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...

A,Swarm,Of,Asteroids,In,Front,Of,The,Milky,Way

The Webb Telescope, our intrepid explorer of the cosmos, has once again delivered an astronomical revelation. This time, it has unveiled the presence of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ice in the far reaches of our solar system, specifically on trans-Neptunian objects (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mors-somnus-provides-clues-neptune-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TNOs</a>). 



Scientists believe these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-snowman-arrokoth-celestial-objects-become-ice-bombs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">icy remnants</a>, orbiting beyond Neptune, are time capsules from our solar system's birth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-ice-of-solar-tnos">Carbon ice of solar TNOs</h2>



TNOs, often dubbed the "fossils" of our solar system, have long intrigued scientists. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-oceans-hide-secrets-in-outer-ice-shells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">icy bodies</a>, untouched by the Sun's heat, hold clues to the conditions prevalent during the solar system's early days. 



The discovery of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ices adds another layer to this cosmic puzzle.



"It is the first time we observed this region of the spectrum for a large collection of TNOs,&nbsp;so in a sense,&nbsp;everything we saw was exciting and unique," says Mário Nascimento De Prá,&nbsp;a planetary scientist at the University of Central Florida's Florida Space Institute (<a href="https://fsi.ucf.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FSI</a>) and co-author of the study.



The widespread presence of carbon dioxide ice suggests that it was abundant in the outer regions of the protoplanetary disk, the swirling mass of gas and dust that eventually coalesced into our solar system. 



However,&nbsp;the origin of carbon monoxide ice remains a mystery.&nbsp;



"While the carbon dioxide was probably accreted from the protoplanetary disk,&nbsp;the origin of the carbon monoxide is more uncertain," adds de Prá.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-telescope-s-discovery-of-59-tnos">Webb Telescope's discovery of 59 TNOs</h2>



This discovery was made possible by the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>'s powerful infrared spectral capabilities. This allowed the research team to analyze the chemical composition of 59 TNOs and Centaurs, a group of icy bodies that reside between Jupiter and Neptune.



"Trans-Neptunian Objects are relics from the process of planetary formation," explains de Prá.&nbsp;



"These findings can impose important constraints about where these objects were formed,&nbsp;how they reached the region they inhabit nowadays, and how their surfaces evolved since their formation."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-dioxide-a-ubiquitous-presence">Carbon dioxide: A ubiquitous presence</h2>



One of the most surprising findings was the widespread presence of carbon dioxide ice. Researchers detected carbon dioxide ice in 56 out of 59 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-earth-like-planet-may-be-hiding-just-beyond-neptune/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TNOs</a>. This presence was consistent regardless of the size or dynamical class of these objects. 



The detection of carbon dioxide ice in such a large number of TNOs suggests that carbon dioxide was a common ingredient in the early solar system. 



This discovery provides significant insights into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-winds-from-planet-forming-discs-seen-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">composition</a> of the early solar system and the materials that were present during its formation.



"We did not expect to find that carbon dioxide was so ubiquitous in the TNO region,&nbsp;and even less that carbon monoxide was present in so many TNOs," says de Prá.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enigma-of-carbon-monoxide-ice">Enigma of carbon monoxide ice</h2>



Researchers detected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interior-core-cotton-candy-exoplanet-wasp-107-b-revealed-webb-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon monoxide</a> ice in 28 TNOs, posing a fascinating puzzle. Unlike carbon dioxide, which was likely present in the protoplanetary disk, carbon monoxide's origin remains unclear. 



This difference raises questions about the processes that led to the formation of these icy bodies. Scientists need further investigation to understand how carbon monoxide appeared in these objects.



"The latter is a volatile ice even in the cold surfaces of the TNOs.&nbsp;We can’t rule out the carbon monoxide was primordially accreted and somehow was retained until present date," says de Prá.&nbsp;"However,&nbsp;the data suggests that it could be produced by the irradiation from carbon-bearing ices."



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



The discovery of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/formation-carbon-foundation-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> dioxide and carbon monoxide ice on TNOs opens up a new avenue for studying the formation and evolution of our solar system.&nbsp;



Future observations with the JWST and other telescopes will help to answer the many questions raised by this discovery.



"We have only scratched the surface of what these objects are made of and how they came to be," says Noemí Pinilla-Alonso,&nbsp;the lead of the <a href="https://www.stsci.edu/jwst/phase2-public/2418.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DiSCo-TNO</a>s program.



"We now need to understand the relationship between these ices with the other compounds present in their surfaces and understand the interplay between their formation scenario,&nbsp;dynamical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biggest-known-space-cloud-of-life-building-complex-chemicals-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>,&nbsp;volatile retention and irradiation mechanisms throughout the history of the solar system."



The James Webb Space Telescope, with its unparalleled capabilities, will revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos.&nbsp;The discovery of ancient ices on TNOs is just the beginning of a new era of astronomical exploration.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02276-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.



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Ancient carbon ices discovered on objects beyond Neptune

The Webb Telescope, our intrepid explorer of the cosmos, has once again...

Space, the final frontier...for human exercise and fitness? That might not be the catchphrase you're used to, but it's increasingly relevant as astronauts set sights on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. 



A pressing question hangs in the air (or rather,&nbsp;the vacuum of space): How do we keep astronauts healthy and strong in the face of microgravity's bone and muscle-weakening effects?



Thankfully,&nbsp;the International Space Station (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISS</a>) has become a unique laboratory for research in this area. And what they're learning isn't just helping astronauts; it could revolutionize how we approach fitness right here on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-astronauts-need-to-exercise">Why astronauts need to exercise</h2>



Before we strap on our space boots and hit the cosmic gym,&nbsp;let's understand the challenge.&nbsp;On Earth,&nbsp;gravity constantly provides resistance,&nbsp;keeping our bones and muscles strong.&nbsp;



But in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-are-surprisingly-good-at-flying-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a>,&nbsp;that resistance vanishes.&nbsp;The result?&nbsp;Bones become brittle,&nbsp;muscles atrophy,&nbsp;and astronauts risk returning to Earth weaker than when they left.



The solution is exercise, but not the usual jog around the block. In space, exercise equipment has advanced from simple elastic bands to sophisticated machines that simulate weightlifting and cardio in a weightless environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ared-space-station-s-weightlifting-wonder">ARED: Space station's weightlifting wonder</h2>



One such marvel is the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (<a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Node-3_Cupola/advanced_Resistive_Exercise_Device" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ARED</a>),&nbsp;the ISS's very own weight room.&nbsp;Using a clever piston and flywheel system,&nbsp;ARED simulates the resistance of lifting weights on Earth.



And the benefits are clear.&nbsp;Research shows that preflight training with ARED improves astronauts' performance in space, similar to how athletes train for competition.&nbsp;



Results have shown that preflight exercise training improves an individual's performance while on the space station just as pre-season training helps athletes in later competition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cevis-pedaling-astronaut-exercise">CEVIS: Pedaling astronaut exercise</h2>



Next,&nbsp;we have <a href="https://www.danishaerospace.com/en/products-sep/cevis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CEVIS</a>,&nbsp;the Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation and Stabilization System.&nbsp;This high-tech stationary bike uses friction and resistance to provide astronauts with a challenging cardio workout.&nbsp;It's like a Peloton for the cosmos.



However,&nbsp;data from CEVIS has also raised several questions.&nbsp;It suggests that even with current exercise countermeasures,&nbsp;up to 17% of astronauts could still experience muscle,&nbsp;bone,&nbsp;and heart health issues on future missions.&nbsp;



The researchers note that this highlights the need to further refine current regimens, add other interventions, or enhance conditioning preflight. 



This revelation emphasizes the ongoing need for innovation and improvement in astronaut fitness regimes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sprint-high-intensity-revolution">Sprint: High-intensity revolution</h2>



In the early days of space exploration, astronauts spent hours each week on low-intensity exercise, with disappointing results. 



Despite spending up to 10 hours per week exercising, astronauts continued to lose <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/myotonpro-device-helps-astronauts-maintain-their-muscles-microgravity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">muscle mass</a> and bone density.



Then came a game-changer: the Integrated Resistance and Aerobic Training Study (<a href="https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20100039331/downloads/20100039331.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sprint</a>). This study showed that short, high-intensity workouts were just as effective as longer, low-intensity ones. 



The bonus?&nbsp;Less wear and tear on the equipment and more time for astronauts to focus on their mission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-microgravity-impact">Measuring the microgravity impact</h2>



To understand the true impact of space on the body, scientists have delved into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bad-news-for-first-mars-colonists-space-travel-is-proven-to-weaken-the-immune-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">molecular level</a>. The VO2max investigation revealed that long-duration spaceflight significantly decreases astronauts' aerobic capacity. 



These results have important implications for future long-duration space missions,&nbsp;adding to the evidence that current countermeasures may not be adequate.



Meanwhile, the Muscle Biopsy study identified a potential biomarker for muscle health. The findings suggest that current exercise protocols are effective in preventing muscle de-conditioning. 



They also support improvements in countermeasures to protect crew health and performance on future deep space exploration missions.



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



As we plan for longer missions to the Moon and Mars,&nbsp;astronaut <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-microbiome-health-is-crucial-to-future-space-exploration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fitness</a> remains a top priority.&nbsp;Research continues to refine the ideal combination of diet,&nbsp;exercise,&nbsp;and medication to keep astronauts healthy in space and upon their return to Earth.



While current exercise programs appear to moderate changes in musculoskeletal systems,&nbsp;individual results vary.&nbsp;



In addition, current regimens cannot directly transfer to longer exploration missions due to space constraints, environmental issues such as removal of heat and moisture, device maintenance and repair needs, and the challenges of finding time for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercising-astronauts-avoid-fainting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercise</a> and avoiding interference with the work of other crew members.



But the benefits extend beyond the cosmos.&nbsp;The lessons learned from astronaut fitness research could help people on Earth who suffer from bone and muscle loss due to aging,&nbsp;illness,&nbsp;or sedentary lifestyles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-fitness-is-earth-fitness">Space fitness is Earth fitness</h2>



So,&nbsp;while astronauts are pushing the boundaries of human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-report-space-headaches-during-long-missio/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fitness</a> in the extreme environment of space,&nbsp;their efforts are benefiting us all.&nbsp;



The next time you hit the gym,&nbsp;remember that the exercises you're doing might have been inspired by research conducted hundreds of miles above your head.



Whether you're an astronaut preparing for a mission to Mars or a couch potato looking to get in shape,&nbsp;the message is clear:&nbsp;Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy body,&nbsp;no matter where you are in the universe.



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How astronauts exercise to stay fit and healthy in space

Space, the final frontier...for human exercise and fitness? That might not be...

The humble ant, a creature known for its tireless work ethic and impressive navigational <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ant-queen-behavior-changes-based-on-social-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skills</a>, may have just found a new way to up its game: caffeine. 



Recent research has revealed that a dose of caffeine can significantly enhance an ant's foraging efficiency, leading to faster and more direct paths to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/edible-ants-art-science-sustainable-food-source-ant-cuisine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food sources</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buzz-on-caffeine-and-cognition">Buzz on caffeine and cognition</h2>



Caffeine, the ubiquitous stimulant has long been known to affect humans and animals alike. It boosts alertness and energy in people, helping them start their day or power through the afternoon slump. 



Similarly, animals experience changes in behavior and physiology when exposed to caffeine. Research has also revealed its potential to enhance cognitive functions such as learning and memory in bees.



Intrigued by these findings,&nbsp;computational biologist Henrique Galante at the <a href="https://www.uni-regensburg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Regensburg</a> decided to investigate whether caffeine could similarly boost the foraging abilities of a less-studied species:&nbsp;the Argentine ant.&nbsp;



These ants are a notorious invasive species,&nbsp;wreaking havoc on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-shifting-to-new-habitats-to-cope-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> and economies worldwide.&nbsp;Galante's research aimed to explore whether caffeine could potentially be leveraged as a tool to control these troublesome insects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ants-on-a-caffeine-kick">Ants on a caffeine kick</h2>



To test their hypothesis, the researchers set up a clever experiment <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/there-are-2-5-million-ants-for-each-human-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">involving ants</a> and a Lego drawbridge, a sugary reward, and varying concentrations of caffeine. 



The ants were tasked with navigating a testing platform to reach the reward, which was laced with different levels of caffeine (ranging from 0 to 2,000 parts per million).



Using an automated tracking system, the researchers meticulously monitored the ants' speed, path directness, and foraging time. 



They found that ants given low to intermediate doses of caffeine (25 and 250 ppm) became significantly more efficient at locating and relocating the reward.



"The lowest dose we used is what you find in natural plants, the intermediate dose is similar to what you would find in some energy drinks, and the highest amount is set to be the LD50 of bees -- where half the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caffeine-helps-bumble-bees-find-flowers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees fed this dose</a> die -- so it’s likely to be quite toxic for them," says Galante.



Remarkably,&nbsp;the caffeinated ants achieved this increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/matabele-ants-produce-antibiotics-to-treat-wounded-nestmates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">efficiency</a> not by moving faster,&nbsp;but by taking more direct paths.



"What we see is that they’re not moving faster,&nbsp;they’re just being more focused on where they’re going.&nbsp;This suggests that they know where they want to go,&nbsp;therefore,&nbsp;they have learned the locations of the reward," explains Galante.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pest-control-potential">Pest control potential </h2>



This discovery has significant implications for pest control efforts. Argentine ants are a major invasive species, causing widespread ecological damage and incurring billions of dollars in economic costs annually. 



Traditional control methods, such as poison baits, have often proven ineffective due to low bait uptake and abandonment.



Galante and his team believe that incorporating caffeine into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/desert-ants-use-earths-magnetic-field-for-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant baits</a> could revolutionize pest control strategies. 



"We’re trying to make them better at finding these baits,&nbsp;because the faster they go and come back to them,&nbsp;the more pheromone trails they lay,&nbsp;the more ants will come,&nbsp;and,&nbsp;therefore,&nbsp;the faster they will spread the poison in the colony before they realize it's poison," he says.



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



While this study's results are promising, further research is needed to understand the relationship between caffeine and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-build-higher-nests-when-there-are-no-visible-landmarks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant behavior</a>. 



The researchers are conducting field tests in Spain which will assess the effectiveness of caffeine-laced baits in natural settings. 



They also plan to investigate interactions between caffeine and the bait poison. This additional research will help determine the real-world applicability of their findings. 



Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing effective ant control methods. The team's ongoing work aims to provide comprehensive insights into the use of caffeine in managing invasive ant species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caffeine-ants-and-pest-control">Caffeine, ants and pest control</h2>



If future research confirms this study's findings, we could see new pest control strategies using caffeine to manipulate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-leptanilla-ant-named-after-harry-potter-villain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect</a> behavior. Imagine ants leading their entire colonies to their doom, all thanks to a caffeine boost. 



While this may sound like science fiction, Galante and his team's research suggests it could soon become a reality. This approach would revolutionize pest control, making it more efficient and effective. 



The potential to harness caffeine for managing invasive species is both exciting and promising. We may soon witness a significant shift in how we handle pest infestations.



In the meantime,&nbsp;we can marvel at the intricate ways in which caffeine influences the animal kingdom,&nbsp;from enhancing our own cognitive abilities to transforming ants into super foragers.&nbsp;



Who knows what other surprising discoveries await us as we continue to explore the fascinating world of caffeine and its effects on the natural world?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S258900422401157X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



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Ants given caffeine do an even better job of locating food

The humble ant, a creature known for its tireless work ethic...

The dawn chorus of robins, the haunting call of a loon, the melodious trill of a nightingale -- <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zebra-finch-female-birds-choose-mates-who-can-sing-most-complex-songs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birdsong</a> has captivated humanity for millennia. Yet, the biological mechanisms behind these mesmerizing vocals of birds have remained largely mysterious.



Now, a research from the <a href="https://www.utexas.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas at Austin</a> is shedding light on the bird vocal organ, the syrinx, and its surprising evolutionary link to the human larynx.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-imaging-of-fossilized-syrinx">Modern imaging of fossilized syrinx</h2>



The story begins in 2013 when paleontologist Julia Clarke unearthed a fossilized syrinx, the oldest ever discovered, in Antarctica. This serendipitous find sparked a quest to understand the evolution and diversity of this unique vocal organ. 



Clarke and her team embarked on a decade-long journey, developing innovative methods for dissecting, preserving, and CT-scanning syrinxes from various bird species.



"We had this new three-dimensional structure, but we had nothing to compare it to," Clarke said, describing the challenge of comparing the fossil syrinx to modern counterparts. "So, we started generating data that did not previously exist on syrinx structure across many different groups of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/translocated-birds-can-learn-the-local-songs-to-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ostriches-hummingbirds-and-their-behavior">Ostriches, hummingbirds, and their behavior</h2>



The research team's efforts have yielded fascinating insights into the anatomy and function of the syrinx in birds as diverse as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ostriches-may-provide-new-clues-about-heat-tolerance-in-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mighty ostrich</a> and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-hummingbird-day-celebrating-natures-aerial-acrobats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiny hummingbird</a>. 



While one might expect significant anatomical differences between the vocal organs of these avian extremes, the research reveals a surprising twist -- behavior plays a crucial role in the sounds birds produce.



In ostriches, for instance, adult males and females have remarkably similar syrinx anatomies. However, males exhibit a broader vocal repertoire, often associated with displays of aggression. 



"They were quite prolific hissers," quipped Michael Chiappone, lead author of the ostrich study, describing the vocalizations of female ostriches during a visit to a Texas ostrich farm.



Similarly, the study of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-hummingbirds-deal-with-their-need-for-flight-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbird</a> syrinxes unveiled a surprising similarity in vocal fold structure with their close relatives, swifts and nightjars. 



This finding suggests that this shared anatomy may have paved the way for the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/love-on-the-brain-male-zebra-finches-drop-everything-to-pursue-a-mate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vocal</a> learning in hummingbirds, allowing them to acquire complex songs from each other.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-link-between-bird-and-human-vocals">Genetic link between bird and human vocals</h2>



Perhaps the most remarkable discovery of this research is the deep homology between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-have-adapted-to-human-activities-for-thousands-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avian</a> syrinx and the mammalian larynx. 



Scientists have long known that these organs develop from different embryological layers, but a collaborative study with developmental biologist Clifford Tabin revealed a shared genetic blueprint.



"They form under the influence of the same genetic pathways, ultimately giving the vocal tissue similar cellular structure and vibratory properties in birds and mammals," Tabin explained. 



This unexpected genetic connection suggests that the ability to produce vocalizations evolved from a common ancestral origin, deepening our understanding of the interconnectedness of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-vocal-origin-and-the-syrinx">Bird vocal origin and the syrinx</h2>



The research team explored the genetic origins of the syrinx, analyzing its development in 14 bird species. Their findings suggest that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/birds-animals-humans_vocal-origin_evolution-tree_UTexas_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">common ancestor of modern birds</a> likely had a syrinx with two sound sources. 



This configuration enabled the production of two distinct sounds simultaneously. This dual-voice capability is still present in songbirds today. The presence of this trait hints at the rich and complex vocalizations of ancient avian ancestors. 



The study provides insights into how the syrinx evolved and its role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-bird-uses-wing-gestures-to-politely-say-after-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird communication</a>, shedding light on the sophisticated nature of bird vocalizations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysteries-of-dinosaur-sounds">Mysteries of dinosaur sounds</h2>



While the discovery of a shared genetic blueprint between the syrinx and larynx is a major leap forward, many questions remain unanswered. 



The precise timing of the syrinx's evolution and whether non-avian dinosaurs possessed this vocal organ are still unknown.



"We can't start talking about sound production in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overlooked-and-neglected-thescelosaurus-dinosaurs-had-super-senses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a> until we truly understand the system in living species," explains Clarke. 



The research team is committed to continuing their exploration of vocalization in birds and other reptiles, hoping to unravel the mysteries of how dinosaurs communicated millions of years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melody-of-syrinx-evolution">Melody of syrinx evolution</h2>



The UT Austin research on the syrinx is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research methods. 



By bridging paleontology, developmental biology, and physiology, scientists are piecing together the evolutionary puzzle of vocalization, revealing the surprising genetic symphony that connects bird's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-turn-bird-dreams-into-captivating-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">song</a> to human speech.



"This is as big as the flippers-to-limbs transition... the syrinx is not a modified organ with a new function but a completely new one with an ancient and common function," notes Clarke. 



This research not only deepens our understanding of birdsong but also highlights the remarkable interconnectedness of life on Earth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/zoolinnean/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae001/7609951" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society</a>.



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Bird songs and human speech have a common vocal genetic origin

The dawn chorus of robins, the haunting call of a...

In the vast, uncharted expanse of interstellar space, two intrepid spacecraft, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-1-resumes-sending-data-to-earth-from-interstellar-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Voyager 1 and 2</a>, are pushing the boundaries of human exploration. 



Launched nearly half a century ago,&nbsp;these robotic pioneers have ventured beyond the protective bubble of our sun,&nbsp;the heliosphere,&nbsp;into a realm where no human-made machine has gone before.&nbsp;But this daring journey comes with a price.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-bullets-pummeling-voyager-spacecraft">Cosmic "bullets" pummeling Voyager spacecraft</h2>



Out in interstellar space,&nbsp;Voyager 1 and 2 face a relentless barrage of high-speed particles known as galactic cosmic rays. These tiny,&nbsp;charged particles,&nbsp;accelerated to near light-speed by exploding stars,&nbsp;pose a constant threat to the spacecraft's aging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-new-superalloy-metal-grx-810-revolutionize-aerospace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electronics</a>.



"We are dodging bullets out there," says Alan Cummings,&nbsp;a cosmic-ray physicist at <a href="https://www.caltech.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caltech</a> who has been involved with the Voyager mission since its inception.



These "bullets" are not to be taken lightly. In 2010, a cosmic ray likely tripped part of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-lost-contact-with-voyager-2-spacecraft-12-billion-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Voyager 2</a>'s memory, causing it to send back gibberish to Earth. 



More recently,&nbsp;Voyager 1 went silent for five months,&nbsp;a worrisome incident that may also have been triggered by a cosmic ray damaging a computer chip.



"We don't know everything," Cummings admits, referring to the difficulty of diagnosing problems on spacecraft billions of miles away. "But I do think galactic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-rays-help-archaeologists-determine-age-discoveries-prehistoric-settlements/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic rays</a> are the guilty party here for most of these problems."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-merciless-nature-of-cosmic-rays">Merciless nature of cosmic rays</h2>



Galactic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-2-approaches-interstellar-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic rays</a> are particularly menacing because of their size and speed. They are incredibly tiny, often just the bare nuclei of atoms, and they travel at incredible velocities. The heavier ones, like iron nuclei, can inflict more damage than the lighter ones.



Imagine getting hit by a golf ball at 50 mph versus a bowling ball at the same speed.&nbsp;That's the difference in destructive power between light and heavy cosmic rays.



These high-energy particles can zip through computer chips,&nbsp;altering their code or even becoming lodged within,&nbsp;causing permanent damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shielding-voyager-spacecraft-against-the-invisible">Shielding Voyager spacecraft against the invisible</h2>



<a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> engineers anticipated the harsh environment of space and equipped the Voyager spacecraft with radiation-resistant components and shielding.&nbsp;However,&nbsp;no shield is perfect.



"You can protect yourself to some extent,&nbsp;but a high-enough-energy particle will get through your defenses," Cummings explains.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-connection-aliens-could-make-contact-by-2029/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Voyagers</a> faced intense radiation near Jupiter early in their mission, but the particles there were lower in energy. In interstellar space, the risk of encountering high-energy cosmic rays is significantly higher.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heroes-of-voyager-spacecraft-survival">Heroes of Voyager spacecraft survival</h2>



Back on Earth, a <a href="https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dedicated team of engineers</a> works tirelessly to keep the Voyager spacecraft operational. 



These spacecraft have been exploring the far reaches of our solar system for over four decades, providing invaluable data about the outer planets and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heliosphere-best-path-space-probes-beyond-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interstellar space</a>. 



Communicating with these distant explorers is no easy feat. The vast distance between Earth and the Voyager spacecraft means that it takes nearly two days for messages to travel back and forth. 



This delay presents significant challenges in managing and maintaining the spacecraft's functionality.



Recently, the engineers faced a significant hurdle when a computer chip on Voyager 1 was permanently damaged. 



This damage threatened to halt the spacecraft's ability to send back crucial health data, which is essential for monitoring its condition and ensuring its continued operation. 



However, the team's ingenuity and expertise shone through as they successfully reprogrammed the spacecraft to work around the damaged chip. 



This remarkable feat of engineering allowed Voyager 1 to resume its data transmission, ensuring that the flow of vital information continued uninterrupted.



"You have to praise the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-engineer-creates-propellantless-propulsion-system-defies-laws-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">engineers</a>," Cummings emphasizes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-unknown">Exploring the unknown</h2>



The Voyager spacecraft are running low on power,&nbsp;but if they can withstand the onslaught of cosmic rays,&nbsp;they could continue to send back invaluable data from the uncharted depths of interstellar space for several more years.



Their journey is a testament to human ingenuity and the insatiable desire to explore the unknown.&nbsp;



"Explorers run into problems when they enter into new territory.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lewis-clark-expedition-changed-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lewis and Clark</a> didn't have an easy time,&nbsp;either," notes Cummings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legacy-of-voyager">Legacy of Voyager</h2>



The Voyager mission has already revolutionized our understanding of the outer solar system and the boundary between our sun's influence and interstellar space.&nbsp;



As these intrepid spacecraft continue their journey into the unknown,&nbsp;they will undoubtedly uncover even more secrets about the vast and mysterious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-dart-mission-proves-humanity-can-be-saved-from-asteroid-collision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmos</a> that surrounds us.



The future of the Voyager mission remains uncertain.&nbsp;The spacecraft's power supply is dwindling,&nbsp;and the constant bombardment of cosmic rays poses an ongoing threat.&nbsp;



However,&nbsp;the resilience of these spacecraft and the dedication of the engineers who support them offer hope that they will continue to explore the final frontier for years to come.



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Voyager spacecraft are fighting to survive constant cosmic hostility

In the vast, uncharted expanse of interstellar space, two intrepid spacecraft, Voyager 1...

In an exciting development, astronomers have made a rare and tantalizing discovery of an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-like-planets-may-be-more-common-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth-like exoplanet</a>, named Gliese 12 b, located just 40 light-years away from our planet.



What makes this distant world so exciting? 



It's not just the fact that Gliese 12 b is comparable in size to Venus, nor the Earth-like temperatures on its surface of 107°F (42°C) that makes this exoplanet discovery so interesting. The real intrigue lies in what this world might teach us about how planets retain or lose <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interior-core-cotton-candy-exoplanet-wasp-107-b-revealed-webb-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">their atmospheres</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gliese-12-b-exoplanet-for-atmospheric-studies">Gliese 12 b exoplanet for atmospheric studies</h2>



Why is Gliese 12 b so perfect for studying planetary atmospheres? A few reasons include:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Right size of exoplanet</h3>



Gliese 12 b is <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Gliese-12b_exoplanet_habitable_atmosphere-models_earth-comparison_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roughly the size of Earth</a> or slightly smaller, making it comparable to Venus. This similarity in size makes Gliese 12 b an excellent subject for studying rocky planets. 



Understanding its characteristics can help scientists draw comparisons between Earth, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-earth-discovered-in-the-habitable-zone-of-its-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable planet</a>, and Venus, which is inhospitable due to its extreme greenhouse conditions. 



These comparisons are crucial for learning about the different evolutionary paths rocky planets can take.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Exoplanet Gliese 12 b has a red dwarf star</h3>



Gliese 12 b orbits a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trappist-1-has-seven-earth-like-planets-that-may-support-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">red dwarf star</a>, significantly smaller and cooler than our Sun. Red dwarfs have lower luminosity, which means their habitable zones are much closer to the star. This proximity allows for a more detailed study of planets within these zones. 



The star's smaller size and mass also make it easier to detect planets like Gliese 12 b through the transit method. Each transit causes a more noticeable dimming of the star’s light, and the planet’s gravitational pull induces a detectable wobble in the star, known as reflex motion.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Temperate conditions</h3>



The estimated surface temperature of Gliese 12 b is 107°F (42°C), assuming it has no atmosphere. If an atmosphere is present, it could moderate the temperature, making the planet even more suitable for liquid water. 



The presence and composition of an atmosphere are key factors in determining a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-found-in-the-habitable-zone-of-a-binary-star-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet's habitability</a>. Atmospheric studies can reveal if Gliese 12 b has conditions that might support life, or if it resembles Venus, with a thick, inhospitable atmosphere.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Close proximity to Earth</h3>



Gliese 12 b is located 40 light-years away, which is relatively close in astronomical terms. This proximity makes it easier for advanced telescopes, such as the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a>, to observe the planet in detail. 



Detailed observations can include studying the planet's atmosphere through transmission spectroscopy during transits. 



By analyzing the starlight that passes through the planet's atmosphere, scientists can identify the chemical composition and determine the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-k2-18-b-studied-again-confirm-presence-dms-gas-only-produced-by-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">presence of gases</a> like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane. 



This data is essential for assessing the planet’s potential for habitability and understanding the atmospheric processes at play.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Potential for new discoveries</h3>



Gliese 12 b's characteristics make it a prime target for future studies. Its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-earth-like-planet-may-be-hiding-just-beyond-neptune/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth-like</a> size, orbit around a cool red dwarf, and relatively close proximity provide a unique opportunity to learn more about planetary atmospheres and the conditions necessary for habitability. 



Research on Gliese 12 b could offer insights into how planets retain or lose their atmospheres, shedding light on the factors that make planets like Earth habitable and others like Venus inhospitable. 



This knowledge not only enhances our understanding of exoplanets but also contributes to our knowledge of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-butterfly-iras-23077-discovery-flips-planet-formation-understanding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formation</a> and evolution of planets in our own solar system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exo-venus-connection-to-exoplanet-gliese-12-b">"Exo-Venus connection" to exoplanet Gliese 12 b</h2>



Researchers are likening Gliese 12 b to an "exo-Venus." 



"It is thought that Earth's and Venus's first atmospheres were stripped away and then replenished by volcanic outgassing and bombardments from residual material in the solar system," explains Larissa Palethorpe, a doctoral student involved in the research.



But why is Earth a paradise and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-hellish-planet-venus-can-help-us-find-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Venus an inferno</a>? Palethorpe suggests that Gliese 12 b, sitting between Earth and Venus in terms of temperature and solar radiation, might help us understand how some planets lose their water and become uninhabitable while others remain oases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peering-into-the-atmosphere">Peering into the atmosphere</h2>



So, how do we figure out if Gliese 12 b <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Gliese-12b_exoplanet_habitable_thin-atmosphere_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has an atmosphere</a>, and what it's made of? Enter the transit method. As the planet passes in front of its star, the star's light filters through the planet's atmosphere (if it has one). 



Different gases absorb specific wavelengths of light, creating a unique fingerprint that telescopes like the James Webb can analyze.



"We know of only a handful of temperate planets similar to Earth that are both close enough to us and meet other criteria needed for this kind of study, called transmission spectroscopy, using current facilities," notes Michael McElwain, a research astrophysicist at NASA.



"To better understand the diversity of atmospheres and evolutionary outcomes for these planets, we need more examples like Gliese 12 b."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-exoplanet-gliese-12-b">Significance of exoplanet Gliese 12 b</h2>



The discovery of Gliese 12 b is a chance to peer into the past and future of our own solar system. It's also a step towards understanding what makes a planet habitable, and whether such worlds are common in the cosmos.



"Gliese 12 b represents one of the best targets to study whether Earth-size planets orbiting cool stars can retain their atmospheres, a crucial step to advance our understanding of habitability on planets across our galaxy," concluded Shishir Dholakia, another researcher involved in the study from the <a href="https://astrophysics.unisq.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centre for Astrophysics</a>&nbsp;at the University of Southern Queensland in Australia.



This Earth-like exoplanet offers a unique opportunity to study the atmospheric conditions and evolutionary pathways of temperate planets orbiting cool stars. 



As astronomers continue to investigate Gliese 12 b using advanced telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope, they aim to unravel the mysteries surrounding its atmosphere and potential for harboring life. 



The insights gained from this remarkable exoplanet will not only deepen our understanding of planetary habitability but also pave the way for future discoveries that could ultimately answer one of humanity's most profound questions: Are we alone in the universe?



The study is published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/531/1/1276/7679807" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</a>.



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Habitable planet has Earth-like temperatures and is just 40 light-years away

In an exciting development, astronomers have made a rare and...

Crows, known for their intelligence and knack for mischief, have surprised scientists once again. In a recent study, researchers from the <a href="https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tübingen</a> in Germany have shown that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crows-exhibit-more-self-control-than-other-bird-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feathered masterminds</a> can actually count.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crows-and-their-counting-skills">Crows and their counting skills</h2>



Now, before you imagine a crow balancing a checkbook or doing your taxes, let's clarify what kind of counting scientists are talking about. 



It's not the symbolic counting humans do when we recite numbers, but rather a more rudimentary skill involving controlled vocalizations. 



The study revealed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/big-brains-and-bodies-helped-crows-expand-across-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crows</a> could produce a specific number of calls in response to visual or auditory cues, essentially "counting" up to four. 



For instance, when we say "one, two, three," we use symbols for counting. Crows, however, use controlled and unique vocalizations to count.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symphony-of-caws-in-crow-counting">Symphony of caws in crow counting</h2>



The research team trained three <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rebellious-birds-use-anti-bird-spikes-to-build-their-nests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carrion crows</a> to respond to visual cues (colored numerals) and auditory cues (distinct sounds) associated with numbers one through four. 



In each trial, the crows had to caw the corresponding number of times and then peck a target to indicate the end of their sequence. The results were astonishing.



The crows not only performed this task successfully but also demonstrated a level of intentionality in their calls that scientists had not previously observed in non-human animals. They used a non-symbolic approximate number system, planning the number of caws before they began. 



Moreover, the timing and acoustic features of their initial vocalization predicted the number of subsequent caws, suggesting a deliberate counting process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crows-and-toddlers-counting-cousins">Crows and toddlers: Counting cousins?</h2>



This remarkable ability of crows to count with their caws mirrors the early counting skills of human toddlers, who often produce a number of sounds corresponding to the quantity of objects they see. 



According to the researchers, this suggests that crows, like toddlers, possess anon-symbolic numerical competency that may be a precursor to more complex counting skills.



“This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crows-look-after-their-valuable-tools-more-carefully/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">competency in crows</a> also mirrors toddlers’ enumeration skills before they learn to understand cardinal number words and may therefore constitute an evolutionary precursor of true counting where numbers are part of a combinatorial symbol system,” note Diana Liao and colleagues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why must crows have counting skills?</h2>



Crows' counting skills play crucial roles in various aspects of their survival and daily life. Here’s are potential reasons on where and why they use these abilities:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Foraging and food management</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crows-make-tools-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crows</a> often store food in multiple locations, known as caches. Being able to count helps them remember how many items they’ve stored and in which spots. This skill ensures they can retrieve the right amount of food later.



When searching for food, crows assess the number of food items available. Counting helps them decide if it’s worth spending time and energy to gather the food. For example, if a crow sees a few pieces of food, it may choose to move on to a richer source.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Social interactions and hierarchy</h3>



During mating season, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ravens-crows-corvid-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crows</a> may count the number of calls or displays a potential mate makes. This helps them evaluate the suitability of a partner based on the frequency of their displays.



Moreover, crows are territorial and often need to defend their area from intruders. By counting the number of rivals, they can assess whether they have the strength in numbers to defend their territory or if they should retreat.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Predator avoidance</h3>



When roosting or forming flocks, crows benefit from being in larger groups, which can deter predators. Counting the number of fellow birds helps ensure they stay in a group large enough to provide safety.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Parenting and offspring care</h3>



Parent crows need to keep track of the number of eggs or chicks in their nest. Counting ensures that all offspring are accounted for and receiving adequate care.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tool use and problem solving</h3>



Crows are known for their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crows-build-tools-memory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">use of tools</a>. Counting helps them keep track of their tools and manage the steps required in complex tasks. For instance, a crow might need to use multiple tools in a specific sequence to obtain food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-avian-brain">The avian brain</h2>



The discovery that crows can count expands our understanding of animal cognition. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of numerical skills. This finding suggests that the ability to count may have ancient roots, predating language and symbolic systems. 



By studying crows, we can learn how numerical skills developed in animals long before humans. This research shows that counting is not unique to humans but is part of a broader evolutionary story. 



The intricate workings of the avian brain reveal complex cognitive abilities that challenge our perceptions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagulls-birds-more-intelligent-than-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal intelligence</a>. 



Further research in this area promises to uncover more about how animals understand numbers, providing deeper insights into the evolution of counting. 



This discovery invites us to reconsider the cognitive capabilities of animals and appreciate the complexity of their minds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crow-s-nest-a-place-of-numbers">Crow's nest: A place of numbers</h2>



The next time you hear the familiar caw of a crow, consider the possibility that you're not just hearing a random call, but rather a deliberate vocalization with a numerical meaning. 



Who knew that these ubiquitous birds were harboring such a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-falcons-are-highly-intelligent-and-eager-to-show-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">secret talent</a>? Perhaps the crow's nest isn't just a place for twigs and feathers, but also a place for numbers, where these clever creatures engage in their own unique form of counting.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl0984" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Crows count out loud, just like toddlers

Crows, known for their intelligence and knack for mischief, have...

Greenbottle,Fly,In,Macro,Close,Up

Odor detection by the human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-story-behind-our-sense-of-smell-is-coming-into-focus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sense of smell</a>, processing scents through intricate stages with billions of neurons, plays a crucial role in our daily lives. From savoring the aroma of a favorite meal to detecting hazardous fumes, our olfactory system is sophisticated. 



However, insects like fruit flies, equipped with just 100,000 neurons, also rely heavily on their sense of smell for survival. They need to identify complex odor mixtures to find food, attract mates, and avoid predators. 



The question arises: how do insects manage to smell with such a limited olfactory system?



Researchers at the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a> have tackled this enigma. A team comprising scientists from the UCSD Department of Neurobiology, has unveiled the mechanism behind insects ability to smell and recognize odors using a simple, yet efficient, olfactory system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-simplicity-of-insects-sense-of-smell">Surprising simplicity of insects' sense of smell</h2>



“Our work sheds light on the smell and sensory processing algorithms insects use to respond to complex olfactory stimuli,” said Puri, the first author of the paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 



“We showed that the specialized organization of insect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-wonderfully-strange-scent-sensory-world-of-silkmoths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensory</a> neurons holds the key to the puzzle -- implementing an essential processing step that facilitates computations in the central brain.”



Traditionally, studies on flies' odor detection and processing focused on the central brain. The new research, however, reveals the significance of a "pre-processing" stage in the sensory system's periphery. This stage prepares odor signals for later computations in the central brain.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-eating-orchids-assist-fruit-flies-with-reproduction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fruit flies</a> detect smells through their antennae, which are covered in sensory hairs. Each hair typically has two olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) activated by different odor molecules. 



These ORNs are strongly coupled by electrical interactions, akin to the interference seen in two closely placed wires carrying current.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electrical-interference-helps-insects-smell">Electrical interference helps insects smell</h2>



“This scenario is akin to two current-carrying wires placed close together,” explained Puri. “The signals carried by the wires interfere with each other through electromagnetic interactions.”



Interestingly, this interference benefits the fly's olfactory system. When a fly encounters an odor, the specific interference pattern helps it quickly assess whether the odor is beneficial or harmful. 



This preliminary evaluation is then sent to a region in the central brain, where it translates into a behavioral response.



To understand this process of odor detection, the researchers created a mathematical model of odor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-silent-language-decoding-the-chemical-signals-of-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signal</a> processing through electrical coupling between ORNs. 



They analyzed the fly brain's wiring diagram, or "connectome," generated by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. This analysis enabled them to trace how odor signals from the sensory periphery integrate into the central brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-blueprint-of-olfactory-sensitivity">Genetic blueprint of olfactory sensitivity</h2>



“Remarkably, our work shows that the optimal odor blend -- the precise ratio to which each sensory hair is most sensitive -- is defined by the genetically predetermined size difference between the coupled olfactory neurons,” explained Aljadeff. 



“Our work highlights the far-reaching algorithmic role of the sensory periphery for processing both innately meaningful and learned odors in the central brain.”



Aljadeff uses a visual analogy to describe the system: like a specialized camera designed to detect specific images, the fly has a genetically driven method to distinguish between odor mixtures. The fly brain can read these "images" to initiate appropriate behaviors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New perspective on insects' sense of smell</h2>



The study integrates findings from Su’s lab, which described the conserved organization of ORNs in the fly olfactory system into sensory hairs. The consistent interference of signals from the same odor molecules in every fly suggests a meaningful organization.



“This analysis shows how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-high-nectar-special-neurons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurons</a> in higher brain centers can take advantage of balanced computation in the periphery,” said Su. “What really brings this work to another level is how much this peripheral pre-processing can influence higher brain function and circuit operations.”



These insights may inspire further research into peripheral organ processing in other senses, such as sight or hearing. Additionally, they could lay the groundwork for designing compact detection devices capable of interpreting complex data.



“These findings yield insight into the fundamental principles of complex sensory computations in biology, and open doors for future research on using these principles to design powerful engineered systems,” concluded Puri.



Through this research, scientists have not only unraveled the efficient olfactory system of fruit flies but also opened new avenues for understanding sensory processing and odor detection across various species and applications.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2316799121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Insects can smell as well as humans with much less 'nose' to work with

Odor detection by the human sense of smell, processing scents...

Unhealthy,Products.,Food,Bad,For,Figure,,Skin,,Heart,And,Teeth.

Eating more ultra-processed foods like soft drinks, chips, and cookies may be linked to a higher risk of memory and thinking problems, as well as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dramatic-temperature-changes-linked-to-half-a-million-stroke-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stroke</a>. 



This is according to a recent study published in the online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology (<a href="https://www.aan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AAN</a>).



Although the study does not prove that ultra-processed foods cause these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/health-risks-of-ultra-processed-foods-revealed-in-30-year-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> issues, it does show a significant association.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-ultra-processed-foods">What are ultra-processed foods?</h2>



Ultra-processed foods are typically high in added sugar, fat, and salt but low in protein and fiber. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-are-harmful-to-nearly-every-part-of-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">These foods</a> undergo extensive industrial processing and contain various additives to enhance flavor, texture, and shelf life. 



Common examples include <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-like-soda-and-snacks-are-the-new-silent-killer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soft drinks</a>, salty and sugary snacks, ice cream, hamburgers, canned baked beans, ketchup, mayonnaise, packaged breads, and flavored cereals. 



Ultra-processed foods often lack essential nutrients and are designed to be convenient and appealing, which can lead to overconsumption.



In contrast, unprocessed or minimally processed foods retain their natural form and nutritional value. These foods undergo minimal changes and do not contain added sugars, fats, or artificial ingredients. 



Examples include simple cuts of beef, pork, and chicken, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits. Unprocessed foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that support overall health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-and-brain-health">Diet and brain health</h2>



"While a healthy diet is important in maintaining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/talking-speed-indicator-brain-health-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain health</a> among older adults, the most important dietary choices for your brain remain unclear," said Dr. W. Taylor Kimberly, the study's lead author from <a href="https://www.massgeneral.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston</a>. 



"We found that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a higher risk of both stroke and cognitive impairment, and the association between ultra-processed foods and stroke was greater among Black participants."



The study examined 30,239 people aged 45 or older who self-identified as Black or white. They were followed for an average of eleven years. 



Participants filled out questionnaires about their dietary habits, and researchers calculated the percentage of their daily diet that consisted of ultra-processed foods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-decline-and-stroke-risk">Cognitive decline and stroke risk</h2>



Out of the total participants, 14,175 were analyzed for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recreational-cannabis-use-protects-against-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive decline</a>, and 20,243 were analyzed for stroke. Both groups had no history of cognitive impairment or stroke at the beginning of the study. By the end, 768 people were diagnosed with cognitive impairment, and 1,108 had a stroke.



In the cognitive group, those who developed memory and thinking problems consumed 25.8% of their diet in ultra-processed foods, compared to 24.6% for those without cognitive issues. 



After adjusting for various factors, a 10% increase in ultra-processed food intake was associated with a 16% higher risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diet-plays-a-major-role-in-preventing-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive impairment</a>. Conversely, eating more unprocessed or minimally processed foods was linked to a 12% lower risk of cognitive impairment.



In the stroke group, individuals who had a stroke consumed 25.4% of their diet in ultra-processed foods, compared to 25.1% for those who did not have a stroke. 



Greater intake of ultra-processed foods was linked to an 8% increased risk of stroke, while consuming more unprocessed or minimally processed foods was associated with a 9% decreased risk of stroke. 



The effect of ultra-processed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/junk-food-consumption-impairs-deep-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food consumption</a> on stroke risk was more pronounced among Black participants, showing a 15% relative increase in risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-ultra-processed-foods-in-brain-health">Role of ultra-processed foods in brain health</h2>



"Our findings show that the degree of food processing plays an important role in overall brain health," Kimberly noted. "More research is needed to confirm these results and to better understand which food or processing components contribute most to these effects."



A limitation of the study was that it only included participants who self-identified as Black or white, so the results may not be generalizable to other populations. 



Nevertheless, the study underscores the importance of dietary choices in maintaining cognitive and overall health. Reducing the intake of ultra-processed foods and opting for more unprocessed or minimally processed options could be beneficial strategies for brain health.



By focusing on the quality of the food we consume, we can make informed choices that support our long-term cognitive and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-additives-linked-to-higher-risk-of-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical health</a>. 



While further research is needed, this study provides valuable insights into the potential risks associated with ultra-processed foods and the benefits of a more natural diet.



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Ultra-processed foods directly linked to cognitive decline and stroke risk

Eating more ultra-processed foods like soft drinks, chips, and cookies...

In January 2024, global surface temperatures rose 1.5°C above the average, highlighting the alarming impact of climate change and nearing the limit set in the 2015 Paris Agreement. 



This trend might seem like it's too late to curb greenhouse gas emissions effectively. 



However, a report from the Joint Global Change Research Institute (<a href="https://www.pnnl.gov/projects/jgcri" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JGCRI</a>) suggests that the world can still achieve its goal of limiting temperature rise to below 1.5°C. 



This study, led by the Center for Global Sustainability at the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a>, provides a clear roadmap for action.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sectors-related-to-global-temperatures">Sectors related to global temperatures</h2>



The report outlines a scenario where major societal players collaborate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase electrification, and protect forests. 



The six key areas identified for policy implementation are power, transportation, buildings, industry, land use, and non-CO2 greenhouse gases like methane. By focusing on these sectors, nations can significantly cut global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epa-plans-to-eliminate-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-power-plants-by-2040/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>.



"These recommendations represent the biggest emissions reductions potential in the global economy," said Michael Westphal, now Head of Science for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC</a>). "Together, these recommendations make up the All-of-Society Climate Change Pathway."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reaching-global-temperature-goal">Reaching global temperature goal</h2>



Using the Global Change Analysis Model (<a href="https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_record_report.cfm?dirEntryId=212503&amp;Lab=OAP" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GCAM</a>), the researchers demonstrated how policies in these six sectors could help achieve the global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> goal. 



"GCAM is a powerful tool that brings together representations of the world's energy, agriculture and land use, water, and climate systems," said Gokul Iyer, a co-author of the report and senior Earth scientist at JGCRI. 



If enacted today, these policies could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 32% by 2030. Here’s how each sector could transform under the All-of-Society 1.5°C Climate Pathway:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-consumption-and-global-temperatures">Power consumption and global temperatures</h3>



Electricity powers our homes, businesses, devices, and vehicles. 



Currently, fossil fuels like coal and natural gas generate most of this electricity. Although renewable energy sources like solar and wind are increasing, their deployment needs to accelerate. 



In 2023, 60% of the total energy generated in the United States came from fossil fuels, with 21% from renewable sources.



To boost renewable energy, the researchers recommend updating power grids, setting ambitious clean energy goals, and retiring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-breakthrough-g7-commits-to-close-coal-plants-by-2035/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coal plants</a>. 



These actions could ensure that wind, solar, and other renewable sources account for 62% of global electricity generation by 2030.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transportation">Transportation</h3>



Transportation significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions through combustion-fueled vehicles. 



In 2021, it was responsible for 28% of U.S. emissions and 14% globally. The researchers suggest investing in public transportation infrastructure and efficient city planning to increase access to buses and trains. 



Incentives for adopting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-vehicles-reduce-pollution-improve-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electric vehicles</a> could also boost global sales to 51%.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buildings">Buildings</h3>



Buildings account for about 30% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions due to direct emissions from gas heating and indirect emissions from electricity generation. 



Globally, buildings contribute around 26% of emissions. Increasing electrification in buildings, using technologies like heat pumps, can significantly reduce these climate change-related emissions. 



Local and regional jurisdictions could encourage energy-efficient technologies and provide subsidies for upgrades. Additionally, stricter energy efficiency codes could be implemented to further reduce emissions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-industry">Industry</h3>



Industries like iron, steel, and cement production, as well as plastics and chemical manufacturing, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. 



Emissions stem from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-current-fossil-fuel-plans-will-shatter-1-5c-climate-goal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuel</a> use in both transportation and manufacturing processes. 



National governments could invest in alternative fuels made from agricultural or municipal waste and set aggressive electrification and efficiency standards. 



Such policies could reduce emissions from iron and steel by 50% and from aluminum by 36% by 2030.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-non-co2-greenhouse-gases">Non-CO2 greenhouse gases</h3>



Methane, the second most abundant greenhouse gas, accounted for 12% of U.S. emissions in 2021. Although less prevalent than CO2, methane is far more efficient at trapping heat in the atmosphere, significantly contributing to climate change. 



Human activities, including agriculture, livestock, coal mining, and natural gas system leaks, drive over half of global methane emissions that may result in temperature rise. 



The report recommends better regulations for fossil fuel extraction and incentives like tax credits to reduce methane emissions. 



Implementing these measures could decrease methane emissions by 30% by 2030, equivalent to 120 megatons.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-use">Land use</h3>



Forests absorb billions of tons of CO2 annually, acting as crucial carbon sinks. At COP26 in 2021, 145 countries agreed to halt or reverse deforestation by 2030. 



According to the <a href="https://cgs.umd.edu/research-impact/publications/all-society-climate-pathway-key-policy-levers-15degc-aligned-action" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">All-of-Society Climate Pathway</a>, reducing land use change emissions could contribute to 6% of total reductions by 2030. 



National governments are encouraged to set ambitious deforestation reduction benchmarks and provide subsidies for climate-friendly land management. 



Furthermore, investments in wildfire mitigation strategies are also essential to protect forests and communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-rising-global-temperatures">Tackling rising global temperatures</h2>



The JGCRI report highlights that while the challenge of rising global temperatures due to climate change is immense, it is not insurmountable. 



By implementing targeted policies across power, transportation, buildings, industry, non-CO2 greenhouse gases, and land use, nations can significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and help achieve the global temperature goals set in the <a href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a>. 



The path to a sustainable future requires collective action, innovation, and commitment from all sectors of society.



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Scientists have a plan to slow down increasing global temperatures

In January 2024, global surface temperatures rose 1.5°C above the...

Wildfire,Near,Diablo,Lake,In,North,Cascades.,North,Cascades,National

As much as 70% of California, including most lakes, was blanketed by wildfire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoke</a> during parts of 2020 and 2021, according to a new study led by the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a>. 



The research used lake-based sensors and satellite imagery to reveal that maximum smoke cover has increased by about 116,000 square miles since 2006.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-wildfire-smoke">History of wildfire smoke</h2>



The study examined lake responses to wildfire smoke during California's largest fire seasons in 2018, 2020, and 2021. 



On average, lakes experienced 33 days of high-density smoke from July to October, with the peak smoky days in August and September. 



This research highlights the significant and prolonged exposure of lake ecosystems to wildfire smoke during these critical periods, emphasizing the need to understand and address the impacts on aquatic health and function.



Since the 1970s, the extent of wildfires in California has increased fivefold, yet the impact of smoke on lake <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nitrogen-overlooked-component-eutrophication-lake-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> remains poorly understood. 



“We’re looking at a scenario where for the next 100 years or longer, smoke will be a feature on the landscape,” said senior author <a href="https://sadrolab.squarespace.com/people" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steven Sadro</a>, a UC Davis limnologist and associate professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy. 



“What does that mean for fundamental ecology? What are the implications of those changes? Those are the big questions we’re focused on in aquatic systems.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfires-and-lakes">Wildfires and lakes</h2>



Addressing these questions required a bit of serendipity. Scientific instrumentation needs to be present in lakes when and where wildfire smoke occurs to measure effects. As smoke settled over California during the three main study years, sensors in 10 lakes recorded changes.



The lakes varied widely, ranging from cold mountain lakes to warmer, murkier waters. They included Castle Lake in the Klamath Mountains, Lake Tahoe, Emerald Lake in the southern Sierra Nevada, Clear Lake in the Coast Range, and a site in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.



“We were measuring things like temperature, light, and oxygen in the water,” said lead author Adrianne Smits, a research scientist in the UC Davis Environmental Science and Policy Department. 



“These are all components of lake productivity and health. We were interested in how those things change under smoky conditions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-wildfire-smoke-on-lake-ecosystems">Impact of wildfire smoke on lake ecosystems</h2>



The researchers hypothesized that smoke and ash would “dim the lights,” affecting photosynthesis and respiration rates of the lake’s plant and aquatic life, which are fundamental to healthy lake ecosystems.



The study confirmed that wildfire smoke alters light, water temperature, and oxygen in lakes -- key drivers of lake function and health -- but these changes are as variable as the lakes themselves.



Smits emphasized that there is no single answer to how wildfire smoke impacts lakes. The responses depend on factors such as lake size, depth, smoke cover, and nutrient levels. However, changes are evident.



“We’re seeing changes -- often decreases -- in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revealing-the-secrets-of-photosynthesis-through-pep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> and respiration rates that drive almost everything else,” Smits said. “Food webs, algal growth, the ability to emit or sequester carbon — those are dependent on these rates. They’re all related, and they’re all being changed by smoke.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance-and-future-directions">Study significance and future directions</h2>



These findings underscore the need for more research to understand how the scale, scope, and intensity of recent and future wildfires affect lake ecosystems.



“We need to reframe how we’re thinking about wildfire smoke — as a seasonal weather phenomenon and not just an ‘event’ that happens and goes away,” Smits explained. “We think about it for our health, but we should be thinking about it for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-ecosystems-are-needed-to-prevent-future-pandemics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem health</a>, as well.”



Recognizing wildfire smoke as a recurring environmental factor allows us to better prepare and mitigate its impacts on both human and ecological health. 



This awareness leads to improved strategies for protecting air quality, public health, and natural ecosystems. By understanding smoke's effects on lakes and other environments, we can develop more effective conservation and management plans. 



This proactive approach ensures that communities and ecosystems are resilient to the challenges posed by increasing wildfire activity, fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for all.



The study is recently published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01404-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Wildfire smoke significantly impacts lake ecosystems

As much as 70% of California, including most lakes, was...

Recent research using the James Webb Space Telescope has revealed new insights into the structure of the exoplanet WASP-107 b, a gas giant with a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/puffy-exoplanets-have-the-density-of-a-marshmallow-but-how-is-it-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surprisingly low density</a>. 



This discovery marks the first time scientists have measured an exoplanet’s core mass, providing critical data for future studies of planetary atmospheres and interiors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inner-core-of-exoplanet-wasp-107-b">Inner core of exoplanet WASP-107 b</h2>



"Looking into the interior of a planet hundreds of light-years away sounds almost impossible," explained lead author <a href="https://hub.jhu.edu/experts/profiles/david-sing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Sing</a>, a professor of earth and planetary sciences at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a>. 



However, by knowing key characteristics such as the planet's mass, radius, atmospheric composition, and internal temperature, researchers can gain valuable insights into its internal structure and the density of its core. 



Sing emphasized that, thanks to the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb telescope</a>, this approach can now be applied to numerous gas planets across various star systems.



The analysis revealed that the exoplanet WASP-107 b has a core 12 times more massive than the Earth’s and contains a thousand times less methane than expected. 



This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/potential-signs-of-life-found-on-nearby-exoplanet-wasp-107b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">low-density planet</a>, roughly the size of Jupiter but only a tenth of its mass, has baffled scientists because of its “puffy” appearance. 



Despite containing methane, a building block of life on Earth, WASP-107 b is not habitable due to its proximity to its star and lack of a solid surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-methane-more-carbon-compounds">Less methane, more carbon compounds</h2>



“We want to look at planets more similar to the gas giants in our own solar system, which have a lot of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/methane-in-a-planets-atmosphere-could-be-a-sign-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> in their atmospheres," Sing continued. "This is where the story of WASP-107 b got really interesting, because we didn’t know why the methane levels were so low."



The new findings suggest that the methane on WASP-107 b transforms into other compounds as it moves upward from the planet’s interior, interacting with various chemicals and starlight in the upper atmosphere. 



The team also detected sulfur dioxide, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide, finding that the exoplanet WASP-107 b has more heavy elements than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-is-more-gassy-less-icy-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uranus</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-dark-spot-on-neptune-detected-from-earth-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neptune</a>.



“The planet has a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strange-lava-worlds-magma-oceans-affect-the-evolution-of-hot-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hot core</a>, and that heat source is changing the chemistry of the gasses deeper down, but it's also driving this strong, convective mixing bubbling up from the interior," noted co-author Zafar Rustamkulov, a Johns Hopkins doctoral student in planetary science.



"We think this heat is causing the chemistry of the gasses to change, specifically destroying methane and making elevated amounts of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide,” Rustamkulov concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Exoplanet WASP-107 b: Beyond the core</h2>



WASP-107 b is an exoplanet orbiting the star WASP-107, located about 212 light-years from Earth in the constellation Virgo. Here are some additional details about this intriguing exoplanet:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Discovery and basic characteristics</h3>



WASP-107 b was discovered in 2017 by the Wide Angle Search for Planets (WASP) project using the transit method. This method detects planets by observing the dimming of a star's light as a planet passes in front of it.



The planet completes an orbit around its star in just 5.7 days, making it a "hot Jupiter" due to its close proximity to the star. WASP-107 b has a radius roughly equal to that of Jupiter but a much lower mass, only about one-tenth of Jupiter's mass. This results in its extremely low density and "puffy" appearance.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">WASP-107 b's atmosphere and host star</h3>



Before the JWST study, the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a> and other instruments observed WASP-107 b, identifying water vapor in its atmosphere. 



Earlier studies suggested that WASP-107 b might have a hazy atmosphere with high-altitude clouds. These clouds could obscure some of the spectral features of the gases present.



WASP-107 is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-life-thats-8-billion-years-old-may-exist-on-nearby-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">K-type star</a>, cooler and smaller than the Sun. Its characteristics play a crucial role in the atmospheric conditions of WASP-107 b.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tidal-forces-keeping-the-core-hot">Tidal forces keeping the core hot</h2>



These findings highlight the connection between an exoplanet’s core and its atmospheric composition. The study shows how tidal forces from the star might heat the planet’s core, affecting its overall thermodynamics and observable atmosphere.



“The Webb data tells us that planets like WASP-107 b didn’t have to form in some odd way with a super small core and a huge gassy envelope,” explained Mike Line, an astrophysicist at <a href="https://www.asu.edu/">Arizona State University</a>. 



“Instead, we can take something more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neptune-like-exoplanets-atmospheres-interesting-earth-size-neighbors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">like Neptune</a>, with a lot of rock and not as much gas, just dial up the temperature, and poof it up to look the way it does.”



The Johns Hopkins team plans to continue investigating what keeps the core of WASP-107 b so hot, possibly examining the stretching and pulling forces exerted by its star. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-and-the-future-of-exoplanet-research">Webb and the future of exoplanet research</h2>



In summary, these new discoveries about WASP-107 b, made possible by the James Webb Space Telescope, mark a significant milestone in our understanding of exoplanets and their atmospheres. 



As scientists continue to explore the complexities of planetary systems, the insights gained from studying this marshmallow-like planet and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-gas-planets-are-cosmic-wrecking-balls-that-wreak-havoc-in-habitable-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas giants</a> will undoubtedly shape future research. 



With its surprisingly low methane levels, massive core, and the clearest connection yet established between an exoplanet's interior and atmosphere, WASP-107 b has opened up new avenues for investigation. 



As we look to the future, the search for habitable worlds and the exploration of the vast diversity of exoplanets will only intensify, driven by the remarkable advancements in technology and the unwavering curiosity of the scientific community.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07395-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Interior of "cotton candy" exoplanet WASP-107 b revealed by Webb

Recent research using the James Webb Space Telescope has revealed...

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



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



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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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" 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 Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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