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...

Coral,Bleaching,Under,Water,Okinawa,japan

A team of international marine biologists has provided unprecedented insights into coral bleaching responses to stress using cutting-edge imaging technology. 



Their study, published on July 31 in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0303779" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>, details the survival rates of coral colonies following multiple bleaching events around the island of Maui.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patterns-of-coral-growth-during-bleaching">Patterns of coral growth during bleaching</h2>



The research, led by <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Oceanography's Smith Lab</a>, involved tracking 1,832 coral colonies using a time series of 3D coral reef models from Maui, collected between 2014 and 2021. 



This seven-year dataset offered a detailed annual view of the reefs, allowing the team to observe patterns of coral growth and survival through significant bleaching events in 2015 and 2019.



The study aimed to differentiate between natural selection, where only the hardiest corals survive, and acclimatization, where individual corals develop increased heat tolerance over time due to repeated exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/corals-can-be-trained-to-endure-heat-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat stress</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-corals-are-more-resilient-nbsp">Some corals are more resilient&nbsp;</h2>



Despite some corals bleaching and dying, others showed promising resilience, surviving both bleaching events without showing significant changes in growth over time. This resilience offers new hope for coral conservation and restoration strategies.



“This is one of the first studies to use this type of time series to look at multiple coral bleaching events and how the processes of acclimatization and selection play out,” said lead author Orion McCarthy, a recent graduate of Scripps Oceanography who conducted the research as a PhD student.&nbsp;



“We found that older corals, which are more likely to have survived multiple bleaching events, could be a good source of outplants for coral restoration.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-corals-are-increasingly-threatened-nbsp">Corals are increasingly threatened&nbsp;</h2>



As ocean temperatures rise due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-study-provides-answers-to-how-coral-reefs-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, coral reefs are increasingly threatened by bleaching events. These events occur when corals, stressed by prolonged warming, expel the symbiotic algae living within their tissues.&nbsp;



This expulsion causes the corals to turn white, or “bleach,” as they lose their primary source of food. If the elevated water temperatures persist, the affected corals may die.&nbsp;



However, some corals can survive low- to moderate-strength <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/60-percent-global-coral-reefs-face-bleaching-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bleaching</a> events, reshaping the reef's composition and its future responses to similar stressors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-responses-varied-across-bleaching-events">Coral responses varied across bleaching events</h2>



In this study, the two measured bleaching events were of moderate strength, characterized by a sustained increase in sea-surface temperatures of more than one degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) over several months.&nbsp;



Despite experiencing similar thermal stress in both 2015 and 2019, coral responses varied. Some corals bleached and died after the first event, others did not bleach at all, some bleached during both events but survived, and others only bleached the first time.&nbsp;



Interestingly, resilient corals were often found adjacent to more sensitive ones, despite being the same species and facing identical environmental conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acclimatization-capabilities-of-some-coral-species">Acclimatization capabilities of some coral species</h2>



The research highlighted the acclimatization capabilities of certain coral species, particularly Porites lobata, which showed resilience to bleaching. Conversely, Pocillopora corals exhibited the lowest levels of survivorship.&nbsp;



“Based on our observations, we recommend that restoration practitioners in Hawaii should focus on colonies of Porites and Montipora with a proven track-record of growth and survival,” advised McCarthy, who now works as a science lead for <a href="https://www.sustainablesurf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sustainable Surf</a>, a nonprofit focused on marine ecosystem restoration.



The team credited the innovative use of 3D imaging technology for their ability to detect and analyze acclimatization and selection processes. 



The technology enabled detailed tracking of coral colonies that traditional in-water surveys would have missed. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-3d-representation-of-reefs">Comprehensive 3D representation of reefs</h2>



The 3D time series project, initiated by Scripps Oceanography marine biologist Jennifer Smith and her former PhD student Emily Kelly, employs photogrammetry to create detailed models of coral reefs.&nbsp;



This technique involves capturing thousands of overlapping underwater images, which are then stitched together using advanced software to produce a comprehensive 3D representation of the reefs.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/coral-bleaching_3D-model_timelapse_credit-Smith-Lab_1s.webp" alt="Researchers use a timeseries of coral reef 3D models to study coral bleaching in Maui. Credit: Smith Lab, 100 Island Challenge" class="wp-image-1940457"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers use a timeseries of coral reef 3D models to study coral bleaching in Maui. Credit: Smith Lab, 100 Island Challenge</figcaption></figure>



For the past decade, Smith and her team have used this technology to monitor fixed sites off Maui, as part of the <a href="https://100islandchallenge.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">100 Island Challenge</a> - a global initiative aimed at documenting coral reef changes over time using large-area imagery.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-watching-coral-response-to-bleaching-nbsp">Watching coral response to bleaching&nbsp;</h2>



“This approach has revolutionized our ability to study long-term changes in coral reef communities at very fine scales,” said Smith, a professor of marine biology at Scripps Oceanography.&nbsp;



“We can literally watch these systems change in 3D; we can watch corals grow and shrink and visualize how they respond to global stressors. We can use the knowledge gained from using this approach for education and outreach and our results can help to inform management and conservation action.”



McCarthy likened the study of coral responses to bleaching events to examining human health outcomes after successive pandemic-like events.&nbsp;



By observing individual responses during a single event - such as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-death-toll-of-covid-19-pandemic-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19 pandemic</a> - researchers can identify traits associated with better or worse outcomes.&nbsp;



A subsequent event provides further data on survivors' resilience, similar to how researchers study coral responses to successive bleaching events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-foundation-for-coral-conservation-nbsp">Valuable foundation for coral conservation&nbsp;</h2>



The study underscores the importance of addressing climate change, the primary driver of ocean warming and coral bleaching. Severe bleaching events pose a significant threat to coral reefs, potentially leading to widespread mortality.&nbsp;



“Coral reefs are dynamic and bleaching isn't necessarily going to kill every coral - at least not in the short term - so there is still cause for hope for these reefs and a need for active conservation,” said McCarthy.&nbsp;



“Tools like 3D modeling are allowing us to get a more specific understanding of which corals are living and which ones aren't, and we can use that information to help guide coral restoration efforts.”



Overall, this research represents a significant advancement in understanding coral resilience and provides a valuable foundation for developing effective coral conservation and restoration strategies in the face of climate change.



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Coral response to bleaching captured in unprecedented detail 

A team of international marine biologists has provided unprecedented insights...

Cambrian,Explosion,Or,Cambrian,Radiation,3d,Illustration

Researchers have excavated a rare and intriguing fossil that transports us back more than half a billion years. This fossil, named Youti yuanshi, sparks our curiosity as it unfurls the evolution secrets of the distant ancestors of insects, spiders, crabs and centipedes as we know them today.



This research was led by Dr. Martin Smith from <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a>. It was his expertise and intuition that led to this exceptional discovery, which is considerably reshaping our understanding of ancient life forms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-youti-yuanshi-and-insect-evolution">Exploring Youti Yuanshi and insect evolution</h2>



The fossil in focus, Youti yuanshi, takes us on a thrilling journey back to the Cambrian period, a time when the major animal groups we know today were <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-both-predictable-and-random/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first evolving</a>.



This fossil falls under the group of arthropods, which includes modern insects, spiders and crabs. What sets this fossil apart is its exceptional preservation of internal organs, offering a close-up view of life forms from a time unimaginable to us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-analysis">Fossil analysis</h2>



Using the cutting-edge synchrotron X-ray tomography at <a href="https://www.diamond.ac.uk/Home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diamond Light Source</a>, the UK's national synchrotron science facility, the research team was able to generate 3D images of this miniature marvel.



They unveiled brain regions, digestive glands, a rudimentary circulatory system and even traces of nerves supplying the larva’s simple legs and eyes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-fossil-reveals">What the fossil reveals</h2>



This research allows us to see inside one of the earliest arthropod ancestors. It's a revelation of sort: these early arthropod-relatives had an unexpectedly advanced anatomy. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/worm-fossil_Youti-yuanshi_insect-evolution_credit-Nature_1s.webp" alt="X-ray tomography of 500 million year old Youti yuanshi worm fossil. Credit: Nature" class="wp-image-1940448"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">X-ray tomography of 500 million year old Youti yuanshi worm fossil. Credit: Nature</figcaption></figure>



Let's hear directly from Dr. Smith to understand the significance of this finding:



"When I used to daydream about the one fossil I’d most like to discover, I’d always be thinking of an arthropod larva, because developmental data are just so central to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-flight-is-powered-by-an-extraordinary-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding their evolution</a>."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overview-of-insect-evolution">Overview of insect evolution</h2>



Dr. Katherine Dobson from the <a href="https://www.strath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Strathclyde</a>, another key contributor to this study, shared her amazement at the near-perfect preservation of the ancient larva.



"It’s always interesting to see what’s inside a sample using 3D imaging, but in this incredible tiny larva, natural fossilization has achieved almost perfect preservation," she states.



This ancient larva holds the key to solving a myriad of questions on the evolution of multi-limbed creatures. 



For instance, the fossil reveals an ancestral ‘protocerebrum’ brain region that was pivotal in our journey towards complex, segment-headed creatures.



The observations from this fossil help trace the path that led modern arthropods to gain their remarkable anatomical complexity and diversity. 



Moreover, these findings fill a crucial gap in our understanding of how the arthropod body plan originated during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-exist-today-ediacaran-period-earth-weak-magnetic-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambrian Explosion of life</a>.



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



The discovery of Youti yuanshi not only sheds light on the evolution of early arthropods but also prompts broader reflections on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nighttime-buzz-insect-activity-increases-by-31-4-at-night/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> itself. 



Understanding the anatomical features and adaptations of extinct species provides context for the diverse forms of life we observe today. 



This fossil acts as a reminder of the intricate web of evolutionary relationships that has shaped the myriad species inhabiting our planet.



As we explore these connections, we deepen our appreciation for the resilience and adaptability of life throughout the ages, underscoring the importance of preserving our current ecosystems.



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



The insights from Youti yuanshi are opening up exciting new paths for research, especially in fields like evolutionary biology, paleontology, and developmental biology.



Researchers are eager to dig deeper into Cambrian period fossils, hoping to find more specimens that shed light on the complex details of early life forms. 



Plus, the techniques used in this study, like synchrotron X-ray tomography, could be applied to other fossils, helping us discover even more about the milestones in the tree of life. 



As we keep the conversation between the past and present going, the scientific community is ready to uncover even more of the mysteries that shape the evolution of biodiversity.



The fossil is now housed at <a href="https://english.ynu.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yunnan University</a> in China, its original discovery site. This eye-opening research emphasizes the crucial role of fossils in understanding our roots and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-life-and-environment-co-evolved-over-500-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of life on Earth</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07756-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Worm that lived 520 million years ago explains insect evolution

Researchers have excavated a rare and intriguing fossil that transports...

Have you ever heard the old wives' tale claiming goldfish only possess a 3-second memory? If you answered yes, then you're in the company of many. This widespread belief, however, is an outright myth. 



Our little water- dwelling friends can remember things way longer than a fleeting three seconds. This might come as a surprise, but brace yourself for an enlightening journey debunking this popular misconception.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astonishing-reality-of-goldfish-memory">Astonishing reality of goldfish memory</h2>



The man dispelling this myth hails all the way from Australia. The research was led by Culum Brown, the myth-buster, who is an established scholar in fish cognition at the prestigious <a href="https://www.mq.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macquarie University</a>. 



So, how long can goldfish remember something? Weeks, months, or even years, according to Brown. He points to decades-old research that confirms this. 



As it turns out, our common presumption about our aquatic friends is miles off from the truth. Brown's work on fish intelligence over the past 25 years helps shed light on this misconception, which he suspects is influenced by general ignorance about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-engage-physical-punishment-of-offspring-for-discipline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish intelligence</a> and pet owners' guilt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-goldfish-memory-experiment">Goldfish memory experiment</h2>



Let's dive into some interesting experiments that reveal these little creatures' impressive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clownfish-count-stripes-on-other-fish-to-defend-their-territory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory capacity</a>.



If a goldfish is regularly fed on one side of its tank, it quickly learns and remembers to congregate on that side during feeding times. 



And it doesn't stop there. If the goldfish learns that pushing a red paddle brings food but a blue one doesn't, it will recall this distinction and show a preference for the red paddle long after the experiment ends. 



"If you break it down, most of the behaviors that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-songbirds-are-masters-of-memory-and-adaptation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most animals</a> do are adapted and fine tuned by learning a memory," Professor Brown says.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-problem-solving-recognition-and-more">Problem-solving, recognition, and more</h2>



But there's more than just memory to our scaly friends. Brown’s studies show that goldfish are adept problem solvers. 



For instance, they've been trained to escape nets and navigate mazes, and they can recall and repeat these skills weeks or even months later. 



They can also recognize and remember fellow goldfish after long periods apart. Even anecdotally, many goldfish owners report that their pets can identify them – setting them apart from other humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-difficult-time-span-in-goldfish-memory">Difficult time span in goldfish memory</h2>



Although it's difficult to pin down an exact duration for goldfish memory, it’s clear that it lasts much longer than the widely accepted "3-second" myth. 



Some memories, such as a frightening event, could be more impactful and long-lasting than mundane events. Regardless, the message is clear – the 3-second rumor is certainly a fish tale.



So why does the myth persist despite piles of research? Brown believes that fish have a serious PR issue, and misconceptions thrive because most people don't interact with fish in the same way they do with other pets. 



However, the tide may be changing. As more organizations disseminate information about fish intelligence, public opinion may shift, albeit slowly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wider-implications-of-fish-intelligence">Wider implications of fish intelligence</h2>



Understanding the cognitive abilities of goldfish extends beyond mere curiosity; it invites us to reconsider the ways in which we interact with aquatic life. 



Brown’s findings prompt a deeper investigation into the cognitive and emotional lives of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/319-million-year-old-fish-holds-clues-about-brain-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish species</a>.



As we come to recognize that fish are not just passive inhabitants of their aquatic environments but are active learners and social creatures, we must reassess our responsibilities as pet owners and aquarists. 



Just as with dogs and cats, providing stimulation through varied environments and interactive toys can enhance their overall well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-educational-outreach-and-the-future">Educational outreach and the future</h2>



To combat the entrenched myths surrounding fish intelligence, it is crucial to promote educational initiatives that highlight the findings of scholars like Culum Brown. 



Schools, aquariums, and community programs can play pivotal roles in disseminating this knowledge, fostering a more informed public that values fish beyond their ornamental charm. 



Future research and outreach efforts can elevate our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-20-minute-conversation-with-a-humpback-whale-named-twain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding of aquatic animals</a>, bridging the gap between public perception and scientific reality.



By embracing a more nuanced view of fish cognition, we pave the way for better practices in aquaculture and conservation, ensuring that these fascinating creatures receive the respect and understanding they deserve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-guilt-factor">The guilt factor</h2>



But there's another aspect to consider -- the guilt factor. Brown speculates that understating goldfish memory may stem from pet owners' guilt about confining them in small tanks. 



This theory is thought-provoking, suggesting that the myth might reflect more on us than on the goldfish.



"It kind of gives us an excuse to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-fleets-hidden-industrial-fishing-activity-exposed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treat them poorly</a>, because if we have a low opinion of their intelligence, then perhaps we can abuse them and get away with it," Professor Brown concludes.&nbsp;



Next time you pass by your pet or a fish tank, remember to appreciate these creatures for what they are—intelligent beings with a memory span defying popular belief. 



And, if you own a goldfish, you might want to consider upgrading their home to a larger tank with fellow fish and objects for enrichment. After all, as Brown suggests, they probably remember their experiences longer than you think.



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Goldfish have much better memory skills than previously believed

Have you ever heard the old wives' tale claiming goldfish...

An international team of astronomers has uncovered the veil shrouding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formation and evolution</a> of our Milky Way galaxy. The study shows that our galaxy's thin disk started forming much earlier than what was previously thought.



The research was led by Samir Nepal, a researcher from the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (<a href="https://www.aip.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AIP</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-milky-way-formation">Understanding Milky Way formation</h2>



To grasp the importance of this discovery, it is crucial to understand some key aspects of the Milky Way galaxy. The Milky Way is structured into several distinct regions. 



At its core lies the central bulge, which is a densely packed area of stars. Surrounding this central bulge is the thick disk, characterized by a higher concentration of stars and gas compared to other regions.



Extending outward from these regions is the thin disk, which contains the majority of the galaxy's stars, including our Sun. 



The thin disk region is significant as it is thought to have commenced its formation around 8 to 10 billion years ago, indicating a lengthy process of star formation and evolution.



Understanding these structural components and their histories provides valuable context for interpreting the implications of the recent discovery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galactic-map-to-milky-way-formation">Galactic map to Milky Way formation</h2>



Galactic archaeology involves mapping our galaxy's past through the ages, compositions, and movements of stars. These maps, known as chrono-chemo-kinematical maps, help us to piece together the history of our galaxy.



But, how do scientists spot an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-galaxies-formed-from-the-earliest-elements-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient star</a>? Stars are like time capsules. An easy way to step back into the early days of our galaxy is to study very metal-poor stars. 



Old, metal-poor stars are the senior citizens of the universe. They formed when everything was mostly hydrogen and helium, before heavier elements were created by new generations of stars.



Sifting through data from the <a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a>'s Gaia Mission, the researchers analyzed the stellar neighborhood, about 3,200 light years around our Sun. 



The experts found an unexpected number of ancient stars, older than 10 billion years - some even pushing the 13 billion year mark - all in the thin disk orbits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behind-the-spectral-signatures">Behind the spectral signatures</h2>



Even though these ancient stars are old, they are not all metal-poor. Some have twice the metal content of our Sun, implying that a rapid phase of metal enrichment took place early in our Milky Way's life.



This surprising discovery suggests that the thin disk of the Milky Way may have started forming billions of years earlier than we previously thought.



"These ancient stars in the disk suggest that the formation of the Milky Way's thin disk began much earlier than previously believed, by about 4–5 billion years,"&nbsp;explained Nepal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revamping-the-galactic-timeline">Revamping the galactic timeline</h2>



"Our study suggests that the thin disk of the Milky Way may have formed much earlier than we had thought, and that its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-like-galaxies-were-present-in-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formation</a> is strongly related to the early chemical enrichment of the innermost regions of our galaxy," noted study co-author Cristina Chiappini.



"The combination of data from different sources and the application of advanced machine learning techniques have enabled us to increase the number of stars with high quality stellar parameters, a key step to lead our team to these new insights."



This discovery puts our galaxy's disk formation timeline on par with those of high-redshift galaxies being observed by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) Radio Telescope. It signifies that cold disks could form and stabilize very early in the universe's history, shedding new light on the evolution of galaxies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-galactic-exploration">The future of galactic exploration </h2>



The study was made possible by the third data release of the Gaia mission. With the help of innovative machine learning methods, the team analyzed stellar parameters of over 800,000 stars. They compiled an extensive dataset which includes gravity, temperature, metal content, distances, kinematics and age of the stars.



The future looks bright, with similar techniques aiming to analyze millions of spectra, collected by the upcoming 4MIDABLE-LR survey, which is set to kick-start operations in 2025.



So, what does this all mean for us? It reframes our understanding of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">home galaxy</a>. The research not only pushes the boundary of our knowledge of the Milky Way's past, but it also propels the future of galactic exploration in unprecedented ways.



As we uncover more of these cosmic treasures, who knows what other fascinating secrets about our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic home</a> are waiting to be unearthed? 



The study is published in <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.00561" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arXiv</a>. 



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Milky Way's thin disk is billions of years older than we thought

An international team of astronomers has uncovered the veil shrouding...

Delving into the fascinating world of evolution, we uncover the tale of rapid bird evolution that traces its origins to an event of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-a-new-mass-extinction-that-will-wipe-out-humans-and-all-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass extinction</a>, some 66 million years ago. 



Just as non-avian dinosaurs drew their last breath, the avian ancestors saw the dawn of their evolutionary journey.



Interestingly, the aftermath of the mass extinction, known as the end-Cretaceous mass extinction event, was a pivotal milestone in avian history. 



It incited shifts in bird genomes, a phenomenon recently unveiled in a study conducted by the renowned <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a>. 



These genomic fluctuations contributed significantly to the expansive diversity of existing bird species, a fact now echoed in the "genomic fossils" nestled within the DNA of birds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-genetic-imprints-from-a-bygone-era">Decoding genetic imprints from a bygone era</h2>



The study, published in Science Advances, holds the key to a deeper understanding of avian genome evolution. 



"By studying the DNA of living birds, we can try to detect patterns of genetic sequences that changed just after one of the most important events in Earth's history," noted Jake Berv, the lead author of the study.



The research team succeeded in highlighting the lasting genomic imprints etched by this critical event in Earth's timeline.



Life's blueprint is determined by an organism's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-primate-genome-project-reveals-hidden-evolutionary-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a>, comprising four nucleotides: A, T, G, and C. 



Changes in nucleotide composition across the genome can shape the evolutionary potential of an organism, lending it the ability to evolve. 



The researchers discovered that the mass extinction event ignited shifts in nucleotide composition, influencing bird development, adult size, and metabolism.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-extinction-to-bird-evolution">From extinction to bird evolution</h2>



Following the mass extinction, surviving bird lineages underwent a dramatic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snake-evolution-legless-lizards-into-slithering-snakes-100-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transformation</a>. 



Within just 3 million to 5 million years, birds developed smaller body sizes and evolved patterns of pre-hatching development. More species started hatching in a delicate embryonic state, also known as "altricial."



These hatchlings, dependent on parental feeding and taking weeks to fledge, are a stark contrast to "precocial" birds that hatch ready to fend for themselves, such as chickens and turkeys.



The study also revealed intriguing links between changes in bird biology and the detected genetic shifts. "We found that adult body size and patterns of pre-hatching development are two important features of bird biology we can link to the genetic changes we're detecting," the authors noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leaps-in-avian-research">Leaps in avian research</h2>



Understanding the relationships between major bird groups has been a long-standing challenge in ornithology and evolutionary biology. 



Traditionally, genomic data was examined using models that assumed DNA composition, or the proportion of A, T, G, and C nucleotides, remained constant across evolutionary history.



However, the researchers developed a software tool to track DNA composition over time, allowing for a more fluid model of DNA evolution.



The use of this tool led to exciting discoveries; crucial shifts in DNA composition closely followed the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. 



This novel approach allowed the experts to infer which bird traits were tightly linked with these DNA composition shifts, providing unprecedented insights into the impact of mass extinctions on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/for-the-first-time-climate-change-adaptation-is-discovered-at-the-genetic-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic evolution</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mass-extinctions-and-bird-genomic-evolution">Mass extinctions and bird genomic evolution</h2>



Concluding on an exciting note, the findings of this study anchor mass extinction events as critical players in not just altering biodiversity and ecology but also reshaping the course of genomic evolution. 



In the world of science, the ripple effects of the mass extinction that wiped out giant dinosaurs continue to fascinate researchers, offering profound insights into the intricacies of biological evolution.



As we explore the early narratives of birds through these groundbreaking insights into genomic evolution, we are led to a more nuanced understanding of their history. 



"This study illustrates that we have probably been missing something," said the researchers, encouraging a fresh perspective in the future of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wood-frogs-achieved-significant-biological-evolution-25-years-salt-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary biology</a>.



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



As we stand on the brink of a new era in avian research, the implications of these findings extend far beyond understanding bird <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/untold-story-of-bird-evolution-revealed-through-genetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>.



The insights gained from studying genomic changes following mass extinctions can inform conservation strategies aimed at preserving our planet’s avian diversity. 



By recognizing the genetic factors that contribute to resilience and adaptability in birds, scientists can better equip conservation efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change and habitat loss.



Moreover, this research lays the groundwork for exploring how other species have adapted and evolved in response to similar catastrophic events throughout Earth’s history. 



As we continue to decode the genetic imprints left by these pivotal moments, we gain not only a clearer picture of avian history but also the potential to safeguard the future of countless species facing extinction today. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adp0114" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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How a mass extinction triggered bird evolution

Delving into the fascinating world of evolution, we uncover the...

Humans may be partially responsible for the reduction in brain size observed in domestic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-humans-close/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>. Researchers in Hungary have discovered that domestic dogs possess significantly smaller brains compared to their wild ancestor, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-return-of-the-gray-wolf-triumph-or-tragedy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gray wolf</a>. 



This change is attributed to domestic dogs living in less complex environments, which require less cognitive effort than the wild environments gray wolves inhabit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-domestication-occurred-passively-nbsp">Dog domestication occurred passively&nbsp;</h2>



Genetic analyses of the oldest known dog remains indicate that dogs were domesticated in a single event by humans living in Eurasia approximately 20,000 to 40,000 years ago.&nbsp;



According to Krishna Veeramah, an assistant professor of evolution at <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stony Brook University</a>, this process has probably been very complex, involving many generations where distinctive dog traits evolved gradually.



“The current hypothesis suggests that dog domestication likely occurred passively. A population of wolves likely lived on the outskirts of hunter-gatherer camps, feeding on human refuse. Tamer and less aggressive wolves would have been more successful in this environment,” explained Professor Veeramah.



“While humans initially did not gain any direct benefit, over time, a symbiotic [mutually beneficial] relationship developed between the humans and these animals, eventually leading to the dogs we see today.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-size-in-domestic-dogs-nbsp">Brain size in domestic dogs&nbsp;</h2>



The new study, led by László Zsolt Garamszegi from the Institute of Ecology and Botany at the <a href="https://ecolres.hun-ren.hu/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Ecological Research</a> in Hungary, suggests that other factors might also influence the reduction in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/modern-dogs-have-larger-brains-than-ancient-dog-breeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain size</a> in domestic dogs, although these factors are not clearly identified. 



The researchers noted that in the wild, phenomena like hibernation could contribute to brain size reduction in other canid species.



“The dog is a canid species that was domesticated from its ancestral species the gray wolf at least 15,000 years ago,” the experts wrote.&nbsp;



“Over 400 breeds of dogs exist today, and the overall pattern is that relative brain size is dramatically reduced in dogs as compared with the ancestral species, the gray wolf.”&nbsp;



This idea, that domestication has led to smaller brains in dogs, is widely accepted among veterinarians and researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domestic-dogs-require-less-brain-capacity">Domestic dogs require less brain capacity</h2>



Domestic dogs face fewer cognitive challenges, such as foraging for food, avoiding predators, and finding mates, compared to their wild counterparts. This reduced need for brain capacity is believed to have led to a gradual decrease in brain size.&nbsp;



According to the researchers, this phenomenon is thought to be a result of the decreased necessity for metabolically costly brain tissue in a domesticated environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-brain-and-body-size">Dog brain and body size</h2>



To investigate whether the brain size of domestic dogs is particularly small relative to their body size when compared to wild canids, the researchers analyzed the brain and body sizes of 25 canid species, including the domestic dog (Canis familiaris), the gray wolf (Canis lupus), and the common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/raccoon-dogs-may-be-a-growing-threat-to-waterbirds-in-finland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raccoon dog</a> (Nyctereutes procyonoides). 



The experts found that domestic dogs have experienced a significant reduction in brain size compared to gray wolves. However, the domestic dog's brain is still relatively large compared to some other canid species studied.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-hibernation-nbsp">The role of hibernation&nbsp;</h2>



An interesting finding of the study is that the common raccoon dog stands out as a “more pronounced outlier” in terms of brain size reduction, having an unusually small brain for its body size. The researchers believe this is due to the raccoon dog's hibernation habits.&nbsp;



“Prolonged periods of food shortage, such as during hibernation, prevents the evolution of large brains due to their constantly high energy demands,” explained the study authors.&nbsp;



The experts conclude that while domestication plays a role in the reduction of brain size in dogs, hibernation also contributes to this phenomenon in wild canids.&nbsp;



The authors caution against viewing domestication as a “uniquely powerful evolutionary force” responsible for shrinking dog brains.&nbsp;



The research has been published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2024.0336" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biology Letters</a>.



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Dogs’ shrinking brain size was partially caused by humans 

Humans may be partially responsible for the reduction in brain...

Our planet is an unceasing spectacle of natural miracles. One such marvel that unwrapped itself in recent times involves the unexpected volcanic activity in the enchanting landscape of Iceland. The volcanic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruption</a> reveals surprising insights into magma origins and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-sun-affects-magma-formation-deep-within-the-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geological processes</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chunks-of-magma-in-volcanic-episode">Chunks of magma in volcanic episode</h2>



The tale of the most recent volcanic episode on the Reykjanes peninsula in Iceland, which is expected to last for centuries, traces back to an extensive pooling of magma, lurking just beneath the surface.



The revelations brought to light by an international team of researchers from the United States, Sweden, and Iceland, made the world sit up and take notice.



The research team included scientists from <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a>, the Department of Earth Sciences at Uppsala University, and the <a href="https://english.hi.is" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Iceland</a> in Reykjavik. The researchers tramped through the heat and the smoke to bring back the truth cloaked under the raven lava fields.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-findings-about-volcanic-fires">Unexpected findings about volcanic fires </h2>



The recent lavas on the Reykjanes Peninsula were initially considered to have exploded directly from the mantle. But, as it turns out, the story is a bit more complicated.



The research team discovered that the magma, in reality, sprung from the subterranean melting of the Earth's crust.



This melting stemmed from the notorious "Fagradalsfjall Fires" that ignited in 2021. The frequent sampling of the erupted lavas led to a comprehensive analysis of geochemical signals, further reinforcing this revelation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explosive-magma-pooling-from-volcanic-activity">Explosive magma pooling from volcanic activity</h2>



Volcanoes may seem <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-tremors-can-now-be-detected-to-forecast-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unpredictable</a>, but a little peek into their fiery hearts can reveal their secrets. 



“Systematic lava sampling and subsequent analysis of compositional changes in the laboratory, help to decipher what is feeding the volcano at depth,” said first author James Day, a professor of geosciences at Scripps Institute of Oceanography.



“It’s a bit like taking regular measurements of someone’s blood. In this case, the volcano’s ‘blood’ are the molten lavas that emanate so spectacularly from it."



By using the isotopic composition of the element osmium, the research team was able to discern the happenings beneath the volcano.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magma-ascent-through-earth-s-layers">Magma ascent through Earth's layers</h2>



The theory of magma ascent through Earth’s layers has always been spoken of in hushed tones. The researchers have now made the conversation much louder.



Previously, it was believed that the Fagradalsfjall Fires erupted directly without mingling with the crust, but this study has made a definitive case to the contrary.



The researchers found that the 2021 lavas were indeed tainted by the crust, while the 2022 lavas made a clean pass. The earlier lavas must have gathered in the crust before emerging, and the subsequent eruptions found their way through pre-existing routes to the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-volcanic-activity">Implications of volcanic activity</h2>



Volcanic eruptions, like those on the Reykjanes Peninsula, have significant implications for both researchers and society. They can reshape landscapes, impact local climates, and disrupt air travel due to ash clouds. 



Studying these events enhances our understanding of geological processes and informs disaster preparedness. Ultimately, Iceland's volcanic activity serves as a reminder of our responsibility to coexist with our dynamic planet.



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



Study co-author Valentin Troll is a professor at Uppsala University and lead author on a recent study in Terra Nova, which investigated the magma plumbing system in the Reykjanes volcanic area.



"It seems that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/icelands-volcanic-eruptions-may-continue-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">‘fires’ in Iceland</a> will last for some time longer, possibly years," said Professor Troll.



While the ongoing eruptions spell disaster for the evacuees of the town of Grindavik, they also offer an opportunity for abundant scientific revelations. 



These volcanic episodes will shed new light on how lava fields develop and how magma migrates from the Earth's core to the surface, thereby enriching our understanding of these magnificent earthy spectacles.



In a nutshell, these fiery giants of Iceland serve as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of our planet and the formidable forces that sculpt it. It's an enduring saga of fire, rock, and human resilience that continues to enthrall and inspire.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07750-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Volcanic magma traced to melting in Earth's crust

Our planet is an unceasing spectacle of natural miracles. One...

Generative AI has revolutionized the digital landscape, captivating the world with its ability to create new data such as text, code, images, and videos.



Models like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infant-learning-mirrors-chatgpts-training/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OpenAI's GPT-4</a> and Stability AI's Stable Diffusion have showcased remarkable proficiency in these areas. 



However, these advancements come with a significant challenge: the immense data required to train these models is becoming increasingly scarce, potentially depleting available resources. 



As data scarcity looms, synthetic data emerges as a promising alternative. It's not only cheaper and virtually limitless but also poses fewer privacy risks and, in some cases, enhances AI performance. 



Yet, recent research by the Digital Signal Processing group at <a href="https://www.rice.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rice University</a> highlights a critical issue: the potential pitfalls of relying on synthetic data, with the stakes higher than ever before.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-problem-of-self-consuming-loops">Problem of "self-consuming" loops</h2>



This research reveals that a diet of synthetic data can significantly impact the future iterations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gen-ai-and-social-media-divert-peoples-attention-from-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">generative AI</a> models. 



But how does this occur? Professor Richard Baraniuk explained: “The problems arise when this synthetic data training is, inevitably, repeated, forming a kind of a feedback loop - what we call an autophagous or ‘self-consuming’ loop.”



The group's research has delved deep into these feedback loops and concluded that after several generations of such training, the new models can become irreversibly corrupted. 



This has been dubbed Model Autophagy Disorder or MAD, a term Baraniuk finds fitting by drawing an analogy to mad cow disease.



MAD cow disease, a fatal neurodegenerative illness in cows, spreads due to the practice of feeding cows the processed leftovers of their slaughtered peers - hence the term “autophagy,” from the Greek auto-, which means “self,” and phagy - “to eat.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unsettling-findings-behind-ai-and-data-security">Unsettling findings behind AI and data security</h2>



Baraniuk and his team presented their startling findings in a paper titled “Self-Consuming Generative Models Go MAD.” 



This paper is the first peer-reviewed work on AI autophagy and focuses on generative image models like the popular DALL·E 3, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion.



The Rice University group studied three variations of self-consuming training loops to provide a realistic representation of how real and synthetic data are combined into training datasets for generative models. 



The study revealed that over time, and without enough fresh real data, the models would generate increasingly distorted outputs, lacking either quality, diversity, or both.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sinister-ai-futures-and-data-protection">Sinister AI futures and data protection</h2>



The study paints a chilling picture of potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/truth-deception-future-of-ai-artificial-intelligence-lie-detection-machines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI futures</a>. Image datasets of human faces become gradually distorted with grid-like scars, referred as “generative artifacts,” or increasingly resemble the same person. Datasets of numbers morph into indecipherable scribbles.



“Our theoretical and empirical analyses have enabled us to extrapolate what might happen as generative models become ubiquitous and train future models in self-consuming loops,” said Baraniuk.



"Some ramifications are clear: without enough fresh real data, future generative models are doomed to MADness."



To make their simulations more representative, the researchers introduced a sampling bias parameter to account for “cherry picking” - the tendency of users to favor data quality over diversity. 



This choice preserves data quality over a greater number of model iterations but causes an even steeper decline in diversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-mad-to-catastrophe-doomsday-scenario">From MAD to catastrophe: Doomsday scenario</h2>



“One doomsday scenario is that if left uncontrolled for many generations, MAD could poison the data quality and diversity of the entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/internet-addiction-where-do-you-fall-on-the-spectrum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internet</a>,” warned Baraniuk.



The implications are staggering. As yet unseen unintended consequences could arise from AI autophagy, even in the short term.



As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it is crucial to understand and rectify these potential issues before they trigger a digital apocalypse. 



The path to success would require careful navigation to avoid the pitfalls of MAD and continue harnessing the power of AI safely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-to-combat-madness">Solutions to combat MADness</h2>



To tackle the challenges of Model Autophagy Disorder, innovative strategies are needed to mitigate its impact on generative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-model-gives-air-quality-forecasts-that-are-similar-to-weather-forecasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI models</a>. One effective approach is integrating diverse data sources into the training process, reducing reliance on repetitive synthetic datasets and enhancing the richness of training data.



Establishing robust data curation practices is also crucial. By implementing protocols to assess the quality and relevance of both real and synthetic data, we can maintain high standards and minimize the risk of generating distorted outputs. Collaborations between AI developers, data scientists, and ethicists can ensure ethical data sourcing and promote integrity.



Exploring adaptive learning algorithms that dynamically adjust training strategies based on incoming data quality and diversity is another key avenue. This adaptability would help AI models self-correct and evolve alongside real-world information.



Lastly, fostering transparency and collaboration within the AI community can facilitate the sharing of insights and best practices. By working together, researchers and developers can address challenges like MAD and develop effective solutions.



While the risks associated with synthetic data and self-consuming loops are significant, proactive measures can ensure a sustainable future for generative AI. Prioritizing diversity, quality, and collaboration can help harness the full potential of AI while safeguarding against MADness.



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Could generative AI go MAD and wreck internet data?

Generative AI has revolutionized the digital landscape, captivating the world...

Ever wondered about the weather conditions down in the deep sea? Like the silent depths, the answer holds more intrigue and revelation than you might first imagine.



Just the latest word in from a compelling new study published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01494-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>. It seems the deep sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-circumpolar-current-speed-increasing-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">currents</a>, much like our terrestrial weather, are not quite as steady and predictable as we thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-in-the-deep-sea">Weather in the deep sea</h2>



The seafloor, the ultimate destination for different kinds of particles, stores a wealth of information. From sand and mud to organic carbon food for seafloor organisms, even pollutants, they all end up there. 



These accumulations provide us invaluable clues to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-paradox-ocean-current-collapse-could-plunge-europe-into-cold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">past climates</a>, natural hazards, and oceanic conditions. It's like a historical archive but with data that extends far beyond human records.



Dr. Mike Clare, the leading scientist on the project from the <a href="https://noc.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanography Centre</a> (NOC), paints a vivid picture of the ocean deep.&nbsp;



“It is important to understand the behavior and pathways of currents that operate in the deep sea, in order to determine pathways of natural and human-made particles and make sense of those records preserved in deposits," said Dr. Clare.



“However, there have been very few direct measurements made of currents that flow across the seafloor in deep waters. Most are made high above the seafloor, over short timescales, and only at individual locations. Until now we have not understood how dynamic seafloor currents can be in the deep sea."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensing-the-pulse-of-the-ocean">Sensing the pulse of the ocean</h2>



In a trailblazing effort, researchers from the UK, Canada, Germany, and Italy teamed up. Over four years, they analyzed data from the largest array of sensors ever deployed in the deep sea.&nbsp;



Thirty-four deep-sea moorings armed with high-frequency Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (think underwater speed cameras for currents) measured the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ocean-warming-four-times-faster-than-global-average/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seafloor</a> currents at water depths up to 2.5 km.



The findings challenged longstanding assumptions. Contrary to previous models that suggested a continuous and steady flow of currents, the data collected indicated that the currents were anything but uniform.



The deep ocean currents were characterized by periods of acceleration, moments of slowdown, and even instances where they reversed direction entirely.



This variability was often influenced by local factors, particularly the irregular relief of the seafloor, which created a dynamic interplay that shaped the flow patterns in unexpected ways. 



Such insights not only deepen our understanding of oceanic currents but also highlight the intricate relationships between underwater topography and fluid dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-deep-sea-weather">Insights into deep-sea weather</h2>



Professor Elda Miramontes from MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences and the Faculty of Geosciences at the <a href="https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bremen</a>, is excited by the novelty and the potential implications of these measurements. 



"These are the first measurements of deep-sea currents across such a large area, long duration and so close to the seafloor. This makes them extremely valuable as they will help improve our models for reconstructing past changes related to climate change in the ocean," noted Professor Miramontes.



“The ocean bottom currents offshore Mozambique are far more variable than we expected," said study lead author Dr. Lewis Bailey. "Just like currents in the upper ocean, their intensity changes between seasons and can even flip backwards and forwards over the course of several hours."



Study co-author Dr. Ian Kane said that seeing how these currents behave is a bit like observing the weather in Manchester - always changing and often surprising. 



"But observing change in the deep sea is really challenging and, until now, we have had a poor understanding of what background conditions are like in the deep-sea," noted Dr. Kane.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-deep-sea-dynamics">Understanding deep sea dynamics</h2>



Amusing to Dr. Clare, this study underlines the importance of sustained deep-sea observations, which provide critical information on understanding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>. 



"More detailed observations are critical for understanding the important role bottom currents play in transporting sediment, carbon and pollutants across our planet."



With these breakthrough findings, we have taken a significant stride towards understanding our oceans better. However, the mysteries of the deep are still far from fully unveiled. 



As we continue exploring, what other surprises might the deep sea have in store for us? Only time, and our ceaseless curiosity, will tell.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01494-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Weather in the deep sea is not as predictable as we thought

Ever wondered about the weather conditions down in the deep...

Hand,Opens,Universe,Shocking,Discovery,Life,Is,A,Computer,Simulation

Have you ever considered the possibility that our reality might be an intricately crafted computer simulation? There is a name for this theory -- Simulation Hypothesis -- and it is now being tested in quantum lab experiments.



Though it may initially resemble a plot from the latest sci-fi blockbuster, a dedicated group of researchers is rigorously exploring this intriguing concept.



They are investigating the philosophical implications and technological advancements that could render such a simulation plausible.



Are we merely <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simulation-hypothesis-are-humans-living-in-a-simulated-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">characters in a grand digital narrative</a>, or is there a deeper truth waiting to be uncovered?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-experiments-to-prove-simulation-hypothesis">Quantum experiments to prove Simulation Hypothesis</h2>



At California State Polytechnic University in Pomona (<a href="https://www.cpp.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CPP</a>), a remarkable team of scientists is preparing to embark on mind-bending experiments that could challenge and redefine the fundamental principles of physics.



Leading this ambitious initiative is <a href="http://www.doorwaytothefuture.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thomas Campbell</a>, a distinguished former <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> physicist renowned for his expertise in complex theoretical models and space exploration. His extensive experience and innovative perspective are invaluable assets to the team.



Collaborating closely with Campbell is <a href="https://www.cpp.edu/faculty/fkhoshnoud/index.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Farbod Khoshnoud</a>, who heads a dedicated research group at CalPoly, Pomona.



Together, they are venturing into uncharted realms of physics, pushing the boundaries of our understanding.



This partnership promises to enrich the academic community, aiming to ignite new ideas that could revolutionize our comprehension of the universe.



What implications might these discoveries have for our understanding of the natural world?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-mechanics-where-reality-gets-weird">Quantum mechanics: Where reality gets weird</h2>



First, in order to really understand these experiments, we need to understand some basics about the mysterious world of quantum mechanics. This scientific field shakes and bakes our basic understanding of the universe.



So, what's weird about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum physics</a>? 



Well, the smallest parts of our universe, like atoms and subatomic particles, don’t follow the normal rules of classical physics we see every day. They act in strange and unexpected ways.



Campbell is taking this a step further. He thinks quantum mechanics is more than just a way to decode how tiny particles behave. He believes it reveals deep truths about reality itself.



By studying complex and baffling ideas from the quantum realm like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/full-chemical-complexity-of-quantum-decoherence-finally-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superposition</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entanglement</a>, and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">uncertainty principle</a>, Campbell suggests we might soon grasp how the universe works. This understanding could change how we see existence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-our-universe-a-big-cosmic-video-game">Is our universe a big cosmic video game?</h2>



Campbell suggests that our reality operates in a manner <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simulation-hypothesis-are-we-living-in-a-computer-simulation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">akin to a video game</a>, generating imagery and experiences "on demand" for its conscious observers, much like how a game creates environments based on player interactions.



"In essence, what you do not see does not exist," Campbell asserts, prompting us to reflect on the profound implications of this perspective.



This notion raises intriguing questions about the nature of perception and reality, challenging our fundamental understanding of existence.



While some may find this idea unconventional, it resonates with interpretations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/matter-spacetime-gravitational-waves-fabric-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a>, which also emphasize the role of observation in shaping reality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulation-hypothesis-the-experiments">Simulation Hypothesis: The experiments</h2>



The intriguing aspect of Campbell's work lies in its profound exploration of the relationship between consciousness and the very fabric of reality.



Unlike many traditional theories that treat consciousness as a mere byproduct of simulation, Campbell posits that it is fundamental to existence itself -- essentially the bedrock upon which the entire simulation operates.



Through a series of meticulously designed experiments, Campbell is placing his controversial theory under the microscope for rigorous examination.



These lab trials are not just a casual inquiry; they aim to delve deep into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/manipulating-quantum-dance-of-spinning-electrons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">peculiar quantum effects</a> that have been observed in the famous double-slit experiment as well as in the intriguing quantum eraser setups.



Researchers are actively seeking evidence to support the notion that reality behaves in response to conscious observation, much like a simulation, rather than as a fixed and independent world.



Each experiment serves as a step toward unraveling the complex interplay between our minds and the universe around us, raising questions about the very nature of existence and perception.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulation-hypothesis-experiments-and-the-future">Simulation Hypothesis experiments and the future</h2>



If Campbell's experiments bear fruit, it could mean a paradigm shift in how we comprehend our universe and our role within it. However, these experiments are unlikely to bring absolute proof that we inhabit a simulation.



Science always seeks to refine our understanding and build up evidence, so think of these experiments as more of a launchpad than a destination.



For now, the research teams are busy as bees, setting up their experiments, ready to dive into the data. The world watches, curious brains included, anticipating what they unearth.



Check out <a href="https://www.testingthehypothesis.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TestingtheHypothesis.com</a> if you're hungry for more details. The website houses a wealth of information about each experiment and acts as a hub for updates about this leading-edge research.



As we wait for the outcome, one certainty shines bright: the pursuit to decode the essence of reality keeps pushing the limits of science and philosophy. Whether we're in a simulation or not, the journey to discover the truth promises to enthrall.



The full premise behind this new study was published in the <a href="https://ijqf.org/archives/4105">International Journal of Quantum Foundations</a>.



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'Simulation Hypothesis' has leaped into serious quantum lab experiments

Have you ever considered the possibility that our reality might...

A recent study led by Syed Ayaz, a graduate research assistant at the <a href="https://www.uah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alabama in Huntsville</a> (UAH), has investigated kinetic Alfvén waves and their potential role in heating the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-coronal-hole-from-geomagnetic-storm-prompts-aurora-alert-for-northern-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar corona</a>.&nbsp;



Ayaz's research, under the guidance of the <a href="https://www.uah.edu/cspar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research</a> (CSPAR), addresses the long-standing mystery of why the corona - the sun’s outer atmosphere - is significantly hotter than the sun’s surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mechanism-behind-coronal-heating">The mechanism behind coronal heating</h2>



“For decades, Alfvén waves have been proven to be the best candidates for transporting energy from one place to another,” said Ayaz.&nbsp;



“This paper utilizes a novel approach to model energetic particles in space plasmas, as observed by satellites like Viking and Freja, to answer how the electromagnetic energy of the waves, interacting with particles, transforms into heat during the damping process as the waves move through space.”



This energy transport could be crucial in understanding the mechanism behind coronal heating, as these waves might transfer energy from the sun's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-dynamo-sun-magnetic-field-origin-generated-near-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic fields</a> to the plasma in the corona, raising its temperature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perplexing-heat-of-the-sun-s-corona">Perplexing heat of the sun's corona</h2>



The study primarily focuses on the perturbed electromagnetic fields, Poynting flux vector, and the power delivery rate of kinetic Alfvén waves within the solar atmosphere. 



The corona extends about eight million kilometers above the sun's surface and is perplexing because it reaches temperatures over a million degrees Kelvin, vastly exceeding the sun's surface temperature of approximately 6,500 degrees.



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



Dr. Gary Zank, director of CSPAR and the Aerojet Rocketdyne chair of the UAH Department of Space Science, emphasized the significance of Ayaz's work. 



“Syed is one of our outstanding students who is just starting out on his research career. His abiding interest in Alfvén waves has now resulted in his investigation of these waves at very small scales, the so-called kinetic scale in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plasma-rain-sun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plasma</a>."



Dr. Zank noted that this research offers important insights into the critical problem of how energy in a magnetic field is transformed to heat a plasma comprising charged particles like protons and electrons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-kinetic-alfven-waves">The role of kinetic Alfvén waves</h2>



Kinetic Alfvén waves (KAWs) are oscillations of ions and magnetic fields in the solar plasma, originating from movements in the photosphere, the sun's outer layer that emits visible light. These waves are crucial in the energy transfer process in plasma environments.&nbsp;



“My primary interest in these waves was sparked by the launches of the Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter missions, which raised the crucial question of how the solar corona is heated,” said Ayaz.



The research team focused on how KAWs facilitate heating and energy exchange within the corona. Observations from various spacecraft and theoretical studies have consistently shown that KAWs dissipate and contribute to heating the solar corona as they travel through space.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transferring-energy-to-plasma-particles-nbsp">Transferring energy to plasma particles&nbsp;</h2>



Kinetic Alfvén waves operate on small kinetic scales and are capable of supporting parallel electric and magnetic field fluctuations, which enable them to transfer energy to plasma particles.



“The present work utilizes and explores the Landau damping mechanism, which occurs when particles moving parallel to a wave have velocities comparable to the wave's phase velocity,” noted Ayaz.&nbsp;



The Landau damping mechanism allows for an exponential decrease in particular waveforms within the plasma, either transferring energy from the wave to the particles or vice versa, depending on their interaction.



The study's findings suggest that KAWs dissipate rapidly, transferring their energy to plasma particles, which then accelerates them over large distances. This energy transfer has significant implications for the dynamics of the solar plasma, contributing to the overall heating of the corona.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-dynamics-within-the-sun-s-corona-nbsp">Energy dynamics within the sun's corona&nbsp;</h2>



The insights gained from this research are essential for understanding the complex processes at work in the sun's atmosphere.&nbsp;



The study advances our knowledge of the energy dynamics within the corona and provides a framework for future investigations into solar and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-jupiters-magnetosphere-will-help-us-predict-space-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space weather</a> phenomena.&nbsp;



Ayaz's work, supported by CSPAR and the Department of Space Science, represents a significant step forward in heliophysics research, with potential applications in understanding the behavior of plasmas in various astrophysical settings.



“The analytical insights gleaned from this study find practical application in understanding phenomena within the solar atmosphere, particularly shedding light on the significant role played by nonthermal particles in the observed heating processes,” concluded the researchers.



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Why is the sun’s corona hotter than its surface? 

A recent study led by Syed Ayaz, a graduate research...

Migration is at the forefront of the climate crisis, as the globe faces unprecedented environmental challenges, including extreme weather events, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/">bio</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity loss</a>, and resource scarcity.



Humanity's response needs to be reimagined, with a growing recognition that international collaboration and coordinated efforts are crucial. 



As rising temperatures and sea levels threaten landscapes and displace communities worldwide, the movement of people from their homes has become an urgent reality that cannot be ignored. 



Climate-induced migration is not a distant concern; it is a pressing issue that is happening now, demanding immediate attention and comprehensive action to address its complexities and impacts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-to-rethink-climate-migration">Urgent need to rethink climate migration</h2>



An impactful study published recently by climate and social scientists from reputed institutions such as <a href="https://www.wur.nl/en/education-programmes/wageningen-university.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wageningen University</a>, <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, and <a href="https://www.nju.edu.cn/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nanjing University</a> puts forth a strong argument.



The experts emphasize the importance of facilitating movement among different geographical locations to ensure stability and prosperity in the face of the climate crisis.



Professor Marten Scheffer of Wageningen University stated: "Millions of people are projected to be displaced by sea-level rise in the next decades, and two billion could be exposed to extreme heat beyond their experience by the end of the century."



Ignoring or underestimating the shift in human populations could lead to global discord and a divided world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-borders-not-spirits">Breaking borders, not spirits</h2>



Countries have traditionally seen migration in terms of borders and national security only, but the researchers are urging a shift in perspective.



The study highlights the increasing instances of climate-related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-migration-a-good-response-to-climate-change-the-answer-is-complicated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration</a> within countries, where individuals leave areas affected by long-term agricultural productivity decline or escape from extreme conditions such as coastal erosion. This internal migration plays out differently across nations.



Large countries with varied climate zones have a relative advantage, while smaller nations face significant challenges. 



The study also points out the inherent wealth disparity that hinders internal and inter-state migration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barriers-to-climate-migration">Barriers to climate migration</h2>



"While many animal species are already changing their geographical distribution in response to climate change, humanity now faces increasing barriers to this," noted Professor Tim Lenton.



"Global warming exacerbates existing inequalities, making habitability a major political challenge of this century."



The researchers maintain that the solution lies in global cooperation to address migration flows and demand for labor, benefiting both the Global South and the developed world.



The paper also proposes a major reform in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-food-system-must-change-if-nations-hope-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food system</a>, suggesting that migration can increase production while conserving nature. They suggest a shift towards plant-based diets and reducing meat consumption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-migration-can-be-a-win-win">Climate migration can be a win-win</h2>



Far from seeing migration as a threat, the researchers argue that it can actually be a win-win for both people and the climate.



However, this requires global leaders to constructively communicate the economic benefits of migration and effective integration. 



"Every corner of the world needs to anticipate the coming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-crisis-global-supply-chains-face-25-trillion-in-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate crisis</a> and promote the safe and beneficial movement of people as conditions change," said Professor Neil Adger.



Embracing this outlook on migration is not just about ensuring a better future for those on the move but for our planet as a whole. 



Integrating the movement of people into our strategies to combat climate change is not just necessary - it is urgent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-technology-in-managing-migration">The role of technology in managing migration </h2>



Technology plays a crucial role in managing climate-induced migration by offering innovative solutions to make migration safer and more efficient.



Data analytics and GIS can predict <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-migration-patterns-will-result-in-rapidly-aging-coastal-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration patterns</a> and identify at-risk areas, allowing for proactive resource allocation and reducing the humanitarian impact of displacement.



Additionally, technology enhances communication for migrants, providing information on safe routes, available services, and legal rights through mobile apps and platforms. Social media helps build networks and fosters a sense of community among migrants.



Investing in sustainable technologies, such as renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure, creates economic opportunities for displaced populations. 



By integrating technology into migration strategies, we can address immediate needs and build a more resilient future, turning migration into an opportunity for global collaboration and growth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/one-earth/abstract/S2590-3322(24)00312-9?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2590332224003129%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Earth</a>.



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Climate migration is an urgent reality that cannot be ignored

Migration is at the forefront of the climate crisis, as...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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

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