In a remarkable medical breakthrough, engineers have developed a light-activated pacemaker so tiny that doctors can inject it into the body through a syringe. Remarkably, the device simply dissolves after it’s no longer needed.&nbsp;



Designed for newborns, the pacemaker could transform temporary heart care after congenital defect surgeries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-the-heart-with-light">Controlling the heart with light</h2>



The new pacemaker is smaller than a grain of rice. It's wirelessly activated through pulses of light which are delivered by a soft, wearable device mounted on the patient’s chest.



The external controller detects abnormal rhythms and sends light through the body to activate the pacemaker and restore heartbeat. The study demonstrates the device’s effectiveness across animal and human donor hearts.&nbsp;



The development of the pacemaker was led by John A. Rogers, a professor of material science, biomedical engineering, and neurological surgery at <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a>.&nbsp;



“We have developed what is, to our knowledge, the world’s smallest pacemaker,” said Professor Rogers.



“There’s a crucial need for temporary pacemakers in the context of pediatric heart surgeries, and that’s a use case where size miniaturization is incredibly important. In terms of the device load on the body - the smaller, the better.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solution-designed-for-newborns">Solution designed for newborns</h2>



Though the light-activated pacemaker can function in patients of all sizes, its miniaturized design was motivated by the needs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infant-speech-is-driven-by-heart-rate-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infants</a>. 



Igor Efimov is a co-leader of the study and experimental cardiologist at Northwestern.&nbsp;



“About 1% of children are born with congenital heart defects. The good news is that these children only need temporary pacing after a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-smallest-robot-could-transform-minimally-invasive-surgery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surgery</a>. In about seven days or so, most patients’ hearts will self-repair. But those seven days are absolutely critical," said Efimov.



Traditional pacemakers require surgery and have wires sticking out of the chest to connect to an external device. When they are no longer needed, the wires are removed - risking bleeding, tissue damage, or even death.



“Wires literally protrude from the body, attached to a pacemaker outside the body,” Efimov explained. “When the pacemaker is no longer needed, a physician pulls it out. The wires can become enveloped in scar tissue. That’s actually how Neil Armstrong died.”



The new injectable pacemaker addresses these risks. All of its components are biocompatible and bioresorbable, meaning they safely dissolve in the body’s fluids without needing surgical removal. Once the device has served its purpose, it simply disappears.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-the-light-activated-pacemaker">Refining the light-activated pacemaker</h2>



This innovation builds on <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-021-00948-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earlier work</a> by Rogers and Efimov, who developed a quarter-sized dissolvable pacemaker in 2021. Surgeons asked for a smaller version to allow easier placement and suit the smallest patients.&nbsp;



The original device used near-field communication (NFC), but its antenna limited how small the device could be made. To overcome this, the team replaced the NFC system with a novel light-based mechanism.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pacemaker_light-activated_worlds-smallest_heart-health_Northwestern_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pacemaker_light-activated_worlds-smallest_heart-health_Northwestern_1s.webp" alt="The tiny pacemaker sits next to a single grain of rice on a fingertip. The device is so small that it can be non-invasively injected into the body via a syringe. Credit: John A. Rogers/Northwestern University" class="wp-image-1964846"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The tiny pacemaker sits next to a single grain of rice on a fingertip. The device is so small that it can be non-invasively injected into the body via a syringe. Click image to enlarge. Credit: John A. Rogers/Northwestern University</figcaption></figure>



“Instead of using the radio frequency scheme for wireless control, we developed a light-based scheme for turning the pacemaker on and delivering stimulation pulses to the surface of the heart. This is one feature that allowed us to dramatically reduce the size,” said Professor Rogers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powered-by-the-body-s-own-fluids">Powered by the body’s own fluids</h2>



The engineers also reimagined how to power the tiny pacemaker. Rather than requiring a battery or external power source, the device uses a simple galvanic cell - a chemical battery formed by two different metals as electrodes.&nbsp;



When the device is inside the body, surrounding biofluids act as the electrolyte, allowing electrical current to flow and stimulate the heart.



“A very tiny light-activated switch on the opposite side from the battery allows us to turn the device from its ‘off’ state to an ‘on’ state upon delivery of light that passes through the patient’s body from the skin-mounted patch,” explained Professor Rogers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-trauma-and-risk">Reducing trauma and risk</h2>



Using infrared light, which can safely penetrate deep into the body, the wearable controller detects when a patient’s heart rate falls too low. It then triggers a light-emitting diode (LED) to flash on and off at the desired pacing rhythm.&nbsp;



“Infrared light penetrates very well through the body,” Efimov said. “If you put a flashlight against your palm, you will see the light glow through the other side of your hand. It turns out that our bodies are great conductors of light.”



Despite its microscopic size - just 1.8 mm wide, 3.5 mm long, and 1 mm thick - the pacemaker delivers stimulation on par with traditional devices. “The heart requires a tiny amount of electrical stimulation,” Rogers said.&nbsp;



“By minimizing the size, we dramatically simplify the implantation procedures, we reduce trauma and risk to the patient, and, with the dissolvable nature of the device, we eliminate any need for secondary surgical extraction procedures.”



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



Because these light-activated pacemakers are so small and wireless, doctors could one day deploy multiple units on different parts of the heart to create more advanced pacing systems. 



Each device could be controlled independently using different light wavelengths, enabling personalized and precisely timed stimulation across the heart’s surface.



“We can deploy a number of such small pacemakers onto the outside of the heart and control each one,” Efimov said. “Then we can achieve improved synchronized functional care.”



Professor Rogers noted that because it’s so small, the pacemaker can be integrated with almost any kind of implantable device.



“We also demonstrated integration of collections of these devices across the frameworks that serve as transcatheter aortic valve replacements to address complications that can occur during a patient’s recovery process," said Rogers.



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



While this breakthrough has clear implications for pediatric heart care, the technology could pave the way for a new generation of bioelectronic medicine.&nbsp;



These tiny, dissolvable devices could one day be adapted to promote nerve and bone regeneration, manage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-meditation-is-a-powerful-weapon-against-chronic-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain</a>, support wound healing, and more.



Northwestern engineers shrank the device and removed risks by making it dissolve after use. In doing so, they’ve created a tool that could reshape how doctors care for the heart - from the tiniest patients to adults.



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Click here to <a href="https://youtu.be/j_0hZ8cUwgo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watch a video interview...</a>



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08726-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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World's smallest pacemaker is set to revolutionize heart health

In a remarkable medical breakthrough, engineers have developed a light-activated pacemaker so tiny that doctors can inject it into the body through a syringe. Remarkably, the device simply dissolves after it’s no longer needed.&nbsp; Designed for newborns, the pacemaker could transform temporary heart care after congenital defect surgeries. Controlling the heart with light The new pacemaker is smaller than a grain of rice. It's wirelessly activated through pulses of light which are delivered by a soft, wearable device mounted on the patient’s chest. The external controller detects...

New research has unveiled how a spreading wave of disruption and fluid flow in the brain triggers headaches, linking the neurological symptoms of aura to the subsequent migraine. The study has also identified new proteins that could serve as foundations for new migraine drugs.



“In this study, we describe the interaction between the central and peripheral nervous system brought about by increased concentrations of proteins released in the brain during an episode of spreading depolarization, a phenomenon responsible for the aura associated with migraines,” said senior author Maiken Nedergaard, the co-director of the <a href="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/ctn.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rochester Center for Translational Neuromedicine</a>. 



“These findings provide us with a host of new targets to suppress sensory nerve activation to prevent and treat migraines and strengthen existing therapies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-migraines-are-preceded-by-an-aura">Many migraines are preceded by an aura</h2>



Approximately one out of ten people experience migraines, and in one-fourth of these cases, the headache is preceded by an aura. This sensory disturbance can include light flashes, blind spots, double vision, and tingling sensations or limb numbness, usually appearing five to 60 minutes before the headache.



The cause of the aura is a phenomenon called cortical spreading depression. This temporary depolarization of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neurons-can-predict-human-speech-before-we-say-a-word/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurons</a> and other cells is caused by the diffusion of glutamate and potassium, radiating like a wave across the brain, reducing oxygen levels and impairing blood flow. 



Most frequently, the depolarization event is located in the brain's visual processing center, hence the visual symptoms that often precede a migraine.



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



Although auras arise in the brain, the brain itself cannot sense pain. Instead, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pain-signals-travel-fast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain signals</a> are transmitted from the central nervous system (consisting of the brain and spinal cord) to the peripheral nervous system, which includes sensory nerves responsible for sending information such as touch and pain. 



Until recently, the process of communication between the brain and these peripheral nerves in migraines has largely remained a mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluids-circulating-the-brain">Fluids circulating the brain</h2>



Nedergaard and her colleagues at the University of Rochester and the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> are well-known pioneers in understanding how fluids circulate in the brain. 



In 2012, Nedergard’s lab was the first to describe the glymphatic system, which uses cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to eliminate toxic proteins in the brain.&nbsp;



Together with experts in fluid dynamics, the team has built detailed models of how CSF moves in the brain, along with its role in transporting proteins, neurotransmitters, and other types of chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unexpected-source-of-migraines-nbsp">An unexpected source of migraines&nbsp;</h2>



Previously, scientists argued that nerve endings on the outer surface of the membranes enclosing the brain are responsible for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/women-migraines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">headaches</a> following an aura. 



However, the new study, conducted in mice, describes a different route and identifies proteins - many of which are currently potential new drug targets - which may be responsible for activating the nerves and causing pain.



As the depolarization wave spreads, neurons release a variety of inflammatory proteins (as well as other types of proteins) into the CSF.&nbsp;



The investigation revealed how CSF transports these proteins to the trigeminal ganglion, a massive bundle of nerves located at the base of the skull that supplies sensory information to the head and face.



Scientists have previously assumed that the trigeminal ganglion, like the rest of the peripheral nervous system, resided outside the blood-brain barrier, which tightly controls what molecules enter and leave the brain.&nbsp;



However, Nedergaard and her team identified a previously unknown gap in the barrier, allowing CSF to flow directly into the trigeminal ganglion and expose sensory nerves to the proteins released by the brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-the-proteins-involved-nbsp">Identifying the proteins involved&nbsp;</h2>



The experts identified twelve proteins called ligands that bind with receptors on sensory nerves found in the trigeminal ganglion, potentially causing these cells to activate. The concentrations of several of these proteins found in CSF more than doubled following a cortical spreading depression.&nbsp;



One of these proteins, the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), is already the target of a new class of drugs called CGRP inhibitors, which aim to treat and prevent migraines.&nbsp;



Other identified proteins are known to play a role in other pain conditions, such as neuropathic pain, and are likely important in migraine headaches as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targets-for-new-migraine-drugs-nbsp">Targets for new migraine drugs&nbsp;</h2>



“We’ve identified a new signaling pathway and several molecules that activate sensory nerves in the peripheral nervous system. Among the identified molecules are those already associated with migraines, but we didn't know exactly how and where the migraine-inducing action occurred,” said lead author Martin Kaag Rasmussen, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Copenhagen.&nbsp;



“Defining the role of these newly identified ligand-receptor pairs may enable the discovery of new pharmacological targets, which could benefit the large portion of patients not responding to available therapies.”



Finally, the researchers found that the transport of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleeping-may-lower-levels-of-alzheimers-abnormal-proteins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proteins</a> released in one side of the brain reaches mostly the nerves in the trigeminal ganglion on the same side, potentially explaining why pain occurs on one side of the head during most migraines.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adl0544" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Scientists finally discover what causes migraines

New research has unveiled how a spreading wave of disruption...

Imagine traveling back in time, around forty million years before dinosaurs roamed Earth. Picture an ancient predator: fierce, patient, and lurking in swampy waters. Meet Gaiasia jennyae, an ancient swamp creature with a skull oddly resembling a toilet seat.



Its hunting strategy involved lying in wait, with jaws wide open, ready to capture any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/550-million-year-old-fossil-sponge-discovered-in-china/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creature</a>. This intriguing discovery adds a fascinating chapter to our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gigoutella-mauretanica-best-preserved-trilobite-fossils-ever-found/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric</a> life. 



What can we learn from such ancient predators, and how do they reshape our understanding of Earth's history?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-salamander-like-top-predator">Giant salamander-like top predator</h2>



Jason Pardo, an NSF postdoctoral fellow at the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Museum</a> in Chicago and co-lead author of the study, described the impressive characteristics of Gaiasia jennyae. 



He explained that this ancient creature was significantly larger than a human and likely inhabited the lower regions of swamps and lakes. 



Pardo vividly described its distinctive features, stating, "It's got a big, flat, toilet seat-shaped head, which allows it to open its mouth and suck in prey." 



He further emphasized the creature's formidable dentition, noting, "It has these huge fangs, the whole front of the mouth is just giant teeth. It’s a big predator, but potentially also a relatively slow ambush predator.”



Affectionately dubbed the swamp creature with a toilet seat-shaped head, Gaiasia jennyae is believed to have hung around the swamp and lake bottoms while silently preparing for its next ambush.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-gaiasia-jennyae-got-its-name">How Gaiasia jennyae got its name</h2>



The name Gaiasia jennyae commemorates the location where the fossils were discovered: the Gai-as Formation in Namibia. It pays tribute to renowned paleontologist, Jenny Clack, celebrated for her work on the evolution of early tetrapods.



The term 'tetrapod' denotes four-limbed vertebrates that evolved from lobe-finned fishes, which laid the foundation for the evolution of a wide variety of species, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/gaiasia-jennyae_giant-salamander-like_skeleton_credit-Marsicano_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/gaiasia-jennyae_giant-salamander-like_skeleton_credit-Marsicano_1s.jpg" alt="Skeleton of Gaiasia jennyae recently unearthed. Credit: Marsicano" class="wp-image-1938244"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Skeleton of Gaiasia jennyae recently unearthed. Credit: Marsicano</figcaption></figure>



“When we found this enormous specimen just lying on the outcrop as a giant concretion, it was really shocking. I knew just from seeing it that it was something completely different. We were all very excited,” said Marsicano. 



“After examining the skull,&nbsp; the structure of the front of the skull caught my attention. It&nbsp; was the only clearly visible part at that time, and it showed very unusually interlocking large fangs, creating a unique bite for early tetrapods.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-worlds-apart-worlds-together">Worlds apart, worlds together</h2>



Namibia of the present stands just north of South Africa. Around 300 million years ago, it was even further south, approximately on par with modern-day northern tips of Antarctica. 



The world was gradually coming out of an ice age. As swamps near the equator were drying up and turning into forests, the swampy ecosystem near the poles managed to survive, potentially amidst patches of ice and glaciers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creatures-before-gaiasia-jennyae">Creatures before Gaiasia jennyae</h2>



At such times of significant climatic transformation, animals were adapting to new forms of existence. 



Stem tetrapods, which are early four-legged vertebrates, started to diverge into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/500-million-year-old-trilobites-fossils-preserved-in-volcanic-ash/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lineages</a> that would eventually evolve into mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.



Meanwhile, in regions like what is now Namibia, ancient forms persisted. Holding on to their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ecosystem-behavior-earth-first-sea-creatures-stirring-water-drove-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lineage</a>, creatures like Gaiasia jennyae turned out to be a surprise.



Somehow tied to organisms believed to have gone extinct about 40 million years prior, Gaiasia jennyae's survival and dominance in its ecosystem as a primary predator were astonishing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracking-the-permian-period-code">Cracking the Permian period code</h2>



Gaiasia jennyae is more than just a prehistoric creature - it's a key to unlocking the mysteries of the Permian period, enabling paleontologists to understand how the world evolved.



It suggests that the dynamics at the Equator differed significantly from those in the far south. This revelation is crucial because it may provide answers about the origins of various animal groups.



The discovery of this ancient predator suggests the existence of a thriving ecosystem, capable of nurturing such large predators. 



"The more we look, we might find more answers about these major animal groups that we care about, like the ancestors of mammals and modern reptiles." concludes Pardo.



Who knows what other secrets of evolution lie <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/470-million-year-old-animal-fossils-discovered-in-frances-cabrieres-biota/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">buried</a>, awaiting their own time in the sun? 



The quest for knowledge is far from over, and each new discovery brings us closer to understanding our world's wondrous past.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07572-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Giant salamander-like beast was a top predator before the dinosaurs

Imagine traveling back in time, around forty million years before...

How many times have you wished for a miracle to fix a past mistake? What if our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-our-brain-form-long-term-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> might have the ability to mend its own errors? Recent research shows neurons and cells can change functions, offering new hope.



Recently, researchers from Ludwig Maximilian <a href="https://www.lmu.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Munich</a> and the <a href="https://www.pioneercampus.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helmholtz Pioneer Campus</a> took a deep dive into the ocean of neuroscience to unlock the miracles of direct neuronal reprogramming.



This is where cells can change their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-sizes-are-growing-possibly-lowering-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">function</a> from one type to another, opening up promising strategies to counter neurological disorders that cause significant impairments in brain function.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glial-cells-to-neurons">Glial cells to neurons</h2>



Guiding this exploration are researchers Magdalena Götz, Chair of Physiological Genomics at LMU and Head of the Stem Cell Center Department at Helmholtz Munich, alongside Boyan Bonev from the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus. 



The research was focused on using glial cells, which are non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system. The experts demonstrated that these glial cells can be transformed into functional neurons.



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



The researchers and their teams have narrowed their attention to small chemical modifications in the epigenome. Acting as a control switch, the epigenome determines which genes are active in different cells at various times.



The researchers claim that a post-translational modification of a key factor significantly impacts this command center, facilitating cell transformation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yin-and-yang-of-cell-reprogramming">Yin and Yang of cell reprogramming</h2>



Enter YingYang1 - a novel protein and an essential player in directing this transformation. 



Acting as a transcriptional regulator, YingYang1 opens up the chromatin for reprogramming and interacts with the transcription factor to facilitate gene expression changes. 



Simply put, YingYang1 helps to fine-tune the conversion from astrocytes, a type of glial cell that provides support and nutrition to neurons, into functional neurons. This process is vital for neuroregenerative medicine and understanding how certain diseases affect the brain and its functions. 



Overall, YingYang1 stands out as a key element in cellular reprogramming, making significant contributions to advancing neuroscience.



"The protein YingYang1 is crucial for achieving the conversion from astrocytes to neurons," explained Götz. "These findings are important to understand and improve reprogramming of glial cells to neurons, and thus bring us closer to therapeutic solutions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-possibilities">Challenges and possibilities</h2>



Despite the promising developments in direct neuronal reprogramming, the road to practical, widespread therapeutic applications is not without its obstacles. One major challenge lies in the efficiency and specificity of the reprogramming process. 



Ensuring that glial cells consistently and accurately transform into functional neurons, without unintended effects, requires meticulous fine-tuning of the protocols used. 



Furthermore, the human brain’s intricate network poses another level of complexity. Introducing new neurons into established circuits must be done in a way that maintains or restores cognitive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bright-light-instantly-enhances-brain-function-alertness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">functions</a> rather than disrupting them.



Additionally, ethical considerations surrounding neuronal reprogramming must be responsibly navigated. This innovative field involves manipulating fundamental aspects of human biology. It necessitates rigorous ethical scrutiny and public dialogues.



Long-term effects, potential risks, and societal implications must be carefully weighed as this research moves from the lab to clinical settings.



Scientists need to consider the long-term effects of neuronal reprogramming. They must understand any potential risks involved in this process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-applications-of-turning-cells-to-neurons">Potential applications of turning cells to neurons</h2>



The potential applications of direct neuronal reprogramming are vast and transformative. One of the most promising areas is the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. 



Beyond neurodegeneration, direct neuronal reprogramming could change how we treat brain injuries and strokes. Current treatments usually focus on managing symptoms. They also aim to prevent further damage. 



However, generating new, functional neurons offers a different approach. This ability presents the possibility of efficiently repairing the brain. It can help restore lost <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-health-may-literally-be-a-state-of-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive</a> and motor functions.



So, why not take a moment to appreciate this remarkable discovery? And while you're at it, maybe even take a minute to marvel at the wonders of your own brain's capabilities. Because who knows? One day, we might just be able to flip the switch and give our brains the reboot they need.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-024-01677-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Neuroscience</a>.



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Rebooting the brain: Experts can transform cells into neurons

How many times have you wished for a miracle to...

Ever wondered how our <a href="https://www.massgeneral.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brains</a> manage to decipher spoken words into usable meaning? A study led by experts at <a href="https://www.massgeneral.org/">Massachusetts General Hospital</a> might have the key. They were able to uncover a conclave of neurons which they've dubbed the "brain thesaurus."



This fascinating research is the work of Dr. Ziv Williams, a highly regarded physician-investigator in the Department of Neurosurgery at Mass General.



He's also an associate professor of Neurosurgery at <a href="https://hms.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Medical School</a>. Williams and his team set out to understand the complex process of how our brain interprets <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/similar-patterns-music-language-found-across-all-cultures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">language</a> at the individual neuron level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-language-comprehension">Language comprehension</h2>



"Humans possess an exceptional ability to extract nuanced meaning through language - when we listen to speech, we can comprehend the meanings of up to tens of thousands of words and do so seamlessly across remarkably diverse concepts and themes," said Williams.



"Yet, how the human brain processes language at the basic computational level of individual neurons has remained a challenge to understand."



Through their research, the team sought to construct a detailed map of how neurons in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bilingual-brain-maintains-youthfulness-with-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> represent word meanings. For instance, how do we associate the word "cat" or "dog" with the concept of an animal? How do we distinguish the meaning of "dog" from "car"?



To understand the mechanics behind these associations, the experts used a novel technology that recorded the activities of up to a hundred neurons while subjects listened to sentences and short stories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-words-in-the-brain-s-thesaurus">Decoding words in the brain's thesaurus</h2>



The researchers conducted a study on how the brain processes different words. They found that listening to specific word categories activated distinct groups of neurons. Words related to physical actions, like "ran" or "jumped," triggered certain neurons.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-emotions-linked-to-unique-brain-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emotionally</a> significant words, like "happy" or "sad," activated different neurons. This shows the brain has specialized regions for various linguistic stimuli. It suggests a complex neural network dedicated to language processing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinction-in-context">Distinction in context</h2>



In addition, the experts discovered that certain neurons could differentiate between homonyms like "sun" and "son" or "see" and "sea" based on their sentence context.



"Moreover, when looking at all of the neurons together, we could start building a detailed picture of how word meanings are represented in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-health-may-literally-be-a-state-of-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a>," said Williams. 



This opens the potential to predict, with some degree of accuracy, what someone is listening to or thinking about.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improved-communication-through-the-brain-thesaurus">Improved communication through the brain thesaurus</h2>



According to Williams, this depth of understanding could prove vital for developing future brain-machine interfaces. Such interfaces could potentially enable individuals with conditions such as motor paralysis or stroke to communicate more effectively.



This study catapults us closer to comprehending the remarkable human brain. It offers us a glimpse into how we derive meaning from language, a unique perspective to better understand our world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-neuroscience-and-technology">Bridging neuroscience and technology</h2>



The fusion of neuroscience and technology showcased in this study signifies a burgeoning field with transformative possibilities. By leveraging advanced recording techniques and computational algorithms, researchers can obtain real-time insights into neural activities, bridging the gap between abstract concepts and practical applications. 



This convergence not only enhances our understanding of cognitive functions but also propels the development of next-generation devices designed to interact seamlessly with the human brain. 



Such innovations could revolutionize various fields, from medical diagnostics to artificial intelligence, offering unprecedented opportunities to improve the quality of life.



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



Ensuring that these advancements are accessible and beneficial to all segments of society requires transparent policies and collaborative efforts among scientists, ethicists, and policymakers. 



Furthermore, future research needs to address the variability across different individuals' brain structures and functions to develop more inclusive and effective solutions. 



The path ahead is challenging yet exciting, promising a deeper understanding of the human mind and more sophisticated artificial systems that could transform varied aspects of human experience.



This research paves the way for pioneering advancements that could reshape how we interact with technology and each other.



After all, the interplay between language, technology, and the human brain deepens our understanding of what it means to be human.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07643-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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The brain uses a secret 'thesaurus' to find the right words

Ever wondered how our brains manage to decipher spoken words...

Imagine attending a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/live-music-evokes-stronger-emotions-than-streamed-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">live</a> music performance and feeling a sense of unity with the audience as everyone's hearts beat in rhythm with the melody.



This occurrence isn't just a poetic expression; recent research suggests it could occur scientifically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pulse-behind-the-phenomenon">Pulse behind the phenomenon</h2>



Recent findings from the esteemed <a href="https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waseda University in Japan</a> indicate that an audience's heartbeat can synchronize during a live performance.



The research, conducted by Professor Ryota Nomura, experimented with the idea of "common input synchronization." This phenomenon explains how systems or organisms respond equivalently when exposed to the same stimulus - in this case, music.



“Music-induced synchronization of heart rate may be the mechanism underlying the coherent behavior of a large audience in a theater,” said Professor Nomura.



Although previous studies have shown low correlations in heart rate synchronization between different individuals, Nomura's focus on intra-person correlations presents a fresh perspective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-live-music-and-the-heart">Live music and the heart</h2>



Nomura's research pivoted from a broad, intersubjective perspective to a more intra-focused approach.



Addressing a significant challenge in this field of research - the elusive control of intra-person correlation - the study sought to minimize individual processing differences by applying the same "common input" repeatedly.



Analyzing intra-subject correlations (within one individual) and inter-subject correlations (between multiple individuals), Nomura gained fascinating insights.



The findings revealed that an individual’s heart rate synchronization in response to music was less dependent on their mood or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/similar-patterns-music-language-found-across-all-cultures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">musical preferences</a>. Instead, it hinged on the person’s reliable physiological responses to the music.



“This study allows us to explain the reproducibility of the aesthetic experience of the theater in terms of reliability,” noted Professor Nomura.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-symphony-of-synchronization">A symphony of synchronization</h2>



By having participants listen to the same piece of music on different days and by investigating differing music preferences, Nomura determined that heart rate synchronization was more reproducible within an individual over time than between different people.



“Inter-subject correlations were consistently lower compared to intra-subject correlations, regardless of participants’ music preferences and daily moods. Furthermore, music-induced heart rate synchronization depends on the reliability of physiological responses to musical pieces rather than mood or motivation,” said Nomura.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-live-music-performances">Future of live music performances</h2>



The research opens up new avenues in understanding collective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-gives-rise-to-unique-physical-sensations-in-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human emotions</a>, particularly those evoked during shared aesthetic experiences like theatre.



By identifying the key factors contributing to heart-rate synchronization and subsequent emotional responses, the field of performing arts stands to gain valuable insights. 



“From data on small audiences, for example, the degree of proficiency of performers, commercial success can be predicted in terms of reliability. This could contribute to better performances in theaters," said Nomura.



"Moreover, engineered devices that enhance reliability may facilitate synchronization of the physiological states of multiple audience members."



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



The implications of the study extend beyond the realm of live performances. Understanding how physiological synchronization can be influenced by shared stimuli might open new pathways in fields such as education, therapy, and virtual reality (VR).



In educational settings, for instance, teachers could design lessons that foster synchronized engagement among students, thereby enhancing collective learning experiences. 



In therapy, music and other stimuli could be used to promote emotional and physiological harmony between patients and therapists, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes. 



Furthermore, in VR, developers could create experiences that elicit synchronized physiological responses, making virtual environments feel more immersive and emotionally engaging.



As technology advances, the applications of this research could revolutionize how we connect and interact across various domains, making shared experiences even more profound and impactful.



While we continue to dive deeper into understanding the connection between music, heart rhythms, and collective experience, we may soon discover new ways to enhance our enjoyment of the shared auditory experience.



As we eagerly anticipate the day our heartbeats align with the music's rhythm, we should take time to appreciate the profound impact music has on our lives and bodies.&nbsp; It connects us, evokes emotions, and can even synchronize our heartbeats, enhancing the shared experience during live performances.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-62994-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Live music can synchronize the heartbeats of the audience

Imagine attending a live music performance and feeling a sense...

Agroecology is a science, practice, and movement that seeks social, political, economic, and environmental sustainability in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-food-system-must-change-if-nations-hope-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global food system</a>. 



According to a new study led by <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth College</a>, although this field is currently gaining momentum in the United States, it requires close collaboration between scientists, farmers, and activists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-and-social-sustainability-of-food-systems">Ecological and social sustainability of food systems</h2>



Study lead author Theresa Ong is an assistant professor of environmental studies at Dartmouth. She noted that U.S. residents tend to be more familiar with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-farming-high-yield/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic farming</a>, the production of food without synthetic inputs, and regenerative agriculture, which aims to restore soil health.



However, according to Ong, unlike these practices, agroecology is different, as it strives to achieve both ecological and social sustainability of food systems without sacrificing one for the other.&nbsp;



“We cannot save biodiversity and ecosystem integrity without also preserving farmer livelihoods and ensuring that the food systems we create provide food that is culturally relevant to local communities, and not simply meeting a calorie quota,” said Ong.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-facing-global-food-systems-nbsp">Challenges facing global food systems&nbsp;</h2>



Currently, the U.S. food system is monopolized by industrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/losing-grasslands-fewer-fires-griculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a>, which relies on chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers, along with technology depending heavily on fossil fuels. 



Moreover, challenges facing global food systems, such as food insecurity, public health issues, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity loss</a>, and global warming, are partly perpetuated by the US food systems and its key political players.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promoting-agroecology-as-a-sustainable-practice">Promoting agroecology as a sustainable practice</h2>



For decades already, scientists and activists from the US and beyond have called for a major transformation of the current industrial food system, leading the United Nations to promote agroecology as a more sustainable practice. However, this field failed for a long time to gain recognition beyond certain academic circles.



Fortunately, in 2023, a major<a href="https://www.uvm.edu/instituteforagroecology/us-agroecology-summit-2023%C3%B9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> US Agroecology Summit</a> gathered nearly 100 stakeholders in the food industry calling for a re-evaluation of current practices. 



The experts advocated the need for equitable representation and support of agricultural practitioners and scientists and increased access to funding, as well as the development of ethical approaches to research in agroecology.



“'Food sovereignty' - the right to define, produce, and access healthy food that is culturally appropriate and preserves the ways of life of farmers, is a critical goal in agroecology and was first defined by La Vía Campesina, an international peasant movement, in 1996,” Ong said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-equitable-representation-and-coordination">Equitable representation and coordination</h2>



This summit builds on the momentum which has been growing over the past 15 years, and led to the establishment of the nonprofit <a href="https://usfoodsovereigntyalliance.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Food Sovereignty Alliance</a> in 2010, along with the enactment of food sovereignty laws in eight states (Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Georgia, North Carolina, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana).



Yet, more work needs to be done to make sure that all voices in this field - including large and small farmers, family farmers, migrant farmers, Black and Indigenous farmers, and farm workers - are properly represented and have decision-making power.



“Agroecology is about building coalitions to ensure equitable representation and coordination between farmers, activists, and academics,” Ong concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43016-024-01006-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Food</a>.



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Sustainable food systems are gaining momentum

Agroecology is a science, practice, and movement that seeks social,...

Is eternal youth within our grasp? A team of scientists at Harvard University believes so as they edge closer to discovering the famed Fountain of Youth.



Their recent publication in the scientific journal Aging unveils the identification of six chemical concoctions capable of reversing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-cells-could-be-used-to-slow-down-or-even-reverse-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging process</a> in both human and rodent skin cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-dr-david-sinclair">Meet Dr. David Sinclair</h2>



Dr. David Sinclair, a molecular biologist at <a href="https://hms.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Medical School</a>, and co-author of the study, hails this as a "breakthrough". He sees it as a step towards "affordable whole-body rejuvenation."



Sinclair's audacious prediction that human trials could commence within the next year got people talking, including none less than the tech titan Elon Musk, who curiously asked: "Ok, so what exactly is it?"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-fountain-of-youth">Understanding the "Fountain of Youth"</h2>



The Fountain of Youth is a legendary spring that reputedly restores the youth of anyone who drinks or bathes in its waters.



People have recounted tales of such a fountain across the world for thousands of years. Mention of a Fountain of Youth appear in writings by Herodotus, the Alexander romance, and the stories of Prester John.



The exact location of the mythical fountain has been described differently in various stories and legends. One of the most famous associated locales is Florida.



Tradition says that Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, the first recorded European to reach Florida, discovered Florida while he was searching for the Fountain of Youth. However, there is no contemporary evidence to support this claim.



In modern times, people often use the Fountain of Youth metaphorically to represent anything that has the potential to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-delays-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increase longevity</a> or reverse aging. This can be anything from a scientific breakthrough, to a new skincare product, or a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-diet-may-save-your-life-six-key-foods-lower-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthful lifestyle</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cramming-the-fountain-of-youth-into-a-pill">Cramming the Fountain of Youth into a Pill</h2>



The Harvard researchers used high-throughput cell-based assays to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-blood-pressure-drug-called-rilmenidine-dramatically-slows-aging-in-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">differentiate young cells</a> from their older, non-dividing, or senescent counterparts -- a characteristic of aging.



They tested thousands to millions of samples rapidly for biological activity, resulting in the identification of six chemical mixtures that "restored genome-wide transcript profiles to youthful states and reversed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-aging-discovered-in-plant-leaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transcriptomic age</a> in less than a week."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-miraculous-aging-reversal">"Miraculous" aging reversal</h2>



Testing these mixes on mice and human cells suggested a de-aging effect for all six combinations.



The effect of this four-day treatment is comparable to the total change seen after a year of a regenerative treatment described in a landmark study from 2019, which also focused on restoring <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-is-epigenetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epigenetic information</a>.



Researchers evaluated age changes using rodent and human transcriptomic clocks, which predict biological age using gene expression data.



"This new discovery offers the potential to reverse aging with a single pill, with applications ranging from improving eyesight to effectively treating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-protein-linked-to-healthier-aging-and-lower-risk-of-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">age-related diseases</a>," said Dr. Sinclair.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-of-caution-not-all-are-convinced">Word of caution: Not all are convinced</h2>



However, other biologists are skeptical of this enthusiastic claim. <a href="https://halo.dlmp.uw.edu/people/matt-kaeberlein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matt Kaeberlein</a>, a biogerontologist, offered cautious praise. 



He noted that while the innovative screening method could lead to significant discoveries, the study is still preliminary.



Kaeberlein suggested the team should have validated at least one of the concoctions in an animal model and shown improvements in age-related health metrics or lifespan before making claims about effects on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/junk-proteins-responsible-for-aging-cause-als/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biological aging</a>.



<a href="https://www.cityofhope.org/charles-brenner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Charles Brenner</a>, a metabolism researcher, raised concerns about three compounds in the study. CHIR99021 blocks glycogen formation during sleep to store energy; tranylcypromine is an antidepressant; and valproic acid treats bipolar disorder but can harm the liver.



The study didn't mention these risks, and Brenner warned, "These are generally not safe alone or in combination."



Brenner also criticized the study for not using single-cell sequencing to evaluate cell identity. He pointed out that researchers initially reported these cocktails in 2013, suggesting the compounds aren't new discoveries.



"Getting these readouts on cells is not a groundbreaking study on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/japanese-diet-puts-the-brakes-on-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reversal of aging</a>," said Brenner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forever-young-not-quite-yet">Forever young? Not quite yet</h2>



The pursuit of eternal youth has taken a significant step forward with Harvard scientists identifying six chemical mixtures that show promise in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-can-help-decode-the-mysteries-of-aging-and-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reversing the aging process</a> in human and rodent cells.



While Dr. David Sinclair and his team hailed this as a breakthrough towards potential whole-body rejuvenation, skepticism remains among other biologists regarding the safety and preliminary nature of the findings.



As the scientific community awaits further validation and research, the dream of a Fountain of Youth in pill form remains tantalizingly close yet still elusive.



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'Fountain of Youth' pill created by Harvard scientists reverses aging

Is eternal youth within our grasp? A team of scientists...

Ongoing research into the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/offshore-wind-farms-can-harm-marine-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">offshore wind farm</a> electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on shark development reveals that alternating electric currents produced by underwater wind farm cables seem not to disrupt the growth or survival of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-sharks-live-up-to-500-years-whats-their-secret/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a>.



Offshore wind farms are one of the most common marine renewable energy (MRE) producers and are seen as pivotal in the global transition towards <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/renewable-energy-must-be-doubled-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a>, moving away from fossil fuels that contribute to climate change. 



However, their proliferation in marine environments raises questions about their impacts on wildlife. Researchers and energy operators are working together to understand these effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wind-farms-and-sharks">Wind farms and sharks</h2>



“Wind farms can induce noise, vibrations, interruptions to ecological continuity, and generate electromagnetic fields at the level of submarine electric cable,” said Julie Lucas, a research associate at France's <a href="https://www.mnhn.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Museum of Natural History</a>. 



“They can affect the behavior of electro-sensitive species which use natural electromagnetic fields to move and feed, such as sharks.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-submarine-electric-cables">Submarine electric cables</h2>



These offshore wind farms rely on submarine electric cables (CES) that use either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC), depending on their function, power output, and cable length.&nbsp;



“Currently, wind farms located less than 50km from the coast use AC current, whereas more powerful future wind farms are planned to be located more than 50 km away and will use DC current,” Lucas said.



Both AC and DC currents produce strong magnetic fields in the water surrounding them. “These magnetic fields can affect the behavior of electro- and magneto-sensitive species such as elasmobranchs, which use natural electromagnetic fields to move and feed,” she explained.&nbsp;



“The increasing number of offshore wind farms is likely to amplify these effects, while existing information on their impact on marine communities remains patchy.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impacts-of-offshore-wind-farms">Potential impacts of offshore wind farms</h2>



The experts aimed to identify the effects of the magnetic fields caused by AC and DC currents on the survival, development, and behavior of sharks and other electro-sensitive elasmobranchs.&nbsp;



The team studied two key life stages of the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicular), embryo and juvenile, under either control or wind farm-impacted conditions using AC or DC currents. They recorded daily survival, weekly development and growth, and metabolic rate through respirometry for both life stages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-sharks-respond-to-wind-farms">How sharks respond to wind farms</h2>



“Thankfully, preliminary results suggest that the impact of alternating electromagnetic fields seems to be limited to the factors that we have measured,” Lucas said. However, the full results are still being analyzed and the effects of DC current will be investigated later this year.



“The results of this project will make it possible to understand more precisely how sharks react to electromagnetic fields depending on their intensity and the type of current. They will also improve our knowledge of the impacts of MREs on marine species.”



Lucas hopes that this research can help inform policy to protect marine species and determine what improvements can be made to CES to continue limiting their impact.&nbsp;



“This project will provide essential information for managers and decision-makers to meet the challenges of developing MREs without harming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-biodiversity-could-shift-rapidly-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine biodiversity</a>,” she concluded.



This study is presented at the <a href="https://www.rsb.org.uk/events?event=sebannualconferenceprague2024#:~:text=The%20Society%20for%20Experimental%20Biology's,from%202-5%20July%202024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Society for Experimental Biology Annual Conference in Prague </a>from July 2-5, 2024.



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Offshore wind farms threaten electro-sensitive sharks

Ongoing research into the impact of offshore wind farm electromagnetic...

Strong,Wind,And,Rain

Extreme weather events are no longer a rarity. Hurricanes, storms, and other severe weather phenomena seem to be knocking on our doors, in every corner of the world, more frequently and with more fury.



Surprisingly for some, this wild weather escalation has further amplified public curiosity and led to the proliferation of live-streamed footage of these incidents.



Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Discord have become the digital front-row seats to witness <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/compound-weather-extremes-are-now-more-frequent-and-severe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mother Nature's fury</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-weather-watchers-motivation">Extreme weather watchers' motivation</h2>



In an unparalleled effort to understand the underlying motivation of these viewers, a remarkable study was conducted by the University of Plymouth.



This research focused on the viewers of live-streams related to three events -- <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricane-irma-weakens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hurricane Irma</a> in 2017, <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/eye-of-the-storm-what-made-hurricane-ian-so-powerful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hurricane Ian</a> in 2022, and Storms Dudley, Eunice, and Franklin in 2022.



The intriguing approach of the study was to examine viewers' comments, revealing that those situated in the disaster-hit areas utilized these digital platforms to communicate about the official risk advice they received -- often questioning whether evacuation was necessary.



In contrast, other viewers found themselves glued to the live-streams due to their past connections with the affected regions. 



These individuals, while experiencing emotional ties, appreciated the chance to express solidarity and send messages of hope for the areas caught in the weather vortex.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commentary-on-modern-human-behavior">Commentary on modern human behavior</h2>



The research, published in the journal Environmental Hazards was conducted by Dr. Simon Dickinson, Lecturer in Geohazards and Risk at the <a href="https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools/school-of-geography-earth-and-environmental-sciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Plymouth</a>'s School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences. 



He and his team took an in-depth look at nine live-streams of the 2017 and 2022 hurricanes and storms.



These streams collectively featured 65 hours of video footage, garnering the attention of over 1.8 million viewers globally.



"When dramatic things happen – whether that relates to extreme weather or events like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-does-the-u-s-have-so-many-tornadoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tornados</a> or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-captures-eruption-of-icelands-svartsengi-volcano-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanoes erupting</a> – people flock to watch," Dickinson observes.



This phenomenon, often dismissed as a form of online 'rubber-necking', turns out to be driven by complex reasons.



The allure of live-streaming lies in its real-time interaction, enabling people near and far from the event to share experiences and validate their understanding about the severity of the event and how hazards work. 



The shared footage becomes a point of reference and an online gathering point, marking these digital spaces as communities of learning and emotional support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engagement-and-learning">Engagement and learning</h2>



During these live-streams, more than 14,300 comments were posted by 5,000 unique accounts, indicating higher-than-average audience engagement. 



This level of interaction also underscores the significance of such live footage in generating international dialogue about pressing events.



Moreover, many of these live-streams leveraged existing webcam channels, repurposed to show the progress of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-hurricanes-are-intensifying-faster-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes or storms</a>.



Casual beach or port conditions webcams, along with personal home security or doorbell cameras, transformed into crucial information sources during these events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-extreme-weather-live-streaming">Learning from extreme weather live-streaming</h2>



Apart from fostering community, these live-streams play an essential educative role. 



Dr. Dickinson highlighted the importance of informal discussions about natural hazards. He noted, "Although scientists are getting better at communicating risk, people are far more likely to discuss hazards in informal and relatively unmoderated settings." 



Dickinson explained that extreme weather events serve as catalysts for public engagement with environmental issues. 



Moments of extreme weather are important because they focus people's attention and generate discussion about hazards, how they work, and how they will increasingly affect us in future.



Dickinson concluded by describing them as "spaces of learning, community and emotional support in a world that can feel increasingly volatile."



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-tornado-outbreak-100-storms-touched-down-in-a-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meteorological events</a> captured in these streams prompt people to learn more about the science at play, thus generating an appreciation for hazard risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-reach-and-interaction">Enhancing reach and interaction</h2>



The rise of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iss-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">advanced technology</a> and social media platforms has profoundly enhanced the reach and interaction of extreme weather live-streams.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-is-using-drones-to-measure-changes-in-ice-sheets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drones</a> equipped with high-definition cameras now provide unprecedented vantage points, capturing aerial footage of unfolding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-disasters-are-on-the-rise-but-hazard-plans-are-inadequate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disasters</a>.



Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) offer immersive experiences, allowing viewers to feel as if they are within the storm itself. 



Additionally, real-time chat features and geotagging enable a higher level of audience interaction, where viewers can ask questions, share local experiences, and obtain tailored advice from experts and fellow watchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technology-extreme-weather-and-the-future">Technology, extreme weather, and the future</h2>



In summary, this technological evolution increases weather and climate engagement, while amplifying the educational and communal aspects of these live-streams, making them indispensable tools for modern disaster response and awareness.



The study underscores the need to consider these spaces not merely as platforms for disaster voyeurism, but as crucial hubs for understanding hazardous events and their effects in a world that’s growing more unpredictable.



They serve as venues for learning, community-building and emotional support, making them an essential part of our evolving digital landscape.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17477891.2024.2324058" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Hazards</a>.



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Why tens of millions of people love watching videos of extreme weather events

Extreme weather events are no longer a rarity. Hurricanes, storms,...

Sometimes, the road to discovering the secrets of black holes and their disks isn't a straight line. It's a winding journey through the cosmos, involving years of rigorous research and cutting-edge technology.



Such is the case with a group of dedicated astrophysicists who have been investigating the mysteries of our universe. 



In a landmark achievement, they have successfully simulated the intricate process of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-lighthouses-emanated-earliest-starlight-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primordial gas</a> travels from the early universe to form a disk around a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-black-holes-become-supermassive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black hole</a>.



This simulation challenges established theories and opens new frontiers in understanding the creation and evolution of black holes and galaxies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-collaboration-at-its-finest">Cosmic collaboration at its finest</h2>



Our journey begins at the esteemed <a href="https://www.caltech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caltech</a>, where powerhouse collaborations have birthed an exciting new discovery about the universe we inhabit.



“Our new simulation marks the culmination of several years of work from two large collaborations started here at Caltech,” says Phil Hopkins, the Ira S. Bowen Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics.



Two major collaborations nicknamed FIRE (Feedback in Realistic Environments) and STARFORGE have been diligently working on studying the cosmos on varying scales.



FIRE delves into large-scale universal phenomena such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy formation</a>, while STARFORGE zeros in on minutia, spotlighting the creation of stars in individual gas clouds.



“But there was this big gap between the two,” Hopkins explains. “Now, for the first time, we have bridged that gap.”



Previously, a significant gap existed between these two scopes of study, making it difficult to get a complete picture of the cosmic order. 



But that's all changed now, thanks to this pioneering simulation which bridges the scaling gap, delivering comprehensive insights into the dynamics of the universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-disks-around-black-holes">Decoding the disks around black holes</h2>



Unveiling the secrets of the Cosmos requires not just brilliant minds, but powerful technology.



The new simulation boasts a resolution over 1,000 times greater than its previous counterparts in the field.



To the team’s surprise, as reported in The Open Journal of Astrophysics, the simulation revealed that magnetic fields play a much larger role than previously believed in forming and shaping the huge disks of material that swirl around and feed the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-black-holes-become-supermassive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a>.



Long-held beliefs about black hole accretion disks, dating back to the 1970s, were challenged by the new findings.



“Our theories told us the disks should be flat like crepes. But we knew this wasn’t right because astronomical observations reveal that the disks are actually fluffy -- more like an angel cake," Hopkins explains.



"Our simulation helped us understand that magnetic fields are propping up the disk material, making it fluffier.”



The fresh insights suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic fields</a>, rather than thermal pressure, play an instrumental role in shaping and maintaining these huge disks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zooming-into-black-holes">Zooming into black holes</h2>



The team’s simulation allows what they term as a “super zoom-in” into a single supermassive black hole, similar to the ones that lie at the heart of many galaxies.



In the new simulation, the researchers performed what they call a "super zoom-in" on a single supermassive black hole, a monstrous object that lies at the heart of many galaxies, including our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-chimney-venting-found-heart-milky-way-galaxy-sagittarius-a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.



These ravenous, mysterious bodies contain anywhere from thousands to billions of times the mass of the sun and thus exert a huge effect on anything that comes near.



The simulation follows a giant stream of material torn off a cloud of star-forming gas and its path as it swirls around the supermassive black hole.



“We would have been very excited if we had just seen that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeding-frenzy-study-reveals-the-eating-habits-of-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accretion disk</a>, but what was very surprising was that the simulated disk doesn’t look like what we’ve thought for decades it should look like.”



The advanced simulation reveals the formation of an accretion disk around the black hole, offering valuable information about the structure and behavior of these disks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-of-astrophysics">New era of astrophysics</h2>



To sum up, the new simulation developed by the Caltech team has been instrumental in not only bridging the gap between large and small scales of cosmic research but also in challenging previously held notions about black hole formation.



Their work has brought a revolutionary perspective, proving that the magnetic fields play a greater role than believed, in forming and maintaining the disks around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flares-shed-light-on-the-milky-ways-supermassive-black-hole/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accretion-disks-fueling-black-holes">Accretion disks fueling black holes</h2>



In the 1970s, two important papers described the accretion disks fueling supermassive black holes. Scientists assumed that thermal pressure played the dominant role in preventing these disks from collapsing. 



Thermal pressure refers to the change in pressure caused by the changing temperature of the gas in the disks. They also acknowledged that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-magnetic-fields-may-be-key-features-of-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic fields</a> might play a minor role in helping to shore up the disks.



In contrast, the new simulation found that the pressure from the magnetic fields of such disks was actually 10,000 times greater than the pressure from the heat of the gas.



“So, the disks are almost completely controlled by the magnetic fields,” Hopkins says. “The magnetic fields serve many functions, one of which is to prop up the disks and make the material puffy.”



This fascinating research promisingly paves the way for a multitude of enquiries about other aspects of the universe.



From understanding what happens when galaxies merge to exploring the types of stars that form in dense galactic regions, the work by these astronomers is set to change the way we understand our universe forever.



“There’s just so much to do,” Hopkins says.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://astro.theoj.org/article/94757-forge-d-in-fire-resolving-the-end-of-star-formation-and-structure-of-agn-accretion-disks-from-cosmological-initial-conditions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Open Journal of Astrophysics</a>.



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Mechanism discovered that creates the gas disks around black holes

Sometimes, the road to discovering the secrets of black holes...

New evidence suggests that soy foods have great potential to enhance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cheese-may-contain-nutrients-that-prevent-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive</a> abilities among school-aged children.



The pioneering study reveals that an increased intake of isoflavones from soy foods can lead to improved thinking ability and attention span in children.



The research paves a new path for studying the positive implications of soy food on youngsters' cognitive growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-isoflavones-in-soy-foods">Exploring isoflavones in soy foods</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-compound-offers-new-hope-for-people-with-food-allergies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Isoflavones</a>, organic compounds rich in soybeans and other related products, have been studied extensively in adults. This research linked soy foods to enhanced memory function. 



However, it remained unclear whether the cognitive benefits of soy foods extended to the younger population.



“Soy foods are often not a regular part of children’s diets in the United States,” said Ajla Bristina, a neuroscience doctoral student at the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>. 



“Our study adds evidence of the importance of nutrients found in soy foods for childhood cognition.”



The in-depth analysis illuminated the significant role of nutrients in soy foods and their direct impact on childhood cognition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-effects-of-soy-foods-in-children">Cognitive effects of soy foods in children</h2>



For the investigation, the research team analyzed cross-sectional data from 128 children between the ages of 7 and 13.



The researchers closely examined the average nutritional intake from the children’s dietary journals, considering the consumption of macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, and isoflavones.



“Soy consumption for individual participants ranged from 0 to 35 mg/day. To put this into perspective, an 8 fl. oz serving of soy milk provides about 28 mg of isoflavones, a serving of tofu provides about 35 mg and half a cup of steamed edamame provides about 18 mg of isoflavones,” said Bristina.



A blend of carefully constructed pencil and paper tests, adapted per grade level, measured children’s general intellectual prowess. 



Cutting-edge technology and methods, such as the computerized flanker task and electroencephalographic (EEG) assessments, were used to evaluate attention skills. Brain activity was simultaneously recorded to examine information processing speed.



This marked the first time an investigation combined soy isoflavones and EEG measures to explore cognitive functioning.



“No other studies have examined the association between soy isoflavones and attentional abilities using EEG or similar measures to record electrical activity generated by the brain,” said Bristina.



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



The results were intriguing. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between higher intake of soy-based foods and improved attentional capabilities. 



Children who consumed more isoflavones performed better on cognitive tasks and showed quicker <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caregiver-speech-shapes-infant-language-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">information processing</a> compared to their lower intake counterparts.



“The children in our study consumed an average of 1.33 mg of isoflavones per day, which while relatively low, aligns with previously reported values for the United States,” said Bristina. 



“Overall, the analysis revealed that the children in the study tended to consume low amounts of isoflavone-containing soy foods."



"However, those who did consume more soy foods showed faster responses during the attentional tasks and exhibited faster processing speed. No association was observed between soy isoflavone intake and general intellectual ability.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soy-foods-to-the-rescue">Soy foods to the rescue</h2>



Soy-rich foods, such as tofu, tempeh, or soy-based nuggets, are a beneficial addition to children's diets. 



Not only are these foods easily accessible and flexible to be incorporated into various meals, but they also play a crucial role in fortifying cognitive capacities in children.



Bristina noted that snacks like roasted edamame, soy nuts, or soy milk are a good way to incorporate more soy into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-diet-positively-influences-the-brains-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a>. 



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



Despite the promising results, the research serves merely as a stepping stone. Future experimental studies are crucial to establish the exact quantity of isoflavone intake required to boost cognitive response times and to understand the implications of soy foods on different cognitive abilities.



“Correlational studies like this are only the first step,” said Bristina. “To better understand the effects of eating soy foods on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-profoundly-impairs-childrens-cognitive-abilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">children’s cognitive abilities</a> and the precise amount of isoflavone intake necessary to elicit faster response times will require intervention approaches.”



To dive deeper, the research team has initiated a clinical trial to explore the effects of soy foods on children's thinking abilities, metabolism, sex hormones, and gut health.



The research was presented at the <a href="https://nutrition.org/n24/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NUTRITION 2024</a> conference.



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Soy foods boost cognitive abilities and attention span in children

New evidence suggests that soy foods have great potential to...

The universe's most cryptic puzzle could be on the brink of exposure. Dark matter, cold quantum detectors, particle physics...for the science nerds among us, prepare to be intrigued.



Around 80% of all matter in the universe is invisible. We call it dark matter. It's slipping through us, perhaps trillions of particles every second, almost like an unseen ghost. 



We're aware of its existence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-gravity-exists-without-mass-so-dark-matter-does-not-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">due to the gravitational effects</a> we can observe. However, spotting it directly has always been elusive...until now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stellar-minds-leading-the-charge">Stellar minds leading the charge</h2>



A team of scientists, hailing from <a href="https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lancaster University</a>, the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>, and <a href="https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Holloway, University of London</a>, are harnessing quantum technologies to construct unprecedentedly sensitive dark matter detectors. 



Amongst these brilliant minds are Dr. Michael Thompson, Professor Edward Laird, Dr. Dmitry Zmeev, and Dr. Samuli Autti from Lancaster, Professor Jocelyn Monroe from Oxford, and Professor Andrew Casey from Royal Holloway.



In the words of <a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/epsrc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPSRC</a> Fellow Dr. Autti, "We are using quantum technologies at ultra-low temperatures to build the most sensitive detectors to date. The goal is to observe this mysterious matter directly in the laboratory and solve one of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-does-not-exist-universe-27-billion-years-old-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greatest enigmas in science</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-illuminating-dark-matter-with-quantum-tools">Illuminating dark matter with quantum tools</h2>



There are key clues to the typical density of dark matter in our galaxy. Yet, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-may-reveal-the-origin-of-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass of its particles</a> and how they might interact with standard atoms remain mysteries.



Particle physics puts forth two probable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/existence-of-dark-matter-confirmed-by-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter candidates</a>: new particles with interactions so delicate we haven’t seen them yet, and very light, wave-like particles called axions. 



This team of scientists is constructing two experiments, each specifically designed to seek one of these candidates.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-type-1-new-particles">Type 1: New particles</h3>



The first type, the new particles with ultra-weak interactions, might be detectable through their collisions with ordinary matter. But hold tight -- it all depends on the mass of the dark matter we're hunting. 



Previous searches could pinpoint dark matter particles weighing between five and 1,000 times more than a hydrogen atom. However, what if we’ve been missing the smaller ones?



The Quantum Enhanced Superfluid Technologies for Dark Matter and Cosmology (<a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.00181" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">QUEST-DMC</a>) team aims to broaden the scope, reaching a world-leading sensitivity to collisions with dark matter candidates as light as 0.01 to a few hydrogen atoms. 



They are using superfluid helium-3, cooled into a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum state</a>, and rigged with superconducting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bose-einstein-condensate-bec-rare-form-quantum-matter-created-with-molecules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum amplifiers</a> to detect these elusive, lightweight dark matter collisions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-type-2-axions">Type 2: Axions</h3>



On the other hand, if dark matter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/visible-matter-dark-matter-evolved-together-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consists of axions</a>, they'd be more than a billion times lighter than a hydrogen atom but a lot more abundant. 



Collisions with axions would be off the table, but scientists could look for an electrical signal resulting from axions decaying in a magnetic field. 



The Quantum Sensors for the Hidden Sector (<a href="https://qshs.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">QSHS</a>) team is developing a quantum amplifier to search for this axion signal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-theory-to-reality">From theory to reality</h2>



If you’re thrilled by this scientific endeavor, you’re in for a treat. The team's public exhibit, "A Quantum View of the Invisible Universe," is on display at the Royal Society's <a href="https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/summer-science-exhibition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Summer Science Exhibition</a> from July 2-7, 2024.



From engaging hands-on exhibits to mind-boggling demonstrations, there's something for everyone. There's a gyroscope-in-a-box, depicting dark matter inference from galaxy observations. 



There are glass marbles, transparent in liquid, showing how invisible masses can be detected through smart experimentation.



You'll also witness a working model of a dark matter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-influence-cosmos-galaxies-extends-much-farther-than-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particle collision detector</a> and a replica axion detector. 



You can even use a pendulum to create your own parametric amplifier. All, while a luminous dilution refrigerator showcases how the team achieves ultra-low temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter-quantum-coldness-and-fun-science">Dark matter, quantum coldness, and fun science</h2>



To recap, a group of brilliant European scientists are on a mission to reveal dark matter. They use advanced quantum technologies to create highly sensitive detectors. 



These detectors aim to identify dark matter particles through collisions and electrical signals. Their work could solve one of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-galaxy-jwst-er1g-dark-matter-einstein-ring-mystery-solved/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe's greatest mysteries</a>.



As Carlos Frenk, Fellow of the Royal Society and Chair of the Public Engagement Committee, aptly put it: "Science is vital in helping us understand the world we live in – past, present and future." 



So why not follow along with these experiments with an open mind, curiosity, and infectious enthusiasm to celebrate tremendous scientific triumphs that enrich our understanding of the universe? You never know, you might just get an up-close look at the Universe's greatest mystery.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10909-024-03142-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Low Temperature Physics</a>.



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Coldest quantum detectors in the world enlisted to search for dark matter

The universe's most cryptic puzzle could be on the brink...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

[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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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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

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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

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