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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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World's smallest pacemaker is set to revolutionize heart health

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

In Medieval Europe and the Middle East, merchants traded in rare and precious commodities, with ivory standing out as one of the most sought-after goods.&nbsp;Surprisingly, much of this ivory came from walruses, rather than elephants.



A new study from the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> has revealed that the Vikings were part of a global trading network that supplied walrus ivory to Europe and the Middle East. This network most likely extended to East Asia as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-journeys-in-harsh-conditions">Long journeys in harsh conditions</h2>



The study shows that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vikings-landed-in-the-americas-500-years-before-columbus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vikings</a> regularly traveled approximately 6,000 kilometers to Pikialasorsuaq in Northwest Greenland, an area characterized by harsh climate conditions.



Professor Morten Tange Olsen is a marine mammal biologist and geneticist in the Globe Institute at the University of Copenhagen.



“They probably didn’t do it for the thrill of it, but to obtain this precious commodity, which they brought to Northern Europe and other parts of the world," explained Olsen. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viking-expeditions-revealed-through-dna">Viking expeditions revealed through DNA</h2>



The researchers conducted DNA analyses which revealed that the Vikings covered a greater distance than previously believed in their search for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-walrus-are-at-high-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">walruses</a>.



To establish the extent of Viking journeys, the researchers studied fragments of walrus skulls obtained from excavations at Viking villages across Europe and settlements in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-transformation-ice-melt-plant-growth-vegetation-cascading-effects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland</a> and Canada. 



"DNA sequences from these fragments provided us with a genetic map of the place of origin of various Arctic walrus populations at the time of the Vikings," said Olsen. "This enabled us to show in which part of the Arctic the animals were caught.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-well-established-trade-network">Well-established trade network</h2>



The study also revealed that the Vikings had interactions with indigenous Arctic populations, including the Thule and Dorset cultures.



“Our research shows that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vikings-brought-their-horses-and-dogs-to-britain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vikings were extremely well-traveled</a> and had a well-established network that covered a larger area than previously believed and which in time and place must have overlapped with early Greenlandic and Canadian cultures,” noted Olsen.



According to Professor Olsen, the invaluable cross-disciplinary collaboration between archaeologists, biologists, and geneticists is what has significantly contributed to the overall success of this ambitious study. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-ivory-trade-system">Complex ivory trade system</h2>



The new and compelling findings reinforce the notion that the Vikings possessed an impressive ability to expertly navigate and endure in extreme and harsh environmental conditions, demonstrating their remarkable resilience and adaptability as they explored and established trade routes across challenging terrains.



They played a vital role in establishing a global trade network that extended beyond the borders of Europe.



“Now, for the first time ever, we have a clear genetic map of Arctic walrus populations, which tells us where the Norsemen went to obtain the precious commodity, ivory,” said Olsen.



The researchers hope this study will illuminate the Vikings’ complex and extensive exchange system and their interactions with other cultures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-legacy-of-walrus-ivory">The legacy of walrus ivory</h2>



Walrus ivory was not only a highly valuable commodity for the Vikings but also a key and integral element of their rich cultural and economic identity, serving as both a material for crafting essential tools and as a symbol of their resourcefulness and adaptability in a challenging environment.



Its exceptional durability made it an ideal material for expertly crafting a wide variety of tools, intricate art pieces, and elegant decorative items that were highly sought after in bustling markets across Europe and Asia, where artisans and traders recognized its value and versatility.



The demand for walrus ivory surged dramatically during periods when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-elephant-day-understanding-celebrating-and-protecting-earths-gentle-giants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephant ivory</a> became increasingly scarce due to significant trade disruptions, such as those experienced during the Crusades, which limited access to traditional sources of ivory and drove merchants to seek alternative and more readily available materials.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vikings-influence-on-global-trade">Vikings' influence on global trade</h2>



The Vikings’ remarkable skill in harvesting ivory from the harsh and unforgiving Arctic environments showcased their exceptional ingenuity and adaptability, highlighting their ability to thrive in extreme conditions while effectively utilizing the natural resources available to them.



Their exchange relationships with indigenous Arctic populations promoted cultural exchanges, demonstrating the Vikings' significant influence on global trade systems.



The study was a collaboration between researchers at the University of Copenhagen, the <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Lund</a> in Sweden, and the <a href="https://www.rug.nl/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Groningen</a> in the Netherlands, along with international partners from Greenland, Iceland, and Canada. 



The findings are published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq4127" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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The Vikings traveled great distances to hunt walruses for ivory

In Medieval Europe and the Middle East, merchants traded in...

By looking deep into the early universe with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have made an unprecedented discovery: a galaxy, GS-NDG-9422 (9422), that may hold clues about the first stars of the universe. The galaxy exhibits an odd light signature where its gas outshines its stars.



Found approximately one billion years after the Big Bang, this intriguing galaxy could represent a crucial missing link in galactic evolution, potentially bridging the gap between the earliest stars and the well-established galaxies we know today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-to-the-first-stars">Clues to the first stars</h2>



"My first thought in looking at the galaxy’s spectrum was, ‘that’s weird,’ which is exactly what the Webb telescope was designed to reveal: totally new phenomena in the early universe that will help us understand how the cosmic story began,” said lead researcher Alex Cameron of the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.



Cameron reached out to colleague Harley Katz, a theorist, to interpret the strange data. Together with their team, the experts realized that the unusual observations closely matched theoretical models of gas clouds illuminated by extremely hot, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-stars-shape-planetary-systems-like-ours-with-ultraviolet-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive stars</a>, where the gas shines brighter than the stars themselves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hotter-more-massive-stars">Hotter, more massive stars</h2>



"It looks like these stars must be much hotter and more massive than what we see in the local universe, which makes sense because the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-like-galaxies-were-present-in-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early universe</a> was a very different environment,” explained Katz, who is affiliated with both Oxford and <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the University of Chicago</a>.



In our local universe, typical hot, massive stars have temperatures ranging from 40,000 to 50,000 degrees Celsius (70,000 to 90,000 degrees Fahrenheit). 



In contrast, the stars in galaxy 9422 appear to reach temperatures above 80,000 degrees Celsius (140,000 degrees Fahrenheit), a striking indication of the galaxy's unique environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-in-midst-of-intense-star-formation">Galaxy in midst of intense star formation </h2>



The research team theorizes that this galaxy is in the midst of an intense phase of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/serpens-nebula-image-reveals-how-stars-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>, producing large numbers of massive, hot stars. 



Surrounding the galaxy, a dense cosmic gas cloud is being bombarded with photons of light, causing the gas to glow more brightly than the stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-universe-s-first-generation-stars">Universe's first-generation stars</h2>



This unusual phenomenon, where nebular gas outshines stars, is particularly interesting because it was predicted to be characteristic of the universe's first-generation stars, known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/looking-back-billions-of-years-to-see-the-first-stars-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Population III</a> stars. 



“We know that this galaxy does not have Population III stars, because the Webb data shows too much chemical complexity," explained Katz. 



"However, its stars are different than what we are familiar with - the exotic stars in this galaxy could be a guide for understanding how galaxies transitioned from primordial stars to the types of galaxies we already know.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-stages-of-galaxy-development">Early stages of galaxy development </h2>



Currently, galaxy 9422 represents just one example of this intriguing phase of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic evolution</a>, and many questions remain. 



Are these conditions typical of galaxies during this period, or are they rare? What more can they tell us about even earlier stages of galaxy development? 



Cameron, Katz, and their team are actively seeking more galaxies like 9422 to better understand what occurred in the first billion years after the Big Bang.



“It’s a very exciting time, to be able to use the Webb telescope to explore this time in the universe that was once inaccessible,” said Cameron. “We are just at the beginning of new discoveries and understanding.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galactic-formation-and-evolution">Galactic formation and evolution</h2>



As researchers continue to investigate GS-NDG-9422, they are eager to identify more galaxies from this early cosmic era that could provide additional insights into the formation of the universe's first stars. 



Such discoveries are essential for piecing together how these early stars shaped the universe's infancy and influenced the emergence of galaxies.



By studying more galaxies like GS-NDG-9422, astronomers hope to gain a clearer understanding of the transition from the primordial gas clouds of the early universe to the structured galaxies we see today. 



These investigations are critical for unraveling the complex processes that drove galactic formation and evolution, while also shedding light on the role of the first stars in shaping cosmic history.



This ongoing research promises to deepen our understanding of the universe's origins and the role early galaxies played in the grand narrative of cosmic evolution.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/534/1/523/7697173?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</a>.



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'Odd galaxy' may hold clues to the first stars of the universe

By looking deep into the early universe with NASA’s James...

Canada lynx populations in Interior Alaska experience a “traveling population wave” that affects their reproduction, movement, and survival. 



This is the conclusion of a new study from the University of Alaska Fairbanks's Institute of Arctic Biology.



The research sheds light on how these patterns play out and could help wildlife managers make more informed decisions about one of the boreal forest's key predators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lynx-survival-hinges-on-their-prey">Lynx survival hinges on their prey</h2>



A traveling population wave is a biological phenomenon where animal populations rise and fall across a region, like a ripple moving through water. 



For Canada lynx in Alaska, this cycle is closely tied to the 10- to 12-year boom-and-bust cycle of their main prey, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monitoring-snowshoe-hares-provide-clues-about-forest-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowshoe hare</a>. 



When hare populations increase, lynx numbers follow a year or two later. But when hares experience a population crash, due to limited food resources, the lynx population soon declines as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-following-the-lynx-population-wave">Following the lynx population wave</h2>



The study, led by biologist Derek Arnold, ran from 2018 to 2022 and followed the lynx population through one such cycle, beginning when hare numbers were at their peak. 



The researchers tracked the reproduction, movement, and survival of lynx as the hare population collapsed.



During the study, 143 lynx were live-trapped across five national <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-wildlife-refuges-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife refuges</a> in Interior Alaska-Tetlin, Yukon Flats, Kanuti, Koyukuk, and Gates of the Arctic National Park. 



Each lynx was fitted with a GPS collar, allowing satellites to track their movements and providing a wealth of new data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-stages-of-the-population-wave">Three stages of the population wave</h2>



Arnold noted that the lynx population responded to the declining hare population in three stages, with these changes starting in the east and moving westward - an indication of a traveling population wave:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction-decline">Reproduction decline</h3>



At the start of the study, during the peak of the cycle, researchers found dens with up to eight kittens. However, reproduction began to plummet first in the easternmost study areas and eventually ceased entirely across all sites by the end of the study.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-dispersal">Increased dispersal</h3>



As reproduction rates fell, the lynx started to disperse, leaving their territories in search of better conditions. They traveled in all directions, crossing mountains and swimming rivers - behavior that surprised researchers. One lynx even trekked nearly 1,000 miles to reach the Alberta border.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-decline">Survival decline</h3>



Finally, the survival rates of the lynx dropped. While some traveled eastward against the wave, those individuals had much higher mortality rates compared to those that moved westward or remained within their original territories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-cycle-plays-out">How the cycle plays out</h2>



“People like trappers have observed this pattern anecdotally for a long, long time. The data just provides evidence to support it and helps us see the big picture,” Arnold said.



The study also clarifies how this cycle plays out across the landscape. “We've long known that hares and lynx operate on a 10- to 12-year cycle, but we didn't fully understand how it played out across the landscape,” Arnold added.&nbsp;



“It wasn't clear if the cycle occurred simultaneously across the state or if it happened in isolated areas at different times. Knowing that the wave usually sweeps from east to west makes lynx population trends more predictable.” 



This newfound predictability will help wildlife managers make better decisions by allowing them to anticipate population behavior on a more localized level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canada-lynx-survival-the-bigger-picture">Canada lynx survival: The bigger picture</h2>



Another significant finding is the importance of maintaining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canada-lynx-may-need-a-climate-refuge-to-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">refuge</a> populations. “The lynx that disperse during population declines don't usually survive. Most of them don't make it when they leave their home areas,” Arnold said.



He emphasized the crucial role that refuge areas play in preserving lynx populations during tough times.



“The combination of these factors supports the idea of a hierarchical response to snowshoe hare population declines with a drop in lynx reproduction followed by increased dispersal, and finally reduced survival," wrote the researchers.



"All of this evidence is consistent with the expected characteristics of a population undergoing a traveling wave and supports the hypothesis that lynx presence may facilitate and mirror the underlying wave patterns in snowshoe hare."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2414052121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>,



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Canada lynx survival linked to life cycle of snowshoe hares

Canada lynx populations in Interior Alaska experience a “traveling population...

Hundreds of industrial facilities housing toxic chemicals found themselves in the path of Hurricane Helene as it swept through the Southeast in late September 2024, flooding communities and bringing widespread devastation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxic-chemicals-in-the-path-of-helene">Toxic chemicals in the path of Helene</h2>



In coastal areas and further into Georgia, Helene surged over paper mills, fertilizer factories, and oil and gas storage sites.&nbsp;



Paper mills, notorious for their environmental impact, are particularly concerning, with some still containing thousands of pounds of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-blame-lead-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lead</a> from past practices. 



In Florida, officials reported that a retired nuclear power plant near Cedar Key was inundated by a storm surge reaching up to 12 feet, flooding buildings and an industrial wastewater pond.&nbsp;



Although spent nuclear fuel stored at the site was believed to be secure, the situation raised alarm, especially considering that the same site had flooded during Hurricane Idalia in 2023.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollutants-quietly-enter-the-waterways">Pollutants quietly enter the waterways</h2>



Further inland, the storm unleashed over a foot of rain across industrial sites in the Carolinas and Tennessee, some of which are situated near waterways that quickly swelled with runoff from the mountains.



In disasters like Helene, the full extent of industrial damage often unfolds over several days, and residents might not even hear about the release of toxic chemicals into water or air until days or weeks later - if they’re informed at all. Unfortunately, pollution releases during such events are all too common.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxic-chemicals-spread-by-storms">Toxic chemicals spread by storms</h2>



After Hurricane Ian struck Florida’s western coast in 2022, hazardous materials from damaged storage tanks and fertilizer mining facilities spilled across coastal wetlands and into the Gulf of Mexico, even becoming visible from space.&nbsp;



In 2021, Hurricane Ida triggered more than 2,000 reported chemical spills. During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, floodwaters surrounded chemical plants near Houston, causing some to catch fire and release massive amounts of pollutants into the air.&nbsp;



Without clear information, emergency responders and residents faced respiratory illnesses and other health risks, often unaware of what chemicals were in the air.



Toxic materials spread by storms like Helene can settle into the environment and pose long-term health risks, often with little to no warning for those living nearby.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hazardous-industrial-sites-in-the-path-of-flooding">Hazardous industrial sites in the path of flooding</h2>



A team of environmental sociologists and anthropologists at Rice University has recently mapped hazardous industrial sites across the country and paired them with hurricane impact maps to help communities hold these facilities accountable.



The most obvious risks from industrial facilities are along the U.S. Gulf Coast, where petrochemical complexes - refineries, factories, and storage sites - are clustered near rivers and bays for easy shipping access. 



Unfortunately, this also places them in the path of storm surge flooding, which can raise ocean levels by several feet. For example, Helene’s storm surge reached over 10 feet above ground level in Florida’s Big Bend and more than 6 feet high in Tampa Bay.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollution-releases-during-hurricanes">Pollution releases during hurricanes </h2>



A recent <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c10797" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> highlighted that pollution releases during hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico are two to three times more frequent than during normal weather between 2005 and 2020. 



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> releases disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color, exacerbating already significant environmental health risks.



Despite the alarming statistics, hazardous releases often fly under the radar due to limited disclosure requirements and a lack of public information. Even emergency responders might not know exactly what chemicals they’re dealing with in the midst of a crisis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxic-chemicals-flying-under-the-radar">Toxic chemicals flying under the radar</h2>



The <a href="https://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA) requires major polluters to submit risk management plans, but these plans often only provide general information about on-site chemicals.



Some large-scale fuel storage facilities, like those storing liquefied natural gas, don’t even have to submit this information. 



Additionally, while these plans are supposed to outline “worst-case” scenarios, accessing them can be difficult due to redactions and restricted availability.



To make matters worse, many states, especially along the Gulf, suspend pollution restrictions during emergencies. Incident notifications from the National Response Center, which tracks chemical discharges into the environment, are often delayed by a week or more.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-awareness-of-chemical-threats">Public awareness of chemical threats</h2>



With climate change fueling more frequent and intense storms, public awareness of these rising chemical threats should be at the forefront of the conversation. 



Communities need to understand the risks posed by industrial infrastructure, particularly as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-predicts-global-warmings-impact-on-extreme-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a> events become more common.



To help communities better understand the risks they face, researchers from Rice University’s <a href="https://cfar.rice.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Coastal Futures and Adaptive Resilience</a> have been investigating how flood-prone industrial areas across the country can better adapt to these threats.



Their interactive map highlights areas with elevated future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flood risks</a> and identifies major polluters based on the EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flood-prone-polluters-nationwide">Flood-prone polluters nationwide </h2>



There are several hotspots nationwide where flood-prone polluters pose significant risks. Houston’s Ship Channel, Chicago’s waterfront steel industries, and the harbors at Los Angeles and New York/New Jersey are among the largest. 



However, as Helene demonstrated, smaller and less obvious areas can also be at risk from industrial chemical pollution. Inland regions, particularly in the mountains, can experience sudden, rapid runoff that turns calm rivers into raging torrents. 



For instance, during Helene, the French Broad River in Asheville, North Carolina, rose about 12 feet in just 12 hours, setting a new flood stage record.



When hurricanes or tropical storms approach the U.S., the experts’ maps highlight where major polluters are located within the storm’s projected path. These maps pinpoint hazardous facilities down to the exact address, helping communities stay informed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communities-must-take-action-to-be-prepared">Communities must take action to be prepared </h2>



However, identifying these sites is just the first step. Often, it’s up to the affected communities - many of which are already overburdened by environmental hazards and historically underserved - to raise concerns and push for action. 



These discussions need to happen long before disaster strikes. By understanding where risks are concentrated, communities can take steps to advocate for safer infrastructure and better preparedness.



In the face of a changing climate, with more extreme storms on the horizon, knowledge is power. Knowing the risks and being prepared can help communities protect themselves and build a more resilient future.



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Storms like Helene release toxic chemicals from industrial facilities

Hundreds of industrial facilities housing toxic chemicals found themselves in...

More than 200 viruses can infect humans, and most of us will encounter several of them throughout our lives. But how do these infections influence our immune system’s ability to respond to other viruses? 



Does encountering one virus weaken or strengthen our defenses against another? Or does it have an entirely different effect? These questions were the focus of a new study by scientists at Rockefeller University.



The research was conducted in the <a href="https://lab.rockefeller.edu/rice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease</a> led by Charles M. Rice, and Weill Cornell Medicine’s <a href="https://pathology.weill.cornell.edu/research/research-labs/laboratory-epigenetics-and-immunity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laboratory of Epigenetics and Immunit</a> led by Steven Z. Josefowicz.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-system-and-prior-infections-nbsp">Immune system and prior Infections&nbsp;</h2>



The study reveals fascinating insights about how our immune system adapts to prior infections.



By studying mice that were first infected with SARS-CoV-2 and then exposed to the influenza A virus, the researchers made a surprising discovery: recovering from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-colds-boost-childrens-immunity-against-severe-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID</a> had a protective effect against the severe outcomes of the flu.&nbsp;



This memory response, however, came from an unexpected part of the immune system - macrophages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-cells-develop-a-memory">Immune cells develop a memory</h2>



The researchers found that epigenetic changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-treatment-could-be-transformed-by-shape-shifting-macrophages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">macrophages</a> - innate immune cells known for their early response to threats - had developed a form of “memory” following the initial COVID infection.&nbsp;



This allowed the macrophages to mount a stronger defense against the flu virus, even though it's unrelated to the COVID virus. Immunological memory was long thought to be a trait exclusive to adaptive immune cells like T cells. 



However, this study challenges that notion by showing that macrophages can “remember” and defend against future threats. Intriguingly, this memory wasn’t tied to any one specific virus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-memory-following-covid-infection-nbsp">Immune memory following COVID infection&nbsp;</h2>



“Immune memory is critical to fending off recurring diseases caused by pathogen," said study first author Alexander Lercher, a postdoctoral fellow in Rice’s lab. 



"What’s exciting about our study is that we’ve discovered a broadly effective antiviral immune memory in macrophages following SARS-CoV-2 infection that can reduce disease caused by a completely different virus.” 



“A more detailed understanding of these mechanisms could aid development of new therapeutic strategies that cover a range of respiratory viruses.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-implications-of-the-research-nbsp">Exciting implications of the research&nbsp;</h2>



Josefowicz said it was exciting to delve into the epigenetic mechanisms encoding this general antiviral memory.&nbsp;



“The implications are profound. If we can walk around with months-long bolstered immunity after a season’s worth of respiratory infections, what are the implications for seasonal trends in these infections?” said Josefowicz.



“How much human variance - genetic and epigenetic - exists in these pathways?”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innate-immune-memory-responses">Innate immune memory responses</h2>



When a virus invades the body, cytokines signal innate immune cells, like macrophages, to respond quickly and attack.&nbsp;



This initial response is followed by a more tailored defense from adaptive immune cells, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-cells-could-be-used-to-slow-down-or-even-reverse-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T cells</a>, which recognize specific virus antigens and store that memory for future infections.



But recent studies, including this one, show that innate immune responses can also develop memory.&nbsp;



For example, people who received the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine - originally designed to protect against tuberculosis - demonstrated innate immune memory responses that lasted for months, offering protection against unrelated infections.



However, how this broad immune memory forms has remained a mystery.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-and-flu-infections">COVID and flu infections</h2>



In 2020, Lercher began investigating this phenomenon using two widely circulating viruses: SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A, the latter of which has troubled humanity since the 1918 pandemic.



Lercher and his colleagues focused their research on the long-term consequences of COVID-19 on the respiratory system, particularly cells in the lungs.&nbsp;



The experts found that alveolar macrophages, located in the airways, had undergone an epigenetic reprogramming after infection. The chromatin around antiviral genes became more accessible, which essentially primed these genes for quick activation in future infections.



This discovery wasn’t limited to mice. When the team analyzed blood samples from people who had recovered from mild COVID, they found similar epigenetic changes in monocytes - the precursors to macrophages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlled-inflammatory-responses-after-covid">Controlled inflammatory responses after COVID</h2>



The result of this epigenetic shift? These immune cells could “remember” past infections, enabling them to respond more effectively to future viral invasions.



Thanks to this new immune memory, the macrophages in the lungs of COVID-recovered mice were better equipped to fight off influenza A.&nbsp;



Compared to mice without previous COVID infections, these mice exhibited fewer symptoms, such as less weight loss and more controlled inflammatory responses. Their mortality rates were also lower.



“The fact that viral RNA alone seems to be able to trigger memory in macrophages lays the foundation of this memory being antigen independent,” Lercher explained. “They’re recognizing a pattern that is shared by many viruses, unlike a virus-specific antigen.”



The team confirmed this by exposing the mice to a synthetic mimic of an RNA virus and observing similar memory responses.



Interestingly, when battling the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cattle-may-become-a-permanent-host-for-bird-flu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flu</a>, these memory-primed macrophages outperformed adaptive T cells. “The macrophages are really the ones driving this response,” Lercher said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-milder-flu-symptoms-after-covid-infection-nbsp">Milder flu symptoms after COVID infection&nbsp;</h2>



To test just how robust this memory was, the team extracted macrophages from COVID-recovered mice and transferred them into naive mice. They then exposed these mice to influenza A. 



Sure enough, the recipient mice showed milder flu symptoms than mice that received naive macrophages.



“The naive mice with the implanted recovered macrophages fared better against influenza than mice implanted with naive macrophages,” Lercher reported.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-protection-against-viruses">Future protection against viruses</h2>



Looking forward, the researchers hope to pinpoint the key factors responsible for this innate immune memory.&nbsp;



“In an ideal world, we would find one or a few factors that lead to this memory formation in macrophages and other innate cells, and then exploit it to develop therapies that offer broad protection against many viruses,” said Rice.



This approach could be especially valuable during future pandemics. If there were a new emerging pathogen on the horizon, noted Lercher, it would be nice to have a therapy that boosted your general antiviral immunity for the next month or so.&nbsp;



“That’s still very far away, and a lot more research needs to be done, but I think it could be possible one day,” Lercher concluded.



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COVID infection equips the body to fight off the flu

More than 200 viruses can infect humans, and most of...

With the impacts of climate change growing increasingly tangible, one aspect that might see a significant transformation is winter weather.



A new study indicates that global warming has caused a shift in America's weather patterns that will lead to a future of wetter winters.



This is the conclusion of an in-depth study from the <a href="https://www.uic.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Chicago</a>. A team of researchers led by Akintomide Akinsanola used climate models to explore potential changes in U.S. winter precipitation by the end of the 21st century.



The focus was not only on overall winter precipitation but also on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a>, and the results were quite revealing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wetter-winters-will-become-common">Wetter winters will become common</h2>



It turns out that not only can we expect more abundant winter precipitation, but also a surge in extreme weather events across the country. 



In addition, there will be an increased occurrence of "very wet" winters - the kind that ranked in the top 5% of U.S. historical winter precipitation totals.



By century's end, these once uncommon winters may occur as often as once every four years in some parts of the U.S. 



There will also be a shift from snow to rain in many regions, leading to implications for agriculture, water resources, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seeking-ways-to-prevent-flooding-caused-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flooding</a>, and other environmentally sensitive areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-the-unpredictable">Predicting the unpredictable</h2>



While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scorching-summer-of-2024-could-make-it-the-hottest-year-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summer</a> and other seasons have uncertain precipitation projections, winter precipitation will be robustly intensified in the future, racing well beyond what historical data has shown us. 



The research was focused on 19 Earth system models across the seven U.S. subregions identified in the National Climate Assessment Report.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wetter-winters-by-region">Wetter winters by region </h2>



Across the entire United States, the study showed an increase in average winter precipitation of two to five percent per degree of warming by the end of the 21st century.



In terms of absolute change, the Northwest and Northeast U.S. will see the largest increases. Six out of the seven regions will also experience a higher frequency of extremely wet winters, with the Northeast and Midwest witnessing the sharpest increases.



The Southern Great Plains, made up of states like Texas and Oklahoma, is the only region where projected changes are very small and highly uncertain. 



In this part of the country, more frequent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heat-and-drought-extremes-are-now-occurring-simultaneously/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme dry events</a> will balance or outweigh the increase in extreme wet events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-winters-and-climate-change">Extreme winters and climate change</h2>



The findings highlight that changes in winter precipitation will have a significant nationwide impact.



The form of precipitation will likely change in multiple areas too; previous research projects that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeling-the-heat-rising-temperatures-push-the-limits-of-the-human-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising temperatures</a> will cause more precipitation to fall as rain rather than snow, leading to diminished snow depth. 



This simultaneous decrease in snow and increase in rain will undoubtedly stress existing systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-to-a-changing-climate">Adapting to a changing climate</h2>



Infrastructure will need to undergo updates or upgrades, as we're not only dealing with the mean precipitation but also an increase in severe weather conditions.



Buildings and drainage systems will need improvements to manage potential floods and storm damage.



Coming to grips with our changing climate isn't just about mitigation, but also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-climate-adaptation-lacks-coordination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptation</a>. As we move forward, it's critical that we consider these predicted shifts and adjust accordingly - both on an individual and community level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winter-flood-risks">Winter flood risks </h2>



As wetter winters become more frequent, the threat of winter flooding will rise - particularly in areas with aging infrastructure.



With more precipitation falling as rain instead of snow, regions accustomed to snowpack will face faster runoff and potential flood hazards. 



Local governments and communities will need to prioritize flood mitigation strategies, from improving drainage systems to reinforcing levees. 



Failure to prepare could result in widespread damage to homes, businesses, and ecosystems.



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



The shift from snow to rain will also affect wildlife that depends on snowy conditions. Species such as snowshoe hares, lynxes, and certain bird populations may struggle to adapt to the changing landscape.



As winters become wetter and milder, these animals could see significant habitat disruption, pushing some species toward migration or even endangerment. 



Conservation efforts will need to evolve to account for the new challenges posed by changing winter environments.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41612-024-00761-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Climate and Atmospheric Science</a>.



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Winters are set to become much wetter in the United States

With the impacts of climate change growing increasingly tangible, one...

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) is known for its innovative and realistic outputs based on billions of data points. It's a powerful tool in many sectors that can also assist in daily tasks such as online shopping or creating content.



The applications of Gen AI in healthcare are just beginning to be realized. The technology has the potential to revolutionize medical imaging, predict disease progression for individual patients, and even assist in discovering new vaccines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gen-ai-and-patient-safety">Gen AI and patient safety </h2>



A recent study conducted by researchers at the <a href="https://www.bumc.bu.edu/camed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BU Chobanian &amp; Avedisian School of Medicine</a> has produced some remarkable results. 



The experts subjected an advanced publicly available Gen AI model, known as GPT-4, to a rigorous 50-question self-assessment from the Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) exam. This is a standardized multiple-choice certification exam for professionals.



Impressively, GPT-4 demonstrated a high level of performance, answering 88% of the questions correctly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gen-ai-performance-in-the-real-world">Gen AI performance in the real world</h2>



Study co-author Dr. Nicholas Cordella is an assistant professor of medicine at BU Chobanian &amp; Avedisian School of Medicine.



"While other studies have looked at genAI's performance on exams from different healthcare specialties over the past year, ours is the first robust test of its proficiency specifically in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-predict-health-deterioration-in-hospital-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patient safety</a>," said Dr. Cordella.



GPT-4's impressive performance was achieved without any additional technical training or medical fine-tuning. 



The AI model performed notably well in the domains of Patient Safety and Solutions, Measuring and Improving Performance, and Systems Thinking and Design/Human Factors. 



These results prompted the team to encourage further testing of AI's real-world strengths and weaknesses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-glimpse-into-the-future">A glimpse into the future</h2>



The study shows considerable promise for the integration of AI into healthcare safety systems. 



The research hints at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-proves-very-useful-to-doctors-when-diagnosing-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI's potential to assist doctors</a> in recognizing, addressing, and preventing mistakes in hospitals and clinics.



"While more research is needed to fully understand what current AI can do in patient safety, this study shows that AI has some potential to improve healthcare by assisting clinicians in addressing preventable harms," said Dr. Cordella.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-issue-of-medical-errors">Addressing the issue of medical errors </h2>



The researchers also explored how AI might help tackle the serious problem of medical errors, which dramatically affect healthcare outcomes and are believed to cause around 400,000 deaths every year.



However, it's crucial to be aware of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-beats-doctors-in-clinical-reasoning-but-is-more-error-prone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">limitations of current AI technology</a>. Vigilance must be maintained against biases, false confidence, and the potential for fabricated data, particularly with large language models like GPT-4.



"AI has the potential to significantly enhance patient safety, marking an enabling step towards leveraging this technology to reduce preventable harms and achieve better healthcare outcomes," said Dr. Cordella.



"However, it's important to recognize this as an initial step, and we must rigorously test and refine AI applications to truly benefit patient care."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-opportunities-ahead">Exciting opportunities ahead</h2>



As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ai-artificial-intelligence-changing-health-diet-fitness-exercise-approach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence continues to advance</a>, its integration into healthcare systems presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. 



While AI models like GPT-4 have demonstrated impressive capabilities, such as their potential to improve patient safety, there are hurdles that must be addressed before AI can become a reliable component in clinical settings. 



Ensuring that AI systems operate with transparency and accuracy is paramount, especially in high-stakes environments where errors can have severe consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-significant-challenges">Overcoming significant challenges </h2>



One major challenge is the inherent bias present in AI models. Since these systems are trained on vast amounts of data, they can inadvertently replicate the biases found in their datasets. 



In healthcare, where decisions impact patient outcomes, such biases can lead to unequal treatment or unintended harm. 



Additionally, AI's tendency to produce "hallucinations" or generate plausible but incorrect information poses a risk that must be mitigated through rigorous testing and oversight.



However, with ongoing research and development, AI's ability to support healthcare professionals could evolve rapidly. 



By identifying patterns in data that humans might overlook, AI can assist in diagnosing complex conditions, personalizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-the-next-frontier-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment plans</a>, and predicting potential complications. 



As the technology evolves, AI could play a key role in minimizing preventable errors and enhancing the overall quality of care.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1553725024001673" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety</a>.



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The future of AI: Enhancing patient safety

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) is known for its innovative...

Mental health has become an overlooked casualty in the ongoing debate about climate change. While we focus on the tangible losses - wildfires, rising seas, and extreme weather - the silent impact on our mental well-being often goes unnoticed. 



The time has come for us to face the question: Is the changing climate influencing our mental health in unseen ways?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-toll-of-extreme-weather">Mental toll of extreme weather</h2>



Extreme weather events and relentless heatwaves not only threaten the environment but also place immense strain on mental health.&nbsp;



Communities across the globe are confronting the harsh reality of more frequent flooding from stronger storms and enduring seemingly endless days of triple-digit temperatures. The mental strain of these climate-driven events can be as intense as the heat itself.



This critical issue has drawn the attention of a dedicated team at&nbsp;<a href="https://tulane.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tulane University</a>, who have been awarded $1 million from the National Academy of Sciences’ Gulf Research Program.&nbsp;



The mission is to uncover how climate-induced factors may be affecting mental health outcomes in five vulnerable southern states: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.



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



Over the next three years, this pioneering project aims to dissect the relationship between climate change and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fear-and-anxiety-the-mental-health-impacts-of-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a>.



The experts will pinpoint the communities which are most vulnerable to various climate-induced factors, such as heat, air pollution, tropical cyclones, power outages, precipitation, drought, and humidity.&nbsp;



The research team will then compare these data with mental health-related emergency room visits among Medicare and Medicaid patients to identify patterns and trends.



"The Gulf South is one of the most vulnerable places for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-takes-a-major-toll-on-childrens-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change impacts</a>&nbsp;in the United States," noted Mostafijur Rahman, the study’s principal investigator.&nbsp;



"However, there is a lack of comprehensive epidemiological research examining these impacts on the region. This study aims to fill that critical gap."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-mental-health-impacts">Mitigating mental health impacts</h2>



As part of the multifaceted examination, the study will evaluate access to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/surprising-mental-health-benefits-of-living-near-green-spaces/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green spaces</a>&nbsp;and air conditioning to examine any potential mitigating effects on mental health challenges.



"The key goals are to identify which climate factors have the strongest association with mental health outcomes and map the most vulnerable communities and populations,” said Rahman. 



“By pinpointing the most at-risk communities and effective interventions, this research will help inform targeted policies to mitigate the mental health impacts of our changing climate."



Launched this summer, the study is expected to continue through July 2027. The research will provide valuable insights about how the changing climate is silently shaping our mental health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-public-health-challenge">Critical public health challenge</h2>



As the world continues to warm, the mental health impacts of climate change are emerging as a critical&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public health</a> challenge.&nbsp;



The increased frequency of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-disasters-are-on-the-rise-but-hazard-plans-are-inadequate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural disasters</a>, rising temperatures, and deteriorating air quality are all taking a toll on individuals and communities. These climate-induced stressors don’t just cause physical destruction but also leave lasting emotional and psychological scars.&nbsp;



Losing homes, jobs, and loved ones in extreme weather can lead to anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gradual-changes-and-long-term-effects">Gradual changes and long-term effects</h2>



In addition to acute mental health challenges brought on by natural disasters, there are longer-term effects associated with the gradual changes in climate. 



People living in areas prone to prolonged heatwaves may experience chronic stress due to ongoing discomfort, disrupted sleep patterns, and a decrease in productivity. 



Research shows that higher temperatures can increase aggression and violence, adding to community stress. Social isolation, especially in rural or low-income areas lacking resources like air conditioning and safe public spaces, worsens mental strain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-climate-related-stress">Addressing climate-related stress</h2>



While most people recognize the physical dangers of extreme weather, we often forget about its impact on mental health. We need to improve environmental policies and offer mental health support for those facing climate-related stress.



Integrating mental health support into climate adaptation strategies will be essential for helping populations build resilience against both the immediate and long-term psychological effects of a changing climate.



Beyond the need for research, addressing the mental health effects of climate change will require innovative public policy and community engagement to help individuals prepare for an uncertain future.



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Mental health is a hidden casualty of climate change

Mental health has become an overlooked casualty in the ongoing...

From the crack of dawn to the late hours of the night, the life of a father is filled with a myriad of sights, sounds, and yes - even smells. In a fascinating twist, a recent German study reveals that dads might not just tolerate, but actually prefer the scent of their own children.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pleasant-scent-of-children">Pleasant scent of children</h2>



Scientists at the Technical University of Dresden stumbled upon a remarkable discovery. It turns out that fathers can not only detect the unique scent of their own brood, but they also rate their children’s smell as more pleasant compared to that of other kids. 



We're not talking about gently perfumed lullabies here but instead the unique aroma that wraps around your child, like their clothing after a day of play. Nonetheless, it seems that there's no smell quite as sweet for a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fathers-diet-impacts-the-health-of-his-future-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">father</a> than that of his own offspring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dads-can-sniff-out-the-details">Dads can sniff out the details</h2>



The nose-knowing dads weren't just picking out the scent of their own children now and then. 



The data showed that fathers were successful in identifying the smell of their own children's worn clothes one-third of the time. That's quite a successful sniffing ratio.



There is an interesting caveat to this finding. The pleasantness of a child's scent, according to the dads, seemed to decline when the kids hit puberty.



But, what does this dip in perceived pleasantness tell us about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parents-who-use-humor-have-better-relationships-with-their-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary biology</a>?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-just-perception-but-recognition">Not just perception but recognition</h2>



Researchers at the <a href="https://tu-dresden.de/?set_language=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Dresden</a>, further explored this olfactory mystery.



During the study, dads were asked to rank the pleasantness, sweetness, intensity, and attractiveness of their child's odor, and how much they were inclined to smell it again. They were also tasked with the challenge of identifying which of the odor samples belonged to their child.



Interestingly, the fathers' accuracy in recognizing their child's scent was higher when the children were younger - with a success rate of 37% for infants and 33% for prepubescent children.



While these percentages might seem somewhat low, it's worth noting that they're significantly higher than the 17% success rate expected if the dads were merely taking a stab in the dark.



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



What underlies this remarkable ability to identify and prefer the scent of our own children? Experts believe that the smell of one's offspring activates certain areas in the brain associated with pleasure and reward. 



This could help to create and strengthen that all-important bond between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-who-watch-screens-in-bed-have-the-most-disrupted-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parents and their children</a>. The sense also seems to act as a stress-reliever for the parents.



However, much like that ability to distinguish their kids by scent alone, this preferential treatment takes a steep dive once the children reach puberty, especially in the case of daughters. But, why does this happen?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-dad-s-scent-perception">Changes in dad's scent perception </h2>



According to the researchers, this could be an evolutionary mechanism – a "barrier," if you will, against any potential incestuous behavior between fathers and their pubescent daughters.



Intuitively, this makes sense, given that mothers seem to exhibit a similar decrease in preference for the scent of their pubescent sons.



However, the team also points out that these changes in how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fatherhood-takes-a-toll-on-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dads</a> perceive their children's smell could be influenced by the hormonal shifts that come with puberty, and might not be linked necessarily to any latent sexual attraction.



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



Hormones likely play a pivotal role in the changing dynamics of scent preference throughout a child's development. 



During puberty, hormonal fluctuations lead to altered body chemistry, which fundamentally changes the body's natural scent. 



This transformation is particularly pronounced as sweat glands <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeding-children-healthy-diets-can-be-very-challenging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">develop differently</a>, contributing to a variant often described as less pleasant. 



This could explain the reduction in preference that parents have for the scent of their teenage children.



From an evolutionary stance, these hormonal changes might act as cues for parents to reassess their roles and boundaries as their children mature, fostering independence during the transition to adulthood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-child-scent-preferences">Implications of child scent preferences</h2>



The findings from this study have intriguing implications that extend beyond familial bonds and evolutionary biology. 



Understanding why and how parental scent preferences change offers valuable insights into the psychological underpinnings of scent as a medium for communication and bonding. 



This knowledge could inform future research aiming to strengthen familial relationships or improve parental responses to stress. 



Furthermore, the study suggests potential applications in other fields, such as improving caregiving strategies or enhancing therapeutic environments. 



By going deeper into the connections between scent, emotion, and social interactions, these studies may unravel new ways to harness our sense of smell to benefit social and family dynamics.



The study is published in the journal Physiology &amp; Behavior.



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Dads can recognize the scent of their child

From the crack of dawn to the late hours of...

Oceans are more than vast expanses of water that exceed the horizon. They are home to millions of creatures. Among those creatures, nesting deep underwater, are the vibrant, colorful coral reefs. 



These magical marine ecosystems are the unsung heroes of our planet. But did you know that coral reefs survival is intricately tied to our very own human rights?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-coral-survival-matters-to-humans">Why coral survival matters to humans</h2>



An estimated billion people depend on healthy coral reefs for their basic needs. From food to coastal protection and even tourism revenue, coral reefs make a massive contribution to our lives.



If the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeding-corals-can-help-them-recover-from-heat-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reefs crumble</a> and their ecosystems vanish, the human cost might be too hefty to bear. The loss of marine ecosystems would mean a blow to our health and financial welfare.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-to-protect-reefs-is-diminishing">Time to protect reefs is diminishing</h2>



Enter Dr. Emma Camp from the University of Technology Sydney (<a href="https://www.uts.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UTS</a>). She has been exploring the murky waters of marine conservation.



Dr. Camp warns that the time we have to save coral reefs is diminishing quickly. Despite numerous protective actions, coral reefs worldwide continue on their path of degradation.



In 2024, a global coral bleaching event affected more than half of the world's coral reefs. Add to this the relentless onslaught of pollution, and we've got a time bomb ticking away. As Dr. Camp noted, “the loss of coral ecosystems negatively impacts both humans and nonhumans.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-last-hope-for-coral-reef-rescue">Last hope for coral reef rescue?</h2>



So how do we untangle this knotty issue? According to Dr. Camp, we need to change our approach. We need to tackle coral conservation through the lens of human rights.



Consider it the human face of coral loss. This way, we can inspire a profound transformation in governance at all levels - local, national, and global.



Dr. Camp is the lead author of a paper titled "Coral reef protection is fundamental to human rights," which is co-authored by experts from the <a href="https://www.buffalo.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University at Buffalo</a>, State University of New York (<a href="https://www.suny.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SUNY</a>), and the <a href="https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Konstanz</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-reef-conservation">Rethinking reef conservation </h2>



Just this year, the United Nations General Assembly affirmed our human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. However, this right is hanging by a thread in the face of a rapidly changing climate, pollution and biodiversity loss.



The International Coral Reef Society’s elected President, Professor Christian Voolstra, elaborated on the issue. He highlighted the findings of a recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. If the Earth heats up to even 1.5°C, most of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dead-coral-skeletons-prevent-reefs-from-recovering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a>-dominated systems will be a thing of past.



Hence, we urgently need to rethink our strategy for reef conservation. We need to shift gears and hasten our efforts to shield these crucial ecosystems for present and future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-rights-based-approach-to-conservation">Human-rights based approach to conservation </h2>



“In other fields, applying a human-rights based approach to environmental protection has advanced both social and environmental conservation,” said co-author Dr Genevieve Wilkinson from UTS Law, a founder of the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Network.



“A rights-based approach embeds non-discrimination, empowerment and participation so that litigation is not the only available avenue for participation and empowerment of vulnerable rightsholders. States must be accountable to obligations to protect human rights and find just solutions.



Dr. Wilkinson noted that a human rights-based approach to coral reef protection is an important opportunity to expedite reef protection while simultaneously advancing climate justice for humans and non-humans.



With numerous governments failing to address climate change effectively, our rights are under threat. But Dr Wilkinson believes that implementing a human rights-based approach to coral reef protection might just be the game-changer we need.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-rights-of-low-lying-reef-nations">Human rights of low-lying reef nations</h2>



The study highlights the 2022 decision in Billy v. Australia. It's the first successful climate litigation framed through the language of rights. 



“The case was submitted by a group of eight Torres Strait Islanders, and six of their children. It demonstrates how states’ failure to effectively address climate change can threaten the human rights of low-lying reef nation inhabitants who rely on healthy coral reefs to ensure their way of life," said Dr. Wilkinson.



“Coral bleaching and its damaging impact on crayfish habitats were specifically identified as a harmful climate change impact by the Human Rights Committee."



“The Committee determined that failure to implement adequate climate change <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crown-of-thorns-starfish-thrive-in-degraded-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptation measures</a> by the Australian Government violated the Torres Strait Islander inhabitants’ rights to culture and to private and family life, contrary to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-reefs-and-human-rights">Coral reefs and human rights</h2>



The United Nations’ High Commissioner for Human Rights calls the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution the greatest future challenge for human rights worldwide.



As we navigate these troubled waters, it's important to remember that protecting our coral reefs is more than an environmental issue. It's a matter of safeguarding our human rights. 



Will we rise to the occasion and fight for our future or will we watch as our vibrant marine ecosystems turn into lifeless, bleached skeletons? The choice is ours.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.17512" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Protecting coral reefs is a matter of humans rights

Oceans are more than vast expanses of water that exceed...

This summer, Arctic sea ice has retreated to near-record lows in the Northern Hemisphere, continuing the decades-long trend of shrinking and thinning ice cover in the Arctic Ocean. 



This is the conclusion of researchers at <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> and the <a href="https://nsidc.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Snow and Ice Data Center</a> (NSIDC).&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-melting-and-less-ice-formation-nbsp">More melting and less ice formation&nbsp;</h2>



The amount of frozen seawater in the Arctic changes throughout the year as ice melts and refreezes between seasons. Scientists monitor these fluctuations to understand how the Arctic responds over time to rising air and sea temperatures and longer melting seasons.



Over the past several decades, satellites have consistently observed more melting during the summer and less ice formation in the winter.&nbsp;



Tracking sea ice changes in real time has revealed wide-ranging impacts - from losses and changes in polar wildlife <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-is-tracking-endangered-animal-habitats-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitats</a> to effects on local Arctic communities and international trade routes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minimal-extent-of-arctic-sea-ice-nbsp">Minimal extent of Arctic sea ice&nbsp;</h2>



This year, Arctic sea ice shrank to a minimal extent of about 1.65 million square miles (4.28 million square kilometers).&nbsp;



That's approximately 750,000 square miles (1.94 million square kilometers) below the 1981 to 2010 end-of-summer average of 2.4 million square miles (6.22 million square kilometers).&nbsp;



To put it in perspective, the reduction in ice cover spans an area larger than the state of Alaska. Sea ice extent is defined as the total area of the ocean with at least 15% ice concentration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-downward-trend-in-arctic-sea-ice-nbsp">Downward trend in Arctic sea ice&nbsp;</h2>



While this year's minimum remained above the all-time low of about 1.31 million square miles set in September 2012, the overall trend since the late 1970s has been a downward one. According to NSIDC, the Arctic has been losing about 30,000 square miles of sea ice per year.



Scientists measure sea ice extent using data from passive microwave sensors aboard satellites in the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, along with historical data from the Nimbus-7 satellite, jointly operated by NASA and the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-ice-is-getting-younger">Sea ice is getting younger</h2>



Nathan Kurtz, lab chief of NASA's Cryospheric Sciences Laboratory at the agency's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a>, noted that sea ice isn't just shrinking - it's also getting younger.&nbsp;



“Today, the overwhelming majority of ice in the Arctic Ocean is thinner, first-year ice, which is less able to survive the warmer months. There is far, far less ice that is three years or older now,” said Kurtz.&nbsp;



Measurements collected with spaceborne altimeters, including NASA's ICESat and ICESat-2 satellites, have found that much of the oldest, thickest ice has already been lost.&nbsp;



New research from NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in Southern California shows that in the central Arctic, away from the coasts, fall sea ice now averages around 4.2 feet thick, down from a peak of 8.8 feet in 1980.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-downward-trend-in-antarctic-sea-ice">Downward trend in Antarctic sea ice</h2>



Meanwhile, sea ice in the southern polar regions has also been unusually low. Around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-levels-in-antarctica-have-reached-an-unprecedented-low/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a>, scientists are tracking near-record-low sea ice at a time when it should have been expanding during the Southern Hemisphere's darkest and coldest months.&nbsp;



Ice around the continent is on track to be just over 6.6 million square miles (16.96 million square kilometers), compared to the average maximum extent of 7.22 million square miles (18.71 million square kilometers) between 1981 and 2010.



This meager growth prolongs a recent downward trend. Prior to 2014, Antarctic sea ice was increasing slightly by about 1% per decade.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-conditions-in-the-southern-ocean">Shifting conditions in the Southern Ocean</h2>



However, following a spike in 2014, ice growth has declined dramatically. Scientists are working to understand the cause of this reversal. The recurring loss hints at a long-term shift in conditions in the Southern Ocean, likely resulting from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-permafrost-melt-devastating-role-accelerating-global-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global climate change</a>.



“While changes in sea ice have been dramatic in the Arctic over several decades, Antarctic sea ice was relatively stable. But that has changed,” said Walt Meier, a sea ice scientist at NSIDC. “It appears that global warming has come to the Southern Ocean.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vicious-cycle-of-sea-ice-loss">Vicious cycle of sea ice loss</h2>



In both the Arctic and Antarctic, the loss of sea ice accelerates further ice loss. This happens because bright sea ice reflects most of the sun's energy back into space, while open ocean water absorbs about 90% of it.&nbsp;



With more ocean exposed to sunlight, water temperatures rise, further delaying sea ice growth - a cycle known as ice-albedo feedback.



Overall, the decline of sea ice contributes to increased heat in the Arctic, where temperatures have risen about four times the global average, Kurtz concluded.



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Arctic sea ice is headed toward a historic low

This summer, Arctic sea ice has retreated to near-record lows...

An ancient log buried for nearly four millennia is providing scientists with critical insights into how nature can preserve carbon for thousands of years. 



The research has the potential to transform our climate change mitigation strategies by offering a low-cost option for carbon storage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preservation-of-an-ancient-log">Preservation of an ancient log</h2>



The log's preservation offers a glimpse into a technique that could reshape the way we think about carbon sequestration and help address one of the most pressing issues of our time - global warming.



"Six-times more carbon dioxide (CO2) is removed each year by terrestrial photosynthesis than fossil fuel emissions. However, the carbon is mostly returned to the atmosphere by decomposition," wrote the researchers.



"We found a 3,775-year-old ancient wood log buried 2 meters belowground that was preserved far beyond its expected lifetime."&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-storage-capacity">Remarkable storage capacity</h2>



Led by Professor Ning Zeng in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science at the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a>, the study revealed that the log had lost less than 5% of its carbon dioxide content. 



According to the researchers, this remarkable carbon storage capability is mainly due to the log being buried in low-permeability clay soil.



“The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-super-black-wonder-wood-called-nyxlon-absorbs-almost-all-light/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wood</a> is nice and solid - you could probably make a piece of furniture out of it,” noted Zeng.



During a pilot project in 2013, Zeng and his team stumbled upon the ancient log while digging a trench to test the wood vaulting concept in Quebec.



“When the excavator pulled a log out of the ground and threw it over to us, the three ecologists from <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill University</a> immediately identified it as Eastern red cedar,” said Zeng. “I remember standing there thinking, ‘Wow, here’s the evidence that we need!’”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wood-vaulting-a-new-climate-solution">Wood vaulting: A new climate solution?</h2>



This surprising discovery has opened up new possibilities for a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beccs-a-divisive-energy-technology-hailed-as-a-climate-solution-by-some-and-worse-than-coal-by-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate solution</a> called "wood vaulting." 



The strategy involves burying non-commercially viable wood - such as old construction materials, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dead-trees-in-the-arctic-store-massive-amount-of-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diseased trees</a>, or even discarded furniture -- under specific conditions to prevent its decomposition and stop carbon dioxide from being released back into the atmosphere.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ancient-log_eastern-red-cedar-log_Zeng_Wood_credit-UMaryland_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ancient-log_eastern-red-cedar-log_Zeng_Wood_credit-UMaryland_1s.webp" alt="Excavated in Canada, this Eastern red cedar log turned out to be remarkably well-preserved for its age: 3,775 years old. Credit: University of Maryland" class="wp-image-1946127" style="width:300px;height:auto"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Excavated in Canada, this Eastern red cedar log turned out to be remarkably well-preserved for its age: 3,775 years old. Credit: University of Maryland</figcaption></figure>



“People tend to think, ‘Who doesn’t know how to dig a hole and bury some wood?’ But think about how many wooden coffins were buried in human history. How many of them survived? For a timescale of hundreds or thousands of years, we need the right conditions," said Zeng. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vital-role-of-soil-conditions">Vital role of soil conditions</h2>



The study highlights the importance of soil conditions in preserving the wood of ancient log. The low-permeability clay soil in Quebec was crucial in keeping out oxygen, fungi, and insects that typically cause wood to decompose.



“There is a lot of geological and archeological evidence of preserved wood from hundreds to millions of years ago, but the focus of those studies was not ‘How can we engineer a wood vault to preserve that wood?’” Zeng noted. 



The research demonstrates that wood vaulting could be a viable, low-cost climate solution, especially in regions where clay soil is abundant.



Shortly after the Quebec excavation, Zeng’s collaborators at Montreal’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) helped determine the log's age through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radiocarbon-could-be-key-in-predicting-earths-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dating</a>. 



In 2021, UMD Professor Liangbing Hu analyzed the log’s microscopic structure, revealing that it had retained much of its original carbon content. This confirms the effectiveness of the clay soil preservation method.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-of-the-wood-vaulting-technique">Potential of the wood vaulting technique </h2>



As Zeng continues to refine the wood vaulting technique, he remains optimistic about its potential to help mitigate climate change, noting that this approach works best in conjunction with other strategies like reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 



“It’s quite an exciting discovery,” Zeng said. “The urgency of climate change has become such a prominent issue, so there was even more motivation to get this analysis going.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-solutions-from-an-ancient-log">Climate solutions from an ancient log</h2>



As research progresses, Zeng and his team will continue to explore the broader applications of wood vaulting as a viable climate solution.



The ancient log’s remarkable preservation offers valuable insights into how we might slow the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-fires-have-released-a-billion-tons-of-carbon-dioxide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">release of carbon dioxide</a> on a larger scale. 



By replicating the natural conditions that preserved this log for nearly four millennia, researchers aim to implement wood vaulting in regions with suitable soil conditions, potentially providing an affordable and effective method for carbon sequestration.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adm8133" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Ancient log inspires a simple yet effective climate solution

An ancient log buried for nearly four millennia is providing...

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.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

[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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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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



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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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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

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