Illegal wildlife trade in North Korea is a shadowy yet thriving enterprise. Beneath the state’s stringent regulatory framework, a dark undercurrent flows - one where endangered species become mere commodities. 



This silent crisis has been investigated by experts at University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>). The research reveals the stark reality of a nation where economic desperation and government complicity intertwine to ravage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>.



The study is the first in-depth examination of North Korea’s wildlife trade. Researchers interviewed defectors, including former hunters, middlemen, and buyers, exposing a network of illegal trade that stretches from the country’s dense forests to the bustling markets of China. 



The findings are chilling: endangered species are being hunted, skinned, and sold while the state profits from their suffering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rise-of-black-markets">The rise of black markets</h2>



The collapse of North Korea’s economy in the 1990s reshaped the country’s social and economic fabric. A once-centralized distribution system crumbled, pushing citizens into the shadows of the black market. 



Food shortages forced families to fend for themselves, and in the absence of state support, wildlife became both a lifeline and a lucrative trade.



Hunting, a desperate act of survival, turned into a thriving underground economy. Deer, wild boar, and red fox became prime targets, not just for their meat but for their skins and bones. These products were not only consumed locally but also sold to middlemen, who then smuggled them across the border to China.



Dr. Joshua Elves-Powell, the study’s lead author, connects economic hardship to the surge in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-civet-day-2025-reveals-the-dark-side-of-a-luxury-coffee/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> exploitation. 



“The widespread harvesting of North Korea’s wildlife, driven by the economic limitations of the North Korean state and the shortages of food, medicine and basic goods experienced by many of its citizens, is an important threat to the biodiversity of North Korea and the wider region,” he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-china-s-role-in-the-wildlife-trade">China’s role in the wildlife trade</h2>



Wildlife trade in North Korea doesn’t end within its borders. China has become a voracious consumer of North Korean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-honors-success-in-clean-energy-and-wildlife-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> products. 



The study reveals that middlemen capitalize on economic desperation, offering substantial sums for tiger bones, bear bile, and deer antlers.



One former hunter, now a defector, described how deer antlers from large stags could fetch a price that would sustain a family for months. Some antlers, smuggled into China, were ground into medicinal powders and sold as luxury health supplements.



The study also exposes the intricate network of middlemen who facilitate this trade. These brokers navigate a labyrinth of border patrols and bribes, disguising wildlife products as everyday goods. 



Despite international sanctions, the illicit flow of animal products continues, driven by insatiable demand and unchecked corruption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-state-sanctioned-wildlife-exploitation">State-sanctioned wildlife exploitation</h2>



North Korea’s wildlife trade laws ostensibly protect endangered species. Yet the state itself is a key player in the trade of protected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-disturbing-details-about-the-state-of-earths-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>. 



The study uncovers how government-run farms raise otters, pheasants, and Asiatic black bears, ostensibly for domestic consumption but ultimately to fuel the black market.



Bear bile farming, a practice condemned globally for its cruelty, continues unabated. North Korea began farming bears in the 1970s, a practice that later spread to China and South Korea. Despite mounting international pressure, the country persists, extracting bile to supply a market that prizes its medicinal properties.



One defector recounted how households were forced to submit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pet-dogs-severely-harm-wildlife-even-when-leashed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal</a> skins to meet state quotas. Failure to comply could result in severe repercussions. Even children were tasked with raising rabbits, their skins later harvested to produce winter clothing for the military.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traditional-medicine-drives-wildlife-exploitation">Traditional medicine drives wildlife exploitation</h2>



Traditional Korean medicine (TKM) reveres wildlife products for their supposed healing properties. In North Korea, the use of deer antlers, bear bile, and badger oil extends beyond folklore. It is an industry that thrives amid scarcity and desperation.



Participants in the study reported that deer antlers, once reserved for high-ranking officials, are now sold to the highest bidder. Smuggled antlers are processed into powders and pills, marketed as potent health supplements in China.



The trade in badger oil, used to treat ailments ranging from skin conditions to joint pain, is another thriving enterprise. Asian badgers, once common, have become targets of relentless hunting. 



One participant described how wildlife like badgers were captured, killed, and traded for their oil, the resulting product sold as a cure-all in local markets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-north-korea-s-vanishing-wildlife">North Korea’s vanishing wildlife</h2>



In North Korea, the sable is a creature of myth and memory. Once abundant in the country’s forests, this small carnivore is now all but extinct. 



The study details how sable skins, once a common sight in markets, have become so rare that traders refer to them as “ghost pelts.” The report paints a grim picture of a species driven to the brink by relentless hunting.



Sables, valued for their luxurious fur, were trapped, skinned, and smuggled into China, where their pelts fetched exorbitant prices. The trade was so lucrative that some hunters risked their lives crossing frozen rivers to transport their illegal haul.



Amur tigers and leopards face a similar fate. Their skins, bones, and claws are traded as status symbols, used in traditional medicine or displayed as trophies. One defector recounted how a single tiger pelt could fetch a price that would feed a family for a year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dark-side-of-wildlife-breeding">The dark side of wildlife breeding</h2>



Wildlife farms in North Korea are a paradox — legal yet inherently cruel. Bears are caged for bile extraction, otters are bred for their pelts, and deer are farmed for their antlers.



The study highlights how these state-run farms operate under a thin veneer of legality. While their stated purpose is to provide a sustainable source of animal products, in reality, they supply a black market that thrives on animal suffering.



Coypu, a non-native species introduced for its fur, now roams the countryside, an invasive consequence of escaped farm stock. Meanwhile, rabbits, raised under Kim Il Sung’s directives, are now a staple in state-run farms.



One defector described how children in schools were tasked with raising rabbits, their skins later collected by government officials. The meat, considered a “gift” from the state, was a rare protein source in a country where food is perpetually scarce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-trade-threatens-biodiversity">Wildlife trade threatens biodiversity</h2>



The consequences of North Korea’s wildlife trade extend beyond its borders. Amur tigers, rebounding in parts of China, risk being poached if they cross into North Korea. 



Deer populations, already decimated, may soon disappear entirely. Dr. Elves-Powell emphasized the need for regional cooperation.



“China can counter this threat by continuing to reduce domestic demand for illegal wildlife and putting diplomatic pressure on its economically dependent neighbour to disengage from state-sanctioned illegal wildlife trade,” he stated.



China’s role is pivotal. Despite being a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the country remains a major market for North Korean wildlife products. 



Strengthening border controls and enforcing stricter penalties for smugglers could significantly curb the flow of illicit goods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-trade-and-protection-laws">Wildlife trade and protection laws</h2>



The study concludes with urgent recommendations for North Korea and its neighbors. First, the researchers call for immediate enforcement of existing wildlife protection laws, targeting both state-run farms and private traders.



Second, they advocate for a total ban on bear bile farming, a practice that has been condemned by conservationists for decades. North Korea’s continued participation in this trade not only endangers its bear populations but also tarnishes its international reputation.



Third, the study recommends that China strengthen its efforts to curb demand for illegal wildlife products. Without a crackdown on black market networks, North Korea’s endangered species will continue to vanish, one animal at a time.



Finally, the report emphasizes the need for international pressure. Diplomatic efforts, coupled with targeted sanctions, could compel North Korea to curb its exploitation of wildlife. Yet, as long as economic desperation persists, the allure of quick profits from animal products may prove too strong to resist.



In a land where economic hardship, cultural tradition, and state control converge, North Korea’s wildlife is running out of time. The silent extinction continues, unnoticed, unchecked, and utterly devastating.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320725001399" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Conservation</a>.



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North Korea's wildlife trade targets endangered animals

Illegal wildlife trade in North Korea is a shadowy yet thriving enterprise. Beneath the state’s stringent regulatory framework, a dark undercurrent flows - one where endangered species become mere commodities. This silent crisis has been investigated by experts at University College London (UCL). The research reveals the stark reality of a nation where economic desperation and government complicity intertwine to ravage biodiversity. The study is the first in-depth examination of North Korea’s wildlife trade. Researchers interviewed defectors, including former hunters, middlemen, and buyers, exposing a network of...

Dogs have moved from kennels to the coziest corners of our homes, carving out an irreplaceable role in our hearts. They are no longer "just pets"- dogs are friends, family, guardians, and even considered children to some. 



Recent research from the Department of Ethology at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) examines these relationships, shining a light on how societal trends and personal owner profiles shape the care provided to dogs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-dog-relationships">Human-dog relationships</h2>



In Western cultures, the shift in human-dog relationships is remarkable. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-feel-our-emotions-through-our-heart-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pooch</a> has ascended the status ladder to become man's best friend, a cherished family member, or even a furry dog child. 



This change is so pronounced that up to two-thirds of dog owners affirm their dog to be more important than any human in their lives.



Why has humanity's friendship with dogs strengthened so intensely? 



A considerable factor could be the demographic transition of the last few decades, evident through smaller families and declining birth rates. 



As people feel increasingly lonely and socially isolated, dogs have emerged as comforting companions, filling a void left by human contact. But how does this trend affect the daily lives of dogs? That's exactly the question for which ELTE researchers sought answers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-dogs-so-lovable">What makes dogs so lovable?</h2>



In their quest to identify why dogs are so treasured, <a href="https://www.elte.hu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ELTE</a> researchers analyzed questionnaire data from approximately 800 dog owners. 



The results? A resounding 97.6% of owners relished the physical contact with their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-evolving-to-fit-the-modern-lives-of-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>, while 93.7% preferred the unconditional love their canines provided, and 88.4% admired the aesthetics of their four-legged friends. 



However, the percentages varied when it came to social interactions generated by dogs, with 24.3% of owners not finding it beneficial.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-roles-of-dogs-in-families-and-beyond">Roles of dogs in families and beyond</h2>



The study allowed owners to assign numerous roles to their dogs - friend, family member, child, colleague, domesticated animal, or security guard.



"We found three distinct profiles of owners whose dogs played diverse social and practical roles," said Laura Gillet, PhD student at the Department of Ethology and lead author of the study.



For example, some owners saw their dogs in dual roles - as colleagues and security guards, and as their most cherished companions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-parents-and-companion-dogs">Dog parents and companion dogs</h2>



Another group of owners, tagged "dog parents," saw their dogs in human-like roles without any practical functions. There was also a group of owners who kept dogs primarily for companionship, albeit having a greater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-human-speech-changes-when-we-talk-to-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional distance</a> from their pets.



The researchers also factored in the type of dogs owned. For instance, dogs with dual roles were from breeds known for their working abilities, such as Border Collie, Belgian Shepherd Dog, and German Shepherd Dog. 



Owners keeping dogs for companionship preferred the Mudi, the English Cocker Spaniel, and the Labrador Retriever breeds, and were generally older. 



"Dog parents," on the other hand, preferred Border collies, Vizsla, Boxer, and Dachshund, and were more likely to house their dogs indoors only.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-should-dogs-be-part-of-family">Should dogs be part of family?</h2>



The researchers also collected data about the behavioral problems in dogs, often seen as indicators of canine welfare. 



However, no matter the roles owners attributed to their dogs, no association was found between these roles and the perceived behavioral problems in dogs.



This finding suggests that attributing human-like roles to dogs had no negative impact on their well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-dynamics-of-dogs-and-owners">Changing dynamics of dogs and owners</h2>



The bottom line? Dogs can assume various roles in our lives, offering distinct benefits. This unique research methodology unravels the intricacies of the dog-human bond and the implications it might have on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-simple-technique-instantly-reduces-heat-stress-in-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs' daily lives</a>. 



Younger owners, in particular, appear to forge stronger emotional ties with their dogs and more commonly refer to them as their children than the older generations. 



This generational shift in how we perceive our relationship with dogs demands more exhaustive research, not just for the well-being of our four-legged friends, but to understand what it says about our evolving families and societies.



Dogs have indeed become more to us than mere pets. They've become companions that walk with us through life's highs and lows, offering comfort and joy. 



As we unravel the dog-human dynamic further, it's clear that our furry friends are here to stay, not just in our homes, but also in the deepest corners of our hearts.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169809524005398?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atmospheric Research</a>.&nbsp;



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Friends, family members, and guardians: Dogs are more than just pets

Dogs have moved from kennels to the coziest corners of...

The lifeline of our oceans is in danger. A recent study warns us about the impacts of global warming on marine life, with plankton populations at significant risk. 



The study points out a straightforward, yet frequently undervalued reality that if we don't act quickly, vast amounts of marine life could be on the brink of extinction within this century.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plankton-struggle-with-rapid-warming">Plankton struggle with rapid warming</h2>



The research examines the world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-help-predict-ocean-biodiversity-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiny ocean dwellers</a> known as plankton, which are more important than one might think. 



For the first time, the researchers compared how these tiny creatures responded to significant global warming in the past with how they might react to similar conditions anticipated by the end of our century.



The revelations were rather disturbing. It seems that plankton are struggling to keep up with the current rate of temperature increases. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plankton-cannot-adapt-quickly-enough">Plankton cannot adapt quickly enough</h2>



Dr Rui Ying, the lead author of the study, led this project during his PhD work in marine ecology at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>. 



“The results are alarming as, even with the more conservative climate projections of a 2°C increase, it is clear plankton cannot adjust quickly enough to match the much faster rate of warming which we’re experiencing now and looks set to continue," said Dr. Ying.



“Plankton are the lifeblood of the oceans, supporting the marine food web and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-plankton-play-a-big-role-in-the-global-carbon-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage</a>. If their existence is endangered, it will present an unprecedented threat that would disrupt the whole marine ecosystem and have devastating, wide-reaching consequences for marine life and also human food supplies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-the-future-by-looking-at-the-past">Predicting the future by looking at the past</h2>



To arrive at these conclusions, the scientists developed a new model to analyze how plankton behaved 21,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age.



They compared this with how the plankton might behave under future climate conditions. This approach, which focused on a specific plankton group that has survived through the ages, provides unique insights and an impressive level of accuracy.



“The past is often considered key to understanding what the world could look like in the future. Geological records showed that plankton previously relocated away from the warmer oceans to survive," explained Dr Ying.



“But using the same model of ecology and climate, projections showed the current and future rate of warming was too great for this to be possible again, potentially wiping out the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-tiny-ocean-creatures-overlooked-critical-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">precious organisms</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-issue-of-global-warming">Broader issue of global warming</h2>



This research brings attention to the broader issue of global warming and our collective responsibility to curb its effects on plankton and overall marine ecosystems.



The Paris Agreement was a worldwide commitment to keep the increase in global average temperatures well below 2°C (3.6°F) above pre-industrial levels and strive to limit the increase to 1.5°C (2.7°F).



However, a recent United Nations report indicates that the world may face as much as 3.1°C (5.6°F) warming if governments do not act more decisively to reduce carbon emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-global-climate-action">Need for global climate action</h2>



Study co-author Daniela Schmidt is a professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Bristol and a celebrated marine ecologist. She has led multiple Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC</a>) reports and her insights are critical to understanding the climate crisis.



“This work emphasizes the great risks posed by the dramatically fast <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-are-quickly-losing-ability-to-support-fish-due-to-plankton-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate and environmental changes</a> the world is now facing. With these worrying trends set to worsen, there will be very real consequences for our ecosystems and people’s livelihoods, including fishing communities," said Schmidt.



"So, the message is clear - all nations must collectively and individually step up efforts and measures to keep global warming to a minimum.”



With the ocean’s lifeblood under threat, it’s time to act. If tiny plankton are at risk, the entire marine world - and our food supply - could be, too.



The research on plankton tells us that it does not have to be this way - the world can still limit global warming. But in order for that to happen, every nation needs to step up and take action.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08029-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Plankton at risk: Global warming threatens the ocean's lifeline

The lifeline of our oceans is in danger. A recent...

Turtles are fascinating reptiles known for their distinctive shells, which serve as both armor and protection. They've been around for over 200 million years, making them some of the oldest living creatures on Earth. 



You can find turtles in a variety of environments, from the depths of the ocean to freshwater ponds and even on land. Their ability to adapt to different habitats has allowed them to thrive across the globe, with hundreds of species showcasing a wide range of sizes, colors, and behaviors.



And where does this impressive ability to adapt come from? Apparently, it's their genome, which is proving to be very different from that of most other animals studied so far.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-genetic-blueprints">Insights into genetic blueprints</h2>



DNA molecules, with their long strands of nucleotides, carry extensive genetic data essential for life. How this genetic blueprint is stored in cells influences how it is read and used.&nbsp;



During cell division, DNA is tightly coiled around proteins, forming chromatin structures within chromosomes. 



After division, the chromosomes relax, and chromatin loosens, creating unique folding and looping patterns that determine which genes are activated or repressed. 



New research led by <a href="https://www.iastate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iowa State University</a> offers insights into these processes, with implications for understanding evolution and potentially aiding biomedical research.



Study senior author Nicole Valenzuela is a professor of ecology, evolution, and organismal biology at Iowa State University.&nbsp;



“The three-dimensional structure of the chromatin when it’s folded matters for gene regulation. Where chromatin physically sits in the nucleus matters,” said Valenzuela.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-animals-balance-their-sex-chromosomes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chromosome</a> folding remains a bit of a black box. We’ve learned a lot about it, but it’s still just the tip of the iceberg.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-chromatin-in-gene-regulation">Role of chromatin in gene regulation</h2>



In the post-division interphase stage of the cell cycle, the chromatin’s shape and location impact gene expression by bringing distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-use-dna-duplication-to-increase-their-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> regions into close contact.&nbsp;



For example, enhancers (DNA segments that promote gene expression) and gene promoters (regions that initiate transcription) can interact more readily in open, accessible regions of chromatin.&nbsp;



On the other hand, DNA in tightly packed chromatin regions remains less active. 



Through analyzing these contact points, researchers have developed models to map chromatin configurations across various species, such as humans, mice, birds, and more recently, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turtles-with-unique-features-are-most-likely-to-go-extinct/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turtles</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-discovery-in-turtle-genomes">Unique discovery in turtle genomes</h2>



In a recent paper published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/gr.279443.124" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Genome Research</a>, Valenzuela’s team described the chromatin arrangement in the genomes of two turtle species, the spiny softshell and northern giant musk turtles, uncovering a structure previously unobserved in other organisms.&nbsp;



Chromosomes have two essential elements: the centromere, a constriction point, and telomeres, which cap each chromosome end. In humans, chromosomes occupy separate regions in the nucleus.&nbsp;



However, in some animals, like marsupials, centromeres cluster, while in birds, telomeres come together.&nbsp;



Turtles, interestingly, are the first species where both telomeres and centromeres align near each other, suggesting a unique chromatin arrangement.



“It’s possible this is the ancestral condition of amniotes, from which mammals, birds, and reptiles evolved in different patterns,” Valenzuela noted.&nbsp;



“The turtles may be showing us what existed at the beginning, shedding light on the evolution of vertebrate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genome-mapping-completed-for-dozens-of-common-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genomes</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turtle-genomes-and-biomedical-science">Turtle genomes and biomedical science</h2>



Uncovering the chromatin structure in turtles and how it adapts to environmental changes could be valuable for biomedical science.&nbsp;



For example, some turtle species can survive weeks without oxygen, which could have implications for treating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-blood-type-determine-your-stroke-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strokes</a>. 



Similarly, understanding how certain turtles withstand extreme cold might inform techniques for cryogenic preservation of human tissues.



“We want to understand more about why different lineages are different in some aspects and why they’re the same in others, what parts we share and what parts differ,” Valenzuela explained.&nbsp;



“If we can reconstruct the evolutionary history of the changes that have taken place, we will be able to tell much more about how the differences in the packaging of the DNA and the folding of chromosomes might be affecting the traits we’re interested in, how genes are regulated, and how vertebrate genomes evolve.”



Additionally, understanding turtles’ chromatin structure could aid conservation efforts, offering insights into how environmental changes impact their biology and potential adaptations.



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



Valenzuela’s lab plans to extend their research to study more turtle species, adding to the current work on spiny softshell and northern giant musk turtles. 



Her team has already gathered data on four additional species, aiming to see if similar chromatin structures appear in genomes across different turtle lineages. 



The researchers are also interested in comparing turtle chromatin organization to that of other reptiles, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-ecology-shaped-250-million-years-of-crocodile-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crocodiles</a>, lizards, and snakes, to explore whether they share structural patterns.



To gain deeper insights, the team will study liver organoids - lab-grown tissue mimics they have developed for three turtle species. 



These organoids offer a simplified view of liver tissue, allowing the researchers to observe how chromatin folding might influence cellular function. 



Future work will include advanced mapping techniques that provide high-resolution chromatin data, helping to clarify how 3-D chromatin structures change over time and under various environmental conditions.



“To really do genotype-to-phenotype mapping, we have to get to this level of complexity,” Valenzuela concluded.



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Turtles have genomes unlike any other animal studied so far

Turtles are fascinating reptiles known for their distinctive shells, which...

Two years of severe drought in the State of Amazonas is having a devastating impact on one of the Amazon's noteworthy achievements - the sustainable economy based on catching the gargantuan pirarucu fish. This sustainability is now facing a dangerous headwind.



Almost 6,000 people residing by the rivers in Amazonas State, Brazil, are legally permitted to fish for this mammoth creature.



Regrettably, they have witnessed a dramatic decrease in pirarucu catches, combined with escalating costs. This has led to a widespread call for governmental support, and the urgent need to devise a strategy to adapt to the demands of our changing climate.



In the previous year, the catch reached only 70% of the 100,443 fish quota sanctioned by the government.



As we are in the height of the current year's season (which runs from June to November) many communities are yet to commence their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-fishing-must-be-redefined-to-halt-ocean-destruction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> due to the prevailing conditions. The outlook for this year's catch is far from optimistic.



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



Commencing in the Mamiraua region 25 years ago, managed fishing of the pirarucu has seen significant expansion. 



The successful management of the resource saved the Amazon's largest fish from becoming extinct and is now a vital source of income for locals in 10 sustainable conservation units and eight Indigenous territories. These areas boast negligible deforestation rates.



The giant pirarucu fish, that can weigh up to 200 kilograms (440 pounds), were historically resistant to climate changes, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-rainforest-and-the-looming-threat-of-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">droughts</a>.



However, today's low water levels have left Amazon fishers stranded, unable to transport their catch from isolated lakes to major rivers and cities.



In several areas, water levels decreased so rapidly that the transport connection was severed before the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-summer-fishing-shrinks-atlantic-salmon-size-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing season</a> even started.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon-fishers-feel-the-impact">Amazon fishers feel the impact</h2>



In the São Raimundo community in the Medio Jurua region, fishing is commencing with a two-month delay, reflecting the current widespread situation. 



To mitigate the impact, Coletivo Pirarucu, an organization representing 2,500 families living by the river, along with Indigenous families, has called for an extension of the fishing season until the end of January.



Even major rivers are not spared. As a result, navigation has been difficult, resulting in escalating costs and uncertainty amongst fishers.



The journey to transport fish from Carauari, a principal pirarucu producer, to the largest city of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smallest-pollution-particles-affect-rainfall-in-the-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon</a>, Manaus, usually takes up to four days. However, during the drought's peak, this journey extended to ten days, and the transport cost doubled.



According to researcher Adalberto Luis Val from the <a href="https://www.gov.br/inpa/pt-br" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute for Amazonian Research</a>, even the robust pirarucu is not immune to climate change. 



“No fish can regulate body temperature. Then there's water scarcity. As its level drops, you start to get a high amount of suspended material, leading to sludge build-up. It sticks to the gill area, blocking the processes that occur there," explained Val.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeking-support-for-amazon-fishers">Seeking support for Amazon fishers</h2>



Coletivo Pirarucu is advocating for fishermen to receive compensation for the losses brought on by climate change.



They issued an open letter last week, expressing their concerns and calling for the development of “climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.”



At a higher level, James Bessa, a federal official responsible for pirarucu management, confirmed that Ibama, Brazil's environmental body, is collaborating with other public bodies and local fishing associations to minimize the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a>.



Lastly, Adevaldo Dias, a riverine leader and president over the Chico Mendes Memorial, has made a plea for climate justice. 



“The Indigenous and riverine peoples have minimal impact on the environment. We know that conserving the forest benefits both us and those outside it. And when extreme climate events occur, they are the most vulnerable," said Dias.



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



The ongoing droughts have raised pressing questions about the sustainability of the pirarucu fishing trade and the resilience of the communities that depend on it. 



Experts fear that without swift and effective intervention, the balance achieved through decades of conservation efforts could unravel.



The challenges faced by riverine and Indigenous communities extend beyond immediate economic hardship; they highlight a deeper vulnerability tied to the changing climate.



Efforts to protect the pirarucu and ensure that its harvest remains a cornerstone of the Amazon's sustainable economy are at a crossroads.



If the current trend continues, the once-thriving pirarucu trade may face further obstacles, impacting food security, local livelihoods, and conservation outcomes.



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Amazon drought: Fishers in crisis as their biggest catch disappears

Two years of severe drought in the State of Amazonas...

Every living organism relies on a genetic blueprint encoded in its DNA, yet the amount of DNA - or genome size - varies dramatically across the tree of life.&nbsp;



In animals alone, genome sizes range from the minuscule genome of Intoshia variabili, a marine parasite - which is about 200 times smaller than the human genome - to the massive genome of the marbled lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus) - which is over 40 times larger than ours.&nbsp;



Plants exhibit a similar range, with the fork fern (Tmesipteris oblanceolata) setting the record with a genome size over 50 times larger than that of humans.



This diversity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genome-mapping-completed-for-dozens-of-common-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> size reveals the vast variety of life forms on Earth, but it also raises a fascinating question: If smaller genomes lead to faster, more efficient growth, why do some species have larger genomes?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantages-of-smaller-genome-sizes">Advantages of smaller genome sizes</h2>



The replication of DNA is essential for cell production and growth, making smaller genomes more efficient as they require fewer resources and time to replicate.&nbsp;



Smaller genomes demand fewer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/excess-nutrients-are-creating-ocean-dead-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrients</a>, especially the DNA-building elements nitrogen and phosphorus, making them ideal for rapid growth and reproduction.



Because of these advantages, it’s not surprising that most species have evolved with relatively small genomes.&nbsp;



However, large genomes persist in some organisms, suggesting that these genomes may confer certain benefits in specific environments, where the costs of carrying extra DNA are outweighed by unique growth advantages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-large-genome-benefits-in-grasses">Exploring large genome benefits in grasses</h2>



A research team led by the <a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sheffield</a> has recently studied the potential benefits of large genomes in grass species. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fairy-circles-kill-all-newly-planted-grasses-deepening-their-mystery/">Grasses</a>, a vast plant family found worldwide from arctic tundras to tropical savannas, vary in genome size, making them an ideal group to examine how genome size affects growth in different conditions.



The study, published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.20150" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>, examined the growth of various grass species under conditions mimicking their natural environments - high temperatures, low nutrients, and drought. 



The scientists compared growth rates to each species’ genome size and observed that while grasses with smaller genomes generally grew better across most conditions, larger genomes provided advantages in two specific scenarios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-genomes-thrive-in-nutrient-rich-environments">Large genomes thrive in nutrient-rich environments</h2>



The first scenario where larger genomes proved beneficial was in nutrient-rich soils. While low nutrient levels slowed down large-genome grasses, those with large genomes thrived in high-nutrient environments.&nbsp;



Here, the extra DNA content meant larger cells that produced more biomass, such as leaves, which allowed these plants to outgrow and overshadow neighbors with smaller genomes.&nbsp;



In nutrient-poor areas, however, the demands of replicating additional DNA outweighed these benefits, making smaller genomes more favorable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-seasons-and-genome-sizes">Growing seasons and genome sizes</h2>



The second advantage for large-genome grasses occurred in cooler environments, such as temperate regions with lower growing season temperatures.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-grow-more-branches-and-become-bushy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant growth</a> typically has two stages: cell division, where new cells are generated, and cell expansion, where cells swell with water to help the plant grow taller or spread. 



Cool temperatures significantly slow down cell division, but they have less impact on cell expansion.&nbsp;



Consequently, grasses with larger cells, which accompany large genomes, can expand more rapidly by cell enlargement even in cooler weather, outpacing smaller-genome plants that rely on faster cell division in warmer temperatures.



This cell expansion process explains the early spring growth of plants like daffodils and bluebells, which also have large genomes.&nbsp;



These plants perform much of their cell division in warmer months, allowing them to use cell expansion to grow quickly in early spring, well before smaller-genome plants begin to compete for light and nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genome-size-diversity">Genome size diversity</h2>



The diversity in genome sizes among grasses may be one reason for their global success, as it allows them to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions.&nbsp;



While smaller genomes typically support efficient growth, larger genomes offer unique advantages in specific environments, enabling certain species to thrive where others cannot.&nbsp;



This genetic diversity in grasses underscores the importance of variation in supporting species’ survival and adaptability across ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genome-size-and-evolutionary-success">Genome size and evolutionary success</h2>



The relationship between genome size and survival is not limited to plants. Our own medium-sized genome has supported humanity’s adaptability, though we don’t face the same nutrient limitations as stationary plants.&nbsp;



Unlike grasses, humans can move to seek out food and resources, which may allow us to bear the metabolic costs associated with our DNA without significant limitation.&nbsp;



This mobility highlights how different species leverage their genetic make-up in conjunction with unique behaviors and environmental interactions to thrive across diverse habitats.



In summary, the role of genome size in evolutionary success is nuanced and complex.&nbsp;



From the efficient replication of small genomes to the adaptability enabled by larger ones, genome size continues to shape the ecological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asian-forests-proving-resilient-both-climate-change-human-actions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilience</a> and global distribution of life on Earth.



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How does genome size impact evolutionary success?

Every living organism relies on a genetic blueprint encoded in...

Wilderness that was once untouched is rapidly morphing into urban landscapes, evoking changes in animal habitats like never before. Along with climate change, these environmental modifications are ramping up stress factors for animals.



However, a blind spot in research is the exploration of how individual stress levels echo within the group, particularly impacting those untouched by the stressor.



Hanja Brandl, a behavioral biologist from the Cluster of Excellence Collective Behaviour at the <a href="https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Konstanz</a>, alongside her colleague, Damien Farine (now at <a href="https://www.anu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian National University</a>) decided to shed light on this phenomenon.



In an exceptional study, the team examined the stress responses of individual birds and how it influences others in the group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-animal-stress-levels">Analyzing animal stress levels</h2>



Over three segments of four weeks each, Brandl and Farine exposed certain zebra finches in groups to stressors while recording the ripple effects on both stressed and non-stressed individuals within the group.



Their tools? Stress-induced disruptions and a camera. They also tested for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chick-emotions-shed-new-light-on-animal-welfare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress hormone</a> corticosterone in the birds' tail feathers, adding another layer to their stress analysis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-is-a-social-contagion">Stress is a social contagion</h2>



What the researchers found was fascinating. 



"Our experiments show that stress responses can spread beyond individuals to other members of their social group, even to those who are not exposed to stress themselves," said Brandl.



In groups with a higher number of stressed birds, the effects on the non-stressed birds were stronger. Non-stressed birds began to behave similarly to the stressed ones, showing changes in activity and behavior. 



This imitation of stressed responses suggests that stress in some birds can spread to others, even if they aren't directly exposed to the stressor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-social-cohesion-and-survival">Stress, social cohesion, and survival</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-simple-technique-instantly-reduces-heat-stress-in-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a> exposure within the group had clear behavioral consequences. 



Groups with a significant number of stressed individuals showed a marked decline in activity among the non-stressed birds. 



In the wild, this could shrink their exploration and access to resources, thus limiting their survival opportunities.



The researchers also noticed changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survival-of-the-friendliest-social-animals-live-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social behavior</a>. Non-stressed birds within such groups held fewer social bonds, putting more weight on existing relationships.



"Stress in a group could impact its social cohesion. At the same time, a reduction in weak social ties would, in turn, reduce the risk of stress transmission," noted Damien Farine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-stress-in-wildlife">Managing stress in wildlife</h2>



The insights drawn from Brandl and Farine's research hold significant implications for conservation efforts and wildlife management strategies. 



As human-induced environmental changes escalate, understanding the social dynamics of stress in animal populations becomes crucial. 



Managing stress in wildlife not only involves addressing direct environmental pressures but also considering how stress propagates within animal communities.



Conservationists could improve their strategies by promoting conditions that support not only individual well-being but also social cohesion among animals. 



This might involve creating habitats that minimize encounters with stressors and promote social interactions that help buffer individuals against stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-humans">Lessons for humans</h2>



Beyond wildlife conservation, the study offers valuable lessons applicable to human societies. Stress is a pervasive aspect of modern life, with individuals often inadvertently affecting those around them. 



The concept of stress as a social contagion encourages a reevaluation of community dynamics and mutual support systems. 



Just as in animal groups, promoting environments that reduce stress transmission and fortify social connections could enhance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-eats-away-our-brains-cognitive-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collective well-being</a>.



These findings highlight the importance of social networks and community engagement in mitigating stress and promoting resilience not just among animals, but across human societies as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-behavior-beyond-stress">Animal behavior beyond stress</h2>



Understanding behavior and stress transmission in bird flocks is just one chapter in the larger narrative of animal behavior.



This study also emphasizes the complexity of animal social behavior and its potential impact on survival tactics. It's no more a solo play; every bird ripple counts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-details-on-the-study">More details on the study</h2>



The study titled "Stress in the social environment: behavioral and social consequences of stress transmission in bird flocks" is recently published in the <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.1961" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a> and is available online.



The research was carried out under the auspices of the Cluster of Excellence Collective Behaviour at the <a href="https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Konstanz</a> by Hanja Brandl. During the study, Damien Farine was also affiliated with the Cluster of Excellence, as well as the <a href="https://www.ab.mpg.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior</a>.



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Stress is contagious, and this also applies to animals

Wilderness that was once untouched is rapidly morphing into urban...

Sleep experts advise against screen time in bed, cautioning that light from phones and electronic devices can interfere with our natural sleep patterns.&nbsp;



This is one example of how science is becoming more attuned to the wide-ranging health impacts linked to circadian rhythms and our daily sleep-wake cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artificial-light-and-honeybees">Artificial light and honeybees</h2>



Now, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, San Diego</a> (UC San Diego) has revealed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-pollution-disrupts-entire-ecological-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial light</a> also disrupts the circadian rhythms of honeybees, posing a risk to their role as pollinators.&nbsp;



“Our research shows just how sensitive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-face-a-multitude-of-complex-stressors-in-the-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honeybees</a> are to changes in their environment, particularly to something as seemingly benign as artificial light,” said lead author Ashley Kim, a PhD student in biology at UC San Diego.&nbsp;



“By disrupting their circadian rhythms, we see clear evidence of reduced sleep periods. This raises significant concerns, not only for bee health but also for the health of ecosystems that depend on them for pollination.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-night-light-and-sleep-disturbances">Night light and sleep disturbances </h2>



Honeybees are key pollinators for many wild plants and agricultural crops, essential for both ecosystem stability and global food security. These bees typically prefer nesting in dark spaces, though a little light enters from the hive entrance.&nbsp;



When bees are exposed to artificial light at night (ALAN), particularly in urban areas, their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-dragons-reveal-new-clues-about-the-mysteries-of-sleep/">sleep</a> is disturbed, and as temperatures rise, bees may be even more exposed to ALAN.&nbsp;



The growing popularity of urban beekeeping to support bees and their pollination services means more honeybees may be facing these artificial light challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artificial-light-and-honeybee-behavior">Artificial light and honeybee behavior</h2>



Poor sleep from light exposure impairs bee behaviors crucial for hive health, including their complex communication system called the “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-perform-waggle-dance-to-share-the-location-of-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waggle dance</a>,” which helps bees share information about food sources.&nbsp;



To study this impact, UC San Diego researchers conducted experiments over several years, comparing bees sleeping in darkness with bees exposed to constant light. The results showed that bees in constant light had disrupted sleep, as Kim observed through 24-hour video recordings.



“Even without analyzing the data, you can tell that there was something going on…the bees that were under constant light slept less,” she said.&nbsp;



“The effects of light pollution on biological systems is fairly unknown and something people normally don’t think about, which is why it’s a rapidly evolving field.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-threat-of-light-pollution">Growing threat of light pollution</h2>



“Understanding the factors that affect bee health, such as light pollution, is essential for developing strategies to protect pollinator populations,” said senior author James Nieh, a professor of biology at UC San Diego.&nbsp;



As artificial light now covers over a quarter of the Earth’s surface, the study highlights the urgent need to understand how these disruptions may be harming bees and other pollinators.&nbsp;



Continuous artificial light exposure caused honeybees to sleep less, and their hive-mates disturbed them more frequently compared to bees resting in the dark. In experimental cages, bees under constant light sought darker areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enlace-initiative-in-pollinator-research">ENLACE initiative in pollinator research</h2>



This research also highlights UC San Diego’s ENLACE program, which connects students from Latin America and the U.S. to research global challenges like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollen-wars-plants-compete-for-space-on-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinator</a> health.&nbsp;



Students who participated in the ENLACE initiative, such as Aura Velazquez and Belen Saavedra, contributed as co-authors on the study.&nbsp;



“This project exemplifies the impact of ENLACE, bringing diverse perspectives to address environmental challenges like pollinator health and environmental sustainability,” said Olivia Graeve, ENLACE director and UC San Diego professor.



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



UC San Diego’s Catalyst Fund recently awarded Nieh and study co-author Benjamin Smarr a grant to extend their research on circadian rhythms to broader environmental and human health issues.&nbsp;



Their project, “Harmonizing the Pulse of Life: Pioneering Circadian Insights for Human and Ecosystem Health at UC San Diego,” will explore the effects of circadian disruptions from bees to entire ecosystems.&nbsp;



“This program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together experts in biology, data science, and medicine to address issues like light pollution and its impact on pollinator health,” said Nieh.&nbsp;



The Catalyst Grant reinforces UC San Diego’s commitment to sustainability and human well-being, offering innovative ways to mitigate light pollution’s effects on pollinators and beyond.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/srep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Reports</a>. A preprint can be found on <a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.03.547605v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BioRxiv</a>.



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Artificial light disrupts honeybee sleep patterns

Sleep experts advise against screen time in bed, cautioning that...

The fossilized remains of a giant "terror bird," recently discovered in the sandy landscapes of South America's Tatacoa Desert, tells the story of a formidable predator from the Phorusrhacid family.



A new study focuses on these giant, meat-eating predators, providing remarkable insights into the diverse wildlife that roamed the world in very ancient times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-phorusrhacid-s">What are Phorusrhacids?</h2>



Phorusrhacid birds, better known as "terror birds," were some of the most impressive predators to ever walk the Earth. These flightless birds lived in South America from about 60 million to 2 million years ago. 



Standing up to 10 feet tall, they had massive, hooked beaks and really strong legs built for running, Basically, they were the top predators of their time.



Terror birds dominated their environment by hunting small to medium-sized animals. They could sprint at high speeds to chase down prey, using their powerful beaks to deliver lethal strikes. 



Some scientists believe they might have even hunted in packs, although that's still up for debate. Their reign lasted for millions of years, filling the gap left by the dinosaurs' extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leg-bone-of-an-ancient-phorusrhacid">Leg bone of an ancient Phorusrhacid</h2>



At the center of this fascinating narrative is a leg bone. This relic from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-site-in-australia-indicates-abundant-life-during-the-miocene/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miocene</a> epoch, a period dating back around 12 million years, holds within it stories about the ancient birds of prey that roamed the continent.



Dr. Siobhán Cooke is an associate professor of functional anatomy and evolution at the <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> School of Medicine. 



He noted that the size of the bone indicates that this terror bird may be the largest known member of the species identified to date, approximately 5 to 20 percent larger than known Phorusrhacids.



The bone's physical attributes provide an intriguing subplot. It contains deep pits peculiar to Phorusrhacids and potential teeth marks of a prehistoric caiman, Purussaurus.



The physical evidence seems to point to a fatal altercation with a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/differences-in-the-mammalian-and-reptilian-brain-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reptilian</a> adversary. 



"We suspect that the terror bird would have died as a result of its injuries given the size of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-remains-shed-new-light-on-crocodilian-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crocodilians</a> 12 million years ago," said Dr. Cooke.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distribution-of-phorusrhacid-terror-birds">Distribution of Phorusrhacid terror birds</h2>



The unearthed fossil, found as far north as Colombia, expands our understanding of the geography of terror birds, which have been primarily associated with Argentina and Uruguay.



The research hints at a diverse and thriving ecosystem, markedly different from the landscapes we see now.



This ancient environment, now a desert, was home to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/primates-face-an-uncertain-future-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primates</a>, hoofed mammals, gigantic ground sloths, glyptodonts (essentially, gigantic armadillos the size of cars), and terror birds.



The seriema, a modern long-legged bird native to South America, is considered a distant relative of Phorusrhacids.



"It’s a different kind of ecosystem than we see today or in other parts of the world during a period before South and North America were connected," noted Dr. Cooke.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-phorusrhacid-terror-birds">Studying Phorusrhacid terror birds</h2>



The discovery opens a window of possibility that additional fossils of terror birds may lie unidentified in museum archives.



"It’s possible there are fossils in existing collections that haven’t been recognized yet as terror birds because the bones are less diagnostic than the lower leg bone we found," said Dr. Cooke.



The fossil also prompts us to envision an environment now lost to time, populated by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elusive-bird-night-parrot-pezoporus-occidentalis-thought-to-be-long-extinct-rediscovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-extinct</a> creatures that once dominated the fauna. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/terror-bird_Phorusrhacid_leg-bone_tibiotarsus_credit-Degrange_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/terror-bird_Phorusrhacid_leg-bone_tibiotarsus_credit-Degrange_1s.webp" alt="The end of a terror bird's left tibiotarsus, a lower leg bone in birds equivalent to that of a human tibia or shin bone, dates back to the Miocene epoch around 12 million years ago. Credit: Degrange et al." class="wp-image-1949728"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The end of a terror bird's left tibiotarsus, a lower leg bone in birds equivalent to that of a human tibia or shin bone, dates back to the Miocene epoch around 12 million years ago. Credit: Degrange et al.</figcaption></figure>



"It would have been a fascinating place to walk around and see all of these now extinct animals," noted Dr. Cooke.



This remarkable find, the first of its kind from the site, is a tribute to the rich biodiversity that once adorned our planet. 



It nudges us to view the past through a lens of awe and curiosity, and to appreciate the diversity and beauty of the life forms that populated Earth millions of years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-terror-bird-s-legacy">The terror bird’s legacy</h2>



The discovery of this massive terror bird sheds light not only on ancient ecosystems but also on the evolutionary story of apex predators. 



The physical characteristics of this bird - its powerful leg bones and sharp beak -- highlight the specialized adaptations that allowed it to thrive in its environment.



These adaptations may have provided the terror bird with the speed and agility to hunt effectively, filling a predatory role in the food chain much like large cats or raptors do today. 



By understanding the terror bird’s evolution, researchers hope to uncover insights into how apex predators adapt to environmental shifts, contributing valuable knowledge to evolutionary biology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-discoveries-on-the-horizon">Fossil discoveries on the horizon</h2>



This fossil, potentially one of the largest known of its kind, also serves as a reminder that more discoveries await in the Tatacoa Desert and beyond.



While Colombia is not typically recognized as a hotbed of fossil discovery compared to regions like Argentina or North America, recent findings like this highlight its hidden potential.



Paleontologists are hopeful that ongoing exploration of South American sites will yield further specimens, expanding our understanding of Miocene-era ecosystems. 



This research, along with improved fossil identification techniques, may pave the way for unearthing additional terror bird remains, helping scientists reconstruct the behaviors, habitats, and interactions of these ancient predators.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/spp2.1601" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palaeontology</a>.



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"Terror birds" ate meat and dominated the planet long ago

The fossilized remains of a giant "terror bird," recently discovered...

It's known as the "boring billion," a murky period in Earth's history between 1.8 billion and 800 million years ago, when life's complexity didn't extend much beyond single-celled organisms.



Apart from the occasional multicellular life form, most of the living species during that time period were simple, unicellular organisms that had minimal requirements for life. 



But don't mistake "boring" for insignificant. This epoch of evolution laid the foundation for the drama of complex multicellularity that would eventually lead to us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-fuel-for-evolution">Energy: Fuel for evolution</h2>



The boring billion period appears to mark a time when the evolution of complex life was delayed and conditions were so stable as to border on stagnant. 



Scientists state that oxygen levels at this time were drastically decreased and conditions were fairly harsh for most forms of life.



A new study by Michael Lynch of <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a> has revealed that the transition from unicellular to multicellular life forms would have come at a cost.



Using the water flea, Daphnia, as a <a href="https://phys.org/tags/model+organism/">model organism</a>, the study shows that multicellular organisms require more than a tenfold increase in energy compared with the simpler, unicellular organisms characteristic of the boring billion period. 



"No one doubts that multicellularity can bring substantial advantages to the table, but the privilege of attaining such benefits comes at a steep investment cost," said Lynch, who directs the <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fbiodesign.asu.edu%2Fmechanisms-of-evolution%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution</a> at ASU.



The study emphasizes the importance of respiration and other metabolic processes in navigating the transition to more complex life forms. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cost-of-complexity">Cost of complexity </h2>



Every organism, from the smallest bacterium to a human, is driven by energy. Having an entire body made of only one cell reduces the need for energy and nutrients to grow and reproduce. 



But multicellular organisms, like plants, animals, and fungi, have to maintain a multitude of cells in complex tissues, organs and structures. And this places a far higher energy demand on the organism.



As the cell count increases in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-life-and-environment-co-evolved-over-500-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellular organism</a>, so does the demand on ATP synthase, the molecular machinery in cells that manufactures ATP, the universal energy currency. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/multicelled-organisms_metazoan-daphnia_credit-Marek-Mis_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/multicelled-organisms_metazoan-daphnia_credit-Marek-Mis_1s.webp" alt="A new study shows that multicelled organisms like the metazoan daphnia (pictured) require a tenfold increase in energy compared with protists for their growth, maintenance and survival. The high cost of multicellular existence is offset by the many evolutionary advantages afforded to advanced organisms, from simpler forms like daphnia all the way up to vertebrate species, including humans. Credit: Marek Miś" class="wp-image-1950209"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A new study shows that multicelled organisms like the metazoan daphnia (pictured) require a tenfold increase in energy compared with protists for their growth, maintenance and survival. The high cost of multicellular existence is offset by the many evolutionary advantages afforded to advanced organisms, from simpler forms like daphnia all the way up to vertebrate species, including humans. Credit: Marek Miś</figcaption></figure>



Each new cell in a multicellular body is another mouth to feed in terms of energy, and the cost increases with the number of cells.



The findings of the Daphnia study show that metazoans - the group that includes multicellular creatures - need a lot more ATP synthase complexes in each cell than their simpler, unicellular counterparts.



In fact, for every increment in body mass, these organisms require 30 to 50 times more oxygen than simpler, unicellular creatures. This additional oxygen supports the complex needs for metabolism, cellular communication, and tissue maintenance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size-comes-at-a-price">Size comes at a price</h2>



Growth isn't cheap, particularly for multicellular organisms. 



While larger, unicellular organisms, like some amoebas, become more efficient as they grow, multicellular organisms face unique challenges that require extra energy to sustain their larger sizes and more complex structures.



Given this steep energy price, why did multicellularity evolve at all? 



The answer seems to be that multicellular life offers evolutionary advantages, such as being able to consume unicellular organisms en masse, evade predators, and live in various environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-energy-barriers">Overcoming energy barriers</h2>



To surmount the energetic challenges presented by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/past-snowball-earth-conditions-drove-evolution-complex-multicellular-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellularity</a>, organisms have developed remarkable adaptations to utilize their resources efficiently. 



One key adaptation is the division of labor between specialized cells, tissues, and organs; this specialization allows for optimized energy usage where cells perform distinct functions more efficiently than they would if they had to carry out all the different life activities.



For example, mitochondria within eukaryotic cells have evolved highly efficient pathways to generate ATP, thus maximizing the energy harvested from different substrates.



Furthermore, the development of vascular systems in plants and circulatory systems in animals allows for the effective distribution of energy resources, and ensures that all cells have access to the oxygen and nutrients necessary to produce energy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-the-boring-billion">Implications of the "boring billion"</h2>



Understanding the evolutionary narrative of the "boring billion" holds powerful implications for modern scientific research. 



This era not only reflects the energy-centric challenges of the past but also informs the fields of synthetic biology, evolutionary biology, and bioengineering.



By studying the metabolic pathways and energy efficiencies developed during this period, researchers can potentially design bio-inspired systems and organisms with enhanced functionalities and sustainability.



Furthermore, insights gained from this epoch's evolutionary innovations could pioneer future advancements in medical therapies, agriculture, and ecosystem management. 



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



This study primarily focuses on aerobic, animal-like organisms. But there's a vast and varied spectrum of life out there, including plants and fungi, and the researchers plan to extend their investigations to these life forms. 



Future insights could shed light on why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biggest-known-space-cloud-of-life-building-complex-chemicals-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellular life forms</a> took a considerable time to appear and diversify on our planet.



Multicellular life has high energy demands and this study suggests that the constraints of bioenergy could be a universal phenomenon that is applicable to any carbon-based, oxygen-breathing life, no matter where it exists in the universe.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2414742121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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'Boring billion' wasn’t a dull period, it fueled a shift to complex life

It's known as the "boring billion," a murky period in...

A recent study has revealed the extraordinary capacity for reverse development in the ctenophore, or comb jelly, specifically in the species Mnemiopsis leidyi.&nbsp;Comb jellies seem to use the strategy of aging in reverse as a survival strategy when they are under pressure.



This surprising discovery, led by the University of Bergen, has added fresh perspectives to the field of developmental biology, suggesting that life cycle plasticity might be more prevalent in the animal kingdom than previously assumed.



Traditionally, animal life cycles follow a well-established sequence: birth, growth, reproduction, and death. 



Only a few exceptions defy this pattern, such as the “immortal jellyfish” Turritopsis dohrnii, known for its ability to revert from an adult medusa to a polyp stage. 



Now, this remarkable club of life-cycle-reversing organisms includes the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-comb-jellies-survive-crushing-pressure-in-the-deep-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comb jelly</a> Mnemiopsis leidyi, adding a new chapter to what is understood about animal regeneration and development.



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



Comb jellies, also known as ctenophores, are fascinating marine creatures that often get mistaken for jellyfish. Unlike true jellyfish, comb jellies don’t sting.



Instead, they move gracefully through the water using rows of tiny, hair-like cilia that shimmer in the light, creating beautiful, rainbow-like reflections. 



These cilia beat in coordinated waves, propelling the comb jellies forward and making them look like they're dancing through the ocean.



Inside their transparent bodies, comb jellies have a simple yet effective setup. They sport sticky cells called colloblasts, which they use to capture tiny plankton and other small prey. 



Some species even have a rudimentary nerve net and complex eyes, allowing them to navigate their environment and hunt more efficiently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycle-plasticity-and-rejuvenation">Life cycle plasticity and rejuvenation</h2>



The discovery happened by chance during routine laboratory observations. Joan J. Soto-Angel, a postdoctoral fellow at the <a href="https://www.uib.no/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bergen</a>, first noticed an adult Mnemiopsis that seemingly morphed into a larval form. 



“The work challenges our understanding of early animal development and body plans, opening new avenues for the study of life cycle plasticity and rejuvenation,” he said. 



“Witnessing how they slowly transition to a typical cydippid larva as if they were going back in time, was simply fascinating.”



Intrigued by this unexpected transformation, Soto-Angel, together with Pawel Burkhardt from the Michael Sars Center at the University of Bergen, conducted controlled experiments to test whether this reversion could be consistently triggered.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comb-jellies-aging-in-reverse">Comb jellies aging in reverse</h2>



Under conditions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-eats-away-our-brains-cognitive-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a>, such as starvation and physical injury, the Mnemiopsis displayed an ability to revert from its lobate adult form to a juvenile-like cydippid stage.&nbsp;



Over several weeks, the specimens not only shifted their physical characteristics but also adopted feeding behaviors typical of the larval stage.&nbsp;



This ability to transform fundamentally alters the way scientists understand life cycle stages and development in early animal lineages.



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



The implications of these findings reach beyond ctenophores themselves. 



“The fact that we have found a new species that uses this peculiar 'time-travel machine' raises fascinating questions about how widespread this capacity is across the animal tree of life,” Soto-Angel noted. 



Ctenophores are among the earliest diverging animal lineages, so this newly discovered plasticity could represent an ancestral trait retained from early evolutionary history.



“This fascinating finding will open the door for many important discoveries,” Burkhardt added. 



“It will be interesting to reveal the molecular mechanism driving reverse development, and what happens to the animal’s nerve net during this process.” 



Understanding how nerve structures adapt or are preserved during such drastic transitions could provide insights relevant to neurobiology and regenerative medicine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aging-in-reverse-for-survival">Aging in reverse for survival</h2>



Reverse development might have evolved as an adaptive survival strategy, allowing organisms to respond to environmental challenges by resetting to a simpler developmental stage.&nbsp;



The reversion observed in Mnemiopsis leidyi under stressful conditions could be an evolved mechanism to increase resilience, conserving resources until conditions improve.



The new evidence prompts questions regarding how these mechanisms are regulated and whether similar processes could be found in other species, particularly in more complex organisms.&nbsp;



The ability of comb jellies to revert to a juvenile form could carry implications for how scientists approach the study of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-reversed-aging-in-mice-by-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a>, cellular repair, and tissue regeneration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-horizons-in-developmental-biology">New horizons in developmental biology</h2>



The discovery paves the way for future research into developmental flexibility and regeneration. Revealing the molecular mechanisms that facilitate this reverse development will be key to understanding not just ctenophores but potentially broader biological processes.



The findings challenge previously held notions that complex life cycles are irreversible, showing that under certain conditions, some species can alter their developmental trajectory.&nbsp;



This opens new questions about how widespread such capabilities may be and whether they exist, undiscovered, in other branches of the animal kingdom.



In conclusion, this breakthrough in studying Mnemiopsis leidyi has added a significant piece to the puzzle of evolutionary biology, demonstrating that the potential for life cycle reversal and developmental plasticity could be more common than once believed.&nbsp;



The research not only provides new insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-the-story-of-early-animal-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early animal evolution</a> but also presents exciting opportunities for studying regeneration, aging, and cellular processes in broader biological contexts.



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Comb jellies can age in reverse and may hold secrets to immortality

A recent study has revealed the extraordinary capacity for reverse...

If you've ever walked through the city at night and heard the hoot of an owl, chances are you've encountered a creature that's made the urban jungle its home: the barred owl (Strix varia).



Recent evidence suggests that urban spaces don't just provide homes for humans, but for these adaptable nocturnal birds as well.



And believe it or not, the way we design and architect our cities could have a significant influence on the survival, behavior, and habitat choices of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/owl-wings-inspire-noise-reduction-in-wind-turbines-and-aircraft/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winged residents</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-the-sun-sets-barred-owls-stir">When the sun sets, barred owls stir</h2>



A team of biologists from <a href="https://www.lsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Louisiana State University</a> recently revealed an interesting pattern in the behavior of urban owls. 



Mainly, barred owls have a knack for night-time activities, with the data showing that their home ranges were considerably larger at night than during the day.



Interestingly, the study found that barred owls seem to manage their energy more efficiently in their preferred <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geomagnetic-disturbances-throw-nocturnal-birds-off-course/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nocturnal</a> spots, indicating that these areas might be resource-rich and vital for their survival.



This finding can guide urban planning efforts to protect and preserve such spaces, thereby supporting not just barred owls but also the array of wildlife that thrives within them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-affluent-neighborhoods-and-biodiversity">Affluent neighborhoods and biodiversity</h2>



The study drew an unexpected connection: barred owls seem to prefer habitats in affluent neighborhoods, where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-spaces-shape-bird-characteristics-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green spaces</a> and resources are more abundant.



This phenomenon supports the “luxury effect” - where wealthier areas nurture greater biodiversity due to factors like better-maintained parks and larger, tree-filled properties.



The research suggests the need for an equitable distribution of green spaces in cities, extending to less affluent neighborhoods, as a means to encourage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-greening-projects-can-dramatically-boost-urban-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban biodiversity</a> and support wildlife across all socioeconomic areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-habitat-needs-of-wildlife">Understanding the habitat needs of wildlife </h2>



The research highlights the importance of studying an animal’s full 24-hour cycle, known as the diel cycle, to better understand their habitat needs.



Instead of focusing solely on their nocturnal activities, which is usually the case for owls, understanding their daytime behavior is equally important. 



This approach might be compared with evaluating human priorities based solely on work hours, while neglecting off-work events.



Just as work and home life shape human well-being, an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survival-of-the-friendliest-social-animals-live-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal’s survival</a> and fitness are swayed by both active and inactive periods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-challenge-of-studying-barred-owls">The challenge of studying barred owls</h2>



The research team faced unique challenges in capturing barred owls, employing various creative strategies along the way. One of their notable attempts involved a stuffed owl toy named Judas. 



“Judas was supposed to lure territorial owls into our nets. He was hit a few times, but most owls weren’t fooled. We had better success with a broadcast of owl calls next to 12-meter (40-foot) tall nets," noted study co-author Dr. Vitek Jirinec.



He described the experience as both thrilling and humbling - recounting the physical reminders with photographic evidence of his hands, torso, and head.



“Most of my previous experience comes from working with small songbirds, but these owls are a different kind of beast who can make use of their sharp beaks and claws, if one is not careful." 



Once captured, the barred owls were fitted with GPS and accelerometer loggers. This technology allowed the team to precisely track the owls' movements and energy use, providing crucial data that revealed differences in their behavior and habitat use across the urban landscape.



The findings offer valuable insights into how these nocturnal predators navigate and adapt to their environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teaming-up-for-a-cause">Teaming up for a cause</h2>



This research was made possible due to a collaborative blend of advanced technology, hands-on fieldwork, and community involvement. 



According to study co-author Dr. Sabrina Taylor, the research was a deeply rewarding experience that united graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and even community members.



“We wouldn’t have been able to undertake an extra research project to learn about this local species without the collaboration of many people,” she noted.



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



This research not only paves the way for a greater understanding of urban ecology but also sheds light on socio-economic disparities in environmental quality, revealing how unequal distribution of resources can impact wildlife and community well-being.



The findings highlight the need for cohesive urban landscapes that support biodiversity, promote ecological balance, and offer equitable access to green spaces for all residents.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/condor/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/ornithapp/duae038/7736940?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ornithological Applications</a>.



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When barred owls live in the city, they prefer affluent neighborhoods

If you've ever walked through the city at night and...

Crows are more than just black-feathered figures cawing from treetops; they are masters of memory and grudges, with cognitive abilities that defy our expectations. 



While we often admire birds for their bright plumage and lilting songs, there is a deeper layer to their behavior that remains unseen. 



Birds are more intelligent than most people realize, especially when it comes to recalling those who pose a threat.



Recent research has illuminated this startling dimension of avian behavior, revealing that crows -- members of the avian elite -- can hold grudges for up to 17 years.



This discovery showcases the profound capacity of the crows' memories. The study also sheds light on the social transmission of knowledge about threats within bird communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-crows-and-grudges">Studying crows and grudges</h2>



The research project, led by experts at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>, was launched in 2006. 



Professor John Marzluff, an environmental scientist, initiated the study by donning a fearsome mask and temporarily trapping seven crows. He identified them with leg rings before their safe release.



In subsequent years, the professor and his assistants sporadically wore the same mask -- strolling the university campus while feeding the resident crows.



Marzluff recalled an incident while wearing the mask when 47 out of 53 crows he encountered vehemently scolded him.



This was a substantial increase from the original seven crows that were captured, suggesting that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> could recognize threatening humans and pass on this knowledge to their kin.



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



The climax of this fascinating study came in 2013 when the number of aggressive caws reached their peak, only to gradually decrease. 



By September 2023 -- 17 years since the experiment began -- not a single scolding crow was heard on one of Marzluff's masked walks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeing-behind-the-mask">Seeing behind the mask</h2>



Another intriguing facet of the study involved the use of a "neutral" mask, bearing the likeness of Dick Cheney, who was the vice president of the United States at the time.



Those sporting the Cheney mask fed the crows without causing them any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-years-fireworks-send-millions-of-birds-on-erratic-flights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distress</a>, and were subsequently spared of avian wrath.



As the research progressed, unknowing volunteers were roped in to wearing the masks, ignorant of the "dangerous" or "neutral" categorization by the crows.



One such volunteer found himself at the center of an avian uproar, confirming the crows' skill in discerning and remembering threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dive-bombing-attacks-by-crows">Dive-bombing attacks by crows</h2>



A report published in Mail Online shares some other instances of crows with a grudge. In Dulwich, a posh London suburb, residents reported instances of crows executing dive-bombing attacks.



One resident, Alison Frean, shared her harrowing experience, revealing that she had been targeted by crows on three separate occasions when trying to exit her car.



This had a profound impact on the residents, as they chose to stay indoors, attempting to avoid any crow confrontations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intelligence-of-crows">Intelligence of crows</h2>



Crows never cease to amaze with their incredible intelligence, and it isn't confined to recognizing threats and holding grudges. 



Prior research indicates that crows possess the talent to devise tools and even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crows-count-out-loud-just-like-toddlers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">count</a>.



Stories abound of crows dropping nuts onto busy roads, waiting for cars to crack them open, and then retrieving the food once the traffic stops. 



Some crows have even figured out how to use sticks to extract insects from tree bark or fashion hooks from twigs to fish out food from hard-to-reach places.



The study from the University of Washington undeniably contributes to affirming the crows' place in the intelligence hierarchy among birds. 



Crows, it appears, are creatures of memory, holding on to grudges and recalling threats even after a lengthy span of 17 years. 



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



Beyond their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-chickadees-have-an-extraordinary-memory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impressive memory</a> and intelligence, crows exhibit complex social structures that further highlight their cognitive sophistication. 



They live in tight-knit family groups and exhibit behaviors that suggest complex emotional lives. 



For instance, they've been observed holding what appear to be "funerals" for deceased members of their flock. 



Their communication is sophisticated, involving a range of vocalizations and even regional dialects. 



This communication is not limited to warnings about potential threats; crows have been observed sharing information about food sources and even forming alliances to fend off predators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animals-and-cultural-transmission">Animals and cultural transmission </h2>



One of the most remarkable aspects of crow behavior is their ability to teach one another. 



When a crow learns to associate a specific individual or object with danger, it can relay this information to others in its community, spreading awareness rapidly.



Communal learning helps ensure that knowledge of potential threats is preserved and passed down, allowing even young crows to recognize dangers without firsthand experience.



This intricate network of social interactions places crows among the few non-human animals capable of cultural transmission -- passing knowledge from one generation to the next.



It is no surprise that these birds are revered in many cultures, often viewed as symbols of intelligence and adaptability.



The full study was published in <a href="http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2011/06/20/rspb.2011.0957" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Proceedings of the Royal Society B</a>. 



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Crows hold grudges against individual humans, often attacking, for up to 17 years

Crows are more than just black-feathered figures cawing from treetops;...

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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

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