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...

Urban coyotes are thriving in cities, but not for the reasons one might expect. A recent study reveals that human-related factors, rather than access to natural habitats, have a stronger impact on their survival.&nbsp;



Researchers tracking coyotes in Chicago discovered that densely populated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-living-causes-chronic-stress-for-some-coyotes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human areas</a> are linked to longer coyote lifespans, overturning the conventional belief that wildlife fares better in more natural settings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-presence-plays-a-surprising-role">Human presence plays a surprising role</h2>



“What we found was really interesting, in that the societal characteristics seem to play a much more important role in predicting coyote survival time than the environmental characteristics,” said Emily Zepeda, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral scholar at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>.&nbsp;



“And then we found this positive effect of human population density on survival time. Both of those things are unexpected because we usually associate human activity with detrimental effects on wildlife.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-urban-coyote-research-project">The Urban Coyote Research Project</h2>



The study, recently published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11252-024-01643-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Urban Ecosystems</a>, stems from the Urban Coyote Research Project, a long-term study of coyote ecology in the Chicago Metropolitan Area.&nbsp;



This research, led by wildlife ecologist Stan Gehrt, has monitored the behavior and ecology of Chicago’s estimated 4,000 coyotes, offering rare insights into how they adapt to urban life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-coyote-survival">Tracking coyote survival</h2>



For this study, researchers analyzed movement data from 214 coyotes tracked between 2013 and 2021. Using the length of time each coyote was monitored as a proxy for survival, they evaluated societal and environmental factors such as neighborhood income, human density, road density, and proximity to parks.



The findings revealed that human population density positively influenced coyote survival. Coyotes in areas with low human density tended to have shorter lifespans, while those in densely populated areas lived longer. Interestingly, the interaction between income and density also played a role.&nbsp;



In low-density areas, income had little effect on survival, likely due to the lack of human presence. However, in moderate- to high-density neighborhoods, coyotes in lower-income areas were 1.5 times more likely to survive to age two than those in wealthier areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resources-and-competition-in-urban-settings">Resources and competition in urban settings</h2>



The researchers theorize that higher human population density provides urban coyotes with essential resources like food and shelter, helping them endure harsh conditions such as Chicago winters.&nbsp;



“We’ve hypothesized that population density may have a positive effect because it’s actually providing resources like human-related structures or food that allow coyotes to weather the harsh conditions of the winter, which is a major mortality factor for Chicago coyotes,” Zepeda explained.



However, these benefits may come at a cost in higher-income areas, where vegetation and better waste management can attract more coyotes, leading to increased competition and disease transmission.&nbsp;



“There might be more individuals in those areas, but survival time may be shorter there,” Zepeda said. “You might die younger in an area where there are a lot of competitors.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptability-of-coyotes">Adaptability of coyotes</h2>



Surprisingly, the study found no significant link between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-species-are-shifting-their-habitats-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural habitats</a> and coyote survival. Parks and nature preserves, often assumed to be ideal environments for coyotes, did not seem to offer a survival advantage.&nbsp;



“Anecdotally, we see really high densities of coyotes in nature preserves and urban parks. That’s often where you see coyotes in the city if you see them at all,” Zepeda said.



The researchers speculate that this finding could result from a variety of factors, including limitations in how habitat types are classified on city maps or more frequent hunting and trapping in natural areas.&nbsp;



Alternatively, it may highlight the adaptability of coyotes, which seem capable of thriving in urbanized environments despite their preference for natural habitats.&nbsp;



“It could speak to how adaptable they are that they might prefer natural habitat, but at least in terms of survival, they can do just as well in more urbanized areas,” Zepeda added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-societal-factors-and-urban-ecosystems">Societal factors and urban ecosystems</h2>



This study adds to growing evidence that societal factors affecting human populations also influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-biodiversity-is-not-a-luxury-it-is-attainable-for-everyone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban ecosystems</a>. The presence or absence of humans, combined with the conditions in which they live, may overshadow natural influences on wildlife survival.&nbsp;



Gehrt’s long-term research emphasizes the importance of understanding these dynamics as urban areas expand.



As urban ecosystems continue to evolve, studies like this provide critical insights into how wildlife interacts with human populations.&nbsp;



Further research could explore specific societal factors - such as waste management practices or public attitudes toward coyotes - and their influence on urban <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-disturbing-details-about-the-state-of-earths-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>.



By better understanding these relationships, cities can develop strategies to foster coexistence between humans and animals, creating urban environments where both can thrive.



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Coyotes live longer in densely populated human areas

Urban coyotes are thriving in cities, but not for the...

The,Beast

The volcano eruption at Mount Tambora in 1815, which is in present-day Indonesia, brought with it a climate chill so severe that it ruined harvests and took countless lives. Ash filled the sky, sunlight faded, and global temperatures plunged for months on end.



Today, experts say a large volcanic explosion of similar, or even bigger size, might strike again. This time, because we live in a warmer world, the global aftermath will likely be much worse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcano-eruptions-in-modern-times">Volcano eruptions in modern times</h2>



In 1816, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-cooling-not-warming-caused-a-major-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intense cold</a> created what some called a <a href="https://www.masshist.org/beehiveblog/2016/11/1815-the-year-without-a-summer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">year without a summer</a>. Crops withered, people starved, and entire communities faced desperate conditions. That moment in history stands out because it reveals how far-reaching a single event can be. 



Modern civilization seems stronger, but the planet’s population has grown to more than eight billion, and climate change has warmed the Earth. We are no longer dealing with the same environment that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Tambora" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mount Tambora</a> affected two centuries ago. “The question is not if, but when. The next massive eruption will cause climate chaos, and humanity does not have any plan,” said <a href="https://www.unige.ch/sciences/terre/en/people/dst/professors/markus-stoffel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Markus Stoffel</a>, a climate professor at the <a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Geneva</a>, who also <a href="https://archive-ouverte.unige.ch/unige:167000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">notes</a> that catastrophic events may be more intense in a warmer world. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-volcano-eruptions-cool-the-planet">How volcano eruptions cool the planet</h2>



Large volcanic explosions have a way of throwing out <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanoes-can-affect-climate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">huge amounts</a> of debris, including rock fragments, ash, and various gases. 



Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) has the biggest effect on climate cooling, as it travels high into the stratosphere and creates aerosol particles that scatter sunlight. 



Temperature drops can linger for years. As the planet warms, there is also a concern that <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-023-01884-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">faster</a> atmospheric circulation might spread these particles more widely. 



<a href="https://cplb.rutgers.edu/people/alan-robock" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alan Robock</a>, a climate professor at <a href="https://www.rutgers.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rutgers University</a>, believes that shifting wind patterns and changes in ocean currents mean these eruptions may trigger greater temperature swings. 



“As the monsoon in the summer happens because the land warms faster than the ocean,” Robock said, "a massive eruption can tip that balance and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212094722000688" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disrupt</a> the rains that feed millions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connections-to-past-volcano-eruptions">Connections to past volcano eruptions</h2>



Mount <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/1510/global-effects-of-mount-pinatubo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pinatubo</a> erupted in the Philippines in 1991, propelling an enormous cloud of sulfur dioxide into the sky. 



Scientists determined that this eruption cooled Earth’s average temperature by about 1 degree Fahrenheit for a few years. It wasn’t on the scale of Tambora, but it illustrated how short-term climate shifts could happen. 



Earlier eruptions like <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0377027322002190" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samalas</a> (in 1257) and <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6456407/#:~:text=The%20Icelandic%20volcano%20Laki%20erupted,on%20record%20in%20Western%20Europe." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laki</a> (in 1783-1784) also had strong impacts. Historical records suggest these events caused poor harvests, extreme winters and, in some cases, social upheavals. 



Studies of ice cores and tree rings indicate that giant blasts can lower global temperatures even more than Mount Pinatubo managed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-warming-intensifies-the-threat">Why warming intensifies the threat</h2>



Scientists who study volcanic systems are <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/increase-in-volcanic-eruptions-at-the-end-of-the-ice-age-caused-by-melting-ice-caps-and-glacial" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">looking</a> at how melting ice, heavier rains, and shifting pressures inside the Earth might encourage future eruptions. “The effects might be even worse than we saw back in 1815,” said <a href="https://as.nyu.edu/faculty/michael-rampino.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Rampino</a>, a professor at NYU, who suspects that all these factors could magnify the disruption.&nbsp;



Lighter ice sheets reduce the weight pressing down on magma sources, which can make it easier for molten rock to move upward. Meanwhile, <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9326289/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heavier rainfall</a> might seep deep underground and affect volcanic processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-on-daily-life-and-food">Impacts on daily life and food</h2>



A sudden temperature drop of just 1 degree Celsius might not sound like a lot, but it comes as an average. Some places could experience chilling conditions that ruin crops across whole regions. 



A devastating scenario could see farmland in the U.S., Russia, and China all hit at once, which would lead to a decrease in global food supplies. 



More than 800 million people worldwide live <a href="https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70148718" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">within about 60 miles</a> of an active volcano. That proximity could put major population centers at risk if the blast sends out pyroclastic flows or thick ash.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-surprises-from-the-past">Possible surprises from the past</h2>



Studies of ancient eruptions show that local climates can shift in striking ways. <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2002722117" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> investigating <a href="https://avo.alaska.edu/volcano/okmok" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Okmok volcano</a> in Alaska discovered that an enormous outburst in 43 BC may have cooled parts of the Mediterranean region by as much as 13 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



That sort of drastic change, even if temporary, can damage agriculture for multiple seasons. Such disruptions bring disease, hunger, and political tensions, especially if resources become scarce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-be-done">What can be done</h2>



Specialists do not have a method to stop <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/">volcanoes from erupting</a>. Efforts focus on monitoring volcanic areas, improving evacuation plans, and modeling scenarios that anticipate how the ash and gases could spread.&nbsp;



Some scientists call for international cooperation to manage food reserves and healthcare services if an event like Tambora happens in today’s era. 



That includes looking at how to distribute supplies on short notice. Local authorities in active regions often conduct drills and share alerts, but experts suggest more investment in preparedness is necessary.



No one can say exactly when a volcano <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supervolcano-italy-solfatara-crater-phlegraean-fields-shows-signs-of-waking-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">will produce a colossal blast</a>. Certain sites, like parts of Indonesia or even Yellowstone in the western United States, get attention because they have erupted violently in the past. Yet the signs of unrest may come only a few months or even weeks beforehand. 



Stoffel urges a deeper look at possible future disasters. He advises scenario planning, building stockpiles, and forging rapid-response networks. Such strategies may reduce the shock to global trade and public health.



Details of the research were published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-03680-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Earth's next big volcano eruption will 'cause global chaos' because there is no plan

The volcano eruption at Mount Tambora in 1815, which is...

Chimpanzees bear genetic adaptations that help them thrive in different habitats, such as forests and savannahs, according to a recent study conducted by an international team of researchers. 



Moreover, some of these adaptations seem to protect them from diseases like malaria.



Led by the <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London </a>(UCL), the study sheds light on chimpanzee evolution, while offering new insights into the biology of malaria infection in humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-adaptations-in-chimpanzees">Local adaptations in chimpanzees </h2>



Chimpanzees share over 98% of their DNA with humans, making them invaluable for studying our own evolutionary history and vulnerabilities. 



The researchers investigated how different populations of chimpanzees have adapted to various environments - ranging from dense forests to open savannahs - and how these adaptations might protect them from diseases like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-malaria-impact-wild-african-apes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">malaria</a>.&nbsp;



The study also emphasizes the implications of habitat threats such as climate change and human pressures on these genetic adaptations.



“There are just a few hundred thousand chimpanzees alive, but they are found across very different landscapes from east Africa to the far west of the continent, including dense tropical rainforests and open areas of woodland and savannah. This makes them quite unique, because except for humans, all other apes live exclusively in forests,” said lead author Aida Andrés from the UCL Genetics Institute.&nbsp;



“Here we have shown that besides acquiring behavioral adaptations, different chimpanzee populations have evolved genetic differences to survive in their different local habitats.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-differences-of-chimpanzees">Genetic differences of chimpanzees</h2>



To explore genetic adaptation, the international team collected non-invasive DNA samples, primarily from feces, as part of the <a href="http://panafrican.eva.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pan African Program: The Cultured Chimpanzee</a> (PanAf).&nbsp;



These samples allowed scientists to analyze the exomes - the protein-coding regions - of 828 wild chimpanzees, eventually focusing on 388 individuals representing 30 different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzee-cultures-are-more-complex-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a> across the four chimpanzee subspecies.



By comparing genetic variants across these populations and correlating them with local environmental conditions, the team identified key <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-lizards-show-physical-and-genetic-adaptations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic adaptations</a>. They discovered that genes related to pathogen resistance, especially malaria, showed strong signs of selection in forest-dwelling chimpanzees.&nbsp;



Specifically, genetic variants in the GYPA and HBB genes, known in humans for their roles in malaria resistance and sickle cell anemia respectively, were found to be under similar selective pressures.



“The close genetic similarities between the great apes have resulted in diseases jumping from apes to humans, such as with malaria and HIV/AIDS, so studying wild chimpanzees is extremely useful to understand these and other shared infectious diseases in humans, and could help to develop new treatments or vaccines,” explained Dr. Harrison Ostridge from UCL Genetics Institute.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-conservation-and-human-health">Implications for conservation and human health</h2>



The study highlights that as chimpanzees face threats like habitat destruction, poaching, and infectious diseases, their genetic diversity is crucial for resilience.&nbsp;



“As chimpanzees are facing threats across their range, including environmental changes to the climate and displacement due to human pressures, it is important that their genetic diversity is conserved to maintain their resilience and ensure the long-term survival of this intelligent and fascinating species,” Andrés said.



Moreover, finding that chimpanzees and humans share similar genetic adaptations to malaria provides an evolutionary perspective on how resistance to this disease has developed.&nbsp;



The discovery suggests that there might be limited genetic pathways to achieving malaria resistance, which could inform future human treatments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-diverse-habitats">Insights from diverse habitats</h2>



The research didn’t just focus on forest dwellers. It also touched on how chimpanzees adapt to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-the-scariest-predators-in-the-african-savannah/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">savannah</a> conditions - areas with higher temperatures, lower rainfall, and scarcer food. 



These adaptations may shed more light on how early human ancestors survived as they moved from forests to savannahs millions of years ago, adapting to new challenges along the way.



The study was a massive collaborative effort involving institutions across Africa, Europe, and North America. Dr. Hjalmar Kuehl, co-director of PanAf, acknowledged the work of international colleagues.



“This groundbreaking study on chimpanzee local adaptations could not be accomplished without the extraordinary collaboration of an international team of scientists who worked tirelessly to collect non-invasive data, including fecal samples, from countries across the chimpanzee range,” said Dr. Kuehl.



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



Furthermore, the research invites public engagement through initiatives like <a href="https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/sassydumbledore/chimp-and-see" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chimp &amp; See</a>, where community scientists can assist in annotating videos collected alongside genetic samples.



The findings have far-reaching implications not only for conservation efforts - by guiding strategies to preserve genetic diversity and adapt to environmental changes - but also for human health research into infectious diseases like malaria.&nbsp;



As the study continues, researchers aim to further unravel how genetic adaptations in chimpanzees mirror those in humans, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treatment and prevention strategies.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adn7954" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Chimpanzees are genetically adapted to thrive in their local environment

Chimpanzees bear genetic adaptations that help them thrive in different...

Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella is a growing public health concern, driven by the bacteria’s evolving ability to resist common drugs. While contaminated food is a well-known source of infection, new findings suggest that pet dogs may also serve as an overlooked conduit for transferring these pathogens to humans.&nbsp;



A study by <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a> researchers has shown that household dogs are a significant risk for the spread of antimicrobial-resistant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-it-safe-to-eat-eggs-salmonella-contamination-found-in-poultry-production-chain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salmonella</a>, highlighting the importance of proper hygiene and awareness when living closely with canine companions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-household-dogs-and-salmonella-nbsp">Household dogs and Salmonella&nbsp;</h2>



People can contract Salmonella through contaminated food products or direct contact with infected individuals or animals, often by unintentionally coming into contact with feces, such as when touching hands or petting animals.&nbsp;



The Penn State team revealed that household dogs might act as vectors for nontyphoidal Salmonella, which causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps in humans, potentially leading to dangerous complications in severe cases.



According to the experts, infected people can transmit Salmonella to other humans, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chernobyl-dogs-are-rapidly-evolving-in-strange-ways-due-to-nuclear-radiation-exposure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> can do the same, particularly since canine ownership involves close physical interaction, creating ample opportunities for bacterial spread. 



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/zph.13174" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zoonoses and Public Health</a>, provides new insights into an underrecognized factor in the cross-species transmission of Salmonella.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salmonella-in-dogs-clinical-or-asymptomatic">Salmonella in dogs: Clinical or asymptomatic</h2>



Salmonella infections in dogs can be clinical (showing signs or symptoms), or asymptomatic. 



Various studies have discovered Salmonella in clinically healthy dogs, according to senior author Erika Ganda, an assistant professor of food animal microbiomes at Penn State. 



This means that even dogs without any visible illness could harbor and shed Salmonella bacteria, posing an invisible risk.



A major concern is the close bond between humans and their pet dogs which creates ample opportunity for Salmonella ‘<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-u-s-is-alarmingly-unprepared-for-zoonotic-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zoonosis</a>’ - the transition of the disease to humans from animals, Ganda noted. 



Choices regarding food handling, contaminated treats, and hygiene all factor into how easily the bacteria might spread from pets to people.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salmonella-strains-in-domestic-dogs-nbsp">Salmonella strains in domestic dogs&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers used the FDA's <a href="https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/science-research/veterinary-laboratory-investigation-and-response-network" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network</a> to identify Salmonella strains found in domestic dogs from May 2017 to March 2023. 



From these 87 canine cases, the team matched timing and location data with strains isolated from human infections in the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Center for Biotechnology Information</a> database. 



The analysis revealed 77 suspected zoonotic cases, meaning the pathogen likely jumped between dogs and humans, including 164 strains collected from 17 states.



Notably, the data showed that all identified strains carried resistance genes to drug classes designated by the <a href="https://www.who.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> as critically or highly important. 



This indicates that companion animals could be part of a broader web of antimicrobial resistance that extends beyond farms and healthcare settings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interconnected-nature-of-human-and-animal-health">Interconnected nature of human and animal health</h2>



“We identified 16 nontyphoidal Salmonella isolates from humans closely related to more than one of six dog-associated strains,” explained lead author Sophia Kenney, a student in the molecular, cellular, and integrative biosciences doctoral program.&nbsp;



“Collectively, our data emphasize the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and sustained biosurveillance beyond human and agriculture-associated veterinary medicine, using a ‘One Health’ framework, that accounts for all transmission points - including companion animals.”



The One Health concept acknowledges the interconnected nature of human, animal, and environmental health.&nbsp;



This study expands the perspective by demonstrating how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-viruses-to-combat-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic-resistant bacteria</a> in household dogs can pose a serious hazard to human well-being, particularly when owners lack knowledge about safe handling practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-risks-and-rewards-of-dog-ownership">Balancing risks and rewards of dog ownership</h2>



While the discovery that dogs can harbor resistant Salmonella raises concern, researchers stress that pet ownership also offers substantial benefits.&nbsp;



“At the same time, several studies highlight the significant physical and mental health benefits of owning a dog, including reduced stress and increased physical activity,” said Ganda.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“Our goal is not to discourage pet ownership but to ensure that people are aware of potential risks and take simple steps, like practicing good hygiene, to keep both their families and their furry companions safe.”



The study cites examples of past outbreaks, such as pig ear pet treats that infected 154 people in 34 states, illustrating how easily pets can unwittingly pass along harmful bacteria.&nbsp;



Even the healthiest dog could carry Salmonella, emphasizing the need for consistent hand washing and careful supervision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limiting-dog-exposure-to-salmonella-nbsp">Limiting dog exposure to Salmonella&nbsp;</h2>



Beyond the immediate risk to households, dog-associated Salmonella highlights a wider issue of antimicrobial resistance.&nbsp;



The authors propose that reducing the misuse of critically important antibiotics in companion animal medicine is essential. A “One Health” approach, incorporating the interactions between human medicine, veterinary care, and environmental factors, is crucial for mitigating the spread of resistant strains.



For the owners themselves, small changes such as washing hands after handling pets, cleaning dog bowls and food storage areas regularly, and avoiding raw meat diets for dogs can limit exposure to Salmonella. These measures protect families and maintain the health benefits of pet companionship.



Ultimately, the research points to a delicate balance between reaping the rewards of owning a dog and remaining vigilant about potential risks.&nbsp;



With greater awareness and responsible hygiene practices, families can safely enjoy the joy of canine companionship, ensuring that antibiotic-resistant Salmonella remains at bay.



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Humans can contract Salmonella infections from their dogs

Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella is a growing public health concern, driven by...

Picture a home being restored after years of neglect - that’s the transformation unfolding in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB), where bird habitats are being revitalized. 



Over the past few decades, this biodiversity hotspot - home to a rich variety of bird species - has faced severe habitat degradation driven by climate change and human activities.



Despite these challenges, the Yangtze River Basin stands as a testament to the resilience of nature and the power of rehabilitation. Today, we explore a study that offers glimmers of hope - a story that highlights the possibilities of resilience, restoration, and renewal.



The research was a collaborative effort by scientists from the <a href="https://www.nies.org/ywz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences</a>, associated with China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and their colleagues at <a href="https://www.princeton.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-challenges-in-the-yangtze-river">Biodiversity challenges in the Yangtze River</h2>



"The Yangtze River Basin (YRB) is an area of economic importance in China's development and is also one of the key hotspots of global biodiversity," noted the researchers.



"As the world's third largest river, the Yangtze supports a population of 900 million (or more than 60% of the country), and it harbors a large proportion of China's biodiversity, with at least 14,000 plant species and 1,731 vertebrate animal species."



The study paints a comprehensive picture of bird diversity in the Yangtze River Basin. Beyond just stating facts, the experts evaluated the effectiveness of prior conservation measures.



For the investigation, the team used the Living Planet Index (LPIO), a tool that offers a multi-faceted understanding of bird populations by taking into account species abundance, richness, and information entropy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-s-eye-view-of-the-yangtze-river">Bird's eye view of the Yangtze River</h2>



The researchers focused on the decade between 2010 and 2020, studying 536 sites across the Yangtze River Basin. They found different trends among these regions.



The findings are mostly encouraging, revealing a 6.12% increase in bird <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-bird-species-face-extinction-risks-in-the-neotropics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a>. The improvement was particularly notable among terrestrial bird species and was echoed in increased functional complexity throughout the YRB.



However, challenges persist. In the downstream parts of the Yangtze River Basin, the researchers noted a 2.83% decrease in bird diversity.



This drop links back to the stark decline in wetland bird species, emphasizing the urgency of established and targeted conservation efforts in these areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wetland-restoration-is-crucial">Wetland restoration is crucial</h2>



"Our study provides compelling evidence that targeted conservation efforts can halt the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-extinctions-shatter-the-harmonious-balance-of-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decline of biodiversity</a>," said lead researcher Wei Liu.



The message is clear: continued monitoring and wetland restoration strategies are critical for safeguarding bird biodiversity in the Yangtze River Basin.



The research presents a replicable model for other regions grappling with similar environmental dilemmas. It shows that targeted conservation work can not only enhance biodiversity but also protect vital ecosystem services that underpin human well-being and economic stability.



"The results will improve our understanding of conservation and restoration programs and their impacts on biodiversity. This in turn can provide insights relevant for conservation policies and planning," said the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-balance-of-the-yangtze-river">Ecological balance of the Yangtze River </h2>



Spanning over 6,300 kilometers, the Yangtze River is more than just Asia's longest river; it is a lifeline for countless ecosystems. Its vast basin supports a mosaic of habitats, from wetlands and forests to grasslands, creating ideal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-wings-have-a-surprising-effect-on-island-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions for avian species</a> to thrive.



These habitats play a crucial role in global biodiversity, acting as a sanctuary for migratory birds and endemic species.



The Yangtze’s ecological balance has been disrupted over the decades by habitat fragmentation, urbanization, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-behavior-productivity-being-directly-impacted-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. Moreover, wetlands, which serve as vital breeding and feeding grounds for birds, have borne the brunt of human activity.



Despite these challenges, the river's resilience, coupled with targeted conservation measures, offers a glimmer of hope for its future.



"In light of the extant legislation and regulations concerning the protection of the Yangtze River, it is incumbent upon the relevant authorities to devise a comprehensive, large-scale wetland ecological restoration program for the downstream area," concluded the researchers.



"Moreover, additional monitoring sites should be established in the upstream area, with an even distribution across farmland, wetland, forest, and other habitat types."



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772985024000620?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eco-Environment &amp; Health</a>.



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Bird diversity is rebounding in the Yangtze River Basin

Picture a home being restored after years of neglect -...

A study from Chapman University provides the first comprehensive global estimates of water storage in Earth’s vegetation and the time it takes for that water to flow through plants. The research fills a critical gap in our understanding of the global water cycle and its sensitivity to climate and land-use changes.



Published in the journal Nature Water, the study reveals that Earth's vegetation holds about 786 km³ of water, a mere 0.002% of Earth’s total freshwater.



However, the significance lies in the rapid movement of water through plants. This transit time, from absorption to release into the atmosphere, is among the fastest in the water cycle - ranging from five days in croplands to 18 days in evergreen needleleaf forests.



For perspective, water in lakes takes around 17 years to cycle, and in glaciers, the process spans 1,600 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continuous-loop-of-earth-s-water-cycle">Continuous loop of Earth's water cycle</h2>



Earth's water cycle, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/water-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrological cycle</a>, is the continuous movement of water through the environment. It begins with evaporation, where the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-are-wreaking-havoc-on-the-global-water-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sun heats water</a> from oceans, lakes, and rivers, turning it into vapor.



This vapor rises into the atmosphere and cools, leading to&nbsp;condensation, which forms clouds. When the clouds become heavy, water returns to Earth as&nbsp;precipitation&nbsp;in the form of rain, snow, or hail. 



Once on the ground, water either flows over the surface into rivers and lakes (runoff) or seeps into the soil (infiltration). 



Plants also play a role by releasing water vapor into the air through&nbsp;transpiration. Together, these processes recycle water, connecting oceans, land, and the atmosphere in a continuous loop.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-forgotten-element-of-the-water-cycle">A forgotten element of the water cycle</h2>



“Plants are the forgotten part of the global water cycle,” noted Dr. Andrew Felton, lead author and professor at <a href="https://www.montana.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montana State University</a>. Despite their critical role in returning water from the ground to the atmosphere, plants are often excluded from water cycle diagrams.



“Our results show that the transit of water through plants occurs on the order of days, rather than months, years, or centuries, as it does in other parts of the water cycle,” said Dr. Felton.



By combining plant water transit estimates with those for the atmosphere (8–10 days) and soil (60–90 days), researchers can now approximate the total time a drop of water spends in the terrestrial cycle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intensification-of-the-water-cycle">Intensification of the water cycle</h2>



One striking finding is the rapid transit of water through croplands. During peak growing seasons, water cycles through crops in less than a day. This speed, consistent across global croplands, hints at a broader environmental implication.



“Land use change may be homogenizing the global water cycle and contributing to its intensification by more rapidly recycling water back to the atmosphere where it can turn into heavy rain events,” explained <a href="https://www.chapman.edu/our-faculty/greg-goldsmith" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Gregory Goldsmith</a>, senior author and associate professor at Chapman University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-dynamics-in-earth-s-vegetation">Water dynamics in Earth's vegetation</h2>



The research team utilized data from NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive Mission (<a href="https://smap.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SMAP</a>), a satellite program designed to measure soil moisture across Earth’s surface.



SMAP data accounted for vegetation interference, which the satellite originally treated as noise to correct soil moisture readings. However, the researchers discovered that these corrections held important information about the amount of water stored in plants.



By analyzing this overlooked data and combining it with advanced measurements of how quickly water exits plants, the team developed detailed estimates. 



These included five years of monthly data on plant water storage and the time water takes to move through vegetation, calculated with a spatial resolution of&nbsp;9 square kilometers (approximately 3.5 square miles). 



This high-resolution analysis provided a remarkable understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/distress-signals-earths-water-cycle-is-becoming-more-erratic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water dynamics within Earth's vegetation</a>.



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



The study highlights the sensitivity of plant water transit times to environmental events like deforestation, drought, and wildfires. 



“The results suggest that the transit time of water through plants is likely to be very sensitive to events such as deforestation, drought and wildfire, which will fundamentally change the time it takes for water to flow through the water cycle,” said Felton.



By shedding light on the dynamic role of vegetation, this research highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the urgent need to understand how land-use changes influence the global water cycle.



As the planet faces intensifying climate challenges, studies like this pave the way for more informed strategies to manage water resources and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sci-fi-inspired-scenarios-illustrate-our-impact-on-earths-water-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predict environmental shifts</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44221-024-00365-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Water</a>.



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Water moves through plants and back into the atmosphere with unexpected speed

A study from Chapman University provides the first comprehensive global...

New research suggests that we could use artificial intelligence (AI) to combat climate change in a completely unexpected way. Experts are exploring the use of AI to reduce methane in cow burps.



Cows contribute to climate change significantly with their gassy stomachs. As part of their normal digestion, cows release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. 



In fact, according to a recent study, methane from cows in the agriculture sector accounts for about 33 percent of U.S. agriculture and three percent of total U.S. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-a-pill-stop-cows-from-burping-methane/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-to-address-methane-emissions">Solutions to address methane emissions </h2>



Experts with the ARS Livestock Nutrient Management Research Unit and <a href="https://www.iastate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iowa State University</a>'s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering are investigating ways to reduce these methane emissions.



"Developing solutions to address methane emissions from animal agriculture is a critical priority," stated ARS Administrator Simon Liu.



"Our scientists continue to use innovative and data-driven strategies to help cattle producers achieve emission reduction goals that will safeguard the environment and promote a more sustainable future for agriculture."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-production-in-cows">Methane production in cows</h2>



Cows digest tough plant materials in their rumen, the largest of their four stomach compartments. In the rumen, microorganisms break down these plants, releasing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seaweed-supplements-reduce-methane-in-grazing-cattle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane gas</a> as a natural byproduct. 



This methane is expelled through burping that contributes to climate change. Scientists have discovered that certain compound molecules can inhibit this methane production.



Bromoform, a molecule naturally found in seaweed, has demonstrated a capacity to lessen cattle methane production by an astounding 80-98 percent.



The catch? It's a carcinogen, so it's not safe for cattle consumption and therefore not a viable solution for food safety reasons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cutting-methane-from-cows-with-ai">Cutting methane from cows with AI </h2>



Facing the challenge of time-consuming and financially demanding research, the ARS scientists decided to employ AI and computational models to speed up the search for a safe and effective bromoform substitute.



"We are using advanced molecular simulations and AI to identify novel methane inhibitors based on the properties of previously investigated inhibitors [like bromoform], but that are safe, scalable, and have a large potential to inhibit methane <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-methane-emissions-threaten-earths-habitability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>," noted Matthew Beck, an animal research scientist.



Teams from both institutions are working hand-in-hand. Iowa State University is leading the computer simulation and AI work, while ARS is identifying compounds and testing them through in vitro (lab) and in vivo (live cattle) studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavior-of-molecules-in-a-cow-s-stomach">Behavior of molecules in a cow's stomach</h2>



For this particular research, the experts are using what is known as a "graph neural network." In a nutshell, AI learns from publicly available data about cow rumen and predicts the behavior of molecules that can be further tested in laboratories.



This cycle creates a continuous feedback loop that helps the AI make more accurate predictions.



"Our graph neural network is a machine learning model, which learns the properties of molecules, including details of the atoms and the chemical bonds that hold them, while retaining useful information about the molecules' properties to help us study how they are likely to behave in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-have-emerged-as-major-source-of-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cow's stomach</a>," explained ISU Professor Ratul Chowdhury.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-ai-in-methane-reduction">The role of AI in methane reduction</h2>



The experts have identified 15 molecules that appear to have the same potential to inhibit methane production as bromoform.



The hope is that AI will play a significant role in understanding how these molecules interact with the microbial community of the cow's stomach - letting us discover novel molecules, and potentially key interactions, within the cow's stomach microbiome.



Jacek Koziel, <a href="https://www.ars.usda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA-ARS</a> research leader, acknowledges the limitations of current strategies to mitigate methane emissions but sees great potential in this approach.



"This is why combining AI with laboratory research, through iterative refinement, is a valuable scientific tool," said Koziel.



"AI can fast-forward the research and accelerate these several pathways that animal nutritionists, researchers, and companies can pursue to get us closer to a very ambitious goal of limiting greenhouse gas emissions and helping mitigate climate change."



The power of AI is only limited by our imagination. From reducing cow burps to combating climate change, artificial intelligence is becoming an important ally in the fight to protect our natural world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/af/article/14/6/33/7942668" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animal Frontiers</a>.



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How AI can help reduce methane emissions from cows

New research suggests that we could use artificial intelligence (AI)...

For decades, paleontologists have been debating how and when the era of dinosaurs began, armed mostly with fragmented fossil records and theories.



The widely accepted belief is that dinosaurs first originated on Gondwana, the southern portion of the ancient supercontinent Pangea. 



For millions of years, their existence was thought to be confined to this region before they gradually spread to Laurasia, the northern part of Pangea.



This theory suggests that dinosaurs established themselves in the south long before leaving any evidence of their presence in the Northern Hemisphere. A remarkable discovery in Wyoming, however, is changing that narrative.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oldest-dinosaur-in-north-america">Oldest dinosaur in North America </h2>



In 2013, a team from the <a href="https://www.wisc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin-Madison</a> uncovered fossil remains in the Popo Agie Formation, a region near the equator in ancient Laurasia. 



After years of painstaking analysis, the researchers identified the fossils as belonging to a new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tracks-discovered-on-uks-dinosaur-highway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur</a> species:&nbsp;Ahvaytum bahndooiveche.



This dinosaur, estimated to be 230 million years old, is now the oldest known dinosaur from Laurasia, challenging the idea that dinosaurs only thrived in the Southern Hemisphere during this time.



Dr. Dave Lovelace, a scientist at the <a href="https://museum.geoscience.wisc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UW Geology Museum</a>, emphasized the significance of the discovery. "We have, with these fossils, the oldest equatorial dinosaur in the world - it's also North America's oldest dinosaur," he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-laurasia-north-america-and-dinosaurs">Laurasia, North America, and dinosaurs</h2>



Laurasia was one of two supercontinents that formed during the late <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/500-million-year-old-trilobites-fossils-preserved-in-volcanic-ash/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paleozoic</a> and early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-were-not-the-only-animals-that-grew-fast-during-the-mesozoic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mesozoic</a> eras. It was made up of what are now North America, Europe, and Asia.



Around 200 million years ago, Earth’s landmasses were all connected as part of a giant supercontinent called Pangaea. Over time, Pangaea started to break apart, and Laurasia emerged as the northern part of the split.



While it was a vast landmass, it wasn’t just one giant chunk of land - it was split into several regions that would eventually evolve into the continents we know today.



As Laurasia broke apart and drifted into its current position, it played a major role in shaping the world’s geography. 



The separation of Laurasia from the southern supercontinent, <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/supercontinents-101-pannotia-gondwana-and-pangea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gondwana</a>, led to the creation of the Atlantic Ocean, which opened up between North America and Europe. 



The shifting of Laurasia also influenced global climates and ecosystems, setting the stage for the diverse life forms that would appear in the following millions of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics-of-the-dinosaur-fossil">Characteristics of the dinosaur fossil</h2>



Far from the towering giants of later eras,&nbsp;Ahvaytum bahndooiveche&nbsp;was modest in size. 



"It was basically the size of a chicken but with a really long tail," Dr. Lovelace explained. Measuring just over one foot tall and three feet long, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-extinction-of-dinosaurs-was-not-caused-by-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early dinosaur</a> likely lived an omnivorous lifestyle, similar to its sauropod relatives.



Although the fossil record for&nbsp;Ahvaytum bahndooiveche&nbsp;is incomplete, the team's research places this species in a critical period following the Carnian pluvial episode. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dinosaur_Ahvaytum-bahndooiveche_species-discovery_Gabriel-Ugueto_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dinosaur_Ahvaytum-bahndooiveche_species-discovery_Gabriel-Ugueto_1s.webp" alt="An artist's rendering shows how Ahvaytum bahndooiveche may have appeared in a habitat dating to around 230 million years ago. Credit: Gabriel Ugueto" class="wp-image-1956236"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An artist's rendering shows how Ahvaytum bahndooiveche may have appeared in a habitat dating to around 230 million years ago. Credit: Gabriel Ugueto</figcaption></figure>



This climatic event, which occurred 234 to 232 million years ago, drastically altered the environment - turning vast, arid deserts into lush and fertile landscapes.



These changes created more hospitable habitats, which likely played a key role in encouraging the diversification and spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-did-dinosaurs-sound-like/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early dinosaurs</a>. The period marked an important chapter in dinosaur evolution, as species began to adapt to these new and thriving ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timeline-of-dinosaur-evolution">Timeline of dinosaur evolution</h2>



Using high-precision radioisotopic dating, the scientists determined that&nbsp;Ahvaytum bahndooiveche&nbsp;lived in Laurasia about 230 million years ago, making it one of the oldest known dinosaurs from the Northern Hemisphere.



Older tracks in the same region suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-triassic-fossil-gondwanax-paraisensis-may-rewrite-history-of-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur</a>-like creatures were present there even earlier, challenging previous beliefs that dinosaurs originated solely in the Southern Hemisphere before spreading northward.



This discovery alters the timeline of dinosaur evolution in North America while highlighting a significant collaboration with the Eastern Shoshone Tribe.



The species' name,&nbsp;Ahvaytum bahndooiveche, meaning "long ago dinosaur," honors the Indigenous people whose ancestral lands were home to the fossil site. 



This partnership reflects a deeper respect for cultural heritage, integrating Indigenous language and perspectives into the scientific process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-model-for-research">New model for research</h2>



Amanda LeClair-Diaz, an Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribal member, highlighted the importance of this partnership. 



"The continuous relationship developed between Dr. Lovelace, his team, and our community is one of the most important outcomes of this discovery," said LeClair-Diaz.



"Typically, the research process in communities, especially Indigenous communities, has been one sided, with the researchers fully benefiting from studies. The work we have done with Dr. Lovelace breaks this cycle and creates an opportunity for reciprocity in the research process."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legacy-of-collaboration">Legacy of collaboration</h2>



The discovery of&nbsp;Ahvaytum bahndooiveche&nbsp;holds significance beyond just expanding our scientific knowledge. It challenges long-held beliefs about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/qunkasaura-pintiquiniestra-new-sauropod-dinosaur-discovered-in-spain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur</a> origins and encourages scientists to rethink established theories. 



Additionally, this finding highlights the value of incorporating diverse perspectives in research. 



By collaborating with the Eastern Shoshone Tribe in naming the dinosaur and respecting the cultural heritage of the land where the fossils were found, the project sets a new standard for inclusive and ethical scientific practices. 



The study is published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/zoolinnean/article/203/1/zlae153/7942678?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society</a>.



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Dinosaur discovery in North America is completely rewriting their history

For decades, paleontologists have been debating how and when the...

Beneath the ocean’s surface, fisheries rely on the health of vibrant and complex ecosystems. Coral reefs, in particular, are the center of underwater life. 



They provide essential food and shelter to countless marine species, making them crucial for maintaining marine biodiversity and ecosystem balance. Without coral reefs, many sea creatures would struggle to survive, threatening the entire marine environment.



But these individual ecosystems are in deep trouble. And that can have a ripple effect, impacting not just marine life, but human livelihoods too - particularly in the fisheries sector.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-decline-affects-fisheries">Coral decline affects fisheries </h2>



According to a recent study from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (<a href="https://www.whoi.edu/who-we-are/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHOI</a>), a decline in live <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-coral-bleaching-event-prompts-emergency-un-session/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a> habitats directly influences the yield of marine fisheries.



The researchers explored the yield trends of nine fisheries in the vicinity of Australia's iconic Great Barrier Reef from 2016 to 2020.



The team uncovered a worrying trend- significant losses could be the unfortunate reality if coral restoration efforts are not amped up.



In 2024, the Great Barrier Reef faced a severe bleaching episode, one of the worst in its history. During this event, an alarming 73% of surveyed reefs showed signs of bleaching, as per the Australian Marine Institute.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-bleaching-threat-to-marine-biodiversity">Coral bleaching: Threat to marine biodiversity</h2>



Coral reefs depend on microscopic algae, zooxanthellae, for survival and their bright hues. When ocean temperatures rise, the coral gets stressed and expels these crucial algae, leading to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/60-percent-global-coral-reefs-face-bleaching-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bleaching</a>.



The persistent warming trend means the algae may not return, leaving the coral bleached and on the brink of death. 



Over the past 30 years, a staggering 19% of the world's coral reef area has been lost due to bleaching induced by ocean warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-and-famine-lives-and-livelihoods-at-risk">Fish and famine: Lives and livelihoods at risk</h2>



“This rapid loss of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-coral-bleaching-event-is-now-underway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a> will force fish capable of living independently of them to move elsewhere. Less concentrated populations can lead to smaller yields for fisheries," noted Marine (Yaqin) Liu, an environmental economist at WHOI.



When it comes to fish species that directly rely on reefs for food or shelter, like butterflyfish and coral trout, their yield will deplete in parallel with their population decline.



And it's not just marine life at risk. Many fisheries, and the communities they support, are bound for turbulent waters. 



The study pointed out coral trout and saddletail snappers, which heavily rely on outer-shelf reefs as their primary habitat, as the two most vulnerable fisheries. 



If the live coral cover of the Great Barrier Reef reduces from 30% to 25%, the maximum sustainable yield of coral trout and saddletail snappers would drop by 8% and 19%, respectively. 



An even steeper decline from 10% to 5% live coral cover could result in losses of 27% and a startling 56% for coral trout and saddletail snapper fisheries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-decline-economic-impact-on-fisheries">Coral decline: Economic impact on fisheries</h2>



These losses are not only ecological but economic. Professor Qingran Li, from <a href="https://www.clarkson.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clarkson University</a> in New York, shed light on the economic toll.



"Coral trout and saddletail snapper are part of Queensland, Australia’s line fishery, an industry with $27-31 million gross value," said Professor Li.



"While this methodology of this study does not lend itself to making dollar predictions, we can expect a decline in fishing yields to have substantial economic impacts, such as loss of jobs and reduced export."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-coral-reefs-and-fisheries">Preserving coral reefs and fisheries</h2>



As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-could-vanish-if-temperatures-continue-to-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a> continue to battle warmer waters and bleaching events become more frequent, their role in nurturing marine life and safeguarding coastal communities from major storms becomes increasingly crucial. Their contribution to tourism and fishing revenues is equally significant.



These ecosystems also act as natural barriers, reducing the impact of storm surges and protecting vulnerable coastlines from erosion.



Data-driven climate change advocacy is so essential. "Responsible fisheries are already safeguarding coral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-bleaching-hinders-reproduction-in-popular-reef-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reefs</a> by integrating sustainable approaches, but human impacts like ocean warming and acidification further threaten coral reefs and fisheries yields," said Liu.



"WHOI’s Reef Solutions Team continues study and develop innovative ways to restore and strengthen coral reefs, with a goal of taking successful learnings and implementing them globally."



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Bleaching effect: Coral loss threatens fisheries and livelihoods

Beneath the ocean’s surface, fisheries rely on the health of...

We’ve all seen houseplants tucked in corners far from windows or lush greenery growing under dense tree canopies. Yet, these plants manage to grow and thrive in shade without direct sunlight. How do they do it?



New research reveals that shaded plants capture more light than previously believed. Scientists from Utrecht University and Wageningen University &amp; Research (WUR) found that these plants effectively use light beyond the visible spectrum. 



Published in the journal Plant Cell &amp; Environment, the findings could transform photosynthesis research and greenhouse horticulture practices.



“When you have a better understanding of how different colors of light affect photosynthesis and plant growth, you can help growers develop smart ways to supplement natural sunlight with colored light,” noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaded-plants-capture-far-red-light">Shaded plants capture far-red light </h2>



Shaded plants benefit from light that filters through the leaves of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-uncover-how-plants-grow-wider-not-just-taller/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> above them. When sunlight hits the upper plant leaves, they absorb most of the light for photosynthesis but allow some light to pass through. 



This unabsorbed light primarily consists of green and far-red wavelengths, which are less useful to the upper plants but become crucial for the plants below.



Far-red light, in particular, falls within the 700–750 nm range of the light spectrum. Unlike visible light, which plants predominantly use for photosynthesis, far-red light was previously thought to have little impact. 



However, the study reveals that shaded plants have adapted to use far-red light effectively for photosynthesis, allowing them to survive and grow even in low-light environments. This ability is vital for plants in dense forests or closely planted crops, where direct sunlight is scarce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photosynthesis-in-shaded-plants">Photosynthesis in shaded plants</h2>



“Until now, researchers have seldom considered the possibility that plants utilize far-red light for photosynthesis,” said WUR PhD candidate <a href="https://research.wur.nl/en/persons/tinko-jans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tinko Jans</a>.



Conventional experiments suggested that photosynthesis relied mainly on visible wavelengths (400–700 nm). 



However, this study reveals that far-red light significantly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/booster-plant-gene-discovery-amplifies-plant-growth-up-to-200-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boosts photosynthesis</a> when combined with small amounts of visible light. The team developed a new method to measure and model this contribution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-grow-taller-using-far-red-light">Plants grow taller using far-red light</h2>



Far-red light also affects plant behavior, triggering a “shade avoidance response.” “Many plants react to a relative increase in far-red light by growing straight up, to win the competition for light,” Jans explained.



This response benefits horticulturists, allowing plants to grow closer together in limited spaces.



Recent advances in LED technology have enabled researchers to study far-red light more effectively. 



“In earlier experiments, we showed that shade <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-grow-more-branches-and-become-bushy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants grow faster</a> when supplemented with far-red light from LEDs,” noted Utrecht University environmental scientist <a href="https://www.uu.nl/staff/HJdeBoer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hugo de Boer</a>, who initiated the study.



The findings highlight how controlled light environments can optimize plant growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-considering-the-full-light-spectrum">Considering the full light spectrum </h2>



The scientists faced challenges in studying the role of far-red light in photosynthesis because existing models only considered visible light (400–700 nm) as the primary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-soil-day-2024-protecting-our-planets-lifeline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contributor to plant growth</a>.



Far-red light was largely overlooked in traditional research and calculations.



“It turned out to be much more difficult to quantify the color effect on photosynthesis,” explained Hugo de Boer, as earlier models and measurement methods were not designed to account for the influence of far-red light.



To overcome this, the researchers adapted widely used photosynthesis models to include far-red light. They combined measurements of photosynthesis with data from the full spectrum of light reaching plant leaves. 



This updated approach allowed them to accurately demonstrate how far-red light, when integrated with visible light, significantly enhances photosynthesis and supports plant growth. 



This breakthrough highlights the importance of considering the full light spectrum in both research and agricultural practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-crop-cultivation">Greenhouse crop cultivation</h2>



The research highlights a previously underestimated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-how-climate-change-will-alter-plant-growth-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">factor in plant growth</a>: the role of far-red light in photosynthesis.



Far-red light was once thought to contribute little to photosynthesis. However, the study demonstrates that plants can effectively use this light, especially when combined with visible light, to enhance their growth.



The findings hold significant potential for greenhouse horticulture. By integrating far-red light into lighting strategies, growers can optimize plant growth even in shaded or crowded environments where sunlight is limited.



This approach could improve crop yields while reducing the energy and space required for cultivation.



Leveraging far-red light offers a smarter, more sustainable method of farming, allowing plants to thrive in conditions that were previously considered suboptimal. This advancement could transform modern agriculture, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pce.15340" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant Cell &amp; Environment</a>.



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Plants living in the shade get much more light than previously believed

We’ve all seen houseplants tucked in corners far from windows...

Nature often surprises us with its ingenious adaptations, and the cricket frog is no exception. Native to Virginia and North Carolina, these tiny frogs display an ability that seems almost magical: moving across water as if it were solid ground. 



Known as “skittering,” this behavior has intrigued scientists and inspired visions of futuristic technologies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capabilities-of-cricket-frogs">Capabilities of cricket frogs</h2>



Jake Socha, a professor of mechanical engineering, and his research team at <a href="https://www.vt.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> have examined this phenomenon.



“The humble cricket <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-frog-day-addressing-environmental-threats-to-frogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frog</a> lives nearby, and yet it still surprised us with its capabilities, further motivating our curiosity to understand the living world,” said Professor Socha.



The research, published in the&nbsp;Journal of Experimental Biology, challenges popular notions about how frogs traverse water.



“Skittering is not actually a well-defined word for this behavior. Part of this research is not only studying this behavior in cricket frogs but to try and give ‘skittering’ a more precise, scientific definition,” explained study lead author and graduate researcher Talia Weiss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cricket-frogs-don-t-walk-on-water">Cricket frogs don’t walk on water</h2>



Using high-speed cameras shooting at 500 frames per second, the team captured the frogs’ motions in astonishing detail. 



Contrary to the idea that these frogs glide effortlessly across water, the footage revealed something unexpected: the frogs sink between each leap.



“It’s fascinating how easily we can be fooled by fast animal movements,” said Professor Socha. “Here, we’re fooled by a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frog-saunas-hot-solution-to-fighting-global-amphibian-extinction-apocalypse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frog</a> that appears like a skipping stone, but is actually jumping and dunking multiple times in a row.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leaping-frogs-resemble-dolphins-jumping">Leaping frogs resemble dolphins jumping</h2>



The movement of cricket frogs, often mistaken for walking on water, is better described as "porpoising," a motion similar to the way dolphins leap in and out of the water. 



Unlike true walking, this behavior involves distinct stages within each jump cycle, which researchers broke down into four key phases:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Takeoff: The frog begins completely submerged in water. Using its powerful hind legs, it pushes off against the water, propelling its body upward and into the air. This explosive motion provides the energy needed for the leap.</li>



<li>Aerial: While in mid-air, the frog's legs remain extended, providing balance and stability during its short flight. This phase gives the impression that the frog is gracefully skipping across the water.</li>



<li>Re-entry: The frog's front legs are the first to contact the water as it descends. The rest of the body follows, creating a splash and breaking the water's surface as it sinks back under.</li>



<li>Recovery: Once submerged, the frog rapidly retracts its legs to prepare for the next jump. This resetting phase ensures the frog is ready to push off again almost immediately.</li>
</ol>



Each of these phases occurs in less than a second, allowing the frog to perform up to eight consecutive jumps in quick succession. This rapid, repetitive motion creates the illusion that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-economic-strategy-could-save-endangered-frogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frog</a> is walking or skipping on water, though it is actually sinking and leaping continuously. 



The efficiency and speed of these movements highlight the cricket frog’s unique adaptations for this behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frog-movement-inspires-robots">Frog movement inspires robots</h2>



Understanding the mechanics of skittering has implications far beyond biology. This unique locomotion could inspire innovations in robotics and engineering. For instance, amphibious drones designed for water testing or rescue missions might mimic the cricket frog’s efficient movements.



“Frogs are great jumpers, but most of them don’t exhibit this porpoising behavior, and we still don’t know why,” noted Professor Socha. “Is there something special about the frog’s leap, or is it simply a matter of small body size?”



This research highlights how studying even the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/puddle-frogs-have-a-secret-weapon-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smallest creatures</a> can lead to big discoveries. The cricket frog’s seemingly simple movement holds secrets that may shape the future of technology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cricket-frogs-built-for-skittering-on-water">Cricket frogs: Built for skittering on water</h2>



Cricket frogs may be small, but their anatomy is a masterpiece of adaptation. Their ability to skitter across water is no accident; it’s the result of finely tuned physical traits that allow them to excel at leaping, sinking, and jumping again.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-hind-legs">Powerful hind legs</h3>



The cricket frog’s hind legs are disproportionately long and muscular for its tiny body. These legs provide the explosive force needed to propel the frog both on land and through water. 



Their large, well-developed muscles allow for rapid extension and retraction, making it possible to perform consecutive jumps in quick succession.



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



Weighing less than many other frogs, cricket frogs benefit from a lightweight frame. This reduces resistance when they re-enter the water after a jump, helping them maintain momentum. Their small size also means they create minimal drag during movement.



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



Their joints, particularly in the hind legs, are highly flexible. This flexibility enables the frogs to fully extend their legs during the takeoff phase and then rapidly retract them underwater to reset for the next leap.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-streamlined-body-shape">Streamlined body shape</h3>



The cricket frog’s body is slightly flattened, which may help reduce resistance during re-entry into the water. This streamlined shape allows for smoother transitions between aerial and submerged phases of their movement.



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



The frog’s skin plays a subtle but critical role. Smooth and water-resistant, it minimizes friction as the frog moves in and out of the water. This feature also helps maintain buoyancy and allows for quicker movement beneath the surface.



Ultimately, the cricket frog’s body is a perfect example of how evolution tailors physical traits to meet specific survival needs. Each aspect of the frogs' anatomy, from powerful legs to streamlined bodies, contributes to their ability to skitter on water.&nbsp;



The study is published in the <a href="https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article-abstract/227/22/jeb249403/363001/Skittering-locomotion-in-cricket-frogs-a-form-of?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Experimental Biology</a>.



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Cricket frogs can literally walk on water as if it were dry land

Nature often surprises us with its ingenious adaptations, and the...

The humble carrot may be more powerful than we realized. Beyond its culinary versatility, this nutrient-rich root vegetable is gaining attention for its potential health benefits. Recent research suggests that carrots could play a significant role in the fight against type 2 diabetes.



The study was conducted by a team of experts from the <a href="https://www.sdu.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southern Denmark</a> (SDU), Odense University Hospital, and the University of Copenhagen. 



The researchers found that carrots boost the body's regulation of blood sugar levels and have a beneficial influence on gut bacteria.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-type-2-diabetes">What is type 2 diabetes?</h2>



Type 2 diabetes is a widespread and growing public health concern, impacting millions of people worldwide. 



Characterized by the body’s inability to effectively use insulin, this chronic condition can lead to serious complications including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve issues, and vision loss.



The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been steadily rising, fueled by factors such as sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and increasing rates of obesity. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-a-snack-food">More than just a snack food </h2>



According to the World Health Organization, the number of people living with diabetes has nearly quadrupled over the past few decades - highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention, management, and treatment strategies.



Current treatments for type 2 diabetes involve dietary changes and drugs, which can be quite irritating. 



The researchers propose that carrots, which are rich in bioactive compounds, may offer a natural way to complement existing treatments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bioactive-compounds-in-carrots">Bioactive compounds in carrots </h2>



To test their theory, the scientists placed laboratory mice with type 2 diabetes in two groups for a period of 16 weeks.



One group was fed a high fat diet that was supplemented with 10% freeze-dried powder of carrots, while the other group did not receive carrots in their diets.



The team found that mice on the carrot-enriched diet developed better regulation of blood sugar and a healthier gut microbiome.



The experts concluded that it was the bioactive compounds in carrots, such as short-chain fatty acid-promoting agents, which led to these improvements.



"Carrots altered the composition of the gut microbiome - the billions of microorganisms living in the gut that play a crucial role in digestion and health. Mice consuming carrots exhibited a healthier balance of gut bacteria," noted Morten Kobæk Larsen, who coordinated the research project.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carrots-and-gut-bacteria">Carrots and gut bacteria</h2>



The mice that were fed carrots had more bacteria that ferment short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are small molecules produced when bacterial populations ferment dietary fibers.



These molecules are crucial for regulating energy metabolism and blood sugar. They play a crucial role in helping maintain homeostasis of the gut microbiota and reducing inflammation.



"Everything we eat affects the composition of gut bacteria. Consuming carrots shifts the gut bacteria towards a healthier balance, benefiting mice with type 2 diabetes," explained Larsen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dietary-strategies-for-type-2-diabetes">Dietary strategies for type 2 diabetes</h2>



Carrots contain bioactive substances derived from unsaturated fatty acids that enhance cells' ability to absorb sugar, aiding in blood sugar regulation and overall metabolic health. 



Other vegetables such as parsley, celery, and parsnips contain similar compounds.



"We see carrots as a potential component of future dietary strategies for type 2 diabetes. Other vegetables in the carrot family might have similar properties," said Lars Porskjær Christensen, a professor of analytical chemistry and natural product chemistry at SDU.



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



While the research is promising, it has not been directly applied to humans. The experts believe the next step is to conduct human clinical trials.



"Such studies are costly, and we are working to secure external funding to conduct a smaller clinical trial with carrots containing relatively high amounts of bioactive compounds," said Christensen.



The researchers hope that this could pave the way for larger clinical studies to help provide preventative measures against type 2 diabetes.



Of course, preparation does play a part in retaining the health-promoting substances found in carrots.



"Even with prolonged frying or boiling, some bioactive compounds remain. However, raw or lightly cooked carrots seem to be the best option to retain as many beneficial compounds as possible," concluded Christensen.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://ascpt.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cts.70090" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clinical and Translational Science</a>.



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Carrots may help manage diabetes by improving gut health

The humble carrot may be more powerful than we realized....

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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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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

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

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

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

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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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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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...

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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...

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

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