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 

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>&nbsp;features the port city of Derna on the northeastern coast of Libya, where heavy rainfall caused catastrophic flooding that killed thousands of people.&nbsp;



"On September 10 and 11, over 100 millimeters (4 inches) of rain fell on Derna. The city lies at the end of a long, narrow valley, called a wadi, which is dry except during the rainy season," explained NASA.



"Floods triggered two dams along the wadi to collapse. The failure of the second dam, located just one kilometer inland of Derna, unleashed 3- to 7-meter-high floodwater that tore through the city. According to news reports, the flash floods destroyed roads and swept entire neighborhoods out to sea."



The image was captured by the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9 on September 18. It shows the eroded banks of Wadi Derna, and muddy water off the coast.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"Preliminary estimates by the United Nations Satellite Center (UNOSAT) indicate that 3,100 buildings in Derna were damaged by rushing water. According to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM), about 40,000 people in the country were displaced by the storm, and 30,000 of those were displaced from Derna," said NASA.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Aftermath of catastrophic flooding in Derna, Libya

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features the western region of Morocco, where a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck on September 8, 2023. The violent earthquake killed thousands of people and many are still missing more than a week later.



"The damage proxy map shown above is a NASA Earth Observatory version of a map created by the Earth Observatory of Singapore - Remote Sensing Lab (EOS-RS). The map uses modified Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite data processed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and with software originally developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Caltech," said NASA.



"To map the landscape, including buildings, Sentinel-1’s radar sends pulses of microwaves toward Earth’s surface and 'listens' for reflected echoes of those waves. In the map above, the damage proxy data from EOS-RS was laid over a Landsat 9 image and combined with a digital elevation model based on data collected by the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission."



According to NASA, the most severe destruction occurred in small rural villages in the High Atlas Mountains. Near the epicenter, entire communities were destroyed.



A resident of the town of Tinzert, Hakim Idlhousein, told CNN that it took just 10 seconds for his whole village to disappear. The homes have been reduced to rubble, and the survivors are still waiting for government aid. These hardest-hit regions have been difficult to reach after roads were destroyed by the earthquake.&nbsp;



"Help has been slow to come and has so far mostly consisted of food and water brought up into the mountains in private cars by volunteers from across Morocco," reported CNN.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Entire villages destroyed by earthquake in the High Atlas Mountains

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Cook Strait, which separates New Zealand's North and South Islands.



"Named after James Cook, who was the first European to sail through it, the PoipuCook Strait is just 23 km wide at its narrowest point, so on a clear day it is possible to see across the strait. However, it is also renowned as one of the roughest and most unpredictable stretches of water in the world, owing to strong winds, conflicting currents and variable tides," says ESA.



"This dynamic environment is depicted here by the various shades of blue in the water and swirls. Both shores feature steep cliffs which, in the image, result in the white colour caused by the big waves crashing against the rocky coast."



New Zealand is a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, consisting of two main islands, both marked by volcanoes and glaciation. It is known for its stunning and diverse landscapes, which include beaches, mountains, forests, lakes, and farmland. The capital city is Wellington, while the most populous city is Auckland, both located in the North Island.



The country is renowned for its strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. It has a diverse economy with key sectors including tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. New Zealand is famous for its dairy industry, especially the export of products like milk and cheese.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Cook Strait, New Zealand

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 Mendenhall Glacier - a stunning glacier located about 13 miles from downtown Juneau in Southeast Alaska. Mendenhall is easily accessible and is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year.&nbsp;



The photograph was captured on July 28, 2023 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8. When compared to a previous image captured in 1985 by Landsat 5, scientists found that Mendenhall had retreated by about one mile.



According to NASA, thinning has also taken a toll on the glacier during the past four decades, causing it to narrow by about 2,000 feet at the bend closest to its front.



"Mendenhall Glacier started retreating in the mid-1700s following a period of glaciation that began 3,000 years ago. But in recent decades, Alaska has been warming twice as fast as the rest of the United States, helping to push the region’s glaciers into an especially steep decline," said NASA.



"The Juneau Icefield, of which Mendenhall Glacier is a part, lost 63 out of 1,050 small glaciers inventoried between 2005 and 2019. During that same period, the icefield lost 10 percent of its glacier area."



The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center provides excellent views of the glacier and offers interpretive programs about the natural history of the glacier. The center is a popular destination for tourists visiting Juneau.



There are several activities available for tourists including guided walks, boat tours, and even ice cave explorations. The glacier and its surroundings also offer opportunities for wildlife viewing.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Mendenhall Glacier in Southeast Alaska

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a dark patch of water located east of the Delmarva Peninsula. The image was captured on May 6, 2023 by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite.&nbsp;



"The bright, silvery appearance of much of the water is due to sunglint - an optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight reflects off the surface of the water at the same angle that a satellite sensor views it. The result is mirror-like specular reflection that shows up as long, bright areas in MODIS data," explains NASA.



"The 'roughness' of the water surface can influence how sunglint areas appear in MODIS images - sometimes creating distinctive patterns within them. Most of the time, winds create enough waves and choppiness in the water that light gets reflected in a variety of directions (diffuse reflection) as it hits the sea surface."&nbsp;



With weaker winds, the sea surface is smooth. This was the case at the time the photograph was captured along the U.S. East Coast.



Scott Bachmeier is a research meteorologist with the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.



“Within a region of light winds, the appearance of the rather flat underlying water surface - either darker than adjacent water, or extremely bright - depends on the sun-satellite geometry,” explains Bachmeier.



Chuanmin Hu is a professor of Optical Oceanography at the University of South Florida.



“In this case, the dark features were likely areas with very weak winds,” says Professor Hu. ”But other things that change the ‘roughness’ of the water can lead to changes in sunglint patterns as well. These include oil slicks, freshwater slicks, ship wakes, ocean circulation, internal waves, and ocean circulation.”



“Some of the narrow dark features inside Delaware Bay and Chesapeake Bay may be partly due to freshwater, but freshwater slicks are not generally as large as the main dark patch visible east of the Delmarva Peninsula."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Dark features appear near the Delmarva Peninsula

She felt something move. She screamed as she jumped back. She was disgusted and horrified. The scream echoed throughout the house and caused Joel to rush to her aid. His eyes widened when he saw the scene in front of him.

Disgusted And Horrified

In a revolutionary discovery that further intensifies the debate surrounding extraterrestrial life, astronomers utilizing NASA’s <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> have detected the presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Europa_carbon-discovery-image_JWST_1big.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> on Jupiter’s moon, Europa. 



This vital find opens the gateway to a plethora of speculations and possibilities regarding the existence of conditions conducive to life, considering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stealth-ocean-discovered-on-one-of-saturns-moons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa</a> is one of the few worlds in our solar system believed to potentially harbor life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beneath-the-icy-crust-a-saltwater-ocean">Beneath the icy crust: A saltwater ocean</h2>



Previous studies highlighted the existence of a salty ocean beneath Europa’s water-ice crust, concealing a rocky seafloor. However, what eluded scientists was the confirmation of whether this ocean housed life-essential chemicals, specifically carbon. 



The breakthrough findings from the Webb have now identified <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Europa_carbon-discovery-image_JWST_2big.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> in a region known as Tara Regio on Europa's icy surface, an area also known for its “chaos terrain” due to the disrupted surface ice and indications of material exchange between the ocean and the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-source-of-carbon-an-internal-gift">Source of carbon: An internal gift</h2>



Analysis reveals this identified carbon likely originates from the subsurface ocean and is not a product of external entities like meteorites, dismissing prior uncertainties regarding its origin. Its presence in a geologically young area suggests its deposition on a relatively recent timescale, adding a crucial layer to our understanding of Europa’s potential habitability.



“Understanding the chemistry of Europa’s ocean will help us determine whether it’s hostile to life as we know it, or if it might be a good place for life,” stated Geronimo Villanueva of NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a>, the lead author of one of the illuminating papers describing the findings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-extraterrestrial-life">Implications for extraterrestrial life</h2>



These revelations bear immense significance as they not only strengthen the claims of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-confirms-an-ocean-on-europa-may-be-habitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa’s ocean</a> potentially being a refuge for life but also help to decipher the intricate chemical composition of the ocean. 



Carbon, being the backbone of life as we comprehend it, its presence and origin in Europa provide pivotal insights into the conditions and possibilities of life on this distant moon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-ocean-surface-connection">Insights into ocean-surface connection</h2>



There has been extensive debate among scientists about the extent of connectivity between Europa’s ocean and its surface. 



“This suggests that we may be able to learn some basic things about the ocean’s composition even before we drill through the ice to get the full picture,” Villanueva added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-s-near-infrared-spectrograph">Webb's Near-Infrared Spectrograph</h2>



The utilization of the integral field unit of Webb’s <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/content/observatory/instruments/nirspec.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Near-Infrared Spectrograph</a> (NIRSpec) enabled astronomers to pinpoint the location of specific chemicals, giving an unprecedented glimpse into the chemical localization on Europa’s surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-for-future-missions">Significance for future missions</h2>



The discoveries not only shape the direction of future research endeavors but also form the basis for upcoming missions, notably NASA’s <a href="https://europa.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa Clipper</a> spacecraft, set to launch in October 2024. It is designed to perform numerous close flybys of Europa to delve deeper into its potential to support life. 



Additionally, these findings will significantly inform ESA’s forthcoming <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Juice" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer</a> (JUICE) mission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plume-activity-a-continuous-enigma">Plume activity: A continuous enigma</h2>



While the new data does not reveal any evidence of plume activity, it does establish a stringent upper limit on the rate of material potentially being ejected. However, the non-detection of plumes doesn’t conclusively rule out their existence. 



“All we can say with 100% confidence is that we did not detect a plume at Europa when we made these observations with Webb,” stated Heidi Hammel from the <a href="https://www.aura-astronomy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy</a>.



In summary, the revelation of carbon dioxide on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jupiters-moons-are-warming-each-other-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa’s surface</a> is a monumental stride in our pursuit of extraterrestrial life, enriching our understanding of this distant moon and its ocean’s chemistry. As researchers continue to unravel Europa’s mysteries, the knowledge acquired will be pivotal for forthcoming missions and explorations, potentially rewriting our understanding of life in the universe. 



The publication of these findings in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adg4270" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two separate</a> studies in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adg4155" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a> stands as a testament to the unrelenting human endeavor to reach beyond the known and explore the unseen realms of our universe.



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



Jupiter's moon, Europa, draws attention as one of the most intriguing celestial bodies in our solar system due to its potential to harbor life. With its icy façade and underlying mysteries, Europa kindles curiosity and exploratory fervor among scientists and space enthusiasts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concealed-oceanic-wonder">Concealed oceanic wonder</h3>



Beneath its icy shell, Europa conceals a vast ocean of salty liquid water. Scientists believe that this ocean harbors twice the amount of water found on Earth, making it a prime location in the search for extraterrestrial life. The icy crust encapsulating this ocean possibly ranges from 10 to 30 kilometers in thickness, acting as a shield against Jupiter's harsh radiation belts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tantalizing-geology">Tantalizing geology</h3>



Europa presents a dynamic and complex geological surface. It possesses a predominantly water-ice surface, intertwined with a myriad of fractures and ridges. Some areas, known as "chaos terrains," exhibit disrupted and restructured ice, indicative of potential exchanges between the subsurface ocean and the surface, a phenomenon that further fuels scientific inquiries into Europa's internal activities.



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



The magnetic field measurements taken by the Galileo spacecraft hint at the existence of a subsurface conductive layer, speculated to be Europa's salty ocean. This presumed ocean could be a host to hydrothermal vents on the seafloor, which, on Earth, support diverse and robust ecosystems, fostering hopes for the presence of life in Europa's dark, submerged world.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radiation-scarred-surface">Radiation-scarred surface</h3>



Europa endures a relentless bombardment of intense radiation from Jupiter’s magnetic field, which scars its surface and creates a hostile environment. However, this radiation also interacts with the icy surface to produce oxidants, compounds that could potentially fuel life in the subsurface ocean.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-astrobiology">Potential for astrobiology</h3>



The presence of essential elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, and now, as recent discoveries suggest, carbon dioxide, elevate Europa's status as a prime candidate in the search for life beyond Earth. Scientists postulate that the interplay between the irradiated surface and the concealed ocean could generate the chemical energy necessary for life to thrive.



Europa, with its concealed ocean and compelling geological features, stands as a beacon in our pursuit of unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos. The prospect of life in its hidden, watery realms propels scientific investigations and explorations, seeking to expand our knowledge of our solar system and life's existence within it. As advancements in technology pave the way for more in-depth explorations, Europa continues to tantalize our imaginations and beckon us closer to uncovering its secrets.



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Finding alien life on Europa just became a very likely scenario

In a revolutionary discovery that further intensifies the debate surrounding...

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-dogs-have-exceptional-learning-capacities/">Dogs</a> may be baffled by our slang and colloquial expressions, but their capacity to grasp human feelings and even parts of our language is remarkable.&nbsp;



Those who love dogs realize that these furry companions offer more than just playing fetch and pleading for snacks. They have evolved into compassionate confidants and crucial contributors to the emotional health of their owners.



Recently, the language tutoring company <a href="https://preply.com/">Preply</a> conducted a survey involving more than 1,000 dog owners in America to delve deeper into the interaction between humans and dogs, unveiling the complexities of their communication skills and ways of connecting with humans.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights-from-the-survey-nbsp">Key insights from the survey&nbsp;</h2>



<ol>
<li>The typical American dog comprehends 18 words used by humans.</li>



<li>For one in three owners, dogs are more emotionally attuned to them than their partners.</li>



<li>77 percent of those surveyed feel their dogs truly listen to them.</li>



<li>Beyond basic commands, the word “love” tops the list of human words understood by dogs.</li>



<li>Around one-third of owners note their dogs’ excitement during FaceTime calls.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-recognizing-human-language-nbsp">Dogs recognizing human language&nbsp;</h2>



The survey revealed that the average dog in America understands 18 words, a vocabulary extending beyond the usual commands. Interestingly, “love” and “happy” are among the recognized words, indicating dogs’ awareness of affectionate and positive terms.&nbsp;



These findings add another layer to our comprehension of dogs’ cognitive abilities, suggesting that a profound emotional connection exists between dogs and humans.&nbsp;



A substantial 66 percent of those surveyed perceive their dogs more as humans than pets, showcasing the familial status of dogs in households.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-ten-words">Top ten words</h2>



Here are the top 10 words that the dogs recognize (excluding widely used commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “outside” etc.):



<ol>
<li>Love</li>



<li>Car</li>



<li>Cookie</li>



<li>Bye-bye</li>



<li>Baby</li>



<li>Grandma</li>



<li>Home&nbsp;</li>



<li>Ice cream</li>



<li>TV</li>



<li>Happy</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication-beyond-words-nbsp">Communication beyond words&nbsp;</h2>



The essence of communication is deeply rooted in the desire for connection, which is evident in the interactions between dogs and their owners.&nbsp;



The survey demonstrates that communication transcends words, fostering a deep emotional understanding, acknowledged by both dog owners and language enthusiasts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feeling-understood-by-canine-companions-nbsp">Feeling understood by canine companions&nbsp;</h2>



The study reveals that dogs serve as empathetic listeners, with nearly half of the owners conversing with their dogs multiple times daily.&nbsp;



The frequency of these dialogues varies across genders and generations, but the outcome remains consistent – 77 percent of owners feel emotionally heard by their dogs. This indicates that dogs offer not just companionship but genuine emotional support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unparalleled-emotional-understanding">Unparalleled emotional understanding</h2>



The emotional rapport between dogs and humans is clearly unique, with dogs often providing more comfort than human partners.&nbsp;



A notable proportion of both male and female dog owners feel more understood by their dogs than their partners, emphasizing the extraordinary empathetic nature of our four-legged friends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shared-interests-and-technological-interaction">Shared interests and technological interaction</h2>



The survey also suggests that dogs are attuned to their owners’ interests and technological habits.&nbsp;



A considerable number of dogs exhibit excitement during video calls and react positively to social media sounds, showcasing their connection to our emotional states and experiences, even in the digital realm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-active-participants-in-communication-nbsp">Active participants in communication&nbsp;</h2>



Thus, the relationship between humans and dogs is significantly influenced by both spoken and emotional language.&nbsp;



Despite their inability to articulate human words or understand our colloquialisms, dogs respond to our emotions and expressions, proving they are active participants in communication rather than just passive recipients of our words.&nbsp;



These findings shed new light on how communication extends beyond spoken language, and could be applied in better understanding how humans learn new languages and devising novel approaches to teach linguistic skills.



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Typical American dog knows 18 words, and love is at the top of the list

Dogs may be baffled by our slang and colloquial expressions,...

Two recent studies led by <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/">Cornell University</a> has found that, although human-made ponds both sequester and release greenhouse gases, when added up, they may unfortunately be net emitters.&nbsp;



These studies aim to elucidate the consequential impacts of both anthropogenic and natural ponds on the global greenhouse gas budget – a field still shrouded in uncertainty.



“Global climate models and predictions rely on accurate accounting of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon storage,” said Meredith Holgerson, an assistant professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell and the senior author of both studies.



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



Prior estimates by Holgerson and her team suggest that ponds, categorized as bodies of water five hectares (12 acres) or smaller – with an estimated total of one billion such ponds globally – could be responsible for approximately five percent of global methane emissions.&nbsp;



However, the real figure might range from half to double of this estimate, highlighting the necessity for accurate measurements across diverse water bodies.



The first paper, “<a href="https://aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lol2.10351">High Rates of Carbon Burial Linked to Autochthonous Production in Artificial Ponds</a>,” published on August 18 in the journal Limnology and Oceanography Letters, examined the amount of carbon sequestered in 22 of the Cornell Experimental Ponds. Established in 1964, these 50 identical ponds offer meticulously controlled environments and a wealth of data from preceding research, enabling scientists to assess the impact of management activities on carbon storage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-sinking-rates">Carbon sinking rates</h2>



Through a comprehensive examination of past management practices and in-depth measurements of sediment cores and thickness, the researchers determined the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-sinks-are-a-powerful-weapon-against-climate-change/">carbon sinking</a> rates in these ponds. The findings revealed that these rates were comparable to those of wetlands and mangroves and surpassed those of lakes.



The experts also discovered the influential role of aquatic flora, fish, and certain nutrient ratios on carbon sinking rates. Proper nutrient balance enhances plant growth, leading to increased carbon deposition at the pond’s bottom after plant decay.



Despite the paucity of data on organic carbon sequestration in natural ponds, the extrapolation of their findings allowed the researchers to gauge the total carbon sinking rate in both natural and artificial ponds globally.&nbsp;



The investigation revealed that these ponds might account for 65 percent to 87 percent of the total carbon sequestered by all lakes, underscoring a global underestimation of carbon sequestration in ponds and lakes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-gas-emissions-nbsp">Greenhouse gas emissions&nbsp;</h2>



The second study, “<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023GL104235">High Intra-Seasonal Variability in Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Temperate Constructed Ponds</a>,” published on September 19 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, delved into the seasonal variance in greenhouse gas emissions, predominantly carbon dioxide and methane, from four Cornell Experimental Ponds.



“Global estimates of greenhouse gas budgets from ponds are highly uncertain, in part due to lack of temporal measurements,” said study lead author Nicholas Ray, a postdoctoral fellow in Holgerson’s lab.&nbsp;



The researchers found that methane, a gas 25 times more impactful on global warming than carbon dioxide, constituted the majority of the annual emissions, with significant seasonal fluctuations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regular-monitoring-is-needed">Regular monitoring is needed</h2>



The research outlined how ponds assimilate carbon dioxide during the plant growth season in early summer and release it later, with methane emissions being consistent but varying greatly on a week-to-week basis, indicating the necessity of regular monitoring.



Moreover, the study highlighted the correlation between water stratification, methane production, and increased emissions, emphasizing the significance of frequent sampling in mitigating methane levels.&nbsp;



The microbial production of methane on pond beds was found to be contingent on low-oxygen conditions, which is disrupted when water is mixed by winds or sudden cooling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-mitigation-strategies-nbsp">Methane mitigation strategies&nbsp;</h2>



Both studies reveal that, due to the substantial methane emissions, ponds are net contributors to greenhouse gases, overshadowing the carbon sequestered in the sediments.&nbsp;



However, the studies also highlight the potential for transitioning ponds from net emitters to net absorbers of greenhouse gases through the application of methane mitigation strategies, such as the use of bubblers or underwater circulators.



“If we could reduce that methane number, we could potentially flip these ponds from being net emitters to net sinks, but we have to get a handle on that methane,” Holgerson concluded.



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Ponds release more greenhouse gases than they store

Two recent studies led by Cornell University has found that,...

Beautiful,Mandrill,Portrait,Closeup,,Baboon,Monkey,With,Colorful,Face,And

In an intriguing new study, researchers from the University of Bristol explored the correlation between the color vision and coloration of primates. 



Contrary to popular belief, the study reveals that primate species with superior color vision are not necessarily more likely to exhibit red skin or fur coloration. This disrupts longstanding assumptions, suggesting the need for more nuanced explorations into the evolution of color in primates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-the-colorful-paradigm-in-primates">Redefining the colorful paradigm in primates</h2>



Historically, the vividness of primates' skin and fur has been linked to their enhanced color vision. The prevalent belief postulated that the enhanced ability to discern colors, particularly in distinguishing between red and green, has facilitated the evolution of vivid color traits in primates, enabling them to communicate effectively regarding fertility or social rank within their species. 



This advanced color visual system is generally considered to have evolved primarily to spot ripe red fruits or nutritious young red leaves among foliage easily. However, this new research has challenged this perspective, exploring the relationship between the color visual system and coloration in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-african-primates-face-multiple-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primates</a> more thoroughly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-the-spectrum">Investigating the spectrum</h2>



Lead author Robert MacDonald and his team methodically analyzed various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-primate-genome-project-reveals-hidden-evolutionary-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primate species</a>, categorizing them based on their colorful traits, such as red skin on the genital region or face and red-orange fur on different parts of the body. 



The researchers juxtaposed this color information with each species’ color visual ability, while considering factors such as diurnal or nocturnal lifestyles and the size of the social groups they inhabit. The central inquiry revolved around whether species with advanced color vision were more likely to have red coloration, with control for other potential influencing factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-the-findings">Implications of the findings</h2>



MacDonald’s findings cast a shadow on the hitherto accepted notions about the evolution of color in primates, asserting that superior color vision does not necessarily correlate with colorful skin or fur. 



“The fact that we didn't find that species with better color vision are more likely to be colorful contradicts some long-held assumptions,” states MacDonald, hinting at a potential reshaping of understanding about what colorful red skin or fur is used for in individual species.



This development underscores that while substantial research has investigated primate coloration, the community still lacks a comprehensive understanding of the pressures that have shaped the evolution of color in humanity’s closest relatives. 



As MacDonald and his team dissected the association between color vision and coloration, it became evident that the utility of red skin or red-orange fur may pertain more to social communication across various primate species, even those with less developed color vision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-relevance-of-colorful-primate-study">Broader relevance of colorful primate study</h2>



While primates, compared to other mammals, are exceptions in exhibiting vibrant colorations, the varied hues within primate species serve crucial communicative roles, signaling diverse biological and social information. 



Thus, red coloration in the primate world might have evolved not merely as a product of enhanced color vision but rather as a multifunctional tool, serving crucial roles in interspecies communication, which could be unrelated to their ability to perceive color.



The revelation that species with enhanced color vision are not more colorful contradicts widely held beliefs about the relationship between color vision and coloration in primates, and it calls for deeper explorations into the evolutionary pressures and benefits that have driven the development of color in these species.



This research, anchored by Robert MacDonald from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> and published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biolinnean/advance-article/doi/10.1093/biolinnean/blad089/7269140" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Journal of the Linnean Society</a>, unravels a novel perspective on the relation between color vision and coloration in primates, severing the perceived direct link between enhanced color vision and the development of vibrant red traits. 



These new insights necessitate a revisit and reevaluation of existing theories, promoting a deeper understanding of the role and evolution of color within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baboons-sacrifice-sleep-to-meet-lifes-daily-demands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primate</a> species, shedding light on the myriad unknown facets of our colorful closest relatives in the animal kingdom.



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Colorful primates, oddly enough, don't have great color vision

In an intriguing new study, researchers from the University of...

NASA is edging closer to the conclusion of its ambitious seven-year mission, aiming to prevent a catastrophic collision of a massive asteroid named <a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/asteroids-comets-and-meteors/asteroids/101955-bennu/overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bennu</a> with Earth. Recent findings have indicated that there's a 1 in 2700 chance of Bennu slamming into Earth on September 24, 2182.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-menace-of-asteroid-bennu">The menace of asteroid Bennu</h2>



Roughly the size of the iconic Empire State Building, Bennu spans about a third of a mile wide. The potential aftermath of its predicted collision with Earth could equate to the explosive energy of 22 atomic bombs. 



The asteroid makes its presence felt by passing Earth approximately every six years. However, scientists anticipate that its most perilous close encounter could be a mere 159 years away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OSIRIS-REx mission</h2>



In a proactive move, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> dispatched a spacecraft to Bennu in 2016. This mission was crucial for collecting samples and advancing the agency's strategy to stave off a doomsday-like asteroid deflection scenario.



"It feels very much like the last few miles of a marathon, with a confluence of emotions like pride and joy coexisting with a determined focus to complete the race well,” expressed an impassioned Rich Burns, the project manager for OSIRIS-REx at NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Historic sample collection</h2>



In October 2020, NASA's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/osiris-rex-is-bringing-an-asteroid-sample-back-to-earth-this-month-worrying-many-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSIRIS-REx</a> spacecraft made history by alighting on Bennu's surface and procuring a chunk of rocky material. Weighing in at approximately 8.8 ounces (250 grams), this represents not only NASA's inaugural asteroid sample but also the largest ever extracted from space.



Come next Sunday, at around 3.42 pm BST, the world will watch with bated breath as the OSIRIS-REx mission dispatches this precious sample <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/OSIRIS-REx_mission_infographic_2big-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">back to Earth</a>. After traversing 63,000 miles, the spacecraft will relinquish a capsule, roughly the size of a mini-fridge, preserving the sample.



Hurtling towards Earth at an intense 28,000 mph and enduring temperatures akin to double that of lava, the capsule's descent will be <a href="https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/20381/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tempered using parachutes</a>. This will ensure a controlled landing in the Great Salt Lake Desert, Utah, marking the culmination of the OSIRIS-REx's monumental seven-year odyssey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deciphering the secrets of the solar system</h2>



These asteroid fragments are expected to furnish scientists with a rare peek into the planet formation phenomena that created our solar system approximately 4.5 billion years ago.



"Pristine material from asteroid Bennu will help shed light on the formation of our solar system 4.5 billion years ago and perhaps even on how life on Earth began,” elucidated Nicola Fox, an associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Origin of asteroid Bennu's name</h2>



Discovered in September 1999 by the <a href="https://www.ll.mit.edu/impact/watch-potentially-hazardous-asteroids" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research</a> (LINEAR) survey, the asteroid initially bore the moniker 1999 RQ36. It wasn't until 2013 that a nine-year-old from North Carolina christened it Bennu. Following his triumph in the 'Name that Asteroid!' competition, he drew inspiration for the name from an ancient Egyptian deity.



As NASA approaches the final leg of this critical mission, the world watches in anticipation, rooting for its success and the vast potential knowledge it promises to unravel about our universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-asteroid-bennu">More about asteroid Bennu</h2>



As mentioned above, asteroid Bennu stands as one of the most intriguing celestial bodies in our solar system. This near-Earth asteroid, discovered in 1999, presents scientists with both a chance to study the early solar system and an opportunity to better understand potential asteroid threats.



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



Bennu originated from the primordial debris that helped form our solar system about 4.5 billion years ago. This diamond-shaped rock measures about 500 meters in diameter. This is roughly equivalent to the height of the Empire State Building. Researchers believe that Bennu offers insights into the raw materials present during the solar system's early days because of its rudimentary nature.



When scientists examine Bennu's surface, they find a dark and rocky world. The asteroid's rough landscape consists primarily of boulders and rocks, with very few flat areas. The darkness of Bennu's surface comes from its carbon-rich composition, indicating that organic molecules, which form the basis for life as we know it, might exist there.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-path-and-potential-threat">Path and potential threat</h3>



Bennu orbits the Sun on a trajectory that occasionally brings it close to Earth. While currently it poses no direct threat, its orbit intersects with Earth's, which classifies Bennu as a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA). 



As mentioned previously, researchers estimate that there is a 1 in 2,700 chance of Bennu impacting Earth in the late 22nd century. However, scientists constantly monitor its trajectory to ensure we have an accurate understanding of any future threat.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-osiris-rex-a-truly-groundbreaking-mission">OSIRIS-REx: A truly groundbreaking mission</h3>



The allure and potential importance of Bennu led NASA to launch the OSIRIS-REx mission in 2016. This spacecraft aimed to approach, study, and collect a sample from Bennu's surface. The mission achieved multiple milestones. These include the detailed mapping of the asteroid's surface, gaining insights into its geology, and understanding its rotational dynamics.



In 2020, a significant achievement for the mission occurred when OSIRIS-REx touched Bennu's surface and successfully collected samples. The spacecraft will return these samples to Earth on September 24, 2023, offering scientists a pristine piece of the early solar system to analyze.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-the-future">Implications for the future</h3>



Understanding Bennu serves a dual purpose. On one hand, its study aids our comprehension of the origins of life on Earth. The presence of organic molecules on Bennu could provide clues about the building blocks of life and their distribution throughout the solar system. 



On the other hand, understanding the properties and trajectories of near-Earth asteroids like Bennu is crucial for planetary defense. This knowledge enables us to predict and possibly mitigate potential future impacts.



In summary, Bennu represents more than just a floating rock in space. It's a bridge to our past, a beacon for scientific discovery, and a reminder of the dynamic nature of our solar system. Through the combined efforts of observational astronomy and space missions like OSIRIS-REx, we continue to unveil the secrets Bennu holds.



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Mission to stop asteroid Bennu collision with Earth ends Sunday with spectacular return

NASA is edging closer to the conclusion of its ambitious...

NASA's Artemis 2 crew, positioned to usher in a new era of lunar exploration, recently carried out a simulated launch at NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/home/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kennedy Space Center</a> to practice for their upcoming mission to the moon in 2024. This simulation marked a pivotal stride in the crew's preparation, offering a hands-on precursor to the array of operations requisite for the actual launch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulation-sequence">Simulation sequence</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/artemis2_crew_moon-launch_dress-rehearsal_NASA_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dressed in their spacesuits</a>, the crew traversed to the launch pad and ascended the mobile launcher, poised to transport them inside the formidable Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft in the impending mission. 



Although the actual rocket and Orion were not present during this simulation, NASA officials emphasized the value of the exercise in preparing the crew for the operational intricacies of journeying to the moon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artemis-2-crew-and-their-mission">Artemis 2 crew and their mission</h2>



The <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-ii" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artemis 2 mission</a> represents NASA’s first manned moon launch since Apollo 17 in 1972. The esteemed crew consists of NASA Commander Reid Wiseman, NASA Pilot Victor Glover, NASA Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency's Jeremy Hansen. 



This mission is not just a stride in space exploration but also a symbol of diversity and international cooperation, with Glover being the first person of color, Koch the first woman, and Hansen the first non-American to participate in such a mission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subsequent-testing-phases">Subsequent testing phases</h2>



Post the launch day simulation, the crew is scheduled to undergo a series of diverse tests, including imagery, water flow, hydrogen tank flow, and environmental control system tests, along with emergency egress and firing room demonstrations. 



These evaluations are crucial, with one specific test focusing on the audio loop used for communication between the launch team and astronauts inside Orion during the launch countdown and a switch test for a potential pad abort scenario.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leveraging-past-successes">Leveraging past successes</h2>



NASA intends to incorporate engineering insights gained from the successful launch of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artemis 1</a> in 2022. The assimilation of these "lessons learned" is paramount in fortifying the mission’s foundation and refining operational dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anticipation-and-preparation">Anticipation and preparation</h2>



While the mission’s scheduled launch in 2024 still has the crew and the world in anticipation, these preliminary exercises and simulations are critical in ensuring the crew's proficiency in handling the spacecraft and mitigating potential issues that might arise during the actual launch. 



NASA’s statement shed light on the importance of these preparative phases, as they facilitate a smoother alignment of operations required to transport the crew to the moon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-symbol-of-progress-and-diversity">A symbol of progress and diversity</h2>



Artemis 2 stands as a beacon of hope in space exploration, with its crew reflecting a diverse blend of backgrounds and nationalities. The mission manifests the collaborative spirit of space exploration, highlighting inclusivity and international cooperation in the pursuit of unraveling the mysteries of our universe.



In summary, the launch simulation at Kennedy Space Center marks a significant phase in the meticulous preparation for the Artemis 2 mission. Every test and demonstration undertaken by the crew is a step closer to realizing the mission’s goals, ultimately contributing to the collective pursuit of knowledge and exploration. 



As NASA amalgamates lessons from the past and implements innovative strategies, the world keenly watches, awaiting the day the diverse and talented Artemis 2 crew embarks on their journey to the moon.



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NASA's Artemis 2 crew rehearses for upcoming moon launch

NASA's Artemis 2 crew, positioned to usher in a new...

The widely accepted notion that suppressing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/negative-thinking-exercise-harmful/">negative thoughts</a> adversely affects our mental health might be incorrect, according to a recent study by scientists at the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/">University of Cambridge.</a>&nbsp;



The team at the university’s Medical Research Council (MRC) Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit taught 120 volunteers globally how to suppress thoughts about distressing events. The findings revealed that not only did these thoughts become less vivid, but the participants’ mental health also saw an improvement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unconscious-feelings">Unconscious feelings</h2>



“We’re all familiar with the Freudian idea that if we suppress our feelings or thoughts, then these thoughts remain in our unconscious, influencing our behavior and wellbeing perniciously,” said study senior author Michael Anderson, a cognitive psychologist at Cambridge.



“The whole point of psychotherapy is to dredge up these thoughts so one can deal with them and rob them of their power. In more recent years, we’ve been told that suppressing thoughts is intrinsically ineffective and that it actually causes people to think the thought&nbsp;more&nbsp;– it’s the classic idea of ‘Don’t think about a pink elephant.’”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-disorders-nbsp">Mental disorders&nbsp;</h2>



Such ideas have become dogma in clinical treatment, with national guidelines arguing that thought avoidance should be considered as a major maladaptive coping mechanism that needs to be overcome and eliminated in mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).



When the COVID-19 pandemic started, Professor Anderson, along with lead author Zulkayda Mamat, who was a PhD student in his lab at that time, were keen to apply their research to help individuals facing anxiety disorders caused by the pandemic.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inhibitory-control-nbsp">Inhibitory control&nbsp;</h2>



Mamat had a particular interest in inhibitory control and its role in overcoming trauma. She was curious whether this could be an inherent ability or an acquired skill.



“Because of the pandemic, we were seeing a need in the community to help people cope with surging anxiety. There was already a mental health crisis, a hidden epidemic of mental health problems, and this was getting worse. So with that backdrop, we decided to see if we could help people cope better,” Mamat explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thought-suppression">Thought suppression</h2>



The researchers brought together 120 individuals from 16 countries to explore the potential benefits of practicing thought suppression.&nbsp;



In the experiments that the scientists devised, participants were prompted to envision various scenarios that could potentially transpire in their lives within the subsequent two years.



These scenarios included 20 negative scenarios tied to their current "fears and worries," 20 positive scenarios representing their "hopes and dreams," and 36 neutral, everyday occurrences. These fears were required to be current concerns, continually infiltrating their thoughts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cue-words">Cue words</h2>



Each envisioned scenario had to be personally relevant and vividly imagined. Participants assigned a cue word to each scenario (serving as an evident reminder that could be used to evoke the event during training) and identified a key detail (a word encapsulating a central aspect of the event). Some examples include:



Negative: A hospital visit to see parents suffering from COVID-19, with the cue word "Hospital" and the key detail "Breathing."



Neutral: An appointment at the opticians, cue word – "Optician," key detail – "Cambridge."



Positive: Witnessing one’s sister’s wedding, cue word – "Wedding," key detail – "Dress."



Participants rated each scenario based on several factors, including vividness, probability of occurrence, temporal distance, emotional intensity, and level of anxiety or joy.&nbsp;



Additionally, they completed mental health questionnaires. No exclusions were made in order to ensure a diverse participant pool, encompassing individuals with serious depression, anxiety, and pandemic-induced PTSD.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-training-sessions">Training sessions</h2>



Subsequently, Mamat conducted a 20-minute training session for each participant via Zoom. The training, spanning three days, consisted of 12 ‘No-imagine’ and 12 ‘Imagine’ repetitions for the scenarios.



During the No-imagine trials, participants, upon receiving one of their cue words, acknowledged the associated event mentally.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blocking-negative-events">Blocking negative events</h3>



Maintaining focus on the reminder cue, they endeavored to cease any contemplation of the event, neither imagining it nor using divergent thoughts as a distraction, but attempting to block any arising thoughts or images. In this phase, negative events were assigned to one group for suppression, while neutral events were assigned to another.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imagine-trials">Imagine trials</h3>



In contrast, during the Imagine trials, participants, equipped with a cue word, were instructed to vividly imagine the scenario, contemplating the potential feelings associated with it. Due to ethical reasons, participants were only assigned positive or neutral scenarios to imagine, not negative ones.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-follow-ups-nbsp">Follow-ups&nbsp;</h3>



Following the final training day and again three months thereafter, participants reassessed each scenario’s vividness, anxiety level, and emotional intensity, and refilled the mental health questionnaires to measure alterations in depression, anxiety, worry, affect, and overall wellbeing – all pivotal aspects of mental health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



“It was very clear that those events that participants practiced suppressing were less vivid, less emotionally anxiety-inducing, than the other events and that overall, participants improved in terms of their mental health,” Mamat reported. The most significant improvement was seen among participants who practiced suppressing negative thoughts.



Post-training evaluations revealed that the suppressed events were less vivid and induced less fear. Moreover, a substantial improvement in mental health was noted, especially among participants with likely PTSD who suppressed negative thoughts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-assumptions">Challenging assumptions</h2>



This discovery challenges the prevailing idea that suppression is an inadequate coping mechanism. The research found no evidence of a ‘rebound’ effect, where suppressed thoughts become more vivid.&nbsp;



“What we found runs counter to the accepted narrative,” Professor Anderson emphasized. He added that while additional research is needed, active suppression of fearful thoughts could be potentially beneficial.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lasting-mental-health-benefits-nbsp">Lasting mental health benefits&nbsp;</h2>



Even though the continuation of the technique wasn’t mandated, many participants opted to keep practicing it. Mamat discovered that the benefits, particularly the reduced levels of depression and negative emotions, persisted for all, especially for those who integrated the technique into their daily lives.



“The follow up was my favorite time of my entire PhD, because every day was just joyful,” Mamat said. “I didn’t have a single participant who told me ‘Oh, I feel bad’ or ‘This was useless.’ I didn’t prompt them or ask ‘Did you find this helpful?’ They were just automatically telling me how helpful they found it.”



One of the participants was so impressed by this method that she thought her mother and daughter how to use it. Another told Mamat that she had moved to another place just before the beginning of the pandemic and felt very isolated.



“She said this study had come exactly at the time she needed it because she was having all these negative thoughts, all these worries and anxiety about the future, and this really, really helped her. My heart literally just melted, I could feel goosebumps all over me. I said to her ‘If everyone else hated this experiment, I would not care because of how much this benefited you!,’” Mamat concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adh5292">Science Advances</a>.



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Suppressing negative thoughts may actually be a good thing

The widely accepted notion that suppressing negative thoughts adversely affects...

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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...

It seemed the little fish had more to offer. She took the rest of its guts out and traced her fingers along them until she found the lump again. She dug her fingers in and that was when something terrifying happened.

There’s More

She stared at her hands in bewilderment. She could not believe what she was holding. The anchor pendant was attached to delicate, gold links. It was a necklace! This was incredible! How did the fish manage to eat this? But then she felt something strange along the inside of the fish once again.