions.



“Surprisingly, this showed us that, compared to terrestrial mammals, the precaudal segment has fewer regions, whereas the caudal area has more,” Pierce said.&nbsp;



“Terrestrial mammals use their tails for various functions, but not usually for generating propulsive forces, like cetaceans do. Having more regions in the tail may allow for movement in very specific regions of the tail.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-backbones-habitats-and-swimming-speed-nbsp">Backbones, habitats, and swimming speed&nbsp;</h2>



The team also explored how these backbone regions correlate with habitat and swimming speed. Species that live offshore, further from the coast, tend to have more vertebrae and regions, which likely helps them swim faster.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, species living closer to shore, such as in rivers and bays, tend to have fewer vertebrae and regions, allowing for more maneuverability.



“It’s a beautiful study,” Pierce said. “You go from dusty skeletons in a museum to showing how the backbone of one of the most charismatic groups of mammals was repatterned due to their aquatic environment.”



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



Next, the researchers plan to study how these regions relate to function, using data on vertebral flexibility to understand how the backbone evolved from supporting land movement to driving swimming.



These findings could even help scientists infer the swimming abilities of ancient whales, shedding light on how their backbones evolved from supporting land animals to propelling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infectious-disease-in-marine-mammals-is-driven-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine mammals</a> through water.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51963-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Dolphins and whales got new backbones for life in the water

If you’ve ever watched a dolphin swimming, you might have...

Researchers recently embarked on an exciting journey to Japan's Tambasasayama City, located in Hyogo Prefecture. This journey resulted in the discovery of Sasayamagnomus saegusai.



The teams focus was on exploring the extraordinary world of horned dinosaurs, including the iconic Triceratops.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sasayamagnomus-saegusai">Sasayamagnomus saegusai</h2>



This new dinosaur exhibits unique traits, distinctly different from known ceratopsians. Although it is an early ceratopsian, it lacked the large horns and frills that later <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/triceratops-dinosaurs-seem-to-have-developed-complex-social-structures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species like the Triceratops</a> are known for. 



The study revealed dinosaur with a diminutive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-dinosaur-collagen-survived-the-test-of-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">body</a> length of only about 80 cm, and a mass of approximately 10 kg. 



In fact, its internal bone structure and growth rings suggest it was still a growing individual when it died.



The genus name of Sasayamagnomus saegusai is inspired by the meaning, "a small humanoid spirit guarding hidden treasures under the ground of Sasayama," while the species name pays homage to the late Haruo Saegusa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-this-tiny-triceratops">Significance of this tiny Triceratops</h2>



This remarkable fossil find is more than just a set of bones. It includes as many as 17 bones, with the majority belonging to a single individual. 



Upon studying thin sections of the tibia, it was revealed that Sasayamagnomus saegusai was likely a young, not fully <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alpkarakush-kyrgyzicus-new-dinosaur-was-t-rex-cousin-has-protruding-eyebrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">matured individual</a>.



The Sasayamagnomus saegusai isn't just unique; it's also a global traveler, figuratively speaking. It is closely related to ceratopsians from North America.



This fact suggests that ceratopsians, although originating in Asia, might have made the journey to North America around 110 million years ago during the mid-Cretaceous period.



Picture a time when the eastern part of the Eurasian continent and North America were linked by the Bering Land Bridge.&nbsp;



This connection facilitated the migration of animals between the two areas. Couple this scenario with extreme global warming, resulting in dense forests in the Arctic region, and you have a perfect backdrop for the migration and expansion of ceratopsians from Asia to North America.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-sasayamagnomus-saegusai">Understanding Sasayamagnomus saegusai</h2>



The discovery of&nbsp;Sasayamagnomus saegusai&nbsp;offers critical insights into the evolutionary pathways of ceratopsians. It challenges previously held notions about the timeline and geographical distribution of these fascinating dinosaurs.&nbsp;



By highlighting the diverse morphological characteristics of this ceratopsian, researchers can better understand the adaptive strategies employed by horned dinosaurs in response to their changing environments.&nbsp;



This finding by <a href="https://earthsci.carleton.ca/node/264" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Ryan</a> emphasizes the importance of fossil records in reconstructing the complex web of prehistoric life, illuminating how species evolved and interacted across disparate regions over millions of years.



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



As excitement mounts within the scientific community, the implications of Sasayamagnomus saegusai extend far beyond its immediate discovery. 



Future research may focus on comparing its anatomical features with those of other ceratopsians, not only within Asia but also in North America and other continents. 



Such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/qunkasaura-pintiquiniestra-new-sauropod-dinosaur-discovered-in-spain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comparative studies</a> could refine the understanding of ceratopsian evolution and migration patterns.&nbsp;



Additionally, this discovery opens doors for interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging paleontologists and geologists alike to explore the impact of climate change on the habitats of these ancient creatures. 



By piecing together this intricate puzzle, researchers can contribute significantly to the larger narrative of life on Earth, detailing how ancient organisms adapted to their environments and evolved over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-context-of-sasayamagnomus-saegusai">Ecological context of Sasayamagnomus saegusai</h2>



To comprehend the ecological significance of Sasayamagnomus saegusai, one must consider the environmental conditions of the mid-Cretaceous period in which it thrived. 



During this era, the Earth was characterized by lush vegetation, with extensive forests and diverse flora providing abundant resources for herbivorous dinosaurs.



The presence of small horned dinosaurs like Sasayamagnomus saegusai suggests a diversity of ecological niches occupied by ceratopsians, each evolving distinct adaptations to survive within their respective habitats.



By investigating the isotopic composition of the bones, researchers may uncover the dietary preferences of Sasayamagnomus saegusai, further elucidating its role within the ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-this-discovery">Implications of this discovery</h2>



The implications of the Sasayamagnomus saegusai discovery extend into the broader field of paleontology, prompting a reevaluation of not only ceratopsian evolution but also how we understand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-equivalent-of-a-blindfolded-full-court-shot-caused-the-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur biogeography</a> in general. 



As scientists continue to unearth fossil evidence, the relationships between species can be mapped more accurately, revealing patterns of migration and adaptation that were previously obscured. 



The paradigm shift induced by this discovery encourages a holistic approach to research, emphasising the interconnectedness of species and their environments through time. 



Furthermore, it highlights the necessity of long-term field studies and interdisciplinary methodologies to fully grasp the complexities of prehistoric life on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-throwback-into-time">Throwback into time</h2>



This fascinating journey we embarked on has led us from the buzzing streets of modern-day Tambasasayama City to a time when dinosaurs roamed the land.&nbsp;



It is an exploration into the world of dinosaurs, a time chronicle that underscores the dogged spirit of global migration, survival, and evolution. 



This new discovery, the Sasayamagnomus saegusai, has truly left a foot...or a claw-print in the sands of time.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/spp2.1587" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palaeontology</a>.



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Tiny triceratops relative shakes up dinosaur migration theories

Researchers recently embarked on an exciting journey to Japan's Tambasasayama...

The secret to avoiding red lights during rush hour in Salt Lake City might be as simple as following a bus. For the past few years, transportation officials have been refining a system in which commuter buses communicate directly with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/road-traffic-is-a-major-source-of-water-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traffic</a> signals, requesting a few extra seconds of green when they approach.&nbsp;



This smart street technology has already made a noticeable difference, smoothing out congestion. And it's just a glimpse of what could be coming soon to roads across Utah and eventually the entire United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-cars-that-communicate">Smart cars that communicate</h2>



With the help of a $20 million federal grant and a broader vision to “Connect the West,” the ultimate goal is to enable vehicles in Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming to communicate not only with each other but also with roadside infrastructure.&nbsp;



The smart car system would share real-time information about congestion, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/motorcycle-crashes-car-accidents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accidents</a>, hazards, and weather conditions. Drivers could instantly receive updates, suggesting alternate routes without the need for human input to manually update road signs or smartphone navigation apps.



“A vehicle can tell us a lot about what's going on in the roadway,” said Blaine Leonard, a transportation technology engineer at the <a href="https://www.udot.utah.gov/connect/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah Department of Transportation</a>.&nbsp;



“Maybe it braked really hard, or the windshield wipers are on, or the wheels are slipping. The car anonymously broadcasts to us that blip of data 10 times a second, giving us a constant stream of information.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-cars-transmitting-real-time-data">Smart cars transmitting real-time data</h2>



When <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-now-using-cars-to-travel-spread-to-new-locations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cars</a> transmit this type of real-time data to other cars and roadside sensors, the technology is referred to as vehicle-to-everything, or V2X. Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled a national plan to guide states, local governments, and private companies in implementing V2X projects, ensuring that everyone is working together toward the same goals.



The overarching goal of V2X is simple yet critical: to significantly reduce roadway deaths and serious injuries, which have reached alarming levels in recent years.



According to a 2016 analysis by the <a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Highway Traffic Safety Administration</a>, V2X technology could help save lives. The research found that deploying just two early V2X applications nationwide could prevent between 439,000 and 615,000 crashes and save between 987 and 1,366 lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advocating-for-road-safety">Advocating for road safety</h2>



Dan Langenkamp, whose wife, U.S. diplomat Sarah Langenkamp, was killed by a truck while biking in Maryland in 2022, has become a passionate advocate for road safety improvements. Speaking at the news conference unveiling the V2X blueprint, he urged the swift deployment of the technology across the U.S.



“How can we as government officials, as manufacturers, and just as Americans not push this technology forward as fast as we possibly can, knowing that we have the power to rescue ourselves from this disaster, this crisis on our roads,” said Langenkamp.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-privacy-concerns-with-transportation-technology-nbsp">Privacy concerns with transportation technology&nbsp;</h2>



Despite its potential benefits, V2X has faced some public resistance, particularly around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alexa-privacy-controls-do-not-eliminate-privacy-concerns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">privacy concerns</a>. While the V2X plan includes measures to safeguard personal data, privacy advocates remain cautious.&nbsp;



Critics argue that even though the system may not directly track individual vehicles, it collects enough unique data - such as tire pressure or vehicle weight - that it could potentially be used to identify drivers and track their movements.



“Once you get enough unique information, you can reasonably say the car that drives down this street at this time that has this particular weight class probably belongs to the mayor,” said Cliff Braun, associate director of technology, policy, and research at the <a href="https://www.eff.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Electronic Frontier Foundation</a>, an organization that advocates for digital privacy.



The national V2X blueprint aims for the top 75 metropolitan areas in the U.S. to equip at least 25% of their signalized intersections with this technology by 2028, with even higher milestones in the years that follow. Salt Lake City, already a leader in V2X implementation, has surpassed 20%.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-connected-vehicle-technology-nbsp">Benefits of connected vehicle technology&nbsp;</h2>



Upgrading traffic signals to communicate with vehicles is just one part of the challenge. The more critical data comes from the vehicles themselves. While many new cars are equipped with connected features, they don't all operate using the same standards.



Utah began testing connected vehicle technology with data from fleet vehicles like buses and snowplows, launching what it calls the nation's first radio-based connected vehicle system. 



One pilot program focused on a busy stretch of Redwood Road, where traffic flow improved not just for buses but for all drivers.



“Whatever they're doing is working,” said Jenny Duenas, assistant director of Panda Child Care, which is located near Redwood Road. “We haven't seen traffic for a while. We have to transport our kiddos out of here, so when it's a lot freer, it's a lot easier to get out of the daycare.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-congestion-and-improving-safety">Reducing congestion and improving safety</h2>



Casey Brock, bus communications supervisor for the <a href="https://www.rideuta.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah Transit Authority</a>, noted that most drivers might not even notice the changes directly, but the improvements are significant. Even shaving a few seconds off a bus route can reduce congestion and improve safety.



“From a commuter standpoint it may be, 'Oh, I had a good traffic day,'” Brock said. “They don't have to know all the mechanisms going on behind the scenes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-smart-cars-nbsp">The future of smart cars&nbsp;</h2>



The push for smart roads is expanding beyond Utah. In Michigan, a 3-mile stretch of connected and automated vehicle infrastructure has been launched along Interstate 94 between Ann Arbor and Detroit.&nbsp;



The project uses sensors and cameras to provide real-time notifications about obstacles such as debris or stalled vehicles. 



A similar project in Texas is developing a smart freight corridor near Austin to provide truck drivers with road condition updates and eventually support self-driving trucks.



Darran Anderson, director of strategy and innovation at the <a href="https://www.txdot.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas Department of Transportation</a>, sees the technology as key to improving safety in the state's massive freight industry.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decades-of-daily-road-fatalities-nbsp">Decades of daily road fatalities&nbsp;</h2>



Texas has experienced over two decades of daily road fatalities, with the last death-free day recorded on November 7, 2000.



<a href="https://www.cavnue.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cavnue</a>, a subsidiary of Alphabet's Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners, is leading the efforts in both Michigan and Texas, with a goal of becoming a leader in smart road technology. 



Chris Armstrong, the company’s vice president of product, compares V2X to “a digital seatbelt for the car” but stresses that its effectiveness relies on seamless communication between vehicles and roadside infrastructure.



“Instead of speaking 50 different languages, overnight we'd like to all speak the same language,” Armstrong said.



The future of smart cars may be closer than we think, and the roads of tomorrow could be safer, smoother, and far more connected than ever before.



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Smart cars that ‘talk’ to each other could avoid fatal crashes

The secret to avoiding red lights during rush hour in...

The universe and its galaxies have always been a source of intrigue, a giant cosmic jigsaw puzzle. One significant piece of this puzzle that continues to stump scientists, and now AI algorithms, is dark matter. 



In fact, 85% of all matter and around 27% of the universe's contents are presumed to be made of this invisible substance.



And its existence? Well, scientists are still not 100% sure. We can't see it and, so far, it's been <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-are-not-the-secret-source-of-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">notoriously hard to detect</a>. 



But its fingerprint is everywhere. It has long been assumed that dark matter's gravitational pull is what keeps everything in the universe in place.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theories-surrounding-dark-matter">Theories surrounding dark matter</h2>



One of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/existence-of-dark-matter-confirmed-by-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theories</a>, currently in the limelight, postulates that dark matter might be a particular kind of particle. 



These particles are kind of lone wolves, hardly interacting with anything else, apart from gravity.



But some think that these particles might have a social side. They might, on occasion, interact with each other, a phenomenon known as self-interaction. 



Detecting such interactions would be akin to finding breadcrumbs that lead us to understand more about dark matter's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-galaxy-jwst-er1g-dark-matter-einstein-ring-mystery-solved/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">characteristics</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-dark-matter-in-galaxies-with-ai">Detecting dark matter in galaxies with AI</h2>



However, differentiating these elusive traces of dark matter self-interactions from other cosmic phenomena isn't a walk in the park. 



For instance, let's consider active galactic nuclei (AGN), supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-are-not-the-secret-source-of-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a> residing in the galaxy centers. 



They're like the bullies of the cosmic playground; AGN feedback can shove matter around, and the effects can mimic those of dark matter.



This confusion has posed a big challenge -- how do we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gravitational-waves-dark-matter-big-bang-breakthrough/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distinguish between </a>the impact of AGN feedback and self-interacting dark matter?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enlisting-ai-to-detect-dark-matter">Enlisting AI to detect dark matter</h2>



Cue in astronomer David Harvey from EPFL's <a href="https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lastro/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laboratory of Astrophysics</a>. He decided to blend astronomy with artificial intelligence (AI) and created a deep-learning algorithm that could help unravel these complicated cosmic signals. 



His research, published in Nature Astronomy, introduces a whole new perspective to the study of dark matter.



Harvey's innovative AI-based approach is all about distinguishing between the effects of dark matter self-interactions and AGN feedback. 



It does this by scrutinizing images of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-seen-separating-from-normal-matter-after-galaxy-cluster-collision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy clusters</a> -- enormous groups of galaxies held together by gravity. 



The beauty of this innovation is that it could boost the precision of dark matter studies significantly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter-galaxies-and-ai">Dark matter, galaxies, and AI</h2>



Let's delve into the specifics a little. Harvey trained a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), a kind of AI that excels at pattern recognition in images. 



He fed the CNN with images from the <a href="https://www.astro.ljmu.ac.uk/~igm/BAHAMAS/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BAHAMAS-SIDM</a> project, which simulates galaxy clusters under different dark matter and AGN feedback scenarios.



After digesting thousands of simulated galaxy cluster images, the CNN developed the ability to differentiate the signals caused by dark matter self-interactions from those caused by AGN feedback.



Among various CNN architectures tested, the most complex one, charmingly named "Inception," turned out to be the most accurate. 



Inception was trained on two main <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-does-not-exist-universe-27-billion-years-old-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter scenarios</a> with different levels of self-interaction. It validated its abilities on more complex models, including a velocity-dependent dark matter model.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impressive-results">Impressive results</h2>



The results? Spectacular. Inception exhibited an accuracy of 80% under ideal conditions, effectively identifying whether the influence on galaxy clusters was from self-interacting dark matter or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supermassive-black-holes-are-very-messy-eaters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AGN feedback</a>.



It held its ground even when faced with realistic observational noise, the kind we would expect from future telescopes like Euclid.



This means that Inception and similar AI approaches could become crucial tools in interpreting the vast amounts of data we collect from space. 



More importantly, Inception's ability to adapt to unseen data makes it reliable, marking it as a promising tool in the quest to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-linked-to-supermassive-black-holes-in-early-universe-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">better understand dark matter</a>.



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



The advancements brought forth by algorithms like Inception extend far beyond the realm of dark matter detection; they carry profound implications for our understanding of cosmology as a whole. 



By improving our ability to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-cosmic-object-detected-gravitational-wave-signal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discern subtle signals</a> within the cosmic noise, these innovative technologies enable researchers to refine their models of galaxy formation and evolution.



Understanding the interplay between dark matter and visible matter will drive us closer to answering fundamental questions about the structure of the universe, its expansion, and ultimately, its fate. 



As we continue to probe the cosmos with ever-more sophisticated tools, the insights gleaned from such AI-driven analyses could reshape our narratives about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-gravity-exists-without-mass-so-dark-matter-does-not-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-quest-for-dark-matter-and-galaxies">Ongoing quest for dark matter and galaxies</h2>



With new telescopes on the horizon set to collect unprecedented amounts of data, methods like Inception could be game-changers. 



They could help scientists sift through data with speed and accuracy, potentially unmasking the true nature of the elusive dark matter.



This blend of astronomy and AI could open up a new era of understanding our universe. The hunt for dark matter continues, and it's definitely getting more exciting.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02322-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.



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Separating dark matter from cosmic noise with the help of AI

The universe and its galaxies have always been a source...

Have you ever thought about what exactly goes into your skincare products? You might be familiar with aloe vera, lavender, and vitamins, but did you know snail slime is also an incredibly popular ingredient? Yet, researchers have recently discovered something perhaps even more bizarre that could revolutionize your skincare routine: molecules produced by fish gut bacteria.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-fish-to-skincare-routine">Ocean fish to skincare routine</h2>



The notion of sourcing cosmetic ingredients from fish guts may sound rather extreme. After all, there's hardly a less "glamorous" place.&nbsp;



But, remember, many life-saving drugs have been found in unexpected places. Penicillin, for instance, was discovered from a moldy petri dish.&nbsp;



Similarly, the current brain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-lifestyle-changes-could-prevent-half-of-all-cancer-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magic-mushrooms-are-the-most-popular-psychedelic-drug/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drug</a> candidate, Marizomib, has its roots in microbes found in the marine sediments at the bottom of the ocean.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seabream-microbes">Seabream microbes</h2>



The research takes us to the western Pacific Ocean, home to two types of seabream fish: the red seabream and the blackhead seabream.&nbsp;



Interestingly, their gut microbes, identified in 1992 and 2016, have not been thoroughly studied till now. Enter researchers Hyo-Jong Lee and Chung Sub Kim, who were intrigued by the potential of these bacteria.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-bacteria-of-fish-and-skincare">Gut bacteria of fish and skincare</h2>



After extensive research, Lee, affiliated with the Pukyong National University, and Kim, from the Korean Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, discovered 22 molecules produced by these gut bacteria.&nbsp;



But could any of these molecules benefit human skin? To answer this, they evaluated each molecule's ability to inhibit two enzymes: tyrosinase and collagenase.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-wrinkles-and-dark-spots">Fighting wrinkles and dark spots</h2>



Tyrosinase is responsible for melanin production, which can lead to hyperpigmentation in aging skin. Collagenase, on the other hand, breaks down the structural protein collagen, causing wrinkles.&nbsp;



So, any molecule that effectively inhibits these enzymes could potentially help to keep our skin youthful and bright.



After extensive testing, Lee and Kim found their winners. Three molecules from the red seabream gut bacteria were able to inhibit both enzymes effectively without causing any harm to the cells. In essence, they found potential new stars for the world of anti-wrinkle and skin-brightening <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-anti-aging-drug-interleukin-11-boosts-lifespan-prevents-cancer-gray-hair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">products</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-fish-molecules-work-in-skincare">How the fish molecules work in skincare</h2>



Understanding how these newly identified molecules interact with skin cells is crucial for future applications in skincare.&nbsp;



The research team employed molecular docking studies to elucidate the binding sites of the inhibitory molecules on both tyrosinase and collagenase enzymes.&nbsp;



By mimicking the natural substrates of these enzymes, the molecules were able to effectively obstruct their activity, thereby preventing excessive melanin production and collagen degradation.&nbsp;



This pattern at the molecular level underscores the potential of these compounds not merely as ingredients, but as targeted treatments that engage with the skin's biochemistry in meaningful ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-implications-of-the-research">Further implications of the research </h2>



The discovery of natural molecules from seabream gut bacteria is opening up exciting new possibilities in cosmetic science. This could lead to more sustainable and effective ingredients in skincare products.&nbsp;



As researchers explore these bacteria further, consumers might enjoy not only better results but also a greater understanding of the ecological and biological connections that influence our health and beauty.&nbsp;



This could ignite a trend focused on harnessing ingredients sourced from deep-sea ecosystems, tapping into the unique properties of their diverse microbes. 



By exploring these untapped resources, the skincare industry can promote a more holistic approach to beauty, prioritizing sustainability and innovation. This shift may lead to groundbreaking products that nourish the skin while respecting our planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-skincare">Future of skincare</h2>



Following these promising results, the next steps will involve further research and development to see if these molecules from fish gut can be effectively and safely utilized in skincare <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-are-easily-absorbed-through-skin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">products</a>. Could these little molecules from fish guts be the next big thing in cosmetics? Only time will tell.



But isn't it fascinating how our quest for beauty and youthfulness leads us to the most unexpected corners of the world - even to the guts of a fish? 



Remember, next time you apply your favorite cream or serum, a similarly surprising journey might be behind its inception. After all, beauty can really be found anywhere - even in the unexpected depths of the ocean.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.3c09585" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Omega</a>.



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Fish guts contain anti-wrinkle compounds for skincare products

Have you ever thought about what exactly goes into your...

Aspergillus fumigatus is a not-so-friendly mold that has secured a spot in every nook and corner of our world. While it may be just another mold species to some, it holds a rather notorious distinction for us humans - Aspergillus fumigatus is capable of causing grave and often fatal infections.



The culprit behind the lethal prowess of this particular mold? A unique enzyme on the surface of its spores known as glycosylasparaginase.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangers-of-the-aspergillus-fumigatus-mold">Dangers of the Aspergillus fumigatus mold</h2>



The risky business of dealing with A. fumigatus is part of daily life for an international research team headed by Gustavo Goldman from the University of São Paulo in Brazil. 



Their mission? Uncovering the secrets that make this mold <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mold-burgers-fungi-aims-to-become-the-smart-food-of-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> deadly. Goldman's research primarily revolves around the surface proteins of these spores - the defense front that first encounters our immune system, usually through inhalation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spore-secrets-of-the-deadly-mold">Spore secrets of the deadly mold</h2>



What do these surface proteins reveal? Olaf Kniemeyer, a proteomics expert from the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (<a href="https://www.leibniz-hki.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leibniz-HKI</a>), shed some light on this question.



Kniemeyer's proficiency in mapping and assigning functions to all proteins in a cell have led to the identification of potential targets for new therapeutic substances.



With Kniemeyer and his team's expertise in phagocytosis - the process by which our immune cells engulf foreign invaders - the research team was able to closely observe the mold.



"Gustavo Goldman's group was particularly interested in the surface proteins on the spores, as these are the first to come into contact with the immune system - usually through inhalation," noted Kniemeyer.



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



To crack open the spore mysteries, the team employed a rather innovative approach known as trypsin shaving. 



This involved using trypsin, a protein-cleaving enzyme, to purge all proteins from the spore surface - think of it as exfoliating the surface of the spores. After this rigorous "cleanup," the team analyzed the protein fragments left behind using a mass spectrometer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mold-and-the-immune-system">Mold and the immune system</h2>



Upon comparing their findings to existing databases, the researchers discovered 62 proteins that were exclusively present on A. fumigatus spores and absent in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-fungi-diversity-can-be-pulled-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">closely related species</a>. This hinted at some of these proteins' potential involvement in the infection process. 



The experts then created a library of 42 fungus mutants, with each mutant lacking a gene responsible for one of these proteins.



It was found that the mutant lacking glycosylasparaginase triggered an increased release of interleukin-1β - an ultra-potent protein that incites fever, inflammation, and an assortment of other immune responses - in immune cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taming-the-body-s-immune-response">Taming the body's immune response</h2>



The absence of glycosylasparaginase on the fungal spores allows the immune system to release more of this pro-inflammatory substance, thereby ramping up the body's defense against the pathogen. 



This suggests that the fungus normally produces glycosylasparaginase to tame the immune response, enabling it to infiltrate the body nearly unchecked. 



A study in mice supports this theory, showing that mice with an intact immune system launched a more vigorous attack against the fungus when the gene for glycosylasparaginase was switched off.



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



The insights gained from the study of glycosylasparaginase and its role in mediating immune responses opens a plethora of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-fusion-turning-food-waste-into-culinary-delights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avenues for future exploration</a>. 



Understanding how A. fumigatus manipulates host defenses equips researchers with the foundational knowledge needed to design effective therapeutic interventions. 



By identifying the specific interactions between this mold and the immune system, scientists can develop targeted drugs or vaccines that enhance immune recognition and response, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating or preventing infections caused by this mold.



Indeed, the elusive glycosylasparaginase on A. fumigatus spores seems to play a key part in the fungus's standoff with our immune system. 



However, the exact workings of this mechanism remain wrapped in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mycocrete-new-material-made-of-fungi-hopes-to-replace-concrete-in-construction-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mystery</a>. Still, these findings open up avenues for developing new treatments for infections caused by A. fumigatus - an urgent need given the limited number of effective drugs currently available and the steadily spreading resistance to them.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-024-01782-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Microbiology</a>.&nbsp;



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How do deadly molds attack the immune system of humans?

Aspergillus fumigatus is a not-so-friendly mold that has secured a...

Wouldn't it be a surprise to learn that bats, often vilified in folklore as harbingers of the dark, are actually our silent sentinels? They play an essential ecological role as nature's pesticide-free pest control, and the sudden disappearance of bats could affect more than just your friendly neighborhood farmer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unseen-warriors-of-the-sky">Unseen warriors of the sky</h2>



Bats are nature's own pest managers, performing an admirable job of protecting crops from insects. This ecological role reduces the need for farmers to douse their fields in alarmingly toxic chemical pesticides. 



Since 2006, many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bats-navigate-noisy-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bat populations</a> have seen their numbers dwindle in North America due to an encroaching fungus that causes white-nose syndrome. This pesky fungus cohabits caves where bats camouflage during the day and weather the winter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bats-reducing-pesticide-use">Bats reducing pesticide use</h2>



A recent study published in the journal Science took this sudden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-can-ramp-up-their-heart-rate-to-900-beats-per-minute/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bat</a> collapse as a springboard to investigate whether farmers cranked up their pesticide use and the potential effects on human health. 



The findings were alarming. Farmers had amplified their pesticide use, which sadly translated to over 1,000 infant deaths.



"Despite the unfounded fear surrounding bats, especially after speculations of their ties with the origins of Covid-19, these creatures add substantial value to society as natural pesticides. Their decline can impact humans adversely," said study lead author Eyal Frank, an assistant professor at the <a href="https://harris.uchicago.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harris School of Public Policy</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bat-losses-and-pesticide-use">Bat losses and pesticide use</h2>



Frank's research dissected the impact of bat losses on pesticide use in counties affected by their drastic population decline compared to those unaffected by this wildlife disease. The data showed a staggering 31% rise in pesticide use aligned with a decrease in bat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-waking-bats-up-too-early-from-hibernation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a>. 



Now, shifting the spotlight to human health, he studied if this escalated usage of potentially harmful pesticides corresponded with a hike in infant mortality rates, a common benchmark to gauge the health impacts of environmental pollution. 



The infant mortality rate shot up by almost 8%, contributing to an additional 1,334 infant deaths. This means that each 1% increase in pesticide use shoots the infant mortality rate up by 0.25%.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-pesticides-the-answer">Are pesticides the answer?</h2>



The study further revealed that pesticides are sorely lagging behind <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-experience-age-related-hearing-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bats</a> in the fight against pests. The crop quality suffered as a direct consequence. 



Farmers saw their crop sales revenue plunge by almost 29%. When you add this revenue loss to the hefty bill of the pesticides, the farming communities reeling under the bat decline saw massive losses of up to $26.9 billion between 2006 and 2017. 



Infant mortality's toll added a whopping $12.4 billion, making the total societal cost of the bat die-offs in these affected communities a mind-boggling $39.6 billion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effects-on-biodiversity">Ripple effects on biodiversity</h2>



The decline of bat populations extends beyond immediate agricultural impacts to reverberate through entire ecosystems. Bats play a crucial role in the pollination of various plants and the dispersal of seeds. Many fruit-bearing plants, including mangoes and bananas, rely on bat activity for reproduction. 



As these bats vanish, a cascading effect threatens the diversity of flora that supports diverse fauna, leading to an unravelling of ecological balance. 



This diminishment can unfurl over generations, revealing the interconnectedness of species and highlighting the warning signs of a fragile ecosystem that is increasingly under threat.



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



While the challenges posed by bat population declines are significant, there are pathways for mitigation and recovery. Conservationists are advocating for bat-friendly farming practices, such as organic farming, which helps reduce the unnecessary reliance on harmful pesticides. 



Initiatives to restore natural habitats, coupled with public education on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-pollution-is-harming-worms-and-bugs-to-an-unknown-degree/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecological value</a> of bats, can foster healthier coexistence. 



Moreover, the establishment of protected areas where bats can roost safely from the strains of urbanisation and pollution is imperative. 



By illuminating the roles these creatures play in our environment, communities can embark on a journey toward rehabilitation and sustainability, ensuring that these unsung heroes of the night continue to grace our skies for generations to come.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-value-of-bats-for-pesticide-free-crops">Value of bats for pesticide-free crops</h2>



"When bats are absent from the pest control scene, the costs to society are astronomical. However, the expense of preserving bat populations is relatively smaller," noted Frank.



The study highlights the profound value that wildlife brings to society and the pressing need to comprehend this value better. This understanding is crucial to shaping policies that champion wildlife protection.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adg0344" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Disappearance of bats linked to a rise in infant deaths

Wouldn't it be a surprise to learn that bats, 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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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