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...

Peyote dots the southern tip of Texas, emerging amidst the dusty aridity and cracked earth like otherworldly creations. These bluish-green cacti, found only here and in northern Mexico, are no ordinary plants.



To the local Native American Church members, peyote is less of a plant and more of a holy presence. Places where peyote plants flourish are reverently referred to as the "peyote gardens."



Within the DNA of this modest plant lies a critical aspect of Native American culture. 



Peyote cacti have been steadfast companions to Indigenous communities, serving as healers for the physical and mental afflictions wrought by colonization, displacement, and the erosion of culture, religion, and language.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sacred-plant-with-a-controlled-substance">Sacred plant with a controlled substance</h2>



One might wonder what makes the peyote plant coveted. It contains a spectrum of psychoactive alkaloids, primarily the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hallucinogen-use-is-on-the-rise-among-young-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hallucinogen</a> mescaline, which is known for its psychedelic properties.



Despite being a controlled substance under federal law, a 1994 amendment to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act allows Native Americans to use peyote for traditional religious purposes.



However, for the past two decades, access to this "medicine," as it is called, has been an escalating concern for the Native American practitioners of peyotism.



These practitioners, which make up a large group of 400,000 individuals in the United States, have raised concerns about their lack of access to peyote.



They attribute the dwindling availability of the slow-growing cactus to poaching, excessive harvesting, agricultural activities, housing developments, wind farms, the border wall, and the burgeoning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-offers-new-explanation-for-how-psychedelic-drugs-work/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychedelic</a> renaissance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-opinions-on-peyote-conservation">Diverse opinions on peyote conservation</h2>



While most agree about the dire need for peyote conservation, the Native American Church community houses a diversity of opinions on how to achieve this.



Some members are suspicious of investors' intentions and prefer government funding to safeguard the plant. Peyote, after all, represents more to them than a plant; it embodies the Creator's spirit.



Among many poignant anecdotes that highlight the spiritual significance of peyote, one stands out. 



Adrian Primeaux from the Yankton Sioux and Apache lineage recalls a tale of a malnourished Apache woman who was guided by a peyote plant to survival during a forced relocation by the U.S. government.



This plant wasn't merely a source of sustenance; it was a spiritual guide and a north star for the Native community navigating years of traumatic history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-return-of-peyote-gardens">The return of peyote gardens</h2>



In 2017, the National Council of Native American Churches purchased land in Hebbronville, Texas, to establish the Indigenous Peyote Conservation Initiative (IPCI). 



This non-profit organization oversees a peyote preserve that is not harvested but naturally propagated in its habitat.



Steven Benally, an IPCI board member, recalls his emotional return to the peyote gardens after years of disconnection, stating: "This is real!"



His words encapsulate the deep bond between the Native Americans and the peyote gardens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-delicate-balance-of-peyote-conservation">The delicate balance of peyote conservation</h2>



The debate on peyote conservation isn't a simple one. While some argue that cultivation outside of its natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-reveals-how-plants-use-winged-seeds-to-expand-their-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat</a> is necessary for the species's survival, many Native American Church members contest that such a move would dilute its sacred nature.



Hershel Clark, secretary for the Teesto chapter of the Azee Bee Nahagha of Diné Nation, explained that the ceremonial protocols were bestowed by the Creator. 



This is why growing peyote outside of its natural habitat or synthesizing it into pills is not supported.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-funding-and-future-of-peyote-preservation">Funding and future of peyote preservation</h2>



Funding has been a significant challenge for peyote preservation efforts. While the Native American Church of North America seeks financial support from the U.S. government, IPCI has taken a different route.



The non-profit kick-started their endeavours with funding from the Riverstyx Foundation run by Cody Swift, a psychotherapist and psychedelic therapy research supporter. 



The organization continues to seek philanthropic dollars to propel its mission while remaining open to government funding.



However, there is a degree of skepticism about the intentions of Swift and other investors among some members of the Native American Church. 



Regardless, there is an indisputable consensus: the sacred peyote plant must be protected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limited-supply-and-rising-demand">Limited supply and rising demand</h2>



It is clear that opening peyote up to a broader market could create a supply crisis that favors those with financial resources.



Native American Church members might find themselves struggling to access their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-real-impact-of-burning-magic-herbs-in-spiritual-rituals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sacred plant</a> while witnessing others use it in ways they consider profane. 



Zulema "Julie" Morales, one of only three licensed peyoteros legally allowed to harvest the plant for sale to church members, sympathizes with this sentiment.



Morales recalls a time when her father could fill a dozen large trays with peyote, but now she can barely fill one, not because of ethical harvesting practices, but because of illegal poaching.



As the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-of-native-american-origins-undermined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Native American</a> communities continue to cherish, protect, and conserve the sacred peyote plant, the rest of the world must extend their understanding and respect for the unique spiritual bond shared by the communities and this modest, yet powerful, plant. 



Let it be a lesson to us all about the harmonious coexistence of man and nature, and the profound sacredness that can spring from such a bond.



Information for this article comes from a <a href="https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/psychedelic-renaissance-development-threaten-peyote/3728887/#:~:text=An%20initiative%20to%20conserve%20and%20protect%20peyote&amp;text=He%20recalls%20losing%20access%20to,to%20Native%20American%20Church%20members.">release</a> by the Associated Press.



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Sacred peyote gardens: A cultural legacy under threat

Peyote dots the southern tip of Texas, emerging amidst the...

Have you ever wondered about the magic behind the formation of raindrops or picturesque snowflakes? Or maybe about the creation of the otherworldly rings surrounding Saturn? These processes are all tied to the intricate dance of aggregating particles in fluid dynamics.



Now, researchers from Skoltech are adding a new chapter to the understanding of this cosmic dance. The team has proposed innovative mathematical equations that promise to push the frontiers of both our natural and technological worlds.



This advancement addresses natural and engineered phenomena, ranging from rain and snow formation to the creation of planetary rings and industrial fluid flows.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simplified-approach-to-fluid-dynamics">Simplified approach to fluid dynamics </h2>



Fluid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quasiparticle-is-seen-for-the-first-time-and-only-has-mass-moving-in-one-direction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aggregation</a> is a critical process observed in both natural and technological systems. 



In nature, water droplets come together to form rain, ice crystals merge into snowflakes, and particles orbiting planets coalesce into structures like Saturn's rings. These processes demonstrate how particles in fluids aggregate to create larger entities.



In technology, fluid aggregation plays a significant role in activities like aerosol painting (where particles form a smooth layer), powder transport in industries, and controlled explosions that rely on particle behaviors.



Understanding and predicting these phenomena are essential for improving various applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-models-of-aggregating-particles">Models of aggregating particles</h2>



Physicist Marian Smoluchowski’s equations, developed in the early 20th century, were a major step in understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/particles-are-forming-in-the-atmosphere-in-an-unexpected-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a> combine in fluids. 



For example, these equations could describe how small droplets in a mist merge to form larger drops, or how tiny ice crystals in clouds come together to create snowflakes. The equations calculated the rate at which particles of different sizes combined, providing insights into the overall aggregation process.



However, these equations assumed that the environment was uniform - meaning that there were no changes in temperature, pressure, or fluid movement.



For instance, the equations worked well in theoretical situations like a calm, evenly distributed mist but failed to account for real-world <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strange-high-energy-cosmic-rays-did-something-outside-our-galaxy-send-them-here/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complexities</a>, such as turbulent winds in a storm cloud or uneven temperature distributions in the atmosphere.



To address these shortcomings, the research team tried combining Smoluchowski's equations with models of fluid dynamics like the&nbsp;Euler equations&nbsp;(for ideal fluids) and the&nbsp;Navier-Stokes equations&nbsp;(which include viscosity and other forces).



For example, in atmospheric science,&nbsp;they might use Smoluchowski’s equations to predict how raindrops grow while using the Navier-Stokes equations to simulate airflows in a storm cloud.



In industrial processes, they could use these models together to simulate how fine powder particles mix and aggregate in a turbulent airflow inside a factory.



The challenge, however, was that these two sets of equations were developed for entirely different purposes and mathematical frameworks. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-of-past-models">Limitations of past models</h2>



Smoluchowski’s equations focus on particle merging rates, while the Navier-Stokes equations focus on fluid movement. Merging them without a unified foundation sometimes caused errors. 



For example, in air pollution studies, combining the equations might incorrectly predict how soot particles cluster in turbulent air.



In planetary science, using these hybrid models could lead to inaccurate predictions about how particles form rings around planets like Saturn.



The root problem was that the mathematical assumptions of these two frameworks were not compatible, leading to unreliable results in complex scenarios.



For example, in a turbulent environment where particle sizes and motion vary significantly, the models could miscalculate aggregation rates or fail to predict certain behaviors, limiting their usefulness in both research and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tire-particles-must-be-recognized-as-a-distinct-environmental-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">practical applications</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-skoltech-solution-hydrodynamic-equations">The Skoltech solution: Hydrodynamic equations</h2>



Skoltech researchers <a href="https://crei.skoltech.ru/ai/people/alexanderosinsky" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alexander Osinsky</a> and Professor <a href="https://faculty.skoltech.ru/people/nikolaybrilliantov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nikolay Brilliantov</a> addressed these challenges by developing new hydrodynamic equations. 



Instead of merging incompatible systems, they derived a unified framework from fundamental principles. Their novel equations incorporate coefficients that account for both reaction rates and fluid transport - essentially blending the best aspects of traditional approaches.



"Surprisingly, these are neither the reaction-rate, nor the transport coefficients familiar from the Navier-Stokes equations, but a combination of both in the form of kinetic coefficients of a new nature," explained Professor Brilliantov.



"They are as fundamental for aggregating fluids as viscosity and thermal conductivity are for ordinary fluids."



"Using extensive computer simulations, we have shown the accuracy and relevance of our novel Smoluchowski-Euler hydrodynamic equations with the new coefficients for some of the technologically important aggregating fluids."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-and-industrial-applications">Scientific and industrial applications</h2>



This breakthrough has implications for both natural systems and human technologies. By enhancing the precision of fluid aggregation models, the new equations will improve predictions in the areas listed below.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Air pollution analysis: To understand how solid particles aggregate and disperse in the atmosphere.</li>



<li>Granular flow dynamics: To optimize processes involving powders and other granular materials.</li>



<li>Powder technology: To develop more efficient methods for handling and transporting powders.</li>



<li>Aircraft and automotive design: To refine fluid dynamics for better performance and safety.</li>
</ul>



The researchers validated their equations through extensive computer simulations, demonstrating their applicability to real-world systems. This unified approach eliminates the errors introduced by previous hybrid models, paving the way for more reliable analyses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-step-forward-in-fluid-dynamics">A step forward in fluid dynamics</h2>



The new equations represent a fundamental shift in how scientists model aggregation in fluids. By addressing long-standing limitations, Skoltech researchers have provided a tool that bridges gaps between theory and application. 



As Brilliantov noted, these kinetic coefficients hold the same significance for aggregating fluids as traditional properties like viscosity do for ordinary fluids.



This advance not only deepens our understanding of natural processes but also enhances engineering capabilities. Whether analyzing atmospheric phenomena, improving industrial processes, or designing vehicles, the implications are vast and far-reaching.



The unified framework developed by Skoltech promises to revolutionize fields where fluid aggregation plays a critical role.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.217201" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Letters</a>.



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From rain to Saturn’s rings: New equations push the boundaries of fluid dynamics

Have you ever wondered about the magic behind the formation...

For nearly 10 years, California’s offshore seafloors have been missing a once-abundant, vividly colored predator: the sunflower sea star. 



This large starfish - capable of stretching over 3 feet wide - cruises the ocean floor in hues of orange, yellow, or purple, gliding swiftly on thousands of tube feet. Its multiple arms, which can number up to 24, allow for remarkable mobility.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoring-sunflower-sea-stars">Restoring sunflower sea stars</h2>



When a mysterious disease almost wiped out sunflower sea stars in 2013, a domino effect ensued. A large number of purple sea urchins devoured nearly all of Northern California's iconic kelp forests. 



Now, however, scientists are hopeful that the sunflower sea star might soon reclaim its place in the region’s marine environment. 



Several pioneering labs, including ones in the Bay Area and Monterey County, are successfully growing these starfish with the goal of bolstering the species and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflower-sea-stars-could-help-save-kelp-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restoring balance</a> to local ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunflower-sea-stars-raised-in-tubs">Sunflower sea stars raised in tubs</h2>



At the <a href="https://www.calacademy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Academy of Sciences</a> in San Francisco, behind a closed exhibit and through a locked door, biologist Riah Evin has been overseeing 137 sunflower sea stars raised in saltwater jars and tubs. In these containers, the starfish are fed bits of herring to sustain their growth.



These juvenile stars are among the remnants of 11 million embryos that Evin began working with in February. "These are the survivors,” said Evin. “That's way better than I had hoped for.”



Eventually, many of them will be displayed at the Academy of Sciences, giving the public a rare glimpse of a starfish that has all but disappeared from California’s coastal waters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-value-and-conservation-goals">Scientific value and conservation goals</h2>



More importantly, these sunflower stars are crucial to research. By raising them from infancy, Evin and other scientists are contributing to an international conservation effort to better understand the species and protect it from future crises.&nbsp;



Named critically endangered in 2020, sunflower sea stars were the subject of a conservation roadmap in 2022 that called on labs to breed and study them.



If scientists manage to decode the genetics behind their resistance (or susceptibility) to the disease that nearly eradicated them, they may eventually release healthy individuals back into the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;



The hope is that reintroduced sunflower sea stars could help control the region’s exploding purple urchin populations, paving the way for devastated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-have-protected-california-kelp-forests-for-a-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kelp forests</a> to regrow.



“There's a lot of promise in where the research will head,” said Andrew Kim, a research scientist at <a href="https://mlml.sjsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moss Landing Marine Laboratories</a> on Monterey Bay, who is also growing sunflower sea stars. “I'm very hopeful.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-species-on-the-brink-of-extinction">A species on the brink of extinction</h2>



The statistics are sobering: since 2013, an estimated six billion sunflower sea stars have died from Baja California to Alaska because of an ailment known as sea star wasting disease.&nbsp;



With this critical predator absent, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gray-whales-struggle-as-purple-sea-urchins-destroy-kelp-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">purple sea urchins</a> have proliferated, ravaging entire undersea forests of bull kelp. Scientists say 96% of Northern California’s kelp forests have disappeared over that period.



Kelp forests are essential habitats for numerous marine creatures - from fish and abalone to sea otters. Otters, found south of the Bay, play a protective role by feeding on urchins, but their range does not extend far enough to rescue Northern California’s compromised kelp.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reintroducing-natural-predators">Reintroducing natural predators </h2>



While volunteers have tried “seeding” kelp and removing urchins by hand in select coves, experts believe that reintroducing natural predators like sunflower sea stars (and possibly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-use-tools-to-access-larger-prey-and-protect-their-teeth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a>) would be more sustainable and far-reaching. 



Sunflower sea stars are exceptionally effective hunters, moving quickly across the seabed to overtake urchins before extending their stomachs to digest the prey externally. Afterward, only a clean shell remains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maximizing-survival-and-preventing-cannabilism">Maximizing survival and preventing cannabilism </h2>



Yet researchers like Evin remain unsure of exactly how to keep these starfish flourishing. Scientists still do not fully understand the disease that decimated them, despite working on the puzzle for over a decade. In labs across the state, only six adult sunflower stars exist, and breeding techniques remain experimental.



“There's a little bit of a 'Thunderdome' going on,” Evin joked while describing the fiercely competitive environment in which younger stars can devour each other if food is scarce. One particularly aggressive individual managed to consume hundreds of its siblings.



Evin is also investigating what diet optimally sustains these stars, testing everything from urchins to prawns. This feeding research aims to maximize survival, preventing the cannibalism that can occur if the starfish lack adequate nutrition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-with-sunflower-sea-star-larvae">Challenges with sunflower sea star larvae </h2>



Back in February, Evin traveled to <a href="https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birch Aquarium</a> in San Diego, where she helped spawn an adult male and female sunflower sea star using a hormone injection. The pair produced billions of eggs and sperm, which fused into embryos. 



Those offspring, divvied up among institutions like the Academy of Sciences and Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, are the foundation for current breeding trials.



Maintaining healthy conditions for tiny sea star larvae proved challenging - until Evin discovered they thrived in jars of saltwater spun by automated stirrers purchased from kitchen supply stores. 



The larvae eventually sprouted five arms, but many soon turned on each other, forcing Evin to fine-tune her feeding strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-mysterious-wasting-disease">Understanding the mysterious wasting disease </h2>



Scientists are also eager to analyze the starfish’s DNA to gain insights into the genetics behind the wasting disease. 



Before any reintroduction to the wild can happen, they must ensure they are not inadvertently reintroducing the pathogen into marine environments. Regulatory agencies want a clearer picture of the disease’s causes and transmission pathways.



“What we don’t want to do is reintroduce (the disease) to recovered sea star populations,” said Ian Kelmartin, an environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “To get a handle on that, we need to understand what the disease is.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-glimpse-of-hope-in-the-lab">A glimpse of hope in the lab</h2>



Until more is known, the starfish remain confined to facilities like Evin’s. Ashley Kidd, a project manager with the Sunflower Star Lab in Moss Landing, sees these labs as living arks - safe havens for a species on the brink.&nbsp;



“Zoos and aquariums are living arks,” she said. “It is tragic in a way, but very useful if you can use it in time.”



By nurturing sunflower sea stars in captivity, researchers aim to one day restore a key predator to the Pacific Ocean, where it can help rein in purple urchins and nurture the revival of kelp forests.&nbsp;



Whether that vision comes to fruition depends on cracking the mystery of sea star wasting disease and ensuring enough of these starfish can survive - and thrive - back in their underwater realm.



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Sunflower sea stars are nearly extinct, but scientists are growing them

For nearly 10 years, California’s offshore seafloors have been missing...

Geoffroy’s spider monkeys live high in the rainforest canopy, and are difficult to observe. Their shy behavior makes it challenging for scientists to track and protect them effectively. To address this, biologist Jenna Lawson implemented an innovative solution in 2021.



Lawson strategically placed 350 audio monitors across the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. 



The devices captured the sounds of the forest, allowing her to study the monkeys without disturbing them. This approach provided valuable insights into their movements and behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-of-conservation-technology">New era of conservation technology</h2>



The devices recorded forest sounds for a week, amassing vast data. By feeding this data into artificial intelligence (AI) systems trained to identify spider monkey calls, researchers gained insights that would otherwise take years to uncover.



This AI-driven initiative became one of the largest acoustic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-changes-social-behavior-in-monkeys/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife studies</a> globally, and revealed troubling signs about the health of the habitats in which these animals live.



"They're the most sensitive of the primates that we have here," said Lawson. "The spider monkey would be the first animal to leave when there's signs of trouble. They would be the last animal to come back once forests are restored because they need mature, secondary and primary forest to be able to survive."



The monkeys avoid human-altered areas and rely on mature forests, making them sensitive indicators of environmental health.



The findings revealed that the monkeys avoid paved roads and plantations, which indicates that there are flaws in the government wildlife corridors which were designed to expand their range.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-monitoring-and-spider-monkey-conservation">AI monitoring and spider monkey conservation</h2>



Lawson’s work exemplifies how AI can support biodiversity efforts. Previous research has emphasized the potential of machine-learning techniques to manage vast datasets, which would enable faster, cheaper, and more precise ecological studies.



However, technical hurdles like humidity-damaged devices and accidental destruction by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-reveal-the-lifestyle-of-an-extinct-caribbean-monkey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> remain.



To tackle these challenges, Microsoft’s <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/group/ai-for-good-research-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI for Good Lab</a> introduced “Sparrow” - Solar-Powered Acoustic and Remote Recording Observation Watch. This energy-efficient device, designed to function autonomously for years, transmits data via low-Earth orbit satellites.



“Those remote places are also the most important places on the Earth from a biodiversity perspective,” said Juan Lavista Ferres, Microsoft’s chief data scientist.



Sparrow’s first test will monitor jaguars, birds, and spider monkeys along Colombia’s Magdalena River. 



By 2025, the project aims to deploy these devices on all continents and make the data accessible to researchers while protecting sensitive location information in order to avoid alerting potential poachers and animal traders.



“What we don’t want is these devices to ever be used for poachers to understand where the animals are,” Lavista Ferres said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-implications-for-conservation">Global implications for conservation</h2>



AI-powered acoustic monitoring has applications beyond studying rainforests. For instance, it could help sailors detect whale sounds in shipping lanes, thus reducing the risk of collisions.



This technology is transformative because it allows scientists to study wildlife without physically intruding on their habitats, which minimizes human influence on animal behavior. 



"We’re reducing our influence on their behavior. And also - they don’t want us here," Lawson explained.



However, challenges remain. Deploying such systems requires overcoming technical issues like equipment durability and environmental conditions. 



Equally important is collaboration with local communities. Lawson’s work around Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park highlights this need. Landowner support was critical for placing audio monitors outside protected areas to enable a broader understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marmosets-call-each-other-by-names-with-distinct-vocalizations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal</a> behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-conservation-efforts-for-spider-monkeys">Future conservation efforts for spider monkeys</h2>



Projects like Jenna Lawson’s and Microsoft’s Sparrow demonstrate how AI can revolutionize conservation efforts. 



These initiatives show that AI-powered tools can collect and analyze vast quantities of data, offering insights into animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-conservation-day-2024-saving-species-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a> and habitat health that would be difficult to obtain otherwise.



However, realizing their full potential requires overcoming technical challenges, such as maintaining equipment in harsh environments, securing adequate funding, and addressing ethical concerns - including the safe and responsible use of collected data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-assisted-wildlife-monitoring">AI-assisted wildlife monitoring</h2>



With 28% of plant and animal species currently at risk of extinction, AI-assisted wildlife monitoring offers a promising way to tackle biodiversity loss. 



By combining advanced technology with community-driven conservation efforts, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of ecosystems and implement effective protection strategies.



Endangered species like Geoffrey’s spider monkeys highlight the urgency of these efforts. Their unique role in the ecosystem and their vulnerability to habitat changes emphasize both the challenges of conservation and the hope that innovative solutions can bring. 



These remarkable creatures remind us of the biodiversity we stand to lose - and inspire action to preserve what can still be saved.



The study is published in the <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rspb.2022.2473">Proceedings of the Royal Society B</a>. 



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AI will monitor, track, and protect endangered species around the world

Geoffroy’s spider monkeys live high in the rainforest canopy, and...

You’ve likely heard of the Great Wall of China, that stone and brick marvel of fortifications that stretches vast distances across the historical border of northern China. But have you heard of the Great Green Wall of China?



Unlike its ancient counterpart, this is a living, breathing wall of greenery -- a massive tree-planting initiative aimed at combating desertification on the edge of the Gobi Desert.



Recently, the Great Green Wall reached a pivotal milestone, marking over four decades of relentless effort to transform arid landscapes into thriving ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-great-green-wall-encircles-the-desert">Great Green Wall encircles the desert</h2>



Late last year, dedicated workers in the northwest autonomous region of Xinjiang triumphantly finished a roughly 2,000-mile "green belt" that encircles the infamous Taklimakan Desert.



Often referred to as the "Sea of Death," the Taklimakan is the nation's largest desert, and this initiative is a component of the bigger Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program -- also known as the Great Green Wall of China.



Since its inception in 1978, this effort symbolizes one of the globe's most comprehensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-is-important-but-reforestation-can-help-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planting</a> missions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-taklimakan-desert-the-basics">Understanding the Taklimakan Desert -- the basics</h2>



The Taklimakan Desert sits in the Tarim Basin in northwest China, and it’s often called one of the largest shifting-sand deserts in the world. This place is enormous, covering over 130,000 square miles. 



Most of its surface is made up of constantly moving sand dunes, which can sometimes reach heights of several hundred feet. 



The region gets very little rain, so it’s incredibly dry, but it can still experience temperature swings with scorching summers and chilly winters.



You’ll find a handful of oases around the desert’s edges. These oases historically served as crucial pit stops for traders passing through on the ancient Silk Road. Because the desert’s interior is so harsh, people stuck to the perimeter. 



As a result, communities sprang up where water was more accessible and trade routes were established. Those settlements often became hubs of cultural exchange, bringing in traders from distant lands.



Wind plays a big role in shaping the Taklimakan’s sand dunes. Strong gusts blow the sand from one place to another, which means the dunes are constantly rearranging themselves. 



On top of that, the overall dryness makes it tough for vegetation to grow, so there isn’t much stopping the sand’s movement... until the Great Green Wall was built.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-china-s-great-green-wall-expansion">China's Great Green Wall expansion</h2>



China's verdant endeavor is on track to span 13 provinces, covering a whopping 1.5 million square miles (3.9 million square kilometers) and a hefty 42% of the country's land area by mid-century, according to government resources.



The program's aspirations include protecting China from the northern sandstorms and halting the encroachment of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/floods-are-becoming-more-deadly-in-the-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deserts</a> such as the one in Xinjiang.



Upon completion of the Taklimakan section, an impressive 116,000 square miles (300,000 square kilometers) of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-struggling-to-breathe-store-co2-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> had been planted, significantly boosting China's forest coverage from a mere 10% in 1949 to an expected 25% by 2023. Particularly in Xinjiang, forest coverage has leaped from 1% to 5% in 40 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-economic-stability">Improving economic stability </h2>



Distinct from the similarly ambitious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/africas-great-green-wall-is-economically-worthwhile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Green Wall in Africa</a>, China's program has already gained considerable success, with government sources stating that it is "improving ecological stability and supporting the local communities."



Farmers in the dry northern regions have reaped visible benefits. Wang Yinji, a farmer in the northwest Gansu province, has seen significant improvements since 1999 when the tree-planting efforts escalated.



"Our corn grew taller. The sand that used to blow in from the east and northeast was stopped," said Wang.



Through the years, the campaign has skilfully rallied workers and volunteers. The project has also explored the plant species best suited to desert conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-the-great-green-wall">Challenges of the Great Green Wall</h2>



However, the initiative isn't without its critics. Some have argued that the program hasn't curtailed sandstorms in Beijing, and others have scrutinized the low survival rates of the planted trees.



Critics have also argued that the planted trees compete with agricultural activities for the use of water and land. Yet, many believe in the value of tree-planting amidst increasing global warming and erratic weather patterns.



"The completion of the Taklimakan Desert control project is not an end to desert control but a new beginning," said Jiang Donghui, an official in Xinjiang. "We will continue to expand the green belt … to ensure sustainable development through desert control."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-blueprint-for-global-reforestation-efforts">A blueprint for global reforestation efforts</h2>



The success and challenges of the Great Green Wall of China offer valuable insights for other nations grappling with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oases-grow-by-human-effort-but-face-threats-from-desertification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desertification</a>. 



Similar initiatives, such as Africa’s Great Green Wall project, have drawn inspiration from China's approach, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies for local ecosystems.



China’s program demonstrates the significance of combining scientific research with community involvement to achieve long-term environmental sustainability. 



The use of drought-resistant tree species, soil stabilization techniques, and advanced irrigation systems have been key to transforming barren landscapes into fertile ecosystems.



As global climate change continues to exacerbate desertification and land degradation, the Great Green Wall serves as a reminder of the transformative power of reforestation - when backed by innovation, collaboration, and persistence.



The information for this article was published in <a href="https://english.news.cn/20241213/0073ff86fa9a4412860504c0c74f7b23/c.html">Xinhua</a>, the official news agency of the People's Republic of China



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China’s Great Green Wall has reached a new milestone

You’ve likely heard of the Great Wall of China, that...

More than one-third of all animals on Earth, from beetles to cows to elephants, subsist on plant-based diets. Since plants are typically low in calories, herbivorous creatures can already find it challenging to get the energy they need.&nbsp;



Now, as climate change affects growing conditions, some of the plant-based foods that animals rely on are losing some of their nutritional value.



Human activities continue to increase atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> levels and raise global temperatures. In response, many plants in ecosystems around the world are growing faster.&nbsp;



Some researchers refer to this phenomenon as the “greening of the Earth,” and it can potentially offset some greenhouse gas emissions by locking more carbon into plant matter. 



However, there is a trade-off: these rapidly growing plants often pack fewer nutrients into each bite.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-quality-and-animal-population-declines">Plant quality and animal population declines</h2>



Together with her colleagues at the <a href="https://www.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Institution</a>, Ellen Welti studies how this type of nutrient dilution influences species across the food web - from tiny grasshoppers to giant pandas. 



They suspect that long-term declines in plant quality may be a largely unnoticed factor in falling animal populations. 



These changes in plant nutrition aren’t as visually obvious as rising sea levels, nor are they sudden like hurricanes or extreme heatwaves. Nonetheless, they can have significant impacts over time.



If plants become less nutritious, herbivores may need more time to find and consume enough food, making them more vulnerable to predators and other hazards. 



Inadequate nutrient intake can also reduce animals’ fitness, affecting their growth, reproduction, and survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-carbon-and-declining-nutrients">Rising carbon and declining nutrients</h2>



Scientists have already shown that climate change is causing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-nutrient-loss-due-to-heavy-rainfall-threatens-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient</a> dilution in human food crops. 



Decreases in important micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and copper, are a particular concern. Records of crop nutrient content reveal that these elements have declined over time.



For humans, the loss of iron, zinc, and protein in staple foods is expected to worsen in the coming decades as CO₂ concentrations climb. 



Such deficiencies could significantly affect global health and survival, especially in regions that heavily depend on crops like rice and wheat, including parts of East and Central Asia.



The quality of livestock feed is also declining. Cattle, which already spend substantial time grazing, are finding it increasingly difficult to consume enough protein.&nbsp;



Protein concentrations in grasses are dropping across rangelands, diminishing animals’ weight gains and costing producers money. Moreover, wild species aren’t immune to nutrient dilution either.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bamboo-quality-and-panda-health">Bamboo quality and panda health</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancestors-of-giant-pandas-had-a-completely-different-diet/">Giant pandas</a>, a culturally significant threatened species, rely entirely on bamboo. 



Because pandas breed slowly and need extensive, uninterrupted bamboo forests for habitat, their existence is jeopardized by the conversion of land for agriculture and development. 



Pandas may also become an emblem of the risks posed by nutrient dilution.



The giant panda is considered an “umbrella species,” so preserving its habitat benefits many other organisms sharing its environment.&nbsp;



Notably, giant pandas consume large quantities of bamboo daily. Now, rising temperatures are reducing bamboo’s nutritional value and making it harder for the plant to survive.



Because bamboo is such an essential resource for pandas, any decline in its nutrients could affect panda health and population numbers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixed-outcomes-for-insects">Mixed outcomes for insects</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-insect-decline-what-are-the-causes-and-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insects</a> play vital roles in pollination, serve as food sources for birds and animals, and fulfill other ecological functions. 



Yet many insect species worldwide are in decline, including in places less affected by direct human activities. Shifts in plant chemistry may be influencing these declines.



Numerous insects are plant feeders and thus likely to be influenced by reduced plant nutritional quality. 



Experiments have shown that when carbon dioxide levels go up, certain insect populations decrease, at least partly due to lower food quality.



However, not all insects respond similarly. Leaf-chewing insects, such as grasshoppers and caterpillars, appear most vulnerable, experiencing smaller body sizes and diminished reproduction.&nbsp;



Conversely, locusts thrive on plants rich in carbon and might flourish under elevated CO₂ conditions. Insects like aphids and cicadas, which feed on phloem rather than leaves, could also benefit from carbon-rich plant structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-quality-and-struggling-animals">Plant quality and struggling animals</h2>



Communities that are already nutrient-poor - like the ancient soils of Australia and the Amazon and Congo tropical basins - stand to be the most affected, since the animals in those areas already struggle to get enough nutrition.&nbsp;



Rapidly warming waters are likewise reducing the nutritional content of giant sea kelp, which serves as a crucial food source in the open ocean.



Certain herbivores may be hit harder, particularly those needing higher-quality diets. Hind-gut fermenters - such as rodents, rabbits, koalas, horses, rhinoceroses, and elephants - rely on microbes in their intestines to extract nutrients from fibrous plant materials, so they need nutrient-rich forage.&nbsp;



Smaller animals, with faster metabolisms, also depend on more nutrient-dense food and may struggle if plant quality falls.



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



To grasp the role of nutrient dilution in population declines, more evidence is needed. This includes artificial experiments that raise CO₂ levels to mimic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-how-plants-adapt-to-changing-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, along with field studies that track changing plant chemistry and its impact on wild animal populations.



Over the long term, scientists aim to uncover how decreasing plant nutritional value might reshape food webs. Changes to plant species, traits, and interactions could alter relationships among predators, prey, and ecosystems at large.&nbsp;



At a time when climate change is already straining the planet, nutrient dilution adds another subtle yet far-reaching challenge that may reshape life on Earth.



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Plants and fruits are starting to lose their nutritional value

More than one-third of all animals on Earth, from beetles...

Every year, over 460 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide, infiltrating nearly every aspect of life. In a review of 3,000 studies, researchers at UC San Francisco have uncovered alarming evidence of how microplastics - tiny fragments less than five millimeters (0.2 inches) in size - are impacting human health.



The findings reveal a troubling link between microplastic exposure and serious medical conditions, including colon cancer, infertility, and respiratory issues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-microplastics">What are microplastics?</h2>



Microplastics, some as small as a grain of sand or even invisible to the naked eye, are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-steadily-increasing-in-freshwater-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">omnipresent</a>. They result from the gradual breakdown or fragmentation of plastic pollution in the environment.



Microplastics contaminate air, soil, water, food, and even everyday items like drink containers. These particles are ingested or inhaled without our awareness, entering the body through airways or along with food and beverages.



Shockingly, microplastics have been discovered in human tissues, including the brain and placenta. According to recent estimates, the U.S. healthcare system spends $289 billion annually on health issues that are linked to microplastic exposure.



The small size of these particles makes them especially dangerous, as they easily enter the bloodstream and infiltrate tissues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-microplastics-harm-our-health">How microplastics harm our health</h2>



Once microplastics enter the body, they act as foreign invaders, triggering widespread inflammation. The immune system’s response to these particles can cause tissue damage in vital organs, including the heart and liver. Over time, their accumulation leads to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-is-everywhere-even-in-newborns-and-getting-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">irreversible harm</a>.



Microplastics have a bio-accumulative nature, meaning their levels in the environment and human bodies will only increase. With plastic production expected to triple by 2060, researchers warn of escalating health risks. 



“Due to ubiquitous exposure and bioaccumulative characteristics of microplastics, the extent of human health impacts due to microplastic exposure is of great concern,” noted the authors of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digestive-system-and-cancer-risks">Digestive system and cancer risks</h2>



The UCSF research revealed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-nanotechnology-is-fighting-microplastic-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> disrupt the digestive system, particularly in the colon. These tiny particles damage the protective mucus layer of the colon, increasing vulnerability to inflammation and tumor development.



"Exposure to microplastics is 'suspected' to adversely impact the colon and small intestine in humans," noted the researchers.



Chronic inflammation and intestinal cell death were also identified as potential outcomes. Using carcinogen classification methods, the team linked microplastics to colon cancer, and called for urgent attention to these health hazards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-and-reproductive-health">Microplastics and reproductive health</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-trigger-cloud-formation-and-alter-weather-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microplastics</a> may also disrupt hormonal balance in the reproductive system. For men, this could lead to reduced sperm quality and testicular health. For women, they can impact ovarian function and the placenta. 



In one study, researchers linked microplastics in the placenta to low birth weight and pre-term births.



Furthermore, adverse effects on ovarian function and development highlight the potential long-term implications for reproductive health.



“We concluded that exposure to microplastics is 'suspected' to adversely impact sperm quality and testicular health in humans,” the researchers emphasized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-respiratory-impacts-and-lung-cancer-risks">Respiratory impacts and lung cancer risks</h2>



Microplastics also pose <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hotspots-of-microplastic-pollution-found-in-the-north-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant threats</a> to lung health. When inhaled, they irritate airways, leading to chronic inflammation and lung injuries. Over time, this can increase the risk of lung cancer. 



The experts concluded that exposure to microplastics is “suspected to be a hazard to the human respiratory system.”



“These microplastics are basically particulate matter air pollution, and we know this type of air pollution is harmful,” said study senior author <a href="https://profiles.ucsf.edu/tracey.woodruff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tracey J. Woodruff</a>, a professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at UCSF.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-environmental-contamination">Widespread environmental contamination</h2>



The minute size of microplastics allows them to spread across the globe, contaminating even the most remote locations. Researchers have detected microplastics in Arctic sea ice, deep ocean trenches, and in snow and sediment across Antarctica.



Alarmingly, these particles have been found in human breast milk, the liver, and in the placenta - raising concerns about their far-reaching impacts on human health.



Each year, plastic production is projected to increase, reaching 1.1 billion tons by 2050. This means the presence of microplastics in the environment - and consequently in our bodies - will only worsen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-health-risks-of-microplastics">Addressing the health risks of microplastics</h2>



The UCSF review is the first to systematically examine the health impacts of microplastics using methods approved by the National Academy of Sciences.



While many studies in the review focused on animals, the researchers believe the findings are directly applicable to humans due to similar exposure pathways.



The research builds on previous work by the California State Policy Evidence Consortium, which guides policymakers. 



"We urge regulatory agencies and policy leaders to consider the growing evidence of health harms from microplastics, including colon and lung cancer," noted study first author Dr. Nicholas Chartres. 



"We hope state leaders will take immediate action to prevent further exposures."



The UCSF findings highlight the pressing need for stricter regulations on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-infiltrating-the-human-body-even-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> production and better waste management. 



Without immediate intervention, the health impacts of microplastics will escalate alongside the increase in plastic production. Reducing exposure is critical for safeguarding human health in the years to come.



The review study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/envhealth.3c00052">ACS Environmental Science and Technology</a>.



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Microplastics linked to health issues including cancer and infertility

Every year, over 460 million tons of plastic are produced...

To a leaf, the impact of a raindrop is equivalent to a person being struck by a falling bowling ball. Despite this seemingly catastrophic force, leaves endure, and new research offers insights into the physics that make this possible.&nbsp;



These findings, detailed in a recent study published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prfluids/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevFluids.9.123605" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Fluids</a>, could have applications in agriculture, environmental science, and renewable energy technologies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamics-of-raindrops-and-plant-leaves">Dynamics of raindrops and plant leaves</h2>



The study, titled “Resonance and Damping in Drop-Cantilever Interactions,” used high-speed photography to closely examine what happens when a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-turbulence-clouds-makes-tiny-water-droplets-turn-into-rain-showers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water droplet</a> hits a flexible plastic beam.&nbsp;



The researchers observed not only the deformation of the droplet but also how the beam vibrates in response to the impact. This setup mimics the interaction between raindrops and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-aging-discovered-in-plant-leaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant leaves</a>.



“In this study, we investigated the dynamics of a droplet impacting and oscillating a polycarbonate cantilever beam of nine varying lengths,” noted the researchers.



“We analyzed the cantilever's damping and vibration frequency in relation to a resonance length, where the frequencies of the droplet and the cantilever are equal.”



Sunghwan Jung, a professor of biological and environmental engineering at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>, likened the beam to a springboard. 



When the droplet strikes the beam, it triggers a dynamic interplay: the beam bends downward as the droplet stretches upward, and vice versa. 



Professor Jung explained that this opposing motion creates a “strong damping effect,” meaning the vibrations dissipate quickly. For plants, this rapid damping reduces stress on their structures, potentially prolonging their lifespan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raindrop-impacts-and-plant-recovery-nbsp">Raindrop impacts and plant recovery&nbsp;</h2>



One key discovery in the study was the role of resonance. Lead author Crystal Fowler, a doctoral student in biological engineering, noted an intriguing pattern.



When the natural frequency of the beam aligned with that of the droplet, the droplet moved significantly more, and the beam’s oscillations diminished more quickly.



This phenomenon, previously observed but not fully understood, revealed that synchronization between the frequencies of the beam and the droplet amplifies the droplet's motion, leading to enhanced damping.&nbsp;



The result is a quicker return to stability for the beam. For plants, this means they can recover more efficiently after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-increases-as-a-direct-result-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a>, reducing mechanical strain and promoting longevity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-damping-effect-of-raindrop-impacts-nbsp">The damping effect of raindrop impacts&nbsp;</h2>



“Upon reaching the resonance length, the frequencies of both the droplet and the cantilever align, and the cantilever is out of phase with the oscillation of the droplet's apex. This leads to increased damping rates,” noted the researchers.



“At this resonance length, the droplet's force and the direction of the cantilever oppose each other. When the cantilever length exceeds the resonance length, it synchronizes more with the droplet apex. This alignment allows the droplet force and the cantilever to work in phase.”



According to the researchers, the findings provide fundamental insights into the damping effect of droplet impacts on elastic surfaces around resonance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-for-science-and-technology">Broader implications for science and technology</h2>



Understanding the dynamics of raindrop impact on leaves has implications beyond botany. This research sheds light on how rain moves through forest canopies and could inform studies of plant evolution and morphology.&nbsp;



For instance, Jung's lab has also explored how rain disperses spores and how plant vibrations could indicate hydration levels.



The findings also open doors to innovations in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tapping-into-the-natural-power-of-plants-for-renewable-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a>. By replacing the plastic beam with a piezoelectric material - one that generates electricity when subjected to pressure - rainfall could become a source of power.&nbsp;



Professor Jung envisions a system where beams resembling plant structures harness energy from rain, creating a fusion of nature and technology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-personal-milestone-in-discovery">A personal milestone in discovery</h2>



The study marks Fowler’s first publication and reflects her lifelong fascination with understanding the natural world.&nbsp;



Growing up in the Navajo Nation, surrounded by plants and gardens, Fowler developed an early interest in exploration and discovery. 



Her work in biological engineering now allows her to uncover the mechanisms that govern life’s resilience and adapt those principles for practical use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-inspired-energy-solutions-nbsp">Nature-inspired energy solutions&nbsp;</h2>



This research highlights the remarkable adaptations of plants to withstand environmental challenges and points to potential human applications inspired by nature.&nbsp;



From better understanding plant ecosystems to creating energy-harvesting technologies, the study demonstrates how curiosity-driven science can lead to innovative solutions for modern challenges.



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Nature-inspired energy: Lessons from leaves and raindrops

To a leaf, the impact of a raindrop is equivalent...

This year, people worldwide experienced an average of 41 additional dangerously hot days due to human-caused climate change.



Scientists from World Weather Attribution and Climate Central reported this sobering statistic, alongside findings that climate change intensified much of the year’s damaging weather phenomena.



The analysis highlights the devastating role of climate change in shaping extreme weather events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-record-breaking-heat-and-climate-disasters">Record-breaking heat and climate disasters</h2>



2024 shattered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-shatters-heat-records-earths-hottest-year-is-here/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">numerous climate records</a>, with Earth likely experiencing its hottest year on record.



“The finding is devastating but utterly unsurprising: climate change did play a role, and often a major role, in most of the events we studied, making heat, droughts, tropical cyclones, and heavy rainfall more likely and more intense across the world, destroying lives and livelihoods of millions,” noted Friederike Otto, a climate scientist from <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College</a>.



In 2024, regions worldwide experienced the severe impacts of relentless heat waves:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Northern California and Death Valley:&nbsp;These areas recorded extreme and unprecedented temperatures, testing the limits of human endurance and infrastructure.</li>



<li>Southern Europe:&nbsp;Scorching heat in this region led to drastic measures, such as Greece temporarily closing the Acropolis, one of its most iconic historical landmarks, to protect tourists and workers from the dangerous conditions.</li>



<li>West Africa:&nbsp;Children in this region were among the most vulnerable, facing severe health risks and life-threatening conditions due to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intense heat</a>.</li>



<li>South and Southeast Asia: Schools were forced to close in several countries to safeguard students from the extreme heat, demonstrating how climate conditions disrupted daily life and education.</li>
</ul>



Adding to these challenges, the year featured a 13-month streak of high temperatures, which culminated in the hottest summer ever recorded. These events highlight the widespread and lasting impact of escalating global heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-impact-of-climate-change-on-heat">The impact of climate change on heat</h2>



The scientists conducted a detailed heat analysis, comparing 2024’s daily temperatures to a world without climate change. Some areas saw over 150 days of extreme heat this year, with the most vulnerable regions suffering disproportionately. 



“The poorest, least developed countries on the planet are the places that are experiencing even higher numbers,” said Kristina Dahl, vice president of climate science at <a href="https://www.climatecentral.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Central</a>.



What’s more, heat-related deaths often go unreported, which implies that the true human cost is even greater.



“People don’t have to die in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-climate-change-affect-our-outdoor-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat</a> waves. But if we can’t communicate convincingly that actually a lot of people are dying, it’s much harder to raise this awareness,” noted Otto.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearing-the-paris-agreement-threshold">Nearing the Paris Agreement threshold</h2>



This year highlighted how dangerously close the planet is to surpassing the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Clearly, there is an urgent need to address this heat and its impact on humanity and environments.



Scientists believe Earth could temporarily cross this threshold soon. However, it will not officially be considered a breach until such warming becomes sustained over decades.



In 2024, researchers analyzed 29 extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cities-are-largely-unprepared-for-the-effects-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather events</a> that caused over 3,700 deaths and displaced millions of people worldwide. 



The findings revealed that 26 of these events were directly linked to human-caused climate change. Rising ocean temperatures and warmer air played a key role in driving destructive storms and unprecedented rainfall.



Although the El Niño climate pattern contributed to some events early in the year, scientists concluded that climate change had a far greater influence overall. These findings highlight the urgency of addressing climate change to mitigate its catastrophic impacts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-climate-change">Preparing for climate change</h2>



“Extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-climate-shift-sheds-light-on-future-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather</a> will continue to become more frequent, intense, destructive, costly, and deadly, until we can lower the concentration of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere,” noted Jennifer Francis, a climate scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center.



Julie Arrighi of the <a href="https://www.climatecentre.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center</a> offered a hopeful note. She stressed that deaths and damages from extreme weather are not inevitable. 



“Countries can reduce those impacts by preparing for climate change and adapting for climate change,” said Arrighi. She highlighted the need for global cooperation to address these challenges.



2024’s extreme weather events highlight the urgency of reducing carbon emissions and building resilience to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate impacts</a>. 



“As long as the world keeps burning fossil fuels, this will only get worse,” warned Otto. By acting now, nations can protect lives and livelihoods, mitigating the worst effects of a changing climate.



Information for this article was obtained from the <a href="https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/when-risks-become-reality-extreme-weather-in-2024/">Annual Report</a> of World Weather Attribution.



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Climate change added 41 extra days of dangerous heat in 2024

This year, people worldwide experienced an average of 41 additional...

Imagine standing in a snowy winter forest. The temperature has dropped below freezing, and the ground is blanketed in white. The trees and bushes stand bare, and the insects that once buzzed or crawled are nowhere to be seen. 



You might assume these creatures do not survive the harsh winter, but insects are all around us, even in the coldest months. Hidden in tree bark or buried in soil, insects use brilliant strategies to survive the challenging conditions.



In a <a href="https://phys.org/news/2024-12-insects-winter.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> written for The Conversation, Anna Brødsgaard Shoshan gives us a glimpse into the fascinating world of hibernating insects. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-insects-prepare-for-winter">How insects prepare for winter</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-are-changing-color-to-adapt-to-human-destruction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insects</a> survive harsh winters by entering a special state called&nbsp;diapause, which is similar to hibernation in mammals. Unlike warm-blooded animals that produce their own heat, insects use diapause to pause their activity and conserve energy during the cold months.



Before winter sets in, insects prepare to enter diapause. For some species, this is an essential part of their life cycle, meaning every generation experiences winter and undergoes diapause. However, other species rely on environmental signals to determine when to start the process.



One of the most reliable signals for insects is&nbsp;day length. As days become shorter, many insects recognize this as a sign that winter is coming. This is a better cue than temperature, which can vary unpredictably. 



For example, the speckled wood butterfly can sense the shortening days while it is still a larva. It responds by eating excessively to gain extra weight for an energy store, and then enters diapause as a pupa.



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



Timing is critical for survival. If an insect begins diapause too early or too late, it risks serious consequences. 



Starting too early could deplete energy reserves, while starting too late might expose it to freezing temperatures or a lack of food. Both scenarios can lead to starvation or exhaustion before the insect can resume normal activity in spring.



Through careful preparation and reliance on consistent environmental cues, insects increase their chances of surviving even the harshest winters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-for-survival">Strategies for survival</h2>



Hibernation involves remarkable adaptations to survive months without food. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbicides-are-disrupting-plant-insect-interactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insects</a> typically employ two key strategies during diapause.



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Energy conservation: By slowing their metabolic rate, insects burn energy reserves at a minimal pace.</li>



<li>Freeze tolerance or avoidance: Some species chemically alter their bodies to prevent freezing, while others seek insulated spots, like snow-covered grass, to avoid extreme temperatures.</li>
</ol>



The stage of life an insect is in determines how it hibernates during winter. Each species has a specific strategy to pause its growth or activity at the most suitable stage of its life cycle to survive the cold months.



The speckled wood butterfly, for example, hibernates as a pupa, pausing development until warmer months arrive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-winters-new-challenges">Changing winters, new challenges</h2>



Climate change poses new challenges for hibernating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-play-a-much-bigger-role-in-seed-dispersal-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a>. Rising global temperatures lead to shorter, warmer winters, disrupting the cues and conditions that insects depend on.



Warmer winters offer opportunities for some species to expand their range northward or produce additional generations. However, for many, the changes bring more risks than benefits:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Confused cues: Day length remains constant, but delayed cold weather can mislead insects, resulting in poorly timed diapause.</li>



<li>Energy depletion: Higher winter temperatures increase metabolic activity, which risks using up energy stores too soon.</li>



<li>Reduced snow cover: Less snow diminishes the natural insulation many insects rely on, exposing them to freezing conditions.</li>
</ul>



Entomologists are racing to understand which species can adapt and which face potential extinction. Some insects show the ability to shift their cues for diapause, but this adaptability varies across species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-of-insects-beyond-winter">Conservation of insects beyond winter</h2>



Understanding how insects adapt to warmer winters is critical for conservation efforts. Species reliant on specific habitats or food sources may struggle to migrate northward, further limiting their survival options.



Researchers aim to identify vulnerable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-insects-migrate-through-the-pyrenees-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> and develop targeted conservation strategies. These could range from habitat preservation to aiding migration or breeding programs.



Hibernating insects embody resilience as they survive for months in harsh conditions. As global temperatures rise, their ability to adapt will test the limits of evolution - and our capacity to protect them.



This quiet perseverance serves as a reminder of nature’s intricate balance and the importance of every species, no matter how small.



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Insects are uniquely adapted to withstand harsh winter climates

Imagine standing in a snowy winter forest. The temperature has...

When discussing solutions to climate change, most people think of renewable energy, electric vehicles, and nuclear energy. These technologies aim to reduce emissions and shift humanity toward a more sustainable future. 



However, one emerging technology, solar geoengineering, presents a compelling - if controversial - option for cooling the planet quickly.



While the idea of altering the atmosphere might sound like science fiction, its potential impact could be profound. 



According to a new study from the&nbsp;Georgia Tech School of Public Policy, solar geoengineering could save as many as&nbsp;400,000 lives annually&nbsp;by reducing temperature-related deaths caused by climate change. 



Published in the&nbsp;Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the study emphasizes that while the risks are real, the benefits might outweigh them significantly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-solar-geoengineering">Understanding solar geoengineering </h2>



Solar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/should-we-risk-geoengineering-to-reverse-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geoengineering</a> focuses on&nbsp;stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), a process involving tiny reflective particles sprayed into the upper atmosphere. 



These particles bounce sunlight back into space, helping to cool the Earth. Researchers believe that by lowering global temperatures, SAI could provide humanity with a critical buffer while long-term solutions like emissions reduction and carbon removal are fully implemented.



"An important question is how the reduction in climate risks from solar geoengineering compares to the additional risks its use entails," noted study lead author Anthony Harding from the Georgia Tech <a href="https://spp.gatech.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Public Policy</a>.



The team, which included collaborators from <a href="https://www.princeton.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University</a> and the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a>, analyzed the potential life-saving impact of solar geoengineering. 



Using computer models and historical data on temperature-related death rates, they simulated a scenario where the global average temperature rises by 2.5°C from pre-industrial levels. 



The results showed that cooling the planet by just 1°C could prevent 400,000 deaths annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-and-risks-of-solar-geoengineering">Benefits and risks of solar geoengineering</h2>



Despite its promise, solar geoengineering poses <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survey-mother-nature-is-more-likely-to-solve-climate-change-than-geoengineering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant challenges</a>. Risks such as poorer air quality and ozone layer depletion could lead to serious health problems. 



However, the study found that the&nbsp;lives saved from cooling effects outnumber potential deaths caused by these risks by a factor of 13. Many of these lives would be saved in&nbsp;hotter, poorer regions, which are disproportionately affected by climate change.



On the other hand, the technology's potential is not universally positive. In cooler, wealthier regions, the decrease in global temperatures might lead to increased cold-related deaths.



The researchers emphasize that their findings represent an initial exploration of solar geoengineering’s effects and not a comprehensive evaluation of its global risks and benefits.



"This study offers a first step in quantifying the risks and benefits of solar geoengineering and shows that, for the risks we considered, the potential to save lives outweighs the direct risks,"&nbsp;Harding added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-and-ethical-concerns">Broader implications and ethical concerns</h2>



The study highlights the urgent need for more robust research into solar geoengineering. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasonline.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Academies of Science</a>&nbsp;have recommended increased funding to evaluate the technology's safety and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geoengineering-can-we-dim-the-sun-to-avoid-climate-tipping-points/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effectiveness</a> further. 



However, critics, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ucsusa.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Union of Concerned Scientists</a>, warn that the environmental, ethical, and geopolitical risks are too significant to ignore. They argue that governments might use solar geoengineering as an excuse to delay difficult but necessary emissions cuts.



Solar geoengineering also raises concerns about unintended ecological consequences and potential conflicts over its deployment. For instance, countries might disagree on the ideal level of cooling or the acceptable risks, leading to geopolitical tensions.



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



The authors acknowledge that their research has some limitations. The study is based on idealized models and assumptions about aerosol distribution, population growth, and economic development.



These models cannot fully capture the complexities of real-world implementation. 



Additionally, the study does not explore solar geoengineering’s potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-geoengineering-save-the-doomsday-glacier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact on ecosystems</a>, politics, or the possibility of promoting complacency in reducing emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-geoengineering-could-alleviate-suffering">Solar geoengineering could alleviate suffering </h2>



While solar geoengineering remains a controversial topic, its potential benefits make it a technology worth exploring further. For many regions, it could provide life-saving relief from climate-related heat.



"There's no perfect resolution to the climate crisis," said Harding. "Solar geoengineering entails risks, but it could also alleviate real suffering, so we need to better understand how the risks compare to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-are-changing-the-clouds-unintended-geoengineering-test-atlantic-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benefits</a> to inform any potential future decisions around the technology."



As the global community searches for solutions to mitigate climate change, solar geoengineering could play a vital role. However, its adoption must come with a clear understanding of both its promises and its perils. 



Collaborative research and careful risk assessment will be crucial in determining whether this bold strategy becomes part of humanity’s fight against a warming planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2401801121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Solar geoengineering could save up to 400,000 lives each year

When discussing solutions to climate change, most people think of...

In an era teeming with spectacular inventions and discoveries, the possibilities for innovation in robotic technology seem endless. Among these breakthroughs, a team of scientists at the <a href="https://www.isct.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Science, Tokyo</a>, has found a unique approach to robotic flight control that could reshape the industry.



Their method? Bio-inspired wind sensing using strain sensors on flexible wings. The research, led by Professor Hiroto Tanaka, demonstrates the potential of wing strain sensing to revolutionize flapping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineers-create-perching-bird-like-robot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerial robots</a>.



Inspired by the natural strain receptors found in birds and insects, the researchers developed a method to detect wind direction with an impressive 99.5% accuracy using strain gauges and a convolutional neural network (CNN) model.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biological-inspiration-for-robotic-wings">Biological inspiration for robotic wings</h2>



Flying insects and birds possess mechanical receptors on their wings that collect strain sensory data, likely aiding their <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/exploring-the-incredible-flight-control-techniques-of-fruit-flies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flight control</a>. 



These receptors enable them to detect changes in wind, body movement, and environmental conditions, allowing for responsive adjustments during flight. 



Researchers were inspired by these natural systems and sought to replicate their functionality in robotic wings.



"Small aerial robots cannot afford conventional flow-sensing apparatus due to severe limitations in weight and size. Hence, it would be beneficial if simple wing strain sensing could be utilized to directly recognize flow conditions without additional dedicated devices," explained Tanaka.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delicately-designed-wings-with-a-purpose">Delicately designed: Wings with a purpose</h2>



The team attached seven low-cost, widely available strain gauges to a flexible wing structure that mimics the wings of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-adjust-their-wings-to-fly-through-very-tiny-spaces/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbirds</a>. 



These wings, composed of tapered shafts supporting wing film, were designed to closely resemble the structure of natural wings.



The wings were integrated into a flapping mechanism driven by a DC motor and Scotch yoke system, generating 12 flapping cycles per second. 



Exposing the setup to wind speeds of 0.8 m/s in a wind tunnel, the team measured wing strain under seven different wind directions (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°), along with one no-wind condition.



The strain data was analyzed using a CNN model to classify the various wind conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-achieving-remarkable-results">Achieving remarkable results</h2>



The results were striking. The researchers achieved a 99.5% classification accuracy using the strain data from a complete <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universal-equation-predicts-the-flapping-frequency-of-birds-insects-and-even-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flapping</a> cycle.



Even with shorter data from just 0.2 flapping cycles, the accuracy remained high at 85.2%. Further analysis showed that even with data from a single strain gauge, classification accuracy ranged from 95.2% to 98.8% for one flapping cycle.



However, this dropped to 65.6% or lower when using the shorter 0.2-cycle data. 



Additionally, the removal of inner wing shafts led to reduced classification accuracy, highlighting the importance of biomimetic wing structures in enhancing wind-sensing capabilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-vision-for-robotic-flight">A vision for robotic flight</h2>



"This study contributes to the growing understanding that hovering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-wings-inspire-improvements-in-airplane-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> and insects may sensitively perceive wind through strain sensing of their flapping wings, which would be beneficial for responsive flight control," said Tanaka. 



"A similar system can be realized in biomimetic flapping-wing aerial robots using simple strain gauges."



The research showcases the immense potential of bio-inspired technology in advancing robotic flight. 



By learning from nature, these scientists have opened the door to smarter, more adaptable robots that can navigate complex environments with precision.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-applications-in-robotics-and-beyond">Potential applications in robotics and beyond</h2>



The implications of this research extend far beyond improving robotic flight. The use of strain sensors on flexible wings has the potential to revolutionize various industries.



For instance, these biomimetic systems could be integrated into small aerial robots designed for disaster response, where precise flight control is crucial in navigating challenging environments. 



Drones equipped with this technology could also excel in tasks such as environmental monitoring, search and rescue operations, and agricultural applications.



Additionally, the lightweight and cost-effective nature of strain gauges makes them an attractive option for scaling up these systems in both commercial and military contexts. 



For example, delivery drones operating in urban areas could benefit from the enhanced wind-sensing capabilities, ensuring smoother flights in unpredictable weather.



This study also opens avenues for further research in biomimicry. It could potentially inspire developments in other areas, such as underwater robotics or even space exploration, where adaptive movement in fluid-like environments is essential.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aisy.202400473" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Intelligent Systems</a>.



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Hummingbird wings: The future of robotic flight

In an era teeming with spectacular inventions and discoveries, the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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"

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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

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

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