Can farms produce enough food to feed us while still leaving space for wildlife? A new proposal says they can.



By setting aside one-fifth of farmland for nature, and tweaking everyday practices on the rest, we can help wildlife recover without sacrificing the food on our tables.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farming-with-wildlife-in-mind">Farming with wildlife in mind</h2>



The plan comes from ecologists at the <a href="https://www.ceh.ac.uk/">UK Centre for Ecology &amp; Hydrology</a> and the University of Alcalá in Spain. Study co-author Professor James Bullock elaborated on the importance of the research.



“Reversing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-calls-for-global-change-to-stop-biodiversity-loss/">biodiversity loss</a> and degradation of ecosystems is essential both for nature as well as long-term global food security. But there is no single silver bullet for nature recovery and so far it has been unclear how to integrate rewilding into agricultural landscapes," said Professor Bullock. 



“Our proposed approach moves beyond land sparing versus land sharing. We believe rewilding can be interwoven into agricultural landscapes and could be key to maintaining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-based-food-production-would-have-extremely-positive-impact/">food production</a> in a way that is sustainable in the long term for people and the planet.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dedicating-land-to-nature-recovery">Dedicating land to nature recovery</h2>



According to the study, fostering rewilding approaches alongside farming could create agroecological landscapes that accommodate biodiversity while remaining resilient and functionally connected. Certain incentives would encourage farmers to adopt this approach.



“While setting aside land for nature recovery could potentially be made a legal requirement for farmers and landowners, there is more likely to be acceptance and success of rewilding if there are incentives in the form of payments for ecosystem services and tax deductions,” noted Professor José María Rey Benayas, lead author on the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-farming-needs-wildlife">Why farming needs wildlife</h2>



Modern farming has greatly increased food production since the 1940s. But this has often come at the expense of nature. 



Clearing land, using heavy fertilizers and pesticides, and removing natural features like hedgerows have pushed many plant and animal species to the edge.



This loss doesn’t just affect wildlife - it disrupts vital services that farms depend on, such as healthy soil, natural pest control, and water retention. As these services decline, the long-term productivity and resilience of farming systems are put at risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cost-of-declining-wildlife">The cost of declining wildlife</h2>



Across Europe and beyond, once-common species are disappearing from farmland. For example, the U.K. has lost over 40 million birds since 1970, and wild bee populations have declined in more than half of European countries, according to multiple long-term surveys.



These animals aren’t just part of the scenery - they’re key to food production. Birds eat crop pests. Bees and other insects pollinate the flowers that develop into fruits and vegetables. Their loss means greater reliance on artificial fertilisers, pesticides, and expensive manual labour.



Bringing wildlife back isn’t just a conservation goal - it’s a practical step toward more affordable and reliable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-cover-crops-may-be-the-future-of-sustainable-farming/">farming</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steps-to-farming-alongside-wildlife">Steps to farming alongside wildlife </h2>



The researchers suggest a four-part plan that links nature conservation with everyday farming. 



First, they recommend reserving at least 20% of farmland for nature. This space would include large patches of woodland, wetlands, and species-rich grassland to form strong core habitats. 



Second, these patches should be connected by green corridors - such as hedgerows, ponds, and strips of scrubland - that allow wildlife to move, feed, and reproduce.



Third, they propose protecting small hotspots within working fields. This would involve setting aside about 10% of cropped land for flower strips, beetle banks, and bird perches, bringing the total to the 30% global restoration goal. 



Finally, they call for small changes in daily farming practices, like reducing chemical use, planting flowers for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/">pollinators</a>, and letting livestock graze more freely to help spread seeds and support healthy soil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rewilding-has-benefits-for-farmers">Rewilding has benefits for farmers</h2>



Many European regions cannot host bears or bison. However, smaller species such as lynx, wildcat, or European hare can still boost ecosystem health. Choosing the right mix depends on local conditions.



Helping wildlife can pay off in more ways than one. When farms support natural habitats, they often see practical benefits in return. 



Better soil retains more water and nutrients, which supports stronger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-can-help-make-crops-more-resilient/">crops</a>. Pollinators and natural predators of pests can help increase yields in nearby fields. 



Farmers may also spend less on fertilizers and pesticides, lowering overall input costs. In some places, governments might provide payments or tax breaks to reward efforts that support biodiversity and ecosystem services.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-room-for-wildlife">Making room for wildlife</h2>



Reaching the 20% target may be challenging for small farms, but collective action can make it achievable. At the same time, each region will need to adapt the plan to fit its local conditions. 



Areas with heavily degraded farmland have the most to gain, while places with traditional, low-impact farming may require fewer changes. 



The researchers emphasize that this is just a starting point - but the message is clear: making room for wildlife alongside farming can help secure both indigenous species and food for the future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fee.2860">Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment</a>.



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Farming for wildlife: How traditional practices can protect nature

Can farms produce enough food to feed us while still leaving space for wildlife? A new proposal says they can. By setting aside one-fifth of farmland for nature, and tweaking everyday practices on the rest, we can help wildlife recover without sacrificing the food on our tables. Farming with wildlife in mind The plan comes from ecologists at the UK Centre for Ecology &amp; Hydrology and the University of Alcalá in Spain. Study co-author Professor James Bullock elaborated on the importance of the research. “Reversing biodiversity loss...

The,Astronaut,In,An,Outer,Space,,At,The,Iss,,Repairs

Sometimes, the most fascinating discoveries are not in the stars and planets that are light-years away. Instead, they lie in the microbes that somehow manage to hitch a ride on our spaceships - minuscule organisms that could reveal new insights into life’s resilience.



Understanding how these microbes survive the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-laid-the-foundation-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harsh environment</a> of space is crucial for future exploration and planetary protection efforts. 



In addition, it is important that humans do not introduce microbes into space as a result of their activities.



The new <a href="https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20230000435/downloads/Bell%20IEM%20EVA%20LPSC%202023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISS External Microorganisms</a> experiment lays the groundwork for a scientific expedition to sample areas of the ISS and determine whether microbes are present and, if so, how many of them there are.



These tiny stowaways may offer valuable data on microbial adaptation and potential risks for deep-space missions in future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-microbes-in-space">Invisible microbes in space</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-microbiome-health-is-crucial-to-future-space-exploration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronauts</a> are set to embark on spacewalks to collect samples near the life support system vents on the outside of the International Space Station in hopes of finding living microbes.



This location choice is driven by the curiosity to see whether the spacecraft might be emitting microorganisms into the cosmos and, if so, the nature and number of these microorganisms and the distance they may travel.



As the scientists carefully gather samples, the focus isn't just to count and classify these raw data. They want to learn how microbes can survive in space and which microbes are best able to do so.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-of-the-fittest">Survival of the fittest</h2>



How do these tiny life forms manage to survive and propagate in the hostile environment of space? Could they hold the secret to life on distant planets like the Moon or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-microbes-from-earth-could-survive-the-conditions-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>? 



These are the intriguing questions the research hopes to answer.



The ISS External Microorganisms experiment is particularly interested in a group of microbes known as "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extremophiles-and-the-quest-for-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extremophiles</a>."



These are robust survivors that continue to thrive in conditions that can be extremely harsh and improbable for life as we know it.



Their extraordinary resilience makes them subjects of great curiosity, not just for space research, but also for applications right here on Earth, in fields like pharmaceuticals and agriculture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-microbes-on-the-space-station">Monitoring microbes on the space station</h2>



Onboard monitoring of microbial communities within the ISS has been a longstanding project to ensure the health and safety of the crew.



Various methods, such as air and surface sampling, have helped researchers understand better how microbial populations evolve in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microgravity-causes-big-problems-with-human-gene-expression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microgravity</a> over time.



This internal tracking provides a controlled environment where scientists can study how microorganisms adapt to factors such as radiation, humidity, and temperature fluctuations in space.



With advanced tools, astronauts can now identify microbial strains directly in space, without the need to return samples to Earth.



These efforts have revealed that, while the space station remains remarkably clean, microbial presence is inevitable due to the constant exchange of supplies and human activity.



The findings from these studies have implications for designing better contamination control systems for future deep-space missions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-microbes-and-space">Humans, microbes, and space</h2>



Spacecrafts and astronaut suits are meticulously sterilized before any mission to minimize the risk of biological contamination and to ensure the integrity of scientific investigations.



Yet, it's a well-known fact that humans carry their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-microbiome-trillions-of-bacteria-unique-like-your-fingerprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">individual microbiomes</a>, which consistently recreate diverse and dynamic microbial communities within the spacecraft environment.



Despite stringent sterilization protocols, these microbial hitchhikers can persist and even adapt to the unique conditions of space.



How successfully do current designs and methods curb or limit human contamination over extended missions and repeated spacewalks? 



Addressing this challenge is crucial, as microbial proliferation could impact both astronaut health and mission integrity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



The findings from this study could influence potential modifications to crewed spacecraft, including the materials and structures used in life-support systems, air filtration, and the suits worn by astronauts when exploring destinations where life may currently exist or could have existed in the past.



Understanding how microbes behave in space can inform strategies for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-microbiome-health-is-crucial-to-future-space-exploration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintaining crew health</a> on long-duration missions to Mars and beyond.



Moreover, this research contributes to planetary protection efforts, ensuring that human missions do not inadvertently introduce Earth-based microbes to extraterrestrial environments.



Investigating the world of microbes on the space station has tremendous potential to access new knowledge and shape future research.



As scientists continue to explore the microscopic frontier, the search for microbial hitchhikers could redefine our understanding of life's resilience beyond Earth.



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Astronauts will search the exterior of the space station for living microbes

Sometimes, the most fascinating discoveries are not in the stars...

For decades, scientists have studied the moon’s surface to uncover its complex geological and evolutionary history. Evidence from the lunar maria - dark, flat areas filled with solidified lava - suggested that the moon experienced significant compression billions of years ago. 



Large, arching ridges on the moon’s near side were thought to be remnants of this ancient contraction, leading researchers to believe that the lunar maria had remained dormant ever since. However, a recent study published in&nbsp;The Planetary Science Journal challenges this long-held assumption.



Researchers at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Institution</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;University of Maryland&nbsp;have discovered that the moon’s far side tells a different story - one of recent geological activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-ridges-on-the-moon-s-far-side">Young ridges on the moon’s far side</h2>



The study was led by Jaclyn Clark, an assistant research scientist in the University of Maryland’s Department of Geology. The findings reveal that small ridges on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-plans-to-build-a-moon-base-using-3d-printing-and-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a>’s far side are significantly younger than those on the near side.



“Many scientists believe that most of the moon’s geological movements happened two and a half, maybe three billion years ago,” Clark said. 



“But we're seeing that these tectonic landforms have been recently active in the last billion years and may still be active today. These small mare ridges seem to have formed within the last 200 million years or so, which is relatively recent considering the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moons-entire-surface-is-covered-with-water-and-hydroxyl-not-just-the-poles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a>’s timescale.”



Using advanced mapping and modeling techniques, the team identified 266 previously unknown small ridges on the moon’s far side. These ridges often appeared in groups of 10 to 40 within volcanic regions that likely formed 3.2 to 3.6 billion years ago. 



The researchers suggest that these areas may have underlying weaknesses in the moon’s surface, making them more susceptible to tectonic activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crater-counting-window-into-lunar-history">Crater counting: Window into lunar history</h2>



To estimate the age of these ridges, the team employed a technique called crater counting. 



“Essentially, the more craters a surface has, the older it is; the surface has more time to accumulate more craters,” Clark explained. 



By analyzing the number of craters around the ridges, the researchers found that some ridges cut through existing impact craters, indicating they were tectonically active within the last 160 million years.



This discovery challenges the notion that the moon’s geological activity ceased billions of years ago. Instead, it suggests that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-magma-ocean-molten-rock-found-moons-surface-south-pole-chandrayaan-3/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a>’s interior may still be dynamic, with forces like the moon’s gradual shrinking and shifts in its orbit contributing to ongoing tectonic processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forces-that-created-the-moon-ridges">Forces that created the moon ridges </h2>



Interestingly, the ridges on the moon’s far side share structural similarities with those on the near side. This suggests that both sets of ridges were created by the same forces, likely a combination of the moon’s gradual shrinking and changes in its orbit. 



The moon’s interior cooling over time causes it to contract, creating stress on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-recent-mini-moon-2024-pt5-seems-to-be-a-lost-fragment-of-our-real-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface</a> that forms these ridges.



The findings also provide a potential explanation for the shallow moonquakes detected by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/apollo/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apollo missions</a>&nbsp;decades ago. These moonquakes, which were previously unexplained, may be linked to the same tectonic activity that formed the recently discovered ridges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-moon-missions">Future moon missions</h2>



The discovery of young ridges and potential ongoing tectonic activity has significant implications for future lunar exploration. As space agencies like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>&nbsp;and private companies plan missions to the moon, understanding its geological activity is crucial for ensuring the safety and success of these endeavors.



“We hope that future missions to the moon will include tools like ground-penetrating radar so researchers can better understand the structures beneath the lunar surface,” Clark said. 



“Knowing that the moon is still geologically dynamic has very real implications for where we’re planning to put our astronauts, equipment, and infrastructure on the moon.”



For example, areas with recent tectonic activity may pose risks for building permanent structures or landing spacecraft. By identifying these regions, scientists can help mission planners choose safer locations for lunar bases and other infrastructure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-significance-of-the-moon-s-ridges">Broader significance of the moon's ridges</h2>



The study not only reshapes our understanding of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-the-moon-looks-100-million-years-younger-than-its-true-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon’s geological history</a> but also highlights the importance of continued exploration. By combining advanced technology with innovative research methods, scientists are uncovering new layers of complexity in our closest celestial neighbor.



Learning more about the moon’s geological activity can also provide insights into the evolution of other rocky bodies in the solar system. 



For instance, the processes that shape the moon’s surface may be similar to those on planets like Mercury or even some moons of Jupiter and Saturn.



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



As we prepare for future missions, including NASA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artemis program</a>, which aims to return humans to the moon by the mid-2020s, these discoveries will play a critical role in guiding exploration efforts. 



Tools like ground-penetrating radar and seismometers could provide even more detailed information about the moon’s interior and its ongoing activity.



The study also highlights the importance of international collaboration in space exploration. By working together, scientists from various institutions&nbsp;can pool their expertise and resources to unlock the moon’s many secrets.



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



The moon, long thought to be a geologically dormant world, is revealing itself to be far more dynamic than previously believed. The discovery of young ridges on the moon’s far side, along with evidence of recent tectonic activity, opens a new chapter in our understanding of lunar geology.



As we continue to explore the moon, these findings will not only enhance our scientific knowledge but also pave the way for safer and more successful missions. The moon, our closest celestial neighbor, still holds many mysteries waiting to be uncovered.



For more information on lunar research and upcoming missions, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/topics/moon-to-mars" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Moon to Mars Exploration</a>&nbsp;initiative.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/PSJ/ad9eaa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Planetary Science Journal</a>.



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Young ridges on Moon’s surface suggest that it is still active

For decades, scientists have studied the moon’s surface to uncover...

For decades, scientists have puzzled over the contradiction between Mars' present-day barren landscape and its ancient history of flowing rivers and lakes. The planet is now cold and dry, yet geological evidence suggests that liquid water once existed in warm abundance.



Researchers at Harvard have taken a significant step toward explaining how early Mars could have sustained a climate warm enough to support water - and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mars-became-uninhabitable-after-being-life-supporting-ocean-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potentially life</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-climate-shifts">Mars' climate shifts</h2>



Mars orbits farther from the Sun than Earth, and the Sun itself was fainter billions of years ago. This makes it difficult to explain how the planet ever reached temperatures high enough for liquid water to exist on its surface.



Scientists have long speculated that greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen, played a role in warming Mars intermittently. However, the exact mechanisms behind these warming periods remained unclear.



A team at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences has now explored the chemical processes that may have contributed to early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wave-ripples-discovered-mars-surface-indicate-liquid-water-present-4-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars’ climate</a>. 



The study expands on the idea that Mars experienced alternating warm and cold periods. By modeling atmospheric chemistry, the researchers were able to identify key factors that influenced these shifts.



Danica Adams, a <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> Sagan Postdoctoral Fellow and lead author of the study, emphasized the long-standing mystery surrounding Mars’ climate.



“It’s been such a puzzle that there was liquid water on Mars, because Mars is further from the Sun, and also, the Sun was fainter early on,” she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hydrogen-s-role-in-warming-mars">Hydrogen’s role in warming Mars</h2>



Previous studies suggested that hydrogen, when mixed with carbon dioxide, could have triggered greenhouse warming episodes on Mars. However, a major issue with this hypothesis was that atmospheric hydrogen does not last long, making it difficult to sustain warming over extended periods.



To address this problem, Adams and her colleagues, including Professor Robin Wordsworth of <a href="https://www.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard</a>, conducted photochemical modeling.



These techniques, commonly used today to study air pollution on Earth, provided deeper insight into the interactions between hydrogen and the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-life-exist-below-the-icy-surface-of-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian atmosphere</a>.



“Early Mars is a lost world, but it can be reconstructed in great detail if we ask the right questions,” Wordsworth said. “This study synthesizes atmospheric chemistry and climate for the first time, to make some striking new predictions – which are testable once we bring Mars rocks back to Earth.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-the-climate-of-early-mars">Simulating the climate of early Mars</h2>



Adams used a model called KINETICS to analyze how a combination of hydrogen and other gases reacted with both the ground and the air, influencing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insights-alien-life-mars-water-sulfur-discovered-gained-studying-extreme-life-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars' climate</a> billions of years ago. 



The modeling suggested that during the Noachian and Hesperian periods - between 4 and 3 billion years ago - Mars experienced episodic warm spells. These warming events lasted for over 100,000 years each and continued in cycles for around 40 million years.



The findings align with geological features on Mars that indicate past water flow. According to the study, these warm periods were largely driven by a process known as crustal hydration, where water was absorbed into the ground. 



This process supplied the atmosphere with hydrogen over millions of years, leading to greenhouse effects that warmed the planet temporarily.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-atmospheric-chemistry">Shifting atmospheric chemistry</h2>



While Mars alternated between warm and cold phases, its atmospheric chemistry was also constantly evolving. Carbon dioxide, a dominant gas in the Martian atmosphere, interacts with sunlight, converting into carbon monoxide. 



In warmer periods, the carbon monoxide recycled back into carbon dioxide, reinforcing greenhouse conditions. However, during prolonged cold spells, this recycling slowed, allowing carbon monoxide to accumulate and shift the atmosphere into a more reduced state, meaning it had less oxygen.



These atmospheric changes influenced the planet’s redox states, or its ability to support oxidation-reduction reactions over time. Understanding these shifts is essential for piecing together Mars’ climatic history and its potential to support life.



“We’ve identified time scales for all of these alternations,” Adams said. “And we’ve described all the pieces in the same photochemical model.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-life-on-mars">Early life on Mars</h2>



The study offers new insights into the environmental conditions that may have supported prebiotic chemistry - the chemical processes that precede the emergence of life.



During warm periods, conditions could have allowed for complex organic reactions to occur. However, prolonged cold spells and oxidation events would have posed significant challenges for the persistence of life.



Adams and her colleagues are now focused on finding physical evidence of these atmospheric transitions through isotope chemical modeling. Their goal is to compare their predictions with actual Martian rock samples.



The upcoming <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-sample-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars Sample Return mission</a> is expected to provide crucial data that could validate or refine their findings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-window-into-planetary-evolution">A window into planetary evolution</h2>



Unlike Earth, Mars lacks plate tectonics, which means its surface has remained largely unchanged for billions of years. This unique characteristic makes the planet a valuable case study for understanding how planetary climates evolve over time. 



Studying Mars’ atmospheric history not only helps scientists reconstruct its warm past but also provides insights into the broader processes that shape planetary environments throughout the universe.



“It makes a really great case study for how planets can evolve over time,” said Adams, who began this research as a Ph.D. student at <a href="https://www.caltech.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Institute of Technology</a>.



The study received funding from the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The team’s findings mark a significant advancement in understanding Mars’ climatic past and pave the way for future discoveries about the planet’s ability to support life.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01626-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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How early Mars stayed warm enough for water and possibly life

For decades, scientists have puzzled over the contradiction between Mars'...

Glaciers worldwide are shrinking due to rising temperatures, reshaping landscapes and posing serious challenges for the organisms that inhabit them. Yet in the lofty reaches of the Andes Mountains, a wild relative of the llama is helping new life take root in areas newly exposed by ice retreat.&nbsp;



By depositing substantial piles of dung, vicuñas are speeding up plant colonization on freshly deglaciated terrain, a process that would otherwise take more than a century.



This fascinating discovery, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-83457-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Reports</a>, underscores an unexpected strategy through which species are adjusting to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-action-and-biodiversity-striking-the-right-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.&nbsp;



While this unique animal behavior offers hope for reviving scarred alpine landscapes, the study’s authors caution that the overall pace of climate change outstrips many species’ ability to find suitable new habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-ecological-role-of-vicunas-nbsp">Crucial ecological role of vicuñas&nbsp;</h2>



Vicuñas are one of two wild South American camelids, with llamas and alpacas as their domesticated counterparts. 



These hardy animals live at high altitudes in the Andes and have a notable habit: much like how people consistently use designated bathrooms, vicuñas gather in communal latrines.



Cliff Bueno de Mesquita is the study’s co-first author and a research scientist at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a>.&nbsp;



“It’s interesting to see how a social behavior of these animals can transfer nutrients to a new ecosystem that is very nutrient poor,” said Bueno de Mesquita.&nbsp;



However, the current rate of climate change still outpaces the ability of many species to find new habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-growth-in-vicunas-latrines">Plant growth in vicuñas’ latrines</h2>



The key finding is that vicuñas’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-dung-feeds-over-2-million-beetles-daily/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dung</a> accelerates plant establishment on deglaciated ground by more than a hundred years. 



Glacial melt in high-altitude areas typically reveals a desolate landscape of rock and gravel, lacking essential nutrients for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-how-climate-change-will-alter-plant-growth-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant growth</a>. 



Over the last ten years, Steven Schmidt, the paper’s senior author and a professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and his team noticed small patches of vegetation emerging wherever vicuña dung piles accumulated.



The researchers ventured to sites in the Peruvian Andes, nearly 18,000 feet above sea level, that had previously been covered by glaciers. They analyzed the composition of soil in and around these communal dung piles and discovered notable differences.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhanced-soil-quality">Enhanced soil quality</h3>



Vicuña latrine soils contained considerably higher levels of organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus than adjacent barren soils - enough to promote rapid plant germination.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-water-retention">Better water retention</h3>



Despite the arid conditions at high altitudes, the latrine soils held more moisture, further supporting plant life in an otherwise harsh environment.



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



Soil samples from latrines revealed a wide variety of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-life-soil-planet-warming-global-carbon-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microorganisms</a>, suggesting the latrines serve as fertile ground for microbes and, consequently, plants.



This rich blend of nutrients, water, and microbes helps seeds from lower elevations - carried to high altitudes via vicuñas’ dung - take root more easily in newly revealed terrain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-retreat-and-barren-landscapes">Glacial retreat and barren landscapes </h2>



Normally, the newly exposed soil left by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-glacier-retreat-in-the-arctic-signals-climate-disaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">retreating glaciers</a> can remain plant-free for a century or more due to nutrient deficits and low moisture levels. 



Through their dung piles, vicuñas deposit an essential mix of nutrients, seeds, and microorganisms that jumpstart the formation of a new ecosystem. 



Over time, this vegetation encourages other animals, including herbivores and predators like pumas, to move in.



Camera footage confirms that the presence of nascent vegetation has drawn a surprising variety of wildlife, including species rarely seen at such extreme altitudes. 



In turn, vicuñas themselves also graze on the plants that spring up around their latrines, creating a cyclical benefit.



According to Kelsey Rider, an animal ecologist at <a href="https://www.jmu.edu/index.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Madison University</a>, it could take centuries for the deglaciated area to transform into grassland.



This might help mitigate the negative impacts that many animal species preferring colder climates face as their habitats shrink. The process, while beneficial, lags behind the rapid pace of glacial melting worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anthropogenic-climate-change-nbsp">Anthropogenic climate change&nbsp;</h2>



Scientists note that vicuñas, despite effectively fertilizing and rejuvenating new habitats, cannot fully counteract the accelerating glacier loss.&nbsp;



Over the past two decades, global glacier melt has surged, with non-polar glaciers losing around 267 billion tons of ice each year between 2000 and 2019. 



If warming trends persist, up to 68% of Earth’s glaciers could disappear, imperiling water supplies for almost a quarter of the world’s population.



“The vicuñas are probably helping some alpine organisms, but we can’t assume they’ll all be okay, because in Earth’s history, we’ve never seen climate change happen at this speed,”



Bueno de Mesquita said. “Current anthropogenic climate change is probably the most severe crisis our planet and all living things have faced in the past 65 million years.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-in-a-drastically-changing-climate-nbsp">Wildlife in a drastically changing climate&nbsp;</h2>



The role of vicuñas in the Andes serves as a compelling illustration of how species can adapt to a changing planet. 



By pooling nutrients in communal dung piles, these animals foster micro-environments that favor plant life, effectively creating oases in barren landscapes.



Although this adaptation stands as a beacon of resilience, the overarching message remains stark: climate change is unfolding too quickly for many species to keep pace.&nbsp;



Without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and robust conservation efforts, ecosystems around the globe - including the high Andes - risk suffering irreversible damage.



Ultimately, the study emphasizes that while behaviors like the vicuñas’ communal latrines can offer localized reprieves from the stresses of global warming, far more comprehensive measures are needed to ensure that both wildlife and human communities can endure in a drastically shifting environment.



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Animal poop can literally transform barren landscapes into lush ecosystems

Glaciers worldwide are shrinking due to rising temperatures, reshaping landscapes...

Colorectal cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, may have just found an unlikely foe in a common weed.



Artemisia herba-alba, a plant also commonly known as white wormwood or herba alba, has been used for medical purposes for thousands of years. It was originally used in the Middle East and North Africa.



This aromatic herb, which has been used to treat ailments such as bronchitis and digestive issues, is now capturing the attention of scientists for an even more meaningful purpose.



A recent study by researchers at the <a href="https://www.sharjah.ac.ae/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sharjah</a> sheds light on the potential for white wormwood to fight colorectal cancer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-battle-against-colorectal-cancer">The battle against colorectal cancer</h2>



Colorectal cancer, or CRC, is a worldwide health concern. Ranked as the third most common type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-thrives-on-human-stress-as-it-spreads-throughout-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> globally, it is responsible for nearly 10% of all cancer cases.



Colorectal cancer mainly affects patients over the age of 50 and is the second leading cause of death from cancer. With one million mortalities and two million new cases recorded in 2020 alone, there is an urgent need for more effective CRC treatments.



Study lead author Dr. Lara Bou Malhab is a research associate at the Sharjah University Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences.



“Artemisia herba-alba&nbsp;could be a promising natural ingredient for new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/better-cancer-tests-produce-better-cancer-treatments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer treatments</a> based on (our study’s) findings," noted Dr. Bou Malhab. "Colorectal cancer is a common and serious illness, making it essential to find new and better treatments.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-plant-works">How the plant works </h2>



Extracts isolated from Artemisia herba-alba were found to contain compounds with the ability to combat colorectal cancer. These compounds arrest the growth of the malignant cells and trigger self-destruction irrespective of the genetic makeup of these cells.



The compounds also interfere with the cell division in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unique-fingerprint-of-cancer-cells-revealed-in-hydrogen-atoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer cells</a> through proteins like Cyclin B1 and CDK1.



Furthermore, the herb extracts inhibit a pathway that significantly contributes to tumorigenesis, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.



“Our findings highlight the immense potential of Artemisia herba-alba as a natural source for developing innovative therapies against colorectal cancer, addressing the urgent need for treatments with fewer side effects and greater efficacy," said Dr. Malhab.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-substances-as-effective-drugs">Natural substances as effective drugs</h2>



Despite the call of modern medicine, the use of natural substances in synthesizing effective drugs with fewer side effects is an area that cannot be ignored, particularly in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-anti-aging-drug-interleukin-11-boosts-lifespan-prevents-cancer-gray-hair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer medications</a>.



Current chemotherapy drugs are plagued by the issues of cancer cells developing resistance and collateral damage in the form of side effects. This study, therefore, could have significant implications if noted and implemented by pharmaceutical giants.



While further research is necessary to unravel the specific molecular mechanisms and the clinical efficacy of Artemisia herba-alba in cancer treatment, there's no denying the potential that this unassuming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbs-and-spices-linked-to-lower-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herb</a> carries within its leaves. 



This study has contributed an important piece to the larger puzzle of creating more effective cancer treatments that are less harmful.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colorectal-cancer-a-growing-global-concern">Colorectal cancer: A growing global concern</h2>



Colorectal cancer remains one of the major health challenges facing the world. The incidence rates of this cancer have been on the rise, mainly due to lifestyle factors, an aging population, and genetic predispositions.



Though early detection through screening programs has improved survival rates, treatment options remain limited and often involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation - all of which carry significant drawbacks.



Traditional chemotherapy causes severe side effects, such as immune suppression, fatigue, and gastrointestinal distress.



This is why natural compounds such as Artemisia herba-alba are gaining attention. Experts are looking at plant-based solutions that could offer targeted cancer-fighting properties with fewer side effects.



If further research confirms the herb’s effectiveness, it will open doors to more accessible, well-tolerated therapies that could revolutionize colorectal cancer treatment.



With colorectal cancer cases estimated to reach 3.2 million annually by 2040, the need for better treatments has never been greater.



In light of this discovery on Artemisia herba-alba, researchers are bound to look towards nature for their future pharmacological discovery in cancer treatment.



The full study was published in the journal Food Science &amp; Nutrition.



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Medicinal plant has great potential to fight colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths...

Microgravity has deep and surprising effects on the human body, particularly on the eyes and vision of astronauts.



Long-duration space travel has been linked to changes in ocular health that astronauts experience after six to twelve months on the International Space Station (ISS).



These changes, associated with a condition called spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), have alarmed researchers and space agencies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-microgravity-on-eyes">Impact of microgravity on eyes</h2>



The study's lead researcher, Santiago Costantino, is an ophthalmologist at the <a href="https://www.umontreal.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Université de Montréal</a>. He discovered that over 70% of astronauts on the ISS are affected by a condition known as spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-space-travel-affect-eye-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SANS</a>.



Leading a team at the UdeM-affiliated Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Costantino embarked on a mission to pinpoint the biomechanical changes that are to blame for this particular disorder.



The group analyzed data from 13 astronauts who had spent a period between 157 to 186 days on the ISS. These astronauts ranged in age, nationality, gender, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-are-surprisingly-good-at-flying-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a> mission experience - providing a diverse group for the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astronauts-eyes-change-due-to-microgravity">Astronauts' eyes change due to microgravity</h2>



The researchers compared three important ocular parameters before and after the space missions. 



They looked at ocular rigidity, intraocular pressure, and ocular pulse amplitude. To obtain these data, the team used optical coherence tomography and tonometry.



The findings were nothing less than astonishing. The astronauts' eyes showed a 33% decrease in ocular rigidity, an 11% decrease in intraocular pressure, and a reduction of 25% in ocular pulse amplitude.



Coupled with these changes, symptoms such as altered focal field, reduced eye size and - in some exceptional cases - optic nerve edema and retinal folds were identified.



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



Costantino explained the fundamental reason behind these changes. "Weightlessness alters the distribution of blood in the body, increasing blood flow to the head and slowing venous circulation in the eye," he noted.



This is likely what leads to the expansion of the choroid layer, responsible for nourishing the retina of the eye.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-journey-back-to-normal">The journey back to normal</h2>



While these changes might sound alarming, they are generally not a cause for concern. Even though 80% of the studied astronauts exhibited at least one symptom, their eyes returned to normal once they were back on Earth.



In most cases, simply wearing corrective eyeglasses was enough to address the symptoms developed during the time aboard the ISS.



However, there is an air of caution about future long-duration missions, such as a flight to Mars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prolonged-microgravity-and-eye-health">Prolonged microgravity and eye health</h2>



Understandably, the impact of prolonged exposure to microgravity on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-blue-light-blocking-lenses-work-experts-say-there-is-no-proof/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eye health</a> remains a mystery. Currently, no known preventive or palliative measures exist. 



For this reason, the research team at Maisonneuve-Rosemont eagerly awaits more data from NASA to continue investigating.



"The observed changes in the mechanical properties of the eye could serve as biomarkers to predict the development of SANS," said Constantino. 



Such findings could be instrumental in identifying astronauts at risk before they develop severe eye problems during long-duration missions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-the-mars-challenge">Preparing for the Mars challenge</h2>



As the space community sets its sights on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-kidneys-may-not-survive-a-roundtrip-to-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">missions to Mars</a>, understanding and addressing the effects of microgravity on astronauts' vision becomes increasingly critical. 



A mission to Mars could last between two and three years, significantly exceeding the six to twelve months that astronauts currently spend aboard the ISS.



This extended duration in microgravity introduces a host of unknowns regarding the progression of SANS and its potential long-term impact on vision and overall eye health.



One promising avenue for mitigating these risks lies in technological advancements and preemptive measures. 



Researchers are exploring innovative solutions, such as wearable devices that regulate intracranial pressure or techniques to simulate Earth-like gravitational forces. 



Additionally, dietary interventions or pharmaceutical approaches targeting the choroidal expansion and venous circulation in the eye may offer new preventive strategies.



Moreover, this study emphasizes the importance of developing diagnostic tools to monitor ocular health in real-time during spaceflight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-astronauts-well-being">Protecting astronauts' well-being</h2>



Enhanced imaging technologies and portable devices could help astronauts and mission control teams identify early signs of SANS, enabling timely intervention.



The collaboration between researchers, space agencies, and medical professionals will be crucial in paving the way for safer long-duration missions. 



As Santiago Costantino and his team continue to analyze new data from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, their work represents a significant step forward in safeguarding astronaut health and ensuring the success of humanity's ambitious journey to Mars and beyond.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10666778/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology</a>.



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Long space missions harm astronauts' eyes and vision, casting doubt on travel to Mars

Microgravity has deep and surprising effects on the human body,...

Have you ever tried to catch a baseball? In that split second, your brain is doing something remarkable - it's tracking both where the ball is and how long it'll take to reach you. This everyday feat of coordination reveals an extraordinary truth about our brains: they're constantly processing time and space simultaneously.



Scientists have long wondered exactly how our brains juggle these two fundamental aspects of reality. Now, researchers from <a href="https://www.sissa.it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SISSA</a>'s Cognitive Neuroscience group have cracked open this mystery. 



In their study, Valeria Centanino, Gianfranco Fortunato, and Domenica Bueti revealed an elegant system at work in our brains.



The findings show that different brain regions process time and space in unique ways - much like a company where some departments handle multiple tasks together, while others specialize in just one thing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-functional-hierarchy-in-the-brain">A functional hierarchy in the brain</h2>



The study found that posterior brain regions, which first receive visual information, process time and space together. As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-the-speed-at-which-the-brain-processes-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">information moves forward</a> to the parietal and frontal areas, these two elements gradually separate.



Moreover, the way time is encoded varies across brain regions. In the occipital areas, space and time are processed together, with the same neural population encoding both aspects. The longer the duration of a stimulus, the more active these neurons become. 



However, in the parietal and frontal areas, time is processed by separate neural populations - each responding selectively to specific durations. The parietal cortex serves as an intermediary, and contains mechanisms that process time both in conjunction with space and separately.



Understanding this hierarchy sheds light on how the brain organizes information about time and space as it helps us to interact with our environment.



Whether we are tracking a moving object, estimating the length of an event, or synchronizing actions, these brain mechanisms play a crucial role in perception and behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-s-perception-of-space-and-time">Brain’s perception of space and time</h2>



The researchers sought to answer a fundamental question: how does the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-literally-changes-based-on-daily-activities-and-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human brain</a> process visual information that changes in both spatial position and duration? “We wanted to understand whether space and time are processed independently or not,” the authors explained.



To explore this, the team conducted an experiment with young, healthy participants. Subjects were asked to judge the duration of a visual stimulus that appeared in different screen positions for varying amounts of time.



During this task, neural activity was recorded using high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This technique allowed the researchers to map how different brain areas responded to analysis of space and time, which provided insights into the underlying neural mechanisms.



The results confirmed that different brain regions follow distinct strategies for encoding space and time. Some areas integrate the two aspects, while others treat them as separate dimensions. 



This finding challenges the notion of a fixed processing method and instead suggests a dynamic system that adapts based on functional needs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unified-processing-of-time-and-space">Unified processing of time and space</h2>



One of the most striking findings of the study was that in the occipital visual cortex, space and time are processed together. This region, located at the back of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-our-brain-divide-the-day-into-different-chapters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a>, is responsible for receiving and interpreting visual stimuli. It plays a crucial role in detecting motion, object positions, and duration.



“What we discovered is that the link between space and time in the human brain is not fixed but depends on the brain areas involved. In the posterior part of our brain, particularly in the occipital visual cortex, the connection is strong because space and time are processed by the same neurons,” noted the researchers.



Neurons in this region responded to both the position and duration of the visual stimulus. The longer the viewing time, the greater the brain activity in these neuron populations. This suggests that in early visual processing, space and time are closely intertwined, and form a unified representation.



This integration is essential for motion perception, as it allows the brain to track moving objects and estimate their speed and direction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-separate-processing-of-time-and-space">Separate processing of time and space</h2>



As information moves forward in the brain, the connection between space and time weakens. In the frontal premotor areas, which are involved in movement planning and decision-making, time is processed independently of spatial position. Here, distinct neural populations encode time and space information separately.



“Duration is encoded differently compared to the posterior areas. Here, distinct neural populations preferentially respond to specific durations, and neural populations that prefer similar durations are contiguous in the cortical surface, forming what we might call ‘time maps,’” the researchers explained.



Unlike in the occipital cortex, where neurons show a proportional increase in activity with longer durations, the frontal cortex operates with a categorical system.



Specific groups of neurons respond to specific time intervals, suggesting a more structured and segmented approach to time <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-genes-to-genius-what-makes-the-human-brain-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perception</a>. This organization may help in tasks that require precise timing, such as motor planning, coordination, and anticipation of future events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-parietal-cortex-a-transition-zone">The parietal cortex: A transition zone</h2>



Between the occipital and frontal regions lies the parietal cortex, which serves as a transition zone for processing space and time. This area is known for integrating multiple sources of information and plays a role in attention, perception, and cognitive functions.



“Some neuronal populations responded to both the position and the duration of the stimulus, while others responded only to one of these dimensions. The response to time was, in some cases, monotonic, like in the occipital cortex, while in others it showed selectivity for specific durations, similar to the anterior areas,” the authors noted.



This finding suggests that the parietal cortex contains a mix of processing strategies. Some neurons continue to encode space and time information together, while others start to specialize in one aspect only. This flexibility allows the brain to adapt to different perceptual demands.



For instance, when focusing on a moving object, integrated processing may be more beneficial. However, when making a precise timing judgment, a more specialized representation of time may be required.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-time-perception">Understanding time perception</h2>



The study offers a new perspective on how the brain perceives time. Rather than having a single mechanism to governing time processing, multiple strategies coexist, with each serving a different function. Some brain regions maintain a close relationship between space and time, while others progressively separate them.



“This study advances our understanding of how space and time, two fundamental aspects of our experience of the world, are processed and integrated in the human brain. Moreover, it sheds light on the presence of a functional hierarchy in time processing,” concluded the researchers.



By identifying the distinct roles played by different brain regions, this research provides valuable insights into cognitive neuroscience. The study may also have implications for understanding disorders that affect time perception, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticide-exposure-increases-the-risk-of-parkinsons-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parkinson’s disease</a>, schizophrenia, and certain neurological conditions.



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



The discovery of a functional hierarchy in time processing raises new questions about the brain’s adaptability. 



If space and time are processed differently depending on the brain region, how does this system respond to changes, such as learning, injury, or aging? Future research could explore whether these mechanisms can be trained or modified through experience.



Additionally, understanding how the brain encodes time may help in developing new technologies for artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual reality. By mimicking the brain’s ability to process space and time data, engineers could create more responsive and adaptive systems.



This study offers a deeper look into the intricate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-our-brains-neurons-make-and-retrieve-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">workings of the human brain</a>. By mapping the neural circuits that handle space and time perception, researchers continue to unravel the complexities how we experience the world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-54336-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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How time and space interact in the brain

Have you ever tried to catch a baseball? In that...

You see them piling up in your employee profile - those unused vacation days that quietly accumulate while deadlines and work meetings fill your calendar. Like millions of Americans, you're probably thinking they can wait until things slow down.



A new review from the <a href="https://www.uga.edu/">University of Georgia</a> suggests that fully disconnecting during vacation can improve your health and well-being.



The study, published in the&nbsp;Journal of Applied Psychology, analyzed 32 studies from nine countries. It found that vacations offer greater benefits for employees than previously thought. 



More importantly, these positive effects last long after the vacation ends and employees return home.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-taking-vacations">Impact of taking vacations</h2>



Vacations do more than just offer a temporary break. They have long-term benefits that extend beyond the immediate period of rest. The research suggests that taking time off improves both physical and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whispered-dreams-how-relaxing-words-tune-our-heartbeat-to-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a> while enhancing job performance in the long run.



"We think working more is better, but we actually perform better by taking care of ourselves," noted Ryan Grant from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences



Grant, the study’s lead author and a doctoral student in psychology, highlighted the lasting benefits of vacations.



He noted that job demands and stress are increasing, yet many employees feel hesitant to take time off. Some fear they will fall behind, while others worry it may impact their chances of promotion.



Many workers believe that being constantly available makes them more valuable, but the research suggests otherwise. Instead of pushing through exhaustion, employees benefit from structured breaks. 



"We need to break up these intense periods of work with intense periods of rest and recuperation," said Grant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avoid-working-on-vacations">Avoid working on vacations</h2>



Taking a vacation is not enough. How employees use their time off significantly affects how restorative the experience is. The study found that employees who truly disengaged from work saw the most significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-increases-feelings-of-hope-happiness-and-gratitude/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">improvements in their well-being</a>.



"If you’re not at work but you’re thinking about work on vacation, you might as well be at the office," noted Grant.



This means avoiding work emails, not answering phone calls, and resisting the urge to check in with colleagues. True rest requires a mental separation from work responsibilities. Many professionals find it difficult to unplug completely, but doing so maximizes the benefits of time off. 



Vacations provide a rare chance to step away from work-related stress, and the more employees embrace that separation, the more they gain from it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-activity-enhances-vacation-benefits">Physical activity enhances vacation benefits</h2>



The study also revealed that employees who engaged in physical activity during their vacations reported higher levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sleep-clears-toxic-waste-from-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">well-being and restoration</a>. However, this does not mean that vacationers need to participate in intense exercise or structured fitness routines.



"Basically, anything that gets your heart rate up is a good option," Grant confirmed.



Activities like hiking, swimming, cycling, or even casual walks can contribute to overall health benefits. Many vacation activities incorporate movement, such as snorkeling or exploring new cities on foot.



These activities not only provide physiological benefits but also offer unique and enjoyable experiences. A change of scenery, combined with physical movement, creates opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation that a sedentary vacation may not provide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vacation-without-work-stress">Vacation without work stress</h2>



Longer vacations tend to offer greater benefits. However, returning to work after an extended break can sometimes feel overwhelming. The transition back to daily responsibilities can lead to a sudden drop in well-being.



To counteract this effect, planning both before and after a vacation is essential. Packing in advance, setting expectations at work, and wrapping up key tasks before departure can reduce stress leading up to a trip. 



Similarly, easing back into work life, with a buffer period after returning, can make the transition smoother.



Allowing a day or two to re-acclimate before diving back into a full workload can help maintain the benefits of a vacation for longer. It gives employees time to catch up on emails, re-establish routines, and adjust mentally without feeling overwhelmed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vacations-are-not-a-luxury">Vacations are not a luxury</h2>



The study was co-authored by Beth Buchanan, a late Ph.D. student in UGA’s Department of Psychology, and Kristen Shockley, an associate professor at <a href="https://www.auburn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Auburn University</a>. The research reinforces the idea that vacations are not a luxury but a necessity for long-term success.



Time off allows employees to return to work more energized, focused, and productive. Rather than viewing vacations as an obstacle to career growth, workers should see them as an investment in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spending-67-minutes-daily-outdoors-boosts-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overall well-being</a>.



Taking a break is not a sign of weakness or lack of ambition. It is a proven strategy for maintaining mental health, improving job performance, and enhancing quality of life. If you want to be at your best at work, take that vacation - and truly unplug.



The study was published in the <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fapl0001262" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Applied Psychology</a>. 



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Employees need vacations to fully disengage from work

You see them piling up in your employee profile -...

iron ore deposit - 1

The winter chill in early January surprised many across England this year. On January 11, 2025, a casual walk through the Devil’s Punch Bowl turned into a moment of astonishment for a local resident.



He spotted a curious formation that resembled fine strands of white hair wrapped around a twig, and he soon realized it was <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/frost-beard_exidiopsis-effusa_fungi_rare-ice_variuos-images_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">something quite special</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluffy-frozen-cotton">Fluffy, frozen cotton?</h2>



The walker, identified as the Reverend Jonny Scott from Godalming, initially saw what appeared to be fluffy cotton on a piece of wood. He was intrigued.



He wondered if it might be a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-fungus-found-in-garden-soils-across-america/">strange fungus</a> or just a bit of frosty residue that had collected on the bark. His interest grew when he recognized that the material was actually made of delicate ice fibers.



Experts have known about this unusual natural display for more than a century. In 1918, the phenomenon earned scientific attention for its striking appearance.



Scientists Dr. Christian Hofmann from the <a href="https://www.opensanctions.org/entities/NK-eG42EVWMizVRHKRM9QmwMY/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Applied Physics</a>, Dr. Christian Mätzler from the <a href="https://www.imk.kit.edu/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Meteorology and Climate Research</a>, and Dr. Gisela Preuss from <a href="https://www.biogeosciences.net/">Biogeosciences </a>led a project in 2015 that clarified the precise cause of this unique formation. 



They learned that a fungus named Exidiopsis effusa helps these icy filaments develop on rotting wood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-artistry-in-rare-weather">Nature's artistry in rare weather</h2>



The Met Office states that <a href="https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/2012/12/frost-beard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hair ice</a>, often called frost beard, only appears on damp, rotten branches of broadleaf trees. 



Temperatures must hover below freezing at latitudes between 45°N and 55°N, which includes parts of Europe and North America.



Such narrow requirements explain why people so rarely witness these wispy ribbons of ice. Moisture in the wood meets just the right chill to create slender strands of around 0.01 millimeters (0.004 inches) thick.



Rev. Scott was thrilled when he realized he had encountered an extremely uncommon sight. “Nature never ceases to amaze me!” he exclaimed.



He carefully picked up the twig, puzzled by the sheer fragility of the ice. He recalled seeing “a twig that looked to be wrapped in cotton wool” or “perhaps a strange fungus,” but closer inspection proved it was crystal-like hairs of ice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungal-helper-exidiopsis-effusa">Fungal helper Exidiopsis effusa</h2>



Scientists looking at these formations discovered that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-discovery-greenland-ice-sheet-is-teeming-with-microorganisms/">fungus maintains the ice structure</a> by shaping water into threads along the wood’s surface. 



During cold weather, water in the wood expands outward, and the fungus helps it freeze into smooth filaments, preventing the ice from clumping.



The strands stand firm until temperatures rise above freezing, or direct sunlight hits them, which causes them to vanish in a matter of moments.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/frost-beard_exidiopsis-effusa_fungi_rare-ice_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/frost-beard_exidiopsis-effusa_fungi_rare-ice_1s.webp" alt="An unusual natural phenomenon - mysterious hair ice on wood looks like angle hair. The fungus Exidiopsis effusa is responsible for this crystallization process that occurs in &quot;Frost beard.&quot;" class="wp-image-1958147"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An unusual natural phenomenon - mysterious hair ice on wood looks like angle hair. The fungus Exidiopsis effusa is responsible for this crystallization process that occurs in "Frost beard."</figcaption></figure>



The existence of hair ice was first documented over 100 years ago, and several theories arose to explain how these slender filaments formed. Some early researchers suspected bacterial processes.



Others suggested peculiar chemical reactions in rotting wood. The 2015 research by Hofmann, Mätzler, and Preuss confirmed that Exidiopsis effusa is essential in shaping the ice, which put long-standing debates to rest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moments-of-wonder">Moments of wonder</h2>



The <a href="https://surreyhills.org/places-to-see/the-devils-punchbowl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Devil’s Punch Bowl</a>, a vast natural amphitheater, has long been a favorite among local hikers seeking fresh air and scenic views. Running into hair ice enhances a simple stroll, turning it into something extraordinary.



Rev. Scott admitted he had never even heard of hair ice before, and he felt a bit of excitement to spot such a rare event by chance. 



Once he returned to the car park and did a quick online search, he realized he had stumbled upon a fascinating natural curiosity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fragile-beauty">Fragile beauty</h2>



These frozen fibers appear unexpectedly, almost like an artistic flourish designed by the cold. They are easily missed if you’re not paying attention.



Observers often find them on fallen branches scattered along woodland floors. Many folks walk right by without a second glance.



But for anyone who does pause to look, the sight can be quite memorable. Even though hair ice can arise in several places within the right latitudes, people rarely notice it.



And It doesn’t last long. A brief shift in temperature or a stray ray of sunshine is enough to melt the fragile ice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



The fleeting nature of hair ice heightens its appeal. For many, the momentary glimpse of these icy tresses symbolizes how rapidly beautiful things in the natural world can come and go.



It’s a reminder to stay curious, no matter how familiar a place might seem. Rev. Scott’s story highlights the potential rewards of keeping a watchful eye on the woods.



Research scientists, mycologists, and weather experts continue to investigate subtle interactions between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/">fungi and their surroundings</a>. There’s still much to learn about the microscopic processes that lead to the formation of hair ice.



Each small piece of understanding adds to a broader view of how living organisms and seasonal conditions overlap in unexpected ways.



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



It’s easy to overlook delicate sights like these when you think you’ve seen it all. Sometimes, the simplest items - a fallen twig, a chilly breeze - combine to create something that sparks genuine awe.



Rev. Scott encountered hair ice on a routine stroll, and his discovery brought attention to a phenomenon that deserves more admiration from nature lovers.



The study is published in <a href="https://bg.copernicus.org/articles/12/4261/2015/bg-12-4261-2015.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biogeosciences</a>.



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Rare 'frost beard' ice formation discovered by a hiker

The winter chill in early January surprised many across England...

Millions of Americans face a sobering reality about their drinking water. A recent study from the&nbsp;Keck&nbsp;School&nbsp;of&nbsp;Medicine&nbsp;at the&nbsp;University&nbsp;of&nbsp;Southern&nbsp;California (USC)&nbsp;warns that exposure to "forever chemicals" in tap water increases cancer risk by up to 33 percent. 



These chemicals, known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-strain-identified-that-can-eat-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a>), exist in nearly half of the drinking water supplies across the United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forever-chemicals-in-drinking-water">Forever chemicals in drinking water</h2>



Scientists have linked PFAS to severe health problems, including kidney, breast, and testicular cancer. This study broadens the scope, connecting these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-alter-gene-expression-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> to digestive, endocrine, respiratory, and mouth and throat cancers.



<a href="https://www.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC</a> researchers analyzed large population datasets, pinpointing a disturbing pattern - counties with contaminated water reported higher cancer cases between 2016 and 2021.



The <a href="https://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPA</a> estimates that PFAS contamination contributes to nearly 6,864 new cancer cases each year. Though this accounts for only 0.4 percent of all cancer cases, the long-term impact remains alarming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hotspots-of-forever-chemicals">Hotspots of forever chemicals </h2>



The&nbsp;Environmental&nbsp;Working&nbsp;Group&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.ewg.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EWG</a>)&nbsp;has mapped out communities and military sites affected by PFAS contamination. Last year, the EPA set the maximum <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-found-in-tap-and-bottled-water-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> levels at four parts per trillion in drinking water. 



But these limits are exceeded in many parts of the country - including Nassau and Suffolk counties in New York, and Los Angeles and Orange counties in California.



The study revealed that cancer rates in these counties range from a minor two percent increase to a staggering 33 percent spike. 



A particularly concerning finding involved perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), a type of PFAS linked to mouth and throat cancers.



Men in high-PFAS areas exhibited increased cases of leukemia and cancers affecting the urinary system, brain, and soft tissues. Meanwhile, women in these regions faced higher incidences of thyroid, mouth, throat, and soft tissue cancers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangers-of-forever-chemicals-in-water">Dangers of forever chemicals in water</h2>



PFAS are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-trace-forever-chemicals-back-to-their-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microscopic chemicals</a> that persist in the environment and human body for thousands of years. Their ability to repel water and oil makes them common in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and food packaging. 



Unfortunately, they also leach into water supplies through household activities like washing dishes or as pesticide runoff from agricultural lands.



There is no safe level of PFAS exposure. Even small amounts accumulate in the body, leading to potential long-term health effects. While public water systems can treat contaminated water, private wells remain a challenge for individuals relying on them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-reduce-pfas-exposure-at-home">How to reduce PFAS exposure at home</h2>



Households concerned about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-filtration-system-removes-forever-chemicals-from-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> in their water can use specialized filters.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Consumer Reports</a> advises buying only filters certified by the National Sanitation Foundation, Water Quality Association, or International Association of Plumbing &amp; Mechanical Officials.



Prices range from $45 for basic pitcher filters to $1,200 for advanced under-sink systems. Although costly, these filters provide one of the few reliable ways to reduce PFAS intake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-worst-pfas-hotspots-in-the-u-s">Worst PFAS hotspots in the U.S.</h2>



According to the Environmental Working Group, the ten worst cities with water contamination from forever chemicals include:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Brunswick County, N.C. – 185.9 ppt</li>



<li>Quad Cities, Iowa – 109.8 ppt</li>



<li>Miami, Fla. – 56.7 ppt</li>



<li>Bergen County, N.J. – 51.4 ppt</li>



<li>Wilmington, N.C. – 50.5 ppt</li>



<li>Philadelphia, Pa. – 46.3 ppt</li>



<li>Louisville, Ky. – 45.2 ppt</li>



<li>New Orleans, La. – 41.8 ppt</li>



<li>Charleston, S.C. – 33.3 ppt</li>



<li>Decatur, Ala. – 24.1 ppt</li>
</ol>



These numbers reflect serious environmental concerns, prompting urgent calls for regulatory action.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strengthening-pfas-regulations">Strengthening PFAS regulations</h2>



The&nbsp;National&nbsp;Cancer&nbsp;Institute&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCI</a>)&nbsp;compiled cancer data from 22 registries covering half of the U.S. population. Scientists cross-referenced this data with PFAS levels in drinking water, identifying several high-risk zones in Chicago, New York, Georgia, Texas, and California.



As part of a nationwide cleanup effort, public water systems have five years to reduce PFAS levels. By 2029, the EPA will begin enforcing strict limits on six PFAS types, including PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, PFHpA, and PFBS.



Dr. Shiwen Li, the study's lead researcher, believes these measures may still be too lenient. He warns that additional restrictions may be necessary to protect public health.



"When people hear that PFAS is associated with cancer, it's hard to know how it's relevant," Dr. Li said. "These findings allow us to draw an initial conclusion about the link between certain rare cancers and PFAS."



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Forever chemicals found in most tap water increase cancer risk by up to 33%

Millions of Americans face a sobering reality about their drinking...

Imagine a world where the vibrant colors and splendor of Earth's wild plants and flowers dotting landscapes around the globe fall victim to extinction and vanish, one species at a time.



While this disturbing notion might seem far-fetched, the reality is that it's already beginning to happen.



Plant conservation is at a critical crossroads as botanic gardens around the world struggle to protect Earth’s most endangered plants. 



A recent review of the processes behind this global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biobanking-historic-initiative-aims-to-genetically-rescue-endangered-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species preservation</a> challenge provides scientists with details about exactly what these institutions face in their fight to save endangered and threatened plant species from extinction.



The critical question that emerges is - how can the guardian angels of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-some-plants-genus-spread-farther-grow-faster-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant kingdom</a>, botanic gardens, rise to meet this challenge?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-100-years-of-plant-conservation">100-years of plant conservation</h2>



The study examined records of fifty botanic gardens and arboreta around the world over the past 100 years, from 1921 to 2021. 



Encompassing over 500,000 plants between them, the goal was to uncover trends and shifts in living plant collections housed at these facilities.



The study's findings suggest that the collections at these gardens have reached their maximum capacity. 



In addition, due to various limitations and rules placed on collecting wild plants in different parts of the world, acquiring and protecting diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diversity-darkspots-need-urgent-attention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a> for conservation and study has become challenging.



The research also revealed that, on a global scale, the retention of threatened plants within these collections has not been successful despite the escalating extinction risk.



It raises serious questions about the priority given to combatting biodiversity loss across these gardens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurdles-in-saving-plants-from-extinction">Hurdles in saving plants from extinction</h2>



The study was spearheaded by Professor Samuel Brockington from <a href="https://www.museums.cam.ac.uk/museums/cambridge-university-botanic-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambridge University Botanic Garden</a>.



“A concerted, collaborative effort across the world’s botanic gardens is now needed to conserve a genetically diverse range of plants, and to make them available for research and future reintroduction into the wild,” Brockington implored.



The study, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, stated that the Convention on Biological Diversity (<a href="https://www.cbd.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBD</a>) has considerably diminished the rate of plant collection from the wild.



This has greatly hampered the international exchange of plants.



“The impact of the Convention on Biological Diversity is a remarkable demonstration of the power and value of international agreements," stated Professor Brockington, who is also a Professor of Evolution at the University of Cambridge's <a href="https://www.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Plant Sciences</a>.



"But it seems to be preventing individual botanic gardens from working with many globally threatened <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a> that we could help save from extinction.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-botanic-garden-meta-collections">Botanic garden meta-collections</h2>



Given that nearly 40% of the world’s plant diversity is at an increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-plants-on-earth-could-be-saved-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk of extinction</a>, botanic gardens cannot single-handedly prevent species extinction. 



Therefore, a collective approach is proposed to store and safeguard diversity in living collections. 



Botanic gardens need to function as a 'meta-collection,’ pooling their resources, sharing data, and expertise.



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



While individual institutions like the <a href="https://www.rbge.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh </a>have achieved remarkable success in plant conservation, their efforts highlight both the potential and the limitations of working in isolation.



Global organizations such as Botanic Gardens Conservation International (<a href="https://www.bgci.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BGCI</a>) have made strides in promoting collaboration through conservation consortia, yet these initiatives remain exceptions rather than the standard practice.



Smaller or regionally focused botanic gardens often face resource constraints that limit their capacity for impactful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>. 



Without sufficient funding, expertise, or infrastructure, their ability to participate in large-scale projects is significantly hindered. 



Furthermore, the lack of robust data-sharing systems and collaboration across institutions exacerbates the challenge, preventing the formation of a cohesive global strategy.



The successes of these individual institutions and organizations serve as a foundation, but a more unified and coordinated effort is essential to effectively combat biodiversity loss on a global scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-plant-extinction">Climate change and plant extinction</h2>



As climate change transforms growing conditions across different regions globally, it will be more challenging for individual botanic gardens to grow a diverse range of species. 



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-climate-changes-have-drastic-effects-on-tropical-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> affects our work directly by altering local weather conditions - we’ve already seen record-breaking temperatures in Cambridge in recent years," Brockington lamented.



"That’s going to affect how well our plants survive, so we need to think rationally and collectively about the best locations to hold different species across the global network of living collections."



Genetic diversity plays a critical role in protecting plants at risk of extinction. The more individual plants of a species are in a collection, the greater the genetic diversity is likely to be.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-do-we-go-from-here">Where do we go from here?</h2>



Last year, Cambridge University Botanic Garden advertised for a new "Expedition Botanist" to lead global plant-collection expeditions and contribute to vital conservation efforts.



Brockington believes in the importance of these expeditions and proposes a collaborative collection approach that creates equitable international partnerships.



The CBD, signed by 150 government leaders in 1992, commits each country to protect its biodiversity and promote sustainable development. 



Today, there are about 3,500 botanic gardens and arboreta worldwide, committed to studying, conserving and providing access to the world’s plants.



Organizations like the BGCI, a charity, work to mobilize botanic gardens and establish partnerships to secure plant diversity, benefiting people and the planet.



To sum it all up, we're in a race against time for these botanic gardens to adapt, innovate and collaborate in their fight against plant extinction. The future of our plant kingdom hinges on these collective efforts.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02633-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Saving Earth's most endangered plants from extinction is proving to be very difficult

Imagine a world where the vibrant colors and splendor of...

Heart disease remains the number one killer worldwide, outstripping all other causes of death as key risk factors continue to surge, according to the 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of U.S. and Global Data From the American Heart Association.&nbsp;



Released in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001303" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Circulation</a>, the flagship peer-reviewed publication of the <a href="https://www.heart.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Heart Association</a> (AHA), the comprehensive annual update underscores the urgent need to accelerate efforts to prevent and treat heart disease.



“Did you know that in the U.S., someone dies of cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds? Nearly 2,500 people in the U.S. die from cardiovascular disease every day. Those are alarming statistics to me – and they should be alarming for all of us, because it’s likely many among those whom we lose will be our friends and loved ones,” said Keith Churchwell, the volunteer president of the AHA.



“Too many people are dying from heart disease and from stroke which remains the 5th leading cause of death. Together, they kill more people than all cancers and accidental deaths - the #2 and #3 causes of death – combined.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-rise-in-cardiovascular-deaths">Disturbing rise in cardiovascular deaths</h2>



The new report highlights the persistent risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the United States. The experts found that more than 941,652 CVD-related deaths were recorded in 2022 - over 10,000 above the 931,578 reported in 2021.



The age-adjusted CVD death rate was 224.3 per 100,000 people in 2022, a marginal drop from 233.3 per 100,000 in 2021, yet the overall number of fatalities remains on an upward trajectory.



While the data suggest that some aspects of the mortality rate may be stabilizing after a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-deaths-increased-during-covid-reversing-progress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spike</a> during the COVID-19 pandemic, many risk factors continue to worsen. 



The report further notes that nearly all major causes of death saw reductions in their age-adjusted rates, except for kidney disease, which climbed by 1.5%.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kidney-disease-on-the-rise">Kidney disease on the rise</h2>



Seth S. Martin, chair of the AHA’s statistical update writing committee and a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, emphasized that kidney disease and cardiovascular disease share interrelated risk factors.



“Kidney disease has actually been on the rise over the past decade. In our report, we noted a significant increase in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease among Medicare beneficiaries from 9.2% in 2011 to 14.2% in 2021. Additionally, the global prevalence of kidney disease has increased more than 27% in relative terms since 2010,” explained Martin.



He added that high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes are closely linked to both heart and kidney ailments, creating a compounded health threat that underscores the importance of addressing these conditions holistically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-factors-for-heart-disease">Risk factors for heart disease </h2>



The report sheds light on several alarming statistics about cardiovascular risk factors in the United States. Nearly 47% of U.S. adults are affected by high blood pressure, while more than 50% live with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.



In addition, over 72% of U.S. adults exceed healthy weight thresholds, with nearly 42% classified as obese.



In younger populations, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-obesity-rates-are-surging-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a> is also on the rise, with an estimated 40% of U.S. children having an unhealthy weight, including 20% meeting obesity criteria. Globally, about 60% of adults are considered overweight or obese, illustrating the widespread nature of these trends.



“In the update, we noted calculations that found excess weight contributes to as many as 1,300 additional deaths per day in the U.S., nearly 500,000 per year. It lowers life expectancy by as much as 2.4 years compared to a healthy weight,” said Latha P. Palaniappan, vice-chair of the statistical update writing committee and a professor of cardiovascular medicine at <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>.



“The impact on lives lost is twice as high for women, and higher for Black adults than for white adults. It’s alarming to note that excess weight now costs us even more lives than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-cigarettes-accelerates-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoking</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disparities-in-risk-factors">Disparities in risk factors</h2>



The study highlights major disparities in risk factors based on race, ethnicity, and sex. For obesity, Black women exhibit the highest rates at 57.9%, while Asian women register the lowest rate at 14.5%.&nbsp;



Hispanic men show the highest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-diabetes-rate-has-doubled-reaching-over-800-million/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetes</a> prevalence at 14.5%, contrasted with a 7.7% rate among white women. In the case of high blood pressure, 58.4% of Black women experience hypertension, compared with 35.3% of Hispanic women.



“And it is important to acknowledge that, although cardiovascular disease affects us all, it doesn’t affect us all equally. For instance, there is wide variation in the prevalence of obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure by sex and race/ethnicity,” observed Dhruv S. Kazi, the associate director at <a href="https://www.bidmc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-encouraging-trends-in-tobacco-use">Encouraging trends in tobacco use</h2>



Amid these alarming findings, there is a silver lining in the falling rates of tobacco consumption. Since 1965, adult smoking rates have dropped significantly.&nbsp;



Furthermore, current cigarette use among high schoolers fell from 16.5% in 2022 to 12.6% in 2023, while e-cigarette use also declined from 14.1% to 10% in the same period.



“Another positive trend over the years has been a reduction in the rates of high cholesterol,” said Keith Churchwell, pointing out that a combination of heightened awareness, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments has contributed to these gains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-need-for-holistic-prevention">The need for holistic prevention</h2>



Despite improved treatments and lower tobacco usage, the anticipated surge in obesity, diabetes, and hypertension poses an enormous challenge for public health. Researchers warn that if current trends continue, the U.S. could face a 300% jump in heart disease-related healthcare costs by 2050.



“If recent trends continue, hypertension and obesity will each affect more than 180 million U.S. adults by 2050, whereas the prevalence of diabetes will climb to more than 80 million. And over the same time period, we expect to see a 300% increase in health care costs related to cardiovascular disease,” Kazi said.



He and Churchwell emphasize that solutions must go beyond clinical discoveries, extending to community interventions that ensure equal access to care and tackle socioeconomic barriers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reversing-the-trend-of-heart-disease">Reversing the trend of heart disease </h2>



The report urges policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities to collaborate in order to halt the escalation of key risk factors for heart disease. This means prioritizing obesity prevention, controlling high blood pressure, improving dietary habits, and expanding the availability of new therapies for those who need them most.



“Heart disease was once considered a death sentence, but thanks to the many advances in clinical diagnosis and treatment, people are able to live longer, healthier lives even after a cardiovascular event,” Churchwell explained.



“Certainly, any medical or clinical therapy that can treat the risk factors that contribute to CVD are essential. More importantly, I would say that we need to stop these risk factors in their tracks, keep people healthy throughout their lifespan. That will only be possible with a strong emphasis on early prevention and equitable health access for all.”



With a continued and concerted focus on prevention, early detection, and equitable health policies, experts believe it is still possible to reverse the upward curve of heart disease and save countless lives.



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Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide

Heart disease remains the number one killer worldwide, outstripping all...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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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

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" 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> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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