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...

Healthy,Nutrition,Concept.,Fruits,And,Vegetables,Vs,Sweets,And,Unhealthy

A recent study offers fresh insight into the debate about ultra-processed and minimally processed foods. It suggests we rethink our approach. Instead of just looking at how processed our food is, we should focus on the types of food we eat.



This enlightening study is from the reputable <a href="https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/gfnd/gfhnrc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA-ARS</a> Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center.



A team of passionate scientists, led by Dr. Julie Hess, worked hard to challenge our current beliefs about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/contamination-crisis-microplastics-found-in-88-of-protein-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> processing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minimally-vs-ultra-processed-foods">Minimally vs ultra-processed foods</h2>



The researchers contrasted two diets reflective of typical Western consumption. 



One consisted of minimally processed foods, while the other composed of ultra-processed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/health-risks-of-ultra-processed-foods-revealed-in-30-year-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods</a>, as defined by the NOVA classification system.



Surprisingly, the minimally processed diet was more than twice as expensive. It also had a shorter shelf life. Additionally, it didn't provide any extra nutritional value.



"This study indicates that it is possible to eat a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-diet-quality-in-adolescence-linked-to-lifelong-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">low-quality diet</a> even when choosing mostly minimally processed foods," Hess explained. 



"It also shows that more-processed and less-processed diets can be equally nutritious (or non-nutritious), but the more-processed diet may have a longer shelf life and be less costly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-twist-in-the-tale">Twist in the tale</h2>



The <a href="https://sniglobal.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soy Nutrition Institute Global</a>'s director of nutrition science and research, Mark Messina, Ph.D., is scheduled to present these breakthrough findings at the NUTRITION 2024.



This study is a sequel to their earlier work, revealing that a high-quality menu aligning with dietary guidelines can predominantly consist of ultra-processed foods.



This time, the scientists flipped the script, asking, "Could a low-quality menu be largely comprised of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-food-swaps-could-have-a-major-environmental-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">'simple' foods</a>?"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reality-check">Reality check</h2>



The researchers composed a less-processed menu, acquiring 20% of its caloric content from ultra-processed foods. On the other hand, the more-processed menu received 67% of its energy from ultra-processed foods. 



Both menus scored roughly 43-44 on the Healthy Eating Index, a regrettable score indicating inadequate adherence to the <a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dietary Guidelines for Americans</a>.



The less-processed menu set back consumers by $34.87 per day per person, in stark contrast to the $13.53 per day for the more-processed menu. 



The median expiration time for the less-processed and more-processed menu items varied drastically as well, with figures standing at 35 days and 120 days, respectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-minimally-processed-foods">Understanding minimally processed foods</h2>



Julie Hess underlined that nutrient-dense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-labeling-consumer-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">packaged foods</a>, including unsweetened applesauce, ultrafiltered milk, liquid egg whites, and certain brands of raisins and canned tomatoes, could be classified as ultra-processed.



"The results of this study indicate that building a nutritious diet involves more than a consideration of food processing as defined by NOVA. The concepts of 'ultra-processed' food and 'less-processed' foods need to be better characterized by the nutrition research community," she concluded.



This study serves as a wake-up call, encouraging a holistic approach that goes beyond considering food processing levels, including minimally processed foods, to examining the nature of the foods we consume.



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



The findings from this study could change public health policies and nutritional guidelines. Current advice favors minimally processed foods. 



This research suggests that focusing only on processing levels might miss the full picture of diet quality.



Public health authorities might need to rethink their recommendations. Some ultra-processed foods can be healthy and offer benefits like cost savings and longer shelf life. Policies should promote nutrient-rich foods, regardless of their processing level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-approach-to-nutrition">Approach to nutrition</h2>



This study highlights the need for a personalized approach to nutrition. Instead of avoiding ultra-processed foods entirely, focus on including a variety of nutrient-dense choices. 



This way, you can balance your diet while considering your individual needs.



Consider factors like affordability, convenience, and individual dietary needs. Nutrition professionals can offer tailored advice for each person's situation. 



This approach can lead to better, more effective nutrition strategies, improving public health outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-minimally-processed-foods">Implications of minimally processed foods</h2>



One key takeaway is the need to educate the public about nutrition. We need awareness campaigns and educational programs to inform people about food processing and its health impacts.



When people have accurate nutritional information, they can make better diet choices. Schools, community centers, and healthcare providers can help spread this knowledge effectively. By working together, we can help everyone make healthier food choices.



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Minimally processed foods cost more and offer no extra nutrition

A recent study offers fresh insight into the debate about...

Milk,And,Cows.,Emmental,Region,,Switzerland

If you thought everyone agreed on the safety of our go-to glass of yummy moo juice, you may be incorrect. A recent study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania shakes reveals the misconceptions of people related to raw milk.



In a recent survey, researchers found that less than half of the adults in the U.S realize that pasteurized milk is safer than its raw counterpart.



Patrick E. Jamieson who is the director of the <a href="https://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APPC</a> led this research. “It is important that anyone planning to consume raw milk be aware that doing so can make you sick and that pasteurization reduces the risk of milk-borne illnesses,” Patrick explains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-danger-of-raw-milk">Hidden danger of raw milk</h2>



It turns out that nearly 24% of Americans are in a fog about pasteurization. Some are unsure about whether it can effectively wipe out bacteria and viruses from milk. 



Unpasteurized milk from animals, such as cows, goats, and sheep, is not heat-treated to eliminate harmful germs. 



The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDC</a> informs us that raw dairy products can cause 840 times more illnesses and 45 times more hospital stays than pasteurized items.



Furthermore, the FDA's report from June 6, 2024, stirs up some feathers by stating that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/raw-milk-may-transmit-bird-flu-virus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird flu</a> or highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) of the H5N1 subtype, has been found in cow’s milk.



This revelation is causing scientists to worry about the possibility of transmission to humans consuming raw milk or items made from it.



Fortunately, the <a href="https://www.fda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FDA</a> affirms that the commercial milk supply, which undergoes pasteurization, is safe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-misconceptions-lurking-in-the-milk-aisle">Misconceptions lurking in the milk aisle</h2>



Well, here's where things get interesting. The APPC survey brought to light a puzzling statistic. Over half of the respondents believe raw milk is safer, or just as safe, or are unsure about its safety when compared to pasteurized milk.



It seems that some folks are under the illusion that raw milk is more nutrient-rich. Why? Because they mistakenly believe that pasteurization zaps nutrients. 



The CDC clears up this myth by stating that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/destroying-microplastics-tap-water-surprisingly-simple-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pasteurized</a> milk offers the same nutritional benefits without the added risks of raw milk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-education-and-awareness">Power of education and awareness</h2>



Interestingly, the APPC survey identifies certain groups that are more likely to misunderstand raw milk's safety. People who are 65 and older, college educated, or identify with the Democratic party are more likely to understand pasteurization's benefits.



“The difference in views of raw milk that we see between Democrats and Republicans is difficult to disentangle from the difference between rural and urban dwellers,” said Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center. “Those in rural areas are both more likely to identify as Republicans and&nbsp;to consume raw milk.”



So, where you live and your political affiliation can predict your beliefs about raw milk's safety. 



Education is the secret to bridging the gap in milk safety <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-milk-day-how-do-milk-products-impact-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">knowledge</a>. Public health campaigns, school programs, and resources that are as easy as pie to understand, can help bust myths and deliver the real deal. 



It's not about scaring people away from raw milk, but about arming them with the truth to make safe and informed choices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-debate-on-raw-milk">Decoding the debate on raw milk</h2>



It’s amazing how a simple dairy product like milk can churn up so much debate. Whether it’s raw or pasteurized, knowing the process behind it is essential. 



Our decisions shouldn't be soured by myths. So, the next time you pour yourself a glass of milk, take a moment to appreciate its journey from the farm to your fridge. 



And remember, as the APPC survey spotlighted, "natural" doesn't always mean "safe". Stay on your toes, stay informed.



In a nutshell, when it comes to milk, knowledge is power. Being informed means being healthy. Understanding the risks and benefits of raw and pasteurized milk can help us make informed decisions about what we put on our tables and into our bodies. 



So, let's raise our glasses to safe and informed milk <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-gmo-plants-make-baby-formula-healthy-as-breast-milk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consumption</a>.



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Drinking raw milk is a health hazard that many people don't realize

If you thought everyone agreed on the safety of our...

The,Vanishing,Great,Salt,Lake,With,Salt,Mounds,In,The

It's a well-known fact that the Earth's climate and pollution has been changing and impacting various aspects of our lives drastically. One such aspect is the Great Salt Lake in Utah that stands as a stark reminder of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-losing-their-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenges</a> we face.



The issue at hand, though, is about more than just the dwindling lake; it's about the dust pollution that arises from its drying bed, and how it disproportionately affects the local communities.



The credit for unveiling this grim reality goes to scientists from the <a href="https://www.utah.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a>. Spearheading the research, Professor Sara Grineski and a team of experts from numerous faculties, including environmental studies, geography, atmospheric sciences, and biology, shed light on the issue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disadvantaged-communities-bearing-the-brunt">Disadvantaged communities bearing the brunt</h2>



The recent research suggests that the dust pollution from the Great Salt Lake playa is impacting disadvantaged communities in the Salt Lake metro area more severely. 



It's a jarring revelation that shows how the adverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-interlinked-crisis-of-plastic-pollution-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a> of climate change have the potential to contribute to societal disparities.



This undue burden of dust exposure falls mostly on Pacific Islanders and Hispanics, with the impact being lower on white people.



Additionally, those without a high school diploma also endure high exposure levels. The discrepancy arises due to the geographical layout of Salt Lake City, where lower-income neighborhoods are more susceptible to windblown dust from the shrinking Great Salt Lake.



“People here in Utah are concerned about the lake for a variety of reasons -- the ski industry, the brine shrimp, the migratory birds, recreation -- and this study adds environmental justice and the equity implications of the drying lake to the conversation,” said <a href="https://wilkescenter.utah.edu/about/sara-grineski/">Grineski</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-great-salt-lake-a-pollution-source">Great Salt Lake: A pollution source</h2>



Over two decades of relentless drought and substantial upstream diversions have resulted in the significant reduction of the Great Salt Lake. 



Leaving approximately 800 square miles of lakebed exposed, this shrinking body of water stands as an unexpected yet formidable source of pollution.



So, what makes this dust so dangerous? 



Dust from the lake bed contains fine particulate matter, or PM2.5. These tiny particles can infiltrate lung tissue. Ultimately, this leads to health issues like cardiovascular disease and asthma.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salt-lake-restoration-and-reduced-pollution">Salt lake restoration and reduced pollution</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoring-the-great-salt-lake-is-a-matter-of-environmental-justice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Restoring the Great Salt Lake</a> to a healthy water level can alleviate harmful dust exposure. Importantly, different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups will benefit from this change.



This restoration also offers ecological and economic benefits. It transforms a challenging situation into a win-win opportunity.



The research included running various scenarios through a model developed by researcher Derek Mallia. The model can simulate different lake levels and predict exposure levels, providing a helpful tool in managing the dust issue.



As per the model results, when lake levels drop, neighborhood disparities in exposure levels rise. On the other hand, an increase in lake levels corresponds to a decrease in overall dust levels and a narrowing of the gap between the dust exposure experienced by different demographic groups.



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



“We frame it the converse. Lake levels rise, overall levels of dust go down during the dust events and the gap, especially between Hispanic and Pacific Islander people, narrows with respect to the level of dust exposure for non-Hispanic white people,” Grineski said. 



“So if we can take better care of the lake, the dust for everyone goes down and the gap in exposure between these groups goes down too.”



This research provides unique insights into the link between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/short-term-pollution-claims-more-than-one-million-lives-per-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental changes</a> and social justice. The issues around the Great Salt Lake and resultant pollution go beyond ecological or economic concerns. They are closely connected to the lives of the people in Utah.



The findings also hint at the need to expand Utah's network of PM10 monitors, as suggests co-author Kevin Perry. 



The data that would be available from a robust PM10 monitoring network could give a more thorough assessment of the lakebed dust threat, marking a critical step in mitigating its harmful effects.



The research concludes on a hopeful note, suggesting that we can reduce some of the inequality in dust exposure by raising the lake level to a 'healthy' level. 



It's a profound lesson in social justice, reminding us that caring for our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerosols-have-an-underestimated-effect-on-clouds-and-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a> extends beyond preserving the natural world –- it's also about ensuring a fairer world for all of us.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(24)00249-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Earth</a>.



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Great Salt Lake is drying up and causing major dust pollution

It's a well-known fact that the Earth's climate and pollution...

New experimental research has revealed that the combined effects of ocean warming and acidification could dramatically reduce the survival rate of embryonic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sharks-important-deserve-protections/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a> by 2100. This study is also the first to show that monthly temperature variation significantly impacts shark embryo mortality.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-has-nearly-doubled-in-the-last-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean warming</a> and acidification result from increased CO2 levels dissolving into marine environments, leading to rising water temperatures and lower pH levels. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hatching-success-of-shark-embryos-nbsp">Hatching success of shark embryos&nbsp;</h2>



“The embryos of egg-laying species are especially sensitive to environmental conditions,” said Noémie Coulon, a PhD student at the <a href="https://borea.mnhn.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laboratory of Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems</a> in France. 



“The hatching success of embryos is a crucial factor for population dynamics. In the case of skates and sharks, which have a slow pace of life, low hatching rates could be critical for population renewal.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-spotted-catshark-embryo-survival-nbsp">Small-spotted catshark embryo survival&nbsp;</h2>



The small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) is one of the most abundant shark species in Europe, yet it is already experiencing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat loss</a> in coastal areas, particularly during the summer months when egg-laying is at its peak. 



Coulon and her team compared embryo survival under three scenarios: a control scenario using baseline temperature and pH data from 1995 to 2014, and two predicted climate scenarios for 2100 based on the <a href="https://unfccc.int/documents/636550?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw7ZO0BhDYARIsAFttkCg16wrg18FNCdBeZgOe_Z9twyo1Ly2ns7y9ux1pnlOuaNH7N5vTosQaAuN-EALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report</a> from 2021.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicted-climate-scenarios-nbsp">Predicted climate scenarios&nbsp;</h2>



The SSP2 scenario, known as the “Middle of the Road” scenario, represents a future where slow and non-uniform progress towards tackling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-sharks-swim/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> is present but net-zero is not reached, predicting a temperature rise of 2.7°C and a pH drop of 0.2 by 2100. 



The SSP5 scenario, called the “Fossil-fueled Development” scenario, represents a future where fossil fuel resources continue to be more rapidly exploited, predicting a temperature rise of 4.4°C and a pH drop of 0.4 by 2100.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-linked-to-shocking-embryo-mortality-rate">Heat linked to shocking embryo mortality rate</h2>



The researchers measured embryo growth and yolk consumption weekly over a four-month period and recorded hatching success and the growth of surviving baby sharks for six months post-hatching.&nbsp;



They found a high survival rate for both the control and SSP2 scenarios (81% and 83% respectively). However, survival plummeted under the SSP5 scenario, with only 11% of embryos hatching.&nbsp;



“We were shocked by the low survival rate observed in the SSP5 scenario,” Coulon said. The team linked this mortality to lower yolk consumption rates, lower growth rates, and failure to transition to internal gills.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-variation-and-embryo-mortality-nbsp">Temperature variation and embryo mortality&nbsp;</h2>



The study also highlighted the significant impact of seasonal temperature variation on embryo mortality, particularly during critical egg-laying periods. “This mortality was most pronounced in August, coinciding with the highest temperatures (reaching 23.1°C),” she explained.



The surviving 11% of embryos in the SSP5 scenario did not exhibit typical growth patterns, which might have contributed to their resilience to environmental changes.&nbsp;



“What makes these individuals special remains unclear,” said Coulon. Understanding inter-individual variation among young marine organisms could improve predictions of future ecological success.



This research serves as both a warning and a call to action. “It serves as a warning about the responses of other species that may be even more sensitive to environmental change,” she said. “Our findings demonstrate that the more moderate SSP2 scenario can limit the damage inflicted on species like the small-spotted catshark.”



Supported by the <a href="https://saveourseas.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Save Our Seas Foundation</a>, this study will be presented at the <a href="https://www.sebiology.org/events/seb-conference-prague-2024.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Society for Experimental Biology Annual Conference</a> in Prague in July 2024. 



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Shark embryo mortality expected to rise by 71 percent

New experimental research has revealed that the combined effects of...

As parents or caregivers, how often are we confronted with the exasperated declaration, "I'm bored!"? Rather than dreading the boredom, we may need to start welcoming it as a gateway to our children's untapped creative, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/talking-to-babies-in-parentese-boosts-their-language-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social</a>, and life skills.



Taking her cue from the world of small but powerful words, Jamie Jirout, associate professor at the <a href="https://www.virginia.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia</a> School of Education and Human Development, delves into the intriguing correlation between a child's curiosity and their learning abilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curiosity-from-boredom">Curiosity from boredom</h2>



According to Jirout, curiosity is kindled when a child <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/five-scientifically-proven-steps-for-thriving-infant-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">senses</a> a void in their knowledge, compelling them to seek information and reduce their uncertainty. 



This thirst for answers breeds creativity as the child starts to cook up unique and useful ideas or products.



Our digital age, saturated with screens, can understandably worry both adults and children when it comes to prolonged periods of unstructured, tech-free time. 



However, Jirout assures us that such intervals can be golden opportunities for children to cultivate their curiosity, creativity, and important <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-spaces-near-homes-reduce-emotional-problems-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life skills</a>.



"Curiosity occurs when a student experiences a gap in knowledge that motivates them to seek information to resolve their uncertainty. Creativity occurs when students generate novel and useful ideas or products," Jirout explains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-break-from-boredom">Creative break from boredom</h2>



Be it summer at home, weekends, or holidays, any break from routine can provide the perfect platform to nurture both creativity and curiosity in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poverty-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young ones</a>.



"When kids have the agency to do what they want to do, they're going to be motivated to get into activities in a deep way," Jirout said. 



"That motivation will then provide a lot of experience and opportunities for them to develop different skills that they might not get in school, or from more structured activities in general because they don't have to create the entire structure themselves."



How do we make this work? It's all about structuring unstructured time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structuring-the-unstructured">Structuring the unstructured</h2>



So, how do we structure this unstructured time and help our kids combat boredom? Jirout offers a few strategies. If your child struggles with where to start, offer a general activity idea. 



Whether it's building a fort, creating an obstacle course, or making a fairy garden, the key is to be as vague as possible. This allows your child to take charge and explore various aspects of the activity on their own.



Moreover, creating their own schedule for a few hours can greatly enrich a child's sense of control and autonomy, often absent in a typical school or camp day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spawning-creative-skills-through-boredom">Spawning creative skills through boredom</h2>



Provokingly, these moments of boredom can be more enriching than more structured activities. Jirout points out that children cultivate a lot about problem-solving and thinking creatively from these experiences. 



When children are free to follow their interests, they are more likely to dive deep into activities, gaining experiences and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-students-learn-is-key-to-helping-them-succeed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">developing</a> a wide array of skills.



"In general, kids don't get to do things of their choice very often," Jirout said. "And they're going to be most motivated when they have the autonomy of choice. So, I think it is great to provide them the opportunity to figure out what they want to do."



Outdoor activities add the cherry on the cake with additional benefits like physical movement and nature interaction. The child also learns social and collaborative skills as they negotiate decision-making and ideas with friends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-serving-a-slice-of-life-skills">Serving a Slice of Life Skills</h2>



For the slightly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-takes-a-major-toll-on-childrens-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older kids</a>, unstructured time can also serve practical life skills lessons. 



"The summer can be a great time to walk or bike to a nearby store, buy some ingredients, and then return home to do some cooking," Jirout said.



"Or without even leaving the house, packing up a picnic for an outside lunch is a great skill for kids to learn."



While introducing and embracing boredom may initially feel uncomfortable for both adults and kids, with patience and practice, it can foster a habitat of curiosity and creativity, making every day a summer of skillful discovery. 



So next time your child complains of boredom, remember you're stirring a pot of creative soup, one bored moment at a time.



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Boredom can make children more creative and teach new skills

As parents or caregivers, how often are we confronted with...

Researchers have uncovered a significant clue in Italian limestone that helps explain a mass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-erosion-and-fire-contributed-to-triassic-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a> of marine life millions of years ago during the Jurassic. The research may offer insights into the impact of oxygen depletion and climate change in today’s oceans.&nbsp;



Michael A. Kipp, an assistant professor of earth and climate science at <a href="https://duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a>, co-authored a study measuring oxygen loss in oceans leading to marine species extinction 183 million years ago.&nbsp;



“This event, and events like it, are the best analogs we have in Earth's past for what is to come in the next decades and centuries,” he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxygen-depletion-during-the-jurassic">Oxygen depletion during the Jurassic </h2>



During the Jurassic Period, extensive volcanic activity in what is now South Africa released approximately 20,500 gigatons of carbon dioxide (CO2) over 500,000 years, heating the oceans and causing significant oxygen depletion. 



The result was a mass extinction of Jurassic marine species due to suffocation from the lack of oxygen.



“It’s an analog, but not a perfect one, to predict what will happen to future oxygen loss in oceans from human-made carbon emissions, and the impact that loss will have on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-ecosystems-survive-extinctions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a> and biodiversity,” said co-author Mariano Remirez, an assistant research professor at <a href="https://www.gmu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">George Mason University</a>.



By examining limestone sediment that carries chemicals dating back to the time of the volcanic activity, researchers were able to estimate changes in ancient ocean oxygen levels.&nbsp;



At one point, oxygen was completely <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cascading-oxygen-loss-could-endanger-our-oceans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depleted</a> in up to 8% of the ancient global seafloor, an area roughly three times the size of the United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-levels-of-atmospheric-co2">Unprecedented levels of atmospheric CO2 </h2>



Since the Industrial Revolution, human activity has released CO2 emissions equivalent to 12% of what was released during the Jurassic volcanism.&nbsp;



However, Kipp notes that today’s rapid rate of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-ancient-plants-affect-atmospheric-co2-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric CO2</a> release is unprecedented, making it difficult to predict when another mass extinction might occur or its severity.



“We just don't have anything this severe,” Kipp said. “We go to the most rapid CO2-emitting events we can in history, and they're still not rapid enough to be a perfect comparison to what we're going through today. We're perturbing the system faster than ever before.”



“We have at least quantified the marine oxygen loss during this event, which will help constrain our predictions of what will happen in the future,” he concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-oxygen-loss">Climate change and oxygen loss</h2>



In the ocean, climate change and oxygen loss are directly related. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-is-subtly-changing-the-tides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warmer water</a> holds less oxygen than cooler water, which means that dissolved oxygen levels are diminished as temperatures rise.&nbsp;



On top of this, higher temperatures cause ocean stratification, where layers of water with different temperatures form. This prevents the mixing of oxygen-rich surface waters with deeper waters.&nbsp;



Another contributing factor is the increased input of nutrients from agricultural runoff and other sources, which can lead to algal blooms.&nbsp;



When these algae die and decompose, the process consumes large amounts of oxygen, creating hypoxic or "dead" zones where marine life cannot survive.&nbsp;



Climate change can intensify these processes by altering rainfall patterns, increasing runoff, and thereby increasing the nutrient load entering the ocean.



Furthermore, the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers due to global warming can lead to changes in ocean circulation patterns. These changes affect the distribution of oxygen in the ocean, often leading to decreased oxygen levels in certain areas.&nbsp;



Overall, the combination of warmer water temperatures, stratification, nutrient pollution, and changes in circulation patterns driven by climate change is causing significant oxygen loss in the ocean, which has serious implications for marine ecosystems and the organisms that depend on them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-oxygen-loss-impact-marine-species">How does oxygen loss impact marine species?</h2>



Oxygen loss in marine environments significantly impacts marine animals by reducing the availability of a critical element needed for their survival.&nbsp;



As oxygen levels decrease, many marine species experience stress, which can lead to decreased growth rates, impaired reproductive success, and increased susceptibility to diseases.&nbsp;



This hypoxic condition forces marine animals to either adapt, migrate to areas with higher oxygen levels, or face potential mortality.&nbsp;



Additionally, oxygen depletion can disrupt food chains, as both predator and prey species are affected, leading to broader ecological consequences in marine ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2406032121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Jurassic extinction may hold clues about our oceans’ future

Researchers have uncovered a significant clue in Italian limestone that...

It's a simple truth. Birds singing at dawn or dusk is a universal joy. But have you wondered how climate change affects these tiny singers?



The insightful research by Pau Lucio, an Associate Lecturer at the Animal Science Department at the Gandia Campus, and his team, based at the <a href="https://www.upv.es/index-en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universitat Politècnica de València</a> and Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology of the<a href="https://www.uv.es/uvweb/college/en/university-valencia-1285845048380.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> University of Valencia</a> speak volumes on this critical concern.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-through-two-warblers">Understanding through two Warblers</h2>



The team’s in-depth study circled around two specific species -- the Moustached Warbler (Acrocephalus melanopogon) and the Common Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus). 



These water-loving birds mainly inhabit the Mediterranean coastal wetlands.



The Moustached Warbler, a Spanish local face dwindling population rates, finding itself on the 2021 Spanish Red Data Book of Birds as "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-100-bird-species-have-been-lost-for-over-a-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vulnerable</a>". 



The Common Reed Warbler, on the other hand, migrates long distances, wintering in Africa, and is, thankfully, of "least concern" due to its broader European distribution.



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



Thanks to a comprehensive database of 25 years of bird ringing in Spain's wetlands, the research could unravel how various climatic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/island-bird-communities-are-changing-in-unexpected-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geographical elements</a> impact the birds' productivity.



In other words, the correlation between number of offspring born in a year and the number of adult birds.



"Specifically, we have used data from the scientific ringing program for the monitoring of breeding bird species in Spain (PASER) between 1995 and 2021," adds Pau Lucio.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-influence-on-birds">Climate change influence on birds</h2>



The research led to a fascinating discovery. Rainfall plays a decisive role in the Moustached Warbler's productivity.



Surprisingly, too much of a good thing proved harmful; rainfall above 100mm threshold affected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-birds-are-at-great-risk-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird species</a> breeding negatively. High temperatures also didn't sit well with this bird.



Our migratory maestro, the Common Reed Warbler, paints a contrasting picture. Higher temperatures ramp up its productivity, with rainfall making little to no difference, except when it’s about 100 mm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-birds-in-a-changing-climate">Future of birds in a changing climate</h2>



So, what do these discoveries mean for our warbling wonders? 



"Warmer temperatures and more frequent heavy rainfall may compromise the conservation of the moustached warbler in Spain due to the adverse effect of both elements on its productivity," says <a href="https://www.upv.es/ficha-personal/virgargm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Garófano</a> from the Research Institute for Integrated Coastal Zone Management (<a href="https://igic.webs.upv.es/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IGIC</a>) of the UPV Gandia Campus.



"In contrast, higher temperatures may benefit the common reed warbler." But, the harmony can flip as climate change doesn't only impact productivity but also survival rates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-population-modeling-and-climate-change">Bird population modeling and climate change</h2>



This study could pinpoint climate-sensitive periods by analyzing the most significant climatic impacts on bird productivity using spatial (site, longitude, latitude, and elevation) and temporal changes (year).



The study's co-author, <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rafael-Munoz-Mas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rafael Muñoz-Mas</a>, a researcher affiliated with the IGIC of the UPV, highlights the technological breakthroughs that enabled this progress in bird population trend modeling. 



He explains, "This advance in the ecological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-turn-bird-dreams-into-captivating-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modeling</a> of trends in bird populations has been possible thanks to the use of complex data modelling techniques." 



Muñoz-Mas goes on to explain that these techniques include data mining, machine learning, and the application of genetic algorithms to optimize the models.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-strategies-for-bird-species">Conservation strategies for bird species</h2>



The pressing question is: what measures can we adopt to safeguard species like the Moustached Warbler from the impending threats of climate change? The research team suggests a multipronged approach. 



Firstly, stringent protection of their wetland habitats is paramount. These ecosystems must be preserved and restored to maintain the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-birds-enjoy-eating-feces-and-what-it-means-for-their-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delicate balance</a> vital for the species' survival.



Additionally, creating and implementing climate-resilient management practices can buffer the adverse effects of extreme weather conditions. 



This could involve the installation of water level control systems to counteract excessive rainfall and mitigate habitat loss.



Moreover, fostering international collaborations focused on migratory birds can ensure synchronized conservation efforts across borders, offering a lifeline to species like the Common Reed Warbler throughout their journey.



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



As intricate as these conservation strategies might be, the involvement of local communities and citizen scientists cannot be overstated. 



Empowering individuals to participate in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/body-sizes-and-shapes-of-birds-are-shrinking-as-the-earth-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird monitoring and data collection</a> enriches scientific databases and enhances the breadth of research.



Programs encouraging bird ringing, nest monitoring, and habitat assessments furnish invaluable, ground-level insights into bird populations and their responses to climatic shifts. 



Furthermore, raising awareness through educational initiatives about the impact of climate change on avian species instills a sense of stewardship within communities. 



Through collective efforts, we can amplify our response to climate challenges, ensuring the resilience and continuity of the vibrant avian chorus that connects us all to nature.



So, while we continue to harmonize our lives with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zebra-finch-female-birds-choose-mates-who-can-sing-most-complex-songs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melodic notes of birds</a>, let's make sure our actions don't hit a sour note in their survival symphony.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00063657.2024.2343956" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bird Study</a>.



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Bird behavior and productivity is being directly impacted by climate change

It's a simple truth. Birds singing at dawn or dusk...

A new study has identified unexpected adaptations in coral reef fish in the Arabian Gulf, which survive in some of the world's warmest waters.&nbsp;



Led by John Burt from <a href="https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York University Abu Dhabi</a> and Jacob Johansen from the <a href="https://www.himb.hawaii.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology</a>, the study found that these fish maintain efficient oxygen supply and performance despite elevated temperatures.&nbsp;



Contrary to theoretical predictions, the fish do not exhibit reduced sizes due to metabolic oxygen-supply limitations.



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



“As oceans warm, our ability to sustainably manage and protect important species depends on how well we can predict temperature-driven processes operating at individual, population, and community levels,” wrote the researchers.



“Many aquatic ectotherms, especially those adapted for the Arctic and tropics, are expected to be highly sensitive to temperature increases beyond those in which they have evolved.”&nbsp;



“Given the critical importance of aquatic resources for human survival, the likely consequences of rising temperatures for species fitness and productivity are vigorously debated.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptative-pathways-in-coral-reef-fish">Adaptative pathways in coral reef fish</h2>



The study authors noted that leading theories project limited adaptive capacity of tropical fishes and substantial size reductions in the coming decades due to mass-scaling limitations of oxygen supply in larger individuals.



“Using the world’s hottest coral reefs in the Persian/Arabian Gulf as a natural laboratory for ocean warming - where species have survived &gt;35.0 °C summer temperatures for over 6000 years and are 14-40% smaller at maximum size compared to cooler locations - we identified two adaptive pathways that enhance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-a-fish-survive-in-the-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a> at elevated temperatures across 10 metabolic and swimming performance metrics.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-to-climate-change-nbsp">Resilience to climate change&nbsp;</h2>



The study challenges the “shrinking of fishes phenomenon” and suggests that the real issue might be the balance between energy intake and expenditure.&nbsp;



The experts compared two fish species, Lutjanus ehrenbergii and Scolopsis ghanam, from the Arabian Gulf with those from the cooler Gulf of Oman.&nbsp;



The findings suggest these fish possess resilience to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-climate-change-can-increase-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, highlighting that smaller individuals might be evolutionarily favored at high temperatures.



“The hottest coral reefs in the world are an ideal natural laboratory to explore the future impact of rising water temperatures on fishes,” said Burt.



“Our findings indicate that some fish species are more resilient to climate change than previously understood and help explain why smaller individuals are evolutionarily favored at high temperatures.”



“This has significant implications for our understanding of the future of marine biodiversity in a continuously warming world.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-for-coral-reef-fish">The future for coral reef fish</h2>



The warming of oceans is expected to have drastic effects on marine life and the fishing industry, potentially disrupting ecosystems and economic structures.&nbsp;



Current scientific models predict that by 2050, coral reef fish could shrink by up to 39 percent due to increasing temperatures.&nbsp;



However, this study's results suggest that some species may adapt better than anticipated, potentially altering our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-biodiversity-could-shift-rapidly-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine biodiversity</a>'s future in a warming world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-reef-fish-of-the-arabian-sea">Coral reef fish of the Arabian Sea</h2>



The Arabian Sea is home to a vibrant marine ecosystem that hosts a rich diversity of coral reef <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-dna-reveals-the-diversity-of-coral-reef-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a>.&nbsp;



Coral reefs, known as the "rainforests of the sea," provide habitats for over one million marine species worldwide.&nbsp;



Coral reef fish in the Arabian Gulf are a vital part of the region's marine ecosystem. These fish include groupers, snappers, and parrotfish. Each species plays a unique role in maintaining the health of the coral reefs.



The Arabian Gulf's coral reefs are adapted to some of the harshest marine conditions, including high salinity and temperature extremes.&nbsp;



Despite these challenges, the reefs support a rich diversity of fish. These fish contribute to the reef's ecological balance by participating in processes like grazing on algae, which helps prevent algae overgrowth and allows corals to thrive.



Human activities, such as overfishing, coastal development, and pollution, pose significant threats to these coral reefs and their fish populations.&nbsp;



Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these ecosystems. Measures include establishing marine protected areas, enforcing sustainable fishing practices, and reducing pollution.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49459-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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How coral reef fish survive in the world’s warmest waters

A new study has identified unexpected adaptations in coral reef...

In the world of spinning electrons and quantum states, an exciting realm that's reshaping our everyday lives through our gadgets, researchers have made a discovery that promises even more powerful storage and processing capacities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-an-electron-spin">What makes an electron spin?</h2>



Just like a compass needle aligns itself to a magnetic field, electrons possess an inherent angular momentum, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transmitting-quantum-information-using-electron-spin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">termed as 'spin.'</a> 



Beyond their electric charge, which dictates behavior in electronic circuits, their spin has become pivotal for storing and processing data.



Our current gadgets, such as MRAM memory elements (magnetic random access memories), information is stored via small classical magnets. 



These comprise a myriad of electron spins. The MRAM’s, in turn, operate on spin-aligned electron currents, which can shift magnetization at a certain point in a material.



Researcher Pietro Gambardella, and his team at <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a>, discovered that spin-polarized currents can also govern the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum states</a> of single electron spins. 



Their findings, freshly published in the scientific journal Science, promise great potential for controlling quantum states of quantum bits (qubits).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-electron-spins">Decoding electron spins</h2>



“Electron spins have been traditionally manipulated utilizing electromagnetic fields like radio-frequency waves or microwaves,” explains Sebastian Stepanow, a Senior Scientist in Gambardella’s laboratory. 



This established technique, known as electron paramagnetic resonance, traces back to the mid-1940's and has found use in assorted fields such as material research, chemistry, and biophysics.



However, the exact mechanism of inducing electron paramagnetic resonance in singular atoms has remained hazy.



To delve deeper into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graviton-like-particle-observed-in-quantum-material-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanical processes</a> behind this mechanism, the researchers readied pentacene molecules (an aromatic hydrocarbon) onto a silver substrate. 



A thin insulating layer of magnesium oxide, previously deposited on the substrate, ensures that the electrons in the molecule behave more or less as they would in free space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-quantum-trick">What's the quantum trick?</h2>



The researchers used a scanning tunnelling microscope to measure the current created when the electrons tunnelled quantum mechanically from the tip of a tungsten needle to the molecule. 



Classical physics would argue against this process, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finding-quantum-coherence-chemical-reaction-chaos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a> empowers the electrons to 'tunnel' through the gap, generating a measurable current.



By applying a constant voltage and a rapidly oscillating voltage to a magnetized tungsten tip, and subsequently measuring the resulting tunnel current, the team was able to observe characteristic resonances in the tunnel current. 



The shape of these resonances allowed them to infer the processes between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-tunneling-allow-particles-break-light-speed-barrier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tunnelling electrons</a> and those of the molecule.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-gained">Critical insights gained</h2>



Through their data analysis, Stepanow and his team reaped two critical insights. 



Firstly, the electron spins in the pentacene molecule reacted to the electromagnetic field created by the alternating voltage, similar to ordinary electron paramagnetic resonance. 



Secondly, they found an additional process at play that also influenced the spins of the electrons in the molecule.



"This process is the so-called spin transfer torque," says PhD student Stepan Kovarik. Under the influence of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-laws-thermodynamics-follow-entropy-rule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spin-polarized current</a>, the spin of the molecule is altered without any direct action of an electromagnetic field. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spin-control-and-the-quantum-future">Spin control and the quantum future</h2>



The ETH researchers demonstrated that it's possible to create quantum mechanical superposition states of the molecular electron spin, and these states are being used in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-quantum-revolution-will-impact-all-aspects-of-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum technologies</a>.



"Spin control by spin-polarized currents at the quantum level gives way to numerous potential applications," Kovarik predicts. 



Contrary to electromagnetic fields, spin-polarized currents can act locally and be steered with a precision of less than a nanometer. 



They could be deployed to address electronic circuit elements in quantum devices with extreme precision, thereby controlling the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossible-quantum-effects-observed-atoms-positioned-closely-together/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum states</a> of magnetic qubits.



Time will tell how this exciting development will translate into practical applications in storing and processing data. But until then, thanks to the relentless curiosity of scientists like Gambardella, Stepanow, and Kovarik, our understanding of the quantum dance of electrons continues to evolve. The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh4753" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Manipulating the quantum dance of spinning electrons

In the world of spinning electrons and quantum states, an...

Why do some fern species adapt to urban environments while others prefer to remain rural?



Tammo Reichgelt, an expert in paleobotany at the <a href="https://uconn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Connecticut</a>, used citizen science data to investigate. The research revealed that certain ferns can mitigate the urban heat island effect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abundance-of-ferns-in-urban-areas">Abundance of ferns in urban areas</h2>



Reichgelt's interest in this topic began as a hobby when he noticed an unusual abundance of ferns in urban areas.&nbsp;



“I just happened to notice, ‘Wow, there's a lot of ferns here. Strange,’” he said, noting the peculiarity of finding ferns in places like Rockville, surrounded by asphalt, concrete, and brick. This observation, supported by data from the <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iNaturalist</a> community, indicated that specific fern species thrive in human-made environments.&nbsp;



“Especially in old mill towns in Connecticut, like Rockville, Willimantic, or Norwich, that tend to have a denser and older urban core, there were rock-dwelling ferns on buildings, bridges, and other structures.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rock-dwelling-fern-species">Rock-dwelling fern species</h2>



To explore this further, Reichgelt collected over 22,000 georeferenced observations of 16 rock-dwelling fern species in the Northeast. He combined this data with land-use information from the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United States Geological Survey</a> (USGS) to differentiate between natural and developed environments.&nbsp;



The findings showed a significant difference in habitat preference among fern species. “Over 50% of blunt cliff fern (Woodsia obtusa) observations were in highly developed areas,” noted Reichgelt. “The purple stem cliff brake (Pellaea atropurpurea) is more common south of Connecticut, but abundant in developed areas.”



“A surprising species is the Tennessee bulblet fern (Cystopteris tennesseensis), which is rare in its natural range but seems to thrive in the Philadelphia suburbs.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-factors-in-fern-adaptation">Key factors in fern adaptation </h2>



The study identified average summertime temperature and highest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-summer-of-2023-was-the-hottest-in-2000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summer temperature</a> as key climatic variables influencing fern adaptation to urban environments. Urban areas tend to be hotter due to the high heat capacity of building materials, a phenomenon known as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-the-best-option-to-reduce-the-urban-heat-island-effect/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban heat island effect</a>.&nbsp;



“That means these plants need to be adapted to hot environments to be able to survive in an urban environment,” Reichgelt said. “That these fern species are pre-adapted to hotter environments seems to predispose them to be able to thrive in urban environments. For the 11 species that don’t grow in urban environments, it seems that they cannot tolerate the Urban Heat Island effect.”



Ferns that do not grow in urban environments, such as the rock polypody (Polypodium virginianum) and Mackay’s fragile fern (Cystopteris tenuis), seem unable to tolerate the high summer temperatures of cities.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invaluable-citizen-science-data-nbsp">Invaluable citizen science data&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-gain-a-stronger-connection-with-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Citizen science</a> data from iNaturalist, which includes observations from a wide range of locations, proved invaluable for this study.&nbsp;



“Very rarely would researchers go and make observations in urban environments. Citizen science data is an interesting new source of information that is rapidly crowding out other sources of information,” said Reichgelt.



The inclusion of urban habitats is an example of an advantage of using citizen science. Still, scientists have only just started to look into potential novel biases that are unique to citizen science.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-urban-fern-adaptations-nbsp">Investigating urban fern adaptations&nbsp;</h2>



As a paleobotanist, Reichgelt typically studies <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-climate-change-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient climates</a> and plant adaptations. This background led him to investigate modern fern adaptation to urban environments. He plans to further explore the physiological differences between urban and rural ferns, including water regulation and photosynthesis.&nbsp;



“I would like to compare whether urban and rural ferns have different functional traits, for example whether they differ in their water regulation or how they photosynthesize. In other words, what are the adaptations that allow certain ferns to thrive in urban environments?”



Understanding these adaptations is crucial for urban planning and mitigating issues like the Urban Heat Island Effect. Ferns, which thrive without human intervention, could be a low-maintenance solution for cooling urban areas.&nbsp;



“The weird thing about these urban ferns is that they grow in places that are not tended. They're native to the area but are weedy in these urban environments. Having something that can survive in an urban area and absorb the heat cools the city down,” Reichgelt concluded.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajb2.16364" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Botany</a>.



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Many plants, like ferns, prefer living in city environments

Why do some fern species adapt to urban environments while...

Scientists have long debated what caused the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-a-new-mass-extinction-that-will-wipe-out-humans-and-all-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a> of many large animal species over the past 50,000 years - humans or climate change. Recent research from <a href="https://bio.au.dk/en/research/research-centres/econovo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University’s ECONOVO Center</a> concludes that human hunting played a significant role in megafauna extinctions. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decades-of-debate-on-megafauna-extinctions-nbsp">Decades of debate on megafauna extinctions&nbsp;</h2>



“Across the last ~50,000 years (the late Quaternary) terrestrial vertebrate faunas have experienced severe losses of large species (megafauna), with most extinctions occurring in the Late Pleistocene and Early to Middle Holocene. Debate on the causes has been ongoing for over 200 years, intensifying from the 1960s onward,” wrote the study authors.



By examining fields such as extinction timing, dietary preferences, climate requirements, genetic population estimates, and hunting evidence, the researchers pinpointed human activity as a primary factor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-pressures-were-the-key-driver-nbsp">Human pressures were the key driver&nbsp;</h2>



“Our review shows that there is little support for any major influence of climate, neither in global extinction patterns nor in fine-scale spatiotemporal and mechanistic evidence,” said the researchers.



“Conversely, there is strong and increasing support for human pressures as the key driver of these extinctions, with emerging evidence for an initial onset linked to pre-sapiens hominins prior to the Late Pleistocene.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-had-a-lesser-impact">Climate change had a lesser impact</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-climate-change-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate changes</a> of the Late Pleistocene did impact various species, but the most dramatic extinctions were primarily among large animals. 



“The large and very selective loss of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracing-the-disappearance-of-north-americas-megafauna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">megafauna</a> over the last 50,000 years is unique over the past 66 million years,” said study lead author Jens-Christian Svenning, a macroecologist at Aarhus. This period saw no similar large-scale selective extinctions due to climate alone, indicating human influence was substantial.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-megafauna-extinctions-nbsp">Widespread megafauna extinctions&nbsp;</h2>



Evidence shows early modern humans were effective hunters of large animals, leading to extinctions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-drove-woolly-mammoths-to-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammoths</a> and giant sloths worldwide. These extinctions happened at different rates and times but consistently followed the arrival of modern humans or significant cultural advancements. 



The extinctions occurred across all continents except Antarctica and in various ecosystems, from tropical forests to arctic environments.&nbsp;



“Many of the extinct species could thrive in various types of environments. Therefore, their extinction cannot be explained by climate changes causing the disappearance of a specific ecosystem types,” noted Svenning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-consequences-of-megafauna-extinctions-nbsp">Ecological consequences of megafauna extinctions&nbsp;</h2>



The loss of megafauna has had significant ecological consequences, altering vegetation structures, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling. Large animals play central roles in ecosystems, and their disappearance has led to profound changes in ecosystem structures and functions.&nbsp;



“Our results highlight the need for active conservation and restoration efforts. By reintroducing large mammals, we can help restore ecological balances and support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, which evolved in ecosystems rich in megafauna,” said Svenning. This approach could mitigate the changes caused by the extinction of these large species and support the restoration of ecological balances.



The research incorporated various studies to present a comprehensive view of the extinctions, drawing on fields such as climate history, vegetation history, fauna evolution, and archaeological data on human expansion and lifestyle.&nbsp;



This interdisciplinary approach provided a broader understanding of the factors contributing to the loss of megafauna.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proactive-measures-to-protect-large-species-nbsp">Proactive measures to protect large species&nbsp;</h2>



The study underscores the importance of considering human impact on these extinctions and the need for proactive measures to protect remaining large species and restore ecological health.



“A broad range of evidence indicates that the megafauna extinctions have elicited profound changes to ecosystem structure and functioning,” noted the researchers.



“The late-Quaternary megafauna extinctions thereby represent an early, large-scale human-driven environmental transformation, constituting a progenitor of the Anthropocene, where humans are now a major player in planetary functioning.”&nbsp;



“Finally, we conclude that megafauna restoration via trophic rewilding can be expected to have positive effects on biodiversity across varied Anthropocene settings.”



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/ext.2024.4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambridge Prisms: Extinction</a>,



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It's official: Humans were the leading cause of large animal extinctions

Scientists have long debated what caused the extinction of many...

How much can we trust our memories? In a fascinating new study, researchers explored this question and found that we have a commendable awareness of the accuracy of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-covid-19-pandemic-blurred-our-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recollections</a>.



When our mind romantically stitches together our past with a blend of true occurrences and general knowledge, we seem to have an innate understanding of which parts to trust and which ones are mere fillers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intriguing-blend-of-truth-and-fiction">Intriguing blend of truth and fiction</h2>



Scientists from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a> embarked on a journey to investigate the intriguing nature of our memories. 



They found that when generic information seems more pronounced, our confidence in the memory wavers, suggesting that we can distinguish between these two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forgetting-things-is-a-natural-part-of-the-memory-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">types of memory</a>.



Memories are a blend of recalled details and ‘prototypical’ information, but the study has shown that when prototypes appear more prominent, we become less confident in the recollection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-prototypical-memories">Understanding ‘prototypical’ memories</h2>



Prototypical memories are like snapshots in our minds. Imagine remembering your last birthday party. Your brain blends details from many birthday parties you’ve had. 



This mix forms a typical birthday memory. It helps you know what to expect at future parties.



These memories help us make sense of new things. When you see a new type of dog, you compare it to the typical dog in your memory. This helps you recognize it as a dog.



Our brains use these blended memories to learn and understand the world around us. They make it easier to remember and organize our experiences. It’s like having a mental guidebook that helps us navigate life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-s-reliance-on-prototypes">Memory's reliance on prototypes</h2>



This intriguing mechanism of our brain helps us to streamline our memories, especially when it comes to recurring events. 



For instance, we rely on our memory vividly when recalling a unique event, like a birthday dinner. 



Conversely, our daily commute to work is a recurrent event, and our brain only retains unique elements, such as an unexpected detour or a near accident, while filling in the rest from our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stored general knowledge</a>.



"Events that occur regularly, such as your commute to work, are streamlined by the brain to only retain the unique elements – some roadworks, perhaps, or a near-miss," explains Dr. Ben Griffiths, the lead author. "The rest of the details are filled in from pre-existing knowledge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shining-light-on-prototype-dominance">Shining light on prototype dominance</h2>



Over 200 participants were involved in a series of experiments to test this theory. They were presented with objects in unusual colors, like a blue apple, and after a simple distraction, they were asked to recall and identify the specific shade of the object. Following that, they were asked to rate their confidence in their answer.



The researchers applied unsupervised machine learning techniques to analyze the responses, which helped them identify the prototypical shades people opted for when they were unsure of their recollection's accuracy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mindful-of-memory-gaps-and-trust">Mindful of memory gaps and trust</h2>



Interestingly, the researchers found that participants' confidence in their color selections decreased when the colors resembled the prototypical shades identified by the machine learning model. 



This indicates that we are aware of the extent to which we allow prototypes to fill in gaps in our memory and make conscious adjustments when assessing our memory's accuracy.



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



The implications of this study reach beyond our personal internal workings and have significant impact on areas like legal cases, where accurate eyewitness recollection plays a crucial role. 



The accuracy of the recollection and the confidence the individual has in their memory could be key in making life-changing decisions.



"Our research shows that people are actually quite good at knowing when their accounts are reliable and when they are influenced by their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-waves-move-in-opposite-ways-to-make-memories-and-to-remember/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> filling in gaps with generic information," Dr. Griffiths added.



We seem to inherently know when our memories are genuine and when they're filled with general knowledge, making this an intriguing aspect of the human psyche.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44271-024-00108-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Psychology</a>.



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Can we trust our memories? Separating truth from fiction

How much can we trust our memories? In a fascinating...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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