Archaeopteryx is often referred to as the fossil that proved Darwin right - it links today’s birds to ancient dinosaurs. Even though the first specimen was discovered over 160 years ago, this iconic fossil continues to offer fresh insights into how birds came to fly.



One of the most revealing specimens yet, the “Chicago Archaeopteryx,” was recently studied by researchers from the Field Museum. 



Their findings, published in the journal Nature, were made possible thanks to remarkable preservation and advanced technology.



The fossil was put on public display in 2024 at the Field Museum, giving both scientists and the public a close look at one of the most complete Archaeopteryx fossils found to date.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smallest-archaeopteryx-fossil-ever-found">Smallest Archaeopteryx fossil ever found</h2>



The Chicago Archaeopteryx was discovered in the Solnhofen limestone of Germany, a site well known for yielding all known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-evolution-timeline-pushed-back-20-million-years-by-baminornis-zhenghensis-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Archaeopteryx specimens</a>.



This particular fossil had been in private hands since before 1990. In 2022, it arrived at the Field Museum through a collective effort from fossil enthusiasts and supporters.



“When we first got our Archaeopteryx, I was like, this is very, very, very cool, and I was beyond excited," enthused Jingmai O’Connor, the Field Museum’s associate curator of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nothosaur-polar-sea-reptile-fossil-oldest-ever-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil reptiles</a> and lead author of the paper. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Archaeopteryx-fossil_illustration_credit-michael-rothman_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Archaeopteryx-fossil_illustration_credit-michael-rothman_1s.webp" alt="Illustration showing Archaeopteryx in life, including its tertial feathers that would have helped it fly. Credit: Michael Rothman" class="wp-image-1970311"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Illustration showing Archaeopteryx in life, including its tertial feathers that would have helped it fly. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Michael Rothman</figcaption></figure>



"But at the same time, Archaeopteryx has been known for over 160 years, so I wasn’t sure what new things we would be able to learn. Our specimen is so well-preserved and so well-prepared that we’re actually learning a ton of new information, from the tip of its snout to the tip of its tail.”



This specimen is the smallest known Archaeopteryx, being only about the size of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-so-dim-witted-pigeons-have-their-own-version-of-machine-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pigeon</a>. Its tiny bones are embedded in extremely hard limestone, making extraction especially tricky.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-the-archaeopteryx-fossil">Preparing the Archaeopteryx fossil</h2>



Because the bones and soft tissues are nearly the same color as the surrounding rock, even identifying where the fossil ended and stone began was a major challenge. Preparing it took over a year. 



The Field Museum’s fossil prep team worked under UV light to avoid damaging delicate soft tissues and used CT scans to guide their work.



“A CT scanner is essentially a machine that takes a series of X-rays, which it uses to build a three-dimensional image, based on differences in density. It lets you see inside things,” explained O’Connor.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gordonia-traquairi-pig-like-creature-discovered-roamed-earth-250-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CT scanning</a> was very important for our preparation process - it let us know things like, the bone is exactly 3.2 millimeters (0.1 inches) below the surface of the rock, which let us know exactly how far we could go before we would hit the bone."



This is the first time a complete Archaeopteryx has been CT scanned and the data made available.



The UV lighting was equally important. “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chinese-fossil-provides-a-new-glimpse-into-early-bird-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Previous studies</a> have shown that there’s something in the chemical composition of Solnhofen fossils that makes the soft tissues fluoresce, or glow under UV light,” said O’Connor.



“So, our amazing prep team utilized UV light periodically through the preparation process to make sure that they weren't accidentally removing any soft tissues that you can’t see with the naked eye.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-detail-in-this-archaeopteryx-fossil">Unprecedented detail in this Archaeopteryx fossil</h2>



The result is a specimen that reveals more fine detail than any previous Archaeopteryx fossil.



“We’re lucky in that this specimen happens to be extremely well-preserved, but we can also see features that probably were preserved in other specimens, but which didn’t make it through cruder preparation processes in the past,” said O’Connor. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/archaeopteryx-fossil_field-slab_credit-Delaney-Drummond_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/archaeopteryx-fossil_field-slab_credit-Delaney-Drummond_1s.webp" alt="The Chicago Archaeopteryx. Photo by Delaney Drummond. (c) Field Museum." class="wp-image-1970309"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Chicago Archaeopteryx. Click image to enlarge. Photo by Delaney Drummond. (c) Field Museum.</figcaption></figure>



“Having the preparation of this specimen done by scientists whose goal was to preserve as much tissue and bone as possible made a huge difference.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



The new fossil has helped answer questions about several parts of Archaeopteryx anatomy - its skull, hands, feet, and wings.



“The bones in the roof of the mouth help us learn about the evolution of something called cranial kinesis - a feature in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaur-fossils-reveal-hollow-bones-just-like-modern-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modern birds</a> that lets the beak move independently from the braincase," explained O'Connor.



She added that, although this may not sound exciting to the average person, to those who study bird evolution it is an important thing. 



It's been hypothesized that having <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-brains-fossil-reveals-roots-of-avian-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">specialized skulls</a> for different ecological niches might have helped birds evolve into the more than 11,000 species present today.



Preserved soft tissues in the feet and hands suggest that this animal walked on the ground and possibly even climbed trees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-archaeopteryx-took-flight">How Archaeopteryx took flight</h2>



One of the most debated topics in paleontology is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-flight-feathers-may-reveal-which-dinosaurs-could-fly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how flight evolved</a> in dinosaurs.



Archaeopteryx wasn’t the first feathered dinosaur, nor the first with wing-like structures, but it may have been the earliest to truly take flight. 



“We think it’s the earliest known dinosaur that was able to use its feathers to fly,” said O’Connor, who highlighted this as her favorite finding in the study.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Archaeopteryx-fossil_UV-light_soft-tissue_credit-Delaney-Drummond_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Archaeopteryx-fossil_UV-light_soft-tissue_credit-Delaney-Drummond_1s.webp" alt="The Chicago Archaeopteryx under UV light to show soft tissues alongside the skeleton. Credit: Delaney Drummond" class="wp-image-1970313"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Chicago Archaeopteryx under UV light to show soft tissues alongside the skeleton. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Delaney Drummond</figcaption></figure>



The key to its aerial ability may lie in a set of upper arm feathers known as tertials. Archaeopteryx had an unusually long upper arm bone, which could have created a disruptive gap in the wing's surface - problematic for flight. 



“If air passes through that gap, that disrupts the lift you’re generating, and you can’t fly,” O’Connor explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-differences-in-modern-birds">Differences in modern birds</h2>



Modern birds evolved shorter upper arm bones and specialized tertial feathers to close this gap. 



Remarkably, the Chicago specimen of Archaeopteryx shows it had long tertial feathers too - something unseen in its flightless dinosaur relatives. 



“Our specimen is the first Archaeopteryx that was preserved and prepared in such a way that we can see its long tertial feathers,” she noted.



These feathers, absent in closely related non-avian dinosaurs, suggest those creatures couldn’t fly. 



“That tells us... Archaeopteryx could,” O’Connor added. “This also adds to evidence that suggests dinosaurs evolved flight more than once - which I think is super exciting.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-still-more-to-learn-160-years-later">Still more to learn, 160 years later</h2>



The Chicago Archaeopteryx has already helped scientists answer long-standing questions. But this study is only the start.



“We're learning something exciting and new from just about every part of the body that we have preserved. And this paper is really just the tip of the iceberg,” remarked O’Connor.



After 160 years, it’s clear that Archaeopteryx still has plenty to teach us. Thanks to the care and tools used in preparing this fossil, we’re seeing it in ways that past generations of scientists could only imagine.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08912-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Archaeopteryx fossil discovered with preserved soft tissue proves Darwin was right all along

Archaeopteryx is often referred to as the fossil that proved Darwin right - it links today’s birds to ancient dinosaurs. Even though the first specimen was discovered over 160 years ago, this iconic fossil continues to offer fresh insights into how birds came to fly. One of the most revealing specimens yet, the “Chicago Archaeopteryx,” was recently studied by researchers from the Field Museum. Their findings, published in the journal Nature, were made possible thanks to remarkable preservation and advanced technology. The fossil was put on public...

Chimpanzees and bonobos, often viewed as embodying contrasting aspects of human nature - the aggressive chimpanzee and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bonobos-cooperation-challenges-beliefs-about-human-evolution/">peaceful bonobo</a> - exhibit more nuanced behaviors within their communities, according to a recent study led by <a href="https://www.bu.edu/">Boston University</a>.&nbsp;



The experts found that male bonobos become aggressive more frequently than male chimpanzees, challenging prevailing perceptions. Notably, for both species, increased aggression correlates with more mating opportunities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aggressive-behavior-of-chimpanzees-and-bonobos-nbsp">Aggressive behavior of chimpanzees and bonobos&nbsp;</h2>



“Chimpanzees and bonobos use aggression in different ways for specific reasons,” said study lead author Maud Mouginot, an anthropologist at Boston University. “The idea is not to invalidate the image of bonobos being peaceful - the idea is that there is a lot more complexity in both species.”



This study is the first of its kind to directly compare the aggressive behaviors of bonobos and chimpanzees using consistent field methods. The research focused on male aggression, typically linked to reproductive behaviors, while recognizing that female aggression in both species also deserves further research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-aggression-in-male-bonobos">Monitoring aggression in male bonobos</h2>



The scientists examined male aggression within three bonobo communities at the Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo and two chimpanzee communities at Gombe National Park in Tanzania. They tracked 12 bonobos and 14 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-mean-chimpanzees-fare-better-in-life-than-nice-ones/">chimpanzees</a>, conducting "focal follows" to monitor each individual's interactions throughout the day.



“You go to their nests and wait for them to wake up and then you just follow them the entire day - from the moment they wake up to the moment they go to sleep at night - and record everything they do,” Mouginot explained.



Surprisingly, the study found that male bonobos were more frequently aggressive than their chimpanzee counterparts, engaging in 2.8 times more aggressive interactions and three times as many physical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/friendly-bonobos-aggressive-mating/">aggressions</a>. Bonobo aggression was primarily directed at other males, whereas chimpanzees more often targeted females and were more likely to form coalitions during conflicts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-infrequency-of-chimpanzee-aggression-nbsp">The infrequency of chimpanzee aggression&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers suggest that the infrequency of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-mean-chimpanzees-fare-better-in-life-than-nice-ones/">chimpanzee aggression</a> might be attributed to the potential for severe injuries and the weakening of group defenses against external threats, given that their conflicts often involve multiple males. In contrast, bonobos, who are not known to be territorial and have never been observed to kill each other, tend to have one-on-one disputes, avoiding broader community impacts.



For both species, males displaying higher levels of aggression achieved greater reproductive success. This was particularly unexpected in bonobos, where the social structure is co-dominant, and females typically outrank males - different from the male-dominated hierarchies of chimpanzees.



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



“Male bonobos that are more aggressive obtain more copulations with females, which is something that we would not expect,” said Mouginot. “It means that females do not necessarily go for nicer males.”



These findings challenge the self-domesticating hypothesis, which posits that aggression has been selectively reduced in bonobos and humans compared to chimpanzees.



While the study did not measure the severity of the aggressive interactions in terms of resulting wounds or injuries, the researchers hope to include such data in future analyses. They also aim to expand their comparisons to include other groups of chimpanzees and bonobos to better understand behavioral variations within and across communities and subspecies.



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



Bonobos, also known scientifically as Pan paniscus, are one of our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom, sharing around 98% of our DNA. They are a species of great ape found only in the Congo Basin in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bonobos are often noted for their matriarchal society, where females hold significant social status and power within their communities.



Physically, bonobos are slightly smaller and more slender than their relatives, the chimpanzees. They have black faces with pink lips, small ears, and long hair that parts in the middle. Bonobos use sexual behavior as a means to manage social relationships and conflicts, making them unique among primates.



Bonobos are frugivorous but their diet can also include other plant parts as well as small animals and insects. They are highly intelligent and capable of empathy, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-bonobos-adopt-infants-outside-of-their-social-group/">cooperation</a>, and self-recognition in mirrors.



Unfortunately, bonobos are endangered due to habitat loss, human encroachment, and poaching. Conservation efforts are crucial to their survival, aiming to protect their natural habitat and reduce illegal hunting.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.02.071">Current Biology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

"Peaceful" bonobos are actually more aggressive than chimps 

Chimpanzees and bonobos, often viewed as embodying contrasting aspects of...

Don't let those little wiggly bodies fool you. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caterpillars-can-stop-their-bleeding-in-seconds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caterpillars</a>, those voracious munching machines we find in our gardens, might seem simple. But they hide an incredibly sophisticated secret weapon: their nose. And it could be the key to protecting our crops in a whole new way.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-the-nose">Meet the nose</h2>



We humans rely heavily on sight and hearing to navigate the world. Insects, including caterpillars, have evolved a different sensory toolkit. They are masters of smell, with highly specialized olfactory organs located on their antennae. 



These feathery "feelers" aren't merely decorative; they are covered in tiny sensory receptors. The receptors function like miniature chemical detectors, capable of sensing incredibly minute concentrations of airborne molecules. 



This allows caterpillars to locate food sources, detect potential mates, and navigate their environment using scent cues that would be entirely imperceptible to humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-catterpillar-s-noses-smell-signals">Catterpillar's noses smell signals</h2>



Researchers at Wageningen University &amp; Research (<a href="https://www.wur.nl/en.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WUR</a>) have made a fascinating discovery. A caterpillar's nose might have only 34 neurons (brain cells for sense of smell), compared to an adult butterfly's 300,000. 



Yet, the way this tiny nose processes information is surprisingly complex. This was explained by entomologist Alexander Haverkamp: "The 'nose' of the large white caterpillar (Pieris brassicae) has only 34 neurons, while the same insect has about 300,000 neurons when it reaches the stage of adulthood as a butterfly."



Picture the inside of their "nose" like a miniature sorting office. Each scent triggers a unique signal, bundled up and sent to a brain center that identifies what exactly the caterpillar is smelling. It works just like the big brains of adult butterflies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caterpillar-nose-as-nature-s-survival-kit">Caterpillar nose as nature's survival kit</h2>



Why does a caterpillar need such a powerful nose? Well, let's just say life as a squishy, slow-moving bug isn't easy.



"This enables caterpillars to detect many different scents in their environment, enhancing their chances of survival, as caterpillars mature in a highly hostile environment surrounded by predators and poisonous plant substances," explained Haverkamp. A super-sniffer lets them find the yummiest leaves, sniff out danger, and avoid toxic plants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-functions-of-the-caterpillar-nose">Functions of the caterpillar nose</h2>



The functions of a caterpillar's "nose," which in reality refers to its antennae and olfactory receptors, are sophisticated and vital for its survival. These functions span from finding food to avoiding danger, showcasing a remarkable adaptation to their environment. Let's delve deeper into each of these roles:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scent-detection-for-food">Scent detection for food</h3>



As discussed above, caterpillars have a refined ability to detect odors in their environment, which guides them to their food sources. 



Plants emit various chemical compounds, and caterpillars can discern these subtle differences, directing them towards suitable plants for nourishment. This is especially critical for species that are picky eaters and depend on specific host plants for survival.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-awareness-of-predators-and-toxic-plants">Awareness of predators and toxic plants</h3>



The antennae of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carnivorous-caterpillars-hungry-flesh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caterpillars</a> are equipped to sense danger through chemical signals. Predators, such as birds and wasps, may leave traces that caterpillars can detect, prompting them to hide or freeze. 



Similarly, the ability to recognize the chemical markers of toxic plants prevents them from consuming harmful substances. This sensory detection acts as an early warning system, enhancing their chances of survival.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication-through-chemical-signals">Communication through chemical signals</h3>



While caterpillars are often seen as solitary creatures, there are instances where communication is key. Some species release pheromones to signal distress or to help coordinate group feeding strategies, reducing competition and optimizing resource utilization. This chemical communication is a critical aspect of their social behavior, aiding in survival and efficient feeding.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foundation-for-mating-in-adulthood">Foundation for mating in adulthood</h3>



Though <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caterpillar-outbreaks-drive-co2-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caterpillars</a> do not mate, the development of their olfactory systems is crucial for their future as adult moths or butterflies. 



The antennae grow more sophisticated with age, and by the time they metamorphose into adults, these insects are capable of detecting mates over long distances. 



The groundwork for this ability is laid during the caterpillar phase, highlighting the importance of their sensory development early on.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-sensing-by-caterpillar-noses">Environmental sensing by caterpillar noses</h3>



Beyond finding food and avoiding danger, caterpillars use their antennae to sense the quality of their environment. Humidity levels, temperature changes, and even the presence of water can be detected. 



This information is crucial for making life-or-death decisions, such as when to feed, where to pupate, and how to avoid adverse conditions. In the case of pupation, selecting a site with optimal humidity and temperature can significantly impact the success of their metamorphosis into adulthood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-the-caterpillar-nose-for-good">Harnessing the caterpillar nose for good</h2>



This discovery extends far beyond simply understanding the fascinating sensory world of insects. It holds significant potential for revolutionizing agricultural practices.



Large white caterpillars pose a major threat to cabbage farmers, capable of devastating entire harvests. The widespread use of pesticides to combat these pests is not only expensive but also carries substantial environmental risks.



Understanding the precise chemical cues that attract or repel caterpillars opens up the possibility of developing alternative pest control strategies. 



For example, farmers could strategically plant 'decoy' crops that emit highly attractive scents, luring the caterpillars away from the primary cabbage crop. Additionally, planting species that emit repellent odors alongside the cabbage could further deter the pests.



The success of such strategies hinges on pinpointing the exact olfactory signals that guide caterpillar behavior, highlighting the practical importance of this research.



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



The scientists aren't stopping there. They're diving deeper into the genes behind the caterpillar's smell receptors. 



"We hope this will provide us with more information on what chemical substances prompt a response from the receptor molecules and what message the caterpillar receives from them," said Haverkamp. "In time, this will hopefully enable us to better understand the caterpillars' sensory world."



The next time you see a caterpillar, pause for a moment. Try to imagine the world as they "smell" it - a landscape defined by scent, full of hidden dangers and delicious discoveries. These little noses hold secrets, and those secrets might just revolutionize the way we grow our food.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7917.13304" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insect Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Caterpillar 'noses' can lead to safer ways to protect crops

Don't let those little wiggly bodies fool you. Caterpillars, those...

Imagine a world where the soundtrack of your dreams could be downloaded and played back for all to hear. Well, for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>, it's getting closer to reality.



Scientists have figured out how to turn the fluttering brain signals of slumbering birds into actual audible songs. This is an incredible breakthrough, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the secret dream world of birds.



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



The idea that animals dream isn't new. If you've ever seen your dog twitching and whimpering in its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zebra-finches-sing-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>, you've witnessed a canine dream in action. 



Cats too, with their phantom stalking and playful pounces, clearly have vivid inner lives while they snooze. But what about birds? For a long time, their dreams were a puzzle.



We knew that during sleep, birds' brains showed activity patterns similar to ours. These patterns suggested they were replaying memories or experiences, much like we do in our dreams. 



However, scientists couldn't translate those brain signals into anything we could understand - like a dream's sights or sounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-translating-bird-dreams">Translating bird dreams</h2>



This is where a team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.uba.ar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Buenos Aires</a> made their remarkable discovery. They realized that those mysterious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-night-parrot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> brain signals don't simply remain trapped within the skull. Instead, these signals travel down to the bird's unique vocal organ called the syrinx.



To capture this activity, the scientists use tiny, harmless sensors capable of recording subtle muscle twitches within the syrinx while a bird is dreaming. This raw data is then fed into a sophisticated computer model. 



The model has been designed to translate patterns of muscle activity into the corresponding sounds a bird would produce if it were actively singing. This innovative process allows the researchers to hear the soundtrack of a bird's dreams.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-a-bird-dream-sound-like">What does a bird dream sound like?</h2>



"We can use the muscle activity patterns as time-dependent parameters of a model of birdsong production and synthesize the corresponding song,” explained study co-author Gabriel Mindlin.



In simpler terms, those chirps, whistles, and trills you hear during the day? They might very well be echoing through a bird's dreams at night. 



Mindlin describes one particularly moving moment - hearing the dream song of a bird engaged in a fierce territorial battle. The sounds mirrored the aggressive trills birds use in real-life confrontations. 



"I felt great empathy imagining that solitary bird recreating a territorial dispute in its dream," said Mindlin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-decoding-bird-dreams">The future of decoding bird dreams</h2>



The research represents a major leap forward in our understanding of animal dreaming, raising a host of intriguing possibilities for further exploration. 



Naturally, the ability to decode a bird's dreams is captivating in itself. However, the potential applications of this technology extend far beyond simple eavesdropping.



Mindlin theorizes that this discovery could pave the way for real-time interaction with birds during the dream state. This interaction might take the form of playing specific soundscapes or vocalizations to a sleeping songbird and observing how these stimuli influence the content of their dreams.



Another significant area of potential impact is in the study of avian vocal learning. Many birds learn their complex songs through practice and imitation. 



This research suggests that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dreams-keep-the-brain-from-becoming-too-familiar-with-everyday-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dream</a> state might be a crucial period for birds to rehearse and fine-tune their vocal skills. 



If this hypothesis proves true, scientists could then investigate methods of optimizing song learning during sleep. This might involve tailored auditory experiences presented to birds during their dreaming periods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-and-future-research">Broader implications and future research</h2>



The research extends beyond the fascinating realm of bird dreams. It offers profound insights into the very nature of animal consciousness. 



By demonstrating that birds possess complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strange-dreams-help-us-organize-our-experiences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dream</a> experiences, the study challenges our assumptions about the inner lives of other species. It highlights the potential for deeper understanding and connection between humans and the diverse creatures we share our world with.



This work also points towards exciting avenues for future research. If birdsong can be decoded from dreams, could the same method be applied to other forms of animal communication or behavior? 



Understanding the dreams of other species could unlock a wealth of knowledge about their emotional states, social interactions, and cognitive abilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reasons-behind-dreams-in-birds-and-beyond">Reasons behind dreams in birds and beyond</h2>



Dreams have fascinated scientists and philosophers for centuries. While humans have long pondered the reasons behind their own dreams, recent research sheds light on why birds, and perhaps all creatures, dream.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The purpose of dreaming</h3>



One of the leading theories on why beings dream, including birds, revolves around memory consolidation. Dreams may help the brain sort through the day's experiences, deciding what to store as long-term memory. This process is crucial for learning and adapting to new environments or challenges.



Furthermore, dreams might serve as a form of cognitive maintenance, allowing the brain to recalibrate and prepare for wakefulness. 



This "reboot" theory suggests that during dreams, the brain can reset its neural pathways, ensuring optimal functioning during the day. For birds, particularly those that learn and replicate complex songs, this could be a vital function to maintain their communication skills.



Dreams also offer a safe haven for emotional processing. They allow the brain to work through experiences, fears, and desires without the constraints of reality. 



This emotional digestion could be as relevant for animals, including birds, as it is for humans, helping them to navigate social hierarchies or territorial disputes more effectively.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why birds dream</h3>



Birds, especially songbirds, are known to engage in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, during which dreaming occurs in humans. Researchers believe that for birds, dreaming is closely linked to song rehearsal. 



Young birds, much like human infants learning to speak, practice their songs in dreams. This rehearsal is thought to be a critical part of how they perfect their calls and songs, which are essential for communication, mating, and territory defense.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The evolutionary perspective</h3>



From an evolutionary standpoint, dreaming could be a trait that offers a competitive advantage. By simulating scenarios in a safe, consequence-free environment, dreams provide the opportunity to rehearse responses to potential threats or opportunities. This rehearsal theory suggests that dreaming is a form of mental practice that enhances survival skills.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dreams-across-the-animal-kingdom">Dreams across the animal kingdom</h2>



While the exact reasons why birds or any creatures dream remain partially speculative, the convergence of theories suggests dreams are a multifunctional phenomenon. 



They may serve not just one, but many purposes, from memory consolidation and cognitive maintenance to emotional processing and survival strategy rehearsal.



Dreams, then, are more than just nighttime narratives. They are a critical component of the brain's maintenance and development processes - a universal feature shared across the animal kingdom, from the smallest bird to the most complex human. 



This fascinating realm of research continues to offer insights into the shared experiences of life on Earth, reminding us of the intricate connections that bind us to the natural world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0194301" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">C</a><a href="https://pubs.aip.org/aip/cha/article/34/4/043103/3280388/Synthesizing-avian-dreams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">h</a><a href="https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0194301" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aos</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Scientists turn bird dreams into captivating music

Imagine a world where the soundtrack of your dreams could...

In a recent study from <a href="https://www.unm.edu/">The University of New Mexico</a>, researchers David Tan and Nicholas Freymueller reveal that blue light significantly increases the risk of building collisions for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-exposes-migrating-birds-to-toxic-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">night-migrating birds.</a> 



The research illuminates a crucial but previously underexplored factor contributing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-is-luring-birds-to-their-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avian fatalities</a> in urban environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-global-context-of-bird-building-collisions">The global context of bird-building collisions</h2>



Each year, hundreds of millions of birds perish in North America alone due to building collisions. A significant portion of these incidents involve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-is-a-growing-issue-for-migratory-birds/">migratory species</a>.



Although well-documented in North America, the bird collisions issue also casts a shadow across tropical regions. This is particularly true within Asian and African cities, where substantial gaps in knowledge persist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-approach-to-studying-urban-bird-fatalities">A new approach to studying urban bird fatalities</h2>



The researchers adopted a unique methodology. By expanding their study across Singapore - a densely populated city-state with over 100,000 buildings - they utilized ecological niche modeling. This approach helped predict collision hotspots by identifying a "death niche" for the city’s birds.



"It’s a counterintuitive way to think about niche models, but if we can use environmental factors like temperature and rainfall to predict where living animals occur, it makes sense that the same methods can also be used to predict where birds might die from building collisions since these collisions are strongly affected by the urban environment," explained Tan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-illuminating-findings-the-crucial-insights-and-their-implications">Illuminating findings: the crucial insights and their implications</h2>



The study authors analyzed nearly 225 bird-building collision records from 2013-2020. They found that migratory pittas and resident pigeons were most affected. Pittas were particularly sensitive to blue light, showing increased collision frequencies.



"These results confirm what we previously suspected about pittas from bird banding studies conducted in the 1960s – that pittas are strongly attracted to light when they migrate at night," said Tan. "This is the first time anyone has demonstrated a specific attraction to blue light in this group of birds."



The researchers also noted that non-migratory birds like green pigeons and emerald doves often collide with buildings near forest edges. This is likely due to their movement through the urban landscape as they navigate between fragmented forest patches.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proactive-measures-for-urban-planning">Proactive measures for urban planning</h2>



Drawing on their findings, the researchers identified potential future collision hotspots in Singapore. They linked these hotspots to planned developments near forests and high blue light pollution areas.



"One of the benefits of working in Singapore is that the government tends to plan everything well ahead of time," noted Tan. 



"Because of this, we were able to use long-term land-use plans published by the Singapore government to predict where future collision hotspots might occur, which will in turn allow urban planners and developers to incorporate bird-friendly measures into building designs even before the first foundations are laid."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recommendations-for-mitigating-bird-collisions">Recommendations for mitigating bird collisions</h2>



The research underscores a key environmental issue and provides practical insights for urban planning and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/best-habitats-bird-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird conservation</a> strategies.



To mitigate the identified risks of collisions, the experts recommend using bird-safe architectural elements. These include bird-friendly glass and shading devices, especially in forest-adjacent high-risk areas.



Additionally, they suggest using warmer LED lighting and shielding to reduce light spill. This can lessen the negative effects of blue <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-exposes-migrating-birds-to-toxic-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light pollution</a> on migratory birds.



"Our discovery that blue light pollution increases the building collision risk of night-migrating birds in tropical Asia adds to the small but growing number of studies worldwide showing that blue light pollution attracts migratory birds," Tan concluded. "Reducing blue light emissions at night during the migratory months could help reduce the number of bird deaths in cities, especially in tropical Asia."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about light pollution and bird collisions</h2>



Light pollution significantly contributes to bird collisions, especially affecting migrating birds. Many species of birds migrate at night and rely on natural light cues from the moon and stars for navigation. 



Artificial lights, such as those from buildings, street lamps, and other infrastructure, can disorient these nocturnal migrants, leading to what is often referred to as "fatal light attraction."



When birds encounter intense artificial light, particularly in cloudy or foggy conditions, they can become disoriented and circle the light sources until they collide with an object or exhaust themselves. 



This phenomenon is particularly observed in cities with skyscrapers and during events like the "Tribute in Light" in New York, where beams of light have been known to attract and disorient large numbers of birds.



Efforts to reduce these collisions include initiatives such as "Lights Out" programs in various cities, where building owners turn off or dim non-essential lights during peak migration periods in the spring and fall. 



These programs aim to decrease the risks to birds by minimizing the attractions and distractions caused by artificial lights, thereby helping to ensure safer migration paths for these species.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.14255" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Biology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Blue light in cities increases risk of bird collisions with buildings

In a recent study from The University of New Mexico,...

Ant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-have-a-communications-system-that-closely-resembles-mental-telepathy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pheromones</a> may hold the key to protecting outdoor enthusiasts from ticks, particularly the black-legged variety known to transmit Lyme disease, as they enjoy the spring sunshine. 



Researchers at Simon Fraser University (<a href="https://www.sfu.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SFU</a>) are pioneering the study of these natural repellents, exploring innovative methods to mitigate the increasing risk posed by these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ticks-are-highly-resilient-to-extreme-temperatures/">dangerous arthropods</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unseen-risks-of-our-outdoor-seasons">Unseen risks of our outdoor seasons</h2>



Claire Gooding, a lead researcher from <a href="https://www.sfu.ca/gries-lab.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SFU</a>'s Gries Lab, highlights the ubiquity of tick encounters, especially during the summer's peak outdoor activities. "Ticks are drawn to many of the same environments and seasons that we enjoy being outdoors," said Gooding. 



The team investigated the natural predators of the black-legged tick, including ants, spiders, and beetles. The researchers also explored the evolutionary adaptations ticks have developed to avoid these threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-chatter-ants-as-tick-deterrents">Chemical chatter: Ants as tick deterrents</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ant-queen-behavior-changes-based-on-social-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ants</a>, known for their complex social structures, communicate extensively using a variety of pheromones. 



"Ants are chemically noisy, making it easier to predict their presence," said Gooding. This predictability is key in understanding how ticks perceive and react to these chemical signals.



Consequently, the research showed that ticks avoid areas once inhabited by ants, even after the ants have left.



"The ticks could sense where ants had been and would choose to steer clear, anticipating potential future encounters with ants," noted Gooding. This avoidance behavior sparked the idea of using ant pheromones as a repellent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovation-at-work">Innovation at work</h2>



In collaboration with synthetic and analytical chemists, Gooding's team successfully identified the specific pheromones and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/matabele-ants-produce-antibiotics-to-treat-wounded-nestmates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant glands</a> responsible for their production. 



They were able to create a synthetic version of these pheromones, which proved equally effective in repelling ticks. The implications of this discovery could be significant for both individual and environmental protection. 



The SFU team, supported by industrial sponsors, has already filed a patent application for the repellent chemicals. The goal is to develop products for skin application, like mosquito repellents, and for environmental use.



For instance, these synthetic pheromones could be integrated with physical barriers, such as wood chips. This would create tick-repellent zones along hiking trails and camping sites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-future-free-from-ticks">A future free from ticks</h2>



As ticks continue to pose a growing health threat, partly due to their expanding natural ranges influenced by climate change, innovative solutions like these are crucial. 



By harnessing the natural chemical language of ants, researchers are opening new avenues in pest management and disease prevention. This promises safer, tick-free enjoyment of the great outdoors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about black-legged ticks</h2>



Black-legged ticks, scientifically known as Ixodes scapularis, are commonly referred to as deer ticks. These ticks are significant vectors of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asian-longhorned-tick-invasion-threatens-livestock-in-ohio/">diseases</a> in North America, most notably Lyme disease, which they can transmit through their bites. They can also spread other serious illnesses such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus disease.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Life cycle</h3>



These ticks have a two-year life cycle and go through four life stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Each stage requires a blood meal to progress to the next, except for the egg stage.&nbsp;



Black-legged ticks are known for their preference for different hosts at each stage of their life, typically feeding on small mammals and birds as larvae and nymphs, and larger mammals such as deer and humans as adults.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Appearance&nbsp;</h3>



The appearance of the black-legged tick varies: nymphs are very small, about the size of a poppy seed, while adults can be as large as a sesame seed, especially after feeding. Females are distinguishable by a reddish portion on their backs, whereas males are generally darker.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Activity</h3>



Black-legged ticks are most active during the warmer months, especially in spring and summer, but adults can also be active in the winter if the temperature is above freezing. They are primarily found in wooded, brushy areas, promoting close contact with potential mammalian hosts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Protection&nbsp;</h3>



Preventive measures against black-legged ticks include using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, performing regular tick checks after being in tick-prone areas, and managing landscape to reduce tick habitats near homes.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.231355" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Black-legged ticks are naturally repelled by ant pheromones

Ant pheromones may hold the key to protecting outdoor enthusiasts...

Zebra,Finch

Think humans are the only ones who fall for a good voice? Think again! Our feathered friends, the zebra finches, have their own complex system of musical attraction. While humans might judge singers on factors like power and range, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-zebra-finches-choose-mates-based-on-their-dialects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">female zebra finches</a> are listening for something entirely different – ideal mate selection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zebra-finches-sing-their-way-to-mates-hearts">Zebra finches sing their way to mates' hearts</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/love-on-the-brain-male-zebra-finches-drop-everything-to-pursue-a-mate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zebra finches</a> demonstrate a clear pattern in their musical development. While both males and females have the potential for song, it's the males who primarily carry the responsibility for courtship and communication through singing. 



Young males acquire a repertoire of songs by closely imitating the melodies sung by their fathers. This process of direct learning and imitation is a crucial element in their social development. 



Extensive research indicates that female zebra finches demonstrate a marked preference for males who exhibit a strong ability to imitate these traditional songs, compared to those who create less structured, improvised melodies. 



The researchers at <a href="https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UT Southwestern Medical Center</a> believe they have identified the reasons behind this fascinating preference.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-courtship-songs-and-ai">Complex courtship songs and AI</h2>



Researchers Danyal Alam and Todd Roberts developed an artificial intelligence (AI) program called the Deep Avian Network (DAN). 



This program possesses the unique ability to analyze the intricate details of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zebra-finches-use-both-calls-and-vision-to-coordinate-flight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zebra finch</a> songs, dissecting them with a level of precision that surpasses human hearing capabilities. 



Scientists provided DAN with a vast dataset composed of nearly half a million syllables extracted from both imitated and improvised songs. After extensively processing this musical information, DAN uncovered a surprising revelation:



"For decades, scientists have tried to understand how a single song could signal reproductive fitness and allow females of the species to select among male suitors. Our research suggests that female songbirds are assessing male fitness in a much more complex way than previously thought," said Dr. Roberts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zebra-finch-inherited-songs">Zebra finch inherited songs</h2>



DAN's analysis revealed a key difference between imitated and improvised songs. Male <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zebra-finches-sing-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zebra finches</a> who accurately learn the melodies passed down from their fathers tend to sing with a higher level of structural complexity. This intricate structure is not readily detectable by the human ear. 



DAN successfully visualized the acoustic features of zebra finch songs, offering a new perspective on their complexity. The visualization revealed that imitated songs have "paths" connecting sound clusters that are significantly longer than those in improvised songs. 



This distinction highlights the intricate structure of the learned melodies compared to the more simplistic, improvised ones. This indicates a greater number of variations and transitions within the accurately imitated melodies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zebra-finch-mate-selection">Zebra finch mate selection</h2>



To determine if this song complexity translated to attractiveness for female <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zebra-finches-build-nests-based-on-past-successes-and-failures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zebra finches</a>, the researchers conducted a clever experiment. They created synthetic versions of songs, replicating the features identified by DAN. 



These synthetic songs came in two varieties: those with "long paths" mirroring the structure of imitated songs, and "short path" versions resembling the simpler improvised songs. 



The scientists then presented female zebra finches with a choice. Inside a maze with two distinct sections, they played the contrasting songs at opposite ends. 



The results were clear: the female finches exhibited a significant preference for the maze section playing the long-path, complex songs. They spent a noticeably greater amount of time in that area, demonstrating their attraction to the more intricate melodies. 



This finding provided strong evidence that song complexity plays a significant role in zebra finch courtship behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-females-fall-for-complex-tunes">Why females fall for complex tunes</h2>



Why is song complexity such a turn-on for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-finches-can-afford-to-be-picky-when-selecting-a-mate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">female finches</a>? The scientists have a theory. Dads with complex songs pass those down to their sons. But if a young male can perfectly imitate the intricate tune, it's a sign of his strong mental resources and learning ability.



"Having the resources and mental acuity to learn these more difficult songs might be more attractive to potential mates," Dr. Roberts explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-zebra-finches">More about Zebra finches</h2>



As discussed above, zebra finches are small, colorful birds that have become one of the most studied avian species, especially in the realms of neuroscience, behavior, and evolutionary biology. 



Originating from the grasslands of Australia, they are highly adaptable and can also be found in Indonesia and East Timor. 



These birds have a striking appearance with their distinctive black and white striped tails, which is how they got their name. 



Males are particularly colorful, with bright orange beaks, cheeks, and brown patches on their sides, while females are generally more subdued in color.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-and-vocal-learners">Social and vocal learners</h3>



Zebra finches are highly social birds, often found in large flocks in the wild. They have a complex system of communication and are known for their ability to learn and replicate sounds, which makes them excellent subjects for studying vocal learning and communication. 



Unlike many birds, zebra finches can learn songs only during a specific period early in their lives, and they continue to sing these learned songs throughout adulthood.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zebra-finch-mate-selection-and-breeding">Zebra finch mate selection and breeding</h3>



The breeding behavior of zebra finches has been a significant area of interest. These birds are monogamous, often forming lifelong pair bonds. 



Vocal communication plays a crucial role in mate selection, with female zebra finches showing a preference for males based on their song, as highlighted by the research mentioned earlier. 



This aspect of their behavior provides insights into the evolutionary significance of song and communication in social bonding and mating.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-laboratory-research">Laboratory research</h3>



Due to their small size, ease of care, and rapid breeding cycle, zebra finches have become a favored species for laboratory research. They are used in studies ranging from neurobiology and genetics to evolutionary biology and the effects of climate change on avian species. 



Research on zebra finches has contributed significantly to our understanding of learning, memory, and the brain's mechanisms for processing sound.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-status">Conservation status</h3>



Zebra finches are not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. Their wide distribution and adaptability to different environments, including urban areas, have kept their populations stable. 



However, ongoing studies on zebra finches can also help in conservation efforts by providing valuable data on the impact of environmental changes on bird populations globally.



In summary, zebra finches offer a unique window into the complexities of avian behavior, learning, and evolution. Their role in scientific research continues to provide valuable insights that extend far beyond their small size and colorful plumage.



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



This research is just a delightful beginning in the fascinating world of zebra finch love songs. The next step? 



To see if males with a knack for complex tunes actually out-compete the simple singers in the most important way – by producing more offspring. 



And who knows, maybe scientists will find inspiration for their own dating algorithms from these feathered Casanovas.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07207-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

These birds choose mates who can sing the most complex songs

Think humans are the only ones who fall for a...

The spectacular sights of large flocks of flamingos around East Africa’s lakes, immortalized in films like "Out of Africa" and David Attenborough’s "A Perfect Planet," might soon become a thing of the past, according to new research from <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King’s College London</a> (KCL).&nbsp;



The study indicates that the lesser flamingo of East Africa is at risk of losing its historical feeding grounds due to rising water levels, which are diminishing their main food source, with potentially grave implications for the species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flamingo-feeding-lakes-in-east-africa-nbsp">Flamingo feeding lakes in East Africa&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers used satellite earth observation data to analyze all significant flamingo feeding lakes in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania over two decades.&nbsp;



The analysis revealed that increasing water levels are curtailing the availability of food for these birds. This situation may force the flamingos to migrate to new, unprotected areas, particularly with expected higher rainfall from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/safety-on-frozen-lakes-declining-due-to-climate-change/">climate change</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coordinated-conservation-efforts-are-needed">Coordinated conservation efforts are needed</h2>



The scientists involved in the study are now urging for coordinated conservation efforts across borders, enhanced monitoring, and more sustainable land management practices around key flamingo habitats.



“Lesser flamingos in East Africa are increasingly vulnerable, particularly with increased rainfall predicted for the region under climate change. Without improved lake monitoring and catchment management practices, the highly specialized species found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-on-earth-may-have-first-sparked-in-shallow-soda-lakes/">soda lake</a> ecosystems – including lesser flamingos - could be lost,” said study lead author Aidan Byrne, a PhD student at KCL.



The study is the first to use satellite data to assess all 22 essential flamingo feeding soda lakes in East Africa, while also including climate records and bird observation data spanning more than two decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-degradation-of-flamingo-habitats-nbsp">Degradation of flamingo habitats&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Emma Tebbs, a co-author from King’s College London, noted the inherent adaptability of flamingos but expressed concern over the degradation of their habitats.&nbsp;



“East African populations could potentially move north or south away from the equator in search of food resources. And whilst six study lakes increased in habitat suitability from 2010 to 2022, only three of those have some level of conservation protection. Increases in water levels could lead to lesser flamingos becoming more reliant on lakes that are unprotected, outside of current nature reserves and protected sites, which has implications for conservation and ecotourism revenues,” explained Dr. Tebbs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-characteristics-of-the-soda-lakes">Shifting characteristics of the soda lakes</h2>



Soda lakes are among the most extreme environments on the planet, characterized by high salinity and alkalinity. Nonetheless, various species, including flamingos and their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/phytoplankton-resilient-nutrient-stress/">phytoplankton</a> prey, have adapted to flourish under these conditions. Flamingos, for instance, utilize their specialized, sieve-like beaks to filter these microscopic plants from the water.



The study revealed that increasing water levels are diluting the typical saline and alkaline characteristics of the region’s soda lakes, which is leading to a reduction in phytoplankton populations. This decrease was quantified by measuring the levels of chlorophyll-a, a photosynthetic pigment found in the lakes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decline-in-phytoplankton-levels-nbsp">Decline in phytoplankton levels&nbsp;</h2>



Over the 23 years covered by the study, the researchers observed a consistent decline in phytoplankton levels, correlating this trend with the expanding surface areas of these lakes during the same timeframe.



The most significant declines in phytoplankton biomass were recorded in the equatorial lakes of Kenya - specifically, the popular tourist destinations of Lakes Bogoria, Nakuru, and Elmenteita, as well as in the northern Tanzanian lakes that experienced the greatest increases in surface area.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viable-breeding-sites-for-flamingos">Viable breeding sites for flamingos</h2>



Lake Nakuru, a crucial feeding site for over one million flamingos historically, saw its surface area swell by 91% between 2009 and 2022, while the average concentration of chlorophyll-a in the lake dropped by half.



Lake Natron in Tanzania, the primary regular breeding ground for lesser flamingos in East Africa, has also seen a drop in productivity coinciding with the rising water levels in recent years. Should this decline in phytoplankton biomass persist at Lake Natron and other adjacent feeding lakes, these areas may no longer be viable as breeding sites for the flamingos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-lesser-flamingos-of-east-africa-nbsp">More about lesser flamingos of East Africa&nbsp;</h2>



Lesser flamingos are one of the most interesting and vibrant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pink-flamingos-once-thrived-in-the-australian-outback/">bird species</a> found in East Africa. They are smaller than their relative, the greater flamingo, and are noted for their stunning pink feathers which gain their color from the carotenoid pigments in their algae-based diet.



A significant characteristic of lesser flamingos is their dependence on alkaline or saline lakes for breeding. They are highly gregarious birds, forming large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flamingos-of-a-feather-flock-together/">flocks</a> that can number in the thousands, which helps reduce the threat of predation.



East Africa hosts some of the world’s most important habitats for these birds, including Lake Natron in Tanzania and Lake Bogoria in Kenya. The conservation status of lesser flamingos is of concern due to habitat degradation and water pollution affecting their food supply and breeding sites.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00302-6?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982224003026%3Fshowall%3Dtrue">Current Biology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Africa’s flamingos at risk due to rising lake levels

The spectacular sights of large flocks of flamingos around East...

The ground shakes and dust fills the air as massive herds of animals stampede across the African savanna, navigating rivers teeming with predators such as lions, hyenas, and crocodiles. 



This spectacle, often presented by David Attenborough, Disney, and National Geographic, is the annual migration of 1.3 million wildebeest through Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara. 



The event not only draws hundreds of thousands of tourists but has also secured the Serengeti a place on UNESCO's <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Heritage List</a>. More than just a stunning display, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grazing-succession-animal-herbivore-mass-migration-serengeti/">migration</a> is crucial for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disrupted-migratory-routes-and-wildebeest-genetics">Disrupted migratory routes and wildebeest genetics</h2>



However, migrations on this grand scale are now rare in Africa. Modern developments such as roads, fences, farms, and urban expansion have disrupted traditional migratory routes, limiting the wildebeest's ability to roam freely in search of fresh pastures and water. 



According to a recent study led by the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a>, these disruptions have negatively impacted the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-advantages-animals/">genetic health</a> of the wildebeest populations.



"No one ever knew that this affected the genetics of wildebeest. But our results clearly show that wildebeest populations which no longer migrate, but have historically done so, are simply less genetically healthy than those that continue to migrate. And this weakens their chances of long-term survival," said senior author Rasmus Heller, an associate professor of biology at the University of Copenhagen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-degradation-of-stationary-wildebeest-populations-nbsp">Genetic degradation of stationary wildebeest populations&nbsp;</h2>



The study details how the genetic degradation of stationary populations manifests across various metrics used to evaluate genetic health in conservation efforts.



"Wildebeest that can no longer migrate have lower genetic diversity, are more genetically isolated and are more inbred. We expect this to lead to lower survival, reduced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-captivity-reproduce/">fertility</a> and other negative effects on fitness," explained lead author Xiaodong Liu, a postdoctoral fellow in biology at the same university.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-genetic-diversity-threatens-wildebeest-survival">Low genetic diversity threatens wildebeest survival</h2>



"The long-term consequence is that populations with low <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/channel-island-foxes-threatened-by-low-genetic-diversity/">genetic diversity</a> are less equipped to cope with the effects of environmental changes. Their evolutionary potential is reduced. So, if climatic changes continue to occur, there isn’t as much genetic variation for them to work with to adapt – which could ultimately threaten their survival," Heller added.



This groundbreaking study involved the analysis of whole genomes from 121 wildebeest across their range from South Africa to Kenya, marking the first scientific investigation into the genetic effects of migration in this species.



"Because we studied the genomes of many wildebeest from virtually their entire range, we have been able to make a general genetic comparison of migratory versus non-migratory populations. And because we witness a consistent difference across multiple locations, the conclusion is clear. 



Indeed, we can say that the overall negative effect is evident in those wildebeest that have been prevented from migrating – regardless of where they live on the continent," Liu said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-last-great-migrations-under-threat-nbsp">Last great migrations under threat&nbsp;</h2>



With the last great <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grazing-succession-animal-herbivore-mass-migration-serengeti/">migrations</a> under threat from planned roads and railways, the future of these animals is uncertain. Previously, large wildebeest migrations were more common, but now only a few remain, including the significant migrations in the Serengeti-Mara and the Kalahari.



"However, in Botswana in particular, fencing to protect cattle from coming into contact with migratory wild animals was put up in recent times. Botswana's Kalahari population declined from roughly 260,000 in the 1970’s to fewer than 15,000 in the late 1980’s. So today, the only remaining large population is that of the Serengeti-Mara. But the Serengeti-Mara migration is also threatened by plans for roads and rail corridors through the area, which worries many," said co-author Mikkel Sinding, a biologist at the University of Copenhagen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildebeest-as-a-keystone-species-nbsp">Wildebeest as a keystone species&nbsp;</h2>



The implications extend beyond individual species, impacting entire ecosystems and economic interests linked to tourism. “The migrations of wildebeest make them a keystone species in ecosystems, as their grazing keeps vegetation healthy, transports and distributes nutrients, while they themselves serve as prey for predators and carrion for scavengers,” explained co-author Joseph O. Ogutu, a senior statistician at the <a href="https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/en">University of Hohenheim</a>.&nbsp;



“Therefore, it isn’t just the iconic animal that we threaten when we prevent them from migrating – but many other species as well. And to that, we might add the enormous amount of tourism revenue that benefits governments and local communities.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-natural-migration-routes-nbsp">Preserving natural migration routes&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers hope their findings will lead to further studies on other species and influence policy decisions.&nbsp;



"The study shows us that wild animal species, for whom migration is an essential part of their biology, struggle to survive in an increasingly human-dominated world, unless special attention is paid to preserving their old and natural migratory routes,” said Heller.



“As such, we hope that people will be more cautious about continuing to disrupt these routes. This concern is not just with regards to wildebeest, but also for other migratory species in Africa and elsewhere. If we want the species to not just exist for, say, the next 50 years, but to thrive and actually survive in the much longer term, we need to halt the genetic decay caused by curtailing their natural migration routes.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-47015-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Wildebeest suffer genetically from blocked migration routes

The ground shakes and dust fills the air as massive...

In the heart of the debate over "extreme dog breeding," the iconic images of flat-faced French bulldogs and dachshunds with their distinctively short legs capture the public's affection. Yet, beneath the surface of these endearing traits lies a concerning reality. 



Animal welfare advocates across the United States and Europe are raising alarms over the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/english-bulldogs-are-suffering-from-poor-breeding-practices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health issues</a> faced by dachshunds and other breeds, including severe breathing difficulties and musculoskeletal problems. These concerns have sparked a contentious dialogue about the ethics of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breeding-practices-threaten-the-health-of-french-bulldogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeding practices</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legislative-leash-on-dog-breeding">Legislative leash on dog breeding</h2>



The debate has reached legislative halls. In New Hampshire, legislators are considering a bill aimed at prohibiting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/german-shepherd-health-breeding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeding</a> of dogs with traits that lead to suffering. This includes the short noses characteristic of certain breeds.



Similarly, in Germany, proposals to ban "cruel" breeding practices underscore a growing concern over the well-being of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-dog-day-celebrating-all-the-ways-that-dogs-make-life-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> subjected to such genetic manipulation. 



These legislative efforts highlight a critical question: Should breeding practices that prioritize aesthetic traits over health be allowed to continue?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ethical-divide-on-dog-breeding">The ethical divide on dog breeding</h2>



Mark Wells, an assistant professor of philosophy at <a href="https://www.northeastern.edu/">Northeastern University</a>, emphasizes the ethical dilemmas posed by breeding for extreme physical characteristics. He points out a troubling trend: breeders may not intentionally harm animals, yet the normalization of health issues indicates a problem. 



Conditions such as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome in bulldogs and intervertebral disk disease in dachshunds highlight a disconnect that lies between breeders' goals and the welfare of the animals.



"It's not pleasant to be a pug in many ways," said Wells, advocating for a shift away from breeding practices that prioritize harmful physical traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kennel-clubs-bark-back">Kennel clubs bark back</h2>



Kennel associations, however, vehemently oppose these regulatory efforts, labeling proponents of such legislation as "extremists."



The American Kennel Club and the German Kennel Club have been especially outspoken. In response to what they perceive as threats against breeds like dachshunds, the latter has launched a petition to "save our favorite dogs."



Yet, as Wells clarifies, these legislative proposals do not aim to ban breeds. Instead, they seek to steer breeding practices toward healthier outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-concept-of-torture-breeding">The concept of torture breeding</h2>



The concept of "torture breeding" (qualzucht), as described by Wells, is associated with the breeding of dogs with extreme physical traits.



The drive for certain physical traits in dogs has intensified over time, as noted by Terri Bright, an assistant psychology professor at Northeastern and a clinical behaviorist.



Subsequently, she has observed significant changes in the appearance of dog breeds over the past century. This observation points to a broader trend: breeding for aesthetics at the expense of health.



This shift raises questions about the role of dog shows and the influence of popular demand on breeding practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imagining-a-healthier-dog-breed">Imagining a healthier dog breed</h2>



Bright and Wells suggest that outright bans may not be the sole solution. Accordingly, education and a shift in public perception towards prioritizing health over aesthetics could be key. 



Wells suggests reimagining breed standards for better health. "Can we imagine French bulldogs without labored breathing?"



This debate on extreme breeding amplifies the call for responsible practices prioritizing dog health and welfare. It challenges our beauty ideals and urges us to reflect on the ethics of our preferences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about dachshunds&nbsp;</h2>



Dachshunds are a distinctive breed of dog known for their long bodies and short legs, which give them a unique, elongated appearance. 



Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, their name literally means "badger dog" in German. These dogs are courageous and tenacious, which makes them excellent hunters despite their small size.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Types of dachshunds&nbsp;</h3>



Dachshunds come in two sizes, standard and miniature, and they can have three types of coat: smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired. Each type has its own distinct grooming needs. 



The dachshund breed is known for being playful and friendly, but they can also be stubborn, which can make training a bit of a challenge.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Potential spinal problems&nbsp;</h3>



Their elongated body makes them prone to spinal problems, particularly intervertebral disk disease, which is why it's important for them to avoid activities that could strain their spine like jumping from heights or climbing stairs excessively.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Protective companions&nbsp;</h3>



Despite their potential health issues, dachshunds are beloved for their loyal and protective nature, often forming strong bonds with their owners. 



They are also known for their deep bark, which is surprisingly loud for their small size, making them good watchdogs. Dachshunds enjoy being part of the family and can be great companions when properly cared for and trained.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Extreme breeding: Dogs like dachshunds  deserve a healthy life

In the heart of the debate over "extreme dog breeding,"...

A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado, Boulder</a> (CU Boulder) has found that, over the span of sixty years, climate change has pushed certain ant species beyond their traditional boundaries in Gregory Canyon near Boulder, Colorado. 



This shift, leading ant species unable to cope with rising temperatures to vacate their original habitats, signals a profound alteration in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-biodiversity-crisis-is-actually-worse-than-we-thought/">biodiversity</a> that could have far-reaching consequences for local ecosystems.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-indicators-of-climate-change">Valuable indicators of climate change</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-social-nature-of-ants-will-them-tolerate-climate-change/">Ants</a>, being ectothermic organisms, rely heavily on environmental temperatures for their metabolism and other vital functions, rendering them particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change. This feature makes ants valuable indicators for studying ecosystem responses to temperature shifts.&nbsp;



The foundation for this study was laid more than six decades ago by CU Boulder entomologist Robert Gregg and his student John Browne. Intrigued by their pioneering work, lead author Anna Paraskevopoulos and her research team embarked on a mission to examine how the ant community in Gregory Canyon has evolved since then.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isolated-impacts-of-climate-change-nbsp">Isolated impacts of climate change&nbsp;</h2>



Despite the significant urban expansion of Boulder, Gregory Canyon has remained relatively untouched, offering a unique window into the isolated impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/">climate change</a>.&nbsp;



“This gave us an opportunity to study the isolated impacts of climate change. In many other studies, the effect of land use and climate change are often entangled,” Paraskevopoulos said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-shift-in-ant-populations-nbsp">Dynamic shift in ant populations&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers discovered a dynamic shift in ant populations, noting the emergence of some species not previously recorded in the canyon alongside the expansion and dominance of others. Conversely, certain species documented by Browne and Gregg have either dwindled in prevalence or vanished entirely.&nbsp;



“Across the different environments and habitats in the canyon, we're seeing the composition of ant species becoming more similar,” said senior author Julian Resasco, an expert in ecology and evolutionary biology at CU Boulder.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ants-and-ecosystem-stability-nbsp">Ants and ecosystem stability&nbsp;</h2>



The significance of ants as crucial ecosystem engineers cannot be overstated. They play essential roles in enhancing soil aeration, accelerating the decomposition process, and dispersing seeds. Different ant species contribute uniquely to the ecosystem, affecting various ecological processes.&nbsp;



The shift in ant biodiversity observed in Gregory Canyon raises questions about the broader implications of these changes. “If the ecosystem has only a single type of ant, it could mean that the animal is only contributing to ecosystem functioning in one way, potentially reducing ecosystem stability,” Paraskevopoulos explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-decline-in-insect-populations-nbsp">Widespread decline in insect populations&nbsp;</h2>



This study contributes to the growing body of evidence pointing to a global decline in insect populations, a phenomenon many scientists have termed an "insect apocalypse." It underscores the urgent need for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving these changes and their potential impact on ecosystem functioning.&nbsp;



“In response to climate change, species are changing the ranges where they're occurring. Some of them are spreading and becoming winners, while others are crashing and becoming losers. This work helps us understand how those communities reshuffle, which could have implications on how ecosystems function,” Resasco concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ants-as-bioindicators-of-climate-change-nbsp">Ants as bioindicators of climate change&nbsp;</h2>



Ants serve as bioindicators of climate change due to their sensitivity to changes in their environment, making their behaviors, distributions, and community compositions useful indicators of shifts in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-not-properly-adapting-to-warming-temperatures/">climate conditions</a>. Here’s how ants can reflect changes in the climate:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensitivity-to-temperature">Sensitivity to temperature</h3>



Ants are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. Changes in temperature and humidity can directly affect their survival, foraging behavior, reproduction, and distribution. For example, warmer temperatures might lead to shifts in ant species distributions, with some species moving to higher elevations or latitudes in search of suitable conditions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-ecological-roles-nbsp">Diverse ecological roles&nbsp;</h3>



Ants play various crucial roles in ecosystems, such as soil aeration, seed dispersal, and predation. Climate change can alter these roles and affect the broader ecosystem. For instance, changes in precipitation patterns and temperature can impact ant-mediated seed dispersal, potentially affecting plant community composition.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-composition-nbsp">Community composition&nbsp;</h3>



Changes in climate can lead to shifts in ant community composition and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/treasure-map-will-help-experts-find-new-ant-species/">diversity</a>. Some species may thrive under new conditions, while others decline or disappear, leading to altered interactions among species. Monitoring these changes can provide insights into the impacts of climate change on local and broader ecosystems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbiotic-relationships">Symbiotic relationships</h3>



Ants engage in symbiotic relationships with plants and other insects, such as aphids. Climate change can disrupt these relationships by shifting the phenology (timing of biological events) of the involved species, potentially impacting ecosystem health and function.



By studying changes in ant populations and communities, scientists can gain valuable insights into the impacts of climate change on ecosystems. This data can inform conservation strategies and help predict future changes in biodiversity and ecosystem services.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecy.4302" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Ants are shifting to new habitats to cope with climate change

A recent study led by the University of Colorado, Boulder...

Koi,Fish,Swim,Artificial,Ponds,With,A,Beautiful,Background,Of

Traditional fish observation methods, such as aquariums, cameras, and divers, offer valuable insights but pose limitations for studying behavior in natural habitats. Now, researchers have developed a remarkable tool: a "<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/fish_underwater-vest-system_credit-Microsystems_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smart vest</a>" for fish equipped with advanced pressure sensors. This device allows scientists to gather precise data on fish movements without interference.



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



Some of the common limitations include:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artificial-environments">Artificial environments</h3>



While aquariums offer a controlled setting for studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/in-schools-fish-have-mastered-the-skill-of-moving-without-sound/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> biology and physiology, they often lack the complexity and diversity of natural habitats. 



Fish in aquariums experience limited space, altered food sources, and potentially different water chemistry compared to their natural surroundings. 



These factors can significantly influence fish behavior, making it difficult to generalize observations to wild populations.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restricted-range-and-disruption">Restricted range and disruption</h3>



Underwater cameras provide valuable footage of fish activity, but their effectiveness is limited by their range. Traditional cameras often require tethers or bulky housings, restricting their placement and potentially affecting fish behavior within a close range. 



Additionally, divers, while offering a more mobile observation platform, can inadvertently influence the fish they are studying. Their presence can cause stress or alter fish behavior patterns, leading to inaccurate data collection.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-difficulty-in-long-term-monitoring">Difficulty in long-term monitoring</h3>



Traditional methods can be challenging for long-term, continuous monitoring of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-use-collective-behavior-to-reduce-energy-costs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> populations. Aquariums require constant maintenance and may not be suitable for studying specific behaviors that occur over extended periods. 



Underwater cameras often have limited battery life or require frequent retrieval for data download, hindering continuous observation. Divers face similar limitations due to safety considerations and the physical demands of underwater work.



The inability to track fish movements and behavior over extended periods in their natural habitat creates a significant gap in our understanding of fish ecology. This is where the innovative fish vest comes in, offering a solution for long-term, non-invasive monitoring in the open water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-smart-vest-for-fish-works">How the "smart vest" for fish works</h2>



This innovative fish "smart vest" shifts the focus from sight to the detection of subtle changes in water flow. The vest is equipped with highly sensitive pressure sensors, designed to detect even the slightest disturbances in the water caused by the movements of the fish.



These sensors are strategically placed to capture the dynamic changes in water pressure patterns surrounding the fish. 



Every movement, whether a turn, acceleration, or change in depth, creates a unique pressure 'signature' in the surrounding water. 



The smart vest's sensor array translates subtle changes in fish behavior into precise data, allowing researchers to reconstruct the fish's movements with remarkable accuracy.



The ability to analyze water flow patterns enables researchers to track <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-foraging-behavior-changing-climate-warming-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> behavior continuously, even in low visibility conditions where cameras would be ineffective. 



This innovative approach provides a comprehensive and highly detailed picture of fish movements in their natural environment.



"This wearable device significantly advances aquatic research. It transcends the constraints of traditional systems and paves the way for comprehensive studies on fish behavior and their ecological interactions," says Dr. Jiafei Hu, lead researcher from the <a href="https://english.nudt.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National University of Defense Technology</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technology-behind-the-fish-smart-vest">Technology behind the fish smart vest</h2>



The exceptional sensitivity of this fish vest stems from the ingenious use of an advanced material called MXene hydrogel. Here's why it's the perfect choice for this application:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-conductivity-of-fish-vests">High conductivity of fish vests</h3>



MXene hydrogels possess excellent electrical conductivity. This property is crucial for transmitting the subtle electrical signals generated by the pressure sensors, ensuring that even the slightest changes in water pressure are detected and recorded.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underwater-durability">Underwater durability</h3>



Aquatic environments pose unique challenges for electronic components. MXene hydrogels demonstrate remarkable durability, resisting degradation and corrosion in water. This ensures the longevity of the vest's electrodes and guarantees reliable data collection over extended periods.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhanced-sensitivity">Enhanced sensitivity</h3>



To further boost the performance of the vest, researchers incorporated holey-reduced graphene oxide and ionic liquids into the MXene hydrogel. 



Holey-reduced graphene oxide offers a large surface area, amplifying the sensor's responsiveness. Ionic liquids increase conductivity and flexibility, further enhancing the detection of subtle pressure variations caused by fish movement.



This strategic combination of materials within the electrodes is what maximizes the vest's ability to detect nuanced water flow patterns, providing scientists with unprecedented insights into fish behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-fish-smart-vests-matter">Why fish smart vests matter</h2>



The significance of this technology goes far beyond mere scientific curiosity. Here's how it paves the way for a deeper understanding and improved management of aquatic ecosystems:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-behavior-using-fish-vests">Understanding behavior using fish vests</h3>



Imagine having a continuous feed of precise data on how fish navigate their environment, where they find food, how they interact with other fish (both within their species and with others), and the strategies they employ to evade predators. 



This fish smart vest provides a window into these fundamental aspects of fish life that have been difficult to study in the wild. Such insights could reveal critical links in the ecological food web and uncover behavioral patterns essential for effective conservation strategies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystem-health">Ecosystem health</h3>



Fish are often considered 'indicator species' – their health and behavior reflect the overall condition of the aquatic environment. 



By monitoring subtle changes in fish movement patterns, researchers could potentially detect early signs of pollution, water quality degradation, or shifts in ecological balance. This tool could act as an early warning system, allowing timely intervention to protect fragile ecosystems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-aquaculture">Smart aquaculture </h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-half-of-the-worlds-shared-fish-are-on-the-move/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fish</a> farming is a vital source of food worldwide. This technology creates opportunities to improve fish welfare and optimize production. 



By continuously monitoring fish behavior and movement patterns, aquaculturists could gauge fish health, stress levels, and identify ideal feeding patterns, leading to improved fish health and more sustainable farming practices.



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



The underwater world remains a realm full of secrets to uncover. This fish vest exemplifies the cutting-edge tools scientists are creating to explore it. 



We might one day see a network of miniature sensors carried by various marine creatures, continuously reporting on the complex dynamics of our oceans, rivers, and lakes.



"This wearable device significantly advances aquatic research. It transcends the constraints of traditional systems and paves the way for comprehensive studies on fish behavior and their ecological interactions," Dr. Hu emphasizes. 



The revolution in underwater observation is well underway, providing unparalleled opportunities to understand and protect our aquatic world.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41378-024-00675-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsystems &amp; Nanoengineering</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

'Smart vest' made for fish tracks their aquatic lives in ways never before seen

Traditional fish observation methods, such as aquariums, cameras, and divers,...

A new study from <a href="https://www.iwate-u.ac.jp/english/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iwate University</a> in Japan has examined why sprayed cat urine emits a particularly potent smell compared to urine found in litter boxes. 



The phenomenon of spraying, where cats mark their territory by depositing urine on vertical surfaces, presents a significant challenge for cat owners due to the odor's intensity. 



While previous studies have argued that sprayed urine might contain extra compounds from the anal sac secretions or other sources, definitive scientific proof for this hypothesis has been lacking.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compounds-in-sprayed-urine-nbsp">Compounds in sprayed urine&nbsp;</h2>



The research team undertook a meticulous comparison of the chemical makeup of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volatile-organic-compound-sources/">volatile organic compounds</a> in sprayed urine, standard urine, and urine extracted directly from the bladder using ureteral catheters. 



The analyses revealed an unexpected level of chemical similarity across these different types of urine within individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cat-purring-remains-a-mystery-that-we-dont-fully-understand/">cats</a>. 



Behavioral studies complemented these findings, showing that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cat-brains-shrank-in-size-as-they-became-domesticated/">cats</a> could not differentiate between the smell of sprayed urine and the scent of urine left in the bladder after spraying. 



This indicates that the sprayed urine originates from bladder urine without supplementation with chemicals from other secretory glands.



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



This discovery prompted the researchers to shift their focus and investigate alternative reasons behind the distinct pungency of sprayed urine.&nbsp;



A step forward in understanding this phenomenon was the discovery that cat urine samples easily adhered to the inner surface of plastic syringes when they moved the samples into glass vials for urinary volatile analyses.



"This observation prompted us to explore the underlying mechanisms," said study lead author Reiko Uenoyama, an expert in animal behavior and biochemistry at Iwate University.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-theory-about-the-smell-of-sprayed-urine">New theory about the smell of sprayed urine</h2>



Previously, Miyazaki discovered a urine protein called cauxin, which was a significant breakthrough in understanding how certain sulfur-containing odorants responsible for the unique "catty" smell are produced.&nbsp;



"Generally, the wettability of a liquid on a solid surface increases as the surface tension decreases. Based on this knowledge, we hypothesized that the high protein concentration in cat urine might reduce the surface tension of cat urine, enhancing the emission of urinary volatile compounds from the large vertical surface area that was spread over the urine,” Uenoyama said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adherence-to-vertical-surfaces">Adherence to vertical surfaces</h2>



The researchers' hypothesis was confirmed as they found that the presence of cauxin indeed lowered the surface tension of urine, which in turn increased its wettability and adherence to vertical surfaces. The experts drew a comparison between cat urine containing proteins and a control solution containing albumin, highlighting the unique properties of cauxin in influencing the urine’s properties.&nbsp;



During their examination, the researchers noted that the unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-nose-is-a-clever-smell-prediction-system/">smell</a> associated with cat urine was identifiable in an artificial small-scale garden, designed to resemble natural settings, where a block sprayed with male cat urine has been placed. 



On the other hand, this distinct odor could not be discerned in another garden setup where the same urine had been directly applied to sandy soil and subsequently concealed.



“The difference in environmental odors between the two gardens, despite using the same urine sample, can be explained by most of the urinary volatile chemicals being trapped in the porous structure of the sandy soil. This phenomenon did not occur in the urine adhering to the surface of the block," explained Miyazaki.



Additionally, liquid droplets of sprayed urine can easily dry on the surface of the block, resulting in greater emissions of volatile chemicals from the scent mark rapidly as compared to from normal urine."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-urinary-protein-cauxin-is-key">The urinary protein cauxin is key</h2>



Thus, the unique composition of cat spray comes directly from the bladder and does not include substances from other bodily secretions. Nonetheless, this spray is characterized by a notably strong <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cat-noses-and-nasal-structure-function-better-than-high-tech-chemical-analysis-equipment/">odor</a> due to its ability to adhere better to vertical surfaces.&nbsp;



The presence of the urinary protein cauxin is key in this process, as it not only generates odorants specific to cats but also amplifies the release of volatile compounds from the urine by lowering its surface tension, thus making it spread more easily. These insights could offer new approaches to mitigating the pronounced scent linked with cat spraying.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10886-024-01490-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Chemical Ecology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Why does sprayed cat urine emit such a strong smell?

A new study from Iwate University in Japan has examined...

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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



---



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.

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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.

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"]</div>



Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



---



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"]</div>



Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.



According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."



Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;



ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. 



Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



---



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



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.

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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.

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;



According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.



In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.



The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.



The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.



The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. 



Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



---



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.

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



---



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.

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



---



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.

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;



During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.



According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;



Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



---



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.



“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”



The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.



The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.



“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



---



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.

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.



"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.



"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."



"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."



According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.



"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes a new map of Mars that is providing insight into the planet’s watery past. The map also reveals where future missions could safely land on Mars.&nbsp;



The map has been created over the last decade using observations of water-rich rocks and mineral deposits. The images were captured by ESA’s Mars Express and NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.



"A big surprise is the prevalence of these minerals, with the map revealing hundreds of thousands of water-affected locations in the oldest parts of the planet," says ESA. "The new data will help answer exciting questions about Mars’ climate history, whether water was globally persistent or confined to short, intense episodes, and whether the conditions were ever suitable for life."



"Specifically, the map shows the locations and abundances of aqueous minerals. These are from rocks that have been chemically altered by the action of water in the past, and have typically been transformed into clays and salts."



According to John Carter of the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS), our collective understanding of Mars has been oversimplified. He explained that planetary scientists have tended to think that only a few types of clay minerals on Mars were created during its wet period, then as the water gradually dried up, salts were produced across the planet.



The new map shows that the composition of Mars is much more complicated than what we thought. For example, while many salts formed after Martian clays, there are some salts that are presumed to be older than some of the clays.&nbsp;



“The evolution from lots of water to no water is not as clear cut as we thought, the water didn’t just stop overnight. We see a huge diversity of geological contexts, so that no one process or simple timeline can explain the evolution of the mineralogy of Mars. That’s the first result of our study. The second is that if you exclude life processes on Earth, Mars exhibits a diversity of mineralogy in geological settings just as Earth does,” said Carter.



Video Credit: ESA



---



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.

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes how cavefish adapted to a sedentary lifestyle over tens of thousands of years. 



The experts found that the muscle metabolism of cavefish has been genetically reprogrammed over time. As a result, the animals have experienced major changes in their morphology and behavior. Despite these changes, however, the cavefish remain healthy and fit.



The research may provide new clues about the evolutionary consequences of prolonged physical inactivity in humans.&nbsp;



“It’s no surprise that people are moving less and less as technology has advanced,” said Rohner. “With cavefish, we have a unique system where we can study what might happen if people remained couch potatoes over very, very long periods of time.”



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



---



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.

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="MHyhtebibJ-2200368-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> some of the most incredible waves in the world, as seen by Landsat satellites.



"With more than 370,000 miles of coastline on Earth, there are plenty of places where epic waves build up, curl over, and hurtle toward the shore.- much to the thrill of surfers," says NASA. "There are some places where these waves are so magnificent that they can be seen from space."



"With the broad perspective of satellites, we can see how these iconic waves develop into the world’s tallest, longest, fastest, and heaviest."



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



---



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

[sendtonews key="MHyhtebibJ-2200368-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

News coming your way