In Uganda’s Budongo Forest, chimpanzees are doing more than just surviving. They’re treating their wounds with plants, cleaning each other’s injuries, and pulling snares off their companions’ limbs. 



These behaviors, documented in a new study, hint at something profound. Perhaps the roots of human medicine run deeper than we thought.



Elodie Freymann, a researcher from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> and the study’s lead author, believes these findings offer a fresh perspective on how our ancestors might have first learned to care for wounds. 



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-mix-vocal-calls-to-create-new-meanings-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animals</a> are helping each other out. They’re capable of identifying others in need and then addressing those specific needs,” Freymann said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-chimpanzees-treat-wounds">How chimpanzees treat wounds</h2>



For eight months, researchers watched two chimpanzee communities in Budongo - Sonso and Waibira. Injuries were common, from bites and scratches to deadly snares left by humans.



In Sonso alone, nearly 40% of the chimps bore snare scars. Freymann and her team saw twelve injuries in Sonso and five in Waibira during the study period. The injured chimps weren’t just tending to their own wounds. They were also helping each other.



A male chimp named KT managed to pull a nylon snare off his wrist. Another <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-use-rhythmic-drumming-to-communicate-in-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimpanzee</a>, HW, licked the wound of a female after she had been attacked. 



In yet another case, a juvenile female chewed leaves, dabbed them onto her mother’s wounds, then licked her fingers and pressed them onto the injured area. This behavior wasn’t isolated to relatives. In four instances, chimps helped others unrelated to them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chimpanzees-recognize-medicinal-plants">Chimpanzees recognize medicinal plants </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-wild-chimpanzees-can-teach-us-about-parenting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chimpanzees</a> don’t just grab any leaf when they get hurt. They seem to know which plants help wounds heal. 



Freymann’s team documented several plant species used in wound care. Acalypha sp., for example, is known for its antimicrobial properties. Pseudospondias microcarpa has a reputation for soothing pain and reducing inflammation.



One chimp chewed Acalypha leaves, then pressed the pulp onto a cut. Another used Lasiodiscus pervillei leaves to wipe away dirt and blood. 



A juvenile male named KO even mashed the stem bark of Argomuellera macrophylla and rubbed it into a wound on his leg. The behavior mirrored traditional African medicine, where these plants treat everything from skin infections to digestive issues.



“It’s likely that our shared common ancestor also would have been capable of these care behaviors as well,” Freymann noted. If chimps know which plants heal wounds, maybe early humans learned from them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-social-side-of-care">The social side of care</h2>



Prosocial care - helping others - is rare among non-human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-share-alcoholic-fruit-to-increase-social-bonding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>. But Budongo’s chimps are doing it. During the study, researchers documented seven cases of one chimp helping another. In three of these instances, the caregiver and the injured chimp were unrelated.



A male chimp named ZG licked the blood off a female’s wound after she was attacked by other chimps. In another case, NT, a juvenile female, watched her mother chew leaves and press them onto a wound. NT then did the same, imitating her mother’s technique.



Freymann sees this as evidence that chimps aren’t just mimicking; they’re actively learning. 



“Our research helps illuminate the evolutionary roots of human medicine and healthcare systems,” said Freymann. “By documenting how chimpanzees identify and utilize medicinal plants and provide care to others, we gain insight into the cognitive and social foundations of human healthcare behaviors.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-chimpanzee-healthcare">Threats to chimpanzee healthcare</h2>



Chimpanzees in Budongo face a constant threat from human snares. Nearly 40% of the Sonso chimps bear scars from these traps. 



Freymann’s team observed multiple instances of snare removal, some self-directed and others involving help from group members. But the danger remains.



The findings also suggest that chimpanzees in Budongo, Gabon, and other regions might share similar care behaviors. This could mean that these practices are widespread, not isolated. But there’s still much to learn.



For Freymann, the implications extend beyond chimpanzees and their use of plants. Observing how these primates use plants for healing might provide clues for new medicinal compounds. 



“If we want to hone in on these amazing medicinal resources, watching and learning from the animals is an incredibly effective way to do it if it’s done ethically and responsibly,” she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-plant-medicine-from-chimpanzees">Learning plant medicine from chimpanzees</h2>



The study doesn’t just document chimpanzee healthcare. It challenges how we think about the origins of medicine. Watching chimps chew leaves and press them onto wounds, it’s easy to imagine early humans doing the same. Maybe they learned from the chimps. Maybe they figured it out together.



Budongo’s chimpanzees aren’t doctors, but they are healers. And in their actions, we might find the echoes of our own ancient medical traditions.



Freymann’s work reminds us that medicine is not just a human invention. It might be a shared legacy, passed down from ancestors who walked the forests long before us.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ecology-and-evolution/articles/10.3389/fevo.2025.1540922/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Evolution and Ecology</a>.



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Chimpanzees know which plants to use for healing wounds

In Uganda’s Budongo Forest, chimpanzees are doing more than just surviving. They’re treating their wounds with plants, cleaning each other’s injuries, and pulling snares off their companions’ limbs. These behaviors, documented in a new study, hint at something profound. Perhaps the roots of human medicine run deeper than we thought. Elodie Freymann, a researcher from the University of Oxford and the study’s lead author, believes these findings offer a fresh perspective on how our ancestors might have first learned to care for wounds. “Animals are helping each...

When we think of therapy dogs, we usually picture these furry companions offering comfort to patients in hospitals. But what if these four-legged friends could also provide emotional support to the very people who take care of those patients - our health care providers?



In a fascinating new study, this concept has proven to be more than plausible. The results reveal the surprisingly positive effects of Buckeye Paws, a therapy dog program that health care workers say helps reduce emotional exhaustion and boosts their work engagement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buckeye-paws-program">Buckeye Paws program</h2>



For those who might not know, the Buckeye Paws program involves engaging health care workers with highly trained dog-handler teams. 



The program was part of a pilot study involving 64 participants across a range of health care services. 



The health care workers included physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, rehabilitation therapists, and unit clerks in two intensive care units and two medical surgical units.



The handlers in this study were all hospital employees who volunteered their time with seven certified therapy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-and-their-humans-often-share-similar-personalities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> to offer this unique intervention thrice a week over eight weeks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-work-stress-mood-and-therapy-dogs">Work stress, mood, and therapy dogs</h2>



The study, led by researchers at&nbsp;The Ohio State University <a href="https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wexner Medical Center</a>, evaluated the effect of animal-assisted activity on healthcare worker stress, burnout, work engagement, and mood.



“There was free interaction with the dogs that people could spend as much or as little time as they wanted with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interacting-with-dogs-can-ease-physical-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>. Prior to their interactions, we asked them to fill out a basic one to 10 mood scale. And then, after the interaction, they did that again,” explained Dr. Beth Steinberg, principal investigator of the study.



The researchers found that the positive mood self-reported by the health care workers nearly doubled when they engaged with the Buckeye Paws program.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-animal-assisted-therapy">Impact of animal-assisted therapy</h2>



<a href="https://medicine.osu.edu/departments/psychiatry-and-behavioral-health/buckeye-paws" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buckeye Paws</a>&nbsp;was launched in March 2020, right before the pandemic hit. As the program grew, the Ohio State team set out to measure its impact. 



Dr. Steinberg co-founded Buckeye Paws with Mary Justice, chief administrative officer in Ohio State’s College of Nursing. Steinberg noted how easy it was to recruit participants for the program.



"The recruitment for this study was incredibly easy because as soon as you said, ‘We're going to do a study assessing your response to therapy dog interaction,’ people were like, ‘I'm in!’” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-interactions-with-staff">Dog interactions with staff</h2>



Dr. Steinberg takes rounds on the hospital floors with her yellow labrador retriever Brienne, while Justice visits staff with her English cream golden retriever Shiloh.



Although these interactions with staff are often brief, just a few minutes at a time, they seem to leave a big impact on the healthcare workers. Many study participants reported an immediate decrease in perceived stress, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and burnout.



“We brought the dogs to the units and many times we had staff in tears sitting with the dogs, telling them about their day,” said Dr. Steinberg.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-therapy-dog-programs">Future of therapy dog programs</h2>



With national concerns about physician and nursing shortages, a program like this could significantly improve workplace satisfaction and retention.



“For the most part, people have an affinity to a non-judgmental, warm, furry animal that can come and just sit with them and listen. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-learn-better-with-praise-and-petting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dogs</a> don't care what you look like, how you're feeling that day; they just know that when you need them, they're there,” said Dr. Steinberg.



Due to the program's success, Buckeye Paws expanded in March 2022 to offer therapy dog assistance to students, faculty and staff of The Ohio State University. 



There are now 29 dog-handler teams in the program, with additional teams on-boarding and more gearing up to begin the process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-therapy-dogs-and-healthcare">Therapy dogs and healthcare</h2>



Program manager Aimee Mitchell noted that dog-handler teams must pass basic and advanced obedience training.



The handlers must also earn the Canine Good Citizenship certification from the American Kennel Club, and be certified by a national therapy dog organization, said Mitchell. 



The future looks bright for the intersection of therapy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-imitate-human-actions-from-2d-videos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> and healthcare providers. This research has already inspired the launch of a similar program at a hospital system in Fort Wayne, Indiana.



The study is published in the <a href="https://medcraveonline.com/IJCAM/IJCAM-17-00701.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Complementary &amp; Alternative Medicine</a>.



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Therapy dogs reduce emotional exhaustion and work burnout

When we think of therapy dogs, we usually picture these...

Many people might cringe at the mention of electric eels, but what is it that makes these creatures such a shocking presence in the animal kingdom? 



Are they truly electric, and do they possess the power to deliver a jolt strong enough to stop you in your tracks? The science behind these aquatic hunters is truly fascinating. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anatomy-of-electric-eels">Anatomy of electric eels</h2>



Electric eels are not actually "true" eels as those found in the order Anguilliformes, which includes well-known species like the Moray eel. Instead, these creatures belong to the Gymnotiformes order, also known as knifefishes.



Despite the name of electric eels, their lineage diverges from what we typically imagine when we think of these slippery, elongated fish.



In terms of physical attributes, electric eels bear a closer resemblance to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/controlling-invasive-carp-with-sound-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carp</a> and catfish, with their elongated, slender bodies and tapered tails designed for swift movement through the waters. This sleek form aids their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-hunting-behavior-observed-among-electric-eels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunting</a> and survival in the dynamic river ecosystems of South America.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-evolution-of-electric-eels">Unique evolution of electric eels </h2>



A fully grown electric eel, native to the murky rivers of the Amazon and Orinoco basin, can reach an impressive length of 2.5 meters (8 feet) and weigh up to 20 kilograms (45 pounds), making them formidable predators in their environment.



Unlike their marine cousins, which rely on gills for oxygen, electric eels are primarily air breathers, deriving around 80% of their oxygen needs by gulping air into their mouths. 



This fascinating adaptation allows them to thrive in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/as-oceans-warm-up-smaller-species-of-fish-will-dominate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxygen-poor waters</a>, giving them an edge in environments where other species might struggle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-generators-of-electricity">Living generators of electricity</h2>



Delving deeper into their anatomy, three unique organs nested within electric eels give them the incredible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-eels-can-genetically-modify-other-creatures-by-shocking-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ability to generate electricity</a>. 



Referred to as the main organ, the Hunter's organ, and the Sach's organ, each of these marvels of biology is packed with around 6,000 specific cells called electrolytes. 



The function of these electrocytes? They simultaneously discharge power when the eel feels threatened or when it launches an attack on potential prey.



"Electric eels are like living batteries. They have stacks of modified muscle cells called electrocytes, which have both a positive and a negative side," noted Dr. Rupert Collins, Senior Curator of Fishes at the <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural History Museum, London</a>.



"When the cells are triggered, they discharge an electrical impulse into the surrounding water, making electric eels living, breathing generators of electricity."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-shocking-survival-mechanism">The shocking survival mechanism</h2>



One might wonder how an electric eel manages to generate such potent electric shocks without zapping itself in the process. The exact mechanism still eludes scientists.



However, the predominant theory suggests that the water surrounding the eel likely absorbs most of the electrical current.



Given that each electric discharge lasts only for approximately 2 milliseconds, it's plausible that the shock isn't long enough to harm the eel itself.



Typically, the eels generate around 600 volts of electricity, but there have been instances of eels creating a stunning 860 volts, according to one study.



While fatalities from electric eel shocks are exceedingly rare, multiple shocks can trigger severe respiratory difficulties, even causing your heart to stop. 



Coupled with the possibility of drowning, coming face-to-face with an electric eel in open water could yield deadly results. If the eel doesn't get you first, the water might grasp you in its deadly embrace thereafter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role-of-electric-eels">Ecological role of electric eels </h2>



Electric eels are not just powerful predators; they also play a crucial role in maintaining the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-ecosystems-constantly-share-energy-to-achieve-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">balance of their ecosystems</a>. 



As top predators in the waters of the Amazon and Orinoco basins, they help control populations of fish and other aquatic creatures. 



By hunting with their electric discharges, they can stun multiple prey at once, efficiently capturing food while maintaining the equilibrium of the food chain.



In recent studies, researchers have observed that electric eels may even influence their surroundings beyond hunting. 



The electrical fields generated by these creatures could play a role in deterring other predators or even communicating with each other in the murky waters they inhabit.



This interaction emphasizes their importance as not just predators but as essential contributors to their aquatic ecosystems.



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Electric eels have a secret weapon to generate electricity

Many people might cringe at the mention of electric eels,...

Scientists have recently discovered an important control circuit involved in swallowing food. The study has shown that fly larvae have special receptors in their esophagus which are triggered as the insect swallows something.&nbsp;



This leads to the release of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/serotonin-expedite-learning-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">serotonin</a>, a messenger substance that is frequently referred to as the “feel-good hormone.” The release of serotonin ensures that the larva continues to eat. 



Although the study focused on flies, the experts argue that humans may also have a similar control circuit.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swallowing-food-makes-you-want-more-nbsp">Swallowing food makes you want more&nbsp;</h2>



Imagine you're sitting in a restaurant, feeling hungry, with a delicious pizza in front of you. Its irresistible aroma fills the air.&nbsp;



You take a bite, savor the flavor as you chew, and the moment you swallow, a wave of satisfaction hits you: Wow, that was amazing! Without hesitation, you reach for another slice and eagerly take another bite.



While the pizza’s smell and taste motivate you to begin eating, it is the pleasurable feeling you have after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cane-toads-swallow-their-tongue-when-they-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">swallowing</a> which is responsible for you continuing to eat. 



“But how exactly does this process work? Which neural circuits are responsible? Our study has provided an answer to these questions,” said Michael Pankratz, an expert in life and medical sciences at the <a href="https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bonn</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neurons-communicate-with-the-digestive-system-nbsp">Neurons communicate with the digestive system&nbsp;</h2>



The study was focused on the larvae of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-fly-smell/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit fly</a> Drosophila, which have from 10,000 to 15,000 nerve cells - a manageable number compared to the 100 billion nerve cells in the human brain. 



However, these 15,000 nerve cells form a highly complex network, with every neuron having branching projections through which it contacts dozens or even hundreds of other neurons.



“We wanted to gain a detailed understanding of how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-humans-have-shockingly-different-digestive-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digestive system</a> communicates with the brain when consuming food,” Pankratz said. 



“In order to do this, we had to understand which neurons are involved in this flow of information and how they are triggered.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-activated-network-of-neurons">An activated network of neurons</h2>



The scientists investigated not just the paths of all of the nerve fibers in the fruit fly larvae but also the connections between neurons.&nbsp;



To do this, they cut a larva into thousands of very thin slices and photographed them under an electron microscope.



“We used a high-performance computer to create three-dimensional images from these photographs,” Pankratz explained.&nbsp;



Next, project assistants Andreas Schoofs and Anton Miroschnikow analyzed how all these nerve cells are connected to one another.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-food-quality-while-swallowing-nbsp">Detecting food quality while swallowing&nbsp;</h2>



The investigation helped the researchers identify what they called a “stretch receptor” in the esophagus that is wired to a cluster of six neurons in the larva’s brain which can produce serotonin, the “feel-good hormone” ensuring that we feel rewarded for certain actions.



The serotonin-releasing neurons receive new information about what the fly has just swallowed.&nbsp;



“They can detect whether it is food or not and also evaluate its quality,” Schoofs explained. “They only produce serotonin if good quality food is detected, which in turn ensures that the larva continues to eat.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study-nbsp">Broader implications of the study&nbsp;</h2>



The scientists believe that this fundamental mechanism most likely also exists in humans, and, when defective, it could lead to eating disorders such as anorexia or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/binge-eating-linked-to-a-specific-set-of-brain-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">binge eating</a>. 



Thus, the results of this study might also have implications for the treatment of such disorders.&nbsp;



“But we don’t know enough at this stage about how the control circuit in humans actually works.There is still years of research required in this area,” Pankratz cautioned.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-swallowing-in-mammals">Food swallowing in mammals</h2>



The study authors noted that serotonin signaling has been implicated in motor function in the mammalian esophagus as well.



“The human esophagus also has distinct regions, with a proximal striated muscle region that is mainly controlled by motor neurons in the brainstem and a distal smooth muscle region that is controlled by central neurons in the medulla oblongata and peripheral neurons of the myenteric plexus.”&nbsp;



The researchers concluded that, despite the differences in the number of cell types as compared with the fly, it would be interesting to see if serotonin also monitors the completion of a biologically meaningful action such as swallowing or other vital activities in mammals.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.08.025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Swallowing food triggers ‘feel-good hormones’

Scientists have recently discovered an important control circuit involved in...

A recent discovery slamming the fish world is drawing us deep into the abyss. The protagonist of our story is an ancient fish called a coelacanth. 



If you haven't heard of them, these large, less-than-attractive fish have been swimming around our planet for over 400 million years. Yet, they still have a few tricks up their fins.



Our adventure starts in the sun-soaked stretches of Western Australia, where an ancient, pristinely preserved new coelacanth species from the Devonian Period was <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/coelacanth_Ngamugawi-wirngarri_new-species_credit-Katrina-Kenny_1b.jpg">found poking through the sand</a>.



The story weaves between past and present, science and culture, tracing the evolution of coelacanths and the Earth itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coelacanths-a-fish-out-of-time">Coelacanths: A fish out of time</h2>



What makes these deep-sea dwellers so fascinating? Today, coelacanths are a rare spectacle observed off the coasts of eastern Africa and Indonesia. 



Reaching up to 2 meters (about 6.5 feet), they are known as "lobe-finned" fish. Their fin structure bears an uncanny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-shoulders-evolved-from-the-jawbones-of-ancient-fish-called-placoderms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resemblance to our arm bones</a>.



This particular quirk places them closer to lungfish and backboned animals -- frogs, emus, mice (and yes, dear reader, humans too) -- than most fish.



Over their 410-million-year tenure, coelacanths have bloomed into more than 175 species worldwide. One of their finer moments of diversification occurred during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-were-not-the-only-animals-that-grew-fast-during-the-mesozoic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mesozoic Era</a>, the age of dinosaurs. 



But as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extraordinary-dinosaur-fossils-discovered-from-the-end-of-cretaceous-era/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cretaceous Period</a> (around 66 million years ago) rolled to a close under the impact of an asteroid, these mighty fish fell off our fossil radar.



In 1938, however, a group of South African fishermen pulled a Lazarus-like marvel from the ocean's depths -- a living, breathing coelacanth. 



This resurgence led to their infamous reputation as 'living fossils'. However, evidence is beginning to challenge this notion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birth-of-ngamugawi-wirngarri">Birth of Ngamugawi wirngarri</h2>



This brings us to our ancient starlet, the newly discovered coelacanth called Ngamugawi wirngarri. This specimen comes from a time of heightened tectonic activity. 



These time periods were earth-shaking epochs when the terrestrial plates shifted and carved out new habitats.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/coelacanth_Ngamugawi-wirngarri_skull-discovery_credit-Katrina-Kenny_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/coelacanth_Ngamugawi-wirngarri_skull-discovery_credit-Katrina-Kenny_1s.webp" alt="Ngamugawi wirngarri, a new coelacanth species, skull bones after they were acid etched out of rock at Museum Victoria, 2009. Credit: Flinders University" class="wp-image-1944732"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ngamugawi wirngarri, a new coelacanth species, skull bones after they were acid etched out of rock at Museum Victoria, 2009. Credit: Flinders University</figcaption></figure>



Dr. Alice Clement, an evolutionary biologist and paleontologist from <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a> in Australia, was part of the team that christened the fish in partnership with the Mimbi community.



"Our analyses found that tectonic plate activity had a profound influence on rates of coelacanth evolution," she revealed. 



"New species of coelacanth were more likely to evolve during periods of heightened tectonic activity as new habitats were divided and created."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gogo-sites-and-coelacanth-fish">Gogo sites and coelacanth fish</h2>



Ngamugawi wirngarri lived about 380 million years ago amidst the Devonian Period's tropical reefs, teeming with more than 50 species of fish. 



Today, this region is the rocky Gogo Formation on Gooniyandi Country in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia.



John Long, a Flinders University Strategic Professor of Palaeontology, sheds light on the importance of the Gogo sites. 



"For more than 35 years, we have found several perfectly preserved 3D fish fossils from Gogo sites," he said, "which have yielded many significant discoveries, including mineralized soft tissues and the origins of complex sexual reproduction in vertebrates," he explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-ngamugawi-wirngarri">Importance of Ngamugawi wirngarri</h2>



The story of coelacanths takes a crucial turn as we dive deeper into their lineage. Many landmarks of human anatomy, such as our jaws, teeth, and chambered hearts, can trace their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-rays-were-more-diverse-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roots to early fishes</a> in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-swamp-creature-found-in-namibia-was-an-ambush-predator/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Early Palaeozoic</a> (540-350 million years ago).



Although coelacanths' evolution has dramatically slowed since the dinosaur era, they're not static entities fossilized in time. 



Richard Cloutier, a vertebrate paleontologist at the <a href="https://www.uqar.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Quebec</a> in Rimouski and a study co-author, offers unique insight.



"While most early forms remain poorly known, our study allows us to start understanding how living coelacanth species of Latimeria might not deserve the enigmatic title of 'living fossils,'" he explained.



The discovery of Ngamugawi wirngarri brings to light the intricate interplay between biology and geology that has shaped life on our planet. 



It's more than just a fish tale -- it's a story about the profound influence of Earth's ever-changing skin on the dance of evolution.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51238-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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'Living fossil' fish species has survived for over 400 million years

A recent discovery slamming the fish world is drawing us...

Believe it or not, pet food gobbles up a whopping 9 to 20 percent of all livestock worldwide, with the higher end of the scale being true for high pet ownership nations like the U.S. 



But what if there was a way to reduce this significant environmental footprint with vegan diets for dogs without compromising their health? Turns out, there might be.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rise-of-vegan-dog-diets">Rise of vegan dog diets</h2>



Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not strict carnivores. They are, in fact, omnivores by nature. This basically means they can thrive on a diet consisting of a mix of plants, minerals, and synthetic ingredients as long as all the necessary nutrients are present. 



A growing number of companies are catching on to this and are producing vegan dog food that ticks all these boxes.



By 2024, ten scientific studies had been published indicating positive health outcomes for dogs on vegan or vegetarian diets. And it's worth noting that the British Veterinary Association has even given a thumbs up to nutritionally sound vegan <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/probiotics-help-overweight-dogs-shed-pounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canine diets</a>.



However, the critical question still remained - What is the real magnitude of the health benefits that average dogs could enjoy from a vegan diet?



In other words, once we account for age, sex, neutering status, breed size and exercise level - all of the elements that can influence a dog's health - could we still see notable health improvements in dogs on a vegan diet?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-benefits-of-vegan-dog-diet">Health benefits of vegan dog diet</h2>



A research team led by Veterinary Professor Andrew Knight analyzed health outcomes for a staggering 2,536 dogs, including 336 that had been on a vegan diet for at least a year. 



The experts found an actual decrease in seven general indicators of illness in the vegan diet group.



The study revealed that dogs on vegan diets were less likely to require medication or specialized medical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warning-dogs-drinking-from-public-water-sources-is-dangerous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a>. 



Dogs on vegan diets also needed fewer trips to the vet, were frequently assessed as healthy by their owners and veterinarians, and exhibited lower rates of illness.



When they did fall ill, these dogs also showed fewer health disorders compared to those on conventional meat-based diets. These improvements ranged from 14 percent to an impressive 51 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-likelihood-of-health-disorders">Reduced likelihood of health disorders </h2>



To add to the weight of these findings, all of the observed differences were statistically significant. In non-statistician speak, this means that the differences seen were not due to pure chance but are likely true. 



What's more, the likelihood of suffering from six specific health disorders fell by 50 to 61 percent compared to dogs fed traditional meat. 



These disorders included some common doggie health problems like weight issues and problems with the ears, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-different-diets">Comparing different diets</h2>



A recent study found that of the 22 most common health disorders, 11 were most prevalent in dogs on conventional meat diets.



Eight were most common in dogs on raw meat diets, and just three were most likely in the vegan diet group. 



Overall, 49 percent of dogs on conventional meat diets were unwell compared to 43 percent on raw meat diets and a mere 36 percent on vegan diets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-impact-of-vegan-dog-diets">Environmental impact of vegan dog diets </h2>



Beyond the health benefits explored, the environmental ramifications of switching to vegan <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-breeding-dogs-like-dachshunds-deserve-a-healthy-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets for dogs</a> are equally compelling. 



Traditional meat-based pet food significantly contributes to the carbon footprint due to the intensive resource demands of livestock farming, such as land, water, and feed. By reducing reliance on meat, vegan dog food can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation rates. 



According to a study from <a href="https://www.ucla.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a>, if all U.S. dogs and cats switched to plant-based diets, the reduction in meat consumption would be equivalent to taking millions of cars off the road in terms of carbon emissions. 



This shift offers a dual benefit: fostering pet health while supporting environmental sustainability - an urgent consideration in our rapidly changing climate landscape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutritional-considerations">Nutritional considerations </h2>



While the prospect of transitioning to a vegan diet for dogs presents numerous advantages, it is not without its challenges. 



Ensuring balanced nutrition is paramount, as improper diets can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins such as B12 and D. 



For pet owners contemplating this switch, it's advisable to consult with veterinarians or pet nutrition specialists to tailor a nutritious plant-based diet. 



Recent advances in pet food technology have yielded a plethora of commercially available vegan options, fortified and balanced to cater specifically to canine dietary needs. 



Paying close attention to food labels and opting for brands with reputable nutritional accreditations can help safeguard against potential deficiencies, ensuring that the transition supports <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/medium-sized-dogs-have-a-greater-risk-of-developing-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pet health</a> effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-final-verdict">The final verdict</h2>



"Dogs fed vegan diets clearly had the best health outcomes in this very large-scale study, and these results are consistent with prior studies in this field," said Professor Knight.



"Nutritionally sound vegan diets offer extremely large environmental benefits, so this is very good news for dog owners who want to protect the environment while also maximizing their dogs' health." 



"However, care should always be taken to ensure diets are nutritionally sound, by checking package labeling and purchasing from reputable pet food companies."



Vegan dog have significant potential for a more sustainable planet and healthier pooches. But, like every aspect of pet care, it's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-diets-may-not-be-best-for-dogs-after-all/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">essential to do your homework</a> and ensure that you're making the best choice for your furry friend.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(24)11609-X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heliyon</a>.



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Dogs on vegan diets stay healthier and visit the vet less often

Believe it or not, pet food gobbles up a whopping...

What lies at the bottom of the ocean? For many, it’s a dark and mysterious place, full of creatures we know little about. But sometimes, discoveries shed light on these mysteries. A new study has done just that, focusing on an unusual deep ocean dweller who likes to eat Sargassum.



Bathyopsurus nybelini, an isopod living nearly 3.7 miles (6,100 meters) deep beneath the ocean's surface, has a very unique diet: it feeds on Sargassum algae that sinks down from the ocean’s surface.



The study, led by Johanna Weston, a hadal ecologist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (<a href="https://www.whoi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHOI</a>), reveals just how connected the surface of our oceans is to the deep sea. 



Let's find out what makes this discovery so fascinating and important.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sargassum-in-the-deep-ocean">Sargassum in the deep ocean</h2>



In the summer of 2022, a group of researchers set out on an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/five-new-hydrothermal-vents-discovered-in-the-pacific-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adventure with Alvin</a>, a human-occupied submersible, to explore the Puerto Rico Trench and the Mid-Cayman Spreading Center in the Caribbean Sea. 



Thanks to Alvin's recent upgrades, including better deep-diving abilities and high-res image capturing, this journey became a reality.



While exploring the ocean depths, the team observed something unexpected: an isopod swimming upside down and away from the seafloor, clutching a frond of Sargassum algae as long as its own body. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-deep-sea-worm-discovered-off-costa-rica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">At these depths</a> -- between 5,001 and 6,284 meters -- Alvin filmed 32 individual isopods and collected two samples for further study. 



According to Weston, “It was exciting to see this beautiful animal actively interacting with Sargassum, deep in the ocean. This isopod is so rarely seen; only a handful of specimens were collected during the groundbreaking 1948 Deep Sea Swedish Expedition.”



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



Sargassum is a type of brown algae typically found floating on the ocean's surface, forming dense mats that stretch for miles. In the sunlit zone, it thrives, photosynthesizing like any other plant. 



However, when Sargassum dies or detaches from its floating mats, it begins a slow, downward journey into the dark abyss.



That’s where Bathyopsurus nybelini comes in. This deep-sea isopod seems to wait patiently, adapted to find and feast on this sunken source of nutrients. 



“This isopod illustrates that an animal in a dark and high-pressure environment at the bottom of the seafloor has evolved multiple adaptations to feed on algae that grow in a sunlit ecosystem," explains Mackenzie Gerringer, a deep-ocean physiologist at <a href="https://www.geneseo.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SUNY Geneseo</a> and co-lead author of the study.



It’s an unlikely meal, but one that provides essential nourishment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isopods-and-deep-ocean-sargassum">Isopods and deep ocean Sargassum</h2>



Why is this discovery such a big deal? For one, Bathyopsurus nybelini has developed unique adaptations to survive in an environment where most creatures would struggle to find food. 



It uses a specialized swimming stroke, moving upside down and backward with large paddle-like legs, to carry Sargassum fronds off the seafloor. This might be a clever strategy to avoid predators by lifting its food into the water column.



But the adaptations don’t stop there. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-deep-sea-crustacean-species-discovered-in-the-bahamas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">isopod has mouthparts</a> that are serrated and ideal for tearing and consuming the tough, fibrous Sargassum. 



Inside its gut, it harbors bacteria that help break down the algae’s complex polysaccharides -- molecules that are notoriously difficult to digest. 



“Life everywhere, even in the deepest depths of the sea, is inexorably connected to the microorganisms around it,” says Logan Peoples, an aquatic microbial ecologist at <a href="https://flbs.umt.edu/newflbs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flathead Lake Biological Station</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-web-of-life-from-surface-to-seafloor">Web of life from surface to seafloor</h2>



The presence of Sargassum at such deep depths has bigger implications for how we understand ocean ecology. This study highlights the close connection between the surface ocean and the deep sea.



When Sargassum sinks, it plays a role in carbon cycling and storage, which affects global climate patterns. 



We’re already seeing significant ecological and economic impacts on coastal communities due to changes in how much Sargassum is found in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean Sea.



Researchers are eager to figure out just how much Sargassum makes it to the seafloor and how its arrival varies with the seasons and long-term environmental changes. 



Understanding these dynamics could help us predict how deep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-pigs-unicumbers-strange-stunning-creatures-discovered-abyssal-plains-ccz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean communities</a> respond to shifting environmental conditions.



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



The discovery of Bathyopsurus nybelini feeding on Sargassum also highlights the importance of advanced technologies in deep-sea exploration. 



Alvin, the submersible that made this observation possible, was recently certified to dive to depths of 6,500 meters. 



This achievement opens new doors for marine research and underscores the significance of developing new tools and techniques to explore and study the ocean’s most remote regions. 



As Anna Michel, Chief Scientist for the <a href="https://ndsf.whoi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Deep Submergence Facility</a>, noted, "The discovery described in this paper was possible due to its new deeper diving capabilities, which is very exciting for the Alvin team."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-sea-ecosystems-and-human-impact">Deep-sea ecosystems and human impact</h2>



Why should we care about an isopod munching on seaweed at the bottom of the ocean? Well, it all comes down to how connected our planet’s ecosystems are. 



As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-mining-forms-dust-clouds-that-devastate-marine-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human activities change ocean conditions</a> -- from climate change to pollution -- it’s really important to understand how surface processes link to deep ocean ecosystems.



Every discovery, like that of Bathyopsurus nybelini, reminds us that even the most extreme environments on Earth are part of a larger, interconnected web of life. 



The more we learn, the better equipped we are to protect these ecosystems and manage the impacts of our actions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-sargassum-on-the-deep-ocean">Impact of Sargassum on the deep ocean</h2>



This study is just the beginning. Scientists plan to continue investigating how Sargassum and other surface-derived materials affect life in the deep sea. 



More research is needed to understand the seasonal and long-term changes in the abundance of Sargassum and its impact on deep-ocean food webs.



As we explore further, new discoveries will undoubtedly reshape our understanding of these hidden ecosystems. 



As Weston puts it, “We’re excited to share its amazing story of adaptation and this important reminder that habitats and organisms on our planet are deeply and intricately connected.”



The ocean is vast, and there is so much more to uncover. So, what other secrets lie in the deep, dark waters? Only time, curiosity, and continued exploration will tell. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.0823" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences</a>.



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Robot discovers surprising food source for deep ocean creatures

What lies at the bottom of the ocean? For many,...

In one of nature's most stunning examples of hiding in plain sight, a new species of fanged fighting frog has been discovered in the Philippines, quietly coexisting with its near-identical counterparts for decades.



Despite being collected numerous times, this elusive amphibian managed to avoid detection, blending seamlessly into the diverse frog population.



It's a fascinating story of how a creature can remain camouflaged not by its physical appearance, but by the long-held assumptions of human observers. 



Misidentifications over the years highlight just how much remains hidden in nature, waiting to be uncovered through deeper scientific exploration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fanged-frog-limnonectes-cassiopeia">Fanged frog Limnonectes cassiopeia</h2>



Researchers from the <a href="https://ku.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Kansas</a> have made a groundbreaking discovery with the identification of a new species of fanged frog, Limnonectes cassiopeia, on the Philippine island of Luzon.



What makes this discovery remarkable is that specimens of the new species have been collected a dozen times over the last 20 years, but were mistakenly identified as juvenile versions of the well-known <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/frog_fighting-fang-toothed_luzon_credit-UKansas_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luzon Giant Fanged Frog</a>.



“They’re called that because the males of some species have large, bony protuberances, like fangs, in their lower jaw -- it’s pretty unique,” said lead author Mark Herr, a doctoral student at KU’s Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum.



“It’s still a bit of a mystery, but it’s become generally assumed that these fangs are used for male-to-male combat. The males’ fangs are much larger than the females'. These males have big heads, and a lot of these frogs can be huge -- some as large as chickens elsewhere in Southeast Asia.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-survey-leads-to-fanged-frog-discovery">Genetic survey leads to fanged frog discovery</h2>



The discovery of Limnonectes cassiopeia came amidst a comprehensive genetic survey of all Philippine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-tiniest-fanged-frogs-lay-their-eggs-on-leaves-and-guard-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fanged</a> frogs.



Herr’s genetic analysis revealed that this new species formed a distinct branch separate from two other known species of fanged frogs in Luzon. 



“I sequenced many of them to establish a good genetic dataset, allowing me to examine their patterns of relatedness,” said Herr. 



His findings prompted an intensive study of physical specimens to identify any distinguishing traits from the Luzon Giant Fanged Frog. One key physical trait emerged that set the new species apart: smaller, unpigmented white toe discs.



“The discs are important,” Herr said. “Statistically, in comparison to their body size, they may have smaller toe pads. Not only are the toe pads smaller, but they’re white. They’re pale, completely unpigmented, which sets them apart from Limnonectes macrocephalus, which has dark gray pigmented toe pads.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Unveiling Limnonectes cassiopeia</h2>



The discovery of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-species-of-fanged-frog-found-in-the-philippines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new species</a>, named Limnonectes cassiopeia after the five-star constellation, marks an exciting step forward in understanding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-biodiversity-affect-species-interactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> of the Philippines.



Herr also discovered that Limnonectes cassiopeia develops its characteristic large head and fangs earlier in its growth compared to Limnonectes macrocephalus, adding another layer to the complexity of its identification.



“Now that we know they're different, we can go out and watch them and study their natural history in detail,” Herr said. “Maybe they're doing something totally different in the wild, you know? That's exciting for me.”



This new revelation opens a door to further research on Limnonectes cassiopeia, offering fresh insights into its behavior, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/darwins-frogs-are-breeding-in-highly-unusual-places/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeding patterns</a>, and ecological role within Luzon’s unique ecosystem.



By understanding how this newly identified species interacts with its environment, scientists can gain a deeper appreciation of the region’s biodiversity and the evolutionary pressures that shaped the fanged frog’s development over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-studies-on-limnonectes-cassiopeia">Future studies on Limnonectes cassiopeia</h2>



Now that Limnonectes cassiopeia has been formally identified, researchers are eager to study the fanged frog in its natural habitat.



Understanding how it interacts with its environment, its role in the local ecosystem, and its unique behavioral traits -- such as the use of fangs in combat -- could reveal even more about the species.



Herr and his team hope to track its behavior in the wild, studying its diet, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glass-frogs-wave-their-hands-and-feet-to-attract-mates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mating habits</a>, and possible interactions with other fanged frog species.



This further research promises to shed light on how this elusive species has adapted to its environment, potentially uncovering new aspects of the fascinating fanged frogs of the Philippines.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://bioone.org/journals/ichthyology-and-herpetology/volume-112/issue-2/h2022094/A-Long-Overlooked-New-Species-of-Fanged-Frog-Genus-Limnonectes/10.1643/h2022094.short" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ichthyology &amp; Herpetology</a>.



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New 'fanged fighting frog' species has been hiding in plain sight

In one of nature's most stunning examples of hiding in...

A new study reveals that bees and other pollinators are not just attracted to colorful petals or the sweet scent of nectar. The hidden bullseyes in the flower pattern play a significant role in attracting bees.



Hibiscus flowers, for instance, possess an invisible pre-pattern during the early stages of petal formation. This blueprint dictates the size of their bullseyes, a feature that directly impacts their attractiveness to pollinators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-and-flower-patterns">Bees and flower patterns</h2>



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>'s Sainsbury Laboratory have unearthed some compelling findings. It turns out, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-bee-day-2024-bee-engaged-with-youth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> are quite choosy. 



Bees have a clear preference for larger bullseyes and buzz faster towards artificial flower discs with larger bullseyes. This preference may enhance the efficiency of both bees and blossoms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-patterns-the-making-of-bullseyes">Hidden patterns: The making of bullseyes</h2>



The researchers ventured into the mysterious world of petal designs. Using a small hibiscus plant as a model, they compared closely related plants with identical flower sizes but differently sized bullseyes.



Dr. Edwige Moyroud, a leading researcher at the Sainsbury Laboratory, has been studying the mechanisms underlying pattern formation in petals. She noted that a pre-pattern sets up on the petal surface early in the flower’s formation, long before any visible color shows up on the petal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-bullseye-patterns">Evolution of bullseye patterns</h2>



Study lead author Dr. Lucie Riglet further investigated how these bullseye patterns form and evolve. She discovered that the pre-pattern begins as a small, crescent-shaped region, even before the bullseye is visible on tiny petals that are less than 0.2mm in size.



"At the earliest stage we could dissect, the petals have around 700 cells and are still greenish in color, with no visible purple pigment and no difference in cell shape or size," noted Dr. Riglet.



"When the petal further develops to 4,000 cells, it still does not have any visible pigment, but we identified a specific region where the cells were larger than their surrounding neighbors.&nbsp;This is the pre-pattern.”&nbsp;



The cells that Dr Riglet studied are essential as they mark the position of the bullseye boundary, the line on the petal where the color changes from purple to white. And what happens without a boundary? No bullseye.



Dr. Argyris Zardilis developed a computational model that delivered additional insights. These models showed that hibiscus can change bullseye dimensions very early during the pre-patterning phase by adjusting cell expansion or division later in development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flower-patterns-from-a-bee-s-perspective">Flower patterns from a bee's perspective</h2>



Dr. Riglet explored the impact of the bullseye patterns on pollinators, using artificial flower discs that mimic the dimensions of the three different bullseyes.



“The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-face-a-multitude-of-complex-stressors-in-the-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> not only preferred the medium and larger bullseyes over the small bullseye, they were also 25% quicker visiting these larger flower discs," said Dr. Riglet.



"Foraging requires a lot of energy and so if a bee can visit 4 flowers rather than 3 flowers in the same time, then this is probably beneficial for the bee, and also the plants."



These pre-pattern strategies in flowers could have deep evolutionary roots, possibly influencing the diversity of flower patterns across different species. 



The research team, led by Dr. Edwige Moyroud, continues to dig into the signals that generate these early patterns and explore similar pre-patterning mechanisms in other plant organs.



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



The newfound understanding of bullseye patterns' impact on pollinator behavior holds significant implications for both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-colonies-are-collapsing-as-climate-change-progresses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation and agriculture</a>.



Enhancing our knowledge of these floral designs can aid in developing strategies to bolster pollinator visits, which is vital for the success of crops reliant on pollination. 



By aligning agricultural practices with these insights, farmers could potentially boost yields by modifying or selecting plant varieties with optimal bullseye patterns that are more attractive to pollinators, thereby improving pollination efficiency and crop production.



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



The scope of research into bullseye patterns is set to expand, opening new avenues for discovery. Future studies may explore the genetic underpinnings that determine the formation and variability of these patterns in different floral species.



Unraveling the genetic and environmental factors that modulate bullseye dimensions can lead to unprecedented insights into plant-pollinator coevolution. 



Furthermore, exploring the application of computational models across diverse plant species could unveil universal principles of pattern formation, informing not only botanical science but also biomimetic design in technology and art.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-bullseyes-and-biodiversity">Bees, bullseyes, and biodiversity</h2>



This research not only advances our understanding of plant biology but also reinforces the intricate bonds between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-spring-flowers-can-save-bees-and-boost-pollination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants and their environments</a>. 



The precision of natural designs plays a crucial role in species survival and evolution. The H. trionum, for example, with larger bullseye sizes, possibly attracts more pollinators, enhancing its reproductive success.



So, the next time you admire a flower, remember there's more to it than meets the eye. Beneath the surface beauty, there's a world of complex, precise patterns - nature's very own masterpiece.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adp5574" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Bees prefer flowers with large bullseyes

A new study reveals that bees and other pollinators are...

Antarctica’s rapidly shrinking sea ice could have a significant impact on the food supply of seabirds that breed far from the continent, according to new research. 



Most of the world’s albatrosses and their relatives, the petrels, breed on islands in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. These seabirds rely on the nutrient-rich waters affected by the seasonal sea ice for feeding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-the-movement-of-seabirds">Monitoring the movement of seabirds</h2>



A study led by <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a> in collaboration with the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a> (BAS) used satellite tracking technology to monitor the movements of these birds. 



The researchers discovered that albatrosses and petrels travel vast distances to reach areas affected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-low-antarctic-sea-ice-and-rapid-melting-pace-stuns-climate-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a>, known as the Antarctic seasonal sea ice zone. 



This is where they either feed in the nutrient-dense waters left behind after the ice melts each summer or, in the case of southern giant petrels, scavenge for seals found on the ice itself.



Historically, Antarctica had not experienced the dramatic loss of sea ice seen in the Arctic. However, in the past five years, Antarctic sea ice has begun to retreat more rapidly.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seabirds-may-struggle-to-find-food">Seabirds may struggle to find food</h2>



The study suggests that as sea ice continues to decline, seabirds may be forced to fly further from their breeding grounds in search of food, or they may encounter shifts in where their food sources are located. This, in turn, could disrupt the ecosystems to which these seabirds belong.



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2024.10333" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Progress in Oceanography</a>, the study provides new insight into how these changes in sea ice could affect bird populations that breed far from the continent. 



Study lead author Ewan Wakefield is a scientist from Durham University’s Department of Geography.



“Every winter, the sea freezes around Antarctica, with sea ice covering tens of millions of square miles. We found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-uncovers-4000-years-of-foraging-behavior-among-albatrosses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">albatrosses</a> and large petrels travel hundreds of miles, some far into the area covered by this sea ice, and we think that they do this to feed,” said Wakefield. 



“In that case, Antarctica’s receding sea ice, driven by climate change, could affect not just the penguins, familiar to many people, that breed on the continent, but also huge numbers of seabirds breeding hundreds or thousands of miles away.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-species-rely-on-sea-ice">Many species rely on sea ice</h2>



The experts analyzed the movements of seven species of albatross and large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-snowstorms-impact-breeding-success-of-petrels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">petrel</a>, including northern and southern giant petrels, white-chinned petrels, and several species of albatross. 



Using satellite data collected between 1992 and 2023, the researchers tracked 2,497 foraging trips by 1,289 seabirds from South Georgia, a sub-Antarctic island about 1,000 miles from Antarctica. The research revealed that all seven species used sea ice-affected waters, though in different ways.&nbsp;



For example, albatrosses largely avoided ice-covered areas, likely because of the difficulty in flying or landing on the ice. Instead, they fed in regions where the ice had melted and released concentrated nutrients.&nbsp;



Southern giant petrels, on the other hand, ventured hundreds of miles into the pack ice during spring, likely scavenging for seals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shrinking-sea-ice-levels">Shrinking sea ice levels</h2>



The researchers also observed a seasonal pattern, with birds moving north and south in sync with plankton blooms in the oceans - a phenomenon known as green wave surfing.



During the period when the satellite data was recorded, Antarctic sea ice was relatively stable. However, recent summers have seen earlier retreats and record-low levels of seasonal sea ice.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-escalating-impacts-on-seabirds-nbsp">Escalating impacts on seabirds&nbsp;</h2>



According to Richard Phillips, co-author and leader of the Higher Predators and Conservation Group at BAS, these declines in sea ice, exacerbated by climate change, could worsen the already unsustainable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-all-seabirds-have-ingested-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human impacts</a> on seabird populations.



While the study sheds light on how seabirds interact with sea ice-affected habitats, researchers acknowledge some limitations. They do not yet know exactly what the birds are eating in these areas, which future tracking and dietary studies aim to reveal.&nbsp;



Additionally, the resolution of the tracking data wasn’t fine enough to show exactly how birds interact with sea ice on a small scale. Finally, the study didn’t cover the entire breeding period for several species, so it remains unclear how they might use these habitats during other times of the year.



Despite these limitations, the study underscores the importance of understanding how Antarctic sea ice dynamics influence not only the continent’s wildlife but also the seabirds that breed far away in the Southern Ocean.



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Shrinking sea ice makes it harder for seabirds to find food

Antarctica’s rapidly shrinking sea ice could have a significant impact...

Fish, of all the creatures, have discovered the power of introspection. "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest fish of all?" seems to be the question on every bluestreak cleaner wrasse's mind, according to an intriguing new study.



Imagine stumbling upon a fish meticulously gauging its size in the mirror before deciding if it should attack another fish. 



That is precisely the kind of behavior that was observed in the bluestreak cleaner wrasse, a brilliantly colored finger-sized coral reef fish.



This finding, which is the first of its kind, dethrones the belief that such levels of self-awareness are exclusive to higher mammals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mirror-test-of-fishes">Mirror test of fishes</h2>



Scientists have used the "mirror test" as a classic indicator of an animal's self-awareness, measuring whether the creature <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-can-recognize-themselves-in-the-mirror/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recognizes its reflection</a> as its own. This new study shows that the cleaner wrasse doesn't just recognize itself, it's also sizing itself up. 



The research group, including <a href="https://www.omu.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osaka Metropolitan University</a> Graduate School of Science student Taiga Kobayashi, set up a series of tests.



The tests were designed to assess the fish’s propensity to attack when faced with an image of another fish, either 10% larger or smaller than themselves.



"Regardless of the size of the fish in the photo, the real ones attacked," reported the researchers. 



But, here's where it gets interesting. The presence of a mirror influenced the decision of whether to attack or not. After checking their reflection, the fish opted to lock fins with the smaller fish's image and steered clear of the larger one.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-level-of-self-awareness">Surprising level of self-awareness </h2>



This study raises several intriguing questions. Chief among them - how did the bluestreak cleaner wrasse, living in a world devoid of mirrors, evolve to use its reflection as a decision-making tool?



One possible theory points to the benefits of sizing themselves against a potential threat before attacking.



"These findings suggest that cleaner <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bizarre-fish-can-walk-and-thrive-on-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> likely possess two mental states: a mental image of their body and internal standards for comparing body size," said Kobayashi.



Could the survival instincts have led to the development of this surprising level of self-awareness?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-recognition-in-fish">Self-recognition in fish</h2>



The discovery of the bluestreak cleaner wrasse's ability to engage in self-reflection prompts a reevaluation of evolutionary theories regarding self-recognition.



Traditionally, self-awareness has been considered an advanced cognitive trait emerging in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-coral-reef-fish-survive-in-the-worlds-warmest-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> with complex social structures and large brains. However, the relatively small-brained cleaner wrasse challenges these assumptions.



This revelation invites scientists to explore alternative evolutionary pathways that may have led to the development of self-awareness in fish. 



Could it be that ecological demands, such as complex social interactions within the reef environment, have driven the evolution of this cognitive skill? 



These questions highlight the broader implications of this study, offering a new lens through which to investigate the cognitive lives of aquatic species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-conservation-efforts">Broader conservation efforts</h2>



Extending the insights gained from this study beyond the realm of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dietary-shift-to-forage-fish-could-prevent-millions-of-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a>, the compelling evidence of advanced cognitive abilities in the bluestreak cleaner wrasse encourages a broader examination of animal cognition.



By highlighting the sophistication of fish intelligence, this research may pave the way for a more inclusive understanding of biodiversity, emphasizing the cognitive capacities across various species. 



These findings on fish using mirrors could influence conservation efforts by advocating for the preservation of species that display complex behavioral traits.



Recognizing the mental worlds of creatures like the cleaner wrasse might inspire a wave of appreciation and protection for marine life, prompting further studies to uncover the depths of animal cognition nestled within the world's oceans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-understanding-of-self-awareness">A new understanding of self-awareness</h2>



The cleaner wrasse's behavior broadens our understanding of self-awareness, not just in animals, but also in humans. 



Can we draw parallels between human and animal self-awareness? Could this fishy behavior shed light on how self-awareness evolved over time?



"The results that fish can use the mirror as a tool can help clarify the similarities between human and non-human animal self-awareness and provide important clues to elucidate how self-awareness has evolved," said Kobayashi.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-70138-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Fish sizes itself up in a mirror before going into combat

Fish, of all the creatures, have discovered the power of...

If you've ever wondered how paleontologists figure out what animals from millions of years ago ate, their secret lies in the extraordinary fossils they find. Recently, they stumbled upon a fascinating discovery that shattered a long-standing hypothesis. Fossilized fruit seeds in the stomachs of ancient dinosaur birds with sharp teeth.



It's the first evidence that contradicts a widely held notion that this particular bird species, called Longipteryx chaoyangensis, feasted on fish or insects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longipteryx-chaoyangensis">Longipteryx chaoyangensis</h2>



Longipteryx chaoyangensis, the fruit-eater, lived 120 million years ago in present-day northeastern China. With a long skull and teeth only at the tip of its beak, this bluejay-sized bird is a favorite amongst paleontologists for its peculiar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaur-bird-may-soon-go-extinct/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">features</a>.



Alex Clark is a PhD student at the Field Museum and the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a> and a co-author of the paper.



“Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, and&nbsp;Longipteryx’s tooth enamel is 50 microns thick. That’s the same thickness of the enamel on enormous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-theropod-dinosaurs-thrived-in-polar-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predatory dinosaurs</a> like&nbsp;Allosaurus&nbsp;that weighed 4,000 pounds, but&nbsp;Longipteryx&nbsp;is the size of a bluejay,” said Clark. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fruit-diet-of-a-bird-with-sharp-teeth">Fruit diet of a bird with sharp teeth</h2>



Upon its discovery in 2000, the Longipteryx, with its kingfisher-like elongated skull, was thought to be a fish hunter. 



Study lead author Jingmai O’Connor, associate curator of fossil reptiles in the Field Museum’s Neguanee Integrative Research Center (<a href="https://nirc.fieldmuseum.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIRC</a>), examined two Longipteryx specimens and found fossilized food in their stomachs.



A colleague confirmed these to be seeds from the fruits of an ancient tree, thus contradicting the previous hunting hypothesis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fruit-feasters-with-mysterious-teeth">Fruit feasters with mysterious teeth</h2>



Living in a temperate climate, Longipteryx probably feasted on fruits seasonally, turning to insects when fruits weren't available.



This discovery is significant as it marks the first time stomach contents from an Enantiornithine - the larger group of prehistoric birds that Longipteryx belonged to - have been found.



"Although diet is directly documented in several early-diverging avian lineages, only a single specimen preserves evidence of diet in Enantiornithes, the dominant group of terrestrial Cretaceous birds," noted the researchers.



With the diet question resolved, a new mystery arose: what was the purpose of the Longipteryx's weapon-like teeth? 



The experts hypothesized that these strong teeth and beak evolved under social or sexual selection, serving as a weapon during combats. 



Interestingly, modern hummingbirds exhibit similar behavior, using keratinous projections on their beaks to compete for resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flight-capabilities-of-longipteryx">Flight capabilities of Longipteryx</h2>



The structural anatomy of Longipteryx suggests that it possessed remarkable flight capabilities for its time. 



Comparative analysis with other avian species indicates that Longipteryx had a robust wing architecture, which likely helped it maneuver dense forested areas.



The researchers theorize that the bird's elongated wings and specialized shoulder joints allowed for rapid bursts of speed, essential for evading predators or catching fast-moving prey like insects during periods of fruit scarcity.



With these traits, Longipteryx exemplifies an evolutionary advantage in its niche, combining versatility in diet with physical adeptness.



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



The recent findings on Longipteryx's fruit diet and teeth morphology contribute significantly to our understanding of bird <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-theropod-dinosaurs-thrived-in-polar-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>, particularly in the Cretaceous period. 



The discovery of fruit consumption challenges the homogeneity of early avian diets, suggesting a diversification that could have been key in the adaptive success of birds. 



Furthermore, the dual-purpose nature of Longipteryx's beak - both for feeding and potential combat - highlights the complexity of evolutionary pressures on early birds.



These insights prompt a re-evaluation of the ecological roles that such prehistoric species played, providing a richer context for how modern avians might have inherited and adapted these ancestral traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-animal-behaviors-beyond-diet">Complex animal behaviors beyond diet</h2>



This discovery is a significant step for paleontologists, challenging their reliance on physical characteristics as the sole indicators of an animal's behavior and lifestyle. O’Connor emphasizes the need to consider complex behaviors beyond diet when examining structures like beaks.



By reconstructing Longipteryx's lifestyle, we now know that it was a fruit-feasting bird with a beak full of weaponized teeth, quite possibly used for interspecies combat. This bird may have enjoyed a peaceful meal of fruits but when needed, it wasn't afraid to show its teeth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(24)01124-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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This ancient bird ate fruit, so why did it have teeth like a carnivore?

If you've ever wondered how paleontologists figure out what animals...

Have you ever paused to consider the hidden world of insect communication? For over 30 years, a scientist named Rex Cocroft has dedicated his career to understanding this fascinating arena. 



With a background in music and biology, Cocroft's work has been recognized across the globe, earning him a feature in a BBC documentary series and even inspiring fellow researchers to name a new species of treehoppers, Cladonota rex, in his honor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treehoppers-communicate-using-vibrations">Treehoppers communicate using vibrations</h2>



Treehoppers are tiny insects that inhabit every continent except Antarctica. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-boost-plant-evolution-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">small creatures</a> have advanced communication systems that are as intriguing as they are mysterious. 



The insects communicate by sending vibrations through a plant’s leaves and stem, almost like a silent symphony that humans cannot detect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sending-messages-through-vibrations">Sending messages through vibrations</h2>



"Treehoppers have vibration sensors that detect when their legs move up and down, and they are extremely sensitive to that kind of motion," explained Cocroft, who is a biologist at the <a href="https://missouri.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Missouri</a>.



These vibrations work much like our sense of sound, allowing treehoppers to convey messages and signals. But remember, what we perceive as silence, is a robust conversation for treehoppers.



Cocroft uses unique sensors that function like guitar amplifiers. "Piezoelectric materials produce an electrical current when under mechanical stress," he noted. 



So, by using a piezo disk, the vibrations become an electrical signal that can be amplified, allowing him to tune into the chat between the bugs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treehoppers-diverse-way-of-communicating">Treehoppers' diverse way of communicating</h2>



Treehoppers <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-complex-biochemical-communication-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communicate</a> by vibrating different parts of their bodies, which transmits vibrations via their legs to the plant stem. 



Interestingly, these creatures can also mimic cicadas by creating a clicking sound, and some can even create song-like sounds that vary in pitch, tone, and volume.



"Treehoppers typically have several different types of signals in their repertoire, and they are good at distinguishing between those and responding appropriately," explained Cocroft. It might not be what we usually associate with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beneficial-insects-are-severely-impacted-by-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect</a> sounds, but the mechanics of producing and transmitting these sounds are unique.



"With more than 3,000 species of treehoppers worldwide, every species has different songs, so you don’t know what you’re going to hear until you begin to listen," said Cocroft.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-musician-turned-biologist">Musician turned biologist</h2>



Having been drawn to the piano during his high school days, Cocroft initially pursued a degree in music in college. 



But the call of biology, a childhood passion, was too strong for him to ignore. After a stint as a research assistant at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Cocroft's interest in animal communication took flight, a journey that led him to the fascinating world of treehoppers. 



"Communication is such a key part of the behavior of any animal,” said Cocroft, who embodies a unique blend of passion, curiosity, and dedication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication-for-survival">Communication for survival</h2>



One might wonder, what evolutionary advantage does such complex communication provide to treehoppers? These small insects are not just engaging in idle chatter; their communication is essential for survival and reproduction. 



Through vibrational signals, treehoppers can relay alarms about potential predators, coordinate collective movements, and even engage in mating duets, where males and females signal back and forth to evaluate compatibility. 



Such intricate layers of communication have likely evolved to ensure that treehoppers can efficiently interact with their environment and make adaptive decisions critical for their biodiversity. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-insect-communication">Secrets of insect communication</h2>



Reflecting on decades of research, Cocroft is optimistic about the future of studying insect communication. 



With advancing technology, researchers are poised to uncover even more secrets about how treehoppers and other insects communicate. 



Innovations in sensor technology and computational analysis promise to deepen the understanding of vibrational ecology and its implications across <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-using-technology-to-protect-our-natural-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>. 



Cocroft envisions a future where these insights could impact agriculture, conservation, and even robotics, by emulating the efficient communication systems found in nature. 



"We are just scratching the surface of what these tiny creatures can teach us about communication and adaptation."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subtle-sounds-of-treehoppers">Subtle sounds of treehoppers </h2>



As we appreciate the subtle sounds of treehoppers, we witness the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nighttime-buzz-insect-activity-increases-by-31-4-at-night/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boundless wonders</a> that nature has to offer.



For over 30 years, Cocroft has studied these insects and their unique communication strategies, bringing closer to us a world that's often overlooked. 



And even as we marvel at these discoveries, it's clear that there's still much left to be understood. "I’ve always liked the exploration side of natural history, and there’s a lot we can still discover about how insects like treehoppers communicate," said Cocroft.



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Treehoppers secretly communicate by making plants vibrate

Have you ever paused to consider the hidden world of...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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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

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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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 



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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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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The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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

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