Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features wildfires in the state of Mato Grosso in Brazil. These fires have been some of the most devastating in recent history.&nbsp;



The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission on September 9, 2024. “The infrared signal acquired by the mission’s multispectral instrument allows the extent of the burned areas to be seen and highlights where the fires were still active on the date of acquisition,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brazil-fires-of-2024">Brazil fires of 2024</h2>



2024 has shaped up to be one of Brazil's most intense fire seasons. The country is facing its worst drought since national measurements began, which has fueled a surge in wildfires across critical regions like the Amazon, the Pantanal wetlands, and the Cerrado savanna.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-amazon">The Amazon</h3>



By September 2024, Brazil had already recorded nearly 160,000 fires - the highest number since 2010. In the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-threaten-environmental-gains-in-the-amazon/">Amazon</a>, the first half of the year saw the most wildfires in 20 years, with fire activity up by 40% compared to previous record years.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-deforestation-nbsp">Climate change and deforestation&nbsp;</h3>



Climate change and human-driven deforestation are worsening the situation. The combination of extreme drought, slash-and-burn agriculture, and the ongoing degradation of forests has created ideal conditions for fire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-of-2023-were-a-global-environmental-setback/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outbreaks</a> to spread uncontrollably. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fires-in-the-pantanal-nbsp">Fires in the Pantanal&nbsp;</h2>



Regions like the Pantanal have been especially hard-hit, with large portions of the biome burned earlier than usual, long before the peak of fire season.



The fires have significantly impacted the fragile ecosystem of the Pantanal, which is one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands.&nbsp;



Between August 1 and 27, over 3,800 fires were recorded in the Pantanal, marking an alarming increase compared to the previous year.&nbsp;



These fires have led to severe damage to local wildlife, with hundreds of animals, including jaguars and anteaters, suffering from burns. Firefighters have been mobilized, but the scale of the fires and the vast, difficult-to-access areas have made containment efforts challenging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-irreversible-impacts-on-biodiversity">Irreversible impacts on biodiversity</h2>



Furthermore, the fires have released toxic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twenty-years-of-air-quality-improvement-erased-by-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoke</a> that has spread across Brazil, affecting cities as far as São Paulo and Brasília. The use of satellite imagery from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission has been crucial in monitoring the active fires and the extent of burned areas. 



Environmentalists are warning that the destruction of native vegetation and animal habitats could have long-term, irreversible effects on the region’s biodiversity.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-attribute-extreme-heat-and-wildfires-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> and wildfires are deeply interconnected. As the Earth's climate warms due to the increase in greenhouse gases, many regions around the world are experiencing hotter, drier conditions. 



These changes create the perfect environment for wildfires to ignite and spread. Warmer temperatures dry out vegetation, making forests and grasslands more flammable.&nbsp;



When a spark - whether from a lightning strike, a human activity, or another source - hits this dry vegetation, fires can erupt rapidly and become difficult to control.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longer-fire-seasons">Longer fire seasons</h3>



In addition, changing weather patterns have led to longer fire seasons in many parts of the world. Areas that were once too wet or cool to experience frequent fires are now seeing them more often.&nbsp;



For example, the Arctic and subarctic regions, including parts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-in-siberia-are-a-growing-global-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Siberia</a> and Alaska, have experienced unusually intense wildfires in recent years, partly due to warming temperatures and thawing permafrost.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-severity">Fire severity</h3>



Climate change also affects the severity of fires. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to more extreme weather events such as thunderstorms, which can generate lightning and ignite fires.&nbsp;



Furthermore, prolonged droughts caused by changing rainfall patterns make forests more susceptible to large, destructive wildfires. Once a fire starts, the hot, dry conditions fuel its rapid spread, often overwhelming firefighting efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reinforcing-feedback-loop">Reinforcing feedback loop</h2>



The aftermath of wildfires further exacerbates climate change. When forests burn, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide stored in trees and soil into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.&nbsp;



This creates a feedback loop, where more fires lead to more carbon emissions, which in turn accelerate climate change, making future fires more likely and more intense. As climate change continues to progress, wildfires are expected to become more frequent, larger, and more destructive across many parts of the world.



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Brazil's devastating 2024 fire season rages on

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a 9.5-mile section of Pangong Lake on the western end of the Tibetan Plateau. The image was captured on by a crew member onboard the International Space Station. 



“In this winter scene, a sheet of cracked ice tops part of the lake,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. “On the left side, open water appears blue. Shallow water offshore of a delta, formed by a small, winding river, appears green."



"Parallel lines along the coastlines of bays are visible in the high-resolution version of this image. These lines indicate raised beaches, which formed in the past when lake levels were higher.”



NASA pointed out that several roads cut across the landscape, including one with switchbacks that ascends a steep slope. "These roads facilitate tourist travel from both India and China.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migratory-birds-at-pangong-lake-nbsp">Migratory birds at Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake and its surroundings are home to numerous bird species, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-burn-unexpected-amounts-of-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>. Visitors can spot various waterfowl and waders that are rarely seen elsewhere.



“During the summer, species such as bar-headed geese and Brahminy ducks attract bird watchers to the lake, which is a major breeding ground for migrating birds,” said NASA.



Pangong Lake is one of the few places in India where the endangered black-necked crane is found during its breeding season. 



Ruddy shelduck and brown-headed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gulls-are-shifting-their-habitats-to-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gulls</a> are also frequently spotted around the lake. The ruddy shelduck is known for its striking orange-brown body and creamy white head, while the brown-headed gulls are often seen flying or swimming in the lake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pangong-lake-nbsp">Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake situated in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-are-rising-unexpectedly-fast-on-the-tibetan-plateau/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, extending from India to the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. It is renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic setting, with the lake lying at an elevation of about 4,350 meters.



One of the most distinctive features of Pangong Lake is its changing colors, ranging from shades of blue to green and even red, influenced by the sky's reflection and the lake's mineral content.



This saline water lake is approximately 134 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide at its broadest point, despite its considerable size, it's relatively shallow.&nbsp;



The lake gained additional popularity after being featured in several Indian films, most notably the Bollywood hit "3 Idiots." Its remote location requires a permit for visitors, especially due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control between India and China. 



Despite the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding its location, Pangong Lake remains a favorite among tourists for its unparalleled natural beauty and serene environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-altitude-lakes">High-altitude lakes</h2>



High-altitude lakes are unique bodies of water found at elevations typically above 3,000 meters (about 10,000 feet) in mountain ranges like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/himalayan-glaciers-retreating-threat-is-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, Andes, and Rockies. 



These lakes are formed either by glacial activity, where glaciers erode the earth to create depressions that fill with melted snow and rainwater, or when natural dams created by landslides or moraines trap water in valleys.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-environments">Extreme environments</h3>



The conditions at high altitudes make these lakes distinct in several ways. The climate is typically colder and harsher, with significant temperature variations between day and night. 



This extreme environment affects both the physical characteristics of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> and the types of ecosystems they support. For example, due to lower atmospheric pressure, the boiling point of water is reduced, which can affect the type of life that can survive in these regions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-habitats">Critical habitats</h3>



Biologically, high-altitude lakes often have limited biodiversity because only certain types of plants and animals can tolerate the cold temperatures and lower oxygen levels in the water. 



Despite this, these lakes are crucial habitats for some unique species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. They also serve as important indicators of climate change, as variations in their water levels and temperatures can reflect environmental shifts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-high-altitude-lakes">Significance of high-altitude lakes </h3>



Lakes at high altitudes are often clear and pristine, due to the low density of human populations in these areas and minimal industrial activity, making them significant for ecological studies and attractive for tourism. 



However, they are sensitive ecosystems, and increased tourist activity brings challenges like pollution and habitat disruption.



High-altitude lakes are not only beautiful and scientifically significant but also hold cultural importance for local communities, often considered sacred and associated with historical and spiritual significance.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Pangong Lake in the Himalayas

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Webb Images features an extraordinary view of Uranus, the seventh planet from the sun in our solar system. 



The photo reveals the rings, moons, and extreme seasons of the ice giant Uranus in unprecedented detail.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-north-polar-cap-nbsp">Dynamic north polar cap&nbsp;</h2>



“The Webb image exquisitely captures Uranus’s seasonal north polar cap, including the bright, white, inner cap and the dark lane in the bottom of the polar cap,” noted NASA.



Unlike Earth, where polar ice caps are formed by the freezing of water, Uranus's polar caps are thought to be primarily composed of a dense concentration of haze in the atmosphere.&nbsp;



The polar cap's haze is likely composed of methane particles. Methane in Uranus's atmosphere condenses into ice particles, which then create a thick haze that scatters sunlight, giving the polar cap its distinct bright appearance in visible and infrared light.



The polar cap is dynamic and changes over time. It becomes more prominent during the summer season of each pole. As Uranus moves along its orbit, the cap's appearance transforms, with the haze becoming thicker and brighter when the pole is in continuous sunlight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-zeta-ring-nbsp">The Zeta ring&nbsp;</h2>



The inner and outer rings of Uranus are visible in the image, including Zeta - the innermost ring which is the faintest and most difficult to observe.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-photo-of-uranus-and-its-rings-and-moons-captured-by-the-webb-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rings of Uranus</a> are primarily composed of narrow bands of particles, likely made of water ice mixed with a dark material. These rings are distinct from those of Saturn in that they are much darker and narrower.



The faintness and characteristics of the Zeta ring make it a subject of interest in studies related to the dynamics and composition of planetary ring systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moons-of-uranus-nbsp">Moons of Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/multimedia/images/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb</a> photo also features nine of the planet’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-four-uranus-moons-may-have-oceans-that-are-miles-deep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a>, which appear as blue dots surrounding the rings. 



“Clockwise starting at 2 o’clock, they are: Rosalind, Puck, Belinda, Desdemona, Cressida, Bianca, Portia, Juliet, and Perdita. The orbits of these moons share the 98-degree tilt of their parent planet relative to the plane of the solar system,” noted NASA.



Uranus has 27 known moons, and they are divided into three main groups based on their orbits: the inner moons, the major moons, and the irregular moons.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-moon-ariel-may-have-a-hidden-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a> of Uranus are unique because they are named after characters from the works of William Shakespeare and Alexander Pope, rather than being named after figures from classical mythology, as is common for the moons of other planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ice-giant-uranus-nbsp">The ice giant Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



Uranus is classified as an "ice giant" because, unlike the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn, which are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, Uranus has a significant proportion of "ices" in its composition.&nbsp;



In astronomical terms, ices refer to volatile substances like water, ammonia, and methane, which exist in solid or liquid forms at the low temperatures found in the outer solar system.



Uranus has a thick atmosphere of hydrogen and helium, but beneath that, it contains a large, dense mantle composed of these ices, along with rock and other heavier elements.&nbsp;



The term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diamond-rain-may-be-common-on-giant-icy-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice giant</a> differentiates Uranus (and Neptune, the other ice giant) from the larger gas giants, emphasizing the different chemical compositions and internal structures of these planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-of-uranus-nbsp">Climate of Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



Uranus has a unique and extreme climate, largely influenced by its unusual tilt, which causes the planet to rotate almost on its side. This tilt leads to extreme seasonal variations, with each pole experiencing 42 years of continuous sunlight followed by 42 years of darkness.&nbsp;



Even though it is closer to the sun than Neptune, Uranus is the coldest planet in the solar system, with temperatures plunging to as low as -224°C (-371°F). The reason for this is not fully understood, but it might be due to an internal heat distribution anomaly.



Despite these frigid conditions, Uranus experiences intense weather patterns, including powerful storms and winds that can reach speeds of up to 900 kilometers per hour. These winds blow in the same direction as the planet’s rotation and are some of the fastest in the solar system.



Storms on Uranus are driven by its internal heat and the interaction of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-is-more-gassy-less-icy-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric gases</a>. Observations have shown that these storms can be quite large, sometimes comparable in size to the Earth, and can last for several years.&nbsp;



The planet’s extreme axial tilt also means that the storms and weather patterns are highly variable, depending on the season. During equinoxes, when the Sun is directly over the equator, Uranus exhibits more storm activity compared to when the poles are pointed towards the Sun or away from it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-uranus">Observations of Uranus</h2>



“One day on Uranus is about 17 hours, so the planet’s rotation is relatively quick. This makes it supremely difficult for observatories with a sharp eye like Webb to capture one simple image of the entire planet - storms and other atmospheric features, and the planet’s moons, move visibly within minutes,” explained NASA.



“This image combines several longer and shorter exposures of this dynamic system to correct for those slight changes throughout the observing time.”



The first recorded observations of Uranus were made by John Flamsteed on December 13, 1690. However, Flamsteed mistakenly identified the planet as a star, which he named “34 Tauri."&nbsp;



It wasn't until March 13, 1781, that Uranus was officially identified as a planet by William Herschel. He initially thought he had discovered a comet, but further observations and calculations by other astronomers confirmed that it was a new planet, making Uranus the first planet discovered in modern history with the aid of a telescope.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI



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The ice giant Uranus in stunning detail

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Webb Images features...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), located about 3,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Draco. 



The nebula's name comes from its eye-like appearance when viewed through a telescope. This particular image, which reveals the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horsehead-nebula-webb-telescope-captured-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> in stunning detail, was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-nebulae-nbsp">Planetary nebulae&nbsp;</h2>



According to ESA, the Cat's Eye Nebula is one of the most complex planetary nebulae that has ever been discovered.



“A planetary nebula forms when Sun-like stars gently eject their outer gaseous layers to form bright nebulae with amazing twisted shapes," explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Until recently, it was thought that shells around planetary nebulae were a rare phenomenon. However, astronomers have instead shown that these rings are likely to be the rule rather than the exception."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance-of-the-cat-s-eye-nebula-nbsp">Appearance of the Cat's Eye Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The central focus of the Cat's Eye is a hot, dying star that has shed its outer layers to form the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragons-egg-nebula-is-a-truly-stunning-sight-to-behold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a>. It is surrounded by concentric gas shells, jets of high-speed gas, and unusual shock-induced knots of gas.



“Although the rings may be the key to explaining the final ‘gasp’ of the dying central star, the mystery behind the Cat’s Eye Nebula’s nested ‘Russian doll’ structure remains largely unsolved,” noted ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rings-around-the-cat-s-eye">Rings around the Cat’s Eye</h2>



“This image, taken with Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), reveals the full pattern of eleven or more concentric rings, or shells, around the Cat’s Eye. Each ‘ring’ is actually the edge of a spherical bubble seen projected onto the sky - which is why it appears bright along its outer edge.”



According to ESA, observations suggest that the star ejected its mass in a series of pulses at 1,500-year intervals. “These convulsions created dust shells that each contains as much mass as all of the planets in our solar system combined.”



Several explanations have been proposed for this phenomenon, including cycles of magnetic activity similar to our Sun's sunspot cycle, the influence of companion stars orbiting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dying-stars-may-be-a-source-of-gravitational-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dying star</a>, or stellar pulsations.&nbsp;



Another theory suggests that the material is ejected smoothly from the star, with the rings forming later due to the creation of waves in the outflowing material.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-draco-nbsp">The constellation Draco&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extrasolar-ocean-planet-discovered-in-the-draco-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draco</a> is a constellation in the northern sky that represents a dragon. It's one of the largest constellations, winding between the Big and Little Dippers.&nbsp;



In Greek mythology, Draco is often identified as the dragon Ladon, who guarded the golden apples in the garden of the Hesperides.



Draco is a circumpolar constellation for most northern hemisphere observers, meaning it never sets below the horizon and can be seen all year round.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-famous-planetary-nebulae">Famous planetary nebulae </h2>



Planetary nebulae are some of the most beautiful and intriguing objects in the universe.&nbsp;



One of the most famous is the Ring Nebula, or M57, located in the constellation Lyra. This nebula is renowned for its nearly perfect ring shape, which is the result of a dying star shedding its outer layers.&nbsp;



Another well-known planetary nebula is the Helix Nebula, or NGC 7293, often referred to as the "Eye of God" due to its eye-like appearance. The Helix Nebula is one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth, making it a popular target for amateur astronomers.&nbsp;



The Dumbbell Nebula, or M27, in the constellation Vulpecula, is another striking example. It is named for its resemblance to a dumbbell and is notable for being the first planetary nebula ever discovered, by Charles Messier in 1764.&nbsp;



The Butterfly Nebula, or NGC 6302, is located in the constellation Scorpius. Its name comes from its distinctive bipolar structure, resembling the wings of a butterfly. The nebula's central star is one of the hottest known, with a surface temperature of around 250,000 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;



Finally, the Eskimo Nebula, or NGC 2392, in the constellation Gemini, is known for its resemblance to a face surrounded by a fur parka, which gives it its name. Its intricate structure, including filaments and bubble-like shapes, makes it a fascinating object of study.&nbsp;



These nebulae not only captivate us with their beauty but also provide valuable insights into the life cycles of stars and the processes that shape our galaxy.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



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Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Southern Ring Nebula, also known as NGC 3132, located about 2,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Vela. This remarkably detailed image was created using data from Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam).



The Southern Ring Nebula is one of the more famous examples of planetary nebulae, often studied for its beauty and valuable insights into the end stages of stellar evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-power-the-southern-ring-nebula">Stars power the Southern Ring Nebula </h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragons-egg-nebula-is-a-truly-stunning-sight-to-behold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> is powered by two central stars in a binary system. The brighter star in visible light is actually a less massive companion, while the fainter, dimmer star is the dying, hot central star that has shed its outer layers to form the nebula. This star is a white dwarf and is responsible for the ionization of the gas in the nebula, causing it to glow.



“The bright star at the center of NGC 3132, while prominent when viewed by NASA’s Webb Telescope in near-infrared light, plays a supporting role in sculpting the surrounding nebula. A second star, barely visible at lower left along one of the bright star’s diffraction spikes, is the nebula’s source. It has ejected at least eight layers of gas and dust over thousands of years,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“But the bright central star visible here has helped ‘stir’ the pot, changing the shape of this planetary nebula’s highly intricate rings by creating turbulence. The pair of stars are locked in a tight orbit, which leads the dimmer star to spray ejected material in a range of directions as they orbit one another, resulting in these jagged rings.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-characteristics-of-the-southern-ring-nebula-nbsp">Key characteristics of the Southern Ring Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The Southern Ring Nebula displays a complex structure with multiple layers of gas and dust. The outer shells of the nebula consist of hydrogen and other elements that were ejected from the dying star in previous stages of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-stellar-objects-observing-the-early-lives-of-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>.&nbsp;These layers are illuminated by ultraviolet radiation from the central white dwarf.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coloration">Coloration</h3>



The colors seen in the Southern Ring Nebula come from the different gases present. For example, hydrogen emits red light, while oxygen emits blue-green light. These colors help astronomers study the composition and dynamics of the nebula.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size-and-shape">Size and shape</h3>



The nebula spans about half a light-year in diameter. Its intricate, symmetrical structure provides valuable insights into the late stages of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-collapse-black-hole-instead-of-supernova-vanish-from-sky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar evolution</a>, especially the processes involved in the shedding of outer layers by dying stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spotlights-from-the-bright-star">Spotlights from the bright star</h2>



ESA noted that hundreds of straight, brightly-lit lines pierce through the rings of gas and dust. “These ‘spotlights’ emanate from the bright star and stream through holes in the nebula like sunlight through gaps in a cloud.



“But not all of the starlight can escape. The density of the central region, set off in teal, is reflected by how transparent or opaque it is. Areas that are a deeper teal indicate that the gas and dust are denser - and light is unable to break free.”



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



According to ESA, this is not only a crisp image of a planetary nebula - it also shows us objects in the vast distances of space behind it. The transparent red sections of the nebula are filled with distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-have-hearts-and-lungs-that-help-them-live-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>.



“Look for the bright angled line at the upper left. It is not starlight - it is a faraway galaxy seen edge-on. Distant spirals, of many shapes and colors, also dot the scene. Those that are farthest away - or very dusty - are small and red,” said ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-vela-nbsp">The constellation Vela&nbsp;</h2>



Vela is a southern constellation that represents the sails of a ship. It was once part of a larger constellation called Argo Navis, which depicted the ship of the mythological hero Jason and the Argonauts. In the 18th century, Argo Navis was divided into three separate constellations: Vela (the sails), Carina (the keel), and Puppis (the stern).



Vela is notable for containing several interesting astronomical features. One of its most prominent stars is Gamma Velorum, also known as Suhail or Regor, which is a bright, massive star system consisting of multiple stars.&nbsp;



The constellation also hosts the Vela Supernova Remnant, the remains of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> explosion that occurred about 11,000 years ago. This remnant is associated with the Vela Pulsar, a neutron star formed from the supernova explosion, which is one of the brightest pulsars in the sky.



Vela is best observed in the Southern Hemisphere, where it can be seen in the summer months, though it is partially visible in the Northern Hemisphere as well. Its position along the Milky Way makes it a popular region for both amateur and professional astronomers to explore.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI



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Southern Ring Nebula in the constellation Vela 

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features Harrat Khaybar, one of the largest volcanic fields in Saudi Arabia. This extensive lava field, which covers 5,400 square-miles, was formed by eruptions over the last five million years.



“According to the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program, the volcanic field is still active, and eight lava flows are less than 1,500 years old. The last known eruption was reported in Harrat Khaybar in the 7th century,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



A couple of the youngest volcanic vents in Harrat Khaybar can be seen in this <a href="https://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/152000/152839/harratkhaybar_oli2_20240425_lrg.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">image</a>, which was captured by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jabal-qidr-nbsp">Jabal Qidr&nbsp;</h2>



“These volcanoes resulted from different eruptive styles: Jabal Qidr is a stratovolcano (or composite cone); Jabal Abyad is a felsic dome; and Jabal Bayda is a tuff cone,” explained NASA.



“Jabal Qidr, in the northern part of the volcanic field, is built from several generations of dark, basaltic lava flows. Qidr has a 400-meter-diameter summit crater and exhibits the textbook cone shape of a stratovolcano. This is the only stratovolcano in the harrats of western Saudi Arabia.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jabal-abyad-nbsp">Jabal Abyad&nbsp;</h2>



Visible in the center of the image, Jabal Abyad was formed from a more viscous, silica-rich lava classified as rhyolite, noted NASA.



"While Jabal Qidr exhibits the cone shape of a stratovolcano, Jabal Abyad is a lava dome - a rounded mass of thicker, more solidified lava flows. Abyad’s dome reaches over 2,090 meters above sea level, the highest elevation amongst all the surrounding harrats.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jabal-bayda-nbsp">Jabal Bayda&nbsp;</h2>



To the west of Jabal Abyad is Jabal Bayda, a tuff cone <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-aspect-of-volcanic-eruptions-observed-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcano</a> with a much larger summit crater measuring 1,400 meters in diameter, stated NASA.



"Tuff cones form from the interaction of rising magma with water. When heated rapidly by lava, water turns to steam and expands violently, fragmenting the lava into plumes of very fine grains of ash.”



In Arabic, abyad and bayda are the masculine and feminine words for “white.” The lighter color of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/mount-erebus-breaks-through-the-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a> is associated with lava that has high silica content. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-harrat-khaybar-nbsp">More about Harrat Khaybar&nbsp;</h2>



One of the notable features of Harrat Khaybar is its striking contrast between the black basaltic lava fields and white-colored rhyolitic lava domes. This contrast creates a visually stunning terrain, with some areas of the field resembling a lunar or Martian landscape.



Harrat Khaybar is part of a larger series of harrats, or lava fields, which are prevalent in the Arabian Peninsula. The largest of these volcanic fields is Harrat Rahat, which stretches over 20,000 square kilometers.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activity</a> in Harrat Khaybar began millions of years ago and has continued into relatively recent times, with the last known eruptions occurring several thousand years ago.



The field is also notable for its archaeological sites, including ancient rock art, which provide insights into the early human habitation of the area. 



The harsh environment of Harrat Khaybar has shaped both the natural ecosystem and the human activities throughout its history, making it a place of interest not only for volcanologists but also for archaeologists and ecologists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-activity-in-saudi-arabia">Volcanic activity in Saudi Arabia </h2>



Saudi Arabia, despite being more commonly associated with vast deserts, has a surprising history of volcanic activity.



Volcanic eruptions have occurred over the past few thousand years, with the most recent major eruption occurring in the year 1256. That eruption, from a series of fissures, sent lava flowing towards the city of Medina, but it stopped before reaching the urban area. Historical records document the panic that followed, as people feared the destruction of the city.



While there hasn't been a significant eruption since, there are still signs of geothermal activity, such as hot springs and occasional minor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-music-will-yellowstones-seismic-activity-produce/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic activity</a>. 



Researchers monitor the volcanic fields for any signs of future eruptions, though none are currently expected. Despite the long periods of dormancy, Saudi Arabia's volcanic landscape remains an important part of the country's natural history.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Harrat Khaybar: An active lava field in Saudi Arabia

Islands, with their limited resources yet reduced competition, create a milieu of unique survival challenges. Isolated from their mainland brethren, island-dwelling animals adapt in fascinating ways to squeeze out a living.&nbsp;



These evolutionary adaptations can range from changes in physical size, termed as island dwarfism or gigantism, to alterations in behaviors and metabolic rates. 



But what happens when these slow-paced island inhabitants encounter rapid, human-induced changes?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-island-vs-mainland-animals">Island vs mainland animals</h2>



The scientific community, till now, didn't have much clarity about how the metabolic rates of island <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/island-bird-communities-are-changing-in-unexpected-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> differ from those on the mainland.



Dr. Roberto Rozzi of <a href="https://www.uni-halle.de/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg</a>, along with his team of researchers from the <a href="https://english.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> and the <a href="https://ic.sicau.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sichuan Agricultural University</a>, aimed to fill this knowledge gap. 



Through a comprehensive analysis of data from 2,813 vertebrate species, encompassing both warm-blooded creatures like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-behavior-productivity-being-directly-impacted-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> and mammals and cold-blooded ones such as reptiles and amphibians, they made some intriguing observations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slow-pace-of-island-life">Slow pace of island life</h2>



After sifting through the data, it appeared that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-life-on-islands-loses-diversity-when-humans-arrive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> and mammals living on islands tend to have slower metabolism than their counterparts on the mainland.&nbsp;



This slow pace extends to their reproductive cycles too, with these animals producing offspring at a later stage.&nbsp;



According to Rozzi, these adaptations are all about maximizing chances of survival and reproduction in island environments, where resources can be limited.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-achilles-heel-of-island-animals">Achilles heel of island animals</h2>



This slow pace of life, while beneficial in untouched island <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-birds-are-at-great-risk-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environments</a>, becomes a vulnerability when faced with rapid changes -- mainly those induced by human activities. 



Island dwellers already stand out due to their unique sizes, but their slow metabolism and delayed reproduction make them particularly susceptible to external threats.&nbsp;



They become easy targets for non-native predators, including humans, and struggle to recover swiftly from environmental disturbances such as invasive species introduction or habitat loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-island-species">Saving island species</h2>



The findings from this study are crucial in identifying and protecting vulnerable island <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-birds-use-sophisticated-thermoregulation-strategies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>.&nbsp;



Taking cue from Rozzi's conclusion, conservation efforts should consider the unique physiological differences between these animals and their mainland counterparts, and not just their peculiar sizes.&nbsp;



The secret to their survival lies in understanding their slower pace of life and factoring that into their protection measures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-climate-change">Role of climate change</h2>



Climate change poses an additional layer of threat to island ecosystems, exacerbating the challenges faced by their inhabitants.&nbsp;



Rising sea levels, shifting weather patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events can drastically alter the delicate balance of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-100-bird-species-have-been-lost-for-over-a-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">isolated environments</a>.&nbsp;



For instance, saltwater intrusion into freshwater habitats can lead to profound ecological shifts, while changes in temperature may disrupt breeding and feeding patterns of native species.&nbsp;



The interplay between these climate-driven changes and the unique adaptations of island fauna must be closely examined to better forecast potential impacts and devise effective conservation strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-research-on-island-animal-conservation">Bridging research on island animal conservation</h2>



Turning scientific discoveries into effective conservation strategies is all about teamwork. It takes researchers, policymakers, and local communities working hand in hand. 



When we engage island communities in these efforts, we not only create a sense of ownership but also weave in their traditional ecological knowledge with modern practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-funding-insights">Funding insights</h2>



By bringing together experts from various fields like ecology, climate science, and social science, we can tackle the tough challenges that island ecosystems face. 



Bridging the gap between research and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-birds-can-handle-climate-variability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> allows us to develop thoughtful, culturally sensitive ways to protect these unique wildlife populations and their habitats for future generations. Let's work together to make a difference.



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



"In order to better protect the remaining island species, conservation efforts would benefit from taking into account the unique morphological and physiological differences between these animals and their mainland counterparts," concludes Rozzi.



In a nutshell, the slow pace of island life, once an evolutionary advantage, is now a vulnerability in the face of rapid, human-induced changes.



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This important research was facilitated by funds from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation), the Scientific Research Foundation, and National Natural Science Foundation in China.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adm8240" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Slower pace of 'island life' is as true for animals as it is for humans

Islands, with their limited resources yet reduced competition, create a...

With carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere rising sharply over recent decades, scientists and policymakers alike are becoming increasingly concerned about the long-term impact on global climate patterns. 



As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, there is a growing urgency to develop effective strategies for capturing and holding carbon. 



One promising approach focuses on the role of soil in carbon sequestration, where innovative farming practices can help reduce atmospheric CO2 by trapping it within the earth’s natural processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farming-practices-and-soil-carbon-storage">Farming practices and soil carbon storage</h2>



Researchers from <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kansas State University</a> (K-State) are investigating how various farming practices can influence the amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-can-store-the-most-soil-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon stored in soil</a>, a crucial factor in mitigating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survey-mother-nature-is-more-likely-to-solve-climate-change-than-geoengineering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. 



The study seeks to uncover how long-term agricultural techniques, particularly in no-till farming systems, impact the soil's ability to capture and retain carbon over time.



To gain deeper insights, the team utilized advanced imaging technologies at two of the world’s most cutting-edge research facilities: the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and the Advanced Light Source in Berkeley, California. 



By analyzing soil from a Kansas cornfield that has been farmed using no-till methods for 22 years, they aimed to determine how different nitrogen management strategies influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-air-pollution-could-greatly-boost-carbon-sequestration-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sequestration</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fertilizers-and-long-term-study-results">Fertilizers and long-term study results</h2>



During the 22-year period, the farm employed a range of soil nitrogen management practices, each with distinct impacts on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-adopt-regenerative-agriculture-better-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil health</a> and carbon storage. 



These practices included the use of no fertilizer, chemical fertilizers, and organic options like manure or compost fertilizers. 



By comparing these different methods, the researchers aimed to identify which practices are most effective in enhancing soil quality and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-food-systems-are-gaining-momentum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainability in agricultural systems</a>.



The findings, published in the Soil Science Society of America Journal, offer valuable insights into the mechanisms of soil enrichment, providing a clearer picture of how specific farming practices can enhance the soil's ability to act as a carbon sink.



“We were trying to understand what the mechanisms are behind increasing soil carbon storage using certain management practices,” said Dr. Ganga Hettiarachchi, professor of soil and environmental chemistry. “We were looking at not just soil carbon, but other soil minerals that are going to help store carbon.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-sequestration-and-imaging-insights">Carbon sequestration and imaging insights</h2>



Consistent with findings from previous research, the K-State team discovered that soil treated with organic matter, such as manure or compost fertilizer, demonstrated significantly higher carbon storage than soil treated with either chemical fertilizers or none at all. 



This highlights the potential of organic fertilizers not only to improve soil health but also to play a critical role in capturing and storing atmospheric carbon.



What sets this study apart is the use of ultrabright synchrotron light, a powerful tool that enabled the researchers to examine the soil structure at a microscopic level. 



This advanced technology allowed the team to visualize precisely how carbon molecules interact with the soil, revealing that much of the carbon was preserved in small pores and had bonded with minerals - an important factor in long-term carbon sequestration.



“It was preserved in pores, and some carbon had attached itself to minerals in the soil," noted Dr. Hettiarachchi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-diversity-and-carbon-storage">Microbial diversity and carbon storage</h2>



The experts also uncovered another important benefit of using manure or compost as a soil treatment: it led to higher levels of microbial carbon compared to soil treated with chemical fertilizers or left untreated.



This increase in microbial carbon is a clear indicator of greater microbial diversity and activity within the soil. 



A thriving microbial community is essential for soil health, as these microorganisms play a critical role in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and overall soil structure, all of which contribute to enhanced carbon storage and long-term soil fertility.



“To my knowledge, this is the first direct evidence of mechanisms through which organic enhancements improve soil health, microbial diversity, and carbon sequestration,” said Dr. Hettiarachchi.



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



Because synchrotron imaging is non-destructive, the team could observe soil aggregate (clumps) in its natural state, without needing to disrupt the soil structure. This allowed them to look at the carbon chemistry in situ.



“Collectively, studies like this are going to help us move forward to more sustainable, regenerative agriculture practices that will protect our soils and environment while helping to feed growing populations,” concluded Dr. Hettiarachchi. 



“Understanding the role of different minerals, chemicals, and microbes will also help improve models for predicting how various farming practices affect soil carbon storage.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/saj2.20701" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soil Science Society of America Journal</a>.



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Organic farming practices boost soil carbon storage

With carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere rising sharply over...

During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments worldwide implemented strict measures such as stay-at-home orders and school closures to curb the spread of the virus. 



These disruptions significantly affected daily routines and social activities, and their negative impact on the mental health of adolescents has been well-documented.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marijuana-use-may-change-brain-structure-in-adolescents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adolescence</a> is a period marked by intense emotional, behavioral, and social development. It is a time when teenagers form their sense of identity, self-confidence, and self-control. 



The pandemic severely limited social interactions for teens, leading to increased reports of anxiety, depression, and stress, particularly among girls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-aging-during-lockdowns">Brain aging during lockdowns </h2>



New research from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2403200121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>, reveals another profound effect of pandemic: accelerated brain maturation in adolescents, with the changes being more pronounced in girls. 



According to the study, the average acceleration in brain development was 4.2 years for females and 1.4 years for males.



“We think of the COVID-19 pandemic as a health crisis,” said Patricia Kuhl, senior author of the study and co-director of the UW Institute for Learning &amp; Brain Sciences (I-LABS). “But we know that it produced other profound changes in our lives, especially for teenagers.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measurements-of-brain-maturation">Measurements of brain maturation</h2>



Researchers measure brain maturation by examining the thickness of the cerebral cortex, the brain's outer layer of tissue. The cortex naturally thins as people age, even during the teenage years.&nbsp;



Chronic stress and adversity are known to speed up this thinning, which is associated with a higher risk of developing neuropsychiatric and behavioral disorders like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pandemic-stress-is-compounded-by-climate-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety</a> and depression. These disorders often emerge during adolescence, and females are at greater risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-aging-impacts-of-pandemic-lockdowns">Brain aging impacts of pandemic lockdowns</h2>



The study began in 2018 as a long-term investigation into brain structure changes in adolescents aged 9 to 17. Initially, researchers aimed to observe typical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poverty-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain development</a> during adolescence.



However, the onset of the pandemic in 2020 delayed the follow-up tests until 2021, meaning the original goal of studying typical development was no longer feasible.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/covid-19_teenagers_premature-brain-aging_credit-UWashington_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/covid-19_teenagers_premature-brain-aging_credit-UWashington_1s.webp" alt="COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns resulted in unusually accelerated brain maturation in adolescents. This maturation was more pronounced in females, as seen on the left. Credit: University of Washington" class="wp-image-1944146"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns resulted in unusually accelerated brain maturation in adolescents. This maturation was more pronounced in females, as seen on the left. Credit: University of Washington</figcaption></figure>



“Once the pandemic was underway, we started to think about which brain measures would allow us to estimate what the pandemic lockdown had done to the brain,” explained Neva Corrigan, lead author and research scientist at I-LABS. 



“What did it mean for our teens to be at home rather than in their social groups - not at school, not playing sports, not hanging out?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-aging-in-girls-during-lockdowns">Brain aging in girls during lockdowns</h2>



Using brain scan data collected in 2018, the research team developed a model predicting the normal rate of cortical thinning in adolescence.&nbsp;



When over 80% of the original participants returned for re-examinations in 2021, the researchers found a general acceleration in cortical thinning across all the teens, but this effect was much more significant in girls.&nbsp;



For girls, the thinning was evident throughout the brain, across all lobes and both hemispheres. In contrast, boys only showed cortical thinning in the visual cortex.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isolation-during-the-pandemic-nbsp">Isolation during the pandemic&nbsp;</h2>



Kuhl suggested that the more pronounced impact on girls’ brains might be tied to the importance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/desire-for-social-interaction-activates-the-brain-like-a-food-craving/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social interaction</a> in female adolescence. She noted that girls tend to rely more on close relationships with peers, sharing emotions and conversations, while boys often engage in physical activities when they gather.



“Teenagers really are walking a tightrope, trying to get their lives together,” Kuhl said. “They’re under tremendous pressure. Then a global pandemic strikes and their normal channels of stress release are gone. Those release outlets aren’t there anymore, but the social criticisms and pressures remain because of social media.”&nbsp;



“What the pandemic really seems to have done is to isolate girls. All teenagers got isolated, but girls suffered more. It affected their brains much more dramatically.”



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



Kuhl noted that the cerebral cortex is unlikely to regain its previous thickness, but there could be some recovery in the form of slower cortical thinning over time as normal social interactions resume. However, further research will be necessary to determine whether this recovery occurs.



“It is possible that there might be some recovery,” Kuhl said. “On the other hand, it’s also possible to imagine that brain maturation will remain accelerated in these teens.”



In older populations, faster thinning of the cerebral cortex is linked to declines in cognitive functions such as processing speed and the ability to complete everyday tasks. While this kind of data is not yet available for teenagers, Kuhl said it could be the focus of future research.



“The pandemic provided a test case for the fragility of teenagers’ brains. Our research introduces a new set of questions about what it means to speed up the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-reversed-aging-in-mice-by-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a> process in the brain. All the best research raises profound new questions, and I think that’s what we’ve done here,” Kuhl concluded.



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COVID lockdowns caused premature aging of adolescent brains

During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments worldwide implemented strict measures such...

A recent discovery of dinosaur tracks along Australia’s southern coast, dating back to the Early Cretaceous when the continent was still connected to Antarctica, suggests that large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flesh-eating-theropods-were-extremely-fast/">theropod</a> dinosaurs thrived in this polar environment. 



These carnivorous dinosaurs roamed the river floodplains during the summers when the ice thawed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-theropods-thriving-in-polar-regions">Evidence of theropods thriving in polar regions</h2>



The experts recently published an analysis of the dinosaur tracks, found in the Wonthaggi Formation, located south of Melbourne. 



The tracks, made between 120 and 128 million years ago, include 18 belonging to theropods, alongside four from ornithopods, small herbivorous dinosaurs that may have been prey for the theropods.



“These numerous tracks are the best evidence yet that these former polar environments supported large carnivores,” said Anthony Martin, lead author of the study and a professor at <a href="https://www.emory.edu/home/index.html">Emory University</a>’s Department of Environmental Sciences. 



“The large theropods would likely have fed on prey such as smaller dinosaurs, fish, and turtles.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traces-of-ancient-life">Traces of ancient life</h2>



Theropods, meaning “wild beast foot” in Greek, are a clade of bipedal dinosaurs with three clawed toes. They belong to the same evolutionary group as famous species like Allosaurus, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/were-there-three-distinct-species-of-tyrannosaurus-rex/">Tyrannosaurus rex</a>, and Velociraptor.



The largest theropod track in this discovery measures 18.5 inches in length. “The hip height of that theropod would have been about the same as the full height of a tall, modern-day human - or a bit more than six feet tall,” Martin said.



Martin is a geologist and paleontologist with a particular focus on ichnology - the study of traces left behind by ancient life, such as tracks, burrows, nests, and tooth marks.



The research team also included Patricia Vickers-Rich, a paleontology professor at <a href="https://www.monash.edu/">Monash University</a>, and Thomas Rich, a vertebrate paleontology curator at <a href="https://museumsvictoria.com.au/research-institute/">Museums Victoria Research Institute</a>. Since the 1970s, the couple has spearheaded efforts to uncover fossils in Victoria, Australia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-polar-winters">Extreme polar winters</h2>



Victoria’s coastal rock layers mark where Gondwana, the ancient supercontinent, began to break apart roughly 100 million years ago, separating Australia from Antarctica. At that time, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-polar-regions-changing-fundamental-alarming-ways/">polar environment</a> was a rift valley crisscrossed by braided rivers.&nbsp;



Although the average air temperature was warmer during the Cretaceous, the polar winters experienced freezing temperatures and months of darkness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polar-dinosaur-fossils-nbsp">Polar dinosaur fossils&nbsp;</h2>



The Wonthaggi Formation is one of the richest sources of polar dinosaur fossils in the Southern Hemisphere, though most finds have been small fragments of bones and teeth, likely transported by spring floods before burial.



“Our find of so many theropod tracks, however, confirms that a variety of dinosaurs actually lived and walked on the ground where their bones were found,” Martin noted. “Dinosaur tracks are actually much more common at the site than we previously realized.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-the-theropod-tracks">Discovery of the theropod tracks</h2>



In 2007, Martin and his colleagues announced the discovery of three theropod tracks in the Wonthaggi Formation. However, it wasn’t until the social disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that more tracks were uncovered, thanks to the dedication of co-author Melissa Lowery.&nbsp;



A volunteer fossil hunter for Monash University, Lowery, often referred to as “the doyenne of dinosaur discovery,” has made hundreds of finds over the years.



“Melissa had a lot more time to go prospecting during the height of the pandemic,” Martin said. 



“While many of us were home watching reruns of Jurassic Park, she was out finding dinosaur tracks. She has this incredible eye that allows her to pick out distinctive patterns from surrounding materials. I call it ‘ichno-vision.’ It’s her superpower.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-identifying-the-tracks">Challenges in identifying the tracks</h2>



The newly discovered tracks likely formed when the dinosaurs walked on wet sand or mud in the floodplain. 



Mud, being soft and malleable, can collapse into fresh footprints, often creating messy fossil tracks that might be missing a toe or other identifiable features, making them harder to spot.



“Another problem with identifying these tracks is that many of them are underwater twice in a 24-hour period when the tide comes in,” Martin said. “All sorts of modern marine life, including algae, tube worms, barnacles, and clams, have encrusted on, and partially eroded, some of the tracks.”



Of the 24 tracks detailed in the paper, 18 belong to theropods, ranging in size from seven to 18.5 inches. These tracks are recognized by their relatively thin toes ending in sharp claws.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-ornithopod-tracks">Discovery of ornithopod tracks</h2>



Four tracks, ranging in size from four to seven inches, were made by ornithopods - the first such tracks found in the Wonthaggi Formation.



Ornithopods, whose name comes from the Greek for “bird feet,” were small herbivorous dinosaurs with thicker toes capped by blunt claws. These bipedal creatures grew to about three feet in length.



To preserve the newly discovered track specimens, Peter Swinkels, a taxidermist at Museums Victoria Research Institute, made field moldings and casts. Martin conducted further analysis at the site in May 2022 after pandemic travel restrictions were lifted.



Helping with data collection and mapping of the tracks was Doris Seegets-Villiers, a paleontologist from <a href="https://www.swinburne.edu.au/">Swinburne University of Technology</a> in Victoria. Additionally, John Broomfield, media production manager at Museums Victoria, created 3D digital images of the tracks for further analysis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-movement-during-the-polar-summer-nbsp">Dinosaur movement during the polar summer&nbsp;</h2>



The tracks were preserved in floodplain deposits near channel sandstones, suggesting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-ancestors-coexisted-with-dinosaurs-yes-according-to-shocking-new-research/">dinosaurs</a> traveled through the area after spring-thaw flooding during the polar summer.



“Were the dinosaurs living in this environment during the winter? We don’t know,” Martin said. “It would have been frozen over and dinosaurs walking on ice don’t leave tracks.”



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



The variation in track sizes hints at a mix of juvenile and adult theropods and ornithopods, leading Martin to believe that some dinosaurs may have nested and raised their young in these polar environments.



This paper follows a 2023 report by the same authors documenting bird tracks from the Early Cretaceous at the same site, which represents the oldest-known evidence of birds so far south.



“We’re continuing to discover more tracks in the area. The more we find, the clearer picture we hope to get of these ancient polar ecosystems,” Martin concluded.



The study is published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03115518.2024.2392498">Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Paleontology</a>.



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Large theropod dinosaurs thrived in polar environments

A recent discovery of dinosaur tracks along Australia’s southern coast,...

Environmental scientists have stumbled upon a concerning pattern. They have observed that grey reef sharks, typically the loyal residents of coral reefs, are skipping town more frequently and for longer periods. The culprit? Our steadily warming oceans.



The study starts with the ingenious pairing of acoustic receivers on the seabed and satellite remote sensing. 



This dynamic duo has opened up new vistas to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shark-diversity-hits-66-million-year-low/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understand shark behavior</a>, particularly during times of high environmental stress. And the sharks are giving us a run for our money as they move from their warm reef habitats to cooler, deeper waters.



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



The shockwaves of El Niño 2015-2016 are still reverberating, with our grey reef sharks showing behavioral shifts, including lower residency on the reefs up to 16 months after periods of extreme warming.



With forecast models predicting annual bleaching events by 2043, the sharks' decision to seek a retreat spells trouble.



The international team of scientists from <a href="https://www.lancaster.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lancaster University</a> and ZSL monitored shark movements in the Indian Ocean from 2013 to 2020.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-movement-of-reef-sharks-in-a-warming-world">Movement of reef sharks in a warming world</h2>



Dr. David Jacoby, the principal investigator on the project, elaborated on the findings and their implications for the reef <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-sharks-survived-a-drastic-spike-in-global-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a>.



“These results provide some of the first evidence of how reefs change in response to environmental stress, something that is becoming both more extreme and more frequent, is affecting the movement of sharks,” said Dr. Jacoby. 



“Grey reef sharks are a common, resident predator to the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, venturing away from the reef to feed, but many are having to decide whether to escape the stressed reefs.



Faced with a trade-off, sharks must decide whether to leave the relative safety of the reef and expend greater energy to remain cool or stay on a reef in suboptimal conditions but conserve energy, noted Dr. Jacoby.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role-of-grey-reef-sharks">Ecological role of grey reef sharks</h2>



According to Dr. Michael Williamson from ZSL's Institute of Zoology, grey reef sharks are not just inhabitants but vital cogs in the reef ecosystems.



Their movements encode a complex dance between food, safety, and environmental conditions. Absent their nutrient influx from deeper waters, the reef's resilience to environmental stress may be at stake.



But it’s not all doom and gloom. Interestingly, not all the monitored locations saw a decline in habitat use. In fact, certain reefs showed increased shark residency, suggesting that some reefs are more resilient to stress. 



This raises intriguing questions about the factors influencing shark movement decisions, and the specific characteristics of resilient reefs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domino-effect-of-climate-change">Domino effect of climate change </h2>



The conclusion? As climate change flings us into an era of increasing uncertainty and extreme stress events, the ecological role of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepwater-desperation-the-race-to-save-sharks-and-rays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators</a> on coral reefs is likely to change. 



The ripple effects of their absence will extend further than we can predict, potentially disrupting the delicate balance of species and trophic interactions that occur on coral reefs.



Climate change is a Pandora’s box, and we’ve only just lifted the lid. As we brace for an unpredictable future, characterized by more frequent and extreme stress events, research like this becomes paramount. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-of-grey-reef-sharks">Conservation of grey reef sharks</h2>



Conserving grey reef sharks and their habitats requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses science, policy, and community engagement. 



Marine protected areas (MPAs) represent one of the most effective strategies to safeguard these critical habitats, allowing shark populations to thrive amidst the pressures of climate change. 



Collaborative efforts among governments, local communities, and NGOs can foster sustainable fishing practices that minimize bycatch and enhance reef health. 



Furthermore, public awareness campaigns are essential in educating communities about the ecological significance of sharks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-a-connected-web-of-life">Protecting a connected web of life</h2>



“Recent research in the Chagos Archipelago, where we conducted our study, has shown that those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-barrier-reef-is-on-the-brink-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reefs</a> that have greater nutrient flows from seabirds have significantly enhanced fish biomass and therefore a higher likelihood to be resilient to multiple stressors,” said Dr Wiliamson. 



“Some of our receivers that were seeing a greater number of sharks residing were also near islands with seabird populations.” As the environmental stress equation becomes increasingly complex, so does our understanding and approach to protecting the invisibly connected web of life below the ocean surface. Grey reef sharks are changing their rhythm, and offering us a chance to change ours.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-06707-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.



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Reef sharks are abandoning their homes due to ocean warming

Environmental scientists have stumbled upon a concerning pattern. They have...

Records show that koalas, one of Australia's most iconic creatures, are facing a dire situation due to habitat loss. 



The most common destination for these cuddly natives? Not the safe and lush eucalyptus canopies but sadly, veterinary hospitals.



And even worse, most of them are euthanized. This is a bitter reality revealed by a recent study from the University of Queensland (UQ).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eye-opening-research">Eye-opening research</h2>



PhD candidate Renae Charalambous and her team at UQ’s Faculty of Science have opened our eyes to this grim reality.



The researchers meticulously analyzed over 50,000 records of koala sightings and hospital admissions from 1997 to 2019. The findings are startling, to say the least.



"Diseases like chlamydia make up almost 30 percent of vet hospital admissions," noted Charalambous, painting a picture far from ideal.



As if diseases aren't bad enough, koalas also face numerous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/culling-is-not-effective-in-preventing-crocodile-attacks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threats</a> due to habitat loss, including canine attacks and motor vehicle strikes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-koalas-diseases-and-habitat-loss">Koalas, diseases, and habitat loss</h2>



The numbers speak volumes. Only a quarter of the koalas admitted to hospitals find their way back to a suitable habitat. Many die before even getting a chance at treatment, and those who make it are often euthanized.



Road accidents contribute to nearly 20 percent of overall admissions. However, koalas struck by vehicles were four times more likely to be found dead than treated by a vet and released, according to the researchers.



"Those that made it to an animal hospital after car strike were almost three times more likely to be euthanized than released,” said Charalambous.



“Seven percent of the koalas admitted to hospital had been attacked by dogs but were twice as likely to be found dead, and if they were taken into care alive, they were twice as likely to be euthanized than released. These are pretty grim statistics so the future for koalas looks bleak.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-risk-population">High-risk population</h2>



The study also sheds light on the more vulnerable subset of the koala population - adults, females, and those infected with chlamydia - who are at a higher risk of being euthanized.



Time seems to be running out for these lovable creatures. The conservation status of koalas was recently updated to "endangered" in Queensland, after estimates showed that their numbers had dwindled by 50% in the last decade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-silver-lining-saving-koalas-and-their-habitats">Silver lining: Saving koalas and their habitats</h2>



Despite the grave situation, Charalambous believes it's not too late. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these distinctive challenges to formulate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protecting-just-0-7-of-land-can-save-many-unique-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effective conservation plans</a> for the east coast koalas.



“This is a great opportunity to holistically address and minimize the threats they face,” said Charalambous. She hopes her research will help decision makers identify intervention strategies to save the remaining koala population.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-role-in-koala-habitat-preservation">Community role in koala habitat preservation</h2>



Community engagement plays a vital role in the conservation of koalas. Local residents and volunteers can contribute significantly by participating in awareness campaigns, habitat restoration projects, and reporting koala sightings. 



Collaborative efforts between citizens and conservation organizations not only foster a sense of shared responsibility but also create a comprehensive approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-disturbing-details-about-the-state-of-earths-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safeguarding wildlife</a>.



By educating the public on the environmental needs of koalas, especially regarding habitat preservation, communities can work together to mitigate some of the threats faced by these marsupials. 



Initiatives like Koala Spotting Days can encourage citizen science, making people active participants in conservation efforts.



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



Future research is essential to develop more effective strategies for koala <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemists-could-be-key-to-prevent-animal-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a>. According to Charalambous, a multifaceted approach is needed to address the various threats koalas encounter.



This could involve studying the long-term impacts of habitat changes on koalas health, the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs, and the genetic diversity within remaining populations. 



Additionally, interdisciplinary research incorporating veterinary science, ecology, and environmental policy will be crucial in crafting adaptive management plans. 



By promoting collaborations across disciplines, scientists can better understand the complexities of koala survival in a rapidly changing environment and work towards sustainable solutions to ensure their future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://brill.com/view/journals/soan/aop/article-10.1163-15685306-bja10220/article-10.1163-15685306-bja10220.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Society and Animals</a>.



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Koalas face critical threats from disease and habitat loss

Records show that koalas, one of Australia's most iconic creatures,...

As humans, we often find ourselves navigating through the concrete jungles of our cities, an ecosystem teeming with life and, sadly, litter. 



Among the cans, wrappers, and discarded masks, one particular item stands out, swirling in the urban breeze or ensnared in the skeletal grip of a leafless tree - the ubiquitous plastic bag, now banned in many states.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-battle-against-plastic">Battle against plastic</h2>



For many of us, plastic bags have become so ingrained in our daily routines that their environmental impact often slips our conscious thought. 



However, the scene is changing, and it's not by chance. Across the United States, a joint effort is underway to reduce - and hopefully eradicate - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-production-increases-create-identical-plastic-pollution-increase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">these pesky pollutants</a>.



This is not just about cleaner streets but healthier beaches, waterways teeming with life, and brighter prospects for marine ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-statewide-plastic-bans-make-their-mark">Statewide plastic bans make their mark</h2>



Statewide bans on plastic bags are helping curb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-win-the-battle-of-planet-vs-plastic-drastic-changes-are-needed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental destruction</a>, according to a recent scientific analysis. These bans are, quite literally, paying off, and the evidence lies in the numbers.



The tale begins in the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic, when plastic bags were making an unwelcome comeback. 



Temporary suspensions of the bans led to a doubling of grocery bags collected in <a href="https://oceanconservancy.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean Conservancy</a>'s International Coastal Cleanup (ICC). Not our proudest moment, indeed. However, like the resilient human spirit, the situation took a turn for the better in 2020.



Today, with approximately one-quarter of the US population under statewide bans, there's been a marked decrease - 29 percent, to be precise - in the number of bags collected per volunteer. These stats date from 2022-23, compared to the pre-pandemic era (2013-2019).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-california-takes-the-lead-in-banning-plastic">California takes the lead in banning plastic</h2>



But who kickstarted this chain reaction? California was the pioneer, being the first of eleven states to implement a plastic bag ban back in 2015.



"Plastic bags are well-known to be one of the most deadly types of plastic pollution in our oceans," said Anja Brandon, Ocean Conservancy's director of plastics policy.



Brandon, an environmental engineer, has been instrumental in drafting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/norways-battle-against-plastic-pollution-represents-a-global-plague/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">state</a> and national legislation on plastic pollution. 



"We were really excited to see that with the increase in percentage of Americans who are covered by a strong plastic bag ban, we see less plastic bag pollution within our ICC dataset," she added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treasure-trove-of-data">Treasure trove of data</h2>



The dataset Brandon refers to comes from the ICC, an event that began in 1986. It's supplemented by voluntary cleanup efforts documented via the Clean Swell app or data sheets, all feeding into Ocean Conservancy's marine litter database. 



This is the largest of its kind, a treasure trove of information influencing scientists, conservationists, and policymakers. In fact, it's played a role in shaping legislation in states like California and Florida.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-price-tag-of-convenience">Hidden price tag of convenience</h2>



Why is a plastic bag such a big concern? Let's consider a turtle in the wild. This peaceful creature may mistake a drifting plastic bag for a tasty jellyfish treat. 



"Once they're ingested, they can bunch up and coil inside the stomach or intestines on an animal," explained Brandon. This leads to a myriad of health problems, including inability to feed, blockages, and even changes to buoyancy, impairing the turtle's ability to dive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-need-to-ban-plastic">Global need to ban plastic</h2>



It is essential to understand that this isn't a regional problem. We're grappling with a global quandary. "Every year, 11 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans - that's over a&nbsp;garbage truck&nbsp;of plastic every single minute," said Brandon.



"I think it's a great reminder that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">systemic challenges of&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;pollutio</a>n are not going to solve themselves - we need strong, effective policy interventions, we know what those are, we have the data to support them, we just need more of them."



The upcoming UN plastic treaty talks in South Korea offer a platform to escalate this dialogue towards global solutions and commitments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promoting-plastic-bans">Promoting plastic bans</h2>



We all have a stake in this narrative. The ICC encourages us to play our part in reducing plastic pollution. By participating, we contribute not just to a cleaner environment, but also help gather data that informs vital policies.



So, next time you're about to reach for a plastic bag at your local store, hold back. This small act can make a tangible difference in the health of our oceans and the vibrant life they sustain.



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Plastic bag bans have drastically reduced ocean pollution

As humans, we often find ourselves navigating through the concrete...

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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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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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

[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...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

Minni didn’t enjoy cleaning out the fish. It was quite horrible! But it was the price she had to pay, besides it was still better than having to eat store bought food. She cut the head off and prepared to rid the fish of its innards and scales. But before she could, she noticed something odd about the fish.

Something Odd