In the natural world, family often defines survival strategies. Across species, cooperation among relatives has evolved into a powerful tool to ensure success in challenging environments. Yet few creatures embody this principle so intricately as the long-tailed tit.



Found flitting through British gardens, these small birds reveal extraordinary loyalty to their kin. Far from fleeting connections, long-tailed tits show unwavering commitment to family, even during the upheaval of migration. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooperation-in-animal-societies">Cooperation in animal societies</h2>



Recent research from the <a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sheffield</a> brings the hidden social lives of long-tailed tits into sharp focus, offering new insights into how cooperation shapes animal societies.



Decades of careful observation and rigorous analysis culminated in a study that redefines what we know about the evolution of social behaviors. 



Through the lives of these tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-adapt-their-survival-strategies-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>, we glimpse powerful lessons about kinship, resilience, and the surprising complexity of animal communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-tailed-tits-stay-loyal-to-family">Long-tailed tits stay loyal to family</h2>



The study, published in the Journal of Animal Ecology, draws on an extraordinary 30-year dataset. It confirms that long-tailed tits retain strong family bonds throughout migratory movements - a phenomenon never before documented so consistently in cooperative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/big-brains-and-wide-ranges-cant-save-birds-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>.



Long-tailed tits migrate not as isolated individuals but as tightly knit family units. This behavior ensures that when they arrive at new locations, they are surrounded by familiar, trusted kin ready to support each other.



"This 30-year study is unique in its depth and has allowed us to understand the evolution of cooperation in a way that would not have been possible otherwise. The discovery of family ties persisting through migration is particularly exciting," noted Dr. Jennifer Morinay, co-lead author of the research.



"These tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-evolution-timeline-pushed-back-20-million-years-by-baminornis-zhenghensis-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> essentially travel with their support network, ensuring that when they reach their new location, they have their kin ready to assist. It highlights the profound importance of family in their social structure."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-groups-survive-together">Family groups survive together</h2>



The research identifies several intertwined processes that create and sustain these family structures. Limited natal dispersal ensures many young birds settle close to their birthplace. Even when they do move, long-tailed tits often migrate alongside their siblings, keeping family bonds intact across vast distances.



At the same time, environmental pressures, particularly high predation rates, play a significant role. Frequent nest failures result in clusters of surviving families, making the presence of close kin nearby more likely. Together, these ecological and demographic factors form what scientists term "kin neighborhoods."



Incredibly, even migratory long-tailed tits, such as those studied in Estonia, preserve these ties during long journeys. Studies found that 82% of migratory flocks included at least one first-order relative. These findings challenge longstanding assumptions that migration disrupts social cohesion among birds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-roots-of-helping-behavior">Evolutionary roots of helping behavior</h2>



Long-tailed tits do not only stick close to their families; they actively help them. When breeding attempts fail, many individuals redirect their efforts to assist <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-birds-are-at-great-risk-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relatives</a> raising broods. This redirected helping strengthens the survival chances of their kin’s offspring, ultimately boosting their own inclusive fitness.



"The push and pull between cooperation and competition is something we readily recognize in our own lives. This study demonstrates that these same fundamental tensions are at play in the social dynamics of long-tailed tits and likely many other species," noted Professor Ben Hatchwell, co-lead author of the study.



"Our long-term research provides significant insights into the ecological and social conditions that favour cooperative behaviour and the evolutionary forces that sculpt these intricate social interactions."



Helping decisions are not random acts of kindness. They are influenced by various factors including the bird’s own breeding success, its relatedness to nearby individuals, and the strength of prior social bonds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mistakes-in-kin-recognition">Mistakes in kin recognition</h2>



Despite their strong social instincts, long-tailed tits sometimes help unrelated individuals. 



About 30% of helpers were found assisting nests of non-kin. Scientists believe this stems from errors in kin recognition rather than a deliberate choice.



The birds rely heavily on learned acoustic cues to identify relatives. Calls learned during the nestling stage help them recognize kin, but these vocal cues are not always completely reliable. Studies show overlap in call similarities between kin and non-kin, leading to occasional misdirected care.



Efforts are ongoing to determine whether other cues, such as olfactory signals, also influence how long-tailed tits recognize their family and make crucial helping decisions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environment-shapes-cooperation">Environment shapes cooperation</h2>



The study also shows how environmental pressures influence the rates of cooperation. Moderate levels of nest predation foster the highest levels of helping behaviour. 



If predation is too low, there are fewer failed breeders needing alternative strategies. If too high, there are simply fewer successful nests available to help.



Shorter breeding seasons similarly encourage cooperation. With less time to attempt new broods after failure, many birds abandon independent breeding and instead opt to help their kin.



Interestingly, overall population density did not seem to impact cooperation rates, suggesting that the quality of family connections matters more than simple numbers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choosing-where-to-live">Choosing where to live</h2>



Where a bird chooses to settle has long-term fitness consequences. Males who stay close to their natal territory accrue higher indirect fitness by helping relatives. Conversely, males who disperse far have fewer opportunities to help and lower overall inclusive fitness.



Females experience a different dynamic. Those who disperse farther tend to achieve slightly better direct reproductive success, likely because dispersal reduces inbreeding risks.



These differing pressures create a fascinating tug-of-war, shaping dispersal behaviours across generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-ties-of-long-tailed-tits">Family ties of long-tailed tits </h2>



Perhaps the most striking revelation is that migration, once believed to hinder the evolution of cooperation, does not necessarily break social bonds. Long-tailed tits maintain their family ties even after traveling hundreds of kilometres.



This finding challenges traditional theories and highlights the incredible flexibility of social strategies in the natural world. Stable territorial groups are not the only route to successful cooperation. 



Dynamic, migratory species can also evolve and sustain sophisticated social systems based on family loyalty.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-long-tailed-tits-recognize-family">How do long-tailed tits recognize family?</h2>



Looking ahead, the researchers aim to untangle the specific mechanisms that allow long-tailed tits to recognize and remember their kin.



Current efforts focus on understanding the role of calls, scents, and social associations built during early life stages. Scientists are investigating whether maintaining winter flock associations with relatives influences recognition in later breeding seasons.



These studies promise to deepen our understanding of how cooperation, kinship, and social cognition evolve across species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-birds-with-mighty-hearts">Tiny birds with mighty hearts</h2>



Through the lives of long-tailed tits, we see how powerful, enduring, and flexible family bonds can be, even in a world full of risks and change.



The study from Sheffield shows that nature’s loyalty is not reserved for mammals or large social species alone. In every tiny flutter of a long-tailed tit’s wing, there lies a rich story of kinship, survival, and the enduring power of cooperation.



The study is published in the <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2656.14237" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Animal Ecology</a>. 



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Long-tailed tits migrate in family units and maintain lasting bonds

In the natural world, family often defines survival strategies. Across species, cooperation among relatives has evolved into a powerful tool to ensure success in challenging environments. Yet few creatures embody this principle so intricately as the long-tailed tit. Found flitting through British gardens, these small birds reveal extraordinary loyalty to their kin. Far from fleeting connections, long-tailed tits show unwavering commitment to family, even during the upheaval of migration. Cooperation in animal societies Recent research from the University of Sheffield brings the hidden social lives of long-tailed...

A recent study offers a clearer picture of which amphibians and habitats face the greatest threat from rising temperatures.&nbsp;



Amphibians are notably fragile in a warming world due to their dependence on external sources to regulate body heat, with more than 40% of species already classified as endangered. As entire populations vanish, the ripple effects throughout ecosystems could be devastating.



“We wanted to better understand the risk climate change poses to amphibians, and so put together the most comprehensive compilation of heat tolerance limits to date,” said lead author Patrice Pottier, a postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNSW</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-tolerance-limits-of-amphibians-nbsp">Heat tolerance limits of amphibians&nbsp;</h2>



Amphibians, being ectotherms, cannot generate enough internal heat on their own and therefore depend on the environment to maintain suitable body temperatures.&nbsp;



Given how little data existed on their ability to endure higher heat levels, the UNSW team aggregated thousands of measurements, representing hundreds of species.



“Heat tolerance limits are the maximum temperature amphibians can tolerate before their physiological systems fail,” Pottier said.



The experts applied a statistical method called data imputation to estimate values for species that have not been directly studied.



“In this case, it predicts heat tolerance limits for species we do not have data for by looking at how heat tolerance is linked to factors like habitat type, environmental temperature, and evolutionary history,” Pottier explained.



By doing so, the scientists developed a comprehensive catalog of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-temperature-threshold-can-the-human-body-handle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat thresholds</a> covering about 60% of all known amphibian species. This overview highlights where warming poses the greatest risk and which animals might be most vulnerable to local extinctions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amphibians-are-already-under-strain">Amphibians are already under strain</h2>



The research team examined the environmental conditions amphibians encounter in different microhabitats - on land, in trees, or in water - and then compared these conditions to each species’ calculated heat tolerance limits.&nbsp;



“We found that 104 out of 5,203 species - 2% - are already exposed to overheating in shaded terrestrial conditions. And a 4°C global temperature increase could push 7.5% of species beyond their physiological limits,” Pottier said.



The experts also discovered that the areas most at risk do not necessarily line up with latitude alone, a finding that revises earlier assumptions.



“It has previously been often assumed that species closer to the equator are at greater risk from overheating due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-draining-nutrients-from-the-oceans-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> than those in temperate regions. However, our study found that tropical species in the Southern Hemisphere are the most impacted by overheating events, while non-tropical species are more impacted in the Northern Hemisphere,” Pottier explained.



As a result, relying on a one-size-fits-all pattern like latitude to assess threats may overlook specific places and species already pushing against their tolerable heat boundaries.



“Assuming that all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-half-of-the-worlds-vertebrates-reside-in-the-tropics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical species</a> are more vulnerable than temperate species can be misleading. What matters is assessing if the area is going to experience extreme heat events relative to the species' heat tolerance. This requires stepping away from general trends, and identifying specific areas and species at risk,” Pottier added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-escalating-impacts-with-greater-warming-nbsp">Escalating impacts with greater warming&nbsp;</h2>



The scientists modeled how conditions might worsen under different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-40-of-amphibians-face-extinction-due-to-escalating-climate-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> scenarios. Even at 2°C above pre-industrial levels, more amphibians are likely to face critical heat exposure. But surpassing that threshold would be especially dangerous.



“Impacts escalate under different climate warming scenarios. There is an increase in impact between the current climate and +2C of warming; but impacts increase disproportionally under +4C of warming. This step-change impact severity shows that going above +2C of global warming can be a tipping point where we may see a lot of local extinctions,” Pottier noted.



Local disappearances carry additional risks: losing these frogs, salamanders, and toads can disrupt food webs, hamper insect control, and reduce overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterflys-rapid-expansion-led-to-lower-genetic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic diversity</a> in local ecosystems.



“Some amphibian populations may undergo range shifts to more hospitable habitats, but opportunities for this are likely limited due to low dispersal rates and reliance on water bodies,” Pottier added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-and-cultural-significance">Ecological and cultural significance </h2>



Amphibians are not just vital for pest management and as a food source for predators; they are also intertwined with human cultures around the globe.



Pottier pointed out that amphibians are an important part of the ecosystem. For example, the loss of an amphibian population would likely lead to an increase in insect population with carry-over effects on plants and animals, he noted.



“They are prey for many animals and their loss would have knock-on effects on many other species. Besides ecosystem impacts, amphibians are deeply rooted in human cultures and it would be a shame to lose such beautiful and emblematic species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-heat-impacts-on-amphibians-nbsp">Mitigating heat impacts on amphibians&nbsp;</h2>



The findings emphasize the importance of microhabitats that moderate temperature extremes. Places with plenty of foliage and accessible water sources can help amphibians survive short-term heat spikes by letting them cool off and keep their skin moist.



“Our analyses made it clear that vegetation and water bodies are critical in buffering amphibians during heat waves. We found that if you provide amphibians with enough water and enough shade, a lot of them can survive extreme heat events. We must protect and restore the environments that allow them to regulate their body temperature,” Pottier stressed.



Because the study assumed best-case scenarios for shade and moisture, actual threats could exceed even these concerning estimates.



“We used very conservative estimates in this study assuming access to cool shaded environments. Therefore, the impacts of global warming will likely exceed our projections. So all efforts to limit global warming are needed to protect the world’s amphibians,” he concluded.



Overall, this large-scale analysis highlights both the fragility of amphibian populations under climate stress and the steps that can help them cope - namely, curbing global temperatures and safeguarding vital habitats with adequate cover and water.



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Amphibians are being pushed beyond their heat limits

A recent study offers a clearer picture of which amphibians...

An extensive, decades-long analysis tracking endangered caribou populations has revealed that migration patterns are eroding in both distance and duration. Researchers attribute this decline largely to human-caused habitat disturbances rather than shifts in climate.&nbsp;



The work, led by Dr. Clayton Lamb of <a href="https://www.ubc.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of British Columbia</a> (UBC), emphasizes the urgency of safeguarding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracking-caribou-movement-patterns-can-transform-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caribou</a> habitats and their time-honored migratory routes.



“Western science and Indigenous knowledge recognize the critical role of migration in sustaining abundant wildlife populations, yet these movements are increasingly disrupted by human activity worldwide,” Lamb said.&nbsp;



“We studied the extent and type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-behaviors-are-shaped-by-experience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration</a> as well as changes through time, and determined if these changes correlated with landscape disturbance or shifts in weather.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shrinking-caribou-migrations">Shrinking caribou migrations</h2>



The research team examined data spanning 35 years (from 1987 to 2022), which included 1,704,842 geolocation points from radio tags and GPS collars. More than 800 individual animals across 27 southern mountain caribou subpopulations provided a massive dataset.&nbsp;



By comparing the timing and distances traveled over three and a half decades, scientists gleaned new insights into how caribou movement is shifting.



“The data shows that most of these subpopulations remain migratory to some degree, but seasonal migrations appear to be shrinking in both duration and extent,” Lamb said.&nbsp;



“Though our study spanned just 35 years - a blink compared to millennia caribou have been migrating here - we found migration eroding, not due to weather shifts, but alongside expanding human disturbance and caribou population decline.”



Caribou have traditionally migrated in response to food availability, snowpack conditions, and predation pressures, using both elevational (vertical) and horizontal movements.&nbsp;



Barren-ground caribou in the far north, for example, routinely traverse hundreds of kilometers, sometimes in vast herds. Southern mountain caribou travel smaller distances, but they once performed significant up-and-down journeys among mountainous and forested regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-caused-habitat-disturbance">Human-caused habitat disturbance</h2>



While the researchers tested the influence of changing weather patterns, they found no significant correlation between the shifts in migration and climate variables. Instead, they identified industrial and resource development as the primary factor affecting migration routes.



“Due to their southern distribution, these caribou are exposed to higher levels of human-caused landscape disturbance and associated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-species-are-shifting-their-habitats-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat</a> change and loss," explained Lamb. 



"Observations from Indigenous communities, local people, scientists and government biologists indicate that southern mountain caribou migrations are changing or not happening at all."



Signs of development - such as logging, oil and gas extraction, road-building, and other infrastructure projects - have transformed much of the caribou’s original habitat.&nbsp;



By subdividing forests and carving out new corridors, these changes can boost predator access and fragment the terrain, making traditional migratory routes untenable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-decline-in-caribou-migration">Significant decline in caribou migration </h2>



“Southern mountain caribou migration, including the distance and elevation change, has declined significantly over the past 40 years, and we believe these changes are correlated with human-caused disturbances, including change and loss to habitat,” said Adam Ford, director of UBC’s Wildlife Restoration Ecology Lab.



In 1983, just 5% of the area inhabited by these caribou subpopulations had been disturbed by human activities (like reservoirs, logging, and resource extraction), whereas natural disturbances - for instance, from fire or pests - accounted for a mere 0.3%. By 2020, however, more than 30% of the same landscape had been altered by human use.



“Within the last 35 years, human-caused disturbance increased nearly sixfold within the ranges of the caribou subpopulations. Beyond impacts to migration, habitat disturbance - which has disrupted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/danger-zones-climate-change-is-altering-predator-prey-dynamics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator-prey dynamics</a> - is a primary cause of caribou population declines,” Ford said.&nbsp;



“It’s important to note the southern mountain caribou population declined by more than 50 per cent over the period of our investigation.”



This steep population drop coincides with the observed erosion of migratory behavior, signaling that caribou now struggle to adapt to an environment fragmented by industry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoring-ecological-balance">Restoring ecological balance </h2>



“Sustaining caribou populations and their migratory behavior into the future will require a rapid change in managing the landscape that facilitates extensive habitat conservation, restoration and a reduction in ongoing human-caused disturbance,” Lamb said.



Consequently, the study suggests that reversing these trends will require robust habitat protection efforts and stricter oversight of resource extraction. 



Creating buffer zones, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-is-important-but-reforestation-can-help-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reforesting</a> clear-cut areas, and adopting management strategies to limit predator access are essential steps.



“Creating a landscape with suitable caribou habitats and lower predator densities that can once again sustain caribou is imperative to preserve their migratory behaviorr and support recovery efforts,” Lamb concluded.



Experts agree that a sustained effort to restore ecological balance could keep caribou on the move. Without prompt and meaningful intervention, further disruptions could eliminate both the migration patterns and the herds themselves - losing a millennia-old aspect of the mountain ecosystem.&nbsp;



Through collaboration among governments, industries, local communities, and Indigenous groups, conservation initiatives may still preserve this species’ ancient migratory legacy.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.70095" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>



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Caribou migration patterns disrupted by human activities

An extensive, decades-long analysis tracking endangered caribou populations has revealed...

iron ore deposit - 1

To the untrained eye, Megaphragma wasps may appear as mere specks of dust, but these minuscule insects - measuring just a fifth of a millimeter - are formidable hunters. 



They prey on even smaller insects called thrips, using them for both nourishment and shelter.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-wasp-species-named-after-famous-thieves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiny wasps</a> infiltrate thrips' bodies to lay their eggs, which then hatch, feed, and develop entirely within their hosts.



This unusual lifestyle requires them to fit into spaces that most insects would find impossible. It is no wonder that scientists have long been curious about how the wasps' bodies and organs manage under such extreme size constraints.



A recent study led by Dr. Gregor Belušič from the <a href="https://www.bf.uni-lj.si/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biotechnical Faculty</a> at the University of Ljubljana may have begun to clear up some of the mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-wonders-of-the-insect-world">Tiny wonders of the insect world</h2>



Megaphragma wasps do more than just outsmart thrips. They also show how far miniaturization can go before basic features stop working.



Most insects rely on their eyes for movement and exploration. Ommatidia form the building blocks of these compound eyes and act like small detectors for incoming light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incredible-compound-eyes">Incredible compound eyes</h2>



In <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37666087/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megaphragma viggianii</a>, researchers have counted a total of 29 ommatidia, which is extremely low compared to the number in the eyes of bigger insects. 



Each tiny ommatidium uses a lens that measures around 8 micrometers, but that’s still enough to focus light onto specialized structures below.



The rhabdom within each ommatidium (the optical units that make up the insect’s compound eye) has stayed thick enough - about 2 micrometers - to catch adequate light and send signals to the brain. 



This balance between lens size and rhabdom thickness seems to preserve clear vision during daylight hours.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-energetic-cost-of-vision">The energetic cost of vision</h2>



Packed pigment granules line the sides of each ommatidium. They block stray light that might otherwise blur the wasp’s vision.



Maintaining sight at such a small scale may demand a lot of energy. Some data hint at heavy loads of mitochondria in these photoreceptor cells, suggesting that vision comes with a metabolic price.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polarized-light-detection">Polarized light detection</h2>



Roughly a third of the ommatidia cluster near the dorsal region of the eye. These specialized structures appear to detect <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/13825256/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polarized light</a>, a feature known to help insects orientate under open skies.



In many insects, the dorsal rim area is essential for successful navigation and migration. It provides steady guidance, even when visual landmarks are absent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extra-light-sensors">Extra light sensors</h2>



In addition, a few unique photoreceptor cells hide behind the first row of ommatidia. They are positioned to receive light indirectly.



Some experts suggest these hidden receptors might take part in day-night rhythms or other internal body processes. Small as these eyes are, they still maintain surprising complexity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compensations-for-extreme-miniaturization">Compensations for extreme miniaturization</h2>



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-flies-have-a-new-weapon-to-defend-against-parasitic-wasps/">wasps</a> show that size reduction has its limits. Eye cells have nuclei, which remain intact despite the disappearance of nuclei in parts of the wasp’s brain.



Retaining larger cell structures may be unavoidable for proper light collection and signal processing. If eyes shrink too far, vision might no longer be useful during flight or host-finding.



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



Scientists see these eyes as a chance to explore extreme biology. Understanding how tiny lenses and sensors function might lead to ideas in micro-robotics or imaging devices.



These intricate eyes can also be mapped in three dimensions, thanks to modern microscopy methods. 



That opens doors to simulating miniature visual systems on computers and comparing them with those found in larger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-rarest-insect-returns-lord-howe-island-stick-insect-dryococelus-australis/">insect species</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspiration-for-advanced-technology">Inspiration for advanced technology</h2>



The way these wasps manage vision at such a small scale has caught the attention of engineers and designers working on miniature imaging systems. 



By studying how their tiny lenses and light-sensitive structures function efficiently, researchers could develop better micro-cameras for medical procedures, robotics, and surveillance.



Advances in bio-inspired optics are already shaping the design of ultra-small sensors. 



Understanding how these wasps maximize light capture while avoiding distortion may lead to breakthroughs in the design of compact visual systems that operate in low-light conditions or restricted spaces.



The study is published in <a href="https://elifesciences.org/articles/105736" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eLife</a>.



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Unexpected discovery inside the eye of a tiny wasp

To the untrained eye, Megaphragma wasps may appear as mere...

New research suggests that using sex to ease social tension may have roots going back more than six million years, to a common ancestor shared by humans, bonobos, and chimpanzees.&nbsp;



While it’s no surprise that humans don’t only have sex to reproduce, this study highlights a similar pattern in our closest ape cousins, offering a window into how this behavior might have evolved in our own species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-bonobos-and-chimpanzees">Comparing bonobos and chimpanzees</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bonobos-group-cohesion-common-enemy-effect-do-not-kill-inside-their-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bonobos</a> have long been recognized as “hypersexual” apes that turn to sexual activity to diffuse tension and mend rifts after disagreements. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-have-remarkable-spatial-memory-and-sense-of-direction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chimpanzees</a>, on the other hand, have tended to be seen as more aggressive, leaving scientists uncertain about whether they also rely on sex to settle social conflicts. 



In a study led by <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a> and published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.242031" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>, researchers compared these two species under similar conditions to see how each used sex during tense moments.



The team observed bonobos and chimpanzees at two African great ape sanctuaries, logging more than 1,400 hours of data over seven months in 2019. They focused on two scenarios: after natural social altercations and just before feeding time, when appetites and power dynamics can lead to conflict.&nbsp;



The findings showed that while both species use sex to ease friction when competition is high - particularly before mealtimes - bonobos tended to rely on post-conflict “make-up sex” more frequently, whereas chimpanzees often used other forms of reassurance, such as grooming and body kissing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-peek-into-our-evolutionary-past">A peek into our evolutionary past</h2>



The fact that bonobos and chimpanzees both use sexual contact to manage tension points to an ancient evolutionary trait, one that we humans appear to share.&nbsp;



“Whilst bonobos, who are famously hypersexual, were more likely to engage in so-called ‘make-up sex’ after periods of conflict, we found that chimpanzees, who some view as our more aggressive cousin, also use sex to ease tensions in many circumstances,” said lead author Jake Brooker, a postdoctoral researcher in Durham’s Department of Psychology.



Because bonobos and chimpanzees diverged from their common ancestor with humans over six million years ago, these findings hint that harnessing sex for social reasons - beyond mere reproduction - may have been part of that ancestral ape’s behavioral toolkit.&nbsp;



Bonobos’ reputation for “peace through pleasure” may not be so different in spirit from how chimpanzees and humans also use sexual bonds to relieve stress and reinforce alliances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-sex-to-prevent-conflict-nbsp">Using sex to prevent conflict&nbsp;</h2>



Another fascinating observation emerged when the researchers noticed that older apes in both species were more likely to initiate sexual interactions before feeding. This could mean that employing sex to prevent or reduce conflict is a learned or socially reinforced behavior.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, female bonobos and male chimpanzees showed a particular inclination toward initiating these interactions, though sex occurred across both heterosexual and same-sex pairings.



In contexts following disagreements, bonobos were more prone to using sex to patch things up, while chimpanzees often turned to other comforting gestures.&nbsp;



This difference might reflect the broader cultural or societal norms within each species - bonobos relying on a more sexually driven approach, and chimpanzees mixing sexual contact with an array of conciliatory activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sex-as-a-social-tool">Sex as a social tool</h2>



While humans are obviously different from apes in many ways, the study adds to a growing body of evidence that sex can serve social functions, such as conflict resolution, stress relief, and relationship maintenance.&nbsp;



Since bonobos, chimpanzees, and humans are all closely related, observing similarities in how these behaviors emerge under pressure can teach us more about our shared past.



It also challenges simplistic stereotypes: bonobos aren’t always the carefree “hippies” of the ape world, nor are chimpanzees unrelentingly belligerent. The reality is more nuanced. Even chimpanzees, known for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peaceful-bonobos-are-actually-more-aggressive-than-chimps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aggressive tendencies</a>, use sexual contact to manage stress when circumstances demand it.



“Against the assumptions of pacifist sex-mad bonobos and aggressive chimpanzees, we found that both species used sex in similar ways during tense situations. This study highlights that beyond reproduction, sex plays an important role in their societies, and most likely for our early ancestors too,” said senior author Zanna Clay, a professor at Durham University.



With further research, scientists hope to learn more about how sex functions in different contexts for these apes, including how it varies in wild populations.&nbsp;



Such insights could add yet another layer of understanding to the intricate ways humans and our closest relatives navigate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-interactions-have-a-surprising-influence-on-memory-in-great-apes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social life</a> - both during times of strife and everyday interactions.



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Sex has been used in conflict resolution for millions of years

New research suggests that using sex to ease social tension...

Insects play a crucial role in food chains and pollination. Over the last 20 years, their populations have dramatically declined due to rapid climate change. 



In a recent study, scientists have gained new insights into how certain fly species adapt to temperature shifts.



Researchers at <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a> studied two species from different climates: one from high-altitude forests in Northern California and the other from the hot deserts of the Southwest.



The findings reveal key differences in how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flies-like-to-play-and-have-fun-like-other-animals-according-to-a-fascinating-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flies</a> sense and respond to heat. The study suggests that changes in brain wiring and heat sensitivity influence whether a fly prefers warm or cool conditions.



This research may help predict how climate change will impact insect distribution and behavior. Tiny cold-blooded animals like flies rely on their environment to regulate body temperature. 



Their responses to temperature shifts offer valuable insights into the broader effects of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-flies-adapt-to-temperature">How flies adapt to temperature</h2>



The scientists found that flies from cool forests avoid heat due to their antennae’s molecular heat receptors.



In contrast, desert <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-fruit-flies-smell-well-as-humans-with-much-less-nose-neurons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flies</a> are drawn to warmth, which is linked to changes in their brain wiring. These adaptations may have evolved over millions of years as each species adjusted to its environment.



The research sheds light on how animals develop preferences for specific temperature conditions. Understanding these adaptations can help predict future insect behavior in a rapidly changing world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limited-data-on-insects-and-climate-change">Limited data on insects and climate change</h2>



“Insects are especially threatened by climate change,” said Northwestern neurobiologist Marco Gallio. 



“Behavior is the first interface between an animal and its environment. Even before the struggle to survive or perish, animals can respond to climate change by migration and by changing their distribution."



“We are already seeing insect populations declining in many regions, and even insect vectors of disease like the Zika virus and malaria spreading into new areas.”



Gallio, a professor in the neurobiology department and the Soretta and Henry Shapiro Research Professor in Molecular Biology at the <a href="https://weinberg.northwestern.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences</a>, studies fruit flies and their sensory systems. 



Professor Gallio noted that limited data exist on insects and temperature because “not enough people care about the insects.” However, the available figures show a drastic decline over the past 20 to 50 years.



Insects pollinate 70% of crops and form the base of most terrestrial food chains. Their disappearance could trigger catastrophic ecosystem damage and directly affect human well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-sensitivity-in-flies">Temperature sensitivity in flies</h2>



Professor Gallio’s lab has long focused on how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-flies-have-a-new-weapon-to-defend-against-parasitic-wasps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">small insects</a> respond to different temperatures.



“The common fruit fly is an especially powerful animal to study how the external world is represented and processed within the brain,” Gallio said. 



Years of genetic and neuroscience research have created a detailed map of the fly brain, more complete than that of any other animal.



Scientists wondered how brain circuits differed between species that lived in distinct thermal environments. 



Using tools like CRISPR, they studied genetic and neural mechanisms that shape temperature preferences.



PhD student Matthew Capek, lead author of the study, explained that flies from different climates detect heat at different activation points. 



This discovery partially explained the forest flies’ preference for cooler temperatures. However, it did not fully clarify the desert flies’ attraction to heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeking-the-right-insect-temperature">Seeking the right insect temperature</h2>



“The desert fly seemed actively attracted to warmer temperatures - around 90 degrees Fahrenheit compared to the forest fly’s sweet spot just below 70 degrees,” Capek said.



“In fact, the activation threshold of the antenna heat sensors corresponded to their favorite temperature range, which they will seek, rather than to a temperature they should avoid.”



Instead of avoiding high temperatures, desert flies interpret warmth as something positive. Their brain circuits appear wired to approach heat rather than flee from it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-desert-flies-seek-heat">Why desert flies seek heat</h2>



Gallio initially found this puzzling. If deserts are already hot, why would <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-flies-on-treadmills-video-shows-how-insects-walk-and-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flies</a> seek out warmth? A research trip to the Anza Borrego desert of Southern California provided the answer.



“Deserts in this region are very hot during the day, but temperatures can drop extremely rapidly when the sun goes down, and night can be downright freezing,” said Alessia Para, a research associate professor of neurobiology and key author of the study. 



“Flies in this climate may need to constantly attend to the rapidly changing temperature and always seek the ideal range, finding shady spots during the day and hiding in cacti for warmth at night.”



Flies from milder environments may only react to extreme temperature shifts. In contrast, desert flies must continuously monitor temperature changes to survive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insects-climate-and-temperature">Insects, climate, and temperature</h2>



Tracking the right temperature at all times is energy-intensive. For desert <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-flies-can-walk-jump-and-dance-using-the-same-motor-neurons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flies</a>, however, it is a necessary survival strategy. 



Professor Gallio sees their behavior as part of a larger puzzle about how animals adapt to different climates.



“This comparative work is useful in a couple of different ways,” Gallio said. 



“When an animal is born, the brain is already programmed to know if many of the things it will encounter are bad or good for it, and we do not understand how that programming works.



“These fly species represent a natural experiment because a stimulus that is good for one species is bad for the other, and we can study the differences that make it so. 



“We also want to learn more about how animals have been able to adapt to different temperatures during evolution, so that we may be able to better understand and even predict how they react to ongoing climate change. 



“Of course, we care about the insects, and we hope that what we learn may help us appreciate and protect them better.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08682-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Insect populations are "dramatically" declining around the world as scientists sound alarm

Insects play a crucial role in food chains and pollination....

New research has uncovered a surprising wrinkle in our understanding of how pesticides affect bumble bees.&nbsp;



While common sense tells us that chemicals meant to kill insects can only harm pollinators, it turns out there may be moments when a tiny amount of poison could actually help a bumble bee queen make it through winter - at least in the short term.



A team of researchers led by <a href="https://agsci.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences</a> examined imidacloprid, a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-term-benefits-vs-long-term-fitness">Short-term benefits vs. long-term fitness </h2>



It’s already well-established that high doses of imidacloprid shorten bees’ lives and reduce their ability to reproduce. 



But when the scientists took a closer look, they found something unexpected: at low, sublethal doses, imidacloprid seemed to help bumble bee queens survive through diapause, which is the bug-world version of hibernation.



This phenomenon is called hormesis - when a small dose of something that’s generally harmful turns out to be beneficial under just the right circumstances.&nbsp;



The experts compared it to caffeine for humans. A small amount might provide a boost, but we all know it can also interfere with our sleep if we’re not careful.&nbsp;



“Even low doses can have unintended effects, such as disrupting sleep,” said Etya Amsalem, an associate professor of entomology at Penn State and the study’s lead author.



According to Professor Amsalem, if hormesis goes unrecognized, it could lead to the mistaken conclusion that certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-attack-bees-in-multiple-ways-throughout-the-body/">pesticides</a> benefit bees. 



“Such a misconception is dangerous, given the well-documented negative effects of imidacloprid and the trade-offs associated with hormetic responses - where short-term benefits trade-off with long-term fitness.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winter-struggle-of-bumble-bee-queens">Winter struggle of bumble bee queens</h2>



One reason this discovery matters so much is that queen bumble bees spend a huge chunk of their life - often around 75% - in diapause. This is a dormant state that helps them weather harsh winter conditions.&nbsp;



If a queen doesn’t make it through this frigid, food-scarce period, an entire future colony is lost in the process.



“Despite the fact that most pollinators undergo winter diapause, pesticide risk assessments typically focus on the bee’s active seasons, overlooking a significant portion of the bee’s life cycle,” Amsalem explained.&nbsp;



So, while we know a fair bit about how chemicals impact <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-climate-change-is-buzzing-off-bumblebee-senses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> during spring and summer, there’s a big gap in our knowledge about what happens to them over winter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pesticides-and-bumble-bee-survival">Pesticides and bumble bee survival</h2>



To figure out how imidacloprid might affect bees during both the active and dormant phases, the team fed bumble bees sugar water containing different concentrations of the insecticide.&nbsp;



For worker bees and males, higher doses led to the usual bad news: shorter lifespans and fewer offspring. But when the scientists gave queen bees just a little bit of imidacloprid before sending them into diapause under controlled conditions, they noticed a puzzling effect.&nbsp;



“Surprisingly, we found that sublethal imidacloprid exposure actually improved the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebee-queens-have-an-odd-preference-for-contaminated-soil/">queens</a>’ survival,” Amsalem said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hormesis-a-double-edged-sword">Hormesis: A double-edged sword</h2>



While a longer winter survival time sounds like a good thing, that’s only one part of the bigger story. The team also saw that imidacloprid exposure lowered overall fitness, such as decreasing a colony’s total reproductive output.&nbsp;



In other words, the queen might make it through the winter more often if she has just a tiny bit of pesticide in her system, but that same pesticide still saps her and her colony in other ways - perhaps making them less robust once spring arrives.



That’s the essence of hormesis: it’s a trade-off. In bees, these short-term gains don’t necessarily mean the insecticide is actually beneficial when you look at the big picture.&nbsp;



Instead, scientists worry that not accounting for hormesis could lead us to think that certain pesticides are harmless or even helpful, when in fact they may still pose major threats to our pollinator populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-at-the-bigger-picture">Looking at the bigger picture</h2>



Bumble bees are critical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/">pollinators</a> for a variety of crops. Any shift in their survival rates - good or bad - could have huge implications for agriculture and ecosystems. If our standard methods of testing pesticide safety overlook what happens during diapause, we risk missing the full picture.



Professor Amsalem believes these findings should be woven into how we assess and regulate pesticides. She also said we need to dig deeper into the “why” of this hormetic response. 



“Most importantly,” she explained, “we must strive to conduct nuanced science that provides a holistic understanding of how stressors affect pollinators - ensuring better-informed conservation efforts.”



To truly protect bumble bees and other pollinators, experts will need to examine every part of their life cycle, not just those busy spring and summer months.&nbsp;



That includes thinking about how warming and pesticides might affect them differently in different seasons - and whether certain amounts of chemicals that look safe on the surface can still be causing hidden problems.



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



The discovery that low doses of imidacloprid can help queens survive winter means we can’t simply dismiss all sublethal pesticide exposure as benign. It also means that if we don’t consider diapause in our risk assessments, we might jump to the wrong conclusions.&nbsp;



Future research will no doubt explore exactly how these low doses increase queen survival and whether similar patterns show up in other insect species or other types of pesticides.



What’s clear is that pollinator health is rarely a simple matter of “just avoid poison.” From the vantage point of ecology, everything is connected. A small dose can have unforeseen benefits - until it doesn’t.&nbsp;



By expanding our perspective to include times of the year we usually overlook, like the frigid months when queen bees are hidden away, we stand a better chance of keeping these vital pollinators humming along for generations to come.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2024.0612">Biology Letters</a>.



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Pesticides affect bumble bee health in complex ways

New research has uncovered a surprising wrinkle in our understanding...

Researchers at the University of Manchester suggest that fossilized bones of the ancient flying reptiles known as pterosaurs may offer vital insights for building lighter, stronger materials in future. 



Using advanced X-ray imaging, the research team discovered a hidden network of microscopic canals inside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaurs-took-flight-millions-of-years-before-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pterosaur</a> wing bones.&nbsp;



These canals, originally used for nutrient transport and structural maintenance, also helped protect against small cracks - a natural design that could revolutionize aerospace engineering today.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prehistoric-flyers-with-an-engineering-edge">Prehistoric flyers with an engineering edge</h2>



Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that lived alongside dinosaurs and were the first vertebrates to achieve powered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-flight-feathers-may-reveal-which-dinosaurs-could-fly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flight</a>.&nbsp;



Early pterosaur species had wingspans of about 2 meters (6.5 feet), but later forms grew much larger, with some exceeding 10 meters (32 feet). 



Supporting such expansive wing membranes required a delicate balance between high strength and low weight. 



The scientists behind this new study used state-of-the-art X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) to examine precisely how pterosaurs met this challenge. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-pterosaur-bones-for-biomimicry">Analyzing pterosaur bones for biomimicry</h2>



By analyzing fossil bones at near sub-micrometer resolution, the experts uncovered a dense web of channels inside the bone tissue. 



These channels not only served biological functions, such as transferring nutrients and aiding bone growth, but also provided mechanical reinforcement. 



They directed stress away from weaker areas, thus preventing microfractures from developing into serious damage.



“We are so excited to find and map these microscopic interlocking structures in pterosaur bones," said Nathan Pili, a Ph.D. student at the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manchester</a> and first author of the study. 



"We hope one day we can use them to reduce the weight of aircraft materials, thereby reducing fuel consumption and potentially making planes safer.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pterosaur-bones-in-amazing-detail">Pterosaur bones in amazing detail</h2>



To capture these structures in 3D, the research team harnessed ultra-detailed X-ray imaging that can visualize features around 20 times thinner than a human hair.&nbsp;



Past examinations of pterosaur bones had never reached this resolution, leaving these intricate microcanals undiscovered. 



According to the team, the extraordinary precision of the scans allowed them to understand how the channels fit together like a network, conferring both strength and flexibility.



The microcanals were originally pathways for blood vessels and other biological materials. Over millions of years of evolution, however, pterosaurs adapted to maintain enough bone density to support flight without adding unnecessary mass.&nbsp;



The result was a structural arrangement that distributed loads effectively - an arrangement that the researchers believe could point to innovative “palaeo-biomimetic” solutions for 21st-century engineering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aircraft-inspired-by-pterosaur-bones-nbsp">Aircraft inspired by pterosaur bones&nbsp;</h2>



Modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-aircraft-demonstrate-major-climate-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aircraft</a> designers are always looking for lighter yet more resilient materials to reduce fuel consumption, cut emissions, and enhance safety.&nbsp;



The canal-based structure found in pterosaur bones might be mimicked in metal 3D printing, producing airplane parts with strategically placed internal channels that mirror the reptile’s natural bone architecture.



“It is highly likely that, among the billions of permutations of life on Earth, unique engineering solutions have evolved but were lost to the sands of time,” said Professor Phil Manning, senior author of the study and Director of Science at the <a href="https://dct.gov.ae/en/what.we.do/culture/museums/natural.history.museum.abu.dhabi..aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi</a>.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ancient-pterosaur-bone_aerospace-design_credit-UManchester_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ancient-pterosaur-bone_aerospace-design_credit-UManchester_1s.webp" alt="Credit: Nathan Pili, University of Manchester" class="wp-image-1961537"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Nathan Pili, University of Manchester</figcaption></figure>



“We hope to unlock the potential of ancient natural solutions to create new materials but also help build a more sustainable future.”



The researchers suggest that such bio-inspired designs could allow for integrated sensors or even self-healing properties, further pushing the boundaries of aviation technology.&nbsp;



As more advanced 3D printing methods emerge, these fossil-derived ideas could feasibly enter industrial production lines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dual-function-of-pterosaur-bones">Dual function of pterosaur bones</h2>



As the largest known flying vertebrates, some pterosaurs had wingspans of up to 10 meters (32 feet) or more, supported primarily by an elongated fourth finger that served as a “wing spar.”&nbsp;



This anatomical arrangement required bones that were strong enough to sustain flight stresses yet not so heavy as to hinder takeoff and maneuverability. The newly revealed microcanal system effectively addresses both goals.



The dual function of biological support and mechanical resilience is a hallmark of evolutionary engineering, where life solves specific survival challenges over millions of years of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-rules-natural-selection-change-significantly-often-daphnia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural selection</a>.



“There is over 4 billion years of experimental design that were a function of Darwinian natural selection,” Manning commented. 



“These natural solutions are beautifully reflected by the same iterative processes used by engineers to refine materials.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extinct-creatures-and-modern-innovation-nbsp">Extinct creatures and modern innovation&nbsp;</h2>



The study’s authors see these discoveries as a stepping stone to palaeo-biomimetics, the idea that even extinct creatures can guide modern innovation.&nbsp;



Whether for aircraft, marine vessels, or other structural applications, the strategies that once helped pterosaurs soar across prehistoric skies may now help address present-day engineering obstacles.



While natural selection did not always produce “perfect” designs, there may be countless examples of biological systems that overcame extreme challenges.&nbsp;



The pterosaur bone microcanals are just one instance of how ancient life can inform solutions that lie beyond the scope of conventional human design.



Pili and colleagues plan to conduct higher-resolution scans of more pterosaur fossils, hoping to uncover additional secrets hidden in ancient bones.&nbsp;



These efforts may spur a new wave of cross-disciplinary research involving paleontology, materials science, and advanced manufacturing. 



The hope is that some of the most promising ideas for the future might be found by looking 100 million years into the past.



The findings were recently published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-88257-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Reports</a>.



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100-million-year-old bones inspire new aircraft design

Researchers at the University of Manchester suggest that fossilized bones...

Life on Earth has faced several extinction events, but none were as devastating as the end-Permian mass extinction 252 million years ago. Nearly 90% of all species vanished, yet some amphibians managed to survive.



This catastrophe reshaped ecosystems, forcing the remaining species to adapt to extreme conditions. Among these survivors were ancient amphibians called temnospondyls, distant relatives of modern frogs and salamanders.



Scientists from the University of Bristol have uncovered how these early amphibians endured the extinction crisis. 



The findings, published in Royal Society Open Science, reveal that temnospondyls thrived by feeding on freshwater prey, which remained stable while land-based food sources dwindled.



Their adaptability helped early amphibians <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frog-saunas-hot-solution-to-fighting-global-amphibian-extinction-apocalypse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survive</a> a world marked by climate chaos and environmental upheaval.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-amphibians-survived-extinction">How amphibians survived extinction</h2>



The period following the end-Permian extinction was marked by drastic environmental shifts. Massive volcanic eruptions led to rising global temperatures, acid rain, and widespread wildfires. 



Many terrestrial species struggled to find food as plant and animal populations plummeted. However, freshwater ecosystems remained relatively stable, providing a refuge for adaptable predators like temnospondyls.



“One of the great mysteries has been the survival and flourishing of a major group of amphibians called the temnospondyls,” said Aamir Mehmood from Bristol’s <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/biology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Biological Sciences</a>. 



“These were predatory animals that fed on fishes and other prey, but were primarily linked to the water, just like modern amphibians such as frogs and salamanders. We know that climates then were hot, and especially so after the extinction event. How could these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-a-new-virus-put-an-end-to-the-global-amphibian-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water-loving animals</a> have been so successful?”



Scientists believe that the feeding habits of amphibians played a crucial role in preventing their extinction. Unlike land-dwelling predators, which relied on an unstable food supply, temnospondyls could hunt a variety of freshwater creatures, ensuring their survival even when environmental conditions changed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-features-of-early-amphibians">Features of early amphibians </h2>



“We collected data on 100 temnospondyls that lived throughout the Triassic and wanted to look at how their ecologies changed. We measured their body sizes and features of the skulls and teeth that tell us about function,” noted co-author Dr. Suresh Singh.



“Much to our surprise, we found that they did not change much through the crisis," added Dr. Armin Elsler. "The temnospondyls showed the same range of body sizes as in the Permian, some of them small and feeding on insects, and others larger."



“These larger forms included long-snouted animals that trapped fishes and broad-snouted generalist feeders. What was unusual though was how their diversity of body sizes and functional variety expanded about 5 million years after the crisis and then dropped back.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surviving-the-tropical-dead-zone">Surviving the tropical dead zone</h2>



Due to extreme global warming in the Early Triassic, many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amphibian-siphonops-annulatus-discovered-feeds-milk-to-offspring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> moved away from the tropics. However, temnospondyls managed to cross these inhospitable regions.



“Our work shows that the temnospondyls, unexpectedly, were able to cross the tropical dead zone," said Professor Mike Benton.



"Fossils are known from South Africa and Australia in the south, as well as North America, Europe, and Russia in the north. The temnospondyls must have been able to criss-cross the tropical zone during cooler episodes."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-decline-of-early-amphibians">The decline of early amphibians</h2>



Their early success highlights the resilience of amphibians, showing how adaptability can determine survival in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frogs-and-toads-face-new-risks-as-their-habitats-dry-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme environments</a>. However, Mehmood pointed out that the amphibians' rapid success in the Early Triassic was short-lived.



"They coped with the hot conditions probably by having a low requirement for food, by being able to eat most prey animals, and by hiding in sparse water bodies. But when the ancestors of dinosaurs and of mammals began to diversify in the Middle Triassic, the temnospondyls began their long decline."



The dominance of temnospondyls faded as the new competitors emerged, leading to their eventual extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-legacy-of-resilience">A legacy of resilience</h2>



Temnospondyls may have disappeared, but their story highlights how adaptability shapes survival. Their ability to endure extreme environmental changes for millions of years demonstrates the importance of flexible feeding strategies and ecological diversity.



The history of temnospondyls also provides insight into how modern amphibians might respond to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amphibian-fossils-found-in-burrows-reveal-ancient-survival-strategies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental challenges</a>.



As climate change alters habitats today, species with broad diets and adaptable lifestyles may have the best chance of survival, just as the temnospondyls did millions of years ago.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.241200" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



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How amphibians survived Earth’s deadliest mass extinction

Life on Earth has faced several extinction events, but none...

Infections often conjure images of bacteria or viruses, but certain fungi can also take their toll on us. They can hide in unsuspecting corners of the environment and interact with living organisms in ways that raise many questions.



One particular fungus, Beauveria bassiana, has captured attention because of its interactions with insects. 



Its spores settle on an insect and then germinate and penetrate through the cuticle. The insect dies within days and forms the substrate for a white fungal mold that grows and flourishes.



<a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/biosciences/hidalgo-alicia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prof. Alicia Hidalgo</a>, from the University of Birmingham, directed a recent investigation into infections in insects by this devastating fungus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-responses-to-brain-fungus">Immune responses to brain fungus</h2>



Fruit flies became the chosen subjects for this study because their immune system shares some features with that of more complex creatures. 



Researchers often turn to these small insects when exploring disease processes in a simple model.



The researchers analyzed the effect of the fungus on the brains of flies and found that flies infected with B. bassiana suffered a reduction in the number of brain cells. 



They identified that the fly's own immune system was "tricked" by the invading fungus to start destroying brain cells.



In flies, Toll receptors are agents of the immune system. When infected with the fungus, the Toll-1 receptors in the flies triggered the release of antimicrobial peptides that attack and kill pathogens. 



However, the fungus also provoked the Toll-1 receptors to produce another molecule, called Sarm, that suppresses the immune response and destroys brain cells instead.



“We have shown a process for how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-and-fungi-communicate-using-a-silent-language/">fungi</a> have evolved to trick the immune system to get into the brain,” said Prof. Hidalgo. Her findings suggest that a normal line of defense can accidentally turn against the very organ it’s meant to protect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sarm-s-link-to-neurodegeneration">Sarm's link to neurodegeneration</h2>



When the immune system tries to confront this fungus, the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2738257/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sarm</a> molecules step up their activity; they have the potential to sabotage defenses by encouraging cell damage in the brain.



“The key antagonist in the immune process is Sarm,&nbsp;a so-called master of destruction, that is causing cell death in the brain. The ability of&nbsp;B. bassiana&nbsp;to trick the fruit fly immune system into activating the master of destruction Sarm and kill&nbsp;cells enables spores to beat the blood-brain barrier and start feeding on brain cells,” commented Hidalgo.



The process, known as neurodegeneration, describes the gradual breakdown of nerve cells. If immune signals become confused, the result might be nerve destruction in the brain.



Experts note that this fungus, though hazardous to insects, is widely used for insect management in agriculture. It is developed into a type of pesticide and used to kills certain insects. 



The findings offer a curious look at how a single microbe might manipulate host biology for its own benefit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-this-fungus-mean-for-humans">What does this fungus mean for humans?</h2>



“It is important to stress that B. bassiana cannot affect humans,” explained <a href="https://web-cdn.bsky.app/profile/did:plc:d6rwoejbzaavw4wcxlydd6un" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Deepanshu Singh</a>, now a post-doc at the University of Manchester. The fungus targets insects, but it stays clear of mammals.



Still, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/">other fungi</a> are known to reach the human brain under certain conditions. These discoveries hint that parallel strategies might pop up in different species, especially when fungal organisms are trying to survive inside a host.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-broader-perspective-on-fungal-threats">A broader perspective on fungal threats</h2>



Some scientists believe that future work could explore whether similar immune system misdirection happens in other animals. 



Understanding how these pathogens find loopholes in the immune system may help researchers develop new interventions.



Fungal infections often get less attention than bacterial or viral illnesses, yet they can still pose serious threats. 



The possibility that a fungus might slip into the human central nervous system and confuse its defenses encourages further research.



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



The discovery that a fungal infection can manipulate immune responses to attack brain cells raises questions about similar mechanisms in humans. 



Some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, involve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-tiny-bacteria-outsmart-the-human-immune-system/">immune system</a> dysfunction and excessive inflammation in the brain.



If certain pathogens can trigger destructive immune pathways, this could offer new insights into how inflammation contributes to neurodegeneration. 



Researchers may investigate whether similar immune evasion tactics occur in human infections, potentially linking fungal exposure to long-term neurological effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-next-steps-in-fungal-research">Possible next steps in fungal research</h2>



Scientists hope to identify molecules that can protect nerve cells when the immune system is tricked. Pinpointing the exact signals could spark novel medical approaches for people at risk of certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orchid-parents-nurture-seedlings-through-fungal-networks/">fungal</a> infections.



Research also continues on ways to control fungal spread in agricultural settings without harming beneficial insects. 



B. bassiana remains a useful tool for pest management, though its tactics highlight the complexity of the microbe-host relationship.



The study is published in <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3003020" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a>.



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Brain-eating fungus causes the immune system to attack neurons

Infections often conjure images of bacteria or viruses, but certain...

Honeybees have been indispensable to agriculture for centuries. Their role in pollination supports food production, contributing to the growth of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and coffee. Without bees and proper hive health, many crops would struggle, leading to food shortages.



But bee populations are shrinking due to bad weather, chemicals, and pests. This harms nature and makes life harder for beekeepers who need healthy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-honey-bee-day-protecting-our-vital-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> for honey and farming.



Beekeepers face increasing challenges in maintaining hive health. External stressors disrupt colonies, making it difficult for bees to survive. 



Traditional methods of monitoring hive conditions rely on experience and judgment. While valuable, these methods are not always precise. Scientists and engineers have now introduced a data-driven approach to help beekeepers make informed decisions and prevent colony collapse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-beehive-thermoregulation">Understanding beehive thermoregulation</h2>



Bee colonies regulate their internal temperature to stay between 33 and 36 degrees Celsius, or 91 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit. This thermoregulation is vital for the survival of the hive. 



When temperatures drop, bees cluster together to generate warmth. In hot conditions, they fan their wings to cool the hive. This natural ability allows them to protect their brood and maintain an optimal environment for their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-cause-of-honeybee-mortality-can-be-easily-reduced/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colony</a>.



However, when external stressors like pesticides, habitat loss, or sudden weather changes affect the hive, bees struggle to maintain their internal climate. If they fail, the colony becomes vulnerable to diseases, reduced reproduction, and, ultimately, collapse. 



Beekeepers intervene when necessary, but current monitoring techniques do not always detect early warning signs of trouble. Scientists recognized this gap and developed an advanced tool to assist beekeepers in safeguarding their hives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-system-to-track-hive-health">Smart system to track hive health</h2>



A research team from Carnegie Mellon University’s <a href="https://www.cs.cmu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Computer Science</a> and the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California</a>, Riverside has developed a system to monitor hive health more accurately.



This tool, called the Electronic Bee-Veterinarian (EBV), uses heat sensors and predictive modeling to track changes in hive temperature and identify early signs of stress.



The EBV system includes two sensors - one inside the hive and one outside. These sensors collect real-time temperature data, which is then fed into a model that calculates a hive health factor.



This single numerical value provides beekeepers with a quick understanding of their colony’s condition. If the health factor remains close to one, the hive is functioning normally. If it drops significantly, beekeepers receive an early warning that intervention is needed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-driven-approach-to-hive-health">Data-driven approach to hive health </h2>



The research team applied physics and engineering principles to design an effective health monitoring system. Christos Faloutsos, a professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon, explained the approach used to create the hive health forecasting model.



"We derived equations based on the first principles of thermal diffusion, heat transfer and control theory," said Professor Faloutsos.



"We put these equations together and then compressed all the historical data into one number, the hive health factor. If the health factor is close to one, the bees are healthy and thermoregulating."



"If it is much lower than one, it means the beehive isn't healthy and might need an intervention. Once we have this health factor computed every day, we can do standard forecasting and the beekeeper can take further action."



This data-driven approach simplifies decision-making for beekeepers. Instead of relying solely on visual inspections or experience, they can use precise, real-time data to assess hive health and respond to problems before they escalate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-designing-a-tool-for-beekeepers">Designing a tool for beekeepers</h2>



One of the key goals of the EBV project was to ensure that the system was easy to use. 



Many beekeepers do not have technical expertise in data analysis, so researchers condensed the data into a single hive health factor. This simplification allows any beekeeper, regardless of experience, to interpret the results quickly.



Jeremy Lee, a doctoral student at Carnegie Mellon who worked on the project, emphasized the importance of collaboration between different fields in making this system successful. 



The team included researchers from computer science, electrical engineering, and entomology. Their combined knowledge helped create a practical and effective solution for beekeepers.



"This is something I'm very interested in - using our expertise from computer science and working with other domain experts to make an impact in another area," Lee said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-computer-science-in-agriculture">Computer science in agriculture</h2>



Lee has worked on other projects that use computational techniques to solve real-world challenges. 



Along with Professor Faloutsos and other researchers from Carnegie Mellon and McGill University, Lee applied data science to criminology by helping experts detect human trafficking networks. His ability to bridge different fields has made a tangible impact in both law enforcement and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honeybees-use-creative-dance-moves-to-help-others-find-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental science</a>.



The EBV system represents a growing trend where computer science and artificial intelligence contribute to agriculture and environmental sustainability. 



With forecasting and automation, technology helps beekeepers keep hives stable and prevent losses. The next step is to improve the system even more.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-hive-climate-control">Future of hive climate control</h2>



With additional funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the research team is working on automating hive climate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-colonies-are-collapsing-as-climate-change-progresses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">control</a>. 



If successful, the EBV system will not only detect health issues but also take corrective actions automatically. This could involve adjusting hive temperature to counteract environmental stress or implementing early interventions to protect bees from disease outbreaks.



With automated climate control, beekeepers can do less manual work while keeping hives healthy and producing more honey. This technology could also help large beekeeping farms manage many hives more easily.



The decline of honeybee populations remains a serious concern, but innovations like the EBV system offer hope. By combining scientific expertise with real-world applications, researchers have created a tool that could change how beekeepers manage their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-face-a-multitude-of-complex-stressors-in-the-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colonies</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3719014" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACM Transactions on Knowledge Discovery from Data</a>.



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Smart sensors help beekeepers monitor hive health

Honeybees have been indispensable to agriculture for centuries. Their role...

A country like Australia, with its wildlife-rich forests, is a treasure trove of interesting species. Standing out among them is the superb lyrebird. This bird's distinct tail and mimicry skills have always fascinated scientists and nature enthusiasts.



However, recent research has uncovered a previously unseen aspect of the bird's behavior, shedding light on how it stands apart from other species. 



The lyrebird does more than just imitate sounds. It farms to keep a steady food supply which helps maintain the balance of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-that-optimize-their-food-supply">Birds that optimize their food supply</h2>



For years, scientists have studied the foraging habits of lyrebirds, but only recently did they realize the true extent of their influence on their habitat. Researchers from <a href="https://www.latrobe.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Trobe University</a> observed these birds arranging leaf litter and soil in ways that create microhabitats, perfect for the growth of their prey.



Instead of simply hunting for food, lyrebirds manipulate the forest floor to encourage worms, centipedes, and spiders to flourish. By creating the right conditions, they ensure that their prey grows larger and becomes more abundant, allowing them to return later for an easy meal.



This type of farming is rarely seen in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-rich-tree-diversity-adapt-better-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a>, making the lyrebird a unique case among birds. The research findings suggest that the bird does not just survive in its environment but actively modifies it to its advantage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lyrebird-s-impact-on-forest-ecosystems">Lyrebird’s impact on forest ecosystems</h2>



To better understand how these birds shape their surroundings, the researchers set up controlled experiments. They fenced off small areas in the forest to prevent lyrebirds from entering. Some of these areas were left untouched, while others were raked to simulate the bird’s natural foraging behavior.



The results were striking. In the raked areas, there was a noticeable increase in the variety and size of invertebrates compared to the untouched zones. This confirmed that the birds’ actions directly influenced the availability of food in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-too-many-trees-could-spoil-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat</a>.



Lead researcher Alex Maisey explained the significance of these findings. "Lyrebirds set up the perfect home for their prey, creating conditions with more food resources and effectively fattening them up before eating them."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-key-player-in-australia-s-forests">A key player in Australia’s forests</h2>



The superb lyrebird is primarily found in the moist eucalypt forests of south-eastern Australia. These birds do more than just modify the ground for their own benefit - they shape entire ecosystems.



By constantly disturbing the forest floor, lyrebirds influence which plants and animals can thrive in their habitat. Their foraging behavior creates a dynamic environment where nutrients are redistributed, allowing different species to grow in areas they might not otherwise survive.



This activity helps maintain biodiversity by preventing the forest floor from becoming too compacted or overgrown. The birds ensure that organic material continues to break down, enriching the soil and supporting a diverse range of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asian-forests-proving-resilient-both-climate-change-human-actions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life forms</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lyrebirds-help-control-bushfires">Lyrebirds help control bushfires</h2>



One of the most surprising benefits of the lyrebird’s digging behavior is its role in fire prevention. Bushfires are a natural part of Australia’s landscape, but their frequency and intensity have increased due to climate change. Lyrebirds may provide an unexpected solution to this growing problem.



By moving massive amounts of leaf litter and soil, these birds help bury potential fuel sources, reducing the risk of intense fires. The researchers found that lyrebirds can shift an average of 155 tonnes of material per hectare as they farm for invertebrates.



"Lyrebirds are widespread and active across millions of hectares of forest. Their farming actions play an important role in maintaining forest biodiversity," said Dr. Maisey.



This means that in addition to securing their own food, lyrebirds contribute to the overall health and safety of the forests they inhabit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lyrebirds-take-care-of-their-environment">Lyrebirds take care of their environment </h2>



For a long time, the superb lyrebird has amazed people with its ability to copy sounds. It can mimic anything from chainsaws to camera shutters, making it one of the best sound imitators in the animal world. This talent has made it famous worldwide.



But scientists have now discovered something even more impressive about these birds. Lyrebirds are not just great at mimicking - they also help take care of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-degree-temperature-warming-boreal-forests-wreak-havoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>.



By digging up the ground and moving leaves, they create better homes for the insects and worms they eat. This keeps nature in balance and helps different plants and animals survive.



Even more surprising, their digging helps stop dangerous wildfires. By burying dry leaves and branches, they reduce the fuel that fires need to spread. This means lyrebirds play a key role in protecting forests.



Scientists are still learning more about these birds, and future research might reveal even more ways they help the environment. One thing is certain: the superb lyrebird is more than just a great imitator - it’s a nature-made engineer that keeps forests healthy.



The study is published in the <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.70009" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Animal Ecology</a>. 



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Lyrebirds farm their own food - and shape entire forests

A country like Australia, with its wildlife-rich forests, is a...

Dungeness crab, Pacific herring, and red abalone are among the coastal species that appear most vulnerable to climate risks such as rising ocean temperatures, acidification, and deoxygenation.&nbsp;



The susceptibility of these species to environmental stressors could have significant consequences for local economies and cultural traditions that rely on healthy fisheries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-vulnerability-to-climate-risks">Species vulnerability to climate risks</h2>



In a new paper titled “A Collaborative Climate Vulnerability Assessment of California Marine Fishery Species,” researchers have outlined which animals are most threatened by predicted changes in the state’s coastal waters.&nbsp;



The study was led by Timothy Frawley, an assistant project scientist at <a href="https://ims.ucsc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Cruz’s Institute of Marine Sciences</a> and assistant professor at UC Davis’s Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology.



The research aims to assist the <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Department of Fish and Wildlife</a> (CDFW) in developing “climate-ready” management strategies for commercial and recreational fisheries.



By detailing how different species respond to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-fisheries-threatened-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental shifts</a>, the team hopes to lay a foundation for policies that can better adapt to and mitigate climate-related challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economically-important-fisheries">Economically important fisheries</h2>



“The results are striking,” said Frawley, who spent five years as a commercial fisherman before earning a PhD in marine biology. “Some of California’s most economically and culturally important fisheries are assessed as being among the most vulnerable to projected future environmental changes.”



For <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-improve-well-being-in-coastal-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal communities</a>, the threat goes beyond ecology - it touches on livelihoods. The iconic Dungeness crab fishery, for instance, delivers more than 8,200 tons annually, yielding over $45 million for local economies in a typical season.&nbsp;



While this crab fishery remains robust, others have not fared as well. Red abalone, once generating an estimated $24 to $44 million in recreational value per year, has been off-limits since 2018.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, Pacific <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-evolution-in-the-baltic-sea-how-herring-became-fish-eaters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herring</a> in San Francisco Bay - once the basis of a thriving commercial fishery - have seen biomass drop by over 75%, forcing many fishers to abandon the trade entirely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-species-in-a-warming-climate">Shifting species in a warming climate</h2>



“While overall across the Northeast Pacific, a species like Pacific Herring may do OK, try telling that to a herring fisherman based out of San Francisco Bay. If their resource moves hundreds of miles away, it’s a big deal to them,” Frawley explained.&nbsp;



“It’s important to do these assessments at a scale that provides results that will be practical at the local level. So in that respect, this represents a step forward.”



Such local-level nuance is crucial, since some species may simply relocate northward as waters warm. For example, market squid - currently a mainstay of the state’s fisheries - could shift offshore or to cooler regions off Oregon or Washington, undercutting California-based fleets.&nbsp;



By contrast, certain warm-water fish like Pacific bonito might expand their range into the California Current, potentially offering new fishing opportunities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-sensitivity-to-climate-risks">Species' sensitivity to climate risks</h2>



To determine which species face the greatest climate risks, the study evaluated 34 fish and invertebrates for their vulnerability over two periods: 2030-2060 and 2070-2100.&nbsp;



The researchers focused on both sensitivity (biological attributes such as reproductive rates, habitat preferences, and susceptibility to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-acidification-is-spreading-into-deeper-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">acidification</a>) and exposure (projected ocean conditions, including temperature, salinity, upwelling, subsurface oxygen levels, and sea-level rise).



These factors were combined to rank species into four categories - blue (lowest vulnerability), yellow, orange, and red (highest vulnerability).&nbsp;



Dungeness crab, red abalone, Pacific herring, pink shrimp, and Pismo clam were among those ultimately placed in the red zone over the longer term, with ocean acidification, sea-level rise, and other compounding challenges expected to intensify.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-abalone-and-a-changing-coast">Red abalone and a changing coast</h2>



Among the most concerning examples is red abalone, a bottom-dwelling mollusk highly susceptible to marine heatwaves. Because it has limited mobility and depends on stable kelp habitats for food, any extreme temperature swings or shifts in ocean chemistry can devastate its populations.&nbsp;



The fishery’s closure in 2018 was a stark indicator of how vulnerable benthic species can be, and the new study reinforces the urgency of monitoring and protective measures.



Market squid, contributing an estimated $43.9 million annually, and spiny lobster, worth around $10.7 million, also show cause for concern. Ensuring that these high-value fisheries can adapt may require both policy interventions and collaborative planning with industry stakeholders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-coastal-communities">Supporting coastal communities</h2>



“My experience working as a fisherman has inspired me to focus my work as a marine scientist on supporting coastal communities by providing them with information required to better navigate risk and uncertainty,” Frawley said.&nbsp;



“My time at sea impressed upon me the links and feedbacks between environmental variability and change and marine-resource-dependent industries and communities, as well as an appreciation for fisheries as a team sport.”



Though the public often views fishing as fiercely independent, Frawley explained that it requires a complex network.&nbsp;



“To make the gears turn, it requires a team of individuals working together on deck, groups of boats sharing information; dock workers and truck drivers to unload and transport the product; buyers and processors to package and market it; and managers and scientists to set the harvest levels and ensure that operations are sustainable."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anticipating-changes-to-protect-fisheries">Anticipating changes to protect fisheries </h2>



In highlighting the most at-risk species, this study provides a vital roadmap for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as it works to develop adaptive measures. 



Possible strategies include flexible harvest regulations, real-time monitoring of populations, and broad collaboration among scientists, fishers, and policymakers.



While shifts in ocean conditions are already underway, the ability to anticipate change is essential for managing fisheries so they remain viable in the decades to come.&nbsp;



With clear evidence that climate change is already reshaping marine environments, proactive planning could mean the difference between a future of thriving coastal economies or dwindling opportunities for fishermen and seafood lovers alike.



The research was conducted in close collaboration with fisheries scientists at the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA), the <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Conservancy</a>, and the <a href="https://opc.ca.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Ocean Protection Council</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000574" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Climate</a>.



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Economically important marine species face high climate risks

Dungeness crab, Pacific herring, and red abalone are among the...

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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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?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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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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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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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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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" 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> 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

[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" 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.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

[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" 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> 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

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

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