Around 3.7 billion years ago, early molecules on the young Earth learned to copy themselves. Over time, this simple act of replication - with help from chance and chemistry - blossomed into the plants and animals we see today.



Charles Darwin later explained how slow, steady change - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-intelligence-did-not-evolve-due-to-natural-selection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural selection</a> acting on isolated populations - could split one species into two.



Yet in the plant kingdom, an alternative route to diversity exists. It is called autopolyploidy, and a new theoretical study of a woodland herb known as beetleweed (Galax urceolata) shows just how powerful - and complicated - this mechanism can be.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-mistake-sparks-new-species">DNA mistake sparks new species</h2>



Most organisms, humans included, are diploid: they carry two complete sets of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-animals-balance-their-sex-chromosomes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chromosomes</a>, one from each parent.



In autopolyploidy, something unusual happens during the production of sperm or egg cells. Instead of halving the chromosome count, the cell leaves the full complement intact. When such a gamete meets another, the resulting embryo inherits double - or even triple - the usual DNA.



The newcomer may still manage to reproduce with its diploid relatives, but the hybrid offspring generally fare poorly. That mismatch in fertility often pushes the polyploid lineage to mate among its own kind, launching an instant reproductive barrier and, effectively, a new species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-types-one-plant">Three types, one plant</h2>



For decades botanists assumed these chromosome copycats were evolutionary curiosities - unlikely to survive, let alone thrive, alongside their diploid parents.



Field surveys later overturned that view: autopolyploids are widespread and resilient. 



The lingering mystery was whether several cytotypes - diploids, triploids, tetraploids - could share the same patch of ground without one eventually eliminating the others through sheer competition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-herb-with-three-identities">Mountain herb with three identities</h2>



Beetleweed, a low evergreen that carpets portions of the Appalachian Mountains, provided the perfect natural experiment. Earlier surveys revealed that some stands contain plants with two, three, or four chromosome sets.



“Through my fieldwork, I discovered that a single population could have a mishmash of cytotypes, which fascinated me,” remarked Shelly Gaynor, lead author of the new study that she&nbsp;completed at the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a>.



“With this study, I set out to understand if these populations could persist over time. Would one cytotype eventually outcompete the others, or could all three cytotypes persist?”



Answering that required tools beyond the transect tape and microscope. Gaynor and colleagues designed a mathematical framework that treats population change as inherently noisy - subject to random swings in birth, death, climate, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-transforming-pollen-science-and-health-planning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollen</a> flow.



Their model tracks how diploids, triploids, and autotetraploids form, spread, and interact when gene flow keeps tossing new genetic combinations into the mix.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chromosomes-coexist-in-plants">Chromosomes coexist in plants</h2>



Two ingredients emerged as critical for long-term coexistence. First, self-fertilization rates matter. 



The more often a plant can pollinate itself, the easier it becomes for an odd-ploidy seedling to find a genetically compatible mate - sometimes its own flowers - without relying on scarce partners.



Second, partial reproductive isolation improves balance. If crosses between cytotypes rarely succeed, each form can maintain its numbers without being swamped by unfit hybrids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-favors-the-strongest">Stress favors the strongest</h2>



Environmental hardship then tilts the playing field. Under harsh conditions and intense competition, the model predicts that autotetraploids gain an edge over their diploid ancestors.



Extra chromosome copies may buffer them against stress, confer broader ecological tolerance or fuel faster adaptation. Triploids, by contrast, often act as a genetic bridge, forming when diploids and tetraploids interbreed but typically suffer lower fertility.



Because Gaynor’s simulations embed both demographic randomness and shifting weather, they reveal outcomes conventional equations might miss.



Sometimes all three cytotypes coexist for centuries; other times one prevails after a long stalemate. The key lesson is that stochasticity - the roll of the “evolutionary dice” - cannot be ignored when forecasting which lineages persist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-beyond-one-plant">Impacts beyond one plant</h2>



Although the work focuses on a single Appalachia endemic plant, its reach extends far. Crop breeders deliberately create autopolyploids to enlarge fruit, boost resilience, or break <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crop-disease-experts-discover-how-bacteria-hijack-plant-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disease</a> cycles.



Understanding how mixed-ploidy fields behave over time could help manage gene flow between improved varieties and their wild relatives.



Conservationists, meanwhile, wrestle with how best to protect rare plants that harbor multiple chromosome races within the same reserve; the new model offers a scaffold for predicting viability under climate stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-evolutionary-assumptions">Challenging evolutionary assumptions</h2>



The research also nudges evolutionary theory. Instant speciation via autopolyploidy sits at one extreme of the continuum of reproductive isolation. 



By showing that such sudden splits can persist even when parents and offspring rub shoulders, the beetleweed study challenges the tidy notion that new species must always occupy distinct niches or territories to survive.



Gaynor’s findings do not close the book on polyploid dynamics; rather, they open new chapters. 



Field experiments that monitor marked plants through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">droughts</a>, fires, and pathogen outbreaks could test whether tetraploids really weather adversity better.



Genetic analyses might uncover which genes, duplicated in extra copies, underpin that resilience. And satellite imagery paired with ecological modelling may reveal whether mixed-cytotype populations correlate with particular microclimates across the Appalachian ridges.



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



For now, the humble beetleweed stands as living proof that life need not wait for continental drift or glacial cycles to carve new evolutionary pathways.



Sometimes a single cellular hiccup - one missed step in plant chromosome division - is enough to spin off an enduring lineage. 



In the grand narrative that began with rogue molecules self-assembling eons ago, autopolyploidy writes its own rapid-fire chapter, reminding us that the processes that generate biodiversity can be as swift as they are surprising.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/734411" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The American Naturalist</a>.



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Plant chromosome glitch fast-tracks evolution

Around 3.7 billion years ago, early molecules on the young Earth learned to copy themselves. Over time, this simple act of replication - with help from chance and chemistry - blossomed into the plants and animals we see today. Charles Darwin later explained how slow, steady change - natural selection acting on isolated populations - could split one species into two. Yet in the plant kingdom, an alternative route to diversity exists. It is called autopolyploidy, and a new theoretical study of a woodland herb known as...

Stone,Age,Hut,Of,Reeds,In,The,Woods

Imagine what life might have been like thousands of years ago, when hunter-gatherers roamed the earth. We have an image in our minds of how the days of early humans were crafted around their survival tasks - hunting, gathering, moving, and surviving.



But, have you ever stopped to wonder what their homes might have looked like or how they organized them? 



Recent archaeological discoveries from the famous Mesolithic site of Star Carr in North Yorkshire have given us a whole new perspective, shedding light on the domestic lives of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-lush-green-sahara-desert-helped-early-humans-migrate-out-of-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient ancestors</a>.



Distinct behavioral patterns inside their dwellings imply that they meticulously created 'zones' for specific household chores.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunter-gatherers-stone-age-houses">Hunter-gatherers' Stone Age houses</h2>



Unfolding the secrets of Star Carr, researchers from two esteemed institutions, the <a href="https://www.york.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of York</a> and the <a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Newcastle</a>, undertook an exciting exploration. 



The microscopic study of stone tools, found within what are believed to be cone-like or dome-shaped structures, reveals intriguing details about how people lived more than 11,000 years ago.



The investigation reveals that a variety of activities such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-ancestors-woodworking-sophisticated-techniques/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">woodwork</a>, bone and antler craftsmanship, plant processing, hide tanning, meat and fish preparation likely took place inside these prehistoric dwellings. 



The spatial patterns of these activities were then meticulously plotted to understand where these activities might have occurred within the dwellings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organized-living">Organized living</h2>



Dr Jess Bates, from the University of York, shared some surprising findings. 



“We found that there were distinct areas for different types of activity, so the messy activity involving butchery, was done in what appears to be a designated space, separate to the ‘cleaner’ tasks such as crafting bone and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-masters-woodworking-crafting-wooden-hunting-weapons/">wooden objects</a>, tools or jewelry," Dr Bates revealed.



This level of organization is unexpected. It’s well known that hunter-gatherers led a highly mobile lifestyle, necessitated by the constant need to find food and adapt to changing environments.



Yet, despite their transient existence, it seems they took a rather organized and thoughtful approach to their homes, creating designated areas for various activities, reminiscent of how we meticulously arrange our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-homo-sapiens-living-spaces-organized-similarly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">living spaces</a> today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-shelter-for-hunter-gatherers">More than just shelter for hunter-gatherers</h2>



Our homes serve more than just a functional purpose - they are imprinted with social norms, emotional attachments, and provide a sense of identity and belonging.



It seems this was as true for our distant ancestors as it is for us, reflecting a universal human desire for order and comfort.



Furthermore, there is compelling evidence suggesting that these ancient homes were kept clean and tidy, with the insides being regularly swept and maintained, indicating a surprising level of care and attention to their living environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-architecture-of-ancient-dwellings">Architecture of ancient dwellings</h2>



These early human abodes were not just functional but also showed signs of architectural thought. 



The construction of these dwellings used wood from felled trees, coverings perhaps made from plants like reeds, or animal hides. 



The reasons behind why these hunter-gatherers built such structures and continued to throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hazelnut-shells-offer-clues-ancient-landscapes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mesolithic period</a> remain a mystery.



"In modern society we are very attached to our homes both physically and emotionally, but in the deep past communities were highly mobile so it is fascinating to see that despite this there is still this concept of keeping an orderly home space,” according to Dr Bates.



This study shows a completely new facet of the hunter-gatherer’s life, one that values the sense of home as more than just a physical space, but a realm of organization, cleanliness and social order.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-community-in-domestic-life">Role of community in domestic life</h2>



The social dynamics within hunter-gatherer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-humans-used-conch-shell-sounds-to-organize-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communities</a> significantly shaped their domestic lives. These groups were tightly-knit communities that relied on cooperation and shared responsibilities. 



Archaeological evidence shows communal activities like food preparation and tool-making, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.



Social interactions likely influenced the organization of living areas, with communal spaces for group activities like storytelling or shared meals, strengthening social bonds. 



Artifacts such as decorated pottery and shared tools indicate a culture rich in collaboration and collective identity.



Emotional connections were vital, much like in modern societies. Burial practices at sites like Star Carr, where individuals were interred together, suggest a belief in interconnectedness beyond life.



Understanding these social dynamics offers a deeper appreciation of our ancestors' sophisticated social structures, balancing individual needs with communal responsibilities, making their lives meaningful beyond mere survival.



-----



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Stone Age hunter-gatherers had a very organized domestic life

Imagine what life might have been like thousands of years...

This month had "hottest day on record" for our dear old Earth. This is not a typical summer update, but rather a revelation that should stir us all.



The main hero of our story is NASA's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a>, and the character under the spotlight is none other than Dr. Peter Jacobs of the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scorching-records-of-hottest-day">Scorching records of hottest day</h2>



On July 22, 2024, the flames of history were stoked as Earth experienced its hottest day ever recorded. Not far behind, July 21 and 23 also sizzled past <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-just-experienced-its-hottest-day-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previous daily records</a>, creating a heat-trilogy that surely left the world sweaty. 



It's unsettling to think these record-breaking temperatures are part of a long-term warming trend, largely caused by human activities and a generous helping of greenhouse gases.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>&nbsp;Administrator Bill Nelson describes the situation with a fitting sense of urgency. "In a year that has been the hottest on record to date, these past two weeks have been particularly brutal," he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tools-of-trade">Tools of trade</h2>



The Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (<a href="https://gmao.gsfc.nasa.gov/reanalysis/MERRA-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MERRA-2</a>) and Goddard Earth Observing System Forward Processing (<a href="https://gmao.gsfc.nasa.gov/GMAO_products/NRT_products.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GEOS-FP</a>) systems, revealed this.



These two marvels of human invention play a critical role in collecting global observations from devices on land, sea, air, and satellites using atmospheric models.



GEOS-FP specializes in providing rapid, near-real time weather data, while MERRA-2 takes its sweet time but guarantees the quality of observations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hotter-by-the-day">Hotter by the day</h2>



The data collected paints a vivid picture: daily global average temperature values from MERRA-2 for the years 1980-2022 are shown in white, values for 2023 in pink, and values from 2024 through June in red. 



As for the cream of the crop, the daily global temperature values from July 1 to 23, 2024, from GEOS-FP take the purple spot of honor.



The European Union’s Copernicus Earth Observation Programme observed similar results. It provides comprehensive data on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> and its impacts. 



While there are slight differences between the two analyses, both agree on a concerning trend. Temperatures are rising, and we are experiencing the hottest days on record.



The <a href="https://www.copernicus.eu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Copernicus Programme</a> uses satellites to monitor environmental changes. It highlights the urgency of climate issues. The program tracks more frequent heatwaves that impact ecosystems and human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-worrying-trend-of-hottest-days">Worrying trend of hottest days</h2>



The latest daily temperature records succeed 13 months of consecutive monthly temperature records.



Scientists from NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies have based this analysis on the GISTEMP record, which uses surface instrumental data alone and provides a deeper view of changes in global temperatures at monthly and annual resolutions going back to the late 19th century.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-hot-day">Science behind the hot day</h2>



Understanding why temperatures are rising is key to grasping the larger impact on our planet.



The primary mechanism driving these extreme conditions is the greenhouse effect. It is a natural process. Certain gases in Earth's atmosphere, like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), trap heat from the sun.



Human activities, notably the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly increased the concentrations of these greenhouse gases, intensifying the effect and leading to what we now refer to as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.&nbsp;



Research shows that the planet has already warmed by approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, which might seem modest but carries profound consequences for weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-to-action">Call to action</h2>



As global temperature records continue to shatter, it is imperative that we confront these realities with urgency, reinforcing the necessity of sustainable practices and collective action to mitigate this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-event-may-push-earth-towards-its-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ongoing crisis</a>.



“Through our over two dozen Earth-observing satellites and over 60 years of data, NASA is providing critical analyses of how our planet is changing and how local communities can prepare, adapt, and stay safe. We are proud to be part of the Biden-Harris Administration efforts to protect communities from extreme heat,” expressed Administrator Nelson.



The rising temperatures are more than just <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/march-was-the-hottest-on-record-in-alarming-10-month-streak/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statistical spikes</a>. Perhaps the next time the sun shines a little stronger, we'll remember July 22, 2024, and think about what we can do to change the course. After all, there's no Planet B.



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-----

NASA: Earth's hottest day ever was recorded on July 22, 2024

This month had "hottest day on record" for our dear...

Selection,Of,Food,High,In,Sugar,,Written,Sugar

Do the foods we eat affect how young or old we feel or look? Researchers at the <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, San Francisco</a>, have had a riveting revelation. They found a critical link between a nutrient-rich, low-sugar diet and a younger biological age at the cellular level.&nbsp;



The research was led by Dr. Dorothy Chiu, a postdoctoral scholar at the <a href="https://osher.ucsf.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health</a>.&nbsp;



"The diets we examined align with existing recommendations for preventing disease and promoting health and highlight the potency of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients in particular. From a lifestyle medicine standpoint, it is empowering to see how heeding these recommendations may promote a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/true-biological-age-hidden-blood-markers-newly-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">younger cellular age</a> relative to chronological age," said Dr. Chiu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sugary-diet-and-biological-age">Sugary diet and biological age</h2>



The crux of this research aimed to see how different measures of healthy eating affected the "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epigenetic-dna-clocks-predict-biological-age-more-accurately/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epigenetic clock</a>." This biochemical test can estimate both health and lifespan. The exciting discovery was, the healthier the diet, the younger the cells appeared.



However, there was also a correlation between added sugar and cellular aging. Even with a health-conscious diet, every gram of added sugar consumed was associated with an increase in the epigenetic age. The study deepens our understanding of why sugar is detrimental to health.



"We knew that high levels of added sugars are linked to worsened metabolic health and early disease, possibly more than any other dietary factor," said Professor Elissa Epel, a co-senior author of the study.



"Now we know that accelerated epigenetic aging is underlying this relationship, and this is likely one of many ways that excessive sugar intake limits healthy longevity."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-added-sugar-consumption">Added sugar consumption</h2>



The women in the study reported consuming an average of 61.5 grams of added sugar per day.&nbsp;



To put this in perspective, a bar of milk chocolate has about 25 grams of added sugar, while a 12-ounce can of cola packs about 39 grams.&nbsp;



The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that adults consume no more than 50 grams of added sugar per day.



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



The researchers thoroughly analyzed the food records of 342 women with an average age of 39. The individual diets were compared with epigenetic clock measures, which were derived from saliva samples.



The results of the analysis showed a strong correlation between adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components, and a lower epigenetic age. In essence, consuming lesser added sugar led to a slow-down in biological aging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionizing-health-through-diet">Revolutionizing health through diet</h2>



Barbara Laraia, a co-senior author of the study, provided an interesting proposition.&nbsp;"Given that epigenetic patterns appear to be reversible, eliminating 10 grams of added sugar per day is akin to turning back the biological clock by 2.4 months, if sustained over time," noted Laraia.



"Focusing on foods that are high in key nutrients and low in added sugars may be a new way to motivate people to eat well for longevity."



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



Understanding the complex link between diet and cellular aging requires solid nutritional education. When people are knowledgeable, they can make informed choices such as prioritizing nutrient-dense foods and avoiding processed options that are high in added sugars.



This educational approach could be crucial in changing dietary habits. It fosters a culture that values healthy eating. Ultimately, this contributes to a broader societal shift towards longevity and well-being.



Initiatives to integrate nutritional lessons into schools and community programs are essential, as they lay a foundation for lifelong healthy eating practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-age-and-the-way-forward">Food, age, and the way forward</h2>



The findings from this unique research provide valuable insights into the role of diet in influencing our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-delays-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biological age</a>. Eliminating sugars from our diets can potentially roll back the years and allow us to maintain our vitality and vigor.



So, next time you reach for that sugary treat, remember, you might be stealing a little youth from your future self. Can we sustain a diet rich in necessary nutrients and low in added sugars?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/article-abstract/2821611" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Network Open</a>.



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Want to reverse your age? Take sugar out of your diet 

Do the foods we eat affect how young or old...

A recent study has uncovered a unique breeding behavior in the Andamanese Charles Darwin's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-frog-day-addressing-environmental-threats-to-frogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frog</a> (Minervarya charlesdarwini), endemic to the Andaman Islands. 



The research was led by a team of biologists from the <a href="https://www.du.ac.in/%C3%B9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Delhi</a>, the Zoological Survey of India, <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>, and the University of Minnesota.



Published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.3099/0006-9698-577.1.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breviora</a> of the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, the research describes how this frog species exhibits a combination of unusual reproductive traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-reproductive-strategy-of-darwin-s-frog-nbsp">Unique reproductive strategy of Darwin's frog&nbsp;</h2>



The Andamanese Charles Darwin's frog, part of the Dicroglossidae family, displays a distinctive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-frogs-live-in-trees-but-lay-eggs-on-the-ground/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reproductive strategy</a>. 



Unlike many frogs, these frogs lay terrestrial eggs inside tree cavities or root buttresses above the water surface. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, which then drop into the water below to continue their development.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upside-down-spawning-a-highly-specialized-trait-nbsp">Upside-down spawning: A highly specialized trait&nbsp;</h2>



During egg-laying, the mating pair adopts an unusual upside-down posture, clinging to the vertical walls of the tree cavity, completely out of the water. This behavior is unprecedented among frogs.



“Upside-down spawning is the most remarkable behavior in this frog,” said study lead author Professor S. D. Biju. “No other frog is known to lay terrestrial eggs inside tree holes in an upside-down position.”



Professor Biju noted that this discovery is fundamental for understanding how the species interacts with its environments and which habitats are essential for its survival.&nbsp;



“Such specialized traits also yield insights into the evolution of reproductive modes and behaviors among anuran amphibians.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-vocalizations-used-to-find-mates-nbsp">Complex vocalizations used to find mates&nbsp;</h2>



Additionally, the male frogs exhibit complex vocal behaviors, producing three different types of advertisement calls to attract females, along with an aggressive call used during male-male competition.&nbsp;



When vocal displays fail to deter rival males, physical combat ensues, involving kicking, boxing, and biting. During these altercations, the defending male and the female often move higher up the tree cavity walls to avoid interference from rival males.



Professor James Hanken is curator of herpetology at the Museum of Comparative Zoology and a professor of biology in the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard.



“This finding is an example of the remarkable diversity of amphibians and reproductive behaviors that are still unknown to science, especially from unexplored regions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-dictates-biodiversity-hotspots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity hotspots</a> of tropical Asia,” said Professor Hanken.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-breeding-sites-of-darwin-s-frog-nbsp">Unusual breeding sites of Darwin's frog&nbsp;</h2>



Despite their specialized breeding behavior, these frogs have adapted to breed in a variety of unusual and unnatural sites, especially in disturbed forest areas.&nbsp;



The researchers observed them breeding in places like artificially watered plastic sapling bags and discarded containers, such as plastic and metal vessels, left at the forest's edge.&nbsp;



The adaptation to these suboptimal breeding sites is likely a response to habitat loss and competition for limited resources, posing a threat to the species' survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts-to-protect-darwin-s-frog-nbsp">Conservation efforts to protect Darwin's frog&nbsp;</h2>



The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect the natural breeding habitats of Minervarya charlesdarwini. The species is currently listed as “Vulnerable” on the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN Red List of Threatened Species</a>, and the degradation of its natural habitat could severely impact its population.



“The frogs’ use of trash for breeding is both surprising and worrying. We now need to know its causes and long-term consequences, and devise ways to protect the natural breeding sites that are critical for the survival of the species,” said co-lead author Sonali Garg.



The research was conducted over three years on the remote islands of the Andaman archipelago, requiring over 55 nights of fieldwork during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sonoran-monsoon-blaming-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monsoon season</a>. 



The findings are detailed in a paper titled “Tree holes to trash: unique upside-down terrestrial spawning, agonistic interactions, complex mating calls, and unnatural breeding alteration in Minervarya charlesdarwini (Anura, Dicroglossidae),” published in the July 2024 issue of Breviora.



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



The research underscores the unique ecological adaptations of Darwin's frog and the pressing conservation needs of this endemic species.&nbsp;



The study also highlights the critical role of natural microhabitats and the potential threats posed by human-induced environmental changes.



“Our findings call for conservation attention to this habitat specialist, which, although locally abundant, is an endemic and threatened species of the Andaman Islands,” concluded the study authors.



Image Credit: S.D. Biju



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Darwin’s frogs are breeding in highly unusual places

A recent study has uncovered a unique breeding behavior in...

Monarch butterflies in Northern California are adapting to climate change by shifting their breeding season to winter, according to a new study published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.18473/lepi.78i2.a6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the Lepidopterists’ Society</a>. 



This adaptation, observed particularly in the urban San Francisco Bay Area, could be crucial for the species' survival. 



The study, led by David James, an associate professor of entomology at <a href="https://wsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a>, found that monarch pupae developing in the winter of 2021/2022 had a survival rate of about 50 percent.&nbsp;



This finding builds on previous research documenting winter breeding in the region during 2020/2021, a phenomenon likely driven by warmer winters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monarchs-evolving-for-survival">Monarchs evolving for survival</h2>



“We are witnessing monarchs evolving and adapting to new environmental circumstances,” James stated. “We can learn a lot from what they are doing, and this will inform our strategies for providing the resources they need to be successful.”&nbsp;



This observation is crucial as it indicates the monarchs' potential to adapt to changing climatic conditions, ensuring their continued survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monarch-pupae-viability-nbsp">Monarch pupae viability&nbsp;</h2>



Over the past five years, the population of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monarch-butterflies-winter-locations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overwintering</a> monarchs along the California coast has fluctuated dramatically, dropping from 192,624 in 2017 to an all-time low of 1,899 in 2020. However, numbers rebounded to 247,246 in 2021 and 335,479 in 2022.&nbsp;



Concurrently, there has been a noticeable rise in winter-breeding monarchs feeding on non-native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoring-milkweed-could-save-the-eastern-monarch-butterfly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">milkweeds</a> in urban areas. The recent study is the first to assess the viability of monarch pupae during winter, providing vital data for understanding this new breeding behavior.



The research involved monitoring more than 100 wild monarch pupae at the Googleplex campus near Palo Alto during the winter of 2021/2022. Citizen scientist Maria Schaefer, who has collaborated with Professor James since 2020, led the monitoring efforts.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monarch-survival-rates-in-winter">Monarch survival rates in winter</h2>



Despite some losses due to landscaping activities, the study found a 49.4% success rate in pupal eclosion - the process of emerging as adult butterflies.&nbsp;



Notably, the researchers observed that winter pupae can survive and produce adults over a period of up to seven weeks, compared to just 10 days in summer conditions. “Given that winter is a sub-optimal environment for breeding, these results are promising,” James noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parasites-and-winter-breeding">Parasites and winter breeding</h2>



The study also examined the prevalence of the parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha in the winter-breeding population, using the shed-skin of the pupae (exuviae) for detection.&nbsp;



The analysis suggested that approximately 70% of the population was likely infected with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-monarch-butterflies-are-killed-by-parasites-yearly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parasite</a>, highlighting the need for further research into its impact on the monarchs, particularly in the context of their new winter breeding behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modifying-monarch-conservation-nbsp-strategies">Modifying monarch conservation&nbsp;strategies </h2>



The emergence of winter-breeding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-forecast-the-future-of-monarch-butterflies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monarchs</a> presents an adaptation to warmer winters, providing an alternative to the traditional overwintering in non-breeding colonies at sites like Pacific Grove, Santa Cruz, and Pismo Beach. To support this new behavior, conservation practices may need to be updated.&nbsp;



“Currently, conservation guidelines dictate that ornamental milkweeds, the ones that winter-breeding monarchs primarily use, should be cut down during winter to minimize parasite infection,” noted Professor James.&nbsp;



“This is clearly bad for winter-breeding. We suggest that these guidelines should be modified to have milkweed cut back during late summer instead of late fall which should still minimize parasite infection while ensuring availability of plants for monarch winter-breeding.”



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



The researchers plan to continue monitoring the winter-breeding monarch populations in the South Bay Area to gather more data.&nbsp;



Their ongoing research aims to understand the role these winter-breeding monarchs may play in sustaining the overall population of western monarchs, which face numerous challenges due to climate change and habitat loss.&nbsp;



The findings from this study not only provide valuable insights into the adaptability of monarch butterflies but also underscore the need for flexible and updated conservation strategies to support their survival in a changing world.



“The developing importance of winter breeding in western monarch ecology necessitates modifications to conservation guidelines that enhance the survival of immature stages, acknowledging the role of non-native milkweeds while minimizing parasite infection,” the authors concluded.



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Monarch butterflies shift to winter breeding for survival

Monarch butterflies in Northern California are adapting to climate change...

Honeybees have a whopping impact on our planet, much more so than what meets the eye. From pollinating our flowers to aiding in the production of the fruits and veggies we relish, they're the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-bee-day-2024-bee-engaged-with-youth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unsung heroes of our ecosystem</a>. But did you know that their diet plays a crucial role in their daily tasks and survival?



When it comes to their diet, it isn't just about the sugars and starches. We've got news straight from the honeycomb that could help us help them do their job better. 



New research has shed light on how the balance of the honeybee diet directly influences their health and job performance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balanced-honeybee-diet-balanced-hive">Balanced honeybee diet, balanced hive</h2>



The mind behind this intriguing research is Professor Sharoni Shafir from the <a href="https://new.huji.ac.il" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebrew University of Jerusalem</a>.



Working from the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Professor Shafir's study delves into the nutritional balance of honeybees and its effects on their overall fitness and homeostasis.



The study paints a clear picture for us; a balanced diet for honeybees is not just a nice-to-have but a must-have for their optimal health. 



The overall task performance of these industrious creatures, especially nursing the larvae, hinges on their nutritional intake. Without a well-balanced diet, honeybees may find their nursing abilities hindered. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrition-from-honeybees-diet">Nutrition from honeybees' diet</h2>



Wondering what we mean by a balanced diet for these buzzing friends of ours? One key aspect is the omega-6:3 ratio. 



In Professor Shafir’s study, an omega-6:3 ratio of 5:1 proved detrimental for the honey bees. With this unbalanced diet, it took longer for them to start nursing. They made fewer nursing rounds, and they couldn’t properly cater to the needs of the three-day-old and four-day-old larvae.



Honeybees aren’t privy to nutrition facts labels like we are. They can't check the omega-6:3 ratio before deciding on their food. So, who's to ensure their diet is balanced?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balanced-vs-unbalanced-diet">Balanced vs. unbalanced diet</h2>



The research team took one-day-old worker bees and split them into two groups. One group had a balanced diet, while the other group dined on an unbalanced spread for seven days. 



After this, the bees were all sent into a common-garden hive, tagged with barcodes, and filmed continuously for six days.



The stars in this intriguing find were the bees from the unbalanced diet group. They exhibited a delay in nursing behavior and a reduced efficiency in caring for the larvae, which is precisely what Professor Shafir anticipated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-step-for-bee-kind">Big step for bee-kind</h2>



The results of this study hold substantial implications, especially in cultivated landscapes where balanced pollen sources can be scanty. 



"Balanced nutrition is fundamental for honeybee colonies, impacting not just individual health but also the overall efficiency and survival of the hive," said Professor Shafir.



"Our study underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced omega-6:3 ratio in the diet of honey bees to ensure they can perform their crucial roles within the colony effectively."



A hike in the omega-6:3 ratio could pose a severe risk to these amazing creatures. It can affect their health, cognitive abilities, and their strength to keep their colonies afloat.



But it’s not all doom and gloom. The research opens the doors to increased understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-face-a-multitude-of-complex-stressors-in-the-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honeybees' nutritional needs</a>. It's a call to action for us to buttress our efforts in conserving diverse and nutritionally adequate pollen sources for these essential pollinators.



So, what can you do for our buzzing buddies?



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



Professor Shafir's research aligns with broader findings on how nutritional imbalances impact not just bees but various species. It impacts their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-colonies-are-collapsing-as-climate-change-progresses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a>, successful reproduction, and even the health of their offsprings.



This research is not just a footnote in the annals of scientific literature. It's a call to humans to increase awareness and take action to support the nutritional needs of honeybees. After all, they play a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honeybees-can-sniff-out-lung-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vital role</a> in maintaining their populations and providing crucial pollination services.



So next time you see a bee buzzing around flowers in your garden, remember, making sure it finds a balanced diet could mean a world of difference. And in doing so, you're not just helping the bees, but our planet too.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003347224001428?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animal Behaviour</a>.



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Honeybees need a balanced diet for optimal health

Honeybees have a whopping impact on our planet, much more...

Have you ever wondered how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-rules-natural-selection-change-significantly-often-daphnia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life on Earth</a> evolved with changing atmospheric conditions? The question is as vast as time itself. But a group of scientists have made it their mission to shed light on this intricate link between life and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-2024-a-call-for-land-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a> that has been playing out for over 500 million years.



Enter Dr. Zunli Lu, a renowned geochemistry professor at <a href="https://www.syracuse.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Syracuse University</a> and lead author of an intriguing new study. Dr. Lu partnered with experts from <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford</a> and <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford</a> Universities.



Together, they've taken a deep dive into Earth's past, examining the link between ancient life forms and their chemical environment during the Phanerozoic Eon, which started about 540 million years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-life-and-environment">Evolution of life and environment </h2>



"One of our tasks was to summarize the most important discoveries about carbon dioxide and oxygen in the atmosphere and ocean over the past 500 million years," said Lu.



The team delved deep into how atmospheric changes affected marine life evolution. Still, they were quick to point out that it's a two-way highway; the evolution of life also affected the chemical environment.



"It's not a trivial task to understand how to build a habitable Earth over long time scales," noted Lu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-and-environment-connection">Life and environment connection</h2>



Interestingly, the Phanerozoic Eon started with high levels of carbon dioxide and low oxygen levels. But life still found a way to thrive, thanks to some unsung heroes - ocean algae.



These tiny life forms embarked on a carbon dioxide munching spree. They locked-up this gas in organic matter and gave out oxygen through photosynthesis. In essence, ocean algae were the first maestros of the atmospheric symphony.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-to-the-beat">Adapting to the beat</h2>



The process of life adapting to its environment and vice versa is incessant. Jonathan Payne, professor of Earth and planetary sciences at Stanford University, emphasized the role of oxygen levels in animal survival.



Algae's actions didn't go unchallenged. As they chomped down carbon dioxide and pumped up oxygen levels, their own carbon-fixation efficiency took a hit. 



But the algae weren't about to bow down just yet. They simply <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-lampreys-help-scientists-decode-stem-cell-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolved</a> complex photosynthesis methods, creating internal compartments with controlled chemistry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-drive-for-efficiency">The drive for efficiency</h2>



"For algae, it's changes in the environmental ratio of O2/CO2 that seems to be key to driving improved photosynthetic efficiency," noted Rosalind Rickaby, a professor in Oxford's Earth Sciences Department. This adaptability potentially broadened the habitability range for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-laid-the-foundation-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">many life forms</a>.



Dr. Lu noted that the story of Phanerozoic Eon reads like a two-part novel. The first part sees life enhancing Earth's habitability. The second? Adaptation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effect-on-life-and-environment">Ripple effect on life and environment</h2>



As oxygen levels rose, the impact on Earth's ecosystems became profoundly evident. The increasing availability of oxygen facilitated the evolution of more complex life forms, culminating in the emergence of multicellular organisms. 



This transformation allowed for a greater diversity of species and interactions, establishing intricate food webs within marine and terrestrial environments. 



The interplay between life and its chemical surroundings prompted a cascade of evolutionary innovations, making ecosystems richer and far more diversified. The message is clear: the story of life on Earth is not just a narrative of survival but a tale of collaboration, adaptation, and interdependence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-life-on-earth">Future of life on Earth </h2>



Today, the lessons learned from the Phanerozoic Eon bear significant implications for our current and future understanding of habitability. 



As climate change and other anthropogenic factors influence our planet's atmosphere and ecosystems, scientists hark back to the past to inform our pathway forward. Understanding the dynamics of life's evolution amid varying environmental conditions may arm us with solutions to modern ecological challenges.



If we can comprehend how life helped shape the Earth over millions of years, we may also find ways to sustain its habitability for generations to come. 



This continued exploration invites us to reflect on our role as stewards of the Earth and the responsibility we carry in preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co-evolution-of-life-and-environment">Co-evolution of life and environment</h2>



This study gives us a fascinating glimpse into our planet's co-evolutionary history. Yet, there's so much more to explore.



According to the authors, the future of this research lies in mapping the spatial patterns of ocean oxygen, biomarkers for photosynthesis, and understanding metabolic tolerance shown in fossil records.



Isn't it astonishing how life and our environment have been dancing this intricate ballet for over 500 million years? And the dance continues, as we humans learn to adapt to our ever-changing world. After all, life, it seems, always finds a way!



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/nsr/article/11/6/nwae099/7630191" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Review</a>.



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How life and environment co-evolved over 500 million years

Have you ever wondered how life on Earth evolved with...

Liquid metals are at the forefront of a new strategy to combat industrial emissions. Despite the global shift towards <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-renewable-energy-capacity-will-take-a-record-leap-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a>, the harsh reality remains that chemical production contributes to an estimated 10 to 15 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.



An immense 10 percent of total energy consumption worldwide is expended in chemical plants, a number that is steadily climbing. 



The major culprit? Energy-intensive chemical reactions that are fundamental to producing a vast array of commodities.



In an intriguing turn of events, researchers from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> are proposing a radical approach to tackling these emissions - leveraging the "atomic intelligence" of liquid metals to trigger greener, more sustainable chemical reactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-reactions-heart-of-modern-existence">Chemical reactions: Heart of modern existence</h2>



At the helm of this innovative research is Professor Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh, head of the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Sydney.



“People often forget that chemical reactions are at the heart of all we have and use; almost all modern products are created using some sort of chemical reaction," said Professor Kalantar-Zadeh. 



Indeed, from high-grade plastics in medical tools to ammonia in agriculture, the production process of most modern commodities involves chemical reactions that consume significant energy, consequently leading to burgeoning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-liquid-metal-future-of-chemical-reactions">Liquid metal: Future of chemical reactions?</h2>



The research team proposes that many chemical reactions could be made more efficient using liquid metals. These reactions include green hydrogen production, synthesis of structured chemicals like polymers used in household items, and decomposition of materials like microplastics and PFAS. 



"Using liquid metals for chemical reactions is still a very new concept; most chemical reactions still rely on decades-old processes. Tapping into the ‘atomic intelligence’ of metals in liquid form to drive reactions remains largely unexplored but holds huge potential for transforming the future of chemical industries,” noted Professor Kalantar-Zadeh.



Last year, the team pioneered a technique using liquid metals, aiming to replace traditional, energy-guzzling processes that rely on solid catalysts (solid metals or compounds) for triggering chemical reactions.



The innovative methodology involves creating a range of products, including plastics, fertilizers, fuels, and feedstock.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-temperature-reactions-the-way-forward">Low-temperature reactions: the way forward?</h2>



The team's revolutionary approach allows chemical reactions to be incited at lower temperatures. This is a stark contrast with current methods requiring metals to be heated to several thousand degrees centigrade.



Liquid metals can dissolve catalytic metals like tin, copper, silver, and nickel at lower temperatures. This results in alloys that facilitate chemical reactions at low energy, thus presenting a profound stride towards a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-inspires-solutions-for-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable future</a> for chemical industries.



The innovative research offers a roadmap demonstrating the transformative potential of altering the nature of chemical reactions.



As more industries recognize this potential, the possibilities are boundless, and a more sustainable future might just be within our reach.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-properties-of-liquid-metals">Unique properties of liquid metals</h2>



Liquid metals, such as gallium and mercury, exhibit remarkable properties that make them ideal candidates for revolutionizing chemical processes. 



One of the most significant advantages of liquid metals is their ability to remain in a liquid state at relatively low temperatures, allowing them to be used as efficient solvents and catalysts.



Additionally, liquid metals possess excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, which can further optimize reaction conditions and improve overall efficiency. This conductivity allows for better heat management during chemical processes, minimizing energy waste and enhancing the stability of reactions.



Furthermore, their unique atomic structure enables liquid metals to create dynamic environments for molecular interactions, potentially leading to the development of new materials and products.



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



As researchers continue to explore the applications of liquid metals in chemical reactions, the potential for innovation is vast. 



From producing cleaner fuels to developing more sustainable materials, liquid metals may well serve as a cornerstone for the future of green chemistry, driving significant reductions in industrial emissions and paving the way for a more sustainable world. 



The integration of this technology would not only change the landscape of chemical production but could also contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn5871" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Liquid metals may create a greener future for chemical production

Liquid metals are at the forefront of a new strategy...

Is there more in a name than we realize? It seems like there is, according to a fascinating new study led by Dr. Yonat Zwebner from Reichman University’s <a href="https://www.runi.ac.il/en/schools/business/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arison School of Business</a>. Who would have thought that our names might have a role in shaping our faces?



Dr. Zwebner conducted the research in collaboration with Dr. Moses Miller, Professor Jacob Goldenberg, Noa Grobgeld, and Professor Ruth Mayo of <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebrew University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-name-and-face-connection">Name and face connection</h2>



This study posits that a person’s face tends to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-do-not-have-free-will-stanford-scientist-robert-sapolsky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolve</a> to mirror their name. How interesting is that? But how does this happen?



The researchers examined whether parents choose a baby’s name based on their appearance, or if the individual’s facial appearance changes over time to match the name given by their parents. The findings are genuinely incredible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-matching-names-to-faces">Matching names to faces</h2>



The researchers carried out an intriguing experiment where 9- to 10-year-old children and adults were asked to match faces to names. 



Both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/babies-use-their-mothers-scent-to-see-faces/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">children</a> and adults were able to correctly match adult faces to their respective names, significantly above what could be attributed to pure chance. However, when it came to matching children’s faces and names, the participants couldn’t make as many accurate associations.



It doesn't end there! In another part of this study, a machine learning system was presented with a vast database of human faces. 



The system recognized that the representations of adult faces with the same name were remarkably more similar to each other than faces of adults with different names.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-fulfilling-prophecy">Self-fulfilling prophecy</h2>



The bottom line? The researchers concluded that the similarity between a person’s face and their name can be seen as a self-fulfilling prophecy. 



Our facial appearance may change over a long period to align with the social stereotypes associated with our names. Just think about it – does your name influence how you look?



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



There's something profound that this study highlights – the broad impact of social expectations. Do you ever think about how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-many-facial-expressions-seem-more-social-and-likeable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social constructs</a> shape us? According to Dr. Yonat Zwebner, the research demonstrates that social constructs do exist, a theory that has been difficult to prove.



“Our research highlights the broader significance of this surprising effect — the profound impact of social expectations. We have demonstrated that social constructs, or structuring, do exist — something that until now has been almost impossible to test empirically," said Dr. Zwebner.



"Social structuring is so strong that it can affect a person’s appearance. These findings may imply the extent to which other personal factors that are even more significant than names, such as gender or ethnicity, may shape who people grow up to be.”



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



The implications of this study extend beyond mere curiosity about names and faces; they venture into the realm of personal identity and self-perception. 



If our names can indeed influence our physical traits, how does this shape our understanding of ourselves? It opens up a dialogue about the role of identity — are we merely shaped by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-power-of-diversity-in-friendships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">societal expectations</a>, or do we possess agency over how we choose to present ourselves? 



The alignment of personal identity with societal constructs could potentially lead individuals to ingratiate themselves with the traits associated with their names, impacting everything from career choices to social interactions.



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



This groundbreaking research raises several intriguing questions, highlighting the need for further exploration. 



Future studies could delve into the extent to which various social constructs, such as cultural background or socioeconomic status, influence the connection between names and faces. 



Additionally, understanding whether these effects manifest similarly across different cultures could provide deeper insights into the universality of social expectations. 



As we broaden our inquiry into the interplay of names, faces, and identity, we may uncover further layers of complexity in the ways societal constructs shape our lives and perceptions.



What's in a name? Much more than we ever imagined, according to this study. It gives us food for thought about the powerful social structures that quietly shape our lives and even our faces, every day.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2405334121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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People's faces gradually evolve to match their names

Is there more in a name than we realize? It...

Another exciting chapter has recently unfolded in the endlessly fascinating universe. Astronomers around the globe were stunned by an event named the BOAT, short for the brightest-of-all-time gamma-ray burst (GRB).



Experts took a new look at the gamma-ray burst, which happened in October 2022, and made an amazing discovery. Using data from NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, scientists have detected a feature that has never been seen before. 



The research was led by Maria Edvige Ravasio, who is associated with <a href="https://www.ru.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Radboud University in Nijmegen</a>, Netherlands. She is also affiliated with Brera Observatory, part of the Italian National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF) located in Merate, Italy.



The team saw something unusual, a high-energy peak, which turned out to be the first high-confidence emission line ever seen in 50 years of studying GRBs.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-an-emission-line">What's an emission line?</h2>



When matter interacts with light, energy can be absorbed and reemitted in specific ways. These interactions can either brighten or dim certain colors (or energies), creating key features when the light is dispersed across a spectrum, similar to the colors of a rainbow.



The features can tell us a lot about the interaction, such as what chemical elements were involved. 



At higher energies, these spectral features can reveal specific particle processes, like when matter and antimatter annihilate each other to produce gamma rays.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-feature-unique-to-the-boat">A feature unique to the BOAT</h2>



Study co-author Om Sharan Salafia from the INAF-Brera Observatory in Milan explained that while some previous studies reported possible evidence for absorption and emission features in other GRBs, they ended up being just statistical fluctuations.



What the experts saw in the brightest gamma-ray burst is different. They ran the numbers and determined that the odds this feature is just a noise fluctuation are less than one chance in half a billion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-story-of-gamma-ray-bursts">Story of gamma-ray bursts</h2>



Gamma-ray bursts are the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-pinpoints-location-farthest-gamma-ray-bursts-in-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potent explosions in the cosmos</a>. These massive cosmic fireworks emit an exorbitant amount of gamma rays, the highest-energy form of light.



The most typical type occurs when the core of a star exhausts all its fuel, causing it to collapse and form a rapidly spinning black hole. 



Matter falling into the black hole powers oppositely directed particle jets that blast through the star’s outer layers at nearly the speed of light. Earth detects a gamma-ray burst only when one of these jets points almost directly toward it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intensity-of-the-brightest-gamma-ray-burst">Intensity of the brightest gamma-ray burst </h2>



The BOAT, or GRB 221009A as it is formally known, erupted on October 9, 2022. It saturated most gamma-ray detectors in orbit, including those on Fermi, preventing them from measuring the blast's most intense part.



Reconstructed observations coupled with statistical arguments suggest that if the BOAT were part of the same population as previously detected GRBs, it would likely be the brightest burst to appear in Earth’s skies in a whopping 10,000 years.



The unusual emission line showed up almost 5 minutes after the BOAT's detection and well after it had dimmed enough to end saturation effects for Fermi. 



The emission line lingered for at least 40 seconds, peaking with energy of about 12 MeV (million electron volts). To put this into perspective, the energy of visible light ranges from 2 to 3 electron volts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-made-the-spectral-feature">What made the spectral feature?</h2>



The team suspects the most likely cause of this spectral feature is the annihilation of electrons and their antimatter counterparts, positrons. 



“When an electron and a positron collide, they annihilate, producing a pair of gamma rays with an energy of 0.511 MeV,” said study co-author Gor Oganesyan at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gssi.it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gran Sasso Science Institute</a>&nbsp;in L’Aquila, Italy. 



“Because we’re looking into the jet, where matter is moving at near light speed, this emission becomes greatly blueshifted and pushed toward much higher energies.”



So, to produce an emission line peaking at 12 MeV, the annihilating particles were likely moving toward us at roughly 99.9% the speed of light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-unknowns-in-gamma-ray-bursts">Many unknowns in gamma-ray bursts</h2>



“After decades of studying these incredible cosmic explosions, we still don’t understand the details of how these jets work,” noted Elizabeth Hays, the Fermi project scientist at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center</a>&nbsp;in Greenbelt, Maryland. 



“Finding clues like this remarkable emission line will help scientists investigate this extreme environment more deeply.”&nbsp;



In the end, it's just another day in the universe. Each second brings <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-helping-nasa-swift-pinpoint-location-gamma-ray-bursts-grbs-most-violent-explosions-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new discoveries</a>, new mysteries, and new chances to understand the cosmos around us better. This latest finding is yet another milestone in our quest to unravel the cosmic truths.



Video Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center



Image Credit: NASA



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Brightest gamma-ray burst ever recorded had a rare energy peak

Another exciting chapter has recently unfolded in the endlessly fascinating...

“Every picture tells a story,” or so the saying goes. True enough, but what if those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/negev-petroglyphs-ancient-art-rock-carvings-face-erosion-fungi-lichens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pictures</a> tell the story of an ancient culture and its intricate relationships with the natural world? 



In the wilderness of the Colombian Amazon, a secretive canvas of rock art explores this very tale. It takes us back to the early settlers of the continent - meeting, marveling, and making meaning of the animals they encountered.



This adventure into human history is led by an international team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, <a href="https://www.udea.edu.co/">Universidad de Antioquia</a>, Medellín, and the <a href="https://unal.edu.co" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universidad Nacional de Colombia</a>. The findings take us on a visual journey through time, culture, and ecology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-amazon-rock-art">Ancient Amazon rock art</h2>



Located in the Serranía de la Lindosa, Cerro Azul – a free-standing table-top hill near the Guayabero River – has proven to be a vital page in the storybook of man's early days in Amazonia. 



The hill hides a trove of rock art, a gallery of vivid ochre <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-used-lava-tubes-for-homes-middle-east-saudi-arabia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paintings</a> that serve as a testament to the lives and beliefs of the region's early settlers.



“These rock art sites include the earliest evidence of humans in western Amazonia, dating back 12,500 years ago," said Dr. Mark Robinson, associate professor in Exeter's Department of Archaeology and History.



"As such, the art is an amazing insight into how these first settlers understood their place in the world and how they formed relationships with animals.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon-through-the-lens-of-rock-art">Amazon through the lens of rock art</h2>



The team's detailed study of animal remains from nearby excavations - alongside analysis of the artistic depictions - revealed an intriguing discrepancy. 



While the remains suggest a diverse diet that included mammals, reptiles, and even fish, it appears the artists weren't merely <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-cave-painting-discovered-in-indonesia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">painting</a> what was on the dinner table.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/amazon_prehistoric-rock-art_animals_panels2_UExeter_1s.jpg" alt="a) avian/human at Las Dantas, b) lizard with round, human-like head at Currunchos, c) bird/plant/human with penis at Principal, d) sloth/human at Demoledores, e) Unknown quadruped with tail and penis at Reserva, f) Deer/human at Principal. Credit: University of Exeter" class="wp-image-1940207"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">a) avian/human at Las Dantas, b) lizard with round, human-like head at Currunchos, c) bird/plant/human with penis at Principal, d) sloth/human at Demoledores, e) Unknown quadruped with tail and penis at Reserva, f) Deer/human at Principal. Credit: University of Exeter</figcaption></figure>



Interestingly, the animal bones' proportions didn't match the proportional representation of animals in the art. 



This raises fascinating questions about the significance of certain species in indigenous Amazonian culture, further underlining the complexities of the relationships these early settlers forged with the animals around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-and-the-supernatural">Art and the supernatural</h2>



Indeed, the visually stunning renditions of animals and humans transforming into one another alluded to a rich mythology that guided generations of Amazonians. 



This hints at a profound spiritual aspect, suggesting that certain species were revered and believed to possess supernatural connections, warranting complex rituals from specialists.



“The Indigenous people of Cerro Azul and the surrounding lands hunted and depicted a diverse array of animals from different ecologies – from aquatic fish to arboreal monkeys; terrestrial deer to aerial birds, both nocturnal and diurnal," noted Dr. Javier Aceituno, of Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín.



"They had intimate knowledge of the various habitats in the region and possessed the relevant skills to hunt animals and harvest plants from each, as part of a broad subsistence strategy.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-cats-and-power-symbols">Big cats and power symbols</h2>



Adding another layer of intrigue to the study are the species noticeably absent from the rock art. Big cats, despite their position as apex predators, were strikingly missing from the painted panels. 



This absence prompts the researchers to theorize that the artists may have been restricted from depicting powerful beasts, like the jaguar, adding a new dimension to their findings.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/amazon_prehistoric-rock-art_animals_panels1_UExeter_1s.jpg" alt="a) fishing; b, c, e) hunting; d) monkey leaping/transforming sequence; f) and an unknown animal with circular feet and curved head elements. Credit: University of Exeter" class="wp-image-1940205"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">a) fishing; b, c, e) hunting; d) monkey leaping/transforming sequence; f) and an unknown animal with circular feet and curved head elements. Credit: University of Exeter</figcaption></figure>



On the other hand, the abundant illustrations of figures combining human and animal characteristics reveal a complex mythology of transformation between animal and human states, a traditional belief still prevalent in many modern Amazonian communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-amazon-rock-art">Learning from Amazon rock art</h2>



The artwork not only paints a picture of humanity's relationship with animals but also showcases a broad understanding and exploitation of diverse environments in the region, including savannah, flooded forests, and rivers.



Professor Jose Iriarte of Exeter offered his perspective on the value of these findings. "Our approach reveals differences between what indigenous communities exploited for food and what is conceptually important to represent - and not represent - in art," said Inarte.



"Though we cannot be certain what meaning these images have, they certainly do offer greater nuance to our understanding of the power of myths in indigenous communities. They are particularly revealing when it comes to more cosmological aspects of Amazonian life, such as what is considered taboo, where power resides, and how negotiations with the supernatural were conducted.”



The findings shed light on the intricate tapestry of Amazonian life thousands of years ago, still echoing through the timeless rock art of Cerro Azul.



Our journey through the annals of human cultural history continues, filling the gaps one discovery after another, allowing us a glimpse into the complex rhythms of ancient life that continue to resonate in our modern world.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278416524000448?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Anthropological Archaeology</a>.



Image Credit: University of Exeter



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Rock art reveals early human ties with Amazon animals

“Every picture tells a story,” or so the saying goes....

New research from the <a href="https://www.rom.on.ca/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Ontario Museum</a> (ROM) highlights a significant, yet previously overlooked source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>: drying lake beds, specifically Utah's Great Salt Lake. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drying-lake-beds-and-climate-change-nbsp">Drying lake beds and climate change&nbsp;</h2>



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2024.07.001" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Earth</a>, reports that in 2020, the desiccated bed of Great Salt Lake released 4.1 million tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. 



This finding underscores the potential for drying lake beds to become substantial contributors to climate change, exacerbated by global warming.



“Human-caused desiccation of Great Salt Lake is exposing huge areas of lake bed and releasing massive quantities of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere,” said Soren Brothers, the study’s lead researcher and ROM’s Allan and Helaine Shiff Curator of Climate Change.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-all-activities-contributing-to-emissions">Addressing all activities contributing to emissions</h2>



Brothers noted that the significance of lake desiccation as a driver of climate change needs to be addressed in greater detail and considered in climate change mitigation and watershed planning.



According to the study authors, it is crucial that all activities contributing to GHG emissions be fully accounted for as societies adopt strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to halt the progress of climate change.



“Inland waters are a critical component of the global carbon cycle, emitting large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) to the atmosphere and annually burying a similar quantity of organic carbon as is buried in oceans,” the researchers added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluctuating-levels-of-saline-lakes">Fluctuating levels of saline lakes</h2>



Great Salt Lake’s water levels vary yearly, mainly depending on the volume of meltwater from surrounding mountains. However, human activities like agriculture, industry, and municipal water use have significantly depleted the lake over the years.&nbsp;



Globally, similar patterns are observed in other iconic saline <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-lakes-produce-less-methane-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> such as the Aral Sea, Lake Urmia, and the Caspian Sea. 



The drying of these lakes not only destroys critical habitats and degrades air quality but also accelerates climate change by emitting greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane from exposed sediments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emissions-from-drying-lake-beds">Emissions from drying lake beds</h2>



The research team measured carbon dioxide and methane emissions from the exposed sediments of Great Salt Lake between April and November 2020.&nbsp;



These measurements were compared with estimates of aquatic emissions to determine the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions associated with the lake's desiccation.&nbsp;



The findings indicated that the lake bed emitted 4.1 million tons of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (94%), accounting for approximately a 7% increase in Utah's human-caused greenhouse gas emissions for that year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-emissions-in-great-salt-lake">Measuring emissions in Great Salt Lake </h2>



Fieldwork was conducted while Soren Brothers was an assistant professor of limnology at <a href="https://www.usu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah State University</a> (USU). The lead author, Melissa Cobo, was a master’s student at USU, and co-author Tobias Goldhammer is a researcher at the <a href="https://www.igb-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leibniz Institute for Freshwater Research </a>(IGB Institute) in Berlin, Germany. 



The team measured greenhouse gas emissions every two weeks using a portable analyzer attached to a closed chamber. They visited seven sites at the south end of the lake and sampled three additional locations during an intensive three-day campaign to determine spatial variability.&nbsp;



As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-aims-to-reduce-methane-emissions-from-lakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> is 28 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, the global warming impact was calculated in “carbon dioxide equivalents” to reflect methane's greater impact.



The data showed that greenhouse gas emissions from the dried lake bed were strongly related to warm temperatures, even at sites exposed for over two decades.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-driver-of-atmospheric-warming-nbsp">A new driver of atmospheric warming&nbsp;</h2>



To assess whether the lake had historically been a significant greenhouse gas source, the team also measured near-shore emissions and analyzed water chemistry.&nbsp;



The results indicated that the lake itself was not likely a significant greenhouse gas emitter, making the current emissions from the dried bed a novel driver of atmospheric warming.



As climate change exacerbates drought conditions in arid regions, the desiccation of rivers and lakes could contribute to feedback loops that accelerate climate change. This underscores the need for these emissions to be considered in global greenhouse gas output assessments and in the development of reduction policies.



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



The implications of this study are broad and significant. If similar greenhouse gas emissions are occurring from other drying lakes around the world, the cumulative effect on global greenhouse gas levels could be substantial.&nbsp;



The research highlights the need for more comprehensive monitoring and mitigation strategies for drying lakes as part of global efforts to combat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/safety-on-frozen-lakes-declining-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.



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Drying lake beds are a major source of harmful emissions

New research from the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) highlights a...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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 



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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