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...

Ever caught yourself making assumptions about the person on the other side of the table? The silent categorizing that happens in our minds can subtly sway our behavior. Stereotypes, even formed as a child, can manipulate our interactions from the tone of our voice to the manner of our approach.



According to research led by neuroscientist Saskia Koch of the Donders Institute and Radboud University, babies who have more diverse social contacts in the first years of their life can overcome stereotypes more easily by the age of 17.



As Koch highlights, the difference in how you'd converse with a child versus an adult is a reflection of underlying presumptions affecting our behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-at-daycare-and-stereotype-biases">Children at daycare and stereotype biases</h2>



This particular study witnesses the journey of young folks from their impressionable infancy all the way to their teenage years. One crucial aspect this study analyzed was the frequency of their daycare visits during infancy. 



The underlying hypothesis here was simple: More exposures to daycare presumably led to a variety of social encounters implicating diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-high-resilience-live-up-to-ten-years-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interactions</a> with caregivers and peers from different backgrounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-stereotypes-in-children">Future stereotypes in children</h2>



Fast forward to their 17th year, these same individuals were tasked to play a game. The rules were simple: find a hidden object on a game board with the help of a partner. 



The only catch? Only the 17-year-olds knew the object's whereabouts and had to communicate it to their partner non-verbally. 



&nbsp;"We saw that 17-year-olds who had come into contact with many different people as infants were more likely to get over a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-smokers-not-lazy-unmotivated-despite-stereotypes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stereotype</a>. They did not linger long in the idea that they were playing with a child, by moving more slowly," explained Koch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-daycare-attendance-frequency">Daycare attendance frequency </h2>



The teens were informed that their gaming partner for one round was a 5-year-old and an adult for another. 



In reality, it was the same person throughout. Koch observed that initially, the 17-year-olds, believing they were interacting with a child, altered their communication style, emphasizing their movements more. 



However, the duration of this adapted behavior hinged crucially on their daycare attendance frequency in infancy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-confronting-stereotype-bias-in-children">Confronting stereotype bias in children</h2>



The research found that those who experienced diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-health-may-literally-be-a-state-of-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social contacts</a> as infants could overcome their stereotype bias more quickly. 



They didn't prolong the idea of playing with a child, which was initially indicated by moving more slowly. Instead, these teens understood through interaction that the "child" was equally competent.



"They found out in the interaction that the 'child' was also very good and relied more often on that interaction," said Koch. Thus, they adjusted their play accordingly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-change">Embracing change</h2>



Koch's observations reveal that children who had more diverse social experiences can debunk stereotypes more readily later in life. 



Their sensitivity to social interactions is heightened, and they can more quickly shake off the mental images they hold of their peers. 



"Gaining many diverse social experiences early in life allows us to adapt better to the needs of our partners in social interaction," noted Koch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-early-childhood-education">Implications for early childhood education</h2>



The findings from Koch's research underscore the importance of fostering diverse social environments in early childhood education settings. 



Educators and caregivers play a pivotal role in shaping the interactions and experiences that children encounter during their formative years. 



By intentionally designing programs that promote inclusivity, collaboration, and exposure to varying perspectives, educators can equip children with the tools necessary to navigate social dynamics adeptly. 



Such environments not only enrich cognitive and emotional development but also serve as a foundation for dismantling stereotypes that may persist throughout life. 



As Koch’s insights suggest, a more varied social fabric in early education can lead to more refined interpersonal skills and a greater capacity for understanding and empathy as they mature.



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



Given the compelling evidence presented by the <a href="https://www.ru.nl/en/research/research-projects/nijmegen-longitudinal-study" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nijmegen longitudinal study</a>, future research could extend these findings by exploring the implications in different cultural contexts. 



Understanding how varying environments - whether urban, rural, or international - impact the development of stereotype recognition and adaptation could provide invaluable insights.



Additionally, integrating these principles into parenting programs and community initiatives could encourage a more empathetic society. 



Workshops that prioritize discussion and interaction among diverse groups could further enhance social adaptability from an early age. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-experiences-and-stereotypes">Children experiences and stereotypes</h2>



Ultimately, this research opens a pathway for educators, parents, and policymakers to collaborate in cultivating an inclusive atmosphere that challenges preconceived notions, promoting understanding and cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.



What this all boils down to is that the more we expose our children to diverse social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-gaming-positively-impacts-mental-well-being-reversal-previous-studies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experiences</a> early in life, the better equipped they'll be to challenge and transcend the stereotypes they encounter later. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41539-024-00262-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of Learning</a>.



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Children exposed to diverse faces develop fewer stereotypes later

Ever caught yourself making assumptions about the person on the...

Viruses are expert parasites, having evolved to infect a variety of host species. Some viruses, known as arboviruses, use insects to spread their infections to other hosts, such as humans and animals.&nbsp;



Understanding how these viruses move through insect hosts could provide key insights for blocking their transmission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virus-movement-within-insects">Virus movement within insects</h2>



A recent study published in the <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1128/jvi.00540-24" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Virology</a> sheds light on how viruses strategically move within their insect hosts, and how this movement aids in the spread of infection to other animals. 



This knowledge is especially important for addressing viruses like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquitoes-zika-transmit-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zika</a>, dengue, and West Nile virus, which are transmitted from insects to humans and livestock.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-specific-routes">Navigating specific routes</h2>



“Viruses that use insects as hosts must navigate specific routes through different insect tissues to complete their life cycles. The routes may differ substantially depending on the life cycle of the virus,” noted the study authors.&nbsp;



“Both insect pathogenic viruses and insect-vectored viruses must navigate through the polarized cells of the midgut epithelium to establish a systemic infection. In addition, insect-vectored viruses must also navigate through the polarized salivary gland epithelium for transmission.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-the-paths-of-proteins-nbsp">Tracing the paths of proteins&nbsp;</h2>



To investigate viral movement, the researchers used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-flies-can-travel-six-million-times-their-body-length/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit flies</a> as a model to trace the paths of proteins from two different viruses. One virus was insect-specific, while the other could infect both insects and animals, including humans.&nbsp;



By studying these viral proteins, the team gained a better understanding of how they navigate through insect hosts to facilitate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodiversity-loss-could-promote-the-spread-of-viruses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transmission</a>.



“Using Drosophila as a model to examine tissue-specific polarized trafficking of these viral envelope proteins, we identified one of the virus-encoded signals and several host proteins associated with regulating the polarized trafficking in the midgut epithelium,” explained the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precise-movement-of-viruses-nbsp">Precise movement of viruses&nbsp;</h2>



Gary Blissard is a professor at the <a href="https://btiscience.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boyce Thompson Institute</a> and co-lead author of the study.



“Even when expressed on their own, without the rest of the virus, these proteins moved to precisely the correct locations in the insect cells,” said Professor Blissard.



In the insect’s gut, the viral proteins migrated to the bottom of the cells, positioning themselves to move into the insect’s body cavity. This movement set the stage for the viruses to spread further.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varying-behavior-of-the-viral-proteins-nbsp">Varying behavior of the viral proteins&nbsp;</h2>



In the salivary glands, however, the two viral proteins behaved differently. While the protein from the insect-only virus still moved to the cell's bottom, the protein from the virus capable of infecting animals often shifted to the top of the cells. 



This is an ideal location for assembling new virus particles and releasing them into the saliva, ready to infect another animal host.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guided-by-gps-signals-nbsp">Guided by “GPS” signals&nbsp;</h2>



This precise positioning is critical to the viruses’ life cycles and ability to spread. It’s almost as if the viral proteins have an internal “GPS” guiding them to the right locations within the insect host.&nbsp;



The study revealed that this “GPS” is made up of amino acid sequence signals encoded in the viral proteins themselves.



These signals are recognized by the host insect’s own protein transport systems, which help direct the viral proteins to their target destinations. The researchers also identified parts of the insect's cellular machinery that the viral proteins hijack to reach their final locations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disrupting-the-movement-of-viruses">Disrupting the movement of viruses</h2>



This discovery opens the door to potential new strategies for combating virus transmission. 



If scientists can find a way to disrupt the viral proteins' GPS or the cellular machinery they rely on, it may be possible to prevent the viruses from reaching or leaving the salivary glands of the insect. 



This could effectively block the virus from using the insect as a vector, halting its spread to new hosts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study">Broader implications of the study</h2>



“Our research highlights the incredible adaptations viruses have evolved to navigate through complex biological systems such as insects,” said Nicolas Buchon, an associate professor at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>’s Department of Entomology and co-lead author of the study.&nbsp;



“It's a reminder of the continuous evolutionary arms race between viruses and their hosts and the importance of basic research in understanding these intricate biological processes.”



By uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind viral movement within insects, this research paves the way for new approaches to controlling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-borne-diseases-are-a-growing-threat-in-a-warming-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect-borne diseases</a>. 



This knowledge could also have applications in managing agricultural pests, ultimately leading to better public health measures and improved crop protection in the future.



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Viruses use ‘GPS’ to move precisely within insects 

Viruses are expert parasites, having evolved to infect a variety...

We all appreciate a good night's sleep, not just because it helps us feel refreshed, but also because it can be really important for our overall health. Recent research is uncovering just how crucial sleep is, showing that it might play a key role in brain function and preventing diseases such as Alzheimer's.



For example, a new study suggests that a common insomnia medication could help reduce the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s disease.



This finding emphasizes the complex connection between sleep quality, medication, and brain health, suggesting that focusing on getting good sleep could offer benefits that go way beyond just feeling rested.



Recent research, led by neurologist Dr. Brendan Lucey from Washington University in St. Louis (<a href="https://washu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WUSTL</a>), sheds light on the surprising connection between sleep and Alzheimer's.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alzheimer-s-connection-to-sleep">Alzheimer's connection to sleep</h2>



In our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-why-some-brains-resist-alzheimers-disease-symptoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quest to understand Alzheimer's</a>, multiple factors have surfaced, each adding another layer of complexity to this ailment. 



Recent developments, however, have highlighted an unexpected protagonist in this drama -- sleep. The role of a good night's sleep in maintaining brain health and potentially delaying Alzheimer's onset has come into sharp focus.



As we embrace slumber, our brain switches gears to become a janitor, executing a critical cleaning process. 



Activating the glymphatic system, the brain eliminates metabolic waste, including well-known culprits like amyloid-beta and tau proteins. 



Though invisible to the eye, these proteins wreak havoc when they accumulate, clashing with brain function and becoming telltale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magnetic-particles-in-air-pollution-may-lead-to-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's indicators</a>.



The catch? This cleaning process requires uninterrupted sleep. Any disruptions can pave the way for these harmful proteins to proliferate, potentially fueling Alzheimer's progression. 



Indeed, the linkage between disrupted sleep and Alzheimer's is so robust that often sleep disturbances precede even memory loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-suvorexant-an-unlikely-alzheimer-s-weapon">Suvorexant: An unlikely Alzheimer's weapon?</h2>



The same research team decided to dig deeper, investigating if a common sleeping pill, Suvorexant, could combat protein buildup. The results delivered a tantalizing glimmer of hope. 



Test subjects who took Suvorexant recorded a slight reduction of these proteins in their cerebrospinal fluid -- the very fluid cushioning our brain and spinal cord.



Pause before you rush to hoard sleeping pills, though. This research was limited to healthy adults, sans sleep problems, observed over a mere two nights. 



Moreover, the sample size was small. While the study lights a beacon of hope, it remains a baby step in an unsolved puzzle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-disorders-and-alzheimer-s">Sleep disorders and Alzheimer's</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-disease-earliest-biomarker-protein-psd-95-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's research</a> has historically been fixated on abnormal protein clusters as the disease's prime suspect. Still, despite years of unyielding research, we are yet to find an effective treatment. 



This led trailblazers like Dr. Lucey to venture into uncharted territories, probing factors such as sleep and lifestyle impact.



Intriguingly, the bond between sleep and Alzheimer's is not one-sided. Worsening Alzheimer's can wreak havoc on the brain's natural sleep-wake cycle, compounding sleep disturbances. 



In turn, this catalyzes the buildup of damaging proteins, thrusting the disease progression into overdrive.



Sleep disorders like sleep apnea, prevalent in older adults, necessitate immediate intervention. Addressing these conditions could be our 'low-hanging fruit' in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-increases-the-risk-of-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safeguarding brain health</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-there-s-a-catch-of-course">There's a catch, of course</h2>



Despite the promising study, popping sleeping pills as a preventive measure for Alzheimer's isn't risk-free. 



Extended use can lead to dependence and might even induce shallow sleep. Ironically, this might propel protein buildup rather than curb it.



Dr. Lucey advises caution, asserting that it's premature for those worried about Alzheimer's to begin a daily regimen of Suvorexant. 



Much remains to be learned about optimizing these medications for safe, long-term employment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-hygiene-brain-wellness-and-alzheimer-s">Sleep hygiene, brain wellness, and Alzheimer's</h2>



Regardless of whether sleeping pills will be part of our arsenal against Alzheimer's, the worth of quality sleep is undeniable. 



Regular sleep schedules, a comfy sleeping environment, and immediate attention to sleep disorders are tangible steps we can all harness to secure cognitive functioning.



Dr. Lucey voices his optimism about future developments, saying, "I’m hopeful that we will eventually develop drugs that take advantage of the link between sleep and Alzheimer’s to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prevent cognitive decline</a>." 



Yet, he also adds a note of caution: “We’re not quite there yet.”



So, as you prepare for a good night's rest, remember, it's much more than a simple pleasure. It's a powerful tool for brain health. 



While we may not have a miracle pill yet, ensuring quality sleep is a step we can all take toward a healthier and happier brain.



The full study was published in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ana.26641" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annals of Neurology</a>.



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Common sleeping pill shows promise in preventing Alzheimer's disease

We all appreciate a good night's sleep, not just because...

Earth's evolution has been shaped by a series of severe environmental crises that occurred millions of years ago, profoundly impacting both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. 



These events triggered mass extinctions, disrupted chemical cycles, and paved the way for new forms of life to emerge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-evolution-and-catastrophes">Earth's evolution and catastrophes</h2>



New research has revealed that a catastrophic "tag-team" between continents and oceans devastated marine life, depleted oxygen levels, and dramatically altered the course of evolution on our planet. The events left a lasting legacy on Earth's biodiversity.



The study was led by a team of scientists from the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a>. The findings uncover new explanations for oceanic anoxic events -- periods when the seas were critically depleted of dissolved oxygen -- occurring between 185 and 85 million years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-oxygen-depletion-in-the-mesozoic-era">Ocean oxygen depletion in the Mesozoic era</h2>



The focus of the research was on several significant oceanic anoxic events, spanning from 185 to 85 million years ago, during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-were-not-the-only-animals-that-grew-fast-during-the-mesozoic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mesozoic</a> era. 



Study lead author Professor Tom Gernon of the University of Southampton described these events as the planet's “reset button.” 



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-caused-marine-mass-extinctions-millions-of-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oceanic anoxic events</a> were like hitting the reset button on the planet’s ecosystems. The challenge was understanding which geological forces hit the button," said Professor Gernon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakup-of-gondwana">Breakup of Gondwana</h2>



Through complex statistical analyses and advanced computer modeling, the team explored how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/supercontinents-101-pannotia-gondwana-and-pangea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breakup of Gondwana</a>, a supercontinent once inhabited by dinosaurs, could have affected chemical cycles in the ocean.



“The Mesozoic era witnessed the breakup of this landmass, in turn bringing intense volcanic activity worldwide,” noted Professor Gernon.



As tectonic plates shifted and new seafloors formed, large amounts of phosphorus were released into the oceans from volcanic rocks, which acted as a natural fertilizer supporting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-impacting-marine-life-more-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a> growth.



"We show that enhanced weathering of mafic lithologies during continental breakup and nascent seafloor spreading can plausibly drive a succession of anoxic events," wrote the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-profound-impacts-on-marine-ecosystems">Profound impacts on marine ecosystems </h2>



Professor Benjamin Mills, an Earth system evolution specialist at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>, elaborated on the consequences of these fertilization episodes.



“The increase in biological activity led to huge amounts of organic matter sinking to the ocean floor, where it consumed large quantities of oxygen," said Professor Mills. This process created marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/excess-nutrients-are-creating-ocean-dead-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dead zones</a> where most marine life perished.



“These anoxic events typically lasted around one to two million years and had profound impacts on marine ecosystems. The rocks rich in organic matter that accumulated during these events are by far the largest source of commercial oil and gas reserves globally," Mills concluded.



The researchers emphasized that today’s human activities, such as pollution, deforestation, and the overuse of fertilizers in agriculture, are reducing mean oceanic oxygen levels by about two percent. 



The decline is accelerating the expansion of anoxic water masses, creating larger dead zones in the oceans where marine life struggles to survive. This further threatens global biodiversity and the stability of marine ecosystems.



“Studying geological events offers valuable insights that can help us grasp how the Earth may respond to future climatic and environmental stresses,” said Professor Gernon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-earth-s-interior-to-its-exterior">Linking Earth's interior to its exterior</h2>



The study highlights the often underestimated connection between Earth's interior and surface environments, showing how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-lost-mega-plate-pontus-resurfaces-after-160-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tectonic activity</a> deep within the planet can dramatically influence surface conditions.



These interactions drive processes such as volcanic eruptions, nutrient cycles, and shifts in ocean chemistry, all of which play a crucial role in shaping ecosystems and evolutionary pathways over millions of years.



"It’s remarkable how a chain of events within the Earth can impact the surface, often with devastating effects. Tearing continents apart can have profound repercussions for the course of evolution," said Professor Gernon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-earth-s-evolution">Lessons from Earth's evolution</h2>



The study not only illuminates key moments in Earth's evolution but also offers valuable perspectives on current environmental issues.



By analyzing the geological and biological processes that triggered ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammals-that-survive-mass-extinctions-arent-always-boring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass extinctions</a>, researchers can draw parallels with modern climate challenges. 



This understanding could be instrumental in developing strategies to address the ongoing impacts of climate change and the degradation of marine ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01496-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Cataclysmic events caused mass extinctions during Earth's early evolution

Earth's evolution has been shaped by a series of severe...

The world is constantly facing the impacts of climate change. PREFIRE, a new NASA mission, advances our understanding of polar heat emissions by studying far-infrared radiation (FIR) in Earth's heating and cooling dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-polar-heat-emissions">Tracking polar heat emissions</h2>



The <a href="https://prefire.ssec.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-Infrared Experiment</a> (PREFIRE) is a key NASA mission aimed at deepening our understanding of how polar regions radiate heat into space. 



By studying the far-infrared radiation emitted by the Arctic and Antarctica, PREFIRE is providing critical data that will improve our ability to predict how climate change impacts Earth's ice, oceans, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-influences-us-weather-patterns-ai-machine-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather patterns</a>.&nbsp;



Launched with two CubeSats in late May and early June, this mission has already begun transmitting valuable insights that will help scientists better comprehend the dynamics of heat exchange in these regions.



The mission’s primary objective is to map the far-infrared radiation -- wavelengths exceeding 15 micrometers -- emitted by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-polar-regions-changing-fundamental-alarming-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar regions</a>. 



Understanding how atmospheric elements, like clouds and water vapor, trap this heat close to Earth's surface is essential to grasp the full scope of the greenhouse effect, where gases such as carbon dioxide and methane act as heat insulators, amplifying global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-knowledge-gaps-with-prefire">Bridging knowledge gaps with PREFIRE</h2>



"We are constantly looking for new ways to observe the planet and fill in critical gaps in our knowledge. With CubeSats like PREFIRE, we are doing both," said Karen St. Germain, director of the Earth Science Division at NASA Headquarters.&nbsp;



PREFIRE is an exciting partnership between <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, universities, and various industries, showcasing what can be achieved when talented individuals collaborate. 



The mission focuses on how the tropics absorb substantial solar energy, emphasizing the beauty and power of our planet.



This heat is then transported towards the Arctic and Antarctica, regions that receive less sunlight, by weather and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean currents</a>.&nbsp;



Yet, these Polar Regions, with their unique environments of ice, snow and clouds, emit a substantial amount of this heat back into space, predominantly in the form of far-infrared radiation.&nbsp;



This cyclic process had never been systematically studied -- until PREFIRE.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revealing-polar-heat-emissions">Revealing polar heat emissions</h2>



"It's so exciting to see the data coming in," said Tristan L’Ecuyer, PREFIRE’s principal investigator and a climate scientist at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin, Madison</a>.&nbsp;



The visualization of PREFIRE data shows varying intensities of radiation emitted from Earth at numerous wavelengths, including the far-infrared.&nbsp;



For the first time, we are witnessing the full energy spectrum that Earth radiates into space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prefire-in-action-a-closer-look">PREFIRE in action: a closer look</h2>



The two PREFIRE CubeSats are in asynchronous, near-polar orbits, passing over the same polar spots within hours of each other.&nbsp;



This enables the collection of the same type of data, providing a time series that facilitates the study of relatively short-lived phenomena like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-new-tipping-point-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice sheet melting</a> or cloud formation and how they affect far-infrared emissions over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prefire-s-potential-impact">PREFIRE’s potential impact</h2>



As PREFIRE continues to send back critical data, the mission's long-term implications extend far beyond understanding polar heat emissions.&nbsp;



The insights gathered from this mission could help refine climate models, leading to more accurate predictions of global temperature changes, sea-level rise, and extreme weather patterns.&nbsp;



This information is crucial for policymakers and environmental organizations working to develop adaptive strategies in the face of a rapidly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changing climate</a>.



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



Beyond the immediate scientific advancements, PREFIRE also represents a shift in how space-based climate research is conducted.&nbsp;



By using small, cost-effective CubeSats, NASA is pioneering a new era of efficient and targeted missions that can deliver impactful data without the need for large, expensive satellites.&nbsp;



This approach could pave the way for more agile, frequent launches to monitor other critical climate variables, enhancing our ability to respond swiftly to environmental challenges.



Ultimately, PREFIRE is not just about solving the mysteries of polar heat dynamics but also about equipping humanity with the tools and knowledge needed to mitigate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-polar-regions-changing-fundamental-alarming-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects of climate change</a> for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-driving-force-behind-prefire">Driving force behind PREFIRE</h2>



The PREFIRE mission was jointly developed by NASA and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.&nbsp;



A division of Caltech in Pasadena, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the mission, with the CubeSats built and operated by Blue Canyon Technologies.&nbsp;



The University of Wisconsin-Madison plays a crucial role in processing and analyzing the data collected by the instruments.



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NASA's PREFIRE satellites monitor polar heat emissions from space

The world is constantly facing the impacts of climate change....

Desert regions may seem synonymous with drought - where dry, parched landscapes dominate the narrative of environmental challenges. However, new research reveals that these arid areas face a far more unpredictable and devastating threat from flooding.



While drought has long been considered the primary concern in deserts, the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events are proving to be equally, if not more, destructive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desertification-and-catastrophic-flooding">Desertification and catastrophic flooding</h2>



A new study from the <a href="https://viterbischool.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC Viterbi School of Engineering</a> and the Institute de Physique du Globe de Paris at the <a href="https://u-paris.fr/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Paris Cité</a> has uncovered a worrying trend. The experts found that desertification is escalating the severity of flood impacts on port cities in the Middle East and North Africa.



The research was focused on the deadly 2023 floods in Derna, Libya, which claimed more than 11,300 lives. The experts noted that soil erosion, intensified by desertification, played a significant role in the catastrophe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drought-and-intense-rainfall-can-turn-deadly">Drought and intense rainfall can turn deadly </h2>



Study co-author Essam Heggy is a research scientist at the USC Microwave Systems, Sensors, and Imaging Lab (MiXIL). He pointed out that these increasingly arid conditions, interrupted by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-floods-what-turns-a-rainstorm-into-a-catastrophe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intense rainstorms</a>, are generating lethal mudflows that the region's aging dams struggle to control.



"Together, these two extreme conditions - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-crisis-un-warns-of-unprecedented-emergency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> and intense rainfall - are enhancing soil erosion, creating deadly floods," said Heggy. "The evidence is clear in our paper, 'Assessing flash flood erosion following <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/catastrophic-flooding-has-killed-up-to-20000-people-in-derna-libya/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Storm Daniel in Libya</a>.'"



In autumn 2023, Storm Daniel (also known as "Medicane Daniel") struck Libya's eastern coast, resulting in unprecedented flash floods. Researchers estimate this was Africa’s deadliest flood in over a century. Yale Climate Connections noted that such floods have not been observed in over 100 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangerous-combination-of-desert-conditions">Dangerous combination of desert conditions</h2>



The researchers noted that a mix of factors contributed to this devastating flood: unusually high rainfall, the collapse of two dams, and the failure of the region’s water infrastructure.



Jonathan Normand is a visiting graduate student at the USC AWARE Center and first author of the study. 



"Sediment loading from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-erosion-rates-have-exploded-in-the-midwestern-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil erosion</a> increased the water’s density, amplifying the flood’s destructive power. This led to widespread infrastructure failure in Derna, where 66% of the city’s urban area sustained moderate-to-high damage," explained Normand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-case-study-the-fallout-of-storm-daniel">Case study: the fallout of storm Daniel</h2>



Using advanced radar technology, the research team analyzed the changes in surface texture before and after the storm. This data allowed them to map erosion and assess the extent of the damage. 



"The flow was heavily loaded with eroded soil, which increased the destructive nature of the floods and contributed to the collapse of the dams," said Heggy.



"Current runoff models fail to account for the full impact of surface erosion in deserts. But radar satellites overcome this limitation. Improving the monitoring of arid watersheds using these technologies will be critical to mitigating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/as-flood-risks-increase-worldwide-who-is-prepared/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flood risks</a> across the Sahara, the Arabian Peninsula, and other desert regions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-desert-disasters">Preventing desert disasters</h2>



Normand emphasized the need for better technological resources to study desert dynamics.



"You can post on social media from the middle of a desert thanks to hundreds of communication satellites, but we still don’t have enough satellites to fully understand Earth’s surface processes in deserts," said Normand. 



The research team warned that the situation seen in Libya could easily happen again in other populous areas of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.



"The deadliest enemy is our own belief that these extreme events are rare and won’t repeat," said Heggy. "Climate models tell us they will come back stronger. Policymakers in the region need to listen to the science before it's too late."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-implications-of-desert-flooding">Global implications of desert flooding</h2>



While the Middle East and North Africa face the immediate threat of desert floods, the implications of these extreme weather events extend far beyond the region. 



Climate scientists warn that similar patterns of desertification, soil erosion, and unpredictable rainstorms are becoming more prevalent in other arid regions across the globe, from the southwestern United States to parts of Central Asia. 



As these regions become more vulnerable, the risks to human life, infrastructure, and agriculture grow exponentially. In particular, the combination of desertification and flooding could have a profound impact on global food security.



Arid regions often rely on limited but crucial agricultural zones that are susceptible to erosion and flood damage. 



As storms intensify and soil stability decreases, these agricultural areas could become less productive, exacerbating existing challenges related to water scarcity and food supply.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-re-evaluating-the-flood-potential-of-deserts">Re-evaluating the flood potential of deserts </h2>



Understanding the mechanisms behind desert floods is not just a local concern but a global priority. 



Desert environments worldwide must be re-evaluated for their flood risk potential, and proactive measures should be taken to safeguard vulnerable communities and ecosystems.



The tragic floods in Libya serve as a stark reminder that these extreme weather events are no longer isolated incidents, but part of a growing pattern of climate-related disasters that could affect arid regions globally.



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Floods are becoming more deadly in the desert

Desert regions may seem synonymous with drought - where dry,...

Ever wonder where the edge of our solar system lies? You have likely assumed it is just beyond Neptune, the farthest planet from our Sun. Yet, according to astrophysicist Susanne Pfalzner of Forschungszentrum Jülich, a stellar flyby may have stretched the boundaries of the solar system even further.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thousands-of-objects-with-eccentric-orbits">Thousands of objects with eccentric orbits </h2>



"Several thousand celestial bodies are known to move beyond the orbit of Neptune," said Pfalzner. "Surprisingly, many of these so-called trans-Neptunian objects move on eccentric orbits that are inclined relative to the common orbital plane of the planets in the solar system.“



But why do they behave like this? Pfalzner, along with her student Amith Govind and Simon Portegies Zwart from <a href="https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leiden University</a>, may have found the answer.



The researchers noted that some force must have lifted these trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) from the disk where they formed and altered their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-60-miles-wide-smashed-into-ganymede-jupiter-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orbits</a>.



"One popular hypothesis is that the planets originally were in a more compact configuration; the TNOs formed between them and were scattered outwards when the planets moved to their current locations," wrote the study authors. "Here, we build on a completely different hypothesis for the TNOs’ origin."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blame-it-on-the-star-flyby">Blame it on the star flyby</h2>



The trio conducted over 3,000 computer simulations to test a captivating theory: what if another star caused these peculiar orbits? They found that a close flyby of another star can indeed explain why these TNOs move the way they do.



This hypothetical star could even be responsible for the bizarre orbits of specific TNOs like the dwarf planet Sedna, discovered in 2003, and those that move almost perpendicular to the planet's orbits, such as 2008 KV42 and 2011 KT19.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="Ikb7YoDITj-3846411-12187" type="single"]</div>



"The best match for today's outer solar system is a star slightly lighter than our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunspot-region-ar3664-blasted-earth-mars-may-2024-still-very-active/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sun</a> - about 0.8 solar masses," noted Govind.



"This star passed our Sun at a distance of around 16.5 billion kilometers - about 110 times the distance between the Earth and the Sun, or just under four times the distance to Neptune."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-influence-of-close-star-flybys">The influence of close star flybys</h2>



The findings not only shed light on the motion of trans-Neptunian objects but also open avenues for future astronomical research.



Understanding the influence of close stellar flybys may help astronomers refine their models of solar system formation and dynamics. 



Furthermore, the research prompts the question of whether other stellar encounters have similarly shaped the orbits of celestial bodies within our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-objects-spotted-in-the-outer-solar-system-beyond-pluto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a> and beyond. 



As we continue to explore the mysteries of the outer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-worlds-do-not-fit-the-definition-of-a-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a>, we are reminded that our local cosmic landscape is both rich and varied. The existence of numerous TNOs, including intriguing objects like the enigmatic Eris and Haumea, illustrates the complex gravitational dance that defines this region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effects-closer-to-home">Ripple effects closer to home</h2>



In a twist, the team discovered that the star's flyby could explain additional mysteries within our solar system.



In their simulations, some trans-Neptunian objects got flung toward the inner solar system, right into the domain of the outer gas giants - Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.



"Some of these objects could have been captured by the giant planets as moons," said Portegies Zwart. "This would explain why the outer planets of our solar system have two different types of moons."



While regular moons orbit close to planets on circular orbits, irregular moons orbit their planets at a greater distance on inclined, elongated orbits. The research provides the first possible explanation for this intriguing phenomenon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solving-the-mysteries-of-our-solar-system">Solving the mysteries of our solar system</h2>



The seemingly straightforward model may hold answers to additional questions as well. "The beauty of this model lies in its simplicity. It answers several open questions about our solar system with just a single cause," said Susanne Pfalzner.



So, perhaps it's time to revisit our view of the solar system's boundaries and consider the impact of a close flyby star from billions of years ago. Ultimately, the research suggests that these types of interstellar interactions may be pivotal in the evolution of planetary systems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02349-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.



Video Credit: Forschungszentrum Jülich



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Rogue star zoomed by our solar system and disrupted planetary orbits

Ever wonder where the edge of our solar system lies?...

Islands, with their limited resources yet reduced competition, create a milieu of unique survival challenges. Isolated from their mainland brethren, island-dwelling animals adapt in fascinating ways to squeeze out a living.&nbsp;



These evolutionary adaptations can range from changes in physical size, termed as island dwarfism or gigantism, to alterations in behaviors and metabolic rates. 



But what happens when these slow-paced island inhabitants encounter rapid, human-induced changes?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-island-vs-mainland-animals">Island vs mainland animals</h2>



The scientific community, till now, didn't have much clarity about how the metabolic rates of island <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/island-bird-communities-are-changing-in-unexpected-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> differ from those on the mainland.



Dr. Roberto Rozzi of <a href="https://www.uni-halle.de/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg</a>, along with his team of researchers from the <a href="https://english.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> and the <a href="https://ic.sicau.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sichuan Agricultural University</a>, aimed to fill this knowledge gap. 



Through a comprehensive analysis of data from 2,813 vertebrate species, encompassing both warm-blooded creatures like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-behavior-productivity-being-directly-impacted-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> and mammals and cold-blooded ones such as reptiles and amphibians, they made some intriguing observations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slow-pace-of-island-life">Slow pace of island life</h2>



After sifting through the data, it appeared that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-life-on-islands-loses-diversity-when-humans-arrive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> and mammals living on islands tend to have slower metabolism than their counterparts on the mainland.&nbsp;



This slow pace extends to their reproductive cycles too, with these animals producing offspring at a later stage.&nbsp;



According to Rozzi, these adaptations are all about maximizing chances of survival and reproduction in island environments, where resources can be limited.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-achilles-heel-of-island-animals">Achilles heel of island animals</h2>



This slow pace of life, while beneficial in untouched island <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-birds-are-at-great-risk-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environments</a>, becomes a vulnerability when faced with rapid changes -- mainly those induced by human activities. 



Island dwellers already stand out due to their unique sizes, but their slow metabolism and delayed reproduction make them particularly susceptible to external threats.&nbsp;



They become easy targets for non-native predators, including humans, and struggle to recover swiftly from environmental disturbances such as invasive species introduction or habitat loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-island-species">Saving island species</h2>



The findings from this study are crucial in identifying and protecting vulnerable island <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-birds-use-sophisticated-thermoregulation-strategies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>.&nbsp;



Taking cue from Rozzi's conclusion, conservation efforts should consider the unique physiological differences between these animals and their mainland counterparts, and not just their peculiar sizes.&nbsp;



The secret to their survival lies in understanding their slower pace of life and factoring that into their protection measures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-climate-change">Role of climate change</h2>



Climate change poses an additional layer of threat to island ecosystems, exacerbating the challenges faced by their inhabitants.&nbsp;



Rising sea levels, shifting weather patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events can drastically alter the delicate balance of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-100-bird-species-have-been-lost-for-over-a-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">isolated environments</a>.&nbsp;



For instance, saltwater intrusion into freshwater habitats can lead to profound ecological shifts, while changes in temperature may disrupt breeding and feeding patterns of native species.&nbsp;



The interplay between these climate-driven changes and the unique adaptations of island fauna must be closely examined to better forecast potential impacts and devise effective conservation strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-research-on-island-animal-conservation">Bridging research on island animal conservation</h2>



Turning scientific discoveries into effective conservation strategies is all about teamwork. It takes researchers, policymakers, and local communities working hand in hand. 



When we engage island communities in these efforts, we not only create a sense of ownership but also weave in their traditional ecological knowledge with modern practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-funding-insights">Funding insights</h2>



By bringing together experts from various fields like ecology, climate science, and social science, we can tackle the tough challenges that island ecosystems face. 



Bridging the gap between research and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-birds-can-handle-climate-variability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> allows us to develop thoughtful, culturally sensitive ways to protect these unique wildlife populations and their habitats for future generations. Let's work together to make a difference.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



"In order to better protect the remaining island species, conservation efforts would benefit from taking into account the unique morphological and physiological differences between these animals and their mainland counterparts," concludes Rozzi.



In a nutshell, the slow pace of island life, once an evolutionary advantage, is now a vulnerability in the face of rapid, human-induced changes.



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This important research was facilitated by funds from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation), the Scientific Research Foundation, and National Natural Science Foundation in China.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adm8240" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



-----



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Slower pace of 'island life' is as true for animals as it is for humans

Islands, with their limited resources yet reduced competition, create a...

With carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere rising sharply over recent decades, scientists and policymakers alike are becoming increasingly concerned about the long-term impact on global climate patterns. 



As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, there is a growing urgency to develop effective strategies for capturing and holding carbon. 



One promising approach focuses on the role of soil in carbon sequestration, where innovative farming practices can help reduce atmospheric CO2 by trapping it within the earth’s natural processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farming-practices-and-soil-carbon-storage">Farming practices and soil carbon storage</h2>



Researchers from <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kansas State University</a> (K-State) are investigating how various farming practices can influence the amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-can-store-the-most-soil-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon stored in soil</a>, a crucial factor in mitigating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survey-mother-nature-is-more-likely-to-solve-climate-change-than-geoengineering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. 



The study seeks to uncover how long-term agricultural techniques, particularly in no-till farming systems, impact the soil's ability to capture and retain carbon over time.



To gain deeper insights, the team utilized advanced imaging technologies at two of the world’s most cutting-edge research facilities: the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and the Advanced Light Source in Berkeley, California. 



By analyzing soil from a Kansas cornfield that has been farmed using no-till methods for 22 years, they aimed to determine how different nitrogen management strategies influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-air-pollution-could-greatly-boost-carbon-sequestration-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sequestration</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fertilizers-and-long-term-study-results">Fertilizers and long-term study results</h2>



During the 22-year period, the farm employed a range of soil nitrogen management practices, each with distinct impacts on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-adopt-regenerative-agriculture-better-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil health</a> and carbon storage. 



These practices included the use of no fertilizer, chemical fertilizers, and organic options like manure or compost fertilizers. 



By comparing these different methods, the researchers aimed to identify which practices are most effective in enhancing soil quality and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-food-systems-are-gaining-momentum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainability in agricultural systems</a>.



The findings, published in the Soil Science Society of America Journal, offer valuable insights into the mechanisms of soil enrichment, providing a clearer picture of how specific farming practices can enhance the soil's ability to act as a carbon sink.



“We were trying to understand what the mechanisms are behind increasing soil carbon storage using certain management practices,” said Dr. Ganga Hettiarachchi, professor of soil and environmental chemistry. “We were looking at not just soil carbon, but other soil minerals that are going to help store carbon.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-sequestration-and-imaging-insights">Carbon sequestration and imaging insights</h2>



Consistent with findings from previous research, the K-State team discovered that soil treated with organic matter, such as manure or compost fertilizer, demonstrated significantly higher carbon storage than soil treated with either chemical fertilizers or none at all. 



This highlights the potential of organic fertilizers not only to improve soil health but also to play a critical role in capturing and storing atmospheric carbon.



What sets this study apart is the use of ultrabright synchrotron light, a powerful tool that enabled the researchers to examine the soil structure at a microscopic level. 



This advanced technology allowed the team to visualize precisely how carbon molecules interact with the soil, revealing that much of the carbon was preserved in small pores and had bonded with minerals - an important factor in long-term carbon sequestration.



“It was preserved in pores, and some carbon had attached itself to minerals in the soil," noted Dr. Hettiarachchi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-diversity-and-carbon-storage">Microbial diversity and carbon storage</h2>



The experts also uncovered another important benefit of using manure or compost as a soil treatment: it led to higher levels of microbial carbon compared to soil treated with chemical fertilizers or left untreated.



This increase in microbial carbon is a clear indicator of greater microbial diversity and activity within the soil. 



A thriving microbial community is essential for soil health, as these microorganisms play a critical role in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and overall soil structure, all of which contribute to enhanced carbon storage and long-term soil fertility.



“To my knowledge, this is the first direct evidence of mechanisms through which organic enhancements improve soil health, microbial diversity, and carbon sequestration,” said Dr. Hettiarachchi.



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



Because synchrotron imaging is non-destructive, the team could observe soil aggregate (clumps) in its natural state, without needing to disrupt the soil structure. This allowed them to look at the carbon chemistry in situ.



“Collectively, studies like this are going to help us move forward to more sustainable, regenerative agriculture practices that will protect our soils and environment while helping to feed growing populations,” concluded Dr. Hettiarachchi. 



“Understanding the role of different minerals, chemicals, and microbes will also help improve models for predicting how various farming practices affect soil carbon storage.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/saj2.20701" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soil Science Society of America Journal</a>.



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Organic farming practices boost soil carbon storage

With carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere rising sharply over...

During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments worldwide implemented strict measures such as stay-at-home orders and school closures to curb the spread of the virus. 



These disruptions significantly affected daily routines and social activities, and their negative impact on the mental health of adolescents has been well-documented.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marijuana-use-may-change-brain-structure-in-adolescents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adolescence</a> is a period marked by intense emotional, behavioral, and social development. It is a time when teenagers form their sense of identity, self-confidence, and self-control. 



The pandemic severely limited social interactions for teens, leading to increased reports of anxiety, depression, and stress, particularly among girls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-aging-during-lockdowns">Brain aging during lockdowns </h2>



New research from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2403200121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>, reveals another profound effect of pandemic: accelerated brain maturation in adolescents, with the changes being more pronounced in girls. 



According to the study, the average acceleration in brain development was 4.2 years for females and 1.4 years for males.



“We think of the COVID-19 pandemic as a health crisis,” said Patricia Kuhl, senior author of the study and co-director of the UW Institute for Learning &amp; Brain Sciences (I-LABS). “But we know that it produced other profound changes in our lives, especially for teenagers.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measurements-of-brain-maturation">Measurements of brain maturation</h2>



Researchers measure brain maturation by examining the thickness of the cerebral cortex, the brain's outer layer of tissue. The cortex naturally thins as people age, even during the teenage years.&nbsp;



Chronic stress and adversity are known to speed up this thinning, which is associated with a higher risk of developing neuropsychiatric and behavioral disorders like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pandemic-stress-is-compounded-by-climate-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety</a> and depression. These disorders often emerge during adolescence, and females are at greater risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-aging-impacts-of-pandemic-lockdowns">Brain aging impacts of pandemic lockdowns</h2>



The study began in 2018 as a long-term investigation into brain structure changes in adolescents aged 9 to 17. Initially, researchers aimed to observe typical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poverty-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain development</a> during adolescence.



However, the onset of the pandemic in 2020 delayed the follow-up tests until 2021, meaning the original goal of studying typical development was no longer feasible.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/covid-19_teenagers_premature-brain-aging_credit-UWashington_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/covid-19_teenagers_premature-brain-aging_credit-UWashington_1s.webp" alt="COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns resulted in unusually accelerated brain maturation in adolescents. This maturation was more pronounced in females, as seen on the left. Credit: University of Washington" class="wp-image-1944146"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns resulted in unusually accelerated brain maturation in adolescents. This maturation was more pronounced in females, as seen on the left. Credit: University of Washington</figcaption></figure>



“Once the pandemic was underway, we started to think about which brain measures would allow us to estimate what the pandemic lockdown had done to the brain,” explained Neva Corrigan, lead author and research scientist at I-LABS. 



“What did it mean for our teens to be at home rather than in their social groups - not at school, not playing sports, not hanging out?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-aging-in-girls-during-lockdowns">Brain aging in girls during lockdowns</h2>



Using brain scan data collected in 2018, the research team developed a model predicting the normal rate of cortical thinning in adolescence.&nbsp;



When over 80% of the original participants returned for re-examinations in 2021, the researchers found a general acceleration in cortical thinning across all the teens, but this effect was much more significant in girls.&nbsp;



For girls, the thinning was evident throughout the brain, across all lobes and both hemispheres. In contrast, boys only showed cortical thinning in the visual cortex.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isolation-during-the-pandemic-nbsp">Isolation during the pandemic&nbsp;</h2>



Kuhl suggested that the more pronounced impact on girls’ brains might be tied to the importance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/desire-for-social-interaction-activates-the-brain-like-a-food-craving/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social interaction</a> in female adolescence. She noted that girls tend to rely more on close relationships with peers, sharing emotions and conversations, while boys often engage in physical activities when they gather.



“Teenagers really are walking a tightrope, trying to get their lives together,” Kuhl said. “They’re under tremendous pressure. Then a global pandemic strikes and their normal channels of stress release are gone. Those release outlets aren’t there anymore, but the social criticisms and pressures remain because of social media.”&nbsp;



“What the pandemic really seems to have done is to isolate girls. All teenagers got isolated, but girls suffered more. It affected their brains much more dramatically.”



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



Kuhl noted that the cerebral cortex is unlikely to regain its previous thickness, but there could be some recovery in the form of slower cortical thinning over time as normal social interactions resume. However, further research will be necessary to determine whether this recovery occurs.



“It is possible that there might be some recovery,” Kuhl said. “On the other hand, it’s also possible to imagine that brain maturation will remain accelerated in these teens.”



In older populations, faster thinning of the cerebral cortex is linked to declines in cognitive functions such as processing speed and the ability to complete everyday tasks. While this kind of data is not yet available for teenagers, Kuhl said it could be the focus of future research.



“The pandemic provided a test case for the fragility of teenagers’ brains. Our research introduces a new set of questions about what it means to speed up the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-reversed-aging-in-mice-by-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a> process in the brain. All the best research raises profound new questions, and I think that’s what we’ve done here,” Kuhl concluded.



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COVID lockdowns caused premature aging of adolescent brains

During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments worldwide implemented strict measures such...

A recent discovery of dinosaur tracks along Australia’s southern coast, dating back to the Early Cretaceous when the continent was still connected to Antarctica, suggests that large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flesh-eating-theropods-were-extremely-fast/">theropod</a> dinosaurs thrived in this polar environment. 



These carnivorous dinosaurs roamed the river floodplains during the summers when the ice thawed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-theropods-thriving-in-polar-regions">Evidence of theropods thriving in polar regions</h2>



The experts recently published an analysis of the dinosaur tracks, found in the Wonthaggi Formation, located south of Melbourne. 



The tracks, made between 120 and 128 million years ago, include 18 belonging to theropods, alongside four from ornithopods, small herbivorous dinosaurs that may have been prey for the theropods.



“These numerous tracks are the best evidence yet that these former polar environments supported large carnivores,” said Anthony Martin, lead author of the study and a professor at <a href="https://www.emory.edu/home/index.html">Emory University</a>’s Department of Environmental Sciences. 



“The large theropods would likely have fed on prey such as smaller dinosaurs, fish, and turtles.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traces-of-ancient-life">Traces of ancient life</h2>



Theropods, meaning “wild beast foot” in Greek, are a clade of bipedal dinosaurs with three clawed toes. They belong to the same evolutionary group as famous species like Allosaurus, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/were-there-three-distinct-species-of-tyrannosaurus-rex/">Tyrannosaurus rex</a>, and Velociraptor.



The largest theropod track in this discovery measures 18.5 inches in length. “The hip height of that theropod would have been about the same as the full height of a tall, modern-day human - or a bit more than six feet tall,” Martin said.



Martin is a geologist and paleontologist with a particular focus on ichnology - the study of traces left behind by ancient life, such as tracks, burrows, nests, and tooth marks.



The research team also included Patricia Vickers-Rich, a paleontology professor at <a href="https://www.monash.edu/">Monash University</a>, and Thomas Rich, a vertebrate paleontology curator at <a href="https://museumsvictoria.com.au/research-institute/">Museums Victoria Research Institute</a>. Since the 1970s, the couple has spearheaded efforts to uncover fossils in Victoria, Australia.



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



Victoria’s coastal rock layers mark where Gondwana, the ancient supercontinent, began to break apart roughly 100 million years ago, separating Australia from Antarctica. At that time, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-polar-regions-changing-fundamental-alarming-ways/">polar environment</a> was a rift valley crisscrossed by braided rivers.&nbsp;



Although the average air temperature was warmer during the Cretaceous, the polar winters experienced freezing temperatures and months of darkness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polar-dinosaur-fossils-nbsp">Polar dinosaur fossils&nbsp;</h2>



The Wonthaggi Formation is one of the richest sources of polar dinosaur fossils in the Southern Hemisphere, though most finds have been small fragments of bones and teeth, likely transported by spring floods before burial.



“Our find of so many theropod tracks, however, confirms that a variety of dinosaurs actually lived and walked on the ground where their bones were found,” Martin noted. “Dinosaur tracks are actually much more common at the site than we previously realized.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-the-theropod-tracks">Discovery of the theropod tracks</h2>



In 2007, Martin and his colleagues announced the discovery of three theropod tracks in the Wonthaggi Formation. However, it wasn’t until the social disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that more tracks were uncovered, thanks to the dedication of co-author Melissa Lowery.&nbsp;



A volunteer fossil hunter for Monash University, Lowery, often referred to as “the doyenne of dinosaur discovery,” has made hundreds of finds over the years.



“Melissa had a lot more time to go prospecting during the height of the pandemic,” Martin said. 



“While many of us were home watching reruns of Jurassic Park, she was out finding dinosaur tracks. She has this incredible eye that allows her to pick out distinctive patterns from surrounding materials. I call it ‘ichno-vision.’ It’s her superpower.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-identifying-the-tracks">Challenges in identifying the tracks</h2>



The newly discovered tracks likely formed when the dinosaurs walked on wet sand or mud in the floodplain. 



Mud, being soft and malleable, can collapse into fresh footprints, often creating messy fossil tracks that might be missing a toe or other identifiable features, making them harder to spot.



“Another problem with identifying these tracks is that many of them are underwater twice in a 24-hour period when the tide comes in,” Martin said. “All sorts of modern marine life, including algae, tube worms, barnacles, and clams, have encrusted on, and partially eroded, some of the tracks.”



Of the 24 tracks detailed in the paper, 18 belong to theropods, ranging in size from seven to 18.5 inches. These tracks are recognized by their relatively thin toes ending in sharp claws.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-ornithopod-tracks">Discovery of ornithopod tracks</h2>



Four tracks, ranging in size from four to seven inches, were made by ornithopods - the first such tracks found in the Wonthaggi Formation.



Ornithopods, whose name comes from the Greek for “bird feet,” were small herbivorous dinosaurs with thicker toes capped by blunt claws. These bipedal creatures grew to about three feet in length.



To preserve the newly discovered track specimens, Peter Swinkels, a taxidermist at Museums Victoria Research Institute, made field moldings and casts. Martin conducted further analysis at the site in May 2022 after pandemic travel restrictions were lifted.



Helping with data collection and mapping of the tracks was Doris Seegets-Villiers, a paleontologist from <a href="https://www.swinburne.edu.au/">Swinburne University of Technology</a> in Victoria. Additionally, John Broomfield, media production manager at Museums Victoria, created 3D digital images of the tracks for further analysis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-movement-during-the-polar-summer-nbsp">Dinosaur movement during the polar summer&nbsp;</h2>



The tracks were preserved in floodplain deposits near channel sandstones, suggesting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-ancestors-coexisted-with-dinosaurs-yes-according-to-shocking-new-research/">dinosaurs</a> traveled through the area after spring-thaw flooding during the polar summer.



“Were the dinosaurs living in this environment during the winter? We don’t know,” Martin said. “It would have been frozen over and dinosaurs walking on ice don’t leave tracks.”



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



The variation in track sizes hints at a mix of juvenile and adult theropods and ornithopods, leading Martin to believe that some dinosaurs may have nested and raised their young in these polar environments.



This paper follows a 2023 report by the same authors documenting bird tracks from the Early Cretaceous at the same site, which represents the oldest-known evidence of birds so far south.



“We’re continuing to discover more tracks in the area. The more we find, the clearer picture we hope to get of these ancient polar ecosystems,” Martin concluded.



The study is published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03115518.2024.2392498">Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Paleontology</a>.



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Large theropod dinosaurs thrived in polar environments

A recent discovery of dinosaur tracks along Australia’s southern coast,...

Environmental scientists have stumbled upon a concerning pattern. They have observed that grey reef sharks, typically the loyal residents of coral reefs, are skipping town more frequently and for longer periods. The culprit? Our steadily warming oceans.



The study starts with the ingenious pairing of acoustic receivers on the seabed and satellite remote sensing. 



This dynamic duo has opened up new vistas to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shark-diversity-hits-66-million-year-low/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understand shark behavior</a>, particularly during times of high environmental stress. And the sharks are giving us a run for our money as they move from their warm reef habitats to cooler, deeper waters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-el-nino-effect">El Niño effect</h2>



The shockwaves of El Niño 2015-2016 are still reverberating, with our grey reef sharks showing behavioral shifts, including lower residency on the reefs up to 16 months after periods of extreme warming.



With forecast models predicting annual bleaching events by 2043, the sharks' decision to seek a retreat spells trouble.



The international team of scientists from <a href="https://www.lancaster.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lancaster University</a> and ZSL monitored shark movements in the Indian Ocean from 2013 to 2020.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-movement-of-reef-sharks-in-a-warming-world">Movement of reef sharks in a warming world</h2>



Dr. David Jacoby, the principal investigator on the project, elaborated on the findings and their implications for the reef <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-sharks-survived-a-drastic-spike-in-global-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a>.



“These results provide some of the first evidence of how reefs change in response to environmental stress, something that is becoming both more extreme and more frequent, is affecting the movement of sharks,” said Dr. Jacoby. 



“Grey reef sharks are a common, resident predator to the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, venturing away from the reef to feed, but many are having to decide whether to escape the stressed reefs.



Faced with a trade-off, sharks must decide whether to leave the relative safety of the reef and expend greater energy to remain cool or stay on a reef in suboptimal conditions but conserve energy, noted Dr. Jacoby.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role-of-grey-reef-sharks">Ecological role of grey reef sharks</h2>



According to Dr. Michael Williamson from ZSL's Institute of Zoology, grey reef sharks are not just inhabitants but vital cogs in the reef ecosystems.



Their movements encode a complex dance between food, safety, and environmental conditions. Absent their nutrient influx from deeper waters, the reef's resilience to environmental stress may be at stake.



But it’s not all doom and gloom. Interestingly, not all the monitored locations saw a decline in habitat use. In fact, certain reefs showed increased shark residency, suggesting that some reefs are more resilient to stress. 



This raises intriguing questions about the factors influencing shark movement decisions, and the specific characteristics of resilient reefs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domino-effect-of-climate-change">Domino effect of climate change </h2>



The conclusion? As climate change flings us into an era of increasing uncertainty and extreme stress events, the ecological role of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepwater-desperation-the-race-to-save-sharks-and-rays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators</a> on coral reefs is likely to change. 



The ripple effects of their absence will extend further than we can predict, potentially disrupting the delicate balance of species and trophic interactions that occur on coral reefs.



Climate change is a Pandora’s box, and we’ve only just lifted the lid. As we brace for an unpredictable future, characterized by more frequent and extreme stress events, research like this becomes paramount. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-of-grey-reef-sharks">Conservation of grey reef sharks</h2>



Conserving grey reef sharks and their habitats requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses science, policy, and community engagement. 



Marine protected areas (MPAs) represent one of the most effective strategies to safeguard these critical habitats, allowing shark populations to thrive amidst the pressures of climate change. 



Collaborative efforts among governments, local communities, and NGOs can foster sustainable fishing practices that minimize bycatch and enhance reef health. 



Furthermore, public awareness campaigns are essential in educating communities about the ecological significance of sharks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-a-connected-web-of-life">Protecting a connected web of life</h2>



“Recent research in the Chagos Archipelago, where we conducted our study, has shown that those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-barrier-reef-is-on-the-brink-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reefs</a> that have greater nutrient flows from seabirds have significantly enhanced fish biomass and therefore a higher likelihood to be resilient to multiple stressors,” said Dr Wiliamson. 



“Some of our receivers that were seeing a greater number of sharks residing were also near islands with seabird populations.” As the environmental stress equation becomes increasingly complex, so does our understanding and approach to protecting the invisibly connected web of life below the ocean surface. Grey reef sharks are changing their rhythm, and offering us a chance to change ours.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-06707-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.



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Reef sharks are abandoning their homes due to ocean warming

Environmental scientists have stumbled upon a concerning pattern. They have...

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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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

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