Headshot,Of,Ant,Orange,In,The,Argentine,Jungle.,(linepithema,Humile)

Ants march across sidewalks and kitchen counters as if they own the place. They cross oceans inside cargo ships, set up vast super-colonies, and push out native species on six continents. 



Once a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-ants-live-on-earth-at-any-point-in-time-total-number-is-astounding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nest of ants</a> settles in, homeowners and farmers often reach for poison baits, yet the insects lose interest before enough of them carry the toxic treat back home. 



A new study suggests that a tiny splash of caffeine could keep the party going - and give pest managers an edge.



The research shows that moderate doses of caffeine sharpen an ant’s memory for the bait’s location. Ants that sipped a caffeinated sugar drop found it again more quickly on later trips, leaving a stronger scent trail for nest-mates. 



The discovery points to a low-cost tweak that might finally turn the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-perform-life-saving-amputation-surgeries-on-injured-nest-mates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invader’s own teamwork</a> against it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-ant-huge-impact">Tiny ant, huge impact</h2>



The Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) is only about one-tenth of an inch long, yet its cooperative spirit builds super-colonies stretching thousands of miles along the Mediterranean coast and the U.S. West Coast. 



Those armies displace local insects, rob hummingbird feeders, and even short-circuit electrical gear. 



Recent economic analyses peg the global cost of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-shifting-to-new-habitats-to-cope-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive ants</a> - including crop losses and control bills - at billions of dollars each year. No wonder pest crews keep searching for smarter tactics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giving-caffeine-to-ants">Giving caffeine to ants</h2>



To find out, researchers set up a miniature arena: a Lego drawbridge led each ant onto a letter-size acrylic platform where a single sugar drop waited. 



Some drops carried no additive, while others contained 25 parts per million (ppm), 250 ppm, or 2 000 ppm of caffeine. One hundred forty-two ants took part, and each explorer tackled the course four times.



“The idea with this project was to find some cognitive way of getting the ants to consume more of the poisonous baits we put in the field,” says the study’s first author Henrique Galante, a computational biologist at the <a href="https://www.uni-regensburg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Regensburg</a>. 



Automated cameras tracked every step, logging travel time and the straightness of each path. Without caffeine, the insects wandered, needing the same span to reach the treat on every attempt. Add a modest stimulant, and the story changed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caffeine-gives-ant-focus-not-speed">Caffeine gives ant focus, not speed</h2>



“We found that intermediate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caffeine-evolution-in-plants-the-surprising-story-of-yerba-mate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">doses of caffeine</a> actually boost learning - when you give them a bit of caffeine, it pushes them into having straighter paths and being able to reach the reward faster," Galante explained.



In fact, ants that tasted 25 ppm caffeine shaved 28 percent off their foraging time on every return. Those on 250 ppm cut the clock by 38 percent. 



Picture an individual that spent 300 seconds during its first outing - it would need just 113 seconds after three more trips on the lower dose and 54 seconds on the medium dose.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caffeine-consumption-may-lower-the-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The stimulant</a> did not act like an energy drink. There was no uptick in raw speed. “What we see is that they're not moving faster, they're just being more focused on where they're going,” Galante noted. 



“This suggests that they know where they want to go, therefore, they have learned the locations of the reward.” 



Only path geometry tightened; pace stayed the same. At the heaviest 2 000 ppm dose - the level that kills half of honeybees in tests - the learning advantage disappeared.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sharper-trails-deadlier-bait">Sharper trails, deadlier bait</h2>



Argentine ants rely on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-now-using-cars-to-travel-spread-to-new-locations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pheromone highways</a>. A worker that discovers food drags its stinger along the ground, laying a chemical breadcrumb trail that guides the next shift. Faster relearning multiplies that effect. 



“We're trying to make them better at finding these baits, because the faster they go and come back to them, the more pheromone trails they lay, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolutionary-deja-vu-the-symbiotic-relationships-of-trees-and-ants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more ants will come</a>, and, therefore, the faster they will spread the poison in the colony before they realize it's poison,” Galante continued.



Adding caffeine could also slash the waste that now limits bait stations. In neighborhoods and orchards, technicians often replenish gels every few days because the first wave of foragers gives up. 



A caffeinated lure might stay attractive long enough for queens and larvae to receive a lethal serving.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next</h2>



The team is already field-testing the recipe at infested sites in Spain. They also plan to check whether caffeine interacts with common active ingredients such as hydramethylnon or spinosad. 



“The lowest dose we used is what you find in natural plants, the intermediate dose is similar to what you would find in some energy drinks, and the highest amount is set to be the LD50 of bees - where half the bees fed this dose die - so it's likely to be quite toxic for them,” Galante notes. 



Selecting a concentration that boosts memory without harming pollinators will be crucial.



Caffeine’s appeal extends beyond Argentine ants. Other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dirt-ants-were-once-masters-of-disguise-in-the-caribbean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive species</a> - including fire ants and big-headed ants - share the same food-sharing habits that make baiting tricky. 



If the stimulant nudges their neural circuits in a similar way, managers could deploy a single additive across multiple pest fronts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-we-learned-about-ants-and-caffeine">What we learned about ants and caffeine</h2>



To sum it all up, caffeine improves ants' overall focus and learning without increasing speed, allowing them to navigate straighter paths and lay stronger pheromone trails. 



This effect boosts the effectiveness of bait traps, leading more ants to the poison and increasing the chances of it spreading through the colony. 



However, the benefit peaks at moderate doses - very high levels eliminate the learning advantage and can be toxic. So, overall, caffeine makes ants better at foraging and sharing, which ironically makes them more vulnerable to well-designed pest control strategies.



For now, the message is simple: a dash of coffee in the buffet may turn an army’s fabled navigation skills against itself. When the ants get better at remembering dessert, the colony’s days could finally be numbered.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(24)01157-X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



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When you give caffeine to ants, many interesting things happen

Ants march across sidewalks and kitchen counters as if they own the place. They cross oceans inside cargo ships, set up vast super-colonies, and push out native species on six continents. Once a nest of ants settles in, homeowners and farmers often reach for poison baits, yet the insects lose interest before enough of them carry the toxic treat back home. A new study suggests that a tiny splash of caffeine could keep the party going - and give pest managers an edge. The research shows that...

Humans may be partially responsible for the reduction in brain size observed in domestic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-humans-close/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>. Researchers in Hungary have discovered that domestic dogs possess significantly smaller brains compared to their wild ancestor, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-return-of-the-gray-wolf-triumph-or-tragedy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gray wolf</a>. 



This change is attributed to domestic dogs living in less complex environments, which require less cognitive effort than the wild environments gray wolves inhabit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-domestication-occurred-passively-nbsp">Dog domestication occurred passively&nbsp;</h2>



Genetic analyses of the oldest known dog remains indicate that dogs were domesticated in a single event by humans living in Eurasia approximately 20,000 to 40,000 years ago.&nbsp;



According to Krishna Veeramah, an assistant professor of evolution at <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stony Brook University</a>, this process has probably been very complex, involving many generations where distinctive dog traits evolved gradually.



“The current hypothesis suggests that dog domestication likely occurred passively. A population of wolves likely lived on the outskirts of hunter-gatherer camps, feeding on human refuse. Tamer and less aggressive wolves would have been more successful in this environment,” explained Professor Veeramah.



“While humans initially did not gain any direct benefit, over time, a symbiotic [mutually beneficial] relationship developed between the humans and these animals, eventually leading to the dogs we see today.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-size-in-domestic-dogs-nbsp">Brain size in domestic dogs&nbsp;</h2>



The new study, led by László Zsolt Garamszegi from the Institute of Ecology and Botany at the <a href="https://ecolres.hun-ren.hu/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Ecological Research</a> in Hungary, suggests that other factors might also influence the reduction in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/modern-dogs-have-larger-brains-than-ancient-dog-breeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain size</a> in domestic dogs, although these factors are not clearly identified. 



The researchers noted that in the wild, phenomena like hibernation could contribute to brain size reduction in other canid species.



“The dog is a canid species that was domesticated from its ancestral species the gray wolf at least 15,000 years ago,” the experts wrote.&nbsp;



“Over 400 breeds of dogs exist today, and the overall pattern is that relative brain size is dramatically reduced in dogs as compared with the ancestral species, the gray wolf.”&nbsp;



This idea, that domestication has led to smaller brains in dogs, is widely accepted among veterinarians and researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domestic-dogs-require-less-brain-capacity">Domestic dogs require less brain capacity</h2>



Domestic dogs face fewer cognitive challenges, such as foraging for food, avoiding predators, and finding mates, compared to their wild counterparts. This reduced need for brain capacity is believed to have led to a gradual decrease in brain size.&nbsp;



According to the researchers, this phenomenon is thought to be a result of the decreased necessity for metabolically costly brain tissue in a domesticated environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-brain-and-body-size">Dog brain and body size</h2>



To investigate whether the brain size of domestic dogs is particularly small relative to their body size when compared to wild canids, the researchers analyzed the brain and body sizes of 25 canid species, including the domestic dog (Canis familiaris), the gray wolf (Canis lupus), and the common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/raccoon-dogs-may-be-a-growing-threat-to-waterbirds-in-finland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raccoon dog</a> (Nyctereutes procyonoides). 



The experts found that domestic dogs have experienced a significant reduction in brain size compared to gray wolves. However, the domestic dog's brain is still relatively large compared to some other canid species studied.



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



An interesting finding of the study is that the common raccoon dog stands out as a “more pronounced outlier” in terms of brain size reduction, having an unusually small brain for its body size. The researchers believe this is due to the raccoon dog's hibernation habits.&nbsp;



“Prolonged periods of food shortage, such as during hibernation, prevents the evolution of large brains due to their constantly high energy demands,” explained the study authors.&nbsp;



The experts conclude that while domestication plays a role in the reduction of brain size in dogs, hibernation also contributes to this phenomenon in wild canids.&nbsp;



The authors caution against viewing domestication as a “uniquely powerful evolutionary force” responsible for shrinking dog brains.&nbsp;



The research has been published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2024.0336" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biology Letters</a>.



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Dogs’ shrinking brain size was partially caused by humans 

Humans may be partially responsible for the reduction in brain...

A recent study has shown that North Sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-near-oil-and-gas-sites-linked-to-hidden-health-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oil and gas</a> extraction can lead to a dramatic increase in pollution levels, with contaminants like hydrocarbons rising by more than 10,000% within half a kilometer of offshore platforms.&nbsp;



The collaborative research, conducted by the<a href="https://www.essex.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> University of Essex</a>, the <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural History Museum</a>, and the Center for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (<a href="https://www.cefas.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CEFAS</a>), found a significant decline in the number of species around offshore platforms, with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> dropping nearly 30 percent. 



This new data provides a clearer picture of the environmental impact of fossil fuel extraction, particularly on Britain's seabed life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollution-near-offshore-platforms-nbsp">Pollution near offshore platforms&nbsp;</h2>



The research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172536" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of The Total Environment</a>, focused on pollutants such as hydrocarbons and heavy metals, including lead, copper, and nickel.&nbsp;



The findings revealed that hydrocarbon levels were up to 10,613% higher and heavy metal concentrations were 455% higher within 500 meters of the platforms compared to areas further away.&nbsp;



The study highlights how these pollutants accumulate around platforms, significantly affecting marine invertebrates, which are crucial for underwater ecosystems as they serve as prey for larger animals like fish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-loss-from-oil-and-gas-production-nbsp">Biodiversity loss from oil and gas production&nbsp;</h2>



Zelin Chen, a PhD student who led the research, explained the extensive impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-near-oil-and-gas-sites-linked-to-hidden-health-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrocarbon extraction</a> on biodiversity. 



“We’ve known for a while that hydrocarbon extraction can impact biodiversity, but this is the first-time consistent trends have been found across several platforms,” said Chen.&nbsp;



“There were clear changes in community diversity and composition, with a general decrease in the number and type of species near the platforms after oil and gas production began.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-webs-near-offshore-platforms">Food webs near offshore platforms </h2>



The study authors analyzed data for 4,216 species collected from 1981 to 2012 at nine oil and gas platforms off the coasts of Scotland and England.&nbsp;



The results showed a reduction in species richness and a simplification of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-restructures-marine-food-webs-in-unexpected-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food webs</a> within 500 meters of the platforms.&nbsp;



These food webs, which describe the feeding interactions among species, became simpler and smaller in the impacted sediments.&nbsp;



Large predators like starfish were notably absent near the platforms, while smaller organisms like worms thrived in the contaminated environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-declines-in-species-richness-nbsp">Significant declines in species richness&nbsp;</h2>



The experts used chemical data to define an impact zone within 500m of a platform, a buffer zone within 500-1500m, as&nbsp; well as unimpacted areas beyond that. 



This approach allowed the team to compare biological samples from different zones taken before and after oil and gas production commenced.&nbsp;



The findings showed a significant 28% decline in species richness in the impacted sites and fewer connections within the food webs closer to the platforms.



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



The implications of these findings are concerning, especially as many of these platforms are approaching the end of their operational life.&nbsp;



“This is important because simpler food webs with shorter food chains are highly indicative of less productive areas under environmental stress,” said Eoin O’Gorman from the University of Essex, emphasizing the environmental significance of the study's findings.



Dr. Natalie Hicks, also from Essex, stressed the need for careful decommissioning of these platforms. She said they are leaving a potentially concerning legacy, particularly as many are reaching the end of life.&nbsp;



“Many of these sites will be decommissioned in the coming decade and we need to collaborate closely with industry and the Government to ensure decommissioning practice is led by science and done safely,” said Dr. Hicks.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-impacts-of-offshore-platforms-nbsp">Long-term impacts of offshore platforms&nbsp;</h2>



The study underscores the critical need for informed decommissioning practices to mitigate the potential long-term environmental impacts of these offshore platforms.&nbsp;



“Our collaborative study between the NHM, University of Essex, and CEFAS, which spans 30 years of field data, demonstrates that oil and gas operations simplify complex ocean ecosystems, favoring small, hardy species and causing the disappearance of more delicate marine life,” said Gareth Thomas, a scientist at the Natural History Museum.



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



As the world continues to explore and extract <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a>, this study provides essential insights into the environmental costs of such activities.&nbsp;



The researchers call for further investigation and more sustainable practices to protect marine ecosystems, especially as the decommissioning of many North Sea platforms looms on the horizon.&nbsp;



The study's findings serve as a reminder of the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to ocean conservation, balancing resource extraction with the preservation of marine biodiversity.



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10,000% pollution increase from offshore oil and gas platforms decimates ocean life

A recent study has shown that North Sea oil and...

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-forecast-the-future-of-monarch-butterflies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monarch butterflies</a>, easily identifiable by their vivid orange and black wings, are facing a serious threat due to the disappearance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoring-milkweed-could-save-the-eastern-monarch-butterfly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">milkweed</a>, their sole food source as caterpillars.&nbsp;



The reduction of milkweed has put monarch populations at risk of extinction.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-milkweed-gardens-for-monarchs">Urban milkweed gardens for monarchs</h2>



Recent research published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ecology-and-evolution/articles/10.3389/fevo.2024.1444460/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution</a> indicates that urban milkweed gardens can play a crucial role in providing habitat for monarchs.&nbsp;



Study lead author Karen Klinger is a geographic information systems analyst in the Keller Science Action Center at the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Museum</a>.



“In this study, we found that monarchs can find the milkweed, wherever the milkweed is, even if it’s in planters on balconies and rooftops,” said Klinger.&nbsp;



“Milkweed gardens can be in all shapes and sizes, and any milkweed garden can contribute habitat for monarchs.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monarch-migration-relies-on-milkweed">Monarch migration relies on milkweed</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-butterfly-migration-sparked-by-a-surge-in-vegetation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration</a> of monarchs is one of the most extraordinary among insects, involving a multi-generational journey from Mexico to Canada and back.&nbsp;



The eastern monarch population starts in Mexico and travels northward, laying eggs on milkweed plants along the way. Each generation moves further north until they reach southern Canada.&nbsp;



At the end of summer, a special “super generation” of butterflies makes the long trip back to Mexico to overwinter.



This migration pattern heavily relies on the availability of milkweed, which has drastically decreased due to the use of pesticides in agriculture, particularly in the Midwest.&nbsp;



As a result, monarch populations have plummeted, leading to their consideration for endangered species status by the <a href="https://www.iucn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Union for Conservation of Nature</a> and the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Fish and Wildlife Service</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decline-in-urban-milkweed">Decline in urban milkweed </h2>



“If we don’t do anything soon, monarchs are going to be in serious trouble,” warned Aster Hasle, a lead conservation ecologist at the Field Museum’s Keller Science Action Center and co-author of the paper.



Given the decline in rural milkweed, scientists have explored the potential of urban milkweed gardens to fill the gap.&nbsp;



“There was a call for all hands on deck, to plant milkweed across all sectors of the landscape, but people discounted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-nature-affect-human-health-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban areas</a>, because if you look at some mapping of urban areas, it looks like it’s completely developed, with no availability for milkweed plants,” Klinger explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-milkweed-plants-in-urban-settings-nbsp">Milkweed plants in urban settings&nbsp;</h2>



Klinger was involved in a 2019 study by Field Museum scientists, which demonstrated that urban areas could support milkweed in various locations, such as yards, alleyways, and rooftops.&nbsp;



The recent follow-up study engaged over 400 community scientists who monitored milkweed plants in their urban settings for monarch eggs and caterpillars.



The team collected extensive data over four years, totaling 5,905 observations from 810 milkweed patches.&nbsp;



The results showed that monarchs are attracted to gardens with common milkweed and a diversity of blooming plants, which provide necessary nectar. Moreover, mature milkweed plants were more effective in supporting monarch reproduction.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-gardens-and-monarch-conservation-nbsp">Urban gardens and monarch conservation&nbsp;</h2>



“We encouraged participants who had planters on balconies, who had planters on rooftop decks, and we saw some of the most amazing things,” Klinger recalls, noting one instance where a rooftop planter housed five large caterpillars.



These findings underscore the importance of urban gardens in monarch conservation. While larger gardens with a variety of plants are ideal, even small contributions can make a significant difference. “Plant the species that works the best for you and your garden,” Klinger advised.&nbsp;



In support of these efforts, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the MONARCH Act, which restricts homeowners associations from prohibiting native plantings and provides assistance for creating native and pollinator-friendly gardens.



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



Monarchs serve as indicators of broader <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-ecosystems-are-needed-to-prevent-future-pandemics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecological health</a>, as their extensive migration covers a vast area.&nbsp;



“Monarchs need a lot of the things that other insects need, like blooming flowers, so what’s good for monarchs is good for other pollinators too. And we’re in the midst of a global insect decline, so it’s important to help,” Hasle said.&nbsp;



Supporting urban milkweed planting not only aids monarchs but also benefits the broader ecosystem, highlighting the critical role of these efforts in conservation.



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Milkweed gardens are needed to save monarch butterflies

Monarch butterflies, easily identifiable by their vivid orange and black...

A recent study has uncovered a unique breeding behavior in the Andamanese Charles Darwin's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-frog-day-addressing-environmental-threats-to-frogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frog</a> (Minervarya charlesdarwini), endemic to the Andaman Islands. 



The research was led by a team of biologists from the <a href="https://www.du.ac.in/%C3%B9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Delhi</a>, the Zoological Survey of India, <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>, and the University of Minnesota.



Published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.3099/0006-9698-577.1.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breviora</a> of the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, the research describes how this frog species exhibits a combination of unusual reproductive traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-reproductive-strategy-of-darwin-s-frog-nbsp">Unique reproductive strategy of Darwin's frog&nbsp;</h2>



The Andamanese Charles Darwin's frog, part of the Dicroglossidae family, displays a distinctive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-frogs-live-in-trees-but-lay-eggs-on-the-ground/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reproductive strategy</a>. 



Unlike many frogs, these frogs lay terrestrial eggs inside tree cavities or root buttresses above the water surface. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, which then drop into the water below to continue their development.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upside-down-spawning-a-highly-specialized-trait-nbsp">Upside-down spawning: A highly specialized trait&nbsp;</h2>



During egg-laying, the mating pair adopts an unusual upside-down posture, clinging to the vertical walls of the tree cavity, completely out of the water. This behavior is unprecedented among frogs.



“Upside-down spawning is the most remarkable behavior in this frog,” said study lead author Professor S. D. Biju. “No other frog is known to lay terrestrial eggs inside tree holes in an upside-down position.”



Professor Biju noted that this discovery is fundamental for understanding how the species interacts with its environments and which habitats are essential for its survival.&nbsp;



“Such specialized traits also yield insights into the evolution of reproductive modes and behaviors among anuran amphibians.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-vocalizations-used-to-find-mates-nbsp">Complex vocalizations used to find mates&nbsp;</h2>



Additionally, the male frogs exhibit complex vocal behaviors, producing three different types of advertisement calls to attract females, along with an aggressive call used during male-male competition.&nbsp;



When vocal displays fail to deter rival males, physical combat ensues, involving kicking, boxing, and biting. During these altercations, the defending male and the female often move higher up the tree cavity walls to avoid interference from rival males.



Professor James Hanken is curator of herpetology at the Museum of Comparative Zoology and a professor of biology in the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard.



“This finding is an example of the remarkable diversity of amphibians and reproductive behaviors that are still unknown to science, especially from unexplored regions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-dictates-biodiversity-hotspots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity hotspots</a> of tropical Asia,” said Professor Hanken.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-breeding-sites-of-darwin-s-frog-nbsp">Unusual breeding sites of Darwin's frog&nbsp;</h2>



Despite their specialized breeding behavior, these frogs have adapted to breed in a variety of unusual and unnatural sites, especially in disturbed forest areas.&nbsp;



The researchers observed them breeding in places like artificially watered plastic sapling bags and discarded containers, such as plastic and metal vessels, left at the forest's edge.&nbsp;



The adaptation to these suboptimal breeding sites is likely a response to habitat loss and competition for limited resources, posing a threat to the species' survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts-to-protect-darwin-s-frog-nbsp">Conservation efforts to protect Darwin's frog&nbsp;</h2>



The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect the natural breeding habitats of Minervarya charlesdarwini. The species is currently listed as “Vulnerable” on the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN Red List of Threatened Species</a>, and the degradation of its natural habitat could severely impact its population.



“The frogs’ use of trash for breeding is both surprising and worrying. We now need to know its causes and long-term consequences, and devise ways to protect the natural breeding sites that are critical for the survival of the species,” said co-lead author Sonali Garg.



The research was conducted over three years on the remote islands of the Andaman archipelago, requiring over 55 nights of fieldwork during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sonoran-monsoon-blaming-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monsoon season</a>. 



The findings are detailed in a paper titled “Tree holes to trash: unique upside-down terrestrial spawning, agonistic interactions, complex mating calls, and unnatural breeding alteration in Minervarya charlesdarwini (Anura, Dicroglossidae),” published in the July 2024 issue of Breviora.



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



The research underscores the unique ecological adaptations of Darwin's frog and the pressing conservation needs of this endemic species.&nbsp;



The study also highlights the critical role of natural microhabitats and the potential threats posed by human-induced environmental changes.



“Our findings call for conservation attention to this habitat specialist, which, although locally abundant, is an endemic and threatened species of the Andaman Islands,” concluded the study authors.



Image Credit: S.D. Biju



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Darwin’s frogs are breeding in highly unusual places

A recent study has uncovered a unique breeding behavior in...

Monarch butterflies in Northern California are adapting to climate change by shifting their breeding season to winter, according to a new study published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.18473/lepi.78i2.a6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society</a>. 



This adaptation, observed particularly in the urban San Francisco Bay Area, could be crucial for the species' survival. 



The study, led by David James, an associate professor of entomology at <a href="https://wsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a>, found that monarch pupae developing in the winter of 2021/2022 had a survival rate of about 50 percent.&nbsp;



This finding builds on previous research documenting winter breeding in the region during 2020/2021, a phenomenon likely driven by warmer winters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monarchs-evolving-for-survival">Monarchs evolving for survival</h2>



“We are witnessing monarchs evolving and adapting to new environmental circumstances,” James stated. “We can learn a lot from what they are doing, and this will inform our strategies for providing the resources they need to be successful.”&nbsp;



This observation is crucial as it indicates the monarchs' potential to adapt to changing climatic conditions, ensuring their continued survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monarch-pupae-viability-nbsp">Monarch pupae viability&nbsp;</h2>



Over the past five years, the population of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monarch-butterflies-winter-locations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overwintering</a> monarchs along the California coast has fluctuated dramatically, dropping from 192,624 in 2017 to an all-time low of 1,899 in 2020. However, numbers rebounded to 247,246 in 2021 and 335,479 in 2022.&nbsp;



Concurrently, there has been a noticeable rise in winter-breeding monarchs feeding on non-native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoring-milkweed-could-save-the-eastern-monarch-butterfly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">milkweeds</a> in urban areas. The recent study is the first to assess the viability of monarch pupae during winter, providing vital data for understanding this new breeding behavior.



The research involved monitoring more than 100 wild monarch pupae at the Googleplex campus near Palo Alto during the winter of 2021/2022. Citizen scientist Maria Schaefer, who has collaborated with Professor James since 2020, led the monitoring efforts.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monarch-survival-rates-in-winter">Monarch survival rates in winter</h2>



Despite some losses due to landscaping activities, the study found a 49.4% success rate in pupal eclosion - the process of emerging as adult butterflies.&nbsp;



Notably, the researchers observed that winter pupae can survive and produce adults over a period of up to seven weeks, compared to just 10 days in summer conditions. “Given that winter is a sub-optimal environment for breeding, these results are promising,” James noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parasites-and-winter-breeding">Parasites and winter breeding</h2>



The study also examined the prevalence of the parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha in the winter-breeding population, using the shed-skin of the pupae (exuviae) for detection.&nbsp;



The analysis suggested that approximately 70% of the population was likely infected with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-monarch-butterflies-are-killed-by-parasites-yearly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parasite</a>, highlighting the need for further research into its impact on the monarchs, particularly in the context of their new winter breeding behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modifying-monarch-conservation-nbsp-strategies">Modifying monarch conservation&nbsp;strategies </h2>



The emergence of winter-breeding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-forecast-the-future-of-monarch-butterflies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monarchs</a> presents an adaptation to warmer winters, providing an alternative to the traditional overwintering in non-breeding colonies at sites like Pacific Grove, Santa Cruz, and Pismo Beach. To support this new behavior, conservation practices may need to be updated.&nbsp;



“Currently, conservation guidelines dictate that ornamental milkweeds, the ones that winter-breeding monarchs primarily use, should be cut down during winter to minimize parasite infection,” noted Professor James.&nbsp;



“This is clearly bad for winter-breeding. We suggest that these guidelines should be modified to have milkweed cut back during late summer instead of late fall which should still minimize parasite infection while ensuring availability of plants for monarch winter-breeding.”



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



The researchers plan to continue monitoring the winter-breeding monarch populations in the South Bay Area to gather more data.&nbsp;



Their ongoing research aims to understand the role these winter-breeding monarchs may play in sustaining the overall population of western monarchs, which face numerous challenges due to climate change and habitat loss.&nbsp;



The findings from this study not only provide valuable insights into the adaptability of monarch butterflies but also underscore the need for flexible and updated conservation strategies to support their survival in a changing world.



“The developing importance of winter breeding in western monarch ecology necessitates modifications to conservation guidelines that enhance the survival of immature stages, acknowledging the role of non-native milkweeds while minimizing parasite infection,” the authors concluded.



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Monarch butterflies shift to winter breeding for survival

Monarch butterflies in Northern California are adapting to climate change...

Honeybees have a whopping impact on our planet, much more so than what meets the eye. From pollinating our flowers to aiding in the production of the fruits and veggies we relish, they're the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-bee-day-2024-bee-engaged-with-youth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unsung heroes of our ecosystem</a>. But did you know that their diet plays a crucial role in their daily tasks and survival?



When it comes to their diet, it isn't just about the sugars and starches. We've got news straight from the honeycomb that could help us help them do their job better. 



New research has shed light on how the balance of the honeybee diet directly influences their health and job performance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balanced-honeybee-diet-balanced-hive">Balanced honeybee diet, balanced hive</h2>



The mind behind this intriguing research is Professor Sharoni Shafir from the <a href="https://new.huji.ac.il" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebrew University of Jerusalem</a>.



Working from the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Professor Shafir's study delves into the nutritional balance of honeybees and its effects on their overall fitness and homeostasis.



The study paints a clear picture for us; a balanced diet for honeybees is not just a nice-to-have but a must-have for their optimal health. 



The overall task performance of these industrious creatures, especially nursing the larvae, hinges on their nutritional intake. Without a well-balanced diet, honeybees may find their nursing abilities hindered. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrition-from-honeybees-diet">Nutrition from honeybees' diet</h2>



Wondering what we mean by a balanced diet for these buzzing friends of ours? One key aspect is the omega-6:3 ratio. 



In Professor Shafir’s study, an omega-6:3 ratio of 5:1 proved detrimental for the honey bees. With this unbalanced diet, it took longer for them to start nursing. They made fewer nursing rounds, and they couldn’t properly cater to the needs of the three-day-old and four-day-old larvae.



Honeybees aren’t privy to nutrition facts labels like we are. They can't check the omega-6:3 ratio before deciding on their food. So, who's to ensure their diet is balanced?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balanced-vs-unbalanced-diet">Balanced vs. unbalanced diet</h2>



The research team took one-day-old worker bees and split them into two groups. One group had a balanced diet, while the other group dined on an unbalanced spread for seven days. 



After this, the bees were all sent into a common-garden hive, tagged with barcodes, and filmed continuously for six days.



The stars in this intriguing find were the bees from the unbalanced diet group. They exhibited a delay in nursing behavior and a reduced efficiency in caring for the larvae, which is precisely what Professor Shafir anticipated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-step-for-bee-kind">Big step for bee-kind</h2>



The results of this study hold substantial implications, especially in cultivated landscapes where balanced pollen sources can be scanty. 



"Balanced nutrition is fundamental for honeybee colonies, impacting not just individual health but also the overall efficiency and survival of the hive," said Professor Shafir.



"Our study underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced omega-6:3 ratio in the diet of honey bees to ensure they can perform their crucial roles within the colony effectively."



A hike in the omega-6:3 ratio could pose a severe risk to these amazing creatures. It can affect their health, cognitive abilities, and their strength to keep their colonies afloat.



But it’s not all doom and gloom. The research opens the doors to increased understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-face-a-multitude-of-complex-stressors-in-the-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honeybees' nutritional needs</a>. It's a call to action for us to buttress our efforts in conserving diverse and nutritionally adequate pollen sources for these essential pollinators.



So, what can you do for our buzzing buddies?



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



Professor Shafir's research aligns with broader findings on how nutritional imbalances impact not just bees but various species. It impacts their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-colonies-are-collapsing-as-climate-change-progresses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a>, successful reproduction, and even the health of their offsprings.



This research is not just a footnote in the annals of scientific literature. It's a call to humans to increase awareness and take action to support the nutritional needs of honeybees. After all, they play a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honeybees-can-sniff-out-lung-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vital role</a> in maintaining their populations and providing crucial pollination services.



So next time you see a bee buzzing around flowers in your garden, remember, making sure it finds a balanced diet could mean a world of difference. And in doing so, you're not just helping the bees, but our planet too.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003347224001428?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animal Behaviour</a>.



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Honeybees need a balanced diet for optimal health

Honeybees have a whopping impact on our planet, much more...

When Northeastern graduate Camille Martin and associate professor Leila Deravi co-founded <a href="https://seaspireskincare.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seaspire</a>, a skincare ingredients company inspired by pigments in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopus-and-squid-senses-linked-to-human-brain-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopus</a> and squid, they aimed to create products that benefit both the skin and the environment. Recent research indicates they are succeeding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-sunscreen-protection-nbsp-with-cephalopods">Enhancing sunscreen protection&nbsp;with cephalopods </h2>



A study published in the <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ics.12993" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Cosmetic Science</a> has revealed that Xanthochrome, a synthesized molecule found in cephalopods such as squid, octopus, and cuttlefish, enhances <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultimate-natural-sunscreen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunscreen</a> protection when combined with zinc oxide without harming coral reefs.&nbsp;



Deravi, Seaspire's scientific adviser, noted that these safety findings are crucial because there are a lot of toxicities involved with (traditional) UV filters in sunscreens.



“Some of the chemical UV-filters in particular are known to create reactive oxygen species that are not only bad for the environment but can also seep into our skin and cause systemic toxicities,” said Deravi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspiration-for-natural-skincare-ingredients-nbsp">Inspiration for natural skincare ingredients&nbsp;</h2>



The industry is enthusiastic about environmentally friendly innovations, added Martin, who earned her PhD in chemistry from <a href="https://www.northeastern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northeastern University</a> in 2019 and has served as Seaspire's CEO since its inception.&nbsp;



“Everything we do as a biotechnology company is centered around leveraging marine animals as a source of inspiration for the next generation of skincare ingredients,” explained Martin.



The goal of Seaspire is to make Xanthochrome accessible to skincare product manufacturers and distributors along the supply chain, ultimately incorporating it into a variety of products, including sunscreens, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-identifies-new-anti-aging-compounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anti-aging</a> applications, and functional color cosmetics.&nbsp;



“We are just wrapping up the research and development on it now and actively looking for partnerships to bring this to market,” Deravi said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-compounds-for-sunscreen-protection-nbsp">Chemical compounds for sunscreen protection&nbsp;</h2>



Xanthochrome, produced as a brown, textured powder, possesses potent antioxidant and skin restorative properties while providing light scattering qualities that protect against photoaging.&nbsp;



It is the trade name for a chemically synthesized version of xanthommatin, a molecule found in the skin of cephalopods and insects.&nbsp;



“The secret to the cephalopods' unique coloration is derived from its multifunctional chemical compounds, which we identified in our lab at Northeastern,” Deravi explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antioxidant-properties-of-cephalopod-skin-nbsp">Antioxidant properties of cephalopod skin&nbsp;</h2>



Martin's Ph.D. work was the first to demonstrate that these small molecules inside cephalopod skin, contributing to the animal's camouflage, also have significant antioxidant properties.&nbsp;



“They're free radical scavengers, which are very important for skin health and skin barrier function,” Deravi said. Additionally, these molecules exhibit crucial optical properties that protect against sunlight exposure, functioning similarly to UV filters in sunscreens.



“We didn't create a new molecule. We were able to isolate and characterize the properties of the biomolecules found within cephalopods, engineer a bio-identical version of the naturally occurring material, and position Xanthochrome as a new active ingredient that provides a wide range of skincare benefits,” Martin explained. This innovation offers a single molecule with multiple functions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boosting-the-power-of-zinc-oxide-nbsp">Boosting the power of zinc oxide&nbsp;</h2>



Unlike parabens often found in sunscreens, previous research showed that Xanthochrome is not an endocrine disruptor. The latest study indicates that it boosts the ultraviolet protection of zinc oxide, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration deems a safe and effective sunscreen ingredient, by 28% and enhances visible light blocking potential by 45%.&nbsp;



Moreover, Xanthochrome did not adversely affect coral cuttings even at concentrations five times higher than those used in typical formulations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commitment-to-sustainable-solutions">Commitment to sustainable solutions</h2>



Martin and Deravi hope that skincare manufacturers will recognize Xanthochrome as a next-generation ingredient akin to retinoids, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid.&nbsp;



“We're creating products that can really be applied and adopted across a wide range of users,” Martin said. “We are creating something that is not only safe for all people but also the environment.”



Deravi emphasized the importance of proving the safety of new raw materials for both humans and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastic-pollution-has-become-a-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>, where products eventually end up.



Seaspire's mission reflects a commitment to innovative, sustainable solutions in skincare, drawing inspiration from the natural world to address modern challenges in environmental and personal health. As they advance towards market readiness, their work underscores the potential for marine-inspired biotechnology to revolutionize skincare.



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Octopus pigments boost the power of sunscreen protection

When Northeastern graduate Camille Martin and associate professor Leila Deravi...

New research from <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> reveals that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-lockdowns-had-unexpected-impacts-on-wildlife-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a>, is prevalent among various wildlife species. 



The study found the virus in six common backyard species and detected antibodies in five of these species, with exposure rates ranging from 40 to 60 percent.&nbsp;



Genetic tracking confirmed both the presence of the virus and unique viral mutations closely matching human variants, supporting human-to-animal transmission.



Animals near hiking trails and high-traffic public areas had the highest exposure rates, indicating that human activities play a significant role in transmitting the COVID virus to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-transmit-more-viruses-to-animals-than-we-catch-from-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-novel-covid-virus-mutations-in-wildlife-nbsp">Novel COVID virus mutations in wildlife&nbsp;</h2>



Scientists from the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, the Department of Biological Sciences in Virginia Tech’s College of Science, and the Fralin Life Sciences Institute conducted this study, emphasizing the need for broad surveillance due to the identification of novel COVID virus mutations in wildlife. These mutations could be more harmful and transmissible, posing challenges for vaccine development.



However, the researchers stressed that there was no evidence of the virus being transmitted from animals to humans. People should not fear typical interactions with wildlife, as noted by Carla Finkielstein, professor of biological sciences at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute.&nbsp;



“The virus can jump from humans to wildlife when we are in contact with them, like a hitchhiker switching rides to a new, more suitable host,” said Finkielstein. She emphasized the virus’s goal to spread and survive, adapting and mutating to thrive in new hosts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-covid-exposure-among-wildlife">Widespread COVID exposure among wildlife</h2>



Previous studies had primarily identified SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-is-circulating-and-evolving-rapidly-in-white-tailed-deer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white-tailed deer</a> and feral mink. The Virginia Tech study expanded the number of species examined, providing a broader understanding of virus transmission to and among wildlife. 



This data suggests widespread exposure in wildlife, particularly in areas with high human activity, which serve as points of contact for cross-species transmission. Signs of the virus were found in deer mice, opossums, raccoons, groundhogs, rabbits, and Eastern red bats.&nbsp;



“This study was really motivated by seeing a large, important gap in our knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a broader wildlife community,” said Joseph Hoyt, assistant professor of biological sciences and corresponding author on the paper.



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



The research team collected 798 nasal and oral swabs across Virginia from animals either live-trapped and released or treated by wildlife rehabilitation centers. They also obtained 126 blood samples from six species.&nbsp;



Locations varied from urban areas to remote wilderness to compare virus presence in areas with different levels of human activity. Notably, two mice at the same site on the same day had the exact same variant, indicating possible transmission from the same human or between the mice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-humans-pass-covid-to-wildlife">How do humans pass COVID to wildlife?</h2>



Researchers remain uncertain about how the virus is transmitted from humans to animals. While wastewater is one possibility, the scientists believe trash receptacles and discarded food are more likely sources.&nbsp;



“I think the big take-home message is the virus is pretty ubiquitous,” said Amanda Goldberg, the study’s first author and former postdoctoral associate in Hoyt’s lab. 



The study focused on Virginia, but many of the species that tested positive are common throughout North America, suggesting they are being exposed in other areas as well. Surveillance across a broader region is urgently needed, Hoyt emphasized.



“The virus is indifferent to whether its host walks on two legs or four. Its primary objective is survival,” said Finkielstein, who is also director of the Virginia Tech Molecular Diagnostics Lab.&nbsp;



She highlighted the importance of sequencing the virus’s genome in these species, a monumental task accomplished by a talented team of molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, and modelers in a state-of-the-art facility. “We understood the critical importance of sequencing the genome of the virus infecting those species,” she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



The researchers stressed the need for continued surveillance to monitor these mutations. Further research is needed to understand how the virus is transmitted from humans to wildlife, spreads within species, and potentially between species.&nbsp;



“This study highlights the potentially large host range SARS-CoV-2 can have in nature and really how widespread it might be,” Hoyt said. Understanding which wildlife species might play a role in the long-term maintenance of SARS-CoV-2 in humans requires much more work.&nbsp;



“What we’ve already learned is that SARS CoV-2 is not only a human problem, and it takes a multidisciplinary team to address its impact on various species and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-ecosystems-are-needed-to-prevent-future-pandemics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> effectively,” Finkielstein concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-49891-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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COVID virus is prevalent in backyard wildlife species

New research from Virginia Tech reveals that SARS-CoV-2, the virus...

Each year, the 29th of July marks a remarkable day of reverence and adulation for one of nature’s most majestic predators - the tiger. First initiated in the year 2010, the annual celebration of Global Tiger Day brings together 13 tiger range countries to further a shared commitment, labeled as the Tx2, to double the number of wild tigers.



Celebrations in 2016 signified the midpoint of this ambitious objective, and the participation was heartening, to say the least. 



The #ThumbsUpForTigers campaign saw WWF offices, organizations, celebrities, government officials, individuals, and families uniting on an international scale to honor the grandeur of this regal feline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-tiger-day">Global Tiger Day</h2>



“Doubling tigers is about tigers, about the whole of nature - and it's also about us," noted Marco Lambertini, Director General WWF.&nbsp;



This statement embodies the interconnectedness of our existence. The survival of tigers isn't just about conserving a species but preserving the intricate balance of nature - and ensuring our survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-tiger-day-in-bhutan-and-nepal">Global Tiger Day in Bhutan and Nepal</h2>



Bhutan, the small Himalayan nation, boasted quite an exhilarating tidbit this year - a wild tiger was spotted within the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS). This sighting happened after nearly two decades of tiger absence in the sanctuary, spawning great excitement within the nation.



This Global Tiger Day, also known as International Tiger Day, brings promising news from the Bardia National Park in Nepal. The results from a recent tiger monitoring study showed an increase in tiger numbers. 



"It is the Tx2 goal that guides us through these challenges to ensure this iconic species is better protected, so we can save all by saving just one," noted Ghana Gurung,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wwfnepal.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWF-Nepal</a>&nbsp;Senior Conservation Program Director.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indonesia-s-need-for-protection">Indonesia's need for protection</h2>



With less than 400 tigers left, Indonesia’s wild tiger population, now confined to the island of Sumatra, is critically <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-tigers-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endangered</a> and in urgent need for protection.&nbsp;



Activities and events on Global Tiger Day drive the message home with poignant reminders like the exhibition of 371 papier mâché tigers at Senayan City Mall in Jakarta.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tigers-in-malaysia-and-india">Tigers in Malaysia and India</h2>



During this Global Tiger Day, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=WWF-Malaysia&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWF-Malaysia</a>, along with Maybank, hosted an awareness exhibition about the plight of the national animal. Dr. Dionysius S.K. Sharma, WWF-Malaysia CEO, stated: "We need to combine our efforts at full force to double the number of tigers in the wild."



India recently hosted a week-long celebration to raise awareness about tiger conservation, emphasizing the vital role these wild tigers play in our ecosystem. 



The event featured educational workshops, art exhibitions, and wildlife photography contests, engaging thousands of participants to reflect on the importance of protecting tiger habitats and fostering community responsibility for their preservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cambodia-china-and-taiwan">Cambodia, China, and Taiwan</h2>



Despite the absence of tigers since 2007, Cambodia remains hopeful, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wwf.org.kh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWF-Cambodia</a>&nbsp;is supporting the government's plans to reintroduce tigers. A public event at the AEON Mall marked the day with exhibitions and video competitions.



Evidence of tigers returning and breeding has ignited optimism in Northeast China. A two-day festival was hosted by&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wwfchina.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWF-China</a>&nbsp;and WWF-Russia, featuring presentations, discussions, and field trips.



DotAsia, a non-profit organisation, along with TRAFFIC East Asia and WWF, accelerated their efforts to support the Tx2 goal. A key discussion point was the role of the internet in wildlife trade, both as a threat and as a possible boon to tiger conservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-international-efforts">Collaborative international efforts</h2>



Conservation of tigers transcends national borders, necessitating collaboration between various countries and organizations. This year, global entities came together to share <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-tiger-day-celebrating-one-of-earths-most-majestic-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">successful conservation</a> strategies and resources, creating synergies that can amplify their impact. 



Collaborative efforts such as transboundary conservation regions have been highlighted as essential in protecting tiger habitats. By uniting resources and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-is-tracking-endangered-animal-habitats-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">knowledge</a>, countries can more effectively combat poaching and habitat loss, ensuring a stable future for wild tiger populations.



Global Tiger Day isn't just another date in our calendars. It is a day that accentuates the vital need to appreciate, respect, and conserve the beautiful yet endangered creature that is the tiger. As we continue in our pursuit of reaching the Tx2 goal, let's remember that every ripple counts in making a wave.&nbsp;



Happy Global Tiger Day, everyone!



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Global Tiger Day: Worldwide support for tiger conservation

Each year, the 29th of July marks a remarkable day...

Have you ever wondered about the small beetles that lurk beneath the surface of Africa's vast savannas? How about their relationship with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephants-use-specific-names-to-address-each-other/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">larger animals</a> like elephants that roam these wide-open lands? 



The unsung heroes in this natural spectacle are the dung beetles, whose sheer number and critical function in the savanna landscape is nothing short of remarkable. 



Dr. Frank Krell, a seasoned research entomologist associated with the <a href="https://www.dmns.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denver Museum of Nature &amp; Science</a>, has dedicated more than two decades to studying the enigmatic world of dung beetles in East Africa. 



Collaborating with his wife, ecologist Sylvia Krell-Westerwalbesloh, Dr. Krell embarked on a three-year-long project. The research was conducted deep in the heart of East and West African savannas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beetles-and-elephant-dung">Beetles and elephant dung</h2>



The Science of Nature recently published their latest findings, illuminating a fascinating dynamic. Imagine standing in the African grasslands. You might not realize it, but you'd be standing in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dung-beetles-share-their-workload-with-their-mates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dung beetle heaven</a>.



If an unfortunate circumstance forces you to leave behind <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-bugs-bug-humans-more-than-humans-bug-bugs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human</a> waste, it can disappear in less than thirty minutes, thanks to the army of dung beetles. If it’s elephant dung though, things get a bit more complex.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beetle-elephant-relationship">Beetle-elephant relationship</h2>



While studying in Kenya's Laikipia region, the duo noticed that elephant dung attracted a totally different league of dung beetles. And the question was - just how many?



Their investigation had a straightforward approach but needed careful execution. They collected two "boli" or balls of elephant dung, one exposed during the day and the other at night, then took notes.



The results were astounding. They found that while the "day bolus" served meals to just over 3,300 beetles, the sun setting saw an impressive surge in diner numbers - a whopping 13,399 beetles were feasting on the dung pile by the end of the night.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-and-shelter-for-beetles">Food and shelter for beetles</h2>



It's known that two pounds of elephant dung serve about 13,400 beetles with food and shelter. Considering an elephant produces around 320 pounds of dung a day, a single elephant can feed over 2 million dung beetles on any given day.



Extrapolate that to the Laikipia-Samburu ecosystem, home to between 5,000 and 7,500 elephants, and you're looking at a staggering 14 billion dung beetles, spanning over an area of about 21,000 square miles - approximately the combined size of Maryland and New Jersey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ripple-effect">The ripple effect</h2>



The African savanna elephant is not currently near extinction in East Africa. However, it's classified as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and has vanished from other parts of the continent. What would happen if elephants disappeared from these areas?



While some beetles might find other food sources, the support system for the 14 billion dung beetles would be disrupted.



The extinction of the largest land mammal would undeniably have far-reaching effects, impacting the lives of billions and billions of smaller creatures that so vitally depend on them. This relationship underscores the complex and beautifully orchestrated symphony that is our natural world.



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



The health of the savanna ecosystem is closely tied to its largest inhabitants. Elephants and dung beetles play vital roles. Monitoring their populations is essential. It helps us understand ecological balance.



Researchers are gathering data to improve conservation strategies and advocate for protective policies. By focusing on both species, we contribute to preserving the complex web of life in the African savanna. This effort promotes a healthier planet for future generations.



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



Exploring the world of dung beetles is fascinating. They play a vital role in the ecosystem and also reveals the delicate balance in nature.



So, the next time you see an elephant or a dung beetle, remember the intricate dance they share in the vast African savannas.



Indeed, every creature, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, plays a critical role in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-has-a-vital-role-in-ecosystem-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's ecosystem</a>. It prompts us to reflect. How are our actions affecting these delicate balances? And what can we do to ensure its harmony for generations to come?



Every living creature, no matter how small, has a significant role in the grand scheme of our world.



The study is published in <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00114-024-01894-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Science of Nature</a>.



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Elephant dung feeds over 2 million beetles daily

Have you ever wondered about the small beetles that lurk...

Cicada wings, with their antibacterial properties, are fascinating scientists this summer. Trillions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-periodical-cicadas-eat-when-theyre-above-ground/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">periodical cicadas</a>, members of the genus Magicicada, have emerged after years of dormancy, creating a spectacle that some likened to a "cicadapocalypse."



For many, this event feels mesmerizing, mysterious, and magical. It's also a great opportunity for scientific discovery and innovation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antibacterial-properties-of-cicada-wings">Antibacterial properties of cicada wings</h2>



This year marked a rare and extraordinary event in the state of Illinois. Both the 13-year Brood XIX and the 17-year Brood XIII of the Magicicada genus emerged at the same time. This rare event had not occurred since 1803, and won't happen again for another 221 years.



The mass emergence of cicadas signaled a seminal moment for the researchers and entomologists at the <a href="https://beckman.illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology</a>, a renowned research center that is part of the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>. 



The team had an unprecedented abundance of cicadas at their disposal, thanks to the unique environmental phenomenon. 



Excited by the potential, the experts set out to use these cicadas for various innovative research applications, exploring the unique properties and behaviors of the insects.



The projects included materials science, studying cicada wings for new materials, and microbiology, examining microorganisms in their habitats to understand ecosystem health and interactions better.



This diverse range of research not only promised to yield groundbreaking discoveries but also highlighted the importance of biodiversity in scientific innovation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-characteristics-of-cicada-wings">Unusual characteristics of cicada wings</h2>



A critical area of study revolves around the unusual properties of a cicada's wing. Yutao Chen, a graduate student at Beckman studying under Professor Marianne Alleyne, delved into the microscopic world of cicada wings. 



"Cicada wings are superhydrophobic, meaning they're really waterproof, and they also have excellent antibacterial properties," explained Chen, whose research focuses on fabricating functional cicada-inspired surfaces.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-nanoscale-features">Hidden nanoscale features</h2>



The secret of the cicada wing's magical properties lies in its hidden nanoscale features. When magnified 10,000 times, the cicada wing reveals its true complexity.



What appears to be a smooth surface has microscopic structures known as nanopillars. These tiny features contribute to the wing's unique characteristics.



Distributed uniformly across each wing, these nanopillars are the key to the wings' remarkable hydrophobic and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonfly-wings-inspire-antibacterial-medical-implants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibacterial properties</a>.&nbsp;



When microbes touch the nanopillars, they suffer physical damage to their outer membranes. This process effectively eliminates the microbes. It showcases the remarkable defensive mechanisms found in cicada wings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antibacterial-surfaces-inspired-by-cicadas">Antibacterial surfaces inspired by cicadas</h2>



To mimic these natural antibacterial features, Chen used an advanced method known as nanoimprinting lithography. This technique makes it possible to copy the tiny nanopillars from cicada wings onto a type of plastic called polystyrene.



The resulting material is precisely textured with nanopillars, giving it the power to effectively destroy bacteria. This demonstrates the material's potential for innovative applications. It could be used to create self-cleaning and antibacterial surfaces.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-antibacterial-surfaces">Future of antibacterial surfaces</h2>



Chen's work is far from over. In fact, he intends to experiment with other fabrication techniques and observe more dynamic interactions between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-and-imprint-new-era-dna-transformation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> and replicated surfaces. 



With over 95% of bacteria destroyed within 3 hours by the replicated nanopillars, the future holds promise for the development of durable, antibacterial surfaces inspired by a humble <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-wings-inspire-new-method-to-kill-bacteria-on-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect's wing</a>.



We learn from nature. This is the essence of bioinspired design. It leads us into a new era of scientific discovery and also sparks technological innovation.



With the magic of the cicada as our muse, who knows what we might uncover next?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-significance-of-cicadas">Cultural significance of Cicadas</h2>



In Japan, cicadas are cherished for their melodic songs, which are an integral part of summer festivals. Their presence is often associated with poetry and reflective thoughts on the transient beauty of life. 



Similarly, in Native American cultures, cicadas are viewed as symbols of resilience and perseverance, echoing their remarkable life cycle.



Moreover, cicadas have become subjects of scientific curiosity and environmental study. Their unique life cycles, which include long periods of dormancy followed by a vivid emergence, offer insights into ecological balance and the effects of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-insect-decline-what-are-the-causes-and-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.&nbsp;



As researchers continue to study cicadas, their cultural and scientific importance highlight the connections between life and nature.



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Cicada wings inspire new antibacterial technologies

Cicada wings, with their antibacterial properties, are fascinating scientists this...

The rise and decline of western equine encephalitis (WEE) as a lethal disease offers crucial insights into how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-reprogram-their-cells-to-fight-pathogens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathogens</a> can gain or lose the ability to jump from animals to humans. 



A newly published study has unraveled the mechanisms through which the WEE virus infected humans and has linked changes in these mechanisms to the reduction in illness and deaths caused by the virus. These findings are significant for public health experts planning for future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changes-in-forest-cover-linked-to-disease-outbreaks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outbreaks</a>.



The researchers, led by Professor Jonathan Abraham of the Blavatnik Institute at <a href="https://hms.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Medical School</a>, encountered many unexpected findings. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-changes-in-the-wee-virus">Surprising changes in the WEE virus</h2>



“This was a real scientific detective story,” said Professor Abraham. “The virus kept surprising us and taught us some important lessons about how to study viruses.”



The researchers identified specific proteins on host cells that different WEE virus strains used to infect various animals, including horses, humans, and birds, over the last century.&nbsp;



The team discovered that changes in the viral genome led to the virus losing its ability to target proteins found in humans and horses while maintaining its ability to infect birds and reptiles.&nbsp;



These changes in the virus's capacity to infect different host cells underscore the need to study viruses over time, across different regions, and in various host species to monitor potential outbreaks and emerging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-new-rna-viruses-identified-in-ocean-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-virus-infects-host-cells">How the virus infects host cells</h2>



WEE, a member of the alphavirus family, typically attaches a spike protein to a compatible receptor on a host cell to gain entry and cause infection.&nbsp;



The researchers created harmless replicas of different viral strains collected over time and tested their ability to infect host cells in lab dishes and mice.&nbsp;



The experts found that early, deadly strains of WEE could attach their spike proteins to multiple receptors on the brain cells of humans and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-domestic-horses-have-ancestors-in-russia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">horses</a>, including proteins known as PCDH10 and VLDLR.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-are-no-longer-targeted-by-the-virus">Humans are no longer targeted by the virus</h2>



Despite the virus still circulating between birds, mosquitoes, and other animals, the last significant human outbreak in the United States was in 1987, according to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/wee/about/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> (CDC). 



Since then, only five cases have been identified. Recent strains of the virus isolated from mosquitoes in California in 2005 were found to be unable to recognize human receptors but could still interact with proteins found in birds.



The researchers propose that the virus may have evolved due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-vaccines-linked-to-neurological-blood-and-heart-related-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vaccination</a> efforts for horses or simple antigenic drifting, where random mutations cause small changes in the viral genome over time. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subtle-shifts-in-the-viral-spike-proteins-nbsp">Subtle shifts in the viral spike proteins&nbsp;</h2>



Based on the findings, the researchers hypothesized that the virus evolved due to reduced prevalence of horses, which can be vaccinated and no longer serve as effective amplifiers.&nbsp;



Alternatively, the virus may have undergone antigenic drifting, where random mutations cause minor changes in the viral genome, altering its interaction with hosts.&nbsp;



Subtle shifts in the viral spike proteins changed the cellular receptors it could target. This evolution in host receptors likely caused the virus to “submerge” as a human pathogen in North America. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for predicting potential re-emergence.



“We need to understand what happens to viruses when they submerge, to better prepare for when they re-emerge,” said first author Wanyu Li, a doctoral student at Harvard's Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dynamic-nature-of-viruses">The dynamic nature of viruses</h2>



The study revealed that certain old WEE strains behaved differently than expected. The researchers used the eastern equine encephalitis virus as a control in some experiments and found that an old strain of WEE could use the same receptor as the eastern virus, which newer WEE strains could not do.&nbsp;



This variability underscores the dynamic nature of viruses and the necessity of studying multiple strains to fully understand them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recent-wee-outbreak-in-south-america">Recent WEE outbreak in South America </h2>



As Abraham and his team conducted their experiments, a new outbreak of WEE occurred in South America, highlighting the importance of perpetual vigilance.&nbsp;



The South American strain of the virus is genetically distinct from the North American strain and does not persist long enough for migrating birds to transfer it between continents. However, the outbreak emphasizes the need for improved scientific understanding of these viruses.



Abraham and his collaborators are now investigating the strains associated with the recent outbreak in South America.&nbsp;



“One small shift in the viral genome, in the intensity of a rainy season that allows mosquitoes to proliferate, or in the place humans live or work, could trigger an outbreak. The more we know, the better we’ll be able to protect ourselves,” Abraham concluded.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07740-2#Sec10" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h--0">-----</h3>

Subtle changes give a virus the ability to infect humans

The rise and decline of western equine encephalitis (WEE) as...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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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"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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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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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 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

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