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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Malaspina Glacier in southeastern Alaska 

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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The Moon peeks over Earth's horizon

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Elephant Island off the coast of Antarctica

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Tunulliarfik Fjord, which is located along the southern perimeter of Greenland.



"On March 13, 2023, the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9 acquired these natural-color images of Tunulliarfik Fjord. The images have been pan-sharpened to bring out more detail," says NASA.



"At the time, the fjord’s waters were capped with a layer of sea ice. Atop the ice there are several long, straight lines connecting the towns of Narsarsuaq and Qassiarsuk, and running the length of the fjord. Though cracks and ridges can form naturally in the ice, there are indications that people were likely involved with producing some of the tracks pictured here."



The images were reviewed by Nathan Kurtz and several other scientists in the Cryospheric Sciences Laboratory at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The experts determined that many of the tracks were produced by vehicles like snowmobiles. 



“It seems likely that residents from the town or nearby were out on the ice, possibly hunting or traveling,“ said Kurtz.



Tunulliarfik Fjord, also known as Erik's Fjord, is historically significant because it's close to the site where Erik the Red, the Norse explorer, established the first Norse settlements in Greenland around the year 985 AD. These Norse settlements, particularly Brattahlíð, were key starting points for the Norse exploration of the region and are the reason Greenland has its name.



The fjord offers picturesque landscapes typical of Greenland, with steep cliffs, icebergs, and vast open waters. The region is rich in history, and there have been numerous archaeological digs uncovering remnants of the old Norse settlements.



Today, the nearby town of Qaqortoq is one of the primary settlements in the area, providing modern amenities while retaining a deep connection to the region's historical and cultural significance.



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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Tunulliarfik Fjord in southern Greenland 

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 <a href="http://glaciers">glaciers</a> 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 Atacama Desert on the west coast of South America

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Anchorage, Alaska, during its snowiest November in at least seven decades. Last week, the city declared an emergency after back to back winter storms dumped record snowfall. 



By November 19, the National Weather Service Anchorage office had recorded 39.1 inches of snowfall for the mouth, topping the previous record of 38.8 inches from 1994.



"Much of the snow - about 20 inches (500 millimeters) - fell during a storm lasting from November 8–10. New daily snowfall records for November 8 and 9 were set during that storm. It caused power outages, treacherous road conditions, and office closures, according to news reports," said NASA.



"Another storm, which dropped nearly 9 more inches on November 13, added to the challenging conditions and prompted schools to switch to remote learning for several days."



"Outlying mountainous areas saw far more accumulation. Thompson Pass in the Chugach Mountains, about 140 miles (220 kilometers) east of Anchorage, reportedly received 72 inches (1.8 meters) of new snow on November 8."



Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, is located between the Chugach Mountains and the Cook Inlet.&nbsp;



Known for its stunning scenery, Anchorage is a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing. The city experiences long, cold winters and short, mild summers that shape much of its culture and lifestyle.



The city's history is deeply rooted in the indigenous cultures of the region, as well as its later development during the railroad construction in the early 20th century and the oil boom.&nbsp;



Despite its northern latitude, Anchorage boasts a surprising amount of biodiversity, including a variety of wildlife like moose, bears, and eagles, often seen within the city limits. The city is also known for its unique phenomena like the northern lights and the midnight sun.



The image was captured on November 19 by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Aqua satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Anchorage had its snowiest November in decades 

A study from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> (UW) offers new insights into the health risks associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/">air pollution</a> from congested city roadways. The findings reveal the direct impact of traffic pollution on blood pressure.



The experts have found that exposure to unfiltered air during rush-hour traffic not only elevates passengers' blood pressure in the moment, but maintains this increase for up to 24 hours.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traffic-pollution-nbsp">Traffic pollution&nbsp;</h2>



This research, led by Dr. Joel Kaufman, signifies a critical advancement in understanding the health risks associated with traffic pollution.



“The body has a complex set of systems to try to keep blood pressure to your brain the same all the time. It’s a very complex, tightly regulated system, and it appears that somewhere, in one of those mechanisms, traffic-related air pollution interferes with blood pressure," said Dr. Kaufman.



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



The findings build on Kaufman’s earlier research, which showed that diesel exhaust fumes could raise blood pressure in a controlled environment.&nbsp;



The new study aimed to replicate these findings in a real-world scenario by testing the impact of traffic pollution on healthy individuals.



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



For the investigation, participants between the ages of 22 and 45 were driven through Seattle's rush-hour traffic.&nbsp;



Their blood pressure was monitored under two different conditions: exposure to unfiltered road air and drives with air filtered through high-quality HEPA filters, reducing particulate pollution by 86%.



The participants were unaware of the type of air they were exposed to during each drive.



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



The results showed that breathing unfiltered air led to an average increase in blood pressure of more than 4.50 mm Hg compared to filtered air drives.&nbsp;



This spike in blood pressure occurred rapidly, within about an hour into the drive, and persisted for at least 24 hours. Notably, the effect of this increase is comparable to that of a high-sodium diet.



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



Dr. Kaufman highlighted the broader implications of these findings. “We know that modest increases in blood pressure like this, on a population level, are associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular disease."&nbsp;



“There is a growing understanding that air pollution contributes to heart problems. The idea that roadway air pollution at relatively low levels can affect blood pressure this much is an important piece of the puzzle we’re trying to solve.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultrafine-particles-nbsp">Ultrafine particles&nbsp;</h2>



Another critical aspect of the study is its focus on ultrafine particles, a type of pollutant less than 100 nanometers in diameter and unregulated.&nbsp;



These ultrafine particles, abundant in traffic-related air pollution, were significantly reduced in the filtered air experiments, suggesting their potential role in affecting blood pressure.



"Ultrafine particles are the pollutant that were most effectively filtered in our experiment – in other words, where the levels are most dramatically high on the road and low in the filtered environment,” Kaufman said. “So, the hint is that ultrafines may be especially important [for blood pressure]. To actually prove that requires further research, but this study provides a very strong clue as to what’s going on.”&nbsp;



Dr. Kaufman notes the need for further research to conclusively establish this link. Nonetheless, the study stands out for its real-world application, moving beyond laboratory settings to replicate actual conditions millions experience daily.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-findings-nbsp">Valuable findings&nbsp;</h2>



Michael Young, a former UW postdoctoral fellow and lead author of the study, praises the design for isolating the impact of air pollution from other roadway factors like stress and noise.



“This study is exciting because it takes the gold-standard design for laboratory studies and applies it in an on-roadway setting, answering an important question about the health effects of real-world exposures," said Young.



"Studies on this topic often have a challenging time separating the effects of pollution from other roadway exposures like stress and noise, but with our approach the only difference between drive days was air pollution concentration."



"The findings are valuable because they can reproduce situations that millions of people actually experience every day.”&nbsp;



The research was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institutes of Health.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7326/M23-1309" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annals of Internal Medicine</a>.



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Traffic pollution has an immediate impact on blood pressure

A study from the University of Washington (UW) offers new...

Hair,Spray.,Female,Beauty,Routine.,Hair,Care,Concept.,Beautiful,Brunette

Recent research from <a href="https://www.purdue.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purdue University</a> highlights a concerning aspect of many Americans' daily routines: the inhalation of potentially harmful chemicals during hair care. The study led by Assistant Professor Nusrat Jung from the <a href="https://engineering.purdue.edu/CE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lyles School of Civil Engineering</a> sheds light on the significant emissions of volatile chemical mixtures from everyday hair care products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-exposure-in-daily-routines">Chemical exposure in daily routines</h2>



Jung's team discovered that during a single hair care session, an individual could inhale between 1 and 17 milligrams of harmful chemicals. The primary concern centers around cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes, commonly found in hair care products. 



“We found the results to be extremely alarming,” Jung said. “We did not expect to see such significant emissions of volatile chemical mixtures from off-the-shelf hair care products during typical hair care routines that many people perform each and every day.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-d5-siloxane-chemicals-in-hair-products">D5 siloxane chemicals in hair products</h2>



The study particularly highlights the dangers of D5 siloxane, an organosilicon compound prevalent in many hair <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-household-products-expose-people-to-dangerous-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">care products</a>. According to Jung, this compound, already restricted in the European Union, poses risks to the respiratory tract, liver, and nervous system based on animal studies. 



“D5 siloxane has been found to lead to adverse effects on the respiratory tract, liver and nervous system of laboratory animals,” Jung said. “The use of the chemical in wash-off cosmetic products has already been restricted in the European Union because of this. Many of these products are scented, too, and some of the chemicals used to make these fragrances are potentially dangerous to inhale as well.”



The <a href="https://www.echa.europa.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Chemicals Agency</a> classifies it as "very persistent, very bioaccumulative," raising concerns about its long-term human impact.



“There has not been much in-depth research into this, so we really have no idea to what extent the threat these chemicals pose when inhaled over a long period of time,” Jung said. “There have been tests into ‘wash-off’ products like shampoos, but almost none for ‘leave-on’ products like hair gels, oils, creams, waxes and sprays.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-and-hair-care-chemicals">Heat and hair care chemicals</h2>



Applying heat to hair <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/personal-care-products-injure-child/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">care products</a>, such as with curling irons and hair straighteners, significantly increases chemical emissions. The research found that at 210 degrees Celsius, emissions increased by 50% to 310%.



Jung's research also indicates that these chemicals don't remain confined to a single room but can spread through urban environments via home ventilation systems. This widespread dispersion affects even those who don't use such products.



“Home ventilation is likely a major pathway of indoor-to-outdoor siloxane transport,” Jung said. “In urban environments, this is especially significant as you will have hundreds -- even thousands -- of homes ventilating out potentially harmful chemicals into the urban atmosphere all in a short span of time as people get ready for work and school in the morning. These chemicals are then collectively piped back into buildings through ventilation systems once more. So even if using products with harmful chemicals is not part of your hair care routine, you will still be impacted due to your surroundings in an urban environment.”



The study also reports that 16% to 70% of surveyed individuals use leave-on hair care products. Based on average usage patterns, the estimated annual emission of D5 in the U.S. could range from 0.4 to 6 metric tons.



“There’s a good reason why these chemicals are restricted from being used in wash-off hair care products in certain parts of the world,” Jung said. “The effects on people and the planet need to be studied further and regulatory action needs to be taken.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recommendations-and-precautions">Recommendations and precautions</h2>



Jung advises the best protection is to avoid these products altogether. If usage is necessary, Purdue civil engineering PhD student Jinglin Jiang suggests using exhaust fans to reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-household-cleaning-products-release-hundreds-of-toxic-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inhalation exposures</a>, which can be effective but also contributes to environmental impact.



“Ventilation can be an effective way to reduce siloxane exposures during indoor hair care routines,” Jiang said. “Our model shows that turning on the bathroom exhaust fan can reduce D5 inhalation exposures by over 90%.”



Jung further emphasizes the need for more in-depth research and regulatory action, considering the potential effects on human health and the environment.



“The best solution is to simply not use these products,” Jung said. “I used to use similar products myself to straighten my hair, but after we analyzed the data, it became immediately clear that the best thing I could do to protect my own health was to stop using them.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-hair-care-chemicals">Studying hair care chemicals</h2>



The experiments were conducted in the Purdue zero Energy Design Guidance for Engineers (<a href="https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/stories/2020/Stories%20at%20Purdue/new-purdue-lab-provides-tiny-home-for-sustainability-education.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zEDGE</a>) Tiny House, a mechanically ventilated, single-zone residential building. Using a high-end proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer, the team measured volatile chemicals in real-time.



The study included three types of experiments: realistic hair care routines, hot plate emission tests, and surface area emission studies. Participants used their own products and tools, replicating their routines in the zEDGE environment. The focus was on indoor volatile organic compound concentrations and emissions during and after the hair care activities.



In summary, the Purdue University study highlights a critical yet overlooked aspect of daily life: the potential health risks associated with common hair care products. The findings call for increased awareness, further research, and regulatory measures to mitigate these hidden dangers.



The full study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c05156" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



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Chemicals in hair care products cause surprising amount of health issues

Recent research from Purdue University highlights a concerning aspect of...

Cigarette,Butts,At,Street,Side,On,Sun,Light.

The environmental and economic impacts of tobacco and cigarette product plastic waste have been largely overlooked in the global fight against pollution. A recent study has shed light on this critical issue, revealing staggering costs associated with the disposal and environmental damage caused by plastics in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-cigarettes-accelerates-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cigarette</a> butts and packaging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scale-of-the-cigarette-plastic-problem">Scale of the cigarette plastic problem</h2>



The study reveals that the costs of environmental pollution caused by plastics in cigarette butts and packaging amount to an estimated $26 billion every year. That amounts to $186 billion every 10 years, adjusted for inflation.



This astronomical figure includes $5 billion in waste management and $20.7 billion in marine ecosystem damage worldwide. This significant figure underscores the need for urgent action to address this form of pollution.



These figures are alarming for many reasons, but especially when considering that they do not fully account for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cigarette-butts-leak-thousands-of-deadly-toxins-into-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxic metals</a> and chemicals in cigarette butts that accumulate over time.



Despite the global initiatives to curb or ban single-use plastics, tobacco plastics have been largely ignored. This is concerning given that cigarette filters, which are made of single-use plastic, are the most common item of rubbish collected globally. The research draws attention to the urgent need to incorporate tobacco plastic into these global environmental policies.



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



To quantify the global economic toll of tobacco products’ toxic waste, the research team utilized public data sources from organizations like the <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Bank</a>, <a href="https://www.oecd.org/unitedstates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OECD</a>, <a href="https://tobaccoatlas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tobacco Atlas</a>, and the <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Wildlife Fund</a>. 



The study included the average weight of plastic filters and packaging in its calculations, leading to an estimation of the annual and 10-year projections of the environmental and economic costs.



The research points out that countries with the highest number of cigarette butts are mostly low and middle-income countries. These are the same countries where the 'leakage' rate for plastics into the environment is likely higher, exacerbating the problem.



The researcher acknowledges that the figures are likely conservative estimates. They do not fully consider the long-term environmental impacts of the toxic chemicals leached from cigarette butts, which may be more harmful than general plastic waste.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tobacco-plastic-responsibility">Tobacco plastic responsibility</h2>



The study suggests that these estimates could be used as fiscal evidence to mitigate tobacco plastic waste pollution. In addition, the research can directly assign industry responsibility for these losses, including that of the tobacco industry.



Countries like France, the UK, the European Union, and the USA are considering policies to shift the responsibility for the clean-up costs to the tobacco industry. Such policies could play a crucial role in addressing this overlooked environmental issue.



In summary, this disturbing research emphasizes that while the environmental costs of tobacco product plastic may seem small compared to the overall economic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-tobacco-leads-to-over-1-3-million-cancer-deaths-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human toll of tobacco</a>, they are cumulative and preventable. 



This study serves as a call to action for policymakers, environmental agencies, and the tobacco industry to recognize and address the significant environmental and economic burden of tobacco product plastic waste.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/early/2023/11/07/tc-2022-057795" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tobacco Control</a>.



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Plastic pollution from cigarettes costs over $26 billion every year

The environmental and economic impacts of tobacco and cigarette product...

Researchers at the <a href="https://ki.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karolinska Institutet</a> and SciLifeLab in Sweden are developing a new approach to analyze tumors using artificial intelligence (AI). 



The innovative method combines AI techniques originally developed for satellite imaging and community ecology.&nbsp;



The goal is to interpret the vast amounts of data obtained from tumor tissue, potentially paving the way for more personalized cancer treatments.



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



Tumor imaging has advanced significantly, offering detailed insights into the microscopic world of tumors. However, these advances have led to a new challenge: the interpretation of an enormous amount of generated data.&nbsp;



"Advances in multiplex histology allow surveying millions of cells, dozens of cell types, and up to thousands of phenotypes within the spatial context of tissue sections," noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-hurdles-in-tumor-imaging-nbsp">Significant hurdles in tumor imaging&nbsp;</h2>



Traditional imaging methods can measure hundreds of molecules in thousands of cells, but discerning which molecules and cells are crucial has become increasingly complex.



AI methods offer a solution to analyze this deluge of data. However, traditional AI often operates as a "black box," performing tasks without providing explanations understandable to human researchers. This lack of transparency in AI processes has been a significant hurdle in its application to medical research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-image-interpretation-nbsp">Satellite image interpretation&nbsp;</h2>



Seeking a solution, the team turned to techniques from different fields. They drew inspiration from analysis methods in satellite imaging and ecology, dating back to the 1950s and 2000s.&nbsp;



Satellite imaging AI is adept at identifying varied geographical features in large images, such as cities and forests. Similarly, ecological techniques analyze how different species coexist in a geographic area.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-complex-data-into-new-insights-nbsp">Turning complex data into new insights&nbsp;</h2>



“We realized that the interpretation of tumor images is similar to the interpretation of satellite images and that the relationships between cells in a tissue are similar to the relationships between species in ecology,” explained senior researcher Jean Hausser.



“By combining techniques used in satellite imaging and ecology and adapting them for the analysis of tumor tissue, we have now been able to turn complex data into new insights into how cancer works.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalized-cancer-treatment-nbsp">Personalized cancer treatment&nbsp;</h2>



Looking ahead, the researchers plan to implement this method in clinical trials. Collaborations are underway with a major cancer hospital in Lyon, France, to understand the varied responses to cancer immunotherapy among patients.&nbsp;



Another partnership with the Mayo Clinic in the U.S. will focus on why certain breast cancer patients may not require chemotherapy. This cross-disciplinary approach holds promise for significantly advancing personalized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-treatment-could-be-transformed-by-shape-shifting-macrophages/">cancer treatment</a>, offering new hope for patients worldwide.



“With our new method, we can reveal important details in tumor tissue that can determine whether a cancer treatment works or not. The long-term goal is to be able to tailor cancer treatments to individual needs and avoid unnecessary side effects,” said Hausser.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-42878-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Cancer research: AI will change the way we see tumors

Researchers at the Karolinska Institutet and SciLifeLab in Sweden are...

A,Male,Asian,Elephant,Is,Enjoying,Bathing.

Researchers have recently shed light on how ancestral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-elephant-day-understanding-celebrating-and-protecting-earths-gentle-giants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a> developed their dexterous trunks, a significant evolutionary adaptation. The study offers valuable insights into the feeding behaviors of extinct longirostrine elephantiforms -- elephant-like mammals known for their elongated lower jaws and tusks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-longirostrine-gomphotheres">Evolution of longirostrine gomphotheres</h2>



Longirostrine gomphotheres, part of the proboscidean family, are known for their prolonged evolutionary phase featuring an exceptionally elongated lower jaw. 



This fascinating study was crucial for understanding the dynamics behind the evolution of the extended lower jaw and lengthy trunks in these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephants-may-be-the-first-non-human-animals-to-call-each-other-by-names/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephant</a>-like animals. Longirostrine gomphotheres lived during the Miocene epoch, approximately 11-20 million years ago.



“During the Early to Middle Miocene, gomphotheres flourished across Northern China,” says lead author Dr. Chunxiao Li, a postdoctoral researcher at the <a href="https://english.ucas.ac.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chinese Academy of Sciences</a>, Beijing, China.



The research offers persuasive proof of the variety in these "trunk" features among longirostrine gomphotheres, as well as their probable adaptive responses to worldwide climate shifts.



Li continued, “Across species there was huge diversity in the structure of the long mandible. We sought to explain why proboscideans evolved the long mandible and why it subsequently regressed. We also wanted to explore the role of the trunk in these animals’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-do-elephants-eat-study-shows-they-have-unique-dietary-preferences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feeding behaviors</a>, and the environmental background for the co-evolution of their mandibles and trunks.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-elephant-trunk-evolution">Studying elephant trunk evolution</h2>



Li and colleagues employed comparative functional and eco-morphological investigations, along with a feeding preference analysis. From this, they reconstructed the feeding behavior of three major families of longirostrine gomphotheres: Amebelodontidae, Choerolophodontidae, and Gomphotheriidae. 



Examining crania and lower jaws from different museums revealed variations in mandible and tusk structures, indicating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephants-have-taught-themselves-to-peel-bananas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse appetites</a>.



The team’s analysis of enamel isotopes helped identify the ecological niches of the three families. Choerolophodontidae lived in relatively closed environments. Amebelodontidae family members, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/elephant_Playtybelodon_trunk_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Platybelodon</a>, inhabited open habitats like grasslands. Finally, Gomphotheriidae occupied a niche between these environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-elephant-trunk-evolution">Implications of elephant trunk evolution</h2>



A Finite Element analysis provided insights into the advantages and disadvantages of mandible and tusk structures among the three family groups. This effort revealed specializations for cutting different types of vegetation.



The study also found variations in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-behavior-provides-new-insights-into-human-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary stages</a> of the trunk among these families. Additionally, they uncovered implications for their feeding abilities and ecological adaptations. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephants-use-trunks-count/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trunk's development</a> paralleled the mandible's evolution, indicating a co-evolutionary relationship.



Furthermore, the Mid-Miocene Climate Transition, which led to regional drying and expansion of open ecosystems, had a significant impact on these species. The study suggests that Platybelodon's coiling and grasping trunk allowed it to thrive in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-asian-elephants-exhibit-strong-capacity-for-innovation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">open environments</a>. This trait is not developed in other trunk-bearing animals like tapirs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-elephant-trunk-research">Further elephant trunk research</h2>



Co-author Ji Zhang is associate professor of structural engineering at <a href="https://english.hust.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Huazhong University of Science and Technology</a>, Wuhan, China. Zhang highlights the importance of using modern computational mechanics and statistics in paleontological research, bringing a cross-disciplinary approach to understanding these ancient creatures.



“Our cross-disciplinary team is dedicated to introducing multiple quantitative research methods to explore paleontology,” says Zhang. “Modern computational mechanics and statistics have injected new vitality into traditional fossil research.”



The main limitation in their research is the lack of comparison with the development of gigantism and long limbs in proboscideans from the same period. Further analysis could enhance understanding of how changing feeding behaviors related to differences in body shapes and sizes.



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



<a href="http://sourcedb.ivpp.cas.cn/yw/rckyw/index_2.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Shi-Qi Wang</a> is the senior author and professor at the Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He concludes that multiple eco-adaptations contributed to the diverse mandibular structure in proboscideans. The elongated mandible initially served as the primary feeding organ, paving the way for the development of the long trunk. 



“Our findings demonstrate that multiple eco-adaptations have contributed to the diverse mandibular structure found in proboscideans,” concludes Wang. “Initially, the elongated mandible served as the primary feeding organ in proboscideans, and was a prerequisite for the development of the extremely long trunk. Open-land grazing drove the development of trunk coiling and grasping functions, and the trunk then became the primary tool for feeding, leading to the gradual loss of the long mandible. In particular, Platybelodons may have been the first proboscidean to evolve this grazing behavior.”



The evolution of open-land grazing led to the modern day elephant trunk becoming the primary tool used for feeding. Over time, this adaptation resulted in the gradual loss of the long mandible. Platybelodons may represent the first proboscideans to evolve this grazing behavior. 



In summary, today's elephants use these versatile organs for a myriad of tasks, including breathing, communicating, grasping objects, and drinking. They have millions of years of evolution to thank for their amazing and iconic trunks. 



The full study was published in <a href="https://elifesciences.org/for-the-press/62f7502a/how-shifting-climates-may-have-shaped-early-elephants-trunks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eLife Sciences</a>.



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How elephants got their incredible iconic trunks

Researchers have recently shed light on how ancestral elephants developed...

An important discovery in the study of the Sun's behavior was released today by researchers at the Center of Excellence in Space Sciences India (<a href="http://www.cessi.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CESSI</a>). Their work has unveiled a new relationship between the Sun’s magnetic field and its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-sunspot-archipelago-15-times-wider-than-earth-spotted-by-nasa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunspot</a> cycle. This discovery holds significant promise for predicting solar activities with greater accuracy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sun-s-magnetic-field-and-sunspot-cycle">Sun’s magnetic field and sunspot cycle</h2>



The Sun, our nearest star, is a massive sphere of hot ionized gas, or plasma. Within it, immense plasma flows and convection currents interact to form magnetic fields. These fields surface as sunspots, dark patches comparable in size to Earth. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-sunspot-may-soon-disrupt-earths-power-grids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunspots</a> are centers of intense magnetism, possessing a magnetic strength about 10,000 times greater than Earth's.



Occasionally, these sunspot magnetic fields undergo violent disruptions, giving rise to solar magnetic storms such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-massive-solar-flare-struck-earth-on-monday-but-what-does-this-mean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flares</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-solar-outburst-detected-simultaneously-at-earth-the-moon-and-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coronal mass ejections</a>. These phenomena emit high-energy radiation and expel vast amounts of magnetized plasma into space. The most intense of these storms can wreak havoc on satellites, power grids, and communication networks on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenge-of-predicting-solar-storms">Challenge of predicting solar storms</h2>



Sunspot observation, dating back to the early 1600s, reveals a cyclic pattern. Approximately every 11 years, the number of sunspots and the intensity of solar activity peak, leading to heightened <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canyon-of-fire-solar-eruption-extended-more-than-60000-miles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space weather disturbances</a>. However, accurately predicting these peaks has been a longstanding challenge.



A dynamo mechanism, powered by plasma flows inside the Sun, drives the solar cycle. This mechanism involves two primary magnetic field components. 



One component manifests in <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sunspots_SDO-NASA_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunspots</a>. The other component is active in recycling the Sun's large-scale dipole field, similar to Earth's magnetic field. Every 11 years, this dipole field also reverses its poles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-on-waldmeier-s-discovery">Expanding on Waldmeier’s discovery</h2>



In 1935, Swiss astronomer Max Waldmeier discovered a relationship known as the Waldmeier effect. Waldmeier found that the faster a sunspot cycle rises, the stronger the strength of the solar storms. This relationship has been pivotal in forecasting the strength of sunspot cycles based on early observations.



Priyansh Jaswal, Chitradeep Saha, and Dibyendu Nandy of <a href="https://www.iiserkol.ac.in/web/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IISER Kolkata</a> have discovered a complementary relationship. They found that the rate of decrease in the Sun’s dipole magnetic field correlates with the rate of rise of the ongoing sunspot cycle. 



This discovery, leveraging data from decades-old solar observatories, connects the two primary components of the Sun's magnetic field. In addition, it supports the notion that sunspots are integral to the solar dynamo process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predictions-for-the-current-solar-cycle">Predictions for the current solar cycle</h2>



The IISER Kolkata team demonstrates how monitoring the Sun's dipole magnetic field's rate of decrease, combined with sunspot observations, can predict the peak of an ongoing cycle. Their analysis suggests that the peak of solar cycle 25 is likely to occur in early 2024, with a range of uncertainty extending to September 2024.



In summary, this new discovery opens a window for more accurate forecasting of solar cycle peaks. These are times when the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/northern-lights-activity-will-intensify-over-the-next-18-months/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intense solar activity</a> and space weather disturbances are expected. Such advancements in understanding the Sun's magnetic dynamics are not only pivotal for space weather prediction but also essential for protecting Earth's technological infrastructure.



The full study was published in&nbsp;<a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnrasl/article/528/1/L27/7441123">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters</a>



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Solar storms will intensify, then slow as the solar cycle peaks in early 2024

An important discovery in the study of the Sun's behavior...

In a recent study led by Dr. Shawn Olsen at the <a href="https://alleninstitute.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Allen Institute</a>, researchers have made significant strides in understanding how our brains perceive - or fail to perceive - visual stimuli.&nbsp;



The research, focusing on a phenomenon known as visual masking, reveals intriguing insights into the mechanisms of conscious perception in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/">brain</a>.



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



Visual masking occurs when an individual fails to consciously perceive an image due to the rapid succession of another image.&nbsp;



For the effect to occur, the first image must appear and disappear swiftly, followed rapidly (within about 50 milliseconds) by the second image. The current study explores visual masking in mice for the first time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-puzzling-phenomenon-nbsp">Puzzling phenomenon&nbsp;</h2>



Scientists discovered this puzzling phenomenon in the 19th century, but the underlying mechanisms remain a mystery.&nbsp;



From previous studies, the scientists knew that neurons in the retina and parts of the brain in that pathway are activated even when a person is not aware that they are seeing an image. This means that your brain can see things without your knowledge.



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



Dr. Olsen and his team, including Dr. Christof Koch and Dr. Sam Gale, trained mice to respond to visual stimuli. The mice were taught to turn a tiny LEGO wheel in the direction of a briefly flashed image to receive a treat.&nbsp;



When a masking image was introduced immediately after the target image, the mice failed to perform the task correctly, indicating a loss of conscious perception of the original image.



“This is an interesting observation, where what is present in the world is not accurately reflected in your perception,” said Dr. Olsen. “Like other visual illusions, we think that it tells us something about the way the visual system works and ultimately about the neural circuits that underlie visual awareness.”



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



Conscious perception refers to the awareness that one has of their surroundings and internal states through sensory experiences. It involves the recognition and interpretation of sensory inputs, such as sights, sounds, and tactile sensations, as well as internal stimuli like thoughts and emotions.



The researchers pinpointed a specific brain region that is necessary for visual masking illusion to work. They propose that the visual cortex or higher areas of the cortex are responsible for conscious perception.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-and-mouse-perception-nbsp">Human and mouse perception&nbsp;</h2>



The experts wanted to confirm that the optical illusion they showed the rodents is relevant to humans. They tested 16 people using a keystroke instead of the wheel. The results showed that human and mouse perception - or lack thereof - is very similar.&nbsp;



The fact that human and mouse perceptions of this visual masking illusion were similar reinforces the theory that conscious perception resides in the cortex of mammals.



That fits with the general sentiment in the field that the cortex is the seat of conscious perception in mammals, including us, said Dr. Koch.



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



The research offers profound insights into how our brains process visual information and what factors contribute to our conscious perception of the world.&nbsp;



It opens new avenues for understanding more about the visual system and the neural circuits that govern visual awareness.



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



During visual masking, the perception of one visual stimulus (the target) is significantly impaired or entirely inhibited by the presence of another visual stimulus (the mask). This occurs when the mask is presented before, simultaneously with, or after the target.&nbsp;



The effect is a demonstration of how our visual system processes information over time and how certain stimuli can interfere with or alter the perception of others.



There are different types of visual masking, including backward masking (where the mask follows the target), forward masking (where the mask precedes the target), and simultaneous masking (where both target and mask are presented together).&nbsp;



The effectiveness of masking depends on various factors like the timing between target and mask, their spatial relationship, and their visual characteristics.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41593-023-01488-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Neuroscience</a>.&nbsp;



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Visual masking: Your brain can see things without your knowledge

In a recent study led by Dr. Shawn Olsen at...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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...

Today&#8217;s Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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.



&#8220;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,&#8221; says NASA. &#8220;The coastline is marked by low mountains that are dissected by canyons carved by rivers that flow down the western side of the Andes.&#8221;



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.



&#8220;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 <a href="http://glaciers">glaciers</a> and snow cover due to their high elevation.&#8221;



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



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.