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...

Happy,Jumping,Old,Man,Against,Beach,Background.,Shot,On,The

Researchers have found that for women over the age of 60, maintaining a stable weight could significantly increase their chances of living up to 90, 95, or even 100 years old. The study indicates that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/berberine-plant-derived-supplement-is-the-hot-new-weight-loss-trend/">weight loss</a> in later life could perhaps even work against the goal of exceptional longevity.



However, the experts emphasized that women should still follow medical advice when weight loss is recommended to enhance their health or quality of life.



<h2 id="h-exceptional-longevity">Exceptional longevity&nbsp;</h2>



Exceptional longevity refers to the phenomenon of living significantly longer than the average lifespan of a given population. This is often observed in certain individuals who live to be 100 years old or more, known as centenarians.&nbsp;



Genetic factors, lifestyle choices such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking, as well as a positive mental attitude, are all thought to contribute to achieving exceptional longevity.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The research was focused on data from more than 54,000 women over the age of 60 who participated in the Women's Health Initiative, a prospective study investigating causes of chronic diseases among postmenopausal women.



The researchers compared women who kept their weight broadly stable over three years to those who lost at least 5 percent.



During the follow-up period, over 30,000 women, or 56% of the participants, survived to the age of 90 or beyond.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-conclusion-about-exceptional-longevity">Conclusion about exceptional longevity</h2>



The comprehensive study revealed that older women with a more stable weight were 1.2 to 2 times more likely to achieve exceptional longevity compared to those who lost 5 percent or more of their weight.&nbsp;



The researchers found that women who lost weight were 38 percent less likely to reach the age of 100, 33 percent less likely to make it to the age of 90, and 35 percent less likely to reach the age of 95.



When the experts looked at separate groups, the results were similar among women who were overweight, obese, or had a normal weight.



<h2 id="h-weight-loss">Weight loss</h2>



The study also revealed that women who unintentionally lost weight were 51 percent less likely to survive until the age of 90.&nbsp;



Among this group of women, who lost weight without trying, about a third said it was due to illness, 23 percent blamed stress, and almost 29 percent had a poor appetite.



<h2 id="h-weight-gain">Weight gain</h2>



Furthermore, the results showed that gaining 5 percent or more weight, as compared to maintaining a stable weight, was also not linked with exceptional longevity.



<h2 id="h-exceptional-longevity-and-stable-weight">Exceptional longevity and stable weight</h2>



Study first author Aladdin Shadyab is an associate professor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/">University of California, San Diego</a>.



"It is very common for older women in the United States to experience overweight or obesity with a body mass index range of 25 to 35. Our findings support stable weight as a goal for longevity in older women."&nbsp;



"If aging women find themselves losing weight when they are not trying to lose weight, this could be a warning sign of ill health and a predictor of decreased longevity," Shadyab said in a university news release.



Shadyab also pointed out that unintentional weight loss in aging women could be a red flag for ill health and a predictor of decreased longevity.



However, unintentional weight loss is a common occurrence in older adults and is not always related to an underlying medical cause.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



The study authors noted that their findings challenge the general recommendations for weight loss in older women, as it may not necessarily contribute to their longevity.&nbsp;



The study is the first of its kind to examine how weight changes among older women may affect the potential for exceptional longevity.



The research contradicts the general recommendation that older women should lose weight for better health. It sheds light on the complex relationship between weight and longevity in older women, highlighting the importance of maintaining a stable weight as a key goal.



This research, published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology">Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences</a>, received partial funding from the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 



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Maintaining stable weight dramatically increases odds of living 100+ years

Researchers have found that for women over the age of...

Silhouette,Of,A,Big,Mighty,Oak,Against,Blue,Moon"elements,Of

On the night of August 30, 2023, the biggest and brightest full moon of the year - the "blue supermoon" - will make its glorious appearance in the night sky. The term "blue supermoon" is not just a poetic label; it captures a rare convergence of three distinct lunar phenomena.&nbsp;



As explained by Gordon Johnston from NASA's <a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/">Solar System Exploration</a>, the upcoming full moon is a merger of a supermoon and a blue moon that is in alignment with the Hindu festival Rakhi Purnima.



<h2 id="h-saturn-will-dance-with-the-supermoon">Saturn will dance with the supermoon</h2>



On August 30th, as the Earth-based longitude shows the moon in perfect opposition to the Sun, it will light up the night at 9:36 PM EDT.&nbsp;



The ringed planet Saturn, a few days from its brightest stance for the year, will gracefully accompany our rare blue supermoon.&nbsp;



Observers can look for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megastorms-on-saturn-are-larger-than-the-earth-and-last-for-hundreds-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn</a> five degrees to the upper right of the Moon as evening twilight ceases at 8:42 PM. The duo will then appear to dance, with Saturn swinging clockwise around the Moon throughout the evening, according to <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a>.



<h2 id="h-what-makes-this-blue-moon-super">What makes this blue moon super?</h2>



But why is this moon termed "super"? The supermoon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/august-will-host-two-supermoons-including-a-rare-blue-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phenomenon</a> refers to the moon's closeness to Earth during its full phase, making it appear more substantial and brighter.&nbsp;



Various publications have different criteria for designating a moon as "super," but both of August 2023's full moons meet these requirements.



<h2 id="h-second-full-moon-of-the-month">Second full moon of the month</h2>



Diving into the "blue" of the blue supermoon, it's not about the color. Instead, it references this being the second full moon of August.&nbsp;



This terminology can be traced back to a 1946 Sky &amp; Telescope magazine definition. Intriguingly, the more aged definition from the 1500s designated the third full moon of a four-moon season as the Blue Moon.&nbsp;



By that criteria, the blue status would belong to the full moon of August 2024. For those curious about witnessing a truly blue-tinted moon, history did record such a spectacle, which can be discovered in-depth on <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/vision/universe/watchtheskies/07jul_bluemoon.html">NASA's site</a>.



<h2 id="h-rakhi-purnima">Rakhi Purnima</h2>



Synced with this lunar event is Rakhi Purnima or Raksha Bandhan, a Hindu festival celebrating the unbreakable bond between siblings. The ritual involves sisters tying a rakhi (a cotton bracelet) around their brothers' wrists and receiving gifts in return. This act symbolizes the enduring bond and mutual protection between them.



For those who follow traditional solar and lunar calendars, this full moon signifies various important timings. In the Chinese calendar, it marks the middle of the seventh month, while in the Islamic calendar, it's Safar.&nbsp;



Jewish observers will note this full moon during Elul, a significant time of introspection and preparation for the forthcoming High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.



While celestial attire is recommended for full moon viewing, it's also a great time to cherish family ties, release resentments, and wish for a prosperous year ahead.



<h2 id="h-upcoming-lunar-events">Upcoming lunar events</h2>



Looking forward as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-ice-will-soon-vanish-during-the-summer/">summer</a> transitions into fall, the periods of daylight will decrease rapidly, reaching a turning point at the autumn equinox.&nbsp;



No significant meteor showers are anticipated in this lunar cycle, but there will be other starry sights. The evening sky of August 30 will showcase Vega, a luminary of the Summer Triangle and one of the brightest in our sky, shining from a distance of 25 light-years away.



August's second full moon stands out among 2023's lunar events. It's not only the third supermoon of the year but also the closest. At a mere 222,043 miles (357,344 kilometers) from Earth, it trumps even the August 1 full moon by a slim margin of 115 miles.



On September 29, be on the lookout for the Harvest Moon, which will be the final supermoon of 2023.



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-harvest-moon">More about the Harvest Moon</h2>



August's Harvest Moon holds special significance in various cultures due to its association with the harvest season. Here are some pieces of folklore and traditions surrounding the Harvest Moon:



<h3 id="h-bright-nights">Bright nights</h3>



The Harvest Moon rises at roughly the same time for several nights in a row, which means that there is no prolonged darkness between sunset and moonrise.&nbsp;



This phenomenon provided farmers with extended periods of light, allowing them to work late into the evening to harvest their crops.



<h3 id="h-symbol-of-abundance">Symbol of abundance</h3>



In many cultures, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harvest-moon-marks-the-arrival-of-autumn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvest</a> Moon is seen as a symbol of abundance, prosperity, and completion. It's a time to celebrate the bounty of the earth and to give thanks for the food that will sustain people through the winter.



<h3 id="h-festivals">Festivals</h3>



Many cultures hold festivals or celebrations during the time of the Harvest Moon. For instance, in East Asia, the Mid-Autumn Festival (or Moon Festival) is celebrated with mooncakes, lanterns, and family gatherings.



<h3 id="h-romance">Romance</h3>



The bright and large appearance of the Harvest Moon has also given it romantic connotations. In literature and popular culture, it's often depicted as a perfect backdrop for lovers, symbolizing warmth and hope.



<h3 id="h-the-unexplained">The unexplained</h3>



Full moons have often been linked in folklore to strange or unexplained behavior, both in humans and animals. Some believe that full moons can lead to more erratic behavior, though scientific evidence is limited.



<h2>More about blue moons</h2>



A "blue moon" is a term that has historical, cultural, and astronomical significance. Let me break down the various aspects of the concept:



<h3>Definition</h3>



The older definition of a blue moon is the third of four full moons in a single season. Typically, there are only three full moons in each season, but occasionally there's a fourth. When this happens, the third is termed a "blue moon."



Most people today understand the term "blue moon" to mean the second of two full moons in a calendar month with two full moons. As mentioned above, this understanding gained popularity due to an error in an article in "Sky &amp; Telescope" magazine in 1946. This definition became widespread especially after it was used in the popular radio program "StarDate" in the 1980s and then again in 1999 on the Trivial Pursuit game.



<h3>Frequency</h3>



Blue moons (by the modern definition) occur approximately once every 2.7 years. This is because the lunar month (the time it takes for the moon to cycle through all of its phases) is about 29.5 days, while most calendar months are longer.



<h3>Color</h3>



The term "blue moon" has nothing to do with the moon's actual color. However, on very rare occasions, the moon can appear blue in color, usually due to atmospheric conditions. 



For instance, if there have been volcanic eruptions or forest fires that release particles into the atmosphere, these particles can scatter red light and make the moon appear blue.



<h3>Origin</h3>



The term has been in use for hundreds of years and evolved over time. The phrase "once in a blue moon" to indicate a rare event dates back at least 400 years.



"Blue Moon" is a classic song written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1934. Numerous artists have covered it, making it a staple in American music.



<h3>Astronomical details</h3>



The moon's cycle from new moon to new moon, called a synodic month, is about 29.5 days. Our calendar months (except February) are longer than this, which is why it's possible to fit two full moons in one month.



<h3>Other moons</h3>



The term "blue moon" is just one of many that describe various full moon phenomena. Others include:



Harvest Moon: The full moon closest to the autumn equinox.



Supermoon: When the full moon occurs at the same time the moon is nearest Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it appear larger.



Blood Moon: Refers to the red appearance the moon takes on during a total lunar eclipse.



Remember, irrespective of the definition or the rarity, a blue moon is still just a full moon in astronomical terms, and it doesn't have any particular physical significance. It's the cultural and historical aspects that make it special.



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Tonight's rare "Blue Supermoon" will be the biggest and brightest of the year

On the night of August 30, 2023, the biggest and...

Scientists have discovered an extinct animal, which they have named Kylinxia, that has revealed important insights into how animals were evolving over 500 million years ago.



A multidisciplinary team of experts from the University of Leicester, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Palaeobiology, the Institute of Palaeontology at Yunnan University, Chengjiang Fossil Museum, and the Natural History Museum in London, have redefined our understanding of a pivotal moment in the evolutionary timeline of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-urbanization-shape-arthropod-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a>. 



The narrative they've unveiled reshapes the story of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Kylinxia-zhangi_fossil_Yunnan-University_1big-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">class of creatures</a> that eventually gave rise to the myriad forms of arthropods we see today, from lobsters and crabs to spiders and insects.



The protagonist of this evolutionary tale is Kylinxia, an ancient animal whose fossil has been encased in rocks nearly 520 million years old. What's particularly exciting about Kylinxia is not just its antiquity, but the startling features it possessed.



Imaged with a CT scanner, revealing the soft anatomy buried deep within the rock, it bore an uncanny resemblance in size to a large shrimp. But the similarities largely end there; this creature had three eyes mounted on its head and boasted a pair of formidable limbs, presumably serving as weapons to snatch unsuspecting prey.



<h2 id="h-how-scientists-discovered-kylinxia">How scientists discovered Kylinxia</h2>



Published this week in the esteemed journal, <a href="http://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.08.022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>, this discovery is a testament to the rich tapestry of life in a bygone era. Around half a billion years ago, our planet's oceans teemed with a burgeoning community of marine creatures.



The Chengjiang region in southern China stands as a veritable treasure trove for these fossilized relics. It hosts over 250 species of immaculately preserved organisms from the Cambrian Chengjiang biota. This find from Yunnan Province enriches the ever-evolving understanding of arthropod evolution.



While arthropods - creatures with segmented bodies and jointed limbs - are not strangers to the fossil record, much of our knowledge stems from specimens like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-trilobites-adapted-to-survive-300-million-years-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trilobites</a> which primarily preserved their hard exoskeletons. The revelation of Kylinxia, however, goes far beyond skeletal remains. 



This <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Kylinxia-zhangi_fossil_Yunnan-University_2big-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nearly complete specimen</a> enabled scientists to discern the animal's head. It revealed a six-segment configuration: a frontal segment adorned with eyes, a second segment armed with large, grasping limbs, followed by four segments each flaunting a pair of jointed appendages.



<h2>Scientists are left awestruck by discovery</h2>



The primary author, Robert O’Flynn, is a PhD student from the <a href="https://le.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester'</a>s School of Geography, Geology and the Environment. He couldn't contain his awe, saying, “The preservation of the fossil animal is amazing. After CT-scanning we can digitally turn it around and literally stare into the face of something that was alive over 500 million years ago. As we spun the animal around, we could see that its head possesses six segments, just as in many living arthropods.”



Reflecting on the significance of Kylinxia, Professor Mark Williams, Robert’s primary supervisor, shared, “Kylinxia, and the Chengjiang biota whence it came, are instrumental to building our understanding of early euarthropod evolution. I like to think that similar discoveries will continue to be made by Robert.”



While examining the micro-CT data, Professor Yu Liu from the Yunnan Key Laboratory for Palaeobiology revealed, “Robert and I were hoping to refine and correct previous interpretations of head structures in this genus, Kylinxia. Amazingly, we found that its head is composed of six segments, similar to insects.”



Adding to this Dr Greg Edgecombe from the Natural History Museum remarked, “Most of our theories on how the head of arthropods evolved were based on these early-branching species having fewer segments than living species. The discovery of two previously undetected pairs of legs in Kylinxia suggests that living arthropods inherited a six-segmented head from an ancestor at least 518 million years ago.”



In decoding the mysteries of Kylinxia, science has once again shown that the past holds the key to understanding the intricate web of life that surrounds us today.



<h2>More about arthropods</h2>



Arthropods, a vast group of invertebrates, dominate the animal kingdom with over a million described species. They possess jointed limbs, a segmented body, and an exoskeleton made of chitin.



Insects, like bees and butterflies, represent the largest arthropod class. They generally have three body parts -- head, thorax, and abdomen -- and primarily inhabit terrestrial environments. Butterflies, with their vividly colored wings, undergo metamorphosis, transforming from larvae to adults.



Arachnids, another class, include spiders, scorpions, and mites. They have two main body parts and eight legs. Spiders, known predators, trap prey using intricate webs.



Crustaceans encompass crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. Found mainly in aquatic habitats, they boast hard exoskeletons that they must shed to grow -- a process called molting.



Myriapods include centipedes and millipedes. They reside on land and possess numerous legs, with centipedes being carnivorous and millipedes mainly herbivorous.



Arthropods play vital ecological roles. Bees, for instance, pollinate plants, ensuring fruit and seed production. Meanwhile, spiders help control insect populations. In summary, arthropods, with their diversity and adaptability, remain a pivotal group in the animal kingdom, influencing ecosystems worldwide.



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Three-eyed extinct creature named Kylinxia reveals details of early animal evolution

Scientists have discovered an extinct animal, which they have named...

Aerial,View,Of,Deforestation.,Rainforest,Being,Removed,To,Make,Way

In a potentially alarming revelation for our planet's climate, a new study led by Rutgers University suggests that vast swaths of the Amazonian lowland rainforest could gradually transform into dry, grassy savannas. 



These lowland regions of the Amazon play a pivotal role in absorbing carbon dioxide, thereby serving as natural buffers against the escalating threats of climate change.



Published in the esteemed scientific journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2301255120">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>, the study presents a nuanced understanding of the phenomenon referred to as "double-stress." This involves a cycle of alternating flooding during wet seasons and droughts in dry periods. These sequences of events can stifle the growth of forest trees and instead promote the proliferation of short-lived grass species.



<h2 id="h-how-rainforests-become-savannas">How rainforests become savannas</h2>



Caio Mattos took the lead on this research while pursuing his doctoral studies at the <a href="https://sas.rutgers.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences</a>’ Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. He remarked, “Because predictions of future climate indicate a drier climate for the tropics, knowing where and how today’s forests will become savannas will help us predict how the carbon cycle may change, exacerbating warming." 



Mattos’ research also posits that multiple areas in the Amazon, which were once believed to be immune to such changes, now face a tangible risk of transitioning towards a more savanna-like state.



The implications of this are profound. The Amazon rainforest serves as one of Earth's most vital carbon sinks. It safeguards an estimated 123 billion tons of carbon both above and below the ground, as stated by the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA). This critical process of "savannization" means that the Amazon's carbon-absorbing potential could be severely diminished.



Shedding light on the coexistence of forests and savannas under similar climatic conditions, the research explains that forests flourish in areas that are either consistently flooded or consistently drought-ridden. This equilibrium is threatened as projections predict a drier future climate. 



This change would cause certain areas of the Amazon, which have hitherto been perennially flooded, to experience dry periods. Consequently, this would subject the core regions of Amazonia to the aforementioned double-stress or savanna-like conditions.



Professor Ying Fan Reinfelder of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences in the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences highlighted the significance of the study. He noted, “This study demonstrates the power of hydrology in explaining the structure and function of vegetation ecosystems."



<h2>Hydrological shifts create savannas</h2>



In a call to the broader scientific community, Reinfelder further emphasized the need for global change research to concentrate more intently on hydrological shifts.



It's crucial to note that a forest is characterized by its dominant tree population and thick canopy. A savanna is a blend of woodland and grassland where tree spacing allows sunlight to boost grass growth. 



Oceans and forests are the planet's primary carbon sinks, capturing carbon during photosynthesis. In contrast, savannas, despite being important for biodiversity, store significantly less carbon on a per-acre basis.



The looming threats of deforestation at the Amazon's fringes, driven by population pressures and climate change, have been well-documented over the years. However, Mattos' research offers fresh insights into potential transformations within the Amazon's interior. 



He explained, “We found that flooding is key. In some parts of the landscape, groundwater fluctuates between being too shallow – drowning tree roots – and too deep – depriving roots of water. This double stress is only tolerated by savanna plant species.”



<h2>Hydrology plays a key role</h2>



To glean these insights, the team relied on hydrology, studying land-based water properties. They employed intricate computer modeling to simulate the Amazon's current water cycles. They then projected these models onto a future climate scenario for the years 2090-2100 using data from the IPCC's Hadley Center Model. 



The comparison was stark. It revealed that areas like the floodplain forests in Amazonas and along the Madeira and Upper Negro rivers, known for their rich biodiversity, are likely to be impacted. Additionally, expansive peatlands in Peru, which are effective carbon absorbers, might undergo changes. These changes would result in the release of more carbon dioxide and accelerating global warming.



The study also benefited from the contributions of researchers Marina Hirota and Bernardo Flores from the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil, Rafael Oliveira from the University of Campinas, Brazil, Gonzalo Miguez-Macho from the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and Yadu Pokhrel from Michigan State University.



<h2>More about the Amazon rainforest</h2>



Nestled in South America, the Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as 'Earth's Lungs', stands as a testament to nature's grandeur and biodiversity. Stretching over nine countries and covering approximately 5.5 million square kilometers, it represents over half of the planet's remaining rainforests. Yet, despite its global significance, it's facing unprecedented challenges.



<h3>A hotspot of biodiversity</h3>



The Amazon Rainforest is an ecological marvel. It's home to a staggering variety of wildlife, with estimates suggesting that 10% of the known species in the world reside here. From the jaguars and pink dolphins to the myriad of insect species, the forest thrums with life.



This richness extends to flora too. The forest houses approximately 40,000 plant species, including 16,000 native tree types. The dense canopy, the emergent layer towering above, and the forest floor each host distinct habitats.



<h3>An environmental powerhouse</h3>



The Amazon plays a pivotal role in regulating the Earth's climate. The forest's trees and plants absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide, making it a critical carbon sink. The Amazon River, the lifeline of the forest, discharges about 20% of the world's freshwater into the oceans.



Moreover, the forest influences rainfall patterns across the globe. Trees release water vapor into the atmosphere, which contributes to the global weather system.



<h3>Threats looming over</h3>



Despite its significance, the Amazon Rainforest is under grave threats on multiple fronts.



Deforestation: For cattle ranching, logging, and agriculture (notably soybean farming), large swathes of the forest are cleared annually. This not only leads to loss of habitat but also releases the stored carbon into the atmosphere.



Climate Change: A warmer climate impacts the delicate balance of the rainforest ecosystem, leading to dryer conditions, increased vulnerability to fires, and further loss of biodiversity.



Mining and Oil Drilling: These activities introduce toxins into the environment and lead to forest clearing, posing significant threats to both the indigenous communities and the local ecosystems.



<h3>Indigenous communities: The forest's custodians</h3>



The Amazon is home to nearly 400 indigenous groups, many of whom live in voluntary isolation. Their lives are intricately tied to the forest, relying on it for sustenance, medicine, and spirituality. 



However, encroachment on their territories, often for logging or mining, threatens their way of life and the forest they've protected for generations.



<h3>A path forward</h3>



Efforts to save the Amazon Rainforest have never been more urgent. Several initiatives are underway.



Conservation and Reforestation: National parks and reserves are being established, and reforestation efforts are gaining momentum.



Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting methods that do not require deforestation, such as agroforestry, can allow for productivity without compromising the forest's integrity.



Empowering Indigenous Communities: Recognizing their rights, territories, and traditional knowledge can be pivotal in conservation strategies.



In essence, the Amazon Rainforest stands at the crossroads of ecological preservation and human advancement. The decisions made today will shape the fate of this irreplaceable treasure, which not only sustains the local communities but also underpins the health of our global environment.



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Amazon's rainforests are at risk of transforming into dry, grassy savannas

In a potentially alarming revelation for our planet's climate, a...

Redwood,Path/,A,Forest,Path,In,The,Iconic,Redwoods,Of

In remote forest areas of California, air pollution is on the rise, and new research indicates that wildfire and soil emissions are the culprits behind the increasing levels of nitrogen dioxide. This revelation was recently published in a paper in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/acec5f">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



Nitrogen dioxide, while short-lived in the atmosphere, is crucial in the formation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-particles-erode-the-ozone-layer/">ozone</a> and particulate matter pollutants, which are known to cause respiratory problems and asthma in humans, as well as damage plants and crop yields.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-elevated-nitrogen-dioxide-levels">Elevated nitrogen dioxide levels&nbsp;</h2>



By analyzing summertime surface and satellite concentrations of nitrogen dioxide from 2009 to 2020, the researchers found that levels decreased by 2-4.5 percent per year in urban areas across California.&nbsp;



However, in rural areas, the concentrations remained relatively constant, and in remote forests, there was a worrying increase of approximately 4.2 percent per year.



“Forested areas show a steady, rapid rate of increase in summer. The trend is alarming," study senior author Professor Ian Faloona of <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/">UC Davis</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-studying-remote-forests">Studying remote forests</h2>



To conduct the study, scientists used surface nitrogen dioxide levels collected by the state and NASA's Aura satellite. They then categorized areas of nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere by surface temperature and soil moisture levels. 



The team also utilized a California database of fire incidents to classify lands into one of five categories: urban, forests, croplands, scrublands, and barren (little vegetation).



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



While controls on internal combustion engines and other fossil fuel emitters have successfully reduced nitrogen dioxide levels in urban areas, continuous satellite data revealed that this positive effect is not replicated in rural and remote forest areas.&nbsp;



In these regions, wildfires and emissions from soils, especially agricultural soils with fertilizer use, are correlated with an increase in nitrogen dioxide levels.&nbsp;



“Soils, and wildfires in particular, are really going to become steerers of the ship of our air pollution. We have to put a lot of effort into curtailing the effects of wildfires and understanding better our emissions from agricultural soils," said Professor Faloona.



<h2 id="h-what-the-future-holds-for-remote-forests">What the future holds for remote forests</h2>



The study suggests that areas with high fertilizer use can be sources of nitrogen dioxide emissions as microbes compete with crops for nitrogen. This process generates gaseous nitrogen compounds. 



“Our results point to opportunities for different sets of policies and technologies to assist in reducing nitrogen dioxide concentrations in rural and economically disadvantaged areas of California, but will require a concerted effort to better understand the exact environmental dependence of soil and wildfire emissions," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



This research highlights the importance of addressing non-traditional sources of pollution, such as wildfires and agricultural soils, as regulators seek to further decrease pollutants.&nbsp;



As fossil fuel emissions continue to decrease due to current emission management actions, it is imperative to address and understand other historically overshadowed sources to ensure comprehensive air quality policy in the future.



The research was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's <a href="https://www.nifa.usda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute of Food and Agriculture</a>.



<h2>More about soil emissions</h2>



When discussions about climate change arise, topics such as deforestation, burning of fossil fuels, and industrial emissions often dominate the conversation. However, a critical yet lesser-discussed component of the carbon cycle lies right beneath our feet: soil emissions.



<h3>What are soil emissions?</h3>



Soil emissions refer to the release of gases from the soil into the atmosphere. These gases primarily include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). All of these are greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute to the greenhouse effect and subsequent global warming.



<h3>The science behind soil emissions</h3>



Soils are teeming with life. They are home to a plethora of microorganisms, plants, and animals. When these organisms respire, decompose, or excrete waste, they release carbon in the form of CO2. This natural process is vital for nutrient cycling and soil health.



However, in anaerobic or oxygen-deprived environments like wetlands or waterlogged agricultural fields, methane, a GHG much more potent than CO2, is produced. Another significant gas, nitrous oxide, is emitted from soils due to microbial processes that transform nitrogen available in the soil.



<h3>Human activities amplifying emissions</h3>



Human interventions have exacerbated the rate of these soil emissions. Here are some examples.



Agricultural Practices: The excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in agriculture can increase nitrous oxide emissions. Similarly, flooded fields, as seen in rice paddies, can become hotspots for methane emissions.



Deforestation: Trees and plants capture and store carbon. When they are removed, not only is this carbon storage capacity lost, but the disturbed soil also emits the stored carbon back into the atmosphere.



Drainage of Wetlands: Wetlands naturally emit methane. However, when they are drained for agriculture or development, the exposed organic matter rapidly decomposes, releasing large amounts of CO2.



<h3>The climate implications</h3>



While soil emissions are natural, the amplified release due to human activities is a concern. Collectively, soils release more CO2 than all human activities combined, making them a significant carbon sink. Any alteration to this balance could have cascading effects on global climate patterns.



Methane, despite being emitted in smaller quantities than CO2, is over 25 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere. Nitrous oxide, on the other hand, is 300 times more potent as a GHG than CO2 and also plays a role in the depletion of the ozone layer.



<h3>Towards sustainable soil management</h3>



Addressing the challenge of increased soil emissions requires a multi-faceted approach.



Regenerative Agriculture: This includes practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage, which improve soil health and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.



Afforestation: Planting trees and restoring natural habitats can capture atmospheric CO2 and enhance soil carbon storage.



Wetland Preservation: Protecting wetlands can prevent the large-scale release of GHGs while preserving biodiversity.



In summary, while soil emissions are a natural part of the Earth's carbon cycle, human interventions have disturbed this delicate balance. As efforts to combat climate change intensify, understanding and mitigating enhanced soil emissions will be crucial.



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Fires and soil emissions are elevating air pollution in remote forests

In remote forest areas of California, air pollution is on...

Recent data from the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/index.htm">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> (CDC) reveals a surprising statistic: nearly 99% of reported "Covid deaths" each week are not primarily caused by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-unleashing-ancient-zombie-viruses/">virus</a>.&nbsp;



This finding, based on the CDC's Covid dashboard, indicates that only 1.7% of the 324 Covid deaths registered in the week ending August 19 had the coronavirus as the primary cause of death.



<h2 id="h-secondary-causes">Secondary causes&nbsp;</h2>



This means that only a handful of American lives are being lost directly to the virus each week, a stark contrast to the pandemic's peak in 2021 when the virus accounted for one in three "Covid deaths."



The primary or underlying cause of death is the disease, situation, or event that initiated the chain of events directly resulting in death.&nbsp;



Complications arising from the primary cause are usually considered secondary causes when doctors register a death certificate.&nbsp;



For instance, Covid could be listed as a secondary cause of death when the virus puts too much stress on a person with a pre-existing heart condition. In this case, the primary cause of death would be heart disease, with Covid listed as a contributing cause.



<h2 id="h-drastic-decline-in-covid-deaths">Drastic decline in Covid deaths</h2>



Despite a slight increase from the previous week and a five-week upward trend, the percentage of Covid deaths for the week ending August 19 represents a drastic decline from the peak of the pandemic when 30% of deaths listed Covid as the primary cause.&nbsp;



Although the CDC has not reported the primary cause of death in cases where Covid was a secondary factor, separate data from the agency shows that, thus far in August, the largest cause of death in the US has been cancer, followed by heart diseases.



<h2 id="h-death-rates-per-state">Death rates per state</h2>



Furthermore, the data reveals that some states, including Washington, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Maryland, and New York, have higher rates of deaths due to Covid, with Maryland and Florida having the highest at 3.4%.&nbsp;



Other states, like Washington, Tennessee, North Carolina, and New York, hover around 2%, while more than two dozen states experienced just one to nine deaths due to Covid in the week ending on August 19. The death rate is slightly higher among women than men, and highest in people 75 years and older.



<h2 id="h-new-variants-on-the-rise">New variants on the rise</h2>



This new Covid data comes as a relief at a time when panic is rising across the US due to the circulation of highly transmissible new Covid variants, leading to more infections and hospitalizations and causing the reimplementation of some Covid mandates.&nbsp;



Recently detected variants EG.5, or Eris, and BA.8.26, or Pirola, have been found in several countries and the US. These variants, highly mutated, are thought to be better at avoiding vaccine and natural immunity, causing more infections.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-infections-have-reportedly-doubled">Infections have reportedly doubled&nbsp;</h2>



Infections have reportedly doubled across the US amid the emergence of these variants, and hospital admissions among people with the virus have risen for the fifth week in a row.&nbsp;



However, they still remain at near-historic lows, and crucially, Covid deaths are not rising quickly.



<h2 id="h-mask-mandates">Mask mandates&nbsp;</h2>



This uptick in Covid cases led Hollywood movie studio Lionsgate to reinforce mask mandates at its Santa Monica, California offices last week. However, just several days later, the studio reversed its decision.&nbsp;



Similarly, Rutgers University in New Jersey and Morris Brown College in Georgia announced that face masks would be required for staff and students. Kaiser Permanente hospital in Santa Rosa, California, and Upstate Community Hospital in Syracuse, New York, also reinstated mask mandates for doctors, nurses, patients, and visitors.



In Kentucky, the Lee County School District canceled classes less than two weeks after opening because nearly one-fifth of its students were out sick with a "tripledemic" illness, including Covid, strep throat, and the flu.



<h2 id="h-covid-vaccines">Covid vaccines</h2>



As the situation evolves, President Biden indicated that his administration would "likely" recommend Americans receive another Covid booster vaccine in the coming weeks.&nbsp;



Biden signed a proposal on Friday asking Congress for more funding to update Covid vaccines to better protect against the new variants.&nbsp;



However, there seems to be little interest among Americans to receive boosters, with only 18% of eligible Americans having received any version of a booster.



While the rise of new variants and the reimplementation of some Covid mandates have caused a surge in panic, the CDC data shows a drastic decline in the percentage of deaths primarily caused by Covid since the peak of the pandemic.&nbsp;



As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial to stay informed, follow the guidelines provided by health officials, and consider the broader context when interpreting new data.



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Only a small fraction of "Covid deaths" directly attributed to the actual virus

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...

<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a> has unveiled the initial data maps from its groundbreaking instrument, the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO), which was sent to space earlier this year and is now actively transmitting crucial information regarding air quality over North America.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-biden-s-climate-agenda">Biden's climate agenda&nbsp;</h2>



This development is highly significant, as it aligns with the belief of President Biden and Vice President Harris that everyone is entitled to breathe clean air.&nbsp;



The data derived from the TEMPO mission will be instrumental in assisting decision makers throughout the nation in realizing this objective and in furthering the Biden Administration’s ambitious climate agenda, which is regarded as the most comprehensive in history.



Positioned in orbit approximately 22,000 miles above the equator, TEMPO is a pioneering space-based device engineered to assess air quality above North America at a resolution of just a few square miles.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-long-term-benefits">Long-term benefits</h2>



NASA Administrator Bill Nelson expressed his optimism about the long-term impact of the data collected by TEMPO: “Neighborhoods and communities across the country will benefit from TEMPO’s game-changing data for decades to come."



"This summer, millions of Americans felt firsthand the effect of smoke from forest fires on our health. NASA and the Biden-Harris Administration are committed to making it easier for everyday Americans and decisionmakers to access and use TEMPO data to monitor and improve the quality of the air we breathe, benefitting life here on Earth.”



<h2 id="h-improving-pollution-research">Improving pollution research&nbsp;</h2>



TEMPO's observations are expected to significantly enhance research on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-costs-electric-vehicle-tires-emit-20-more-pollution/">pollution</a> resulting from rush-hour traffic, the dispersal of smoke and ash from forest fires and volcanoes, and the ramifications of fertilizer use on agricultural land.&nbsp;



The data collected by TEMPO will enable scientists to assess the health consequences of pollutants more accurately and will facilitate the development of air pollution maps at a neighborhood level, thereby improving comprehension of disparities in air quality within a community.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-predicting-air-quality">Predicting air quality&nbsp;</h2>



The data will also be distributed to partner organizations responsible for monitoring and predicting air quality, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).



TEMPO was dispatched into space in April aboard a Maxar Intelsat 40e satellite via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It performs hourly daytime scans of the lower atmosphere across North America, spanning from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts and from approximately Mexico City to central Canada.&nbsp;



The principal instrument is a sophisticated spectrometer capable of identifying pollution typically obscured within reflected sunlight.



This scientific mission represents a collaborative effort between NASA and the <a href="https://pweb.cfa.harvard.edu/about/about-smithsonian-astrophysical-observatory">Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory</a> (SAO) located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-first-images-released">First images released</h2>



The first set of pollution maps released by NASA reveals concentrations of nitrogen dioxide gas emanating from pollution in the vicinity of cities and major transportation routes in North America.&nbsp;



TEMPO analyzes sunlight that is reflected and scattered off the Earth's surface, clouds, and atmosphere. Atmospheric gases absorb the sunlight. This reveals the concentrations of several gases in the air, including nitrogen dioxide.



The visualizations depict six scans conducted between 11:12 a.m. and 5:27 p.m. EDT on August 2, with detailed views highlighting the southwestern U.S. from Los Angeles to Las Vegas; from central and eastern Texas to New Orleans; and the Interstate 95 corridor between New York and Washington.&nbsp;



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="XXQbf8BBed-2968800-12187" type="single"]</div>



This data was collected during TEMPO's "first light" phase from July 31 to August 2, when mission controllers activated the spectrometer to observe the Sun and Earth and initiate a series of tests and solar calibrations.



<h2 id="h-more-about-tempo">More about TEMPO</h2>



“TEMPO is beginning to measure hourly daytime air pollution over greater North America. It measures ozone, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, aerosols, water vapor, and several trace gases. There are already almost 50 science studies being planned that are based around this new way to collect data," said Kelly Chance, SAO senior physicist and TEMPO principal investigator.



Constructed by Ball Aerospace, the TEMPO instrument was integrated with the Maxar-built Intelsat 40e. Since its launch, teams from NASA, Ball Aerospace, and SAO have been meticulously examining and calibrating the satellite's systems and components.&nbsp;



The instrument is scheduled to commence full operations in October, conducting hourly daytime scans and becoming the first instrument to monitor pollution over North America in this manner.



<h2 id="h-revolutionary-performance">Revolutionary performance&nbsp;</h2>



Kevin Daugherty, TEMPO project manager at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, expressed his enthusiasm about the initial data received from the TEMPO instrument and its performance in space.



“We are excited to see the initial data from the TEMPO instrument and that the performance is as good as we could have imagined now that it is operating in space," said Daugherty. "We look forward to completing commissioning of the instrument and then starting science research.”



TEMPO is a component of NASA's Earth Venture Instrument program, which encompasses small, targeted scientific investigations designed to supplement NASA's larger research missions.&nbsp;



Additionally, TEMPO is part of a virtual constellation of air pollution monitors for the Northern Hemisphere, which also includes South Korea’s Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer and the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-4 satellite.



Video Credit: Kel Elkins, Trent Schindler, and Cindy Starr/NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio



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NASA's TEMPO mission will revolutionize air quality monitoring

NASA has unveiled the initial data maps from its groundbreaking...

Researchers have discovered that laughter may indeed be the best medicine for your heart, literally. The study reveals that laughter has a positive impact on heart health by inducing the expansion of heart tissue and enhancing oxygen circulation throughout the body.&nbsp;



These findings suggest that laughter therapy could be a promising intervention for addressing symptoms of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-diet-may-save-your-life-six-key-foods-lower-the-risk-of-heart-disease/">heart disease</a>, particularly in individuals with coronary artery disease.



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



Coronary artery disease is a condition that results from the accumulation of plaque within the arteries that supply blood to the heart.&nbsp;



The study involved twenty-six participants, all diagnosed with coronary artery disease and with an average age of 64.&nbsp;



Over a period of three months, the participants were divided into two groups to investigate the relationship between laughter and heart health.&nbsp;



One group watched hour-long comedy programs twice a week, while the other group watched serious documentaries on topics such as politics and the Amazon rainforest.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



Remarkably, at the end of the 12-week experiment, the group that watched comedy shows exhibited significant improvements in heart health.&nbsp;



The functional capacity of their cardiovascular system was increased by 10 percent. This conclusion was reached following a test that measured the heart's ability to pump oxygen throughout the body.&nbsp;



Moreover, this group displayed improved arterial expansion. Blood tests measuring inflammatory biomarkers showed a significant reduction in plaque-related inflammation, indicating a decreased risk of heart attack or stroke.



<h2 id="h-laughter-therapy">Laughter therapy&nbsp;</h2>



“When patients with coronary artery disease arrive at the hospital, they have a lot of inflammatory biomarkers. Inflammation is a huge part of the process of atherosclerosis, when plaque builds up in the arteries," explained study lead author Professor Marco Saffi of Brazil's Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre.



“This study found that laughter therapy is a good intervention that could help reduce that inflammation and decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke."



“Laughter therapy could be implemented in institutions and health systems like the NHS for patients at risk of heart problems."



"It does not have to be TV programs – people with heart disease could be invited to comedy evenings, or encouraged to enjoy fun evenings with friends and family. People should try to do things that make them laugh at least twice a week.”



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



Professor Saffi suggested that laughter therapy might provide an opportunity to reduce dependence on medication. However, he emphasized that additional research is needed to validate and expand upon these findings.



This study highlights the importance of exploring alternative therapies and lifestyle changes that can contribute to improved heart health and overall well-being.&nbsp;



It serves as a reminder of the profound impact that positive emotions and laughter can have on our physical health, and encourages us to incorporate more joy and laughter into our lives.



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-benefits-of-laughter">More about the benefits of laughter&nbsp;</h2>



Laughter therapy, also known as humor therapy, is a form of therapy that uses the natural physiological process of laughter to help relieve physical or emotional stresses or discomfort.&nbsp;



It's based on the belief that laughter is a powerful and positive form of communication that has physiological benefits.



<h3 id="h-physiological-benefits">Physiological benefits</h3>



<h4 id="h-reduces-stress">Reduces stress</h4>



When you laugh, your body releases endorphins, which are natural stress relievers. It also reduces the level of stress hormones, which can help reduce anxiety and stress.



<h4 id="h-improves-cardiovascular-health">Improves cardiovascular health</h4>



&nbsp;Laughter increases blood flow and improves the function of blood vessels, which can help prevent cardiovascular problems.



<h4 id="h-boosts-immune-system">Boosts immune system</h4>



Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases the production of antibodies and activates immune cells, which helps boost your immune system.



<h4 id="h-relieves-pain">Relieves pain</h4>



Laughing releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers.



<h4 id="h-burns-calories">Burns calories</h4>



One study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories, which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year.



<h4 id="h-improves-respiratory-function">Improves respiratory function</h4>



Laughter helps to clear out your lungs and increase the amount of oxygen in the blood, which can improve your respiratory function.



<h3 id="h-emotional-benefits-of-laughter">Emotional benefits of laughter</h3>



Laughter can help to improve your mood and make you feel happier. Sharing laughter with others can strengthen relationships and improve teamwork.



Furthermore, laughter boosts cognitive function and creativity. It also helps to create a positive mental state to enhance coping skills in difficult situations.



Laughter therapy is used in many hospitals and rehabilitation centers as it has been found to speed up recovery and improve mental health. It is also commonly used in senior centers as it has been shown to improve cognitive function and mental well-being.



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Laughter may be the best medicine for your heart

Researchers have discovered that laughter may indeed be the best...

The shocking weather extremes witnessed around the world in 2023 - including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activities-are-fueling-more-extreme-heatwaves/">heatwaves</a>, wildfires, and floods - are expected to become the norm if dramatic action is not taken to mitigate the climate crisis.



A new study from <a href="https://www.osu.edu/">The Ohio State University</a> has exposed a negative aspect of climate change that has been largely overlooked: an increase in child marriages.



The experts reviewed 20 studies that investigated a potential link between extreme weather and forced child marriages in low- and middle-income countries, primarily in Asia and Africa.



<h2 id="h-compelling-evidence">Compelling evidence&nbsp;</h2>



Overall, the studies provide compelling evidence of the problem, said Fiona Doherty, lead author of the study and a doctoral candidate in social work at Ohio State.



Doherty explained that the effect of extreme weather on child marriages is indirect. “What these disasters do is exacerbate existing problems of gender inequality and poverty that lead families to child marriage as a coping mechanism."



<h2 id="h-child-marriages-will-increase-with-climate-extremes">Child marriages will increase with climate extremes</h2>



The experts report that globally, one in five girls is married before the age of 18, and in lower- and middle-income countries that number jumps to 40 percent.&nbsp;



These numbers will likely grow as climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events around the world, said study co-author Professor Smitha Rao.



“The complexities surrounding child marriage and extreme weather will worsen amid climate change,” said Rao.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The research was focused on 20 studies published between 1990 and 2022. The studies investigated how extreme weather was related to marriages involving children, mostly girls, in low- and middle-income countries.



Some of the natural disasters examined were droughts, floods, cyclones and extreme heat shocks. According to Doherty, the analysis revealed the impacts of disasters on child marriage in a variety of contexts.



For example, the results of a study focused on Bangladesh showed that in years with prolonged heat waves lasting more than 30 days, the likelihood of 11- to 14-year-old girls getting married increased by 50 percent.



<h2 id="h-economic-vulnerability">Economic vulnerability&nbsp;</h2>



“Child marriage is often seen as a coping strategy to reduce economic vulnerability and food insecurity that a family is facing because of a disaster,” Doherty said.



For example, tne study found that girls in Bangladesh were forced to marry after Cyclone Aila to reduce the economic strain on households.



The researchers noted that early marriage is also used as a means to provide additional workers for families.&nbsp;



In Kenya, young brides were sought to help with increased labor demands when a drought threatened water sources and livestock. The girls were needed to walk long distances to find food and water.



<h2 id="h-regional-customs">Regional customs</h2>



The study revealed that customs of bride price and dowry payment were some of the key contributors to the link between child marriage and extreme weather. 



In some regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, the groom’s family pays the bride’s family a "bride price." In these areas, girls were more likely to be forced to marry during droughts and periods of heavy rainfall, according to the analysis.&nbsp;



By contrast, in regions like India where the bride’s family pays a "dowry" to the groom’s family, girls were less likely to get married during a drought year.



<h2 id="h-ripple-effects">Ripple effects</h2>



Beyond economics, studies showed a variety of ripple effects from weather disasters that led to more child marriages, explained Rao.



When communities were displaced by floods and other weather disasters, families often ended up in dangerous camps where young girls were targeted for sexual violence.



“Families sometimes made the choice to get their young daughters married off in these situations to protect them from harassment and sexual violence,” said Rao.



<h2 id="h-education">Education&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers found that education was a key factor that helped protect girls from being forced into marriage.&nbsp;



The analysis showed that girls who were educated were less likely to be married off early. In addition, parents who were more educated were less likely to marry off their daughters. 



While education is one way to help protect against child marriage, Doherty and Rao said more needs to be done, including laws against child marriage.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Furthermore, the experts noted that financial support for families facing economic difficulties could help prevent them from marrying off daughters.



“But we found the main driver of child marriage is gender inequality,” said Doherty. “We need to find ways to empower women and girls with education and financial control that will allow them to make their own decisions.”



<h2 id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers noted that all of the studies they analyzed were focused on low- and middle-income countries – only because they could not find any studies focused on high-income countries.



However, the experts said that weather disasters could also be increasing child marriage in high-income countries, including the United States. 



“We need more research to understand the differences and additional factors that may be affecting the link between extreme weather events and child marriage in other parts of the world, including high-income countries,” said Rao. 



Angelise Radney, a doctoral student in social work at Ohio State, was also a co-author on the study. The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/00208728231186006">International Social Work</a>.



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Extreme weather increases the likelihood of forced child marriages

The shocking weather extremes witnessed around the world in 2023...

Before going to work each day, most people spend the night dreaming, and, according to recent studies, about 40 percent of the working population recalls their dreams on any given morning.&nbsp;



Now, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.nd.edu/">University of Notre Dame</a> has found that, when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dreams-keep-the-brain-from-becoming-too-familiar-with-everyday-life/">dreams</a> are first recalled, people frequently draw meaningful connections between their dreams and waking lives, which can significantly alter how they think, feel, and act at work.



<h2 id="h-feelings-of-awe">Feelings of awe</h2>



“Similar to epiphany, we found that connecting the dots between dreams and reality gives rise to awe - an emotion that sparks a tendency to think about ourselves and our experiences in the grand scheme of things,”&nbsp;said lead author Casher Belinda, an assistant professor of Management at Notre Dame.&nbsp;



“This makes subsequent work stressors seem less daunting, bolstering resilience and productivity throughout the workday.”



“People experience awe when they undergo something vast - something that challenges their understanding or way of thinking about things."



“These experiences can come in different forms, whether physical, such as when witnessing aurora borealis, or conceptual, such as when grasping the implications of a grand theory."



"Awe often borders on the extremes or upper bounds of other emotions, for example, when people experience profound gratitude or admiration. Dreams are conceptually vast experiences that have a striking capacity to elicit feelings of awe.”



<h2 id="h-psychological-benefits">Psychological benefits&nbsp;</h2>



The experts conducted three studies capturing about 5,000 reports of dream recall among full-time employees (a morning-of study, a single-day morning-to-afternoon study, and a two-week experience study).&nbsp;



The investigations revealed that the positive relationships between dreams and waking life persisted even after accounting for how much or how well people slept, suggesting that the psychological benefits of recalling and finding meaning in dream experiences may sometimes offset the physiological consequences of poor sleep.



<h2 id="h-gaining-perspective">Gaining perspective&nbsp;</h2>



Although dreaming seems to have little or no connection to work, these findings indicate that when we recall our dreams, our mundane experience can change substantially.&nbsp;



“We arrive at work shortly after interacting with deceased loved ones, narrowly escaping or failing to escape traumatic events and performing acts of immeasurable ability. Regardless of our personal beliefs about dreams, these experiences bleed into and affect our waking lives — including how productive we are at work,” Belinda explained.



For instance, if someone recalls an awe-inspiring or meaningful dream in the morning, and then, in the afternoon, their supervisor asks them for an unexpected amount of extra-work, they might consider this less frustrating than usual since their dream may have put everything into a larger perspective.&nbsp;



“Harnessing the benefits of awe may prove invaluable to organizations,” Belinda said. “And one of our primary goals was to understand how to do so.”



<h2 id="h-increasing-the-frequency-of-awe-inspiring-dreams">Increasing the frequency of awe-inspiring dreams&nbsp;</h2>



First, reaping the most benefits from dreams requires a good night’s sleep. Although dreams occur in all stages of sleep and are impactful regardless of sleep habits, the most vivid dreams – which are most likely to have a deeper meaning and create a sense of awe after waking up – occur during REM sleep.&nbsp;



Since this type of sleep takes place late during a sleep cycle, getting a sufficient amount of high-quality sleep is essential to get the most out of our dreams. 



Sleep-tracking devices indicating when and how much time we spend in REM sleep could help improve sleep schedules and increase the chances of having awe-inspiring dreams.&nbsp;



“Also, keep a dream journal to allow meaningful dreams to stick with you,” Belinda added. “Recording dreams gives them repeated opportunities to elicit beneficial emotions and make connections between dreams.”&nbsp;



Thus, for both managers and employees, promoting the “awe experience” at the workplace can be highly beneficial. 



According to the scientists, in addition to dreams, other elicitors may include nature, art, music, or exposure to senior, charismatic leaders, all of which can increase productivity and enjoyment at work.



The study is published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2021.0377">Academy of Management Journal</a>.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Meaningful dream experiences can boost your work productivity

Before going to work each day, most people spend the...

As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-ice-cycles-show-impacts-of-climate-change/">sea ice</a> in the Arctic continues to melt at an accelerated pace, sunlight is now reaching deeper into the ocean. Since marine zooplankton – tiny organisms that drift with the ocean currents - react to the available light, this phenomenon is also changing their behavior, particularly how they rise and fall within the water column.&nbsp;



According to a recent study led by the <a href="https://www.awi.de/en/">Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research</a> (AWI), thinning sea ice could soon lead to more frequent food shortages for the zooplankton, as well as negative effects for larger species such as seals or whales.



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



Due to climate change, the extent and thickness of sea ice are currently declining. As the most recent measurements show, the mean sea ice extent is decreasing at a rate of 13 percent per decade and, by 2030, the North Pole could see its first ice-free summer.&nbsp;



As a result, the physical conditions for a variety of animal species inhabiting the Arctic Ocean are also radically changing. For instance, since due to less and thinner sea ice sunlight can penetrate much farther below the ocean surface, the growth of microalgae in the water and ice can increase substantially.&nbsp;



However, how such changing light conditions are impacting higher trophic levels, such as zooplankton (which feed in part on microalgae) remains poorly understood.



<h2 id="h-daily-migration-of-zooplankton">Daily migration of zooplankton&nbsp;</h2>



“Every day, the largest-scale mass movement of organisms on our planet takes place in the ocean – the daily migration of the zooplankton, which include tiny copepods and krill," said study study lead author Hauke Flores, a biologist at AWI.



"At night, the zooplankton rise near the water’s surface to feed. When day comes, they migrate back to the deep, keeping them safe from predators."



"Although the individual organisms are minuscule, taken together this constitutes a tremendous daily vertical motion of biomass within the water column."



“But in the polar regions, the migration is different – it’s seasonal; in other words, the zooplankton follow a seasonal cycle."&nbsp;



"During the months-long brightness of the Polar Day in summer, they remain in the deep; during the months-long darkness of the Polar Night in winter, part of the zooplankton rise and remain in the near-surface water just below the ice.”



<h2 id="h-migrations-are-driven-by-sunlight">Migrations are driven by sunlight</h2>



According to the experts, both the daily migration at lower latitudes and the seasonal migration at the poles are mainly driven by sunlight, with zooplankton usually enjoying twilight conditions, and preferring to stay below a certain light intensity (known as critical irradiance).&nbsp;



When the intensity of sunlight changes – either in the course of a day or during seasonal shifts – the zooplankton migrate to places where they can find their preferred light conditions, rising or sinking in the water column.&nbsp;



“Particularly when it comes to the topmost 20 meters of the water column, just below the sea ice, there was no available data on the zooplankton,” Flores said.&nbsp;



“But it’s precisely this hard-to-reach area that’s most interesting, because it’s in and just below the ice where the microalgae that the zooplankton feed on grow.”&nbsp;



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



To investigate this region, the scientists designed and built an autonomous biophysical observatory, which they then moored below the ice during the <a href="https://mosaic-expedition.org/">MOSAiC expedition</a> with the research icebreaker <a href="https://www.awi.de/en/expedition/research-vessel-and-cutter/polarstern.html">Polarstern</a> in September 2020.&nbsp;



Far from any light pollution caused by human activities, this system succeeded in continually measuring the light intensity below the ice, along with the movements of zooplankton.



“Based on our readings, we identified an extremely low critical irradiance for the zooplankton: 0.00024 watts per square meter,”&nbsp;Flores reported. “We then fed this parameter into our computer models for simulating the sea-ice system."&nbsp;



"This allowed us to project, for a range of climate scenarios, how the depth of this irradiance level would change by the middle of this century if the sea ice grew thinner and thinner due to climate change.”



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



The investigation revealed that, due to steady declines in ice thickness, the critical irradiance level would drop to greater depths earlier in the year, and would take a longer time to return to the surface layer.&nbsp;



Since the zooplankton typically remain in waters below this critical level, their movements would mirror such changes.&nbsp;



Thus, in the future, these tiny creatures will likely remain at greater depths for longer periods of time, with the time spent near the surface below the ice in winter considerably decreasing.



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



“In warmer future climates, the ice will form later in the autumn, resulting in reduced ice-algae production. This, in combination with their delayed rise to the surface, could lead to more frequent food shortages for the zooplankton in winter," said Flores.



"At the same time, if the zooplankton rise earlier in the spring, it could endanger the larvae of ecologically important zooplankton species living at deeper levels, more of which could then be eaten by the adults."



“Altogether, our study points to a previously overlooked mechanism that could further reduce Arctic zooplankton’s chances of survival in the near future. If that comes to pass, it will have fatal consequences for the entire ecosystem, including seals, whales and polar bears."&nbsp;



"But our simulations also show that the impact on vertical migration will be much less pronounced if the 1.5-degree target can be reached than if greenhouse-gas emissions rise unchecked. Accordingly, every tenth of a degree of anthropogenic warming that can be avoided is critical for the Arctic ecosystem."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01779-1">Nature Climate Change</a>.



—



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Sea ice decline changes the behavior of zooplankton

As sea ice in the Arctic continues to melt at...

For many, Kencur ginger is simply an aromatic addition to their culinary repertoire, adding a unique twist to various dishes. For others, it's a tried-and-true herbal remedy, ideal for soothing an upset stomach. But recent discoveries indicate that there’s more to this tropical plant, native to Southeast Asia, than meets the eye.



Kencur belongs to the ginger family, a group of plants celebrated for their medicinal properties. But an intriguing <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17588">study</a> from <a href="https://www.omu.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osaka Metropolitan University</a> suggests this particular relative might offer even more in the realm of health benefits. Preliminary findings reveal that Kencur might be a weapon in the ongoing battle against cancer.



Leading the research is Associate Professor Akiko Kojima of the Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology. Under her guidance, the team delved into the plant's molecular components and their effects on cancer cells.



<h2 id="h-kencur-extract-and-emc">Kencur extract and EMC</h2>



What they found was more than just promising, it was potentially revolutionary. Their experiments showed that Kencur extract, and more specifically its main active component called ethyl p-methoxycinnamate (EMC), had a pronounced effect in suppressing cancer cell growth.



<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17588">These findings</a> weren't limited to just petri dishes either. The suppressive effects were observed in animal tests as well.



This isn’t the first time scientists have eyed EMC with interest. Prior research hinted at its anti-cancer potential, especially concerning its ability to decrease the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM).



This particular factor has been closely associated with cancer cell proliferation. Yet, despite these initial findings, the exact mechanism through which EMC exerted its effects remained shrouded in mystery. Professor Kojima's team aimed to shed light on this conundrum.



<h2>Potential new frontier in cancer treatment</h2>



In a conversation about the significance of the findings, Professor Kojima remarked, “The results of this study confirm the anti-cancer effects of Kencur extract and its main active ingredient, EMC. It is highly expected that TFAM will become a new marker for anti-cancer effects in the future as research advances in related fields.”



The discovery has implications that might extend far beyond the laboratory. If further research continues to support these findings, we could be looking at a new frontier in cancer treatment. This unassuming plant from Southeast Asia, previously known for its flavor and soothing properties, might just find its way into oncology centers around the world.



The scientific community, and indeed the world, will be watching closely as Professor Kojima and her team delve deeper into Kencur’s potential. If Kencur proves to be as effective in human trials as it has in early studies, this age-old spice might just earn a new reputation – not just as a flavor enhancer, but as a life-saver.



<h2>More about Kencur ginger</h2>



Kencur, scientifically known as Kaempferia galanga, is a plant from the Zingiberaceae family, the same family as <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/ginger-root-uses-earthpedia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ginger</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/5-great-anti-inflammatory-herbs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turmeric</a>. 



Native to Southeast Asia, Kencur is also known by various other names. These include aromatic ginger, sand ginger, cutcherry, and resurrection lily. The plant and its rhizome have been used traditionally in a variety of ways, both culinarily and medicinally.



Here's a breakdown of what's known about Kencur:



<h3>Appearance</h3>



The plant has wide leaves and grows low to the ground. Its rhizomes (underground stems) are small, tuberous, and aromatic. The plant also produces small flowers which are typically white or light purple.



<h3>Culinary uses</h3>



Flavor: Kencur has a distinct taste. It's spicy, a bit peppery, and has a camphor-like aroma.



Use in Dishes: The rhizome is often used in traditional Southeast Asian cuisine. It's a key ingredient in dishes like "jamu" in Indonesia and "som khaek" in Thailand.



Preparation: Kencur can be used fresh, dried, or powdered. Its intense flavor means it's typically used sparingly.



<h3>Medicinal uses of EMC</h3>



Kencur has been employed in traditional medicine across several cultures, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.



It's believed to have a range of health benefits, including as an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-microbial agent. The plant has also been used for stomach problems, respiratory issues, and to boost the immune system.



As mentioned above, recent research has indicated that Kencur might have potential anti-cancer properties, particularly due to its component, ethyl p-methoxycinnamate (EMC).



<h3>Other uses</h3>



Apart from culinary and medicinal uses, Kencur's aromatic properties mean it's sometimes found in cosmetics and perfumes. It has also been used in traditional rituals and ceremonies in some cultures.



<h3>Active compounds</h3>



Kencur contains several bioactive compounds, with ethyl p-methoxycinnamate (EMC) being one of the most studied. Other phytochemicals present in the plant include flavonoids, terpenoids, and essential oils.



<h3>Cultivation</h3>



Kencur prefers tropical and subtropical climates and is grown in several countries across Southeast Asia. It can be propagated from small sections of its rhizome, which are planted in well-draining soil and typically harvested after 8-10 months.



In summary, while Kencur might not be as globally renowned as its relatives like ginger or turmeric, its rich history in Southeast Asian culture and the emerging research around its potential health benefits mean it's a plant worth noting. 



As with many traditional medicines, while early indications of its health benefits are promising, further rigorous scientific research is necessary to substantiate many of these claims.



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Anti-cancer effects discovered in Kencur ginger that could revolutionize treatment

For many, Kencur ginger is simply an aromatic addition to...

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



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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 



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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