Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Messier 82, a starburst galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. This galaxy is actively forming new stars at a rate ten times that of the Milky Way.



In a study using the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> (JWST), an international team of astronomers has taken an unprecedented look at Messier 82 (M82), revealing intricate details about its frenzied star formation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-nircam">The power of NIRCam</h2>



The study, led by Alberto Bolatto, utilized Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) to penetrate the thick dust and gas covering the galaxy's core, a region critical to understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>.&nbsp;



"M82 has garnered a variety of observations over the years because it can be considered as the prototypical starburst galaxy," noted Bolatto. “With Webb’s size and resolution, we can look at this star-forming galaxy and see all of this beautiful new detail.”



Webb's NIRCam has proven crucial for observing areas like M82’s center, where layers of dust typically obscure the view in other wavelengths. The camera's ability to capture infrared light allows it to reveal the galaxy's core and its dynamic processes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messier-82-image">Messier 82 image </h2>



“This image shows the power of Webb. Every single white dot in this image is either a star or a star cluster. We can start to distinguish all of these tiny point sources, which enables us to acquire an accurate count of all the star clusters in this galaxy,” noted study co-author Rebecca Levy from the University of Arizona.



One of the NIRCam's innovative features is its mode that prevents bright sources from overwhelming the detector, which was particularly useful in studying the intensely active center of Messier 82.&nbsp;



In the image, dark brown tendrils of dust weave through the galaxy's glowing white core, interspersed with small green specks that represent concentrated areas of iron from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> remnants. Red patches highlight regions where molecular hydrogen is illuminated by the radiation from nearby young stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-galactic-winds">Insights into galactic winds</h2>



The study also focused on understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spin-of-a-new-black-hole-is-unlocking-galactic-mysteries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic wind</a>, driven by the rapid rate of star formation and subsequent supernovae, influences M82’s environment. 



The NIRCam images showed clumpy streams of gas, appearing in red, which extend above and below the galaxy's plane, marking the path of this wind rushing out from the starburst's core.



A key revelation came from the NIRCam’s tracing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), sooty chemical molecules that map out the structure of the galactic wind. 



To the surprise of researchers, the PAH emissions closely resembled the patterns of the hot, ionized gas, suggesting a more complex interaction within the wind than previously understood. 



"It was unexpected to see the PAH emission resemble ionised gas," said Bolatto. "PAHs are not supposed to live very long when exposed to such a strong radiation field, so perhaps they are being replenished all the time. It challenges our theories and shows us that further investigation is required."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-observations-of-messier-82">Future observations of Messier 82</h2>



The findings from Webb are just the beginning. The team plans to further analyze Messier 82 with additional data, including spectroscopic observations, to determine the ages of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collisions-hubble-spots-a-string-of-pearls-star-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> and the duration of each star formation phase within the starburst environment.&nbsp;



These observations will also assist in a broader understanding of similar processes in early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>, which were common in the young universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study">Broader implications of the study</h2>



Study co-author Torsten Böker of the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> emphasized the broader implications of these findings.&nbsp;



“With these amazing Webb images, and our upcoming spectra, we can study how exactly the strong winds and shock fronts from young stars and supernovae can remove the very gas and dust from which new stars are forming,” explained Böker.&nbsp;



“A detailed understanding of this ‘feedback’ cycle is important for theories of how the early universe evolved, because compact starbursts such as the one in M82 were very common at high redshift.”



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA



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Messier 82: Unlocking the mysteries of star formation

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a blanket of dust over the Tarim Basin - a vast, arid region in northwestern China. 



Mountain peaks are visible through a break in the dust. These peaks are part of Tekilik Shan, a subrange of the Kunlun Mountains.



Though not as widely known as some other mountain ranges in the area, Tekilik Shan plays a significant role in shaping local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-pushing-nature-toward-a-breaking-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather</a> patterns and geography.



Its snow-covered peaks can rise above 13,000 feet, contributing to the dramatic elevation differences that define the basin’s borders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-storms-in-the-tarim-basin-nbsp">Dust storms in the Tarim Basin&nbsp;</h2>



Spring marks the height of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust storm</a> activity in the Tarim Basin, particularly in its southern region.&nbsp;



“It’s a time of year when regional wind patterns shift in ways that cause winds and storm systems to sweep in from the northwest,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/154126/a-curtain-of-dust-over-the-tarim-basin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“In early spring, when landscapes in this region are especially dry and have minimal vegetation, land surfaces warm rapidly under the Sun’s heat every morning, fueling convection that can help loft dust upward by the afternoon.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fingerlike-dust-formations-nbsp">Fingerlike dust formations&nbsp;</h2>



Satellite images revealed dust formations with fingerlike shapes that mirrored the landscape below. These projections aligned with valleys, which channeled and directed the airborne dust.&nbsp;



Ralph Kahn is an atmospheric scientist at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder and scientist emeritus at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.



According to Kahn, the dust may have been “self-lofting.” In this process, sunlight heats recently stirred-up surface dust, creating pockets of convection that lift it even higher into the air.



This interpretation is supported by hourly observations from Japan’s Himawari-9 geostationary satellite, which showed dust gradually rising into the Tekilik Shan throughout the day. By late afternoon, the storm had grown dense enough to obscure the mountains.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decline-in-atmospheric-dust">Decline in atmospheric dust</h2>



Long-term satellite data from MODIS suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-in-the-gulf-of-alaska-help-shape-the-global-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric dust</a> levels in this region have declined by about 1.5 percent each year since the early 2000s.&nbsp;



NASA researcher Hongbin Yu attributes this trend mainly to springtime changes - such as altered wind speeds, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-moisture-can-predict-severe-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil moisture</a>, or vegetation cover - rather than shifts in other seasons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainfall-in-the-tarim-basin-nbsp">Rainfall in the Tarim Basin&nbsp;</h2>



“The <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Takla-Makan-Desert" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Takla Makan Desert</a> is one of the driest, most barren expanses on Earth. Flanked by mountain ranges on three sides and parched by the resulting <a href="https://glossary.ametsoc.org/wiki/Rain_shadow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rain shadow</a>, parts of the Tarim Basin receive no more than 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) of rain per year,” noted NASA.



“Dust storms can lead to public health problems in populated areas downwind by transporting small particles, bacteria, and viruses that infiltrate human respiratory systems.”&nbsp;



NASA added that dust storms can also affect Earth’s climate by scattering and absorbing incoming solar radiation and changing the properties of clouds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-landscape-of-the-tarim-basin-nbsp">Landscape of the Tarim Basin&nbsp;</h2>



The Tarim Basin is one of the largest endorheic basins in the world, meaning that its rivers do not drain into the sea but instead flow into interior lakes or evaporate.&nbsp;



The basin is encircled by three mountain ranges: the Tien Shan to the north, the Kunlun Mountains to the south, and the Pamirs to the west. These ranges create a powerful rain shadow effect, making the region exceptionally dry.



At the heart of the Tarim Basin lies the Taklamakan Desert, one of the most extreme deserts on Earth. The desert is known for its high dunes, intense temperature swings, and minimal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-will-wreak-havoc-on-mountain-ranges-as-warming-climate-turns-snow-to-rain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-and-geology">History and geology</h2>



Despite its harsh environment, the basin has been historically significant. It was a key section of the ancient Silk Road, with several oases such as Kashgar, Khotan, and Loulan serving as vital trading and cultural centers for centuries.



Geologically, the basin is rich in natural resources, particularly oil and natural gas, and has become a focal point for China's energy exploration and development.&nbsp;



The region’s challenging climate and remote location, however, make infrastructure development and human habitation difficult.&nbsp;



The image was captured on March 27, 2025 by the Operational Land Imager instrument on Landsat 8.



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Blanket of dust covers China’s Tarim Basin

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Messier 78 (M78), a reflection nebula located in the constellation Orion about 1,350 light-years away from Earth.&nbsp;



This image was released as part of the initial series of observations from ESA's <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid space mission</a>.&nbsp;



All data collected during these early observations, including a series of incredible <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid/Euclid_s_first_images_the_dazzling_edge_of_darkness" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new views</a> of the nearby universe, is available to the public.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-image-of-messier-78">Image of Messier 78</h2>



Messier 78 is a dynamic region of star formation that is obscured by cosmic dust in this high-resolution image captured by the Euclid space telescope.



This specific view highlights how young stars generate winds of charged particles, carving out “cavities” in the molecular clouds around them.&nbsp;



The blue hues in the image represent ionized atomic hydrogen, which is a primary component of the cloud, while the red indicates the absorption and scattering of light by dust particles.



The image captures hundreds of stars varying in brightness, illuminating their nebulous, purple surroundings. A dark, arch-like structure stretches from the upper left to the bottom right of the frame, merging into the densest, darkest clouds at the image’s base.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-active-site-of-star-formation-nbsp">Active site of star formation&nbsp;</h2>



Messier 78 is not just a single nebula but part of a larger complex of stars and nebulous regions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orion-nebula-destroys-an-oceans-worth-of-water-every-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orion</a>, which includes various other objects like dark nebulae that are visible as patches blocking light from behind.



This region is an active site of star formation, featuring many young stars and protostars, which are stars in the early stages of formation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viewing-messier-78">Viewing Messier 78</h2>



M78 is easily observable with small telescopes, and it appears as a hazy patch of light with two prominent stars near its center, which illuminate the surrounding dust.&nbsp;



The nebula is also a favorite among amateur astronomers for its beauty and relatively bright appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subject-of-scientific-interest-nbsp">Subject of scientific interest&nbsp;</h2>



Messier 78 is fascinating not only for its visual beauty but also for its scientific interest, particularly in the study of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> and interstellar matter.&nbsp;



The nebula consists of dense, cold gas and dust, which are essential ingredients for the birth of new stars.&nbsp;



The intense blue light that characterizes M78 is due to the reflection of starlight off these dust particles - a process known as scattering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-region-surrounding-messier-78-nbsp">Region surrounding Messier 78&nbsp;</h2>



The region surrounding M78 includes several other interesting features. For instance, there are Herbig-Haro objects within it, which are small patches of nebulosity associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-molecule-detected-in-space-where-stars-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">newly born stars</a>.&nbsp;



These objects are formed when gas ejected by young stars collides with clouds of gas and dust at high speeds, creating shock waves that glow brightly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earliest-stages-of-star-development-nbsp">Earliest stages of star development&nbsp;</h2>



Additionally, infrared observations of M78 have revealed much about the dust and colder objects in the area, which are not visible in optical light.&nbsp;



The observations have helped astronomers identify numerous young stars and brown dwarfs (objects that are too large to be planets and too small to be stars) within the nebula.&nbsp;



This makes M78 a critical area for studying the earliest stages of star development and the properties of the interstellar medium.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-space-mission-nbsp">Euclid space mission&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-batch-of-brilliant-images-from-the-euclid-mission-live-up-to-the-hype/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid space mission</a> is designed to study the dark universe, particularly focusing on dark energy and dark matter. These components are believed to drive the accelerating expansion of the universe and shape its large-scale structure. 



The mission aims to map the geometry of the dark universe and better understand the physics of the cosmos.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-billions-of-galaxies-nbsp">Observing billions of galaxies&nbsp;</h3>



Euclid uses two primary scientific instruments: a visible light camera (VIS) and a near-infrared spectrometer and photometer (NISP).&nbsp;



These instruments will allow Euclid to measure the shapes and redshifts of galaxies at distances of up to 10 billion light-years. By surveying more than a third of the sky, the mission is expected to observe several billion galaxies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-dark-universe-nbsp">Studying the dark universe&nbsp;</h3>



The data collected will help astronomers in studying the effects of dark matter and dark energy in depth, testing cosmological models, and exploring new theories about the nature of the universe.&nbsp;



The mission, named after the ancient Greek mathematician Euclid, seeks to address key questions related to the structure of the universe and the fundamental laws of physics governing its evolution and expansion.



Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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Young stars shine through dense dust

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the star-forming region NGC 604. The nebula is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). 



By studying regions like NGC 604, astronomers can gain insights into the complex interactions between stars and the interstellar medium, as well as the conditions that lead to the birth of stars. This, in turn, helps in understanding the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and the universe as a whole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-stars-of-ngc-604">Massive stars of NGC 604</h2>



"Sheltered among NGC 604’s dusty envelopes of gas are more than 200 of the hottest, most massive kinds of stars, all in the early stages of their lives," said <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"These types of stars are known as B-types and O-types, the latter of which can be more than 100 times the mass of our own Sun. It’s quite rare to find this concentration of them in the nearby universe. In fact, there’s no similar region within our own Milky Way galaxy."



According to ESA, this concentration of massive stars, combined with its relatively close distance, means that NGC 604 gives astronomers an opportunity to study these objects at a fascinating time early in their life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gigantic-region-of-ionized-hydrogen">Gigantic region of ionized hydrogen</h2>



NGC 604 is one of the largest known regions of ionized hydrogen, also known as an H II region. This nebula is significantly larger than the Orion Nebula, which is one of the most well-known H II regions in our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way galaxy</a>.&nbsp;



NGC 604 spans about 1,500 light-years across, making it one of the largest H II regions in the Local Group of galaxies. This group includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and about 54 other smaller galaxies.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-604-starburst-phenomenon">NGC 604 starburst phenomenon </h2>



Within NGC 604, there are hundreds of young, hot, massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>. These stars have ionized the surrounding gas, causing it to glow and creating the nebula. The region is a prime example of a starburst phenomenon, where stars form at a much higher rate than in typical galactic conditions.



“The bright orange streaks in this image signify the presence of carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs," explained ESA.



"As you travel further from the immediate cavities of dust where the star is forming, the deeper red signifies molecular hydrogen. This cooler gas is a prime environment for star formation. Ionized hydrogen from ultraviolet radiation appears as a white and blue ghostly glow."



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



Star formation is crucial for the evolution of galaxies and the synthesis of heavy elements. In the cores of stars, elements heavier than helium are created.



The elements are spread throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-stars-shakti-shiva-shaped-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> when stars reach the end of their lives and expel their material - either gently through winds or violently via supernova explosions. 



This enriching process allows for the formation of new stars and planets, and ultimately, the potential for life.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cloud collapse</h3>



The process begins when part of a molecular cloud becomes unstable and starts to collapse under its own gravity. This can be triggered by events like shock waves from nearby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, galactic collisions, or the influence of other massive stars.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Formation of a protostar</h3>



As the cloud collapses, it fragments into smaller clumps. Each clump will eventually form one or more stars. 



The material within these clumps continues to fall inward, heating up as it does so, eventually forming a warm core called a protostar. At this stage, the protostar is not yet hot enough for nuclear fusion (the process that powers stars) to occur.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Accretion disk</h3>



Around the protostar, material from the surrounding cloud continues to fall inward, forming a rotating disk. This material slowly accretes onto the protostar, increasing its mass.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nuclear fusion begins</h3>



Once the core of the protostar reaches a high enough temperature and pressure, hydrogen atoms begin to fuse into helium, releasing energy in the process. This marks the transition from a protostar to a main sequence star, like our sun.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Main sequence and beyond</h3>



The star will spend the majority of its life in the main sequence stage, where it balances the gravitational forces trying to collapse it and the outward pressure from nuclear fusion. 



Eventually, the star will exhaust its hydrogen fuel. Its subsequent evolution will depend on its initial mass, leading to various end stages such as red giants, supernovae, neutron stars, or black holes.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope



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Young, massive stars in the Triangulum Galaxy

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 1792, a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Columba about 43 million light-years away from Earth.&nbsp;



This galaxy, discovered by British astronomer James Dunlop in 1826, is part of the larger NGC 1808 group of galaxies.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intimate-view-of-ngc-1792">Intimate view of NGC 1792</h2>



“An orange glow radiates from the center of NGC 1792, the heart of this stellar forge. Captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, this intimate view of NGC 1792 gives us some insight into this galactic powerhouse,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The vast swathes of tell-tale blue seen throughout the galaxy indicate areas that are full of young, hot stars, and it is in the shades of orange, seen nearer the center, that the older, cooler stars reside.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vigorous-star-formation-nbsp">Vigorous star formation&nbsp;</h2>



NGC 1792 is notable for its vigorous star formation, classifying it as a starburst galaxy. The high rate of star birth is thought to be triggered by gravitational interactions with neighboring galaxies, though the exact cause is still under study.



“Nestled in the constellation of Columba (The Dove), NGC 1792 is both a spiral galaxy, and a starburst galaxy,” said ESA. 



“Within starburst galaxies, stars are forming at comparatively exorbitant rates. The rate of star formation can be more than 10 times faster in a starburst galaxy than in the Milky Way.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fierce-bursts-of-star-formation">Fierce bursts of star formation</h2>



ESA noted that when galaxies have a large reservoir of gas, like NGC 1792, these short-lived starburst phases can be sparked by galactic events such as mergers and tidal interactions.&nbsp;



“One might think that these starburst galaxies would easily consume all of their gas in a large forming event. However, supernova explosions and intense stellar winds produced in these powerful starbursts can inject energy into the gas and disperse it.”&nbsp;



“This halts the star formation before it can completely deplete the galaxy of all its fuel. Scientists are actively working to understand this complex interplay between the dynamics that drive and quench these fierce bursts of star formation.”



Due to its distance and brightness, NGC 1792 can be observed with medium-sized telescopes under favorable conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-evolution-of-galaxies">The evolution of galaxies </h2>



Galaxy evolution refers to the process by which galaxies form and change over time. It begins in the early universe, shortly after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-observations-disprove-big-bang-theory-universe-began-tired-light-theory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a>, when small density fluctuations in the primordial gas led to the collapse of matter into the first galaxies.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-mergers">Galaxy mergers</h3>



Early galaxies were small and irregular, and were composed mostly of gas and dark matter. Over billions of years, galaxies grew larger by merging with one another and by accreting gas from the surrounding space.&nbsp;



These interactions often triggered bursts of star formation, and collisions between galaxies sometimes led to the creation of new, more massive galaxies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structural-changes">Structural changes</h3>



As galaxies evolve, their morphology - shape and structure - can change. Early galaxies were often irregular or disk-shaped, but over time, many galaxies formed into the elliptical or spiral shapes we see today.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation">Star formation</h3>



Star formation is a key driver of galaxy evolution, but it gradually slows down as galaxies age. 



The gas that fuels <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> can be used up, or it can be heated and pushed out of galaxies by supernovae or black holes, reducing the galaxy's ability to form new stars.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-environment-nbsp">Galaxy environment&nbsp;</h3>



The environment in which a galaxy resides also plays a role in its evolution. Galaxies in dense clusters are more likely to interact with their neighbors, which can alter their shape or trigger bursts of star formation.&nbsp;



In contrast, galaxies in more isolated regions of space evolve more slowly and without as many dramatic interactions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter">Dark matter</h3>



Dark matter also plays a crucial role in galaxy evolution. It provides the gravitational framework that holds galaxies together and influences their interactions with one another.&nbsp;



Supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=Galaxies%20merge&amp;start=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>, found at the centers of most large galaxies, can also affect their evolution by releasing energy that impacts star formation and the movement of gas within the galaxy.



Overall, galaxy evolution is a complex and ongoing process driven by interactions between stars, gas, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-dark-matter-does-not-exist-and-the-universe-is-27-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>, and black holes, and shaped by both internal processes and external influences.



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA, J. Lee



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Starburst galaxy in the constellation Columba

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a brilliant stellar nursery located about 163,000 light-years away.



According to ESA, the image is one of the most photogenic examples of the many stellar nurseries observed by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope during its 30-year lifetime. 



“The portrait features the giant nebula NGC 2014 and its neighbor NGC 2020 which together form part of a vast star-forming region in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



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



Stellar nurseries are regions in space where new stars are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">born</a> - often within vast clouds of gas and dust called molecular clouds.&nbsp;



These areas are fascinating because they are cradles of stellar evolution, where gravity causes clumps of gas to collapse, eventually forming protostars.&nbsp;



Over time, the protostars will heat up and start the nuclear fusion process that powers a star.



One of the most well-known stellar nurseries is the Orion Nebula, which is visible to the naked eye and located about 1,350 light-years from Earth.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-nature-of-a-stellar-nursery-nbsp">Dynamic nature of a stellar nursery&nbsp;</h2>



Within these nurseries, the balance between gravity and pressure determines the types of stars that form, from massive, luminous stars to smaller, cooler ones like our Sun.&nbsp;



The environment is incredibly dynamic, with powerful winds from young stars shaping the clouds and triggering the birth of even more stars.



These regions are often illuminated by the light from massive newborn stars - creating stunning, colorful displays. The light reveals the intricate structure of the dust and gas, sculpted by the energy of young stars.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-stellar-nurseries-nbsp">Significance of stellar nurseries&nbsp;</h2>



Stellar nurseries are essential for understanding the early stages of planetary formation, as protoplanetary disks (the material from which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets form</a>) are often found around young stars in these regions.



Stellar nurseries play a crucial role in the ongoing evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>. They are responsible for the continuous birth of new stars that enrich the interstellar medium with heavier elements. This constant recycling of material is key to the development of future generations of stars and planets.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the study of these regions helps astronomers understand the fundamental processes that govern the life cycles of stars and the overall dynamics of the universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-local-group">The Local Group</h2>



The Local Group is a collection of over 80 galaxies that includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Triangulum Galaxy, along with numerous smaller dwarf galaxies. These galaxies are bound together by gravity and span a region roughly 10 million light-years across.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-thin-disk-is-billions-of-years-older-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> and Andromeda are the dominant members, with their respective satellite galaxies orbiting them.&nbsp;



The Local Group is part of a larger structure known as the Virgo Supercluster, and its galaxies are moving toward the gravitational center of the Local Group, contributing to its dynamic nature.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-magellanic-cloud">Large Magellanic Cloud</h2>



The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is the fourth largest galaxy in the Local Group and can be seen with the naked eye from the Southern Hemisphere.&nbsp;



This irregular dwarf galaxy is home to the Tarantula Nebula, one of the most active star-forming regions in our cosmic neighborhood.&nbsp;



The Large Magellanic Cloud played a key role in astronomical history, particularly when the supernova SN 1987A was observed, providing valuable insights into stellar evolution.&nbsp;



The LMC's interaction with the Milky Way, along with its own companion, the Small Magellanic Cloud, is believed to influence its shape and star formation activity. Its proximity and unique properties make it a crucial object of study for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>, star formation, and the dynamics of interacting galaxies.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and STScI



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Hubble captures a stunning stellar nursery

These grazing animals are the offspring of American buffaloes and domestic cattle. The first accidental crossing of these species occurred about 300 years ago, but scientists deliberately engineered the specimen to help with the beef production industry in 1880. Photo Credit: Mark Spearman / Flickr

Beefalo

Rising nighttime temperatures could quietly aggravate one of the world’s most widespread sleep disorders: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This could bring steep costs to public health and the global economy.



This warning comes from a new study by sleep researchers at <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a>. The experts analyzed more than 58 million nights of sleep data and found a strong link between ambient temperature and breathing interruptions.



The results of the analysis suggest that, unless climate change is slowed, the worldwide burden of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obstructive-sleep-apnea-speeds-up-aging-on-a-cellular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSA</a> may double before today’s newborns reach old age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-billion-people-and-counting">A billion people and counting</h2>



OSA already affects nearly a billion adults. People with the disorder repeatedly stop breathing during sleep as throat tissues collapse. This leads to drops in blood oxygen, loud snoring, and dozens or even hundreds of brief awakenings each night.



Untreated OSA is tied to hypertension, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-remains-the-leading-cause-of-death-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease</a>, cognitive decline, accidents, and depression. In Australia, the combined medical and productivity losses linked to poor sleep are estimated at roughly $66 billion per year.



Researchers knew little about how outdoor climate might influence the severity of the condition, despite its prevalence.



Bastien Lechat of the <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au/fhmri/research/sleep-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) Sleep Health group</a> is lead author of the study.



“This helps us to understand how environmental factors like climate might affect health by investigating whether ambient temperatures influence the severity of OSA,” said Lechat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-sleep-apnea-to-high-temperatures">Linking sleep apnea to high temperatures </h2>



Lechat’s team partnered with a digital health company that provides a thin, FDA-cleared sensor placed under the mattress. The device measures subtle pressure changes to track breathing and body movement.



The researchers collected an average of 500 consecutive nights of raw data for each of 116,000 anonymous users in 29 mainly high-income countries. Altogether, this added up to more than 30,000 user-years of continuous monitoring.



The team then merged those sensor records with hourly surface-air temperatures generated by high-resolution climate models.



By comparing night-to-night shifts in breathing disruptions with local temperature fluctuations, the team could isolate the effect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-impacts-our-daily-routines-and-transportation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat</a> from other confounding factors such as age, weight, or chronic illness.



“Overall, we were surprised by the magnitude of the association between ambient temperature and OSA severity,” Lechat said. When the overnight temperature rose, apnea severity followed.



“Higher temperatures were associated with a 45 percent increased likelihood of a sleeper experiencing OSA on a given night.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooling-technology-may-buffer-heat-stress">Cooling technology may buffer heat stress</h2>



“These findings varied by region, with people in European countries seeing higher rates of OSA when temperatures rise than those in Australia and the United States, perhaps due to different rates of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-buildings-used-passive-cooling-methods-to-reduce-heat-with-out-air-conditioning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air conditioning</a> usage,” Lechat said.



In other words, cooling technology - and the affluence that underwrites it - can buffer heat-related sleep stress, while people in older buildings or lower-income areas remain vulnerable.


The researchers translated these nightly risks into long-term stakes by running a health-economics model. They based it on disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), the same yardstick the <a href="https://www.who.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> uses to compare illnesses.


“Using our modeling, we can estimate how burdensome the increase in OSA prevalence due to rising temperature is to society in terms of well-being and economic loss,” Lechat noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-price-of-lost-sleep">The price of lost sleep</h2>



“The increase in OSA prevalence in 2023 due to global warming was associated with a loss of approximately 800,000 healthy life years across the 29 countries studied,” Lechat said.



“This number is similar to other medical conditions, such as bipolar disorder, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticide-exposure-increases-the-risk-of-parkinsons-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parkinson’s disease</a>, or chronic kidney diseases.”



The team also attached a price tag. “Similarly, the estimated total economic cost associated was $98 billion, including $68 billion from well-being loss and $30 billion from workplace productivity loss,” Lechat said.



Those figures reflect only the added harm from climate change, not the baseline burden of OSA from other causes. Looking ahead, the numbers get starker. 



According to Lechat, the findings highlight that without greater policy action to slow global warming, OSA burden may double by 2100 due to rising temperatures.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-study-misses-hot-regions">Sleep study misses hot regions</h2>



Senior author Danny Eckert, a sleep scientist at Flinders, points out important caveats. Wealthier nations and individuals who can afford a modern sleep tracker dominate the data set.



“This may have biased our estimates and led to an underestimation of the true health and economic cost,” he said.



Many of the hottest, least air-conditioned regions - South Asia, Africa, parts of Latin America - are underrepresented, yet stand to experience the strongest warming trends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-sleep-to-hotter-nights">Adapting sleep to hotter nights</h2>



Even as climate policy lags, the clinical community can act. “Higher rates of diagnosis and treatment will help us to manage and reduce the adverse health and productivity issues caused by climate-related OSA,” Eckert said.



Doctors still consider continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines the gold-standard therapy. But alternative approaches - oral appliances, weight loss, and positional training - can also reduce breathing disturbances.



The next step for the researchers is to test protective strategies directly. “Going forward, we want to design intervention studies that explore strategies to reduce the impact of ambient temperatures on sleep apnea severity,” Eckert added.



For now, their message is clear: hotter nights are more than a comfort issue. They may be quietly robbing millions of restorative sleep, healthy years, and economic productivity - making <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-mitigation-strategies-may-be-endangering-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate mitigation</a>, bedroom cooling, and sleep-health screening part of the same urgent conversation.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-60218-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Rising temperatures are driving a surge in sleep apnea cases

Rising nighttime temperatures could quietly aggravate one of the world’s...

Ocean water is turning ever so slightly more acidic, and that small shift has now pushed the chemistry of the sea past a point that scientists once marked as the global “do not cross” line.



A new assessment shows that by 2020 the average concentration of calcium carbonate, a building block for shells and reefs, had fallen more than 20 percent from pre‑industrial levels in many regions. 



This results in a thinning of nature’s protective shield for corals, oysters, other mollusks, and countless plankton.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-oceans-day-2025-sustaining-what-sustains-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean</a> acidification isn’t just an environmental crisis, it’s a ticking timebomb for marine ecosystems and coastal economies,” said Professor Steve Widdicombe of Plymouth Marine Laboratory, after reviewing the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-carbon-drives-ocean-acidity">How carbon drives ocean acidity</h2>



One extra molecule of carbon dioxide in the air means another will slip into the sea, combine with water, and release a hydrogen ion. 



Over the industrial era, that reaction has raised the average hydrogen ion concentration of the ocean about <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/figures/chapter-5/figure-5-21/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">30 percent</a> and knocked seawater pH down by roughly 0.1 units, which is a large jump on the logarithmic pH scale.



Many <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.1097329" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calcifying </a>species depend on carbonate ions to form shells and skeletons; when ions grow scarce these organisms must divert energy from growth and reproduction toward basic survival. 



Laboratory work has shown that carbon‑rich water can dissolve the paper‑thin shells of the tiny sea butterfly <a href="https://hakaimagazine.com/news/the-shells-of-wild-sea-butterflies-are-already-dissolving/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Limacina helicina</a> within days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-acidity-crossed-the-safety-limit">Ocean acidity crossed the safety limit</h2>



The <a href="https://www.stockholmresilience.org/research/planetary-boundaries.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary boundaries framework</a> was introduced to define the safe operating limits for Earth’s major life-supporting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-climate-fixes-could-worsen-the-oxygen-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">systems</a>. These boundaries act like guardrails; once crossed, the risk of large-scale environmental disruptions increases sharply. 



Out of nine total boundaries, including climate change and biodiversity loss, <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/acidification.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean acidification</a> was once thought to be safely within limits.



That assumption no longer holds. The latest study shows that the planet has already moved beyond the threshold meant to safeguard <a href="https://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/files/dickson_thecarbondioxidesysteminseawater_equilibriumchemistryandmeasurementspp17-40.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine carbonate chemistry</a>. What was once a buffer zone has become an active hazard. 



The proposed new limit is a 10 percent decline in carbonate levels from pre-industrial norms and that is now decades behind us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-acidity-now-affects-deep-waters">Ocean acidity now affects deep waters</h2>



The report, led by Dr. Helen Findlay and colleagues, stitched together 150 years of measurements and modeling to map acidity down to 660 feet (180 meters). 



Sixty percent of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/darkening-oceans-are-shrinking-vital-marine-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waters</a> at that depth now sit beyond the old safety line, meaning the problem is not confined to sun‑lit shallows but reaches the heart of many food webs.



“Since these deeper waters are changing so much, the impacts of ocean acidification could be far worse than we thought,” noted Dr. Findlay, an ocean biogeochemist at <a href="https://pml.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plymouth Marine Laboratory</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reefs-and-jobs-are-at-risk">Reefs and jobs are at risk</h2>



Reefs cover <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/aa-updates/international-year-of-the-reef-022218.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">less than 1 percent</a> of the ocean floor yet shelter about a quarter of all marine species and buffer shorelines that more than 275 million people call home. 



The ongoing decline of coral reefs threatens food security, recreation, and an ocean tourism industry worth billions.



Shellfish growers have already felt the sting. Around 2010 hatcheries in the U.S. Pacific Northwest lost entire crops of oyster larvae when acidic upwelling water flooded their intake pipes, forcing emergency buffering and multi‑million‑dollar retrofits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-ocean-acidity-crossed-the-danger-line">When ocean acidity crossed the danger line</h2>



To confirm the timing of the threshold breach, the team combined surface records, ice‑core carbon dioxide data, and the <a href="https://oceanacidification.noaa.gov/ocean-acidification-data/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network</a>’s sensor archive. 



The models converged on the late 2010s as the moment the global average slipped past the 20 percent mark.



Importantly, that average hides stark regional contrasts. Polar seas, already low in carbonate, crossed the line earlier, while warm tropical basins hovered just above it until the past decade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shrinking-safety-margin">Shrinking safety margin</h2>



The authors propose tightening the planetary boundary to a 10 percent decline, arguing that the original 20 percent buffer fails to protect deep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oceans-are-rapidly-changing-colors-matching-climate-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reefs</a> and sensitive plankton. 



Under the looser standard, forty percent of the ocean surface is already in the danger zone; under the stricter one, almost the entire surface passed the limit by the early 2000s.



Moving the goalpost highlights how little headroom remains. Every additional ton of fossil‑fuel emissions steals more carbonate from seawater, and only aggressive cuts in carbon dioxide, along with emerging drawdown technologies, can reverse the chemical slide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-acidity-needs-more-than-local-fixes">Ocean acidity needs more than local fixes</h2>



Local fixes still matter. Seagrass beds that absorb CO₂, limits on coastal nutrient runoff, and refuges that protect genetic diversity can buy time for vulnerable species. 



However, Professor Widdicombe cautions that such measures “cannot solve acidification at the planetary scale.”



International agreements now recognize ocean acidification alongside warming, but policies lag behind science. 



The new findings give negotiators a clear metric - keep average carbonate depletion below 10 percent - to guide emission targets and monitor progress.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.70238" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Ocean acidity crosses dangerous threshold, threatening marine life

Ocean water is turning ever so slightly more acidic, and...

Pangolins in Nigeria’s Cross River forests are in trouble. Most are killed for supper, not for overseas trade in their scales. A new field survey shows that nearly every pangolin taken from the wild ends up in a cooking pot.



Scientists from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> spent three years talking with more than 800 hunters and traders across 33 villages. 



The team estimates that about 21,000 pangolins die each year in the region. Hunters rarely set out to look for them. They pick the animals up by hand while checking snares or working in farm plots. 



Almost three-quarters of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-meat-paradox-people-care-about-animals-but-still-eat-meat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meat</a> is eaten by the hunters’ own families, and the rest is sold locally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meat-is-the-motive-for-killing-pangolins">Meat is the motive for killing pangolins </h2>



Study lead author Dr. Charles Emogor conducted the research while pursuing his PhD in the Department of Zoology at Cambridge.



“Thousands of kilos of pangolin scales are seized at Nigeria’s ports, creating the impression that the international demand for scales is behind pangolin exploitation in West Africa,” said Dr. Emogor.



"When we spoke to hunters and traders on the ground around the Cross River forest, the largest stronghold for Nigeria’s pangolins, it was obvious that meat was the motivation for almost all of the pangolin killings.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pangolin-scales-often-hit-the-bin">Pangolin scales often hit the bin</h2>



Less than a third of the scales from those animals ever reach a trader. Most are tossed aside. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-hunting-fishing-connect-humans-with-nature-or-reinforce-superiority-complex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hunters</a> said meat earns three to four times more money per animal than scales do in local markets.



“We found that dedicated pangolin hunts are virtually non-existent. Most pangolins are killed by hunters out for any type of game,” said Dr. Emogor. 



"Around a third of pangolins are caught opportunistically, often while people are working in the fields. Pangolins curl into a ball when threatened, which sadly makes them easy to catch.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-prized-taste-and-old-beliefs">A prized taste and old beliefs</h2>



Pangolin meat is considered more flavorful than beef, chicken, or even antelope in many villages. It’s sometimes prepared for pregnant women, based on the belief that it promotes strong, healthy babies. 



This cultural value, combined with the species’ slow reproductive rate, puts intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-mammals-show-how-humans-influence-animal-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pressure</a> on the animal's survival.



“Pangolins face a lethal combination of threats,” said Dr. Emogor. “Pangolins are easy to hunt, breed slowly, taste good to humans, and are falsely believed to have curative properties in traditional medicines. In addition, their forest habitat is being destroyed.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-solutions-to-save-pangolins">Local solutions to save pangolins </h2>



Because food is the real pull, the researchers argue that local solutions - better patrols, new bylaws, and help with food security - may cost less and work faster than trying to police international trafficking alone.



“Clearly in designing any intervention we need good information on what’s motivating the hunters,” said study co-author Professor Andrew Balmford. “That’s why studies such as this are vital for effective conservation of endangered species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-losing-80-million-years-of-evolution">Losing 80 million years of evolution</h2>



Dr. Emogor now runs Pangolino, a volunteer network that helps villages write and enforce pangolin-friendly rules. His motivation is personal as well as scientific.



"If we lose the pangolin, we lose 80 million years of evolution,” said Emogor. “Pangolins are the only mammals with scales, and their ancestors existed when dinosaurs still roamed the planet."



Cameroon, Gabon, and other nations show similar habits: people value pangolins mainly for food. Until diets change or enforcement improves, Africa’s only scaly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mammals-have-evolved-over-66-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammals</a> will keep slipping toward extinction - one meal at a time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-pangolins-and-forest-life">Protecting pangolins and forest life</h2>



Efforts to save pangolins must go beyond curbing international trade. Protecting these animals - and the ecosystems they live in - means addressing the local drivers of hunting. 



That includes improving food security, offering economic alternatives to bushmeat, and increasing public awareness about the role pangolins play in forest health.



Education and outreach are key. Many hunters don’t realize pangolins are at risk. Some may not know the animals help control insect populations and support ecological balance. 



Wildlife conservation groups are working to spread this knowledge, while local governments and partners explore ways to boost law enforcement in remote areas.



Ultimately, protecting pangolins also helps safeguard other species that share their shrinking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/north-americas-mammals-are-seeking-refuge-in-forest-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitats</a>. When forests are preserved and hunting is managed sustainably, entire ecosystems stand a better chance of survival.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-025-02734-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Disturbing study finds the true reason this amazing creature is on the verge of extinction

Pangolins in Nigeria’s Cross River forests are in trouble. Most...

Scientists have puzzled over the brain’s memory storage system for decades. Many have wondered how our minds can file away new information without wiping out what we already know.



After rigorous investigations, researchers have found that <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/place-cell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">place cells</a> hold essential clues to this process. 



<a href="https://bcs.mit.edu/directory/ila-fiete">Ila Fiete</a>, a member of MIT’s <a href="https://mcgovern.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGovern Institute for Brain Research</a> and the senior author of a recent study, believes these discoveries open fresh perspectives on how internal “maps” guide us to recall events with ease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-storage-uses-scaffolding">Memory storage uses scaffolding</h2>



Place cells were first reported about half a century ago. Early <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5124915/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> showed that they become active when a rodent occupies a particular spot in a maze. 



Further work revealed these cells reside in the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3548359/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hippocampus</a>, a core region for memory. They align with <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK435751/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grid cells</a> in the entorhinal cortex.



Together, these populations form a foundation. Both spatial details and personal experiences rest on this scaffold, ensuring that details remain anchored to distinct neural patterns.



The recent model, called vector hippocampal scaffolded heteroassociative memory <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39814883/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(Vector-HaSH)</a>, proposes that the hippocampus functions a bit like an index. 



It holds pointers, which direct the brain to the finer content stored in vast areas of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/sensory-cortex" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensory cortex</a>. That index can then “fill in” previously stored information whenever we recall it.



“This model is a first-draft model of the <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2024.1448791/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entorhinal-hippocampal</a> episodic memory circuit. That’s the thing I’m really excited about,” said Fiete.



In simpler words, the hippocampus does not permanently hold every detail. It directs us to the right place in the cortex, where the nuts and bolts of each stored memory lie.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-hippocampus-the-basics">Understanding the hippocampus - the basics</h2>



The hippocampus is tucked deep within the medial temporal lobe. Because of it's crucial role in converting short-term memories into long-term ones, without <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-reboots-the-brain-making-room-for-new-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the hippocampus</a>, experiences would simply fade away moments after they occurred. 



This brain region also helps us navigate space, build mental maps, and orient ourselves in our environments.



It works closely with the amygdala and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-brain-pathways-identified-as-being-unique-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prefrontal cortex</a>, forming a network that governs how we learn from experience and respond emotionally to events.



Damage to the hippocampus can lead to serious memory issues, such as anterograde amnesia - the inability to form new memories. 



This kind of impairment has been observed in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and in cases of brain trauma or stroke. 



Research also shows that the hippocampus is highly plastic - it can grow new neurons even in adulthood, a process known as neurogenesis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-the-scaffold">Inside the scaffold</h2>



Grid cells create repeated patterns that look like triangular lattices. Each triangular arrangement, referred to as a well, can point to a specific episode. 



The content itself is not housed in these wells. Instead, each well is a label that refers the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/17-best-strategies-to-protect-your-brain-from-stroke-dementia-and-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> to the correct memory storage location in the sensory cortex.



As more events pour in, the circuit spreads them out, allowing older memories to fade gently. The model bypasses the so-called memory cliff, a snag that often affects older computational frameworks. 



This design reflects how real neural networks accommodate both new items and older recollections without hitting a harsh limit.



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



Training for events that require memorizing large sets of information can benefit from these findings. The time-honored <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nn988" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory palace method</a> aligns with the notion of using spatial backdrops to link to new data.&nbsp;



Experts often picture a familiar location and place items there in a structured sequence. Later, they mentally revisit each spot to retrieve those items. 



This new model suggests that tapping an already entrenched memory storage map can free up cognitive space for large-scale memorization.



The principle is straightforward. By designating specific neural wells as placeholders, we can link a chain of events without jumbling them up. 



Our internal index system calls up the correct cluster of cells. That cluster cues the finer content that is stashed in sensory regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sequential-order-explained">Sequential order explained</h2>



Sometimes, we need to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-rewires-the-brain-to-strengthen-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recall</a> a story in the exact order it happened. This framework highlights that each well holds cues about what comes next. 



That helps us replay those experiences in the correct sequence. The model draws on the same arrangement for both location-based and experience-based details.



Memories about where you ate lunch last week or how you maneuvered a tricky hiking trail can emerge from the same scaffolding. You tap the index that leads you to the right well, and the rest naturally falls into place.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-memory-storage-studies">Future memory storage studies</h2>



One area of interest is how short-term recollections solidify into more general facts. These are sometimes called semantic memories. 



The fresh approach provides a structure for investigating how personal events might become separated from contextual details after enough time.



Researchers also want to clarify how episodes are chunked or defined. 



Another question is whether a model like Vector-HaSH can fuel more efficient machine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-better-way-for-kids-to-learn-math/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a>. Understanding how the brain organizes sequences might help AI systems handle incremental learning.



This study supports the idea that hippocampal and entorhinal circuits form an integrated reference system for storing huge amounts of information without abrupt loss.



All of this underscores that the same circuit that once guided our ancestors through forests and deserts can also manage recollections of birthdays, daily errands, and major life milestones.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08392-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Human brains use a storage trick to keep your memories in sequential order

Scientists have puzzled over the brain’s memory storage system for...

Coffee is more than just a wake-up call. For many, it's a daily ritual that brings comfort and energy. But new research suggests that drinking coffee might also offer something unexpected - a longer life. That is, if you drink it right.



Scientists at <a href="https://www.tufts.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tufts University</a> have found that coffee can be linked to a lower risk of dying - but there’s a catch. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-this-amount-of-coffee-helps-prevent-heart-disease-and-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benefits</a> depend on how much sugar and saturated fat you add. A splash of cream and a spoonful of sugar could cancel out the good stuff.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-coffee-for-a-longer-life">Black coffee for a longer life</h2>



The research team at the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy took a closer look at what people actually put in their coffee. The study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, reveals something simple but important: less is more when it comes to additives.



The experts found that drinking one to two cups of caffeinated coffee a day was associated with a lower risk of death from all causes, including heart disease. 



Those who drank black coffee, or coffee with just a little sugar and fat, had a 14% lower risk of dying compared to non-coffee <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-brains-solve-complex-problems-with-simple-tricks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drinkers</a>. But when sugar and saturated fat increased, the benefit disappeared.



“Coffee is among the most-consumed beverages in the world, and with nearly half of American adults reporting drinking at least one cup per day, it’s important for us to know what it might mean for health,” said Professor Fang Fang Zhang, senior author of the study.



“The health benefits of coffee might be attributable to its bioactive compounds, but our results suggest that the addition of sugar and saturated fat may reduce the mortality benefits.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-habits-of-46-000-american-adults">Coffee habits of 46,000 American adults</h2>



The study didn’t just look at coffee drinkers in general. The researchers analyzed nearly 20 years of data from 46,000 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2018.



Participants shared details about what they ate and drank in a 24-hour period. Their coffee habits were tracked alongside information from the National Death Index, which listed causes of death including cancer, heart disease, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/y-chromosome-is-disappearing-may-already-be-causing-problems-for-men/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">others</a>.



The researchers classified coffee types by caffeine level and how much sugar and saturated fat they contained. 



For context, low sugar meant less than 2.5 grams per cup - about half a teaspoon. Low saturated fat meant no more than 1 gram, which is what you'd get from one tablespoon of light cream or half-and-half.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-coffee-doesn-t-mean-more-benefit">More coffee doesn’t mean more benefit</h2>



One cup a day? A 16% drop in overall mortality risk. Two to three cups? Slightly better, at 17%. But drink more than that, and the benefits didn’t keep rising. In fact, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-coffee-may-reduce-frailty-in-aging-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drinking</a> more than three cups a day didn’t seem to offer any extra protection - especially when it came to heart-related deaths.



Also, coffee didn’t show any meaningful connection to cancer-related mortality. The positive effects were mostly linked to cardiovascular health and general longevity.



Study first author Bingjie Zhou is a recent Ph.D. graduate from the nutrition epidemiology and data science program at the Friedman School.



“Few studies have examined how coffee additives could impact the link between coffee consumption and mortality risk, and our study is among the first to quantify how much sweetener and saturated fat are being added,” said Zhou.



“Our results align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans which recommend limiting added sugar and saturated fat.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cream-and-sugar-dilemma">Cream and sugar dilemma</h2>



A spoonful of sugar might make your coffee taste better, but it could also reduce the health benefits. The study offers a clear takeaway: coffee itself isn’t the problem. What you put in it matters.



Coffee contains bioactive compounds like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that might help protect against disease and support a longer, healthier life. 



But loading your cup with creamers, flavored syrups, and extra sugar changes the nutritional equation. It turns a health-friendly drink into something closer to dessert.



This nuance matters. People often think of coffee as either good or bad. This research suggests the truth is more subtle - coffee can be beneficial, but only if it’s not drowning in additives.



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



As with any observational study, there are limitations. The researchers relied on self-reported dietary recall, which can vary depending on memory and accuracy. What someone reports eating on one day might not reflect their long-term habits.



Also, decaffeinated coffee didn’t show the same benefits in this study. But that may be because not enough people reported drinking decaf to make the data strong enough.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gaining-years-of-life-with-coffee">Gaining years of life with coffee </h2>



If you enjoy a daily cup of coffee, there’s no need to stop. In fact, if you drink it black or with just a touch of milk and minimal sugar, you might actually be doing your body a favor. But if your coffee resembles dessert in a cup, you might want to rethink what you're sipping.



In short: it’s not just the coffee that matters, but also how you drink it. Keep it simple, keep it balanced, and you might gain more than just a morning boost. You might just gain a few more years.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002231662500286X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Nutrition</a>.



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Coffee may help you live longer - if you drink it this way

Coffee is more than just a wake-up call. For many,...

In the face of global biodiversity loss, protected areas have emerged as a crucial conservation strategy. These regions are set aside to limit human interference and provide wildlife with a safe space. 



Conservationists often focus on species counts when measuring success. But are these protected zones doing enough to preserve the entire structure of ecosystems?



This question is at the heart of a new study from <a href="https://www.swansea.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swansea University</a>. Instead of focusing only on species richness, the researchers examined how protected areas affect the complex interactions between species. 



These species interactions - especially predator-prey relationships - build the food webs that make <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extinction-by-design-should-we-genetically-erase-harmful-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> stable and functional.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-count-is-not-enough-nbsp">Species count is not enough&nbsp;</h2>



Species richness is important. However, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-millions-of-fungal-species-still-remain-unknown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> are more than a list of species. The relationships between organisms play a key role in ecological balance. A hawk hunting smaller birds or a songbird feeding on insects reflects interactions that keep ecosystems working.



The Swansea team wanted to understand if protected areas help maintain this ecological balance. They examined the structure of food webs rather than just counting how many species lived in each location. 



A food web includes all the feeding relationships between animals in a region. It shows who eats whom and how energy flows through the environment.



To conduct this study, the researchers turned to citizen science. They used data from platforms like eBird, where volunteers record bird sightings. This allowed the experts to track 509 bird species across 45 ecological networks from Spain to Finland.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-webs-inside-and-outside-reserves">Food webs inside and outside reserves</h2>



Using this large database, the team combined observational bird records with known predator-prey links. For example, if a particular raptor feeds on smaller birds, that relationship was mapped. Each network captured the structure of a local bird community and its food web.



The team compared food webs inside protected areas to those in surrounding, non-protected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-lynx-day-2025-protecting-the-silent-hunters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landscapes</a>. These comparisons were not simple. 



The researchers controlled for many variables. They looked at habitat diversity, the percentage of forest and agricultural land, and levels of human pressure.



The experts also considered the designation status of the protected areas. Some zones were part of the European Bird Directives, which provide stronger conservation measures. Others had more general protections. 



These different conservation levels allowed the team to ask whether clearer goals led to better ecological outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protected-areas-help-in-some-places">Protected areas help in some places</h2>



So, what did the researchers find? In some cases, protected areas improved the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-for-biological-diversity-2025-bonding-with-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">structure</a> of food webs. The networks inside protected zones tended to have more species overall. Intermediate-level species - those neither top predators nor at the bottom - were more common. 



Also, predators inside protected areas tended to be larger in body size, both at the top and middle levels of the food web.



However, not all of the results were encouraging. The length of food chains and the connectivity of species within the web did not show consistent improvement. In other words, simply having more species did not guarantee a healthier or more connected ecosystem.



The effects varied across Europe. Food webs in Spain responded differently from those in Finland or central Europe. This suggests that local conditions still matter greatly. Protection alone cannot guarantee the same results everywhere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-behind-food-web-differences">Factors behind food web differences</h2>



What caused the variation in results? Several environmental factors played a role. Areas that were more remote generally had healthier food webs. Places with higher habitat diversity also performed better. Human pressure and the amount of nearby farmland had a strong influence too.



Interestingly, areas under the European Bird Directives showed stronger positive trends. This suggests that clearer conservation planning makes a real difference. Just designating a region as "protected" is not enough. What matters is how that protection is implemented.



Study co-author Dr. Miguel Lurgi, who leads the Computational Ecology Lab, emphasized the significance of the research. 



“Studies like ours highlight the complexity of conservation action and the importance of considering key aspects of biodiversity beyond species richness, such as ecological interactions and the tangled networks that they form, into biodiversity assessments,” noted Dr. Lurgi.



“These networks not only structure communities and enable their persistence, but they also play important roles in the functions that ecosystems fulfil in nature.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-must-protect-species-and-their-roles-nbsp">We must protect species and their roles&nbsp;</h2>



This study challenges a common assumption in conservation planning. Many projects measure success by the number of species saved. The research shows that relationships between species are equally vital. 



Protecting one bird species is good. Ensuring that it still plays its ecological role - as predator, prey, or pollinator - is better.



Protected areas clearly help in some ways. They offer space for species to live and grow. But without active planning, their impact on food webs may fall short. Conservation needs to think about networks, not just numbers.



By looking at predator-prey relationships, this research opens a path to more holistic conservation strategies. It also highlights the value of citizen science. 



Platforms like eBird make this kind of large-scale ecological work possible. Every birdwatcher’s observation helps build a clearer picture of how our ecosystems function.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protected-areas-need-better-plans">Protected areas need better plans</h2>



Europe's protected areas are not failing, but they are not universally succeeding either. They need tailored strategies, grounded in ecological data. Simple protection does not always support complex ecosystems.



This study gives policymakers a reason to refine their approaches. If the goal is to protect ecosystems, not just individual species, then conservation must shift. It must include ecological interactions, food web structures, and the subtle forces that hold nature together.



As this research shows, conservation cannot afford to stay simple. Nature is complex. Our strategies must match that complexity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2025.0614" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Protected areas don't always protect food webs

In the face of global biodiversity loss, protected areas have...

Fires sweep through forests, darkening skies and sparking conversations about smoke pollution, health, and lost trees - but few of us picture how this may affect life in the ocean.



Every smoke plume carries tiny particles and nutrients that fall into the sea and quietly reshape life below the waves.



In a new study, led by a team at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (<a href="https://www.bsc.es/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BSC-CNS</a>), scientists traced the smoke-ocean link with advanced climate models.



The results point to a future in which rising temperatures bring more fires in the far north and, with them, more iron-rich dust for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-warming-triggers-rising-north-atlantic-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Atlantic</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fires-as-a-source-of-ocean-fertilizer">Fires as a source of ocean fertilizer</h2>



Fires loft bits of burned wood and soil into the upper air. Winds push those particles across continents and oceans. When they land, the particles deliver <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-iron-levels-will-make-it-hard-for-corals-to-endure-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iron</a> - an essential micronutrient that is in short supply in many parts of the sea.



With the additional iron, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-heatwaves-have-complex-effects-on-phytoplankton-food-web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a> can bloom just as crops respond to fertilizer. The plankton draw carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air as they grow, which links forest flames on land to the global climate balance.



Professor Carlos Pérez García-Pando is co-leader of the BSC's Atmospheric Composition group and senior co-author of the study.



“Climate-driven fires arise from more favorable weather conditions for fire, such as low humidity and high temperatures, which in turn are influenced by anthropogenic climate change," noted Professor García-Pando.



"Understanding these fires and their impact on the fertilization of key ocean regions, like the North Atlantic, is essential for more accurately predicting future atmospheric CO2 levels."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-fire-smoke-and-ocean-life">Forest fire smoke and ocean life</h2>



The researchers ran high-resolution simulations to study changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activity-is-rapidly-changing-weather-in-north-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather patterns</a>, vegetation, and emissions. They found that by the late 21st century, climate change could push boreal wildfires to release 1.8 times more iron than today.



In North Atlantic zones where iron is scarce, that extra supply could raise summer phytoplankton productivity by as much as 40 percent.



Smoke-borne iron is only one piece of the nutrient puzzle. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-change-their-cell-chemistry-to-survive-warming-oceans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warming oceans</a> are expected to reduce the upwelling of other key nutrients in many regions. That drop could blunt some of the carbon-absorbing benefit of new phytoplankton growth.



“Quantifying this nutrient source for phytoplankton is important for gaining a more precise idea of how much CO2 will remain in the atmosphere in the coming decades," said Elisa Bergas-Massó, BSC-CNS researcher and lead author of the study.



"By determining how climate-driven fires will increase the supply of iron to the ocean, we are revealing a crucial feedback loop in the Earth system that we must understand to address climate change." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estimating-future-co-2-levels">Estimating future CO2 levels</h2>



Fire science, atmospheric chemistry, oceanography, and climate policy often move on separate tracks. This study pulls them together and shows why that matters. Accurately estimating future CO2 levels depends on knowing how land fires fertilize the sea.



Study co-senior author Maria Gonçalves Ageitos is a researcher at the BSC and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC).



“The results of this study are crucial for improving projections of the carbon cycle and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-shifts-in-ocean-health-less-oxygen-more-heat-and-acidity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean health</a> under a changing climate, paving the way for more accurate climate models and better-informed future climate change adaptation policies,” said Gonçalves.



The authors call for better observations of smoke plumes, ocean nutrient levels, and phytoplankton blooms, along with finer-scale modeling. 



Each improvement will tighten the numbers on how much carbon the ocean can pull from the air - and how forest management, fire prevention, and emissions cuts on land might echo across the planet’s largest ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-hidden-connections">Earth’s hidden connections</h2>



In a warming world, nothing exists in isolation. Climate change doesn’t just melt ice or just raise sea levels - it alters winds, shifts fire seasons, changes ocean chemistry, and influences the tiniest organisms at sea.



This study is one more example of how deeply connected Earth’s systems really are. Fires in distant forests can influence life and carbon absorption in the ocean. What happens on land doesn’t stay on land.



As the climate continues to change, we need to pay closer attention to these hidden links - because solving one part of the puzzle means understanding how it fits into the whole.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-025-02356-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Forest fire smoke boosts ocean life - but with a hidden cost

Fires sweep through forests, darkening skies and sparking conversations about...

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;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

This cute little four-legged fella is the cross between a zebra and a donkey. While he may be all donkey from the torso up, those striped legs scream zebra all the way. Photo Credit: Oast House Archive / Wiki Commons

Zonkey

This rare hybrid is a mix between a killer whale and a bottlenose dolphin. They breed naturally and exist in the wild, but you don't have to go for a swim to find them — there's one living at Sea Life Park in Hawaii. Photo Credit: emorlie / Instagram

Zonkey

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