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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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The west coast of South America

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an intense dust storm over eastern China on March 22, 2023. According to China’s National Forestry Grassland Administration, the dust has impacted more than 560 million people.



"The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this image showing a thick swirl of dust over China’s Harbin, Changchun, and Shenyang provinces," says NASA. "Cyclonic atmospheric circulation appears to have sucked dust into and above the clouds."



"In Beijing, which has a population of more than 20 million, the air quality index rose well above 500 for coarse (PM10) particles and above 200 for fine (PM2.5) particles on that day. Those levels are considered 'hazardous' and 'very unhealthy' to human health."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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



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Massive dust storm moves over eastern China 

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut view of the Tunupa Volcano, a dormant volcano in southwestern Bolivia. The volcano is located on a peninsula between two of Bolivia’s largest salt flats - Salar de Uyuni and Salar de Coipasa.



"Tunupa Volcano is located at the center of the Southern Altiplano, or the Andean Plateau, and rises as high as 5.3 kilometers (3.3 miles) in elevation," says NASA. "The volcano is a composite cone - a large, complex volcano that is often covered by lava flows, pyroclastic and mudflow deposits, and domes. Last active about 1.4 million years ago, Tunupa is now considered dormant."



"The flanks of the volcano’s cone are incised by valleys that were eroded by ancient glaciers and stream flows. Domes and lava flows appear on the eastern side of Tunupa, and the volcano is adjacent to other eroded volcanic fields and craters, including Jayu Khota and Titivilla."



According to NASA. the salt flats are typically a bright white color when viewed from orbit - but during Bolivia’s rainy season, rivers can carry sediment rich in microbes and dark-colored volcanic minerals onto the flats.&nbsp;



The image was captured on February 5, 2022 by a member of the Expedition 66 crew.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Tunupa Volcano in southwestern Bolivia

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Brahmaputra, also known as the Yarlung Tsangpo, in northern India. The photo was captured by an astronaut onboard the International Space Station.



"The mighty river appears as two major channels; several small islands sit within them and a large island separates them. Together they form a Brahmaputra floodplain that measures fully 10 kilometers (6 miles) in width. The channels appear brighter than those of the other rivers in this photo because they are near the Sun’s glint point," reports NASA.



The Dibang and Lohit Rivers flow nearby and join the Brahmaputra, which merges with the Ganges River in Bangladesh and ultimately dumps into the Bay of Bengal.&nbsp;



"South Asia’s monsoon rainfall regime brings heavy rain to this part of India from March through June, feeding the river and floodplain. Tropical forest is the natural vegetation of this landscape," says NASA.



"Human-built features seem minuscule here compared to the river channels. Most of the area includes land under cultivation, which appears as numerous small and irregular plots. Farms along the riverbanks are especially prone to damage and destruction by floods and by the persistent erosion of the banks."



On the other hand, there are no agricultural plots in the Brahmaputra floodplain, as this is a protected natural area within the Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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The Brahmaputra river in northern India

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Messina Strait, a channel in the Mediterranean Sea that separates Sicily and Calabria. The photograph was captured by an astronaut onboard the International Space Station



The Messina Strait is 20 miles long with a depth of 820 feet, and joins the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north and the Ionian Sea to the south.&nbsp;



"Waves that follow the tide from west to east are visible in the right half of the photo. These are caused by internal waves, a process where stratified water layers of changing density and increasing depth horizontally propagate beneath the water surface. The waves are illuminated by sunglint—an optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight is directly reflected off the water and into a satellite’s sensor, or in this case, the astronaut’s camera," explains NASA.



"Alternating currents, relatively low water temperature, and high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen contribute to the region’s aquatic biodiversity. The strait hosts several deep-sea fish species such as Sloane’s viperfish (a predatory dragonfish) as well as commercially valuable fish like yellowtail and snapper. On the left side of the image, thin, white lines are likely ship wakes, some of which may belong to fishing boats."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Messina Strait in the Mediterranean Sea

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Great Lakes on February 13, 2023. On this day, ice cover on the lakes was seven percent. According to NASA, this is the lowest ice cover measured on February 13 of any year since satellite-based record keeping began in 1973.



"So far this winter, the Great Lakes have been unusually ice-free. As of February 14, 2023, ice covered only 6.6 percent of the five freshwater lakes, which is significantly less than the 35-40 percent ice cover that is typical for mid-February," says NASA.



"Ice extent across the Great Lakes Basin briefly jumped to 21 percent in early February in response to a cold snap. But since then, it has declined through at least mid-February. Maximum ice cover typically occurs between mid-February and early March."



A study led by Jia Wang, an ice climatologist at NOAA’s GLERL, has revealed that ice cover on the Great Lakes has been on a downward trend for the last 44 years. From 1973 to 2017, the average winter ice cover declined by 69 percent.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Ice cover on the Great Lakes is on a downward cycle

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a dust storm over the southwestern United States on February 26, 2023.



"In late February 2023, a sprawling storm system that brought rare snowfall to parts of California also fueled violent thunderstorms and tornadoes in the Southern Plains," says NASA.



"In the wake of the cold front, strong winds lofted a huge amount of dust into the air and darkened skies across parts of northern Mexico, eastern New Mexico, and northwestern Texas."



Wind gusts exceeded 70 miles per hour in Lubbock, and a gust of 114 miles per hour was recorded in Memphis, Texas. The massive storm reduced visibility as parts of West Texas were completely blanketed in dust.&nbsp;



The photo was captured by the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) on the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite 16 (GOES-16), which is operated by NOAA.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/ NOAA



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



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Massive dust storm blows through the southwestern U.S.

A groundbreaking study published today sheds light on the historical contributions of different nations to global warming through their emissions of key greenhouse gases since 1850. This research marks a significant step in tracking the impacts of climate change in a critical decade for climate policy.&nbsp;



The collaborative effort includes several members of the team responsible for the annual Global Carbon Budget and utilizes published records of historical emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) from the pre-industrial period to 2021.



The study, led by Dr. Matthew Jones from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/">University of East Anglia</a> (UEA) calculated the global mean surface temperature response to emissions of all three gases. The researchers also analyzed national contributions to warming resulting from emissions of each gas, including those from fossil fuel and land use sectors.&nbsp;



The findings, published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/sdata/">Scientific Data</a>, offer a comprehensive ranking of countries that have contributed the most to global warming and provide insights into how these contributions have evolved over recent decades.



For instance, the study highlights changes since 1992, when the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was established, representing a key milestone in international climate policy.&nbsp;



Up to 2021, the largest contributors to global warming through emissions of all three gases since 1850 were the USA (0.28°C / 17.3% of warming induced by global emissions of all three GHGs), China (0.20°C / 12.3%), Russia (0.10°C / 6.1%), Brazil (0.08°C / 4.9%), India (0.08°C / 4.8%), and Indonesia, Germany, UK, Japan, and Canada (each contributing 0.03-0.05°C).



Of the three greenhouse gases, global emissions of CO2 have had the most significant impact on warming. The study reveals that up to 2021, warming through global CO2 emissions was 1.11°C, through CH4 emissions it was 0.41°C, and through N2O emissions it was 0.08°C.&nbsp;



Moreover, 69.1% of the total warming caused by the three gases was related to CO2 emissions alone. This percentage varies across countries and tends to be lowest in nations with large agricultural sectors, as agriculture is a major source of CH4 and N2O emissions.



As an example, the research breaks down the contributions of each gas for several countries: UK (CO2 accounts for 87.6% of warming induced by national emissions of all three GHGs), USA (83.3%), Russia (76.1%), Indonesia (71.3%), Brazil (64.7%), and China (64.3%).



The emissions data for CO2 used in this study came from the Global Carbon Budget, while figures for CH4 and N2O were provided by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). This research represents a crucial tool for understanding the historical contributions of various countries to global warming and informing future climate policy discussions.



“Countries have made commitments to reduce their emissions of CO2, CH4&nbsp;and N2O with the goal of avoiding the most detrimental impacts of climate change, including from drought, wildfires, flooding and sea level rise,” said Dr. Jones.



“This new dataset will prove a critical tool for tracking the effect of changing national emissions on warming, for example as a result of climate policies implemented since the Paris Agreement. During the coming years, we hope to see the warming contributions by all countries level off, with no new additions to warming year-on-year, as commitments to reach net-zero emissions are met or surpassed.”



Since 1992, there has been a shift in the contributions of various countries to global warming. China, for instance, has surpassed Russia and is now the second largest contributor to global warming. Similarly, Indonesia has overtaken Germany and the UK, securing the sixth spot on the list of top contributors to global warming.



“Notably, the combined contributions to warming from Brazil, South Africa, India and China rose from 17% in 1992 to 23% in 2021, whereas the contribution from the industrialised OECD countries fell slightly from 47% to 40%," said Dr. Jones.



“These examples illustrate how the contributions to global warming from industrialising nations are rising as their emissions grow relative to early-industrialisers, many of which have begun to decarbonise.”



The study sheds light on the differing causes of national contributions to global warming, particularly in countries at varying stages of industrialization. It reveals that in 50% of the world's nations, the land use and forestry sectors continue to have a significant impact on global warming, accounting for a substantial portion of emissions since 1850.&nbsp;



“The contributions of Brazil, Indonesia and Argentina and many other countries are still dominated by emissions linked to historical deforestation and agricultural expansion since 1850,” said Dr. Jones.



“However, in most countries, fossil emissions have exceeded land use during the past few decades, meaning&nbsp;additional&nbsp;contributions to warming have mainly been caused by fossil fuel emissions.



“Since 1992, the additional warming caused by global fossil fuel emissions has been over four times greater than the additional warming caused by land use change.”



The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) regulates the emissions of CO2, CH4, and N2O due to their enduring and potent impact on the climate. Under the Paris Agreement, countries set CO2 targets through nationally determined contributions (NDCs), with approximately 90% of NDCs also incorporating targets for CH4 and N2O emissions.



As a result, closely monitoring the emissions of CO2, CH4, and N2O, as well as the climate's response to these emissions, is essential for maintaining accountability in relation to NDCs.



Additionally, this research aims to contribute to the first Global Stocktake of the UNFCCC, a process outlined in the Paris Agreement to evaluate each nation's progress in achieving the agreement's objective of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The results of this study will be presented at the COP28 conference this year.



The group responsible for the creation of this new dataset comprises scientists from various prestigious institutions, including the Center for International Climate Research (CICERO) in Norway, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in Germany, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria, the Woodwell Climate Research Center in the United States, and the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom.



Study co-author Professor Pierre Friedlingstein, a member of Exeter's Global Systems Institute, emphasized the dataset's distinctiveness. “This publication is quite unique. It will provide not only an annual update on the greenhouse gas emissions for all countries of the world but also their respective contribution to global warming. The dataset reveals the dominant role of some key countries, such as the USA, China, and EU27, which together account for 40% of the global warming due to CO2, CH4, and N2O.”



Setting this dataset apart from its predecessors is its commitment to regular updates, with at least an annual refresh as new national emissions figures emerge, for instance, during the publication of the Global Carbon Budget. The dataset is accessible to the public through an online repository.



“By focusing on the three gases that most countries include in their NDCs, this dataset is uniquely positioned to informing climate policy and benchmarking,” said Dr. Jones. “It should become a living resource for continually tracking contributions to climate change and, more importantly, how those are changing.”



The warming resulting from the emissions of CO2, CH4, and N2O closely aligns with the values reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). However, the present study does not take into account the cooling effect of human-generated aerosols, estimated by the IPCC to be 0.4°C, or the warming impact of certain other emitted gases, such as chlorofluorocarbons. These aerosols and gases are infrequently included in nationally determined contributions (NDCs).



The full dataset described in the paper is available via this link: <a href="https://zenodo.org/record/7636699#.Y_c9O-zP1JE">https://zenodo.org/record/7636699#.Y_c9O-zP1JE</a>&nbsp;



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Tracking every nation’s contribution to climate change

A groundbreaking study published today sheds light on the historical...

Lizards, despite their small size and relatively simple ear structure, have surprisingly good hearing. While their range of hearing frequencies may not be as wide as that of humans, recent research indicates that these creatures can be impacted by noise pollution.&nbsp;



Scientists have studied the effects of low-flying military aircraft noise on an uncommon lizard species, the Colorado checkered whiptail (Aspidoscelis neotesselatus), in a unique collaboration with the US Army.



The Colorado checkered whiptail is considered a "species at risk" by the US Army and a "species of special concern" by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Native to southeastern Colorado, these lizards inhabit shrubland and mixed grassland along dry creek beds. They are exclusively triploid females that reproduce asexually and are around 30 cm long, including their thin, long tails.



In a study conducted at Fort Carson US military Installation near Colorado Springs, researchers observed several A. neotesselatus populations on the 550 square km of land. With military helicopters and jets frequently flying over their habitat, the researchers set out to examine the effects of such noise disturbance on the lizards' behavior and well-being.



Led by Megen Kepas, a doctoral student at Utah State University, the team conducted an experimental study in 2021. They coordinated with US army pilots to schedule aircraft flyovers of the designated study area, where noise levels reached up to 112.2 dB – comparable to an orchestra or a power saw.



During the study, the researchers observed and caught unmarked lizards, weighing, measuring, and collecting blood samples for hormone measurements. They also used portable ultrasounds to determine pregnancy status and the number and size of developing eggs. The lizards were then marked according to approved Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols.



Back in the lab, the researchers analyzed the preserved blood samples for concentrations of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as glucose, ketones, and reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs). While they found that cortisol levels increased sharply immediately after flyovers, glucose, ROMs, and ketone concentrations remained unaffected.



"We found that whiptails at the Fort Carson show a stress response to aircraft flyovers, after we accounted for individual differences in body size and reproductive investment, in particular the number of developing eggs," said Layne Sermersheim, a master's student at Utah State University and the study's co-first author.



The results revealed that the lizards reacted to flyover noise by increasing their blood cortisol and ketone levels, indicating a stress response that rapidly mobilizes more energy resources. Interestingly, females with more developing eggs tended to have a higher increase in cortisol, suggesting that reproductive females may be more susceptible to noise disturbance.



Moreover, the researchers found that the lizards' behavior was also affected by the noise pollution: they spent less time moving about but more time eating when exposed to noise from flyovers.&nbsp;



"Compensatory eating would allow individuals to maintain their energy levels during a stressful event. This is important because metabolism, physical activity, investment into reproduction, and hormonal responses require energy," explained Sermersheim.



Overall, the study highlights the physiological and behavioral impacts of noise pollution on the Colorado checkered whiptail lizards. It also underscores their resilience, as the lizards seem to be able to compensate for these disturbances by adjusting their feeding and movement behaviors.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/famrs.2023.1129253">Frontiers in Amphibian and Reptile Science</a>.



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Lizards are stress eating during military flyovers 

Lizards, despite their small size and relatively simple ear structure,...

Cocklebur is an invasive plant native to Southern Europe, Central Asia, and China that has recently spread worldwide and is frequently found in moist or sandy areas such as riverbanks or roadside ditches. Although many consider cocklebur to be nothing more than a noxious weed, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.mju.ac.kr/us/index..do">Myongji University</a> in South Korea has found that its fruits have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory components, which could make it useful as a skin protectant and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anti-aging-hormone/">anti-aging</a> product.



By performing a series of laboratory tests, the scientists discovered that compounds in this plants’ spiky fruits can reduce damage from UVB exposure, speed wound healing, and influence the production of collagen, a protein that gives skin its elasticity and prevents the appearance of wrinkles. Comparing the bioactivity of cocklebur fruits grown in different places, the experts found that those grown in South Korea had slightly higher anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as greater would healing activity, than those from China.



“We found that cocklebur fruit has the potential to protect the skin and help enhance production of collagen,” said Eunsu Song, a doctoral student at Myongji. “In this regard, it could be an attractive ingredient for creams or other cosmetic forms. It will likely show a synergistic effect if it is mixed with other effective compounds, such as hyaluronic acid or retinoic acid, against aging.”



However, the scientists warn that high doses of cocklebur fruit extract could be dangerous. “In its burrs, cocklebur fruit also has a toxic constituent, carboxyatractyloside, which can damage the liver. Cocklebur showed a potential as a cosmetic agent by increasing collagen synthesis; however, it showed negative results with higher concentrations. Therefore, finding the proper concentration seems very important and would be key to commercializing cocklebur fruit extracts in cosmetics,” Song said.



In future research, the scientists plan to investigate in greater depth the biological mechanisms involved and conduct animal experiments to explore ways to safely adapt cocklebur fruit extracts for use in cosmetic products.



The study was presented at <a href="https://discoverbmb.asbmb.org/">Discover BMB</a>, the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (March 25–28 in Seattle). An abstract can be downloaded <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/w89lgsss34tile5/Song_abstract.pdf?dl=0">here</a>.



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



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Invasive weed has anti-aging properties

Cocklebur is an invasive plant native to Southern Europe, Central...

In the heart of North America's most arid and scorching desert, climate change is driving the decline of plant species once believed to be nearly indestructible. In their place, shorter shrubs are emerging, capitalizing on sporadic rainfall and warmer temperatures.&nbsp;



Although this phenomenon has been observed in temperate mountain regions, a new study from the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/">University of California, Riverside</a> (UCR) reveals unexpected patterns of plant redistribution in the Sonoran Desert.



Study first author Tesa Madsen-Hepp pointed out that the findings challenge conventional expectations: "The plants are shifting, but in weird ways. We thought most of them would move to higher elevations with cooler temperatures. But while some lower-elevation trees are declining and shifting upwards, we’re also seeing some other species moving down, toward hotter parts of the desert."



The research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.14308">Functional Ecology</a>, not only documents these surprising shifts in elevation but also investigates the physical characteristics of the plants in question to uncover the reasons behind this change.



The research team conducted their study in 2019 at the Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center, located just south of Palm Desert. This area, spanning an 8,000-foot desert-to-mountaintop range, had been previously examined by ecologists in 1977 and 2008, providing valuable context for the recent findings.



Madsen-Hepp notes that some traditionally stress-tolerant species, such as California juniper and pinyon pine, are declining or shifting upwards, yet they are not thriving in their new locations. By contrast, plant species with shallower root systems, like brittlebush, burrow bush, and ocotillo, are taking over their former low-elevation spots. These shorter plants are not only less reliant on deep soil water, but they can also grow faster and invest fewer resources in their leaves.



Study senior author Professor Marko Spasojevic describes these species as "weedier." He says that these plants have "cheaper" leaves in terms of carbon cost to produce them, and they are drought deciduous, meaning they can shed leaves during stressful conditions and wait for the drought to subside.



Plants that retain their leaves year-round typically invest in thicker leaves with higher carbon content, putting them at a disadvantage compared to those that can easily shed leaves. When plants drop their leaves, the atmosphere can no longer draw water from them, reducing the burden on their roots to replenish the lost water.



According to Madsen-Hepp, the "live-slow-die-old" strategy that used to work for plants in this extreme environment is no longer effective due to increased climate stress. Once these plants reach their physiological thresholds, she warns, there is little that can be done to revive them.



The researchers also discovered that, contrary to more temperate ecosystems, the lower desert elevations are warming faster than the higher ones. The shrubs and bushes taking over are not necessarily originating from the highest points in the desert, but rather are lower-elevation plants expanding their range.



The observed upward range shifts of approximately 29 meters per decade are consistent with the higher end of global rates for plant movement in response to climate warming. On average, plants in temperate regions have shown range shift rates between 5 and 30 meters a decade.



Professor Spasojevic emphasizes the vulnerability of desert ecosystems to climate change, stating that they may be even more sensitive than Arctic and alpine ecosystems, which are typically seen as bellwethers for climate change. He urges the reduction of fossil fuel emissions as the key to alleviating stress on these fragile environments.



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Even desert plants are not immune to climate stress

In the heart of North America's most arid and scorching...

Woolly,Mammoth,,Prehistoric,Mammal,In,Foggy,Landscape,(3d,Illustration)

A groundbreaking project led by Australian company <a href="https://www.vowfood.com/">Vow</a> has successfully created a meatball using the recreated flesh of the long-extinct woolly mammoth, demonstrating the potential of growing flesh from cells without the need for animal slaughter. This project emphasizes the connection between large-scale livestock production and the destruction of wildlife and the ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-climate-impact-the-beetles-that-protect-our-crops/">climate</a> crisis.



Vow aims to use cells from unconventional species to develop new types of meat. The company has already explored the potential of over 50 species, including alpaca, buffalo, crocodile, kangaroo, peacocks, and various fish. Bas Korsten of creative agency Wunderman Thompson initially conceived the idea for the mammoth meatball.



"We chose the woolly mammoth because it's a symbol of diversity loss and a symbol of climate change," Vox co-founder Tim Noakesmith told The Guardian. Woolly mammoths are believed to have gone extinct due to hunting by humans and the warming of the world after the last ice age.



To recreate the mammoth muscle protein, Vow collaborated with Professor Ernst Wolvetang and his team at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering at the University of Queensland. They took the DNA sequence for mammoth myoglobin, a key muscle protein that gives meat its flavor, and filled in the gaps using DNA from an elephant. This sequence was then placed in myoblast stem cells from a sheep, which replicated to grow the 20 billion cells used by Vow to create the mammoth meat.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/woolly-mammoth-meatball_Vow-corporation-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1916101"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image Credit: <a href="http://www.vowfoods.com/">Vow Foods</a></figcaption></figure>



"It was ridiculously easy and fast," said Professor Wolvetang. "We did this in a couple of weeks." The initial plan was to produce dodo meat, but the required DNA sequences did not exist.



Although Vow has managed to create the mammoth meatball, no one has had the chance to taste it yet. Professor Wolvetang explained, "We haven't seen this protein for thousands of years, so we have no idea how our immune system would react when we eat it. But if we did it again, we could certainly do it in a way that would make it more palatable to regulatory bodies."



Large-scale meat production has significant environmental impacts, and many studies suggest that the climate crisis can only be addressed by reducing meat consumption in wealthier nations.&nbsp;



George Peppou, CEO of Vow, said that his company's goal is to transition a few billion meat eaters away from eating (conventional) animal protein to eating things that can be produced in electrified systems. "And we believe the best way to do that is to invent meat. We look for cells that are easy to grow, really tasty and nutritious, and then mix and match those cells to create really tasty meat."



Vow's first cultivated meat product for consumers will be Japanese quail, which is set to be available in Singaporean restaurants this year. While plant-based meat alternatives are common, cultured meat like that produced by Vow replicates the taste of conventional meat. At present, a chicken product made by Good Meat is the only cultivated meat available to diners and can only be purchased in Singapore. However, two companies have recently passed an approval process in the United States.



Woolly mammoths (Mammuthus primigenius) were large, prehistoric elephant-like mammals that lived during the Pleistocene epoch, approximately 4.8 million to 4,000 years ago. They inhabited the cold, northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Woolly mammoths were well-adapted to their icy environment, with thick layers of fat, long, shaggy hair, and a hump of fat on their backs to help them survive the frigid temperatures.



These herbivorous animals had long, curved tusks that could reach up to 16 feet in length, which they used for foraging, fighting, and digging through snow to reach vegetation. They are believed to have primarily fed on grasses, shrubs, and other plant material.



Woolly mammoths are thought to have gone extinct primarily due to hunting by humans and the warming of the world after the last ice age, which led to habitat loss and changes in vegetation. The extinction of the woolly mammoth is often cited as an example of the impact of human activity and climate change on biodiversity.



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Company creates meatballs from extinct woolly mammoth

A groundbreaking project led by Australian company Vow has successfully...

In a groundbreaking psychological study conducted by the <a href="https://www.essex.ac.uk/">University of Essex</a> and Humboldt University of Berlin, researchers have debunked the long-standing myth that drugs fuel creative thinking. Contrary to the popular belief that substance abuse leads to artistic breakthroughs, the study found that narcotics are, in fact, the least effective way to inspire creativity.



This revelation may come as a shock to those who have idolized hard-living musicians, writers, and artists for their seemingly drug-fueled creativity. The study found that the most effective methods to enhance creativity were complex training programs, meditation, and exposure to different cultures. Alcohol and pharmaceutical amphetamines, such as Adderall, had no significant influence on inspiration whatsoever.



"We examined hundreds of papers to uncover the best ways to boost creativity, and I hope the findings will help the growing number of people who rely on their creativity to earn a living," said Dr. Paul Hanel from Essex's Department of Psychology. "What worked best were complex training courses, meditation, and cultural exposure such as studying abroad. We believe it is a positive message that drugs do not enhance creativity, given the side effects of drugs."



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/aca0000557">Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts</a>, scrutinized the findings from thousands of participants to unravel the mysteries of creativity. The researchers concluded that training programs that emphasize mental techniques to unpack the creative process have the most substantial long-term impacts on creativity. Moreover, they discovered that mindfulness activities such as meditation and open thinking boosted imagination in the short term.



Another crucial finding was that immersing oneself in different countries and experiencing diverse cultures can unconsciously broaden one's horizons. However, there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to fostering creativity, as individuals respond better to various situations and techniques.



The researchers hope that their findings will aid schools and employers in better understanding creative thinking.&nbsp;



"Although it once seemed the preserve of artists, creativity is everywhere in the modern world," said Dr. Hanel. "Everyone from family businesses through to giant companies needs to produce material to show their wares on social media. This could be the difference between success or failure for many people, and I hope that this study will help them find inspiration."



"There are many ways to enhance and encourage creative thinking," said study lead author Jennifer Haase. "Creativity is not a skill to be learned and then applied. Creativity results much more from a situational fit between the cognitive mindset and the creative challenge."



Meditation has a significant impact on creativity by fostering a mental environment conducive to innovative thinking and problem-solving. Here's how meditation can enhance creativity:



<ol>
<li>Improved focus and concentration: Meditation helps train the mind to focus on the present moment and eliminate distractions. This heightened level of concentration enables individuals to delve deeper into their thoughts, paving the way for creative ideas and solutions to emerge.</li>



<li>Stress reduction: High levels of stress can impede creativity by making it challenging to think clearly and freely. Meditation is known to reduce stress, calm the mind, and promote relaxation. As a result, the mind is more open to accessing its creative potential.</li>



<li>Enhanced mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation encourages non-judgmental awareness of one's thoughts and emotions. This heightened awareness can lead to the recognition of novel ideas, patterns, and connections that might have been previously overlooked.</li>



<li>Cognitive flexibility: Meditation promotes cognitive flexibility by helping individuals detach from rigid thinking patterns and embrace new perspectives. This flexibility is essential for creative thinking, as it enables people to explore alternative solutions, perspectives, and ideas.</li>



<li>Increased openness to experiences: Regular meditation practice can lead to increased openness to new experiences and ideas, which is a critical component of creativity. Being open to new ideas and perspectives allows individuals to think outside the box and approach problems in innovative ways.</li>



<li>Enhanced neural connections: Research has shown that meditation can alter the brain's structure and connectivity. These changes can lead to improved cognitive functioning, including enhanced creativity. For example, meditation has been linked to increased activity in the default mode network, a brain network associated with creative thinking and daydreaming.</li>
</ol>



Meditation positively impacts creativity by improving focus, reducing stress, enhancing mindfulness, promoting cognitive flexibility, increasing openness to experiences, and fostering beneficial neural connections. By incorporating regular meditation into their routines, individuals can tap into their creative potential and improve their problem-solving abilities.



In conclusion, the Essex Department of Psychology study challenges the long-held notion that drugs and alcohol can spark creativity, offering more effective and healthier alternatives for individuals seeking to enhance their imaginative abilities.



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Meditation is far better than drugs to spark creativity

In a groundbreaking psychological study conducted by the University of...

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/">University of Bristol</a> has led to a significant shift in our understanding of the origins of plant branching. By investigating the mechanisms responsible for this process, the scientists have uncovered insights into the appearance of Earth's first land plants millions of years ago.



The research, which focused on vascular plants, has identified a common mechanism for branching despite the fact that these plants exhibit fundamentally different growth patterns.



"Diverse shapes abound in the dominant flowering plant group, and gardeners will be familiar with 'pinching out' plants' shoot tips to stimulate side branch growth, leading to a bushier overall form. However, unlike flowering plants, other vascular plants branch by splitting the shoot apex into two during growth, a process known as 'dichotomy,'" said Dr. Jill Harrison from Bristol's School of Biological Sciences.



The team examined lycophytes, an ancient vascular plant lineage that formed coal seams during the Carboniferous era, as they preserve the ancestral pattern of dichotomous branching. Through a series of surgical experiments on a lycophyte specimen, the researchers discovered that dichotomy is regulated by short-range auxin transport and coordinated in different parts of the plant by long-range auxin transport.



These findings, published in the journal <a href="https://journals.biologists.com/dev">Development</a>, reveal that both flowering and lycophyte branching are regulated by auxin transport. This suggests that similar mechanisms were present in the earliest vascular plants around 420 million years ago.&nbsp;



By combining this new knowledge with discoveries made in the non-vascular, non-branching moss group, the researchers were able to infer the appearance of the first land plants about 480 million years ago.



In a previous study, Dr. Harrison's lab disrupted auxin transport in a moss, causing it to branch in a manner akin to the earliest branching fossils. The combination of these studies implies that the earliest land plants were branched and that branching was lost during the evolution of non-vascular mosses.



Dr. Harrison emphasized the importance of this discovery: "The greening of the land by plants paved the way for all terrestrial life to evolve as it provided food for animals and oxygen to breathe, and branching was a key innovation in the radiation of land plants. Our work implies that branching evolved earlier than thought, which is an important evolutionary conclusion."



Moreover, the revelation that distantly related plants use the same genetic mechanisms to regulate branching offers significant potential for future applications. "The fact that we have shown that plants that are so distantly related use the same genetic mechanisms to regulate branching brings great potential to transfer knowledge in engineering plant shape to improve future productivity and yield," said Dr. Harrison.



Plants play a critical role in maintaining Earth's ecosystems and are essential for the survival of countless organisms, including humans. Here are some of the reasons why plants are so important to the Earth's ecosystems, and why determining exactly how plants evolved is vital to science as we strive to protect them during this period of climate change.



<ol>
<li>Oxygen production: Through the process of photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into oxygen and glucose. The oxygen they release is vital for the survival of aerobic organisms, including humans and other animals.</li>



<li>Carbon sequestration: Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, using it for photosynthesis and storing it in their tissues. This process, known as carbon sequestration, helps to mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.</li>



<li>Food source: Plants form the basis of the food chain, providing energy and nutrients for herbivores, which in turn are consumed by carnivores and omnivores. Without plants, the entire food chain would collapse, causing a massive loss of biodiversity and ecological imbalance.</li>



<li>Habitat provision: Plants create habitats for various organisms, including insects, birds, and mammals. These habitats offer shelter, protection from predators, and breeding grounds for countless species.</li>



<li>Soil formation and preservation: Plant roots help to bind and stabilize the soil, reducing erosion and promoting the formation of new soil. Decomposing plant material also contributes to the formation of nutrient-rich humus, which is essential for the growth of other plants and the overall health of the ecosystem.</li>



<li>Nutrient cycling: Plants play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, taking up nutrients from the soil and incorporating them into their tissues. When plants die and decompose, these nutrients are released back into the soil, making them available for use by other organisms.</li>



<li>Water cycle regulation: Plants help regulate the water cycle by absorbing water from the soil and releasing it into the atmosphere through transpiration. This process contributes to the formation of clouds and precipitation, ensuring a continuous supply of water for the ecosystem.</li>



<li>Climate regulation: Plants influence local and global climate through the processes of evapotranspiration, carbon sequestration, and albedo (the reflection of solar radiation). By affecting temperature, humidity, and other climatic factors, plants play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the Earth's ecosystems.</li>



<li>Medicinal resources: Many plants have medicinal properties and are used to treat various health conditions. They are an essential source of pharmaceutical compounds and play a significant role in the development of new medicines.</li>



<li>Aesthetic and cultural value: Plants contribute to the aesthetic beauty of our environment and have significant cultural value in many societies. They have inspired art, literature, and countless human traditions and beliefs throughout history.</li>
</ol>



In summary, plants are indispensable for maintaining the balance and functioning of Earth's ecosystems. They provide oxygen, food, shelter, and countless other benefits that are essential for the survival of organisms and the health of the planet.



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What did the first plants on Earth look like?

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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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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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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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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Today&#8217;s Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Sichuan Basin in southwestern China, where the remains of an ancient lake have been transformed into rolling hills and fertile farmland over time. According to NASA, the basin is often filled with air pollution and haze.



&#8220;When the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite acquired this image on January 31, 2023, a layer of haze had settled in the basin. The pall obscured cities and other surface features that are visible on clearer days, though a series of ridges could be seen poking above the pollution in the northeastern part of the basin,&#8221; says NASA.



&#8220;On the day the image was acquired, measurements from several ground-based sensors in Chongqing and around the southeastern part of the basin reported fine particulate matter (PM2.5) measurements well above 200 on the air quality index, according to data published by the World Air Quality Index Project. That is high enough to be designated &#8216;very unhealthy&#8217; by health authorities.&#8221;



The most common sources of pollution in the Sichuan Basin include vehicle emissions and coal and wood burning during winter.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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The Sichuan Basin filled with haze

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut view of the bright rocks and deep canyons of the Mojave Desert in southern Nevada.

The Muddy and Virgin Rivers are visible in the photo, carrying water across the desert to Lake Mead reservoir.&nbsp;

The Muddy River, which flows through Moapa Valley, is bordered by agricultural fields and towns. By contrast, Virgin River, is bordered by dark vegetation.

Both of the rivers empty into the northern part of Lake Mead - known as the Overton Arm - which ultimately merges with the Colorado River to the south.

The reddish orange rocks near the center of the photo represent the Valley of Fire State Park, which is located approximately 40 miles northeast of Las Vegas.&nbsp;

At sunset, valley outcrops made of bright, rust-colored Aztec sandstone appear to be on fire. This sandstone formed from ancient sand dune fields dating back to the Jurassic Period.

According to NASA, significant archaeological artifacts have been found throughout Moapa Valley, with some dating back to 300 BCE. During that time, the region was occupied by Anasazi Native Americans, hunter-gatherers who built pueblo villages.&nbsp;

The southern part of the Moapa River Indian Reservation is also visible in this photograph, which was captured by an astronaut onboard the International Space Station.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;

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