Monarch butterflies are icons of long-distance migration, drifting each autumn from inland western states to sheltered groves on California’s coast. 



Yet some in the growing butterfly population now skip the journey, living and breeding year-round among neighborhood gardens.



New research from the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a> has found that these "stay-at-home" <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monarch-butterflies-are-delaying-their-migration-in-a-warmer-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monarch butterflies</a> represent a largely self-contained group - neither helping nor harming their declining migratory cousins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-some-monarchs-stay-at-home">Why some monarchs stay at home</h2>



Historically, western monarchs spent spring and summer in places such as Arizona, Nevada, and Idaho, then flew to coastal California for the winter. 



Over the past decade, winter counts of those migrants have collapsed, sparking alarm among conservationists. At the same time, sightings of monarchs flitting through San Francisco Bay Area streets in January and February have multiplied.



One suspected driver is the popularity of tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milkweed-gardens-are-needed-to-save-monarch-butterflies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">milkweed</a> in urban yards. Unlike California’s native milkweed species, which die back in winter, the evergreen tropical variety offers continuous foliage and flowers.



The tropical milkweed is a tempting resource that can encourage butterflies to breed instead of migrate. Critics worry the practice fosters parasite outbreaks and disrupts the century-old monarch butterfly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creating-new-forests-to-assist-monarch-butterfly-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-success-story-or-a-disaster">Success story or a disaster?</h2>



Elizabeth Crone is the study's author and a professor in UC Davis’ Department of Evolution and Ecology.



“Although in many ways monarchs seem to be doing just fine in cities, there are a lot of concerns that these non-migratory populations build up high levels of parasites, even to the point that some counties have outlawed planting the non-native evergreen milkweeds that monarch butterflies use in winter,” said Professor Crone.



“We were curious about whether the establishment of these resident populations was a conservation success story or a conservation disaster.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monarch-surveys-in-cities">Monarch surveys in cities</h2>



To test the connection, Crone’s team walked fifteen three-mile routes across East Bay suburbs every month in 2022 and 2023. 



They recorded milkweed plants - native and non-native - in yards and roadsides, counted monarch eggs, caterpillars, and adults, and briefly netted butterflies to check for a debilitating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-monarch-butterflies-are-killed-by-parasites-yearly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protozoan parasite</a>.



Surveys showed milkweed abundant year-round, peaking in summer. Monarch butterfly activity matched an urban breeding cycle rather than seasonal migration.



Adults were most numerous in summer and scarcer in winter; heavily infected butterflies mirrored that pattern, with high parasite burdens in late summer and autumn but far fewer during the colder months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-little-overlap-with-migratory-monarchs"><a></a>Little overlap with migratory monarchs</h2>



"These resident monarchs in urban areas are almost unconnected from the migratory population, so helping resident monarchs likely doesn't help or hurt the migratory population,” said lead author Emily Erickson. She completed the work while a postdoctoral fellow in Crone’s lab.



Because the two groups show minimal exchange, local bans on tropical milkweed may be misplaced, the researchers argue.



“I think it's reasonable to focus on planting native milkweeds, but ripping out all of the milkweeds in urban gardens in the Bay Area or in Los Angeles does not need to be the immediate focus for monarch conservation," Erickson added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-gardens-help-all">Urban gardens help all</h2>



The study suggests resident monarchs bring other advantages. “Having people see monarch butterflies every day makes them want to invest in the conservation of butterflies, and in conservation in general,” Erickson said.



“And no matter what milkweed you're planting, native or non-native, it supports a lot of things beyond monarchs.”



Crone likewise noted that urban habitat can complement broader recovery strategies. “Some people believe that these resident populations are a major cause of monarch butterfly populations declining, but our research suggests it's a bit of a red herring,” she said.



“Our results highlight the potential for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-biodiversity-is-not-a-luxury-it-is-attainable-for-everyone/">urban ecosyst</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-biodiversity-is-not-a-luxury-it-is-attainable-for-everyone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">e</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-biodiversity-is-not-a-luxury-it-is-attainable-for-everyone/">ms</a> to contribute to the conservation of some species. In the West, resident monarchs can persist in urban gardens without impacting fluctuations in migratory monarchs.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tech-joins-butterfly-research">Tech joins butterfly research</h2>



Funding for the project came from Google, which has supported monarch habitat initiatives since 2021. “We are really grateful to Google,” Crone said.



“It was a unique opportunity - it's the first time in my 28 years of being a professor that a corporation has reached out to us and said that they're interested in butterfly conservation and asked how they can help.”



While the Bay Area’s resident butterflies won’t by themselves rescue the declin­ing migratory population, they illustrate how adaptable some wildlife can be in city landscapes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-gardens-and-migration">Urban gardens and migration</h2>



The authors emphasize that large-scale monarch recovery will still depend on restoring native milkweed and nectar sources across inland <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monarch-butterflies-shift-to-winter-breeding-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeding</a> grounds and coastal overwintering sites. Yet urban gardens can play a complementary role, sustaining local biodiversity and fostering public engagement.



Thus, while some people see tropical milkweed and resident monarchs as villains, data shows they’re not the cause of migratory decline.



Instead, they offer an unexpected bright spot: proof that cities, when planted thoughtfully, can support thriving butterfly populations. This happens without undermining the grand monarch migration scientists are working so hard to save.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.70259" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecosphere</a>. -----



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Why some monarch butterflies are skipping migration

Monarch butterflies are icons of long-distance migration, drifting each autumn from inland western states to sheltered groves on California’s coast. Yet some in the growing butterfly population now skip the journey, living and breeding year-round among neighborhood gardens. New research from the University of California, Davis has found that these "stay-at-home" monarch butterflies represent a largely self-contained group - neither helping nor harming their declining migratory cousins. Why some monarchs stay at home Historically, western monarchs spent spring and summer in places such as Arizona, Nevada, and...

Today, December 21, marks the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. The astronomical moment when the Earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the sun will occur at 10:27 p.m. ET.&nbsp;



Due to this extreme tilt, we will experience the shortest day and longest night of the year. 



"All locations north of the equator see daylight shorter than 12 hours and all locations south see daylight longer than 12 hours," explains <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-impact-of-winter-solstice">Environmental impact of winter solstice</h2>



On the winter solstice, the sun takes the shortest path through the sky, and its lowest arc in the sky at noon.&nbsp;



Regions near the Arctic and Antarctic circles experience polar night around the solstice, meaning the sun doesn't rise for more than 24 hours.



The winter solstice also signals significant environmental changes. It marks the beginning of winter, a season characterized by colder temperatures and, in many regions, snowfall. 



This seasonal shift impacts ecosystems, influencing animal behaviors such as migration and hibernation.



Despite being the shortest day of the year, it’s not typically the coldest. There's a lag between the shortest day and the lowest average <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-cope-with-cold-mornings/">temperatures</a> due to the oceans' slow release of accumulated heat.



The solstice can affect animal behavior, with some species using the shorter day as a cue for hibernation or migration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-myths-and-legends-nbsp">Myths and legends&nbsp;</h2>



The winter solstice has been celebrated in various cultures around the world with festivals, rituals, and other observances, recognizing the gradual return of sunlight after the longest period of darkness.&nbsp;



This significant astronomical event has inspired various myths and legends throughout history.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yule-and-the-wild-hunt">Yule and the Wild Hunt</h3>



In Norse mythology, the winter solstice, known as Yule, is associated with the Wild Hunt, a ghostly procession in the winter sky led by the god Odin. It was a time of both fear and celebration, marking the death of the old year and the birth of the new.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saturnalia-nbsp">Saturnalia&nbsp;</h3>



Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival in honor of the god Saturn, held around the time of the winter solstice. It was a time of merrymaking, feasting, and social reversal where traditional roles were often relaxed.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-return-of-the-sun">The Return of the Sun</h3>



Many Native Americans have celebrated the winter solstice as the time when the sun god began his recovery from illness, symbolizing the return of longer days.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-st-lucia-s-day-nbsp">St. Lucia's Day&nbsp;</h3>



In Scandinavian countries, the winter solstice is associated with St. Lucia's Day, honoring the Christian martyr who brought food and aid to Christians hiding in the Roman catacombs using a candle-lit wreath to light her way and leave her hands free to carry as much food as possible.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dongzhi-festival-nbsp">Dongzhi Festival&nbsp;</h3>



The Dongzhi Festival, or the Winter Solstice Festival, is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Chinese and other East Asians. It's a time for family reunions and a celebration of the year's harvest, with the belief that the positive energy of the longer daylight hours to come will bring good luck.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stonehenge-nbsp">Stonehenge&nbsp;</h3>



Stonehenge in the United Kingdom is aligned with the sunset of the winter solstice. While its exact purpose remains a mystery, it's believed to have been used for religious and ceremonial events, possibly linked to the solstice.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alban-arthan">Alban Arthan</h3>



In Welsh and Celtic tradition, Alban Arthan, meaning "Light of Winter," was a time to celebrate the rebirth of the sun, marking the turning point where the days start to lengthen and the power of the sun begins to grow.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shab-e-yalda-nbsp">Shab-e Yalda&nbsp;</h3>



In Persian culture, Shab-e Yalda or Yalda night is celebrated on the longest night of the year. It's a time when families gather together to eat, drink, and read poetry, especially by the poet Hafez, until well after midnight to fend off evil spirits.



These myths and legends reflect the importance of the winter solstice in various cultural and historical contexts, often symbolizing rebirth, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-a-day">More than just a day</h2>



In summary, the winter solstice is a confluence of astronomical, cultural, environmental, and scientific significance. It reminds us of our planet's incredible journey around the sun and the diverse ways in which different cultures interpret and celebrate this celestial event. 



As we experience the shortest day of the year, it's a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the brighter days ahead.



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Winter solstice: The longest night of the year marks a time of rebirth

Today, December 21, marks the winter solstice in the Northern...

A recent study published by the <a href="https://www.apa.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Psychological Association</a> has shed light on the profound impact of sleep deprivation on our emotional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/therapy-dogs-benefit-student-well-being-across-all-genders/">well-being</a>. 



This extensive research, synthesizing over 50 years of data, reveals that lack of sleep significantly affects our mood, increases anxiety, and dampens positive emotions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-health-nbsp">Psychological health&nbsp;</h2>



“In our largely sleep-deprived society, quantifying the effects of sleep loss on emotion is critical for promoting psychological health,” said study lead author Dr. Cara Palmer of <a href="https://www.montana.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montana State University</a>. 



“This study represents the most comprehensive synthesis of experimental sleep and emotion research to date, and provides strong evidence that periods of extended wakefulness, shortened sleep duration, and nighttime awakenings adversely influence human emotional functioning.”



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



In collaboration with co-lead author Dr. Joanne Bower of East Anglia University and their team, Dr. Palmer analyzed data from 154 studies spanning five decades, involving 5,715 participants.&nbsp;



The studies disrupted participants' sleep in various ways: extended wakefulness, reduced sleep duration, and intermittent awakenings.&nbsp;



Post-sleep manipulation, the researchers had assessed emotional variables such as mood, response to emotional stimuli, and symptoms of depression and anxiety.



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



The findings are striking. All forms of sleep loss led to a reduction in positive emotions like joy and contentment and heightened anxiety symptoms, including increased heart rate and worrying.&nbsp;



“This occurred even after short periods of sleep loss, like staying up an hour or two later than usual or after losing just a few of hours of sleep,” said Dr. Palmer. “We also found that sleep loss increased anxiety symptoms and blunted arousal in response to emotional stimuli.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-depression-symptoms-nbsp">Depression symptoms&nbsp;</h2>



However, the study's findings on depression symptoms and negative emotions like sadness and stress were less consistent and significant.&nbsp;



A notable limitation of this research is its focus on young adults, with an average participant age of 23.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-nbsp">Future research&nbsp;</h2>



According to the experts, future research should include a more diverse age sample to better understand how sleep deprivation affects people at different ages, according to the researchers.&nbsp;



Other directions for future research could include examining the effects of multiple nights of sleep loss, looking at individual differences to find out why some people may be more vulnerable than others to the effects of sleep loss, and examining the effects of sleep loss across different cultures, as most of the research in the current study was conducted in the United States and Europe, according to the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



“Research has found that more than 30 percent of adults and up to 90 percent of teens don’t get enough sleep,” said Dr. Palmer.&nbsp;



“The implications of this research for individual and public health are considerable in a largely sleep-deprived society. Industries and sectors prone to sleep loss, such as first responders, pilots and truck drivers, should develop and adopt policies that prioritize sleep to mitigate against the risks to daytime function and well-being.” 



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/bul0000410" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psychological Bulletin</a>. 



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Sleep deprivation has a big impact on emotional well-being

A recent study published by the American Psychological Association has...

Cancer,Cells,,Malignant,Cells,Under,Microscope,,3d,Illustration

In a new study by researchers at the <a href="https://ysph.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale School of Public Health</a>, two “forever chemicals” spurred cancer cells in the lab to migrate to new positions, an indication that the chemicals could contribute to cancer metastasis in living organisms.



The study addressed the group of industrial chemicals called <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PFAS_FactSheet.html#:~:text=Print-,Per%2D%20and%20Polyfluorinated%20Substances%20(PFAS),in%20a%20variety%20of%20products." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)</a>. The substances are known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment and can build up in the human body. They have the ability to shed water and resist penetration by oils. They are notorious for their ubiquity, their exceptional environmental stability, and their suspected toxic effects.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-us-drinking-water-taps-are-likely-to-contain-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> make up a prevalent class of persistent organic pollutants of increasing public concern worldwide. They have been frequently detected in the environment, such as in drinking water, indoor dust, cleaning products, and coatings,” said co-first author Jie Zheng, a postdoctoral associate who was working in the <a href="https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/cjohnson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lab</a> of principal investigator <a href="https://ysph.yale.edu/profile/caroline-johnson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caroline Johnson</a>, associate professor of epidemiology (environmental health sciences), at the time the research was conducted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forever-chemicals-in-the-blood-of-babies">Forever chemicals in the blood of babies</h2>



The forever chemicals show up in the blood of newborns, of people living in sub-Arctic Indigenous communities, in fish and mussels, and even in bird eggs. No level of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/banning-forever-chemicals-may-threaten-us-national-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> in the body is considered safe, and they have been linked to a litany of health problems, including cancers. 



In November, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) <a href="https://www.iarc.who.int/news-events/iarc-monographs-evaluate-the-carcinogenicity-of-perfluorooctanoic-acid-pfoa-and-perfluorooctanesulfonic-acid-pfos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">classified</a> perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a common PFAS, as carcinogenic to humans and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), another common PFAS, as possibly carcinogenic to humans.



No studies have addressed the relationship between PFAS and colorectal carcinoma (CRC), Zheng explained. However, firefighters experience this type of cancer at higher rates than the general population and they are heavily exposed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-are-an-underestimated-source-of-water-contamination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> at work. About 80% of CRC cases are thought to be related to environmental exposure of some kind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-forever-chemicals-spread-cancer">How do forever chemicals spread cancer?</h2>



But what the chemicals might be doing to initiate or spur on this type of cancer has been unclear.



The Johnson lab studies CRC with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolomics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolomics</a>, a tool that measures fluctuating levels of thousands of small molecules like amino acids, lipids, and proteins in a biological sample. 



"We look at patterns that occur within an exposed group of people or a diseased group of people, then try to generate a hypothesis as to why somebody may develop a disease or have progression of disease," Johnson said. "Metabolomics is one of the only tools where you can measure environmental exposures in the same sample as the biological effect."



In this series of experiments, the authors studied how CRC cells react to being immersed in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creators-of-forever-chemicals-covered-up-the-toxic-dangers-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> solution for up to seven days. They observed increased cell motility with exposure and found metabolic changes that were consistent with cancer metastasis.



Results agreed with current knowledge about CRC metabolism, spread, and prognosis, amounting to evidence that the chemicals can induce metastasis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-on-the-move">Cancer on the move</h2>



To investigate the metabolic profile of CRC cells after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pfas-crisis-humans-are-early-warning-system-for-wildlife-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> exposure, the study focused on PFOS and PFOA. Both have been used in firefighting foam and many other products.



The authors used two CRC cell types. One type consisted of cells with an unmutated or “wild-type” KRAS gene; in the other, the KRAS gene carried a common mutation associated with an especially deadly type of colon tumor in women. 



The cells formed into tiny balls called spheroids. KRAS — an acronym for kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene — is a member of the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/research/key-initiatives/ras/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RAS family</a>. KRAS mutations are one of the most dominant mutations leading to the development of colorectal cancer. 



The researchers found that bathing spheroids in the chemicals boosted the cells’ migration ability. They showed a tendency to spread and to penetrate membranes. In another experiment, researchers grew the cells as a flat, two-dimensional layer, then drew a scratch down the middle, separating half of the cells from the other half. When they added PFAS, the cell lines grew and migrated back together again.



“It doesn't prove it's metastasis, but they have increased motility, which is a feature of metastasis,” Johnson said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spheroids-in-forever-chemicals">Spheroids in forever chemicals</h2>



Metabolomic analysis revealed the spheroids were producing a variety of fatty acids, amino acids, and signaling proteins in patterns previously linked to metastasis. Small-chain fatty acids, which can protect against tumors and inflammation, were downregulated.



A Western blot found telltale up- and down-regulation of specific signal proteins associated with metastasis during a process called the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epithelial%E2%80%93mesenchymal_transition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)</a>. 



During EMT, epithelial cells lose their cell polarity and cell-cell adhesion while gaining migratory and invasive properties to become mesenchymal stem cells. EMT has been shown to occur in wound healing, organ fibrosis, and in the initiation of metastasis in cancer progression.



For example, when exposed to either chemical at higher levels, both cell types expressed less <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadherin-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">E-cadherin</a>, rendering them less adhesive—a key step in EMT-related metastasis. The results added to the team's confidence that the cell was behaving in vitro like a metastatic cell in the body. E-cadherin is a cell-cell adhesion protein. Mutations have been associated with gastric, breast, colorectal, thyroid, and ovarian cancers.



Some changes suggesting metastatic potential were more pronounced in the KRAS-mutated line. That could mean that cancers with this mutation may be especially prone to spread after exposure to these chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-look-at-the-exposome">A look at the exposome</h2>



The research is part of an ongoing quest by scientists to better understand the exposome — that is, all environmental influences upon a person from conception until death, including biological, chemical, environmental, social, and so on. Because PFAS are so widespread, almost everyone is exposed.



This study used exposure levels similar to those detected in firefighters and others in frequent contact with PFAS, such as people living near landfills, airports, military bases, or wastewater treatment plants. In future studies, the Johnson lab aims to test exposures that are lower, more like those most people face every day. They also plan to look at PFAS levels and clinical outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer.



“Many in vitro studies can't be translated into humans," Johnson said. "But I think understanding first the mechanisms of how they can actually affect cancer cell growth is important.”



The research was published in <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c04844" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



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"Forever chemicals" encourage cancer to spread around the body

In a new study by researchers at the Yale School...

The <a href="https://www.seti.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SETI Institute</a> in California has detected an extraordinary series of fast radio bursts (FRBs) – intense and brief pulses of radio waves from a distant source in space. These mysterious bursts, 35 in total, were observed by the <a href="https://www.seti.org/ata">Allen Telescope Array</a> (ATA) and exhibited a unique ‘cosmic slide-whistle’ effect due to a noticeable drop in the center frequency. 



FRBs, first discovered in 2007, have long puzzled scientists. These phenomena are thought to emanate from dying stars, known as magnetars, in distant galaxies.&nbsp;



Magnetars possess an extremely powerful magnetic field, which is hypothesized to be capable of emitting radio waves across space. While most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-radio-burst-traveled-through-space-for-8-billion-years-to-reach-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FRBs</a> appear to be singular events, a small percentage have been observed to repeat, some even following a regular pattern.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fast-radio-burst-frb-20220912a">Fast radio burst (FRB) 20220912A</h2>



The recent discovery made by the SETI Institute focuses on a specific repeating fast radio burst, labeled FRB 20220912A, situated in a galaxy approximately one billion light-years from Earth.&nbsp;



Unlike typical fast radio bursts that last for just milliseconds and vanish, FRB 20220912A was noted for its repetitive nature, occurring 35 times over two months. This particular FRB allowed researchers to confirm existing theories about these bursts, as well as identify new, previously unseen patterns.



“This work is exciting because it provides both confirmation of known FRB properties and the discovery of some new ones,” said lead author Sofia Sheikh, a postdoctoral fellow at SETI. “We’re narrowing down the source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-radio-bursts-are-even-more-mysterious-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FRBs</a>, for example, to extreme objects such as magnetars, but no existing model can explain all of the properties that have been observed so far.”



The study of FRB 20220912A revealed that there was no discernible pattern in the timing or interval of the energy releases. When the frequency drop of the bursts was converted into sound, it resembled the notes of a whistle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-space-explorers">Deep space explorers</h2>



Avi Loeb of the <a href="https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics</a> has proposed a more speculative theory regarding FRBs. In 2017, he suggested that these signals could be indicative of deep-space explorers billions of light-years away from Earth.&nbsp;



According to Loeb, leakage from the transmitters of these explorers could result in the brief flashes detected on Earth, influenced by the movement of the probe, its host planet, its star, and the galaxy relative to Earth. “An artificial origin is worth contemplating and checking,” Loeb said.



This discovery opens new avenues for understanding these enigmatic signals and their origins, potentially shedding light on the dynamics of distant galaxies and the universe at large.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-fast-radio-bursts-frbs">More about fast radio bursts (FRBs)</h2>



Fast radio bursts (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-radio-heartbeat-signal-detected-from-distant-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FRBs</a>) are one of the most intriguing mysteries in astronomy. These are extremely brief flashes of radio waves coming from space, lasting just a few milliseconds. Despite their short duration, they are incredibly powerful, releasing as much energy in a millisecond as the Sun does in nearly a century.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-nbsp">Origins&nbsp;</h3>



The origin of FRBs is still largely unknown, making them a hot topic of research. Hundreds have been detected, some repeating and others appearing just once. The repeaters have enabled astronomers to trace them back to their galaxies, providing vital clues about their nature.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extraordinary-energy">Extraordinary energy</h3>



FRBs can come from billions of light-years away, indicating that the phenomena causing them are extraordinarily energetic. Several theories have been proposed regarding their origins, ranging from the mysterious - like black holes and neutron stars - to more speculative ideas like alien technology.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-insights">Valuable insights</h3>



Interestingly, FRBs are helping scientists learn more about the universe. As these bursts travel through space, they pass through intergalactic material, which can be studied based on the way it affects the radio waves. This has opened a new window for understanding the vast, unseen material in our universe.



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SETI received 35 "fast radio bursts" from space that may be signs of alien life

The SETI Institute in California has detected an extraordinary series...

A recent study led by <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> has uncovered alarming trends regarding the impact of tropical cyclones on global populations. 



According to the researchers, there is a steady increase in the number of people at risk from tropical cyclones and the number of days per year these storms threaten health and livelihoods.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance-nbsp">Study significance&nbsp;</h2>



With climate change fueling more frequent and intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-will-wreak-havoc-on-mountain-ranges-as-warming-climate-turns-snow-to-rain/">weather events</a>, this type of research is critical in understanding and responding to these growing threats.



Study lead author Renzhi Jing, a postdoctoral scholar at the Stanford School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of the study.&nbsp;



"Understanding the demographics of populations exposed to cyclones is crucial for understanding evolving risks,” said Jing. “It’s particularly important for risk mitigation and achieving other socially desirable objectives, such as education and poverty alleviation.”



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



Tropical cyclones, characterized by rotating systems of clouds and thunderstorms, bring strong winds and heavy rain. Traditional estimates of exposure to these cyclones have been regional, lacking a global perspective and failing to consider population vulnerabilities.



For the investigation, researchers from Stanford, the RAND Corporation, and other institutions used a new model to merge demographic estimates with tropical cyclone wind fields estimates. This allowed the experts to create a comprehensive global profile of populations exposed to these storms between 2002 and 2019.&nbsp;



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



The study revealed that approximately 560 million people are exposed to cyclones annually and there has been an increase in the number of people exposed across all cyclone intensities.&nbsp;



The researchers also found that the demographic profile of those exposed has shifted, with a decrease in children and an increase in individuals over 60.



Furthermore, socioeconomically deprived populations are more likely to be exposed to tropical cyclones, and this exposure is more pronounced in higher-intensity storms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



The findings suggest tropical cyclones can worsen existing inequalities, and highlight the need for targeted interventions to support vulnerable groups, noted the researchers.



“Severe storms hit the poor the hardest, and could worsen socioeconomic and health inequalities,” said study senior author Professor Eran Bendavid. “Interventions for mitigating tropical cyclone impacts should address this vulnerability.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-tropical-cyclones-nbsp">More about tropical cyclones&nbsp;</h2>



Tropical cyclones are intense circular storms that originate over warm tropical oceans. Their formation is fueled by the energy released when moist air rises and condenses, a process that is most efficient when the ocean waters are at least 26°C (79°F).&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure">Structure</h3>



These systems are distinguished by their organized structure, typically featuring a calm eye at the center, surrounded by a wall of thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rainfall.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycle">Life cycle</h3>



The life cycle of a tropical cyclone begins with a tropical disturbance, which is essentially a disorganized cluster of thunderstorms. Under the right conditions, such as sufficient ocean heat and low vertical wind shear, this disturbance can evolve into a tropical depression, then a tropical storm, and eventually a cyclone. These stages are marked by increasing organization and wind speed.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-damage">Damage</h3>



Tropical cyclones are known for their potential to cause significant damage. High winds can wreak havoc on infrastructure, vegetation, and power systems. However, the storm surge – the rise in sea level that occurs as the storm approaches the coast – is often the most destructive element, leading to severe coastal flooding.&nbsp;



Additionally, the heavy rains associated with these storms can result in inland flooding, and in mountainous areas, trigger landslides or mudslides.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-names">Names</h3>



Globally, these storms are called different names based on their location: hurricanes in the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, typhoons in the Northwest Pacific, and simply cyclones in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-category">Category</h3>



They are categorized based on their wind speeds, with the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale being a common method in some regions. This scale ranges from Category 1 (least severe) to Category 5 (most severe).



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-nbsp">Climate change&nbsp;</h3>



The impact of climate change on tropical cyclones is a growing concern. While it's not clear if climate change will increase the total number of cyclones, it is expected to intensify the proportion of high-category storms and increase the volume of rainfall they deliver. Furthermore, rising sea levels can amplify the impact of storm surges, leading to more significant coastal damage.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06963-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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The rising impact of tropical cyclones in a warming world

A recent study led by Stanford University has uncovered alarming...

Valley,Of,Himalayan,Mountains,With,Mountain,Lake,On,Track,To

In an era where climate change poses a significant threat to natural resources, recent research highlights a glimmer of hope for the Himalayan glaciers. 



The findings suggest that reducing air pollution to levels experienced during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-made-covid-19-patients-sicker-for-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a> lockdowns could significantly slow the melting of these glaciers, crucial for billions of people in Asia.



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



During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the world witnessed an unprecedented reduction in industrial activities and transportation, resulting in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/safe-levels-of-air-pollution-can-negatively-impact-the-developing-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cleaner air</a>. This period offered a unique opportunity for scientists to study the effects of reduced air pollution on the environment, particularly on the Himalayan glaciers. 



An international team, including researchers from India, Germany, and the UK, analyzed data from this period and found that less soot deposition on the glaciers led to a decrease in snowmelt by 0.5 to 1.5 mm per day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-himalayan-glaciers-a-critical-resource">The Himalayan glaciers: A critical resource</h2>



The Himalayas and the Tibetan highlands form the largest snow-covered region outside the polar areas. The meltwater from these glaciers is a lifeline for rivers in India and China, supporting agriculture, hydropower, and the economies of these nations. 



Approximately 4 billion people in South and East Asia depend on the Himalayan snowmelt for their annual fresh water supply. 



However, global warming has already caused a significant reduction in the Himalayan glacier area, making the preservation of these glaciers more crucial than ever.



While climate change and its resultant higher air temperatures and precipitation changes are long-term challenges, short-term factors like the deposition of light-absorbing particles, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust and soot</a>, are also major contributors to glacier melting. 



The study revealed that reduced emissions during the COVID-19 lockdowns led to less soot and greenhouse gases polluting the air, which, in turn, resulted in a substantial decrease in snowmelt.



The research team utilized the <a href="https://gmd.copernicus.org/articles/11/1695/2018/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ECHAM6-HAMMOZ</a> chemistry-climate model with updated soot-snow parameterization for their analysis. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-findings-covid-slowed-himalayan-glaciers-melt">Findings: COVID slowed Himalayan glaciers' melt</h2>



This model was complemented by data from NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (<a href="https://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MODIS</a>) and ground-based measurements from Aerosol Robotic Network (<a href="https://www.aeronet.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AERONET</a>) stations in Pakistan and Tajikistan. 



These comprehensive data sets helped the scientists understand the impact of reduced air pollution on the snow and atmospheric conditions in the region.



The findings are clear: reduced anthropogenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/almost-no-place-on-earth-is-safe-from-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> leads to less soot on snow, which in turn reduces snowmelt. During the lockdown period, there was a 25 to 70 mm decrease in snowmelt compared to the 20-year average. This resulted in an increased water storage due to reduced surface water runoff.



"The aerosol optical thickness (AOD), i.e. the atmospheric opacity, over this region decreased by around 10 per cent in April 2020 compared to before the pandemic. This is supported by measurements from MODIS, which also show a reduction in AOD compared to the average of the last 20 years," reports Dr Suvarna Fadnavis from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (<a href="https://www.iitm.ac.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IITM</a>).



Dr. Bernd Heinold from <a href="https://www.tropos.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TROPOS</a> adds, "In the model, we were able to show that the decrease in air pollution reduced snowmelt in spring 2020 by 0.5 to 1.5 millimeters per day and thus reduced the runoff meltwater in the year by up to half."&nbsp;



Prof. Ina Tegen from TROPOS emphasizes the importance of this discovery, saying, "Our results make it clear that of the two processes causing the retreat of the Himalayan glaciers - global climate change and local air pollution - a reduction in air pollution in particular could be a short-term help." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-urgent-call-to-action">An urgent call to action</h2>



Reducing air pollution to levels experienced during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-term-exposure-to-air-pollution-linked-to-severe-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coronavirus pandemic</a> could cut snowmelt by up to half. Such clean air measures would benefit not only the health of billions of people in Asia but also enhance the water supply, agriculture, and ecosystems across vast regions of the continent.



"Even if we were to stop CO2&nbsp;emissions immediately, temperatures would not initially fall. However, our results confirm the importance of reducing short-lived climate drivers such as soot and their complementary role in CO2&nbsp;mitigation. Reducing air pollution to similar levels as during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 could protect the Himalayan glaciers, which are otherwise at risk of disappearing by the end of the 21st century," Tegen concluded.



In summary, the research underscores the need for clean energy and lower-emission transport to protect the Himalayan glaciers. Such measures would not only improve air quality but also ensure sustainable water supplies, agriculture, and ecosystems in Asia. 



As the glaciers currently lose nearly half a meter of ice annually, the urgency to replicate the air quality levels of the COVID-19 lockdowns becomes a critical environmental imperative.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/23/10439/2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics</a>.



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COVID-19 pandemic reduced the melting rate of Himalayan glaciers

In an era where climate change poses a significant threat...

Hurricane,Over,The,Atlantic,Seen,From,A,Satellite.,Elements,Of

In a significant advancement in climate research, an international team of experts has linked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-ocean-oxygen-loss-may-ultimately-reverse/">ocean</a> weather systems with the global climate.&nbsp;



The research, led by Professor Hussein Aluie from the <a href="https://www.rochester.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rochester</a>, offers a new perspective on how the Earth's climate system operates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-ocean-s-influence-on-weather">Studying the ocean's influence on weather</h2>



The ocean has weather patterns like what we experience on land, but on different time and length scales, explained study lead author Benjamin Storer, a research associate in Professor Aluie’s Turbulence and Complex Flow Group.&nbsp;



A weather pattern on land might last a few days and be about 500 kilometers wide, while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caribbean-salt-affects-global-climate-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> weather patterns such as swirling eddies last three to four weeks but are about one-fifth the size, noted Storer.



These patterns have always been thought to impact climate scales, but until now, the specifics of this interaction were unclear. 



“Scientists have long speculated that these ubiquitous and seemingly random motions in the ocean communicate with climate scales, but it has always been vague because it wasn’t clear how to disentangle this complex system to measure their interactions,” said Professor Aluie.&nbsp;



“We developed a framework that can do exactly that. What we found was not what people were expecting because it requires the mediation of the atmosphere.”



The method used for the study involved a mathematical technique devised by Professor Aluie in 2019, which the team refined and implemented into advanced coding.&nbsp;



This technique enabled the experts to analyze energy transfers across various scales, from global circumferences to as small as 10 kilometers, using both advanced climate models and satellite data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-key-insights">Implications and key insights</h2>



The findings indicate that ocean weather systems both gain and lose energy when interacting with climate scales. This interaction closely mirrors global atmospheric circulation patterns.&nbsp;



Particularly noteworthy is the role of the intertropical convergence zone near the equator, responsible for a significant portion of global precipitation. This atmospheric band is a hotbed for energy transfer, intensifying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-has-nearly-doubled-in-the-last-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> turbulence.



Storer and Aluie said that studying such complex fluid motion happening at multiple scales is not easy, but it has advantages over previous attempts to link weather to climate change. They believe the team’s work creates a promising framework for better understanding the climate system.



“There’s a lot of interest in how global warming and our changing climate is influencing extreme weather events,” said Professor Aluie. “Usually, such research efforts are based on statistical analysis that require expansive data to have confidence in the uncertainties."&nbsp;



"We are taking a different approach based on mechanistic analysis, which alleviates some of these requirements and allow us to understand cause and effect more easily.”



The collaborative effort included contributions from Michele Buzzicotti of the <a href="https://web.uniroma2.it/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rome Tor Vergata</a>, Hemant Khatri of the <a href="https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liverpool</a>, and Stephen Griffies from <a href="https://www.princeton.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton</a>. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adi7420" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>. 



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Study reveals the ocean's hidden influence on global weather patterns

In a significant advancement in climate research, an international team...

The discovery of the world's smallest fanged frog in Indonesia marks a significant addition to the diverse array of amphibian life.&nbsp;



This new species challenges our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voiceless-frog-recently-discovered-in-africa/">frog</a> biology, particularly in terms of physical adaptations and reproductive behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bony-fangs-nbsp">Bony fangs&nbsp;</h2>



One of the most remarkable features of the Southeast Asian frogs is the presence of two prominent bony "fangs" on their lower jaw.&nbsp;



These fangs are not merely ornamental; they play a crucial role in territorial disputes, mate competition, and even in hunting formidable prey like giant centipedes and crabs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diminutive-size">Diminutive size</h2>



Jeff Frederick, a postdoctoral researcher at the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Museum</a> in Chicago and the lead author of the study, conducted this research as a doctoral candidate at the University of California, Berkeley. He highlighted the diminutive size of the newly discovered frog.



“This new species is tiny compared to other fanged frogs on the island where it was found, about the size of a quarter,” said Frederick. “Many frogs in this genus are giant, weighing up to two pounds. At the large end, this new species weighs about the same as a dime.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-hotspot">Biodiversity hotspot</h2>



The discovery was made on Sulawesi, an Indonesian island known for its diverse habitats and rich biodiversity. Frederick emphasized the unique ecological features of Sulawesi.&nbsp;



“It’s a giant island with a vast network of mountains, volcanoes, lowland rainforest, and cloud forests up in the mountains. The presence of all these different habitats mean that the magnitude of biodiversity across many plants and animals we find there is unreal - rivaling places like the Amazon,” said Frederick.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-discovery-nbsp">Unexpected discovery&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers' journey through the jungles of Sulawesi unveiled an unexpected phenomenon: nests of frog eggs not in water, but on leaves and moss-covered boulders. This finding was peculiar since most amphibians lay their eggs in water to prevent desiccation. The terrestrial egg masses were found several feet above the ground.



“Normally when we’re looking for frogs, we’re scanning the margins of stream banks or wading through streams to spot them directly in the water,” explained Frederick. “After repeatedly monitoring the nests though, the team started to find attending frogs sitting on leaves hugging their little nests.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guarding-the-eggs">Guarding the eggs</h2>



Upon closer examination, the experts realized that the frogs attending these clutches were all male. This male egg guarding behavior is relatively rare among amphibians.&nbsp;



The proximity of the frogs to their eggs enables them to coat the eggs with protective compounds, safeguarding them against bacterial and fungal contamination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-reproductive-behavior-nbsp">Unique reproductive behavior&nbsp;</h2>



An interesting hypothesis by Frederick and his team relates the smaller fangs of these frogs to their unique reproductive behavior.&nbsp;



In contrast to their relatives, which lay eggs in water and possess larger fangs for territorial defense, these leaf-nesting frogs may have evolved smaller fangs due to their terrestrial egg-laying habits.



The scientific name of the new species, Limnonectes phyllofolia, translates to "leaf-nester," aptly describing their unique nesting behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-ecosystems-nbsp">Valuable ecosystems&nbsp;</h2>



“It’s fascinating that on every subsequent expedition to Sulawesi, we’re still discovering new and diverse reproductive modes,” said Frederick. “Our findings also underscore the importance of conserving these very special tropical habitats."



"Most of the animals that live in places like Sulawesi are quite unique, and habitat destruction is an ever-looming conservation issue for preserving the hyper-diversity of species we find there. Learning about animals like these frogs that are found nowhere else on Earth helps make the case for protecting these valuable ecosystems.” 



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0292598" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>. 



Image Credit: Sean Reill



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World's tiniest fanged frogs lay their eggs on leaves and guard them

The discovery of the world's smallest fanged frog in Indonesia...

NASA’s ambitious <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/psyche" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psyche mission</a>, launched on October 13, 2023, is set to explore what is believed to be the exposed metallic core of a primordial planet. This mission is not just about planetary exploration but also serves as a platform for a groundbreaking technological experiment: <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/press-kits/psyche/dsoc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Deep Space Optical Communication (DSOC)</a> demonstration. This demonstration aims to test laser-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-received-laser-communication-from-10-million-miles-away/">communication</a> for transmitting and receiving data from spacecraft far beyond the current capabilities of radio waves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-possibilities-for-space-communication">New possibilities for space communication</h2>



The challenge of using a narrow laser beam to communicate with a spacecraft 300 million km away is immense, involving both interplanetary and quantum mechanical complexities. The success of DSOC could revolutionize how we communicate in deep space, opening up new possibilities for data transmission in future space missions.



The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to join the DSOC demonstration in 2025, focusing on developing the necessary advanced laser technology and ground infrastructure in Europe. “Fiber optic technology on Earth has enabled incredible data transfer speeds for applications like the internet. However, data transfer with spacecraft at interplanetary distances is still limited to the use of radio waves,” explained Clemens Heese, the Head of the Optical Technologies section at ESA’s <a href="https://www.esa.int/About_Us/ESOC" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Operations Center</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optical-communication-nbsp">Optical communication&nbsp;</h2>



Heese points out the limitations of current technology and the need for innovation: “We have already shown that optical communication can offer much higher data rates for Earth observation and telecommunications satellites in low-Earth orbits. But to use it at deep space distances, we need high-power, high-accuracy lasers, and super-sensitive single-photon detectors that simply do not yet exist with the required performance.”



Optical communication’s advantage lies in its ability to use light pulses with a higher frequency than radio waves, allowing for the transmission of more data within the same time frame. This technology could enable future deep space missions to carry more sophisticated instruments and send back substantially more data to Earth than currently possible.



NASA’s DSOC is a pioneering step towards building confidence in optical communication for deep space exploration. ESA’s participation in this project aims to enhance European expertise in this crucial technology sector and strengthen the industrial capacity in single-photon quantum optical communication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strong-international-partnership-nbsp">Strong international partnership&nbsp;</h2>



The collaboration between ESA and NASA symbolizes a strong international partnership in space exploration, drawing parallels to the compatibility of European mobile phones with American cellular networks. This cooperation is integral to the development of new satellite communication methods.



The ground infrastructure for DSOC, which must be situated at high altitudes to minimize atmospheric and cloud interference, is a critical component of this project. ESA and NASA are developing their respective infrastructures, with ESA’s team considering the <a href="https://helmos.astro.noa.gr/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aristarchos telescope</a> at the <a href="https://helmos.astro.noa.gr/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helmos Observatory</a> in Greece for receiving laser pulses from DSOC.



The development process includes setting up a high-power laser transmitter at the nearby <a href="https://kryoneri.astro.noa.gr/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kryoneri Observatory</a> and preparing a single-photon-sensitive detector/receiver at the Helmos Observatory. These observatories, operated by the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Space Applications and Remote Sensing (IAASARS) of the <a href="https://www.astro.noa.gr/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Observatory of Athens</a>, play a pivotal role in this longest optical link ever to be performed in Europe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-project-challenges-nbsp">Project challenges&nbsp;</h2>



Sinda Mejri, the lead optical engineer of the ESA’s Ground Laser Receiver system, describes the challenges and intricacies of the project. “The receiver’s detector must be highly sensitive to detect individual quantum particles of light – photons – from DSOC, sent across hundreds of millions of kilometers. To detect the individual photons, the detector needs to be superconducting, meaning it can conduct electricity without any resistance. To achieve this, the receiver’s detector will be cooled to -272.15 degrees Celsius (1 Kelvin). Absorbing a photon disrupts the detector’s superconducting state, creating a measurable electrical pulse.”



The receiver’s design involves integrating 36 pixels to work in unison, which presents substantial challenges in quantum mechanics and electronic circuitry. Additionally, maintaining cryogenic cooling while allowing the telescope to track the spacecraft across the sky adds to the complexity of the project.



The development of ESA’s ground receiver, set to be tested at NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>, represents a significant stride in this venture.



“The laser has to be so powerful that it would actually break down the protective coating of its own optical components and mirrors and melt conventional fiber optics if not designed with the necessary precautions. And we are combining up to seven separate beams that have to work together seamlessly,” said Andrea Di Mira, ESA Ground Laser Transmitter optical lead engineer.



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



This ambitious project, funded through ESA’s <a href="https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Engineering_Technology/Shaping_the_Future/About_the_General_Support_Technology_Programme_GSTP" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">General Support Technology Program</a> and <a href="https://technology.esa.int/program/tde" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technology Development Element</a>, is a testament to European industry’s capability to meet technological challenges. Mejri notes the broader implications: “The work they carry out here could also give them an edge in the development of important technologies for applications such as Quantum key distribution, used for secure communications, and quantum imaging.”



Deep-space optical communication, considered the most challenging form of optical communication, promises to significantly benefit ESA’s missions in fields like quantum optical communication.



The Psyche mission, alongside the DSOC technology demonstration, is poised to enhance our understanding of the universe and revolutionize our ability to transmit vast amounts of scientific data back to Earth. This mission, exploring the metal-rich asteroid Psyche, provides a unique opportunity to study the history and formation of Earth-like planets.



The DSOC demonstration, scheduled for 2025, could pave the way for a new era of Solar System exploration and the development of deep space optical communication stations on Earth. This journey to an ancient metal world represents not only a milestone in space exploration but also a leap forward in communication technology, heralding a new chapter in humanity’s quest to explore the cosmos.



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Psyche mission uses lasers for deep space communication with Earth

NASA’s ambitious Psyche mission, launched on October 13, 2023, is...

A new study published by <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/">Frontiers</a> shows that intermittent energy restriction (IER) diets alter communication between the gut and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-can-reduce-brain-aging/">brain</a>, suggesting a complex interaction between our diet, gut health, and brain function. 



The research highlights the potential of tailored dietary interventions in managing obesity and its related health risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance-nbsp">Study significance&nbsp;</h2>



The study is particularly relevant given that over a billion people globally struggle with obesity, a condition linked to numerous health risks including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers.&nbsp;



Despite the high prevalence of obesity, effective, long-term weight loss remains challenging due to the intricate interplay of gut physiology, hormones, and brain function.



“Here we show that an IER diet changes the human brain-gut-microbiome axis. The observed changes in the gut microbiome and in the activity in addition-related brain regions during and after weight loss are highly dynamic and coupled over time,” said study co-author Dr. Qiang Zeng, a researcher at the Health Management Institute of the <a href="https://www.omicsonline.org/universities/Chinese_PLA_General_Hospital/">PLA General Hospital</a> in Beijing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



The study involved a thorough investigation of 25 obese participants, both women and men, from China. These individuals, averaging 27 years of age with BMIs ranging from 28 to 45, were asked to follow a strict IER diet.&nbsp;



The researchers used a range of techniques including metagenomics of stool samples, blood measurements, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to track changes in the gut microbiome, physiological parameters, serum composition, and brain activity.



“A healthy, balanced gut microbiome is critical for energy homeostasis and maintaining normal weight. In contrast, an abnormal gut microbiome can change our eating behavior by affecting certain brain area involved in addiction,” explained study co-author Dr. Yongli Li from the Department of Health Management of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital in Henan, China.



The study was conducted in two phases: a 32-day high-controlled fasting phase with stepwise reduced calorie intake, and a subsequent 30-day low-controlled fasting phase with specific dietary recommendations.&nbsp;



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



The impact of this diet was profound: participants lost an average of 16.7 pounds, showing reductions in body fat, waist circumference, blood pressure, and serum levels of various markers like fasting plasma glucose and cholesterol. This indicates the potential of IER diets in mitigating obesity-related comorbidities such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and liver dysfunction.



The experts observed changes in both brain activity and the gut microbiome. They noted alterations in brain regions related to appetite and addiction control, as well as shifts in the abundance of specific gut bacteria like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Parabacteroides distasonis, and Bacterokles uniformis.&nbsp;



Intriguingly, the study found correlations between the abundance of certain gut bacteria and the activity of specific brain regions involved in executive functions and emotional processing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



The findings open new avenues for understanding the complex relationship between weight loss, the brain, and the gut microbiome. However, as Dr. Xiaoning Wang noted, the study is correlational, and the exact causality remains unclear.&nbsp;



“The gut microbiome is thought to communicate with the brain in a complex, two-directional way. The microbiome produces neurotransmitters and neurotoxins which access the brain through nerves and the blood circulation. In return the brain controls eating behavior, while nutrients from our diet change the composition of the gut microbiome,” explained Dr. Wang.



“The next question to be answered is the precise mechanism by which the gut microbiome and the brain communicate in obese people, including during weight loss," said study co-author Dr. Liming Wang. "What specific gut microbiome and brain regions are critical for successful weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight?”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2023.1269548" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology</a>.



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Appetite control: Intermittent fasting alters gut-brain communication 

A new study published by Frontiers shows that intermittent energy...

A study from the <a href="https://www.idiv.de/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research</a> (iDiv) has brought a new perspective to the discussion on insect biodiversity. Contrary to the belief that rare species are most at risk, the research indicates that the most common or abundant insect species are facing the biggest losses. This revelation challenges existing ideas about how changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-greening-projects-can-dramatically-boost-urban-biodiversity/">insect biodiversity</a> occur.



The iDiv researchers focused on terrestrial insects like beetles, moths, and grasshoppers. They discovered that the declines in locally common species contribute significantly to overall insect declines. The term "common species" refers to insects found in the highest numbers locally, and these vary by location.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-loss-of-insect-species">Studying the loss of insect species</h2>



The research is timely, as it addresses the growing concerns about the dramatic decline in the total number of insects globally. However, detailed trends among locally rare and abundant species over extended periods have remained less understood.&nbsp;



Roel van Klink, the study's lead author and a senior scientist at iDiv and Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), emphasized the need to study these trends.



"It was obvious this needed exploring,” said van Klink. “We had to know whether observations about declines in total abundances of insects differed among common and rare species, and how this translated into changes in the overall insect diversity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights-from-the-study">Key insights from the study</h2>



To investigate, the researchers compiled a database from 106 studies, with data spanning 9 to 64 years. One notable study included in their database, focused on ground beetles, began in 1959 in the Netherlands and is still ongoing.



The findings are striking: land-based insects in these studies are declining by an average of 1.5% annually. However, the most abundant species at the start of the studies showed an average decline of about 8% per year, a much steeper rate than that of rarer species. 



The decline in dominant species is not offset by increases in other species, which has significant implications for ecosystems. Abundant species serve as crucial food sources for birds and other insectivores, and their loss indicates substantial changes in food webs and ecosystem functioning.



"Food webs must already be rewiring substantially in response to the decline of the most common species," explained van Klink. “These species are super important for all kinds of other organisms and for the overall functioning of the ecosystem."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-insect-species-losses">Local insect species losses</h2>



The experts also found that while formerly abundant species are losing the most individuals, less abundant and rare species are not spared, contributing to a decrease in local species numbers.&nbsp;



Despite some rare species going locally extinct, there was a modest overall decrease in species numbers by just under 0.3% annually. Interestingly, some new species have successfully established themselves, occasionally becoming very abundant, like the invasive Asian Ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis).



While the study did not explicitly investigate causes, the declines are likely linked to human-related impacts such as climate change and urbanization.&nbsp;



According to the study authors, further research is needed to determine the underlying causes of these trends.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disproportionate-impacts">Disproportionate impacts</h2>



Professor Jonathan Chase, senior author of the study and professor at iDiv and MLU, pointed out that insects seem to be disproportionately affected by human activities compared to other species groups.



“Insects seem to be taking a heavier hit than many other species as humans continue to dominate the planet,” said Professor Chase. “Other studies, including those our team has worked on, have not found such diversity declines at local scales from many other groups of animals and plants."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lifeboat-effect-nbsp">The lifeboat effect&nbsp;</h2>



The study's results are primarily based on data from Europe and North America, meaning they might not represent a global phenomenon.&nbsp;



"The patterns we observed might be a best-case scenario for quantifying the real impact of people on insects,” said Professor Chase, referring to what scientists call the lifeboat effect.&nbsp;



“These declines were observed in long-term data from areas that have remained largely intact, sort of like a lifeboat, rather than in areas where massive conversion of natural areas into human-dominated landscapes has occurred, such as malls and parking lots."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06861-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>. 



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Common insect species face the greatest declines

A study from the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research...

In a new study, researchers have uncovered the profound impact that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-great-for-mosquitoes/">climate change</a> is expected to have on the world's natural capital by 2100. This research, supported by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, anticipates a 9% decline in ecosystem services, a measure of the benefits nature provides to humanity.



The concept of "natural capital" encompasses a range of vital services including breathable air, clean water, healthy forests, and biodiversity. These elements are crucial to human well-being, though they are often challenging to quantify in economic terms. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-natural-capital">Studying natural capital</h2>



The study was led by Bernardo Bastien-Olvera, who was a doctoral student at <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> during the research and is now a postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a>.&nbsp;



The researchers investigated how the redistribution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ripple-effects-wildfires-reshape-aquatic-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">terrestrial ecosystems</a> due to climate change will negatively impact natural capital.



The team combined global vegetation models, climate projections, and World Bank data on natural capital values to assess the impact of climate shifts on various countries' ecosystem services, economic production, and natural capital stocks. 



The research reveals a stark reality: by the end of the century, climate-induced changes, such as alterations in vegetation, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-diversity-is-driven-by-global-precipitation-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall patterns</a>, and increased CO2 levels, are expected to reduce global gross domestic product (GDP) by an average of 1.3%. This economic impact, however, will not be evenly distributed. 



The researchers found that the poorest 50% of countries are projected to bear about 90% of the GDP losses, while the wealthiest 10% may experience only a 2% reduction. 



This discrepancy highlights the greater dependency of lower-income countries on natural resources for their economic output and the larger proportion of their wealth tied to natural capital.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservative-estimates-nbsp">Conservative estimates&nbsp;</h2>



While comprehensive, the authors acknowledge that their estimates might be conservative, as they primarily focused on land-based systems like forests and grasslands. 



The researchers also did not factor in disturbances such as wildfires or insect-driven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emerging-diseases-threaten-trees-globally-and-the-trend-is-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree mortality</a>, which could further impact these ecosystems. Future research is planned to address the impacts on marine ecosystems.



Study senior author Frances C. Moore, an associate professor in the <a href="https://desp.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> Department of Environmental Science and Policy, emphasized the importance of integrating the unique values derived from natural systems into climate policies. 



“With this study, we’re embedding natural systems and human well-being within an economic framework,” said Professor Moore. “Our economy and well-being depend on these systems, and we should recognize and account for these overlooked damages when we consider the cost of a changing climate.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-capital-implications-and-future-study">Natural capital implications and future study</h2>



Jeffrey Mantz, an NSF program officer, highlighted the significance of this study.



“Thanks to the efforts of this research team, we now know that damage to ecosystems impacts human well-being in ways that are both measurable and wildly disproportionate across populations. The results will be critical to abating economic losses in the coming decades.”



In summary, this research sheds light on the urgent need to consider the full scope of climate change's impact on natural systems and human economies, and to develop policies that comprehensively address these challenges.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06769-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>. 



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How climate change will impact the world's "natural capital"

In a new study, researchers have uncovered the profound impact...

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

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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



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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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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