In a remarkable medical breakthrough, engineers have developed a light-activated pacemaker so tiny that doctors can inject it into the body through a syringe. Remarkably, the device simply dissolves after it’s no longer needed.&nbsp;



Designed for newborns, the pacemaker could transform temporary heart care after congenital defect surgeries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-the-heart-with-light">Controlling the heart with light</h2>



The new pacemaker is smaller than a grain of rice. It's wirelessly activated through pulses of light which are delivered by a soft, wearable device mounted on the patient’s chest.



The external controller detects abnormal rhythms and sends light through the body to activate the pacemaker and restore heartbeat. The study demonstrates the device’s effectiveness across animal and human donor hearts.&nbsp;



The development of the pacemaker was led by John A. Rogers, a professor of material science, biomedical engineering, and neurological surgery at <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a>.&nbsp;



“We have developed what is, to our knowledge, the world’s smallest pacemaker,” said Professor Rogers.



“There’s a crucial need for temporary pacemakers in the context of pediatric heart surgeries, and that’s a use case where size miniaturization is incredibly important. In terms of the device load on the body - the smaller, the better.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solution-designed-for-newborns">Solution designed for newborns</h2>



Though the light-activated pacemaker can function in patients of all sizes, its miniaturized design was motivated by the needs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infant-speech-is-driven-by-heart-rate-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infants</a>. 



Igor Efimov is a co-leader of the study and experimental cardiologist at Northwestern.&nbsp;



“About 1% of children are born with congenital heart defects. The good news is that these children only need temporary pacing after a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-smallest-robot-could-transform-minimally-invasive-surgery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surgery</a>. In about seven days or so, most patients’ hearts will self-repair. But those seven days are absolutely critical," said Efimov.



Traditional pacemakers require surgery and have wires sticking out of the chest to connect to an external device. When they are no longer needed, the wires are removed - risking bleeding, tissue damage, or even death.



“Wires literally protrude from the body, attached to a pacemaker outside the body,” Efimov explained. “When the pacemaker is no longer needed, a physician pulls it out. The wires can become enveloped in scar tissue. That’s actually how Neil Armstrong died.”



The new injectable pacemaker addresses these risks. All of its components are biocompatible and bioresorbable, meaning they safely dissolve in the body’s fluids without needing surgical removal. Once the device has served its purpose, it simply disappears.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-the-light-activated-pacemaker">Refining the light-activated pacemaker</h2>



This innovation builds on <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-021-00948-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earlier work</a> by Rogers and Efimov, who developed a quarter-sized dissolvable pacemaker in 2021. Surgeons asked for a smaller version to allow easier placement and suit the smallest patients.&nbsp;



The original device used near-field communication (NFC), but its antenna limited how small the device could be made. To overcome this, the team replaced the NFC system with a novel light-based mechanism.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pacemaker_light-activated_worlds-smallest_heart-health_Northwestern_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pacemaker_light-activated_worlds-smallest_heart-health_Northwestern_1s.webp" alt="The tiny pacemaker sits next to a single grain of rice on a fingertip. The device is so small that it can be non-invasively injected into the body via a syringe. Credit: John A. Rogers/Northwestern University" class="wp-image-1964846"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The tiny pacemaker sits next to a single grain of rice on a fingertip. The device is so small that it can be non-invasively injected into the body via a syringe. Click image to enlarge. Credit: John A. Rogers/Northwestern University</figcaption></figure>



“Instead of using the radio frequency scheme for wireless control, we developed a light-based scheme for turning the pacemaker on and delivering stimulation pulses to the surface of the heart. This is one feature that allowed us to dramatically reduce the size,” said Professor Rogers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powered-by-the-body-s-own-fluids">Powered by the body’s own fluids</h2>



The engineers also reimagined how to power the tiny pacemaker. Rather than requiring a battery or external power source, the device uses a simple galvanic cell - a chemical battery formed by two different metals as electrodes.&nbsp;



When the device is inside the body, surrounding biofluids act as the electrolyte, allowing electrical current to flow and stimulate the heart.



“A very tiny light-activated switch on the opposite side from the battery allows us to turn the device from its ‘off’ state to an ‘on’ state upon delivery of light that passes through the patient’s body from the skin-mounted patch,” explained Professor Rogers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-trauma-and-risk">Reducing trauma and risk</h2>



Using infrared light, which can safely penetrate deep into the body, the wearable controller detects when a patient’s heart rate falls too low. It then triggers a light-emitting diode (LED) to flash on and off at the desired pacing rhythm.&nbsp;



“Infrared light penetrates very well through the body,” Efimov said. “If you put a flashlight against your palm, you will see the light glow through the other side of your hand. It turns out that our bodies are great conductors of light.”



Despite its microscopic size - just 1.8 mm wide, 3.5 mm long, and 1 mm thick - the pacemaker delivers stimulation on par with traditional devices. “The heart requires a tiny amount of electrical stimulation,” Rogers said.&nbsp;



“By minimizing the size, we dramatically simplify the implantation procedures, we reduce trauma and risk to the patient, and, with the dissolvable nature of the device, we eliminate any need for secondary surgical extraction procedures.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-era-of-heart-care">A new era of heart care</h2>



Because these light-activated pacemakers are so small and wireless, doctors could one day deploy multiple units on different parts of the heart to create more advanced pacing systems. 



Each device could be controlled independently using different light wavelengths, enabling personalized and precisely timed stimulation across the heart’s surface.



“We can deploy a number of such small pacemakers onto the outside of the heart and control each one,” Efimov said. “Then we can achieve improved synchronized functional care.”



Professor Rogers noted that because it’s so small, the pacemaker can be integrated with almost any kind of implantable device.



“We also demonstrated integration of collections of these devices across the frameworks that serve as transcatheter aortic valve replacements to address complications that can occur during a patient’s recovery process," said Rogers.



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



While this breakthrough has clear implications for pediatric heart care, the technology could pave the way for a new generation of bioelectronic medicine.&nbsp;



These tiny, dissolvable devices could one day be adapted to promote nerve and bone regeneration, manage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-meditation-is-a-powerful-weapon-against-chronic-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain</a>, support wound healing, and more.



Northwestern engineers shrank the device and removed risks by making it dissolve after use. In doing so, they’ve created a tool that could reshape how doctors care for the heart - from the tiniest patients to adults.



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Click here to <a href="https://youtu.be/j_0hZ8cUwgo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watch a video interview...</a>



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08726-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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World's smallest pacemaker is set to revolutionize heart health

In a remarkable medical breakthrough, engineers have developed a light-activated pacemaker so tiny that doctors can inject it into the body through a syringe. Remarkably, the device simply dissolves after it’s no longer needed.&nbsp; Designed for newborns, the pacemaker could transform temporary heart care after congenital defect surgeries. Controlling the heart with light The new pacemaker is smaller than a grain of rice. It's wirelessly activated through pulses of light which are delivered by a soft, wearable device mounted on the patient’s chest. The external controller detects...

The ocean, which covers 70% of Earth’s surface, is reaching unprecedented high temperatures - not just at the surface but throughout the upper 2,000 meters (6,561 feet).



A new study led by Lijing Cheng, a professor in the <a href="http://english.iap.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Atmospheric Physics</a> at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, brings this alarming fact into sharp focus.



“The broken records in the ocean have become a broken record,”&nbsp;said Professor Cheng, who led a research team of 54 scientists from seven countries.



The research highlights the critical role ocean warming plays in shaping life on Earth and the climate’s future trajectory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-s-role-in-climate-change">Ocean's role in climate change </h2>



The ocean plays a critical role in Earth's climate system by acting as its primary heat reservoir. It absorbs 90% of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-confirmed-as-earths-hottest-year-in-recorded-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">excess heat generated by global warming</a>, helping to regulate global weather patterns. 



This regulation occurs as the ocean transfers heat and moisture into the atmosphere, influencing everything from rainfall to storm intensity.



“To know what is happening to the climate, the answer is in the ocean,”&nbsp;explained Professor John Abraham from the <a href="https://www.stthomas.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of St. Thomas</a>, emphasizing the ocean's central role in understanding climate changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-troubling-trend-in-the-ocean">Troubling trend in the ocean</h2>



Research from three international teams confirmed a troubling trend: ocean heat content (OHC) reached record levels in 2024. The data shows that the upper layers of the ocean continue to absorb unprecedented amounts of heat.



From 2023 to 2024 alone, ocean heat content increased by a staggering 16 zettajoules (ZJ). To put this in perspective, this is roughly 140 times the total electricity generated by the entire world in 2023. 



This dramatic rise emphasizes the steady and dangerous warming of the planet’s oceans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-ocean-warming">Consequences of ocean warming </h2>



Ongoing ocean warming has profound <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-is-subtly-changing-the-tides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consequences for weather</a>, ecosystems, and human life. 



Regional variations in warming highlight areas such as the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and mid-latitude Southern Ocean, where temperatures are rising rapidly. Polar regions are also absorbing significant heat, exacerbating ice melt and global sea level rise.



Warmer ocean waters amplify extreme weather by increasing atmospheric water vapor - a powerful greenhouse gas. This phenomenon intensifies storms, droughts, wildfires, and flooding events.



“The main way the ocean continues to influence the climate is through accompanying increases in water vapor in the atmosphere,”&nbsp;explained Dr. Kevin Trenberth from the <a href="https://ncar.ucar.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Center for Atmospheric Research</a>. 



The result is a vicious cycle of climate extremes, including hurricanes, typhoons, and record heatwaves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intensifying-impacts-of-ocean-warming">Intensifying impacts of ocean warming</h2>



Over the past year, 104 countries experienced their hottest temperatures on record, highlighting the growing impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-at-risk-global-warming-threatens-the-oceans-lifeline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>. 



This rise in heat has fueled catastrophic weather events worldwide. Heatwaves, droughts, floods, and wildfires have caused devastation across regions including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. These events have inflicted widespread damage to communities, economies, and ecosystems.



In the United States, climate-related disasters have been particularly costly. Since 1980, such events have led to nearly $3 trillion in damages, illustrating the significant economic burden of a warming climate.



The rise in ocean surface temperatures plays a critical role in amplifying these impacts. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-rise-in-ocean-warming">Dramatic rise in ocean warming </h2>



Surface waters, where the ocean interacts with the atmosphere, transfer heat and moisture, fueling extreme weather events.



Since the 1950s, these temperatures have risen dramatically, with far-reaching consequences for marine ecosystems and coastal communities. 



Warmer waters disrupt marine life, erode coastal habitats, and increase the frequency and intensity of storms, making the situation even more urgent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-warming-warns-of-planetary-danger">Ocean warming warns of planetary danger</h2>



Dr. Karina von Schuckmann from <a href="https://www.mercator-ocean.eu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercator Ocean International</a> described the ocean as a sentinel for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-shatters-heat-records-earths-hottest-year-is-here/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary warming</a>.&nbsp;“The ocean is our sentinel for planetary warming, acting as the major sink of surplus heat,”&nbsp;she emphasized.



If immediate action to combat climate change is not taken, the consequences will grow increasingly severe. Rising costs, damages, and loss of life demand urgent mitigation efforts to slow warming and protect our planet's future.



The findings of the study serve as a critical reminder: addressing ocean warming is essential to safeguarding Earth’s climate and humanity's future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00376-025-4541-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advances in Atmospheric Sciences</a>.



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Record ocean warming in 2024 is a warning for our planet

The ocean, which covers 70% of Earth’s surface, is reaching...

Time,And,Space.,3d,Rendering,Illustration

Time feels so obvious that we rarely question its existence. Our clocks tick, we sense the hours passing, and we connect events to a single timeline. Yet, in many corners of theoretical physics, the very notion of time as a forward-moving entity is under scrutiny.



Some researchers claim that time may not exist in any fundamental way. They argue that our deeply held belief in a flowing “now” might be a trick of perception.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-illusions-in-daily-life">Time illusions in daily life</h2>



Our daily life depends on the past, present, and future being well-defined. We pay bills on time. We set our alarms to wake up in the morning.&nbsp;



“The equations of physics do not tell us which events are occurring right now,” is an unsettling statement for <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-04558-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientists</a> to make. 



That remark highlights the gap between how we sense time and how modern equations describe it.



This perspective on timelessness has gained traction through work from many theoretical physicists, including <a href="https://www.cpt.univ-mrs.fr/~rovelli/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Carlo Rovelli</a> a theoretical physicist and Emeritus Professor at the Centre de Physique Théorique (<a href="https://www.cpt.univ-mrs.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CPT</a>) of Aix-Marseille University in France. 



Dr. Rovelli has developed approaches in loop <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/central-theory-of-quantum-gravity-is-modeled-in-the-laboratory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum gravity</a> that often do away with a global time parameter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-physics-and-intuition">Time, physics, and intuition</h2>



Our intuitions tell us the present moment is distinct, while the future feels open and the past seems fixed. However, Einstein’s theories suggest that all moments could be equally real, leaving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/negative-time-observed-measured-tangible-in-new-quantum-experiments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">no universal present</a>.&nbsp;



Researchers have shown that gravity can slow clocks. So, for instance, time passes a little bit slower at sea level compared to the top of a mountain, because you’re a bit closer to Earth’s gravity.



It’s relative, meaning that time can move differently depending on how fast you’re moving or how close you are to a strong gravitational field. 



Although we don’t experience this effect in our daily routines, <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.177.4044.168" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atomic clocks confirm it</a>. Such experiments show that time intervals can vary depending on speed and gravitational fields.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-sense-of-flow-in-time-s-existence">A sense of flow in time's existence</h2>



If we listen to our everyday instincts, time seems to rush onward, dragging events from future to past. 



Yet in general relativity, there is no built-in rule mandating a <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/that-mysterious-flow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universal flow</a>. Instead, many physicists say that our brains layer the experience of flow on top of an otherwise static reality.&nbsp;



Some propose that what we call the “flow of time” emerges from correlations among physical objects. 



Our stories and memories might be responsible for building a chain of events we label “before” and “after.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-einstein-and-our-understanding-of-time">Einstein and our understanding of time</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Albert Einstein’s theories</a>, particularly his theory of relativity, revolutionized how we think about time. In his special theory of relativity, published in 1905, he proposed that time isn’t the same for everyone. 



For example, if you’re traveling at a very high speed or near a massive object like a planet, time will seem to pass more slowly for you compared to someone who’s farther away from the gravitational pull or moving more slowly. 



This concept is often called "time dilation," and it’s been proven in experiments with fast-moving particles and GPS satellites.



In his general theory of relativity, which he published in 1915, Einstein expanded this idea by showing how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/matter-spacetime-gravitational-waves-fabric-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravity can also affect time</a>. The stronger the gravitational field, the more it slows down time.



These theories completely changed our understanding of time - it’s not a constant, unchanging backdrop to everything that happens. Instead, it’s flexible and can stretch, bend, and warp depending on the circumstances. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-twists-on-time-s-existence">Quantum twists on time's existence</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-a-simple-way-to-grasp-this-impossible-concept-carl-kocher/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum mechanics</a> complicates matters further. Traditional formulations treat time as an absolute parameter, ticking away while particles hop between possible states.&nbsp;



Yet quantum experiments suggest that no single observer can pin down a universal “right now.” Some scientists try to eliminate time altogether in their unified theories.&nbsp;



<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheeler%E2%80%93DeWitt_equation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wheeler-DeWitt equation</a>, for instance, famously omits time when describing quantum gravity. Instead of describing how the universe evolves, the equation focuses on correlations between different parts of a whole.&nbsp;



Time becomes something that emerges when observers carve out local “clocks” from the timeless fabric.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chasing-the-arrow">Chasing the arrow</h2>



Despite the insistence that time might be illusory, we still sense an arrow pointing from the past to the future. We watch eggs break rather than un-break, and we see coffee and milk mix rather than un-mix.



This brings us to the relationship of time to entropy, which is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system. 



According to the second law of thermodynamics, entropy in an isolated system always tends to increase over time. In simple terms, things naturally move <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-the-universe-remains-predictable-insights-from-quantum-mechanics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">from order to disorder</a>.



This means that the flow of time is often associated with the increase in entropy, which is why we perceive time as always moving forward, from past to present to future - <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7516914/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the arrow of time</a>. 



Low-entropy conditions at the birth of the universe set the stage for irreversible processes. In that sense, the arrow we chase is not woven into time itself. It emerges from a statistical trend toward disorder, giving us the impression that events line up from earlier to later.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-minds-and-the-existence-of-time">Human minds and the existence of time</h2>



Some experts suspect that one day we’ll see <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-we-actually-benefit-from-daylight-saving-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">time</a> similar to how we see currency: a clever accounting device rather than a fundamental element of reality. 



Even so, humans will keep living as though each new moment actually matters. 



Our hearts beat in seconds, our schedules rely on hours, and we navigate our days convinced that "tomorrow" has not happened yet.



Regardless of whether time's existence is an illusion, a by-product of thermodynamics, or an emergent property of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-spooky-action-at-a-distance-persists-between-top-quarks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deeper laws</a>, we remain anchored in our daily routines.



Perhaps the biggest puzzle isn’t whether time exists but why our brains are so attached to the notion that it flows without pausing, and why we find it so hard to let go of that idea.



Will our brains one day evolve to the point where we understand the true nature of time? Only time will tell.



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"Time is an illusion" and doesn't exist as we know it, according to many physicists

Time feels so obvious that we rarely question its existence....

For many years, scientists believed that prehistoric kangaroos in Australia had specialized diets, relying specifically on certain types of plants or vegetation for their survival. This idea suggested that they were unable to adapt to changes in their environment, such as shifts in climate or vegetation patterns. 



When the kangaroos' preferred food sources became scarce, it was assumed that their dietary inflexibility contributed to their extinction. This theory placed dietary specialization as a key reason for the disappearance of some kangaroo species during the Pleistocene epoch.



However, recent research challenges these assumptions, suggesting that these marsupials were more resilient than we initially realized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-diets-of-prehistoric-kangaroos"> Diverse diets of prehistoric kangaroos</h2>



The study was carried out by experts from <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a> and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (<a href="https://www.magnt.net.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MAGNT</a>). 



The researchers used cutting-edge techniques to analyze the microscopic patterns of wear on fossilized kangaroo teeth. These patterns revealed the types of food the kangaroos ate.



The results showed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-kangaroos-of-the-past-didnt-hop-they-walked-on-all-fours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric kangaroos</a> were not limited to specific types of food. Instead, they were generalists, capable of eating a wide variety of plants. This flexibility in diet helped them survive environmental changes over time.



Focusing on fossils from the Victoria Fossil Cave at the Naracoorte Caves World Heritage Area in South Australia, the experts analyzed kangaroo diets across 12 extinct species and compared them with 17 modern species.



The Naracoorte region contains the richest and most diverse fossil deposits of kangaroos from the Pleistocene epoch, making it an ideal location for this research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flexible-diets-helped-kangaroos-survive">Flexible diets helped kangaroos survive</h2>



“Our study shows that most prehistoric kangaroos at Naracoorte had broad diets. This dietary flexibility likely played a key role in their resilience during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protemnodon-kangaroo-fossils-may-explain-their-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">past changes</a> in climate,” explained lead researcher Dr. Sam Arman.



Contrary to previous assumptions, the study revealed that most species were mixed feeders, capable of consuming both shrubs and grasses.



“The distinctive short-faced kangaroo anatomy led to a widespread view that sthenurines were unable to adapt their diets when climate change altered vegetation patterns, leading to their extinction,” said study co-author Professor Gavin Prideaux.



However, the findings suggest that their ability to consume a wide range of foods provided a survival advantage during periods of scarcity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-extinction-dynamics">Complex extinction dynamics </h2>



While the ability to adapt their diets likely helped prehistoric kangaroos survive for a time, it wasn’t the only factor influencing their fate. 



The extinction of these megafaunal kangaroos also involved other challenges, such as their large body size, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-all-kangaroo-ancestors-hopped-as-a-means-of-locomotion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how they moved</a> (locomotion), and their interactions with early humans, who may have hunted them or altered their habitats. 



To better understand these complex extinction dynamics, the researchers plan to study fossils from other Pleistocene sites. They will focus on the critical period between 60,000 and 40,000 years ago - a time when many large animal species disappeared.



This broader investigation could reveal how different factors worked together to drive kangaroo extinctions.



"Identifying what drove the late Pleistocene megafaunal extinctions on the continents remains one of the most contested topics in historical science," noted the study authors. 



"This is especially so in Australia, which lost 90% of its large species by 40,000 years ago, more than half of them kangaroos."



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



The study highlights the ecological roles of prehistoric marsupials, offering valuable insights into the evolution of Australia’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ecosystem-attack-predicting-the-success-of-species-invasions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>. 



“Understanding the resilience of ancient species helps contextualize why Australia has been so vulnerable to introduced large mammals like pigs, camels, and deer,” noted Professor Prideaux.



Dr. Arman uses a relatable analogy to describe dietary flexibility: “Most of the time, I don’t need to engage four-wheel drive, but this capability becomes crucial when I do need it.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extinction-of-australia-s-megafauna">Extinction of Australia’s megafauna </h2>



The research, funded by the <a href="https://www.arc.gov.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Research Council</a>, reflects a long-standing partnership between Flinders University and MAGNT.



The research also honors the traditional custodians of the Naracoorte region, the Meintangk, Marditjali, and Potaruwutj peoples, and acknowledges the contributions of volunteers and students in collecting and preparing specimens.



The study marks an essential step in understanding the resilience of prehistoric kangaroos, their adaptable diet and the complex interplay of factors that led to the extinction of Australia’s megafauna.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq4340" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Prehistoric kangaroos changed their diets to survive climate change

For many years, scientists believed that prehistoric kangaroos in Australia...

Robots are transforming the way nursing homes tackle critical challenges like employee turnover and a shrinking workforce in an aging world. 



These innovative helpers are stepping in to assist with essential care tasks, offering solutions to ease the burden on caregivers. 



A new study from the <a href="https://www.nd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Notre Dame</a> sheds light on the profound impact of robots on worker retention, productivity, and patient outcomes in nursing homes. The research provides important insights into the future of care.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-robots-in-long-term-care">Role of robots in long-term care</h2>



The study was led by Yong Suk Lee, an associate professor of technology, economy, and global affairs at Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs.



While most research on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-hula-hooping-inspires-robotics-and-energy-efficiency/">robotics</a> has focused on industrial sectors, Lee’s work broke new ground by analyzing the role of robots in long-term care. 



The team studied data from Japanese nursing homes collected in 2020 and 2022. This setting was chosen for its relevance to the challenges faced by rapidly aging populations.



“Our research focused on Japan because it is a super-aging society that provides a good example of what the future could entail elsewhere - a declining population, a growing share of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/older-adults-make-decisions-and-take-risks-just-like-young-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">senior citizens</a>, and a declining share of working-age people,” Lee explained. “We need to be ready for this new reality.”



By 2050, the number of U.S. residents aged 65 or older is expected to reach 88.5 million, making the study's findings particularly timely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-specific-care-needs">Addressing specific care needs</h2>



The study identified three main types of robots commonly used in nursing homes, each designed to address specific care needs. 



Transfer robots assist nurses with physically demanding tasks such as lifting, moving, and rotating patients - reducing the strain on caregivers.



Mobility robots enhance patients' independence by helping them move around and assisting with activities like bathing. 



Meanwhile, monitoring and communication robots leverage advanced technologies, including computer vision, to track patient data and relay vital information to caregivers, ensuring timely and efficient care.



Lee’s findings revealed that adopting these robots complemented care workers, notably by reducing quit rates, which is a significant issue in nursing homes.



“Turnover is a big concern in nursing homes,” Lee said. “Workers typically experience a great deal of physical pain, particularly in their knees and back. The work is hard, and the pay is low. So robot use was associated with employee retention.”



While robot adoption led to an overall employment increase, it also sparked changes in workforce dynamics. These changes included a higher demand for part-time, less experienced employees and a decline in demand for highly experienced workers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-robots-improve-patient-care">How robots improve patient care</h2>



The research also highlighted the benefits for patients. Nursing homes with robots reported reduced use of patient restraints and fewer instances of pressure ulcers, both key indicators of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-future-of-ai-enhancing-patient-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patient care</a> quality.



These improvements stemmed from reducing the physical strain on workers, allowing them to focus on tasks better suited to human empathy and dexterity.



“Robots can improve productivity by shifting the tasks performed by care workers to those involving human touch, empathy, and dexterity,” Lee noted. “Ultimately, robots can help workers provide a higher level of patient care.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-robots-in-care-settings">The future of robots in care settings </h2>



Lee’s study highlights the broader implications of robotics in care settings. 



“This research provides critical insights into how societies can successfully navigate the challenges of caring for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-migration-patterns-will-result-in-rapidly-aging-coastal-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging populations</a>,” Lee said. “It will help inform the work of the long-term care industry and help us better understand how technologies impact workers and patients.”



The research was co-authored with Toshiaki Iizuka from the University of Tokyo and Karen Eggleston from Stanford University. 



The work is part of Lee’s broader exploration into how technologies like robotics and artificial intelligence influence inequality and the future of work.



The study also highlights the importance of cross-institutional collaboration in addressing global challenges, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to harness technology for societal benefit.



As societies worldwide prepare for the realities of aging populations, the findings offer a roadmap for integrating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-predict-health-deterioration-in-hospital-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technology into care settings</a> to enhance both worker and patient experiences.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0927537124001623" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Labour Economics</a>.



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A glimpse of the future: Robots in nursing homes

Robots are transforming the way nursing homes tackle critical challenges...

Being in shape and maintaining fitness play a bigger role in health and survival than many once believed. Recent findings suggest that excess weight and a larger body size may not always carry the risks people assume - as long as there is enough aerobic activity to keep the cardiovascular system strong.



Looking at past data, researchers noticed that individuals who were heavier but maintained strong fitness levels often had lower chances of dying prematurely compared with thinner people who rarely exercised.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weight-doesn-t-reveal-true-health-risks">Weight doesn’t reveal true health risks</h2>



Weight on its own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-and-bmi-do-not-accurately-reflect-a-persons-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">does not give the full picture</a>. A person with a normal body mass index (<a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMI</a>) but poor endurance can face similar or even higher mortality risks than someone who is heavier but regularly engages in moderate physical activity.



This perspective shifts the focus away from the number on the scale toward basic aerobic conditioning. This idea is reinforced by the study’s senior author, Siddhartha Angadi, an exercise physiologist at the <a href="https://www.virginia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fitness-reduces-risks-even-with-extra-weight">Fitness reduces risks, even with extra weight</h2>



“This tells us that it’s much more important, all things considered, to focus on the fitness aspect of health and longevity, rather than the fatness aspect,” said Angadi.



Among individuals carrying extra weight, those who managed to stay active were about half as likely to die young as those who were slim but unfit.



The experts explain that regular aerobic exercise, even in moderate doses, appears to strengthen the heart, lungs, and muscles enough to neutralize a portion of the risks typically linked to higher weight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fit-but-heavier-people-live-longer">Fit but heavier people live longer</h2>



The researchers combined data from multiple sources to see how body size and fitness related to early death. Using <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16984-exercise-stress-test" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress tests</a> and direct BMI measurements, they tracked who later died and compared rates across different groups. 



One major pattern emerged: thin but inactive individuals had a greater chance of dying prematurely compared with heavier individuals who logged consistent exercise time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-walks-make-a-difference">Short walks make a difference</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-term-exercise-can-make-belly-fat-healthy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Increasing aerobic capacity</a> does not require over-the-top workouts. The researchers note that brisk walking in the neighborhood or on a treadmill can be enough to move a person into a safer category if they have been getting little to no activity before.



Walking at a speed that allows you to talk but not sing is often described as moderate. This straightforward approach lowers the odds of early death by improving heart function, managing blood sugar, and helping the body respond better to everyday stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fitness-is-a-better-health-indicator-than-weight">Fitness is a better health indicator than weight</h2>



Body mass index can show general <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-loss-drugs-could-save-an-enormous-number-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weight</a> categories, but it does not illuminate how strong or aerobically capable a person is. 



According to a <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa012512" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> from the <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/about-niddk/research-areas/diabetes/diabetes-prevention-program-dpp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diabetes Prevention Program</a>, simply getting active can reduce the likelihood of developing serious health problems such as diabetes by 58% among at-risk people, regardless of whether they hit a certain weight target.



This strategy can be more motivating than aiming for a particular number on the scale, since strength and fitness gains often come faster than weight loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regular-activity-is-better-than-dieting">Regular activity is better than dieting</h2>



Experts say maintaining a baseline level of aerobic conditioning can keep health risks in check, even for people <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/obesity#tab=tab_1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">classified</a> as overweight or obese. Routine physical activity supports essential bodily functions that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diet-tracking-does-not-have-to-be-perfect-to-promote-weight-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dieting</a> alone may not fully address.&nbsp;



While some people may choose to lose weight for comfort or other reasons, building enough endurance to get out of the lowest fitness bracket could protect against many age-related health issues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fitness-level-can-guide-better-decisions">Fitness level can guide better decisions</h2>



Endurance tests provide a practical way to see where a person stands in terms of aerobic fitness. A short visit to a doctor or a sports medicine lab can reveal how well the body handles stress tests.&nbsp;



By understanding these numbers, people can tweak exercise routines to get the biggest benefit in the shortest time. 



Once an individual falls into a safe fitness zone, concerns about being a bit heavier tend to matter less from a survival standpoint.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focusing-more-on-fitness-than-weight">Focusing more on fitness than weight</h2>



According to the researchers, higher aerobic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-in-a-pill-is-now-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">capacity</a> offers a strong layer of protection against issues like cardiovascular disease and early death.



Short, moderate activities such as active gardening, walking the dog, or using the stairs help build that capacity. Over time, this can lead to bigger improvements in heart health than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ditch-the-diet-trends-for-a-healthier-relationship-with-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a> that focus only on cutting calories.



The study is published in the <a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2024/11/07/bjsports-2024-108748" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Journal of Sports Medicine</a>.



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Fitness is far more important than weight for living a healthy life

Being in shape and maintaining fitness play a bigger role...

Concussions and repeated head injuries are no longer seen as mere occupational hazards of contact sports; they are now recognized as serious health concerns.&nbsp;



Recent research from <a href="https://www.tufts.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tufts University</a> and the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> reveals a potential link between head trauma and the activation of dormant viruses in the brain, which may lead to long-term neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.&nbsp;



The findings, published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scisignal.ado6430" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Signaling</a>, suggest that early preventive treatments using antiviral drugs could help mitigate these risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-threat-of-dormant-viruses">Hidden threat of dormant viruses</h2>



Our bodies host many dormant viruses, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cold-sores-and-dementia-the-unexpected-connection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herpes simplex virus 1</a> (HSV-1) and varicella-zoster virus, which commonly reside in neurons and glial cells without causing harm.&nbsp;



Dana Cairns, lead author and research associate in Tufts University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, explained her previous findings.



“In that study, another virus - varicella - created the inflammatory conditions that activated HSV-1. We thought, what would happen if we subjected the brain tissue model to a physical disruption, something akin to a concussion? Would HSV-1 wake up and start the process of neurodegeneration?” 



This question drove the new study, which investigates how concussions might trigger these latent viruses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mimicking-brain-trauma-in-the-lab">Mimicking brain trauma in the lab</h2>



To explore this, the researchers developed a unique brain tissue model. This model is a 6mm wide, donut-shaped sponge made of silk protein and collagen, infused with neural stem cells.&nbsp;



The stem cells matured into neurons and glial cells, forming a network similar to that of a real brain, and some even harbored dormant HSV-1. The team simulated a concussion by enclosing the model in a cylinder and delivering a sudden jolt with a piston.



After subjecting the tissue to this controlled shock, Cairns observed that in models containing HSV-1, the virus reactivated.&nbsp;



Following this reactivation, the tissue began to exhibit key markers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-disease-attacks-the-brain-in-two-separate-phases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s disease</a>: amyloid plaques, tau protein tangles, inflammation, neuronal death, and a surge in glial cells - a condition known as gliosis. Repeated shocks intensified these effects.&nbsp;



In contrast, tissue models without HSV-1 showed only minor gliosis and no other Alzheimer's indicators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concussions-and-dormant-viruses-nbsp">Concussions and dormant viruses&nbsp;</h2>



The results strongly indicate that concussions might awaken dormant viruses in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/concussions-alter-brain-signals-that-are-crucial-for-memory-and-focus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a>, potentially leading to neurodegenerative conditions over time. 



“This opens the question as to whether antiviral drugs or anti-inflammatory agents might be useful as early preventive treatments after head trauma to stop HSV-1 activation in its tracks, and lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease,” Cairns said.&nbsp;



This points to a potential new direction in post-concussion care, aiming to prevent the long-term damage often linked to repeated head injuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-breakthrough-brain-model">A breakthrough brain model</h2>



David Kaplan, Stern Family Endowed Professor of Engineering at Tufts and co-author of the study, highlighted the significance of their lab-based brain model.&nbsp;



“The brain tissue model takes us to another level in investigating these connections between injury, infection, and Alzheimer’s disease,” he said.&nbsp;



This model allows researchers to recreate a realistic brain environment in which they can monitor virus behavior, plaque formation, and inflammatory responses in response to simulated trauma.



“There is a lot of epidemiological evidence about environmental and other links to the risk of Alzheimer’s. The tissue model will help us put that information on a mechanistic footing and provide a starting point for testing new drugs,” he added.&nbsp;



The model thus serves as a crucial tool in bridging the gap between large-scale health data and the specific biological processes that underlie neurodegenerative diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targeted-interventions-for-concussions">Targeted interventions for concussions </h2>



The study’s findings underscore the potential for antiviral or anti-inflammatory treatments following head injuries to prevent the reactivation of latent viruses like HSV-1.&nbsp;



This approach could reduce the risk of developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-grounds-could-help-prevent-neurodegenerative-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurodegenerative diseases</a> later in life. Moreover, the research highlights the broader importance of understanding how environmental factors and bodily responses interplay after trauma.



As scientists continue to refine these brain models and further investigate how concussions affect brain chemistry, they hope to develop targeted interventions.&nbsp;



Such advancements could not only benefit athletes but also countless individuals worldwide who suffer from traumatic brain injuries, potentially transforming post-injury care and long-term health outcomes.



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Human brains hold dormant viruses that come to life if you hit your head

Concussions and repeated head injuries are no longer seen as...

Different,Types,Of,Non-dairy,Milk

Vegans who replace cow's milk with soy, almond, or other plant-based alternatives may face a higher chance of mental issues like depression and anxiety than individuals who drink cow’s milk regularly.



This finding emerged from a recent investigation of lifestyle patterns and mental health outcomes among hundreds of thousands of adults in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-well-being-of-milk-drinkers">Mental well-being of milk drinkers</h2>



Scientists explored how different milk types might be linked to mental and emotional well-being over more than a decade. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-gmo-plants-make-baby-formula-healthy-as-breast-milk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milk</a> is consumed by <a href="https://www.fao.org/dairy-production-products/products/milk-and-milk-products/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">billions of people</a> worldwide, making it a major part of daily diets.&nbsp;After reviewing participants’ intake habits, researchers noted intriguing contrasts in mental health. 



One group that stood out was semi-skimmed milk drinkers. According to data, they had lower rates of both anxiety and depression when compared to those who either consumed full-fat or plant-based alternatives. 



This observation piqued the interest of <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Chunyan-Wu-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Chunying Wu</a> from <a href="https://portal.smu.edu.cn/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Medical University</a>, who authored the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-to-non-dairy-beverages">Shifting to non-dairy beverages</h2>



In recent years, many individuals have turned to non-dairy beverages. They cite environmental, health, or ethical concerns in their decision to avoid traditional cow’s milk. 



Yet <a href="https://www.mfat.govt.nz/assets/Trade-General/Trade-Market-reports/Milk-alternatives-popularity-growing-in-the-US-February-2022.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> suggests some of these milk alternatives may not provide the same mental health benefits. One explanation involves nutritional content.&nbsp;



“Milk is a rich source of nutrients such as lactose, lipids, protein, and minerals, which are essential for maintaining human health,” wrote the scientists from Southern Medical University. 



Plant-based options, on the other hand, often differ in protein levels and might include added ingredients that influence mood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calcium-and-serotonin">Calcium and serotonin</h2>



Researchers found that cow’s milk <a href="https://www.adsa.org/About-ADSA/Media/Serotonin-found-to-be-an-important-factor-in-calcium-homeostasis-in-dairy-cows-November-16-2021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delivers calcium</a> in a form that supports pathways involved in serotonin production. Serotonin, sometimes called the body’s “feel-good” molecule, helps regulate mood and stress responses.&nbsp;



“Serotonin is a chemical that plays a role in the brain with respect to mood and mental health. The most popular group of antidepressant medications promotes the absorption of serotonin,” the authors explained.&nbsp;



As a result, consistent calcium intake can potentially improve these natural coping mechanisms. Some plant-based milks also offer calcium, but the level and bioavailability may vary.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saturated-versus-unsaturated-fats">Saturated versus unsaturated fats</h2>



Milk is rich in saturated fats. Semi-skimmed milk reduces the proportion of these fats but still retains valuable fatty acids that might help protect the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11211382/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a>. 



Compared to the full-fat version, semi-skimmed appears to occupy a middle ground of moderate fat content without the potential drawbacks of excess saturated fat.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, plant-based milk alternatives can sometimes include added sugars or other compounds that may have unexpected effects on mental well-being. 



These additives, while often enhancing taste or texture, may inadvertently interfere with the body's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breast-milk-lowers-asthma-risk-in-babies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural hormone regulation</a>, potentially impacting emotional stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impact-on-dopamine">Potential impact on dopamine</h2>



In addition to serotonin, <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dopamine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dopamine</a> plays a key part in focus and reward-related behavior. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4850606/#:~:text=Recent%20research%20has%20shown%20that,to%20be%20vulnerable%20to%20dysregulation." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> have suggested that high levels of certain saturated fats can alter dopamine signaling, which may contribute to mood disorders.&nbsp;



Semi-skimmed milk, with its reduced saturated fat, may avoid some of these mental effects and maintain a healthier balance of essential nutrients. 



Scientists suggest this balance could hold the key to the lower rates of depression and anxiety seen among semi-skimmed milk consumers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varied-mental-health-benefits-of-milk">Varied mental health benefits of milk</h2>



While findings point to fewer mood challenges for people who choose semi-skimmed over other varieties, each individual’s mental health picture depends on much more than beverage choice. 



Genetics, life stressors, sleep, and socioeconomic circumstances all contribute.&nbsp;



Researchers emphasize that food-related decisions are just one facet of psychological well-being. They recommend that people remain mindful of their overall habits and consult healthcare professionals when making major dietary shifts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-considerations">Practical considerations</h2>



Experts often promote a balanced diet that combines fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and moderate dairy. Semi-skimmed milk could fit neatly into many people’s meal plans.&nbsp;



Individuals who prefer plant-based options may benefit from checking labels for calcium and protein levels, as well as added substances. 



Though no single approach will suit everyone, looking at subtle dietary factors might pay off for those hoping to support a healthy outlook.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-milk-s-mental-benefits">Future research on milk's mental benefits</h2>



Additional research may help clarify whether semi-skimmed milk truly provides extra mental health benefits.



Controlled clinical trials could investigate how this option affects depression or anxiety in different subgroups, such as older adults or those with pre-existing conditions.&nbsp;



Researchers also <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7178197/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">note</a> that genetics can make some people more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/raw-milk-could-carry-deadly-flu-viruses-for-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vulnerable</a> to certain dietary impacts. A closer look at these details might inform tailored recommendations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead">Looking ahead</h2>



Many are interested in how small tweaks to daily meals might lift or lower spirits. 



This study urges people to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-raw-milk-health-hazard-pasteurization-important/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pay attention to milk</a> choice, especially if they already feel down or tense. Substituting semi-skimmed for full-fat or plant-based beverages could make a subtle difference for some.&nbsp;



Experts look forward to future work that explores how simple changes in milk type and eating patterns might support better mental well-being. Further investigation of these connections may help people shape diets that support mental balance.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1435435/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Nutrition</a>.



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Some types of plant-based milk are linked to mental disorders like depression

Vegans who replace cow's milk with soy, almond, or other...

Billions of years ago, in the icy outskirts of our solar system, two celestial bodies collided. Instead of a catastrophic destruction, they united briefly, spinning together like a cosmic snowman. This "kiss and capture" scenario led to the formation of Pluto and its moon, Charon, as we know them today. 



A recent study from the University of Arizona has challenged long-held assumptions, shedding light on how these two icy worlds became a binary system.



Adeene Denton, a NASA postdoctoral fellow at the U of A Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, led the research. Her team revealed an overlooked factor in planetary collision models: the structural strength of rock and ice in small, cold worlds like Pluto and Charon. 



“Pluto and Charon are different - they're smaller, colder, and made primarily of rock and ice. When we accounted for the actual strength of these materials, we discovered something completely unexpected,” Denton explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pluto-and-charon-s-unique-collision">Pluto and Charon’s unique collision</h2>



For many years, scientists thought Charon, Pluto’s largest moon, formed in a way similar to Earth’s moon. They believed a massive collision caused the bodies to deform and stretch, behaving like molten or fluid materials. 



This model worked for Earth and its moon because of the high temperatures and larger masses involved, which allowed the materials to flow and reshape easily.



However, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pluto-may-not-be-real-planet-but-has-real-big-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pluto</a> and Charon are smaller, colder, and primarily composed of ice and rock, which are much more rigid than molten material. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kiss-and-capture-mechanism">Kiss and capture mechanism</h2>



Using advanced computer simulations, the researchers discovered that when Pluto and proto-Charon collided, they didn’t behave like fluids. Instead, they temporarily stuck together, forming a snowman-shaped structure.



Over time, they separated but remained gravitationally linked, creating the binary system we observe today. This unique "kiss and capture" process differs significantly from traditional models of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/its-official-earth-now-has-two-moons-captured-asteroid-2024-pt5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a> formation.



"Most planetary collision scenarios are classified as 'hit and run' or 'graze and merge.' What we've discovered is something entirely different – a 'kiss and capture' scenario," said Denton. 



Unlike traditional models, this mechanism placed Charon in a stable orbit around Pluto, perfectly matching observations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserved-integrity-and-internal-heating">Preserved integrity and internal heating</h2>



The study also revealed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-objects-spotted-in-the-outer-solar-system-beyond-pluto/">Pluto</a> and Charon remained mostly intact during their collision. This preservation of original composition challenges older models suggesting extensive mixing and deformation. 



Additionally, the collision generated tidal forces that deposited significant heat into both bodies. This heating may have enabled Pluto to develop a subsurface ocean without requiring early solar system conditions that troubled past theories.



“The compelling thing about this study is that the model parameters that work to capture Charon end up putting it in the right orbit. You get two things right for the price of one,” noted Erik Asphaug, senior author of the study.



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



This discovery paves the way for new research into Pluto and Charon's formation and evolution. The team plans to study how tidal forces - created as the two bodies separated after their collision - affected their early development.



The experts aim to understand how this impact influenced Pluto’s surface features, such as its mountains and plains, and whether it contributed to the formation of a subsurface ocean.



Additionally, researchers want to explore whether similar "kiss and capture" processes could explain the creation of other binary systems in the universe. 



According to Denton, understanding how the collision’s aftermath shaped Pluto’s geology could reveal more about its surface and internal structure.



This work may shed light on the broader mechanisms driving planetary formation and evolution in icy, distant regions of the solar system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pluto-and-charon-reshape-planetary-system-theories">Pluto and Charon reshape planetary system theories</h2>



The "kiss and capture" origin story of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pluto-got-its-heart-in-a-violent-collision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pluto</a> and Charon challenges older theories about how planetary systems form. It introduces a new way to think about collisions in space, showing how two bodies can briefly stick together before settling into a stable orbit. 



This discovery changes how we understand not only Pluto and Charon’s history but also how similar systems might have formed throughout the universe. 



By exploring this idea further, scientists hope to uncover more about the processes that shape planets, moons, and other celestial bodies - offering fresh insights into the mysteries of our solar system and beyond.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01612-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Pluto and Charon formed through a 'kiss and capture' collision

Billions of years ago, in the icy outskirts of our...

The world watches as the Great Salt Lake, one of Earth's largest saline lakes, deteriorates. 



Over the past 30 years, the lake has lost a staggering 15 billion cubic yards (11.4 billion cubic meters) of water. It has grown shallower at the rate of 4 inches (10 cm) each year.



This rapid depletion isn't a natural mystery. Decades of unsustainable water diversion, combined with increasing demand and a changing climate, have pushed the lake to a breaking point.



Agriculture is a major contributor to this dire situation, particularly in the case of livestock feed crops.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-depletion-of-great-salt-lake">Rapid depletion of Great Salt Lake </h2>



A recent study published in the journal Environmental Challenges reveals a shocking statistic. Approximately 62% of the river water heading towards Great Salt Lake gets diverted for human usage.



Agricultural activities are the primary culprits, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the water diverted.



“The research highlights the alarming role of water consumption for feeding livestock in driving the lake’s rapid depletion," explained William Ripple, a professor of ecology at <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a> and co-author of the study.



Almost 80% of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agricultural-water-scarcity-is-about-to-get-much-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agricultural water</a> use is for irrigating alfalfa and hay crops - the primary feed for livestock.



This level of diversion not only depletes the lake's vital inflows but also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of current agricultural practices in the region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-great-salt-lake">Significance of Great Salt Lake</h2>



The importance of Great Salt Lake extends far beyond its beauty or agricultural use.



As one of the world's largest saline lakes, it plays important ecological, economic, cultural, and spiritual roles - all of which are in grave danger due to the dramatic <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-great-salt-lake-has-reached-historically-low-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decline in lake levels</a> during the past decades.



Data from the Utah Division of Water Resources shows a disturbing trend. From 1989 to 2022, consumption and evaporation consistently outpaced inflows from river water and precipitation.



This imbalance has created an annual deficit of approximately 500 million cubic yards (380 cubic meters), which has further accelerated the lake's decline.



The water budget has faced a persistent deficit for most of the past century. The situation has been exacerbated by the growing impacts of climate change and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-has-caused-crisis-levels-of-food-and-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prolonged drought</a>, according to the researchers.



“Abnormally large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snowmelt-changes-may-greatly-affect-farmers-in-western-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowmelt</a> inflow during the 1980s and 1990s served to temporarily obscure the long-term decline in lake levels, and the lake actually reached its highest level in more than a century in 1987,” explained Professor Ripple. “But it has been dropping by roughly 4 inches per year on average since then.”



Great Salt Lake is the largest saline lake in the Western Hemisphere and ranks eighth globally. Its 21,000-square-mile drainage basin, which includes the Wasatch Mountains, relies heavily on snowfall for water replenishment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-from-declining-lake-levels">Threats from declining lake levels</h2>



Great Salt Lake is also a biodiversity hotspot, hosting over 10 million migrating birds and an estimated 350 different species of birds. These habitats are threatened by declining lake levels.



In addition, the lake creates $2.5 billion in annual economic activity. Recreation, mining, and the harvesting of brine shrimp support more than 9,000 jobs. As salinity levels increase, however, brine shrimp experience extreme stress.



Human health also suffers as the Lake shrinks, with wind-carried <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-salt-lake-drying-up-causing-major-dust-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust from the exposed saline lakebed</a> causing a range of pulmonary problems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-great-salt-lake">Saving Great Salt Lake</h2>



To halt this alarming trend and start refilling the lake, a 35% reduction of human water consumption in the Great Salt Lake watershed by 35% has been proposed.



This includes a significant cut in irrigated alfalfa production, a fallowing of much of the region’s irrigated grass hay fields, and taxpayer-funded compensation for affected farmers and ranchers.



Conservation measures such as crop shifting, reducing municipal and industrial use, and leasing water rights from irrigators have also been proposed.



The impacts of these changes will be significant, and will affect as many as 20,000 farmers and ranchers in the basin. However, the situation presents an opportunity to set a precedent for addressing water scarcity globally.



“The economic and cultural adjustments required are significant but not insurmountable. With the right policies and public support, we can secure a sustainable future for the Great Salt Lake and set a precedent for addressing water scarcity globally,” concluded Professor Ripple.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2667010024002312" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Challenges</a>.



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Great Salt Lake: Agriculture is draining a natural wonder

The world watches as the Great Salt Lake, one of...

Pawpaws, the largest native fruit in North America, have become a favorite among foragers and food enthusiasts. 



Found in their characteristic dense patches, they are known for their creamy, custard-like texture and sweet flavor - described as a mix of mango and banana - and offer a unique culinary experience.



However, the ecological impact of pawpaws extends far beyond their popularity as a delicious treat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pawpaw-patches-take-over-the-forest">Pawpaw patches take over the forest</h2>



Pawpaws, the state fruit tree of Missouri, naturally grow in groups called patches. These patches form because pawpaw trees can reproduce clonally, meaning they spread through their roots.



New stems grow from these roots, close to the original tree, in a way similar to how aspen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diversity-darkspots-need-urgent-attention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> create groves. This process allows a single pawpaw tree to establish a larger group of genetically identical trees, which is why these patches are often celebrated in American folk songs.



However, these patches don’t just grow - they take over. Pawpaw trees spread quickly, creating dense clusters that dominate the forest understory.



Their thick growth and clonal expansion leave little space or resources for other plants to thrive, effectively reducing plant diversity and altering the local ecosystem. While these patches are great for pawpaws, they can significantly limit the growth of other species around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pawpaws-effect-on-plant-diversity">Pawpaws’ effect on plant diversity</h2>



New research from <a href="https://washu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University</a> in St. Louis highlights how pawpaw patches influence biodiversity.



“Pawpaws create a habitat where the rules of competition are more random than when they’re absent,” noted Anna Wassel, a graduate student and lead author of the study.



The researchers found that pawpaw patches have a significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-diverse-crops-traps-carbon-and-boosts-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact on plant diversity</a> within their boundaries. Specifically, the variety of herbaceous plants, which include smaller, non-woody species like grasses and wildflowers, was 49% lower inside pawpaw patches compared to areas outside.



This indicates that nearly half of the usual types of these plants struggle to survive in the environment created by pawpaw trees. The dense shade and competitive conditions within the patches make it difficult for many plant species to thrive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pawpaw-patches-decrease-plant-density">Pawpaw patches decrease plant density</h2>



In addition to reduced diversity, the total density of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-shaped-plant-biodiversity-for-thousands-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> - combining both woody species like shrubs and herbaceous species - was found to be 29% lower inside pawpaw patches.



This means not only are there fewer types of plants, but also fewer individual plants overall. The dominance of pawpaw trees and their resource consumption leave less room and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plant-diversity-can-help-combat-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fewer resources for other plants to grow</a>.



The study also revealed that pawpaw patches increase the randomness of which plants survive, particularly at larger scales. 



In typical forest ecosystems, plants compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients in predictable ways, with certain species better adapted to the conditions prevailing. However, inside pawpaw patches, these usual rules of competition break down. 



The survival of plants becomes more random, disrupting the natural balance of the ecosystem. This unpredictability makes it harder for a stable and diverse plant community to form within pawpaw-dominated areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-pawpaw-patches-ruin-other-plants">Why pawpaw patches ruin other plants</h2>



Pawpaw trees have a strong ability to outcompete other plants, thanks to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-in-dry-landscapes-have-surprising-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">several factors</a>. 



Their large, tropical-looking leaves create dense shade, blocking sunlight that many smaller plants need to grow. Without enough light, these plants struggle to survive and thrive under the pawpaw canopy.



Additionally, pawpaw trees spread through underground roots and produce multiple stems in one area. This high stem density increases competition for soil nutrients and water, leaving fewer resources for other plants in the vicinity.



Another factor is that deer tend to avoid eating pawpaw trees. Instead, they graze on other plants nearby, further reducing the variety of plant species in and around pawpaw patches. 



This combination of shading, resource competition, and selective deer browsing makes pawpaw patches a tough environment for other plants to grow - significantly lowering local biodiversity.



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



The study’s findings offer important lessons for managing forest ecosystems. 



“If you are monitoring a plot of land with the aim to encourage the growth of understory species, unfortunately, pawpaws are not your friends,” Wassel noted. 



The dominance and unpredictability of pawpaw patches make them a challenge for land managers focused on promoting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/islands-are-home-to-one-third-of-all-known-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant diversity</a>.



However, for those interested in harvesting pawpaw fruit, the approach is different. To ensure cross-pollination and healthy fruit production, managers should encourage as many genetically distinct patches as possible.



“The presence of pawpaws is never inherently good or bad, it’s just natural. Nature’s goals are never as linear as ours,” noted Wassel.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.70115" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecosphere</a>.



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Pawpaw trees form dense patches that outcompete other plants

Pawpaws, the largest native fruit in North America, have become...

When you think of macaws or parrots, the word "copycat" may come to mind. These charismatic birds have long been celebrated for their vocal mimicry skills, imitating human speech and other sounds with impressive accuracy.



An international team of researchers has recently uncovered an entirely new level to this mimicry. This time, it's about movement, not voice.



The study was led by Dr. Esha Haldar from the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence in collaboration with the Loro Parque Fundación.



The blue-throated macaw, a critically endangered species, turns out to be just as adept at copying physical actions as it is sounds. 



The scientists discovered this after testing the macaws' ability to imitate intransitive actions - movements that do not involve a physical object or specific outcome. Until now, this type of mimicry was thought to be unique to humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imitation-and-cultural-evolution">Imitation and cultural evolution</h2>



Imitation of intransitive actions - those without specific goals - has long been a cornerstone of human cultural evolution.



From transmitting technical skills to adopting cultural conventions, humans excel at copying gestures with remarkable fidelity. This promotes social bonding and prosocial behavior.



Previous studies have shown automatic imitation in animals like dogs and budgerigars, but only in object-directed actions. 



The macaw study marks the first evidence of automatic imitation of intransitive actions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-have-regional-accents-just-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-human species</a>, widening the lens on how imitation shapes social and cultural dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imitation-skills-of-macaws">Imitation skills of macaws </h2>



The researchers trained macaws to perform two specific actions - “lift leg” and “spread wings” - by responding to hand signals. After training, the birds were divided into two groups to test their ability to mimic or not mimic actions.



In the "compatible" group, macaws were rewarded when they copied the action of another macaw, such as lifting their leg when the demonstrator did so.



Macaws in the "incompatible" group were rewarded only when they performed the opposite action, such as spreading their wings when the demonstrator lifted its leg.



The results revealed a natural tendency for macaws to imitate others. Birds in the incompatible group struggled significantly to suppress their urge to mimic. They made more mistakes and took longer to respond compared to the compatible group, highlighting their instinct for automatic imitation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-automatic-imitation-and-mirror-neurons">Automatic imitation and mirror neurons </h2>



“The findings are remarkable because they show, for the first time, a non-human animal involuntary imitation of intransitive actions,” said Dr. Haldar.



In humans, automatic imitation is linked to&nbsp;mirror neurons, which are special brain cells that activate when a person observes an action and also when they perform the same action themselves. 



These neurons help humans understand and replicate behaviors, playing a key role in learning and social interactions.



Although this study does not directly prove that parrots, like macaws, have mirror neurons, their behavior strongly hints at it. The macaws' ability to mimic movements without conscious effort suggests that similar neural mechanisms might be at work, supporting their advanced imitation skills.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-macaw-imitation-and-conservation-efforts">Macaw imitation and conservation efforts</h2>



“These highly social animals live in dynamic groups. Automatic imitation may enhance integration into new groups and foster social cohesion. It could underpin the cultural transmission of group-specific behaviors,” noted Dr. Auguste von Bayern from <a href="https://www.bi.mpg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence</a>.



Such mimicry likely evolved independently in distantly related species, driven by similar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infanticide-or-adoption-why-parrots-kill-each-others-chicks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social and environmental needs</a>.



The blue-throated macaw’s ability to imitate has promising implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-relocated-caribbean-parrots-for-thousands-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a>.



With fewer than 350 individuals remaining in the wild, reintroduction projects could benefit from this trait. Captive-bred macaws might learn natural behaviors from wild conspecifics, accelerating adaptation to their natural environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-better-understanding-of-macaws">A better understanding of macaws</h2>



Loro Parque Fundación’s long-standing conservation efforts include raising 465 macaws in captivity and investing over $2 million in their protection. 



These findings add a new dimension to the foundation’s mission, paving the way for innovative strategies to ensure the survival of these stunning parrots.



This study highlights the macaws' cognitive brilliance and its potential role in shaping social and cultural behaviors. 



From conservation to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elusive-bird-night-parrot-pezoporus-occidentalis-thought-to-be-long-extinct-rediscovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary biology</a>, the findings open new doors to understanding the intricate lives of parrots and their remarkable similarities to humans.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(24)02741-X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



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Blue-throated macaws have human-like imitation skills

When you think of macaws or parrots, the word "copycat"...

Freshwater ecosystems, though they occupy less than 1% of Earth's surface, are incredibly rich in biodiversity. They provide habitats for more than 10% of all known species, making them critical to global ecological balance. 



Despite their small size, these ecosystems support a rich variety of species, including fish, dragonflies, crabs, and shrimp - many of which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance. 



However, a recent study has sounded an alarm, revealing that nearly 25% of species reliant on freshwater habitats face a high risk of extinction.



This troubling statistic comes from an analysis featured in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (<a href="https://iucn.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a>)&nbsp;Red List of Threatened Species, which assesses the extinction risks of thousands of species worldwide. 



These findings highlight an escalating crisis that threatens biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the countless communities that depend on freshwater resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-freshwater-species-at-risk">Freshwater species at risk</h2>



A global assessment of 23,496 freshwater species - including fish, dragonflies, crabs, and shrimp - has exposed a critical biodiversity crisis. The study found that 24% of these species - approximately 4,294 - are at high risk of extinction.



Of the groups studied, crabs, crayfish, and shrimp are the most at risk - with 30% classified as endangered. Freshwater fish face a similarly dire situation, with 26% threatened, while 16% of dragonflies and damselflies are also in danger.



The key factors behind these alarming trends include pollution from agriculture and urban runoff; habitat loss caused by land conversion, dam construction, water extraction; and the spread of invasive species that prey on or outcompete native populations.



The findings highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts to address these threats and protect the vital biodiversity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-a-sudden-drop-in-global-freshwater-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater ecosystems</a>.



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



The threats facing freshwater ecosystems arise from multiple human activities, each significantly impacting biodiversity.



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



Over half of the threats to freshwater species come from pollutants released by agriculture and forestry. Agricultural runoff containing pesticides, fertilizers, and sediments pollutes water bodies, while forestry operations contribute to soil erosion and chemical contamination.



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



Human-driven changes to landscapes, such as converting natural habitats into agricultural or urban areas, severely disrupt ecosystems. Water extraction for irrigation and industrial use reduces water availability, while dams block fish migration routes and alter natural water flow.



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



Non-native species introduced to freshwater ecosystems often outcompete native species for resources or prey on them directly. This disrupts the ecological balance, pushing many native species toward extinction.



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



Unsustainable fishing practices, such as overharvesting or using destructive fishing techniques, deplete freshwater species populations. This not only impacts biodiversity but also jeopardizes food security for communities relying on these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/distress-signals-earths-water-cycle-is-becoming-more-erratic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resources</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-hotspots-of-threatened-species">Global hotspots of threatened species</h2>



The study highlights regions with the highest number of endangered freshwater species, including parts of Africa, South America, and India.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lake-victoria-africa">Lake Victoria (Africa)</h3>



As Africa's largest lake, Lake Victoria is a biodiversity-rich ecosystem supporting numerous unique species. 



However, it is under immense pressure from pollution, overfishing, invasive species, and habitat degradation - threatening the survival of its aquatic life.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lake-titicaca-south-america">Lake Titicaca (South America)</h3>



Straddling Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is home to many vulnerable freshwater species. Habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species pose significant risks to its unique biodiversity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sri-lanka-s-wet-zone">Sri Lanka’s Wet Zone</h3>



This region, characterized by its lush freshwater habitats, supports an incredible diversity of aquatic life. However, land conversion, pollution, and human encroachment are endangering this once-thriving haven for freshwater biodiversity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-western-ghats-india">Western Ghats (India)</h3>



Recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, the Western Ghats are home to a vast array of freshwater species. 



Despite its ecological significance, the region faces mounting pressures from deforestation, agricultural expansion, pollution, and dam construction, threatening its rich biodiversity.



These regions highlight the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts to protect their unique and endangered freshwater ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-impact-of-wetland-loss">Broader impact of wetland loss</h2>



Between 1970 and 2015, the world experienced the loss of&nbsp;35% of its wetlands. This staggering rate of decline is three times faster than the loss of forests during the same period.



Wetlands, which include marshes, swamps, and bogs, are vital ecosystems that provide habitat for diverse species, regulate water cycles, and offer flood control.



Simultaneously, many of the world's major rivers, such as the&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;in South America and the&nbsp;Ganges&nbsp;in South Asia, have been significantly altered. These rivers, once free-flowing, now face disruptions due to dams, water extraction, and other human activities. 



The loss of natural flow patterns in these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-amount-of-water-do-earths-rivers-hold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a> further threatens aquatic ecosystems by fragmenting habitats, altering water quality, and disrupting the life cycles of fish and other species dependent on uninterrupted water systems.



This combined loss of wetlands and free-flowing rivers has profound implications for biodiversity, water security, and the health of ecosystems globally. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-freshwater-ecosystems-from-extinction">Saving freshwater ecosystems from extinction</h2>



Catherine Sayer, lead author of the study, emphasized the urgent need for conservation and restoration efforts. "Freshwater landscapes are home to 10% of all known species on Earth and key for billions of people's safe drinking water, livelihoods, flood control, and climate change mitigation, and must be protected for nature and people alike," said Sayer.



The loss of freshwater biodiversity is not just a conservation crisis - it’s a threat to humanity. By protecting these vital ecosystems, we safeguard the future for countless species and the billions of people who depend on them.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08375-z#:~:text=Prevalent%20threats%20include%20pollution%2C%20dams,nitrogen)%20for%20threatened%20freshwater%20species." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Freshwater crisis: One in four species faces extinction

Freshwater ecosystems, though they occupy less than 1% of Earth's...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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

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