Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the coast of Kimberley, located in the northern region of Western Australia. The coastline is renowned for its rugged and remote beauty.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-state-of-constant-change">A state of constant change</h2>



The blue-green waters along the Kimberley coast are in a state of constant change. The region's significant tidal currents stir up sediment in the shallow waters of the continental shelf and incoming water from Western Australian rivers, creating vibrant and colorful patterns.



On April 22, 2024, the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8 captured this stunning image of the dynamic waters. Sediment can be seen swirling between the rocky islands of the Bonaparte Archipelago, giving the water a striking turquoise hue.&nbsp;



“Beautiful scenes like this are common off the 20,000-kilometer-long Kimberley coast, which has one of the largest tidal ranges (up to 11 meters) in Australia and the world,” said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-phytoplankton-nbsp">The role of phytoplankton&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-may-flip-plankton-into-carbon-emitters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phytoplankton</a>, the tiny plant-like organisms that form the foundation of the marine food web, may also contribute to the water's vibrant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-color-has-changed-significantly-over-the-past-20-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colors</a>. In the upper ocean, sediment particles often bind with larger phytoplankton, such as diatoms, dinoflagellates, and ciliates.&nbsp;



However, the specific density and types of phytoplankton cannot be determined from this satellite image alone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phytoplankton-productivity-nbsp">Phytoplankton productivity&nbsp;</h2>



Some modeling studies suggest that climate change could reduce phytoplankton productivity by up to 20 percent by 2100. Despite this, certain types of phytoplankton are thriving in Kimberley's waters.&nbsp;



A 2020 study of sediment cores revealed that populations of diatoms and dinoflagellates along a large section of the coast have increased by 150 to 300 percent since the 1950s.&nbsp;



The study authors suggest that rising rainfall and cyclone activity in northwestern Australia have enhanced water mixing, creating favorable conditions for phytoplankton growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kimberley-coast-nbsp">Kimberley coast&nbsp;</h2>



The Kimberley coastline is characterized by dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and ancient rock formations. 



The area is rich in Aboriginal history, with many sacred sites and ancient rock art galleries that provide a glimpse into one of the world's oldest continuous cultures.&nbsp;



Kimberley is renowned for its relatively untouched coastal zones, supporting a diverse array of marine habitats, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoring-mangroves-could-help-countries-meet-their-climate-goals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mangroves</a>, seagrass beds, and coral reefs.&nbsp;



Vibrant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-impacting-marine-life-more-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a> thrives in the crystal-clear waters, which are ideal for snorkeling and diving.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-kimberley-coast">Wildlife of Kimberley coast</h2>



The unique combination of terrestrial and marine environments along the Kimberley coast creates a rich tapestry of biodiversity.



Saltwater crocodiles are a prominent feature, often seen basking along the riverbanks and estuaries.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-wildlife">Marine wildlife</h3>



The coastal waters are a haven for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-mining-has-deadly-consequences-for-marine-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a>, including dolphins, dugongs, and various species of sea turtles.&nbsp;



Humpback whales migrate through these waters, providing spectacular sightings, especially during their breeding season.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-terrestrial-wildlife">Terrestrial wildlife</h3>



On land, the Kimberley coast supports diverse bird species such as the iconic black-necked stork, the white-bellied sea eagle, and numerous parrots and finches.&nbsp;



The rugged terrain and lush mangroves provide habitats for wallabies, dingoes, and a variety of reptiles.&nbsp;



The tidal flats and mangrove forests are teeming with life, including mud crabs, shellfish, and other invertebrates, which play a crucial role in the ecosystem.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Colorful swirls off the Kimberley coast

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features floating fragments of sea ice which formed intricate patterns as ocean currents carried them south along Greenland’s east coast.



This mesmerizing journey was captured by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite on June 4, 2024.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primary-route-for-sea-ice">Primary route for sea ice</h2>



According to NASA, the ice likely traveled a considerable distance to reach this point. The Fram Strait, a 450-kilometer (280-mile) wide passage between Greenland and Svalbard, connects the Arctic Ocean with the Greenland Sea, serving as the primary route for sea ice exiting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-ice-will-soon-vanish-during-the-summer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a>. 



After passing through the Fram Strait, the ice is carried south along the Greenland coast by the East Greenland Current.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wispy-sea-ice-patterns-nbsp">Wispy sea ice patterns&nbsp;</h2>



As the ice moves, it breaks into smaller pieces and begins to melt in warmer ocean waters. “The smaller the floes, the more ‘wispy’ the patterns,” explained Walt Meier, a sea ice scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC).&nbsp;



These small ice fragments, often only meters or tens of meters across, create hazy, smoke-like curls on the water's surface in MODIS imagery.



The predominant southward current along the coast is disrupted by the jagged coastline, other offshore currents, and occasionally winds from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-discovery-greenland-ice-sheet-is-teeming-with-microorganisms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland Ice Sheet</a>, Meier added, forming eddies made visible by the ice chunks. 



“With the thinning and breaking up of the ice, it becomes more easily pushed around by the winds and current,” said Meier.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-ice-is-too-young-for-the-journey-nbsp">Some ice is too young for the journey&nbsp;</h2>



Larger ice floes appear closer to the shoreline, likely originating locally from fast ice that breaks off and becomes entrained in the swirling waters. Fast ice, anchored to the shore or shallow ocean bottom, is visible at the top of the image and along other coastal sections.



As summer progresses, more ice will drift out of the Arctic. However, Angela Bliss, a sea ice scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, noted that more Arctic Ocean sea ice has become too young and thin to make the journey south.&nbsp;



“Historically, when more of the Arctic sea ice would survive the summer melt season, growing thicker and older, a larger volume of sea ice would be transported through the Fram Strait,” said Bliss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-circulation-patterns-nbsp">Ocean circulation patterns&nbsp;</h2>



The diminished flow of sea ice is being closely monitored by climate scientists. The movement of sea ice and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-rivers-undergoing-dramatic-change-thawing-permafrost-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater</a> out of the Arctic is a key component of ocean circulation patterns that distribute heat around the planet. 



The “global ocean conveyor belt” transports cold water south and warm water north, contributing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-arctic-ice-changing-global-climate-warm-arctic-cold-eurasia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate conditions</a> worldwide. “Less ice and freshwater transport have big implications for ocean productivity, as well as warming upper ocean temperatures in the region,” said Bliss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-ocean-temperatures">Rising ocean temperatures</h2>



A 2023 study examining two decades of ocean-mooring observations found that the East Greenland Current is moving less sea ice through the Fram Strait, primarily due to sea ice thinning.&nbsp;



Researchers observed that summertime surface water <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-ocean-heating-signals-alarm-for-a-3c-warmer-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a> off Greenland have risen, partly due to the increased presence of heat-absorbing open water. 



The water column has also become less stratified, making more nutrients available to phytoplankton communities.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Wispy sea ice patterns off the coast of Greenland

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Culebra Island, located about 17 miles east of Puerto Rico.&nbsp;



The unique marine ecosystems of Culebra include extensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-discover-huge-expanse-of-earths-coral-reefs-that-were-previously-unknown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a> safeguarded by the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge and the Luis Peña Channel Natural Reserve.&nbsp;



Known as the "rainforests of the sea," coral reefs host a diverse array of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-impacting-marine-life-more-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a>. They are formed from the calcium carbonate excreted by tiny organisms called polyps. 



Although coral reefs occupy less than 1% of the ocean floor, they are crucial habitats for nearly 25% of ocean species at some stage of their lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-landsat-image-of-culebra-nbsp">Landsat image of Culebra&nbsp;</h2>



This Landsat 8 image - captured on February 10, 2024 - illustrates Culebra’s varied landscapes, ranging from the dry forests covering its hills to the stunning sandy beaches along its northern shore. 



“Deeper (dark blue) waters surround the island and nearby cays, while shallower (light blue) waters line the shores and lagoons. The green areas in shallow water are likely coral reefs, though seagrass meadows and seaweed patches can look similar,” noted NASA.



“You can absolutely see patch reefs east of Culebra in this image. But know that many of its reefs are located near the shore and are not easy to distinguish in Landsat imagery, depending on the depth of the water and the type of coral,” said Juan Torres-Pérez, a research scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Center.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fringing-and-patch-reefs-nbsp">Fringing and patch reefs&nbsp;</h2>



NOAA's detailed benthic habitat maps reveal that fringing and patch reefs are prevalent around Culebra, particularly to the north and east, with seagrass and seaweed meadows more common in the southern shallows.&nbsp;



Fringing reefs are the most common type of coral reef. They are directly attached to a shore or border a landmass with little to no lagoon between the shore and the main reef body. Fringing reefs grow seaward directly from the coastline.



Patch reefs are small, isolated platforms of coral that can occur independently or within a larger system of reefs, such as a barrier reef. They often appear as "patches" dispersed throughout a lagoon, separated by areas of sand or sea grass.&nbsp;



The reefs of Culebra feature key species such as branching staghorn and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/favorable-conditions-offer-hope-for-endangered-elkhorn-coral/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elkhorn corals</a>, as well as mound-shaped and brain corals.



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



Environmental threats such as coastal development, overfishing, and warming, acidic waters challenge reefs worldwide, including those around Culebra.&nbsp;



Local issues, like increased runoff from development, also threaten these delicate ecosystems by introducing harmful pollutants.&nbsp;



Furthermore, record-high global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-ocean-heating-signals-alarm-for-a-3c-warmer-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean temperatures</a> in 2023 have led to a significant coral bleaching event, affecting reefs across 62 countries and territories.



The ongoing marine heat wave poses an added risk, especially with higher starting sea surface temperatures this summer compared to last.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oceanos-program-nbsp">OCEANOS program&nbsp;</h2>



NASA’s OCEANOS program is actively involved in studying and conserving these reefs. This program, designed for Hispanic/Latino high school graduates and first-generation college students in Puerto Rico, offers training in remote sensing, coral reef ecology, and other marine sciences.



In partnership with Sociedad Ambiente Marino, NASA’s efforts include planting over 160,000 coral pieces around Culebra to strengthen the reefs.&nbsp;



This summer, OCEANOS students will also learn about coral farming, beach profiling, reef ecology, 3D printing of coral colonies, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-is-of-fundamental-importance-to-earths-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seagrass conservation</a>, further contributing to the health and resilience of Culebra's marine environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culebra-island-nbsp">Culebra Island&nbsp;</h2>



Culebra Island is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. This small island is part of the Spanish Virgin Islands and is less commercialized than its neighbor, Vieques, or the main island of Puerto Rico.&nbsp;



It's especially famous for Flamenco Beach, often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world with its white sands and clear, turquoise waters.



Culebra has a protected wildlife refuge that covers approximately one-third of the island, providing shelter to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles and seabirds. 



The surrounding coral reefs are vibrant and full of marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Despite its small size, the island has a rich history, having been used as a naval gunnery and bombing practice site until 1975.



Today, Culebra is a favorite destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature. The island's emphasis on conservation and its community's commitment to preserving its natural environment make it a unique place for eco-tourism.&nbsp;



Visitors can also enjoy hiking, kayaking, and fishing alongside the local population, which is known for its warmth and hospitality.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Protecting the coral reefs of Culebra

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features NGC 6744 - a large, barred spiral galaxy located approximately 30 million light-years away in the constellation Pavo.&nbsp;



The galaxy is often considered a close analog to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uma3-u1-faintest-star-system-found-orbiting-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> due to its similar structure and size, spanning about 175,000 light-years across.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-space-mission-nbsp">Euclid space mission&nbsp;</h2>



The image was captured by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid</a> space telescope. NGC 6744 stands out as a prime example of the galaxies currently forming the majority of stars in the nearby universe, making it an ideal subject for study with the Euclid mission. 



Euclid’s extensive field-of-view allows it to capture the entire galaxy, showcasing not only its large-scale spiral structure but also revealing intricate details on smaller scales across various wavelengths. These details include feather-like dust lanes, known as “spurs,” emerging from the spiral arms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-6744">Star formation in NGC 6744</h2>



Euclid's observations enable scientists to count individual stars within NGC 6744, trace the distribution of stars and dust throughout the galaxy, and map the dust associated with the gas that fuels new star formation.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Star formation</a> is a key process in the growth and evolution of galaxies, making these studies crucial for understanding galaxy evolution and the current appearance of our universe.



Researchers are utilizing Euclid’s data to explore the relationship between dust, gas, and star formation; to map the distribution of different stellar populations and identify regions of active star formation; and to investigate the underlying physics of spiral galaxy structures.&nbsp;



Spiral arms play a significant role in star formation by compressing gas, yet the precise mechanisms behind this process are still unclear. The presence of “spurs” along NGC 6744’s spiral arms offers valuable insights into the dynamics of star formation within these structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-new-dwarf-galaxies-nbsp">Discovering new dwarf galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



Additionally, Euclid's dataset will help scientists identify clusters of old stars (globular clusters) and discover new dwarf galaxies around NGC 6744. Remarkably, Euclid has already identified a new dwarf satellite galaxy of NGC 6744, a surprising discovery given the galaxy’s extensive prior study.



With Euclid’s detailed observations, scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of the processes shaping galaxies, providing essential clues to the evolution and appearance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universes-expansion-rate-hubble-tension-puzzles-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-ngc-6744">More about NGC 6744</h2>



NGC 6744's disk is rich in star-forming regions and contains numerous young, bright blue stars. The galaxy's nucleus is slightly elongated and has a bar structure, which influences the motion of the stars and gas within it.&nbsp;



The spiral arms of NGC 6744 are well-defined and extend outward, wrapping around the central bar. Additionally, NGC 6744 has a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 6744A, which is interacting with it, adding to the complexity and interest of this distant system.&nbsp;



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiral galaxies</a> are one of the most common types of galaxies in the universe, characterized by their distinct, spiral-shaped structure.&nbsp;



The galaxies typically consist of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, along with a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. This bulge is often surrounded by a halo of older stars.&nbsp;



The spiral arms, which extend from the central bulge, are regions of active star formation and are rich in young, hot stars, giving them a bright, bluish appearance.&nbsp;



These arms are also sites where interstellar gas and dust are concentrated, leading to the formation of new stars.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on the tightness of their spirals and the size of their central bulge, with classifications ranging from tightly wound arms in Sa galaxies to more loosely wound arms in Sc galaxies. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, our home galaxy, is a prime example of a spiral galaxy.



Image Credit: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA&nbsp;



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Unraveling the mysteries of galaxy NGC 6744

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Gobi Altai Mountains and neighboring plains covered in snow and illuminated by sunlight. The photograph was captured on January 25, 2024 as the International Space Station (ISS) passed over central Mongolia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-peaks-and-plains">Mountain peaks and plains</h2>



“Late-afternoon sunlight casts long shadows of mountain peaks onto the plains below. Numerous steep gullies cut into the massif, or mass of mountains, whose rugged appearance contrasts with the flat plains stretching along the top of the image,” said NASA. “The plains are a semidesert grassland, or steppe, which provides pasture for livestock herders in the region.”



“The grassland surrounding the massif is classified by scientists as a cold semidesert. At an elevation of about 1,250 meters (4,100 feet), annual temperatures are much lower there than in the mountains. The highest peak in the massif, Ikh Bogd (also known as Tergun Bogd), reaches nearly 4,000 meters (13,000 feet).”&nbsp;



“The climate on the peaks is classified as a polar tundra because the average annual temperature is below freezing. Asia’s main tundra zone is located in Siberia, along the coast of the Arctic Ocean, 2,800 kilometers (1,750 miles) to the north.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harsh-winters-and-livestock-in-mongolia">Harsh winters and livestock in Mongolia</h2>



Harsh <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-winters-are-getting-colder-while-world-is-getting-warmer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winters</a> in Mongolia, locally known as "dzud," pose significant challenges for livestock and the herders who depend on them for their livelihood. These winters can be particularly severe, characterized by extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and ice, which can block access to grazing grounds, leaving animals without enough food. 



The cold temperatures and nutritional shortages result in high mortality rates among livestock, which are crucial to the Mongolian economy and the nomadic lifestyle of many of its people.



The impact of these harsh winters extends beyond immediate animal welfare. As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-in-livestock-are-major-drivers-of-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">livestock</a> numbers dwindle, herders face financial hardships, and the ripple effects can be felt throughout the entire community. 



To combat these challenges, various strategies have been employed, including the development of better forecasting and early warning systems, the stockpiling of fodder, and improved veterinary care. These measures aim to strengthen the resilience of herding communities and ensure the survival of their livestock during Mongolia's most challenging seasons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-wildlife-of-mongolia">Diverse wildlife of Mongolia</h2>



Mongolia is renowned for its diverse wildlife, adapted to its unique landscapes ranging from vast steppes to rugged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountains-both-carbon-sinks-and-carbon-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a> and arid deserts. Among the most iconic species is the Bactrian camel, native to the region and crucial to nomadic herders. 



The resilient Mongolian horse, integral to local culture, is celebrated for its endurance across the vast, open landscapes. Predators such as the snow leopard roam the high altitudes, playing a key role in the ecosystem, while the elusive Gobi bear survives in the sparse vegetation of the Gobi Desert.



The steppes are home to the fast-moving Mongolian gazelle and the critically endangered saiga antelope, known for its distinctive nose. The mountains support populations of argali sheep, the world's largest wild sheep, and the ibex, adept at navigating rocky terrains. The Siberian roe deer thrives across various habitats, showcasing the adaptability of Mongolia’s wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valley-of-lakes">Valley of Lakes</h2>



“Part of a small dry lake appears in the top left of the image. In wetter years, water from this lake feeds Orog Lake (also photographed by astronauts), out of frame to the upper right. This and other nearby lakes are part of the Valley of Lakes waterfowl conservation habitat, protected as a Ramsar site,” noted NASA.



The Valley of Lakes is known for its expansive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-potential-of-tidal-wetlands-as-blue-carbon-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wetlands</a> and diverse ecosystems that support a variety of bird species, especially migratory waterfowl. This area serves as a crucial stopover for birds during their migration periods, providing them with essential resources such as food and shelter. 



The conservation efforts in the Valley of Lakes focus on maintaining and restoring these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-wetlands-are-inching-closer-to-extinction-as-the-world-heats-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wetlands</a> to ensure they continue to offer a safe haven for waterfowl. These efforts include controlling invasive plant species that threaten the natural vegetation and managing water levels to create optimal conditions for bird populations. 



Education and community involvement are also key components of the conservation strategy, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of these habitats and encourage sustainable practices that help protect the local wildlife.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Mountain peaks and plains of central Mongolia 

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a vibrant and detailed depiction of the Gulf of Oman. The image was captured on March 17, 2024 by the primary sensor on the PACE satellite. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pace-satellite-nbsp">PACE satellite&nbsp;</h2>



NASA launched the PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on February 8, 2024. The mission marks a significant advancement in our ability to study Earth’s oceanic and atmospheric systems.&nbsp;



The PACE satellite is equipped with a state-of-the-art Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), designed to capture intricate details of ocean phenomena that are often invisible to the naked eye. This technology aims to provide new insights into the complex interactions between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-ocean-oxygen-loss-may-ultimately-reverse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> and the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compelling-visual-data-nbsp">Compelling visual data&nbsp;</h2>



Less than two months after its launch, the PACE satellite has already begun delivering compelling visual data, thanks to the efforts of NASA engineer Joseph Knuble and his team. Knuble, who serves as the lead instrument systems engineer for OCI, compiled a remarkable gallery of 36 images.



This standout image of the Gulf of Oman has been crafted using a combination of red, green, and blue wavelengths of light, specifically at 630, 532, and 465 nanometers, respectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhanced-image-of-the-gulf-of-oman">Enhanced image of the Gulf of Oman</h2>



The image Knuble selected is not a natural-color representation but an enhanced one designed to highlight specific details within the water.&nbsp;



This technique allows for a more vivid portrayal of oceanic features, such as the swirling bands of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/phytoplankton-remain-surprisingly-active-underneath-arctic-sea-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a> bloom. Jeremy Werdell, PACE project scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, noted: "The image highlights the beauty and complexity of that area."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phytoplankton-bloom-in-the-gulf-of-oman-nbsp">Phytoplankton bloom in the Gulf of Oman&nbsp;</h2>



Phytoplankton blooms, like the one visible in the Gulf of Oman, occur when environmental conditions - such as light availability and nutrient levels - are favorable, leading to rapid growth. These blooms can have significant ecological impacts.&nbsp;



The swirls of green seen in the image likely include Noctiluca scintillans, a type of marine dinoflagellate known for its striking appearances. However, despite their beauty, Noctiluca blooms can deplete <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cautionary-tale-todays-ocean-oxygen-levels-may-have-cascading-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxygen levels</a> in the water, resulting in hypoxia and creating dead zones that severely impact marine life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-dynamics-in-the-arabian-sea-nbsp">Changing dynamics in the Arabian Sea&nbsp;</h2>



The changing dynamics in the Arabian Sea are also noteworthy. Historically rich in diatoms, vital components of the marine food chain, the region now sees a dominance of Noctiluca. This shift could be attributed to changes in water stratification and nutrient availability, with Noctiluca thriving under conditions that are less favorable for diatoms.



One of the groundbreaking aspects of the OCI is its ability to detect hundreds of different wavelengths of light. This capability is not just about capturing beautiful images; it provides a critical tool for identifying and differentiating between various types of phytoplankton from space. Previously, such determinations could only be made through direct water samples.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-the-health-of-marine-ecosystems-nbsp">Tracking the health of marine ecosystems&nbsp;</h2>



The PACE mission is poised to transform our understanding of oceanic and atmospheric interactions. By providing detailed, high-resolution images and data, the satellite will enable scientists to monitor environmental changes, track the health of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>, and better understand the global climate system. 



This mission highlights the importance of continued investment in space technology and research, offering a clearer view of our planet's intricate and changing natural systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gulf-of-oman">Gulf of Oman</h2>



The Gulf of Oman is a strategically significant body of water located in the Middle East, connecting the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz, which then leads into the Persian Gulf. This gulf borders several countries including Iran, Oman, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates, making it a crucial geographic and economic zone.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transportation-nbsp">Transportation&nbsp;</h3>



The Gulf of Oman is particularly important for its role in global oil transportation. A large percentage of the world's petroleum, as it is shipped from the oil-rich countries of the Persian Gulf, passes through the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman and then to various destinations across the globe.&nbsp;



This makes the area not only economically significant but also a hot spot for geopolitical tensions and security concerns.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-ecosystems-nbsp">Marine ecosystems&nbsp;</h3>



Ecologically, the Gulf of Oman is diverse, hosting various species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-noise-is-getting-louder-what-does-this-mean-for-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a> which support local fishing communities. However, the area faces environmental challenges, including the risk of oil spills and the impacts of industrialization and maritime traffic which threaten its marine ecosystems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-history-nbsp">Cultural history&nbsp;</h3>



Additionally, the Gulf of Oman has a rich cultural history, influenced by the various civilizations that have inhabited its shores and traded across its waters. This history is reflected in the diverse cultures of the region today, making it a place of significant cultural heritage.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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The Gulf of Oman in the Middle East

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Hurricane Idalia at 10:44 a.m. Eastern Time on August 30, which was several hours after the storm made landfall over the Big Bend region of Florida.



The image was captured by an astronaut on the International Space Station using a handheld camera.



"Idalia had weakened to a category 1 storm by this time with sustained winds of 150 kilometers (90 miles) per hour. It continued to weaken as it moved northeast over Georgia, South Carolina, and then offshore over the Atlantic Ocean on August 31," said NASA.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Astronaut captures Hurricane Idalia from space

The next full Moon will rise on Friday evening, June 21, 2024, reaching its peak illumination at 9:08 PM EDT.&nbsp;The Strawberry Moon will appear full for about three days, from Thursday evening to Sunday morning.



The peak of this event will take place on Saturday from Greenland and Cape Verde time zones eastward across Eurasia, Africa, and Australia, with commercial calendars marking the full Moon on June 22.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strawberry-moon-nbsp">Strawberry Moon&nbsp;</h2>



In the 1930s, the <a href="https://www.almanac.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maine Farmer's Almanac</a> popularized "Indian" names for full moons, which are now widely recognized.&nbsp;



According to this Almanac, the June full moon is the Strawberry Moon, named after the short strawberry harvesting season in the northeastern United States.&nbsp;



Other names found in various sources, though sometimes conflicting about their origins, include the Flower Moon, Hot Moon, Hoe Moon, and Planting Moon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honey-moon">Honey Moon</h2>



An old European name for this full moon is the Mead or Honey Moon. Mead, a fermented <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-are-making-less-honey-and-five-decades-of-data-reveals-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honey</a> drink, is sometimes called honey wine. 



The end of June traditionally marked the time for harvesting honey, leading to the “sweetest” moon of the year.&nbsp;



The term “honeymoon” dates back to at least the 1500s in Europe, possibly linked to this full Moon due to the custom of marrying in June or because it is the “sweetest” moon. 



There is, however, insufficient evidence to support the 19th-century theory that the term originated from gifting newlyweds mead for their first month of marriage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rose-moon-nbsp">Rose Moon&nbsp;</h2>



Another European name for this full moon is the Rose Moon. Some sources attribute this to the blooming of roses, while others suggest it refers to the reddish hue of the moon.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summer-solstice-nbsp">Summer solstice&nbsp;</h2>



This weekend, the Strawberry Moon will peak the day after the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. 



The moon's orbit around Earth aligns closely with Earth's orbit around the sun. On the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysteries-of-the-summer-solstice-the-longest-day-of-the-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summer solstice</a>, the sun is at its highest point, and the full moon, being opposite, is at its lowest.



For Washington, DC, the Strawberry Moon will be the lowest full moon of the year, reaching only 21.9 degrees above the southern horizon at 1:20 AM EDT.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colorful-strawberry-moon-nbsp">Colorful Strawberry Moon&nbsp;</h2>



According to Bob Bonadurer, director of the Milwaukee Public Museum's planetarium, the Strawberry Moon is the most colorful of the year because it takes a low, shallow path across the sky. Despite its name, however, it does not look pink or red.&nbsp;



Instead, the June full moon may appear to have an orange or yellow glow. This is due to the low arc of the moon across the sky, which means moonlight will travel through more of Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-atmosphere-beyond-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmosphere</a>. This atmospheric scattering of light is similar to what happens during sunrises and sunsets. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-significance-of-the-strawberry-moon-nbsp">Cultural significance of the Strawberry Moon&nbsp;</h2>



For Hindus, this full moon is Vat Purnima, a time when married women show love for their husbands by tying a ceremonial thread around a banyan tree, based on the legend of Savitri and Satyavan.&nbsp;



For Buddhists, particularly in Sri Lanka, this full moon is Poson Poya, marking the introduction of Buddhism in 236 BCE.



Another unique name for this full <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=Moon&amp;start=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a> comes from a diverse tribe devoted to lunar studies, now scattered but originally from the mid-Atlantic region of the United States.&nbsp;



This tribe, speaking primarily English with scientific and engineering terms and Hawaiian phrases, calls it the LRO Moon. This name honors NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched on June 18, 2009, which continues to provide valuable data about the moon.



Lunar and lunisolar calendars typically begin months with the new moon, placing the full moon in the middle. This full moon falls in the fifth month of the Chinese year of the Dragon, Sivan in the Hebrew calendar, and Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar, a sacred month prohibiting fighting.



As is customary, the wearing of celebratory celestial attire is encouraged to honor the full <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-aims-to-build-a-train-on-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a>. Enjoy strawberries, flowers, and honey during this "sweetest" month of the year, and observe the notably low position of this full moon in the sky.



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This weekend's Strawberry Moon is the ‘sweetest’ of the year

The next full Moon will rise on Friday evening, June...

A recent study has revealed that U.S. adults are more confident in associating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-significantly-impacts-lake-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> and heat with climate change compared to other extreme weather events such as hurricanes, flooding, or tornadoes. The research was based on a survey of 1,071 U.S. adults in September 2021.



The recurring biweekly AmeriSpeak Omnibus survey aims to understand public perceptions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-shattered-extreme-cold-records-during-global-heat-wave/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a> events and their links to anthropogenic climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-human-activities">Climate change and human activities </h2>



Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. 



These environmental changes are primarily linked to human activities - such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes - which increase greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The gases trap heat, leading to global warming and alterations in weather patterns.



Consequences include more frequent and severe extreme weather events, rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and disruptions to ecosystems. 



Addressing climate change requires global efforts to reduce emissions, transition to renewable energy, and implement sustainable practices to protect the planet for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-political-views-and-personal-experience">Political views and personal experience</h2>



The findings indicate that politics and personal experiences significantly influence people's beliefs about climate change.



Self-identified Republicans were generally less likely than Democrats to attribute extreme weather events to climate change. 



However, Republicans who had personally experienced negative impacts from extreme weather were more likely to make the connection than those who had not.



Overall, 83% of respondents believed there is some link between extreme weather events and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-caused climate change</a>, while about 17% thought climate change had no connection to extreme weather.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-perceptions-and-event-attribution">Public perceptions and event attribution</h2>



“There is a growing field of scientific extreme event attribution to climate change, but we know less about what the public thinks,” said Hilary Boudet, co-author of the study and an associate professor in <a href="https://catalog.oregonstate.edu/college-departments/liberal-arts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSU’s College of Liberal Arts</a>.



“This work helps us to better understand public perceptions of event attribution to climate change. What the public thinks is important because these perceptions shape individual behavior and policy support.”



The survey participants were asked to rate their confidence on a scale of 1 to 5 in linking the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, heat, rainfall/flooding, hurricanes, and tornadoes to anthropogenic climate change.



For instance, a respondent absolutely certain that climate change is to blame for increased wildfires would choose “5” for that question. 



The survey also inquired if respondents had personally experienced any negative impacts from these extreme weather events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfires-heat-and-climate-change">Wildfires, heat and climate change</h2>



The study found that more than 47% of respondents were "very" or "extremely confident" in linking increased wildfires to climate change. Similarly, roughly 42% expressed the same level of confidence regarding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/billions-of-people-endured-an-extra-month-of-extreme-heat-in-the-past-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme heat</a>.



Differences between political affiliations were most pronounced in the context of extreme heat and least pronounced regarding hurricanes. Additionally, factors such as race, education, and income also influenced responses.



Although the survey did not ask respondents to explain their confidence ratings, study co-author Professor Philip Mote offered some insights.



For example, the impact of wildfires extends far beyond the flames. Last year, during massive wildfires in eastern Canada, New Yorkers 1,500 miles away experienced poor air quality due to drifting smoke. In contrast, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods tend to affect more localized areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-attribution-of-extreme-weather">Public attribution of extreme weather </h2>



The researchers also examined how closely public attribution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-climate-change-affect-extreme-weather-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a> aligns with scientific consensus. The weakest alignment was observed in the context of wildfires.



This discrepancy might be due to the narrow scientific definition that only records the number of extreme fires, rather than overall fire weather. The general public likely considers all hot, dry conditions contributing to worsening wildfires amid climate change.



The researchers emphasize that understanding and improving public perceptions of extreme weather linked to climate change is crucial for maximizing the impact of mitigation efforts.



Accurate perceptions ensure that resources are directed towards actions that can make a real difference, rather than towards events that trigger the largest public response.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10584-024-03735-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climatic Change</a>.



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Most people attribute extreme heat and wildfires to climate change

A recent study has revealed that U.S. adults are more...

In response to mounting environmental crises, countries worldwide have recognized the urgent need for more robust ocean conservation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ocean-day-a-unified-approach-to-protect-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protection</a> of our planet.



The ambitious "30x30" initiative, which aims to protect 30 percent of Earth's surface by 2030, was proposed to address this need.



However, despite the popularity of conservation in principle, the high costs often hinder significant progress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-market-based-approach-to-conservation">Market-based approach to conservation </h2>



Researchers from <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a> have introduced a novel market-based approach to achieve the 30x30 targets for ocean conservation.



Their study explores whether a system allowing countries to trade conservation credits can reduce costs and incentivize nations to meet their goals.



The findings are promising: voluntary trade always reduced the cost of conservation, sometimes by more than 90 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-biodiversity-framework">Global biodiversity framework</h2>



The 30x30 initiative is part of the Convention on Biological Diversity, established in the early 1990s. Specifically, it is Target No. 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted by 196 countries at the UN Biodiversity Conference in 2022.



The GBF aims to protect and manage 30% of the world's terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine areas by 2030. 



Achieving this goal is crucial for the planet's long-term health. However, the framework does not specify which areas to protect, how to do so inclusively, or how to fund these efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-four-year-journey-of-the-project">Four-year journey of the project </h2>



"This project started just over four years ago," noted study co-author Juan Carlos Villaseñor-Derbez. At the time, many countries struggled to meet even the 10% protection benchmark.



"It seemed like most nations were genuinely committed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-fall-short-on-2030-biodiversity-targets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine conservation</a>, but the costs were preventing some from engaging at all."



The cost of ocean conservation varies significantly by location, as do the ecological benefits. Protecting high-value fisheries can conflict with important <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-stress-causes-undetected-changes-in-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a> like coral reefs and seagrass meadows. 



"Without an innovative policy solution, the cost of conservation for many nations could stall progress toward 30x30," said Villaseñor-Derbez.



The researchers proposed that trade could incentivize additional gains. Instead of investing in high-cost or low-benefit areas, countries could trade their conservation duties to focus on regions where protection yields higher returns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-conservation-credit-system">Ocean conservation credit system</h2>



Environmental economists and scientists at UC Santa Barbara’s Environmental Markets Lab (emLab) designed an ocean conservation credit system. 



This system allows countries to trade their conservation obligations within a "transferable conservation market" policy, adhering to strict ecological principles.



"Like existing mandates, this approach requires every country to protect a certain fraction (say 30%) of its marine habitat," said Professor Christopher Costello, emLab’s director.



"But unlike other approaches, we allow those obligations to be traded across countries, within strict ecological constraints."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-cost-savings">Potential cost savings</h2>



Costello, Villaseñor-Derbez, and co-author Professor Andrew Plantinga created a model to estimate the potential costs and benefits of a conservation market. Using data from 23,699 marine species and fisheries revenue, they built conservation supply curves for coastal nations.



Furthermore, they defined “trade bubbles” based on biological and geographic factors, allowing countries to trade conservation credits within these predefined bubbles. This ensured equitable conservation across different marine habitats.



The model showed that a market for marine conservation always reduced costs, with potential savings ranging from 37.4 to 98 percent.



"It highlighted how inefficient it is to require uniform conservation obligations from each nation," noted Villaseñor-Derbez. "National boundaries don’t align with marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ocean-day-a-unified-approach-to-protect-biodiversity/">biodiversity</a> distribution patterns."



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



While a global market offered the highest savings, it risked focusing efforts on a single habitat type, neglecting others. To counter this, the team introduced the trade bubble constraint.



"When nations facing high costs are allowed to trade, they can ask, ‘Should I conserve in my waters at this high cost, or can I find someone in my bubble with similar habitat at a lower price?’” said Villaseñor-Derbez.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fair-compensation-in-ocean-conservation">Fair compensation in ocean conservation</h2>



Some may worry that wealthy nations could exploit this system by offloading their conservation obligations onto poorer nations. 



However, the market is voluntary. "The selling nation only engages in trade if they find it advantageous," said Plantinga, who heads emLab’s Productive Landscapes Group.



The market approach offers flexibility for developing nations. It allows them to balance their finances against conservation costs, deciding how much to conserve domestically, buy from others, or offer for sale. This flexibility is not possible under the current 30x30 scheme.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incentivizing-habitat-restoration">Incentivizing habitat restoration</h2>



The system could also promote habitat restoration, aligning with Target No. 2 of the Global Biodiversity Framework. Nations specializing in marine resource exploitation could compensate those focusing on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> conservation.



"Our approach provides an explicit payment for conserving marine ecosystems," said Costello. "Under the current system, there is rarely a payment to conserve."



Lowering costs incentivizes action, a central tenet of economics used by governments and industries worldwide. 



The authors argue that these savings could be redirected toward other pressing environmental issues, leveraging economic principles to advance global ocean conservation efforts.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://10.1126/science.adl4019" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Ocean conservation: Credit system could reduce costs

In response to mounting environmental crises, countries worldwide have recognized...

Bacteriophages, viruses that attack and destroy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-method-for-classification-of-bacteria-includes-all-strains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a>, are ubiquitous in nature. They play a vital role in regulating microbial populations, although their mechanisms are not yet fully understood.



Recent research has uncovered that plant bacterial pathogens can repurpose elements of their bacteriophages, or phages, to eliminate competing microbes. This discovery opens new possibilities for alternative antibiotics.



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



A collaborative study led by the <a href="https://www.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a> and University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>) has revealed that plant bacterial pathogens utilize bacteriophage-derived elements to combat rival bacteria.



According to Talia Karasov, an assistant professor at the University of Utah’s School of Biological Sciences, these findings could lead to the development of new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antimicrobial-resistance-projected-to-kill-10-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antimicrobial</a> treatments.



This unexpected result emerged from research focused on the interactions between plants and microbial pathogens. 



The primary interest was understanding what keeps these pathogens in check and what causes them to lead to sickness and epidemics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-pathogen-behavior">Investigating pathogen behavior</h2>



The research team examined the behavior of the bacterial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-crop-pathogens-are-finding-new-hosts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathogen</a> Pseudomonas viridiflava in both agricultural and wild environments.



On cultivated land, one variant would dominate a crop field, but this was not the case in uncultivated areas. This discrepancy prompted further investigation.



"We see that no single lineage of bacteria can dominate. We wondered whether phages, the pathogens of our bacterial pathogens, could prevent single lineages from spreading," Karasov explained.



"Maybe phages were killing some strains and not others. That’s where our study started, but that’s not where it ended up."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteriophages-turned-into-bacterial-weapons">Bacteriophages turned into bacterial weapons</h2>



The research involved analyzing the genomes of plant bacterial pathogens to identify which bacteriophages were infecting them. 



It wasn’t the phage itself that was interesting, but rather how the bacteria had repurposed it. The bacteria were using bacteriophage elements, now called tailocins, to kill competing bacteria.



The study, published in Science, showed that these non-self-replicating clusters of repurposed phage elements penetrate the outer membranes of other pathogens, killing them. 



This ongoing bacterial warfare prompted the researchers to mine the genomes of modern and historical pathogens to understand how bacteria evolve to target one another.



"You can imagine an arms race between the bacteria where they’re trying to kill each other and trying to evolve resistance to one another over time," said Hernan Burbano, a researcher from UCL. 



"The herbarium samples from the past 200 years that we analyzed provided a window into this arms race, giving insight into how bacteria evade being killed by their competitors."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-insights-from-herbarium-specimens">Historical Insights from herbarium specimens</h2>



The UCL lab has pioneered the use of herbarium specimens to explore the evolution of plants and their microbial pathogens. 



By sequencing the genomes of both host plants and the microbes they harbored at the time of collection over a century ago, the researchers gained valuable insights.



For the phage research, historical specimens of Arabidopsis thaliana, commonly known as thale cress, collected in southwestern Germany, were compared to modern plants from the same region.



The analysis revealed that all historical tailocins were present in the present-day dataset, suggesting that evolution has maintained the diversity of tailocin variants over a century.



"This likely indicates a finite set of possible resistance/sensitivity mechanisms within our studied bacterial population," said Burbano.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tailocins-and-antibiotic-resistance">Tailocins and antibiotic resistance</h2>



The lead author, Talia Backman, a graduate student in the Karasov lab, believes that tailocins could help address the growing issue of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistance-increasing-enterococci-looming-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic resistance</a>.



"We as a society are in dire need of new antibiotics, and tailocins have potential as new antimicrobial treatments," Backman said. "While tailocins have been found previously in other bacterial genomes and studied in lab settings, their impact and evolution in wild bacterial populations were not known." 



The fact that we found these wild plant pathogens all have tailocins and these tailocins are evolving to kill neighboring bacteria shows how significant they may be in nature.



Tailocins offer greater specificity than most modern antibiotics, targeting only a select few strains of bacteria. This specificity suggests they could be used without harming entire biological communities.



"This is basic research at this point, not yet ready for application, but I think there is good potential that this could be adapted for treating infection," said Talia Karasov. 



"We as a society have, in how we treat both pests in agriculture and bacterial pathogens in humans, used uniform and broad-spectrum treatments. The specificity of tailocin killing is a way that you could imagine doing more finely tailored treatments."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continuing-the-fight-against-antibiotic-resistance">Continuing the fight against antibiotic resistance</h2>



In summary, the research led by Talia Karasov and Hernán Burbano unveils a fascinating aspect of the microbial world, where bacteria engage in a relentless arms race using repurposed phage elements called tailocins. 



This discovery sheds light on the complex interactions between bacteria and their phages while opening up exciting possibilities for the development of targeted antibiotics. 



As scientists continue to explore the potential of tailocins as a new class of antimicrobial treatments, we move closer to a future where more precise and effective strategies can be employed to combat the growing threat of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-viruses-to-combat-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic resistance</a>. 



The findings of this study serve as a reminder of the untapped potential that lies within the intricate relationships between microorganisms, and how understanding these interactions can lead to groundbreaking advancements in the fight against harmful bacteria.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado0713" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Bacteriophages: How bacteria harness viruses to do their bidding

Bacteriophages, viruses that attack and destroy bacteria, are ubiquitous in...

Night,Landscape,With,Colorful,Milky,Way,And,Yellow,Light,At

Our Sun may seem like the center of the universe to us, but it's actually on the move, orbiting the Milky Way galaxy at a speed of nearly half a million miles per hour. That's fast, but it's nothing compared to a recently discovered star runaway that's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flares-shed-light-on-the-milky-ways-supermassive-black-hole/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blazing a trail</a> across the cosmos. 



This stellar speedster, known as CWISE J124909+362116.0 (J1249+36 for short), is a low-mass star, or L subdwarf, that's not only hypervelocity but potentially on a trajectory to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-collapse-black-hole-instead-of-supernova-vanish-from-sky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">escape the Milky Way</a> altogether.



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



A runaway star is a star moving through space at an unusually high velocity, often exceeding 30 km/s. 



These stars are ejected from their original location, typically a star cluster, due to gravitational interactions or supernova explosions. In gravitational interactions, close encounters with other massive stars can sling a star out of its cluster. 



Alternatively, if a star in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-found-in-the-habitable-zone-of-a-binary-star-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">binary system</a> explodes as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-nova-explosion-nearby-star-light-up-earths-skies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a>, the remaining star may be propelled away at high speed. Runaway stars can travel vast distances, sometimes leaving their galaxies.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/star-J1249-36_runaway_milkyway_UCSD_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/star-J1249-36_runaway_milkyway_UCSD_1s.jpg" alt="Runaway star J1249+36 going nova. Credit: UCSD" class="wp-image-1936771"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Runaway star J1249+36 going nova. Credit: UCSD</figcaption></figure>



Their high speeds and trajectories can provide insights into the dynamics and past events of their regions of origin. 



Studying runaway stars helps astronomers understand star formation, stellar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trappist-1-has-seven-earth-like-planets-that-may-support-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>, and the gravitational forces within star clusters. 



Their movement through the interstellar medium can also create shock waves, affecting the surrounding gas and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust</a>.



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



The discovery of J1249+36 is a testament to the power of citizen science. It was first spotted by volunteers participating in the <a href="https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/marckuchner/backyard-worlds-planet-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 project</a>, a collaborative effort between scientists and the public. 



These citizen scientists sift through massive amounts of data collected by NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/wide-field-infrared-survey-explorer-wise" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WISE</a>) mission, looking for moving objects in the sky. 



The human eye's knack for pattern recognition makes it an invaluable tool for spotting anomalies that computer algorithms might miss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-runaway-star-j1249-36">Runaway star J1249+36</h2>



J1249+36 caught the attention of volunteers due to its remarkable speed. Initial estimates pegged it at a mind-boggling 1.3 million miles per hour, fast enough to break free from the Milky Way's gravitational grip. 



To learn more about this speedy star, astronomers turned to the <a href="https://www.keckobservatory.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">W.M. Keck Observatory</a> in Hawaii, where they used its powerful instruments to analyze the star's light. 



The findings revealed that the runaway star J1249+36 is an L subdwarf, a type of star that's both small and cool, representing some of the oldest stars in our galaxy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-origin-story">What's the origin story?</h2>



The question that intrigued scientists most was: What gave this star such a tremendous kick? Two leading theories emerged. 



One possibility is that J1249+36 was once part of a binary star system with a white dwarf, the dense remnant of a dead star. 



If the white dwarf siphoned off too much material from its companion, <a href="https://youtu.be/lUijqBYb83w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">it could have triggered a supernova explosion</a>, flinging J1249+36 into space at high velocity.



The second theory involves a close encounter with a black hole. Globular clusters, dense swarms of stars, are thought to harbor black holes at their centers. 



If J1249+36 strayed too close to a black hole binary (two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colossal-black-hole-found-in-our-galaxy-is-33-times-the-suns-mass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a> orbiting each other), the gravitational chaos could have ejected it from the cluster at an incredible speed.



"This is where the source became very interesting, as its speed and trajectory showed that it was moving fast enough to potentially escape the Milky Way," explained Adam Burgasser, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the <a href="https://www.ucsd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a> and the lead researcher on the project.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-fingerprint-of-runaway-star">Chemical fingerprint of runaway star</h2>



To determine which scenario is more likely, scientists are looking for clues in the runaway star's chemical composition. 



If J1249+36 was launched by a supernova, its atmosphere might contain traces of heavy elements created in the explosion. Alternatively, the star's chemical makeup could reveal whether it originated in a globular cluster.



"We’re essentially looking for a chemical fingerprint that would pinpoint what system this star is from," said Roman Gerasimov, a UC San Diego alumnus who developed new models to study L subdwarfs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-milky-way-s-mysteries">Milky Way's mysteries</h2>



Whether J1249+36's incredible journey was triggered by a supernova, a close encounter with a black hole, or some other cosmic event, its discovery offers valuable insights into the Milky Way's history and dynamics. 



This runaway star, hurtling through space at unimaginable speeds, serves as a reminder of the vastness and complexity of our universe.



The research on J1249+36 was presented at the <a href="https://aas.org/meetings/aas244" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">244th national meeting</a> of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) in Madison, Wisconsin. 



This ongoing study, fueled by the combined efforts of citizen scientists and professional astronomers, is a shining example of how collaboration can lead to remarkable discoveries.



As we continue to explore the cosmos, who knows what other stellar surprises await us in the vast expanse of the Milky Way.



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Runaway star spotted trying to escape the Milky Way galaxy

Our Sun may seem like the center of the universe...

Climate change has caused <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/historic-flooding-in-rio-grande-do-sul/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">historic floods</a> that devastated countries from Brazil to Kenya in recent months, and climate skeptics are now blaming a weather modification technique known as cloud seeding to deny the role of global warming in these extreme events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-el-nino-and-climate-change">El Niño and climate change</h2>



Record rainfall brought to some regions by the natural weather cycle El Niño aligns with an expected increase in extreme weather events, experts say. 



However, online claims repeatedly suggest that geoengineering, rather than carbon emissions, is to blame.



For example, after unprecedented downpours hit Dubai, conservative commentator Robby Starbuck told his 460,000 followers on X in April: "Dubai airport looks like an apocalyptic movie. Videos of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seeking-ways-to-prevent-flooding-caused-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flooding</a> are insane. I've seen some blaming climate change when the cause is actually from the use of weather modification. Cloud seeding where chemicals are sprayed in clouds to create rain caused this."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cloud-seeding-and-public-perception">Cloud seeding and public perception</h2>



Claims of weather manipulation appeared after every major flood this year, including in Zimbabwe, the United Arab Emirates, and other nations. 



According to Google Trends data, searches for cloud seeding reached a record high after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/storms-dumped-record-rainfall-in-the-united-arab-emirates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dubai floods</a> in April.



Posts on X, such as "I have not agreed to our planet having cloud seeding everywhere, have you?" reflect a growing public belief that cloud seeding is to blame for recent rainfall.



Cloud seeding introduces tiny particles into the sky to induce rain over small geographical areas and has gained popularity worldwide as a way to combat drought and increase local water supplies. 



However, scientists assert that the technique cannot create weather or trigger rainfall at the scale observed in countries like Germany and the United States.



"Due to the strong natural variability of clouds, there exists very little scientific proof that cloud seeding has indeed a measurable effect on precipitation," stated Andrea Flossmann, co-chair of an expert team on weather modification at the <a href="https://wmo.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Meteorological Organization</a>.



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



Experts agree that climate change has doubled the likelihood of floods in southern Brazil and worsened the intense rains caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-event-may-push-earth-towards-its-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a>.



"There's definitely a consensus that climate change is responsible for many of these extreme weather events," said Mariana Madruga de Brito, a Brazilian scientist from Rio Grande do Sul, the state that suffered historic flooding in May. 



She noted that people were posting photos of clouds on social media shortly after the floods, claiming they had been "fabricated" and questioning scientific institutions. 



However, Madruga de Brito argued that cloud seeding cannot be causing events of this magnitude.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reinforcing-climate-denial">Reinforcing climate denial</h2>



Di Yang, an assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.uwyo.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wyoming</a>, said extensive research over several decades has shown "no definitive large-scale or long-term impacts from cloud seeding."



Yet, the technique remains a recurring target for climate skeptics. The AFP has debunked several false claims of weather manipulation after major floods in recent years.



Callum Hood, head of research at the <a href="https://counterhate.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Countering Digital Hate</a>, said that as severe weather events become more frequent, climate deniers are putting extra efforts into claiming these extremes have nothing to do with climate change. "You see this every summer now."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-broader-picture">The broader picture</h2>



As more changes are recorded in seasons and ecosystems, Hood mentioned that "a slightly more conspiratorial and newer argument" is overtaking older narratives that simply deny Earth's warming. These arguments attempt to attribute extreme weather events to geoengineering or other causes.



Lincoln Muniz Alves, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.gov.br/inpe/pt-br" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brazil National Institute for Space Research</a>, emphasized that false narratives obstruct effective communication during environmental crises and "reinforce the views of those who deny the reality of climate change."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reality-of-climate-change-and-flooding">Reality of climate change and flooding</h2>



Weather modification methods remain controversial in the scientific community due to potential unintended consequences such as excess rain and pollution. However, experts urge that such caution should not discredit the reality of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate crisis</a>.



"This focus on cloud seeding misses the larger picture – for more than a century, humans have been releasing greenhouse gasses that have warmed the planet and made heavy rain more likely in many regions of the world," stated dward Gryspeerdt, a research fellow at<a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Imperial College London</a>'s <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/grantham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grantham Institute</a>.



"We are already manipulating the weather at a global scale larger than would ever be possible through cloud seeding."



While cloud seeding is a topic of debate, the overwhelming scientific consensus points to climate change as the primary driver of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events worldwide.



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Climate change denial: Historic floods are not caused by cloud seeding

Climate change has caused historic floods that devastated countries from...

Have you ever wondered why a doctor might ask for your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consensual-touch-greatly-benefits-mental-physical-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consent</a> before touching you during an examination? Or why your partner might ask before giving you a hug? It turns out, there's more to these seemingly small gestures than simple politeness. 



Recent research has revealed that the mere act of asking for consent before touching someone can significantly enhance their experience. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-of-touch-and-consent">Science of touch and consent</h2>



Touch is a fundamental aspect of human connection, playing a vital role in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-emotions-linked-to-unique-brain-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional</a> and physical well-being. From a comforting hug to a gentle caress, touch can convey warmth, support, and affection. 



However, not all touch is created equal. The way we experience touch can be profoundly influenced by whether or not we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-pinpoints-the-brain-regions-that-regulate-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feel</a> we have a say in it.



Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (<a href="https://www.lmu.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LMU</a>), the <a href="https://www.unibw.de/home-en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Bundeswehr Munich</a>, and <a href="https://tu-dresden.de/?set_language=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dresden University of Technology</a> designed a series of experiments to investigate the impact of consent on the perception of touch. Participants were gently stroked on their arm by a researcher under various conditions. 



In some trials, participants were given a choice regarding aspects of the touch, such as where on their arm they would be touched or the color of the glove worn by the researcher. In other trials, participants were not given any choice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consent-before-touch-enhances-pleasure">Consent before touch enhances pleasure</h2>



The results of the study were striking. When given any choice, even over seemingly trivial matters like the color of the glove, participants reported the same touch as significantly more pleasurable. This effect was consistent across different speeds of touch, known to influence the perceived pleasantness.



Furthermore, researchers used pupillometric technology to measure participants' physiological arousal levels. The data revealed that the act of choosing boosted arousal levels in anticipation of being touched. 



"It seems the simple act of choosing enhances how our body and mind respond to intimate contact," noted Lenka Gorman, a doctoral candidate at LMU's Cognition, Values, Behaviour Lab.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-profound-implications-of-choice">Profound implications of choice</h2>



These findings have far-reaching implications for various aspects of human interaction. In personal relationships, the act of asking for consent before initiating physical contact can deepen intimacy and foster trust. 



In clinical settings, such as touch-based therapies, providing patients with more perceived control over their treatment could enhance the therapeutic benefits.



"Choice and consent are ethical concerns; they're also fundamental to how we experience things. We know that choosing taps into the same dopamine system as money, food, sex, and other rewards we actively seek," said Professor Ophelia Deroy, Chair of Philosophy of Mind at LMU.



The fact that choice can enhance even passive experiences highlights its crucial role in building strong connections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choice-as-a-double-edged-sword">Choice as a double-edged sword</h2>



While the research underscores the positive impact of choice on our experiences, it also raises cautionary notes. 



"Our research also found that even minor choices, like picking a color, can make people more open to an experience," noted Professor Deroy. "This makes us think about why these choices are offered, especially in marketing situations where they can be used to trick us."



This insight suggests that the power of choice can be exploited for manipulative purposes. Marketers and advertisers may offer consumers seemingly inconsequential choices to make them more receptive to their products or services. 



Therefore, it's crucial to be aware of the subtle ways in which choice can influence our perceptions and decisions.



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



The research on touch and consent opens up new avenues for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-you-train-your-brain-to-manage-strong-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exploration</a>. Future studies could investigate the impact of choice on other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotions-sensory-perception-brain-fascinating-interplay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensory experiences</a>, such as taste or smell. 



Additionally, researchers could delve deeper into the neural mechanisms underlying the link between choice and pleasure.



The implications of this research extend beyond the laboratory. By recognizing the profound impact of choice on our experiences, we can foster healthier relationships, enhance therapeutic practices, and navigate the complexities of modern life with greater awareness and autonomy. 



So, the next time you reach out to touch someone, remember the power of asking, "May I?"



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/s13414-024-02887-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Attention Perception &amp; Psychophysics</a>.



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Asking for consent before touching someone cultivates trust

Have you ever wondered why a doctor might ask for...

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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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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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



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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/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Typhoon Saola, which made landfall in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong on Saturday with winds exceeding 125 miles per hour.



This image of Typhoon Saola was captured at approximately 1 p.m. local time on September 1, 2023, as the storm brushed past Hong Kong.



&#8220;Around this time, sustained wind speeds reached 220 kilometers (140 miles) per hour, making it the equivalent of a category 4 hurricane,&#8221; said NASA.&nbsp;



&#8220;The storm hugged the coastline as it moved west throughout the day, with its center passing approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) to the south of Hong Kong after 10 p.m. local time.&#8221;



&#8220;The Hong Kong Observatory issued its most severe storm warning, the first time it has done so since Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018.&#8221;&nbsp;



&#8220;Coastal areas braced for heavy rain, dangerous winds, and strong storm surge. The water in Hong Kong’s Tolo Harbour was expected to rise 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) above the normal tide level.&#8221;



As Saola passed near the Philippines, the storm dumped heavy rain, causing landslides and flooding that displaced thousands of people.



At one point, Saola developed into a super typhoon &#8211; which is characterized by winds over 150 miles per hour.



The photo was taken by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP satellite.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Typhoon Saola has made landfall in southern China

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a storm spinning over the Atlantic Ocean after drenching parts of Spain with torrential rainfall and deadly flooding on September 3, 2023.&nbsp;



"According to news reports, the low-pressure system flooded streets southwest of Madrid, and caused rivers to spill over their banks and destroy bridges. The downpours came amid a major drought across the country, which has emptied reservoirs and led to water use restrictions," said NASA.



"The flooding was brought on by a low-pressure system that became isolated, or cut-off from the westerly current, causing it to slow down. This type of storm, known as a cut-off low, can produce severe weather and heavy rainfall."



On September 3, nearly 7 inches of rain fell near Cádiz on the southwestern coast and 6 inches of fell in San Rafael near Madrid, according to Spain’s meteorological agency AEMET



By Tuesday, at least three people had died and three others were missing due to severe flooding in the central part of the country. In the Toledo area, helicopters were sent to rescue people who were trapped on the roofs of their homes.



"The downpours eased on September 4, when the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-20 satellite captured the image above," said NASA.



"The storm’s winds carried Saharan dust from Morocco and Algeria over eastern Spain, southern France, and the Atlantic Ocean."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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