Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Eagle Nebula, also known as Messier 16, which is located about 7,000 light-years away in the constellation Serpens.



The Eagle Nebula is one of the most iconic star-forming regions in our galaxy. It’s a vast cloud of gas and dust stretching roughly 70 light-years across. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillars-of-creation-nbsp">Pillars of Creation&nbsp;</h2>



What makes it especially famous is a portion of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/">nebula</a> captured by the Hubble Space Telescope in 1995 - an area called the "Pillars of Creation."&nbsp;



Some of these towering columns of gas are several light-years tall. The towers resemble sculpted fingers reaching out into space. Inside these pillars, new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/serpens-nebula-image-reveals-how-stars-are-born/">stars</a> are being born as gravity pulls material together into dense cores that eventually ignite nuclear fusion.



The Pillars of Creation are often cited as a poetic example of the cosmic cycle of birth and destruction - where new stars are born even as the surrounding material is slowly destroyed by radiation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hubble-image-of-the-eagle-nebula-nbsp">Hubble image of the Eagle Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



“This towering structure of billowing gas and dark, obscuring dust might only be a small portion of the Eagle Nebula, but it is no less majestic in appearance for it,” said <a href="https://esahubble.org/images/heic2507a/">ESA</a>.



“The new Hubble image is part of ESA/Hubble’s 35th anniversary celebrations. The cosmic cloud shown here is made of cold hydrogen gas, like the rest of the Eagle Nebula. In such regions of space new stars are born among the collapsing clouds.”&nbsp;



The hot, energetic stars emit intense ultraviolet light and powerful stellar winds that erode and sculpt the surrounding gas. The result is the creation of fantastical structures - like the narrow pillar with a blossoming head featured in the new image.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-light-and-shadow-in-the-eagle-nebula">Light and shadow in the Eagle Nebula</h2>



The thick material in the pillar blocks most light, appearing dark and heavy against the backdrop. However, its edges glow where light from the more distant nebula shines through.&nbsp;



The striking colors reflect the chemistry and physics at play: blues signal ionized oxygen, reds indicate glowing hydrogen, and orange shows where starlight has managed to pierce the dust.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-structure-under-siege">A structure under siege</h2>



Just out of frame lie the very stars responsible for shaping this dramatic pillar. Their radiation and winds continue to batter the cloud, compressing the gas and potentially triggering the birth of even more stars within.



For now, the pillar holds firm, but this stability is temporary. Over time, the relentless energy from newly formed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fluffy-molecular-clouds-may-change-our-understanding-of-star-formation/">stars</a> will eventually erode the entire structure.



“While the starry pillar has withstood these forces well so far, cutting an impressive shape against the background, eventually it will be totally eroded by the multitude of new stars that form in the Eagle Nebula,” explained ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycle-of-the-milky-way">Life cycle of the Milky Way</h2>



The nebula’s location in the Sagittarius Arm - one of the Milky Way’s major spiral arms - places it in a zone bustling with similar star-forming regions. This highlights the role of the Eagle Nebula in shaping the structure and the future of our galaxy.



Studies of the Eagle Nebula have revealed that the region is rich in young, hot stars - some of which are only a few million years old. These stars are in various stages of development, providing a natural laboratory for astronomers to study stellar life cycles.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-the-eagle-nebula-nbsp">Evolution of the Eagle Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



Within the Eagle Nebula, there is a variety of stellar processes occurring in close proximity. Some stars are still forming within dense clouds of gas, while others have already matured and begun to emit powerful ultraviolet radiation.&nbsp;



The ongoing interaction between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-formation-reignited-in-the-galaxy-leo-p-after-billions-of-years/">young stars</a> and their environment drives the evolution of the nebula itself.&nbsp;



As newly formed stars heat and disperse the gas and dust around them, they trigger further waves of star formation - or in some cases, halt it altogether.&nbsp;



This feedback loop not only influences the pace of star birth in the Eagle Nebula but also contributes to the broader life cycle of matter within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-collision-may-change-everything-we-know-about-our-galaxy/">Milky Way</a>, enriching the galaxy with heavier elements forged in stellar cores.



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA, K. Noll



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Eagle Nebula: Carving light from darkness

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a portion of the Rosette Nebula, captured by the Hubble Space Telescope.



The Rosette Nebula is a vast cloud of gas and dust located in the constellation Monoceros, also known as the Unicorn.



Shaped like a blooming rose in deep space, it lies about 5,200 light-years from Earth and spans roughly 100 light-years in diameter.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-image-of-the-rosette-nebula">Image of the Rosette Nebula </h2>



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/35-years-of-hubble-the-telescope-that-changed-our-view-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> zooms into a small portion of the nebula that is only four light-years across (the approximate distance between our Sun and the neighboring Alpha Centauri star system),” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“Dark clouds of hydrogen gas laced with dust are silhouetted across the image. The clouds are being eroded and shaped by the seething radiation from the cluster of larger stars in the center of the nebula.”&nbsp;



“An embedded star seen at the tip of a dark cloud in the upper right portion of the image is launching jets of plasma that are crashing into the cold cloud around it. The resulting shock wave is causing a red glow. The colors come from the presence of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-appearance-of-rosette">Distinct appearance of Rosette</h2>



Stellar winds and ultraviolet light are gradually carving out a cavity in the nebula’s center while simultaneously triggering new waves of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fluffy-molecular-clouds-may-change-our-understanding-of-star-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> along its dense edges.&nbsp;



The Rosette Nebula is often studied to understand the life cycle of stars and the complex interactions between radiation and interstellar material. 



Its intricate structure and visual appeal have made it a favorite target for both professional astronomers and astrophotographers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nebulae-that-are-similar-to-rosette">Nebulae that are similar to Rosette</h2>



Compared to other famous nebulae, the Rosette Nebula stands out for its symmetry and floral appearance, which give it a distinct, iconic look. It's often compared to the Orion Nebula, which is much closer to Earth at about 1,300 light-years away and far brighter in the night sky. 



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orion-nebula-destroys-an-oceans-worth-of-water-every-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orion Nebula</a> is a bustling stellar nursery visible even to the naked eye, while the Rosette requires a telescope and is more diffuse and fainter despite being larger in actual size.



The Eagle Nebula, home to the famous "Pillars of Creation," shares a similar process of star formation and sculpting by radiation, but the Eagle has more dramatic, finger-like structures.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stellar-feedback-and-cosmic-evolution">Stellar feedback and cosmic evolution</h2>



The Lagoon Nebula and the Trifid Nebula, both in the constellation Sagittarius, also resemble the Rosette in that they are active star-forming regions, but they lie in a denser part of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-found-something-strange-at-core-of-milky-way-galaxy-webb-meerkat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> and are often surrounded by a rich starfield.



What makes the Rosette Nebula particularly interesting scientifically is the clear interaction between its central star cluster and the surrounding gas, offering a textbook example of how massive stars influence their environment. 



It may not be as visually iconic as the Orion or as dynamic as the Eagle, but it's a beautiful and instructive example of stellar feedback and cosmic evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-the-rosette-nebula">History of the Rosette Nebula </h2>



The history of the Rosette Nebula, like many deep-sky objects, is a blend of observational discovery and increasing scientific understanding over time. 



Although it was likely spotted by earlier astronomers, its first documented observation was in the late 17th century by John Flamsteed, the first Astronomer Royal of England.&nbsp;



However, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> itself was not fully recognized as a distinct object until the advent of astrophotography and improved telescopes in the 19th and 20th centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-clusters-of-the-enormous-cloud">Star clusters of the enormous cloud</h2>



The central star cluster, NGC 2244, was cataloged separately by William Herschel in the 18th century. Over time, astronomers realized that this cluster was embedded in a much larger, complex nebular structure.&nbsp;



As telescope technology advanced, astronomers identified several parts of the Rosette Nebula and gave them separate designations, including NGC 2237, NGC 2238, NGC 2239, and NGC 2246 - essentially referring to different regions of the same enormous cloud.



Observations from space-based telescopes like Chandra (X-rays) and Spitzer (infrared) helped map the energetic processes inside the nebula, revealing how radiation and stellar winds from NGC 2244 are triggering the birth of new stars in its surrounding regions.



Image Credit: ESA



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Rosette Nebula: A flower blooming in deep space

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features UGC 5460, a spiral galaxy that is located about 60 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.&nbsp;



“This image combines four different wavelengths of light to reveal UGC 5460’s central bar of stars, winding spiral arms and bright blue star clusters. Also captured in the upper left-hand corner of this image is a far closer object: a star just 577 light-years away in our own galaxy,” said <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“UGC 5460 has hosted two recent supernovae named SN 2011ht and SN 2015as. It’s because of these two stellar explosions that Hubble targeted this galaxy, collecting data for three observing programmes that aim to study various kinds of supernovae.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-core-collapse-supernova-nbsp">A core-collapse supernova&nbsp;</h2>



SN 2015as is an example of a core-collapse supernova. This type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> occurs when the core of a massive star - typically with more than 8 times the mass of the sun - can no longer support its own gravity after exhausting its nuclear fuel. 



This causes the core to collapse under its own weight, leading to an extremely violent explosion. The collapse triggers the release of an enormous amount of energy, expelling the outer layers of the star into space.



In the aftermath of the explosion, a dense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shockingly-bright-carbon-monoxide-detected-in-supernova-remnant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remnant</a> is created. This is often a neutron star or black hole, depending on the mass of the original star. Core-collapse supernovae are some of the most powerful events in the universe.



According to ESA, Hubble observations of SN 2015as will help researchers understand what happens when the expanding shockwave of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-dandelion-year-1181-leaves-behind-zombie-star-defying-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> collides with the gas that surrounds the exploded star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-stars-with-large-eruptions-nbsp">Rare stars with large eruptions&nbsp;</h2>



“SN 2011ht might have been a core-collapse supernova as well, but it could also be an impostor called a luminous blue variable. Luminous blue variables are rare stars that experience eruptions so large that they can mimic supernovae,” noted ESA.



“Crucially, luminous blue variables emerge from these eruptions unscathed, while stars that go supernova do not. Hubble will search for a stellar survivor at SN 2011ht’s location, and the explosion’s identity may be revealed at last.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-spiral-galaxy">What is a spiral galaxy?</h2>



Spiral galaxies are some of the most recognizable and beautiful structures in the universe. They are known for their distinctive arms that spiral outward from a central bulge.&nbsp;



These galaxies are typically composed of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter. The arms are often sites of intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fluffy-molecular-clouds-may-change-our-understanding-of-star-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>, where clouds of gas collapse to form new stars. 



In the center of a spiral galaxy lies a dense concentration of older stars and, often, a supermassive black hole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-a-spiral-galaxy-nbsp">Structure of a spiral galaxy&nbsp;</h2>



The structure of a spiral galaxy is generally divided into three main components: the disk, the bulge, and the halo.&nbsp;



The disk is where the spiral arms are located and contains most of the galaxy's visible stars and interstellar medium.&nbsp;



The bulge is a tightly packed region of older stars at the core, and the halo consists of a sparse collection of stars and globular clusters that surround the galaxy.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies can be classified into different types based on the tightness and number of their spiral arms, as well as the size of their central bulge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-milky-way-galaxy">The Milky Way galaxy</h2>



Our solar system is located within a large spiral galaxy known as the Milky Way. The name refers to its appearance as a dim, milky band of light stretching across the night sky.&nbsp;



The term "Milky Way" comes from ancient Greek mythology, where it was associated the goddess Hera's milk spilling into the sky. In Greek, it was called "Galaxias Kyklos," meaning "milky circle."&nbsp;



Spanning about 100,000 light-years in diameter, the Milky Way is composed of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter. The galaxy has a distinct disk shape with spiral arms that wind outward from a central bulge, which houses a supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-black-hole-unleashes-mysterious-flares/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a>. 



Our sun is located in one of the spiral arms - known as the Orion Arm - positioned roughly halfway from the center to the outer edge.&nbsp;



The Milky Way is part of a small group of galaxies called the Local Group, which includes the Andromeda Galaxy and several smaller galaxies.



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Hubble views a spiral galaxy with stellar explosions

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features Lake Chad in central Africa. The photograph was taken by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station.



According to <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/154407/lake-chads-water-wetlands-and-dunes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, Lake Chad once ranked among the largest natural lakes in the world. It was a critical resource for millions of people and animals, supporting agriculture and fishing across the region.&nbsp;



Lake Chad straddles the borders of Chad, Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon. The shallow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-warming-toward-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> is primarily fed by the Chari River, which brings water from the Central African Republic. 



The water levels are also influenced by seasonal rainfall. The rainfall patterns vary significantly across the basin but generally follow a wet-dry seasonal cycle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-decline-and-shrinkage-nbsp">Environmental decline and shrinkage&nbsp;</h2>



From the 1960s to the early 2000s, the lake lost more than 90 percent of its surface area. It transformed from a vast expanse of open water into a patchwork of wetlands, reed beds, and scattered pools.&nbsp;



This environmental decline has had severe consequences for local communities, leading to food and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-water-security-relies-on-the-origins-of-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water insecurity</a>, loss of livelihoods, and increasing competition over scarce resources.



“Ongoing droughts and the rising demand for fresh water have shrunk the lake to less than a tenth of the area it covered in the middle of the last century,” noted NASA.



“Although the lake has experienced dry and wet periods for thousands of years, there has been a significant decline in the amount of lake water available since the 1960s.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conflict-culture-and-economy">Conflict, culture, and economy</h2>



Lake Chad is a geopolitical hotspot. The region has been affected by conflict, including the insurgency led by Boko Haram, which has displaced millions and further complicated efforts to manage and protect the lake’s fragile ecosystem.&nbsp;



Despite these challenges, regional governments and international organizations are working to restore and sustain the lake, including ambitious proposals to divert water from the Congo River basin.



Culturally and economically, Lake Chad remains vital. It is a hub for trade and social exchange among diverse ethnic groups and continues to provide fish and fertile land despite its reduced size.&nbsp;



The future of Lake Chad hinges on sustainable water management, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-extremes-alter-how-sunlight-travels-through-clear-lakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> resilience, and political cooperation across national boundaries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-lake-chad-nbsp">Evolution of Lake Chad&nbsp;</h2>



According to NASA, the evolution of Lake Chad has been documented by astronaut photography over the past 60 years.&nbsp;



“During the Apollo 7 mission in 1968, an astronaut acquired an oblique <a href="https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/SearchPhotos/photo.pl?mission=AS07&amp;roll=8&amp;frame=1932" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photograph</a> of the lake as one large body of water. In 1982, another <a href="https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/SearchPhotos/photo.pl?mission=STS005&amp;roll=39&amp;frame=1022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photo</a> from the space shuttle mission STS-5 recorded receding water levels and encroaching sand dunes.”



“A <a href="https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/SearchPhotos/photo.pl?mission=ISS042&amp;roll=E&amp;frame=244403" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photo</a> taken in 2015 during space station Expedition 42 captured the lake’s remaining waters and wetlands in dark green, blue, and brown, contrasting with the sandy shades of the surrounding land.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-lake-chad">Wildlife of Lake Chad</h2>



Lake Chad still supports wildlife, though species diversity and abundance have declined significantly due to ecosystem degradation



The lake and its surrounding wetlands are home to several species of fish, including tilapia, catfish, and Nile perch, which are important both ecologically and economically.&nbsp;



These fish support a major regional fishing industry, although overfishing and changes in water conditions have put pressure on fish populations.



Birds are another key component of the ecosystem. The lake serves as a crucial habitat and stopover point for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-may-be-using-quantum-physics-for-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a> traveling along the African-Eurasian flyway. 



Species such as herons, storks, ducks, and geese can be found in the region, especially during the wet season when parts of the lake flood and create rich feeding grounds.



Mammals that depend on the surrounding floodplains and wetlands include hippos and various antelope species, yet their numbers have declined.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts-and-challenges">Conservation efforts and challenges</h2>



Reptiles like Nile crocodiles and turtles also inhabit the lake's waters and marshy areas. In the past, larger wildlife such as elephants and lions may have roamed the wider Lake Chad basin, but they are now mostly gone from the immediate lake area due to habitat loss and human activity.



Despite these challenges, Lake Chad remains an important, yet increasingly fragile, refuge for wildlife in a region where water and natural habitats are becoming more scarce.&nbsp;



Conservation efforts aim to balance the needs of people and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-freshwater-species-are-threatened-with-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>, but the success of such efforts depends on managing the lake’s limited resources in the face of climate change, political instability, and population growth.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Lake Chad: A vanishing lifeline in Central Africa

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 5335 - a barred spiral galaxy located in the constellation Virgo. 



The photo was captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. According to <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/04/Barred_Spiral_Galaxy_NGC_5335" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>, thousands of distant galaxies are speckled throughout the image in a variety of colors.&nbsp;



Hubble is revealing how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-galaxies-discovery-would-upend-current-understanding-of-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> form, grow, and evolve over cosmic time by capturing detailed images of galaxies at various stages of development, from the nearby universe to billions of light-years away. 



Hubble images have shown us that galaxies collide and merge, that star formation varies across different types of galaxies, and that supermassive black holes often lie at their centers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-ngc-5335">Studying NGC 5335</h2>



The galaxy NGC 5335 lies approximately 160 million light-years from Earth. It is classified as an SB(s)bc type galaxy, indicating a well-defined bar structure across its center with less distinct spiral arms. The galaxy was discovered by astronomer William Herschel on May 13, 1793.&nbsp;



Like many galaxies of its type, NGC 5335 features active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-formation-reignited-in-the-galaxy-leo-p-after-billions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>, especially in its spiral arms, where interstellar gas and dust provide the raw material for new stars.&nbsp;



Observations in different wavelengths, including infrared and ultraviolet, help astronomers study its stellar population and the dynamics of its central bar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hubble-s-view-of-the-spiral-galaxy-nbsp">Hubble’s view of the spiral galaxy&nbsp;</h2>



“NGC 5335 is categorized as a flocculent spiral galaxy with patchy streamers of star formation across its disk. There is a striking lack of well-defined spiral arms that are commonly found among galaxies, including our Milky Way,” noted ESA.



“A notable bar structure slices across the center of the galaxy. The bar channels gas inwards toward the galactic center, fueling star formation.”&nbsp;



“Such bars are dynamic in galaxies and may come and go over two-billion-year intervals. They appear in about 30 percent of observed galaxies, including our Milky Way.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galactic-bar-in-the-milky-way-nbsp">Galactic bar in the Milky Way&nbsp;</h2>



The bar in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-found-something-strange-at-core-of-milky-way-galaxy-webb-meerkat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> is a vast, elongated structure composed mostly of stars, stretching across the galaxy’s central region. It is a key feature of our galaxy’s architecture, spanning about 27,000 light-years and oriented at an angle relative to the galaxy’s spiral arms.&nbsp;



Astronomers believe the bar plays a crucial role in the dynamics and evolution of the Milky Way by funneling gas inward toward the galactic center. This can feed star formation and fuel the supermassive black hole at the core. 



The bar is thought to have formed from instabilities in the galactic disk and continues to influence the motion of stars and the overall gravitational balance of the galaxy.&nbsp;



Observations in infrared and radio wavelengths, which can pierce through the dust in the galactic plane, have helped scientists map the bar’s size, shape, and orientation.



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



Virgo is one of the most prominent and well-known constellations in the night sky, both astronomically and mythologically. It is the second-largest constellation by area and lies along the zodiac, making it one of the twelve constellations through which the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/team-creates-video-showing-the-sun-in-gamma-rays-over-a-14-year-period/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sun</a> appears to move during the year.&nbsp;



Virgo is most visible in the evening sky in the Northern Hemisphere during spring, particularly in April and May. Its name means “virgin” in Latin.



Virgo is traditionally associated with various fertility and agriculture goddesses across different cultures, including the Greek goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone, as well as the Roman goddess Ceres.&nbsp;



In some myths, Virgo represents Astraea, the virgin goddess of justice who fled to the heavens during the corruption of mankind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astronomical-significance-of-virgo">Astronomical significance of Virgo</h2>



Astronomically, Virgo is situated between Leo to the west and Libra to the east. One of its most notable stars is Spica, the brightest star in Virgo and one of the brightest in the night sky.&nbsp;



Spica is a blue-white giant, located approximately 250 light-years from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/was-early-earth-a-purple-planet-scientists-say-its-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>. It has been important for navigation and agriculture for centuries, marking planting and harvest times in ancient calendars.



Virgo is also of great interest to astronomers because it hosts the Virgo Cluster, a massive cluster of galaxies about 65 million light-years away.&nbsp;



This cluster contains more than 1,000 galaxies, and it's part of the larger Virgo Supercluster, which also includes our own Local Group of galaxies. This makes Virgo a key area for studying large-scale structures in the universe.



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Barred spiral galaxy glows in the constellation Virgo

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a stunning image of Andromeda, the nearest spiral galaxy to our Milky Way.



The extraordinary image was captured by ESA's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flyeye-telescope-will-spot-asteroids-faster-than-ever-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flyeye telescope</a> in May 2025 during its first light campaign. This was not just a technical test - it became a powerful demonstration of the telescope’s capabilities. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-andromeda-in-a-single-frame">Capturing Andromeda in a single frame</h2>



The image was produced from 16 simultaneous 30-second exposures, each corresponding to one segment of the instrument’s view. What’s remarkable is that this relatively brief imaging session managed to capture the entire span of Andromeda in a single frame.&nbsp;



“For a dedicated astronomical telescope such as the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, viewing the whole Andromeda Galaxy requires stitching together hundreds of individual observations. This <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/01/Hubble_s_panoramic_view_of_the_Andromeda_Galaxy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble image</a> of Andromeda, for example, took over 10 years and 600 snapshots to make,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/06/Flyeye_s_view_of_the_Andromeda_galaxy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“Flyeye, on the other hand, is a survey telescope designed to see as much of the sky at once as possible, and to rapidly scan for new near-Earth objects. This image of Andromeda takes up just one sixteenth of the telescope’s full field of view.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viewing-the-sky-like-never-before">Viewing the sky like never before</h2>



The Flyeye telescope is a uniquely engineered wide-field survey instrument that gets its name from the compound eyes of insects. The ability to image a vast celestial object like Andromeda so quickly and efficiently speaks volumes about the future role of Flyeye.&nbsp;



While the telescope was primarily designed for planetary defense - specifically, detecting near-Earth objects like asteroids and comets - it is proving to be a versatile tool for wide-field astrophotography.&nbsp;



Once the full network of Flyeye telescopes is operational, ESA will be able to monitor two-thirds of the visible sky up to three times per night. This will greatly enhance our ability to detect moving objects, transient phenomena, and changes in the sky in near real-time.



Flyeye represents a major leap in how we scan and interpret the sky, combining the speed of modern survey telescopes with the breadth and automation required for planetary protection and astrophysical discovery. The image of Andromeda, captured so efficiently, is an early glimpse of that future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-andromeda">A closer look at Andromeda</h2>



The Andromeda Galaxy is the most distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-the-milky-way-on-a-collision-course-new-clues-from-hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">object</a> visible to the naked eye from Earth.&nbsp;Located approximately 2.5 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda, it spans more than 220,000 light-years across - making it more than twice the size of the Milky Way.&nbsp;



The galaxy contains an estimated one trillion stars, which is several times more than the number in our galaxy.



Andromeda is on a slow but steady <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-collision-may-change-everything-we-know-about-our-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collision course</a> with the Milky Way. Astronomers estimate that the two galaxies will begin to merge in about 4 billion years, eventually forming a single, much larger elliptical galaxy.&nbsp;



This future collision is not a threat to individual stars or planets, including our solar system, because of the immense distances between stars. Instead, it will be a dramatic and relatively gentle gravitational reshaping of both galaxies over billions of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-important-object-of-study">An important object of study</h2>



Visually, Andromeda appears as a faint, elongated smudge in dark skies, best seen in the Northern Hemisphere during autumn. 



Through binoculars or a small telescope, more structure becomes visible, including its bright core and hints of spiral arms. It has several satellite galaxies of its own, including M32 and M110, both of which are dwarf elliptical galaxies.



As a member of the Local Group - a small cluster of about 80 galaxies that includes the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brightest-era-of-the-universe-reveals-how-the-milky-way-formed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, Triangulum Galaxy, and numerous dwarf galaxies - Andromeda plays a key role in our understanding of galactic formation and evolution.&nbsp;



It has been studied extensively in multiple wavelengths, from radio to X-ray, revealing not only its stars and dust lanes but also a massive halo of hot gas surrounding it and evidence of past galactic mergers.



Andromeda remains an important object of study for both scientists and skywatchers. It gives us a glimpse of what the Milky Way might look like from the outside and helps us understand what could happen when our galaxy and Andromeda eventually collide.



Image Credit: ESA



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Andromeda: One trillion stars in a single frame

Located in the western United States and spanning Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, Yellowstone is the country’s oldest national park. And over the years, millions of visitors have flocked there to take in its dramatic vistas and marvel at its famous geysers. But sometimes, they have left more than footprints behind. Photo Credit: Linda Aileen Photography

The oldest national park in the US

Once native to the rocky shores of Jeju Island, the top shell Turbo sazae is now moving north. Scientists at KIOST have linked the snail's shifting range to rising sea temperatures driven by climate change.



Genetic evidence supports the snails' expansion, showing shared ancestry between eastern and southern Korean populations.



A research paper published in the journal Animals reveals that this shift is not just recent. It is tied to deeper evolutionary history and ocean current dynamics.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-wins-in-2025-came-from-unexpected-places/">Climate</a> change-driven rises in sea temperatures are a core variable in the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems,” said <a href="https://www.kiost.ac.kr/eng.do" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KIOST</a> President Hyi Seung Lee.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snails-with-shared-ancestry">Snails with shared ancestry</h2>



The researchers collected samples from six locations, including Jeju and the East Sea. Using mitochondrial DNA (COI), the team built haplotype maps to assess relatedness. 



A dominant genetic type, called EJ1, appeared in 60% of Jeju individuals and 50% of East Sea ones. This strong overlap suggests these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-impacting-earths-rotation/">regions</a> share more than just warm waters. They share a common genetic base. 



Bayesian analysis dated the most recent common ancestor between these populations to between 9.7 and 23.3 million years ago. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-currents-and-snail-dispersal">Ocean currents and snail dispersal</h2>



The ancestral link between the snails reflects a long evolutionary history shaped by currents like the Kuroshio and Tsushima. 



These ocean currents are central to the story. They carry larvae north during early planktonic stages. Turbo sazae larvae live in open water for 3 to 5 days before settling. That short window is enough to disperse widely along current paths.



This dispersal helps maintain genetic continuity between distant populations. That is why genetic differentiation between Jeju and the East Sea is low. 



The study’s FST values and AMOVA results confirm that most genetic variation occurs within, not between, these groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-regions-still-shape-genes">Unique regions still shape genes</h2>



Despite shared ancestry, some sites showed early signs of divergence. Populations at Dokdo and Wangdolcho had site-specific haplotypes. 



These locations have complex underwater topography and eddies that may trap larvae. This can limit outside gene flow and shape unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-is-just-three-years-away-from-dangerous-carbon-milestone/">traits</a> over time.



Dokdo, for instance, rises steeply from the ocean floor and is shaped by dynamic currents. These geographic features might create local barriers that influence how genes move. More research could clarify whether such structures truly restrict connectivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warmer-waters-weaken-snail-immunity">Warmer waters weaken snail immunity</h2>



Earlier studies suspected diet changes caused population drops in Jeju. Researchers thought urchin barrens affected feeding behavior. But recent findings show diet had little impact on physiology or reproduction. 



Instead, warming waters weakened the snail’s immune function. In other words, climate change was the real driver of the snail's population decline around Jeju.



This finding came from a second study published in the journal Marine Environmental Research. The study confirmed that higher sea temperatures compromise the snail’s immunity and make it more vulnerable to environmental stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-warming-shifts-sea-life-habitats">Ocean warming shifts sea life habitats</h2>



Between 2009 and 2018, Turbo sazae expanded north at a rate of 12.4 km per year. That is a fast pace for a marine mollusk. It aligns with rising sea surface temperatures of 0.38°C per decade in the region. Warmer waters now support life where it once could not.



A marine desertification phenomenon called barren ground is also changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-fueling-antibiotic-resistance-in-our-soils/">habitats</a>. These zones lose kelp and become covered with white algae. Such shifts leave snails like T. sazae with fewer choices. They must move or decline.



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



The study's findings have practical implications. They show that Jeju acts as a source for new East Sea populations. 



The shared genetics suggest that populations should not be managed as isolated units. Instead, integrated approaches should reflect their connectivity.



Yet, local differences still matter. Management plans must protect unique habitats, especially where signs of early genetic differentiation emerge. Monitoring, habitat conservation, and tracking larval dispersal are essential steps.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snails-adjusting-to-climate-change">Snails adjusting to climate change </h2>



As the sea changes with the climate, snails and other inhabitants are changing too. Turbo sazae is adjusting, relocating, and surviving. 



The science behind this shift not only charts the path of one species. It gives a broader glimpse into how ocean warming is reshaping sea life. 



KIOST President Hyi Seung Lee said the findings will help deepen scientific understanding of how sea life distribution is changing and support ongoing efforts to protect marine ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/9/1321" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animals</a>.



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Ocean warming is pushing sea life into new territories

Once native to the rocky shores of Jeju Island, the...

Many adults trust AI systems that confidently give wrong answers. Children, who lack deep domain knowledge, often find it even harder to tell when AI is wrong. 



A new game developed by <a href="https://www.washington.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> researchers flips the script. It helps kids recognize AI’s failures and think more critically about its logic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids-test-ai-logic">Kids test AI logic</h2>



AI Puzzlers draws its design from the Abstraction and Reasoning Corpus (ARC), a set of visual puzzles that are easy for humans and hard for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-ai-framework-dimon-turning-any-laptop-into-a-supercomputer/">machines</a>. These puzzles don’t require language. Instead, they ask users to spot a pattern and apply it to new inputs using color grids.



The game engages kids by asking them to solve puzzles first. Then, they test <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-model-esm3-creates-new-protein-that-simulates-500-million-years-of-biological-evolution/">AI</a> chatbots on the same puzzles and compare answers. 



Even if the AI sometimes guesses the right answer, its explanation rarely matches. This mismatch becomes a key moment of discovery. Kids learn that confidence doesn’t equal correctness.



“Kids naturally loved ARC puzzles and they’re not specific to any language or culture,” said study lead author Aayushi Dangol. “Because the puzzles rely solely on visual pattern recognition, even kids that can’t read yet can play and learn.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids-notice-when-ai-fails">Kids notice when AI fails</h2>



Kids begin by thinking AI is smart. They expect it to outperform them. But when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-traffic-cameras-are-preventing-thousands-of-crashes-each-year/">AI</a> repeatedly fails, the surprise sparks curiosity and laughter. “That is very very wrong,” one child said after watching an AI completely miss a basic pattern.



Visual comparison helps kids instantly spot what the AI missed. This strengthens their own logic and boosts confidence. They begin to understand that being human brings advantages. Unlike AI, they can use creativity, context, and reasoning grounded in real experience.



One child described the AI as having “the internet’s mind,” saying, “It’s trying to solve it based only on the internet, but the human brain is creative.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids-guide-ai-with-better-instructions">Kids guide AI with better instructions</h2>



AI Puzzlers includes a special Assist Mode where kids give the AI clues. This mode turns them into guides, not just players. 



The children move from broad statements like “Make a donut” to specific instructions like “Place white in the center, blue all around.” As they experiment, they learn how to help the AI get closer to the correct logic.



The researchers found that this step-by-step refining deepened the kids’ understanding. They weren’t just pointing out errors. They were learning how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-games-could-accelerate-discoveries-in-cancer-research/">AI</a> misinterprets vague language and how precise input shapes better output.



In one session, a child wrote, “Make a pattern of the colors and gray alternating and a background of white, red, light blue, green, yellow.” The AI still got it wrong. 



The frustration was real. “I am so done with you, AI,” the child said. But the effort showed critical thinking at work.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-game-mechanics-that-build-ai-literacy">Game mechanics that build AI literacy</h2>



The game uses three main modes: Manual, AI, and Assist. In Manual Mode, kids build their answers from scratch. 



AI Mode lets them test the chatbot’s performance and read its reasoning. Assist Mode invites them to guide the AI, learning what helps and what doesn’t.



This design is grounded in Mayer and Moreno’s theory of multimedia learning. By using both visuals and text, the game lightens cognitive overload and keeps kids engaged. Switching between modes lets them explore ideas, spot contradictions, and build layered understanding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids-can-help-improve-ai">Kids can help improve AI</h2>



The researchers used a participatory design approach called Cooperative Inquiry. In two summer sessions, 21 children aged 6 to 11 collaborated with adult facilitators. These kids weren’t just test subjects. They helped shape the tool.



Children gave feedback, refined features, and even inspired the Assist Mode. In group discussions, they evaluated AI logic, challenged explanations, and brainstormed ideas to improve AI understanding. 



One child noted: “AI is very scientific, given its scientific explanation, but sometimes it’s better not to go super, duper scientific.”



The project showed that children, when given space and tools, are more than passive users. They become critics, testers, and co-creators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-minds-human-vs-machine">Comparing minds: Human vs. machine</h2>



As they kept solving puzzles, kids saw the difference between how they think and how AI thinks. AI, they noticed, often guesses randomly or repeats errors. 



“AI just keeps guessing,” one child said. Another called it “stupid” and said it only “gets lucky.”



The kids began to frame AI as limited. “Look at the references and think like a human being,” one urged. They recognized that humans can draw from experience, emotion, and logic, while AI relies on patterns it has seen.



This shift is crucial. Children stopped treating AI as infallible. They started viewing it as a tool that needs supervision, not praise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-thinking-in-other-settings">Critical thinking in other settings </h2>



The system is open source and works on any browser. The team hopes to extend it with more puzzle types and newer AI models. They also want to explore if these critical thinking skills transfer to other settings like schoolwork or web searches.



The researchers are also thinking about voice integration and better accessibility for colorblind users. 



The long-term vision is to help kids build habits of questioning, experimenting, and reflecting. These are skills that apply far beyond the game.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-puzzles-build-ai-skills">Puzzles build AI skills</h2>



This work shows that critical AI thinking doesn’t need lectures. It can begin with puzzles, color grids, and curiosity. By allowing kids to compare, question, and fix AI logic, AI Puzzlers gives them agency.



“Kids are smart and capable,” said study co-senior author Julie Kientz. “We need to give them opportunities to make up their own minds about what AI is and isn't.”



The success of AI Puzzlers shows what’s possible. When kids are given space to think critically, they don’t just understand AI. They start to outthink it.



The study is published in <a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3713043.3728836" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the 24th Interaction Design and Children</a>.



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Can kids outsmart AI? Puzzle games put them to the test

Many adults trust AI systems that confidently give wrong answers....

Scientists have discovered that microbes in the human gut can absorb PFAS, persistent and toxic chemicals found in our environment. This breakthrough could help reduce the harm these chemicals cause inside our bodies.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-that-eat-forever-chemicals-discovered-in-contaminated-soil/">PFAS</a> (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are used in waterproof clothing, food packaging, non-stick pans, and cosmetics. They do not break down easily, which makes them useful but dangerous. Over time, they build up in soil, water, and living organisms, including us.



PFAS exposure has been linked to fertility problems, cancer, immune suppression, and heart disease. Now, research led by the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> offers a possible solution using our own gut bacteria.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-bacteria-remove-toxic-chemicals">Gut bacteria remove toxic chemicals</h2>



The study, published in the journal Nature Microbiology, identified nine gut bacterial strains that can bind and trap PFAS molecules. The researchers introduced these strains into the gut of mice to create a human-like microbiome.



After feeding the mice with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-strain-identified-that-can-eat-forever-chemicals/">PFAS</a>, the team observed that the bacteria absorbed and stored the chemicals. The PFAS-laden bacteria were then excreted in the faeces.



Within minutes of exposure, some bacteria removed up to 74 percent of PFAS present. Even when exposed to higher PFAS levels, the bacteria removed a consistent percentage. This suggests a reliable process that works across different doses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-chemicals-absorbed-by-gut-bacteria">Most chemicals absorbed by gut bacteria </h2>



The bacterial strains included species like&nbsp;Enterocloster bolteae&nbsp;and&nbsp;Blautia producta. According to the paper, these bacteria form intracellular PFAS clumps. This clustering appears to protect the bacteria from PFAS toxicity.



A dose-response analysis showed that higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-strain-identified-that-can-eat-forever-chemicals/">PFAS</a> levels did not overwhelm the microbes. Instead, the same proportion of PFAS was taken up at all concentrations. That consistency is important for therapeutic use.



The authors also used chemical analysis and imaging to confirm that PFAS accumulated inside bacterial cells and not just on their surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-removing-pfas-with-probiotics">Removing PFAS with probiotics</h2>



The researchers now aim to develop probiotic supplements that increase these chemical-removing bacteria in the human gut.



“Given the scale of the problem of PFAS ‘forever <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-filtration-system-removes-forever-chemicals-from-water/">chemicals</a>’, particularly their effects on human health, it’s concerning that so little is being done about removing these from our bodies,” Dr. Kiran Patil explained who is one of the authors.



“We found that certain species of human gut bacteria have a remarkably high capacity to soak up PFAS from their environment at a range of concentrations, and store these in clumps inside their cells.”



“The reality is that PFAS are already in the environment and in our bodies, and we need to try and mitigate their impact on our health now," said study co-author Dr. Indra Roux.



"We haven’t found a way to destroy PFAS, but our findings open the possibility of developing ways to get them out of our bodies where they do the most harm."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-concern-and-a-startup-response">Rising concern and a startup response</h2>



There are over 4,700 PFAS compounds. Some leave the body quickly. Others can remain for decades. These longer-chain PFAS are the most concerning as they accumulate in blood, liver, and other tissues.



The UK government launched a parliamentary inquiry in April 2025 to investigate PFAS regulation and health risks.



Dr. Anna Lindell, the study’s lead author, emphasized the urgency of the issue. “We’re all being exposed to PFAS through our water and food - these chemicals are so widespread that they’re in all of us."



“PFAS were once considered safe, but it’s now clear that they’re not. It’s taken a long time for PFAS to become noticed because at low levels they’re not acutely toxic. But they’re like a slow poison.”



Lindell and Patil co-founded Cambiotics with entrepreneur Peter Holme Jensen. The company is working on PFAS-removal probiotics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-gut-exposure-to-chemicals">Reducing gut exposure to chemicals</h2>



Until probiotics reach the market, researchers recommend simple lifestyle changes. Avoid using PFAS-coated cookware and install a water filter that reduces PFAS.



These steps will not remove the chemicals already in your body. But they can reduce how much more you take in each day.



The new research shows the gut microbiome may offer a powerful method for managing chemical exposure. Microbes could help protect our health in a polluted world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-025-02032-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Microbiology</a>.



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Gut bacteria offer new hope against 'forever chemicals'

Scientists have discovered that microbes in the human gut can...

For many years, scientists believed that plants sensed heat using proteins active mostly at night. But recent findings reveal something far more complex. 



A new study led by Professor Meng Chen from the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a>, shows that during the day, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-roots-could-be-key-to-fighting-climate-change/">plants</a> rely on sugar and a combination of thermal signals to detect warmth and adjust their growth.



The research reshapes long-standing views. The results uncover how plants integrate sunlight, sugar, and internal signals to regulate daytime thermomorphogenesis, the growth response triggered by warmth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-sense-heat-differently-by-day">Plants sense heat differently by day</h2>



“Our textbooks say that proteins like phytochrome B and early flowering 3 (ELF3) are the main thermosensors in plants,” Chen said. “But those models are based on nighttime data." 



"We wanted to know what’s happening during the day, when light and temperature are both high because these are the conditions most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-pressure-has-a-hidden-impact-on-plant-diversity/">plants</a> actually experience.”



Previous models focused on phytochrome B (phyB) and ELF3, both of which are responsive at night. But in strong sunlight, phyB becomes constantly activated, shutting down its heat-sensing role. 



The research team tested Arabidopsis plants under a range of temperatures and red-light intensities, including conditions mimicking midday sun.



The paper shows two clear heat responses. One operates between 12 and 21 °C and depends on phyB. The other, active between 21 and 27 °C, does not rely on phyB. This second, sugar-driven response remains active even under intense light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sugar-helps-plants-detect-daytime-heat">Sugar helps plants detect daytime heat</h2>



The study reveals that sugar is more than just a fuel. It is a heat signal during daylight. “That’s when we realized sugar wasn’t just fueling growth,” Chen said. “It was acting like a signal, telling the plant that it’s warm.”



Under high temperatures, chloroplasts break down stored starch into sucrose. This sugar then stabilizes PIF4, a protein that drives growth. 



Without sugar, PIF4 degrades. With sugar, PIF4 sticks around, so long as another protein, ELF3, also lifts its repressive control.



The&nbsp;study&nbsp;confirms that adding sucrose to mutant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-finally-learn-what-makes-plants-roots-grow-faster-and-stronger-autophagy/">plants</a> restores growth, even in darkness. This shows sugar acts independently from light and provides a thermal cue during the day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-growth-needs-both-sugar-and-heat">Plant growth needs both sugar and heat</h2>



“PIF4 needs two things,” Chen explained. “Sugar to stick around, and freedom from repression. Temperature helps provide both.”



This dual system operates like an "AND" gate in electronics. Both sucrose and the release from ELF3 inhibition are required for full thermoresponsive growth. Sucrose promotes PIF4 stability, while high temperature relieves ELF3's suppression.



When either cue is missing, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-for-biological-diversity-2025-bonding-with-nature/">plants</a> fail to elongate properly. But when both are present, like sugar and warmth, PIF4 can trigger auxin-related genes that stretch the plant upwards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protein-blocks-growth-until-it-s-warm">Protein blocks growth until it’s warm</h2>



Interestingly, ELF3 inhibits PIF4 in two ways. It blocks its production and its activity. High temperatures disable ELF3, freeing PIF4 to act. This insight flips older beliefs that ELF3 only worked at night.



The&nbsp;microscopy images and data on page 8&nbsp;reveal that even without ELF3, plants can respond to sugar and still grow taller. But only with both sugar and heat do PIF4 targets like IAA19 and YUC9 become active.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engineering-stronger-crops">Engineering stronger crops</h2>



“This changes how we think about thermosensing in plants,” Chen said. “It’s not just about proteins flipping on or off. It’s about energy, light, sugar, as well.”



Understanding these systems has practical value. As global temperatures rise, crops need to grow reliably. Knowing that starch breakdown and sugar signaling help regulate growth can help scientists design better, more heat-resilient plants.



Researchers also&nbsp;illustrate how the three thermosensors, phyB, ELF3, and chloroplast-sucrose, work together. This multisensor setup allows plants to fine-tune growth, even under extreme conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-use-sugar-smartly-to-grow">Plants use sugar smartly to grow </h2>



Plants live silent lives, but their internal machinery buzzes with complex decisions. In the heat of the day, they don't just react, they calculate. 



By using sugars to sense their environment, they respond with a quiet precision that helps them grow exactly when conditions are right. This study doesn't just add to our knowledge. It rewrites it.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-60498-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Plants use sugar in ways we never imagined

For many years, scientists believed that plants sensed heat using...

Flour,Chickpeas,In,Spoonful,,Chick-peas,In,A,Sack,And,Fresh

For decades, studies on mice, monkeys, and even roundworms have pointed to calorie restriction as a ticket to longevity. Trouble is, perpetual hunger does not rank high on most bucket lists, and adherence to such strict diets tends to plummet once real life barges in with birthdays and barbecues.



By the time researchers at the <a href="https://www.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin</a> put calorie-cutting under the microscope, they noticed a pattern: eating less helped animals live longer, but the menu’s makeup mattered just as much. 



That discovery widened the spotlight to proteins, the nutrients stitched together from 20 common <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/amino-acids" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amino acids</a>. Nine of those are “essential,” meaning the body cannot manufacture them.



Early work hinted that dialing down total protein might mirror the benefits of calorie restriction without the gnawing hunger. 



Mice fed modest protein saw improved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-this-amount-of-water-per-day-helps-control-blood-sugar-levels-in-people-with-diabetes/">blood sugar</a> control and trimmer waistlines, yet blanket reductions risked muscle loss, especially in older animals. Something more surgical was needed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protein-quality-over-quantity">Protein quality over quantity</h2>



Metabolism researcher <a href="https://www.medicine.wisc.edu/directory/lamming_dudley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dudley Lamming</a> stepped into that gap with a question few had asked: what if the magic hides in specific amino acids rather than protein as a whole? 



“We like to say a calorie is not just a calorie,” he says. “Different components of your diet have value and impact beyond their function as a calorie, and we’ve been digging in on one component that many people may be eating too much of.”



His team homed in on the branched-chain amino acids - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-too-much-protein-greatly-increases-heart-disease-risk/">leucine</a>, isoleucine, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-use-dna-duplication-to-increase-their-resilience/">valine</a> - popular in sports supplements for their muscle-building buzz. Instead of treating them as a block, the researchers isolated each one. Isoleucine quickly took center stage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cutting-back-on-isoleucine">Cutting back on isoleucine</h2>



When mice at the equivalent of 30 human years were fed chow that cut isoleucine by about two-thirds, their bodies shed fat quickly. 



“Very quickly, we saw the mice on the reduced-isoleucine diet lose adiposity - their bodies got leaner, they lost fat,” says Lamming. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spicy-foods-can-slow-down-eating-and-cut-calorie-intake/">Calorie intake</a> actually climbed; the animals nibbled more in an apparent effort to find the missing amino acid, yet their metabolisms revved high enough to keep weight off.



Over time, male mice lived about 33 percent longer, and females about 7 percent. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/isoleucine_amino-acid_diet-restriction_lifespan-increase_credit-Cell-Metabolism_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/isoleucine_amino-acid_diet-restriction_lifespan-increase_credit-Cell-Metabolism_1s.webp" alt="This graphic illustration shows the impact that reduced isoleucine diet had on mice longevity. Credit: Cell Metabolism" class="wp-image-1975852"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This graphic illustration shows the impact that reduced isoleucine diet had on mice longevity. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Cell Metabolism</figcaption></figure>



That extra runway arrived with smoother blood sugar curves, sturdier muscles, and fewer signs of frailty across 26 health checks - from grip strength to coat condition. 



Cancer, the usual culprit in an aging mouse colony, struck less often in males on the low-isoleucine diet, and prostate enlargement eased.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-isoleucine-shapes-lifespan">How isoleucine shapes lifespan</h2>



Most roads in the aging field eventually intersect with <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-023-01608-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mTOR</a>, a cellular sensor finely tuned to amino acid levels. 



Drop isoleucine, and mTOR quiets down, dialing back growth signals that drive both tumor formation and the wear-and-tear of aging. 



The diet also boosts a hormone that helps the body cope with cold and is being studied as a potential diabetes therapy. 



The interplay of these pathways - not yet fully mapped - likely explains why trimming one nutrient outperforms broader protein cuts in middle-aged mice.



“Previous research has shown lifespan increase with low-calorie and low-protein or low-amino-acid diets starting in very young mice,” Lamming explains.



“We started with mice that were already getting older. It’s interesting and encouraging to think a dietary change could still make such a big difference in lifespan and what we call ‘healthspan,’ even when it started closer to mid-life.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isoleucine-and-human-health">Isoleucine and human health</h2>



Humans need isoleucine for everything from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tibetan-women-have-quickly-evolved-to-thrive-in-low-oxygen-and-high-altitudes/">hemoglobin production</a> to immune defense, so eliminating it is off the table. 



The wrinkle is that many Western diets supply far more than the daily requirement, thanks to eggs, cheese, soy isolates, chicken, and beef featuring heavily on menus. 



Surveys from Wisconsin echo national data: people with higher body-mass indexes often report higher isoleucine intake.



“We can’t just switch everyone to a low-isoleucine diet,” Lamming continued. “But narrowing these benefits down to a single amino acid gets us closer to understanding the biological processes and maybe potential interventions for humans, like an isoleucine-blocking drug.”



The team’s nutritional modeling suggests that choosing more fruits, vegetables, and modest portions of animal protein can shave isoleucine totals without complicated meal plans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-trials-come-next">Human trials come next</h2>



Because the study relied on a genetically diverse strain of mice - much closer to human variety than lab inbreds - confidence is higher that the findings translate. 



Yet controlled human trials are still required. Researchers are now exploring whether temporary isoleucine dips, similar to the popular five-day <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alternate-day-fasting-might-be-worth-trying-for-weight-loss/">fasting-mimicking diet</a>, can trigger the same metabolic perks without long-term restriction.



“It could be that by choosing healthier foods and healthier eating in general, we might be able to lower isoleucine enough to make a difference,” Lamming surmised.



While clinicians wait for definitive guidance, nutritionists already recommend leaning on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-cover-crops-may-be-the-future-of-sustainable-farming/">legumes, whole grains, and vegetables</a>, which naturally carry less isoleucine than dairy or red meat. That shift dovetails with broader public-health advice to curb chronic disease risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat-right-feel-good-live-longer">Eat right, feel good, live longer</h2>



To sum it all up, living longer has always hinged on a balance between what bodies need and what wears them out. 



The latest evidence suggests that tipping the scales away from a single amino acid might buy extra years without sacrificing satisfaction at the table. 



Turning lab findings into dinner-plate habits won’t happen overnight, but the path is far clearer now than when the conversation started with simply “eat less.”



These full studies were published in the journals <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(23)00374-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Metabolism</a> and <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-024-00744-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Aging</a>.



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Removing this one thing from your diet could dramatically increase lifespan

For decades, studies on mice, monkeys, and even roundworms have...

In a fascinating new study, scientists documented 34 attempts by wild killer whales to give food to humans. These rare cases spanned four oceans and 20 years. Some happened near boats, others in open water or even from the shore. 



The events highlight the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killer-whales-use-kelp-to-massage-and-groom-each-other/">orcas</a>’ possible interest in humans and raise important questions about whale intelligence, communication, and social behavior.



“Orcas often share food with each other - it’s a prosocial activity and a way that they build relationships with each other,” said study lead author Jared Towers, of <a href="https://baycetology.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bay Cetology</a> in British Columbia, Canada. “That they also share with humans may show their interest in relating to us as well.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-lives-of-killer-whales">Social lives of killer whales</h2>



Orcas live some of the most complex social lives in the animal kingdom. They stick together in tight-knit family groups called pods, usually led by an older matriarch. 



These family units aren’t just casual gatherings - they’re lifelong bonds. Calves stay with their mothers for life, swimming, hunting, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/photographer-captures-killer-whales-wearing-fish-hats/">playing together</a>. 



In some regions, pods form larger communities or clans that share unique vocal dialects, kind of like cultural accents passed down through generations. This tight social structure helps them coordinate during hunts and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killer-whales-use-kelp-to-massage-and-groom-each-other/">protect each other</a> from threats.



But it’s not all business. Orcas socialize for the joy of it too. They engage in what clearly looks like play - tossing kelp, breaching dramatically, or nudging one another during underwater games. 



They form friendships beyond their pods and even flirt, showing preferences and personalities. These interactions suggest that orcas have emotional lives and a sense of identity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-orcas-gave-humans">What orcas gave humans</h2>



The 34 incidents involved six distinct populations of killer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-helps-humans-have-20-minute-conversation-with-humpback-whale-named-twain/">whales</a>. They offered humans a total of 18 species: six fish, five mammals, three invertebrates, two birds, one reptile, and even one piece of seaweed.



In 97 percent of these cases, the orcas waited for a human response. Some hovered for several minutes. 



On several occasions, they tried again when the humans ignored or returned the offering. In two especially curious cases, whales retrieved birds after humans returned them, only to offer them again.



This behavior could be a form of interspecies curiosity, communication, or even social learning. As the authors suggest, these events might represent "generalized altruism" - an advanced trait observed in only a few social animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploration-more-than-play">Exploration more than play</h2>



Though play was observed in 38 percent of the interactions, the researchers argue most cases were not playful. The age of the whales varied widely, and many offered whole, fresh prey. 



In over 75 percent of ignored cases, the whales later used the prey for themselves or their group. This suggests the offerings had purpose and value, not just entertainment.



Curiosity-driven behavior, distinct from play, seemed a stronger motivator. As the study explains, animals often explore to reduce uncertainty. 



Offering food to humans might help orcas learn how we respond, just as they would with unfamiliar members of their own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whales-blow-bubble-smoke-rings-near-humans-to-communicate/">species</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-social-intelligence-at-work">Deep social intelligence at work</h2>



Some whales returned the same item to humans multiple times. Others acted in pairs or small groups. 



Most of the 34 events involved a single whale separating from a larger group. This suggests the act was not for show. Rather, it might reflect the whale's individual decision to interact.



Interestingly, killer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-dolphin-brains-evolved-to-see-underwater-by-using-sound-echolocation/">whales</a> have also been documented cooperating with human fishers in places like Australia and Russia. The authors noted that this history could influence modern interactions, especially as human activity increases near their habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whales-may-view-humans-as-companions">Whales may view humans as companions</h2>



Killer whales rank second only to humans in brain-to-body ratio. They also show advanced emotional and social behavior. 



These traits support complex social learning, reciprocal behavior, and possibly even empathy.



“Offering items to humans could simultaneously include opportunities for killer whales to practice learned cultural behavior, explore or play and in so doing learn about, manipulate or develop relationships with us,” the researchers wrote.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-should-not-approach-whales">Humans should not approach whales</h2>



Despite the remarkable nature of these encounters, the researchers urge caution. Orcas can show complex and sometimes unpredictable behavior. 



While no wild killer whale has killed a person, some interactions have been intense. They warn against seeking out such encounters or encouraging the behavior without proper permissions.



Most of these whales belonged to populations that hunt near the surface and share prey frequently. 



No deep-water, fish-only populations were involved. This suggests that cooperative surface hunting may lead to more frequent and visible interspecies interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-minds-of-whales-and-humans">Complex minds of whales and humans</h2>



The findings challenge our assumptions about human-animal relationships. If orcas are experimenting with ways to relate to us, it means they recognize us not as threats, but as potential social partners.



These whales are not just predators. They are thinkers, observers, and maybe, in some way, explorers of culture, curiosity, memory, learning, and emotion. 



Their actions suggest complex minds in both whales and humans, capable of choice, empathy, and communication.



The study is published in the <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2026-29805-001.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Comparative Psychology</a>. 



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Killer whales are attempting to bond with humans, according to scientists

In a fascinating new study, scientists documented 34 attempts by...

Marine,Biodiversity,Above,Healthy,Coral,Reef,In,The,Coral,Triangle

When thinking about fossils, we often picture dinosaurs. But reefs can also hold an ancient history. Tiny fish bones and shark scales also become fossils in these habitats, quietly preserving the story of ancient oceans.



A striking study from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (<a href="https://stri.si.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">STRI</a>) has now revealed how humans disrupted Caribbean reefs in the past.



Scientists analyzed fossilized coral reefs from Panama’s Bocas del Toro and the Dominican Republic. These reefs, exposed and well-preserved, date back 7,000 years. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-changed-reef-fish-communities">Humans changed reef fish communities </h2>



The researchers compared the fossilized reefs with nearby living <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-hidden-hotspot-where-soft-corals-are-thriving/">reefs</a> to reveal how overfishing changed fish communities.



In the ancient reef sediments, the team found thousands of fossilized otoliths (fish ear bones) and dermal denticles (shark scales).



These fossils gave clues to species composition and size. The results show a massive shift in predator-prey dynamics, unlike anything seen before.



One of the most alarming findings was a 75% drop in shark numbers. These top predators once played a key role in maintaining reef balance. As their numbers fell, populations of prey fish surged. They doubled in abundance and increased 17% in size.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-predator-release-effect">The predator release effect</h2>



The study offers hard evidence for the “predator release effect.” Scientists had long predicted this outcome, but they lacked solid prehistoric data to prove it. 



Now, the fossils confirm what models once assumed: removing predators lets prey populations explode.



Meanwhile, fish targeted by humans, like larger groupers and snappers, became 22% smaller. This shrinking trend matches what we observe today. 



Overfishing seems to have pushed these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-temperature-swings-boost-coral-reef-resilience/">species</a> toward early maturity and smaller size.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-fish-stay-the-same">Some fish stay the same</h2>



Remains from tiny cryptobenthic reef fishes, which live in coral crevices, told a different story. Their size and abundance remained unchanged over thousands of years.



Despite fishing and upheaval above them, these reef dwellers stayed stable. Their resilience surprised the researchers.



“The stability of these fish shows remarkable resistance to external pressures,” noted the researchers. Even as top predators vanished and fishing intensified, these hidden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-reef-awareness-day-2025-bringing-corals-back-to-life/">species</a> kept going, unchanged.



To measure these shifts, the scientists examined 807 shark denticles and 5,724 otoliths. They also studied coral branches for bite marks left by damselfish. 



Fossil and modern samples showed that damselfish now bite more often - likely because they face fewer predators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-bones-reveal-big-reef-changes">Fish bones reveal big reef changes</h2>



Otoliths grow in layers like tree rings. This allows scientists to estimate the age and size of fish at time of death. By comparing fossil otoliths with modern ones, researchers could track size changes across millennia.



Dermal denticles, the scale-like structures on shark skin, helped identify shark presence. These tiny features tell a big story: as shark numbers decreased, populations of prey species expanded.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/coral-reefs_fish-otoliths_credit-Erin-Dillon_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/coral-reefs_fish-otoliths_credit-Erin-Dillon_1s.webp" alt="Fish otoliths — the calcium carbonate structures found in fishes' inner ears — from human harvested fish, prey fish (those eaten by predatory fish) and reef-sheltered fish (also known as cryptobentic fish) found in 7000 year-old fossilized Caribbean reefs from Panama and the Dominican Republic. Credit: Erin Dillon" class="wp-image-1976075"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fish otoliths - the calcium carbonate structures found in fishes' inner ears - from human harvested fish, prey fish (those eaten by predatory fish) and reef-sheltered fish (also known as cryptobentic fish) found in 7000 year-old fossilized Caribbean reefs from Panama and the Dominican Republic. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Erin Dillon</figcaption></figure>



Bite marks from damselfish also gave insights. These aggressive little fish defend territories and leave distinct marks. More bites today means more damselfish - again pointing to the effects of predator loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-reef-fish-history-with-fossils">Tracing reef fish history with fossils</h2>



This fossil evidence gives scientists a rare and valuable baseline. It shows how Caribbean reef fish communities looked before human fishing began to alter their structure. 



Without such deep-time context, conservation efforts often rely on incomplete or recent data that miss the full picture of ecological change.



Now, researchers and reef managers can clearly see which parts of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-coral-collapse-may-help-save-the-great-barrier-reef/">reef</a> ecosystem shifted due to human influence - and which components, like tiny reef-sheltered fish, remained stable across millennia.



“This study demonstrates the power of the fossil record for future conservation,” the researchers stated. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-impacts-of-human-activity">Long-term impacts of human activity</h2>



These 7,000-year-old fossils give us a clearer view of the long-term impacts of human activity on reef food webs, fish sizes, and predator-prey dynamics.



They also help identify which reef species and relationships are most at risk from continued pressure. 



By looking back in time through the fossil record, scientists gain crucial insight to guide better decisions in reef conservation, fishing policies, and biodiversity management today.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/-m5uNoWKIgo
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Discovering and studying prehistoric coral reefs on dry land.</figcaption></figure>



The research was a collaboration among top institutions including the&nbsp;Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), the&nbsp;Marine Science Institute at the <a href="https://www.utexas.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas, Austin</a>, and the&nbsp;Center for Biodiversity Outcomes at <a href="https://www.asu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a>.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2503986122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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-----

Fossils reveal how humans completely changed Caribbean reef ecosystems

When thinking about fossils, we often picture dinosaurs. But reefs...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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Yellowstone National Park

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