Leaving on a jet

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2023/09/Earth_from_Space_Southern_Patagonian_Ice_Field">European Space Agency</a> features a massive star-forming nebula known as G35.2-0.7N, which is located around 7,200 light-years from Earth in the constellation Aquila.



According to ESA, G35.2-0.7N is known as a hotbed of high-mass star formation. "The kind of stars that form here are so massive that they will end their lives as destructive supernovae. However, even as they form they greatly impact their surroundings."&nbsp;



"At least one B-type star - the second most massive type - lurks within the region pictured here, and a powerful protostellar jet that it is launching towards us is the source of the spectacular light show."&nbsp;



The image was captured by the Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3), which is mounted on the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



NASA noted that Hubble observed this particular region as part of a program examining protostellar jets.&nbsp;



"These fast-moving jets, which form as gas collects around newly forming stars and last for only about 100,000 years, are known to play a role in star formation," said NASA.



"Astronomers were interested to learn whether such jets influence the formation of massive stars similar to the way they affect the formation of lower-mass stars. Massive stars are typically rarer, more distant, and more hidden by dust than lower-mass stars, making studies of their jets more challenging."



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA, R. Fedriani, J. Tan



---



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



---



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.

Stellar nursery G35.2-0.7N is a hotbed of massive stars

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 Saba, a small island in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. Saba is the top of a volcano that became active during the Pleistocene era.



"Located about 140 kilometers east of the U.S. Virgin Islands, the active stratovolcano rises 1,500 meters above the sea floor," says NASA. "Above the water, rainforests cover the steep slopes of the volcano, home to many birds, orchids and reptiles, including an endemic spotted lizard, the Saban anole (Anolus sabensis). Below the water, corals and other species thrive."



"The largest city and the capital city of the island, called The Bottom, lies between the port and the higher elevations of the volcano."&nbsp;



Due to a lack of sandy beaches, Saba is not a major tourist destination like other Caribbean islands. However, it is a popular spot for divers to find corals and sea urchins.



According to NASA, sea urchins in the Caribbean started mysteriously dying off in early 2022. Dive shops in the region began reporting mysterious sea urchin die offs in February, particularly the long-spined sea urchin Diadema antillarum.&nbsp;



"Saba’s reef was once home to more than 5,000 D. antillarum. But in April 2022, in a section of Saba’s reef called 'Diadema City,' half of the long-spined sea urchins died off in just one week, and only 100 remained in June, according to reporting in ScienceNews."



"The massive loss of sea urchins is reminiscent of a die-off that started in 1983, in which virtually all of the D. antillarum population in the Caribbean was eliminated within a year. Although the exact cause of the 1983 and 2022 die-offs is still a mystery, many researchers agree that the speed and scope of the event in the 1980s indicates the spread of an unknown disease," says NASA.



The image was captured on August 16, 2022 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



---



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

The volcanic island of Saba

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

A sparkling galactic neighbour

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the galaxy ESO 300-16, which is located 28.7 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Eridanus



According to ESA, the galaxy is a ghostly assemblage of stars which resembles a sparkling cloud.&nbsp;



"A rogue’s gallery of distant galaxies and foreground stars complete this astronomical portrait, which was captured by the Advanced Camera for Surveys," said ESA.



"This observation is one of a series which aims to get to know our galactic neighbors; around three quarters of the known galaxies suspected to lie within 10 megaparsecs of Earth have been observed by Hubble in enough detail to resolve their brightest stars and establish the distances to these galaxies."



"A team of astronomers proposed using small gaps in Hubble’s observing schedule to acquaint ourselves with the remaining quarter of the nearby galaxies."



ESO 300-16 is a relatively small and remote dwarf galaxy. It is sometimes known as a "compact blue dwarf galaxy" because of its size and the intense blue colors indicating active star formation.&nbsp;



These galaxies are typically small, but they have high star-forming rates for their size. This kind of galaxy can provide insights into the process of star formation as well as galaxy evolution in general.



Dwarf galaxies are of particular interest to astronomers because they can help to provide understanding about the formation and evolution of galaxies in the early universe. They're also thought to play a role in the assembly of larger galaxies over cosmic time.



By studying galaxies like ESO 300-16, astronomers can hope to better understand how galaxies grow, evolve, and interact over time.&nbsp;



Image Credit: ESA



—--



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

A ghostly assemblage of stars make up the galaxy ESO 300-16

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



---



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.

Tunupa Volcano in southwestern Bolivia

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2023/09/Earth_from_Space_Southern_Patagonian_Ice_Field">European Space Agency</a> features the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the Southern Andes. It is one of the world's largest continuous masses of ice outside the polar regions.&nbsp;



The Southern Patagonian Ice Field spreads across the border between Argentina and Chile and is an essential fresh water reservoir. Covering an area of about 12,363 square kilometers, it is home to numerous glaciers, including the well-known Perito Moreno and Upsala Glaciers in Argentina.



The ice field is situated within the Andes mountain range and is part of two national parks: the Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina and the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.&nbsp;



"Ice fields form as a result of accumulations of snow that turn into ice through years of compression and freezing. Shaped by the underlying topography, glaciers often form at the edges of an ice field," explained ESA.



"In this image, the ice mass feeds several smaller and bigger glaciers, including the Argentinian Perito Moreno Glacier in the top right corner. Located on a narrow channel, Perito Moreno feeds Lake Argentino and forms an ice dam that separates the main body of the lake, visible on top in turquoise, from its southern arm, which appears grey."



The Southern Patagonian Ice Field is crucial for the study of climate change as it reacts sensitively to temperature variations. Over recent years, it has experienced significant retreat and thinning due to global warming, leading to concerns over rising sea levels and loss of freshwater resources.&nbsp;



"Glaciers are the largest reservoirs of freshwater on our planet. The rate at which they may be melting or growing is one of the best indicators of climate change," said ESA. "The demise of glaciers is one of the main causes of sea-level rise. Many glaciers in Patagonia have retreated over the last 50 years."&nbsp;



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—--



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

The Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the Andes Mountains

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features a dust storm that moved across parts of Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in mid-September.



"This image, acquired by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) instrument on the NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP satellite, shows thick plumes of dust blowing hundreds of kilometers across the arid region on September 22, 2023," said NASA.



"The dust appears to emanate from the ephemeral Hamun wetlands, which partially surround the Iranian city of Zabol. When dry, this area becomes a hotspot for dust storms due to a persistent weather feature known as the Levar wind (or “120-day wind”), which blows out of the northwest from late-May to late-September."



Across the Sistan-Baluchistan province in southeastern Iran, three people were killed in accidents related to poor visibility and more than 1,300 others sought medical assistance for respiratory, heart, and eye ailments.



According to NASA, more than two decades of low water levels in the Hamun wetlands have led to a significant increase in dust storms. This has been especially the case during the 120-day winds, strong summer winds that occur from late May to late September.



"Water levels are influenced by rainfall and the flow of the Helmand river, which runs from the Hindu Kush mountains across Afghanistan before terminating at the wetlands. More frequent drought since 1999, along with increasing upstream demands on water resources for agriculture and other uses, have amplified the drying," said NASA.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—--



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

Brutal dust storm sweeps across Southern Asia

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

3d,Illustration,Of,A,Burning,Meteorite,Threatens,The,Earth.,5k

An intriguing new study asserts that an ancient Syrian settlement transitioned from hunting-gathering to agriculture due to a cataclysmic comet strike. 



This theory is called The Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis. It suggests that an environmental catastrophe around 12,800 years ago triggered a dramatic shift in human subsistence methods in the village of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tell_Abu_Hureyra" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abu Hureyra</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-younger-dryas">The Younger Dryas</h2>



Researchers have been investigating the hypothesis that a sudden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bering-sea-past-climate-shift/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global cooling</a> period, called the Younger Dryas, was instigated by a fragmented comet crashing into the Earth’s atmosphere.



This event dramatically altered the environment. The area shifted from a humid, forested landscape abundant with diverse food sources, to a cooler and drier one. This environmental shift prompted the inhabitants of Abu Hureyra to innovate.



<a href="https://www.geol.ucsb.edu/people/james-kennett" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Kennett</a> is an Earth scientist and professor emeritus of <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a>. He highlights the settlement’s significance in archaeological records, showcasing its pivotal transition from foraging to the cultivation of barley, wheat, and legumes.



“In this general region, there was a change from more humid conditions that were forested and with diverse sources of food for hunter-gatherers, to drier, cooler conditions when they could no longer subsist only as hunter-gatherers,” said Kennett.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abu-hureyra-is-now-submerged">Abu Hureyra is now submerged</h2>



The village, now submerged under <a href="https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/Collections/EarthFromSpace/printinfo.pl?PHOTO=STS078-740-83" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Assad</a>, was a treasure trove of ancient dietary evidence. By studying material remnants, scientists discerned the change in diet. Their diet shifted from wild legumes, grains, fruits, and berries to a dependence on domestic-type grains and lentils post-impact.



“The villagers started to cultivate barley, wheat and legumes,” Kennett noted. “This is what the evidence clearly shows.”



A millennium after the cosmic event, the famous Neolithic "founder crops" were flourishing in the region. This marked the rise of agriculture in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-sheds-new-light-on-the-origins-of-the-first-farmers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fertile Crescent</a>. Notably, there was an evident increase in drought-resistant plants, indicative of the evolving climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aftermath-of-younger-dryas">Aftermath of Younger Dryas</h2>



The aftermath of the impact not only accelerated agricultural innovation, it also resulted in noticeable shifts in population, architectural adjustments, and the beginnings of livestock domestication in the region.



But this event was not an isolated instance. Evidence found in the <a href="https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.14293/ACI.2023.0002" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">12,800-year-old layers</a> from the same period at Abu Hureyra reveals a history of extensive burning. Scientists discovered a distinct carbon-rich “black mat” layer littered with nanodiamonds, platinum, and metallic spherules. These are clear markers of extreme temperatures beyond the capabilities of the then-existing human technology. 



Similar evidence of cosmic airbursts was found at the site of the ancient biblical city, Tall el-Hammam, and across 50 other locations. These regions spanned North and South America and Europe, identified collectively as the Younger Dryas strewnfield.



The markers corroborate the theory of a fragmented comet causing large-scale destruction. This included the extinction of several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-extinction-megafauna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">megafauna</a> species and the fall of the North American <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meteor-decline-clovis-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clovis culture</a>. 



The absence of ground craters, usually associated with such events, is explained by the aerial nature of the explosion. Such lower-pressure cosmic explosions, as the research suggests, manifest without leaving visible craters.



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



To draw parallels with this cosmic phenomenon, scientists looked to recent history. <a href="https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.14293/ACI.2023.0001" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nuclear tests</a> conducted in the 20th century, particularly the ones in New Mexico in 1945 and in Kazakhstan during 1949 and 1953, mirror the aerial explosions caused by cosmic airbursts. The shockwaves from these tests, like those from the fragmented comet, descended from the air to the Earth's surface.



“In the papers, we characterize what the morphologies are of these shock fractures in these lower-pressure events,” Kennett said. “And we did this because we wanted to compare it with what we have in the shock-fractured quartz in the <a href="https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.14293/ACI.2023.0003" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Younger Dryas Boundary</a>, to see if there was any comparison or similarities between what we see at the Trinity atomic test site and other atomic bomb explosions.”



The scientists discovered close associations in the characteristics of the shocked quartz from the nuclear test sites and the quartz from Abu Hureyra. Specifically, they identified glass-filled shock fractures. These fractures indicate temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius, which is above the melting point of quartz.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shock-fractures-tell-the-story">Shock fractures tell the story</h2>



“For the first time, we propose that shock metamorphism in quartz grains exposed to an atomic detonation is essentially the same as during a low-altitude, lower-pressure cosmic airburst,” Kennett said.



The "lower pressure" still exceeds 3 GPa or about 400,000 pounds per square inch. This is equal to stacking five 737 airplanes on a small coin. The researchers' new protocol to identify shock fractures in quartz grains will help detect previously undiscovered airbursts. Experts believe such airbursts recur every few centuries to millennia.



Considering the evidence, the scientists assert that the discovery, “implies a novel causative link among extraterrestrial impacts, hemispheric environmental and climatic change, and transformative shifts in human societies and culture, including agricultural development.”



The compelling series of evidence from Abu Hureyra paints a dramatic picture of our ancestors’ resilience and adaptability. Faced with cataclysmic environmental changes, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-humans-used-ancient-plant-fiber-technology-to-make-tools-39000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric settlers</a> transformed their survival strategy, laying the foundations for modern agriculture. 



This research not only sheds light on ancient human history, but also provides a perspective on the profound ways cosmic events can shape the course of life on Earth.



A series of four full papers were published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.14293/ACI.2023.0004" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Open: Airbursts and Cratering Impacts</a>.



---



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



---



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.

Prehistoric comet impact triggered the invention of agriculture

An intriguing new study asserts that an ancient Syrian settlement...

The,Monk,Parakeet,(myiopsitta,Monachus),,Also,Known,As,The,Quaker

If you have ever been mesmerized by a parrot's ability to mimic sounds or words, you are not alone. Their vocal flexibility, or "voice print," has always sparked curiosity, leading to questions about how these birds maintain their unique identity within the cacophony of flock calls.



However, recent findings by the <a href="https://www.ab.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior</a> and Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona might provide a clue. The secret, it appears, lies in a distinct voice print, akin to the one we humans have.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-parrot-s-voice-print">A parrot's voice print</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smart-parrots-need-more-stimulation-in-captivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parrots</a> are renowned for their expansive vocal repertoire, which they can extend and modify throughout their lives. But with such dynamic vocal changes, how do they remain identifiable in a noisy flock? This conundrum led researchers to the monk parakeets of Barcelona.



Through an in-depth study, Simeon Smeele from the Max Planck Institute proposed that these birds might possess an individualized 'voice print' that stays consistent, irrespective of the sounds they produce.



Humans, despite their versatile vocal abilities, have always been identifiable through their unique voice tones. This voice print ensures that our vocal tract leaves a signature. Our voice makes us distinguishable even if we change what we're saying or how we're saying it.



It's known that many social animals, like dolphins and bats, have specific "signature calls" that make them recognizable within their groups. Yet, unlike the broad vocal range in humans, these signature calls are often limited to one type. This revelation presented a void in understanding: could other animals possibly have a voice print like humans?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-monk-parakeets-voice-print">The monk parakeets' voice print</h2>



Simeon Smeele embarked on this research with a particular interest in parrots. This is mainly because they utilize their tongue and mouth to modulate calls. This modulation gives their sounds a more 'human' feel compared to other birds. The bustling parrot flocks in Barcelona, with their fluid membership, provided a perfect backdrop for this exploration.



With the assistance of <a href="https://museuciencies.cat/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona</a>, which has identified over 3000 individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monk-parakeets-lose-social-standing-if-they-take-long-vacations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monk parakeets</a> over 20 years, Smeele and his team recorded calls from hundreds of these birds. Their extensive collection of over 5000 vocalizations made this the largest study of individually-marked wild parrots to date.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-thousands-of-parrot-voice-prints">Analyzing thousands of parrot voice prints</h2>



The team then analyzed these calls to detect individual recognition patterns. They were particularly intrigued by the “contact call”, a call previously believed to be stable and unique for each bird. However, their observations revealed otherwise, hinting that another mechanism might be at play for individual recognition.



Smeele turned to a machine learning model, commonly used in human voice recognition. By training the model on "tonal" calls from specific parrots and then testing it on a different "growling" call set, the team sought to determine the consistency of the voice print. The results were promising: the model identified individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-red-crowned-parrots-are-thriving-in-urban-texas-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parrots</a> three times better than random chance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next">What’s next?</h2>



While these findings hint at the existence of a voice print in monk parakeets, the team remains cautiously optimistic. Smeele emphasizes the need for more comprehensive data and further validation. Alongside this, an ecological study is also on the horizon. In the new study, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-relocated-caribbean-parrots-for-thousands-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parrots</a> will be tagged with GPS devices to understand their movements and interactions.



Juan Carlos Senar from the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona highlights the significance of these findings. Juan Carlos says that understanding the individual discrimination of calls can shed light on the species' unique vocal abilities.



If these parakeets indeed have a voice print, it not only answers the riddle of their vocal flexibility but could also reshape our understanding of animal communication. Smeele says the implications would go beyond parrots, too. “I hope that this finding prompts more work to uncover voice prints in other social animals that can flexibly modify their vocalization, such as dolphins and bats,” he says.



In a world filled with diverse sounds and calls, it's fascinating to think that each voice, be it human or bird, carries its unique signature, echoing its distinct identity.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.230835" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



---



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



---



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.

Parrots have a unique voice print similar to humans

If you have ever been mesmerized by a parrot's ability...

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made a groundbreaking discovery of Jupiter-sized "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-planet-discovered-with-an-ocean-not-far-from-earth/">planets</a>" freely floating in space, unattached to any stars. These intriguing objects, observed within the Orion Nebula, are referred to as Jupiter Mass Binary Objects, or "JuMBOs" for short.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orion-nebula-nbsp">Orion Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



In a recent detailed survey of the Orion Nebula, the JWST identified approximately 40 pairs of JuMBOs. These mysterious objects are remarkable for their autonomous movement in pairs, a phenomenon that currently puzzles astronomers.&nbsp;



The Orion Nebula (M42) is an expansive star-forming region located about 1,400 light-years from Earth. This star-forming region has long fascinated researchers and has been significantly illuminated by the high-resolution and infrared sensitivity capacities of the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>.



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



The origin and nature of JuMBOs are shrouded in mystery. According to Professor Mark McCaughrean, the <a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a>'s (ESA) senior science advisor, there are a couple of prevailing theories. 



The first speculates that JuMBOs emerged from nebula regions with insufficient material density to form full-fledged stars. The second hypothesis suggests these objects originally formed around stars before being ejected into interstellar space through various interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexplained-questions-nbsp">Unexplained questions&nbsp;</h2>



"Gas physics suggests you shouldn't be able to make objects with the mass of Jupiter on their own, and we know single planets can get kicked out from star systems. But how do you kick out pairs of these things together? Right now, we don't have an answer. It's one for the theoreticians," Professor McCaughrean told BBC News.



The discovery challenges existing astrophysical knowledge. These free-floating objects, despite their size, aren't considered planets in the traditional sense.&nbsp;



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



With an age of approximately one million years, these "babies" in astronomical terms are hot, gaseous bodies enveloped in steam and methane atmospheres.&nbsp;



Their distinct characteristics, including their gas giant composition similar to Jupiter, negate the possibility of hosting liquid water reservoirs or alien life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-physics-nbsp">Breaking physics&nbsp;</h2>



Data from ground-based telescopes had previously hinted at the existence of JuMBOs before the JWST formally identified them.&nbsp;



"We were looking for these very small objects and we find them," Professor McCaughrean told The Guardian. "We find them down as small as one Jupiter mass, even half a Jupiter mass, floating freely, not attached to a star. Physics says you can't even make objects that small. We wanted to see, can we break physics? And I think we have, which is good."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-category-of-worlds">New category of worlds</h2>



The term "binary," incorporated into the name of JuMBOs, reflects the observation that some of these objects move in pairs, comparable to binary solar systems with two stars.&nbsp;



Overall, the discovery of JuMBOs presents an exciting mystery for astronomers and theoreticians alike.&nbsp;



As these objects cannot be easily classified as either stars or planets, they represent an entirely new category of celestial bodies, challenging and expanding the existing boundaries of astronomical knowledge and understanding.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/MCCAUGHREAN &amp; PEARSON



---



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



---



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.

JuMBOs: Newly-discovered, free-floating worlds that can't be explained

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made a groundbreaking...

Recent climate data has painted a grim picture of the state of our planet's health. According to preliminary analyses, global warmth reached unprecedented levels in September - possibly even surpassing the alarming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/death-valley-may-reach-the-hottest-temperature-ever-recorded-this-week/">temperature</a> increases observed in July and August.&nbsp;



This trend suggests that global warming isn't just happening; it's accelerating at a pace that could be faster than what most climate scientists predicted.



The experts report that September’s temperature was about 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit above the average temperature for this month from 1991 to 2020.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summer-temperatures-in-september-nbsp">Summer temperatures in September&nbsp;</h2>



According to data from both European and Japanese climate scientists, September temperatures around the world reached levels that would be closer to normal for July.



In other words, the heat typically experienced in the peak of summer was occurring in early fall. It's a clear shift from historical patterns.



Another shocking revelation is that September’s temperature broke the previous record by an astonishing margin.&nbsp;



The planet’s average temperature broke the previous September record by more than half a degree Celsius (0.9 degrees Fahrenheit).&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-october-heat-in-spain">October heat in Spain</h2>



Now, a few days into October, temperatures continue to reach new levels. According to AEMET weather agency, Spain experienced record-breaking heat in the first two days of this month.



The country endured three "record days of heat," beginning on Friday and peaking on Sunday at 38.2 degrees Celsius (100.7 Fahrenheit) in Montoro, near Cordoba. This surpasses the previous October record set in 2014 in Marbella, when temperatures reached 37.5C.



"On October 1, it reached an all-time high for this time of year in practically the entire Iberian Peninsula," the agency posted on X, formerly Twitter, noting that nearly 40 percent of its weather stations had registered a temperature of 32C or higher. This intense weather is expected to continue, with up to "10 more days of record heat" anticipated.



Monday temperatures hit a high of 38.1C in Seville, indicative of the extended heatwave affecting Spain - a country familiar with elevated summer temperatures, especially in the south.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-successive-heatwaves-nbsp">Successive heatwaves&nbsp;</h2>



However, recent years have shown an increase in the duration and intensity of these heatwaves. Experts attribute this trend to climate change.&nbsp;



Spain, which recorded its hottest year in 2022, is currently grappling with successive heatwaves that began unusually early in April, exacerbating the ongoing drought in the region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-continues-in-the-uk">Heat continues in the UK</h2>



The United Kingdom recently tied its record for the warmest September since records began in 1884, with a mean temperature of 15.2 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit).&nbsp;



According to Mark McCarthy from the Met Office, this temperature record is noteworthy due to the warmth experienced in the first half of September. The UK also recorded seven consecutive days with temperatures surpassing 30 Celsius.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hottest-september-on-record">Hottest September on record</h2>



Furthermore, Japan experienced its hottest September since record-keeping started 125 years ago. The Japan Meteorological Agency noted an extraordinary average temperature increase of 2.66 degrees Celsius above the norm, setting records in multiple locations, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.&nbsp;



Other countries, including Austria, France, Germany, Poland, and Switzerland, also reported their warmest Septembers on record, aligning with predictions that this year might be the hottest in human history due to accelerating climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-escalating-climate-crisis-nbsp">Escalating climate crisis&nbsp;</h2>



These rising global temperatures have prompted urgent discussions and warnings from climate experts and authorities. <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/09/1141082" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres</a>, addressing the escalating climate crisis, stated that "humanity has opened the gates to hell." 



However, Guterres also emphasized that it is still possible to limit the global temperature rise to the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees, necessary to prevent a long-term climate catastrophe.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

Is 2023 the hottest year in human history? September set another global record

Recent climate data has painted a grim picture of the...

Forest,And,Co2,Fog,,Top,View.,Environmental,Pollution,And,Nature,

As the world works ardently towards reducing the carbon footprints, <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a> introduces a breakthrough in the field of carbon capture from the atmosphere. Their research exhibits an innovative method known as "moisture-swing" that depends on the relationship between water and carbon dioxide in various systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traditional-carbon-capture-vs-dac">Traditional carbon capture vs DAC</h2>



While traditional carbon capture techniques intercept CO2 straight from carbon-intensive processes like factories and plants, <a href="https://www.iea.org/energy-system/carbon-capture-utilisation-and-storage/direct-air-capture" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Direct Air Capture</a> (DAC) endeavors to extract carbon from the air itself. This becomes ever more relevant as the world continues to shift away from fossil fuel dependence, reducing the need for point-of-source carbon capture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-moisture-swing-technique">The "Moisture-Swing" technique</h2>



The recently unveiled study centers around the "moisture-swing" technique. Inspired by the relationship between water and carbon dioxide, this technique captures CO2 at low humidities and releases it at higher ones. 



But what truly sets this research apart is its ingenious use of kinetic methodologies and a variety of ions. This makes it possible to extract <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-capture-technology-could-greatly-reduce-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> from practically any location.



The study’s senior author, <a href="https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/research-faculty/directory/profiles/dravid-vinayak.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vinayak P. Dravid</a>, explains that they're broadening the options for carbon capture ions and diving deep into the intricacies of fluid-surface interactions.



“We are not only expanding and optimizing the choice of ions for carbon capture, but also helping unravel the fundamental underpinnings of complex fluid-surface interactions,” said Northwestern’s Vinayak P. Dravid, a senior author on the study. 



“This work advances our collective understanding of DAC, and our data and analyses provide a strong impetus to the community, for theorists and experimentalists alike, to further improve carbon capture under practical conditions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-idea-and-its-impetus">The idea and its impetus</h2>



Benjamin Shindel, one of the paper's co-authors, underscores the appeal of the moisture-swing technique, notably its minimal energy cost. Theoretically, by leveraging environments with natural humid and dry air reservoirs, one could achieve humidity without incurring any energy costs.



“We liked moisture-swing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-capture-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> capture because it doesn't have a defined energy cost,” Shindel said. “Even though there’s some amount of energy required to humidify a volume of air, ideally you could get humidity ‘for free,’ energetically, by relying on an environment that has natural dry and wet reservoirs of air close together.”



Furthermore, as John Hegarty, another co-author, highlights, the team has significantly expanded the number of usable ions for the process and identified high-performing systems. 



“Not only have we doubled the number of ions that exhibit the desired humidity-dependent carbon capture, we have also discovered the highest-performing systems yet,” John Hegarty said. “Traditional carbon capture holds onto CO2 tightly, which means it takes significant energy to release it and reuse it.”



This stands in contrast to traditional carbon capture methods, which can be energy-intensive and not universally applicable. For industries like agriculture, concrete, and steel manufacturing, conventional methods fall short due to the vastness of their operational areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-metal-oxide-frameworks-mof">The role of metal-oxide frameworks (MOF)</h2>



<a href="https://chemistry.northwestern.edu/people/core-faculty/profiles/omar-farha.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Omar Farha</a>, an experienced chemistry professor, has previously researched the potential of metal-oxide framework (MOF) structures for varied applications, inclusive of CO2 capture. He emphasized the multifaceted nature of DAC and the importance of an interdisciplinary approach.



The researchers broadened their exploration from traditionally used carbonate and phosphate ions to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/carbon-capture_New-ions-facilitated_Credit-Northwestern-University_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wider range of ions</a>. Their findings indicated that ions with higher valency, particularly phosphates, proved most effective. 



Their experimentation also led to the discovery of other effective ions like silicate and borate. Through future experiments and computational modeling, the team aims to unearth reasons behind the effectiveness of particular ions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toward-a-greener-future">Toward a greener future</h2>



Presently, several companies are venturing into the commercialization of direct air carbon capture, leveraging carbon credits to motivate businesses to counterbalance their emissions. Unlike some other strategies that capture carbon indirectly, the moisture-swing technique clearly extracts CO2 straight from the atmosphere. This captured carbon can then be concentrated, stored, or repurposed.



Looking ahead, Dravid’s team envisions merging their CO2 capturing materials with their earlier porous sponge platform, designed to eliminate environmental pollutants like oil, phosphates, and microplastics. This innovative convergence has the potential to reshape the landscape of environmental conservation and restoration.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c02543">Environmental Science and Technology</a>.



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



As discussed above, carbon capture is an evolving technology. This tech actively fights climate change by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/adding-crushed-volcanic-rocks-to-the-soil-on-farms-can-help-sequester-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trapping carbon dioxide</a> (CO2) emissions at their source, preventing them from entering the atmosphere. Experts view this method as a vital tool in the world's arsenal to curb global warming.



Industries, notably power plants and factories, are the primary culprits for high CO2 emissions. Carbon capture targets these industries by collecting the emitted CO2 before it disperses into the air. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-typical-forms-of-carbon-capture">Typical forms of carbon capture</h3>



Once captured, experts compress the carbon dioxide into a liquid form. This liquid CO2 then finds use in several ways:



Storage Underground: Companies inject the liquid CO2 deep into rock formations, where it remains securely stored for thousands of years.



Enhanced Oil Recovery: Some industries pump the CO2 into declining oil fields. This process pushes remaining oil to the surface, improving oil extraction rates.



Industrial Use: Liquid CO2 can also serve various industrial applications, including the production of chemicals, fuels, and even carbonated beverages.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-direct-air-capture-dac">Direct Air Capture (DAC)</h3>



However, the application of carbon capture isn't limited to industrial sites. The development of <a href="https://www.wri.org/insights/direct-air-capture-resource-considerations-and-costs-carbon-removal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Direct Air Capture</a> (DAC) technology allows scientists to capture CO2 directly from the atmosphere, offering potential solutions even for non-industrial CO2 sources.



In summary, carbon capture plays an active and essential role in the global initiative to combat climate change. By advancing and investing in this technology, we take a bold step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c02543" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science and Technology</a>.



---



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



---



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.

New "moisture-swing" carbon capture tech sucks CO2 straight from the air

As the world works ardently towards reducing the carbon footprints,...

A new study published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002269">PLOS Biology</a> suggests that female animals may establish their mate preferences by noting the distinct traits selected by experienced females within their community.&nbsp;



The researchers, led by Emily DuVal at Florida State University, used a mathematical model to understand why females select certain mates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inferred-attractiveness-nbsp">Inferred attractiveness&nbsp;</h2>



"Sexual selection by mate choice is a powerful force that can lead to evolutionary change, and models of why females choose particular mates are central to understanding its effects," wrote the study authors.



"Predominant mate choice theories assume preferences are determined solely by genetic inheritance, an assumption still lacking widespread support."



"Here, we propose a new model that explains this mate choice complexity with one general hypothesized mechanism, 'Inferred Attractiveness.'"&nbsp;



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



According to the model, younger females may observe the choices made by mature counterparts, eventually developing a preference for traits that are rare among males but are indicative of success.&nbsp;



The selected traits are not necessarily the focal points for the older females, but the younger observers may misconstrue them as desirable.&nbsp;



Through generations, as these distinctive traits become prevalent among males, they gradually lose their allure. This continuous shift in mate preferences helps sustain a diversity in male traits over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sexual-selection-nbsp">Sexual selection&nbsp;</h2>



The process of sexual selection, whereby traits gain popularity and become common due to their appeal, results in the emergence of unusual and often exaggerated characteristics in males, like extensive antlers, vibrant feathers, and extravagant courtship displays.&nbsp;



The precise reasons behind females favoring certain traits, however, remain elusive and complex. Preferences vary not only across different generations but also among individuals within the same generation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traditional-theories-nbsp">Traditional theories&nbsp;</h2>



Traditional theories offer a few explanations. Some suggest that females might be inclined to seek out traits that signify superior genetic quality, while others propose that a positive feedback loop exists between male traits and female preferences.&nbsp;



Another perspective suggests that females’ sensory biases draw them towards specific traits.&nbsp;Despite these theories, none comprehensively explain the diverse range of traits and preferences observable in nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-female-preferences-nbsp">Female preferences&nbsp;</h2>



The FSU study introduces an innovative viewpoint, proposing that females learn to discern attractive traits through observation. This observational learning plays a crucial role in the decision-making process.&nbsp;



Over time, the inferred attractiveness of specific traits influences the mate selection, resulting in the evolution and persistence of diverse male traits and female preferences within populations.



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



This research not only sheds light on the intricate dynamics of mate selection but also on the rapid evolutionary changes and the enduring variation in traits and preferences seen in the animal kingdom.&nbsp;



The findings suggest that the process of mate selection is not merely about imitation but involves a complex interplay of observation, learning, and interpretation.



“While scientists have known for a long time that females can copy each other’s choice of mates, no one has previously considered that these copying females aren’t mind-readers," wrote the study authors.



"When we considered that females can make mistakes in identifying what traits others find attractive, we found this produces patterns that have long puzzled biologists, for example maintaining variety in male traits and female preferences over time.”



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

Female animals may acquire mate preferences through observation

A new study published in the journal PLOS Biology suggests...

A study from the University of Southern Denmark is shedding new light on the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, the active compound found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-can-treat-depression-by-restructuring-the-brain/">psychedelic mushrooms</a>. The researchers have found that "microdosing" psilocybin may have a beneficial effect on mental disorders.



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



The study explored the effects of psilocybin microdosing on rats, offering promising insights into its possible advantages for human mental health.&nbsp;



Led by Professor Mikael Palner and PhD student Kat Kiilerich, the research focused on administering repeated low doses of psilocybin to rats, significantly lower than the amounts commonly used in therapeutic contexts.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-medication-technique-nbsp">Self-medication technique&nbsp;</h2>



Microdosing has recently gained traction as a popular self-medication technique.&nbsp;



"Microdosing is a phenomenon popularized within performance culture, notably in areas like Silicon Valley, California, and has subsequently spread through stories and anecdotes on the internet as a form of self-medication for various challenges," explained Professor Palner.



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



The results of the study suggest that rats can tolerate repeated psilocybin microdosing without signs of anxiety, reduced pleasure (anhedonia), or altered locomotor activity.&nbsp;



The low doses of psilocybin also increased the rats' resilience to stress, reduced their compulsive behaviors, and notably enhanced connectivity to their brain's thalamus region. This part of the brain plays a crucial role in decision-making and managing concerns.



"The change in connectivity to the thalamus may contribute to our enhanced resilience to stress factors and could explain why so many people report positive effects on their well-being from small doses of psychedelic mushrooms," explained the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-treatment-approaches-nbsp">Innovative treatment approaches&nbsp;</h2>



The findings offer a scientific foundation for the potential benefits of psilocybin microdosing as a therapeutic intervention. This opens avenues for further research and the development of innovative treatment approaches for various mental disorders.



"The increased anxiety and stress in society currently have placed a strong focus on microdosing, leading to a surge in the trade of mushrooms. Countries such as the Netherlands, Australia, the USA, and Canada have either legalized or are in the process of legalizing psilocybin for therapeutic treatment" said Professor Palner.



"It is, therefore, crucial that we understand the effects and side effects of these substances, which are already widely used by people around the world."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-and-performance-enhancement">Mental health and performance enhancement</h2>



Inspired by the surge in self-improvement practices in Silicon Valley, Professor Palner has dedicated years to researching the beneficial impacts of microdosing psychedelics on mental health and performance enhancement.



"Some books were published that popularized the concept of using small doses of psychedelics to address both mental issues and enhance performance. This motivated me to launch the project I've been devoted to for the past six years," said Professor Palner.



"Now, we can determine the appropriate dosage in rats, enabling us to investigate the effects of microdosing, which could significantly advance our understanding of the brain and mental challenges. This benefits both the field of science and society at large."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41380-023-02280-z">Nature - Molecular Psychiatry</a>.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

Psilocybin microdosing may improve mental health by boosting stress resilience

A study from the University of Southern Denmark is shedding...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...