Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features dust flowing through the Tokar Gap, where the easternmost extent of the African Sahel meets the Red Sea.



"Mountain chains border both sides of the Red Sea, the long narrow inlet of the Indian Ocean that separates Saudi Arabia to the east from Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea to the west. One major exception is the Tokar Gap, a 100-kilometer (60-mile) break in the Red Sea Hills that serves as a conduit for both winds and dust," says NASA.



"In the summer, strong surface winds frequently stream through the gap from the southwest, often funneling narrow plumes of dust from the Tokar Delta over the Red Sea."



The photo was captured on June 24, 2023 by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite. The image shows a plume of dust from Sudan pushing through the Tokar Gap.



"In the winter, the winds reverse and winds typically gather over the Red Sea and move through the gap toward the southwest," says NASA.



"A 2019 analysis of weather conditions that fuel summer dust storms indicated that stronger winds moving through the Tokar Gap - and warmer air and soil temperatures - have increased the amount of airborne dust found in this area since 2002."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/ Wanmei Liang



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Dust from Africa streams through the Tokar Gap

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features a fjord in western Greenland as the ice was joined by a mysterious arc.



"In summer, the fjords around Greenland are commonly littered with angular pieces of ice that have sloughed off from the island’s numerous outlet glaciers. But on August 3, 2023, the ice on a fjord in western Greenland was joined by a peculiar arc," said NASA.



"The thin, white feature spans much of Itilliarsuup Kangerlua, a tributary fjord of the Uummannaq Fjord system in Western Greenland. It extends about 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles) from the front of Kangilleq glacier."



While the origin of the arc remains unclear, experts have proposed some possible theories. Dan Shugar, a geomorphologist at the University of Calgary, suggests that the arc may be the result of a large iceberg that broke off from the front of the glacier.



"An iceberg breaking from the glacier - above or below the water’s surface - would displace water, creating a wave," explained NASA.



"Josh Willis, an oceanographer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Mike Wood, a glaciologist at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, agree that a newly formed iceberg is a likely explanation."



The scientists also pointed to a different phenomenon that is known to displace water in the fjords around Greenland. According to Willis, there could be water pushing ice away from the glacier face caused by an underwater plume.



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Mysterious arc joins ice on a fjord in western Greenland

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Sahara Desert on the afternoon of May 3, 2023, as the International Space Station passed above. An astronaut captured this striking image of hills and sand dunes in southern Mauritania.&nbsp;



"A line of dark, flat-topped hills known as mesas dominate the view," said NASA. "The small town of Guérou is a faint gray patch on the banks of a small stream. The faint line of a road can be seen cutting through the landscape and connecting with Guérou."



"The mesas are remnants of a large Paleozoic Era sandstone formation. They rise steeply 300 to 400 meters (1,000 to 1,300 feet) above the surrounding plain."&nbsp;



"Rocky surfaces in deserts often appear dark-toned as a result of a thin layer of black rock varnish that develops on rock surfaces enriched in manganese."



Southern Mauritania is part of the vast Sahelian region, which serves as a transitional zone between the Sahara Desert to the north and the more fertile savannahs of West Africa to the south.&nbsp;



The southern part of Mauritania is generally flatter and has a semi-arid climate. It receives more rainfall than the northern regions, but it's still quite sparse. The Senegal River, which forms the border between Mauritania and Senegal, is one of the major rivers in West Africa and is crucial for agriculture in this region.



The area around the Senegal River is the most agriculturally productive part of Mauritania. Rice, millet, and other grains are commonly cultivated. Fishing in the Senegal River is also a significant activity. Despite these resources, southern Mauritania remains relatively poor and underdeveloped.



The region is home to a mix of ethnic groups, including the Moors (both Arab-Berber Moors and Black Moors or Haratin) and various black African ethnic groups such as the Wolof, Pular (or Fulani), and Soninke.



Southern Mauritania faces a variety of challenges. Periodic droughts can devastate local agriculture. There are also socio-economic issues, including poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare.



The Diawling National Park, located in the southwest corner of Mauritania near the Senegal River, is one of the country's premier protected areas. The park is known for its birdlife and serves as an important wetland habitat.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Hills and sand dunes of southern Mauritania

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> features vibrantly colored water near the coastline of Vancouver Island.



"The colorful plumes - which are likely comprised of both phytoplankton and sediment - stood out in this image, acquired by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-20 satellite on July 26," said NASA.



"Clouds covered much of Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia at the time of this image. But coastal areas were cloud-free, exposing water that likely contained flourishing populations of phytoplankton - floating plant-like organisms that are the foundation of the aquatic food web."



During the summer in the northeast Pacific Ocean, phytoplankton blooms are frequent due to offshore winds pushing surface waters away from the coast. This leads to the upwelling of cooler, nutrient-rich waters from the depths, which fuels the growth of phytoplankton.&nbsp;



The Salish Sea plays a significant role in supplying nutrients through its circulation and upwelling, enhancing phytoplankton productivity along the continental shelf near Vancouver Island. Additionally, the bloom may also be fueled by nutrient-rich sediment runoff from the coast.



Vancouver Island is known for its lush landscapes, including mountains, forests, and stunning coastlines. The island is also home to the city of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.&nbsp;



Vancouver Island offers various outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, including opportunities to see whales and bears. The island has a rich Indigenous history, which is reflected in many of its local arts and cultural exhibits



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Vibrant colors off the coast of Vancouver Island

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features a massive smoky storm cloud that developed over Northwestern Canada on September 16, 2023.



"For much of summer 2023, fires burned through boreal forests in northern British Columbia and Alberta, and in the South Slave Region of the Northwest Territories. The blazes triggered evacuations as they approached towns and unleashed plumes of smoke that occasionally dipped south into the United States," said NASA.



"In mid-September, strong winds from a passing cold front interacted with some of the fires to create a vast smoke-infused cloud spiral. The smoky storm, which spanned hundreds of kilometers, is visible in this image captured by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-20 satellite."



Wind gusts as high as 40 miles per hour intensified the fires and created towering “fire clouds” called pyrocumulonimbus clouds, which boosted smoke up into the storm clouds.&nbsp;



“We see dozens of pyrocumulonimbus clouds each year, but this was an impressive event,” said Colin Seftor, an atmospheric scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.&nbsp;



Seftor monitors the spread of the airborne aerosols within wildfire smoke using the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite sensor on the NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP satellite.



“After the smoke was lofted up and entrained within the circulation of a passing low-pressure system, it resulted in the highest aerosol measurements we’ve seen this year,” said Seftor. “We did see two other smoke events in Canada in mid-August and early September, when aerosol index values were nearly as high,” he added.



Atmospheric scientist Hiren Jethva analyzed data collected by a lidar sensor on NASA’s ICESat-2 to measure the height of the smoke plume. “ICESat-2 data show a rising smoke cloud ranging from 6 to 11 kilometers,” he said.&nbsp;



According to NASA, scientists track smoke heights as part of a broader effort to understand how aerosols within wildfire smoke affect the radiation budget and climate when they form smoke layers above clouds.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Smoke-infused storm cloud over the Northwest Territories 

The dots appeared again, and the next message made Minni want to cry. They described it perfectly – right down to the use of “Jimmy” instead of James. They had found the owner of the ring! But the best part was yet to come.

Yes, It’s Them!

Close,Up,View,Of,The,Eyes,A,Tabanus,Abdominalis,Horsefly

Insect populations exhibit extreme sensitivity to variations in temperature and precipitation, spotlighting the plight of insects in the face of adverse weather conditions and climate change. 



A new study led by the <a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/university/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Würzburg</a> demonstrates that abnormal weather events, occurring consecutively or in combination over several years, can significantly deplete insect populations. 



Unusually dry and warm winters diminish insect survival probabilities, wet and cold springs impair hatching success, and cool, wet summers obstruct the reproductive and foraging activities of bumblebees and other flying insects. 



However, insect populations that reside in sufficiently large and high-quality habitats, marked by the presence of native plants and high structural richness, are more likely to withstand these adverse conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-insect-conservation-strategies">Rethinking insect conservation strategies</h2>



In light of the findings, the authors strongly advocate for the establishment of more high-quality habitats to preserve the myriad insect species. 



The significant decline in insect populations mandates urgent efforts to protect high-quality habitats across diverse landscapes. This includes agricultural, traffic, and settlement areas. 



The repercussions of climate change necessitate a transformation in scientific thinking and conservation practice, emphasizing the creation of resilient ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-insects-and-the-weather">Studying insects and the weather</h2>



The genesis of this important study traces back to the spring of 2022, when Professor Jörg Müller of Würzburg noticed an unusually high number of insects in forests and meadows. This observation was particularly intriguing given the prevalent narrative of the declining insect populations globally.



"The data from the study show that there was a dramatic collapse in 2005 and no recovery in the years that followed," says Jörg Müller, who is Professor of Animal Ecology at the Biocentre of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU). So could the large amount of insects he "felt" in 2022 be real?



This sparked a rigorous analysis led by an interdisciplinary team, involving re-examination of the data from a study by Dutch researcher Caspar A. Hallmann in 2017. 



Hallmann's research had illustrated a staggering 75% decline in insect biomass in German nature reserves from 1989 to 2016. The interdisciplinary team incorporated freshly procured weather data and evaluated the impacts of weather anomalies on various life stages of insects.



The rigorous analysis confirmed that the climate fluctuations post-2005 were predominantly detrimental to insects. However, the team discovered that the favorable weather conditions in 2022 were conducive to a surge in insect biomass, thereby corroborating Professor Müller's initial observations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-to-action">A call to action</h2>



Professor Annette Menzel of the <a href="https://www.tum.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Munich</a> emphasizes the urgent need to acknowledge that weather fluctuations caused by climate change are the principal driver behind declining insect populations worldwide. The pressing circumstances necessitate immediate and enhanced efforts to safeguard insects, emphasizing high-quality habitats and ecological balance.



"We need to be much more aware that climate change is already a major driver of the decline of insect populations. This needs to be thought about much more in science and conservation practice," says Annette Menzel, professor of ecoclimatology of the Technical University of Munich.



Professor Müller also proposes the initiation of a comprehensive insect biomass monitoring system aimed at regularly tracking the fluctuations in insect populations. Such a system would contribute to nuanced analyses and informed conservation strategies.



The novel insights and strategies emerging from this research underscore the critical intersection between climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. The scientists involved in this study urge swift, collective action to counteract the dwindling insect populations and preserve the delicate ecological balance integral to our planet's well-being. 



The collaboration between renowned universities and national parks has not only brought to light the intricate dynamics governing insect populations, but has also paved the way for innovative, sustainable solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.



This report, published in the<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06402-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> journal Nature</a>, was a collaboration among the University of Würzburg, Bavarian Forest National Park, TU Dresden, Berchtesgaden National Park, TU Munich, and the University of Zurich.



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Rise and fall of insect populations directly linked to the weather

Insect populations exhibit extreme sensitivity to variations in temperature and...

A recent study led by Dr. CUI Yuzhu has confirmed that a supermassive black hole is spinning in the center of the nearby radio galaxy M87.&nbsp;



The study, which is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06479-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>, was conducted by an international team of scientists using an array of radio telescopes from around the globe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-m87-s-oscillating-jet">M87's oscillating jet</h2>



Situated 55 million light-years away from Earth, M87 harbors a colossal black hole that is approximately 6.5 billion times the Sun’s mass.&nbsp;



The galaxy exhibits a fascinating oscillating jet, moving up and down at an amplitude of around 10 degrees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-decades-of-data">Two decades of data</h2>



The team meticulously analyzed telescope data spanning from 2000 to 2022, revealing a recurrent 11-year cycle in the jet base’s precessional motion.&nbsp;



This discovery is consistent with predictions made by Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, linking the jet's dynamic behavior directly to the central supermassive black hole's spin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazing-discovery-nbsp">Amazing discovery&nbsp;</h2>



The analysis indicates that the rotational axis of the accretion disk misaligns with the black hole's spin axis, leading to the precessional jet. This precession provides clear evidence that the supermassive black hole in M87 is, in fact, spinning.



"We are thrilled by this significant finding," said study co-author CUI Yuzhu, a postdoctoral researcher at <a href="https://en.zhejianglab.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zhejiang Lab</a>. "Since the misalignment between the black hole and the disk is relatively small and the precession period is around 11 years, accumulating high-resolution data tracing M87's structure over two decades and thorough analysis are essential to obtain this achievement."



"After the success of black hole imaging in this galaxy with the EHT, whether this black hole is spinning or not has been a central concern among scientists," added Dr. Kazuhiro Hada from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. "Now anticipation has turned into certainty. This monster black hole is indeed spinning."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-significance">Historical significance</h2>



M87 holds historical significance in the field of astronomy as it was where the first observational astrophysical jet was identified in 1918.&nbsp;



Due to its relative proximity to Earth, scientists have been able to study the jet formation regions near its black hole in intricate detail using Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI).&nbsp;



This technique was crucial in obtaining high-resolution data, such as the recent black hole shadow images captured with the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spinning-black-holes">Spinning black holes</h2>



Supermassive black holes, like the one in M87, are recognized as disruptive celestial bodies, with the ability to accrete massive amounts of material and generate powerful plasma outflows, or jets.&nbsp;



These jets travel at speeds approaching that of light, extending thousands of light-years into space.&nbsp;



The spin of the black holes plays a crucial role in this process, extracting energy from the black hole itself, thus propelling surrounding material outwards with significant energy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frame-dragging-nbsp">Frame-dragging&nbsp;</h2>



This spin also induces a significant impact on the surrounding spacetime, dragging nearby objects along its axis of rotation, a phenomenon known as "frame-dragging."&nbsp;



This effect, predicted by Einstein’s theory, contributes to the precessional motion of the jet, providing irrefutable evidence of the black hole’s spin.



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



Over 20 telescopes worldwide participated in the study, with contributions from China's Tianma 65-meter and Xinjiang 26-meter radio telescopes, known for their high sensitivity and angular resolution.&nbsp;



Future contributions are expected from the Shigatse 40-meter radio telescope, currently under construction by the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, promising enhanced imaging capabilities due to its location on the Tibetan Plateau, an optimal site for sub-millimeter wavelength observations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-discoveries">Future discoveries</h2>



While providing valuable insights, the research also leaves some questions unanswered, including uncertainties regarding the accretion disk’s structure and the exact value of the M87 black hole’s spin.&nbsp;



Scientists expect to discover more sources with similar configurations, presenting an opportunity to improve our understanding of supermassive black holes.



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



Black holes, perhaps the most enigmatic entities in our universe, defy the boundaries of our understanding of physics and time. Born from the remnants of massive stars, they cloak themselves in a shroud of mystery and fascination, compelling scientists to incessantly unveil their secrets.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-and-characteristics">Formation and characteristics</h3>



Stars that possess about 20 times the mass of our Sun experience a dramatic demise, leading to the birth of black holes. When these stars exhaust their nuclear fuel, they can no longer support the gravitational forces pressing inward, causing them to collapse in a spectacular explosion known as a supernova. 



What remains is a core where gravity pulls everything into a single point known as a singularity, around which a boundary called the event horizon forms. Once an object crosses this threshold, escape becomes impossible, even for light, thus rendering the black hole invisible against the cosmic backdrop.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-black-holes">Types of black holes</h3>



Scientists categorize black holes into three primary types: stellar, supermassive, and intermediate. Stellar black holes result from the gravitational collapse of massive stars and typically possess up to 20 times the mass of the Sun. 



Supermassive black holes, lurking at the centers of galaxies, including our Milky Way, boast masses equivalent to millions or billions of suns. The existence of intermediate black holes, with masses between those of stellar and supermassive black holes, remains a subject of ongoing research and discussion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accretion-disk-and-hawking-radiation">Accretion disk and hawking radiation</h2>



Black holes draw nearby matter into a swirling accretion disk, where intense gravitational forces heat the material, causing it to emit X-rays and other forms of radiation. This emission allows scientists to observe and study black holes indirectly.



The concept of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-black-hole-creates-a-trail-of-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hawking Radiation</a>, proposed by physicist Stephen Hawking, suggests that black holes can also emit particles due to quantum mechanical effects near the event horizon, leading to a slow loss of mass and energy. This phenomenon implies that given enough time, black holes could eventually evaporate completely.



The relentless pursuit of knowledge by astronomers and physicists promises to uncover more layers of the mysteries enshrouded by black holes, gradually assembling the pieces of the cosmic puzzle and enriching our comprehension of the universe’s intricate tapestry.



Image Credit: Yuzhu Cui et al. 2023, Intouchable Lab@Openverse and Zhejiang Lab



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First direct proof that monster black hole is spinning

A recent study led by Dr. CUI Yuzhu has confirmed...

Recent research indicates that even short-term exposure to air pollution could significantly increase the risk of stroke.&nbsp;



This revelation comes from a comprehensive meta-analysis published by the <a href="https://www.aan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Academy of Neurology</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-term-exposure-nbsp">Short-term exposure&nbsp;</h2>



The study defines "short-term exposure" as any exposure occurring within five days prior to the stroke event.



“Previous research has established a connection between long-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of stroke. However, the correlation between short-term exposure to air pollution and stroke had been less clear," said study lead author Dr. Ahmad Toubasi from the <a href="https://www.ju.edu.jo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Jordan</a>.&nbsp;



"For our study, instead of looking at weeks or months of exposure, we looked at just five days and found a link between short-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of stroke.”



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



The experts reviewed 110 distinct studies, which collectively involved more than 18 million stroke cases. Key <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/specific-air-pollutants-linked-to-asthma-attacks-in-urban-children/">pollutants</a> such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide were the primary focus.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the researchers investigated the different sizes of particulate matter present in the air. This included PM1, particles that are less than 1 micron (μm) in diameter; PM2.5, minute inhalable particles emanating from vehicle exhaust, industrial fuel burning, and natural fires; and PM10, which captures dust from roads and construction sites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-stroke-risks">Increased stroke risks</h2>



The results of the study showed that exposure to elevated concentrations of these pollutants was directly associated with an increased stroke risk.



<ul>
<li>Nitrogen dioxide: 28% increased risk</li>



<li>Ozone: 5% increased risk</li>



<li>Carbon monoxide: 26% increased risk</li>



<li>Sulfur dioxide: 15% increased risk</li>



<li>PM1: 9% increased risk</li>



<li>PM2.5: 15% increased risk</li>



<li>PM10: 14% increased risk</li>
</ul>



These pollutants were also associated with a higher risk of death from stroke, with nitrogen dioxide leading to a 33% increased risk and sulfur dioxide resulting in a 60% increase.



“There is a strong and significant association between air pollution and the occurrence of stroke as well as death from stroke within five days of exposure," said Dr. Toubasi.



"This highlights the importance of global efforts to create policies that reduce air pollution. Doing so may reduce the number of strokes and their consequences.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-and-cardiovascular-health">Air pollution and cardiovascular health</h2>



Air pollution is known to have extremely detrimental impacts on health, particularly the cardiovascular system.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-attacks">Heart attacks</h3>



Air pollution is associated with a higher incidence of heart attacks. Particulate matter and toxic gases in polluted air can accelerate the formation of plaque in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of heart attacks.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stroke">Stroke</h3>



As found in the meta-analysis published in Neurology®, short-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of strokes. The pollutants can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to changes in the arteries that supply blood to the brain.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hypertension">Hypertension</h3>



Studies have shown that exposure to air pollution can result in elevated blood pressure levels. Pollutants may cause the blood vessels to constrict, leading to hypertension, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-failure">Heart failure</h3>



There is evidence that air pollution can exacerbate heart failure, where the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should. The pollutants can lead to inflammation, affecting the heart’s functionality and worsening pre-existing conditions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arrhythmias">Arrhythmias</h3>



Exposure to air pollution has been linked with irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Particulates and other pollutants can affect the heart's electrical activity, leading to arrhythmias, which can be dangerous if not managed.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-vein-thrombosis">Deep vein thrombosis</h3>



Research has found correlations between exposure to high levels of air pollution and an increased risk of developing DVT, a condition where blood clots form in veins deep in the body, usually in the legs.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-effects">Long-term effects</h3>



Chronic exposure to air pollution over the years can lead to persistent inflammation and stress on the cardiovascular system, resulting in long-term damage and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.



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Short-term exposure to air pollution increases stroke risk

Recent research indicates that even short-term exposure to air pollution...

Hundred-year storms on Earth? On Saturn, that's how long megastorms last, according to a new report from the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>.



Jupiter's iconic Great Red Spot is a megastorm that spans 10,000 miles in width and has been raging for at least 342 years, according to NASA. It is the largest known storm in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-earth-like-planet-may-be-hiding-just-beyond-neptune/">solar system</a>. 



In a new study, experts have revealed that Saturn - despite its unassuming appearance - also experiences lingering megastorms that leave marks on its atmosphere for centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-saturn-s-megastorms">Studying Saturn's megastorms</h2>



The research, conducted by astronomers from <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Berkeley</a> and the University of Michigan, was focused on radio emissions from Saturn, which come from below the surface. The results unveiled long-term disruptions in the distribution of ammonia gas.



The phenomenon of megastorms on Saturn, which arise roughly every two to three decades, bears a resemblance to Earth's hurricanes in terms of their cyclonic nature, but on a massively amplified scale.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-gas-giants">Understanding gas giants</h2>



Curiously, the driving force behind Saturn's <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Saturn_northern-storm_cassini_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">megastorms</a> is a mystery. What is understood, however, is that Saturn's atmosphere is dominantly composed of hydrogen and helium, with smaller quantities of methane, water, and ammonia.



Imke de Pater of UC Berkeley has invested over four decades in studying gas giants. The focus of his research is to better understand the composition of these planets and what makes them unique, using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array to probe the radio emissions from deep inside the planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-perspective-nbsp">A new perspective&nbsp;</h2>



Study lead author Cheng Li noted that the latest findings from Saturn offer a profound perspective.



"Understanding the mechanisms of the largest storms in the solar system puts the theory of hurricanes into a broader cosmic context, challenging our current knowledge and pushing the boundaries of terrestrial meteorology," said Li.&nbsp;



"At radio wavelengths, we probe below the visible cloud layers on giant planets. Radio observations help characterize dynamical, physical and chemical processes."



The researchers found something very unexpected in the radio emissions from Saturn - anomalies in the concentration of ammonia gas in the planet's atmosphere. The experts connected these abnormalities to past occurrences of megastorms in the planet's northern hemisphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conclusions-about-saturn-s-megastorms">Conclusions about Saturn's megastorms </h2>



The team's observations reveal that while ammonia concentrations dip at mid-altitudes, they show an enriching trend at lower altitudes, ranging from 100 to 200 kilometers further down.&nbsp;



This shift in ammonia distribution is believed to be the result of precipitation followed by evaporation processes - effects that can persist for centuries.



The <a href="https://science.nrao.edu/facilities/vla" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array</a>, part of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, is a prized facility under the U.S. National Science Foundation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysteries-of-saturn">Mysteries of Saturn</h2>



Many other mysteries of the fascinating planet Saturn still await exploration and understanding by scientists.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hexagon-storm-on-the-north-pole">Hexagon storm on the north pole</h3>



Saturn's north pole hosts a hexagon-shaped storm that has been persistent for decades, if not longer.&nbsp;



Each side of the hexagon is approximately 13,800 kilometers (8,600 miles) long. Scientists are uncertain how such a geometrically precise structure can maintain its shape for such a long period.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rotational-period">Rotational period</h3>



Determining Saturn's exact rotational period has proven difficult. This is primarily because the planet is a gas giant, and different latitudes can rotate at different speeds.&nbsp;



The Voyager spacecraft measurements indicated a period of about 10 hours and 39 minutes, but later measurements from the Cassini spacecraft were inconsistent with these findings.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interior-composition">Interior composition</h3>



Though it's known that Saturn is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, the exact distribution and state of these elements in its interior are not fully understood.&nbsp;



The core's composition and the transition between the core and the outer envelope are subjects of ongoing study.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saturn-s-rings">Saturn’s rings</h3>



Astronomers still debate the origin and age of Saturn’s rings. Some believe the rings are as old as the Solar System, while others think they may have formed more recently. Scientists also do not fully understand the processes that govern their dynamics, stability, and longevity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetic-field">Magnetic field</h3>



The magnetic field of Saturn is unusual because it aligns almost perfectly with the planet's rotation axis. The mechanisms that generate and maintain this magnetic field, as well as its alignment, are still unknown.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moons-influence">Moons’ influence</h3>



Saturn has <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-now-leads-the-solar-system-moon-race-with-145/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">145 known moons</a>, and each may have an intricate relationship with the planet and its rings. The interaction between the moons, rings, and the planet itself is complex and not yet fully explained.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-titan-s-methane-lakes">Titan's methane lakes</h3>



Titan, one of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-new-image-of-saturns-rings-and-several-moons-captured-by-jwst/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moons</a>, has liquid methane lakes and rivers. The processes that cycle methane in the form of rain, rivers, and lakes - comparable to Earth's water cycle - are intriguing and still under investigation.



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Megastorms on Saturn rage for centuries and leave marks

Hundred-year storms on Earth? On Saturn, that's how long megastorms...

A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a> has revealed a new kind of earthquake threat to the Pacific Northwest. The examination of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-rings-reveal-the-shocking-extent-of-arctic-air-pollution/">tree rings</a> helped the researchers pinpoint a significant seismic event in the Puget Lowlands in western Washington around late A.D. 923 or early 924.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devastating-seismic-activity">Devastating seismic activity</h2>



The team discovered that similar shallow faults, located less than 18 miles beneath the surface, ruptured approximately 1,000 years ago, mirroring the recent earthquakes that devastated the Turkey-Syria border.&nbsp;



The 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria was followed by one nearly as large nine hours later. Shallow faults less than 18 miles beneath the surface buckled. The violent earthquakes leveled thousands of buildings and killed more than 50,000 people.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earthquake-threat">Earthquake threat</h2>



The new earthquake threat that has been uncovered by the Arizona team poses a significant risk to over 4 million residents across the Pacific Northwest, including major cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia.&nbsp;



The researchers noted that the ancient quake in this region could have either been a solitary event with an estimated magnitude of 7.8 or a sequence of twin quakes occurring consecutively, with magnitudes of about 7.5 and 7.3.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linked-faulting">Linked faulting</h2>



One of the striking revelations of the study was the interconnectedness of the shallow faults. According to study first author Professor Bryan Black, these events on shallow faults are intricately linked, either through subterranean connections or through the transference of stress from one fault to another.&nbsp;



Regional hazard models, used to develop engineering design and policies, don't currently reflect the possibility of this earthquake threat - but should, said Professor Black.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shallow-faults">Shallow faults</h2>



Scientists have been finding shallow faults in the region since the 1960s, when the Seattle Fault was first discovered, followed by the Saddle Mountain Fault, which runs along the eastern foothills of the Olympic Mountains, and the Tacoma and Olympia faults.



"These are four shallow faults that had shown evidence of having ruptured roughly 1,000 years ago in a cluster of earthquakes called the millennial cluster," Black said. "A 25-foot cliff was thrusted into the air from west Seattle out to Puget Sound. It also triggered a local tsunami and landslides that stripped mountainsides of whole forests and discarded them into nearby lakes Washington and Sammamish."



Prior to this study, it was not known when and how these faults last gave out. "These quakes could have ruptured at the same time, hours apart or centuries apart," said Black. "We weren't sure."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synchronous-timing-of-death">Synchronous timing of death</h2>



To investigate, the researchers explored the Pacific Northwest’s rugged terrain, collecting samples from tree stumps that perished during previous seismic activities.&nbsp;



The team utilized underwater chainsaws, powered by generators placed on makeshift barges, to extract samples from trees that died during the millennial cluster of earthquakes.&nbsp;



The experts compared the growth patterns of these ancient trees with those still living, discovering a synchronicity in the time of death across trees situated along different fault lines.



The tree deaths, occurring during their dormant season, provided crucial insight into the timing of the ancient seismic events, narrowed down to late fall through early spring of late 923 to early 924.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hazardous-conditions-nbsp">Hazardous conditions&nbsp;</h2>



"Combined, the evidence showed us that these trees from across the region died together, and this was in fact a linked event," said Black.&nbsp;



"We've taken uncertainties around these two faults that used to span decades or centuries and narrowed it down to within one season. It's a much different scenario if we have earthquakes on these two faults separated by 100 years versus 100 hours."



"Demonstrating that these faults can rupture synchronously or in very rapid succession has really changed what we understand about the hazard in the region."



However, current hazard models don't currently recognize that linked faulting is possible, he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-succession-nbsp">Rapid succession&nbsp;</h2>



"If Saddle Mountain and Seattle faults went together it would be on par with the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco," Black said. "Or, like the quakes in Turkey, they can also go at rapid succession."&nbsp;



"If that were the case, the infrastructure and landforms already weakened by one quake are then going to get the knockout punch with a second quake. It will still be quite destructive: thrusting up water mains, severing roads, triggering landslides and local tsunamis."



Luckily, he said, the bigger and more severe the quake, the less frequent it is. Earthquakes of this size are relatively uncommon.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adh4973">Science Advances</a>.



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Violent earthquake threat in the Pacific Northwest revealed in tree rings

A recent study led by the University of Arizona has...

A new study suggests that male zebra finches prioritize winning a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-zebra-finches-choose-mates-based-on-their-dialects/">mate</a> above all other tasks, and that these intentions are reflected in dopamine-releasing brain cells.



The researchers found that the presence of a potential mate causes the males to drop what they are doing immediately shift their focus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-priorities">Shifting priorities</h2>



A male zebra finch is often engrossed in a task like finding water or refining the song taught to him by his father. The study shows that these activities quickly take a backseat the moment he perceives the proximity of a female.&nbsp;



The study was co-authored by Dr. Vikram Gadagkar, a lead investigator at Columbia’s <a href="https://zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zuckerman Institute</a>, and graduate student Andrea Roeser of Cornell University..



“The males stop worrying about anything else and, for the first time, we have found signs of that re-prioritization in the behavior of specific brain cells,” said Dr. Gadagkar.



“Our findings could help explain what our brains are doing when they shift gears as different opportunities arise and as our priorities change."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dopamine-signals-nbsp">Dopamine signals&nbsp;</h2>



Historically, Dr. Gadagkar and his team have been tracking male zebra finches as they practiced their songs to serenade females.&nbsp;



The researchers found that when a bird made a mistake while rehearsing, there was a notable decline in the dopamine - a chemical signal generated by particular brain cells.&nbsp;



“Dopamine seems to function as an internal error signal, helping the bird to realize that it has made a blunder and did not quite replicate the song it had memorized,” said Dr. Gadagkar.&nbsp;



Previously, the researchers had found that when birds get the song right, dopamine production is boosted and acts as an internal reward signal for their good performance.&nbsp;



For the current study, the researchers measured variations in dopamine in situations where a bird must choose between several objectives such as practicing its song, finding water, or pursuing a mate.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-track-mind">One-track mind</h2>



The experts discovered that the dopamine error signals, which previously played a role in tasks like finding water or practicing songs, were notably muted when courtship was in the picture.&nbsp;



In addition, the dopamine reward signal was amplified when the bird's song succeeded in fetching return calls from a female.



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



“We think this is the first demonstration of a socially driven shift of dopaminergic error signals,” said Dr. Gadagkar.&nbsp;



“The big idea here is that your self-evaluation system, which you're using to learn when you're practicing, might be dialed down or switched off when you're performing and your dopamine system instead becomes primed to receiving social feedback.”&nbsp;&nbsp; 



“A big question for us now is whether these systems may be widely at play when it comes to learning many kinds of behaviors, including speaking, singing, playing an instrument and all kinds of behaviors where learning depends on internal self evaluations."



“Now I want to know if this same circuitry might be much more general-purpose than anyone previously had thought.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-zebra-finch-courtship-nbsp">More about zebra finch courtship&nbsp;</h2>



Zebra finches, native to the Central Australian grasslands, exhibit unique and fascinating courtship behaviors which are integral for mate selection and bonding.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-male-initiation">Male initiation</h3>



Male zebra finches typically initiate the courtship process. During this phase, the males showcase their vitality and genetic fitness to attract potential female partners. They employ a combination of visual and auditory displays, including brightly colored feathers, dynamic dances, and melodic songs.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-courtship-song">Courtship song</h3>



One of the most distinctive elements in their courtship is the male's song. Each male zebra finch develops a unique song during their juvenile stage, primarily learned from their fathers or other adult males within the vicinity.&nbsp;



The courtship song is more complex and structured compared to their regular communication chirps. Males sing to attract females, with each song being distinctive, allowing the females to identify and choose their preferred mates.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dance-display">Dance display</h3>



Apart from singing, male zebra finches also engage in a dance display. They puff up their chests, flutter their wings, and hop around to garner attention from the females.&nbsp;



This dance, paired with their vibrant songs, creates a comprehensive display designed to entice and woo potential mates.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-female-selection">Female selection</h3>



Female zebra finches play a critical role in mate selection. They evaluate the males based on their songs and displays, choosing a partner whose traits are most appealing or suitable for producing offspring.&nbsp;



Females may consider the complexity, volume, and pitch of the male's song, as well as their overall health and vigor, before making a selection.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bond-formation">Bond formation</h3>



Once a female selects a mate, the pair forms a strong bond, often mating for life. This bond is reinforced through mutual grooming, feeding, and coordinated activities. The strong partnership ensures collaborative efforts in building nests, incubating eggs, and raising their offspring.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nesting-behavior">Nesting behavior</h3>



After the courtship and bonding, the pair engage in nesting behaviors. Male zebra finches actively participate in nest-building, collecting materials like twigs and feathers to construct a safe and comfortable environment for their eggs and future chicks.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06580-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Love on the brain: Male zebra finches drop everything to pursue a mate

A new study suggests that male zebra finches prioritize winning...

New research uncovers fascinating links between the mathematical foundations of pattern formation, Alan Turing, and the dynamic movement of sperm tails as they are swimming. This connection provides insights not only into biological processes but also has implications for advancements in robotic technology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turing-s-pioneering-pattern-principles">Turing’s pioneering pattern principles</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-late-alan-turing-helps-to-solve-a-birdwatching-mystery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alan Turing</a>, predominantly recognized for decrypting the enigma code during WWII, contributed significantly to the comprehension of natural patterns. Turing’s reaction-diffusion theory proposed that patterns in nature could spontaneously form due to the interaction and diffusion of chemicals, even with just two components involved. 



The universal patterns envisioned by Turing are now referred to as Turing patterns and are believed to be the underlying principle for various natural patterns including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-have-solved-the-mystery-of-fur-patterns-in-cats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leopard spots</a> and seed arrangements in sunflowers, although direct experimental validation is still pending.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flagellar-undulation-and-turing-patterns">Flagellar undulation and Turing patterns</h2>



The recent study spearheaded by mathematician <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Hermes-Gadelha-d024bd20-e1b7-4c53-af70-94acac5c6425/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Hermes Gadêlha</a> and his PhD student James Cass from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> reveals that the movement of flagella, found in structures like sperm tails and cilia, abide by the same mathematical principles Turing set for pattern formation. Flagella create spatial-temporal stripe patterns through undulations, generating waves along their structure to propel sperm and microbes.



The team, deriving inspiration from recent observations in low viscosity fluids, utilized mathematical modeling, simulations, and data fitting to demonstrate that the undulations in flagella can form spontaneously without being influenced by the surrounding environment. 



In instances like sperm swimming, the chemical reactions of molecular motors energize the flagellum, dispersing bending movements along the tail in waves. These discoveries highlight the inherent capability of flagella to maintain motion in environments with low viscosity, essential for the survival of numerous aquatic microorganisms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-universal-application-and-future-prospects">Universal application and future prospects</h2>



The synchronization between visual patterns and movement patterns is remarkable and opens up prospects for more extensive applications. The new insights may lead to enhanced understanding of fertility complications and other ciliopathies resulting from dysfunctional cilia in human bodies. 



Moreover, the implications of this study extend to developing innovative robotic applications, artificial muscles, and animated materials by employing the discovered 'mathematical recipe' for creating movement patterns.



Dr. Gadêlha, a member of the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/engineering/research/softlab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SoftLab</a> at Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL), applies pattern formation mathematics to pioneer the development of the next generation of soft robots. 



“In 1952, Turing unveiled the reaction-diffusion basis of chemical patterns,” remarked Dr. Gadêlha. “We demonstrate that the cellular world’s ‘atom’ of motion, the flagellum, employs Turing's template to shape patterns of movement, propelling sperm forwards."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-encouragement-for-more-research">Encouragement for more research</h2>



The synchronization of Turing's reaction-diffusion system with flagellar movements is a stride towards decoding spontaneous animation in nature mathematically. 



However, Dr. Gadêlha emphasizes that their model is yet too simple to capture the entire complexity of nature's patterns. He believes there could be other models that align equally or even better with experiments, which are yet unknown, emphasizing the need for continued and extensive research in this domain.



This intriguing study was accomplished with the support of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (<a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/epsrc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPSRC</a>) and a DTP studentship for James Cass’s PhD. It has successfully laid the foundation for future research by establishing an unanticipated connection between Turing’s mathematical principles of pattern formation and the intricate movements seen in flagella. 



This research brings us a step closer to understanding the fascinating patterns of nature and applying them innovatively across various scientific fields.



The full study was published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-40338-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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What links zebras to sperm swimming? Science never ceases to amaze

New research uncovers fascinating links between the mathematical foundations of...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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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...

She introduced herself, mentioning that their family were fishing fanatics. They had stumbled across the ring … but could the person or people on the other end describe it accurately? They weren’t about to accidentally give someone else’s wedding memento to a complete stranger.

Making Sure

“Yes, we lost a wedding band. But that was years ago. Who is this?” Minni squealed loudly, waking Joel up with such a start that his chair folded like a mousetrap from under him. Before they could move forward, both Minni and her husband had made one simple rule.