The Mediterranean Sea, the largest enclosed sea on Earth, is a unique ecosystem renowned for its rich biodiversity. Home to over 11,000 animal species, some of which are endemic, this basin is now facing a significant challenge: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-lionfish-have-arrived-in-the-south-atlantic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasion of lionfish</a>.



A comprehensive study conducted by researchers from Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands, has shed light on the rapid spread of lionfish in the Mediterranean and the potential ecological impacts of this invasive species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-venomous-spines-and-unconventional-beauty">Venomous spines and unconventional beauty</h2>



Lionfish possess a striking appearance that sets them apart from other marine fish species. Their body bears a series of distinctive vertical stripes, alternating between dark brown or maroon and white. These stripes act as a warning coloration, signaling to potential predators that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/targeted-removal-of-lionfish-may-prove-helpful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lionfish are venomous</a>. 



Lionfish have a complex system of venomous spines along their dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins. Their spines contain venom glands that can deliver a painful and potentially dangerous sting to humans and other predators. 



The fins of lionfish are large and elongated, giving them a majestic and flowing appearance as they swim through the water. Their head features a series of elaborate, antennae-like projections called cirri, which add to their unique and striking appearance. 



Lionfish can grow up to 18 inches (45 cm) in length and weigh up to 2.6 pounds (1.2 kg), making them a substantial presence in the ecosystems they inhabit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ravenous-lionfish-appetite-quickly-destroys-ecosystems">Ravenous lionfish appetite quickly destroys ecosystems</h2>



Lionfish are opportunistic and voracious predators that consume a wide variety of prey. Their diet primarily consists of small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. 



They use their large, fan-like pectoral fins to corral and trap their prey before swiftly engulfing them with their expandable stomachs. They're also known to consume prey up to half their own body size, allowing them to take advantage of a broad range of food sources. 



Lionfish have a high metabolism and can consume substantial amounts of prey in a single feeding session. Studies have shown that lionfish can reduce the abundance of native fish populations by up to 80% in heavily invaded areas. 



Their indiscriminate appetite and ability to adapt to various prey species make them a significant threat to the biodiversity of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/functional-eradication-may-be-the-best-approach-to-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems they invade</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seas-under-siege-as-lionfish-spread-around-the-world">Seas under siege as lionfish spread around the world</h2>



The new study from <a href="https://www.wur.nl/en.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wageningen University and Research</a>, published in the open-access journal NeoBiota, reveals that the lionfish species Pterois miles has significantly expanded its territory in the Mediterranean since the invasion began around a decade ago.



Lead author Davide Bottacini is very impressed by the adaptability of these predators. Expressing his astonishment, he explained, "After years studying these predators, I find it amazing how they can easily adjust to so many different environments and be successful in areas that are so different from the ones where they evolve."



Originally from the Indo-Pacific region, lionfish species Pterois miles and Pterois volitans are considered the most successful <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/invasive-species-plants-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive fishes</a> in marine ecosystems. They have established a presence in the eastern Mediterranean, with observations now extending to colder waters previously thought to be unsuitable for the species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lionfish-show-remarkable-resilience-in-new-ecosystems">Lionfish show remarkable resilience in new ecosystems</h2>



Lionfish exert a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lionfish-invasion-is-the-fastest-ever-reported-in-the-mediterranean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant ecological impact</a> on the ecosystems they invade through their predatory behavior. As generalist predators, they voraciously consume a wide variety of native fish species, including those of high conservation value and endemic to the region.



Bottacini notes, "It is always impressive to see how such a flamboyant and–to us–conspicuous predator can approach its prey without being noticed." Native prey species, unaccustomed to lionfish, usually do not flee from this new predator.



Lionfish's indiscriminate appetite can drastically alter local fish communities and threaten biodiversity in invaded areas. Their efficient hunting tactics, combined with the naivety of native prey species unfamiliar with this new predator, allow lionfish to catch their prey with ease.



The presence of lionfish can lead to a decline in the abundance and diversity of native fish populations, potentially disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem.



The impact of lionfish extends beyond their immediate prey, as they may compete with other predators for food resources and alter the structure of the food web.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-the-red-sea-to-the-mediterranean">From the Red Sea to the Mediterranean</h2>



Genetic studies have revealed that the lionfish found in the Mediterranean originate from the Red Sea and likely entered through the Suez Canal. 



This finding underscores the importance of monitoring and regulating the movement of species through artificial waterways to prevent the introduction of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-unleash-invasive-species-into-unexpected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive species</a> into vulnerable ecosystems.



The study identifies gaps in our understanding of the lionfish's interactions with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollution-in-the-mediterranean-sea-is-an-urgent-issue/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean ecosystems</a> and proposes future research directions to address these challenges. 



Such information is vital for biodiversity conservation and will have practical implications for policymakers aiming to devise effective mitigation plans.



The researchers also highlight the crucial role of citizen science initiatives in tracking and reporting lionfish sightings. 



Community involvement provides valuable data that supports ongoing research efforts and is essential for enhancing our understanding of the invasion dynamics and devising effective control measures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lionfish-and-the-future-of-earth-s-marine-ecosystems">Lionfish and the future of Earth’s marine ecosystems</h2>



In summary, the lionfish invasion in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-in-the-mediterranean-are-moving-to-deeper-water-to-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean Sea</a> demands immediate attention and action. As these adaptable predators continue to expand their territory and threaten the region's unique biodiversity, we must prioritize research efforts to better understand their ecological impact and develop effective mitigation strategies. 



By fostering collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and local communities, we can work towards controlling the spread of lionfish and protecting the Mediterranean's delicate ecosystems. 



The future of this remarkable sea and its countless species depends on our collective commitment to conservation and our willingness to confront the challenges posed by invasive species head-on.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://neobiota.pensoft.net/article/110442/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NeoBiota</a>.



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Invasive lionfish continue conquering global marine ecosystems

The Mediterranean Sea, the largest enclosed sea on Earth, is a unique ecosystem renowned for its rich biodiversity. Home to over 11,000 animal species, some of which are endemic, this basin is now facing a significant challenge: the invasion of lionfish. A comprehensive study conducted by researchers from Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands, has shed light on the rapid spread of lionfish in the Mediterranean and the potential ecological impacts of this invasive species. Venomous spines and unconventional beauty Lionfish possess a striking appearance that sets...

Sandy soil <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/top-3-coolest-underground-reptiles/">reptiles</a>, once considered able to withstand against global warming, now face an increased risk of extinction and substantial habitat loss due to climate change.



Consequently, this stark revelation stems from a detailed study on ten lizard and snake species across three South American biomes. Contrary to earlier beliefs that rising global temperatures would benefit these reptiles, Brazilian researchers have revealed a more alarming reality.



The findings reveal the unforeseen vulnerabilities of these creatures. This challenges the notion that warmer climates would expand their suitable habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-findings">Unexpected findings</h2>



“We concluded that climate change will modify the geographical distribution of reptiles and lead to the extinction of some species. That’s the opposite of the usual prediction,” said Júlia Oliveira, lead author of the study. 



The research was a significant part of Oliveira's master's project at the State University of Maranhão (UEMA). It feeds into a broader study titled “Evolution and biogeography of the herpetofauna: patterns, process, and implications for conservation in a scenario of environmental and climate changes,” coordinated by Professor Thaís Guedes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptation-or-extinction-survival-in-the-sands">Adaptation or extinction: Survival in the sands</h2>



“The species we studied have the peculiarity of being adapted to sandy soil habitats, which confers traits such as reduced or absent limbs, reduced eyes, and raised rostral scales," Guedes explained. Initially seen as beneficial, these unique adaptations now suggest imminent danger for the species amid fast-changing climate conditions.



The study's detailed analysis of the South American Diagonal of Open Formations paints a grim future for sandy soil reptiles. By blending current climate data with future projections, the researchers revealed the likely habitat loss and extinction risks faced by these reptiles.



“Some of the species for which we predict major losses and even extinction wouldn’t even be endangered according to the current criteria used in this kind of threat assessment. The criteria must be changed for the next assessment,” said Oliveira, highlighting the need for revised conservation criteria.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-challenges-protecting-the-sands-of-time">Conservation challenges: Protecting the sands of time</h2>



The experts recommend establishing and expanding protected areas to meet the species' current and future needs. However, despite the creation of 27 new protected areas in the last six years, less than 16% suit the targeted reptiles. This fact highlights the inadequacy of current conservation efforts in the face of shifting climate dynamics.



The findings present a stark warning but also provide hope by identifying potential new habitats for the reptiles. This dual perspective underscores the critical need for incorporating future climate scenarios into conservation planning. It ensures the survival of sandy soil reptiles in a rapidly changing world.



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



Reptiles that inhabit sandy soil environments have evolved unique adaptations to thrive in these conditions. Sandy soils, characterized by loose granular structures, are often found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/burrowing-animals-in-the-mojave-desert-escape-the-heat-of-climate-change/">deserts</a>, beaches, and certain forested areas.&nbsp;



These environments pose challenges such as limited water availability, extreme temperature fluctuations, and loose footing for movement. Here are some general characteristics and examples of reptiles adapted to sandy soil environments:



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



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Burrowing</h4>



Many sandy soil reptiles are adept at burrowing. This behavior helps them escape the extreme heat of the surface, hide from predators, and sometimes hunt for prey.&nbsp;



The physical adaptations for burrowing can include wedge-shaped heads, strong forelimbs, and flattened bodies.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Temperature regulation</h4>



Reptiles are ectotherms, relying on the environment to regulate their body temperature. Sandy soil reptiles often have behavioral adaptations like basking in the sun to raise their body temperature or burrowing to cool down.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Water conservation</h4>



Reptiles in sandy environments have developed efficient means of conserving water.&nbsp;



This can include a highly efficient kidney that recycles water, scales that minimize water loss, and behaviors such as drinking dew.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Examples of sandy soil reptiles&nbsp;</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sand Viper (Cerastes cerastes)</h3>



Found in the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East, this viper is well adapted to sandy environments. Its coloration blends perfectly with the sand, and it can bury itself in the sand to ambush prey.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gopher tortoise (Gopherus genus)</h3>



Native to the southeastern United States, the gopher tortoise digs extensive burrows in sandy soils. These burrows provide shelter for the tortoise and numerous other species.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fringe-toed lizards (Uma notata)</h3>



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coexisting-lizards-challenge-what-we-know-about-natural-selection/">lizards</a> have specialized scales on their toes that help them move quickly across loose sand, resembling snowshoes. They inhabit desert and sandy areas in North America.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Horned lizards (Phrynosoma)&nbsp;</h3>



Adapted to desert and arid environments with sandy soils, horned lizards have a flat, rounded body and colors that mimic their surroundings, offering camouflage against predators.



Reptiles living in sandy soil environments exemplify the remarkable adaptability of life. Each species has developed a set of traits that allow it not only to survive but to thrive in conditions that might initially seem inhospitable.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S014019632300188X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arid Environments</a>.



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Sandy soil reptiles face extinction threat due to climate change

Sandy soil reptiles, once considered able to withstand against global...

A popular product Nemaslug, created to kill pesky agricultural slugs, could be deadly to one of the Pacific Northwest's native sideband snail. 



Scientists at <a href="https://oregonstate.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a> released a study revealing this shocking discovery. The study urges caution as the product aims for approval in the United States. 



It's a reminder that even seemingly helpful solutions can have unanticipated consequences for our delicate ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nemaslug-and-sideband-snails">Nemaslug and sideband snails</h2>



The product, called Nemaslug, relies on a microscopic parasitic worm (<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/nematodes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nematode</a>). These tiny assassins are a farmer's friend when battling slimy crop-munching slugs. 



However, OSU's research reveals the dark side: these same nematodes could infect and kill native Pacific sideband <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-acidification-sea-snails/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snails</a> – and possibly other innocent gastropods, including the iconic banana slug.



The Pacific Northwest's misty climate is a paradise for snails and slugs. It's a biodiversity hotspot for these often overlooked creatures. Sadly, threats like habitat loss and rising temperatures already plague these unique animals, making the Nemaslug discovery even more concerning.



"This finding is a big deal because there are strong efforts to bring this commercialized nematode to U.S. markets to control invasive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crop-pest-will-spread-northward-as-soil-temperatures-warm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pests</a>, such as the gray field slug, that cause damage to a variety of agricultural crops,” explained Dee Denver, head of OSU's Department of Integrated Biology



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-nemaslug-affects-snails">How Nemaslug affects snails</h2>



Nematodes might be tiny, but they're ruthless. They exploit natural openings in a slug's body, sneaking inside like microscopic ninjas. 



Once within, they release a deadly bacteria, and the slug's fate is sealed. The nematodes multiply rapidly, and when their victim perishes, they burst out like a scene out of a horror movie, ready to find their next snail or slug to conquer.



Unfortunately, those nematodes don't seem to know the difference between a pesky agricultural slug and a harmless native snail. 



If Nemaslug becomes widely available in its current form, scientists fear it could wreak havoc on the local snail populations in our backyards and forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-past">Lessons from past</h2>



Farmers understandably need solutions to protect their livelihoods. But protecting those delicate ecosystems is a responsibility we all share. Good intentions in pest control have often gone wrong throughout history.



“Terrestrial slugs and snails make up more than one-third of the total documented animal species extinctions since the year 1500.” said Denver.



Remember, in Hawaii, well-meaning scientists introduced a snail to control another invasive snail species. Tragically, it led to the extinction of hundreds of native Hawaiian snail species. This sobering example proves the unforeseen dangers of tinkering with ecosystems without rigorous study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-field-research-on-nemaslug-and-snails">Field research on Nemaslug and snails</h2>



Clearly, more research is crucial. Scientists must study Nemaslug's effects on snails and slugs in the wild, not just in labs. 



Are there ways to modify it to target only the harmful invasive slugs? Are there <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-pest-control-the-hidden-power-of-aloe-vera-peels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alternative pest control</a> methods that are safer for our native snails? These questions need answers before Nemaslug gets approval for widespread use in the U.S.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-you-do">What can you do?</h2>



Following steps could help in conserving snails:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-to-know-your-local-snails">Get to know your local snails</h3>



Diving deeper into understanding and protecting our slimy companions starts with a simple curiosity about the mollusks that inhabit our local environments. 



By conducting a bit of online research, you might be amazed to discover the diversity of snail and slug species living right in your backyard or local park. This newfound knowledge transforms these often-overlooked creatures into familiar neighbors, fostering a deeper connection and a personal stake in their well-being.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spread-the-word">Spread the Word </h3>



Knowledge is most powerful when shared. By discussing what you've learned about local mollusks and the broader implications of indiscriminate pest control practices with friends and family, you create a ripple effect. 



Informed citizens are more likely to demand environmentally responsible pest management solutions from local authorities and gardening centers, emphasizing the importance of preserving our delicate ecosystems for future generations.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-support-wildlife-conservation">Support wildlife conservation</h3>



Beyond individual actions and spreading awareness, supporting organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation is a vital step in protecting our natural world. These organizations work on the front lines to safeguard habitats, conduct essential research, and advocate for policies that benefit biodiversity. 



Your contributions, whether financial or volunteering your time, empower these efforts. They also provide a means for you to be part of a larger community committed to environmental preservation.



Let's not let our beautiful Northwest snails become casualties of careless pest control.



The study is published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298165" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a>.



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Pest control product 'Nemaslug' could harm beneficial snails

A popular product Nemaslug, created to kill pesky agricultural slugs,...

Blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, are gradually recovering from near extinction caused by whaling. However, their battle for survival persists against global warming, pollution, food scarcity, shipping risks, and other human threats.



A study from <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a> provides a comprehensive overview of global blue whale populations, highlighting significant variations in their numbers, locations, and genetics. 



The research specifically notes differences among the eastern Pacific, Antarctic, and pygmy subspecies in the Indian and western Pacific oceans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-diversity-dilemma">The diversity dilemma</h2>



Dr. Catherine Attard emphasizes the importance of protecting varied blue whale groups to preserve species diversity. She points to environmental factors as key influences on their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/echoes-of-the-past-whalings-long-term-impact-on-genetic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic diversity</a>.



"Each of these groups needs to be conserved to maintain biodiversity in the species, and there are indications that natural selection in different environments contributed to driving genetic differences between the high-level groups," said Dr. Attard. 



The study has revealed regional differences, emphasizing a need for focused <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-dna-can-be-used-to-monitor-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a>,. The results showed no inbreeding, which makes the prospects for recovery even more hopeful.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-path-to-recovery-for-blue-whales">Path to recovery for blue whales</h2>



The path to recovery is complex and challenging. The study has highlighted various threats they encounter, such as underwater noise pollution, changing food availability, ship collisions, and entanglement in fishing gear. 



These challenges underscore the critical need for improved management strategies under the guidance of the International Whaling Commission (IWC).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migration-mysteries-unveiled">Migration mysteries unveiled</h2>



Professor Luciana Möller noted that reduced genetic diversity was found in certain groups, likely due to climate effects. She also identified unique populations in the Indo-western Pacific, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation efforts in these areas.



The study was focused on the largest global genomic dataset for blue whales, enriched by satellite tagging, acoustics, and isotopes research. This approach has provided a detailed view of their population dynamics, connecting genetics with behavior to deepen our understanding of these marine giants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-charting-a-course-for-blue-whale-conservation">Charting a course for blue whale conservation</h2>



"Genomics is a vital tool that has unparalleled power to determine population differentiation, connectivity, and other characteristics to inform the conservation management of biodiversity," said Professor Luciano Beheregaray. He warned about the risk of blue whale depletion in areas with restricted population links due to concentrated threats.



The study advocates for informed management decisions by the IWC to refine blue whale stock delineations for effective conservation. It calls for national management bodies to reduce human activities harming whales within their regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guardians-of-the-giants">Guardians of the giants</h2>



Since 1966, blue whales have been protected from commercial whaling, marking the start of global conservation efforts. This was followed by the International Whaling Commission's (IWC) global moratorium two decades later, further safeguarding these gentle giants.



Today, as we gain a better understanding of the complex challenges faced by blue whales, it's clear that our commitment to their conservation must be unwavering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about blue whales</h2>



Blue whales can grow up to 100 feet in length and weigh as much as 200 tons. Their heart alone is about the size of a small car, which underscores their immense size.&nbsp;



Despite their colossal dimensions, these whales primarily feed on tiny shrimp-like animals called krill. During the feeding season, a single blue whale consumes approximately 4 tons of krill a day.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Baleen whale family</h3>



Blue whales belong to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baleen-whales-rewriting-the-evolutionary-history-of-the-largest-animals-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">baleen whale</a> family, which means instead of having teeth, they have plates of baleen in their mouths that they use to filter food from the water. 



They are known for their distinct blue-grey coloration and a long body that appears more streamlined compared to other whale species.



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



One of the most fascinating aspects of blue whales is their vocalization. They produce a series of sounds that are the loudest of any animal on Earth, which can be heard over vast distances under the sea.&nbsp;



These calls are thought to be used for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-20-minute-conversation-with-a-humpback-whale-named-twain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication</a> and navigation across the dark ocean depths.



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



Although commercial whaling has significantly decreased, blue whales still face dangers from ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.&nbsp;



Conservation efforts are in place globally to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats, aiming to ensure that blue whales continue to thrive in the world's oceans.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acv.12935" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animal Conservation</a>.



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Blue whales continue their battle for survival

Blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, are gradually recovering...

European,Seabass,(dicentrarchus,Labrax),,Aegean,Sea,,Greece,,Halkidiki

Marine fish species are rapidly migrating toward the poles in response to the challenges of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-are-quickly-losing-ability-to-support-fish-due-to-plankton-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>. This concerning trend was unveiled in a study led by <a href="https://english.tau.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tel Aviv University</a>.



The research, spearheaded by PhD student Shahar Chaikin and Professor Jonathan Belmaker, uncovers a stark decline in marine fish populations as they migrate poleward in an attempt to escape rising sea temperatures. 



This international effort, published in the prestigious Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution, challenges the previously held notion that rapid geographic shifts could be a lifeline for species under the threat of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-waters-have-an-unexpected-impact-on-fish-size/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-dive-into-migrating-fish-populations">Deep dive into migrating fish populations</h2>



The study meticulously analyzed over 2,572 fish populations across 146 species, primarily from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. 



This vast dataset was drawn from two global databases, one tracking fish population sizes over time and the other documenting the velocities of range shifts among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-evolution-takes-place-in-decades-not-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine fishes</a>. 



The findings reveal an alarming trend. Species that migrate faster towards the poles are experiencing more significant declines in population abundance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-these-rapid-shifts">Consequences of these rapid shifts</h2>



Professor Belmaker sheds light on the motivation behind the research. "Climate change triggers a survival response in animal species, prompting them to move towards cooler areas," Belmaker said. 



"Our goal was to understand the repercussions of these fish migrating. Surprisingly, we found that the quicker these fish move towards the poles, the more their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/without-strong-action-global-fish-stocks-could-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations decline</a>, suggesting difficulty in adapting to new environments," he concluded.



"Our observations indicate that species like the European seabass, which shift their geographical range swiftly towards the poles, are more prone to losing their abundance," Shahar Chaikin adds.



"Moreover, populations closer to the poles, which one might assume to be less affected by climate change, are actually facing more rapid declines compared to those near the equator within the same species," Chaikin concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-the-future-of-migrating-fish">Conservation and the future of migrating fish</h2>



These insights are crucial for environmental policymakers and conservationists. The study advocates for a reassessment of conservation statuses. The scientists emphasize the need for close monitoring and careful management of species exhibiting rapid poleward shifts. 



Proposed strategies include implementing fishing limits to reduce additional pressures on these vulnerable populations.



Professor Belmaker concludes, "Contrary to the belief that rapid range shifts protect against population decline, our findings suggest that species making these shifts are more vulnerable to climate change. This vulnerability underscores the need for special attention and further research into the causal relationships affecting marine species beyond fish."



This study marks a pivotal step in understanding the complex dynamics of climate change and marine life migration. As we continue to witness the unfolding consequences of global warming, research like this provides valuable insights for shaping future conservation strategies, ensuring the survival of marine biodiversity in the face of unprecedented environmental challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-consequences-of-warming-oceans">More about the consequences of warming oceans</h2>



Oceans, covering more than 70% of the Earth's surface, act as a massive heat sink, absorbing and redistributing heat around the globe. However, this vital function comes at a cost. 



As mentioned above, recent decades have seen a significant rise in ocean temperatures, a direct consequence of climate change driven by increased greenhouse gas emissions. This warming poses a severe threat to marine ecosystems, affecting species diversity, population distributions, and the health of marine habitats.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Disrupted ecosystems and migrating fish species</h3>



As ocean temperatures climb, marine species face critical survival challenges. Many organisms, from tiny plankton to large fish, corals, and marine mammals, have adapted to live within specific temperature ranges. 



When their habitats warm beyond these comfort zones, these species must migrate to cooler waters or face population declines and even extinction.



Warming oceans disrupt the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Predatory relationships, breeding grounds, and migration patterns, honed over millennia, are now changing. 



For instance, coral reefs, the ocean's biodiversity hotspots, suffer from coral bleaching when water temperatures rise, weakening these vital ecosystems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Impact on fisheries and global food security</h3>



As discussed above in the study from Tel Aviv University, the migration of fish populations towards cooler polar regions has significant implications for global fisheries, a crucial source of food and livelihood for billions of people. 



As fish stocks decline or move from traditional fishing grounds, local communities and entire nations face economic and food security challenges. This shift necessitates adaptive management strategies for fisheries to sustainably manage these changing resources.



Compounding the issue of warming is ocean acidification, a result of the ocean absorbing increased levels of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 



This chemical change in seawater can have devastating effects on marine life, particularly species like shellfish and corals, which rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons. 



Acidification reduces the availability of this essential mineral, threatening the survival of these organisms and the entire ecosystems relying on them.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Conservation and future implications</h3>



The impacts of warming oceans underscore the urgent need for global action to mitigate climate change. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adopting sustainable fishing practices, and protecting marine habitats are critical steps in safeguarding our oceans. 



Furthermore, increasing research and monitoring efforts can provide the necessary insights to guide policy and conservation strategies, ensuring the resilience of marine ecosystems in a warming world.



In summary, the rising temperatures of our oceans signal a clear warning: without concerted efforts to address climate change, the rich tapestry of marine life, upon which humanity so heavily depends, faces an uncertain future. It is a global challenge that requires immediate and sustained action from all sectors of society.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02350-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Fish are migrating towards the poles to escape warming waters

Marine fish species are rapidly migrating toward the poles in...

A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.elte.hu/en/">Eötvös Loránd University</a> in Budapest (ELTE) has found that dogs possess a remarkable ability to comprehend <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/typical-american-dog-knows-18-words-and-love-is-at-the-top-of-the-list/">human language</a> beyond mere command response.&nbsp;



The experts discovered that dogs not only react to certain words with learned behaviors but also mentally associate these words with specific objects, thereby activating object memories upon hearing their names.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-comprehension-in-non-verbal-communicators">Word comprehension in non-verbal communicators</h2>



Traditionally, assessing word comprehension in non-verbal communicators, such as infants and animals, involves tasks that require the subject to physically select or retrieve an object upon hearing its name.&nbsp;



In these settings, even the most intelligent dogs often perform no better than chance, fetching objects at random rather than demonstrating a true understanding of word-object associations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-learning-object-words">Dogs learning object words</h2>



However, the scientists approached this challenge from a new angle by measuring brain activity in dogs through non-invasive EEG techniques. This method aimed to capture the dogs' implicit understanding of object names without relying on their physical responses.&nbsp;



In the experiments, dog owners would verbally identify toys familiar to their pets, sometimes presenting the correct toy and other times showing an unrelated object. For instance, an owner might say, “Zara, look, the ball,” while either presenting a ball or a different toy, with the dog's brain activity being recorded throughout.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-brain-activity-patterns">Distinct brain activity patterns</h2>



The findings were striking, revealing distinct brain activity patterns when dogs viewed objects that matched the spoken word versus when they saw mismatched items. This differentiation mirrors human brain responses and is considered solid evidence of word comprehension.&nbsp;



In addition, the researchers found more pronounced brain activity differences for words the dogs were more familiar with, bolstering the case for their understanding of object names.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-understanding-of-object-words">Dogs' understanding of object words</h2>



Contrary to the researchers' initial hypothesis, a dog's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-understand-up-to-215-words/">vocabulary size</a> did not influence its ability to make these mental connections.&nbsp;



“Because typical dogs learn instruction words rather than object names, and there are only a handful of dogs with a large vocabulary of object words, we expected that dogs’ capacity for referential understanding of object words will be linked to the number of object words they know; but it wasn’t,” said co-author Lilla Magyari, an expert in psycholinguistics at ELTE and the <a href="https://www.uis.no/en">University of Stavanger</a>.



“It doesn’t matter how many object words a dog understands, known words activate mental representations anyway, suggesting that this ability is generally present in dogs and not just in some exceptional individuals who know the names of many objects,” added lead author Marianna Boros, an ethologist at ELTE.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linguistic-capabilities-of-dogs">Linguistic capabilities of dogs</h2>



This finding challenges existing beliefs about the unique nature of human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-have-a-much-more-complex-language-than-we-thought/">language</a> comprehension and has significant implications for our understanding of language evolution. It also offers a fresh perspective for dog owners on the depth of their pets' linguistic capabilities.



“Your dog understands more than he or she shows signs of,” Magyari said. “Dogs are not merely learning a specific behavior to certain words, but they might actually understand the meaning of some individual words as humans do.”



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



In future studies, the researchers plan to explore whether this aptitude for referential language understanding is exclusive to dogs or if it extends to other mammals.&nbsp;



Moreover, they are particularly intrigued by the origins of this capability, its dependence on the dogs' close relationship with humans, and the reasons why more dogs don't overtly demonstrate their understanding of object words.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.02.029.">Current Biology</a>.



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Dogs understand that some words refer to objects

A recent study led by the Eötvös Loránd University in...

The vibrant wing patterns of tropical Heliconius <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heliconius-butterflies-have-a-surprising-aptitude-for-learning-and-remembering/">butterflies</a>, which serve both as a defense mechanism against predators due to their toxicity and as crucial cues in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parasites-influence-mate-selection-and-evolution-of-barn-swallows/">mate selection</a>, have captivated scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.&nbsp;



Experts have recently made significant advances in understanding the genetic basis of the mating preferences of Heliconius butterflies. The findings mark the first instance of a direct genetic link to visually guided behavior being identified in any animal species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavioral-experiments-on-heliconius-butterflies">Behavioral experiments on Heliconius butterflies </h2>



The research was led by Richard Merrill, an evolutionary biologist at <a href="https://www.lmu.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LMU Munich</a>, alongside collaborators from the <a href="https://urosario.edu.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universidad del Rosario</a> in Bogotá, Colombia, and the <a href="https://stri.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute</a> in Panama. 



During the course of their investigation, the team conducted extensive behavioral experiments on three Colombian Heliconius species: Heliconius melpomene and Heliconius timareta, both adorned with a bright red band on their forewings, along with Heliconius cydno, distinguished by a white band.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeking-mates-with-a-similar-appearance-nbsp">Seeking mates with a similar appearance&nbsp;</h2>



A fascinating discovery emerged: males of all species showed a predilection for mates that mirrored their own appearance, irrespective of the genetic distance between the two red-banded species.



By using genomic analyzes, the researchers identified a significant association with a specific region of the genome - a region where the red-banded species have exchanged genetic material due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hybridization-reduces-vulnerability-to-climate-change/">hybridization</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-gene-controls-visual-preference-nbsp">Key gene controls visual preference&nbsp;</h2>



“We managed to identify regucalcin1 as a key gene controlling visual preference, in these butterflies,” said lead author Matteo Rossi, a researcher in Merrill's lab. “If regucalcin1 is silenced, it impairs courtship toward conspecific females, proving a direct link between gene and behavior.”



This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-of-new-genes-proves-that-humans-continue-to-evolve/">gene</a> was found to have been transferred from H. melpomene to H. timareta in their evolutionary past, facilitating an increase in the attractiveness of red females and thereby enhancing the reproductive success of H. timareta.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-hybridization-in-heliconius-butterflies-nbsp">The role of hybridization in Heliconius butterflies&nbsp;</h2>



“We’ve known for quite a while that the red color pattern gene was introduced from one species to the other through hybridization, and suspected that the same might be true for the corresponding preference. To finally show it, and identify the specific gene is really exciting,” said co-author Carolina Pardo-Diaz, the Dean of Biology at the Universidad del Rosario.



“We see differences in visual preferences all around us in nature when animals choose who to mate with. With our results, we were able to establish a direct link between a particular visual preference and a specific gene for the first time, and also demonstrate that hybridization can play an important role in the evolution of these behaviors,” added Merill.&nbsp;



This study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adj9201" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>, not only advances our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underpinning mating behaviors in Heliconius butterflies but also highlights the role of hybridization in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-solved-when-butterflies-evolved-and-what-plants-they-used-for-food/">evolution</a> of such complex traits, offering new perspectives on the dynamic interplay between genetics and behavior in the natural world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-heliconius-butterflies">More about Heliconius butterflies</h2>



Heliconius butterflies, often known as passion vine butterflies, represent a fascinating and colorful group found primarily in tropical regions of South and Central America.&nbsp;



These butterflies are especially known for their striking patterns and vibrant colors, which not only make them a subject of interest among scientists and butterfly enthusiasts but also play a crucial role in their survival.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-color-patterns-and-mimicry">Color patterns and mimicry</h3>



The wing patterns of Heliconius butterflies serve as a form of communication within their species and with their predators. Many species of Heliconius exhibit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterflies-use-visual-and-behavioral-mimicry-to-avoid-predators/">mimicry</a>, where they share similar color patterns.&nbsp;



This mimicry can be Müllerian, where poisonous species mimic each other's warning signals to predators, enhancing their protection. Some Heliconius species also engage in Batesian mimicry, appearing like other toxic species to avoid predation, despite being harmless themselves.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co-evolution-with-passion-vine-plants-nbsp">Co-evolution with passion vine plants&nbsp;</h3>



Heliconius butterflies have a unique relationship with passion vine plants, which serve as their primary food source during the larval stage. They lay their eggs on these plants, and the hatched larvae feed on the leaves, ingesting chemical compounds that make them distasteful to predators.&nbsp;



This relationship is a classic example of co-evolution, where the butterflies and the plants have influenced each other's evolutionary paths.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusually-long-lifespan-nbsp">Unusually long lifespan&nbsp;</h3>



Another intriguing aspect of Heliconius butterflies is their unusually long lifespan for insects, living up to several months. This is attributed to their ability to consume pollen in addition to nectar, a rare trait among butterflies.&nbsp;



Pollen provides them with proteins and other nutrients, contributing to their longevity and ability to reproduce over extended periods.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-exchange-between-species-nbsp">Genetic exchange between species&nbsp;</h3>



Research into Heliconius butterflies has also provided insights into genetics and evolution. Studies have shown how genetic exchange between species through hybridization can lead to the transfer of beneficial traits, such as wing color patterns, which play a vital role in their survival and reproductive success.



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Heliconius butterflies' mating preferences linked to a single gene

The vibrant wing patterns of tropical Heliconius butterflies, which serve...

Everyone knows and loves the coolest frog on TV – Kermit. Well, he has an ancient cousin, who lived over 270 million years ago. Scientists recently discovered a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossilized</a> skull of this proto-amphibian, and they've named the species Kermitops gratus. 



The <a href="https://naturalhistory.si.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History</a> houses an extraordinary collection of such treasures. This discovery offers incredible insights into the evolution of life on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-proto-amphibians">What are proto-amphibians?</h2>



Proto-amphibians, as a group, signify a captivating chapter in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary</a> saga of life on Earth. Scientists acknowledge these creatures as ancient tetrapods, meaning they were among the first vertebrates to develop four legs.



Consequently, this group of organisms acts as a crucial bridge in deepening our comprehension of the transition of life from aquatic to terrestrial habitats. Their existence illustrates the evolutionary shift that ensued as vertebrates commenced the exploration of land-based environments. 



This transition was monumental, necessitating adjustments in several physiological domains, such as respiration, locomotion, and reproduction. Hence, proto-amphibians highlight the vast array of life forms that ventured into these adaptations, offering a peek into the numerous strategies life employed to flourish on land.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-kermitops-gratus">Discovery of Kermitops gratus</h2>



The skull of Kermitops gratus is slightly more than an inch long. Nicholas Hotton III, a notable paleontologist, discovered it in Texas's Red Beds. The area is known for fossil-rich rocks from the early Permian period. 



They have provided numerous ancient reptile and amphibian fossils. The Kermitops skull lay in the Smithsonian's collection for decades before its unique features caught the attention of researchers.



"One <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/juvenile-t-rex-fossils-belong-a-distinct-tyrannosaur-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a> immediately jumped out at me—this really well-preserved, mostly prepared skull," said Dr. Arjan Mann, postdoctoral paleontologist at the Smithsonian. 



This discovery underscores the significance of museum collections. While exciting fieldwork is often in the limelight, meticulous re-examination of existing specimens can lead to groundbreaking revelations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-kermitops-skull">Insights from Kermitops skull</h2>



The Kermitops skull exhibits an unusual combination of anatomical characteristics. It has large, oval-shaped eye sockets and a distinctive snout structure, with a shortened skull region behind the eyes contrasting its elongated, curved front portion. 



These features suggest a creature resembling a stout salamander, adapted for capturing small, insect-like prey. Scientists determined this fossil represented a new genus and species, earning it the formal designation Kermitops gratus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-naming-kermitops">Naming Kermitops</h2>



The playful reference to Kermit the Frog serves a significant purpose. "Using the name Kermit has significant implications for how we can bridge the science that is done by paleontologists in museums to the general public," explained study lead author Calvin So.



"Because this animal is a distant relative of today’s amphibians, and Kermit is a modern-day amphibian icon, it was the perfect name for it."



The fragmented <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-fossils-could-inspire-advancements-in-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a> record of early amphibians and their ancestors often hinders a comprehensive picture of their evolution. Kermitops gratus helps fill in crucial gaps. 



"Kermitops offers us clues to bridge this huge fossil gap and start to see how frogs and salamanders developed these really specialized traits," said So.



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



Dr. Mann emphasized the potential for further discoveries hidden in existing collections. "This is an active area of research that a lot more paleontologists need to dive back into."



"Paleontology is always more than just dinosaurs, and there are lots of cool evolutionary stories and mysteries still waiting to be answered. We just need to keep looking." 



Kermitops gratus exemplifies how the ongoing study of museum specimens shapes our understanding of the natural world, one remarkable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/470-million-year-old-animal-fossils-discovered-in-frances-cabrieres-biota/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a> at a time.



The study is published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae012" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society</a>.



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‌

Scientists found an ancient cousin of Kermit the frog - Kermitops

Everyone knows and loves the coolest frog on TV –...

Anchovies

As public awareness grows about the importance of sustainable food sources, scientists are now encouraging the consumption of wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-farmed-fish-solve-worlds-food-problem/">fish</a> species like mackerel, anchovies, and herring.&nbsp;



These fish, often used in farmed salmon diets, offer vital nutrients such as calcium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 which are partially lost when consuming farmed salmon alone. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loss-of-essential-dietary-nutrients-nbsp">Loss of essential dietary nutrients&nbsp;</h2>



A study led by the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> has recently revealed that farmed salmon production results in a net loss of essential dietary nutrients, suggesting that direct consumption of these "feed" species could not only enhance health but also ease the aquaculture sector's reliance on finite marine resources.



“What we’re seeing is that most species of wild fish used as feed have a similar or greater density and range of micronutrients than farmed salmon filets,” said lead author David Willer, a researcher in the Zoology Department at Cambridge.



“Whilst still enjoying eating salmon and supporting sustainable growth in the sector, people should consider eating a greater and wider variety of wild fish species like sardines, mackerel and anchovies, to get more essential nutrients straight to their plate.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-few-changes-can-go-a-long-way">A few changes can go a long way</h2>



In the UK, 71% of adults have vitamin D deficiencies in the winter, while teenage girls and women frequently have insufficient iodine, selenium, and iron.&nbsp;



According to Willer, "making a few small changes to our diet around the type of fish that we eat can go a long way to changing some of these deficiencies and increasing the health of both our population and planet.”



“Marine fisheries are important local and global food systems, but large catches are being diverted towards farm feeds. Prioritizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nutritious-seafood-is-too-expensive-for-most-americans/">nutritious seafood</a> for people can help improve both diets and ocean sustainability,” added senior author James Robinson, a research fellow at <a href="https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/">Lancaster University</a>’s Environmental Center.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maximizing-nutrients-from-the-sea">Maximizing nutrients from the sea</h2>



The experts conducted an analysis comparing the nutrient content in wild fish used in salmon feeds with the farmed salmon themselves. This revealed a decrease in six out of nine essential nutrients in the salmon filet.&nbsp;



For instance, the quantity of calcium was over five times higher in wild feed fish filets than salmon filets, iodine was four times higher, and iron, omega-3, vitamin B12, and vitamin A were over 1.5 times higher.&nbsp;



These findings prompted the researchers to advocate for a more efficient way of maximizing nutrients from the sea by directly consuming a portion of the current food-grade wild feed fish.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-retaining-key-nutrients-in-farmed-salmon-nbsp">Retaining key nutrients in farmed salmon&nbsp;</h2>



According to Richard Newton, an expert in aquaculture at the <a href="https://www.stir.ac.uk/">University of Stirling</a>, “farmed salmon is an excellent source of nutrition, and is one of the best converters of feed of any farmed animal, but for the industry to grow it needs to become better at retaining key nutrients that it is fed."&nbsp;



"This can be done through more strategic use of feed ingredients, including from fishery by-products and sustainably-sourced, industrial-grade fish such as sand eels.”



“It was interesting to see that we’re effectively wasting around 80% of the calcium and iodine from the feed fish – especially when we consider that women and teenage girls are often not getting enough of these nutrients,” he added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appealing-products-made-of-wild-feed-fish">Appealing products made of wild "feed" fish</h2>



A notable aspect of this research is the proposal for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/90-percent-of-the-worlds-aquaculture-faces-substantial-risk-from-human-induced-environmental-changes/">aquaculture</a> industry to adopt a nutrient retention metric, which Willer believes could lead to a more efficient industry that lessens the burden on fish stocks also meant for direct human consumption.&nbsp;



“We’d like to see the industry expand but not at a cost to our oceans. We’d also like to see a greater variety of affordable, convenient and appealing products made of wild ‘feed’ fish and fish and salmon by-products for direct human consumption,” he explained.



Thus, the call to action from this study - published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43016-024-00932-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Food</a> - is not just for consumers to diversify their seafood intake but also for the aquaculture sector to reconsider its practices for the benefit of global nutrition and environmental sustainability.



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Study: Humans should eat the same diet that farmed salmon eat

As public awareness grows about the importance of sustainable food...

Researchers have demonstrated that artificial intelligence (AI) models can detect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-pose-great-threat-to-biodiversity-in-mountain-ranges/">biodiversity</a> from animal sounds in tropical rainforests, specifically in reforested areas.&nbsp;



The goal of the research, led by the <a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/university/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Würzburg</a>, is to monitor the return of biodiversity in previously deforested tropical zones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-biodiversity-nbsp">Monitoring biodiversity&nbsp;</h2>



Tropical forests play an essential role in keeping our planet healthy. They provide habitats for unique wildlife,&nbsp; play a role in the carbon cycle, and influence the climate on a global scale. Yet, these rainforests are under increasing pressure from relentless overexploitation.



"Tropical forests play a key role in the global carbon cycle and are central to Nature-based Climate Solutions, both in terms of climate adaptation and mitigation," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"They are also fundamental to global biodiversity conservation, harboring 62% of terrestrial vertebrate species. As such, restoring tropical forests is key to counteract two of the major crises of our times, biodiversity loss and climate change."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-sound-analysis">Animal sound analysis</h2>



In tropical regions that are getting a much-needed boost from reforestation, it becomes crucial to monitor biodiversity. The researchers have recently shown that animal sounds provide a helpful monitoring tool.



"To be effective, all conservation measures require cost-efficient and robust biodiversity monitoring, which is lagging behind carbon monitoring due in part to the lack of scalable, reproducible and cost-effective sampling methodologies," explained the study authors.&nbsp;



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



The researchers chose northern Ecuador as their study site, specifically focusing on abandoned pastures and former cocoa plantations undergoing forest reclamation.&nbsp;



The goal of the study was to determine if autonomous sound recorders, combined with AI, can recognize species compositions of birds, amphibians, and mammals.



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



"The research results show that the sound data reflect excellently the return of biodiversity in abandoned agricultural areas," said Professor Jörg Müller, head of the Ecological Station Fabrikschleichach at Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) Würzburg&nbsp;



A notable finding was the alignment of vocalizing species communities with recovery gradients. A preliminary set of 70 AI bird models described entire species communities, even capturing shifts in nocturnal insects.



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



The research team plans to refine these AI models. The goal is to record an even broader spectrum of species and establish these models in other protected zones, including the Sailershausen JMU Forest and Germany's venerable national park in the Bavarian Forest.



"Our AI models can be the basis for a very universal tool for monitoring biodiversity in reforested areas," said Müller. He suggests their applicability in biodiversity credits, which are comparable to carbon dioxide emissions trading.&nbsp;



These credits, which offset adverse environmental impacts of activities, can be procured by companies or organizations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



"Our results demonstrate that automated bioacoustics monitoring can be used to track tropical forest recovery of animal communities from agricultural abandonment beyond vocalizing vertebrates, suggesting its broad use to assess restoration outcomes," wrote the researchers.



The study was designed within the framework of the research group Reassembly, which is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).



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



As discussed above, biologists and conservationists actively monitor biodiversity to assess the health and stability of ecosystems around the world. This crucial activity helps us understand the effects of human activity on natural habitats and the steps necessary to protect them.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Importance of biodiversity monitoring</h3>



Monitoring biodiversity allows scientists to detect changes in ecosystems, revealing trends such as species decline or habitat loss. This information is vital for developing strategies to mitigate negative impacts and for restoring ecosystems.



Conservationists use biodiversity monitoring to assess the effectiveness of their efforts. By tracking changes in species populations and habitat conditions, they can adapt their strategies to be more effective, ensuring the long-term survival of diverse species.



Data gathered from monitoring biodiversity informs policy and decision-making processes. Governments and organizations rely on this information to implement regulations that protect natural habitats and promote sustainable practices.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Animal sounds and other biodiversity monitoring techniques</h3>



Remote sensing technology, including satellite imagery and aerial photography, provides a comprehensive view of large ecosystems. This method allows for the monitoring of changes in land use, vegetation cover, and habitat fragmentation on a global scale.



As discussed previously in this article, bioacoustics monitoring involves recording and analyzing animal sounds. This technique helps identify species presence and abundance, offering insights into the health of ecosystems without intrusive methods.



Citizen science initiatives engage the public in biodiversity monitoring. Through apps and community projects, individuals contribute valuable data on local species, expanding the reach and scale of scientific research.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Collective effort for a sustainable future</h3>



In summary, monitoring biodiversity is a collective effort that requires the participation of scientists, conservationists, policymakers, and the public. 



By understanding and tracking the changes in our ecosystems, we can take informed steps towards protecting our planet's biodiversity for future generations.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41693-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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AI can monitor biodiversity through animal sounds

Researchers have demonstrated that artificial intelligence (AI) models can detect...

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a> has highlighted the puzzling diversity of ancient rays that thrived 150 million years ago. 



The investigation not only reveals a new species of ray but also significantly enriches our comprehension of these prehistoric cartilaginous fish, shedding light on the marine ecosystems of the past.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-late-jurassic-fossils">Late Jurassic fossils</h2>



The scientists meticulously examined 52 fossil specimens from the Late Jurassic period, a time when much of Europe was submerged under a sea similar to the modern Caribbean, dotted with islands. These specimens are among the oldest known fully preserved rays, providing a rare and invaluable glimpse into the group's early evolution.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-shape-variation-among-ancient-rays">Body shape variation among ancient rays</h2>



Typically, only the teeth of fossil rays are found, making these complete skeletal finds from Germany, France, and the UK pivotal for understanding their early diversity.&nbsp;



The research marks the first in-depth analysis of body shape variation among these ancient rays, previously unexplored despite the fossils' long-standing recognition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-new-species-of-ancient-rays">Two new species of ancient rays</h2>



The study's findings challenge previous notions of diversity within Late Jurassic rays, increasing the count of confirmed species from three to five.&nbsp;



"Until now, only three holomorphic ray species have been confirmed from the Late Jurassic, but thanks to this study, a total of five species have now been identified," said lead author Julia Türtscher, a paleobiologist at the University of Vienna.&nbsp;



This includes the validation of a fourth <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-species-are-moving-away-from-the-equator/">species</a> long debated among scientists and the discovery of a new species, Aellopobatis bavarica. This new species, distinguished from the smaller French Spathobatis bugesiacus by its larger size (up to 170 cm in length) and distinct skeletal and body shape, highlights the hidden diversity within these ancient seas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-a-complex-ecosystem-nbsp">Evidence of a complex ecosystem&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers also noted the localized distribution of these five species, suggesting a complex ecosystem but cautioning against premature conclusions regarding their specific <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/habitat-shifts-shaped-the-evolution-of-life-on-earth/">habitats</a>.&nbsp;



"Further studies on the tooth morphology of the specimens and subsequent comparisons with isolated teeth from other sites may help to reconstruct the palaeogeographic distribution of Late Jurassic rays," Türtscher said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-discovery-of-ancient-rays-nbsp">Ongoing discovery of ancient rays&nbsp;</h2>



These findings not only enhance our understanding of ray biodiversity and evolution during the Upper Jurassic but also inform the identification of fossil ray species known solely through isolated teeth.&nbsp;



The ongoing discovery of these ancient creatures illuminates the dynamics of past <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-ecosystems-survive-extinctions/">marine ecosystems</a> and emphasizes the value of well-preserved fossils in piecing together Earth's geological history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-past-to-protect-living-species">Understanding the past to protect living species</h2>



"We can only draw accurate conclusions about living species if we also understand the past of a group, including its evolution, its adaptations to changing environmental factors over time, and the extinction this group has faced during its evolutionary history,” said co-author Patrick L. Jambura, a paleobiologist at the University of Vienna.&nbsp;



“Palaeobiological knowledge enables us to better understand the dynamics behind evolution and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-extinction-risk-is-heavily-influenced-by-climate-change/">extinction</a> of species and thus aids to develop more effective conservation measures for today's endangered species," he concluded.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-rays">Modern rays</h2>



Rays are a fascinating group of cartilaginous fish that are closely related to sharks. These creatures are known for their distinctive flat bodies and long, wing-like pectoral fins which span their entire width, giving them a shape reminiscent of a bird or a bat in flight. This unique form allows rays to glide gracefully through the water.&nbsp;



There are several types of rays, including stingrays, manta rays, electric rays, and eagle rays, each adapted to different environments and lifestyles.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stingrays">Stingrays</h3>



Stingrays are perhaps the most well-known, recognized by their whip-like tails equipped with one or more venomous barbs, which they use defensively against predators.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-manta-rays">Manta rays</h3>



Manta rays, on the other hand, are giants that can reach a wingspan of up to 7 meters. Unlike stingrays, they do not have a venomous stinger and are harmless to humans. They feed on plankton, which they filter from the water by swimming with their mouths open wide.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-rays-nbsp">Electric rays&nbsp;</h3>



Electric rays have the ability to produce an electric shock, which they use to stun prey and deter predators. Their bodies contain special organs capable of generating significant voltage.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eagle-rays">Eagle rays</h3>



Meanwhile, eagle rays are known for their spotted appearances and deep bodies, often seen leaping out of the water, possibly to escape predators or to dislodge parasites.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role">Ecological role</h3>



Rays play crucial roles in their ecosystems, acting as predators to keep populations of smaller marine organisms in check, and also as prey for larger marine animals. They are found in oceans worldwide, from shallow coastal waters to deep ocean basins.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-threats">Multiple threats</h3>



Despite their beauty and ecological importance, many ray species face <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-two-thirds-of-coral-reef-sharks-and-rays-face-extinction/">threats</a> from overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution, leading to declining populations in some areas. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring the survival of these remarkable creatures for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/spp2.1552" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Papers in Paleontology</a>.



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Ancient rays were more diverse than previously thought

A new study led by the University of Vienna has...

Did you know that millions of years ago, a dolphin bigger than a car roamed the rivers of the Amazon basin? Named Pebanista yacuruna, the species is the largest of its kind ever recorded, measuring over 11 feet in length.



Paleontologists from the University of Zurich (<a href="https://www.uzh.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UZH</a>) have discovered the fossil of a massive freshwater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-river-dolphins-are-at-great-risk-of-extinction-due-to-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphin</a> that lived in the Peruvian Amazon region around 16 million years ago. 



Pebanista yacuruna takes its name from the mythical 'Yacuruna', an aquatic people believed to inhabit the Amazon in local folklore. This legendary connection seems fitting, given how incredible and mysterious this creature would have been.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon-and-pebanista">Amazon and Pebanista</h2>



"Sixteen million years ago, the Peruvian Amazonia looked very different from what it is today," said lead author <a href="https://www.pim.uzh.ch/apps/cms/pageframes/staff.php?show=1197&amp;get=cv" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aldo Benites-Palomino.</a>



Instead of a dense rainforest, the Amazon of Pebanista's time was dominated by a vast system of interconnected lakes and swamps known as "Pebas". 



This unique environment teemed with life, offering a bountiful habitat for the enormous <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/dolphin-everything-you-need-to-know-about-these-magical-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a>. Imagine a landscape closer to today's Florida Everglades than the jungles we associate with the Amazon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pebanista-s-unexpected-cousins">Pebanista's unexpected cousins</h2>



We discovered that its size is not the only remarkable aspect," noted Benites-Palomino. "With this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/280-million-year-old-fossil-of-tridentinosaurus-antiquus-proven-to-be-a-forgery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a> record unearthed in the Amazon, we expected to find close relatives of the living Amazon River dolphin – but instead the closest cousins of Pebanista are the South Asian river dolphins (genus Platanista)."



This tells us that Pebanista belonged to a group called Platanistoidea, a lineage of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bottlenose-dolphins-have-a-newly-discovered-super-sense/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a> that ruled the world's oceans many millions of years ago. These ocean-dwelling ancestors journeyed into freshwater, making a home in the newly forming Amazon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics-of-pebanista-yacuruna">Characteristics of Pebanista yacuruna</h2>



Pebanista wasn't just impressive due to its size. It had a suite of unique features that set it apart as a true freshwater specialist. The researchers suggest the following characteristics:



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



As discussed, at an estimated 9.19 to 11.48 feet long, Pebanista yacuruna takes the crown as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trachelosaurus-fischeri-worlds-oldest-long-necked-marine-reptile-rediscovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">largest</a> freshwater dolphin ever discovered. This suggests it was likely a formidable predator within its ecosystem.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-skull-built-for-the-river">A skull built for the river</h3>



The skull of Pebanista reveals a long snout with large teeth, well-developed crests above the eyes, and a deep basin around the nostrils. All of these point towards a dolphin perfectly designed to navigate, hunt, and thrive in its freshwater world.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-snout">Powerful snout</h3>



Its snout, particularly strong and wide compared to other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-dolphins-suffer-from-the-highest-known-levels-of-pfas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a> in its family, and the presence of large teeth suggest Pebanista had a unique feeding strategy, likely involving large or hard-shelled prey.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eyes-on-the-sides">Eyes on the sides</h3>



While Pebanista had eyes, the most striking feature of its skull is the large crests above its eye sockets. This is a strong indication that, like modern river <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-use-baby-talk-to-communicate-with-their-young/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a>, it relied heavily on echolocation to navigate muddy waters and find prey with incredible precision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pebanista-extinction">Pebanista extinction</h2>



Sadly, despite its early success, Pebanista eventually went <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cape-lions-had-extremely-rich-genetic-variety-before-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinct</a>. Scientists think the reason lies in dramatic changes to its environment. 



"Much of the Amazonian plain was covered by a large system of lakes and swamps called Pebas,” said Benites-Palomino. 



Around 10 million years ago, this system gradually dried up and transformed into the Amazon basin we know today. This habitat shift likely made the giant dolphin's usual prey scarce, leading to its demise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon-river-dolphins">Amazon river dolphins</h2>



Interestingly, the disappearance of Pebanista paved the way for a new group: the smaller ancestors of today’s Amazon River dolphins. 



Just like Pebanista before them, these newcomers left the ocean to adapt to the abundant freshwater habitats of the Amazon.



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



"After two decades of work in South America we had found several giant forms from the region, but this is the first dolphin of its kind,” added <a href="https://www.pim.uzh.ch/apps/cms/_downloads/sanchez_marcelo_CV.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marcelo R. Sánchez-Villagra</a>, director of the Department of Paleontology at UZH. “We were especially intrigued by its peculiar biogeographical deep-time history.”



The tale of Pebanista yacuruna showcases the dynamic history of the Amazon. It's a reminder that landscapes we take for granted were once vastly different. 



And somewhere out there, beneath those tangled vines and vibrant flowers, more secrets of this prehistoric world still await discovery.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adk6320" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Giant new dolphin species, Pebanista yacuruna, discovered in Peru

Did you know that millions of years ago, a dolphin...

Little,Auk

Seabirds, specifically the little auk (Alle alle), the most populous seabird of the North Atlantic, animate the serene yet dynamic Arctic landscape with their vibrant calls at night. 



Recent research led by the Arctic Research Center at <a href="https://www.arc.hokudai.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hokkaido University</a>, Japan, and the Department of Ecoscience at <a href="https://www.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a>, Denmark, provides an unprecedented look into the nightly behaviors of these captivating birds amidst the perpetual daylight of the Arctic summer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-echoes-in-the-arctic-silence">Echoes in the arctic silence</h2>



This innovative study, conducted in the remote expanses of Northwest Greenland, actively utilizes passive acoustic and <a href="https://youtu.be/f_9Q7o1xKRY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">imaging technologies</a> to explore the hidden nocturnal activities of little auk colonies.



Meanwhile, about 60 million birds flock to the region each summer for breeding and foraging, marking their omnipresence. Yet, despite this abundance, the scientific understanding of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-survival-can-shorebirds-adjust-to-changes-in-their-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daily routines</a> and vocal patterns remains scant.



Surprisingly, the research reveals a significant increase in Arctic seabird vocalizations during the night. This finding starkly contrasts with the expected dawn chorus observed in mid-latitude regions. 



The nocturnal surge links to the reduced presence of birds in the afternoon, affecting both calling and wing-flapping rates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-seabirds-at-night">Arctic seabirds at night</h2>



Associate Professor Evgeny A. Podolskiy, leading the study at Hokkaido University, emphasizes its insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-arctic-terns-may-navigate-the-challenges-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avian behavior</a> under constant daylight. 



"These findings provide a fascinating glimpse into the intricate rhythms of Arctic life, and remind us that bird counts depend on the time of day," he remarks. 



The observed acoustic patterns in little auks mirror their behavioral cycles, including attendance, feeding, and fledging. These patterns offer valuable insights into their ecological dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guardians-of-the-arctic">Guardians of the Arctic</h2>



Dr. Anders Mosbech of Aarhus University points out the little auk, or dovekie, as essential for tracking Arctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-geese-adapt-by-finding-a-new-migratory-route/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental shifts</a>. 



"Understanding their behavior is key to effective conservation and ecosystem management, especially as the region undergoes rapid environmental transformations," he emphasizes.



The significance of this research extends to its methodological advancements. "The crucial role of passive acoustic monitoring in studying wildlife behavior in remote and difficult-to-access regions cannot be overstated," adds Podolskiy. 



This approach stands out for being non-invasive and efficient, making it especially advantageous over traditional field observation methods. Traditional methods prove more laborious and frequently impractical in the remote Arctic seabird breeding colonies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-the-future-of-arctic-seabirds">Implications and the future of Arctic seabirds</h2>



Monica Ogawa, a Ph.D. candidate at the Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, and co-author of the study, discusses the future implications of their work. 



"By integrating audio data with other monitoring techniques, such as time-lapse cameras or radar systems, and involving local communities, conservation efforts for seabird populations can be enhanced, promoting sustainability," she explains.



Looking ahead, the research team is eager to further investigate the acoustic ecology of Arctic seabirds. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, the team aims to deepen our understanding of avian biology and its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-may-be-ice-free-sooner-than-we-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental impacts</a>. They seek to illuminate the complex interactions sustaining life in one of Earth's most extreme environments.



This study expands our knowledge of the Arctic's ecological dynamics. Additionally, it exemplifies the potential of innovative research methods in contributing to global conservation efforts.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-05954-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.



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Arctic seabird audio recordings show they have a very active nightlife

Seabirds, specifically the little auk (Alle alle), the most populous...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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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



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



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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

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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;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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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;



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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"

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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;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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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



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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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



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



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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

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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)



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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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;



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



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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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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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;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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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



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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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



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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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;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes why satellite images and measurements of our planet have become "essential to our survival, offering a new outlook of our world."&nbsp;



Rising sea levels pose one of the biggest societal threats associated with climate change. According to ESA, satellite altimeter missions such as Copernicus Sentinel-6 are essential in monitoring global and regional changes in sea level.



"Unbeknown to many, the island of Crete, Greece, plays an important role in the Copernicus satellite altimetry constellation and on an international stage," reports ESA.



"Satellite altimetry data have to be continuously monitored at the ESA’s Permanent Facility for Altimetry Calibration where different techniques have pioneered the use of transponders to provide the best measurements to validate satellite altimeters in space soon after launch."



Dr. Craig Donlon explains that, by understanding planet Earth through satellite measurements, we are able to find evidence of change.&nbsp;



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

[sendtonews key="761m2QQvR1-2035772-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...