Honey,Bee,,Apis,Mellifera,,Silhouette,Of,A,Bee,,Anatomical,Structure

This World Bee Day, a troubling message is buzzing through the air - bees and other pollinators face a wave of new and unexpected threats that could cause even more losses in the coming decade. 



War, plastic pollution, artificial light, and even well-meaning climate actions are creating new obstacles for pollinators already under strain.



Pollinators such as bees, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-country-without-butterflies-rapid-decline-in-u-s-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">butterflies</a>, moths, bats, and birds are essential to our environment and food production. Nearly 90% of flowering plants and over three-quarters of the world’s major crops depend on them.



Yet these species are already declining at alarming rates due to habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and invasive species. Now, researchers say even more risks are on the horizon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-scientists-are-saying-about-bees">What scientists are saying about bees</h2>



Experts from the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a> contributed to a new report commissioned by Bee:wild, a science-led global campaign to save pollinators. The report identifies 12 rising dangers that could further endanger pollinators in the next 5 to 15 years.



Professor Simon Potts, lead author and chair of Bee:wild’s Scientific Advisory Board, noted that identifying new threats and finding ways to protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a> early is key to preventing further major declines.



“By acting early, we can reduce harm and help pollinators continue their important work in nature and food production. Various conservation opportunities already exist and more are emerging," continued Potts. 



"This is not just a conservation issue. Pollinators are central to our food systems, climate resilience, and economic security. Protecting pollinators means protecting ourselves.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-and-pollinators-in-war-zones">Bees and pollinators in war zones</h2>



The report outlines a series of surprising new threats to pollinators that extend beyond the usual concerns like pesticides and habitat loss. For instance, war and conflict, such as the ongoing situation in Ukraine, are changing agricultural practices. 



Countries involved in or affected by conflict tend to grow fewer crop types, leading to a lack of diverse flowering plants that pollinators need throughout the season for proper nutrition and survival. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-and-artifical-light">Plastic and artifical light</h2>



Another troubling issue is the discovery of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-are-the-latest-victims-of-plastic-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics in bee</a> colonies across Europe. Testing from 315 honey bee hives revealed the widespread presence of synthetic materials, including PET plastic. 



These microplastic particles are now contaminating hives, raising questions about their impact on bee health and the quality of honey.



Artificial light at night is also proving harmful. Studies show that nocturnal pollinators, such as moths and certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-climate-impact-the-beetles-that-protect-our-crops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beetles</a>, visit 62% fewer flowers in areas with light pollution. 



This drastic reduction disrupts nighttime pollination, which is essential for many plant species and ecological cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollution-and-pollinator-behavior">Pollution and pollinator behavior </h2>



Antibiotic pollution is emerging as yet another hazard. Residues from antibiotics can contaminate both hives and honey. 



Worse still, they may interfere with pollinator behavior by reducing their foraging activity and visits to flowers, which are critical for pollination and plant reproduction.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-is-wiping-out-bees-and-other-wild-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Air pollution</a> is adding further stress, affecting the growth, reproduction, and overall survival of pollinators. Exposure to polluted air can impair navigation and reduce the chances of bees returning to their hives.



The use of pesticide cocktails - mixtures of various chemicals - is becoming more common, particularly in developing countries. These combinations can be more toxic than individual pesticides, weakening pollinators and making them more susceptible to disease and stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-threats-to-bees">Additional threats to bees</h2>



More frequent and intense wildfires are destroying vital habitats. As these fires become larger and harder to control, they not only remove food sources but also hinder the ability of pollinator populations to recover.



While climate action is critical, some approaches could unintentionally harm pollinators if not carefully managed. For instance, planting fast-growing non-flowering trees for carbon capture could reduce food for pollinators. 



Choosing a mix that includes flowering trees would help balance carbon storage with pollinator support.



Mining for materials like lithium - used in electric car batteries - can damage habitats rich in pollinators. Avoiding these areas and restoring land afterward could reduce long-term impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-ways-to-support-biodiversity">Smart ways to support biodiversity</h2>



Among the 12 strategies highlighted in the report, five stand out as particularly promising. First, introducing stronger regulations to reduce antibiotic pollution would help protect pollinator and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-farming-and-flower-strips-improve-honey-bee-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bee health</a>. 



Moving toward electric vehicles can significantly reduce air pollution, which in turn benefits pollinators. In addition, breeding new crop varieties that produce more nectar and pollen can improve the diet of pollinators, boosting their health and resilience.



Furthermore, integrating flower-rich habitats into solar parks can transform these spaces into pollinator-friendly areas, supporting biodiversity while generating renewable energy. 



Finally, scientists are developing RNAi-based treatments that specifically target harmful pests without affecting beneficial insects like bees, reducing the need for broad-spectrum pesticides.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-actions-big-difference">Small actions, big difference</h2>



Other opportunities include protecting stingless bees, which are vital to tropical ecosystems. This can be done by creating urban gardens, re-wilding spaces, and preserving natural habitats.



There's also growing interest in using artificial intelligence to monitor and track bee and other pollinator health and behavior more efficiently. Even AI tools to monitor pollinator populations could all make a big difference.



Dr. Deepa Senapathi is head of the Department of Sustainable Land Management at the University of Reading and co-author of the report.



“Meaningful action to protect bees is not a ‘nice-to-have’ future aspiration - practical solutions that we can implement now already exist and more are emerging. The most promising opportunities are ones that tackle multiple problems at once," said Dr. Senapathi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reversing-bee-and-pollinator-decline">Reversing bee and pollinator decline</h2>



According to Dr. Senapathi, focused and determined action could significantly slow and even reverse pollinator decline while creating environments that benefit both nature and people.



“It will take effort from everyone to address these threats. We need to maintain, manage and improve our natural habitats to create safe spaces for pollinators," said Dr Senapathi.



"But policy changes and individual actions must work together so everything from gardens and farms to public spaces and wider landscapes can all become pollinator-friendly habitats.”



Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Board Member of Re:wild, which helped launch Bee:wild, offers a hopeful reminder in the report’s foreword.



"The choices we make today will shape the future - not only for pollinators, but for all life on Earth. Together, we can ensure that these remarkable species continue their vital work, sustaining the natural world that sustains us all,” she said.



The full report, Emerging Threats and Opportunities for Conservation of Global Pollinators, is available <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1odhszqh-5-LJsJgidagHte_OW57Ke09x/view" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. 



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Rising dangers threaten the survival of bees and pollinators

This World Bee Day, a troubling message is buzzing through the air - bees and other pollinators face a wave of new and unexpected threats that could cause even more losses in the coming decade. War, plastic pollution, artificial light, and even well-meaning climate actions are creating new obstacles for pollinators already under strain. Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, bats, and birds are essential to our environment and food production. Nearly 90% of flowering plants and over three-quarters of the world’s major crops depend on them....

Why do koalas live in Australia while squirrels dominate similar climates in North America? A new study led by <a href="https://msu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan State University</a> highlights the crucial role of ancient geographic isolation in the evolution of mammals across the globe. 



The findings offer a deeper understanding of biodiversity and carry important implications for conservation efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-geographic-isolation">What is geographic isolation?</h2>



Geographic isolation occurs when physical barriers such as mountains, rivers, or oceans divide a population of organisms into separate groups, preventing individuals from different groups from mating with each other. 



Over time, this lack of genetic exchange leads to the development of distinct species as each isolated population adapts to its own unique environment, undergoes genetic drift, or experiences different mutations. 



Geographic isolation is a key mechanism of allopatric speciation, where new species evolve in different geographical locations. 



This process plays a crucial role in biodiversity by contributing to the differentiation and evolution of species across the Earth's landscapes.



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



The Earth's crust is divided into several large and small tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath. 



Over millions of years, the movement of these plates has caused the continents to drift apart, collide, and even fracture, leading to the formation of mountains, oceans, and other geographical features. 



This process, known as plate tectonics, is a key driver of the Earth's dynamism and has profound implications for its biological diversity, especially the evolution of mammalian life.



The ancient splits and rearrangements of continents have significantly influenced the distribution and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-not-as-random-as-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> of mammals.



"Today's ecology was not inevitable. If there were different isolating factors long ago, we might have vastly different ecosystems today," said Peter Williams, the lead researcher behind the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-importance-of-ancient-isolation">The importance of ancient isolation</h2>



We know that environment plays a massive role in shaping the creatures around us. For example, polar bears with their thick white fur, perfectly adapted to their icy Arctic home. 



But Williams and his team highlight a less obvious factor that's been at play across the millennia: isolation.



Australia, for example, has been an island continent for millions of years. This isolation is why it's packed with marsupials like koalas and kangaroos, while the rest of the world has mainly placental mammals like squirrels and deer. 



Even those continents that may have similar climates today were once worlds apart in terms of mammal diversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-response-to-geographic-isolation">Response to geographic isolation</h2>



The study found that different types of mammals responded very differently to these geographical barriers. Let's look at three key players:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mammals-minus-bats-nbsp">Mammals (minus bats)&nbsp;</h3>



These were heavily influenced by Earth's shifting landmasses. Millions of years ago, continents were like giant life rafts, each carrying a unique set of mammals. 



As they drifted apart, the mammals on board evolved separately. 



Over immense stretches of time, these populations would become as distinct from each other as koalas, with their specialized eucalyptus diet, are from agile tree-climbing squirrels.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds">Birds</h3>



Birds tell a different story. Their ability to fly means they could overcome those land barriers way more easily. Think of a barn swallow that migrates vast distances. 



This constant mixing across continents means that bird communities worldwide are more alike than mammals, strongly influenced by things like climate and not so much by ancient geography.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bats">Bats</h3>



Bats are the only flying mammals, and their story is unique. Unlike most other mammals, bats couldn't easily cross cold regions like the ancient land bridge that once connected Alaska and Siberia. 



This meant bats on different sides of the globe remained isolated for a very long time. It's why we have unique species like vampire bats in the Americas and fish-eating bats in Southeast Asia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-geographic-isolation-matter">Why does geographic isolation matter?</h2>



Understanding how millions of years of isolation have shaped life on Earth has some pretty big implications for our world today.



"By understanding how historical isolation has shaped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bee-evolution-occurred-tens-of-millions-of-years-earlier-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, we can gain valuable insights into the delicate balance of ecosystems and develop strategies for protecting biodiversity in regions with unique evolutionary histories," said Williams.



This research reminds us that the world wasn't always as interconnected as it is now. The researchers are keen to continue exploring how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-discovery-challenges-entire-theory-of-human-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient events</a> have molded the amazing variety of life around us. 



Study co-author Elise Zipkin noted: "In ecology, even hyperlocal problems need to incorporate regional, continental or even global processes."



It's a great reminder that our planet has a fascinating and complex history, and the ripples of events from millions of years ago are still felt in the ecosystems we encounter today.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-46757-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Ancient geographic isolation shaped the global evolution of mammals

Why do koalas live in Australia while squirrels dominate similar...

Spotted <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/african-wild-dog-vs-hyena-know-the-difference/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hyenas</a> are fascinating creatures with complex social statuses and hierarchy. 



In the wild plains of Tanzania, scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (<a href="https://www.izw-berlin.de/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leibniz-IZW</a>) have made a remarkable discovery: a hyena's rank within its clan leaves a lasting mark on its epigenome.



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



Your DNA comprises an intricate blueprint that dictates the construction, maintenance, and functioning of your entire body. 



The sequence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-building-block-of-life-called-tna-created-in-the-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nucleotides</a> -- adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G) -- encodes this blueprint within your genetic material.



However, not every segment of this genetic code is active at all times. The selective activation and deactivation of genes is crucial for the body's adaptation to its environment, developmental stages, and various physiological needs.



Epigenetics is the scientific study of the biological mechanisms that switch genes on and off. These mechanisms do not alter the underlying DNA sequence but instead modify the accessibility of genes to the cellular machinery responsible for gene expression. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-methylation">DNA methylation</h2>



One of the primary mechanisms of epigenetic regulation is the addition or removal of methyl groups to the DNA molecule, particularly at the cytosine bases. 



This process, known as DNA methylation, can either suppress or enhance gene activity depending on the location and context of the methylation event.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-spotted-hyenas">Understanding spotted hyenas</h2>



Spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) offer a fascinating glimpse into the intricate world of animal social structures. 



Their unique matriarchal society, where females reign supreme, provides a rich backdrop for exploring how social rank shapes the lives of individuals within the clan.



In spotted hyena society, female dominance sets the structure, unlike in most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolutionary-mystery-why-are-mammals-the-only-vertebrates-to-have-only-one-lower-jawbone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammals</a>. Females are typically larger and more aggressive than males. 



The highest-ranking female, the matriarch, leads the clan, directing them to food sources and making crucial survival decisions. 



This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hyenas-experience-a-decline-in-social-rank-and-life-quality-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">power structure</a> permeates all aspects of hyena life, from access to food to opportunities for mating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hyenas-social-status">Hyenas social status</h2>



In spotted hyena clans, social status is passed down through the maternal line. Cubs, male or female, inherit their mother's rank. This has far-reaching consequences. 



The offspring of female hyenas with high-ranking social status enjoy a privileged life with priority access to food. They get the choicest parts of a kill, while lower-ranking members must wait and often receive less nutritious leftovers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hyena-social-status-advantage">Hyena social status advantage</h2>



“Additionally, the effects of social status on life history trajectories and health are typically passed across generations," said Dr. Heribert Hofer, founder of the Serengeti hyena project.



Cubs of high-ranking mothers receive more than just better food; they benefit from increased protection and social support within the clan. 



This boosts their chances of survival and future reproductive success, essentially perpetuating an elite class within the hyena society.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hyena-epigenetic-code-and-social-status">Hyena epigenetic code and social status</h2>



The team of researchers led by the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) had a clever idea. Instead of invasive sampling, they collected fresh droppings from wild hyenas. 



These samples contained traces of DNA from cells lining the gut, and with cutting-edge techniques, they analyzed the chemical "sticky notes" – the epigenetic marks.



What they found was astounding. High-ranking and low-ranking female hyenas, both adults and cubs, had distinctly different patterns in their DNA methylation. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-stress">Social stress</h2>



The scientists found that genes related to energy regulation, immunity, and cell communication contributed to many of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epigenetics-dog-domestication/">epigenetic</a> changes.



The experts believe that low-ranking hyenas, who have to work harder to find food, might show epigenetic adaptations to handle more physical exertion. It's like their bodies are adjusting to their tougher lifestyle.



The potential impact on immune function suggests that even a hyena's place in society can influence its ability to fight disease. 



The study opens up a new window into understanding the "social stress" faced by wild animals, and how that stress gets embedded in their biology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-hyena-social-status-genes-and-life">Linking hyena social status, genes, and life</h2>



In mammals, social behavior and social status can substantially influence the survival, reproductive performance and health of individuals. 



This research in hyenas has incredible implications. It shows how social structures in the animal world aren't just a matter of who gets the biggest piece of meat. 



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hyenas-inherit-their-mothers-social-network/">social dynamics</a> can have long-lasting biological consequences. While further research is needed, it might even point towards similar mechanisms at play in humans.



The next time you see footage of a snarling, squabbling hyena clan, remember – they're not just fighting over scraps. Their DNA carries the echoes of their social world, and that world has shaped their health and survival potential. 



The study reminds us that the effects of our environment go far deeper than we sometimes realize.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-024-05926-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.



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Social status in some mammals is passed to offspring through the epigenome

Spotted hyenas are fascinating creatures with complex social statuses and...

Rising temperatures and disease outbreaks are significantly impacting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-in-some-parts-of-the-world-actually-benefit-from-warming-el-nino-events/">coral reefs</a> around the tropics. With higher latitude marine environments potentially acting as sanctuaries for vulnerable coral species, understanding the mechanisms of coral population expansion and sustainability is crucial. Yet, the limited scope of contemporary observations constrains our grasp on this process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-at-the-past-to-predict-the-future-nbsp">Looking at the past to predict the future&nbsp;</h2>



What can the deep past tell us about the future of coral reef communities? A recent study led by <a href="https://www.fau.edu/">Florida Atlantic University</a> (FAU) has attempted to answer this question by offering geological perspectives on coral range expansions.&nbsp;



The investigation involved reconstructing the composition of a Late Holocene-aged subfossil coral death assemblage found in an unexpected location off Southeast Florida and comparing it with today's reef compositions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-northward-migration-of-tropical-coral-communities">Historical northward migration of tropical coral communities</h2>



Situated along one of the most urbanized coastlines in the United States, the Late Holocene coral death assemblage known as "Pompano Ridge" documents a historical northward migration of tropical coral communities induced by regional climate warming over 2,000 years ago. This raises the question: Could such a migration occur again due to current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-study-provides-answers-to-how-coral-reefs-can-survive-climate-change/">climate change</a>?&nbsp;



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



The findings point to significant differences in coral composition between the Late Holocene and modern assemblages. These differences suggest that the modern environmental stressors absent during the Late Holocene are likely to restrict the capacity of modern higher latitude environments in Florida to serve as climate refuges for at-risk, temperature-sensitive corals.



“Today’s environmental conditions and ecology have substantially deviated from long-term Holocene baselines that occurred over millennial timescales,” noted study co-author Anton E. Oleinik, an associate professor of geology at FAU.&nbsp;



“Based on the findings from our study, we are not overly optimistic that Florida’s subtropical reefs will be able to support range expansions of reef-building coral species reminiscent of the Late Holocene any time soon.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-late-holocene-coral-assemblages">Late Holocene coral assemblages</h2>



The researchers discovered that Late Holocene coral assemblages were primarily dominated by now critically endangered Acropora species (stony coral) between 1,800 and 3,500 years ago, mirroring the healthy zonation patterns characterizing pre-1970s Caribbean reefs.



“What’s really remarkable is that we didn’t find these subfossil corals in the middle of the Caribbean like Belize or Bonaire. We found them right here in South Florida well beyond their present-day core range. What existed here thousands of years ago is similar to what we would have seen in Jamaica in the 1950s and 1960s,” said study lead author Alexander B. Modys, a geoscientist at FAU.



In contrast, the modern reefs off Southeast Florida are now increasingly dominated by stress-tolerant species like Porites astreoides (mustard hill coral) and Siderastrea siderea (round starlet coral), due in part to their resilience to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/corals-can-be-trained-to-endure-heat-stress/">thermal stress</a> and recent disease outbreaks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-expansion-of-tropical-corals">Natural expansion of tropical corals</h2>



The scientists identified significant changes in coral composition over time, suggesting that the natural expansion and sustainability of tropical corals, observed in the past, are unlikely to occur today without human intervention.&nbsp;



“The rapid decline of southern source populations and the added anthropogenic stressors that weren’t present during the Holocene are likely inhibiting the natural expansion of tropical corals we’d expect to see with climate warming. They aren’t going to get there on their own so more aggressive conservation strategies like assisted migration may be needed,” Modys explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-potential-climate-refuges-for-corals">Identifying potential climate refuges for corals</h2>



The examination of the Late Holocene record from Pompano Ridge lays the groundwork for identifying potential climate refuges for corals and for developing restoration and management strategies that replicate the successful ecological attributes of historical coral communities.&nbsp;



However, as Oleinik concluded; “It is important to emphasize that the long-term sustainability of these restoration activities will ultimately depend on the rate and magnitude of present-day climate warming. If climate warming continues at its present rate, it will become too warm even at historically cooler, higher latitude locations like Southeast Florida, and sadly, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reef-sounds-the-melodic-key-to-coral-restoration/">restoration</a> programs won’t be enough.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01283-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Human stressors limit the natural expansion of tropical corals

Rising temperatures and disease outbreaks are significantly impacting coral reefs...

Scientists have discovered that specially trained dogs may be able to detect the early signs of an impending <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-drug-mdma-shows-promise-for-reducing-post-traumatic-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PTSD</a> stress flashback by sniffing out specific compounds in a person's breath. 



This finding could lead to a new way for service <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-dog-day-celebrating-all-the-ways-that-dogs-make-life-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> to assist individuals struggling with the debilitating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-detect-stress-levels-by-sniffing-vocs">Dogs detect stress levels by sniffing VOCs</h2>



The research, led by Laura Kiiroja of <a href="https://www.dal.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dalhousie University</a> and published in Frontiers in Allergy, brought together expertise from Dr. Sherry Stewart's clinical psychology lab and Dr. Simon Gadbois' canine olfaction lab. 



The collaboration aimed to investigate whether dogs could learn to detect volatile organic compounds (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-christmas-trees-produce-that-fresh-festive-scent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VOCs</a>) associated with PTSD symptoms.



"PTSD service dogs are already trained to assist people during episodes of distress," said Kiiroja. "However, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-explores-the-mystery-of-why-dogs-wag-their-tails/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> are currently trained to respond to behavioral and physical cues. Our study showed that at least some dogs can also detect these episodes via breath."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-scent-of-stress-and-ptsd">The scent of stress and PTSD</h2>



To conduct the study, the researchers recruited 26 human participants, 54% of whom met the diagnostic requirements for PTSD <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shelter-dogs-have-high-levels-of-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a> levels. 



These individuals provided breath samples while wearing different facemasks -- one worn during a calm state and another worn while recalling their traumatic experiences.



Meanwhile, 25 pet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-and-humans-process-social-information-in-surprisingly-similar-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> were recruited for scent-detection training, with two standout performers, Ivy and Callie, completing the study. 



These skilled dogs were trained to recognize and detect the target stress odor from pieces of the facemasks, achieving an impressive 90% accuracy in distinguishing between stressed and non-stressed samples.



"Both Ivy and Callie found this work inherently motivating," said Kiiroja. "Their limitless appetite for delicious treats was also an asset. In fact, it was much harder to convince them to take a break than to commence work. Callie in particular made sure there was no dilly-dallying."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-different-types-of-stress">Detecting different types of stress</h2>



When presented with a series of samples to test their accuracy, Ivy achieved 74% accuracy, while Callie achieved 81%. Interestingly, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cigarette-smoke-exposure-elevates-cancer-risk-in-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> seemed to have slightly different ideas of what constituted a "stressed" breath sample.



"We speculated that Ivy was attuned to sympathetic-adreno-medullar axis hormones (like adrenaline) and Callie was oriented to the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones (like cortisol)," explained Kiiroja. 



"This is important knowledge for training service dogs, as alerting to early-onset PTSD symptoms requires sensitivity to sympathetic-adreno-medullar axis hormones."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-earlier-intervention">Potential for earlier intervention</h2>



PTSD service <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-labrador-retrievers-genetic-mutation-pomc-causes-hunger-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> are already trained to help patients by alerting to and interrupting episodes when their companions are struggling with symptoms. 



However, if dogs could detect and respond to stress markers on the breath, they could potentially interrupt episodes at an earlier stage, making their interventions more effective.



"This is a multidisciplinary collaboration between Dr Sherry Stewart's clinical psychology lab and Dr Simon Gadbois' canine olfaction lab, both at Dalhousie University," said Kiiroja. "Neither lab could have done this work on their own. We brought together two distinct sets of expertise."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-further-study">Implications and further study</h2>



While this proof-of-concept study provides exciting insights, the researchers acknowledge that validation studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the dogs' ability to reliably detect stress <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-complex-biochemical-communication-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VOCs</a> across different contexts.



"With 40 sample sets, ours is a proof-of-concept study that needs to be validated by studies with larger sample sizes," cautioned Kiiroja. 



"In addition to enrolling more participants, validation studies should collect samples from a higher number of stressful events to confirm <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/golden-retrievers-and-all-dog-breeds-will-live-longer-lives-thanks-to-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>' ability to reliably detect stress VOCs in the breath of one human across different contexts," Kiiroja concluded.



The team plans to carry out further experiments to confirm the involvement of the sympathetic-adreno-medullar axis in the dogs' detection of stress VOCs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-future-holds-for-dogs-and-stress-detection">What the future holds for dogs and stress detection</h2>



In summary, this fascinating study conducted by Laura Kiiroja and her team at Dalhousie University sheds light on the potential for specially trained dogs to detect the early signs of PTSD stress flashbacks. This occurs through canine olfactory analysis of stress-related VOCs in human breath. 



Their discovery paves the way for more effective interventions by service dogs, allowing them to interrupt episodes at an earlier stage and provide better support for individuals struggling with PTSD. 



As the researchers continue to investigate the involvement of specific hormonal pathways in the dogs' detection abilities, the future of PTSD management looks promising, with the possibility of earlier detection and more targeted assistance from our canine companions.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/falgy.2024.1352840/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Allergy</a>.



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Dogs can detect humans' stress levels by smelling their breath

Scientists have discovered that specially trained dogs may be able...

Rock-wallabies are small to medium-sized marsupials native to Australia, known for their agility in navigating rocky terrains.



But, turns out, they may have something similar to Napoleon complex. The idea that some shorter individuals may overcompensate for their lack of height with aggressive or dominant behavior. 



Scientists at <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a> have playfully dubbed this "Little Wallaby Syndrome."



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



Rock-wallabies thrive in rocky, rugged terrains where their agility and compact size give them an edge. 



These animals, known for their boundless energy and impressive hopping abilities, belong to the kangaroo family but are far more diminutive and nimble. 



Unlike their larger kangaroo relatives, who dominate the vast open landscapes of Australia, rock-wallabies prefer the shelter and complexity of rocky outcrops and cliffs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics-and-skills">Characteristics and skills</h2>



Distinguished by their thick, bushy tails for balance, rock-wallabies are masters of their rocky domain. Their powerful hind legs propel them in gravity-defying leaps across treacherous terrain, aiding in both swift movement and predator evasion. 



To further enhance their survival, their patterned coats blend seamlessly with the rocky landscape, offering superb camouflage against eagles, dingoes, and other hunters.



Intriguingly, some rock-wallaby species are exceptionally tiny. The nabarlek, for instance, is about the size of a rabbit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-bite-small-body">Big bite, small body</h2>



Imagine a chihuahua taking on a German shepherd's bone. It seems unlikely, right? However, in nature, the impossible sometimes happens. 



The researchers discovered that dwarf rock-wallabies can pack a proportionally stronger bite than their much larger cousins. This allows them to chow down on the same tough vegetation as their bigger counterparts.



Dr. Rex Mitchell, a leading researcher on this study, humorously noted, "If I were a vegetable, I would not mess with a pygmy rock-wallaby. They totally have 'Little Wallaby Syndrome'."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-rock-wallabies-do-it">How do rock-wallabies do it?</h2>



The secret to their powerful bite lies in their skull adaptations. Here's what scientists found:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mighty-jaws">Mighty jaws</h3>



Dwarf rock-wallabies have shorter, rounder snouts and teeth positioned at the back, where they can generate a much harder bite. It's like having built-in power tools in their mouths!



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supersized-teeth">Supersized teeth</h3>



Some of their teeth are surprisingly large for their body size, another indication of their ability to bite harder.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tooth-specialization">Tooth specialization</h3>



The two dwarf rock-wallaby species have differently enlarged teeth – one has larger molars, the other larger premolars. This suggests they've adapted to tackle different types of vegetation.



The nabarlek, with its giant molars, has another trick up its furry sleeve – it can continuously grow new molars throughout its life. This is likely an adaptation to grinding down tough, abrasive plants.



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



Dr. Mitchell explained why these findings are significant: "The functional effects of skull size on skull shape are often ignored because differences in size are not generally considered to be related to feeding adaptations."



This research proves otherwise. It shows that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-pets-have-a-high-risk-of-heatstroke/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smaller animals</a> don't always have to change what they eat; they can instead evolve clever ways to process those foods. 



These findings might help us understand how other species, and the entire ecosystem they belong to, might adapt to changing conditions.



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



Beyond the fascinating science, there's something deeply inspiring about these tenacious rock-wallabies. They teach us that:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-hunting-asia-45000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Size</a> doesn't always determine strength.</li>



<li>Adaptations can be incredibly creative and surprising.</li>



<li>There is always another way if you have the determination (and perhaps a stronger bite)</li>
</ul>



“We already knew that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shift-smaller-animals-next-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smaller animals</a> have a harder time eating the same foods as larger ones, simply because their jaws are smaller. For example, a chihuahua wouldn’t be able to chew on a big bone as easily as a German Shepherd,” said Dr Mitchell, from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/lab/Vera-Weisbecker-Lab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Morphological Evo-Devo Lab</a>&nbsp;at Flinders University.



So, the next time you encounter a seemingly small and unassuming creature, remember the rock-wallaby and its mighty bite. There might be more to it than meets the eye.



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



Rock-wallabies are fascinating marsupials native to Australia and the island of New Guinea, known for their distinctive rock-dwelling habits. These small to medium-sized marsupials belong to the genus Petrogale and are closely related to kangaroos and wallaroos, all part of the macropod family, which means “big foot.”



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



Rock-wallabies have powerful hind legs, enabling them to navigate steep and rocky terrain with remarkable ease and precision. Their ability to leap and bound across rocks, often landing on tiny footholds with accuracy, is a key adaptation to their habitat.



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



Their fur varies in color but generally serves as camouflage, blending in with the rocky environments they inhabit. Rock-wallabies typically have a darker dorsal (back) side and a lighter ventral (belly) side, with some species featuring distinctive patterns or color bands.



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



Rock-wallabies are herbivores, feeding on a variety of vegetation, including grasses, leaves, and fruits. Their diet varies depending on what's available in their specific habitat, which can range from moist forested areas to dry, rocky outcrops.



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



Reproduction in rock wallabies involves unique characteristics shared by other marsupials, such as embryonic diapause, where the development of the embryo can pause until environmental or physiological conditions are favorable.&nbsp;



After birth, the joey (baby wallaby) continues to develop in the mother's pouch, emerging fully formed after several months.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2024.0045" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biology Letters</a>.



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Study reveals the surprising jaw strength of rock-wallabies

Rock-wallabies are small to medium-sized marsupials native to Australia, known...

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto Mississauga</a> has examined how climate change might fundamentally alter the animal species populating North American cities. 



Shedding new light on the potential future shifts in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-greening-projects-can-dramatically-boost-urban-biodiversity/">urban biodiversity</a>, this research has major implications for the animals that city residents may encounter by the year 2100.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-landscape-of-us-and-canadian-cities">Biodiversity landscape of US and Canadian cities</h2>



Urban areas, teeming with life, offer residents the opportunity to connect with local biodiversity, ranging from birds in backyards to animals represented as local sports team mascots.&nbsp;



However, the experts warn that the biodiversity landscape of US and Canadian cities could undergo significant changes due to human-induced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/">climate change</a>, affecting over 2,000 animal species that have historically inhabited the 60 most populous cities in North America.



"Just like the California grizzly bear is extinct from where it is displayed prominently on the state flag, with climate change, the floodgates are open and many other emblematic species are at risk of extirpation from the communities they represent," noted the study authors.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-causes-widespread-biodiversity-shifts">Climate change causes widespread biodiversity shifts</h2>



"Human experiences with nature are important for our culture, economy, and health. Anthropogenically-driven climate change is causing widespread shifts in biodiversity and resident urban wildlife are no exception," wrote the researchers.



"We modeled over 2,000 animal species to predict how climate change will impact terrestrial wildlife within 60 Canadian and American cities. We found evidence of an impending great urban shift where thousands of species will disappear across the selected cities, being replaced by new species, or not replaced at all."&nbsp;



"Effects were largely species-specific, with the most negatively impacted taxa being amphibians, canines, and loons. These predicted shifts were consistent across scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions, but our results show that the severity of change will be defined by our action or inaction to mitigate climate change."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favorable-conditions-for-animal-species">Favorable conditions for animal species</h2>



The study leveraged data from online species distribution databases, primarily collected through citizen science initiatives, to compile records of terrestrial animal sightings across these cities.&nbsp;



Despite acknowledging potential inaccuracies in citizen-sourced data, the team employed machine learning techniques to forecast the most favorable conditions for each species under three different emissions scenarios by the end of the century.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-substantial-turnover-in-urban-biodiversity">Substantial turnover in urban biodiversity</h2>



The findings project a substantial turnover in urban biodiversity by 2100, affecting nearly all cities studied. Particularly, cities with a rich history of species diversity are expected to see significant declines, with minimal gains in new species.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooler-cities-will-gain-more-animal-species">Cooler cities will gain more animal species</h3>



Geographical analysis predicts that cooler, wetter cities such as Omaha and Kansas City might welcome a surge of new species, with cities like Quebec, Ottawa, and Winnipeg potentially nearly doubling their current species count.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warmer-cities-will-lose-more-animal-species-nbsp">Warmer cities will lose more animal species&nbsp;</h3>



Conversely, warmer cities with high precipitation levels, like those in coastal California, may witness the largest exodus of species. Arid regions, exemplified by Phoenix and Albuquerque, might see less dramatic shifts, attributed to their ecosystems' inherent resilience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-bird-and-insect-species-will-shift-to-new-urban-areas">Most bird and insect species will shift to new urban areas</h2>



Alarmingly, up to fifty-four species could disappear from the analyzed cities. A taxonomic breakdown reveals that over 95% of bird and insect species could see changes in their urban distribution.&nbsp;



Canines, most amphibians, and loons are among those anticipated to suffer the most significant losses, whereas turtles, mice, toads, and pelicans might become increasingly prevalent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-noticeable-shifts-in-the-local-species-composition">Noticeable shifts in the local species composition</h2>



According to the researchers, residents who spend their lives in the same city will likely witness noticeable shifts in the local species composition.&nbsp;



While the study's predictions are based on models and necessitate further ecological validation, it emphasizes the crucial role of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in preserving urban biodiversity.



“For people living in cities, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-life-plant-animal-evolution/">animals</a> in their backyards and local green spaces are going to change significantly with climate change. Over the next few decades, familiar species will be leaving the city and new species will be entering it, forever changing the composition of urban animals,” the authors concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299217" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>. 



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Thousands of animal species will soon vanish from cities

A new study led by the University of Toronto Mississauga...

Celebrated on the last Wednesday in March, Manatee Appreciation Day is more than just a tribute - it's a global call to protect the gentle giants of the sea.&nbsp;



Manatees have no natural predators, which contributes to their serene demeanor. However, this does not mean they are without threats.&nbsp;



Human activities pose significant risks to manatee populations. Despite these challenges, manatees have shown remarkable resilience, with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-now-at-the-forefront-of-saving-endangered-manatees-the-cows-of-the-sea/">conservation efforts</a> playing a crucial role in protecting them.&nbsp;



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



Human activities have not been kind to manatees. Boating, pollution, and habitat destruction stand out as the three greatest threats.



Despite legal protections against hunting, manatees continue to be poached for their meat and hides. Furthermore, their natural habitats, crucial for their survival, are being decimated by human development and intrusion.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/boat-strikes-are-a-growing-threat-to-manatees-in-belize/">Boat strikes</a> are particularly alarming, leading to tragic injuries or even death for these gentle creatures. This dire situation underlines the urgency of increasing awareness so that manatees will continue to exist in the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-to-know-manatees">Getting to know manatees</h2>



Manatees, also known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-now-at-the-forefront-of-saving-endangered-manatees-the-cows-of-the-sea/">sea cows</a>, are a marvel of marine life, characterized by their gentle nature and slow-moving grace. These large, aquatic mammals belong to the order Sirenia, which also includes three species of dugongs.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



One of the most captivating aspects of manatees is their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-restoration-could-help-save-starving-manatees/">herbivorous diet</a>, as they feed on a wide variety of submerged, floating, and emergent plants in both fresh and saltwater environments.



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



With a physique that seems almost comical in its roundness, manatees can reach lengths of up to 13 feet and weigh as much as 1,300 pounds. 



Despite their size, they are known for their docility and slow pace, typically cruising through the waters at just a few miles per hour, though they can sprint up to 15 mph in short bursts.



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



Manatees possess a sparse covering of hair and use their flippers for tasks such as feeding and movement. Their tails are paddle-shaped, providing powerful propulsion through the water. 



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



These creatures have a highly developed sense of hearing, although their eyesight is relatively poor. They communicate through a range of sounds, especially when interacting with their young or during courtship rituals.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction-nbsp">Reproduction&nbsp;</h3>



One of the most intriguing aspects of manatees is their reproductive cycle. Female manatees typically give birth to a single calf every two to five years, with a gestation period of about 12 months. 



The bond between the mother and calf is strong, with the calf often seen nursing and staying close to its mother for up to two years.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distribution-nbsp">Distribution&nbsp;</h3>



Found primarily in warm waters of the Southeastern United States, particularly Florida, manatees are also located in parts of the Caribbean, South America, and West Africa.&nbsp;



Their preference for warm waters often leads them to gather around springs or power plant discharges during colder months, searching for the warmth necessary for their survival.



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



Conservation efforts for manatees focus on habitat protection, reducing boat-related injuries and deaths, and rescuing and rehabilitating injured individuals. 



Public awareness and education campaigns also play a vital role in protecting these unique creatures, encouraging people to appreciate and conserve the natural world manatees inhabit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interesting-facts-about-manatees">Interesting facts about manatees</h2>



Manatees are among the most enchanting marine mammals. Here are some interesting facts about them:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-relatives">Ancient relatives</h3>



Manatees are believed to share a common ancestor with elephants. This is reflected in several of their physical traits, such as their tough, wrinkled skin and the bristly hairs covering their bodies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-built-in-buoyancy-control">Built-in buoyancy control</h3>



Manatees have a unique way to control their buoyancy through an endless cycle of farting. Their digestive processes generate gas, which helps them maintain buoyancy and float through the water columns.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communicative-creatures-nbsp">Communicative creatures&nbsp;</h3>



Despite their quiet demeanor, manatees are quite vocal. They communicate with each other through a variety of sounds, especially important among mothers and their calves.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marathon-migrants">Marathon migrants</h3>



While manatees are generally slow-moving, they can travel long distances. Florida manatees have been known to migrate up the Eastern U.S. coast to as far as Virginia in the summer.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vegetarian-giants">Vegetarian giants</h3>



Manatees eat about 10 to 15% of their body weight in vegetation daily. Given that an adult manatee can weigh over 1,000 pounds, their daily intake can be upwards of 100 pounds of plants.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-lifespan">Long lifespan</h3>



Manatees can live for a long time, often reaching ages of 40 to 60 years in the wild. Their slow reproduction rate, however, makes them vulnerable to threats.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensitive-whiskers">Sensitive whiskers</h3>



The whiskers on a manatee's face, or vibrissae, are highly tactile and sensitive. They use these whiskers to explore their environment and find food.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-lawnmowers">Natural lawnmowers</h3>



By feeding on water plants, manatees play a crucial role in maintaining healthy marine environments. They help keep aquatic plant growth in check, which is essential for the balance of aquatic ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-manatee-appreciation-day">Origins of Manatee Appreciation Day</h2>



The inception of Manatee Appreciation Day is a testament to the long-standing efforts to protect these marine mammals. 



This occasion was established more than 40 years ago, in 1981, through the collaborative efforts of the <a href="https://savethemanatee.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Save the Manatees Club</a>, singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett, and former U.S.Senator Bob Graham. The goal was to cast a spotlight on the manatees, encouraging actions to ensure their survival.



Manatee Appreciation Day is not just a day of reflection but also of celebration and education. Events are typically hosted in regions thriving with manatee populations, such as Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean. 



These celebrations involve educational programs, conservation activities, and opportunities to observe manatees in their natural environments, fostering a deeper connection and understanding between humans and these majestic sea creatures.



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Manatee Appreciation Day: Protecting the gentle giants of the sea

Celebrated on the last Wednesday in March, Manatee Appreciation Day...

Meet the tobacco hornworm, a green caterpillar you might not find pretty, but its blood characteristics will surprise you. This caterpillar is a wound-healing wonder that can stop itself from bleeding with incredible speed, sealing up wounds in less than a minute. 



Scientists have finally figured out how, and their discoveries could revolutionize the way we think about emergency blood clotting treatments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hemolymph-caterpillar-blood">Hemolymph: Caterpillar blood</h2>



Humans have blood. Insects sport a similar fluid known as hemolymph. Both are essential, circulating nutrients and crucial substances throughout the body. Yet, this is where their common ground largely ends. 



Our blood boasts a rich composition, teeming with red blood cells and platelets. These components are vital for clotting, a natural defense against bleeding out from injuries.



On the flip side, insects navigate through life with a distinct setup. Their hemolymph lacks the red blood cells and platelets found in humans. Instead, it contains hemocytes. These cells are the insects' multitaskers. They play a pivotal role in the immune system, combating infections and ensuring the insect remains healthy.



But their abilities stretch beyond defense against microbes. Hemocytes have another, equally crucial function. They're key players in repairing damage. When an insect gets hurt, hemocytes spring into action. They converge at the injury site, working together to form a patch. This process is fast and efficient, sealing the wound and preventing further harm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-caterpillars-stop-the-bleeding">How caterpillars stop the bleeding</h2>



"These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caterpillars-defense-sticky-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caterpillars</a>, called tobacco hornworms, can seal the wounds in a minute," said Dr. Konstantin Kornev, a professor specializing in materials science at Clemson University. So, how do they do it?



Here's the step-by-step:



Insect hemolymph is typically watery. Yet, once it exits the body, an extraordinary transformation occurs. It morphs into a viscoelastic material. Imagine it becoming slimy and stretchable. “A good example of a viscoelastic fluid is saliva,” said Dr. Kornev. 



“When you smear a drop between your fingers, it behaves like water: materials scientists will say it is purely viscous. But thanks to very large molecules called mucins in it, saliva forms a bridge when you move your fingers apart. Therefore, it’s properly called viscoelastic: viscous when you shear it and elastic when you stretch it.”



Then, the hemocytes spring into action. They converge on the injury, clustering to form a barrier atop the now gooey hemolymph. As time passes, this barrier crystallizes into a crust, effectively sealing the cut. This process is vital for an insect's survival, preventing excessive loss of hemolymph and warding off infections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-caterpillar-blood">Benefits of caterpillar blood</h2>



“Turning hemolymph into a viscoelastic fluid appears to help <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monarch-caterpillars-become-very-aggressive-when-food-is-limited/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caterpillars</a> and cockroaches to stop any bleeding, by retracting dripping droplets back to the wound in a few seconds,” explained Dr. Kornev. 



“We conclude that their hemolymph has an extraordinary ability to instantaneously change its material properties. Unlike silk-producing insects and spiders, which have a special organ for making fibers, these insects can make hemolymph filaments at any location upon wounding.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-should-we-pay-attention-to-caterpillar-bleeding">Why should we pay attention to caterpillar bleeding?</h2>



"Our discoveries open the door for designing fast-working thickeners of human blood," explained Dr. Kornev. "We needn't necessarily copy the exact biochemistry, but should focus on designing drugs that could turn blood into a viscoelastic material that stops bleeding."



Imagine paramedics having access to a medicine that could temporarily thicken blood at the site of an injury. This could buy precious time for someone seriously hurt or even increase survival rates during complex surgeries. 



Beyond emergency care, the study of caterpillar blood clotting mechanisms offers exciting possibilities for various medical fields. Here are a few applications:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wound-healing">Wound healing</h3>



Faster, controlled clotting can significantly enhance wound healing. For patients with chronic wounds or those recovering from surgery, a drug mimicking caterpillar hemolymph could speed up the healing process.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hemophilia-treatment">Hemophilia treatment</h3>



Individuals with hemophilia, a disorder that impairs blood clotting, could benefit immensely. A treatment derived from these findings might offer them a safer, more natural way to manage their condition, reducing the risk of bleeding episodes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-surgery">Cancer surgery</h3>



In cancer surgeries, precise blood management is crucial. A viscoelastic blood thickener could help surgeons operate more effectively, minimizing blood loss while excising tumors.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transplant-procedures">Transplant procedures</h3>



During organ transplants, managing the recipient's blood properties is vital. This technology could stabilize patients, ensuring their bodies are in optimal condition to receive new organs.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-military-medicine">Military medicine</h3>



In battlefield conditions, where rapid medical response is essential, such a drug could save lives. Medics could administer it to stabilize injured soldiers before evacuation, increasing survival rates in combat zones.



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



The tobacco hornworm, known scientifically as Manduca sexta, is a fascinating creature. It's the larval stage of the Carolina sphinx moth. These caterpillars are easily recognized by their vibrant green color and the characteristic horn-like spike on their rear end.



Primarily, they feed on tobacco and tomato plants, which is where their name originates. Gardeners often find them munching on leaves, making them notorious pests in vegetable gardens. Yet, despite their bad reputation among gardeners, these caterpillars play a crucial role in the study of insect biology.



Tobacco hornworms grow rapidly, thanks to their high-protein diet of leaf material. This growth makes them an ideal subject for scientific research. Scientists study them to understand more about insect metabolism, physiology, and development. Additionally, their large size, reaching up to 10 centimeters in length, allows for easier handling and examination in laboratory settings.



Interestingly, when it's time to pupate, the tobacco hornworm burrows into the ground. It transforms into a pupa, the stage before emerging as a Carolina sphinx moth. This metamorphosis is a stunning example of insect development and adaptation.



Moreover, researchers are fascinated by the hornworm's defense mechanisms. Apart from their cryptic green coloration that camouflages them among leaves, they have a unique ability to metabolize nicotine from tobacco leaves. They convert it into a toxic compound, deterring predators.



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



This study is a reminder that nature has a knack for finding elegant ways to overcome challenges. We humans are pretty smart, but sometimes the best solutions come from the unlikeliest places. 



By paying close attention to the natural world – even the squirmy, crawly bits – we might unlock life-saving innovations we haven't even imagined yet. From blood-stopping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caterpillars-spotted-for-the-first-time-on-alpine-rose-leaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caterpillars</a> to life-changing medicine, the possibilities are thrilling.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/frsfm.2024.1341129" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Soft Matter</a>.



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Caterpillars can stop their bleeding and seal wounds in seconds

Meet the tobacco hornworm, a green caterpillar you might not...

A new study led by Professor Bryan Fry at the <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Queensland</a> offers interesting insights into how lizards have adapted to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-blue-tongue-lizard-evolved-resistance-to-deadly-snake-venom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survive</a> snake venom attacks.



Lizards and snakes have been locked in a remarkable evolutionary battle for millennia. Venomous snakes wield a powerful weapon, but their reptilian cousins have developed fascinating ways to stay alive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lizards-snakes-and-evolution">Lizards, snakes, and evolution</h2>



Australia serves as a dynamic arena for an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snake-evolution-legless-lizards-into-slithering-snakes-100-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary</a> face-off. On one side are the venomous snakes, including the lethal death adder, equipped with venom powerful enough to kill a human. 



On the other side, lizards, ranging from the imposing Komodo dragon to the smaller goannas, are locked in a survival struggle.



Professor Bryan Fry and his team, partnering with museums across Australia, dove deep into this epic conflict. Their research reveals a riveting arms race. 



They discovered how some lizards have cleverly evolved to resist the deadly neurotoxins of Australia's venomous snakes. 



“Australian snakes have developed potent venoms to counteract the lizards’ defenses, highlighting an intense predator-prey dynamic," said PhD candidate Uthpala Chandrasekara. "Once the lizards evolve, the snakes fire back with even more potent toxins. It's a biological arms race where the only constant is change."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lizard-s-defense-against-snake-venom">Lizard's defense against snake venom</h2>



"Evolution has equipped these giant lizards with the ability to combat venoms, but not all shield themselves in the same way," says Professor Fry. That's where it gets really interesting.



In the battle for survival, lizards have developed some fascinating defenses against venomous snakes. Their first line of defense? A unique form of chemical resistance. 



Many of these large, predatory lizards have evolved an immunity to the neurotoxins in snake venom. This venom is deadly, designed to paralyze prey by attacking the nervous system. 



But for these lizards, it's as if they've been granted a superpower. They can face off against venomous snakes without fearing the lethal effects of their bites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-komodo-dragon">Komodo dragon</h2>



But, not all lizards play the game of chemical warfare. Enter the heavyweights: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/all-about-the-mysterious-komodo-dragon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Komodo dragon</a> and the perentie, Australia's own giant lizard. 



These behemoths take a different approach to defense. According to Professor Bryan Fry, they rely on sheer physical strength. 



Their defense doesn't come from within but from their armor. Thick, bone-filled scales act as a natural shield against snake bites. And if a snake does get too close? 



These lizards use their massive teeth to quickly neutralize the threat, treating the snakes like "fettuccini" to be swiftly cut and dispatched. In this case, brute force trumps biochemical resistance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantages-of-small-size">Advantages of small size</h2>



Now, not all lizards are titans. What about the little ones? Smaller species, like tree monitors, have found a different path to survival. By taking to the trees, they escape the ground-dwelling predators armed with deadly venom.



This arboreal lifestyle led to an interesting shift: tree monitors gradually lost their chemical defenses against snake venom. High above the dangers of the forest floor, the need for this resistance dwindled.



But evolution is a winding road. Some of these small lizards eventually ventured back to the ground, becoming burrowers. This return exposed them to lurking dangers – the same venomous snakes their ancestors had escaped.



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



The evolutionary relation between lizards and snakes is a riveting chapter in Earth's history, a testament to the intricate web of predator-prey relationships that shape the biosphere. 



This ongoing saga, rooted in the distant past, reflects the relentless adaptation, survival, and natural selection.



Millions of years ago, the ancestors of modern lizards and snakes diverged from a common lineage. This split set the stage for a journey marked by incredible diversity. 



Lizards, in their myriad forms, colonized habitats from forests to deserts. Snakes, losing their limbs, became masters of stealth and deadly precision. As these paths crossed, a dynamic predator-prey relationship ignited.



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



The struggle between snakes and lizards isn't simply about survival – it's an engine of evolution. Venomous snakes wield potent toxins to subdue their prey, including lizards. 



In response, some lizards evolved sophisticated defenses like neurotoxin resistance, a testament to the power of natural selection in shaping biological arms races. This isn't a one-sided battle, but a constant back-and-forth, innovation met with counter-innovation.



This intricate interplay influences the broader ecosystem. Predator-prey dynamics are crucial for ecological balance, regulating populations and driving biodiversity. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-never-dull">Nature's never dull</h2>



The biggest takeaway from this study? "This complex dance of adaptation has resulted in a Russian doll-like nesting of gains and losses over time and suggests that the evolutionary battle doesn't always head in one direction," said Chandrasekara . 



Just when you think you've got nature figured out, it throws a curveball. Lizards gain resistance, then lose it, then gain it back. It's proof that evolution is messy, unpredictable, and incredibly fascinating.



While there's still more to unravel in this ongoing snake-lizard duel, remember: the next time you see a lizard basking in the sun, it might be a tiny survivor packing far more secrets and evolutionary tricks than you could ever imagine.



The study is published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052628" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Molecular Sciences</a>.



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Some lizards have evolved to resist deadly snake venom

A new study led by Professor Bryan Fry at the...

Red,Ants,Army,Fighting,With,Queen,Black,Ant

Your work environment shapes your job, and guess what? It's the same for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/there-are-2-5-million-ants-for-each-human-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a>. A new study discovers that ant queens aren't born destined to be egg-laying machines -- they actually change their behavior based on who's around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ant-queen-s-job-description">Ant queen's job description</h2>



The traditional view of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-build-higher-nests-when-there-are-no-visible-landmarks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant colonies</a> has always painted a clear division of labor: the queen, as the reproductive engine, solely dedicates herself to egg-laying, while the worker ants buzz around performing all the other necessary tasks to maintain and expand the colony. 



This almost industrial efficiency, with roles seemingly assigned at the genetic level in some species, underscores the perceived rigidity of social insect societies. But what if this understanding is more of a generalization than a universal truth?



Dr. Romain Libbrecht and his research team from <a href="https://international.univ-tours.fr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tours</a> have thrown a wrench into this neatly sorted mechanism. Their research suggests that the roles within ant colonies, particularly that of the queen, may not be as fixed as once thought. 



Through their detailed observations and experiments, they have shown that the queen's behavior and role can significantly change depending on the social environment of the colony.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-of-ant-queen-behavior">Shifting of ant queen behavior</h2>



The scientists studied the common black garden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-have-a-communications-system-that-closely-resembles-mental-telepathy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant</a> (Lasius niger). Here's the wild part: When a new queen starts a colony, she's a Jill-of-all-trades. She takes care of the brood herself at first, ensuring those first precious workers hatch. 



But, once those workers arrive on the scene? She transforms. Suddenly, egg-laying becomes her sole focus, and the workers take over everything else.



If you take an established, egg-laying queen away from her workers, she switches back to all-purpose mode.



"With regard to the ant species we studied, it is social factors that control whether queens become specialized or not. Our findings challenge the widely accepted notion of social insect queens as inherently specialized egg-laying machines," Dr. Libbrecht said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-ant-queen-the-boss">Is ant queen the boss?</h2>



This discovery flips the script. We thought queens were in charge, giving orders to the workers. Now, it looks like workers might subtly control the queen's behavior, shaping the whole colony's division of labor.



Why would this system evolve? Scientists are still working that out. Maybe a queen that can help out when the colony is tiny has a better survival chance. 



Or, maybe a colony can respond better to food shortages or danger if the queen isn't always tied to egg-laying duties.



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



This isn't just about ant trivia. "If social environment shapes such a fundamental aspect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/edible-ants-art-science-sustainable-food-source-ant-cuisine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant</a> colonies, what else might it influence?" Dr. Libbrecht wonders. It turns out, studying critters with seemingly simple lives can teach us profound lessons. 



Perhaps the way genes and environment interact is far more flexible than we ever thought. This has potential implications for all kinds of biological systems -- maybe even ourselves!



Dr. Libbrecht is fascinated by how critters adapt to their environment. He used to work at<a href="https://www.uni-mainz.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz</a> and now digs into insect mysteries at the <a href="https://www.cnrs.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNRS</a> in France. He wants to know what makes insects change their behavior and even their bodies in response to the world around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparison-with-other-insects">Comparison with other insects</h2>



When we peer into the miniature societies of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/matabele-ants-produce-antibiotics-to-treat-wounded-nestmates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a>, bees, and wasps, we witness marvels of cooperation and efficiency. Each group displays a unique social system that shapes its survival and success. 



By exploring their differences, we gain a deeper understanding of the fascinating diversity of the natural world.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ants-adaptable-and-resilient">Ants: Adaptable and resilient </h3>



Ant colonies are renowned for their rigid division of labor. The queen presides as the sole egg-layer, while workers diligently forage, care for the young, and defend their home. 



Yet, as researchers like Dr. Romain Libbrecht reveal, even within this structure, there's room for flexibility. Ant queens may adapt their roles based on their colony's needs, adding a surprising layer to their complex society.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-masters-of-specialization">Bees: Masters of specialization </h3>



Unlike ants, honeybee societies exhibit extreme specialization. The queen's sole purpose is reproduction, while sterile female workers handle all other tasks. 



Male drones exist only to mate with a queen. These unyielding roles enable remarkable efficiency and productivity within the hive.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wasps-a-balance-of-structure-and-flexibility">Wasps: A balance of structure and flexibility </h3>



Wasp societies bridge the gap, with queens, workers, and males performing fairly distinct roles. However, a key difference lies in their adaptability. 



If a wasp queen dies, worker wasps may step into the reproductive role -- a flexibility rarely seen in bees or ants. This underscores the importance of adaptability within a social structure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shared-principles-across-insect-species">Shared principles across insect species</h2>



Despite their differences, ants, bees, and wasps rely on some shared principles. Communication, via intricate methods like pheromones or dances, is vital to their coordination. 



Their division of labor, whether rigid or fluid, demonstrates how specialization promotes a thriving community.



Exploring these insect societies reveals incredible diversity, adaptability, and the undeniable benefits of cooperation. Ants teach us about resilience within a strict order, while bees exemplify unwavering specialization. Wasps showcase the value of flexibility in social roles. 



These insect empires offer potent lessons for understanding our own world, potentially inspiring better organizational structures and technology.



The study is published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.14536" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Functional Ecology</a>. -----



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Ant queen behavior changes based on their social environment

Your work environment shapes your job, and guess what? It's...

Triceratops,Horridus,Group,,Herd,Of,Dinosaurs,Enjoying,The,Beach,(3d

Fans of Jurassic Park might remember the iconic scene where Dr. Alan Grant and the kids encounter a sick Triceratops -- a gentle, social giant of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jurassic-rocks-reveal-new-details-about-earths-climate-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric world</a>. 



These herbivorous dinosaurs, with their massive three-horned heads and protective frills, have long captured our imaginations. 



But did these impressive creatures roam the earth alone, or did Triceratops have a complex social structure, as Spielberg seemed to suggest?



New research from the <a href="https://www.naturalis.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Naturalis Biodiversity Center</a> in the Netherlands provides tantalizing clues that these titans of the Cretaceous period might have been more than solitary wanderers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-behaviour-from-triceratops-fossils">Social behaviour from Triceratops fossils</h2>



The discovery begins with a team of paleontologists led by Jimmy de Rooij. Back in 2013, the team ventured to Wyoming with hopes of unearthing a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-dinosaur-species-tyrannosaurus-mcraeensis-discovered-in-new-mexico/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tyrannosaurus</a>. Instead, they hit the paleontological jackpot -- stumbling across a treasure trove of Triceratops fossils.



What began as a routine expedition transformed into a decade-long project. Over 1200 bones and fragments emerged from the dig site, meticulously removed and analyzed. 



This wasn't just about finding cool fossils -- it was about reconstructing the lives (and deaths) of these magnificent creatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triceratops-characteristics">Triceratops characteristics </h2>



The key discoveries that led de Rooij and his team to this herd hypothesis includes:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slow-and-steady-growth">Slow and steady growth</h3>



"The material is of very good quality. This enabled us to show that these triceratops grew really slowly, for instance," noted de Rooij. 



Similar to tree rings, the growth patterns trapped in the fossilized bones reveal that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/triceratops-horns-attract-mates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Triceratops</a> likely didn't reach full size for many years. 



This extended growing period hints at social structures where adults potentially cared for and protected younger members.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-swamp-of-doom">The swamp of doom</h3>



The fossils were clustered within a thin layer of rock with no other species present. It's possible that these unlucky Triceratops became bogged down in a swamp -- a tragic but revealing mass death that preserved their remains together.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teeth-and-tales-of-travel">Teeth and tales of travel</h3>



"Research into the physical and chemical properties of the hundreds of triceratops teeth tells of a migratory existence - one that was the same for all five of the dinos," de Rooij explained. 



Like tiny time capsules, the chemical makeup of their teeth suggests that the entire group roamed together, seeking out food or perhaps seasonally moving to better grounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-behavior-of-triceratops">Social behavior of Triceratops</h2>



While not conclusive proof, the evidence strongly suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-triceratops-relative-two-feet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Triceratops</a> formed groups for various reasons. Maybe strength in numbers provided protection from predators. 



Perhaps they banded together for long migrations, relying on collective knowledge of routes and resources. Some experts even speculate that there might have been complex social structures within the herd.



"And that of course leads to all kinds of new questions. How complex was this social behavior, exactly?" de Rooij wondered. It's an exciting new chapter in our understanding of dinosaur behavior. 



Did they share parenting duties? Engage in play-fighting like young elephants? Did they have leaders to guide them? The possibilities are thrilling and inspire a whole new range of research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-landmark-discovery">A landmark discovery</h2>



The impact of this research is undeniable. Prof. Anne Schulp, de Rooij's supervisor, declares: "Naturalis, the national natural history museum of the Netherlands, now has the biggest triceratops find in the world, and <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a> has the first Dr Triceratops in the Netherlands."



But the story doesn't end in the lab. This October, the Naturalis Museum will unveil an exhibition showcasing the Triceratops herd in all its glory. 



The exhibit aims to recreate their lives and ill-fated end, giving visitors a glimpse into the social world of these ancient giants before they embark on a world tour.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-social-characteristics-of-triceratops">Beyond social characteristics of Triceratops</h2>



As discussed above, Triceratops is a name that stirs images of ancient forests and the thunderous roar of dinosaurs. They have fascinated scientists and enthusiasts alike for over a century. 



This magnificent creature, whose name means "three-horned face," roamed the Earth around 68 to 66 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous period. 



Its most striking features were its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/big-john-had-a-skull-injury-from-fighting-another-triceratops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">large skull</a>, adorned with two impressive horns above the eyes and a smaller one on the nose, and its massive neck frill.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-discovery">First discovery</h3>



First discovered in the late 19th century, Triceratops quickly became a subject of intrigue and study. Paleontologists have unearthed numerous fossils, primarily in North America, where this dinosaur once thrived. Over the years, these discoveries have shed light on the life and habits of Triceratops.



Interestingly, Triceratops was a herbivore. It used its beaked mouth to clip off leaves and plants. Its teeth, arranged in groups called batteries, were perfectly adapted for shredding tough plant material. 



Scientists believe this diet played a crucial role in its large size, with some adults reaching over 9 meters in length and weighing up to 12 tons.



Moreover, the structure of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/triceratops-horns-attract-mates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">horns</a> and frill suggests they were not just for show. They likely served multiple purposes, including defense against predators like the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex. 



Additionally, these features may have been used in mating rituals or to establish dominance within their herds, indicating a complex social structure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-triceratops-as-a-social-creature">Implications of Triceratops as a social creature</h2>



This research adds a fascinating wrinkle to the way we view the prehistoric world. Finally, the continuous discovery and study of Triceratops fossils are not just about piecing together the past. 



They inspire questions and curiosity about life on Earth, its diversity, and evolution. Each bone, each fragment tells a story of a world long gone but still deeply connected to our own. 



Our understanding of dinosaurs is constantly evolving, and discoveries like this hint at far more intricate behaviors and relationships than we once imagined. 



Who knows, those classic images of dinosaurs we grew up with might someday feature entire herds thundering across the landscape.



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Triceratops dinosaurs seem to have developed complex social structures

Fans of Jurassic Park might remember the iconic scene where...

A team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a> has uncovered a fascinating aspect of bird communication. The study reveals that the Japanese <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-tits-are-nesting-earlier-due-to-climate-change/">tit</a> (Parus minor) utilizes wing gestures to communicate a polite "after you" to its mate.&nbsp;



This discovery challenges the prevailing assumption that complex gestural communication, akin to the symbolic gestures observed in humans and great apes, was beyond the capacity of birds. 



The findings mark a significant advancement in our understanding of non-verbal communication mechanisms in the animal kingdom, particularly among birds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gestures-and-communication-nbsp">Gestures and communication&nbsp;</h2>



Human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-gestures-we-see-can-change-what-we-hear/">communication</a> heavily relies on gestures, such as giving a thumbs up, waving goodbye, or pointing to convey messages without the use of words. This mode of communication was once thought to be exclusively human until observations of great apes like chimpanzees and bonobos demonstrated their ability to use body movements to express themselves nonverbally.&nbsp;



Further studies extended this understanding to other animals, including ravens and fish, which exhibited simple gestural behaviors like pointing to indicate objects or interests.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbolic-gesturing-in-a-non-human-species-nbsp">Symbolic gesturing in a non-human species&nbsp;</h2>



However, the concept of symbolic gesturing, which implies a higher level of cognitive processing - such as a human showing an open hand to signal "after you" - had not been definitively observed in non-human species until now.



“In our latest discovery, we revealed that the Japanese tit uses gestures to communicate with their mate,” said study lead author Toshitaka Suzuki, an assistant professor of animal communication at the University of Tokyo.&nbsp;



“For over 17 years, I have been engaged in the study of these fascinating birds. They not only use specific calls to convey particular meanings, but also combine different calls into phrases using syntactic rules. These diverse vocalizations led me to initiate this research into their potential use of physical gestures.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-form-of-gestural-communication">Unique form of gestural communication</h2>



Observations conducted during the breeding season provided valuable insights into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-is-not-the-only-thing-changing-the-behavior-of-birds/">behavior</a> of Japanese tits. These birds, which form mating pairs and construct their nests within tree cavities, displayed a unique form of gestural communication.&nbsp;



The researchers focused on 16 parent birds across eight pairs, closely monitoring their interactions during nest visits. Notably, when arriving at the nest with food, the birds would often perch nearby, and one would flutter its wings toward the other, signaling for its mate to enter the nest first.&nbsp;



This wing-fluttering gesture, primarily exhibited by females, effectively determined the order of nest entry, mirroring the human ‘after you’ gesture.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinctive-wing-gestures">Distinctive wing gestures </h2>



“We were surprised to find that the results were much clearer than we had expected. We observed that Japanese tits flutter their wings exclusively in the presence of their mate, and upon witnessing this behavior, the mate almost always entered the nest box first,” Suzuki said.&nbsp;



The researchers concluded that this behavior satisfies the criteria for a symbolic gesture, as it is aimed at the mate rather than the nest box, distinguishing it from deictic gestures that indicate the location of an object of interest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-evolution-of-gestures">Understanding the evolution of gestures</h2>



Suzuki also touched on the broader implications of their findings for understanding the evolution of gestures, drawing parallels between the freed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-wing-shape-is-driven-by-environment-and-behavior/">wings</a> of perching birds and the mobility of human hands due to upright posture and bipedalism.&nbsp;



"There is a hypothesis that walking on two legs allowed humans to maintain an upright posture, freeing up their hands for greater mobility, which in turn contributed to the evolution of gestures. Similarly, when birds perch on branches, their wings become free, which we think may facilitate the development of gestural communication," he explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication-and-cognition-across-species">Communication and cognition across species</h2>



As scientists continue to unravel the complexities of avian communication, their work not only sheds light on the rich tapestry of animal languages but also offers key insights into the origins and evolution of language itself.&nbsp;



This research underscores the importance of expanding our perspective on communication and cognition across species, bridging the gap between human and animal non-verbal interactions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.01.030" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>. A video of the ‘after you’ gesture in Japanese tits can be found <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DtO8hXBmzM">here</a>.



Video Credit: Suzuki and Sugita, 2024/ Current Biology



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Wild bird uses wing gestures to politely say, 'after you'

A team of researchers led by the University of Tokyo...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" 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 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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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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

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

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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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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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

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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"

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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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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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.

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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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