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...

Human populations are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-reversed-aging-in-mice-by-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a> worldwide and there is an increased risk of depression among the elderly. 



Depression manifests through a variety of symptoms, including anhedonia, reduced volition, fragility of cognitive processing, loss of appetite, increased fatigue, and poor concentration, which in older adults are often compounded by underlying neurodegenerative conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combating-late-life-depression-nbsp">Combating late-life depression&nbsp;</h2>



Scientists have long argued that, besides medication - which is often accompanied by a variety of side effects - other approaches, such as dietary changes could also play a major role in combating late-life depression.&nbsp;



Moreover, an increasing number of scholars claim that earlier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-diet-positively-influences-the-brains-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dietary patterns</a> may influence the onset of depression later in life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-midlife-fruit-consumption-nbsp">Midlife fruit consumption&nbsp;</h2>



To test this hypothesis, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://nus.edu.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National University of Singapore</a> (NUS) enrolled 13,738 participants from the <a href="https://sph.nus.edu.sg/research/cohort-schs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Singapore Chinese Health Study</a>, a longitudinal endeavor tracking participants through their midlife to later life.&nbsp;



The findings revealed that those who consumed significant quantities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-fruits-and-vegetables-improves-overall-gut-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruits</a> in their midlife experience fewer depressive symptoms later on.



The experts focused on the consumption of 14 fruits usually consumed in Singapore, including oranges, tangerines, bananas, watermelons, and papayas. 



The results were clear: the consistent consumption of any of these fruits during midlife significantly decreased the emergence of depression later in life. By contrast, consumption of vegetables did not seem to be connected with a lower likelihood of depression.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fruit-s-protective-role-against-depression-nbsp">Fruit’s protective role against depression&nbsp;</h2>



Most likely, the high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds found in fruits - including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-onions-antioxidants-flavonoids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flavonoids</a>, carotenoids, and vitamin C - could play a significant protective role against the development of depression.



Principal investigator Koh Woon Puay, an expert in nutrition at NUS, said the study underscores the importance of fruit consumption as a preventive measure against aging-related depression.&nbsp;



“In our study population, participants who had at least 3 servings of fruits a day, compared to those with less than one serving a day, were able to reduce the likelihood of aging-related depression significantly by at least 21 percent,” said Koh.&nbsp;“This can be achieved by eating one to two servings of fruits after every meal.”



According to Koh, the results did not show any difference between fruits with high and low glycemic index. “Hence, for those with diabetes, they can choose fruits with low glycemic index that will not raise blood sugars as much as those with high index.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research-nbsp">Focus of the research&nbsp;</h2>



In the initial stage of the study (1993 to 1998), participants aged between seven and 51 were asked to answer a questionnaire focused on how often they consumed a standard daily serving of 14 fruits and 25 vegetables.&nbsp;



Then, between 2014 and 2016, when the individuals were of average age of 73, their depressive symptoms were quantified through the Geriatric Depression Scale, a standard way of diagnosing depression among the elderly.&nbsp;



The investigation revealed that 23.1% of them reported having five or more symptoms, and that earlier consumption of fruits (but not vegetables) helped protect individuals against later onset depression.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-largest-population-based-study-nbsp">Largest population-based study&nbsp;</h2>



Koh noted that the study aimed to examine the relationship of midlife consumption of fruits and vegetables with the risk of depression in late life.&nbsp;



“Although other studies have also examined the associations of fruits and vegetables with risk of depression, there are inconsistencies in the results, and many of them were done in Western populations,” said Koh.&nbsp;



“To our best knowledge, ours is the largest population-based study in an Asian population to study this association.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fruit-consumption-prevents-depression-nbsp">Fruit consumption prevents depression&nbsp;</h2>



The findings suggest that promoting fruit consumption in mid-aged individuals could prevent the onset of late-life depression, and thus significantly contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-alone-in-america-an-escalating-public-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public health</a> worldwide.&nbsp;



Further research is needed to assess the relation between depression and other behavioral modifiable factors, including sleep, smoking, and other dietary patterns.



“Given the rising prevalence of depressive symptoms among older adults in late life, interventions which encourage consumption of fruits at early life may prove to be feasible and effective in reducing the likelihood of depressive symptoms in older adults,” said the researchers.



The experts noted that future studies could investigate the underlying micronutrients in fruits that may mediate the protective effects against depression.



The study is published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jnha.2024.100275" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Journal of Nutrition, Health, and Aging</a>.&nbsp;



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Eating fruit can protect you from late-life depression

Human populations are aging worldwide and there is an increased...

Our dogs know when we are happy, sad, or even stressed. Yet, we always wondered: how do <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cracking-canine-cognitive-code-everyday-dog-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">they know</a>? Scientists at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> might have found the answer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-dogs-smell-human-stress">Can dogs smell human stress?</h2>



Our story starts in a lab, led by Dr. Nicola Rooney, senior lecturer in wildlife and conservation at <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/vet-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bristol Veterinary School</a>. Together with her team, Dr. Rooney set out to explore an intriguing question: Can dogs smell human stress?



The Bristol Veterinary School researchers focused on how the smell of a stressed person might influence the emotions and choices of those around them. Humans, it turns out, subconsciously react to the smell of a stressed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-imitate-human-actions-from-2d-videos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">individual</a>. But what about dogs?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-affects-dogs-emotions">Stress affects dogs' emotions</h2>



To test this theory, the research team enlisted the help of 18 dog-owner partnerships. The dogs were trained to associate a food bowl’s location with the presence or absence of a treat. Once they figured out this arrangement, the dogs were faster to approach the bowl location with a treat than an empty one.



The researchers then introduced an element of uncertainty: the bowl placed in new, ambiguous locations between the original two bowls. A quick approach meant the dogs were "optimistic" about the food's presence - a sign of a positive emotional state. A slow approach indicated 'pessimism' and negative emotion.



When the dogs were exposed to the smell of stress - human sweat and breath samples after an arithmetic test - they became slower to approach the ambiguous bowl location nearest the empty bowl's trained location.&nbsp;



This "pessimistic" response wasn't observed when dogs were exposed to relaxed smells - samples from humans listening to calming soundscapes.



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



The findings suggest that the smell of human stress affects the dogs' expectation and decisions. "Understanding how human stress affects dogs' well-being is an important consideration for dogs in kennels and when training companion dogs and dogs for working roles such as assistance dogs," explained Dr. Rooney.



Indeed, this research shows that the odor of a stressed human, even an unfamiliar one, can affect a dog's emotional state, perception of rewards, and learning ability.



The stress smell seemed to make dogs act more cautiously, as if expecting disappointment. It might be a way for the dog to conserve energy and avoid potential unpleasant surprises.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helping-our-canine-companions">Helping our canine companions</h2>



Interestingly, the team also noticed that dogs kept improving their understanding about the presence or absence of food based on the bowl locations. They even seemed to learn faster when the stress smell was present.



This research has the potential to change how we approach not only dog training, but also the care of rescue, therapy, and service dogs. Knowing that dogs can be sensitive to our stress through smell, we can manage our stress better for their sake, especially in high-stress environments.



Understanding the impact of human stress on our dogs not only enhances their training but also contributes to their overall well-being and happiness in everyday environments, allowing for deeper bonds between humans and canines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-step-forward-in-canine-research">Step forward in canine research</h2>



Dr. Zoe Parr-Cortes, a PhD student at Bristol Veterinary School and primary researcher on the project, expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the study, especially the participants and dog owners.



This research, while still in its initial stages, provides fascinating insights into dogs’ emotional states and decision-making processes. It offers a deeper understanding of our connection with them and how their perceptions of their environment are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-provide-insight-into-human-cognition-and-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influenced by us</a>.



The 18 dogs involved in this study ranged from eight months to ten years old and included an interesting mix of breeds. Eight of these dogs were registered as teaching dogs at the University of Bristol.



The study is the first step towards a better understanding of our unspoken bond with our dogs, opening up a new world of possibilities for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/medium-sized-dogs-have-a-greater-risk-of-developing-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">compassionate care</a> and effective training.



So, the next time you're stressed, remember: your dog might be sniffing it out. And who knows, a calm breath might just be what both you and your furry friend need.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-66147-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Dogs can smell human stress and it makes them feel gloomy

Our dogs know when we are happy, sad, or even...

On July 24, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a geomagnetic storm warning due to heightened solar activity.



The trigger was a coronal mass ejection (CME) – a plume of plasma and magnetic field – that left the sun on July 21, now hurtling toward Earth.



In addition, the NOAA has extended a geomagnetic storm warning for <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/goes-proton-flux" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proton 100MeV Integral Flux</a> above 1 pfu. Originally valid until 01:40 UTC on July 23, the warning now extends to 23:59 UTC on the same day. This extension suggests persistent conditions.



This increase in energetic solar radiation poses heightened risks to astronauts and passengers on high-latitude, high-altitude flights.



Additionally, satellite systems could face increased susceptibility to single event effects. It's crucial to consider this information along with current Solar Radiation Storm conditions when assessing potential impacts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cmes-and-geomagnetic-storms">CMEs and geomagnetic storms</h2>



A CME transports electrically charged particles, known as ions. When these ions interact with Earth's magnetosphere, they incite geomagnetic storms.



These storms manifest as the stunning northern lights (aurora borealis) in the Northern Hemisphere and the southern lights (aurora australis) in the Southern Hemisphere.



Geomagnetic storms are classified on a G-scale by NOAA, ranging from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). The current watch is for a G2-class storm, denoting moderate intensity. 



As July 24 approaches, forecasts will become more refined, providing enhanced insights into the storm's arrival and potential impacts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recent-solar-activity">Recent solar activity</h2>



In the past 24 hours, solar activity has remained high. The most significant event was an M3.9/Sn flare (R1-Minor) at 04:04 UTC on July 22.



This flare originated from Region 3762 (S13E37, Eai/beta-gamma-delta), which showed only minor changes throughout the day.



Two new regions have been numbered near the eastern limb: Region 3763 (N03E70, Hsx/alpha) and Region 3764 (S03E76, Hsx/alpha).



Other active regions on the visible disk were mostly stable or in gradual decay. No Earth-directed Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) have been observed in the latest coronagraph images.



A Type II radio sweep was recorded at 09:26 UTC, with an estimated speed of 536 km/s. This event was linked to an eruption off the eastern limb, which is not expected to impact Earth.



Solar activity is expected to be moderate (R1-R2, Minor-Moderate) from July 23 to July 25. There is a slight chance of stronger X-class flares (R3, Strong) during this period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energetic-particles-update">Energetic particles update</h2>



In the last 24 hours, the greater than 2 MeV electron flux was at normal to moderate levels, while the greater than 10 MeV proton flux remained at background levels.



The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to stay at normal to moderate levels from July 23 to July 25. There is a slight chance of reaching S1 (Minor) storm levels during this time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-wind-conditions">Solar wind conditions</h2>



Solar wind parameters were slightly enhanced. The Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) and plasma measurements suggest close proximity to the current sheet. The total magnetic field strength peaked at 10 nT around 17:30 UTC on July 22.



The Bz component was consistently southward, ranging between -3 to -7 nT. Solar wind speeds remained low, between approximately 280-310 km/s. The phi angle was mostly oriented in the positive sector.



Solar wind parameters are expected to remain at current levels through late July 23. The influence of a CME that left the Sun on July 21 is anticipated to enhance conditions from July 24 to July 25.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geospace-conditions">Geospace conditions</h2>



The geomagnetic field reached unsettled levels due to the sustained southward Bz in the IMF.



The geomagnetic field is likely to remain quiet to unsettled on July 23. Minor to moderate (G1-G2) storm levels are expected on July 24 due to the arrival of a CME that left the Sun on July 21.



Active conditions are likely on July 25 as the CME's influence diminishes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-the-geomagnetic-storm-arrival">Timing the geomagnetic storm arrival</h2>



Predicting the precise arrival time of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-severe-extreme-geomagnetic-solar-storms-expected-tonight-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coronal Mass Ejection</a> (CME) is inherently challenging. Current forecasts indicate a potential impact in the early hours of July 24, though uncertainties persist. 



Space weather physicist Tamitha Skov wittily remarked on X, "The storm will likely be fashionably late, due to slow solar wind 'traffic' and an additional glancing storm blow ahead of it."



While aurora enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the CME for its potential to produce spectacular light displays, the event carries significant risks for our technological infrastructure.



CMEs can induce power surges leading to blackouts, disrupt radio communications, and cause ionospheric static. Satellites in low Earth orbit are also at risk, facing potential damage from high-energy particles.



Stay informed and prepared for these solar activities and their potential impacts. For more detailed information, refer to the NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions at <a href="http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA Space Weather Scale Explanation</a>.



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Geomagnetic storm warning issued for astronauts and auroras

On July 24, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)...

If you snooze away the alarm regularly, it might be comforting for you to know that your consistent sleep pattern could act as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-deprivation-linked-type-2-diabetes-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protective shield</a> against Type 2 diabetes.



Researchers at <a href="https://www.brighamandwomens.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brigham and Women's Hospital</a> have unlocked a significant finding - middle-aged to older adults running on irregular sleep cycles carry a higher risk of developing diabetes compared to their counterparts who never miss out on their beauty sleep.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-diabetes-connection">Sleep-diabetes connection</h2>



The study was led by Dr. Sina Kianersi, a research fellow in the Channing Division of Network Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital.



"Our study identified a modifiable lifestyle factor that can help lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes," said Dr. Kianers. "Our findings underscore the importance of consistent sleep patterns as a strategy to reduce type 2 diabetes."



The research team discovered adults displaying the most irregular sleep patterns woke up to a 34 percent higher diabetes risk than the regular sleepers. This eye-opening correlation emphasizes the pivotal role of regular sleep in keeping diabetes at bay.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risks-of-inconsistent-sleep">Risks of inconsistent sleep</h2>



Type 2 diabetes is a buzzing health alert that affects nearly half a billion people across the globe. No surprises then, it bags a spot in the dreaded top 10 list of leading causes of death and disability.



With forecasts painting a grim picture of the affected number doubling by 2050, the research holds high relevance as an innovative strategy for diabetes prevention.



The team of investigators delved into accelerometry data from over 84,000 participants from the UK Biobank Study, aiming to draw a parallel between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleeping-less-than-seven-hours-high-blood-pressure-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inconsistent sleep duration</a> and diabetes. Participants, averaging 62 years, wore devices used to monitor movement for a week.



The research pivoted around two key questions - the possibility of irregular sleep durations instigating diabetes through circadian disruption and sleep disturbances, and whether any variations arise across genetic predispositions to diabetes.



Despite considering a wide array of risk factors, the findings confirmed a higher diabetes risk with more inconsistent sleep patterns. The link seemed to tighten in those who were more prone to sleep for longer durations or carried a lower genetic risk for diabetes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-link-with-diabetes">Sleep link with diabetes</h2>



Compared to their "regular sleep" counterparts, participants showing irregular sleep (day-to-day sleep varying by over 60 minutes on average) were found to carry a 34% higher risk of developing diabetes.



Even after considering variables like lifestyle habits, family diabetes history, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-sex-differences-in-sleep-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">co-morbidities</a> and obesity indicators, the risk was persistent, albeit at a smaller scale.



The research, though comprehensive, had its share of limitations. The lifestyle data analyzed for the study had been gathered up to 5 years prior, which might have influenced the accuracy of the findings.



Furthermore, a 7-day <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/micro-naps-in-the-brain-some-regions-sleep-while-others-stay-awake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep duration</a> assessment might not accurately represent long-term sleep patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-to-improve-diabetes-prevention">Potential to improve diabetes prevention </h2>



The researchers are keen to extend their study to younger participants and more racially diverse groups. The reasons behind sleep irregularity amplifying the risk of diabetes is their next exploration zone.



"Our findings have the potential to improve diabetes prevention on multiple levels," said Dr. Kianersi.



"Clinically, they might inform better patient care and treatment plans. Public health guidelines could promote regular sleep patterns. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanism and confirm the results in other populations."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-team-and-funding">Research team and funding</h2>



Besides Sina Kianersi, the BWH authors included Heming Wang, Tamar Sofer, and Susan Redline, with contributions from Raymond Noordam, Andrew Phillips, Martin K. Rutter, and Tianyi Huang (formerly at BWH).



The study received funding from the National Institutes of Health (grant number R01HL155395) and the UKB project 85501. Kianersi was supported by the American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship.



Give yourself the gift of sound sleep and keep diabetes at a distance. Does this call for adapting to a regular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insufficient-sleep-increases-diabetes-risk-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep pattern</a> starting tonight? 



Remember, consistency is key when it comes to sleep. By making small changes and sticking to them, you can significantly improve your overall health in the long run. 



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article-abstract/doi/10.2337/dc24-0213/156955/Association-Between-Accelerometer-Measured?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diabetes Care</a>.



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Irregular sleep cycles linked to greater diabetes risk

If you snooze away the alarm regularly, it might be...

If you've ever found yourself on the edge of your seat during a gripping conversation, you know that there's a certain rhythm to it. This rhythm isn't unique to us humans. In fact, a fascinating study has unfolded a parallel universe where our closest evolutionary relatives, the chimpanzees, mirror our gestures in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-and-bees-are-capable-of-complex-social-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conversational patterns</a>.



The study was led by Catherine Hobaiter from the <a href="https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of St Andrews</a>, UK, a scientist who spends her days in the captivating world of animal communication. She and her team have recently revealed how chimpanzees, much like us, take turns during their communicative interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gestures-in-chimpanzee-conversation">Gestures in chimpanzee conversation</h2>



“While human languages are incredibly diverse, a hallmark we all share is that our conversations are structured with fast-paced turns of just 200 milliseconds on average. But it was an open question whether this was uniquely human, or if other animals share this structure,” said Hobaiter.



To answer this, the researchers delved deep into the world of chimpanzee “conversations” across five wild communities in East Africa.



The team collected an impressive dataset of more than 8,500 gestures from 252 individual chimpanzees. They clocked their turns, studied their patterns, and what they found was truly fascinating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chimpanzee-s-flow-of-gestures">Chimpanzee's flow of gestures</h2>



Turns out, 14% of the communications among these chimpanzees included a back-and-forth exchange of gestures. These gestural exchanges weren't limited to just two parts. Some engaged in a volley up to seven parts long. 



“We found that the timing of chimpanzee gesture and human conversational turn-taking is similar and very fast, which suggests that similar evolutionary mechanisms are driving these social, communicative interactions,” said study first author Gal Badihi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peek-into-chimp-culture">Peek into chimp culture</h2>



There was a smattering of cultural diversity among these chimp communities. Some communities had rapid-fire exchanges, while others took a bit more time, reminiscent of cultural variances in human conversations. 



“In humans, it is the Danish who are ‘slower’ responders, and in Eastern chimpanzees that’s the Sonso community in Uganda,” noted Hobaiter



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shared-story-of-communication">Shared story of communication</h2>



Could these similarities point to a shared, ancestral mechanism? This intriguing possibility is being explored by the researchers. The underlying rules of face-to-face communication may straddle across the boundary that separates us from our chimp cousins.



“It shows that other social species don’t need language to engage in close-range communicative exchanges with quick response time,” said Badihi.



Are these patterns merely quirks of highly social species or an inherent trait of apes? That's a tantalizing question for future research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-foundation-of-communication">Cognitive foundation of communication </h2>



The implications of these findings stretch beyond mere observation; they invite a deeper exploration into the cognitive processes underlying communication. 



Understanding how chimpanzees structure their exchanges could provide insights into the evolution of language itself. 



As scientists like Hobaiter and Badihi investigate the nuances of these interactions, they also shed light on fundamental aspects of social cognition such as empathy, awareness, and the ability to engage in cooperative exchanges.



This knowledge could enhance our comprehension of both human and non-human communicative systems, bridging gaps in our understanding of intelligence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-chimpanzee-day-celebrating-our-closest-cousins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">across species</a>.



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



The study of chimpanzee communication is far from exhaustive, and there are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-seek-medicinal-plants-when-theyre-sick-or-injured/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">myriad avenues</a> for future exploration. 



Researchers could investigate how environmental factors influence gesture exchanges, the impact of social hierarchy on communication patterns, or the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-continue-learning-as-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential for learning</a> new gestures within different communities. 



Additionally, studies could expand to include other primate species, enriching our understanding of the evolutionary lineage of communication. 



As the research progresses, it holds the promise of revealing more about the intricate tapestry of social interactions that bind both humans and their primate relatives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chimpanzee-gestures-in-conversations">Chimpanzee gestures in conversations</h2>



What compels a chimpanzee to "strike a conversation"? Is it to ask something, or merely to connect? The researchers are intent on unraveling the why and when of these conversational structures.



“We still don’t know when these conversational structures evolved, or why! To get at that question we need to explore communication in more distantly related species - so that we can work out if these are an ape-characteristic, or ones that we share with other highly social species, such as elephants or ravens," said Hobaiter.



Isn’t it fascinating how these seemingly simple forms of communication could be the building blocks of our complex linguistic structures?



And, who knows? The next time you're in the middle of a rapid-fire conversation, you might feel a delightful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mother-child-play-is-a-crucial-part-of-chimpanzee-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">connection with a chimpanzee</a> somewhere in East Africa!



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00761-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Chimpanzees use rapid gestures in conversations like humans

If you've ever found yourself on the edge of your...

Dive into the fascinating world of fish, where survival and evolution interplay in such a riveting manner that you won't resist the urge to marvel at nature's ingenuity. You may have heard the saying “fish out of water," but it turns out that some fish don't mind being <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bizarre-fish-can-walk-and-thrive-on-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">out of water</a> for the sake of reproduction and survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-of-the-fittest-fish-style">Survival of the fittest: Fish-style</h2>



Nature has a way of pushing boundaries and stretching limits, and our protagonists - the humble killifish - are a notable example of this rule. Adaptability is the name of the game in the fish world, and this story illustrates that fact.



Our tale traces back to research at <a href="https://www.uta.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Texas at Arlington</a> by biology Professor Matthew Walsh and lab technician Christopher Roden. These experts of marine life dug into the evolutionary adaptability of fish, particularly focusing on how predators influence their reproductive habits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-killifish-reproduce-in-different-habitats">How killifish reproduce in different habitats</h2>



The killifish, rather inconspicuous in its 2-6 inch frame, is nature's poster child for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-evolution-takes-place-in-decades-not-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptability</a>. Found in the Caribbean's Trinidad Island, some types of killifish are known for their unique amphibious lifestyle, living on land to escape predators.



Walsh and Roden's research involved comparing how killifish reproduce in different habitats: some infested with predators and others that are predator-free. The team studied the intricacies of killifish nurseries, including where and how the eggs were laid and the hatching rates in water compared to on moist peat moss.



The differences in survival strategy were drastic. But the question was, could these changes occur quickly enough to counteract external pressures?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptation-the-hallmark-of-evolution">Adaptation: The hallmark of evolution</h2>



The findings of the research were just as intriguing as the experiment itself. Walsh and Roden found significant differences in egg-hatching plasticity among killifish from different habitats. 



Killifish adaptability paints a promising picture of how aquatic organisms might evolve to survive under ever-changing environmental conditions.



"We knew that fish who laid their eggs externally often adapted depending on the predators in the area, but we did not know how quickly species could change to these external pressures," noted Walsh.



The research also hints at the evolutionary future of these species in the face of external pressures like climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-killifish-reproduction-key-to-conservation">Killifish reproduction: Key to conservation</h2>



Understanding the remarkable adaptability of killifish has significant implications for conservation efforts in aquatic environments. 



As climate change and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-are-quickly-losing-ability-to-support-fish-due-to-plankton-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat destruction</a> continue to threaten marine ecosystems, insights from this research can guide conservation strategies. 



By identifying which species exhibit the greatest flexibility in response to changes in their environment, conservationists can prioritize their protection and enhance restoration projects. 



Effectively managing the habitats that support these resilient species can ensure their survival while maintaining the biodiversity essential for healthy ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-picture-evolutionary-lessons">Broader picture: Evolutionary lessons</h2>



The story of the killifish serves as a compelling reminder of nature's relentless drive toward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-evolution-and-biodiversity-is-shaped-by-river-erosion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> and adaptation.



Across various species, the ability to adjust to changing conditions is crucial for survival. These evolutionary lessons extend beyond aquatic life; they resonate in terrestrial and aerial environments as well. 



As we face global challenges such as climate change and habitat fragmentation, the principles derived from studying adaptable species like the killifish can inform our understanding of resilience in ecosystems. 



Observing how these creatures navigate their survival inspires hope for the future and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding our planet's diverse life forms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-how-killifish-reproduce">Significance of how killifish reproduce</h2>



Why does it matter if fish change their egg-laying habits in response to predators? Think about it this way: these fishy survival strategies serve as the perfect illustration of nature's response to external pressures. This is science at its most practical and applicable - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smart-vest-made-for-fish-tracks-their-aquatic-lives-in-ways-never-before-seen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a living laboratory</a> of adaptability and resilience.



“Our study found striking differences in egg-hatching plasticity among killifish living in different habitats,” said Walsh. 



“This research provides new insights into how aquatic organisms adapt and evolve to changes in their environment. These findings may be particularly important in predicting how species are able to adapt to external pressures, such as those caused by climate change.”



We can glean key insights into not only the survival strategy of killifish but also how life, in general, can adapt and survive in the face of severe adversity.



So next time you think about fish, remember the humble killifish, an unsuspecting hero in the grand saga of evolution and survival. Because, as our research has shown, when the going gets tough, the tough get adaptable.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.0083" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Fish find new ways to reproduce in response to predators

Dive into the fascinating world of fish, where survival and...

In the rapidly evolving world of digital games, a surprising new player has emerged: electronic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/e-cigarettes-linked-to-increased-risk-of-heart-failure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cigarettes</a>.



Once simple nicotine delivery devices, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frequent-vaping-exposes-teens-to-toxic-metals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vape devices</a> are now being equipped with sophisticated touch screens, animated displays, and even embedded games, marking a potentially concerning trend in both the tech and gaming industries.



This technological evolution transforms vaping into an interactive experience that may attract more young users, inadvertently coupling the risks of nicotine addiction with those of gaming disorder.



As electronic cigarettes become more enticing and multifunctional, the lines between recreational gaming and nicotine consumption blur, raising significant public health concerns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-new-draw-of-electronic-cigarettes">The new draw of electronic cigarettes</h2>



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a> are sounding the alarm on these new tech-savvy products.



The heightened concern lies in the possible expansion of the electronic cigarette market to include young people who previously had no interest in nicotine products. This could simultaneously reinforce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaping-epidemic-half-of-students-who-try-e-cigs-get-hooked/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nicotine addiction</a> among existing users.



"Our lab is constantly monitoring the electronic cigarette market for new devices, especially ones that target youth and young adults," said study first author Man Wong.



The team flagged devices such as the Craftbox V-Play, which can host games like Pac-Man, Tetris, and F22.



Other concerning products include vapes with built-in games encouraging users to vape, those boasting animations changing as users puff, and devices that enable customization with personal photos and offer celebrity-endorsed promotional trading cards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-issue-of-disposable-vapes">Growing issue of disposable vapes</h2>



Disposable vapes, which were relatively simple devices two years ago, now resemble smartphones with handheld gaming device features, making them increasingly attractive to young users.



Tech-forward improvements have shifted these items from being mere nicotine delivery devices to potential triple-threat addictions: nicotine dependence, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gaming-addiction-mental-health-disorder/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gaming disorder</a>, and screen time obsession.



The researchers were taken aback by the discovery of smart vapes sporting games that required <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/teen-vaping-rates-surge-despite-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vaping</a> to advance levels. An example of this was the URSA Pocket, a refillable pod-system with three built-in games. One game features a virtual pet fed with coins earned through puffing.



The scientists further voiced their concern about the affordability of such devices, often priced around $15-20, which makes them accessible to young audiences who might be enticed to purchase and use them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-call-for-regulation">Urgent call for regulation</h2>



Given the potential risks, the researchers argue for a closer monitoring and regulation of these devices. 



They propose that heightening awareness of how quickly vapes can evolve may enhance surveillance and encourage swift removal of youth-targeted products from the market. 



The researchers offer potential solutions such as imposing stricter regulation to restrict certain vape features and advocating for a complete ban on disposable vapes - an approach adopted by several countries.



But it's not just an addiction problem, it is an environmental issue too. Disposable vapes, being one-time-use products, generate considerable waste, exacerbated by the addition of screens, Bluetooth, and digital storage to these devices.



The research, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Center for Tobacco Products, provides valuable insights for future regulation and public health policies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electronic-cigarettes-integrated-with-gaming">Electronic cigarettes integrated with gaming</h2>



The integration of gaming and vaping not only raises concerns about addiction but also about the long-term health impacts on young users. 



Nicotine is known to affect brain development, particularly in adolescents, potentially leading to cognitive impairments, mood disorders, and a higher likelihood of addiction to other substances. 



The lure of integrated gaming features could exacerbate these issues by increasing the frequency and duration of vaping sessions.



Moreover, the combination of prolonged screen time and nicotine use can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to obesity, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues. 



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



Parents and educators play a crucial role in combating this emerging trend. By raising awareness about the dangers of combined vaping and gaming, they can help prevent young individuals from falling into these harmful habits. 



Open conversations about the risks, coupled with monitoring and guidance, can significantly reduce the appeal of these devices.



Educational programs that emphasize the importance of healthy habits and the risks associated with nicotine and prolonged screen time are essential. Schools should consider integrating such programs into their health curriculums to equip students with the knowledge and strategies to resist these temptations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intersection-of-gaming-and-vaping">Intersection of gaming and vaping</h2>



The intersection of vaping and gaming presents a multifaceted challenge that requires a coordinated effort from researchers, policymakers, parents, and educators.



As we navigate the evolving landscape of digital innovation, we must prioritize the health and well-being of our youth. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.bmj.com/wp-signup.php?new=tobaccocontrol" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tobacco control</a>.



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Electronic cigarettes with games: A dangerous innovation

In the rapidly evolving world of digital games, a surprising...

Jelly batteries are at the forefront of a technological revolution, promising to transform <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-creatures-of-the-past-inspire-the-future-of-soft-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soft robotics</a>, wearable devices, and neurology with their unique properties and potential applications.



These innovative power sources, inspired by the natural world, offer a new approach to creating flexible, durable, and biocompatible electronics that could significantly impact various industries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-to-nature-for-tech-inspiration">Turning to nature for tech inspiration</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-eels-can-genetically-modify-other-creatures-by-shocking-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Electric eels</a> have always captivated biologists through their unique ability to stun their prey using specialized cells known as electrocytes. 



These fascinating creatures have now spurred a remarkable scientific achievement, inspiring researchers to harness the principles of their natural electrical systems.



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> have found a way to mimic the layered structure of electrocytes and develop similar conductive, sticky, and stretchable materials, essentially creating "jelly batteries."



These innovative materials not only emulate the eel's natural abilities but also hold the potential to revolutionize a wide range of applications in electronics and bioengineering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-breakthrough-in-material-science">A breakthrough in material science</h2>



In a revelation that combines stretchability and conductivity in a singular material for the first time, these jelly batteries could be stretched to over ten times their original length without affecting conductivity. 



The batteries are made from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-hydrogel-device-turns-hot-summer-air-into-drinkable-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrogels</a>, which are 3D networks of polymers that contain over 60% water, held together by reversible on/off interactions controlling their mechanical properties. 



The primary challenge was creating a material that was highly stretchable with conductive properties.



"It's difficult to design a material that is both highly stretchable and highly conductive, since those two properties are normally at odds with one another," explained first author Stephen O'Neill, an expert in Cambridge's Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry. "Typically, conductivity decreases when a material is stretched."



The solution came by charging these polymers, thus making them conductive. Additionally, the salt component in each gel could be altered to make them sticky and layer them, building up energy potential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reshaping-the-future-of-electronics">Reshaping the future of electronics</h2>



This revolution in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fire-ants-can-teach-us-how-to-create-stronger-materials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">material science</a> is a significant departure from the traditional, rigid metallic materials used in conventional electronics, which rely on electrons as charge carriers. By adopting a more flexible and adaptable approach, jelly batteries offer a novel solution that aligns more closely with the needs of modern, dynamic technologies.



Instead, these jelly batteries take a page out of nature's book, using ions to carry charge, emulating the natural electrical systems of electric eels. This ion-based conduction not only enhances flexibility but also opens up new possibilities for creating soft, stretchable, and resilient electronic devices.



The key to this innovation is the use of barrel-shaped molecules called cucurbiturils, which act as molecular handcuffs, forming reversible bonds between the different layers of the material. This unique adhesion mechanism allows the jelly batteries to stretch significantly without the layers separating or losing conductivity, maintaining their functionality and integrity even under stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jelly-batteries-and-biomedical-implants">Jelly batteries and biomedical implants</h2>



With their softness and resilience, these hydrogel batteries hold immense promise for biomedical implants as they can be customized to match the mechanical properties of human tissue. 



Free from rigid components such as metal, hydrogel implants are less likely to be rejected by the body or induce scar tissue.



Moreover, these hydrogels are surprisingly tough, maintaining their form even when squashed, and able to self-heal when damaged.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-the-future-hold-for-jelly-batteries">What does the future hold for jelly batteries?</h2>



Expansion in this area of research is already planned, with tests on living organisms to evaluate their suitability for various medical applications. 



This work is being carried out by distinguished members from the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry and the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge. 



The research was funded by the European Research Council and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).



The intersection of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harvesting-electricity-with-nature-inspired-techniques/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a> and technology has once again proven its potential to steer the future of tech and medical science, with jelly batteries promising to lead the charge in a new era of biocompatible and flexible electronics.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn5142" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Electric eels inspire wearable tech with 'jelly batteries'

Jelly batteries are at the forefront of a technological revolution,...

Just imagine, a world where vaccines must be administered only once for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universal-vaccine-may-be-effective-against-any-variant-of-any-virus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifetime immunity</a>. Well, thanks to groundbreaking research led by the Oregon Health &amp; Science University (<a href="https://www.ohsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OHSU</a>), we're witnessing the dawn of a “one and done” vaccine promising lifetime protection against the ever-evolving influenza <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/raw-milk-may-transmit-bird-flu-virus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virus</a>.



Dr. Jonah Sacha, a senior co-author of the study and head of the Division of Pathobiology at OHSU’s Oregon National Primate Research Center (<a href="https://www.ohsu.edu/onprc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ONPRC</a>), is the brain behind this research.



“It’s exciting because in most cases, this kind of basic science research advances the science very gradually; in 20 years, it might become something,” said Dr. Sacha. “This could actually become a vaccine in five years or less.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-sets-this-research-apart">What sets this research apart?</h2>



“The problem with influenza is that it’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/avian-influenza-h5n1-marine-mammals-spreading-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">not just one virus</a>,” said Dr. Sacha. “Like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-flu-may-be-more-harmful-to-the-brain-than-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SARS-CoV-2 virus</a>, it’s always evolving the next variant and we’re always left to chase where the virus was, not where it’s going to be.”



Study co-senior author Dr.&nbsp;Simon Barratt-Boyes, professor of infectious diseases, microbiology and immunology at Pitt, noted that the inhalation of aerosolized H5N1 influenza virus causes a cascade of events that can trigger respiratory failure.



“The immunity induced by the vaccine was sufficient to limit virus infection and lung damage, protecting the monkeys from this very serious infection," said Dr. Barratt-Boyes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-the-influenza-vaccine">Creating the influenza vaccine</h2>



The novelty lies in the unconventional approach used for the research. Instead of fighting the contemporary H5N1 virus, the experts immunized primates against the infamous influenza virus of 1918, the one that brought the world to its knees.



What did the researchers find? A robust immune response.



The experiment involved inoculating 11 nonhuman primates against the century-old nemesis, and exposing them to the deadly H5N1. Six of them lived, while the control group of six unvaccinated primates did not survive.



“It worked because the interior protein of the virus was so well preserved,” explained Dr. Sacha. “So much so, that even after almost 100 years of evolution, the virus can’t change those critically important parts of itself.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-universal-influenza-vaccine">Universal influenza vaccine</h2>



Traditional vaccines focus on the exterior surface proteins of viruses, which mutate faster than Usain Bolt runs. This often leaves us trying to hit a moving target. The wizards at OHSU took a different route. They focused on the internal structural proteins, which remain relatively stable over time.



This translates into a stationary target for our body’s T cells to destroy, regardless of whether the virus is an old nemesis or a new variant. Using a century-old template for their experiment and achieving success is a testament to this novel approach.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-life-applications">Real-life applications</h2>



Dr. Sacha believes that the platform could be effective against other mutating viruses including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.



The same vaccine platform is currently being used in a clinical trial against HIV, another formidable virus. Moreover, a recent publication by the same scientists suggests possible applications in targeting specific cancer cells.



As this research progresses, there are numerous implications for public health and disease management. A universal influenza vaccine could significantly reduce the global burden of seasonal flu epidemics and pandemic outbreaks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-can-we-get-the-influenza-vaccine">When can we get the influenza vaccine?</h2>



According to Dr. Sacha, a one-shot solution for influenza could be a reality in five to 10 years. We might be on the brink of a revolution in how we address infectious diseases.



The research was made possible thanks to support from the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges grant awards and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health, among other contributors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toward-a-healthier-future">Toward a healthier future</h2>



“It’s a massive sea change within our lifetimes,” said Dr. Sacha. “There is no question we are on the cusp of the next generation of how we address infectious disease.”



This research isn't just about fighting influenza - it's about our journey toward a healthier future. It's about the evolution of medical science and our relentless <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-is-killing-thousands-of-seals-and-sea-lions-globally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pursuit of solutions</a>.



And above all, it's about hope for a world where one shot is all we need to stay safe from the ceaseless mutations of deadly viruses. Could the era of “one and done” vaccines be just around the corner? Only time will tell.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-50345-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Universal influenza vaccine could offer lifetime immunity

Just imagine, a world where vaccines must be administered only...

Venus grooved to the beats of hip-hop for the first time as lyrics from Missy Elliott’s iconic song “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” enveloped the Venusian atmosphere, creating a surreal and historic moment in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-from-stars-can-be-used-to-measure-distances-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a> and space exploration.



This unprecedented event was meticulously orchestrated by NASA's <a href="https://eyes.nasa.gov/dsn/dsn.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deep Space Network</a>, which successfully transmitted the song lyrics from the Goldstone complex, a staggering 158 million miles (254 million kilometers) away, bridging the gap between Earth and Venus through the power of music.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-space-network-blasts-music-to-venus">Deep Space Network blasts music to Venus</h2>



The Deep Space Network is not just another radio station. This is the most substantial and sensitive telecommunication service of NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation program.



It bolsters an array of colossal radio antennas that allow missions to track, send instructions, and receive data from spacecraft exploring the moon and farther.



Elliott's song stands as the second ever to be broadcasted into space, marking a first both for the hip-hop genre and <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



Brittany Brown, the director of the Digital and Technology Division at NASA Headquarters, perfectly encapsulated the connection, stating: “Both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-sent-pet-photos-to-the-space-station-using-lasers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space exploration</a> and Missy Elliott’s art have been about pushing boundaries.”



The collaboration was indeed fitting, considering Missy's history of incorporating space-centric narratives and futuristic visuals in her music videos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-missy-elliott-s-music-travels-to-venus">Missy Elliott's music travels to Venus</h2>



The lyrical transmission journeyed around 158 million miles, from Earth to Venus, which happens to be the artist's favorite planet. 



Transmitted at the speed of light, the signal took nearly 14 minutes to reach its destination. 



The 34-meter-wide Deep Space Station 13, fittingly nicknamed Venus, facilitated this intergalactic musical endeavor.



Missy Elliott, whose career spans over 30 years, expressed her excitement and disbelief over her music transcending earthly barriers. 



For Elliott, Venus symbolizes "strength, beauty, and empowerment," making it the perfect extraterrestrial recipient of her art.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-nasa-missions-and-collaborations">Future NASA missions and collaborations</h2>



Following in the footsteps of the musical transmission, two NASA missions are marked to explore Venus and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-received-laser-communication-from-10-million-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relay the data</a> using the Deep Space Network.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-hellish-planet-venus-can-help-us-find-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DAVINCI and VER</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-hellish-planet-venus-can-help-us-find-alien-life/">ITAS</a>, set to launch in the coming decade, will provide significant insights into Venus.



Furthermore, a partnership with the European Space Agency's Venus mission Envision, featuring the Venus Synthetic Aperture Radar developed by a team at JPL, will add another layer of understanding to the mysterious planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-network-spanning-the-globe">A network spanning the globe</h2>



Since its inception in 1963, NASA SCaN's Deep Space Network has been growing steadily, with an extensive infrastructure spanning across the globe. 



With strategically placed ground stations in California, Madrid, and Canberra, it ensures around-the-clock coverage of space, facilitating continuous communication with distant spacecraft.



This extraordinary incident, where art and science intersected, is a testament to the limitless potential that arises when traditional boundaries are pushed. 



The universe becomes a vast canvas for innovation and creativity, showcasing the remarkable achievements that can be made when the worlds of music and space exploration unite.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-resonance-of-space-and-music">Cultural resonance of space and music</h2>



Music transcending earthly confines into the cosmos reflects a profound confluence of cultural expression and scientific achievement. 



This remarkable event, where Missy Elliott's "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” permeated Venusian skies, underscores the universal language of music and its capability to bridge the gap between art and science. 



Historically, humanity has always looked to the stars for inspiration, with celestial themes pervading literature, visual arts, and, of course, music. 



Elliott’s intergalactic broadcast echoes the tradition of intertwining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-receives-deep-space-laser-message-psyche-mission-140-million-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a> and sound, highlighting both the boundless human imagination and the expanding technological frontiers.



The intersection of space exploration and musical artistry posits intriguing questions about the role of creativity in the scientific domain. As music invades new realms, it invites a re-examination of how art influences scientific discourse and vice versa. 



Furthermore, this symbolic transmission into space serves as an emblem of cultural outreach, potentially sparking curiosity and inspiration among diverse audiences about the mysteries of the universe. 



As we advance technologically, the fusion of these disciplines may pave the way for new forms of communication and expression that transcend traditional boundaries, inviting us all to imagine the harmonies of the cosmos.



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NASA sends Missy Elliott's hip-hop music to Venus

Venus grooved to the beats of hip-hop for the first...

We've all seen the heart-wrenching sight - a dog stumbling through familiar territories rendered unfamiliar by impending blindness. But, recent research brings good news to all dog-lovers. The <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> presents a ray of sunshine that could eliminate Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), a cause of inherited blindness in English Shepherds.



This commendable effort was spearheaded by researcher Katherine Stanbury affiliated with the University's <a href="https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Veterinary Medicine</a>. 



"Once the dog's eyesight starts to fail, there’s no treatment - it will end up totally blind," stated Stanbury. However, with the revelation of a new DNA test, she envisions a future where no English Shepherd is born with this form of PRA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pra-mutation-causing-dog-blindness"> PRA mutation causing dog blindness</h2>



The PRA-causing mutation is recessive, leading to blindness only when a dog inherits two copies. If a dog is a carrier - having only one copy - it remains unaffected but can transfer the mutation to its offspring.



This DNA test could revolutionize breeders' decision-making processes, significantly reducing PRA's prevalence among English Shepherds.



Stanbury's team kicked off their investigation following their interaction with an English Shepherd owner whose dog, a former search and rescue member, was diagnosed with PRA. 



Through whole genome sequencing of DNA samples from both affected and unaffected dogs, the team successfully pinpointed the mutation responsible for PRA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fight-against-dog-blindness">Fight against dog blindness</h2>



The Cambridge research team currently operates a canine genetic testing service, offering PRA tests for English Shepherds at an affordable £48. 



Interestingly, this research may have far-reaching implications beyond canines. PRA shares similarities with retinitis pigmentosa in humans, a condition that also results in blindness. The team's findings could potentially inspire novel gene therapies to combat human disease.



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



“An owner won't necessarily notice their dog has got anything wrong with its eyes until it starts bumping into the furniture. Unlike humans who will speak up if their sight isn’t right, dogs just have to get on with things,” said Dr. Cathryn Mellersh, senior author of the report.



“For the price of a decent bag of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-diets-may-not-be-best-for-dogs-after-all/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dog food</a> people can now have their English Shepherd tested for Progressive Retinal Atrophy prior to breeding. 



"It’s about prevention, rather than a cure, and it means a huge amount to the people who breed these dogs. They no longer need to worry about whether the puppies are going to be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/probiotics-help-overweight-dogs-shed-pounds/">healthy</a> or are going to develop this horrible disease in a few years’ time.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advocating-awareness-on-dog-blindness">Advocating awareness on dog blindness</h2>



With the exciting developments in PRA research, the focus now shifts towards increasing awareness within the wider dog-breeding community. The Cambridge team is actively engaging with dog shows, veterinary conferences, and breeding seminars to educate breeders and pet owners about the significance of genetic testing.



Dr. Mellersh emphasizes that "education is key to utilizing the tools at our disposal effectively" and encourages potential participants to understand their roles in eradicating genetically <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-neutering-linked-to-serious-health-risks-in-some-dog-breeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inherited health issues</a>.



By fostering a collaborative effort among breeders, veterinarians, and dog owners, the dream of a PRA-free future for English Shepherds is more attainable than ever.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-at-the-bigger-picture">Looking at the bigger picture </h2>



With the discovery of this DNA test, we’ve stepped into uncharted territory. With 33 genetic mutations causing inherited diseases in dogs identified by the team so far, we are inching closer to a future reality where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-strong-link-between-dog-size-and-disease-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inherited diseases</a> in dogs are a thing of the past.



The work of this team at the University of Cambridge is not just changing lives, but it's also shaping our understanding of inherited diseases.



And while there's a kind of poignancy in knowing that many dogs' health has been compromised because of the way they've been <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-breeding-dogs-like-dachshunds-deserve-a-healthy-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bred by humans</a>, let’s also acknowledge that this discovery marks a turning point.



So, what can we do now to contribute? If you’re an English Shepherd owner, you could start by getting your dog tested. As for the rest of us? Let's keep spreading the word, raising awareness, and supporting the teams making this world a more dog-friendly place.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/xxxxx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Genes</a>.



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Dog blindness can be avoided with affordable DNA testing

We've all seen the heart-wrenching sight - a dog stumbling...

The universe is constantly brimming with surprises, and one of the most intriguing is the planet TIC 241249530. Indeed, the universe constantly amazes us with the peculiar dance of celestial bodies and the strange configurations of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/video/two-distant-planets-may-be-water-worlds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distant exoplanets</a> and their orbits.&nbsp;



As a result, the enigmatic planet has captured astronomers' attention for all the right reasons.



Recently, a team from <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State University</a> has discovered one of the most unusually "eccentric" orbits ever seen among exoplanets (planets orbiting stars beyond our solar system). 



Remarkably, the orbit of this mysterious exoplanet is more like a cucumber than a circle, thus adding another layer of complexity to the mysteries of space exploration.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exoplanet-with-a-record-breaking-orbit">Exoplanet with a record-breaking orbit</h2>



"We caught this massive planet making a sharp, hairpin turn during its close passage to its star," noted study co-author Suvrath&nbsp;Mahadevan, the Verne M. Willaman Professor of Astronomy at Penn State.&nbsp;



The eye-popping eccentricity of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-telescopes-can-directly-detect-signs-of-alien-life-in-exoplanet-atmospheres/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanet</a>&nbsp;TIC 241249530’s orbit is a landmark discovery.&nbsp;



To put things into perspective, the eccentricity of a planet’s orbit is measured on a scale from zero to one, with zero being a perfect circle.&nbsp;



Our very own Earth measures a mere 0.02, while Pluto, with its elliptical orbit, has an eccentricity of 0.25.&nbsp;



But TIC 241249530? It clocks in at a whopping 0.94, making it the reigning champion of eccentric orbits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-backwards-planet">The backwards planet</h2>



The peculiarities of TIC 241249530 don't stop at its orbit shape. Adding to the list of its oddities, the exoplanet also orbits its star backwards, a phenomenon seldom seen in other exoplanets or even within our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-delicate-balance-of-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a>. 



This finding has given astronomers a new lead to decipher the mysterious formation history of this intriguing distant world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-snapshot-of-planetary-migration">A snapshot of planetary migration</h2>



"Planets like this are hard to find, and we hope it can help us unravel the hot Jupiter formation story," said study lead author Arvind Gupta, a postdoctoral researcher at NOIRLab.



Hot Jupiters, as the name suggests, are large, Jupiter-like exoplanets that orbit very close to their stars - often closer than Mercury orbits the Sun.&nbsp;



The formation and migration processes of hot Jupiters have puzzled scientists for decades. What mechanisms drive these gas giants to such extreme environments? By exploring this enigma, we uncover the dynamic and often surprising nature of planetary systems.



The discovery of TIC 241249530 provides a snapshot of the migratory process, bringing us one step closer to solving this long-standing interstellar riddle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eccentricity-unlocked">Eccentricity unlocked</h2>



The characterization of this exoplanet was facilitated by three instruments developed at Penn State: the Habitable Zone Planet Finder spectrograph, a photometric diffuser, and the NASA-funded NEID&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/next-generation-telescopes-could-detect-signs-of-life-on-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spectrograph</a>.&nbsp;



The latter was constructed and commissioned by Andrea Lin, a doctoral student at Penn State. "We’re just getting started and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish in the future," said Lin.



Comprehensive analysis revealed that TIC 241249530 is five times more massive than Jupiter and orbits along a highly eccentric pathway.&nbsp;



"These two highly eccentric planets have been 'caught in the act' of evolving towards hot Jupiter status," explained Professor Jason Wright, who supervised the project at Penn State.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysteries-of-exoplanets-and-their-orbits">Mysteries of exoplanets and their orbits</h2>



The findings support the theory that higher-mass gas giants may evolve into hot Jupiters. They do this by migrating from highly eccentric orbits. Eventually, they move toward tighter, more circular orbits.



Consequently, this crucial piece of evidence supports long-standing theories about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary formation</a>&nbsp;and migration, thereby shedding light on the dynamic processes that shape the cosmos.



The research highlights the ever-changing and dynamic nature of celestial bodies. As we continue our voyage into the vast expanse of the universe, each new revelation enhances our understanding of the intricate dance of planetary systems, offering new insights into their complex behaviors.



Ultimately, the discovery of TIC 241249530 propels us one step closer in our quest to decode the cosmos.&nbsp;



This remarkable exoplanet serves as a beacon, guiding astronomers toward deeper explorations and greater knowledge of the universe we inhabit.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07688-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



Image Credit: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/J. da Silva



Video Credit: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/R. Proctor 



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Exoplanet discovered with bizarre cucumber-shaped orbit

The universe is constantly brimming with surprises, and one of...

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.



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
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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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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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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