If you’re a male gray frog trying to find a mate, you’d better have a fast and steady call. That’s what female treefrogs usually go for. But when the crowd gets loud and chaotic, things change. The males that don’t sound all that great? They suddenly have a shot.



In quiet situations where females only hear two males at once, their preferences are clear. They go for the one with the sharper, more rhythmic call. 



But when four or even eight males are calling at once, things get messy. Female choices become unpredictable. This isn’t just a frog issue - it ties into a broader idea that scientists call “choice overload.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frogs-face-chaos-in-the-chorus">Frogs face chaos in the chorus</h2>



In nature, frogs gather in large, noisy groups called choruses. Picture a shallow pond in spring, with dozens of males calling out at the same time. It’s the frog equivalent of a dating scene in a packed nightclub.



The researchers found that the crowded conditions of these choruses might be too overwhelming for females to reliably pick the best mate. It’s not that they stop caring - it’s that they can’t tell who’s who.



Professor Jessie Tanner of the <a href="https://www.utk.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tennessee, Knoxville</a>, led a team studying how choice overload affects evolution.



“Because female mate choice can drive evolution, our results suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-the-story-of-early-animal-evolution/">evolution</a> might happen more slowly than we thought before,” she said. 



“Some males that are fairly unattractive could still mate, especially if they take advantage of crowded spaces where females might be less able to discriminate between attractive and unattractive males.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-when-choices-are-too-hard">What happens when choices are too hard?</h2>



The idea of choice overload is pretty common in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/science-behind-predicting-and-changing-human-behavior/">human behavior</a>. You walk into a store to buy toothpaste and face 50 brands. You either freeze, grab something random, or walk away. Same goes for dating apps with endless swiping.



“We wanted to understand how having to make mating decisions in crowded environments, where choice overload could be a problem, might drive the evolution of calls,” Tanner explained. 



“Since males that are chosen by females pass on their genes to the next generation, this mate choice can cause the population to change over time.”



When animals, like people, face too many options, their decision-making can break down. That opens up a chance for less attractive mates to get picked - not because they became more appealing, but because the chooser got overwhelmed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choice-overload-in-other-animals">Choice overload in other animals</h2>



This isn’t just about frogs. Scientists are now looking at how this effect shows up in other animals. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-increasingly-stressed-over-the-past-century/">Bumblebees</a>, for instance, are on the list. So are wood roaches.



“Our lab is working to understand how choice overload and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frogs-have-lungs-that-cancel-out-background-noise/">noise</a> may each contribute to the difficulty female treefrogs face in making mating decisions,” Tanner said. 



“We are also working to understand whether this choice overload is something that occurs generally in many different kinds of animals or is more specific to individual species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simultaneous-cricket-songs">Simultaneous cricket songs </h2>



Tanner, who has a background in both psychology and biology, first got into animal behavior while studying mate choice as an undergrad. She later became interested in sound - especially how it plays into animal communication.



That led to earlier work on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-male-crickets-go-silent-how-females-adapt-and-respond/">crickets</a>. Like treefrogs, male crickets use sound to attract mates. A study on cricket mating showed that noisy environments might either block females from hearing calls or make them too confused to pick. It was hard to tell which was causing the problem.



“During that study, it became clear that our work was consistent with both the possibility that many simultaneous cricket songs created noise that made it hard for females to hear, and the possibility that the females were experiencing choice overload,” Tanner said. “Our current work looks to disentangle those ideas.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-average-becomes-good-enough">When average becomes good enough</h2>



The research adds a new layer to how scientists think about evolution. Normally, stronger signals - like a faster frog call - are expected to win out and spread through the population over time. 



But if crowded conditions keep females from consistently picking the top performers, evolution slows down. Mediocre traits stick around longer.



That changes the math for survival. In nature, being the best isn’t always enough - and sometimes, being just okay is good enough, especially if the crowd’s loud and the choices are many.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2025.0585" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Frogs settle for average mates when dating gets too noisy

If you’re a male gray frog trying to find a mate, you’d better have a fast and steady call. That’s what female treefrogs usually go for. But when the crowd gets loud and chaotic, things change. The males that don’t sound all that great? They suddenly have a shot. In quiet situations where females only hear two males at once, their preferences are clear. They go for the one with the sharper, more rhythmic call. But when four or even eight males are calling at once, things...

A giant discovery has revolutionized our understanding of the Tyrannosaurus rex's origins in North America. This research introduces Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis, the earliest known relative of the iconic T. rex on the continent.



This newly unearthed predator shares a striking resemblance in size with the infamous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-rex-may-have-weighed-up-to-33000-pounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T. rex</a>, akin to a double-decker bus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-tyrannosaurus-mcraeensis-was-discovered">How Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis was discovered</h2>



The catalyst for this discovery was a partial skull, unearthed years ago in western New Mexico and displayed at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History &amp; Science (<a href="https://www.nmnaturalhistory.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NMMNHS</a>). 



This specimen suggests that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/juvenile-t-rex-fossils-belong-a-distinct-tyrannosaur-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tyrannosaurus</a> species inhabited North America much earlier than previously believed.



An illustrious team of researchers from various esteemed institutions, including the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a> (UK), <a href="https://www.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a>, The <a href="https://www.gwu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">George Washington University</a>, <a href="https://www.harrisburgu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harrisburg University</a>, <a href="https://lehighvalley.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State Lehigh Valley</a>, <a href="https://www.ualberta.ca/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alberta</a>, and the NMMNHS, contributed to this study.



“New Mexicans have always known our state is special, now we know that New Mexico has been a special place for tens of millions of years,” Dr Fiorillo, Executive Director of NMMNHS said. 



“This study delivers on the mission of this museum through the science-based investigation of the history of life on our planet.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-t-rex-s-mysterious-origins">T. Rex's mysterious origins</h2>



The appearance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/real-t-rex-feathers-massive-eyes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tyrannosaurus rex</a>, arguably the largest and most formidable land predator in history, in North America about 66 million years ago was shrouded in mystery, especially due to the absence of close relatives on the continent. This discovery sheds light on this enigma.



The journey to this revelation began when then-student Sebastian Dalman revisited the study of a horned dinosaur from western New Mexico, sparking a comprehensive reevaluation of the region's dinosaur fossils.



Dalman recalls, “I embarked on this project in 2013 with co-author Steve Jasinski. As we delved deeper, we began suspecting we were uncovering something unprecedented.”



The researchers meticulously examined the skeleton, comparing each bone with those of numerous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tyrannosaurus-rex-planted-fruit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T. rex</a> specimens. They identified subtle yet significant differences, affirming the uniqueness of the New Mexico tyrannosaur.



“The differences are subtle, but that’s typically the case in closely related species," said Dr Nick Longrich, a co-author from the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/research-centres/milner-centre-for-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milner Centre for Evolution</a> at the University of Bath.



"Evolution slowly causes mutations to build up over millions of years, causing species to look subtly different over time.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancestral-tree-of-tyrannosaurus-mcraeensis">Ancestral tree of Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis</h2>



The Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis, roughly parallel in size to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-rex-may-have-had-brains-and-brawn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T. rex</a>, was a formidable meat-eater. The study highlights jawbone distinctions that suggest it's not a direct T. rex ancestor, hinting at more undiscovered tyrannosaur species.



Dr. Spencer Lucas, Paleontology Curator at NMMNHS, emphasizes this point, saying, “Once again, the extent and scientific importance of New Mexico’s dinosaur fossils becomes clear -- many new dinosaurs remain to be discovered in the state, both in the rocks and in museum drawers!”



This discovery expands our knowledge of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-rex-cousins-had-even-shorter-arms-and-bulldog-snouts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tyrannosaurs</a> in several aspects. It suggests that apex predators like T. rex roamed the southern United States at least 72 million years ago. 



The study theorizes that tyrannosaurs likely originated in southern North America before expanding westward.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-patterns-and-evolutionary-trends">Fossil patterns and evolutionary trends</h2>



Interestingly, the fossils, unearthed on lands managed by the <a href="https://www.usbr.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Bureau of Reclamation</a>, indicate that larger and more advanced tyrannosaurs evolved in the southern United States.



These fossils contrast with the smaller and more rudimentary species in regions like Montana and Canada. This pattern of size evolution in dinosaurs is the opposite of what is observed in modern mammals.



Finally, towards the end of the Cretaceous Period, these giant tyrannosaurs, alongside other large dinosaurs like Triceratops and Torosaurus, spread northward. 



This movement might have been driven by the emergence of new food sources capable of sustaining such colossal creatures.



In summary, the discovery of Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis, stemming from the analysis of a partial skull found in western New Mexico, suggests an earlier presence of Tyrannosaurus in North America. 



The study's revelation that Tyrannosaurus likely originated in southern North America highlights the evolutionary patterns of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-study-refutes-the-claim-that-t-rex-was-multiple-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tyrannosaurs</a>, contrasting with those of modern mammals and adding a new chapter to our understanding of these prehistoric giants.



Over a century after the first discovery of Tyrannosaurus, these findings remind us that there's still much to learn about these prehistoric giants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-tyrannosaurus-rex">More about Tyrannosaurus rex</h2>



As discussed above, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-rex-bite-skull/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tyrannosaurus rex</a>, often abbreviated as T. rex, stands as one of the most renowned dinosaurs in the prehistoric world. 



This colossal predator roamed the earth about 68 to 66 million years ago, during the late Cretaceous Period.



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



Characterized by its massive size, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-did-t-rex-really-look-like/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T. rex</a> measured up to 40 feet in length and could reach a height of 12 feet at the hips. 



Its most striking features included a large, heavy skull balanced by a long, heavy tail, and its tiny, almost comical forelimbs which contrasted sharply with its otherwise formidable appearance. 



Despite their size, these arms were incredibly strong, capable of lifting hundreds of pounds.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-tyrannosaurus-rexs-arms-so-short/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T. rex</a> was a carnivorous dinosaur, and its diet consisted primarily of other large dinosaurs. It had an extraordinary biting force, one of the strongest ever recorded for any terrestrial animal. 



Its jaws were filled with large, serrated teeth that could grow up to 12 inches long, perfect for tearing into flesh and bone.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics">Characteristics</h3>



Recent studies have shed light on the T. rex's sensory abilities. Its keen sense of smell, for instance, was likely among the best in the dinosaur kingdom, enabling it to track prey over great distances. 



Moreover, there is growing evidence that suggests the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-rex-was-even-more-fearsome-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T. rex</a> may have been more than just a solitary hunter, possibly displaying complex social behaviors such as hunting in packs and caring for its young.



The T. rex's legacy continues to captivate scientists and the public alike. Not only does it play a starring role in pop culture and media, but ongoing research into its biology and ecology keeps providing new insights into this iconic dinosaur.



The T. rex, a true titan of the prehistoric era, remains a symbol of the awe-inspiring world of dinosaurs.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-47011-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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New dinosaur species,  Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis, discovered in New Mexico

A giant discovery has revolutionized our understanding of the Tyrannosaurus...

Many,Red,Sea,Fans,And,White,Cluster,Sea,Whip,Coral

Researchers have unveiled a new ally in the fight to protect corals against the ravages of ocean warming: a unique single-celled microbe. This discovery marks a pivotal moment in our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-in-some-parts-of-the-world-actually-benefit-from-warming-el-nino-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral resilience</a>, especially in the face of escalating ocean-warming events such as bleaching.



The study was spearheaded by a team from the University of Miami <a href="https://www.earth.miami.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rosenstiel School</a> of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, alongside colleagues from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (<a href="https://www.ibe.upf-csic.es/">IBE: CSIC-UPF</a>) in Barcelona. 



The team highlights the intricate role microbes play in bolstering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recent-coral-recovery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-has-paused/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a> defenses against the severe impacts of end-of-century heat stress and climate change projections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-indicator-of-coral-resilience">Microbial indicator of coral resilience</h2>



At the heart of this research lies the revelation that specific protists within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/devastating-coral-bleaching-is-expected-around-the-world-within-the-next-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a> microbiome -- the diverse microorganisms residing in corals -- can serve as indicators of a coral's ability to endure heat stress. 



This insight is particularly vital for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-study-provides-answers-to-how-coral-reefs-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corals</a> worldwide as they increasingly confront more frequent ocean warming events. 



The study places a spotlight on corals devoid of zooxanthellae, a type of symbiotic algae expelled during warm water-induced bleaching, underlining their vulnerability.



“This is the first time that a non-algae microbe has been shown to influence the ability of corals to survive a heat-stress event,” reveals Javier del Campo, the study’s senior author, adjunct assistant professor at the Rosenstiel School, and principal investigator of the IBE. 



He emphasizes the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of the microbial factors affecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-growth-cannot-keep-pace-with-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a> survivability to guide conservation strategies, particularly in prioritizing corals for intervention amid climate change.



“As corals face more and more heat-stress events due to climate change, a better understanding of all the microbes that may influence survivability can inform conservation practitioners as to which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nutrients-from-seabird-poop-accelerate-coral-reef-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corals</a> they should prioritize for intervention," del Campo explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



To arrive at these findings, the international research team embarked on a meticulous journey. 



They collected samples of the violescent sea-whip (Paramuricea clavata), a vital architect of the Mediterranean temperate reefs currently facing the threats of mass mortality due to global warming. 



In the lab, they analyzed the coral’s microbiome and subjected it to natural heat-stress conditions, observing signs of mortality.



The study identified a group of single-celled parasitic protists, known as Syndiniales, that are more prevalent in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-coral-adaptations-challenge-conservation-plans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corals surviving</a> heat stress. 



In contrast, Corallicolids -- protists closely related to human malaria parasites -- are found more abundantly in corals succumbing to heat stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-horizon-in-coral-conservation">New horizon in coral conservation</h2>



Protists, or single-cell eukaryotes, are less studied than bacteria in most host organisms but may have a major influence on the health of their coral host. 



del Campo underscores the importance of considering all members of the microbiome, from bacteria to protists, in assessing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-corals-survive-warming-waters-by-remembering-heat-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral health</a>.



“The microbiome is a vital component of coral host health and we should study all members of it from the bacteria to the protists,” said del Campo.



In summary, this study unveils a critical microbial player in the coral ecosystem, while clearing new paths for more targeted conservation efforts. 



Understanding the complex interplay of various microorganisms within corals is crucial in developing strategies to bolster coral resilience against the escalating challenges posed by climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-sea-whip-coral-and-their-microbes">More about sea-whip coral and their microbes</h2>



As mentioned above, sea-whips, captivating marine organisms, claim their place in the underwater world with their unique, whip-like structures. 



These intriguing sea creatures, belonging to the soft <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepest-known-coral-reef-bleaching-discovered-alarming-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a> family, paint the ocean floor with their vivid colors and intricate forms. 



Unlike their hard coral cousins, sea-whips lack a rigid calcium carbonate skeleton, allowing them a flexibility that adds a dynamic element to the seascape.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anatomy-and-habitat">Anatomy and habitat</h3>



Sea-whips exhibit a fascinating anatomy. They consist of a central, whip-like skeleton covered in polyps, tiny animals that make up the living part of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-skeletons-improve-reef-recovery-after-bleaching/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a>. 



These polyps possess stinging cells, enabling them to capture tiny organisms for nutrition. Sea-whips thrive in a variety of marine environments, from shallow reefs to deep-sea floors, displaying an incredible adaptability to different ocean conditions.



Sea-whips play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. They serve as habitats for a multitude of marine species, offering shelter and breeding grounds. 



Fish, crustaceans, and other sea creatures often seek refuge within the branches of sea-whips, finding protection from predators and harsh environmental conditions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-and-conservation-efforts">Threats and conservation efforts</h3>



Despite their resilience, sea-whips face several threats, primarily from human activities. Overfishing, pollution, and destructive fishing practices, like trawling, pose significant risks to their survival. 



Additionally, climate change and the resulting ocean acidification and warming further exacerbate these challenges. Thankfully, as discussed above, single-celled microbes are proving adept at protecting these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-skeletons-improve-reef-recovery-after-bleaching/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a> from climate change.



Conservation efforts focus on protecting sea-whip habitats, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and raising awareness about the importance of these delicate marine organisms.



Sea-whips attract considerable scientific interest due to their unique biological properties. Researchers study them for insights into coral growth, reproduction, and resilience. 



Moreover, sea-whips are of interest in the field of biomedicine for their potential in drug discovery, as they produce a range of bioactive compounds.



In summary, sea-whips stand as guardians of the ocean's beauty and biodiversity. Their presence adds to the aesthetic value of the underwater world while playing a pivotal role in maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystems. 



Protecting these magnificent creatures is essential for preserving the richness and diversity of life beneath the waves.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://ami-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1462-2920.16548" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Microbiology</a>.



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A single-celled microbe is protecting corals from heat and helping them survive climate change

Researchers have unveiled a new ally in the fight to...

Sharks have endured for over 400 million years, surviving five mass extinctions and diversifying into numerous forms. Today, however, sharks face a dire situation: they are among the world's most threatened species. This is primarily due to overexploitation and the spread of wasteful finning practices.



Governments worldwide have attempted to mitigate this crisis by introducing various regulations to decrease shark catch and finning. Despite these efforts, a new global assessment has revealed that while the regulations are sometimes effective, they have not been sufficient to reverse the trend of increasing shark mortality.



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



An international team including researchers from Dalhousie University, <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a>, and The Nature Conservancy conducted a thorough investigation into shark mortality trends. 



The experts analyzed shark catches from 2012 to 2019 across 150 fishing countries and the high seas, covering a period marked by the implementation of numerous conservation measures. Their dataset encompassed an estimated 1.1 billion sharks caught globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shocking-results">Shocking results</h2>



The analysis revealed that total shark fishing mortality rose from 76 million to 80 million sharks per year, despite a more than tenfold increase in anti-finning legislation.&nbsp;



Over 30% of these catches involved species currently threatened with extinction, pushing the global mortality estimate to 101 million <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sharks-need-better-protection-to-maintain-functional-diversity/">sharks</a> in 2019.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-problem-of-staggering-proportions">A global problem of staggering proportions</h2>



Study senior author Darcy Bradley is an adjunct faculty member at UC Santa Barbara and a scientist with the Nature Conservancy in California.&nbsp;



“The unsustainable fishing of sharks is a global problem of staggering proportions that could eventually lead to the extinction of some of our planet’s most ancient and revered species,” said Bradley. “We found that despite myriad regulations intended to curb shark overfishing, the total number of sharks being killed by fisheries each year is not decreasing. If anything, it’s slightly increasing.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-too-many-sharks-are-still-dying">Too many sharks are still dying</h2>



While finning prohibitions likely reduced shark finning at sea, the team found that these regulations had little effect on mortality overall.&nbsp;



“We show that widespread legislation designed to prevent shark finning was successful in addressing this wasteful practice but did not reduce mortality overall,” said study lead author Boris Worm, a research professor in the Department of Biology at Dalhousie University. “Too many sharks are still dying; this is especially worrisome for threatened species such as hammerheads.”



"Complete bans on shark fishing, through protective measures such as shark sanctuaries can be successful, highlighting an opportunity to prioritize these and other area-based conservation measures,” said Bradley.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-demand-for-shark-meat">Rising demand for shark meat</h2>



“We have seen the demand for shark fins decreasing and the demand for shark meat increasing, with Brazil and Italy being the main consumers. Because shark meat is a relatively cheap substitute for other types of fish, there is considerable mislabeling, making some consumers eat shark meat without their knowledge," said study co-author Leonardo Feitosa, a shark biologist at UC Santa Barbara.



"Effective conservation actions for sharks are often impeded by lack of community-based awareness and stewardship projects,” said study co-author Nidhi D’Costa, a shark researcher at Dalhousie. “This is especially crucial in countries where small-scale artisanal fisheries are a major driver of shark mortality.”



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



The team emphasizes the need for more specific measures targeting shark mortality. Prohibiting fishing in certain areas and requiring fishers to release accidentally caught vulnerable species are among the recommended strategies.&nbsp;



“Our analysis highlights the need for improved transparency and reporting requirements,” said Sara Orofino, a data analyst at UC Santa Barbara. “Shark catches are often self-reported, aggregated into broad groups, and crucial information on discarding practices is often lacking. Accurate, comprehensive, and accessible data are critical to effectively evaluate how well regulations are working in safeguarding sharks and other threatened species.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adf8984" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>. 



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Shocking shark mortality rates are on the rise worldwide

Sharks have endured for over 400 million years, surviving five...

Australia, a land known for its unique and captivating wildlife, faces a grim reality with the increasing threat of climate change.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-study-changes-our-understanding-of-mammal-evolution/">Marsupials</a> in arid regions are particularly at risk, as rising temperatures may exceed their survival thresholds. Among these is the numbat, a termite-loving marsupial that is already struggling with escalating heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-heat-limits-of-numbats-nbsp">The heat limits of numbats&nbsp;</h2>



Researchers Christine Cooper from <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curtin University</a> and Philip Withers of the <a href="https://www.uwa.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Western Australia</a> have conducted on an innovative study to understand the impact of rising temperatures on the numbat.&nbsp;



Utilizing infrared cameras and advanced computer models, the researchers sought to determine the heat limits that numbats can withstand before succumbing to the harsh environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-findings-nbsp">Alarming findings&nbsp;</h2>



The team discovered that numbats can only forage under the sun for approximately 10 minutes in high temperatures before needing to seek refuge in the shade.&nbsp;



With increasing ambient temperatures and humidity, the shade may soon be insufficient for their survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted</h2>



In an unprecedented field study during 2020 and 2021, Cooper and Withers traversed the forest paths of Western Australia's Dryandra Woodland and Boyagin Nature Reserve.&nbsp;



The researchers filmed around 50 numbats using infrared technology, simultaneously measuring environmental factors like air temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed. This comprehensive approach provided a holistic view of the numbat's struggle against the elements.



Numbats, uniquely diurnal among marsupials, spend 62% of their time under the sun. The researchers meticulously measured the surface temperatures of different body parts of the numbat, both in sunlight and shade.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-troubling-insights">Troubling insights</h2>



The experts determined that direct sunlight was responsible for a mere 18% of the numbat's heat gain, indicating other significant heat sources at play. The investigation revealed that, at peak temperatures, numbats continued to absorb heat even in the shade. 



The team discovered that air and ground temperatures, along with heat radiating from surrounding objects, are the primary contributors to the risk of overheating in numbats. This means that even shaded environments may soon become too hostile for these marsupials to cool down.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangerous-body-temperature-threshold-nbsp">Dangerous body temperature threshold&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers analyzed the amount of time that numbats could hunt for food before their body temperature reached a critical 40°C.&nbsp;



They discovered that at air and ground temperatures of 23°C, numbats could only sustain 10 minutes of sun exposure before reaching this dangerous body temperature threshold. This presents a dire situation for numbats, whose sole diet consists of termites.&nbsp;



Since termites are not particularly nutritious, numbats must consume them in large quantities for survival. However, termites ascend near the surface only when the ground is sufficiently warmed by the sun, limiting the numbats' feeding to daylight hours.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-uncertain-fate">An uncertain fate</h2>



The future for numbats, under the current trajectory of climate change, is increasingly precarious. Nighttime foraging is not a viable alternative due to the inaccessibility of termites and heightened predation risks.&nbsp;



Furthermore, if the climate continues to warm as projected, even shaded areas will not provide the necessary relief from the accumulating heat in the air and rocks.



The study suggests that if immediate action is not taken to curb global temperature rise, the numbat could become yet another tragic casualty of climate change.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1242/jeb.246301" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Experimental Biology</a>.



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A race against heat: The numbat's fight for survival

Australia, a land known for its unique and captivating wildlife,...

Closeup,Portrait,Of,Male,Fruit,Bat,Also,Known,As,Flying

In a fascinating twist of nature, fruit bats not only survive but thrive on a high-sugar diet that consists predominantly of sugary fruits, consuming up to twice their body weight daily.



It's a well-established fact that high-sugar diets are detrimental to human health, leading to conditions like diabetes, obesity, and even cancer. So the question remains...why don't <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-bat-pups-take-after-their-adoptive-mothers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit bats</a> suffer the same consequences?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-fruit-bats-and-their-sugar-diet">Studying fruit bats and their sugar diet</h2>



Scientists at <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC San Francisco</a> have delved into this mystery, uncovering how fruit bats may have evolved to tolerate such high sugar levels. 



Their findings reveal adaptations in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bat-genes-are-crucial-in-the-fight-against-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit bats</a> that prevent their sugar-rich diet from causing harm, unlike in humans. 



This research could hold potential implications for the 37 million Americans suffering from diabetes, a disease that ranks as the eighth leading cause of death in the United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diabetes-a-growing-global-concern">Diabetes: A growing global concern</h2>



Costing $237 billion in direct medical expenses annually, diabetes is a condition where the human body either fails to produce insulin or cannot effectively use it, leading to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. 



"With diabetes, the human body can't produce or detect insulin, leading to problems controlling blood sugar," explains Nadav Ahituv, PhD, director of the <a href="https://humangenetics.ucsf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSF Institute for Human Genetics</a> and co-senior author of the study. 



“But fruit bats have a genetic system that controls blood sugar without fail. We’d like to learn from that system to make better insulin- or sugar-sensing therapies for people.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focusing-on-bat-physiology">Focusing on bat physiology</h2>



Ahituv's team concentrated on evolutionary changes in the bat pancreas and kidneys. They discovered that the pancreas of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-have-brains-that-synchronize-when-they-socialize/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit bat</a>, in comparison to that of an insect-eating bat, contains additional insulin-producing cells and genetic modifications to process large amounts of sugar. 



Moreover, the fruit bat's kidneys have adapted to retain essential electrolytes from their watery, fruit-based meals.



“Even small changes, to single letters of DNA, make this diet viable for fruit bats,” said Wei Gordon, PhD, co-first author of the paper, a recent graduate of UCSF’s <a href="https://tetrad.ucsf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TETRAD program</a>, and assistant professor of biology at <a href="https://www.menlo.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Menlo College</a>. 



“We need to understand high-sugar metabolism like this to make progress helping the one in three Americans who are prediabetic.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-sugary-day-in-the-life-of-a-fruit-bat">A sugary day in the life of a fruit bat</h2>



Interestingly, fruit bats spend 20 hours a day sleeping, waking up for a mere four hours to feast on fruit before returning to their roost. 



To comprehend how fruit bats manage this high sugar intake, Ahituv and Gordon collaborated with scientists from various institutions, including <a href="https://www.yonsei.ac.kr/en_sc/index.jsp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yonsei University</a> in Korea and the <a href="https://www.amnh.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Museum of Natural History</a> in New York City. 



They compared the Jamaican fruit bat to the big brown bat, which primarily consumes insects.



By employing single-cell technology, the researchers could not only identify which types of cells were present in different organs but also understand how these cells regulate gene expression in accordance with each diet. 



In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-advice-leave-bats-alone-if-we-want-to-prevent-future-pandemics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit bats</a>, the pancreas and kidneys have evolved to support their diet. The pancreas boasts more cells for insulin and glucagon production, while the kidneys efficiently trap salts during blood filtration.



Zooming into the cellular level, regulatory DNA in these cells has evolved to switch appropriate genes on or off, depending on the dietary needs. This contrasts with the big brown bat, which has adapted to a diet of insects.



“The organization of the DNA around the insulin and glucagon genes was very clearly different between the two bat species,” Gordon said. “The DNA around genes used to be considered ‘junk,’ but our data shows that this regulatory DNA likely helps fruit bats react to sudden increases or decreases in blood sugar.” 



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



Some aspects of the fruit bat's biology resemble human diabetic conditions, but with a significant advantage -- they maintain a sweet tooth without the associated health consequences. 



“It’s remarkable to step back from model organisms, like the laboratory mouse, and discover possible solutions for human health crises out in nature,” Gordon said. “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-experience-age-related-hearing-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bats</a> have figured it out, and it’s all in their DNA, the result of natural selection.” 



This study benefits from a growing interest in bat research, particularly in understanding how their unique traits can enhance human health. 



Gordon and Ahituv's participation in an annual Bat-a-Thon in Belize, involving a census of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-brains-are-highly-specialized-for-flight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild bats</a>, exemplifies this interest. 



A Jamaican fruit bat captured during this event played a key role in the sugar metabolism study.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unique-biology-of-bats-may-hold-secrets-of-cancer-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bats</a>, being one of the most diverse mammalian families, offer numerous examples of evolutionary success, whether it's their immune systems, peculiar diets, or other unique abilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beginning-of-a-new-frontier">Beginning of a new frontier</h2>



In summary, UC San Francisco scientists have uncovered how fruit bats can consume extremely high-sugar diets without adverse effects, unlike humans who risk diabetes and obesity from such diets. 



This research reveals that fruit bats have evolved specific adaptations in their pancreas and kidneys to process and tolerate large amounts of sugar. 



Led by Nadav Ahituv, PhD, and Wei Gordon, PhD, the team's findings, derived from comparisons between fruit bats and insect-eating bats, offer insights that could aid in developing new treatments for the 37 million Americans with diabetes.



“For me, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolutionary-secrets-how-bat-teeth-adapted-to-their-diverse-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bats</a> are like superheroes, each one with an amazing super power, whether it is echolocation, flying, blood sucking without coagulation, or eating fruit and not getting diabetes,” Ahituv said. “This kind of work is just the beginning.”



The study highlights the potential of learning from wildlife to address human health challenges, marking a significant step in understanding and potentially managing high-sugar metabolism in humans.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-44186-y">Nature Communications</a>.



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How fruit bats suffer no consequences from their high sugar diet

In a fascinating twist of nature, fruit bats not only...

Researchers at the University of British Columbia (<a href="https://www.ubc.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UBC</a>) have revealed insights into the flight dynamics of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-hummingbird-day-celebrating-natures-aerial-acrobats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbirds</a>. These findings, as detailed in a study led by Dr. Vikram B. Baliga, provide a fascinating glimpse into the intricate mechanics of these tiny, agile birds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dual-sensory-strategies-of-hummingbird-flight">Dual sensory strategies of hummingbird flight</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-adjust-their-wings-to-fly-through-very-tiny-spaces/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hummingbirds</a>, known for their exceptional flight capabilities, employ two distinct sensory strategies to navigate their aerial world. This differentiation is particularly noticeable when comparing their hovering behavior to forward motion.



In forward flight, hummingbirds adopt what Dr. Baliga refers to as an 'internal forward model.' This strategy is akin to an intuitive autopilot, allowing the birds to gauge speed without being overwhelmed by the barrage of visual information from their surroundings. 



“There’s just too much information coming in to rely directly on every visual cue from your surroundings,” explains Dr. Baliga.



Contrastingly, when hovering or facing situations that necessitate altitude adjustments, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-will-not-be-able-to-retreat-to-high-altitudes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbirds</a> depend significantly on real-time, direct visual feedback. This shift to more immediate cues is a testament to their adaptability and precision in flight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hummingbird-flight-recorder">The hummingbird flight recorder</h2>



To decipher these flight patterns, the UBC team conducted an ingenious experiment. They had hummingbirds fly through a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/hummingbird_flight-speed_tunnel-test_credit-Anand-Varma_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">four-meter tunnel</a>, from a perch to a feeder. 



This setup was designed to test the birds' reactions to various visual stimuli. The researchers projected different patterns, such as moving vertical stripes and horizontal stripes, along the tunnel walls to simulate changes in forward motion and altitude. The front wall featured rotating swirls to create an illusion of positional change.



Dr. Baliga notes, “If the birds were taking their cues directly from visual stimuli, we’d expect them to adjust their forward velocity to the speed of vertical stripes on the side walls.” 



However, the results revealed a more complex picture. While the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sipping-on-nectar-hummingbirds-consume-a-surprising-amount-of-alcohol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbirds</a> did modify their velocity in response to these patterns, the correlation was not straightforward.



Interestingly, the birds showed a more direct response to stimuli indicating altitude changes. During hovering, they also closely adjusted their position in response to the shifting spirals on the front wall.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-avian-to-aerial-technology">From avian to aerial technology</h2>



These findings offer more than just an understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-have-evolved-to-survive-harsh-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbird</a> perception during flight transitions. They hold potential implications for the development of next-generation autonomous flying and hovering vehicles. 



The nuanced understanding of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-cannot-maintain-an-energetic-lifestyle-at-high-altitudes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbirds</a> manage complex flight maneuvers could inform the programming of onboard navigation systems in drones and other similar technologies.



Dr. Doug Altshuler, the senior author of the study, reflects on the broader significance of their work. “Our experiments were designed to investigate how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-have-more-colors-than-all-other-birds-combined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbirds</a> control flight speed,” he says. 



“But because the hummingbirds took spontaneous breaks to hover during their flights, we uncovered these two distinct strategies to control different aspects of their trajectories.”



In summary, this research demystifies the flight of hummingbirds, while also paving the way for advancements in aerial navigation technology, showcasing the profound impact of nature-inspired engineering.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2023.2155" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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How hummingbirds deal with their need for flight speed

Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have revealed...

In the vast depths of the ocean, scientists have made an amazing discovery in a seemingly unassuming creature: the sea squirt.&nbsp;



Researchers from the <a href="https://ista.ac.at/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Science and Technology Austria</a> have uncovered how sea squirt oocytes (immature egg cells) utilize friction within their interior compartments to trigger developmental changes after conception. This revelation opens a new chapter in our understanding of the forces that shape life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-unusual-life-of-sea-squirts">The unusual life of sea squirts</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-sea-squirts-may-reverse-aging-processes/">Sea squirts</a>, or ascidians, are peculiar marine organisms. After spending their early life as free-moving larvae, they eventually settle down, attaching to solid structures such as rocks or corals.&nbsp;



As they mature, sea squirts develop distinctive tubes known as siphons, transforming into what appear to be rubbery blobs.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-model-organisms">Model organisms</h2>



Sea squirts have a close evolutionary relationship with humans as they are our most closely related invertebrate relatives. The larval stages of sea squirts, in particular, bear striking similarities to human development.



Due to these similarities, ascidians have become model organisms for studying early vertebrate embryonic development.&nbsp;



“While ascidians exhibit the basic developmental and morphological features of vertebrates, they also have the cellular and genomic simplicity typical of invertebrates,” said Professor Carl-Philipp Heisenberg. “Especially the ascidian larva is an ideal model for understanding early vertebrate development.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oocyte-transformation">Oocyte transformation</h2>



The team's research focuses on the transformation of ascidian oocytes, the female germ cells, post-fertilization. Typically, animal oocytes undergo significant cytoplasmic reorganization after fertilization, which sets the stage for the embryo's development.&nbsp;



In ascidians, this rearrangement leads to the formation of a contraction pole (CP), a bell-like protrusion crucial for the embryo's maturation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-of-cell-shape-change">The mystery of cell shape change</h2>



In their quest to understand the underlying mechanisms of this process, the team observed reproducible changes in cell shape leading to the CP formation.&nbsp;



Initial investigations focused on the actomyosin cortex, a dynamic structure beneath the cell membrane. The experts discovered that upon fertilization, increased tension in this cortex leads to its contraction and subsequent cell shape changes.



“We uncovered that when cells are fertilized, increased tension in the actomyosin cortex causes it to contract, leading to its movement (flow), resulting in the initial changes of the cell’s shape,” explained study first author Silvia Caballero-Mancebo.&nbsp;



However, the team noted that the actomyosin flows stopped during the expansion of the contraction pole, suggesting that there are additional factors responsible for the bump.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-myoplasm-nbsp">The role of myoplasm&nbsp;</h2>



Further investigations led to the discovery of the role of myoplasm, a stretchy solid-like layer in the lower region of the egg cell.&nbsp;



During the actomyosin cortex flow, the myoplasm folds and forms many buckles due to friction forces between these two components. As the actomyosin movement halts, these friction forces dissipate.



“This cessation eventually leads to the expansion of the contraction pole as the multiple myoplasm buckles resolve into the well-defined bell-like-shaped bump,” explained Caballero-Mancebo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanical-forces-in-development">Mechanical forces in development</h2>



The study not only sheds light on the specific role of friction in embryonic development but also emphasizes the importance of mechanical forces in shaping organisms.&nbsp;



“The myoplasm is also very intriguing, as it is involved in other embryonic processes of ascidians as well. Exploring its unusual material properties and grasping how they play a role in shaping sea squirts, will be highly interesting," said Professor Heisenberg.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41567-023-02302-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Physics</a>.



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Friction is the force that initiates life in sea squirts

In the vast depths of the ocean, scientists have made...

A new study has uncovered a dire situation for Africa's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australias-largest-eagle-was-a-massive-predator/">birds of prey</a>. Nearly 90% of the 42 African raptors analyzed were found to be in a state of decline, raising fears that more than two-thirds may now be globally threatened.



The research was conducted by an international team of researchers led by Dr. Phil Shaw from the <a href="https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/">University of St. Andrews</a> and Dr. Darcy Ogada of <a href="https://peregrinefund.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Peregrine Fund</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-findings">Alarming findings</h2>



For their analysis, the experts combined road survey data across four African regions over 20 to 40 years. The study offers a detailed picture of the changing fortunes of savanna raptor species.&nbsp;



The researchers found that larger African raptors have suffered more than smaller ones, particularly in unprotected areas where they face increased human threats.&nbsp;



The rate of decline outside of protected areas is more than double compared to within them. The experts noted that many species experiencing the steepest declines had suffered a double jeopardy, having also become much more dependent on protected areas over the course of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-pressures">Multiple pressures</h2>



The researchers identified a range of pressures contributing to this crisis. Habitat conversion, intensifying human activities, and a predicted doubling of the human population in the next 35 years are adding to the strain on African raptors.&nbsp;



Dr. Shaw emphasized the urgent need to expand protected areas and mitigate pressures in unprotected regions.



“Since the 1970s, extensive areas of forest and savanna have been converted into farmland, while other pressures affecting African raptors have likewise intensified," said Dr. Shaw.&nbsp;



"With the human population projected to double in the next 35 years, the need to extend Africa’s protected area network - and mitigate pressures in unprotected areas - is now greater than ever."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raptor-conservation-nbsp">Raptor conservation&nbsp;</h2>



“Africa is at a crossroads in terms of saving its magnificent birds of prey. In many areas we have watched these species nearly disappear," said Dr. Ogada.



"One of Africa’s most iconic raptors, the Secretarybird, is on the brink of extinction. There’s no single threat imperiling these birds, it’s a combination of many human-caused ones, in other words we are seeing deaths from a thousand cuts."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-declines">Massive declines </h2>



Professor Ian Newton is a world-leading ornithologist who was not involved in the study.



“This is an important paper which draws attention to the massive declines in predatory birds which have occurred across much of Africa during recent decades. This was the continent over which, only 50 years ago, pristine populations of spectacular raptors were evident almost everywhere, bringing excitement and wonder to visitors from many parts of the world," said Professor Newton.



"The causes of the declines are many - from rampant habitat destruction to growing use of poisons by farmers and poachers and expanding powerline networks – all ultimately due to expansions in human numbers, livestock grazing and other activities."&nbsp;



"Let us hope that more research can be done and, more importantly, that these birds can be protected over ever more areas, measures largely dependent on the education and goodwill of local people.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perilous-existence-nbsp">Perilous existence&nbsp;</h2>



The experts noted that raptors of all sizes lead an increasingly perilous existence on Africa’s unprotected land, where suitable habitat, food supplies and breeding sites have been drastically reduced, and persecution from pastoralists, ivory poachers and farmers is now widespread.&nbsp;



Other significant threats include unintentional poisoning, electrocution on power poles and collision with powerlines and wind turbines, as well as killing for food and belief-based uses, said the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-african-raptor-leadership-grant">The African Raptor Leadership Grant</h2>



The study authors have developed the African Raptor Leadership Grant to address the immediate need for more research and conservation programs.&nbsp;



The grant supports educational and mentoring opportunities for emerging African scientists, boosting local conservation initiatives and knowledge of raptors across the continent.&nbsp;



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02236-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution </a>.&nbsp;



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Alarming decline of African raptors linked to multiple pressures

A new study has uncovered a dire situation for Africa's...

Malaria,Infectious,Mosquito,Bite,On,Green,Background.,Leishmaniasis,,Encephalitis,,Yellow

Recent research from <a href="https://wustl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University in St. Louis</a> sheds new light on the varying heat tolerances among mosquito populations, a discovery with significant implications for global health. 



In a world increasingly threatened by vector-borne diseases, understanding mosquito behavior in response to rising temperatures is more crucial than ever.



Traditionally, models predicting vector-borne disease risks have operated under the assumption that all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-great-for-mosquitoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquito populations</a> share similar heat tolerances. 



This new study, however, challenges that notion, suggesting that some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-aims-to-control-mosquitoes-by-deactivating-their-sperm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> are better equipped to withstand heat waves than others. 



Such findings indicate that current models might be underestimating the potential for disease spread in warmer climates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-mosquito-heat-tolerance">Studying mosquito heat tolerance</h2>



This research was led by senior scientist <a href="https://www.katiewestbymosquito.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Katie M. Westby</a> at <a href="https://tyson.wustl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tyson Research Center</a>.



Westby and her team focused on the critical thermal maximum (CTmax) -- the highest temperature an organism can tolerate -- of the Aedes albopictus, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiger-mosquitoes-colder-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiger mosquito</a>. This species is a known carrier of diseases like West Nile, chikungunya, and dengue. 



“We found significant differences across populations for both adults and larvae, and these differences were more pronounced for adults,” Westby said.



This study is pivotal, as it highlights significant variations in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-biting-season-extended-by-light-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquito</a> heat tolerance across different populations of this globally invasive species.



Westby's team analyzed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soap-can-make-you-more-or-less-attractive-to-mosquitoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> from eight distinct populations across four U.S. climate zones, ranging from New Orleans, Louisiana to Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. 



By raising larvae from these various regions to adulthood under controlled laboratory conditions, the researchers were able to conduct thorough tests on their thermal limits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-research-team-learned">What the research team learned</h2>



Surprisingly, the study found that adult <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mosquitoes-find-tasty-humans-from-hundreds-of-meters-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> generally had lower heat limits compared to their larvae. This disparity is likely due to the differing environments experienced by aquatic larvae and terrestrial adults. 



“Larvae had significantly higher thermal limits than adults, and this likely results from different selection pressures for terrestrial adults and aquatic larvae,” said Benjamin Orlinick, first author of the paper and a former undergraduate research fellow at Tyson Research Center.



“It appears that adult Ae. albopictus are experiencing temperatures closer to their CTmax than larvae, possibly explaining why there are more differences among adult populations.”



Notably, adult <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-hearing-could-be-targeted-to-combat-deadly-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> tend to endure temperatures closer to their thermal heat maximum, accounting for the greater variance observed among adult populations.



One key finding of the research is the correlation between higher precipitation levels and increased heat tolerance in mosquitoes. 



This suggests that in wetter climates, mosquitoes may better endure higher temperatures, possibly because increased humidity reduces their risk of dehydration.



“The overall trend is for increased heat tolerance with increasing precipitation,” Westby said. “It could be that wetter climates allow mosquitoes to endure hotter temperatures due to decreases in desiccation, as humidity and temperature are known to interact and influence mosquito survival.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mosquitoes-heat-and-climate-change">Mosquitoes, heat, and climate change</h2>



The study also highlights the importance of understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/skin-compounds-make-some-people-mosquito-magnets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> adapt to local climates and the potential for these insects to adjust to rapidly changing global temperatures. 



According to Westby, genetic variation in heat tolerance is crucial for adaptation to rising temperatures.



“Standing genetic variation in heat tolerance is necessary for organisms to adapt to higher temperatures,” Westby said. “That’s why it was important for us to experimentally determine if this mosquito exhibits variation before we can begin to test how, or if, it will adapt to a warmer world.”



Looking forward, the team at Washington University plans to explore further into the limits of mosquito behavior, particularly how high temperatures impact their blood-feeding habits and potential adaptations to warmer conditions. 



This research is vital for grasping the full impact of climate change on disease transmission, as real-world conditions often vary significantly from laboratory settings.



In summary, this disturbing study challenges existing models of disease risk while opening new avenues for understanding and mitigating the impact of climate change on public health.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fevo.2023.1248673/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Bad news – mosquitoes prefer heat and actually thrive in the warming climate

Recent research from Washington University in St. Louis sheds new...

A study recently published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.14039" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Animal Ecology</a> highlights how different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterflies-and-moths-are-struggling-to-adapt-to-climate-change/">butterfly</a> populations adapt to their environments and the risks they face from climate change. 



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> and the <a href="https://www.ibe.upf-csic.es/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institut de Biologia Evolutiva</a> (IBE) in Barcelona focused on butterfly populations in Catalonia, northern Spain, and compared them to their counterparts in the UK. They found significant differences in how these butterflies regulate their body temperature, a critical factor for survival in changing climates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-avoiding-behavior-nbsp">Heat-avoiding behavior&nbsp;</h2>



Butterflies in warmer climates like Catalonia have developed efficient ways to regulate their body temperature, primarily by basking in the sun. By contrast, British butterflies adapt to cooler temperatures by seeking warm microclimates. However, with global temperatures on the rise, both populations are beginning to display heat-avoiding behavior.&nbsp;



While British butterflies might initially benefit from warmer climates, Spanish butterflies face a greater risk of extinction if they cannot adapt quickly enough to the rising temperatures.



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



Eric Toro-Delgado from IBE, lead author of the study, explained the motivation behind the research: “The first study in the UK showed that butterflies are pretty good at regulating their body temperature in this cooler climate, but we wanted to see whether butterflies in a warmer climate, such as Spain, are doing anything differently.”&nbsp;



“In Spain, butterflies spend much more time at their optimum temperature since it’s warmer, but there’s also a greater risk of overheating,” added senior author Andrew Bladon from Cambridge’s Department of Zoology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-adaptation-nbsp">Climate adaptation&nbsp;</h2>



The study, which mirrors a 2020 UK research project by some of the same scientists, involved measuring the body, air, and perch temperatures of nearly 800 adult butterflies across 23 species in Catalonia.&nbsp;



The researchers aimed to understand whether adaptations observed in Spanish butterflies could indicate how British butterflies might need to adapt in response to climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings-nbsp">Key findings&nbsp;</h2>



The findings revealed that Catalan butterflies are better at regulating their body temperature compared to British butterflies. Both populations switch from heat-seeking to heat-avoiding behavior at air temperatures around 22°C.&nbsp;



However, British butterflies rely more on microclimates for thermoregulation, while Catalan butterflies have a wider range of thermal environments to choose from.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-and-biodiversity-loss-nbsp">Habitat and biodiversity loss&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers also noted that habitat and biodiversity loss, particularly in the UK, are significant threats to butterflies. Diverse habitats provide a variety of microclimates that can help butterflies maintain their preferred temperatures.&nbsp;



Bladon emphasized the importance of creating biodiverse environments: “If we can provide them with field margins, biodiverse road verges, more wildflowers, and longer grass, butterflies can more easily move through the landscape.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-temperature-regulation-nbsp">Body temperature regulation&nbsp;</h2>



Despite the current ability of Catalan butterflies to thermoregulate effectively, the rising global temperatures pose a significant threat, as Spain is already experiencing warmer climates. The study found that wing size, which was a factor in regulating body temperature in UK butterflies, did not have the same relevance in Spain, where avoiding heat is more critical.



“Because of rising global temperatures, the UK’s climate is becoming a little bit more like Spain, so climate change may benefit British butterflies in the short term,” Bladon explained. However, both populations show signs of heat avoidance, with Catalan butterflies facing a higher risk due to their proximity to their thermal optimum.



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



The study concludes that in addition to rising temperatures, extreme weather events like droughts and heatwaves, exacerbated by climate change, pose risks to both adult butterflies and their caterpillars.&nbsp;



“Climate change and biodiversity loss go hand-in-hand, and we urgently need to address both if we’re going to protect important species like butterflies,” Toro-Delgado warned. This research underscores the intricate relationship between climate change, biodiversity, and the survival of vital species like butterflies.



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Some butterflies are better at regulating their body temperature than others

A study recently published in the Journal of Animal Ecology...

Coral,Nurseries,-,Environmental,Protection,Concept.,The,Diverse,Coral,Colony

When we envision coral reefs and coral nurseries, we often picture static rock-like structures dotting the ocean floor. These underwater gardens, vital to marine life, have long been the focus of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reef-plastic-pollution-increases-with-depth-and-near-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>. 



Typically, these efforts are directed at preserving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recent-coral-recovery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-has-paused/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">existing corals</a> and shielding them from known dangers like pollution, overfishing, and runoff from coastal populations.



However, a transformative study near Miloliʻi, on the southwestern side of Hawai’i Island, is reshaping our approach to coral conservation. The intriguing research was spearheaded by <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a> scientists and their collaborators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indigenous-knowledge-and-modern-science">Indigenous knowledge and modern science</h2>



At the forefront of this research is an impressive group of scientists. Together, they emphasize the significance of safeguarding marine ecosystems, both down-current and up-current of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-growth-cannot-keep-pace-with-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a>. 



These are the areas where coral larvae, the coral keiki, are more likely to flourish. The survival of these coral nurseries is key in the face of the escalating threats posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-coral-reefs-have-naturally-increased-their-heat-tolerance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. 



Rachel Carlson, an ASU affiliate scientist, is the study’s first author. She highlights the importance of integrating local, indigenous knowledge with Western science in mapping a sustainable future for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reef-study-proves-humans-are-major-ecosystem-disruptors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral populations</a>. 



“There’s a lot of indigenous knowledge about coral spawning and fish populations in West Hawaiʻi. In this study, we addressed an open question: how connected are coral populations between embayments along this coastline?” said Carlson. 



“What we essentially found is that the major factors in helping the coral keiki, known as larvae, settle down and survive are the nearshore current and the structure of the reef.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-coral-nurseries-from-above">Monitoring coral nurseries from above </h2>



This study addressed a critical question: the connectivity of coral populations along certain coastlines. It found that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-corals-survive-warming-waters-by-remembering-heat-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival of coral</a> larvae nurseries hinges on the nearshore currents and the reef's structure. 



These larvae tend to settle in areas with larger boulders and uneven surfaces, which they find more conducive.



An exciting aspect of this research is the utilization of ASU’s <a href="https://asnerlab.org/projects/global-airborne-observatory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Airborne Observatory</a>. This specialized aircraft, equipped with advanced remote sensing technologies, has mapped seafloor features significant for coral settlement. 



Greg Asner, director of ASU's <a href="https://globalfutures.asu.edu/gdcs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science</a> and the study’s senior author, underscores this as "foundational research" that enhances our understanding of reef connectivity and identifies potential sites for effective coral restoration.



“First, it gives us an understanding of the connectivity of different parts of reefs along our coastline and tells us the level of connectivity in the context of the birth, settlement, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poo-from-fish-that-eat-coral-is-beneficial-for-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth of corals</a> miles apart," Asner explained. 



"Second, our unique remote sensing capabilities can identify reef sites where coral restoration could be most viable in the future. Finally, these findings provide a critical building block for future restoration efforts by our ʻĀkoʻakoʻa team and collaborators," concluded Asner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-and-community-engagement">Cultural and community engagement</h2>



The <a href="https://news.asu.edu/20230613-solutions-turning-tide-our-coral-reefs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program</a>, a regional initiative combining cultural leadership, education, science, and government engagement, has been instrumental in supporting this research. 



Kaʻimi Kaupiko, president of Kalanihale, a non-profit managing the Miloliʻi Community-based Subsistence Fishing Area, reflects on the cultural and ecological significance of reefs. 



Kaupiko states, "We as lineal descendants of the Miloliʻi area have always relied on the reef for our ʻOhana (families). Our reef is our sustenance and is of enormous cultural value to us."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-scope-of-coral-protection">Expanding the scope of coral protection</h2>



This study brings a new perspective to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-study-provides-answers-to-how-coral-reefs-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef protection strategies</a>. Asner compares it to understanding the importance of a forest, not just individual trees. 



Robin Martin is an associate professor with the ASU <a href="https://oceans.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Ocean Futures</a>. Martin echoes this sentiment, stressing that reef connectivity is an underutilized tool in global reef restoration efforts. 



“In Hawai‘i and worldwide, we're trying to figure out where we should place protections and restore areas to help reefs,” Martin said. 



“This study is highly technical, but it needs to be part of that conversation and part of that work because if you aren’t protecting the up-current reefs, you are cutting off important reproductive areas.”



The research suggests that protection should encompass not only areas with dense coral coverage but also the paths through which coral larvae travel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-nursery-conservation-efforts">Coral nursery conservation efforts</h2>



This research opens new possibilities for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crust-forming-algae-have-the-potential-to-dominate-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation strategies</a>, potentially extending much further than current practices. 



As Asner notes, the extensive coastline of west Hawaiʻi island poses unique challenges and opportunities for coral restoration. 



“These kinds of studies of connectivity, flow, and movement are needed because the west Hawaiʻi island coastline is longer than the whole circumference of any other island,” Asner said. 



“We have a lot of degraded reefs along our coastline, so knowing where and how to help baby corals thrive is fundamental to the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa restoration effort.”



Understanding the movement and settlement patterns of coral larvae is fundamental to the success of the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa restoration effort.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-student-contributions-are-vital">Student contributions are vital</h2>



The involvement of students in the study represents a fusion of cultural knowledge and scientific inquiry. Kaupiko highlights this integration, emphasizing the ecological connectedness of the region and the need for comprehensive management and protection strategies.



"Our students participated in the coral study, and that also helped us to connect the dots between cultural knowledge and Western science,” said Kaupiko. 



“The study supports our CBSFA by showing that our area is ecologically connected, and thus it needs to be managed and protected as one connected reef and coastline."



In summary, this important study in Hawai‘i represents a pivotal shift in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-oceans-intensify-viruses-that-kill-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral conservation</a> strategies. By combining cultural insights, advanced scientific research, and community collaboration, it offers a holistic approach to preserving and restoring the delicate balance of coral ecosystems. 



Their innovative work benefits the reefs of Hawai‘i while also setting a precedent for coral conservation efforts worldwide.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2311661121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Coral ‘nurseries’ need protection equal to that of established coral reefs

When we envision coral reefs and coral nurseries, we often...

Detail,Of,Bee,Or,Honeybee,In,Latin,Apis,Mellifera,,European

Have you ever wondered why certain flowers are more appealing to bees? New research on bees and nutrition seems to have found the answer to this question. 



Recent research from the USDA Forest Service’s <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/rmrs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocky Mountain Research Station</a> and the <a href="https://www.unr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nevada, Reno</a> sheds light on this. 



Their study reveals how the nutritional value of plant pollen influences bee foraging behavior and community composition in gardens. 



This finding is crucial, especially when considering larger implications such as combating the decline in pollinator populations through improved rangeland restoration strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutritional-requirements-of-bees">Nutritional requirements of bees</h2>



The study delved into the foraging habits of wild bees, uncovering that different bee species have varied nutritional requirements. 



“Nutrition is widely recognized as a key factor in addressing pollinator declines, and plants vary in the protein and lipid content of the pollens they offer to bees,” explains lead author Dr. Anthony Vaudo, a research biological scientist at RMRS. 



He emphasizes the importance of pollen nutrition, particularly for developing bee larvae, which rely on pollen as their primary food source.



“We wanted to bring focus to that aspect of nutrition and foraging and its direct effects on the health of the developing bees,” he added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-plants-and-bee-nutrition">Implications for plants and bee nutrition</h2>



Dr. Vaudo and his team analyzed the protein and lipid content in the pollen of 109 plant species in the Great Basin region. These plants bloom simultaneously, providing a comprehensive view of the nutritional landscape available to bees. 



The research discovered that the nutritional content of pollen in different plant communities predicts the types of bee communities they attract.



An intriguing aspect of their findings is that many bees do not show loyalty to specific plant families or genera. Instead, their preferences are based on more fundamental nutritional needs. 



This insight is especially relevant when selecting seeds for conserving bee habitats and plant communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-bee-conservation-efforts">Enhancing bee conservation efforts</h2>



The study also reveals that plants within related genera offer similar pollen nutrition, making them functionally akin for bees. This knowledge could predict how a bee might choose a host plant in new environments. 



“This has exciting opportunities for future restoration research and could change the way bee communities can be conserved or improved," Vaudo said. 



"For example, designing a restoration project with more nutritionally diverse plants and testing to see if they attract more bees or a higher diversity of bees.” 



He highlights a beneficial feedback loop where increased pollination leads to more seed production, supporting healthier bee populations and offering resilience in changing environments.



"This idea of nutritional diversity can support healthier bee populations and hopefully provide resilience in changing environments," explained Vaudo.



In summary, this research not only enhances our understanding of bee foraging behavior but also opens new avenues for conservation efforts. 



By considering the nutritional needs of bees, we can design more effective strategies to nurture and preserve these vital pollinators, ensuring the health of our ecosystems and agricultural productivity.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2317228120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Different bee species have unique nutritional needs and appetites

Have you ever wondered why certain flowers are more appealing...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.



"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.



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



The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.



The research, published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.



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Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.



This video captures the discovery of Timorebestia fossils that had been hidden for more than 500 million years in the Sirius Passet formation. The "terror beasts," as they are called, are a hidden chapter in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, showing that sophisticated predator-prey interactions occurred much earlier than previously envisioned.



Dr. Jakob Vinther and his research team at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, in collaboration with researchers at the <a href="https://eng.kopri.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korean Polar Research Institute</a>, braved extreme weather conditions at 82.5 north latitude to locate these giant creatures. Using sophisticated electron microprobe analysis, they revealed the detailed anatomy of the animals, including their muscle and nerve tissues.



The find upsets the traditional timeline of sea predators. Although we've long appreciated that Cambrian oceans were at one time ruled by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWI3-UgA3_o&amp;list=PL1QLQMW9MWDwpkFOnvgAmu7wT6rZmYqdJ&amp;index=19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a>, these discoveries indicate that relatives of arrow worms were first to dominate the seas. These worms were building sophisticated food webs several million years before other predator groups arose.



Each fossil is a story of ancient hunger, with fossil stomach contents revealing these meter-long beasts dined on heavily armored arthropods regularly, cementing their place as the ocean's first apex predators.



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.



Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cairo-forest-discovery">The Cairo forest discovery</h2>



385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.



The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.



Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-age-and-preservation">Revolutionary age and preservation</h2>



The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."



This discovery pushes back advanced tree evolution by millions of years. The research, published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a> in December 2019, fundamentally changes our understanding of when complex forests first emerged.



Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-archaeopteris-the-first-modern-tree">Meet Archaeopteris: the first modern tree</h2>



The star of this ancient forest is Archaeopteris – not to be confused with the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx. This tree was far older and more revolutionary.



William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.



Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changing-impact">Climate-changing impact</h2>



These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.



This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-ecosystem">Ancient forest ecosystem</h2>



The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified Eospermatopteris, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.



All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance">Scientific significance</h2>



Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.



Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."



The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.



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



In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.



Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-today-s-climate">Lessons for today's climate</h2>



Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.



Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.



These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.



The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?



The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What was acid rain?</h2>



Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The science behind it</h2>



Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.



While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The crisis at its peak</h2>



During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Environmental devastation</h2>



The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.



By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.



Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Economic impact</h2>



Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The solution: government action and technology</h2>



Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Clean Air Act of 1990</h2>



The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cap-and-trade success</h2>



Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.



The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Technology advances</h2>



Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.



The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today">Why we don't hear about it today</h2>



Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Success doesn't make news</h2>



There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mission accomplished</h2>



The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone">Is it really gone?</h2>



The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.



EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What this teaches us</h2>



The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.



Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>



Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.



Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.



This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.



Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Sources: This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



1. Is acid rain completely gone? No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.



2. How long did solving take? Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.



3. What made the solution successful? Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.



4. Do other countries have acid rain problems? Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.



5. Could acid rain return? Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.



6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"? The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a>



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The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

Fresh,Radish,Harvest,On,Soil,In,Garden.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex
</div></figure>







Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving fall garden, and this guide lays out the best vegetables and herbs to plant now for a fruitful autumn harvest. 



Fast-growing leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, kale, and arugula perform especially well in the waning summer heat, with harvests beginning as soon as 30 days. 



These cool-season crops relish the transition into fall, offering repeated yields with cut-and-come-again methods.



Root vegetables like radishes, carrots, and beets also excel during this period. Radishes deliver satisfaction in under a month, while carrots and beets mature in about two months. Employing succession planting ensures a continuous stream of produce deep into the cooler months. 



For a boost of fresh flavor, herbs like cilantro, basil, dill, and chervil are excellent picks. These heat-loving varieties flourish in July’s warmth and are harvest-ready in about 30 days, especially when sown continuously.



Gardeners in zones 6 through 9 can benefit from planting bush beans and snap peas, which don’t require trellising and are ideal for compact plots. 



Maturing in 50–60 days, they’re a smart choice for quick, protein-rich harvests. For those in hotter regions, heat-tolerant crops such as okra and southern peas provide reliable yields and thrive in scorching conditions.



This guide emphasizes more than crop selection—it highlights the importance of timing, soil preparation, and ongoing sowing techniques. 



With thoughtful planning and attention to regional climate needs, even late-summer gardeners can enjoy fresh salads, hearty stews, and the satisfaction of a robust, homegrown harvest well into fall.



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving...

Green,Ecoduct,Over,An,Empty,Highway,During,Sunset.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. 



Frogs and salamanders often cross roads to reach breeding ponds each spring, but many are killed by vehicles. 



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>, in collaboration with local citizens and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, installed two underpass tunnels in 2015. 



Over a 12-year monitoring period, they observed an 80.2% reduction in amphibian deaths, and up to 94% for non-climbing species like salamanders. 



The study used a before-after-control-impact design and documented more than 5,200 amphibians, highlighting the tunnels’ effectiveness even in nearby buffer zones.



Funded at $342,397 - far cheaper than wildlife crossings for large mammals - the project showcased the power of community-led conservation.



Local groups initiated the effort after observing mass amphibian deaths. Wildlife cameras later captured over 2,200 amphibians using a tunnel in just one spring, along with other species like raccoons and bobcats, indicating wider ecosystem benefits.



This marks the first peer-reviewed, long-term data set in the northeastern U.S. confirming amphibian-specific underpasses work. 



The study urges transportation departments to incorporate these designs into road planning and highlights how community action, thoughtful infrastructure, and persistence can make a real difference for biodiversity.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1617138125000780" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal for Nature Conservation</a>.



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that...

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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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