Researchers at the <a href="https://illinois.edu/">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a> have recently reported that both public parks and private backyards play a vital role in supporting bird diversity in urban environments. 



"Greenspaces are increasingly valued for supporting biodiversity in urbanized landscapes. Previous research efforts have emphasized the importance of public land such as parks and nature preserves for biodiversity, yet private yards in residential neighborhoods also have great potential for species conservation," wrote the researchers. 



By studying two closely situated cities in Illinois with contrasting development histories and green space management, the experts discovered that these spaces are crucial for different bird species during varying seasons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-bird-populations">Urban bird populations</h2>



The researchers monitored <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-populations-are-declining-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird populations</a> across 39 public parks and 41 private yards in Urbana and Champaign - cities with distinct urban characteristics and historical development. 



Urbana, with a history dating back to 1822, boasts extensive green spaces nurtured within an ancient hardwood forest. By contrast, Champaign was developed in the mid-1800s along a railway - with a focus on human recreation in its smaller parks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasonal-variations-in-urban-bird-diversity">Seasonal variations in urban bird diversity </h2>



The analysis revealed significant seasonal shifts in bird <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-bird-diversity-puzzling-geographical-differences-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a> between the two cities. During summer, Urbana's richer vegetation and cooler green spaces attracted a broader variety of birds, including species like the belted kingfisher and scarlet tanager. 



Conversely, in winter, Urbana's parks and yards continued to support diverse communities, including the winter wren and yellow-bellied sapsucker.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-urban-management-on-bird-diversity">Impact of urban management on bird diversity</h2>



Pollock pointed out the significant effects of active management in urban green spaces. "In places where there’s been active management to try to increase plant diversity and get some native plant cover back, it has had a big impact on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/as-urban-heat-continues-to-rise-birds-are-moving-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> communities," he explained. 



Urbana's parks, with their focus on conservation and habitat restoration, were especially beneficial for rare and specialist bird species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-actions-for-residents">Practical actions for residents</h2>



The study also suggests practical ways for residents to enhance bird diversity in their own backyards. Carena Van Riper, a collaborator on the project, encouraged simple yet effective actions. 



"Perhaps this will allow people to see that there are small but important behaviors that will influence birds and increase bird diversity," noted Van Riper. 



Among the recommendations were installing bird feeders (especially during winter), planting native vegetation, and setting up bird baths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-greenery-a-blueprint-for-biodiversity">Urban greenery: A blueprint for biodiversity </h2>



This comprehensive study underscores the interconnectedness of urban management and biodiversity. It offers a fresh perspective on how both public and private green spaces play integral roles in supporting urban wildlife. 



As cities continue to grow, understanding and implementing strategies that facilitate coexistence with nature becomes even more crucial. 



The insights from Urbana and Champaign can serve as a guide for other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-spaces-shape-bird-characteristics-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban areas</a> aiming to enhance biodiversity and sustainability within their confines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What influences urban bird diversity?</h2>



Urban bird diversity is influenced by a variety of factors, each playing a role in how well birds can adapt and thrive in city environments. Key factors include:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Green spaces</h3>



The presence and quality of green spaces such as parks, gardens, and green roofs are crucial. These areas provide essential resources like food, nesting sites, and safe havens from urban threats.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Water bodies</h3>



Rivers, lakes, and ponds in urban settings attract waterfowl and other species that rely on aquatic habitats for feeding and breeding.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Food availability</h3>



The accessibility of natural food sources, supplemented by bird feeders, significantly impacts which species are able to sustain populations in urban areas.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Building designs</h3>



The architecture of a city influences bird diversity. Features like reflective glass can cause bird collisions, whereas features like ledges and nooks might offer nesting spots.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pollution</h3>



Air and noise pollution can deter birds from settling in urban areas. Pollution can also affect the health of the habitats birds rely on.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Human interaction</h3>



The level and nature of human activity and disturbance - ranging from benign presence to active conservation efforts - play a big role. Quieter, less disturbed areas tend to support more diverse bird populations.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Climate</h3>



Urban microclimates, influenced by the heat island effect where cities are warmer than surrounding areas, can affect which species are likely to thrive or decline in urban settings.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169204624000598?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Landscape and Urban Planning</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

How urban spaces support bird diversity

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have recently reported that both public parks and private backyards play a vital role in supporting bird diversity in urban environments. "Greenspaces are increasingly valued for supporting biodiversity in urbanized landscapes. Previous research efforts have emphasized the importance of public land such as parks and nature preserves for biodiversity, yet private yards in residential neighborhoods also have great potential for species conservation," wrote the researchers. By studying two closely situated cities in Illinois with contrasting development histories and green space...

Bicolor,Pink,And,Blue,Heads,Of,Hydrangea,Flowers

In a fascinating study that seems straight out of science fiction, researchers at <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a> have engineered a house plant that signals contamination by turning a vivid beet red in the presence of certain toxic chemicals. 



This innovation, led by a team of scientists seeking a more interactive form of environmental monitoring, could revolutionize how we detect unsafe substances in our surroundings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sentinel-plants-and-chemicals">Sentinel plants and chemicals</h2>



The project was spearheaded by associate professor of chemical and environmental engineering Ian Wheeldon, and involved a delicate balancing act. The team needed to create a plant capable of identifying specific environmental toxins without hindering its natural growth processes or survival mechanisms.



"Our goal was to integrate a responsive sensor without disrupting the plant's inherent functions," Wheeldon explained. "Earlier approaches often interfered with vital processes like phototropism or water conservation during stress. Our technique maintains these essential functions intact."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanism-behind-the-response">Mechanism behind the response</h2>



Central to this feat was manipulating a biological pathway involving abscisic acid (ABA), a plant hormone that adapts plant behavior to stressful scenarios such as drought. Under such conditions, plants synthesize ABA. This acid then binds to specific receptor proteins, initiating a survival response from the plants -- closing their stomata to prevent water loss, for instance.



The breakthrough came when they discovered that these ABA receptors could be re-engineered to recognize other chemicals beyond ABA. For demonstration purposes, they chose azinphos-ethyl, a pesticide known for its toxicity and consequent ban in multiple jurisdictions.



"Reprogramming the ABA receptors was crucial. We essentially taught the plant to respond to a contaminant with a visual cue," said Sean Cutler, UCR professor of plant cell biology. "Imagine a field of plants suddenly turning red, flagging the presence of a harmful substance. The implications for real-time environmental monitoring are profound."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-can-do-more-than-identify-chemicals">Plants can do more than identify chemicals</h2>



The team's vision extends far beyond pesticides. They aim to create living sensors capable of detecting a spectrum of substances. These would include pharmaceuticals that have found their way into water supplies.



"Our current success is just the beginning. We're exploring the plant's potential to detect an array of chemicals," noted Cutler. "Concerns are growing over pollutants like residual medications in our water. Our research is a leap toward addressing these issues effectively."



However, the technology is still in its infancy and not without its challenges. The ambition to engineer plants that can detect multiple substances simultaneously, for instance, has yet to be realized. The team did manage this feat in yeast, demonstrating its potential. However, replicating this in plants requires more complex biotechnological advancements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regulatory-hurdles-and-future-applications">Regulatory hurdles and future applications</h2>



Despite its promise, this botanical innovation won't appear in commercial applications anytime soon. Regulatory approval for such genetically engineered organisms is a lengthy and complex process, ensuring they are safe for larger ecosystems.



Moreover, practical issues need addressing before these sentinel plants can be part of everyday environmental health or defense mechanisms. These include understanding the plants' responses under different conditions, and ensuring they can be effectively deployed in varied environments.



While it may be years before these red-alert plants are part of our home gardens or community spaces, the study marks a significant step forward in the realm of environmental science and bioengineering. 



With further research and refinement, sentinel plants offer a visually striking, immediate method for identifying risks in our surroundings. They will soon contribute significantly to public health and safety initiatives worldwide.



As science continues to bridge the gap between the natural and technological worlds, it's not hard to imagine a future where our own gardens contribute to a healthier, safer planet for all.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41589-023-01447-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Chemical Biology</a>.



---



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



---



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.

Scientists create plants that change colors when toxic chemicals are present

In a fascinating study that seems straight out of science...

World,Map,,Earth,Flat,View.,Detailed,World,Physical,Map,In

Geologists have long been intrigued by a missing piece of Earth's history - a lost <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/african-rift-massive-crack-could-split-the-continent-in-half/">continent</a> called Argoland. Around 155 million years ago, a 5,000-kilometer chunk broke off of western Australia and began its solitary drift.&nbsp;



The void that was left behind is marked by a basin deep below the ocean known as the Argo Abyssal Plain. But, where did Argoland actually go?



A new study from <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en/home-en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a> reveals that while Argoland might not exist as a singular mass today, it has not vanished entirely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-journey-of-argoland">The journey of Argoland</h2>



Scientists have relied on the underwater Argo Abyssal Plain as evidence of Argoland's past existence. The seabed structure suggests that the detached continent drifted northwestward, potentially towards present-day Southeast Asia.&nbsp;



But the mystery deepens, as the vast continent-sized footprint of Argoland is conspicuously absent beneath Southeast Asian islands. Instead, these islands sit atop smaller continental fragments, encircled by significantly older oceanic basins.



This led geologists to dive deeper into the fate of Argoland. They found that the lost continent hasn't completely disappeared - it has simply shattered into fragments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-hidden-tales">Earth's hidden tales</h2>



Earth's crust varies in weight, comprising heavier oceanic sections and lighter continental chunks. Interestingly, these lighter portions might be lurking below sea level, much like Greater Adria, another lost continent.&nbsp;



Greater Adria's journey ended when it submerged into the Earth's mantle, leaving its top layer behind, which later morphed into the mountains of Southern Europe. Argoland, by contrast, left no evidence in the form of folded rocks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



Utrecht University geologist Douwe van Hinsbergen emphasized the significance of tracing these continents.&nbsp;



“If continents can dive into the mantle and disappear entirely, without leaving a geological trace at the Earth’s surface, then we wouldn’t have much of an idea of what the Earth could have looked in the geological past. It would be almost impossible to create reliable reconstructions of former supercontinents and the Earth’s geography in foregone eras," said van Hinsbergen.



“Those reconstructions are vital for our understanding of processes like the evolution of biodiversity and climate, or for finding raw materials. And at a more fundamental level: for understanding how mountains are formed or for working out the driving forces behind plate tectonics; two phenomena that are closely related.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-islands-of-information-nbsp">Islands of information&nbsp;</h2>



Van Hinsbergen and his colleague Eldert Advokaat were curious about what the geology of Southeast Asia may reveal about Argoland.&nbsp;



“But we were literally dealing with islands of information, which is why our research took so long. We spent seven years putting the puzzle together," said Advokaat.&nbsp;



“The situation in Southeast Asia is very different from places like Africa and South America, where a continent broke neatly into two pieces. Argoland splintered into many different shards. That obstructed our view of the continent’s journey.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fragmented-continent-nbsp">Fragmented continent&nbsp;</h2>



But then, Advokaat realized that these fragments converged at their current locations simultaneously, painting a once cohesive picture. Today, the remnants of Argoland can be found beneath the jungles of Indonesia and Myanmar.



This fragmentation was characteristic. Argoland was never a single, solid landmass. Instead, it was an 'Argopelago,' a collection of microcontinental chunks interspersed with older oceanic basins. This aspect aligns with other known entities like Greater Adria and Zeelandia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-evolving-planet">An evolving planet</h2>



The investigation by Advokaat and Van Hinsbergen seamlessly links the geological systems between the Himalayas and the Philippines. Their explorations unravel why Argoland fragmented so intensely.&nbsp;



Around 215 million years ago, the continent underwent rapid fracturing, breaking into slender splinters. This theory was further supported through field studies on islands such as Sumatra, Borneo, and Timor.



The story of Argoland is not one of complete disappearance but of transformation. As the world continues to evolve, this lost continent serves as a compelling reminder of the ever-shifting nature of our planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2023.10.005" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gondwana Research</a>.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

Argoland: Unraveling the mysteries of a lost continent

Geologists have long been intrigued by a missing piece of...

Children infected with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/omicron-is-much-more-deadly-than-the-seasonal-flu/">Omicron</a> variant of COVID-19 remain infectious for an average of three days after testing positive, according to a new study led by <a href="https://www.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC</a> and Stanford University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-school-policies">School policies</h2>



The research suggests that the prevalent school policy mandating a five-day isolation period for infected children is more than sufficient, and should be reevaluated.



“We're basically saying five days is more than sufficient; public-health and education leaders may consider shorter durations,” said co-author Neeraj Sood, Director of the COVID-19 Initiative and a senior fellow at the USC Schaeffer Center.



The analysis showed that by day five, 18.4 percent of the infected children remained contagious. By day ten, this number dropped significantly to 3.9 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vaccination-status-nbsp">Vaccination status&nbsp;</h2>



In a noteworthy observation, the researchers found no significant link between the duration of infectivity and vaccination status. This indicates that school re-entry guidelines may not need to distinguish between vaccinated and non-vaccinated students.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-s-isolation-nbsp">Children's isolation&nbsp;</h2>



The topic of children's isolation, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a matter of significant concern for parents, educators, health professionals, and policymakers.



Isolation is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus. By ensuring that children who have contracted the virus stay away from others during their infectious period, it reduces the risk of community transmission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-educational-impact-nbsp">Educational impact&nbsp;</h2>



Extended periods of isolation can disrupt children's education. Especially given the educational interruptions children have already faced during the pandemic, it's essential to find a balance between health safety and educational continuity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-well-being-nbsp">Mental well-being&nbsp;</h2>



Apart from the educational impact, prolonged isolation can also affect children's mental and emotional well-being. It can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.&nbsp;



Thus, it's crucial to ensure that kids have the necessary support during these times, whether it's through virtual interactions, engaging activities, or counseling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-isolation-protocols-nbsp">Self-isolation protocols&nbsp;</h2>



The findings of the USC study may ultimately lead to a more informed approach to self-isolation protocols for children.



These protocols – which have been implemented in school districts from New York City to Los Angeles – have been guided by little data so far, said the researchers.



“We want to protect the other children in the school who could potentially get infected, but at the same time, we don't want to disrupt education for the child who is infected, given the amount of disruption that's already happened,” said Sood. “The duration of infectivity is an important parameter into figuring out what the optimal duration of self-isolation should be.”



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



For the study, the researchers partnered with a virus testing enterprise, examining nasal swabs from 76 children aged 7-18 from Los Angeles County who tested positive for the Omicron variant.&nbsp;



Nikhilesh Kumar, lead author and a Medicine student at the USC Keck School of Medicine, emphasized the goal was to "capture how infectivity changed over the 10-day window."



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



The results are in line with prior research on Omicron-infected adults, which found no correlation between vaccination and infectivity duration. However, adults exhibited slightly prolonged infection durations, with a median of five days.



But as Sood noted, with the virus’s propensity to mutate, ongoing research will be necessary. “We need to continue doing studies like this because the next variant may have a longer or shorter duration of infectivity.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.4511" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Pediatrics</a>.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

Children may be isolating too long for COVID-19 infection

Children infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 remain infectious...

Over four billion years ago, during the early days of our Solar System, a catastrophic collision occurred between Earth and an object the size of Mars, leading to the formation of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/days-are-getting-longer-as-the-moon-drifts-away-from-earth/">moon</a>. The exact timing of this momentous event has long eluded scientists.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moon-crystals">Moon crystals</h2>



In a recent publication in <a href="https://www.geochemicalperspectivesletters.org/">Geochemical Perspectives Letters</a>, researchers have shed light on this mystery, utilizing crystals from the moon, brought back by Apollo astronauts in 1972. Their findings suggest that the moon is at least 4.46 billion years old, pushing back previous estimates by 40 million years.



“These crystals are the oldest known solids that formed after the giant impact. And because we know how old these crystals are, they serve as an anchor for the lunar chronology,” said senior author Philipp Heck, a professor of Astronomy at the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en">University of Chicago</a> and curator for Meteoritics and Polar Studies at the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/">Field Museum</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lunar-dust-samples-nbsp">Lunar dust samples&nbsp;</h2>



“We were approached by our coauthors, Bidong Zhang and Audrey Bouvier, who needed a nanoscale look at these samples in order to understand them fully,” added lead author Jennika Greer, a former doctoral candidate at the Field Museum and the University of Chicago, who is now a research associate at the <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1CJIkN4KDPuC6XaAC8snzQi1QVKxha4_Z7NKMoIRWu-c/edit">University of Glasgow</a>.&nbsp;



The lunar dust samples used in the study were collected by astronauts during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. These samples contain tiny crystals that formed billions of years ago, providing insights into the moon’s formation.&nbsp;



“When the surface was molten like that, zircon crystals couldn’t form and survive. So any crystals on the moon’s surface must have formed after this lunar magma ocean cooled. Otherwise, they would have been melted and their chemical signatures would be erased,” Heck explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minimum-age-for-the-moon-nbsp">Minimum age for the moon&nbsp;</h2>



Determining the age of the zircon crystals has allowed scientists to establish a minimum age for the moon. A previous study by co-author Bidong Zhang had suggested this age, but the current study employs atom probe tomography to conclusively determine the age of the oldest known lunar crystal.&nbsp;



“In atom probe tomography, we start by sharpening a piece of the lunar sample into a very sharp tip, using a focused ion beam microscope, almost like a very fancy pencil sharpener. Then, we use UV lasers to evaporate atoms from the surface of that tip. The atoms travel through a mass spectrometer, and how fast they move tells us how heavy they are, which in turn tells us what they’re made of,” Greer said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radioactive-decay-nbsp">Radioactive decay&nbsp;</h2>



This detailed analysis revealed the extent of radioactive decay within the zircon crystals, allowing the researchers to determine their age.&nbsp;



Heck has likened radiometric dating to an hourglass: “In an hourglass, sand flows from one glass bulb to another, with the passage of time indicated by the accumulation of sand in the lower bulb. Radiometric dating works similarly by counting the number of parent atoms and the number of daughter atoms they have transformed to. The passage of time can then be calculated because the transformation rate is known.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-results">Study results</h2>



The results indicated that the sample was approximately 4.46 billion years old, establishing a minimum age for the moon.&nbsp;



“It’s amazing being able to have proof that the rock you’re holding is the oldest bit of the moon we’ve found so far. It’s an anchor point for so many questions about the Earth. When you know how old something is, you can better understand what has happened to it in its history,” Greer explained.



Heck has highlighted the importance of understanding the moon’s age. “It’s a part of our natural system that we want to better understand, and our study provides a tiny puzzle piece in that whole picture.”&nbsp;



He concluded by emphasizing the moon’s crucial role in stabilizing Earth’s rotational axis, defining the length of our days, and influencing tidal patterns, thus ultimately shaping life on our planet.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

The moon is 40 million years older than previously thought

Over four billion years ago, during the early days of...

The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> (CDC) has recently highlighted an alarming development. A tropical disease called leishmaniasis, once associated with Americans returning from overseas trips, now has a unique strain in the United States.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-genetic-fingerprint-nbsp">Distinct genetic fingerprint&nbsp;</h2>



“There have been previous indications of local transmission based on a small number of case reports, but now, for the first time, we have a distinct genetic fingerprint from a relatively large cluster, providing further evidence that leishmaniasis may be well-established in some parts of the United States,” said Dr. Mary Kamb, an expert in the Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria at CDC’s National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infections.&nbsp;



“While most of these infections were in people living in Texas, sand flies that can transmit leishmaniasis are found in many parts of the country and especially in the southern United States.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sand-flies-and-leishmaniasis">Sand flies and leishmaniasis</h2>



While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parasites-make-dogs-smell-enticing-to-infectious-sand-flies/">sand flies</a> are largely confined to tropical regions, they are expanding their range as temperatures rise. Climate change is predicted to expand the habitats of sand flies further north and increase the reach of leishmaniasis, which affects humans as well as other mammals like woodrats.



As the evidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in American sandfly populations grows, there's heightened concern about a more severe form of this disease surfacing in the country.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-are-the-primary-host">Dogs are the primary host</h2>



The experts report that the Leishmania parasite could go undetected in dogs that are brought into the United States. Currently, the country lacks sufficient screening measures for this parasite.



“Domestic dog imports from abroad, for breeding or via dog rescue organizations, have jumped sharply, to the point that about a million dogs enter the U.S. every year - most without receiving proper screening for infectious diseases,” explained Dr. Christine Petersen, director of the Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases at the University of Iowa. Petersen.



“Dogs are the primary host for this disease, and there are dogs now regularly coming into the U.S. that have lived in areas where Leishmania parasites circulate in animals and people."



“That’s why we need a better system in the United States for guarding against the risk of introducing Leishmania infantum, one of the world’s deadliest tropical parasites, into U.S. sand fly populations.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-parasitic-strain-of-leishmaniasis">New parasitic strain of leishmaniasis</h2>



The findings from the CDC show that the disease, specifically the milder form known as cutaneous leishmaniasis, has evolved from a slightly different American parasitic strain. The researchers found that this strain differs from the Leishmania mexicana typically found in Mexico and Central America.



The disease manifests as skin ulcers, which may appear weeks or even months after a sandfly bite. These ulcers can leave lasting scars that, in low-income nations, often come with a societal stigma.



Dr. Kamb said that in Texas there is growing awareness of leishmaniasis as a potential diagnosis for skin lesions - in part due to a history of cases in people returning from Mexico, but also due to increasing recognition of the possibility of locally acquired cases.



The World Health Organization has estimated that nearly a million people contract cutaneous leishmaniasis annually, mainly in warmer regions like the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Latin America.



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



The CDC recently presented its research at the <a href="https://www.astmh.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene</a>’s annual conference in Chicago. The study spanned cases sent to CDC labs for testing between 2005 to 2019. Out of the over 2,000 cases, 86 of the individuals had not traveled overseas before contracting the disease.&nbsp;



Dr. Bridget McIlwee, while training in Texas, encountered a patient with no travel history who had contracted leishmaniasis. In a 2018 study, she discovered that a significant percentage of the cases in Texas over a decade had patients without a history of international travel in the previous 10 years.&nbsp;



However, very few of these diagnosed cases were reported to health officials, emphasizing the need for a national reporting mechanism.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visceral-leishmaniasis">Visceral leishmaniasis</h2>



A major revelation from the study is the role of dogs in transmitting the disease. Visceral leishmaniasis, a more severe form, can spread within local insect populations from imported dogs.&nbsp;



Also transmitted through sandfly bites, Visceral leishmaniasis is associated with a related parasite (Leishmania infantum). This disease impacts the organs and kills thousands of people each year in regions where the parasite thrives.



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



While there is no human vaccine for leishmaniasis, dog vaccines are accessible in Europe and Brazil. The aim is to strengthen screenings at ports of entry.



Dr. Vitaliano Cama is a senior advisor with CDC’s Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria who was closely involved with the study.&nbsp;



“A number of factors might be contributing to the increasing number of cutaneous leishmaniasis cases sent to CDC for testing," said Dr. Cama.&nbsp;



"Among these is the speculation that that changes in climate conditions may lead to suitable environments for sand fly survival and reproduction, and that could enable the transmission of leishmaniasis to emerge in new areas."&nbsp;



"There are still a lot of questions about where this disease is going and why.”



The research, led by CDC scientist Marcos de Almeida, is published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.&nbsp;



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

Dogs are primary host of flesh-eating parasitic disease called leishmaniasis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently...

The sudden and dramatic disappearance of billions of snow crabs around Alaska is a disturbing indication of the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.&nbsp;



A study from the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA) study has linked the disappearance of the snow crabs to marine heat waves in the eastern Bering Sea. The experts say that warmer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-hit-a-record-high-this-week-with-the-worst-heat-still-to-come/">ocean temperatures</a> likely caused the crabs to starve to death.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iconic-species-nbsp">Iconic species&nbsp;</h2>



"The snow crab is an iconic species in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/phytoplankton-bloom-bering-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bering Sea</a> that supports an economically important fishery and undergoes extensive monitoring and management. Since 2018, more than 10 billion snow crabs have disappeared from the eastern Bering Sea, and the population collapsed to historical lows in 2021," wrote the study authors. 



"We link this collapse to a marine heatwave in the eastern Bering Sea during 2018 and 2019. Calculated caloric requirements, reduced spatial distribution, and observed body conditions suggest that starvation played a role in the collapse."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crab-harvest">Crab harvest </h2>



Due to the decline, the <a href="https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alaska Department of Fish and Game</a> has canceled the snow crab harvest season for two consecutive years.



Study lead author and NOAA fishery biologist Cody Szuwalski told CNN: “When I received the 2021 data from the survey for the first time, my mind was just blown."



“Everybody was just kind of hoping and praying that that was an error in the survey and that next year you would see more crabs. And then in 2022, it was more of a resignation that this is going to be a long road."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-collapse-nbsp">Dramatic collapse&nbsp;</h2>



While overfishing was initially suspected as the culprit, it doesn't explain the dramatic collapse. The researchers considered two primary explanations for the crabs' disappearance: they either moved to another location, or they died.&nbsp;



After analyzing various areas and factors, they concluded that a mass mortality event was the primary reason for the loss of the crabs.



"Our results do not support a strong connection between variability in snow crab mortality and indices of trawling, predation, cannibalism, or disease," wrote the researchers.



"All of these forces must contribute to underlying mortality to some degree, but several observations corroborate the idea that temperature and population density were the key variables in the recent collapse."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hungrier-crabs">Hungrier crabs</h2>



Warmer waters affect the metabolism of snow crabs, increasing their caloric needs. With disrupted food webs due to the heat, the crabs couldn't find enough food to meet their increased energy demands.



The absence of a temperature barrier allowed Pacific cod to enter the crabs' habitat during the heat wave, further decimating the crab population.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-warming">Rapid warming</h2>



The Arctic region, especially the Bering Sea, has experienced rapid warming and a dramatic loss of sea ice. This accelerates global warming and has direct implications for marine life.



“This was a huge heat wave effect,” study co-author Kerim Aydin told CNN. “When the heat wave came through, it just created a huge amount of starvation."



"Other species may have moved in to take advantage of it, and then when the heat wave passed, things are maybe a bit more back to normal - although the crabs have a long road to getting past that even in normal times.”



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



The disappearance of snow crabs around Alaska is a distressing sign of how marine life is being affected by climate change.&nbsp;



Szuwalski told CNN what's happening with Alaska’s crabs is proof that the climate crisis is rapidly accelerating and impacting livelihoods.



“The big take home for me from the paper, and just the whole experience in general, is that historically, fishery scientists had been very worried about overfishing - this has been our white whale, and in a lot of places we really solved that with management,” Szuwalski said.&nbsp;



“But climate change is really throwing a wrench into our plans, our models and our management systems.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adf6035" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



---



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



---



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.

Snow crab season is canceled again as billions of them have simply disappeared

The sudden and dramatic disappearance of billions of snow crabs...

U.S. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pumping-too-much-groundwater-affects-earths-spin/">groundwater</a> is witnessing a disturbing trend - increasing salinity. This is the conclusion of a study by the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Geological Survey</a> (USGS) that spanned three decades. 



The research highlights the impact of rising groundwater salinity on infrastructure, ecosystems, and human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decades-of-monitoring-nbsp">Decades of monitoring&nbsp;</h2>



For over 30 years, the USGS has been tracking groundwater quality in wells across the country. The comprehensive analysis examined up to 500 chemical constituents including major ions, metals, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, fertilizers, and radionuclides.&nbsp;



Among these, Na and Cl ions and dissolved solids - which are indicators of salinity - had significantly increased.



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



The research is an ongoing effort under the National Water Quality Network, which evolved from the National Water Quality Assessment Project initiated in 1992.&nbsp;



“The original goal was to evaluate the status of water quality in the nation, including groundwater, surface water, and ecological health,” said Bruce Lindsey, a hydrologist with USGS.



Over the years, the experts have zeroed in on certain constituents with potential long-term adverse effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-wells">Types of wells</h2>



The researchers classified the wells into three categories: domestic, urban, and agricultural. Domestic wells, representing medium depth aquifers and drinking water, are unregulated private wells.&nbsp;



By contrast, urban and agricultural wells are shallower, ranging between 30 to 50 feet. “The purpose of (sampling) those were to understand the status and trends in the very shallowest water levels,” explained Lindsey. The shallow wells acted as “sort of a sentinel of what might be moving deeper into the aquifer, so to speak.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-constituents-of-concern">Constituents of concern</h2>



After identifying 82 networks with 20 to 30 wells each, the team pinpointed 28 constituents of concern. These results are accessible on the USGS's <a href="https://nawqatrends.wim.usgs.gov/decadal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interactive groundwater map</a>, detailing decadal shifts.



“If we look at all 28 constituents across all 82 networks, dissolved solids, chloride, and sodium had statistically significant increases more frequently than any other constituents that we have on our list,” said Lindsey. “If you look at the map, you’ll see patterns right away that jump out.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-problem-areas">Problem areas</h2>



Two primary regions stood out in terms of rising salinity. The Northeastern and Upper Midwest areas, especially around urban centers with cold climates, were impacted due to substantial road salt application.&nbsp;



Conversely, arid zones, notably in the southwest, faced natural soil salinity, which was exacerbated by irrigation practices.



“When irrigating agriculture in arid regions, you get a lot of evaporation,” explained Lindsey. “So if the salinity of the irrigation water is relatively low, but a large percentage of it evaporates, [salinity levels] can become high.”



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



The repercussions of increased salinity are numerous. Elevated chloride concentrations in groundwater, which feed into many streams, can disturb aquatic ecosystems.&nbsp;



Lindsey warned that these imbalances can take decades to materialize and an equal time to reverse, even if salinity sources are managed better.



On the infrastructure front, increased salinity means heightened corrosivity. This can result in lead and other metals leaching from household plumbing components.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-concerns">New concerns</h2>



The study also revealed a unique concern tied to salinity. In a southern New Jersey sandy aquifer, high salinity combined with low pH water mobilized radium, a radioactive element dangerous to humans.&nbsp;



“It goes back to road salt,” explained Lindsey. “Road salt is increasing, causing sodium and chloride to increase, which is causing radium to increase.”



Lindsey noted that there seems to be increased awareness of the environmental effects of road salt, with trucks spreading less salt or municipalities switching to a lower-concentration brine. He hopes that future research will highlight other cascading impacts of increasing salinity in groundwater.&nbsp;



“The fact that there may be streams that are not able to sustain aquatic life, or that your pipes might start corroding, or this other more rare issue where there's radium, shows there are other negative aspects (to rising groundwater salinity).”



The research was presented at the 2023 meeting of the <a href="https://www.geosociety.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geological Society of America</a>.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

Hidden threats: Groundwater salinity is on the rise

U.S. groundwater is witnessing a disturbing trend - increasing salinity....

Portrait,Of,Three,Chickens,Isolated,On,White,Background

In an industry often criticized for its environmental impact, a creative solution for clean electricity emerges from an unexpected source: chicken feathers. 



Typically, these by-products contribute significantly to the waste in poultry production, with an astonishing 40 million ton globally being incinerated annually. This disposal method not only exacerbates CO2 emissions but is also responsible for releasing harmful gases, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/short-term-exposure-to-air-pollution-increases-stroke-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sulfur dioxide</a>, making it an environmentally detrimental practice.



However, a collaborative venture between researchers at <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a> and <a href="https://www.ntu.edu.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nanyang Technological University Singapore</a> (NTU) promises a revolutionary repurposing for these feathers, potentially transforming a substantial environmental liability into a pioneering energy solution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-converting-keratin-to-energy">Converting keratin to energy</h2>



The innovation hinges on an intricate understanding of the composition of chicken feathers. Recognizing that the feathers are composed of 90% keratin, a protein also found in human hair and animal fur, the researchers developed a process to extract this protein and convert it into ultra-fine fibers known as amyloid fibrils. 



These fibrils present a remarkable application: forming the membrane of a fuel cell, a device that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, heat, and water, thereby <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/chicken-feathers_electricity_diagram_credit-ETH-Zurich_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">generating CO2-free electricity</a>.



In stark contrast to conventional methods, this approach circumvents the use of toxic "forever chemicals" in fuel cell membranes. These traditional materials pose substantial environmental and health risks due to their non-biodegradable nature and high costs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-the-fuel-cell">Inside the fuel cell</h2>



Fuel cells function through a delicate balance of chemical reactions, at the heart of which lies a semipermeable membrane. This membrane's critical role is to allow protons to pass while blocking electrons, thereby directing these electrons through an external circuit, generating an electric current.



The keratin-based membrane, born from repurposed waste, is not only a more environmentally friendly option but also significantly cheaper. Laboratory demonstrations indicate that these new membranes are up to three times less costly than their conventional counterparts, presenting an economically appealing alternative.



Professor Raffaele Mezzenga, a pivotal figure in this research from ETH Zurich, explains the profound environmental implications of their findings. He said, “Our latest development closes a cycle: we’re taking a substance that releases CO2 and toxic gases when burned and using it in a different setting. With our new technology, it not only replaces toxic substances but also prevents the release of CO2, decreasing the overall carbon footprint.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hydrogen-production-challenges">Hydrogen production challenges</h2>



Despite the promise of hydrogen as a clean energy source, its widespread adoption faces significant hurdles. One primary challenge is the scarcity of naturally occurring hydrogen on Earth, necessitating energy-intensive production processes.



Here, the novel keratin membrane again demonstrates its potential. The membrane's unique properties make it suitable for water electrolysis, a process where water is split into oxygen and hydrogen using an electric current. While traditional electrolysis methods require certain additives to enhance water's conductivity, the keratin-based membrane facilitates efficient water splitting even in pure water, eliminating the need for these potentially harmful additives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electricity-from-chicken-feathers-the-path-ahead">Electricity from chicken feathers: the path ahead</h2>



While the research has provided promising results, further investigations are necessary to determine the long-term stability and durability of the keratin membranes in real-world applications. Addressing these and other technical challenges is crucial for transitioning from laboratory success to full-scale commercial viability.



The team, driven by the potential global impact of their discovery, has filed a joint patent for the keratin-based membrane technology. They are actively seeking partnerships with investors and forward-thinking companies willing to join their quest in pioneering a cleaner, sustainable energy future. This collaboration will be essential for refining the technology, scaling up production, and eventually introducing these innovative fuel cells to the market.



In transforming poultry waste into an opportunity, the researchers are not just proposing a more sustainable form of energy production; they are reimagining global resources management and setting the stage for a more sustainable industrial future.



The full study was published by the <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsami.3c10218" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Chemical Society</a>.



---



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



---



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.

New tech uses chicken feathers to generate clean electricity

In an industry often criticized for its environmental impact, a...

Ancient,Cavemen,People,Sit,Near,A,Campfire,Render,3d,Illustration

Approximately 40,000 years ago, Neanderthals, long-time inhabitants of the western part of the Eurasian continent, met the incoming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earliest-human-footprints-ever-found-are-believed-to-be-300000-years-old/">Homo sapiens</a> from Africa. These two species shared the region for several millennia, leading to the infusion of Neanderthal DNA into the Homo sapiens genome.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neanderthal-dna-nbsp">Neanderthal DNA&nbsp;</h2>



Recently, researchers at the <a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Geneva</a> (UNIGE) have been meticulously analyzing how the DNA from Neanderthals has been distributed in Homo sapiens over the last 40,000 years. Their findings, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adg9817" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>, indicate subtle variations across time and geography, shedding light on the intertwined history of these two species.



The advances in genome sequencing and comparative analysis have shown that Neanderthals and Homo sapiens did interbreed. From these interactions, present-day Eurasians carry about two percent of Neanderthal-origin DNA. However, this percentage is not consistent across Eurasia: Neanderthal DNA is slightly more abundant in Asian genomes compared to European ones.



One theory proposes that the variances between Asian and European populations could be due to different impacts of natural selection on Neanderthal-origin genes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migratory-flows">Migratory flows</h2>



However, the UNIGE scientists have proposed an alternative theory based on migratory flows: when a migrating population merges with a local population, the local population’s DNA tends to increase in proportion with distance from the migrating group’s point of origin.



With Homo sapiens originating from Africa and Neanderthals predominantly located in Europe, the theory is that the farther one travels from Africa, the higher the proportion of Neanderthal DNA.&nbsp;



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



To validate this, the researchers utilized a database from <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1fgDS6Vm2DmqPlgJ1hR7iGDNWTAiikFm16l35f975iuY/edit">Harvard Medical School </a>which contains over 4,000 genomes of individuals from Eurasia over the past 40 millennia.



“Our study is mainly focused on European populations since we are obviously dependent on the discovery of bones and the state of conservation of DNA. It turns out that archaeological excavations have been much more numerous in Europe, which greatly facilitates the study of the genomes of European populations,” explained lead author Claudio Quilodrán, an expert in Population Genetics and Ecology at UNIGE.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



The team’s statistical findings reveal that, after Homo sapiens migrated from Africa, European Paleolithic hunter-gatherers had a slightly higher proportion of Neanderthal DNA than their Asian counterparts.&nbsp;



This observation is in line with paleontological records, emphasizing Neanderthals’ dominance in western Eurasia, notably with no Neanderthal remains found east of Siberia’s Altai region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neolithic-transition-nbsp">Neolithic transition&nbsp;</h2>



However, the researchers observed a significant shift during the Neolithic transition, about 10,000 to 5,000 years ago: there was a reduction in the proportion of Neanderthal DNA in European genomes, resulting in a slightly lower percentage than in Asian populations.&nbsp;



This shift aligns with the arrival of the first farmers from Anatolia and the Aegean region, who carried less Neanderthal DNA. Their integration further diluted the Neanderthal DNA concentration in Europe.



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



The fusion of ancient genome research and archaeological data provides a window into the evolutionary journey of hybrid species.&nbsp;



“In addition, we are beginning to have enough data to describe more and more precisely the percentage of DNA of Neanderthal origin in the genome of Sapiens at certain periods of prehistory," said study senior author Mathias Currat, a professor of Genetics and Evolution at UNIGE.



"Our work can therefore serve as a reference for future studies to more easily detect genetic profiles that deviate from the average and might therefore disclose an advantageous or disadvantageous effect."



---



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



---



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.

Mystery solved: How and why humans have Neanderthal DNA

Approximately 40,000 years ago, Neanderthals, long-time inhabitants of the western...

Jupiter’s atmosphere is characterized by some of the most noticeable phenomena in our solar system, with its Great Red Spot being a particularly iconic feature. Comparable to Earth’s continuous evolution, Jupiter’s characteristics shift, and there remains a lot that scientists have yet to discover.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swift-jet-stream">Swift jet stream</h2>



NASA’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/expansion-rate-of-the-universe-confirmed-by-jwst/">James Webb Space Telescope</a> (JWST) has been instrumental in this exploration, unveiling previously unobserved elements of Jupiter, most notably a swift jet stream cruising above the planet’s equator.&nbsp;



This jet stream, though perhaps not as visually captivating as Jupiter’s other marvels, offers scientists invaluable information about the interplay of the planet’s atmospheric strata.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-details">Unprecedented details</h2>



NASA’s innovative telescope has identified a fresh, previously undetected atmospheric detail on Jupiter. This rapid jet stream, stretching more than 3,000 miles across, hovers above Jupiter’s main cloud decks at the equator.&nbsp;



Understanding this jet provides key insights into the interaction of the layers within Jupiter’s famously volatile atmosphere and highlights JWST’s distinctive prowess in monitoring such features.



“What we have always seen as blurred hazes in Jupiter’s atmosphere now appear as crisp features that we can track along with the planet’s fast rotation,” said lead author Ricardo Hueso, an astronomer at the <a href="https://www.ehu.eus/en/en-home">University of Basque Country</a> in Spain.



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



Data from JWST’s NIRCam, gathered in July 2022, played a pivotal role in this research. The goal was to capture images of Jupiter in distinct filters, aiming to discern variations in minor features at varying altitudes within Jupiter’s atmosphere.&nbsp;



Study co-author Imke de Pater from the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/">University of California, Berkeley</a>, highlighted the unique revelations the telescope has brought, surpassing observations from other missions.



“Even though various ground-based telescopes, spacecraft like NASA’s Juno and Cassini, and NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope have observed the Jovian system’s changing weather patterns, Webb has already provided new findings on Jupiter’s rings, satellites, and its atmosphere,” he explained.



Although Earth and Jupiter differ significantly, they both possess stratified atmospheres. While other missions primarily focus on the deeper atmospheric layers, JWST’s enhanced near-infrared capabilities target the loftier layers, approximately 25-50 kilometers above Jupiter’s cloud canopy. Within this scope, the telescope delineates intricate details within the normally indistinct, luminous equatorial haze.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights">New insights</h2>



This newfound jet stream boasts impressive speeds, nearly double that of Earth’s most powerful hurricanes. Positioned about 40 kilometers above the cloud layer, it resides in Jupiter’s lower stratosphere. The team leveraged both JWST and Hubble data to gauge wind variations with altitude, leading to insights on wind shears.



“We knew the different wavelengths of Webb and Hubble would reveal the three-dimensional structure of storm clouds, but we were also able to use the timing of the data to see how rapidly storms develop,” said co-author Michael Wong, an astronomer at UC Berkeley, who oversaw the complementary Hubble observations that shed new light on the multi-dimensional structure of storm clouds and their rapid evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-observations-nbsp">Future observations&nbsp;</h2>



The team eagerly anticipates future JWST observations to ascertain the consistency of the jet’s velocity and elevation.&nbsp;



Leigh Fletcher, a planetary scientist at the <a href="https://le.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a> in the UK highlighted Jupiter’s intricate but consistent wind and temperature patterns in its equatorial stratosphere, speculating on the potential variability of the jet in upcoming years.



“Jupiter has a complicated but repeatable pattern of winds and temperatures in its equatorial stratosphere, high above the winds in the clouds and hazes measured at these wavelengths. If the strength of this new jet is connected to this oscillating stratospheric pattern, we might expect the jet to vary considerably over the next two to four years – it’ll be really exciting to test this theory in the years to come,” he said.



“It’s amazing to me that, after years of tracking Jupiter’s clouds and winds from numerous observatories, we still have more to learn about Jupiter, and features like this jet can remain hidden from view until these new NIRCam images were taken in 2022,” he concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-023-02099-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

Jupiter’s turbulent atmosphere includes a high-speed jet stream

Jupiter’s atmosphere is characterized by some of the most noticeable...

While Western diets are undoubtedly linked with an increased risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-impairs-the-brains-response-to-nutrient-intake/">obesity</a>, health experts have long debated over what exactly is driving the surge in weight issues. Is it the excessive calories, carbohydrates, or fat in these foods?&nbsp;



A new study led by Dr. Richard Johnson of CU Anschutz offers a unique perspective that converges these varying theories around one central figure: fructose.



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



The paper brings forward a compelling argument that resonates with multiple theories. According to the researchers, the key issue driving obesity is fructose. This sugar is found in table sugar and high fructose corn syrup, and is also produced within our body from carbohydrates like glucose.



The science behind the study is simple. As the body breaks down fructose, it depletes the active energy, referred to as ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This reduced energy level triggers hunger and increased food consumption.



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



The "fructose survival hypothesis" introduced by Dr. Johnson integrates the energy balance theory, which implies that excessive food intake, especially fat, is the root cause of obesity. At the same time, the new hypothesis acknowledges the carbohydrate-insulin model that prioritizes carbs as the main trigger for weight gain.



“Essentially, these theories, which put a litany of metabolic and dietary drivers at the center of the obesity epidemic, are all pieces of a puzzle unified by one last piece: fructose,” said Dr. Johnson. “Fructose is what triggers our metabolism to go into low power mode and lose our control of appetite, but fatty foods become the major source of calories that drive weight gain.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hibernating-animals">Hibernating animals</h2>



Dr. Johnson said we can look to hibernating animals as an example: when we’re hungry and low on active energy, we go into survival mode. Just as bears consume high-fructose fruits to prepare for winter hibernation, humans' energy levels dip when consuming fructose-rich foods.&nbsp;



Even though fat is a reservoir of stored energy, high-fructose foods prevent the utilization of this stored energy, leading to a state that is comparable to a bear gearing up for winter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reimagining-obesity">Reimagining obesity</h2>



The most radical insight this theory presents is the conceptualization of obesity. “This theory views obesity as a low-energy state,” said Dr. Johnson. “Identifying fructose as the conduit that redirects active energy replacement to fat storage shows that fructose is what drives energy imbalance, which unites theories.”



While this research offers a new direction for addressing obesity, further research is needed to conclusively confirm the findings and to identify more targeted preventions.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/oby.23920" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Obesity</a>



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-



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

Fructose sugar puts the body in low-power mode, fueling obesity

While Western diets are undoubtedly linked with an increased risk...

Beautiful,Young,Woman,Waking,Up,With,Mobile,Alarm,Clock

In a world where the snooze button is as ubiquitous as the alarm itself, understanding its impact on sleep patterns and mental alertness has never been more pertinent. 



Contrary to popular belief and previous assumptions, recent findings from <a href="https://www.su.se/cmlink/stockholm-university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stockholm University</a> suggest that engaging in snoozing doesn't necessarily spell doom for our cognitive faculties or overall sleep quality. In fact, for consistent snoozers, indulging in that extra few minutes under the covers might actually be aiding their waking process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-debunking-snooze-button-myths">Debunking snooze button myths</h2>



For years, the snooze button has been vilified, often accused of disrupting sleep and hampering the brain's waking mechanisms. These widespread claims, however, stood on shaky ground due to a lack of direct scientific evidence. This gap in the understanding prompted researchers from the Department of Psychology at Stockholm University to delve deeper into the actual implications of snoozing.



The study, spearheaded by Tina Sundelin, was divided into two distinct studies involving a comprehensive questionnaire and a more controlled sleep lab experiment. The results defy the common narrative, providing much-needed relief to regular snoozers and shedding light on human sleep behavior and cognitive function in relation to snoozing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snooze-button-demographics">Snooze button demographics</h2>



The first study encompassed 1732 participants and centered around their morning routines, focusing keenly on their snooze habits. A significant revelation was the demographic tendency where young adults and self-proclaimed "evening people" were more inclined to hit the snooze button.



Unsurprisingly, the predominant reason behind snoozing was the overwhelming feeling of tiredness that besieged individuals upon hearing their alarm.



This phase of the research highlighted the prevalence of snoozing across different segments of the population, establishing that it is a common behavior, especially among certain demographics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taking-a-closer-look-in-the-sleep-lab">Taking a closer look in the sleep lab</h2>



The subsequent stage of the research involved a more nuanced approach, where 31 habitual snoozers underwent two nights of monitored sleep in a laboratory setting. The conditions varied; one morning allowed for a 30-minute snooze fest, while the other necessitated immediate waking upon the alarm's signal.



Results from this controlled setting offered solace to snoozers. Despite the intermittent sleep during the snoozing period, participants still managed substantial sleep -- over 20 minutes. This negligible difference in total sleep time challenges the notion that snoozing significantly undermines the night's rest.



A particularly interesting find was the absence of forced awakenings from deep sleep during the snooze morning, coupled with slightly enhanced performance in cognitive tests conducted immediately upon waking. Furthermore, snoozing showed no discernible impact on participants' mood, sleepiness level, or cortisol concentration in saliva.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reevaluating-the-snooze-button">Reevaluating the snooze button</h2>



The implications of this study are twofold. Firstly, it demystifies the notion that snoozing is universally detrimental. More specifically, the research unveils certain potential benefits, such as the reduced probability of abrupt deep sleep interruptions and a slight immediate boost in cognitive functioning.



However, Sundelin cautions against a one-size-fits-all approach, emphasizing that the positive indications were most pronounced among regular snoozers comfortable with resuming sleep post-alarm. This suggests that the advantages of snoozing are not universal but may be contingent on individual sleep patterns and personal comfort with the act of snoozing itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-in-snooze-research">Next steps in snooze research</h2>



While this study serves as a cornerstone in understanding snoozing behavior, it also signifies the beginning of an intricate journey to explore the complexities of sleep. The research underscores the need for further exploration, particularly regarding long-term effects and the impact within diverse populations outside regular snoozers.



As the scientific community continues to unravel the mysteries of sleep, this study marks a pivotal shift in the discourse around snoozing, challenging long-held beliefs and opening the door for more nuanced discussions and investigations in the future. For now, regular snoozers might rest a bit easier, knowing science is starting to look more favorably upon those extra precious minutes in bed.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsr.14054" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Sleep Research</a>.



---



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



---



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.

Hitting the snooze button does not disrupt your sleep or hurt your brain

In a world where the snooze button is as ubiquitous...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"]</div>



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)



---



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



---



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.

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



---



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



---



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="761m2QQvR1-2035772-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes why satellite images and measurements of our planet have become "essential to our survival, offering a new outlook of our world."&nbsp;



Rising sea levels pose one of the biggest societal threats associated with climate change. According to ESA, satellite altimeter missions such as Copernicus Sentinel-6 are essential in monitoring global and regional changes in sea level.



"Unbeknown to many, the island of Crete, Greece, plays an important role in the Copernicus satellite altimetry constellation and on an international stage," reports ESA.



"Satellite altimetry data have to be continuously monitored at the ESA’s Permanent Facility for Altimetry Calibration where different techniques have pioneered the use of transponders to provide the best measurements to validate satellite altimeters in space soon after launch."



Dr. Craig Donlon explains that, by understanding planet Earth through satellite measurements, we are able to find evidence of change.&nbsp;



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



---



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

[sendtonews key="761m2QQvR1-2035772-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...