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...

A,Pretty,Young,Girl,And,Her,A.i.-equipped,Domestic,Robot,,Choose

The advent of technology has seen robots transition from isolated operational entities to becoming team members in human workspaces. This integration has led to a fascinating psychological dynamic called social loafing. As humans begin to perceive their mechanical counterparts as teammates, they rely on them to do most of the work.



This shift in perception, along with the phenomenon known as social loafing, is commonly seen in human teams. Now, however, this concept is being studied in the context of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-humans-react-to-coexisting-with-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-robot interaction</a>, particularly its impact on workplace efficiency and safety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-loafing-in-human-robot-teams">'Social loafing' in human-robot teams</h2>



'Social loafing' is a term used in social psychology to describe the tendency of individuals to exert less effort when they work in groups than when they work alone. This is particularly evident when individual contributions are less noticeable, leading to some team members riding on the coattails of their more industrious colleagues.



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.tu.berlin/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Berlin</a> embarked on an intriguing study to explore whether this phenomenon extends to human-robot collaboration. Dietlind Helene Cymek, the study's first author, highlighted the complexity of teamwork's psychological underpinnings. 



"Working together can motivate people, but it can also lead to a loss of motivation because the individual contribution is not as visible," Cymek explains. She further emphasizes the curiosity about whether such motivational dynamics occur when robots are involved in the team.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-robot-work-environments">Simulating robot work environments</h2>



The study involved a simulated industrial scenario where participants inspected circuit boards for defects. This actually mimicked a quality assurance task common in manufacturing sectors. The controlled setting allowed the scientists to track the engagement and performance of each participant meticulously.



Interestingly, the twist in this experiment was the introduction of 'Panda', a robot that participants believed was part of their team. While the human participants didn't interact directly with Panda, its presence was felt through sounds, and its perceived performance was presented to the participants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-initial-social-loafing-observations">Initial social loafing observations</h2>



At a glance, Panda's presence seemed to make no difference in human performance. No substantial variances were observed in the time and effort the participants reported. Both groups, those working with Panda and those working alone, exhibited similar patterns in handling the task.



However, a deeper dive into the data revealed a subtle but critical pattern. Participants in the Panda team were less accurate in identifying defects as the task progressed. This was especially true after observing that Panda had consistently marked numerous errors correctly. 



Lapses such as these suggest a psychological shift. This is a phenomenon possibly akin to 'looking but not seeing', where humans become complacent. They begin to subconsciously rely on their robotic partner's competence.



Dr. Linda Onnasch, the study's senior author, notes the complexity of interpreting these findings. "It is easy to track where a person is looking, but much harder to tell whether that visual information is being sufficiently processed at a mental level," she points out. All indications showed that human participants may not have been as mentally engaged with the task as they believed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-real-world-implications">Potential real-world implications</h2>



The implications of this study are particularly significant for industries reliant on meticulous quality control. The authors caution that even short-term lapses in human attention -- possibly due to overreliance on robotic accuracy -- could compromise safety. 



"In longer shifts, when tasks are routine and the working environment offers little performance monitoring and feedback, the loss of motivation tends to be much greater," Onnasch explains. She further stressed the potential dangers in safety-critical areas like manufacturing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-of-the-social-loafing-study">Limitations of the social loafing study</h2>



Despite its insights, the study acknowledges its constraints. These included the artificial laboratory setting and the lack of direct interaction between humans and Panda. Additionally, simulating social loafing in such environments is challenging because participants are aware of ongoing monitoring.



Cymek underscores the need for more expansive research. She surmised, "To find out how big the problem of loss of motivation is in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/should-robots-be-programmed-to-have-human-consciousness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-robot</a> interaction, we need to go into the field and test our assumptions in real work environments, with skilled workers who routinely do their work in teams with robots."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamics-of-human-robot-synergy">Dynamics of human-robot synergy</h2>



The journey into understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-feel-empathic-embarrassment-for-humiliated-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-robot</a> team dynamics is just beginning, with studies like these paving the way. As robots become commonplace collaborators in various industries, comprehending and navigating the psychological and practical dynamics of these relationships will be crucial. 



Addressing these subtleties will not only help in harnessing the full potential of human-robot teams, but also in safeguarding the standards and safety protocols essential in industrial settings. The future of teamwork is here, and it's a blend of human intelligence and robotic precision.



The full study was published in Frontiers in Robotics and AI under the title “<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frobt.2023.1249252/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lean Back or Lean In? Exploring Social Loafing In Human-Robot Teams</a>”



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Humans engage in social loafing when they have robot team members

The advent of technology has seen robots transition from isolated...

The intrusion of microplastics, minute but insidious pollutants, is no longer just a concern for densely populated or industrial regions. Microplastics have breached the remote sanctity of the Arctic, threatening its intricate ecosystem.



In a revealing journey into the cold waters of the Barents Sea, scientists shed light on this modern crisis unfolding in the depths of one of the world's most productive and biodiverse marine environments. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fragile-arctic-invaded-by-microplastics">The fragile Arctic invaded by microplastics</h2>



Microplastics, tiny plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters in length, have been spotlighted as a growing environmental threat. These particles have infiltrated even the most remote oceanic realms, raising alarm about their impact on marine ecosystems. 



This is particularly true in the context of the Arctic's climatic and ecological sensitivity. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/turquoise-bloom-in-the-barents-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barents Sea</a>, an area of rich biological diversity and high marine productivity, hasn't escaped this global environmental trespass.



The region, critical for various species and a significant influencer of the Arctic climate, faces potential ecological upheaval due to the increasing microplastic contamination. This pollution is exacerbated by various factors, including ice melts, tourism, inadequate waste management practices, and maritime activities such as shipping and fishing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-microplastic-distribution">Studying microplastic distribution</h2>



A team of researchers from <a href="https://www.pml.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plymouth Marine Laboratory</a> and the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> embarked on an investigative voyage, collecting sub-surface water samples across extensive transects of the Barents Sea. 



Their mission was multifaceted: quantify, characterize, and map the distribution of microplastics. They also sought to understand their potential implications, particularly on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-ice-algae-heavily-contaminated-with-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zooplankton communities</a>, a foundational element in the marine food web.



Zooplankton's potential ingestion of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-inhale-the-equivalent-of-a-credit-card-in-microplastics-each-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> poses serious concerns. By mistaking these particles for food, these organisms introduce synthetic materials into the food chain. This impacts not only their health and reproductive success, but also potentially alters essential biogeochemical cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-pervade-the-arctic">Microplastics pervade the Arctic</h2>



The study’s findings were sobering. The scientists quantified an average microplastic concentration of 0.011 per cubic meter in the eastern Barents Sea, with noticeable variability in distribution. Concentrations spiked nearer to land masses and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-uncover-microplastics-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">areas of ice melt</a>, indicating these as major contributors to the problem.



These microplastics were predominantly fibrous (92.1%) and conspicuously colored, mostly blue (79%) or red (17%). Analyzing the composition revealed them to be mostly modified cellulose compounds like rayon. They also found traces of polyester, elastomers, and acrylics, pointing to anthropogenic sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-activities-amplify-the-issue">Local activities amplify the issue</h2>



The research underscored the role of local human activities in escalating this environmental issue. The growing tourism industry in regions like Svalbard, coupled with insufficient waste management infrastructures, likely contributes significantly to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-embedded-in-tissues-of-whales-and-dolphins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine microplastic</a> concentrations. 



Additionally, other sources such as wastewater discharge, shipping operations, and fishing activities compound the issue, particularly near the coastline.



Lead author Heather Emberson-Marl emphasized the need for more extensive research in this field, considering the scarcity of data regarding microplastics in the Arctic. She stressed the importance of standardized sampling protocols to enhance the comparability and reliability of future studies.



Co-author Dr. Rachel Coppock echoed these concerns. She added a poignant reminder of the far-reaching influence of human activities on the environment. The journey of microplastics from populated regions to the remote Arctic exemplifies the extensive impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-exposure-linked-to-changes-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human behavior</a> on distant ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-wake-up-call">Ecological wake-up call</h2>



This study is not just a revelation of a hidden crisis but a call to action. The presence of microplastics in a region as remote as the Barents Sea is a stark reminder of the longevity and pervasiveness of plastic pollution. The implications of these findings are far-reaching. They underscore the urgency for global strategies to mitigate plastic waste and safeguard vulnerable marine ecosystems.



With funding from the UK’s <a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/nerc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural Environment Research Council</a> (NERC), among others, this research marks a critical step in understanding and ultimately curbing the microplastic menace. The ultimate goal is ensuring the preservation of the Arctic's pristine marine environment for future generations.



The full study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1241829" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers of Science</a>.



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What is driving the surge of microplastics found in the Arctic?

The intrusion of microplastics, minute but insidious pollutants, is no...

Solar,Panels.,Power,Station.,Blue,Solar,Panels.,Alternative,Source,Of

Scientists suggest that the world has reached a crucial juncture in energy usage patterns, indicating that solar power is poised to become the predominant energy source by the middle of this century. However, the transition is fraught with challenges that need immediate attention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-power-reaches-tipping-point">Solar power reaches tipping point</h2>



The research, collaboratively conducted by teams from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> and <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a>, presents compelling evidence that solar photovoltaics (PV) are on track to dominate the global energy mix. This monumental shift, experts argue, is feasible without relying solely on more aggressive climate policies.



Dr. Femke Nijsse of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute underscores the significance of this shift. She stated, “The recent progress of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-renewable-energy-capacity-will-take-a-record-leap-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewables</a> means that fossil fuel-dominated projections are no longer realistic. We have avoided the ‘business as usual’ scenario for the power sector."



The study's confidence in solar energy stems from an innovative model that captures the dynamic relationship between technology deployment and cost reductions, recognizing the virtuous cycle propelling the rapid growth of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-crops-at-solar-farms-increases-panel-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar</a> power.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-solar-power-transition-barriers">Overcoming solar power transition barriers</h2>



Despite this optimistic projection, the transition to a solar-powered future is not without its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bat-activity-is-significantly-lower-at-solar-farm-sites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obstacles</a>. Researchers pinpoint four primary barriers that could impede progress.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ensuring-grid-resilience">Ensuring grid resilience</h3>



A pivotal aspect of this transition is the need for electricity grids to adapt to the variable nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-harness-plant-energy-to-improve-solar-panels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar</a> power generation. Dr. Nijsse warns of the risks of over-reliance on fossil fuels if these variances aren't managed effectively. 



Strategies for resilience could include diversified renewable energy sources, interconnected regional grids, substantial electricity storage, and demand management policies. Early-stage government subsidies and funding are crucial for these infrastructural shifts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-access-to-solar-energy-finance">Access to solar energy finance</h3>



The global disparity in low-carbon finance availability presents a formidable challenge. Currently, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-net-zero-world-will-require-75-trillion-of-investment-and-1-billion-electric-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investments</a> are heavily skewed towards high-income countries, with middle-income nations marginally benefiting at the international level. The study highlights an acute deficiency in financing for solar projects in lower-income countries, especially in Africa, despite their immense potential.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-supply-chains">Expanding supply chains</h3>



The research draws attention to the increased demand for critical minerals essential for a solar-intensive future. The burgeoning need for materials like lithium and copper, pivotal for electrification and battery technologies, suggests a future where renewable technologies will drive substantial portions of global mineral demand. This surge underscores the urgency for robust and sustainable supply chains.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-political-resistance">Navigating political resistance</h3>



The transition's socio-economic dimensions, particularly the resistance from industries set to decline due to this shift, pose another complex challenge. The potential economic fallout for millions employed within the fossil fuel sector worldwide necessitates comprehensive regional development strategies to address inequities and mitigate industrial opposition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-for-global-decarbonization">Strategies for global decarbonization</h2>



Addressing these barriers requires a concerted global effort, particularly in rethinking financial approaches to support this energy transition. 



Dr. Nadia Ameli from UCL’s Institute for Sustainable Resources emphasizes this point. She said, “There is a growing belief that, with the dramatic decline in the global average cost of renewables, it will be much easier for the developing world to decarbonize. Our study reveals persistent hurdles, especially considering the challenges these nations face in accessing capital under equitable conditions."



The findings underscore the necessity of strategic financial support mechanisms to expedite the decarbonization agenda globally. This approach may be more effective than traditional price instruments like carbon taxes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-transition-policies-needed">Sustainable transition policies needed</h2>



The study culminates in a call to action for policy-makers. By focusing on these four critical areas, governments can accelerate the shift towards a solar-dominated energy landscape. This involves proactive engagement with grid adaptation strategies, equitable financial structures, sustainable resource management, and socio-political considerations.



As the world teeters on the brink of significant energy paradigm shifts, the actions taken now will determine whether the transition to solar energy contributes to a resilient and sustainable future. The research by the University of Exeter and University College London offers not just a roadmap but also a warning: the path to harnessing the sun's power is not without its shadows.



The paper, published in the journal Nature Communications, is entitled: <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-41971-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“The momentum of solar energy.”</a>



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Solar power has won the prize to become Earth’s main source of energy

Scientists suggest that the world has reached a crucial juncture...

Little,Fat,Pug,Sitting,On,Sidewalk,In,Summer,Park.

As the global veterinary community grapples with the rising epidemic of obesity in domestic animals, particularly dogs, a new study spearheads the exploration of how factors like sterilization influence this health concern. 



The research underscores a nuanced pattern linking obesity rates in sterilized dogs with their breed sizes, unveiling complex health implications that pet owners, veterinarians, and researchers must understand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sterilization-a-double-edged-sword">Sterilization: A double-edged sword</h2>



Sterilization, a standard practice for controlling the pet population and reducing unwanted births, sees its application in an estimated 70-80% of dogs in the United States. 



Valerie Benka, a leading figure in the study and Program Director at the <a href="https://www.acc-d.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alliance for Contraception in Cats &amp; Dogs</a>, emphasizes the procedure's benefits. However, she also flags the necessity to investigate its broader health and behavioral impacts. Her cautious tone is primarily due to the alarming obesity trends among domestic dogs globally.



“Obesity complicates a dog’s health matrix, affecting their comfort, mobility, and overall lifespan while predisposing them to additional health issues,” Benka explains, spotlighting the urgency of addressing this multifaceted problem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-obesity-risk-size-matters">Dog obesity risk: Size matters</h2>



The surprising aspect of the study is the revelation that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overweight-dogs-shorter-lifespans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a> risk post-sterilization is not uniform across all dogs -- it notably fluctuates based on the dog's body size. Small breeds are most vulnerable, whereas giant breeds seem somewhat shielded from this concern. 



Intriguingly, certain large breeds, including popular ones such as Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, and golden retrievers, parallel small dogs in their heightened obesity rates post-neutering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-is-everything">Timing is everything</h2>



Another pivotal discovery is the timing of sterilization. The research denotes a safer window around one year of age, within which the procedure could mitigate the risk of subsequent obesity. 



Yet, this timeframe is not a one-size-fits-all solution -- it notably shifts with breed sizes. Early sterilization at just three or six months elevates obesity risk. This is especially true in large breeds, marking a critical consideration for pet healthcare decisions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gender-assumptions-and-dog-obesity">Gender assumptions and dog obesity</h2>



Challenging widely held beliefs, the study finds that gender plays a unique role in post-sterilization obesity risks. Male dogs, when variables like breed, size, and sterilization age are constant, are more prone to obesity compared to their female counterparts. This insight not only defies common assumptions but also invites a more in-depth consideration of biological and behavioral factors at play.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leveraging-unprecedented-data-scope">Leveraging unprecedented data scope</h2>



What sets this study apart is its extensive and representative dataset, encompassing over 155,000 dog records from <a href="https://www.banfield.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Banfield Pet Hospital</a> clinics. The <a href="https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Morris Animal Foundation</a>, a key contributor to this research, enabled the analysis of not just purebreds but also mixed breeds, offering a panoramic view of the canine demographic.



“Our collaboration with the Morris Animal Foundation significantly enhanced our research scope and depth, allowing us to navigate through a more extensive data pool and draw comprehensive insights,” Benka remarks, appreciating the Foundation's substantial support for this innovative project.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-research-horizon">Expanding the research horizon</h2>



With these findings providing a new understanding, Benka and her team are setting their sights on further research dimensions. Their forthcoming publication intends to delve deeper into specific breed outcomes and probe the intricate relationship between sterilization, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-diet-rich-in-fiber-and-protein-can-help-overweight-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a>, and cranial cruciate ligament injuries, a common canine health issue.



“This study is a stepping stone towards a broader narrative in canine health, and our future endeavors aim to unravel more layers of this narrative,” Benka asserts, signifying the ongoing commitment to enhancing life quality for man's best friend.



In summary, this important research recalibrates existing knowledge about canine sterilization and obesity. It calls for the veterinary community, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overweight-people-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pet owners</a>, and researchers to engage in a more nuanced dialogue, considering breed-specific guidelines and personalized healthcare strategies for our beloved canine companions.



This full study was published in the <a href="https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/261/9/javma.22.12.0596.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association</a>.



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Surprising new insights into link between dog sterilization and obesity

As the global veterinary community grapples with the rising epidemic...

A <a href="https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-releases/2023/october/penn-study-finds-serotonin-reduction-causes-long-covid-symptoms" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> from the Perelman School of Medicine at the <a href="https://www.upenn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pennsylvania</a> has brought to light new information regarding long COVID, a condition that leaves patients with lingering symptoms such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-may-have-long-term-effects-on-the-brain/">brain fog</a>, fatigue, and memory loss after recovering from a COVID-19 infection.&nbsp;



This research, published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)01034-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell</a>, reveals that a decrease in circulating levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin might be a key factor contributing to these prolonged symptoms.



According to the CDC, almost 20% of American adults who were infected with COVID-19 report symptoms consistent with long COVID.&nbsp;



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



Symptoms commonly reported include brain fog, difficulty focusing, memory lapses, general fatigue, and headaches. The exact mechanisms behind long COVID remain largely unknown, and effective treatments are yet to be identified.



“Many aspects of the basic biology underlying long COVID have remained unclear. As a result, we are lacking effective tools for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease,” said study senior author Dr. Maayan Levy.&nbsp;



“Our findings may not only help to untangle some of the mechanisms that contribute to long COVID, but also provide us with biomarkers that can help clinicians diagnose patients and objectively measure their response to individual treatments.”



In collaboration with various departments, the research team studied the impact of long COVID on blood and stool samples from clinical studies and small animal models.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings-nbsp">Key findings&nbsp;</h2>



A subset of long COVID patients still had traces of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in their stool samples months after the acute phase of the infection.



The lingering virus, known as a "viral reservoir," prompts the immune system to produce interferons, proteins that combat the virus. This results in inflammation that diminishes the absorption of the amino acid tryptophan in the GI tract.



Tryptophan plays a crucial role as it's a precursor for neurotransmitters, including serotonin. This neurotransmitter is mainly produced in the GI tract and mediates various functions like memory, sleep, digestion, and wound healing.&nbsp;



Furthermore, serotonin regulates the vagus nerve, which bridges the communication between the body and the brain. The study found that the depletion of serotonin due to diminished tryptophan absorption can lead to disrupted vagus nerve signaling, resulting in symptoms consistent with long COVID.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-treatments-nbsp">Potential treatments&nbsp;</h2>



The research further examined the potential treatment avenues for long COVID. “Clinicians treating patients with long COVID have been relying on personal reports from those patients to determine if their symptoms are improving," explained co-senior author Dr. Sara Cherry.



"Now, our research shows that there are biomarkers we may be able to use to match patients to treatments or clinical trials that address the specific causes of their long COVID symptoms, and more effectively assess their progress."



The team tested if replenishing tryptophan or serotonin could alleviate long COVID symptoms. In small animal models, they found that treatment with serotonin precursors or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) restored serotonin levels and reversed memory impairment.



“There has been some evidence to suggest that SSRIs could be effective in preventing long COVID, and our research now presents an opportunity for future studies to select specific patients for a trial who exhibit depleted serotonin, and to be able to measure response to treatment,” said co-senior author Dr. Benjamin Abramoff.



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



The research suggests that further exploration into how viral infections influence tryptophan absorption could unlock more answers, especially since tryptophan is integral to other processes, such as the production of niacin and melatonin.



“Long COVID varies from patient to patient, and we don’t fully understand what causes the differences in symptoms,” said co-senior author Dr. Christoph Thaiss.&nbsp;



“Our study provides a unique opportunity for further research to determine how many individuals with long COVID are affected by the pathway linking viral persistence, serotonin deficiency, and dysfunction of the vagus nerve and to uncover additional targets for treatments across the different symptoms patients experience.”



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What causes long Covid? Penn Medicine study solves the mystery

A study from the Perelman School of Medicine at the...

Adult,Shetland,Sheepdog,Seen,From,Above,Looking,Up,With,On

In an insightful delve into canine behavior, researchers from the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a> have revealed that the way to a dog's heart might indeed be through its stomach with food rather than enticing them with toys. The study, a pioneer in examining dogs' preferences in rewards, brings new insights that could significantly impact methods of dog training and interaction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-canine-behavior">Studying canine behavior</h2>



Under the guidance of Nicole Dorey, a lecturer at the UF Department of Psychology, and her team, the study embarked on uncharted territory by investigating whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-dog-day-celebrating-all-the-ways-that-dogs-make-life-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> have a stronger inclination towards food or toys. The revelation was startling but clear: a staggering majority of dogs involved in the study exhibited a preference for food over their favorite toys, even within a training simulation context.



Dorey expressed surprise at these findings, acknowledging that prior to this, there had been no significant look into how dogs evaluate toys versus food as rewards. The study's innovative approach sheds light on a crucial aspect of understanding canine motivation and behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-or-toys-dogs-given-a-choice">Food or toys: Dogs given a choice</h2>



The study was meticulously structured to ensure a fair assessment of the dogs' choices. Researchers enlisted 10 pet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/typical-american-dog-knows-18-words-and-love-is-at-the-top-of-the-list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> from the local vicinity, presenting them with an array of six food items and six toys. The variety ensured a wide representation of commonly used treats and toys, ranging from cheese and hot dogs to tennis balls and squeaky toys.



Following the initial selection phase where dogs identified their <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/can-dogs-eat-bananas-and-other-fruits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">favorite food</a> and toy, the experiment escalated, requiring the dogs to exert more effort to receive their reward. The response was telling, as most participants demonstrated a quicker surrender when striving for toys compared to treats.



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



While the study offers substantial evidence highlighting food as a primary motivator, it also recognizes the potential complexity of canine preference. Other research in the field has suggested that human attention might rival food in its value to dogs.



Dorey recommends an expanded approach for future research, incorporating attention, food, and toys to obtain a more holistic view of what drives dogs, especially in training scenarios. This comprehensive perspective could revolutionize training methodologies and improve human-canine relationships.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-food-when-training-dogs">Using food when training dogs</h2>



The findings challenge some conventional dog training techniques, where toys are often advocated as rewards to circumvent issues like overfeeding. Dorey and her team suggest that if trainers prefer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/playfulness-is-a-key-personality-trait-of-gifted-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">using toys</a>, these should not be in direct competition with food rewards.



Drawing parallels with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mischievous-dogs-experts-reveal-the-top-ten-naughtiest-breeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">training protocols</a> for search and rescue dogs, Dorey mentions that starting early with toys as a form of positive reinforcement can indeed be effective. This adaptation requires a strategic approach, ensuring that the dog’s motivation is correctly aligned with the reward system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continued-research">Continued research</h2>



The significant contributions of undergraduate students, notably Xenabeth Lazaro and John Winter, were instrumental in the study's success, demonstrating the value of academic collaboration and student involvement in research. Expertise from other esteemed institutions, including the <a href="https://www.fit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Institute of Technology</a> and <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a>, further enriched the research.



This study marks a critical step forward in behavioral psychology concerning domestic pets. It invites further exploration while providing current dog owners and trainers with profound insights into more effective training and stronger bonding strategies. As our understanding of canine preferences evolves, it paves the way for enhanced welfare and happiness for our four-legged companions.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/19/3073" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animals</a>.



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Do dogs prefer food or toys? Scientists conducted a study to find out

In an insightful delve into canine behavior, researchers from the...

Fin,Whale

<a href="https://www.ucla.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a> biologists have found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/echoes-of-the-past-whalings-long-term-impact-on-genetic-diversity/">whaling</a> in the 20th century wiped out 99% of the Eastern North Pacific fin whale breeding population. This percentage is 29 percent higher than prior assessments. The alarming revelation is a stark reminder of human impacts on the environment.&nbsp;



“When you look at whaling records, you can only tell how many were killed. You can’t tell how many there were to begin with,” said study co-author Meixi Lin. “We know 20th century whaling was severe, but we didn’t know how severe it was for fin whales.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-diversity-nbsp">Genetic diversity&nbsp;</h2>



However, the researchers also found a silver lining. They determined that genetic diversity among the remaining fin whales of the Eastern North Pacific is still rich enough to ensure that - with adequate conservation measures - these whales can recover without facing the threats of inbreeding.



The UCLA study is a significant advancement from previous research, which was restricted to whaling records or mitochondrial DNA. With the entire genome at their disposal, the researchers now possess a comprehensive understanding of the current size and genetic diversity of these whales.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-industrial-whaling-nbsp">Industrial whaling&nbsp;</h2>



While most whale species faced devastation due to 19th-century whaling, the larger species, particularly blue and fin whales, managed to remain largely unaffected.&nbsp;



However, industrial whaling in the subsequent century flipped this scenario, leading to the near extinction of fin whales, especially in the Eastern North Pacific.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-field-research-nbsp">Challenging field research&nbsp;</h2>



The methods employed in the research were not only innovative but also challenging. Gathering DNA samples from the whales was not easy.&nbsp;



“Getting samples from live whales is hard, because you don’t know where they’re going to be - and when they come up, you only have a moment to take the sample before they go back underwater,” said study co-author Nigenda-Morales. “It is a humbling experience to conduct field research and interact with the second-largest animal on the planet.”



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



Overall, 50 whales were studied, including fin whales from the Gulf of California. These whales were not targeted by whalers, but belong to a small, isolated group.



"Nevertheless, this population has been small with limited gene flow from and to the Pacific for thousands of years," noted the study authors. "In contrast, the Eastern North Pacific population was large, interconnected, and overexploited."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



The analysis revealed that the Gulf of California fin whales diverged about 16,000 years ago, maintaining a population of around 114 adult breeders.



The Eastern North Pacific population remained stable at around 24,000 individuals for millennia. However, 20th-century whaling caused a catastrophic reduction from 24,000 individuals to only 305 in just 26 to 52 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-severe-decline-nbsp">Severe decline&nbsp;</h2>



While earlier studies estimated a 70% decline, the current data illustrates the contrast. The severe drop made the genomic reduction distinctly evident, as noted by Nigenda-Morales.



“It’s usually hard to detect such strong recent reductions in the genome. But in this case, fin whales were really abundant before, which made the sudden reduction very obvious in our data. If the reduction hadn’t been so strong, we wouldn’t have been able to detect it,” said Nigenda-Morales.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recovering-whale-populations">Recovering whale populations</h2>



The research also revealed the significance of the Eastern North Pacific fin whale population for the fin whales in the Gulf of California.&nbsp;



While the Gulf of California population has faced its set of challenges, including the amplification of harmful genes, occasional visits from Eastern North Pacific whales have introduced new genetic material, ensuring their survival.



However, the situation remains fragile. While current protections appear adequate, they need to be sustained for an extended period, ensuring the continued recovery of these whale populations.&nbsp;



External threats, including climate change and human disturbances like ship strikes, could still threaten this progress.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-computational-models-nbsp">Computational models&nbsp;</h2>



“With improvement in computational models, we can incorporate factors like climate change and relate the risk of extinction from human-mediated processes with what’s happening at the genomic level,” said study co-author Kirk Lohmueller. “Continuing to develop such models is as important as collecting more data.”



The research, which was conducted in dedication to the late UCLA Professor Robert Wayne, represents a significant step forward in understanding the complexities and challenges faced by fin whales.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-40052-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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The alarming decline and hopeful recovery of fin whales

UCLA biologists have found that whaling in the 20th century...

Climate change has rapidly increased the frequency of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drought-to-downpour-climate-change-triggers-extreme-weather-shifts/">extreme weather</a> events worldwide, from wildfires to floods. However, a recent study emphasizes that these events are not merely random occurrences but deeply interconnected phenomena. 



This interconnected climate behavior, termed "teleconnections," remains a relatively unexplored field but holds the key to a comprehensive understanding of our intricate climate system.



To investigate, a team of experts developed a novel climate network analysis method. The research is shedding new light on the intensity, distribution, and evolution of these teleconnections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domino-effect-nbsp">Domino effect&nbsp;</h2>



“Teleconnections describe how climate events in one part of the world can affect weather thousands of kilometers away,” explained Jingfang Fan of Beijing Normal University and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. “Think of it as a domino effect on a global scale.”



“Within just five years, we may see temperatures rising to levels that global scientists have been warning us about. It’s like the planet is running a fever that’s steadily getting worse.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-networks">Climate networks</h2>



But what are climate networks? Imagine a map where specific data points represent locations. The connections or links between these points highlight similarities.&nbsp;



The team's innovative method combines the directions and distribution patterns of these teleconnections.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meaningful-patterns-nbsp">Meaningful patterns&nbsp;</h2>



Based on global daily surface air temperature data and advanced data processing techniques and mathematical algorithms, the team has identified meaningful patterns and insights.



“Our work uncovered patterns in climate events driven mainly by atmospheric Rossby waves, which are large inertial planetary waves that naturally occur in rotating fluids and cause movement within the atmosphere,” said Fan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teleconnection-intensity">Teleconnection intensity</h2>



Through this research, the team pinpointed regions like southeastern Australia and South Africa as being especially sensitive to these interconnected events.&nbsp;



The experts found that the strength of these interconnections has amplified over time (from 1948 to 2021), potentially influenced by a combination of climate change, human activities, and other variables. 



Moreover, the last 37 years have seen a more pronounced increase in the Southern Hemisphere's teleconnection impact and intensity.



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



This research offers a fresh perspective on measuring and examining climate teleconnections. It will serve as a foundation to identify regions that may face increased risks in the future. The ultimate goal is to devise strategies to address these challenges.



“The next step is like weather forecasting – but on steroids,” said Fan. “Using what we’ve learned, we plan to predict how climate events will unfold and connect. We’re diving deep to explore why these events happen and how various climate ‘tipping points’ within our climate system might be linked."



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



Teleconnections refer to circumstances where climate anomalies or weather events in one part of the world can influence weather patterns in distant, often remote, locations.&nbsp;



Essentially, it is the interrelationship of meteorological patterns across vast distances. This interconnected behavior plays a crucial role in understanding global climate variations and can have widespread implications on weather, agriculture, water resources, and more.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-teleconnections-work">How do teleconnections work?</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-waves">Atmospheric waves</h4>



At the heart of teleconnections are atmospheric waves, such as the atmospheric Rossby waves. These are large-scale waves in the atmosphere that play a vital role in the Earth's weather. They form due to the Earth's rotation and temperature differences between the equator and the poles.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oceanic-phenomena">Oceanic phenomena</h4>



Oceans also play a part in teleconnections. Events like El Niño and La Niña in the Pacific Ocean can cause weather pattern changes far from their origin. For instance, an El Niño event can lead to wetter conditions in parts of the U.S. and drier conditions in parts of Australia.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examples-of-teleconnections">Examples of teleconnections</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-north-atlantic-oscillation-nao">North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)</h4>



This is a fluctuation in atmospheric pressure at sea level between the Icelandic Low and the Azores High. Its phases can influence winter weather in Europe and the East Coast of the U.S.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pacific-north-american-pattern-pna-nbsp">Pacific North American Pattern (PNA)&nbsp;</h4>



Influenced by sea surface temperature anomalies, PNA affects climate patterns across North America.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-el-nino-southern-oscillation-enso">El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)</h4>



Perhaps the most widely recognized teleconnection, ENSO has phases of El Niño (warmer) and La Niña (cooler) that influence global weather patterns.



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



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-forecasting">Weather forecasting</h4>



Understanding teleconnections can improve long-range weather forecasting by providing insights into how patterns in one location might impact distant areas.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agriculture">Agriculture</h4>



Predicting rainfall, temperature changes, or drought conditions can help farmers plan their crops accordingly.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-resource-management">Water resource management</h4>



Recognizing teleconnection patterns can aid in predicting periods of heavy rainfall or drought, allowing for better water resource planning.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-studies">Climate change studies</h4>



As our climate changes, the strength and patterns of teleconnections might also shift. This can have cascading effects on weather patterns globally.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0153677">Chaos</a>,



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Teleconnections: Climate events are deeply connected across the globe

Climate change has rapidly increased the frequency of extreme weather...

The burden of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loss-of-smell-may-be-the-earliest-warning-of-alzheimers-disease/">Alzheimer’s disease</a> is notably higher in women, with two-thirds of late-onset cases diagnosed in this demographic.&nbsp;



As research has consistently shown, not only are women more susceptible to Alzheimer’s, but its progression is also accelerated and intensified in them, leading to a steeper decline in cognitive abilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-female-sex-hormones-nbsp">Female sex hormones&nbsp;</h2>



Despite the observed differences between genders, the biological underpinnings that account for these variations in Alzheimer’s progression remain unclear. Yet, discerning them is essential for devising targeted treatments.



In a new study on both mice and humans, a team of researchers led by <a href="https://www.uwo.ca/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Western University</a> offers important insights, pinpointing the pivotal role female sex hormones play in Alzheimer’s development within the brain.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-therapeutic-potential-nbsp">Therapeutic potential&nbsp;</h2>



Published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/alz.13481" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association</a>, the study highlights the therapeutic potential of focusing on hormonal interactions, particularly revolving around estradiol – an estrogen variant. The methodological approach adopted is as significant as the findings themselves.&nbsp;



“To understand how sex hormones play a role in Alzheimer’s, we need to study appropriate animal models.&nbsp;Unfortunately, most studies at this level still focus mainly on the male brain," said senior author Vania Prado, a professor at the <a href="https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Schulich School of Medicine &amp; Dentistry</a>.



"Our research emphasizes the importance of using animal models that reflect, for instance, postmenopausal women, to understand how sex hormones influence Alzheimer’s pathology."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beta-amyloid-protein">Beta-amyloid protein</h2>



A defining characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease is the toxic accumulation of beta-amyloid protein within the brain, which disrupts neural communication and hampers cognition.&nbsp;



The experts found differential regulation of beta-amyloid protein in male and female mice brains, with estradiol playing a significant role.



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



Earlier research has spotlighted cholinergic neurons, known to produce acetylcholine crucial for memory and cognition, as particularly susceptible to beta-amyloid accumulation’s deleterious effects.&nbsp;



The interactions between brain chemistry shifts and beta-amyloid protein aggregation in Alzheimer-affected brains was the focus of the current study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



“We observed that the relationship between the integrity of the brain region where cholinergic neurons reside and beta-amyloid accumulation was the same for men and women but was different in male and female mice,” reported co-author Marco Prado, a professor at <a href="https://www.uwo.ca/index.html">Western University</a>.



The research included MRI brain scans from healthy elderly humans and observations in both male and female mice, highlighting the complexity of studying Alzheimer’s disease. The scientists made a compelling finding when female mice were modeled to simulate postmenopausal women.&nbsp;



“We found that when the sex hormone estradiol was present, the relationship between acetylcholine and toxic amyloid was lost, but when sex hormones were eliminated in the female mice that relationship reproduced the results seen in humans,” said lead author Liliana German-Castelan, a graduate student at the same institution.



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



This discovery calls for further research on amyloid and cholinergic function in individuals aged 40-50, markedly younger than most Alzheimer’s study subjects.



“Women and men respond differently to medications and have a somewhat different journey in Alzheimer’s. To develop more effective therapeutics, we need to study animal models that can reproduce different aspects of the journey. Sex hormones and estradiol levels are just one of these factors,” Prado concluded.



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Study reveals link between sex hormones and Alzheimer’s disease

The burden of Alzheimer’s disease is notably higher in women,...

Environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-disasters-are-on-the-rise-but-hazard-plans-are-inadequate/">disasters</a> leave more than just physical destruction in their wake. Natural catastrophes like tsunamis can also leave lasting impacts on the health of the individuals exposed to them, according to a new study from <a href="https://www.unc.edu/">UNC Chapel Hill</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indonesian-tsunami-nbsp">Indonesian tsunami&nbsp;</h2>



In collaboration with researchers from Indonesia, the experts found that women who were residing along the coast of Aceh, Indonesia during the devastating 2004 tsunami have lower cortisol levels even 14 years after the event.&nbsp;



This is in stark contrast to women from neighboring coastal communities that were spared from the tsunami's direct impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prolonged-stress">Prolonged stress</h2>



Cortisol is a critical stress hormone generated by our adrenal glands. It typically surges in our system in response to stress, acting as a trigger for the "fight or flight" response.&nbsp;



However, an unrelenting elevation in stress levels can lead to a malfunctioning hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.&nbsp;



What this study reveals is a clear connection between prolonged stress from the tsunami and a "burnout" of the HPA-axis. This burnout is seen as persistently low cortisol levels over an extended period.



Elizabeth Frankenberg, one of the lead researchers, noted that these effects were greatest for women who reported elevated levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms for two years after the tsunami.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-project">STAR project</h2>



Alongside Duncan Thomas and Cecep Sumantri, Frankenberg leads an ongoing survey project named the Study of the Tsunami Aftermath and Recovery (STAR).



STAR's unique approach involves tracking survivors of the Indonesian tsunami, some of whom were interviewed even before the disaster struck. The recent phase of their research required the collection of hair samples from adults, a full 14 years post-tsunami.&nbsp;



“Ralph Lawton was a Duke undergraduate and Robertson Scholar when he went to Indonesia to collect the hair and establish the assay in our lab in Yogyakarta: he is incredibly impressive and the first author of the manuscript,” said Thomas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lingering-stress">Lingering stress</h2>



“An important finding is that people with low levels of cortisol are in worse physical and psycho-social health 14 years after the tsunami, evidence of the long reach of the stresses of the tsunami and its aftermath.”



This finding highlights the lingering nature of the stress induced by the tsunami and the challenges of its aftermath.



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



Frankenberg pointed out that visually, damage from the Indian Ocean tsunami looks remarkably similar to the damage from hurricanes and intense storms along the coast of North Carolina and other parts of the United States.



“Lessons learned from following people in Aceh over 20 years provides important insights into the likely longer-term impacts of climate change on populations in the U.S. and across the globe,” said Frankenberg.



The STAR project is supported by institutions like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, SurveyMETER (Indonesia), Harvard University, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the University of Southern California.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2306497120">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Environmental disasters like tsunamis cause lasting health impacts

Environmental disasters leave more than just physical destruction in their...

As we age, time seems to pass more quickly, and we do not know why. A common explanation for this is that our brains process less information as we grow older, which makes time seem to speed up.&nbsp;



While science has not been able to prove this or any other explanation to be true, scientists have put forward a theory that can offer some insights.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organized-lives">Organized lives</h2>



We may feel this way because the more days we live, the more routinely we do things, and our lives revolve around a particular structure. This is the view of Cindy Lustig, a psychology professor at the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a>.



"When we are older, we tend to have lives that are more structured around routines, and fewer of the big landmark events that we use to demarcate different epochs of the 'time of our lives,'" said Lustig.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fewer-new-experiences">Fewer new experiences</h2>



According to Lustig, our lives and time may also appear to pass us by faster as we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-identified-anti-aging-drugs-using-ai-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grow older</a> because there are more experiences to reflect on as we become adults than when we were children.



"For a five-year-old, one year is 20 percent of their life packed with experiences as they discover the world around them. However, the same amount of time is only two percent of a 50-year-old's life that likely has fewer new experiences."



Our brain's ability to process similar days and weeks together gives us a feeling that everything is all part of a single whole.



Considering the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-can-prevent-brain-aging-and-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human brain</a> is designed to process time using memorable events, it becomes a challenge as we grow older because these events become fewer and less frequent.



This is why it is easier for most people to recall something they have done only once, as opposed to things that have become routine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aging-brain">Aging brain</h2>



Another theory that has attempted to explain why time passes fast was proposed by Adrian Bejan, a researcher at <a href="https://www.duke.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a>. In his study published in 2019, Bejan identified the aging brain as the reason we have an altered perception of time.



He believes we were able to take in new information faster when we were young, allowing the brain to process more within the same period. This makes the days appear longer than they might later on.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-images">Mental images</h2>



"The reason is that the measurable ‘clock time’ is not the same as the time perceived by the human mind. The ‘mind time’ is a sequence of images, i.e., reflections of nature that are fed by stimuli from sensory organs," Bejan explained in his study.



The difference between the past and the present is due to the change in mental view, not necessarily because "somebody's clock rings."&nbsp;



The mental view changes as our brain ages. Key neurological features degrade, forcing us to acquire and process new information more slowly.



"The rate at which changes in mental images are perceived decreases with age because of several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harvard-scientists-fountain-of-youth-pill-sparks-controversy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical features</a> that change with age: saccades frequency, body size, pathways degradation, etc.," he added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-opposing-views">Opposing views</h2>



While Bejan's findings appear logical and convincing, Lustig believes it does not fully and correctly explain the situation.



"He makes some argument about the length of the optic nerve related to head size, and I will let you judge whether an 80-year-old has a substantially larger head than a 25-year-old," she said.



While theories abound, the mystery of time perception continues to captivate us. Until we can scientifically establish what drives it, it is safe to say that it passes at the same rate as always.



Bejan's study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/european-review/article/why-the-days-seem-shorter-as-we-get-older/2CB8EC9B0B30537230C7442B826E42F1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Review</a>. 



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Why does time seem to pass faster as we get older?

As we age, time seems to pass more quickly, and...

Albatrosses are known for their remarkable long-distance migrations and expansive foraging journeys. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seabirds-have-different-strategies-to-survive-storms/">seabirds</a> spend most of their lives soaring over the open ocean, traveling vast distances in search of food.&nbsp;



Albatrosses can cover thousands of miles during their migrations and often traverse entire ocean basins. They can circle the Southern Ocean multiple times in a single year.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigation-tool-nbsp">Navigation tool&nbsp;</h2>



In a study from the <a href="https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liverpool</a>, researchers have unveiled new clues in how these massive migrations are executed.&nbsp;



The study has produced the first evidence indicating that wandering albatrosses might employ infrasound as a navigation tool.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-infrasound-nbsp">Infrasound&nbsp;</h2>



The term "infrasound" refers to sound frequencies that fall below the range of human audibility. It's a low-frequency sound that is omnipresent in marine environments.&nbsp;



One significant source of this infrasound is microbaroms, which are a class of atmospheric waves generated by the collision of ocean waves. Microbaroms are also known as the "voice of the sea."



Interestingly, regions with these colliding waves often experience strong winds, which play a crucial role in aiding the albatrosses' efficient flight.



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



The researchers set out to understand the potential link between albatrosses and their use of infrasound for navigation. They deployed GPS trackers to chart the flight routes of 89 wandering albatrosses that breed in the Crozet Islands archipelago, located in the Southern Ocean.&nbsp;



By comparing the tracked flight paths with acoustic maps specifically modeled for this study, which depict the distribution of microbarom infrasound, the team made an intriguing discovery.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



The data shows that when embarking on directed flight segments, wandering albatrosses display a tendency to head towards areas where microbarom infrasound is pronounced.&nbsp;



This behavior suggests that these birds might possess the capability to detect and react to microbarom infrasound even when it's disseminated over vast distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fundamental-question">Fundamental question</h2>



The study was jointly led by Dr. Natasha Gillies, a seabird ecologist with the University’s School of Environmental Sciences, and Dr. Lucía Martín López.



“How animals navigate and search for resources over large spatial scales exceeding 100s-1000s km is a fundamental question in ecology," said Dr. Gillies.



“For marine animals, such as seabirds, this question is especially intriguing due to the limited availability of visual information, meaning that other cues must be involved in movement."



“It has been proposed that seabirds could use infrasound to help them navigate the huge expanses of featureless ocean environment that they fly over in order to forage."



“Our results offer the first evidence for responsiveness to infrasound in a movement context for a free-ranging animal.”



The research is part of a Human Frontier Science Program grant, which brings together an international team of collaborators (Stellenbosch University in South Africa, University of Florida, Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute in the Netherlands).



“It is only through interdisciplinary science like this, which brings together scientists across diverse fields, that we can achieve such new and exciting insights," said Dr. Samantha Patrick, who led the grant.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2218679120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Albatrosses use the voice of the sea for long distance navigation

Albatrosses are known for their remarkable long-distance migrations and expansive...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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 rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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