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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Plant chromosome glitch fast-tracks evolution

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

Recent findings have solved a perplexing mystery of COVID-19 -- its ability to linger in the body long after the initial infection phase has passed. 



This research provides pivotal clues towards understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-iron-may-be-a-key-driver-of-long-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long COVID</a>, a condition that leaves patients grappling with symptoms for months or even years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-19-has-true-staying-power">COVID-19 has true staying power</h2>



The studies, led by <a href="https://profiles.ucsf.edu/michael.peluso" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Michael Peluso</a>, an infectious disease researcher at the UCSF School of Medicine, discovered that remnants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, specifically COVID antigens, could be detected in blood samples up to 14 months post-infection and in tissue samples for over two years. 



“These two studies provide some of the strongest evidence so far that COVID antigens can persist in some people, even though we think they have normal immune responses,” Peluso explained.



Initially, COVID-19 was regarded as a short-term illness. However, as the pandemic unfolded, a growing number of individuals, previously in good health, reported <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-covid-linked-to-alcohol-sensitivity-and-debilitating-hangovers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prolonged symptoms</a> ranging from brain fog and digestive issues to vascular problems. This led researchers to delve deeper into the nature of the virus and its long-term impact on the body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-and-tissue-samples-tell-the-tale">Blood and tissue samples tell the tale</h2>



In their investigation, the <a href="https://www.ucsfhealth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSF</a> team analyzed blood samples from 171 individuals who had contracted COVID. Utilizing an ultra-sensitive assay designed to detect the virus's "spike" protein -- key to its ability to invade human cells -- the researchers found that the virus persisted in some participants for up to 14 months. 



Notably, those who had been hospitalized for COVID were about twice as likely to have detectable COVID antigens compared to those who weren't hospitalized. Furthermore, individuals who experienced severe symptoms without hospitalization also showed a higher likelihood of retaining these antigens.



Dr. Peluso emphasized the significance of these associations. “As a clinician, these associations convince me that we are on to something, because it makes sense that someone who had been sicker with COVID would have more antigen that can stick around,” Peluso said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-persistent-antigens-to-long-covid-lingering">From persistent antigens to long COVID lingering</h2>



To understand the presence of the virus in the body further, the researchers explored UCSF's Long COVID Tissue Bank, which houses samples from patients, both with and without long COVID. 



They discovered viral RNA fragments up to two years post-infection in connective tissue, a site rich in immune cells. This suggests that these viral remnants could be prompting an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-who-dont-get-sick-from-covid-19-may-have-a-genetic-mutation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immune response</a>, potentially leading to long COVID symptoms. In some cases, there was evidence suggesting active viral presence.



These findings open the door to numerous questions regarding the relationship between these lingering viral fragments and long COVID, including associated risks like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-vaccines-linked-to-neurological-blood-and-heart-related-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart attack and stroke</a>. 



Dr. Peluso highlighted the necessity for further research to unravel whether these persistent fragments drive long COVID symptoms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-closer-look-at-the-spike-protein">Closer look at the spike protein</h2>



In response to these discoveries, Dr. Peluso's team at UCSF is pioneering several clinical trials aimed at evaluating whether treatments such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-have-found-powerful-antibodies-that-neutralize-all-covid-variants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monoclonal antibodies</a> or antiviral drugs can effectively eliminate the virus from the body and alleviate long COVID symptoms.



Reflecting on the progress made, Dr. Peluso expressed optimism. “There is a lot more work to be done, but I feel like we are making progress in really understanding the long-term consequences of this infection,” Peluso said.



This research not only marks a significant step forward in comprehending the complexities of COVID-19 but also ignites hope for improving the lives of those affected by long COVID.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-establishing-a-new-battlefront-to-stop-the-covid-linger">Establishing a new battlefront to stop the COVID linger</h2>



In summary, the research conducted by UC San Francisco has significantly advanced our understanding of COVID-19, revealing that the virus can remain in the body far longer than previously thought. This finding potentially explains the enigmatic phenomenon of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cause-of-fatigue-in-long-covid-patients-has-finally-been-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long COVID</a>. 



By identifying viral antigens in blood and tissue samples months to years after infection, their study challenges our understanding of the virus's behavior offers new ideas for targeted treatments. 



With ongoing clinical trials exploring the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs, there's renewed hope for those suffering from long-term effects of COVID-19. 



Dr. Peluso and his team's dedication to uncovering the mysteries of COVID-19's persistence underscores the importance of continued research in the fight against this ever-evolving virus, promising a future where long COVID can be effectively managed or even prevented.



These findings were among the key topics discussed at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (<a href="https://www.croiconference.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CROI</a>).



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COVID-19 virus lingers in the body up to two years after infection

Recent findings have solved a perplexing mystery of COVID-19 --...

In the quest to visualize the landscapes of our Mesolithic ancestors, scientists have turned to an unlikely source: hazelnut shells. Preserved through the ages, these shells offer a window into the past, unveiling whether ancient microhabitats surrounding archaeological sites were dense forests or open pastures. 



Consequently, this innovative approach not only paints a picture of past environments but also sheds light on the impacts that humans have had on these habitats over millennia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hazelnut-shells-at-archaeological-sites">Hazelnut shells at archaeological sites</h2>



Dr. Amy Styring from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> and her team have pioneered this research, focusing on hazelnuts found at archaeological sites across southern Sweden. The sites span from Mesolithic hunter-gatherer camps to major Iron Age settlements, providing a broad timeline for their study. 



"By analyzing the carbon in hazelnuts from these varied periods, we've discovered a shift towards harvesting in increasingly open environments," said Dr. Styring. This finding is crucial for understanding the interaction between early humans and their surroundings.



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



Hazelnuts have been a staple for northern Europeans for thousands of years, valued for their nutritional benefits and versatility. "The nuts were a significant source of energy and protein, easily stored and consumed in various forms," noted study senior author Dr. Karl Ljung of Lund University. 



Beyond their nutritional value, hazelnut shells served as a practical fuel source, highlighting the multifaceted role of hazel trees in early human societies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-hazelnut-shells">Insights from hazelnut shells</h2>



Focusing on the science, the study revolves around carbon isotopes found in hazel <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/remote-sensing-will-revolutionize-the-way-we-monitor-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a>. These isotopes vary according to the tree's exposure to sunlight and water, influenced by the density of surrounding vegetation. 



Specifically, in sun-rich, water-abundant Sweden, sunlight plays a pivotal role, making hazelnuts from open areas richer in certain carbon isotopes. "A hazelnut shell from an archaeological site thus acts as a record of the openness of the environment from which it was collected," said Ljung.



To confirm their method, the researchers collected hazelnuts from current hazeltrees in southern Sweden, exposed to different light levels, analyzing the carbon isotope values and their correlation with sunlight exposure. 



The experts applied these findings to hazelnut shells excavated from various archaeological sites, categorizing them into closed, open, or semi-open environments based on their carbon isotope composition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolving-landscapes-and-human-influence">Evolving landscapes and human influence</h2>



The study reveals a compelling narrative about how the environment around human settlements evolved over millennia. Initially, in the Mesolithic era, the research indicates that people primarily collected hazelnut shells from dense, forested areas. This suggests a landscape dominated by thick woodlands. 



However, by the Iron Age, the findings depict a shift to predominantly gathering hazelnuts from open areas, indicating significant environmental changes. This is possibly due to human activities like agriculture or natural climate fluctuations.



Several factors could have contributed to the transformation. Human activities like clearing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-around-the-world-are-turning-brown-during-summer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> for agriculture likely played a role, creating open fields. Alternatively, natural changes in climate may have influenced forest density.



This evolution shows humans increasingly affecting the environment. Also, the move to collect hazelnuts from open areas in the Iron Age suggests humans had already changed the landscape. 



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



"Our study unveils new avenues for connecting environmental changes directly to human activities," said Dr. Styring. Eagerly, the team plans to broaden their research by examining hazelnut shells from more sites. This expansion aims to deepen our understanding of ancient landscapes and human impacts. 



Ultimately, the research urges us to reconsider our current relationship with forests, offering a new perspective on the value of conserving natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-thrive-in-restored-habitats-near-solar-energy-facilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitats</a>.



 The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fearc.2024.1351411/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology</a>.



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Hazelnut shells offer a glimpse of ancient landscapes

In the quest to visualize the landscapes of our Mesolithic...

Rainbow,Appears,Obove,Rocks,In,The,Aegean,Sea,After,A

A period known as the Carnian Pluvial Event, which occurred about 232 million years ago, marked a dramatic turn in Earth's climate history.&nbsp;



In an extraordinary shift, the planet transitioned from arid conditions to a prolonged phase of intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-will-wreak-havoc-on-mountain-ranges-as-warming-climate-turns-snow-to-rain/">rainfall</a> that lasted between one and two million years.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-world-dominated-by-rain">A world dominated by rain</h2>



This significant event was initially identified through the examination of peculiar sediment layers in ancient rocks during the late 20th century, and has since captivated the scientific community.&nbsp;



The evidence, found in diverse geographical locations from the Eastern Alps to the UK, points towards a world that was dominated by wet conditions, fundamentally altering the course of life on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-sediment-layers-nbsp">Unusual sediment layers&nbsp;</h2>



The story began to unfold in the 1970s and 80s when geologists stumbled upon unusual sediment layers embedded within <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-rock-weathering-is-a-co2-source-comparable-to-volcanoes/">ancient rocks</a>. 



In the Eastern Alps, researchers found evidence of siliciclastic sedimentation - a deposit typically associated with water - within carbonate rocks. 



Similarly, in the UK, geologist and forensic scientist Alastair Ruffell investigated a layer of gray rock deposited within the region's characteristic red stone.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dawn-of-the-dinosaurs-nbsp">The dawn of the dinosaurs&nbsp;</h2>



The findings indicated a sudden and prolonged increase in precipitation that coincided with the dawn of the age of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-winter-dinosaurs-were-likely-killed-by-dust/">dinosaurs</a> - a time when these prehistoric giants began to diversify and flourish.&nbsp;



This correlation hinted at the possibility that the wet conditions could have been a catalyst for the evolutionary success of dinosaurs and other terrestrial fauna, marking a pivotal moment in Earth's biological history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-carnian-pluvial-event-nbsp">The Carnian Pluvial Event&nbsp;</h2>



The Carnian Pluvial Event, also known as the Carnian crisis, has left its mark in geological records across the globe, suggesting a widespread environmental impact.&nbsp;



The primary driver behind this extraordinary shift in climate appears to be a massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-volcanic-eruptions-are-more-harmful-than-previously-believed/">volcanic eruption</a> within the Wrangellia Large Igneous Province, stretching from south-central Alaska through the coast of British Columbia.&nbsp;



Jacopo Dal Corso, a researcher involved in studying the event, highlighted the eruption's colossal impact on the atmosphere, with the discharge of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide triggering spikes in global warming. 



This period of heightened volcanic activity coincided with Pangea, a supercontinent that dominated the Earth's landscape. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monsoon-conditions-were-intensified-nbsp">Monsoon conditions were intensified&nbsp;</h2>



The geographical configuration of Pangea was already conducive to monsoon conditions, where moist air from the oceans would be drawn inland, cooling and precipitating as heavy rain.&nbsp;



Professor Paul Wignall of the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/">University of Leeds</a> told New Scientist that the seas during this time were extraordinarily warm, comparing them the temperature of "hot soup." 



This ocean heat would have exacerbated the conditions for more frequent and intense monsoons, leading to unprecedented rainfall over land.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drastic-climate-changes-nbsp">Drastic climate changes&nbsp;</h2>



However, the Carnian Pluvial Event was not without its detrimental effects on life. Research published in the <a href="https://www.lyellcollection.org/doi/full/10.1144/jgs2018-049#sec-6">Journal of the Geological Society</a> paints a grim picture of the environmental challenges during this time.&nbsp;



The volcanic eruptions that kickstarted this period were responsible for generating acid rain and releasing additional greenhouse gases, leading to rapid climate change.&nbsp;



This "shock warming" had catastrophic effects, including the stripping of vegetation and soils, as well as causing ocean anoxia and acidification. Such harsh conditions resulted in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decaying-tree-roots-may-have-caused-mass-extinctions/">mass extinctions</a>, reshaping the ecological landscape.



Ultimately, the drastic climate changes of the Carnian Pluvial Event paved the way for new forms of life to emerge and diversify, setting the stage for the dominance of dinosaurs and other modern terrestrial fauna. 



This event underscores the complex relationship between catastrophic environmental changes and evolutionary processes, offering valuable insights into the resilience and adaptability of life on Earth.



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Earth endured over one million years of rain in the "Carnian Pluvial Event"

A period known as the Carnian Pluvial Event, which occurred...

Landscape,Of,Lake,Tahtarjavr,With,Transparent,Water,,Rocky,Bottom,And

As the Arctic experiences unprecedented warming rates -- up to four times faster than the global average -- the repercussions on its environment, particularly in terms of rivers and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-rivers-could-unleash-carbon-equal-to-millions-of-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water flow distribution</a>, have become a focal point of scientific inquiry. 



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a> have taken significant strides in demystifying these impacts. The team leveraged satellite data, field observations, and advanced numerical models to predict the Arctic's transformation over the next 80 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-the-arctic-s-transformation">Deciphering the Arctic's transformation</h2>



The study, published in The Cryosphere, anticipates a warmer and wetter Arctic, with projections of up to 25% increase in runoff, a 30% rise in subsurface runoff, and a drier southern Arctic. 



This comprehensive analysis offers an insightful glimpse into the future of this critical region's landscape and climate dynamics.



Permafrost, the Arctic's perennially frozen ground, is a key player in this ecological equation. It influences everything from seasonal water flows to the amount of carbon released into oceans. 



However, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-transforming-arctic-rivers-in-unexpected-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accelerated warming</a> of the Arctic threatens to thaw these carbon-rich soils, potentially releasing significant amounts of carbon into rivers and the atmosphere annually. 



This thawing not only impacts carbon release but also intensifies the water cycle, affecting precipitation, runoff, and evaporation patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behind-the-scenes-modeling-the-arctic-s-water-balance">Behind the Scenes: Modeling the Arctic's water balance</h2>



<a href="https://websites.umass.edu/mrawlins/research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Rawlins</a>, the lead author of the study and an associate professor at UMass Amherst, has dedicated two decades to developing the Permafrost Water Balance Model. 



This model examines how the thawing permafrost and a thickening active layer -- a result of increased temperatures -- affect the region's hydrology. 



Rawlins, alongside colleagues and collaborators, including <a href="https://web.uri.edu/geo/meet/ambarish-karmalkar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ambarish Karmalkar</a>, now at the <a href="https://www.uri.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rhode Island</a>, used climate models to explore future scenarios ranging from moderate to high emissions.



The findings are revealing. A thicker active layer acts as a larger "bucket," storing more water and altering when and how water is released into the Arctic's rivers and streams. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-rivers-will-never-be-the-same">Arctic rivers will never be the same</h2>



Specifically, the research predicts that the ground will not freeze as early in the year, leading to increased runoff to rivers in the fall and a significant rise in subsurface runoff by 2100. 



“Our work shows that as precipitation intensifies, the water will be stored longer in thawed soils and released at a later time via subsurface pathways, instead of running off immediately into rivers and streams, as much of it does now," Rawlins explained.



This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-amplification-is-destabilizing-the-delicate-balance-of-the-ecosystem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phenomenon</a> will predominantly affect northern parts of the Arctic, where evaporating water from an increasingly ice-free Arctic Ocean will also contribute to the changes.



Southern Arctic regions, on the other hand, are expected to dry out due to enhanced evaporation and plant transpiration. These shifts have profound implications for the Arctic's ecology and hydrology. 



Northern rivers, particularly the Ob, Yenisey, Lena, and Mackenzie, will carry more water from their northern stretches, potentially mobilizing ancient soil carbon into the Arctic Ocean. 



This increased discharge could influence sea ice dynamics, the ecology of Arctic lagoons, and even the global climate by impacting ocean freshwater storage and the Atlantic meridional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/additional-heat-is-being-transferred-to-the-arctic-ocean-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overturning circulation</a>, crucial for Europe's temperate climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-and-conserving-arctic-rivers">Understanding and conserving Arctic rivers</h2>



Rawlins underscores the need for further research to refine these predictions, saying, “More field observations are needed from the small- and medium-sized rivers near the Arctic coast to better understand how warming will alter the land-to-ocean transport of freshwater and, in turn, impact Arctic environments and the flora, fauna and Indigenous populations that call the region their home.”



This alarming study underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and highlights the interconnectedness of global systems. As the Arctic continues to warm, the effects will resonate beyond its borders, affecting global weather patterns, sea levels, and climate. 



The work of Rawlins and his team is a clarion call to deepen our understanding of these processes and to mitigate the impacts of our changing world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://tc.copernicus.org/articles/18/1033/2024/">The Cryosphere</a>.



-----



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Arctic rivers are undergoing dramatic change from thawing permafrost

As the Arctic experiences unprecedented warming rates -- up to...

Saxophone,Player,Performing,On,Stage

In the quest for peak productivity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-outperforms-humans-in-creativity-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creativity</a>, achieving a state of "creative flow" or being "in the zone" is highly coveted across various fields, from business to the arts. 



Drexel University's <a href="https://drexel.edu/coas/academics/departments-centers/psychology/research/applied-cognitive-and-brain-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creativity Research Lab</a> has taken a pioneering step in uncovering the neurological underpinnings of this elusive state through a groundbreaking neuroimaging study focused on jazz improvisation. 



This research marks the first time the brain's journey into the creative flow state has been visualized, offering invaluable insights into how individuals can harness this power.



At the helm of this research were John Kounios, PhD, a professor in the <a href="https://drexel.edu/coas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Arts and Sciences</a> and director of the Creativity Research Lab, and David Rosen, PhD, a recent graduate and current postdoc at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-brain-s-path-to-creative-enlightenment">Decoding the brain's path to creative enlightenment</h2>



Their study reveals that the key to entering a creative flow state lies in a combination of extensive experience and the deliberate relaxation of control, allowing the brain's specialized networks to operate autonomously with minimal conscious oversight.



The concept of flow was first brought into the spotlight by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who described it as a profoundly engaging and enjoyable state, compelling enough to pursue despite any costs involved. 



Despite its widespread fascination and extensive study, the precise nature of flow has remained ambiguous. Kounios's team set out to demystify this phenomenon by exploring various theories about how flow facilitates creative ideation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dual-keys-to-unlocking-creativity">Dual keys to unlocking creativity</h2>



One prevailing hypothesis suggests that flow might stem from an intense concentration or hyperfocus, where distractions are eliminated, allowing for superior task performance. 



Another theory posits that flow arises when the brain's default-mode network, responsible for daydreaming and introspection, generates ideas under the direction of the executive control network, which filters and guides these ideas.



Contrasting with these theories, Kounios's study supports the notion that flow results from a combination of acquired expertise and the conscious decision to "let go," enabling a specialized neural circuit to produce specific ideas effortlessly. 



This "expertise-plus-release" model indicates that without sufficient experience or the ability to relinquish control, achieving a deep state of creative flow may be challenging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-flow-insights-from-jazz-improvisation">Creative flow insights from jazz improvisation</h2>



The researchers tested their hypothesis by analyzing the brain activity of 32 jazz guitarists of varying experience levels as they improvised music.



The intensity of their flow experiences, rated by the musicians themselves, was then correlated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indoor-air-quality-influences-creativity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creativity</a> assessments from jazz experts and electroencephalogram (EEG) data. 



Findings showed that musicians with more experience not only entered flow states more frequently but also experienced them more intensely, highlighting the importance of expertise in achieving flow. 



Yet, expertise alone wasn't enough; the pivotal factor was a reduction in activity within the brain's executive control regions, suggesting that letting go is essential for flow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-neuroscience-of-creative-flow">Understanding the neuroscience of creative flow</h2>



This study provides scientific validation for the "expertise-plus-release" theory of creative flow and offers practical applications for enhancing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meditation-is-far-better-than-drugs-to-spark-creativity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creativity</a> through structured practice and the strategic relaxation of control. 



Kounios emphasizes the significance of consistent practice to develop expertise in one's creative field, followed by a conscious effort to relinquish control, thereby allowing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microdosing-mushrooms-solving-creativity/">creative process</a> to unfold more naturally and fluently.



Echoing the words of jazz legend Charlie Parker, Kounios advises aspiring creatives to diligently hone their skills and then, in the moment of creation, to let go and simply "wail." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-path-to-uninterrupted-creativity">Practical path to uninterrupted creativity</h2>



In summary, Drexel University's new study illuminates the intricate dance between experience and the art of relinquishing control as the cornerstone of achieving creative flow. The research team provides a scientific basis for this fascinating phenomenon, which is long celebrated in various disciplines. 



By dissecting the neuroimaging of jazz improvisation, the research validates the theory that specialized brain networks foster creativity with minimal conscious oversight while providing a practical roadmap for individuals aiming to unlock their creative potential. 



Emphasizing the importance of dedicated practice followed by a conscious effort to "let go," this study inspires a reevaluation of our approach to creativity, advocating for a balanced synergy between mastery and freedom that can propel us into the zenith of creative expression.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0028393224000393?via%3Dihub">Neuropsychologia</a>.



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Being in the zone: The neuroscience of creative flow

In the quest for peak productivity and creativity, achieving a...

Artist's impression of the surroundings of the supermassive blac

In a remarkable discovery, astronomers have utilized the unparalleled capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to study <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-of-water-vapor-may-be-involved-in-planet-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet formation</a> and young planet-forming discs.



For the first time, researchers, including Naman Bajaj from the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a> and Dr. Uma Gorti from the <a href="https://www.seti.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SETI Institute</a>, have captured images of winds emanating from an aging yet still young planet-forming disk, offering vital clues on the dispersal of gas crucial for the formation of planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glimpse-into-a-planet-forming-disk">Glimpse into a planet-forming disk</h2>



At the center of this research is TCha, a young star surrounded by a disk marked by a significant dust gap. This disk, situated about 30 astronomical units from its star, is now known to release winds that carry gas away -- a process observed using the emissions of noble gases neon (Ne) and argon (Ar). 



Remarkably, one of these emissions marked the first-ever detection of its kind within a planet-forming disk. These findings not only highlight the disk's erosion but also signify a crucial step in understanding the disk's life cycle and its impact on the formation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-stars-shape-planetary-systems-like-ours-with-ultraviolet-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary systems</a> similar to our Solar System.



Naman Bajaj explains, "These winds could be driven either by high-energy stellar photons (the star's light) or by the magnetic field that weaves the planet-forming disk." 



This distinction is critical for understanding how planetary systems evolve from dust and gas into the complex arrangements of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-revelation-new-image-sheds-light-on-the-birth-of-giant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a>, asteroids, and comets we observe in our own Solar System and beyond.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-gas-dispersal">Importance of gas dispersal</h2>



Dr. Uma Gorti, a veteran in the study of disk dispersal, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, "I'm excited to finally be able to disentangle the physical conditions in the wind to understand how they launch." 



This research addresses a longstanding question in astronomy: how do planet-forming disks, initially rich in gas, evolve to host systems dominated by rocky bodies? 



Understanding the timeline and mechanisms of gas dispersal is key to solving this puzzle, as it determines the material available for forming planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stellar-photons-and-disk-evolution">Stellar photons and disk evolution</h2>



Further exploration by Dr. Andrew Sellek of <a href="https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/astronomy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leiden Observatory</a> and his team, involving simulations of gas dispersal driven by stellar photons, complements these observational breakthroughs. 



By comparing these models with actual <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a> observations, they concluded that dispersal by high-energy stellar photons is a viable process, evidenced by the significant amounts of gas being expelled from the disk annually -- an amount comparable to the mass of the moon. 



“We first used neon to study planet-forming discs more than a decade ago, testing our computational simulations against data from Spitzer, and new observations we obtained with the ESO VLT,” explained Sellek.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-transformative-power-of-jwst">The transformative power of JWST</h2>



This result underscores the critical role of JWST in advancing our comprehension of planetary system formation. The JWST has revolutionized our ability to study planet-forming disks, as highlighted by Professor Richard Alexander from the <a href="https://le.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a>. 



He reminisces about the limitations of previous observations and celebrates the JWST's capability to resolve disk winds in detail, expressing anticipation for future discoveries that will deepen our understanding of young planetary systems.



"We learned a lot, but those observations didn’t allow us to measure how much mass the discs were losing. The new JWST data are spectacular, and being able to resolve disc winds in images is something I never thought would be possible. With more observations like this still to come, JWST will enable us to understand young planetary systems as never before," Alexander concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-planet-forming-evolution-in-real-time">Observing planet-forming evolution in real time</h2>



An intriguing aspect of this research is the observation that the inner disk of T Cha is evolving over remarkably short timescales, as evidenced by differences between its JWST spectrum and earlier observations from the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/spitzer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spitzer Space Telescope</a>. 



Chengyan Xie of the University of Arizona notes the possibility of witnessing the complete dispersal of dust from T Cha's inner disk within our lifetimes, a testament to the dynamic nature of planet-forming environments.



In summary, the collaborative efforts of these researchers have provided unprecedented insights into the processes that govern the birth and evolution of planetary systems. 



By mapping the winds that erode planet-forming disks and pinpointing the mechanisms of gas dispersal, this study enhances our understanding of our cosmic origins and sets the stage for future explorations into the mysteries of the universe with the James Webb Space Telescope.



The full study was published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-3881/ad22e1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astronomical Journal</a>.



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Cosmic winds from planet-forming discs seen for the first time

In a remarkable discovery, astronomers have utilized the unparalleled capabilities...

Ever felt like that doughnut might come back to haunt you later? Well, new research suggests it might not just affect your waistline, but also your love life. A study by the <a href="https://www.umontpellier.fr/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Montpellier</a> found that people who consumed a diet high in refined carbs were rated as less attractive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refined-carbs-and-attractiveness">Refined carbs and attractiveness</h2>



Refined carbohydrates are foods that have been processed to remove most of their natural fiber, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vitamin-d-reduces-risk-of-skin-cancer/">vitamins</a>, and minerals. These include white bread, pasta, pastries, white rice, table sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and many packaged snacks and drinks.



Foods with refined carbs cause blood sugar to rise quickly and then drop, making you feel hungry again soon. Because they lack nutrients, they are linked to health problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.



For your skin, refined carbs can worsen acne by increasing oil production. They can also speed up aging by damaging collagen and elastin, which are proteins that keep your skin firm. Additionally, they can cause inflammation, leading to redness and puffiness. Since refined carbs are linked to weight gain, they can also change your appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refined-carbohydrates-at-breakfast">Refined carbohydrates at breakfast</h2>



The study suggests that what we eat for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakfast-lowers-the-risk-of-behavioral-problems-in-children/">breakfast</a> can impact how attractive we are perceived to be by others. People who consumed refined carbs breakfasts that caused their blood sugar to rise quickly, like sugary cereals or white bread, were rated as less attractive compared to those who had other breakfasts.&nbsp;



The study highlights that even the first meal of the day can influence how others perceive our attractiveness, suggesting a link between our dietary choices and physical appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snacking-between-meals">Snacking between meals</h2>



People who regularly snack on refined carbs were also perceived as less attractive. The study suggests that for men, this effect might be linked to their physical activity levels and how "masculine" they are perceived to be.&nbsp;



Men who exercised less tended to eat more refined carbs between meals, which seemed to influence the masculinity they portrayed and subsequently reduced their attractiveness.&nbsp;



For women, snacks with refined carbs might make them look older than they actually are.&nbsp; “Facial attractiveness, an important factor of social interactions, seems to be impacted by immediate and chronic refined carbohydrate consumption in men and women,” noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-perspective-on-refined-carbs">Evolutionary perspective on refined carbs</h2>



In the past, people ate foods that wouldn't cause blood sugar spikes very often, except for occasional treats like fruits or honey. Today, however, we have constant access to foods that cause blood sugar spikes.&nbsp;



This means these foods no longer signal that they are good sources of energy, unlike what might have been true in the past. Eating a lot of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-some-foods-seem-irresistible-the-answer-is-in-your-gut/">sugary foods</a> has led to health problems, and this seems to also affect how attractive people find others.



The study argues that our bodies haven't evolved to keep up with the modern diet, which is full of refined carbohydrates. The mismatch between our bodies and what we eat can lead to health problems and also affect how attractive we find each other.&nbsp;



Since being considered attractive is important in social interactions, these findings suggest that what we choose to eat can influence our social lives in unexpected ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foods-that-can-make-you-more-attractive">Foods that can make you more attractive</h2>



A <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-can-reduce-brain-aging/">healthy diet</a> that supports overall health can indirectly contribute to a more youthful and radiant appearance.



This includes:



<ul>
<li>Fruits and vegetables: They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help protect the skin from damage and aging.</li>



<li>Whole grains: These provide fiber for digestion and sustained energy, contributing to a healthy look.</li>



<li>Healthy fats: Avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy skin and may contribute to a healthy glow.</li>



<li>Lean protein: Sources like chicken, turkey, tofu, and legumes help build and maintain muscle, and provide nutrients that can enhance skin health and overall appearance.</li>



<li>Water: Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and health, which can impact perceived attractiveness.</li>



<li>Tea: Green and white teas contain antioxidants that may help combat skin aging and contribute to a healthy glow.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sweet-discovery-eating-chocolate-can-add-years-to-your-life/">Dark chocolate</a>: In moderation, dark chocolate can improve circulation and help protect the skin from sun damage due to its flavonoid content.</li>



<li>Spices and herbs: Many spices and herbs have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can support skin health.</li>
</ul>



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298984" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a>.



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Eating refined carbs can make you less attractive

Ever felt like that doughnut might come back to haunt...

Lactating mothers who receive the COVID-19 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-vaccines-linked-to-neurological-blood-and-heart-related-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">booster shot</a> can pass protective antibodies to their infants through breastfeeding. This pioneering research from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (<a href="https://ifas.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UF/IFAS</a>) and the <a href="https://med.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UF College of Medicine</a> underscores the potential for breastfed babies, who are too young for vaccination, to gain a layer of protection against the virus.



This investigation marks the third in a series aimed at understanding the transfer of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-iron-may-be-a-key-driver-of-long-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a> antibodies via breast milk. Initially focusing on the antibodies generated after the primary vaccination series, the research has now advanced to explore the impact of the booster shot. 



The findings, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, were supported by funding from the <a href="https://www.gerberfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gerber Foundation</a> and the <a href="https://childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Children's Miracle Network</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protective-power-of-breastfeeding-against-covid-19">Protective power of breastfeeding against COVID-19</h2>



Dr. Vivian Valcarce, a pivotal figure in this study and now an assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.uab.edu/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alabama at Birmingham</a>, emphasized the critical nature of breast milk in safeguarding infants, particularly in their first six months.



“We think that breast milk may play an important role in protecting the infants during the first six months of life from COVID. We continue to see babies being hospitalized from COVID-19 infections," Valcarce said.



Despite ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pfizer-predicts-24-covid-vaccination-decline-this-fall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vaccination efforts</a>, infants continue to face hospitalization risks due to COVID-19, making the role of breast milk even more vital. The study delved into how the introduction of the COVID-19 booster shot affects the presence and efficacy of antibodies in breast milk.



Joseph Larkin, a UF/IFAS associate professor of microbiology and cell science, highlighted the dual importance of the research. 



First, it demonstrates that breastfeeding offers a way to provide infants with COVID-19 antibodies. Next, it shows that these antibodies, which naturally wane over time, are replenished following a booster shot, extending the protective benefits for breastfed babies.



“When babies are born, they have an immature immune system, so they rely heavily on mom’s immune system,” Larkin explained. “Breastfeeding can serve as a gap in between while babies are building their own immune system.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-the-path-of-antibodies">Tracing the path of antibodies</h2>



Researchers engaged in a comprehensive analysis, tracking 14 lactating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-vaccination-timing-can-change-menstrual-cycle-length/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mothers</a> and their infants from pre- to post-booster shots. 



This included testing the mothers’ blood and breast milk for antibodies and analyzing infants' stool samples to confirm the transmission of these protective agents. 



A novel aspect of the study involved testing the functionality of breast milk antibodies against a laboratory-safe strain of COVID-19, revealing that these maternal antibodies are capable of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preventing-future-covid-19-outbreaks-will-require-frequent-booster-shots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutralizing the virus</a>.



Lauren Stafford, a UF/IFAS graduate research assistant, and Ph.D. candidate, along with Dr. Josef Neu, a professor of pediatrics within the division of neonatology at the UF College of Medicine, contributed significantly to the study. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-breastfeeding-and-covid-19">The future of breastfeeding and COVID-19</h2>



The magnificent work of these scientists underscores the invaluable role of breastfeeding in bolstering infant health, particularly during a pandemic.



Their findings highlight the importance of breastfeeding as a protective strategy against COVID-19 for infants and reinforces the critical role of booster vaccinations for lactating mothers. 



By providing an additional layer of defense through breast milk, mothers can play a pivotal role in safeguarding their infants' health during these challenging times.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1289413/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Nutrition</a>.



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Breastfeeding after receiving COVID-19 booster shot gives babies immunity

Lactating mothers who receive the COVID-19 booster shot can pass...

Biofilm,Of,Antibiotic,Resistant,Bacteria.,Rod-shaped,And,Spherical,Bacteria.,Escherichia

Scientists from Mass Eye and Ear and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have made a significant leap in our understanding of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, specifically within the Enterococcus genus. 



This research has uncovered 18 previously unknown species of enterococci, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-meditation-transforms-gut-microbes-for-optimal-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbes</a> prevalent in most land animals, and has identified hundreds of new genes. 



These discoveries provide critical insights into the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, a global health crisis that is projected to rival cancer as a leading cause of death by 2050.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enterococci-frontline-antibiotic-resistance-foes">Enterococci: Frontline antibiotic resistance foes</h2>



Enterococci are notorious for causing multidrug-resistant infections, especially in hospital settings post-surgery, posing lethal risks and imposing over $30 billion in additional healthcare costs annually. 



This study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), expands the known diversity of enterococcal strains by more than 25% and suggests that insects and other invertebrates are major natural reservoirs for these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-in-livestock-are-major-drivers-of-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a>, including naturally antibiotic-resistant species.



"Over the past 75 years, antibiotics have saved hundreds of millions of lives and have been pivotal in all types of surgery," stated Michael S. Gilmore, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at <a href="https://masseyeandear.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mass Eye and Ear</a> and director of the <a href="https://eye.hms.harvard.edu/idi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Infectious Disease Institute</a> at Harvard Medical School. 



Gilmore emphasized the crisis proportions reached by antibiotic resistance in recent decades, highlighting the urgent need for a deeper understanding of how resistance genes spread to hospital bacteria, threatening human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-soil-to-science-origins-of-antibiotics">From soil to science: Origins of antibiotics</h2>



The origins of antibiotics trace back to the 1920s, with compounds like penicillin produced by soil microbes. These antibiotic-producing microbes, thriving in rotting plant matter, contribute to the distinct smell of forest soil. 



The study led by Gilmore and <a href="https://www.broadinstitute.org/bios/ashlee-earl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashlee Earl, PhD</a>, director of the Bacterial Genomics Group at Broad, involved an international team, including elite adventurers, collecting a diverse range of samples from remote global locations. 



These efforts previously revealed that Enterococcus bacteria emerged approximately 425 million years ago, suggesting a long evolutionary battle with antibiotic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sloths-may-hold-a-secret-weapon-against-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resistance</a>.



"Until recently, most of what we've understood about the genetics of enterococcus come from those that make us sick, and that's a problem -- like trying to understand darkness without ever seeing the light,” said Earl. 



“Expanding our view to include those from outside of hospitals, with the help of citizen scientists, gave us the contrast we needed to identify how they make people sick in the hospital, and also gives the public the chance to co-own solutions," she concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insects-the-hidden-allies-of-antibiotic-resistance">Insects: The hidden allies of antibiotic resistance</h2>



This research posits that insects, by consuming rotting plant material laced with natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-viruses-to-combat-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a>, have played a significant role in the evolution of antibiotic resistance within gut bacteria like Enterococcus. 



Such resistance predates human antibiotic use, dating back to when antibiotics were first introduced in the 1940s and '50s, suggesting that these resistances were already embedded in the environment.



“The COVID-19 pandemic revealed that nature contains many infectious risks for humans,” Glimore reflected. 



“This study shows that insects and their relatives in nature are a large and uncharacterized reservoir of undiscovered genes in microbes closely related to those that cause some of the most antibiotic resistant infections," he concluded.



Through these findings, scientists are broadening our genetic database of enterococci and stepping closer to unraveling the complexities of antibiotic resistance. 



This knowledge is crucial for developing strategies to combat one of the most pressing health threats of our time, offering hope for future breakthroughs in preventing and treating antibiotic-resistant infections.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2310852121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Looming global crisis: Rising tide of antibiotic resistance

Scientists from Mass Eye and Ear and the Broad Institute...

3d,Illustration,Of,Entangled,Particles

In the ongoing quest to delineate the boundaries between classical and quantum physics, new research has emerged that offers insights into this fundamental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientific challenge</a>.



Published today, this study showcases a pioneering platform with the potential to significantly advance our understanding of where the quantum realm ends and the classical world begins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-quantum-and-classical-physics">Understanding quantum and classical physics</h2>



Quantum physics, the domain governing the behavior of particles at the minutest scales, introduces phenomena like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum entanglement</a>, which defies classical physics explanations. 



Entanglement illustrates how particles can become so deeply connected that their properties are interdependent, regardless of the distance separating them. 



Understanding these quantum mechanics not only fills existing knowledge gaps but also provides a more nuanced comprehension of reality. However, due to the diminutive scale of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gravity-measured-in-the-quantum-realm-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> systems, observing and studying these phenomena poses significant challenges.



Historically, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-can-instantly-execute-a-task-that-would-normally-take-47-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> phenomena have been observed in progressively larger entities, ranging from electrons to complex molecules. Yet, the ambition to observe these phenomena in even larger objects introduces new challenges. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-levitation-and-light-pioneering-quantum-observability">Levitation and light: Pioneering quantum observability</h2>



Levitated optomechanics, a field focusing on controlling high-mass objects at the micron scale in a vacuum, strives to observe quantum behaviors in substantially larger objects. 



The difficulty lies in preserving the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/full-chemical-complexity-of-quantum-decoherence-finally-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum characteristics</a> like entanglement, which tend to diminish as objects increase in mass and size, giving way to classical behavior.



A team of researchers led by Dr. Jayadev Vijayan from <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Manchester</a>, in collaboration with scientists from <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a> and theorists from the <a href="https://www.uibk.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Innsbruck</a>, has made a significant breakthrough in this area. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observable-quantum-scaling-up-the-invisible">Observable quantum: Scaling up the invisible</h2>



Their experiment, conducted at ETH Zurich and detailed in Nature Physics, introduces a novel method to preserve quantum features amidst environmental noise.



“To observe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-realm-controlled-at-room-temperature-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> phenomena at larger scales and shed light on the classical-quantum transition, quantum features need to be preserved in the presence of noise from the environment. As you can imagine, there are two ways to do this- one is to suppress the noise, and the second is to boost the quantum features," Dr. Vijayan explains.



“Our research demonstrates a way to tackle the challenge by taking the second approach. We show that the interactions needed for entanglement between two optically trapped 0.1-micron-sized glass particles can be amplified by several orders of magnitude to overcome losses to the environment," he continued.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technical-innovations-and-methodologies">Technical innovations and methodologies</h2>



The experiment utilized two highly reflective mirrors to create an optical cavity, increasing the likelihood of photon interactions between the particles. 



"The strength of these optical interactions, mediated by the cavity, remains constant regardless of the distance, enabling us to couple micron-scale particles over several millimeters," adds Johannes Piotrowski from ETH Zurich.



This advancement not only propels us closer to understanding the quantum-classical transition but also opens the door to practical applications, especially in sensor technology. Dr. Carlos Gonzalez-Ballestero from the <a href="https://www.tuwien.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Vienna</a> highlights the implications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-leap-in-particle-entanglement">Giant leap in particle entanglement</h2>



“The key strength of levitated mechanical sensors is their high mass relative to other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-will-drastically-alter-the-field-of-copyright-law/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> systems using sensing. The high mass makes them well-suited for detecting gravitational forces and accelerations, resulting in better sensitivity," Gonzalez-Ballestero elaborated.



"As such, quantum sensors can be used in many different applications in various fields, such as monitoring polar ice for climate research and measuring accelerations for navigation purposes," he concluded.



Piotrowski reflects on the excitement of pushing the boundaries of this nascent platform towards the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/functioning-quantum-internet-makes-giant-stride-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> regime. The team plans to integrate these capabilities with established quantum cooling techniques, aiming to validate quantum entanglement further. 



Successful entanglement of levitated particles could dramatically bridge the gap between quantum mechanics and classical physics, merging these two realms closer than ever before.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-in-bridging-the-quantum-and-classical-worlds">Next steps in bridging the quantum and classical worlds</h2>



In summary, the recent breakthrough in quantum physics research, led by Dr. Jayadev Vijayan and his international team, marks a significant advancement in bridging the gap between the quantum and classical worlds. 



By amplifying the interactions necessary for entanglement in micron-scale particles, this study enhances our understanding of quantum phenomena at larger scales and paves the way for innovative applications in sensor technology. 



As the team moves forward to integrate these findings with quantum cooling techniques, the potential for validating quantum entanglement in levitated particles holds the promise of revolutionizing our approach to physics, offering new insights into the fundamental nature of reality and opening up a myriad of practical applications across various fields.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-024-02405-3">Nature Physics</a>.



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Bridging quantum and classical physics with nanoparticle entanglement

In the ongoing quest to delineate the boundaries between classical...

Global carbon dioxide emissions from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/">fossil fuels</a> reached an unprecedented level in 2023, according to an international team of experts. The researchers said the continued rise in emissions from the burning of oil, coal, and natural gas is impeding progress to limit global warming.



The Global Carbon Budget assessment serves as an annual health check for Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-are-disrupting-earths-largest-carbon-storage-source/">carbon cycle</a>. The analysis quantifies the carbon added to the atmosphere through fossil fuel combustion and land-use changes, alongside the carbon sequestered by terrestrial and marine ecosystems.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-carbon-dioxide-from-fossil-fuels-nbsp">Global carbon dioxide from fossil fuels&nbsp;</h2>



The preliminary analysis for 2023 unveiled a 1.1 percent increase in fossil fuel emissions over 2022, totaling 36.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide.&nbsp;



When accounting for additional sources like deforestation and the severe wildfire season in Canada, the total emissions for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-expected-to-reach-a-new-high-in-2023/">2023</a> were estimated at 40.9 billion metric tons. According to the analysis, both 2022 and 2023 saw record increases in carbon dioxide from fossil fuels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-concentration-of-carbon-dioxide-nbsp">Atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide&nbsp;</h2>



Ben Poulter, a co-author of the report and a scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, expressed concern over the trajectory of emissions, emphasizing that they are moving in the opposite direction needed to mitigate global warming.&nbsp;



Since the dawn of the industrial era in 1750, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide has surged from approximately 278 parts per million to 420 parts per million in 2023, fueling a significant increase in Earth's surface temperature.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hottest-year-on-record">Hottest year on record</h2>



The year 2023 set a new record as the hottest year, with average temperatures reaching 1.2 degrees Celsius (2.1 degrees Fahrenheit) above the mid-20th-century baseline, predominantly due to the accumulation of heat-trapping greenhouse gases.



The team utilized NASA’s Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) to create visualizations that map carbon emissions and absorption across the globe, integrating data on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegetation-impacts-energy-movement-in-the-arctic/">vegetation</a>, human population density, and various infrastructural elements. 



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-carbon-sinks">Natural carbon sinks</h2>



“Amazingly, the ocean and land continue to absorb about half of the carbon we emit,” said Poulter. “Only about 44 percent of emissions stay in the atmosphere each year, slowing the rate of climate change, but causing ocean acidification and altering how land ecosystems function.”



Concerns are mounting over the enduring capacity of natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-can-flip-forests-from-carbon-sinks-to-carbon-sources/">carbon sinks</a>. A study led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 2023 uncovered signs that the ocean's carbon storage capability is waning, potentially due to its prolonged role in absorbing carbon dioxide, along with alterations in global ocean circulation affecting deep-sea carbon sequestration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-global-carbon-budget-nbsp">The Global Carbon Budget&nbsp;</h2>



The Global Carbon Budget incorporates diverse data sources, including government and energy agency emissions inventories and satellite data from NASA’s OCO-2 instrument, to construct an exhaustive overview of the global carbon cycle.&nbsp;



While emissions have shown signs of decline in regions such as Europe and the United States, a global perspective reveals an overall rise, with significant increases noted in India and China.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-paris-agreement-nbsp">The Paris Agreement&nbsp;</h2>



The implications of this trend are stark in the context of the Paris Agreement, established in December 2015. The goal of this international treaty is to keep global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C.&nbsp;



At the current rate of emissions, the analysis suggests a 50 percent chance of surpassing the 1.5°C threshold within approximately seven years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-gas-emissions-data">Greenhouse gas emissions data</h2>



In response to these challenges, NASA and other U.S. federal agencies continue to collect and disseminate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ponds-release-more-greenhouse-gases-than-they-store/">greenhouse gas</a> emissions data, contributing to the establishment of the U.S. Greenhouse Gas Center.&nbsp;



This multi-agency initiative aims to consolidate observational and model-based information, providing a comprehensive resource for policymakers and decision-makers to navigate the complexities of climate change mitigation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transitioning-away-from-fossil-fuels-nbsp">Transitioning away from fossil fuels&nbsp;</h2>



Glen Peters is an expert in the Centre for International Climate Research (CICERO) in Norway. Just before the Global Carbon Budget report was released in December, Peters commented on the lack of significant progress in transitioning to clean energy. He recalled that scientists were optimistic in 2015, hoping that emission levels might peak.



“Yet, here we are again, with a new peak in 2022, and yet another peak expected again in 2023,” said Peters. “My concern is that we are doing half the job, growing clean energy, and not doing the other half of the job, transitioning away from fossil fuels.”



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Global carbon dioxide emissions hit a record high in 2023

Global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels reached an unprecedented...

In a new study from <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a>, researchers have discovered that invasive plant species can lie dormant for extended periods - spanning decades to centuries - before abruptly proliferating and causing significant ecological damage.&nbsp;



The experts scrutinized over 5,700 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/">invasive plant species</a> across nine global regions, marking it as the most exhaustive study of its kind, according to senior author Mohsen Mesgaran, an assistant professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-time-bombs-nbsp">Invasive time bombs&nbsp;</h2>



Mesgaran highlighted the deceptive nature of these dormant phases: “The longer it is dormant, we’re more likely to ignore it. This latency allows them to be overlooked, contributing to their eventual emergence as a serious invasive threat. They’re like invasive time bombs.”



The study's findings reveal that about one-third of the analyzed invasive plants underwent a significant lag between their introduction and sudden expansion, with an average dormancy period of 40 years.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dormant-invasive-plants">Dormant invasive plants</h2>



The record for the longest dormancy was held by sycamore maples in the United Kingdom, clocking in at 320 years.&nbsp;



In the United States, the common lawn weed Plantago lanceolata, also known as ribwort or buckhorn plantain, boasts the longest dormancy period. Introduced in 1822, this plant, detrimental to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-in-livestock-are-major-drivers-of-antibiotic-resistance/">livestock</a> and native flora, is now widespread across the country.&nbsp;



Another plant, velvetleaf, introduced as a potential fiber crop, can remain dormant for 50 years before spreading and threatening vital <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-corn-crops-could-have-higher-drought-tolerance/">crops</a> like corn and soybeans by depleting water and nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-problems-ahead">More problems ahead</h2>



The experts argue that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/non-native-species-can-have-unexpected-benefits/">non-native species</a> introductions occur either accidentally or through deliberate importation for uses such as medicinal, ornamental, or agricultural purposes. In California alone, approximately 65% of invasive plants were introduced intentionally.&nbsp;



“This lag phase may have played a role,” Mesgaran said. “They didn’t know. With an increase in trade and transportation and tourism we’re going to have more problems.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waiting-for-favorable-conditions-nbsp">Waiting for favorable conditions&nbsp;</h2>



To compile their data, the researchers drew from global herbarium records, which are digitized and publicly accessible, to track the occurrence and timeline of these invasive species across various regions, including Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Madagascar, South Africa, and the United States.&nbsp;



By analyzing these records and comparing climate conditions during dormant versus expansion phases, the team discovered that many species waited for or adapted to favorable conditions before spreading, indicating that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/managing-invasive-species-can-improve-climate-resilience/">climate</a> plays a significant role in these invasions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dormancy-and-risk-assessment">Dormancy and risk assessment </h2>



This knowledge is crucial for future pest management and invasion prevention strategies, suggesting that existing risk assessment models, which typically overlook dormant phases, need updating.&nbsp;



“The problem is most of the models that we have for risk assessment to see if the species are going to be invasive and a pest problem in the future don’t account for this lag phase or this dormant phase,” Mesgaran said. “It’s not that they’re not going to be a problem, it’s just the calm before the storm.”



As the research progresses, the team plans to investigate how the native climates of these invasive species compare to their new environments, shedding further light on the mechanisms behind their spread and dormancy.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02313-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Time bombs: Invasive plants can lie dormant for centuries

In a new study from UC Davis, researchers have discovered...

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



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
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Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

[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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[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 



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" 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 the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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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