Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the reddish-brown waters of the Betsiboka River Delta in Madagascar. It is one of the most visually striking river deltas in the world, especially when viewed from space.



The Betsiboka River is the largest river in Madagascar by discharge, and its delta is equally significant. The river flows into Bombetoka Bay, which further leads to the Mozambique Channel.



One of the most notable characteristics of the Betsiboka River Delta is its bright color when viewed from space.



"In this case, the color is caused by the transport of iron-rich sediment. The sediment can clog waterways in the delta’s estuarine environment, but it can also form new islands that become colonized by mangroves. Many other water bodies, such as the reservoir fed by the Jacui River in southern Brazil, are colored by reddish sediment," said NASA.



"Despite their rusty color, these arteries of water are important for biodiversity. Algae and other microorganisms serve as a vital food source for vulnerable bird species, such as the Andean flamingo in the Laguna Colorada. Within the Betisboka River Delta, the estuary provides food, such as seagrasses, to the endangered green turtle and vulnerable dugong, or sea cow."



The photo was captured by an astronaut on the space station on September 30, 2023.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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The Betsiboka River Delta in Madagascar

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 an astronaut view of the northeast coast of Somalia. This region, which borders the Indian Ocean, has a mix of sandy beaches and rugged cliffs



"The detailed image reveals a desert landscape etched by wind and water," said NASA. "Over time, streams have cut canyons into the earth. But streams in this region are ephemeral, making groundwater the main source of fresh water."&nbsp;



"The water table is shallow (wells are typically drilled less than 20 meters deep) and meets the surface toward the coast, creating springs."



"Bidirectional winds sculpted the tan, brown, and reddish sand into transverse sand dunes visible near the stream’s deltas. The orientation of the sand dunes indicates that they were likely formed by summer winds blowing up the coast from the southwest."



The economy of northeast Somalia is primarily based on fishing, livestock, and trade. The long coastline provides ample opportunities for fishing, which is a significant source of food and income.



The region is home to important port cities like Bosaso, which is a hub for trade and commerce. These ports are vital for both the local and national economy.



The area is rich in cultural heritage, with a history that dates back to ancient times. It is believed to be part of the ancient Land of Punt, known for its trade relations with ancient Egypt.



The climate is typically hot and dry, with irregular rainfall. This environment shapes the lifestyle and agricultural practices of northeast Somalia.



Despite the arid conditions, the region supports a variety of wildlife, including species adapted to desert and semi-desert habitats.



The photograph was captured on August 9, 2023 as the International Space Station orbited over the Horn of Africa.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Northeast Somalia: A landscape shaped by wind and water

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Cyclone Michaung, which slammed into the southern Indian coast on December 5, 2023 with intense winds and torrential rainfall. Michaung made landfall between Nellore and Kavali in the state of Andhra Pradesh. 



"When it made landfall, the storm had sustained winds of 90 to 100 kilometers (56 to 62 miles) per hour, according to the India Meteorological Department," said NASA.



"The VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-20 satellite captured this image after landfall, as the weakening storm moved northward and winds had slowed to 65 to 75 kilometers per hour."



As the cyclone approached, tall waves crashed into southern coastal towns and entire villages were submerged, according to a report from Reuters. Trees were uprooted, roads were damaged, and cars were swept away.&nbsp;



By Wednesday, rescue operations were launched in Chennai, a city of over six million people. Rescuers used inflatable rafts and ropes to pull people from their flooded homes and air force helicopters dropped food to some of those who remained stranded.



Among the widespread destruction, there have been 13 confirmed deaths due to causes including falling structures and electrocution.



Cyclones are relatively common along the southern coast of India, particularly in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. This region is prone to cyclonic activity primarily due to its geographical location and certain meteorological factors.&nbsp;



Cyclones in this area tend to occur mainly in two seasons: the pre-monsoon season (April-June) and the post-monsoon season (October-December).



During these periods, warm ocean temperatures, high humidity, and favorable wind patterns contribute to the development and intensification of cyclones.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Cyclone Michaung caused widespread destruction in southern India

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a volcanic plume drifting from Anak Krakatau, a small island in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. 



Anak Krakatau, which means "Child of Krakatoa," emerged from the sea in 1927, forming over the caldera of the infamous Krakatoa volcano, which erupted catastrophically in 1883.&nbsp;



This earlier eruption was one of the most violent volcanic events in recorded history, known for its immense power and the global climate impact it had due to the large amount of ash it sent into the upper atmosphere.



Anak Krakatau has been growing continuously since its emergence, with frequent eruptions that have reshaped its structure and size over time.&nbsp;



"Geologists have tallied 57 eruptive periods from this location since the beginning of the Holocene, roughly 11,700 years ago," said NASA. "The most recent eruptive period, which started in May 2021 and continued into December 2023, has featured frequent but generally mild Strombolian blasts of volcanic gases and ash particles."&nbsp;



"Materials ejected from the volcano’s vent are typically lofted a few hundred meters above the summit, and small lava flows occasionally drain down the island's flanks and into the sea."



"Beginning on November 26, 2023, geologists with the Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation began to report more intense explosions, with plumes of volcanic material rising up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above the vent."&nbsp;



The public has been warned to stay at least 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the crater. Due to elevated risks of ash in the area, the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in Darwin, Australia, has issued multiple warnings to the aviation community.



The image was captured on December 2, 2023 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Volcanic activity has intensified on Anak Krakatau

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features a false-color image of Lake Abbe in northeast Ethiopia. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.&nbsp;



"Visible as the large round dark area, Lake Abbe, also known as Lake Abhe, straddles the border of Ethiopia to the west and Djibouti to the east. The lake is 19 km wide and 17 km long and is extremely salty. It is dotted with clusters of steaming limestone chimneys and surrounded by large salt flats, visible in white, and rift volcanoes," says ESA.



"The biggest volcano in the image is Mount Dama Ali, a dormant 25-km-wide shield volcano that rises on the northwest shore of the lake."



"Lake Abbe and Lake Afambo, which is visible at the top of the image, are part of a chain of six connected salt lakes, fed by the Awash River - one of Ethiopia’s biggest rivers.'



Copernicus Sentinel-2’s near-infrared channel highlights vegetation in bright red. This strategy makes it easy to spot algal blooms, such as the one that is visible in Lake Abbe. According to ESA, the light blue color on the west shore indicates sediment discharged into the lake.



"Because of its dry, desert, almost lunar landscape and the steaming, sulphuric vents, Lake Abbe is considered one of the most inaccessible areas on Earth," says ESA. "Earth observation satellites are key in these cases as they are particularly relevant for monitoring remote regions such as this."



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Lake Abbe in northeast Ethiopia

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features an astronaut photograph of Abu Dhabi, located on the coast of the Persian Gulf.



Abu Dhabi is the capital and the second-most populous city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is also the capital of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the largest of the UAE's seven emirates.&nbsp;



Abu Dhabi possesses around 9% of the world's proven oil reserves and about 5% of the world's natural gas. Consequently, oil exports have fueled its rapid development and provided substantial wealth.



"Prior to the formation of the UAE in the 1970s, Abu Dhabi was a municipality of less than 62,000 people. The region experienced a rapid population increase over the past five decades due to its role in the petroleum and financial industries, which enabled the city’s population to grow to about 1.5 million people by the early 2020s," said NASA.



The city places a strong emphasis on promoting Emirati culture and heritage. It hosts numerous events, festivals, and has several museums and cultural centers.



"The landscape of the Abu Dhabi emirate is mainly composed of wind-blown sand, mangroves, rocky outcrops, and intertidal flats. The Abu Dhabi Sabkha, visible along the coastline as brown, non-vegetated land, was produced by wind erosion of ancient dunes and the deposition of tidal sediments," said NASA.



"Sabkhas are flat coastal areas that are characteristically high in salt. The abundance of salt in the soil limits the ability of vegetation to develop on the sabkha."



"In contrast to the barren sabkha, green mangrove forests are present along the coastline as well. Mangrove forests are regions of shrubs and trees with dense root systems that protect the intertidal zones from coastal erosion."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates

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

The polar bear  is a hypercarnivorous bear who also has native range that lies largely within the Arctic Circle.

<a href="http://www.earth.com/animals/polar-bear-ursus-maritimus/">The polar bear</a> (Ursus maritimus) is a hypercarnivorous bear whose native range lies largely within the Arctic Circle, encompassing the Arctic Ocean, its surrounding seas and surrounding land masses. It is a large bear, approximately the same size as the omnivorous Kodiak bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi). A boar (adult male) weighs around 350–700 kg (772–1,543 lb), while a sow (adult female) is about half that size. Their scientific name means "maritime bear" and derives from this fact. Polar bears hunt their preferred food of seals from the edge of sea ice, often living off fat reserves when no sea ice is present. Because of their dependence on the sea ice, polar bears are classified as marine mammals.

Because of expected habitat loss caused by climate change, the polar bear is classified as a vulnerable species. For decades, large-scale hunting raised international concern for the future of the species, but populations rebounded after controls and quotas began to take effect. For thousands of years, the polar bear has been a key figure in the material, spiritual, and cultural life of circumpolar peoples, and polar bears remain important in their cultures. Historically, the polar bear has also been known as the white bear.

<a href="http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/02arctic/welcome.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arctic Exploration: August 15 - September 8, 2002</a>

Mother polar bear and cubs

Red sprites, also known as "red fairies" are a type of transient luminous event (TLE), primarily appearing as red flashes of light occurring above thunderstorms. They are part of a larger family of upper-atmospheric phenomena linked to thunderstorm activity, alongside blue jets and elves. 



Discovered only in the late 20th century, red sprites have since captivated scientists and sky-watchers alike with their elusive and spectacular nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-andreas-mogensen-video">Andreas Mogensen video</h2>



ESA astronaut <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Andreas_Mogensen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andreas Mogensen</a> captured <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/red-sprite_ISS_Andreas-Mogensen_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this image</a> of a red fairy hovering above a thundercloud as a part of the Thor-Davis experiment at <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danish Technical University</a>. “Red sprites,” as they are called in scientific circles, are rare Transient Luminous Events (TLEs) that form above thunderclouds. They typically emerge between 40 to 80 kilometers above Earth.



As demonstrated in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/red-sprite_Davis-camera-video_ISS_ESA_1big.gif">Davis camera video</a>, thunder precedes the appearance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/red-sprites-above-the-u-s-and-central-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">red fairies</a> higher in the sky. The Davis camera's uniqueness lies in its operation. It functions more like our eyes' retinas, sensitive to light changes, allowing it to capture up to the equivalent of 100,000 frames per second, unlike a standard camera.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-sprite-discovery-and-background">Red sprite discovery and background</h2>



The existence of red sprites eluded scientific documentation until 1989, largely due to their brief duration and high altitude. 



Pilots had reported sightings of unusual aerial phenomena for years. However, these accounts remained anecdotal until researchers, using high-speed cameras, captured the first images of red sprites. This breakthrough paved the way for a new field of atmospheric research.



Red sprites manifest as reddish-orange flashes, often accompanied by tendrils extending both upward and downward. They typically occur in clusters and can stretch 50 to 90 kilometers above the Earth's surface, into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-rocket-launch-ripped-a-hole-in-earths-ionosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ionosphere</a>. The coloration is a result of nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere getting excited by the electrical discharge.



Red sprites develop in conjunction with large-scale thunderstorm activity, specifically above the intense electrical discharges of positive cloud-to-ground lightning. They are believed to arise from the imbalance in electrical charge between the upper atmosphere and the thunderclouds below.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance-and-research">Scientific significance and research</h2>



The study of red sprites offers valuable insights into atmospheric electricity and upper-atmosphere conditions. They play a role in the Earth’s electrical balance and can impact various atmospheric chemical processes.



Advancements in high-speed photography and observational techniques have significantly enhanced our understanding of red sprites. Satellites, airborne observations, and ground-based photometric arrays are now instrumental in studying these transient events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-studying-red-sprites">Challenges of studying red sprites</h2>



Despite advancements, observing and studying red sprites remain challenging due to their unpredictability and brief lifespan. Future research aims to better understand the impact of sprites on the atmosphere and their relation to other meteorological phenomena.



In summary, red sprites, while still shrouded in mystery, offer a fascinating glimpse into the complex interplay of Earth's weather systems and atmospheric electricity. Continued research and observation promise to uncover more secrets of these ephemeral lights, deepening our understanding of our planet's atmospheric dynamics.



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



As discussed above, red sprites are a form of upper atmospheric lightning, a spectacular and somewhat mysterious phenomenon that captures the curiosity of scientists and sky-watchers alike. Unlike the more familiar lightning that occurs within clouds or between clouds and the ground, red sprites are transient luminous events that appear high above thunderstorms, reaching into the Earth's ionosphere.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-and-characteristics">Discovery and characteristics</h3>



The story of red sprites begins with their discovery. Although pilots had reported seeing unusual red lights above thunderstorms for decades, the scientific community largely dismissed these reports until 1989. That year, scientists at the University of Minnesota accidentally captured images of red sprites while filming a thunderstorm. This serendipitous discovery marked the beginning of focused scientific research into these elusive phenomena.



Red sprites are named for their distinct coloration. Typically, they appear as red at higher altitudes and fade to blue at lower altitudes. This coloration is due to the interaction of electrical discharges with nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere. Sprites can take various shapes, including jellyfish-like forms with tendrils extending downward and columnar shapes known as "carrot sprites."



Forming at altitudes between 50 to 90 kilometers (31 to 56 miles), red sprites occur directly above large thunderstorm systems. They are fleeting, lasting only milliseconds, and are best observed at night. Their formation is thought to be linked to the intense electrical activity in thunderstorms. When a powerful positive lightning strike occurs within the cloud, it can create an imbalance in the electric field above the storm, triggering the appearance of sprites.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-importance">Scientific importance</h3>



The study of red sprites is not just for aesthetic appreciation. It also holds significant scientific importance. Understanding sprites can provide insights into the electrical and chemical processes in the upper atmosphere. They are also thought to play a role in the Earth's global electric circuit, a complex system that involves the entire planet's electromagnetic environment.



Research into red sprites is challenging due to their brief and unpredictable nature. Scientists use specialized high-speed cameras and sensitive telescopes to capture and study these elusive events. Additionally, research aircraft and satellites are employed to gain a better vantage point for observing and analyzing sprites.



In recent years, public interest in red sprites has grown, thanks in part to the spread of information on social media and the increasing accessibility of high-quality cameras. Amateur astronomers, astronauts and photographers have captured stunning images of red sprites, contributing to both the public's awareness and the scientific community's understanding of these fascinating natural phenomena.



In summary, red sprites are a mesmerizing and complex element of our planet's atmospheric behavior. They represent a beautiful intersection of earth science and atmospheric physics, offering both aesthetic wonder and scientific intrigue. As research continues, we can expect to learn more about how these fleeting flashes of light fit into the broader puzzle of Earth's atmospheric processes.



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"Red sprite" phenomenon captured by space station astronaut

Red sprites, also known as "red fairies" are a type...

A recent scientific investigation has unveiled a potential link between the human gut microbiome and breast health, emphasizing the impact of dietary and lifestyle choices on overall wellbeing.&nbsp;



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



The study, focusing on the influence of flaxseed components known as lignans on gut microorganisms, revealed their significant role in modulating the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the mammary gland.&nbsp;



These miRNAs are crucial in regulating genes associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breast-cancer-incidence-linked-to-high-particulate-air-pollution/">breast cancer</a>, particularly those governing cell growth and movement. This research has been published in the journal <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/spectrum.02290-23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microbiology Spectrum</a>.



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



Jennifer Auchtung, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Food Science and Technology Department at the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nebraska - Lincoln</a> and the editor overseeing the paper’s review, highlighted the crucial role of gastrointestinal microbiota. 



“The gastrointestinal microbiota plays an important role in modifying many components of our diet to impact human health,” she explained. 



"In this study, we found correlations between diets enriched in flaxseed, cecal microbiota composition and miRNA profiles in the mammary gland that regulate many pathways, including those involved in cancer development."



"This preliminary study supports further research into the role that the microbiota plays in dietary approaches to reduce risk factors associated with disease.”



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



The research team delved into how flaxseed lignans, found abundantly in flaxseed and associated with lower breast cancer mortality among postmenopausal women, affect the gut microbiota in young female mice.&nbsp;



The experts discovered that these lignan components induce specific miRNA responses in the mammary gland, with miRNAs being short, noncoding RNAs that control gene expression by targeting specific mRNA regions.



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



The study aimed to explore whether manipulating the interaction between microbiota and mammary gland miRNAs could diminish breast cancer risks.&nbsp;



For this, female mice were fed flaxseed lignan components to examine the connection between gut cecal microbiota profiles and miRNA expression in the mammary gland. The cecum, a crucial part of the digestive system, is thought to be involved in short-chain fatty acid production and may act as a hub for anaerobic bacteria.



The experiments revealed that a particular flaxseed oil lignan, upon microbial processing, releases bioactive metabolites with potential antitumor effects. 



This finding indicates a relationship between the microbiota and mammary gland miRNA, with flaxseed lignans altering this interaction to reduce cancer risk.



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



Elena M. Comelli, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a> and the paper’s senior author, reflected on the implications of these findings. 



“If these findings are confirmed, the microbiota becomes a new target to prevent breast cancer through dietary intervention.” Thus, this study paves the way for further exploration into how dietary modifications can potentially serve as preventive measures against breast cancer.



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Flaxseed’s influence on the gut could reduce breast cancer risk

A recent scientific investigation has unveiled a potential link between...

Next week, the night sky will witness an extraordinary astronomical event, as Betelgeuse, one of the most luminous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-six-planet-star-system-moves-in-strange-perfect-synchrony/">stars</a> in the constellation Orion, temporarily vanishes from view.&nbsp;



This unusual occurrence, set to happen on Monday night, December 11, is due to an asteroid, 319 Leona, passing directly in front of the star, causing it to disappear for approximately 12 seconds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-occlusion-nbsp">Rare occlusion&nbsp;</h2>



Astronomical phenomena like this are not uncommon, but the upcoming event involving Betelgeuse is unique due to the specific alignment that will create a striking ‘ring of fire’ effect.&nbsp;



Observers in Florida, parts of eastern Mexico, southern Europe, and northern Asia will be ideally positioned to witness this rare ‘occlusion.’ For those not in these regions, the <a href="https://www.virtualtelescope.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virtual Telescope Project</a> in Italy will be streaming the event live from 8 PM Eastern on Monday.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity-nbsp">Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity&nbsp;</h2>



This brief occlusion is more than just a spectacular sight; it presents a valuable scientific opportunity. Astronomers are eager to use this time to study the surface of Betelgeuse, a red supergiant sun, which has shown unusual dimming patterns over the past four years.&nbsp;



Miguel Montargès, an astrophysicist at the <a href="https://www.observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/-observatoire-de-paris-.html?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Observatory</a>, expressed excitement about this event, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” The occlusion will enable scientists to examine the star’s outer region, which is normally overwhelmed by its bright core.



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



This research is expected to provide insights into the ‘convective cells’ of Betelgeuse, which are the pathways for heated gas movement across the star. Montargès anticipates that the data gathered might also enhance understanding of how planetary systems, like our own solar system, form.



Gianluca Masi, director of the Virtual Telescope Project, pointed out that the event will also aid in studying asteroid 319 Leona.&nbsp;



“These kinds of occultations,” Masi stated, "are very useful to constrain the shape of the asteroid involved.” He also noted that this occlusion is not only rare but symbolic of Betelgeuse’s eventual fate. “For a very short time, we will see the legendary Orion constellation without its famous, orange shoulder,” referencing the eventual supernova explosion of Betelgeuse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viewing-the-event">Viewing the event</h2>



Astronomers are meticulously tracking the trajectory of asteroid 319 Leona, with the occultation anticipated to occur around 8:17 PM Eastern Time. Those within the correct viewing line will have the chance to see Betelgeuse, typically the 10th-brightest star, fade from sight, an experience that can be enhanced with binoculars or a telescope.



Even for observers outside the optimal viewing areas, there’s still a chance to witness Betelgeuse dimming in an unusual manner. Residents of the Northern Hemisphere can find Betelgeuse in December by looking east about two hours after sunset, near Orion’s Belt.



For those seeking more information, the <a href="https://occultations.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Occultation Timing Association</a> has dedicated a <a href="https://www.iota-es.de/betelgeuse2023.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">page</a> to the event, complete with a downloadable Google Earth file to assist in tracking the visibility of the event globally.



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Betelgeuse, one of our brightest stars, will vanish from sight next week

Next week, the night sky will witness an extraordinary astronomical...

In a study led by the <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Göttingen</a>, researchers have unveiled striking dynamics in plant-pollinator networks, particularly highlighting the amplifying effect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-expansion-linked-to-global-decline-of-wild-pollinators/">urbanization</a> on seasonal variations. 



This research, critical in the era of rapid urbanization, offers novel insights into biodiversity within tropical megacities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urbanization-and-biodiversity">Urbanization and biodiversity</h2>



The global trend towards urbanization is often viewed as a threat to biodiversity. However, the researchers pointed out that flowering plants are often more diverse in cities than in the countryside.



This phenomenon is attributed to the proliferation of flowering plants and agricultural crops in urban areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-pollinator-interactions-nbsp">Plant-pollinator interactions&nbsp;</h2>



"All species engage in interactions, and the complex ecological networks resulting from these interactions - such as those between plants and their pollinators - are key components of ecosystems," wrote the study authors.



"While our knowledge on the structure of interaction networks has improved considerably in recent decades, we still know little about how dynamic these interactions are across environmental, spatial and temporal gradients."



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



The research team, led by Dr. Gabriel Marcacci, now a postdoc at the Swiss Ornithological Institute and the University of Neuchâtel, embarked on an extensive year-long study in Bengaluru, India.&nbsp;



This bustling metropolis, emblematic of rapid urban growth in the tropics, provided a fertile ground for examining the interactions between plants and their pollinators.



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



The study encompassed all local seasons: the mild-dry winter, the hot-dry summer, and the rainy monsoon. By analyzing bee species, the plants they visited, and the frequency of these interactions, the team constructed detailed plant-pollinator networks for each location and season.



The researchers found that the interactions between plants and pollinators, which are important for agricultural production, are surprisingly dynamic.&nbsp;



There was a significant variation in the plant and bee species involved in pollination across different seasons.&nbsp;



To identify the factors contributing to the variations in plant-pollinator interactions, the team considered multiple elements: the time of year, proximity to the city center, and the degree of urbanization, indicated by the presence of "sealed surfaces" like roads and buildings.



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



Dr. Marcacci emphasized the significance of this research for understanding tropical urban ecosystems.&nbsp;



"Our study provides new insights into the role of urbanization in the dynamics of networks involving plants and pollinators in the tropics, which have been little studied. This is particularly important as current and future urban expansions are largely occurring in tropical regions, where they are subject to different ecological, climate and social factors than in temperate zones," said Dr. Marcacci.



"Our results point to major changes in plant-pollinator networks over the course of the year and to the little-recognized importance of seasonality for the interactions between plants and their pollinators, especially in rapidly growing tropical megacities," wrote the study authors.



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



This study not only contributes to our understanding of urban ecology but also calls for thoughtful urban planning and biodiversity conservation, particularly in tropical megacities facing rapid growth.&nbsp;



The unique dynamics of plant-pollinator networks in these settings are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring sustainable agricultural production - an aspect that city planners and environmentalists must consider in the face of escalating urban expansion.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ele.14324" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology Letters</a>.



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Urbanization alters the dynamics of plant-pollinator networks

In a study led by the University of Göttingen, researchers...

A new study predicts a significant expansion in the nesting range of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) due to rising global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-linked-to-vision-impairment/">temperatures</a>.



The Mediterranean green turtle is a species that is often overshadowed in climate change discussions.



A team of researchers led by Chiara Mancino has unveiled how global warming could reshape the nesting dynamics of these turtles, potentially altering the ecological landscape of the Mediterranean.



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



"Climate change is reshaping global ecosystems at an unprecedented rate, with major impacts on biodiversity. Therefore, understanding how organisms can withstand change is key to identify priority conservation objectives," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"Marine ectotherms are being extremely impacted because their biology and phenology are directly related to temperature. Among these species, sea turtles are particularly problematic because they roam over both marine and terrestrial habitats throughout their life cycles."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transforming-the-coastline-nbsp">Transforming the coastline&nbsp;</h2>



The experts theorized that nesting ground availability for green turtles will increase in the Mediterranean following hotter summers and winters, shifting their nesting locations in response to rising temperatures.



Based on their modeling study, the team predicts that the turtles will expand their nesting range by 60 percent under the worst case emissions scenario.&nbsp;



This expansion is set to transform the Mediterranean coastline, extending the turtles' nesting grounds beyond their current range in Turkey and Cyprus to vast stretches of North African, Italian, and Greek shores.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-predictive-accuracy-nbsp">High predictive accuracy&nbsp;</h2>



For the investigation, Mancino and colleagues developed a model to predict the suitability of various points on the Mediterranean coastline as green turtle nesting locations.



First, the researchers tested the predictive accuracy of their model against 178 verified nesting sites recorded from 1982 to 2019. The findings revealed a high predictive accuracy, with sea surface temperature, salinity, and human population density emerging as pivotal factors influencing nesting site suitability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights-on-green-turtles">Key insights on green turtles</h2>



The researchers analyzed four distinct greenhouse gas emission scenarios and their implications for green turtle nesting by 2100.&nbsp;



The correlation was clear: more severe climate conditions led to a broader nesting range. The worst-case scenario predicted a dramatic 62.4% increase in nesting range, extending to the North African coastline up to Algeria, significant parts of Italy and Greece, and the southern Adriatic Sea.



"Our models show an increase in nesting probability in the western Mediterranean Sea, irrespective of the climate scenario we consider. Contrary to what is found in most global change studies, the worse the climate change scenario, the more suitable areas for green turtles will potentially increase," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



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



However, this potential expansion is not without its challenges. The experts warn that this increase in green turtle nesting range in the heavily populated central and western Mediterranean would bring them into increased contact with humans and urbanized beaches, which could negatively affect nesting success.&nbsp;



The researchers emphasize the urgency for future studies to focus on mitigating these potential negative impacts.&nbsp;



"To better inform future management of marine turtles, there is the need to understand future threats, as well as to couple predictions of marine turtle distribution with an assessment of exposure to these threats," wrote the study authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-turtles-and-biodiversity-collapse">Green turtles and biodiversity collapse</h2>



The Mediterranean Sea represents one of the most vulnerable regions in the world when considering the impacts of global warming, noted the researchers.



"The Mediterranean has always been hugely exploited by humans, with important and potentially negative interactions between human activities and climate changes."



"The basin currently hosts more than 500 million inhabitants, a third of whom live along the coasts, and is the first tourist destination in the world with 360 million visitors per year."&nbsp;



"The combination of climate change and human impacts clearly generate the starting baseline for a biodiversity collapse, especially for species exploiting at the same time marine and terrestrial habitats as sea turtles."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-46958-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Nesting range of green turtles will explode in a warmer climate 

A new study predicts a significant expansion in the nesting...

Close,Up,Of,Colorful,Atomic,Particle,Background,Science,3d,Illustration

In a groundbreaking announcement, physicists from University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>) have presented a radical theory that unifies the realms of gravity and quantum mechanics while preserving the classical concept of spacetime, as outlined by Einstein. 



This innovative approach, detailed in two simultaneously published papers, challenges over a century of scientific consensus and proposes a revolutionary perspective on the fundamental nature of our universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dichotomy-in-modern-physics">Dichotomy in modern physics</h2>



Modern physics rests on two contradictory pillars: quantum theory, which rules the microscopic world, and Einstein’s theory of general relativity, explaining gravity through spacetime curvature. These theories, despite their individual successes, have remained irreconcilable, creating a significant rift in our understanding of the universe.



Traditionally, scientists have believed that a quantum version of Einstein's theory of gravity was necessary. This belief fueled the development of string theory and loop quantum gravity. However, the new theory from UCL takes a divergent path.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ucl-theory-a-postquantum-perspective">UCL theory: A postquantum perspective</h2>



Professor Jonathan Oppenheim of UCL Physics &amp; Astronomy, the lead proponent of this theory, argues for a "postquantum theory of classical gravity." This radical idea, as elaborated in his paper in <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prx/accepted/d6078Ke1S941110a26ad9584bc2567e68f9f76c1e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review X (PRX)</a>, suggests that spacetime may remain classical and not subject to quantum mechanics. 



Instead of altering spacetime, this theory revises quantum theory itself, predicting unpredictable and significant fluctuations in spacetime. These fluctuations, larger than those anticipated by quantum theory, could render the weight of objects uncertain at precise measurements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experimental-tests-and-implications">Experimental tests and implications</h2>



A second paper in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-43348-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>, led by Professor Oppenheim’s former PhD students, proposes an experiment to validate this theory. The experiment involves measuring a mass (like the 1kg standard previously used by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in France) with extreme precision to detect potential weight fluctuations over time. 



Professor Oppenheim, Professor Carlo Rovelli, and Dr. Geoff Penington -- leading proponents of quantum loop gravity and string theory, respectively -- have placed <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/oppenheim/pub/quantum_vs_classical_bet.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a bet</a> with 5000:1 odds on the outcome of the experiment, or any other evidence that might emerge, which would confirm the quantum versus classical nature of spacetime.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravity-spacetime-and-quantum-theory">Gravity, spacetime, and quantum theory</h2>



For the past five years, the UCL research team has been rigorously examining this theory and its implications. Professor Oppenheim notes the importance of resolving the contradiction between quantum theory and general relativity.



Oppenheim stated, "<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/relativity_quantum-mechanics_Isaac-Young_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum theory</a> and Einstein's theory of general relativity are mathematically incompatible with each other, so it's important to understand how this contradiction is resolved. Should spacetime be quantised, or should we modify quantum theory, or is it something else entirely? Now that we have a consistent fundamental theory in which spacetime does not get quantised, it’s anybody’s guess.”



Zach Weller-Davies, a co-author and key contributor to the theory, highlights that this discovery not only challenges our understanding of gravity but also provides a method to probe its potential quantum nature. "If <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/precision-mass-measurement_Isaac-Young_2medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacetime</a> doesn’t have a quantum nature, then there must be random fluctuations in the curvature of spacetime with a particular signature that can be verified experimentally," he explains.



“We have shown that if spacetime doesn’t have a quantum nature, then there must be random fluctuations in the curvature of spacetime which have a particular signature that can be verified experimentally," Weller-Davies continued. “In both quantum gravity and classical gravity, spacetime must be undergoing violent and random fluctuations all around us, but on a scale which we haven’t yet been able to detect. But if spacetime is classical, the fluctuations have to be larger than a certain scale, and this scale can be determined by another experiment where we test how long we can put a heavy atom in superposition* of being in two different locations."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-gravity-implications-for-quantum-theory">Beyond gravity: Implications for quantum theory</h2>



Co-authors Dr. Carlo Sparaciari and Dr. Barbara Šoda emphasize the significance of these experiments in determining the correct approach to understanding gravity.



Dr Šoda said, “Because gravity is made manifest through the bending of space and time, we can think of the question in terms of whether the rate at which time flows has a quantum nature, or classical nature. And testing this is almost as simple as testing whether the weight of a mass is constant, or appears to fluctuate in a particular way.”



Dr Sparaciari elucidated, “While the experimental concept is simple, the weighing of the object needs to be carried out with extreme precision. But what I find exciting is that starting from very general assumptions, we can prove a clear relationship between two measurable quantities – the scale of the spacetime fluctuations, and how long objects like atoms or apples can be put in quantum superposition of two different locations. We can then determine these two quantities experimentally.”  



This postquantum theory extends its influence beyond understanding gravity. It negates the need for the problematic “measurement postulate” in quantum theory. Quantum superpositions would naturally localize due to their interactions with classical spacetime.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-era-in-physics">A new era in physics</h2>



Originating from Professor Oppenheim's efforts to solve the black hole information problem, this theory allows for the possibility of information destruction, contradicting standard quantum theory but aligning with general relativity’s predictions about black holes.



This announcement marks a potential paradigm shift in physics. As Professor Sougato Bose of UCL Physics &amp; Astronomy, not involved in this specific announcement but a pioneer in related research, remarks, “Experiments to test the nature of spacetime will take a large-scale effort, but they're of huge importance from the perspective of understanding the fundamental laws of nature.”



Indeed, these efforts could lead to a unified understanding of gravity and quantum mechanics, resolving one of the most profound dilemmas in modern physics. The implications of this theory, if proven correct, are vast, potentially reshaping our understanding of the universe at its most fundamental level.



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



As mentioned above, Einstein's theory of relativity, a cornerstone of modern physics, revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and gravity. This theory comes in two parts: Special Relativity and General Relativity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-special-relativity-1905">Special Relativity (1905)</h3>



Albert Einstein introduced Special Relativity in 1905. This theory fundamentally changed our perception of space and time. It asserts two key principles:



The Laws of Physics are the Same for All Non-accelerating Observers: No matter how fast an observer is moving, they will measure the same speed of light and observe the same laws of physics.



The Speed of Light is Constant: The speed of light in a vacuum is the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion or the motion of the light source.



Special Relativity led to several groundbreaking conclusions:



Time Dilation: Time passes slower for objects moving at high speeds compared to those at rest. This effect becomes significant only at speeds close to the speed of light.



Length Contraction: Objects contract in length along the direction of motion as they approach the speed of light.



E=mc²: This famous equation relates energy (E) to mass (m) with the speed of light (c) as the constant of proportionality. It implies that energy and mass are interchangeable, laying the groundwork for nuclear energy and weapons.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-general-relativity-1915">General Relativity (1915)</h3>



Ten years later, Einstein expanded on his theory with General Relativity, which addresses gravity and acceleration:



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravity-as-curvature-of-spacetime">Gravity as Curvature of Spacetime</h4>



Einstein proposed that gravity is not a force between masses but rather a result of the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy. Massive objects like stars and planets warp the space around them, and other objects move along these curves, which we perceive as gravitational attraction.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-equivalence-principle">Equivalence Principle</h4>



This principle states that the effects of gravity are indistinguishable from the effects of acceleration. For instance, being in a closed room on Earth's surface (where gravity pulls you down) feels the same as being in a room in a spaceship that accelerates upwards.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-general-relativity-has-passed-numerous-tests">General Relativity has passed numerous tests</h3>



Light Bending: It predicts that light bends in a gravitational field. Observations during solar eclipses have confirmed this, where stars' positions near the sun appear shifted due to the sun's gravity bending the light.



Time Dilation Due to Gravity: Clocks run slower in stronger gravitational fields. This effect, tested using precise atomic clocks at different altitudes, is integral for the accuracy of GPS systems.



Gravitational Waves: Predicted by Einstein, these ripples in spacetime, caused by massive accelerating objects (like merging black holes), were directly detected in 2015, confirming a major prediction of General Relativity.



In summary, Einstein's theory of relativity redefined our understanding of the universe. Special Relativity showed that space and time are relative and interconnected, leading to phenomena like time dilation and mass-energy equivalence. General Relativity further advanced this by describing gravity as the curvature of spacetime, profoundly influencing cosmology and astrophysics.



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



As also discussed above, quantum mechanics, a fundamental theory in physics, describes the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels. It emerged in the early 20th century as scientists explored phenomena that classical physics couldn't explain. Here are some key aspects of quantum mechanics:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wave-particle-duality">Wave-Particle Duality</h3>



Quantum mechanics introduces the concept of wave-particle duality. Particles, such as electrons and photons, exhibit both particle-like and wave-like properties. For example, electrons can produce interference patterns (a wave property) in a double-slit experiment, while also showing particle characteristics in other contexts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertainty-principle">Uncertainty Principle</h3>



Werner Heisenberg formulated the Uncertainty Principle, a cornerstone of quantum mechanics. It states that it is impossible to simultaneously know the exact position and momentum of a particle. The more precisely you measure one, the less precise the measurement of the other becomes. This principle challenges the classical notion of determinism.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-superposition-and-entanglement">Quantum superposition and entanglement</h3>



Quantum Superposition: Quantum particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously, as illustrated by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conscious-awareness-when-does-our-sense-of-purpose-emerge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Schrödinger's</a> cat thought experiment. A particle in a superposition state doesn't have a specific position, energy, or other physical property until it's measured.



Quantum Entanglement: Particles can become <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-can-instantly-execute-a-task-that-would-normally-take-47-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entangled</a>, meaning the state of one particle instantly influences the state of another, regardless of the distance separating them. This phenomenon, famously described by Einstein as "spooky action at a distance," defies classical ideas of spatial separation and information transfer.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-tunneling">Quantum tunneling</h3>



Quantum tunneling occurs when particles pass through barriers that they shouldn't be able to, according to classical physics. This effect is crucial in many modern technologies, such as semiconductors and superconducting devices.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-state-collapse">Quantum state collapse</h3>



Upon measurement, a quantum system 'collapses' from a superposition of states to a single state. This collapse is instantaneous and is at the heart of many interpretations of quantum mechanics, including the famous Copenhagen interpretation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-of-quantum-mechanics">Applications of quantum mechanics</h3>



Quantum mechanics has led to numerous technological advancements:



Semiconductors: The foundation of modern electronics, including computers and smartphones, relies on quantum mechanics.



Quantum Computing: Quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits, which can be in superpositions of states, offering potentially exponential increases in computing power for certain problems.



Medical Imaging: Techniques like MRI and PET scans depend on principles of quantum mechanics.



In summary, quantum mechanics reveals a strange, counterintuitive world at the smallest scales, fundamentally different from our everyday experiences. Its principles have not only deepened our understanding of the universe but also driven significant technological progress.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-43348-2">Nature Communications</a>.



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Radical new theory finally unites gravity, spacetime, and the quantum realm

In a groundbreaking announcement, physicists from University College London (UCL)...

In a recent comprehensive investigation involving over 50,000 young individuals from Korea, experts found that excessive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-spend-nearly-5-hours-a-day-on-smartphones/">smartphone</a> usage, defined as more than four hours daily, correlated with an increase in negative mental health outcomes and substance abuse.&nbsp;



This study, conducted by Jin-Hwa Moon and Jong Ho Cha from <a href="https://www.hyumc.com/eng/main.do" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hanyang University Medical Center</a> in Korea, was recently published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0294553" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surge-in-smartphone-usage-nbsp">Surge in smartphone usage&nbsp;</h2>



Previous studies have highlighted a surge in smartphone usage among younger demographics, linking it to various health concerns including psychiatric conditions, sleep disturbances, ocular issues, and musculoskeletal problems.&nbsp;



Interestingly, some emerging studies suggest that moderate daily internet use might actually contribute positively to the physical and mental well-being of this age group.



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



To further explore how smartphone usage impacts the health of adolescents, Moon, Cha, and their team delved into more than 50,000 responses from the ongoing <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ije/article/45/4/1076/2951681" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey</a>, which included responses from 2017 and 2020. This comprehensive dataset encompassed daily smartphone usage times and various health indicators. 



The team employed sophisticated statistical methods, such as propensity score matching, to adjust for potential confounding variables like age, gender, and socioeconomic background.



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



The findings revealed a notable increase in smartphone usage among adolescents from 2017 to 2020, with those exceeding two hours of daily use jumping from 64.3 to 85.7 percent.&nbsp;



Alarmingly, adolescents engaging in over four hours of smartphone use daily exhibited higher instances of stress, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse compared to those with less than four hours of usage.&nbsp;



Conversely, moderate use of one-two hours daily appeared to be less problematic than not using a smartphone at all.



While the study stops short of establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship between smartphone usage and adverse health impacts, its insights are crucial for developing future guidelines for adolescent smartphone use, particularly as these usage patterns continue to evolve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smartphones-and-mental-health-in-adults">Smartphones and mental health in adults</h2>



Smartphones and their impact on adult mental health is a topic of ongoing research and debate.&nbsp;



Smartphones enable constant connectivity and instant communication, which can be both beneficial and detrimental. They allow people to stay in touch with friends and family, which can be positive for mental health. However, this constant connectivity can also lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to disconnect.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-media-nbsp">Social media&nbsp;</h3>



Many adults use smartphones to access social media. While these platforms can provide a sense of community, they can also lead to negative mental health outcomes through comparison, cyberbullying, and the pressure to maintain a certain online image.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-information-overload">Information overload</h3>



Smartphones give access to an endless stream of information and news. This can cause stress and anxiety, especially when the news is negative or when the user feels compelled to constantly stay updated.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-disruption">Sleep disruption</h3>



The use of smartphones, particularly before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addiction-and-dependency">Addiction and dependency</h3>



There's growing concern about smartphone addiction, where individuals may become overly reliant on their devices, leading to issues like neglect of personal relationships, reduced productivity, and increased anxiety and depression.



Positive apps&nbsp;



On the bright side, smartphones provide access to mental health resources, like meditation apps, online counseling, and mood-tracking tools. These can be beneficial for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-variability-in-impact">Variability in impact</h3>



The impact of smartphones on mental health can vary widely among individuals, depending on factors like the amount of usage, the type of content consumed, and the individual's pre-existing mental health status.



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Excessive smartphone usage linked to health issues in adolescents

In a recent comprehensive investigation involving over 50,000 young individuals...

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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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" 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.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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

Whales sighted off San Miguel, the North Pacific of California during the past several days. Therefore had researchers scram. The humpback social structure is loose-knit. Typically, individuals live alone or in small, transient groups that disband after a few hours. Groups may stay together longer in summer to forage and feed cooperatively.
Longer-term relationships between pairs or small groups, lasting months or even years, have rarely been observed. Some females possibly retain bonds created via cooperative feeding for a lifetime. Humpback whales often leap out of the water, a behavior known as &#8220;<a href="https://www.earth.com/image/humpback-whale-rolls-on-side/">breaching</a>&#8220;, and slap the water with their fins or tails
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<a href="http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/02quest/sanctuaryquest.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sanctuary Quest 2002: April 24 &#8211; June 20, 2002</a>

Whales sighted off  San Miguel

The Black-footed Albatross nests primarily on the Hawaiian Islands. It wanders widely across the northern Pacific for most of the year

The large Sea Bird with long, narrow wings and mostly black. Also has a keen sense of smell as a result helps locate its food.

The black-footed albatross (<a href="http://www.earth.com/animals/black-footed-albatross-phoebastria-nigripes/">Phoebastria nigripes</a>) is a large seabird of the albatross family Diomedeidae from the North Pacific.

All but 2.5% of the population is found among the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

It is one of three species of albatross that range in the northern hemisphere, nesting on isolated tropical islands. Unlike many albatrosses, it is dark plumaged.

The black-footed albatross is a small member of the albatross family (while still large compared to most other seabirds) that has almost all black plumage

Also  Some adults show white undertail coverts, and all adults have white markings around the base of the beak and below the eye. As the birds age they acquire more white at the base of the beak.

An estimated 4,000 are taken every year, based on the number taken in 1990; other estimates put the number at 8,000, although more recent numbers are at around 6,150 per year with the majority of deaths from Taiwanese and Japanese fishing fleets.

It is also vulnerable to oil and ingestion of floating plastics, which reduces the space in the stomach available for food to be brought to the chick.

The black-footed albatross has an occurrence range of 37,600,000 km2 (14,500,000 sq mi) and a breeding range of 28 km2 (11 sq mi), with a population of 129,000 adult birds. Of these birds 24,000 pairs breed on Midway Atoll and 21,000 pairs breed on Laysan Island.

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<a href="http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/02quest/sanctuaryquest.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sanctuary Quest 2002: April 24 - June 20, 2002</a>