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...

The familiar scent that fills the air after rain falls on dry soil is created by geosmin, a microbial compound with a distinctive earthy to musty odor. This intriguing and seemingly magical smell can have a striking impact on the quality of our food and water.



A game-changing discovery now offers unprecedented insights into this fascinating compound.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-fragrance-of-the-earth">Decoding the fragrance of the earth</h2>



For the first time in history, scientists have identified and characterized the human odorant receptor for geosmin. The team was led by Dietmar Krautwurst from the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the <a href="https://www.tum.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Munich</a>, 



The findings provide a deepened understanding of the complex mechanisms by which we perceive this familiar and evocative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-scents-linked-to-improved-health-and-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scent</a>.



Geosmin is not merely a sensory phenomenon; it plays a significant role in our environment. It is produced by microorganisms in the soil and found in various plants, such as cactus flowers and red beets.



The odorous compound triggers a range of reactions in different creatures and serves as a chemical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smell-of-wet-soil-signals-danger-to-bacteria-eating-worms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signaling substance</a>. For instance, its smell warns fruit flies of spoiled food, and it draws camels to water-rich areas.



"This shows that geosmin acts as a chemical signaling substance in the animal kingdom and certainly also in humans," explained study first author from the Leibniz Institute.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-scent-s-impact-on-food-quality">The scent's impact on food quality</h2>



While geosmin's aroma enhances the sensory appeal of some foods like red beets, its presence in others can be problematic. 



Stephanie Frank, a food chemist at the Leibniz Institute, underscores its adverse influence on the sensory quality and acceptance of several foods, including fish, beans, cocoa, water, wine, and grape juice. 



Astonishingly, humans can detect its odor in water at low concentrations, roughly equivalent to a teaspoon of geosmin in 200 Olympic swimming pools' worth of water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-odorant-receptor-for-geosmin">The odorant receptor for geosmin</h2>



Despite geosmin's known existence since 1965 and its significance in food production, the particular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-story-behind-our-sense-of-smell-is-coming-into-focus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">odorant receptor</a> used by humans to perceive this compound remained a mystery - until now.



A team of researchers led by Dietmar Krautwurst embarked on a bidirectional receptor screening and successfully identified and characterized the corresponding receptor.



Surprisingly, out of the 616 human olfactory receptor variants they tested, only one - the OR11A1 receptor - responded to geosmin at physiologically relevant concentrations.



Furthermore, the experts explored whether this receptor responds to other significant food odorants.



Out of 177 substances tested, only the earthy-smelling 2-ethylfenchol (also of microbial origin), could significantly activate the receptor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-towards-enhancing-quality-control">The path towards enhancing quality control</h2>



Dietmar Krautwurst suggests that their recent findings, which emphasize the biological relevance of geosmin, could pave the way for the development of innovative detection systems.



These systems could be employed to monitor food quality throughout production and storage or control freshwater reservoirs' water quality. 



The research represents a significant stride towards understanding this integral aspect of our sensory world, revealing geosmin's essential role in both our environment and in our perception of it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geosmin-bridging-nature-and-human-experience">Geosmin: Bridging nature and human experience</h2>



The fascinating interplay between geosmin and human perception extends beyond sensory enjoyment; it highlights a profound connection between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-the-critical-role-of-nature-in-human-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a> and society. 



As an inevitable product of microbial activity in soil, geosmin serves as a tangible reminder of ecological balance and the intricate web of interactions that underpin our environment. 



This connection offers more than just a sensory experience; it provokes thought about sustainable agricultural practices and the importance of maintaining soil health. 



As researchers continue to delve into the complexities of geosmin, they uncover insights that may lead to advancements in both environmental conservation and enhanced food quality. 



By fostering a greater appreciation for this natural compound, we are encouraged to contemplate our role in preserving the environmental systems that produce it, inspiring a stewardship mentality towards our planet’s resources. 



Ultimately, the journey to understanding geosmin is not merely an academic endeavor but a shared narrative about our relationship with the Earth, which affects our health, our food, and our future.



The study is published in the <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.4c01515" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry</a>.



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How the human nose perceives the scent that lingers after rain

The familiar scent that fills the air after rain falls...

Great,White,Shark,,Carcharodon,Carcharias,,Gansbaai,,South,Africa,,Atlantic,Ocean

Birds may flock together, but it turns out great white sharks don't do the same. A group of international scientists have delved into a world-first genome analysis of global great white shark populations. 



Their findings expose a surprising truth: great white sharks separated into three <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newborn-great-white-shark-spotted-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distinct population</a> groups up to 200,000 years ago and have stuck pretty much with their own kind since.



Meet the great white's three clans: a southern Pacific Ocean group (also known lovingly as the Indo-Pacific crowd), a northern Pacific Ocean population, and a group that toothily patrol the North Atlantic and Mediterranean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-great-white-shark-lineage">Great white shark lineage</h2>



Dr. Catherine Jones, leading this shark crusade from the <a href="https://www.abdn.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Aberdeen</a>, teamed up with researchers from around the world, including collaborators from the <a href="https://ghriresearch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guy Harvey Research Institute</a>, the <a href="http://www.medsharks.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MedSharks project</a>, and <a href="https://www.oceans-research.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oceans Research Institute</a>. 



They discovered that these three geographic lineages stick to their lanes and seldom date outside their group.



"At the end of the Penultimate Ice Age -- between 100,000 to 200,000 years ago -- white shark populations appear to have divided into three discrete lineages which seldom interbreed," explains Dr. Jones.



"This separation can still be observed today as modern major ocean currents seem to act as boundaries of the areas occupied by each group."



This tribal behavior among our finned friends isn't just an intriguing aquatic soap opera; it ruffles the waters of conservation efforts. 



Since each lineage relies on a smaller number of the species, they are at greater risk of extinction than we previously thought. Furthermore, any potential 'shortfalls' in one group are unlikely to be made up by the other two.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-conundrum">Conservation conundrum</h2>



Why is this such a big deal, you ask? Well, if the Mediterranean's distinct group checks out, they're not just an extinct group of sharks. That’s a unique genetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepwater-desperation-the-race-to-save-sharks-and-rays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a> forever lost in the deep blue.



"Although not widely appreciated, man's future is increasingly bound up with that of white sharks," added Professor Les Noble, of Aquatic Biosciences at <a href="https://www.nord.no/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nord University</a>.



As top predators, these sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the diversity and health of local marine ecosystems. Over the past 50 years, we have witnessed white shark abundance almost halved, and they are now recognized as critically endangered in Europe.



This issue becomes even more tangled when considering the potential changes in strength and direction of major ocean currents predicted for the next 50 years.



"The lack of interbreeding suggests offspring from cross-lineage matings may not be viable. Should recent forecasts of changes in major ocean currents be accurate, breakdown of these geographic boundaries between lineages may allow more unproductive matings, further endangering white shark populations and the diversity, health, and productivity of ocean ecosystems," Galice Hoarau, Professor of Molecular Ecology at Nord University notes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conserving-great-white-shark">Conserving Great white shark</h2>



How can we navigate these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/juvenile-great-white-sharks-prefer-shallow-coastal-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">troubled waters</a>? With innovative conservation strategies, according to our shark-loving scientists. 



A better understanding of the distribution and health of these distinct groups is the raft we need to float these efforts. But to keep these magnificent creatures from spiraling into the depths of extinction, we'll need to take swift action.



"It has long been considered that sharks lost from one area would be compensated for with the movement and matings of sharks from other locations. Our findings suggest this is clearly unlikely," warns Dr. Jones. 



Couple this with the pressures of bycatch fishing, depleting food reserves, pollution, and poaching, and it's clear we're swimming against the tide here.



But if we can fight off these threats, we just might keep these kings and queens of the ocean around for future generations to admire.



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



The research conducted by these esteemed institutions not only sheds light on the unique behavior of great white sharks, but also highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-behaviors-are-shaped-by-experience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apex predators</a>. 



With their crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems and their critical endangerment status, it is clear that immediate action must be taken to preserve these magnificent creatures.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00860-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Great white sharks separated into three distinct groups that don't intermingle

Birds may flock together, but it turns out great white...

Our world is becoming increasingly familiar with the term artificial intelligence (AI), a technology that has been steadily infiltrating various aspects of our lives. In fact, AI is almost impossible to ignore as it transforms different sectors, including finance, entertainment, and especially medicine, where it is making significant strides.



Now, AI is taking another step forward, thanks to research conducted by experts from the <a href="https://global.toho-u.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toho University School of Medicine</a> in Tokyo, Japan.



The researchers have developed an advanced AI model that could revolutionize the diagnosis of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bulls-are-helping-solve-the-mysteries-of-male-infertility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">male infertility</a>, making the process not only more accessible but also less invasive and potentially more accurate.



This innovation marks a promising leap forward in reproductive health, offering new hope to many who face challenges in this area.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-infertility-issue">The infertility issue</h2>



The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about half of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-sperm-structure-offers-new-insights-on-infertility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infertility</a> cases can be attributed to the male partner, highlighting the significant role men play in reproductive challenges. 



Traditionally, semen analysis has been the standard diagnostic tool for assessing male fertility. However, this procedure isn't readily available at all medical facilities, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources.



Moreover, it's a high-threshold procedure that can be invasive and uncomfortable, potentially deterring some men from seeking help and undergoing testing. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ai-breakthrough">The AI breakthrough</h2>



Enter Professor Hideyuki Kobayashi and his innovative team from the Department of Urology at Toho University.



They have made a groundbreaking advancement by developing an AI model capable of predicting male infertility risk using only a simple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-blood-test-can-now-predict-risk-of-heart-attack-within-six-months/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood test</a>. That's right - no semen analysis required.



This remarkable achievement not only simplifies the diagnostic process but also makes it more comfortable and accessible for men, potentially encouraging more individuals to seek evaluation and treatment. 



The new model marks a significant step forward in the field of reproductive medicine, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional diagnostic methods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-behind-the-tech">The science behind the tech</h2>



The AI model is based on data from 3,662 patients and has an accuracy rate of approximately 74 percent.



In particular, the model was able to predict non-obstructive azoospermia, the most severe form of infertility, with 100 percent accuracy. 



The team used clinical data from these men, who had undergone tests from 2011 to 2020. The AI model analyzed the hormone levels of LH, FSH, PRL, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-with-low-testosterone-have-a-higher-risk-of-mortality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testosterone</a>, and E2, replacing the semen analysis' traditional parameters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-validating-the-ai-model">Validating the AI model</h2>



The model didn't just stay in the lab; it underwent rigorous validation to ensure its practical application. The team further tested this technology using clinical data from 2021 and 2022, achieving accuracy rates of 58 and 68 percent, respectively.



Impressively, the model's prediction of non-obstructive azoospermia, the most severe form of male infertility, remained 100 percent accurate throughout these trials.



This consistent accuracy highlights the model's potential reliability and effectiveness in real-world clinical settings, offering a promising tool for early and accurate diagnosis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-male-fertility-testing">The future of male fertility testing</h2>



The AI model is intended to act as a primary screening tool before semen analysis. While it's not a replacement for the traditional method, it presents a more accessible option, especially in facilities not specializing in infertility treatment.



"The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-ai-algorithm-can-predict-a-persons-attitude-towards-vaccines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI prediction model</a> used in this study was particularly accurate in predicting non-obstructive azoospermia, which is a severe form of azoospermia," said Professor Kobayashi.



"When the prediction model detects abnormal values, since patients may possibly have non-obstructive azoospermia, this should be a trigger for them to undergo detailed testing at a specialist infertility clinic and receive appropriate treatment."



Through their partnership with CreaTact Inc., the team hopes to develop an original commercial AI prediction model that could be used in clinics and health checkup centers, making infertility testing more accessible and less daunting.



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



This innovative AI model brings hope for many potential patients. It promises a future where male infertility screening is easily accessible, less intrusive, and more accurate. 



Such advancements not only underscore AI's potential in healthcare but also bring us one step closer to a world where infertility, a quiet struggle for many, can be addressed with empathy, precision, and ease.



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Male infertility screening will be drastically improved with AI

Our world is becoming increasingly familiar with the term artificial...

The Western Forest Complex (<a href="https://thailand.wcs.org/en-us/Wild-Places/Western-Forest-Complex.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WEFCOM</a>) in Thailand has seen a remarkable resurgence of its rich biodiversity, particularly with the tiger, the apex predator of these woods, experiencing a significant increase in population over the past 15 years.



According to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Thailand has recorded a staggering 250% increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-tiger-day-worldwide-support-for-tiger-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiger numbers</a> from 2007 to 2023. That's right, the count has leaped from about 40 to over 140!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrating-thailand-tiger-conservation">Celebrating Thailand tiger conservation</h2>



The Pattaya News reports that this extraordinary success story in Thailand is playing out differently in other parts of Southeast Asia. The disappearance of tigers from Java and Bali predates the 21st century, with Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam reporting similar losses by the mid-2000s. 



In Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, and Myanmar, these big cats are hanging on by a thread, often in small or isolated populations, held at bay by hunting and loss of habitat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-destined-to-save-thailand-tigers">Destined to save Thailand tigers</h2>



Enter Pornkamol Jornburom, director of WCS Thailand, and a defiant beacon of hope for these endangered creatures. She believes the credit for this remarkable recovery goes to Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, (DNP).



They have executed rigorous patrolling regimes, forming a protective shield around the tigers and their habitat from poachers and deforestation.



"We see very strong correlations between better law enforcement and the recovery of tigers. Prior to this, illegal hunting and logging were rife in WEFCOM, and tigers were on a path toward extinction. Here, as elsewhere in Asia, good enforcement is the cornerstone of the tiger recovery process," explained Jornburom.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-coast-is-clear">The coast is clear</h2>



The DNP's tireless work of more than two decades, coupled with WCS and the Thai government's meticulous monitoring, were crucial in tracking the success of these patrols. Started in 2004, the team installed hundreds of cameras to photograph the tigers, effectively using their unique stripe patterns to monitor the population's health.



The work was led by Thailand DNP senior scientist Somphot Duangchantrasiri. "We believe this is a good example of how to set up and maintain a strong, independent monitoring program that brings credibility to tiger recovery efforts."



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



Any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-using-technology-to-protect-our-natural-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thriving ecosystem</a> is a balanced ecosystem. So, apex predators, the state of tigers is a reflection of the overall health of their habitat.



The team also monitored the positive ripple effects of their rigorous patrolling. Notably, they reported recovery in prey populations, like the banteng, a species of endangered wild cattle.



Apinya Saisamornin is an expert who specializes in tiger prey at the Wildlife Conservation Society and Kasetsart University in Bangkok.



"Tigers can't exist in the wild without a healthy abundance of prey species. Our study showed a doubling in numbers of both sambar (a large, elk-like deer) and banteng, the key prey species for tigers in WEFCOM. Without the recovery of prey, tiger numbers could not have grown as large as they did," noted Saisamornin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-triumph-but-only-the-beginning">A triumph, but only the beginning</h2>



All these numbers stitch together a heartening tapestry of ecosystem-wide recovery. 



"The news out of Thailand of a 250% increase in tiger numbers over 15 years is proof that the tiger can be saved, but it takes long-term commitment on focused interventions," said Dale Miquelle, a senior tiger conservationist at WCS.



"Recovery efforts are important not only for tigers - these same forests protect most of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">terrestrial biodiversity</a> of Asia, provide ecosystem services for millions of people, and buffer the impacts of climate change by retaining healthy forested ecosystems."



Let’s take a moment here. Is it victory? Yes, but let’s not rest on our laurels. Miquelle's words are as much a celebration as they are a call to arms.



Yes, we’ve stumbled upon a recipe for success in Thailand’s WEFCOM. Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get ready to cook up <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-cougar-day-the-crucial-ecological-role-of-cougars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">similar stories</a> across the world. 



Because if we've learned anything here, it’s that through collective effort, we can turn around the seemingly insurmountable. So, are you ready to give these magnificent beasts a fighting chance?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989424002208?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Ecology and Conservation</a>.



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Tiger numbers have jumped by 250% in Thailand

The Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM) in Thailand has seen a...

Ever felt curious about the roles that tiny leaf-eating insects play in forest ecosystems? Recent research might just have some answers for the question. As it turns out, these creatures could be influencing the world's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/">forests and our climate</a> more than we had ever imagined.



At the forefront of this fascinating study is Bernice Hwang, the paper’s lead author and a former technician at the U.S. Forest Service.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insect-and-forest-dynamics">Insect and forest dynamics</h2>



"The findings of this study provide an improved understanding of the intricate relationship between&nbsp;herbivorous insects&nbsp;and&nbsp;forest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-of-forests-2024-new-solutions-for-a-better-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>," Hwang stated.



Hwang, alongside other dedicated researchers, already had a substantial understanding of how large herbivores impacted nutrient cycles in forests.&nbsp;



However, the effects of leaf-eating insects on forest carbon and nutrient cycling remained relatively unknown.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-quest">A global quest</h2>



The initial step taken by the research team involved the establishment of a global network of 74 test plots, all within 40 mature, undisturbed broadleaved forests.&nbsp;



Green leaves and leaf litters in these forests were analyzed for concentrations of elements such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silica.&nbsp;



The team also took into account leaf production, insect feeding habits, and other shifts in nutrient levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insects-role-in-forests">Insects’ role in forests</h2>



Christian Giardina and other researchers discovered that insects play a significant part in releasing and circulating essential nutrients in forest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-play-an-overlooked-role-in-the-climate-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>. This trend was especially prominent in warmer climates, like those experienced in tropical forests.



The findings unveiled a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-boost-plant-evolution-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">profound link</a>; a warming climate directly impacts how plants and herbivores interact.&nbsp;



The alteration in these relationships could potentially have deep-seated consequences for carbon and nutrient cycling in broadleaved forests on a global scale. This discovery is crucial in a world dealing with the ever-looming threat of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-our-forests">Protecting our forests</h2>



This study not only broadens our understanding of the hidden intricacies within forest ecosystems but also throws light on areas that might need conservation efforts.&nbsp;



Nels Johnson of the Pacific Southwest Research Station emphasized the importance of this research in ecological studies. "I believe this analysis will be a benchmark to compare against for its field."



Many questions remain unanswered. What specific actions can we take based on these findings? How can this knowledge be applied to protect our forests and therefore, our planet? 



As we step into an uncertain future, the importance of understanding these minute details of our ecosystem has never been more important.



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



The insights gained from this study have significant implications for forest management practices worldwide. Understanding the role of herbivorous insects in nutrient cycling can help forest managers develop more effective conservation strategies.&nbsp;



For instance, practices that promote biodiversity can enhance the resilience of forest ecosystems to climate change.&nbsp;



By recognizing the interplay between insects and plants, forest managers can make informed decisions about pest management and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-study-insects-are-also-declining-in-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restoration efforts</a>, ultimately fostering healthier forests that can better withstand environmental pressures.



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



This enlightening exploration into the intricate relationship between plants, insects, and their shared ecosystem underscores the profound interconnectedness and delicate balance of nature.&nbsp;



As we emerge armed with this new knowledge, we must reflect on our roles as stewards of these forests. How will we respond to this challenge and what steps will we take to ensure the survival and prosperity of our planet's forests?



Moreover, the integration of such ecological findings into public policy can foster a more sustainable approach to land use and conservational practices.&nbsp;



By actively engaging communities in forest protection initiatives, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for our natural resources, ensuring their longevity for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-forests-and-insects">Future research on forests and insects</h2>



In light of the findings, it becomes imperative to explore several avenues for future research that could deepen our understanding of the interactions within forest ecosystems.



One potential direction is to conduct long-term observational studies that track changes in insect populations and their corresponding effects on nutrient cycling across various climatic zones. 



Additionally, investigating the specific mechanisms through which insects facilitate nutrient availability could provide insights into optimizing forest health and productivity. 



This research could extend to studying the impact of biodiversity loss on insect function within the ecosystem, as well as examining how different forest management practices can enhance or impede these critical processes. 



Ultimately, such inquiries will contribute not only to scientific knowledge but also to crafting actionable strategies for sustainable forest stewardship in an era of rapid environmental change.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-50245-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Tiny leaf-eating insects have a huge impact on forests

Ever felt curious about the roles that tiny leaf-eating insects...

The stratosphere and the ground are two areas in the atmosphere influenced by the gas we know as ozone.&nbsp;The stratosphere, which sits high above us, relies on ozone to protect Earth and its humans from the harsh&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ozone-hole-exposes-wildlife-to-harmful-uv-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultraviolet rays</a>&nbsp;of the sun. At ground level, this colorless gas can cause noticeable health issues.&nbsp;



But there's a zone in between these two, the upper troposphere, where ozone acts as a potent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas</a>.



The upper troposphere, a layer of the atmosphere just beneath the stratosphere where most aircraft fly, is where this gas contributes to global warming.&nbsp;



Despite global efforts to curb its sources, the ozone level in this atmospheric layer is showing an upward trend, and the cause appears to be human activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ozone-a-human-fingerprint">Ozone: A human fingerprint</h2>



A group of scientists from <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (MIT) have confirmed that a large part of the increase in upper tropospheric ozone is, indeed, anthropogenic. 



The study uncovers a clear indication of human influence on the ozone trends in the upper troposphere dating back to 2005.



The team confirmed that there is a "clear and increasing trend in upper tropospheric ozone in the northern midlatitudes due to human beings rather than climate noise."



The researchers plan to delve deeper into the data to uncover exactly what human activities are causing this trend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ozone-and-human-activities">Ozone and human activities </h2>



Understanding the causes and influences of ozone is a complex task. The gas is not directly emitted but created through a series of chemical reactions.&nbsp;



These reactions begin with precursors, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-nitrogen-oxide-pollution-could-boost-crop-yields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen oxides</a> and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds are released into the atmosphere by various human activities including vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and aircraft operations.



How long ozone remains in the atmosphere is dependent on many factors, including the type and volume of human activity in a specific area and natural climate variability.&nbsp;



Adding to the complexity is that while the ozone level in the upper troposphere is increasing, it has remained stable or even decreased in lower parts of the atmosphere, largely due to emissions control efforts in North America and Europe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-influence-vs-climate-noise">Human influence vs. climate noise</h2>



The researchers sought to identify the human "fingerprint" in upper tropospheric ozone levels. 



To achieve this, they ran a series of simulations using a chemistry climate model to understand the impact of human activities on ozone level - distinct from the effects of climate variability.



The simulations revealed a common signal across all scenarios, which the team identified as a human fingerprint. The researchers then cross-referenced this data with actual satellite observations. 



Despite initial skepticism about the robustness of satellite data, the experts found a clear signal, especially over Asia, where industrial growth and weather conditions have significantly increased ozone and its precursors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-focus-in-search-of-the-culprits">Future focus: In search of the culprits</h2>



The next step for the MIT team is to identify the specific human activities that are causing the upper tropospheric ozone to increase.&nbsp;



The researchers are exploring various possibilities, including emissions from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-chief-fossil-fuel-era-must-end-for-humanitys-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuel</a>&nbsp;combustion in vehicles and power plants, aircraft flying in the upper troposphere, and even the influence of wildfires.



Separating human-caused impacts from natural climate variations is vital to inform strategies addressing climate change and air pollution, the team underscored.&nbsp;



This insightful study moves the scientific community a step closer to identifying the solutions required to mitigate the impacts of a changing climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-rising-ozone-levels">Implications of rising ozone levels</h2>



As we contemplate the implications of increased upper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ozone-pollution-threatens-the-health-of-plants-and-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropospheric ozone</a>&nbsp;levels, it becomes evident that the ramifications extend beyond environmental concerns to encompass public health and climate policy.&nbsp;



The increase of ozone in this layer is linked to rising atmospheric temperatures and worsening climate change. These changes have cascading impacts across weather patterns, ecosystems, and biodiversity.



Moreover, ozone is a potent respiratory irritant; thus, its rise can lead to heightened instances of respiratory ailments and overall degradation of air quality.&nbsp;



The impacts are particularly pronounced in urban areas already plagued by pollution and can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly.&nbsp;



It's crucial to have strong strategies to reduce emissions. This includes identifying sources and implementing policies that promote a sustainable balance between human activities and the health of our atmosphere.



Finding new solutions like green technologies and tougher rules on industrial emissions is essential to tackle the growing environmental challenge.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.4c01289" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



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Human activities are increasing ozone in the upper troposphere

The stratosphere and the ground are two areas in the...

How fascinating would it be to journey back in time and witness the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of life</a> on Earth, observing the primitive creatures that eventually gave rise to the diverse living world we know today? A recent study has offered the next best thing, using an innovative timeline technique to explore an intriguing era 580-510 million years ago and unravel the story of early animal evolution.



The Ediacaran-Cambrian interval, as this era is known, was marked by a tremendous explosion of biodiversity. 



The simple single and multicellular organisms that previously dominated gave way to more complex life, forming body plans that enabled them to perform novel functions, like feeding and moving across the ocean floor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-depths-of-bilaterian-animal-evolution">Depths of bilaterian animal evolution</h2>



In this era, we saw the emergence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-living-creature-on-earth-identified-emerging-700-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bilaterian animals</a>, characterized by their symmetrical body plans. 



If you've ever looked at a mirror, you're intimately familiar with bilateral symmetry - it's a fundamental trait shared by most modern animals, including humans, traced back to these ancient ancestors.



What was the catalyst driving these monumental shifts in life's blueprint? The researchers found strong links between sea levels, marine oxygen changes, and the early animal groups' appearance and diversification.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-constructing-an-animal-evolution-timeline">Constructing an animal evolution timeline</h2>



Researchers from the University of Edinburgh assembled a comprehensive timeline that embraced multiple data sources.



To construct a complete narrative of this era, the experts used radioactive dating and geochemical information related to the rock layers where Ediacaran-Cambrian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/500-million-year-old-trilobites-fossils-preserved-in-volcanic-ash/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a> were found.



This comprehensive chronology presented new opportunities to scrutinize biodiversity trends in unprecedented detail. 



It further confirmed the link between global sea level changes, periods of oxygen enrichment in shallow marine environments, and early animal groups' appearance and diversification.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pulsating-symphony-of-life-s-diversity">Pulsating symphony of life's diversity</h2>



A pulsating symphony of environmental dynamics led to several significant surges in biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oldest-organisms-ever-discovered-show-dazzling-diversity-and-complexity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a>.



The Avalon, White Sea, and Cambrian assemblages, each marked the arrival of new animal groups as much as they signified the decline of others, thus providing fresh insights into the primeval forces that shaped life's early days.



However, the study also highlighted gaps in our understanding. Berths in the fossil record suggest our current comprehension of early animals is heavily influenced by where fossils have been found and examined.



Dr. Fred Bowyer of the University of Edinburgh’s <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/geosciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Geosciences</a> emphasized the extraordinary significance of constructing an early animal evolution timeline.



“It’s a daunting task, only made possible through international and interdisciplinary research. An integrated global approach is crucial. It exposes biases in our records, while also revealing patterns in fossil appearances, sea level cycles, and environmental oxygen," he said.



Mariana Yilales Agelvis reflected on the importance of understanding biodiversity drivers.



“It’s a fundamental piece of knowledge in the puzzle of life. I feel privileged to have built upon decades of interdisciplinary global research, and contributed to a better understanding of the sea level's role in early animal evolution,” said Agelvis.



It is an awe-inspiring journey to unravel the enigmatic story of life on earth, and studies like this one offer vital clues, giving us a glimpse into the ancient world that shaped the vibrant tapestry of life we see today.



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



Evolution is not merely a linear progression but a complex dance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quick-species-adaptability-shapes-long-term-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptation</a> where organisms respond to ever-changing environments. 



This dynamic process includes several mechanisms, such as natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow, all of which contribute to the diversity of life we observe today. 



Natural selection, famously expounded by Charles Darwin, posits that individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to subsequent generations. 



Meanwhile, genetic drift introduces randomness to the evolutionary process, particularly in small populations, where chance events can significantly impact allele frequencies. 



Understanding these mechanisms illuminates the intricate tapestry of life on Earth, showcasing how adaptability and resilience shape our biological heritage.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ado6462" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Unraveling the story of early animal evolution

How fascinating would it be to journey back in time...

Forecasts reveal a foreboding specter: the potential collapse of a pivotal system of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlantic Ocean currents</a> within the next decade and a half. 



This phenomenon carries the power to drastically redefine our planet's weather and climate patterns, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human societies.



This report paints a sobering panorama of a future where the very fabric of life on Earth could be dramatically affected, altering everything from temperature distributions to weather extremes and oceanic ecosystems. 



The potential ramifications extend beyond mere environmental shifts, potentially impacting agriculture, infrastructure, and the global economy in profound and unpredictable ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-atlantic-s-crucial-conveyor-belt">The Atlantic's crucial conveyor belt</h2>



Known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), this essential system functions like a colossal oceanic conveyor belt.



It transports warm surface water from the southern hemisphere and the tropics to the chilly expanses of the North Atlantic. The colder, saltier water then plunges to the ocean floor and flows south. 



This cyclical motion not only prevents the Southern Hemisphere from overheating and the Northern Hemisphere from freezing over but also disperses life-nourishing nutrients throughout marine ecosystems.



Research into these vital currents has been intense and ongoing. In recent years, multiple studies have proposed the disturbing theory that the AMOC could be heading towards a catastrophic failure, weakened by rising ocean temperatures and disrupted salinity levels - the chilling aftermath of human-induced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-deja-vu-oceans-may-slow-down-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-timeline-for-collapse">A timeline for collapse</h2>



The prognosis of this recent research stands out as it provides an estimated timeframe for the potential collapse of the AMOC. According to the data, the shutdown could transpire as soon as 2037 and as late as 2064.



The findings further suggest that there is more than a 50% chance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-could-collapse-the-atlantic-circulation-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">currents</a> collapsing before we reach the middle of this century.



The urgency and precision of this prediction are unprecedented, sounding alarms among many within the scientific community and beyond.



The detailed forecast has heightened concerns and spurred intense discussions about the potential global impact, emphasizing the need for immediate action and comprehensive climate strategies to mitigate the impending crisis.



Study co-author René van Westen is an atmospheric and marine researcher.based at the <a href="https://www.uu.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utrecht</a>. 



"This is really worrying," said van Westen. "All the negative side effects of anthropogenic climate change, such as more heat waves, more droughts, and more flooding, will continue. If you add an AMOC collapse on top of that, the climate will become even more distorted."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-world-without-the-amoc">A world without the AMOC</h2>



Picture a world where the AMOC has ceased to function. It would hardly be recognizable as the one we know now. 



In the wake of the collapse, Arctic ice would gradually advance southwards, enveloping the southern coast of England within a century. 



Mean temperatures in Europe and parts of North America, including regions of the United States, would nosedive.



In an ironic twist, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-rainforest-is-approaching-widespread-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon rainforest</a>'s dry and rainy seasons would be completely inverted. Such a future, as we can all agree, is one we should strive to avoid.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pinpointing-the-tipping-point">Pinpointing the tipping point</h2>



The Utrecht University team utilized cutting-edge models and - for the first time - highlighted an area within South Atlantic Ocean as the prime location to monitor any changes in the circulation.



They analyzed temperatures and ocean salinity in this region, aiming to narrow down when the AMOC might reach its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-new-tipping-point-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tipping point</a>. 



However, melting Greenland ice - which is disrupting the circulation's driving force of salt, is insufficiently considered - which might lead to underestimation of the speed and onset of the collapse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-evolving-understanding-of-the-amoc">An evolving understanding of the AMOC</h2>



Until just a few years ago, the possibility of an AMOC collapse was considered a "low-probability, high-impact risk." But now, it's seen as a highly likely event within this century. 



The swift advances in AMOC research and the rapid evolution of models predicting its collapse underscore the urgency of this growing threat.



Ultimately, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, Earth's lifeblood and climate regulator, is at a perilous crossroads. With over a 50% chance of collapse before 2050, the need for swift, decisive action to mitigate the effects of our changing climate has never been more urgent.



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Atlantic current system may collapse by 2037

Forecasts reveal a foreboding specter: the potential collapse of a...

Binary asteroids hold a wealth of secrets about the cosmos, and studying these celestial wanderers has always fascinated scientists and explorers alike. 



One such daring mission, NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/dart/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DART</a>), sought to uncover these mysteries by crashing a spacecraft into the asteroid moonlet Dimorphos in 2022. 



This smashingly successful experiment revealed crucial insights into the origins and characteristics of the binary asteroid system, offering a glimpse into the effectiveness of using such techniques to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-dart-mission-proves-humanity-can-be-saved-from-asteroid-collision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alter an asteroid's trajectory</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysteries-of-binary-asteroids">Mysteries of binary asteroids</h2>



In a series of recently unveiled academic discussions, researchers thoroughly examined the details of this binary system, consisting of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-asteroids-named-dinky-and-selam-became-bound-together-forever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dimorphos and its parent asteroid, Didymo</a>s. 



These discussions aim to unravel the complexities of their formation, evolution, and physical properties.&nbsp;



"These findings give us new insights into the ways that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-asteroids-named-dinky-and-selam-became-bound-together-forever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a> can change over time. This is just part of the wealth of new knowledge we’ve gained from DART," notes Thomas Statler, the lead scientist for Small Bodies in our Solar System at <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> Headquarters in Washington.



Studying asteroids is important not just for understanding the near-Earth objects that are the focus of planetary defense, but also for our ability to read the history of our Solar System from these remnants of planet formation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-contrasts-of-didymos-and-dimorphos">Geological contrasts of Didymos and Dimorphos</h2>



A group of researchers from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory</a>&nbsp;(APL) explored the topography of both asteroids.&nbsp;



The smaller Dimorphos with its variant boulder sizes stood in stark contrast to its smooth-surfaced parent, Didymos. The latter, however, became rockier and featured more craters at higher altitudes.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DART-spacecraft_binary-asteroids_ridge-formation_didymos_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DART-spacecraft_binary-asteroids_ridge-formation_didymos_1s.webp" alt="The various geological features observed on Didymos helped researchers tell the story of Didymos’ origins. The asteroid’s triangular ridge (first panel from left), and the so-called smooth region, and its likely older, rougher “highland” region (second panel from left) can be explained through a combination of slope processes controlled by elevation (third panel from left). The fourth panel shows the effects of spin-up disruption that Didymos likely underwent to form Dimorphos. Credit: Johns Hopkins APL/Olivier Barnouin" class="wp-image-1940653" style="width:300px;height:auto"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The various geological features observed on Didymos helped researchers tell the story of Didymos’ origins. The asteroid’s triangular ridge (first panel from left), and the so-called smooth region, and its likely older, rougher “highland” region (second panel from left) can be explained through a combination of slope processes controlled by elevation (third panel from left). The fourth panel shows the effects of spin-up disruption that Didymos likely underwent to form Dimorphos. Credit: Johns Hopkins APL/Olivier Barnouin</figcaption></figure>



Dimorphos' appearance suggests it separated from Didymos during a large mass shedding event.&nbsp;



As researchers pointed out, naturally occurring processes can quicken the rotations of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-would-happen-small-asteroid-hit-earth-nasa-ai-simulation-found-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">small asteroids</a>, which may result in these celestial bodies reshaping or even detaching material from their surfaces.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ghosts-of-asteroids-past">Ghosts of asteroids past</h2>



The weaker surface characteristics of both Didymos and Dimorphos were further indications of their intriguing histories.&nbsp;



Strong indication suggests that Didymos predates Dimorphos by a considerable margin, with estimations of their ages being 12.5 million years and less than 300,000 years, respectively.&nbsp;



This lower surface strength of Dimorphos likely played a significant role in the DART spacecraft's remarkable effect on its orbit.



“The images and data that DART collected at the Didymos system provided a unique opportunity for a close-up geological look of a near-Earth asteroid binary system,” stated Olivier Barnouin, one of the lead researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics-of-binary-asteroids">Characteristics of binary asteroids</h2>



The quest for knowledge continued, with researchers from the National Institute for Astrophysics (<a href="http://www.inaf.it/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INAF</a>) leading a paper comparing various physical features and distribution patterns on both asteroids. 



The team pointed out that Dimorphos' characteristics suggest it formed in stages, likely from its parent asteroid Didymos' material.&nbsp;



Similarly, Alice Lucchetti and her team from INAF discovered that thermal fatigue could rapidly deteriorate boulders on Dimorphos' surface, altering its physical features faster than previously assumed.



Further research led by students from ISAE-SUPAERO determined Didymos' bearing capacity to be significantly lower than that of dry sand on Earth or lunar soil.&nbsp;



Another group from the same institute highlighted similarities between Dimorphos' surface boulders and those found on other rubble pile asteroids, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/close-encounter-giant-asteroid-slipped-by-earth-last-week-evading-detection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Itokawa, Ryugu, and Bennu</a>.



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



The latest studies give us an engaging look into the origins of the Didymos system, revealing the fascinating processes that have shaped these celestial bodies over time.



By uncovering the formation and evolution of the Didymos system, researchers have significantly advanced our understanding of how such&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-selam-dinkinesh-moonlet-baby-very-young/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">binary asteroid systems</a>&nbsp;develop and interact within our solar system.&nbsp;



As we look forward to exciting future explorations, like <a href="https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Hera" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA's Hera mission</a> returning to the DART collision site in 2026, we're laying the groundwork for amazing discoveries.



This research is crucial for understanding near-Earth objects and improving our planetary defense strategies.



The institutions that managed and provided support to the success of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-rocks-nasa-dart-asteroid-deflection-mission-may-impact-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DART mission</a>&nbsp;include NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Goddard Space Flight Center, Johnson Space Center, Glenn Research Center, and Langley Research Center.&nbsp;



All working together, they have unveiled a new dawn in the exploration of the cosmos.



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New DART spacecraft images reveal more about near-Earth binary asteroids

Binary asteroids hold a wealth of secrets about the cosmos,...

Have you ever found yourself halted in the supermarket aisle, a dozen juice options staring back at you, your hand hovering between the gleaming glass bottle and the humble carton pack? That choice seems simple, yet it carries a crucial question: which packaging is more sustainable?



The choices seem endless: there's aluminum made from recycled material, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tetra-pak-will-help-restore-brazils-endangered-atlantic-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodegradable carton</a>, 100% recyclable glass, or even biodegradable plastic. Each option comes with its own set of promises and perceived benefits. 



Like most consumers, you might instinctively reach for the glass bottle, assuming it's the most sustainable choice.



However, it's time we unravel the surprising truth and examine the real environmental impact of these packaging options.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-illusion-of-glass-as-sustainable-packaging">The illusion of glass as sustainable packaging</h2>



"Glass was the most sought-after and the most highly esteemed packaging type," said the authors of a recent study from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a>. This, however, is a common misconception, noted the researchers.



Contrary to popular belief, glass stands among the least sustainable options when we take into account the entire packaging life cycle.



When consumers were asked to rank packaging choices based on their perception of sustainability, the list read - glass, carton, aluminum, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/9936-chemicals-found-in-plastic-products-used-for-food-packaging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a>. The truth, as it turns out, is quite different.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-sustainability-cartons-lead-the-way">Redefining sustainability: Cartons lead the way</h2>



The sustainability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-develop-smart-food-packaging-show-contamination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food packaging</a> is variable and depends on several factors, including the type of product and packaging and the container’s size and weight.



For a single-serve orange juice, the most sustainable choice would be a carton, followed by plastic, cans, and then finally - glass. This revelation was as astounding to the scientists as it is to most consumers.



“I was shocked to read the lifecycle assessment from the experts that it takes so much energy to produce glass and recycle it – much more than what it takes to make or recycle plastic,” said Nomzamo Dlamini, lead author of the paper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-sustainable-packaging-education">Need for sustainable packaging education</h2>



The researchers set out to investigate the motivations behind consumers’ packaging choices, while also considering factors like price, lifestyle, and other attitudes.



This understanding can aid industry experts in identifying what consumers prefer and believe, and hence educate them on making more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eco-labeling-promotes-sustainable-food-choices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable choices</a>.



To capture real-life scenarios in the research, a questionnaire was designed using a method called conjoint analysis. The team presented various options and assessed the trade-offs made by consumers.



According to Dlamini, the ultimate goal was "to understand at the end of the day, what matters to people."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainability-vs-price-ultimate-trade-off">Sustainability vs price: Ultimate trade-off</h2>



Contrary to expectations, even though many consumers expressed an intention to purchase sustainable packaging, the top motivating factor turned out to be price – mostly the lowest price – followed by packaging type, product claim, and packaging claim. 



Thus, for the 847 consumers surveyed, the ideal orange juice option turned out to be priced at $1.10 per 12 fluid ounces. The juice was packaged in glass, locally produced, and labeled as 100% <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infinitely-recyclable-plastics-may-soon-become-a-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recyclable</a>.



The message here for the food industry is clear. Consumers are motivated to choose sustainable packaging, provided the price is right. 



"Sustainable packaging options should be clearly labeled as such, effective (e.g. not defective or just as durable as conventional packaging), and affordable to increase consumers’ motivation and adoption of sustainable packaging for food and beverages," noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-sustainability-takeaway">Final sustainability takeaway</h2>



While packaging choices play a significant role in environmental outcomes, the study underscores that the most impactful and practical way consumers can contribute to sustainability efforts is by reducing or avoiding food waste. 



This simple yet powerful action can greatly diminish the overall carbon footprint associated with food production and consumption. 



Beyond choosing eco-friendly packaging, unnecessary waste can be prevented through mindful portion sizes, proper storage, and thoughtful purchasing.



As we collectively strive towards a more sustainable future, it's crucial to remember that small, everyday actions like minimizing food waste can lead to substantial environmental benefits.



This holistic approach to sustainability not only preserves resources but also fosters a culture of conscious consumption.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/14/6202" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sustainability</a>.



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What's the most sustainable packaging? The answer will surprise you

Have you ever found yourself halted in the supermarket aisle,...

There's always been an air of thrill and risk associated with the stock market, as investors navigate its unpredictable highs and lows in pursuit of financial gains. 



However, the implications of this volatility may extend far beyond just financial considerations, potentially leading to severe psychological and physical health impacts, according to a recent study by a team of Chinese researchers.



The health concerns associated with stock market volatility are particularly alarming, including increased risks of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exhaustion-increases-the-risk-of-a-heart-attack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart attacks</a>, strokes, and suicide among investors.



What's more concerning is that the connection between market turbulence and health issues is not merely speculative. 



The data is supported by a massive body of research covering over 12 million deaths in China, underscoring the profound and far-reaching consequences of stock market fluctuations on public health.



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



The research, titled "Stock Volatility Increases the Mortality Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and Suicide: A Case-Crossover Study of 12 Million Deaths," could be viewed as a wake-up call to investors, policymakers, and the healthcare community. 



The findings imply that it isn't just a drop in returns that spells disaster. Surprisingly, even an upward swing in stock market returns can lead to adverse health outcomes such as heart attacks.



A one percent decrease in daily returns was associated with a 0.74–1.04 percent increase in mortality risks of major adverse cardiovascular events and a 1.77 percent increase in suicide risk.



On the other hand, a one percent rise in daily returns and intra-daily stock oscillations was coupled with risk increments of 0.57–0.85 percent and 0.67–0.77 percent, respectively.



This signifies that managing the stress of stock market volatility should be as important as managing the investment portfolio itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stock-markets-and-public-health">Stock markets and public health</h2>



Investments and stock markets play a pivotal role in economic growth, acting as incubators for capital raising and wealth creation, and providing opportunities for individuals and institutions to build <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/happiness-comes-easier-when-money-is-not-a-priority/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">financial security</a>.



Nonetheless, the inherent inconsistencies and unpredictable nature of these markets can lead to severe psychological implications for investors, manifesting as anxiety, stress, and even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-a-history-of-depression-tend-to-process-more-negative-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depression</a>. 



If these mental health challenges are not addressed, the resulting stress could escalate into a broader public health issue, potentially affecting an even larger demographic beyond just those directly involved in market activities.



It is critical to approach this issue from a solution-oriented perspective, understanding that the fight against this hidden crisis goes beyond the investors themselves. It is a battle against social inequality, ageism, and the inherent unpredictability of the markets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-risks-of-stock-market-volatility">Mental health risks of stock market volatility </h2>



In the light of these findings, the researchers recommend targeted health education and mental health support, particularly during periods of market instability.



They also advocate for increased government-led and public awareness campaigns to diminish the cardiovascular and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/financial-losses-during-the-pandemic-took-a-toll-on-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a> risks linked to stock market volatility.



As the global economy increasingly leans on the stock market, understanding and addressing the psychosocial impact of its volatility becomes crucial. 



The findings from this study provide a blueprint for devising effective interventions and support systems, capable of safeguarding not just the financial wealth but also the health of investors, and the broader population.



It's clear that the volatility of the stock market does more than just rattle the nerves of investors - it can genuinely impact their health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financial-literacy-and-health-outcomes">Financial literacy and health outcomes</h2>



A pivotal element in mitigating the adverse effects of stock market volatility on health is the enhancement of financial literacy among investors. 



Understanding market dynamics not only empowers individuals to make informed decisions but also reduces the anxiety associated with investment fluctuations. 



Research indicates that individuals equipped with a solid grasp of financial concepts tend to experience lower levels of stress, particularly during tumultuous market phases. 



By fostering a culture of financial education, we can cultivate resilience in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cryptocurrency-investors-linked-to-dark-personality-traits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investors</a>, enabling them to adopt a long-term perspective that prioritizes emotional well-being alongside financial gains. 



Educational initiatives could be integrated into community programs, workplaces, and educational institutions, ensuring broad access to vital knowledge that can transform perceptions of market volatility from a source of dread to an opportunity for strategic growth. 



Ultimately, bolstering financial literacy acts as a protective shield, fostering not only healthier financial practices but also enhancing overall mental health outcomes in the face of economic uncertainties.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2095809924002790" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Engineering</a>.



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Stock market volatility increases risk of heart attacks and suicide

There's always been an air of thrill and risk associated...

DNA might not seem like a common link between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-solved-how-neanderthal-dna-got-diluted-in-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans</a> and the microorganisms responsible for your morning toast, but recent research reveals a surprising connection. Humans and baker's yeast share more similarities than we initially thought, particularly in the crucial process of DNA replication.



These fascinating insights, documented in esteemed scientific journals, not only highlight the importance of fundamental biological processes but also help unravel the complexities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mitochondria-cells-batteries-leaking-causes-inflammation-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diseases</a> linked to errors in DNA replication. 



This research even opens up new avenues for understanding and potentially treating these conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-and-yeast-duplication-duo">Humans and yeast: Duplication duo</h2>



Remarkably, this surprising connection is rooted in a molecular complex known as CTF18-RFC in humans and Ctf18-RFC in yeast. 



This complex plays an essential role in ensuring that DNA replication proceeds as planned, by securing a "clamp" onto the DNA strand. The metaphorical clamp ensures that the replication process doesn't falter or stray off course.



The discovery of this molecular complex is yet another testament to the collaborative efforts of distinguished scientists from the renowned <a href="https://www.vai.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Van Andel Institute</a> and <a href="https://www.rockefeller.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Rockefeller University</a>. 



Their mission? To shed light on the meticulous mechanisms critical in the preservation and transmission of genetic information from one generation of cells to another.



"The accurate copying of DNA is fundamental to the propagation of life," noted study co-author Huilin Li.



The scientists' findings are a significant step towards better understanding DNA replication-related health conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-dna-dilemma-in-disease">Decoding the DNA dilemma in disease</h2>



Unplanned changes or errors in the replication process can have ruinous consequences, triggering a multitude of severe diseases, including cancers and rare disorders. 



The replication process is a delicately balanced biological dance that, when disrupted, can lead to uncontrolled and faulty replication - changing the course of life as we know it.



One might wonder how such a complex process takes place. It all begins with the unzipping of DNA's ladder-like structure, creating two strands known as the leading and lagging strands. A molecular construction team then busies itself with completing the two strands, effectively doubling the DNA helix.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connecting-dna-of-humans-and-yeast">Connecting DNA of humans and yeast</h2>



Much of this painstaking work involves enzymes called polymerases that are indispensable in assembling the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-building-block-of-life-called-tna-created-in-the-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building blocks of DNA</a>.



However, they aren't adept at staying on the DNA strand. That's where our molecular complex comes into play, acting as a guide for the polymerases, allowing them to begin the replication process.



By using state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopes, the research teams were able to uncover previously unseen facets of these leading strand clamp loaders’ structures. 



One such feature is a “hook” that disengages the leading strand polymerase from the new DNA strand, marking a crucial difference between the leading strand clamp loader and the other clamp loader involved in the process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yeast-and-human-connection-an-evolutionary-link">Yeast and human connection: An evolutionary link</h2>



One noteworthy aspect of the study is the identification of shared features between the yeast and human leading strand clamp loaders. 



This similarity points to an evolutionary link, highlighting the importance of yeast as a simple yet powerful model for genetic study. 



By exploring these commonalities, the research provides deeper insights into the universal nature of life's fundamental processes. 



In the grand scheme of existence, it appears that baker's yeast and humans share more similarities than previously thought, connected through the intricate process of DNA replication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-dna-in-cellular-function">Role of DNA in cellular function</h2>



DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, serves as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-dna-secrets-revealed-by-genomic-time-machine-and-transposable-elements/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blueprint of life</a>, encoding the vast array of instructions required for the development, function, and reproduction of all living entities. 



Within the architecture of DNA lies a sequence of nucleotides, composed of four fundamental bases: adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine. 



This specific arrangement determines not only the traits of an organism but also molds the functionality of its cells. 



In the context of the relationship between humans and baker's yeast, the fidelity of DNA replication is paramount. Errors in this process can lead to aberrations in cellular function, affecting everything from energy production to cellular repair mechanisms.



As we continue to explore the parallels between these seemingly disparate life forms, it becomes increasingly clear that the study of DNA in yeast may yield profound insights into genetic disorders in humans, offering a glimmer of hope for innovative therapeutic strategies.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk5901" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Humans and baker's yeast have much more in common than you would believe

DNA might not seem like a common link between humans...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" 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 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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" 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> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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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



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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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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