For decades, researchers have questioned whether boys and girls are born with the same natural ability in math. In 2005, cognitive psychologist Elizabeth Spelke took a firm stand, stating that there are no differences in overall intrinsic aptitude for science and mathematics among women and men.



Now, the evidence is even stronger. In a new study, researchers from <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a> and several institutions across France examined math performance in more than 2.5 million French schoolchildren. 



The team found that at the very beginning of first grade, boys and girls start off nearly equal in math. But just four months into formal math instruction, a small gap appears - and it keeps growing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nationwide-study-tracks-the-math-gap">Nationwide study tracks the math gap</h2>



The research draws on a French government testing program that was launched in 2018. This nationwide effort tracked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reminiscing-can-boost-language-development-in-preschoolers/">language</a> and math skills of young students from first through sixth grade. 



Over five years and across four student cohorts, the program gave researchers an unmatched view of early math development.



At school entry, French girls scored slightly better than boys in language. Math scores, though, were essentially the same. 



"The headline conclusion is that the gender gap emerges when systematic instruction in mathematics begins," Spelke explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-for-gender-differences">Looking for gender differences </h2>



Spelke had already spent decades studying how young children understand numbers and shapes. Back in 2005, she wrote a major review for American Psychologist. The piece challenged the notion that boys are biologically wired for better math performance than girls.



"My argument was, 'OK, if there really were biological differences, maybe we would see them in the infancy period,'" said Spelke. 



She and her team always tracked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-children-learn-gender-stereotypes-from-storybooks/">gender</a> in their studies, but they never found infant boys outperforming girls in math, or vice versa. Still, Spelke admitted that something could be happening later in development.



"The fact that there are no differences in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conscious-awareness-when-does-our-sense-of-purpose-emerge/">infants</a> could be because the abilities that show gender effects actually emerge during preschool," she proposed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-math-instruction-for-boys-and-girls">Math instruction for boys and girls</h2>



In recent years, Spelke has turned her attention to how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-better-way-for-kids-to-learn-math/">children learn counting</a> and numbers in real classrooms. 



Spelke partnered with Nobel Prize-winning MIT economist Esther Duflo to advise the Delhi office of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL). The team is helping four Indian states create and test math lessons for children in preschool through first grade.



In France, she works alongside her longtime collaborator, neuroscientist Stanislas Dehaene. Together, they serve on the French Ministry of Education's Scientific Council, which helped develop the EvalAide testing program. 



The idea was simple: measure where every child stands in math and language and use that data to guide better teaching.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gender-gap-emerges-in-math">Gender gap emerges in math</h2>



For this study, the team analyzed data from four full cohorts of first-graders entering school between 2018 and 2021. 



What they found was consistent: no math gap at the time of school entry, a small but significant gap favoring boys after four months, and a steadily widening gap by second, fourth, and even sixth grade.



"It was even bigger in fourth grade," Spelke said. "And in sixth grade it was bigger still."



Interestingly, the gender gap in language shrank slightly after the first few months of school and stayed relatively stable in later years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ruling-out-old-explanations">Ruling out old explanations</h2>



So why does the math gap grow with time in school? The researchers ruled out several familiar theories.



"If there was really a pervasive social bias, and the parents were susceptible to it, we would expect boys to be more oriented toward spatial and numerical tasks when they first got to school," said Spelke.



But that didn’t happen. At school entry, there was no math gap. This points away from both biological and early social bias explanations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-experiment-during-the-pandemic">An experiment during the pandemic </h2>



The EvalAide dataset offered other insights. French first-graders can be nearly a year apart in age, depending on when their birthday falls. 



The team wondered if the older students were skewing results. They weren’t. The widening gender gap aligned more closely with time spent in school than with age.



Then came an unusual variable: COVID-19. The 2019 cohort missed the final 2.5 months of first grade due to lockdowns. That gap year created a natural experiment.



"With less time in school, the amount of the gender gap grew by less than it did in the other years where there wasn't a long school closure," said Spelke.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-confirming-the-math-gender-gap">Confirming the math gender gap</h2>



The cohort also began school just after a national education crisis. In early 2019, French students had scored <a href="https://www.polytechnique-insights.com/en/braincamps/society/how-to-improve-the-relationship-between-education-and-employment/maths-an-essential-subject-whose-level-is-falling-in-a-majority-of-countries/#:~:text=In%202003%2C%2015%25%20of%20French,European%20average%20of%20527%20points.">lowest</a> among 23 European countries in math, according to international rankings. 



In response, the French Education Ministry - guided by its Scientific Council - called for more math teaching in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-pandemic-setbacks-reduced-kindergarten-readiness/">kindergarten</a>.



Sure enough, a tiny math gender gap appeared in fall 2019 among new first-graders. That gap hadn’t shown up in 2018 but was still present in 2020 and 2021.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-problems-in-early-math-instruction">Problems in early math instruction </h2>



The study doesn't pinpoint a single cause, but its message is clear: differences in math achievement between boys and girls seem to grow as a result of what happens in early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/schools-are-in-a-battle-with-cell-phones-to-keep-students-engaged/">school</a> instruction.



"We still don't know what that is exactly," Spelke said. "But now we have a chance to find out by randomized evaluations of changes to the curriculum."



The findings put pressure on education systems to ask hard questions about how math is taught in the early years - and what needs to change to make it fair for everyone.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09126-4">Nature</a>.



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Early math instruction may unintentionally favor boys

For decades, researchers have questioned whether boys and girls are born with the same natural ability in math. In 2005, cognitive psychologist Elizabeth Spelke took a firm stand, stating that there are no differences in overall intrinsic aptitude for science and mathematics among women and men. Now, the evidence is even stronger. In a new study, researchers from Harvard University and several institutions across France examined math performance in more than 2.5 million French schoolchildren. The team found that at the very beginning of first grade, boys...

New research from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> reveals that lapwings, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-threatens-turtle-breeding-grounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ground-nesting</a> birds, have evolved unique methods to remain hidden from their predators.



<h2 id="h-clever-strategies">Clever strategies</h2>



Amidst the vast expanse of open fields, one might wonder how ground-nesting birds protect their nests from predators. The answer, according to recent research, lies in the birds' innovative use of terrain and surroundings.&nbsp;



Lapwings, in particular, have demonstrated an impressive knack for using these natural features to hide in plain sight.



<h2 id="h-decline-of-ground-nesting-birds">Decline of ground-nesting birds</h2>



Ground-nesting species across the world are in a state of decline, and various factors have driven this decline. Land management changes, such as intensive farming and urban development, have considerably impacted their habitats.&nbsp;



A surge in the populations of predators like foxes and crows exacerbates the problem. These predators are a significant threat to the eggs and chicks, leading to reduced bird populations and the failure of conservation projects aimed at preserving these species.



<h2 id="h-lapwing-nesting-habits">Lapwing nesting habits</h2>



The Exeter team set out to investigate the nesting habits of lapwings to better understand their survival tactics. The study primarily focused on the visibility or "occlusion" of lapwing nests.&nbsp;



Using advanced models that emulate the vision and viewing angles of predators, the experts assessed the effectiveness of lapwing camouflage techniques.



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



The findings are fascinating. Even in open fields, lapwings have mastered the art of hiding their eggs by exploiting small variations in the terrain.&nbsp;



Such variations make the eggs practically invisible to ground-based predators like foxes if they are further than approximately 1.5 meters away.



“Like children playing hide and seek, lapwings use cover to complement their camouflage,” said study lead author George Hancock, from the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall.



“If a nest is properly concealed in this way, it doesn’t matter how good a predator’s vision is - they simply won’t be able to see it until they are nearly on top of it.



“Nests and eggs are also camouflaged – blending in with their surroundings by matching their backgrounds colour and pattern – but it appears this is a secondary defense.”



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



Hancock collaborated with the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) and used smart phone 3D scanners to measure the shape and height of lapwing nests and their surroundings.



Specialized cameras were used to measure camouflage from the perspective of the lapwing’s predators (foxes, crows and raptors), which can see ultraviolet light.



“Lapwings tended to choose uneven ground for their nests,” said Hancock. “They selected slightly elevated positions, reducing risk of flooding and allowing them to see predators – without being so high as to stand out to predators.”



<h2 id="h-conservation-efforts">Conservation efforts</h2>



Lapwing populations have more than halved since the 1970s. This research provides crucial insights for their conservation.&nbsp;



Understanding the natural defense mechanisms of these birds can aid in designing better and more effective conservation strategies.



For instance, ensuring that natural terrains with variations are preserved or even created could enhance the safety of these nests.&nbsp;



Furthermore, this knowledge can be applied to other ground-nesting species, potentially reversing the decline seen in their numbers.



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



“Habitat variation appears to be crucial for allowing lapwings choice in where to nest,” Hancock explained. “The growth of intensive agriculture has left ground-nesting birds with poorer choices of where to nest.



“Grazed fields provide good habitat, as long as they’re not overstocked with too many grazing animals. New technology is allowing us to better measure how animals see and view the world.



“Tilled fields can provide really good camouflage for eggs which match the bare earth and can be concealed by the rough geometry, but might be problematic for chicks which are more exposed.”



By providing habitats that compliment lapwing camouflage, Hancock said conservation managers could use “nature’s toolkit” – in addition to direct predator control – to help lapwings breed successfully.



The study was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council and GWCT. The findings are published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ECE3.10471" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Lapwings are masters of camouflage, hiding in plain sight

New research from the University of Exeter reveals that lapwings,...

The old saying about all work and no play has finally been put to the test and the results are in: it might actually be true.&nbsp;



This is according to a new study on work-life balance led by Dr. Paul Hanel, an assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.essex.ac.uk/">University of Essex</a>.&nbsp;



The research suggests that balancing work and play may be the secret to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-the-path-to-happiness-the-science-is-still-not-clear/">happiness</a> and life satisfaction.



<h2 id="h-overemphasizing-achievement">Overemphasizing achievement&nbsp;</h2>



The study, which spanned across three countries - India, Turkey, and the UK, revealed that individuals who prioritized achievement over enjoyment reported being less content.



<h2 id="h-valuing-freedom">Valuing Freedom</h2>



In addition, those who aimed for autonomy experienced a 13 percent surge in their overall well-being. Notably, these individuals also reported enhanced sleep quality and a heightened sense of life satisfaction.



<h2 id="h-engaging-in-hobbies">Engaging in hobbies</h2>



Participants who took out time to unwind and indulge in their hobbies noted an 8 percent increase in well-being. Moreover, these individuals experienced a substantial 10 percent reduction in stress and anxiety levels.



Dr. Hanel said: “We all know the old saying ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ and this study shows it might actually be true."



“There is no benefit to well-being in prioritizing achievement over fun and autonomy."



<h2 id="h-maintaining-a-balanced-life">Maintaining a balanced life&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Hanel emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced life, stating that doing so might inadvertently lead to more success.&nbsp;



“This research shows that there are real benefits to having a balanced life and taking time to focus on enjoying ourselves and following individual goals."



“Ironically by doing this, people could in fact be more successful as they will be more relaxed, happier and satisfied.”



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



Over 180 participants filled out diaries over a period of nine days, recording how different values influenced their moods and overall mental state. Regardless of nationality, the results were consistent.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-happiness-levels">Happiness levels</h2>



Emphasizing values of "hedonism" and "self-direction" was directly correlated with increased happiness. On the other hand, values revolving around "achievement" and "conformity" did not affect happiness levels.



However, the team believes that the value of achievement might be linked to happiness when associated with job satisfaction or the frequency of workdays.



<h2 id="h-achievement-oriented-values">Achievement-oriented values&nbsp;</h2>



Professor Greg Maio from the University of Bath, who collaborated on the research, mentioned how in today's society, where achievement-oriented values dominate a large chunk of our lives, there's an evident need to value freedom and other similar values to establish a balanced life.



“This multination project was an exciting foray into questions about how values affect well-being in day-to-day life. People often spend most of their days working hard for their daily income, studies, and careers."



“Against this backdrop, where achievement-oriented values have ring-fenced a great portion of our time, we found that it helps to value freedom and other values just enough to bring in balance and recovery."



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



“In the future, it will be interesting to consider how this pattern interacts with relevant traits, such as conscientiousness, and situational contexts, such as type of employment," said Professor Maio.



The experts hope their research will influence mental health provision and inform therapeutic interventions.



“Our research further shows that it might be more important to focus on increasing happiness rather than reducing anxiety and stress, which is of course also important, just not as much," said Dr. Hanel.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12869">Journal of Personality</a>.



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All work and no play? Striking the balance may be the key to life satisfaction 

The old saying about all work and no play has...

Researchers at <a href="https://www.yorku.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">York University</a> have discovered the profound influence of maternal care on the development, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mothers-hardships-are-reflected-in-their-childs-gut-microbiome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiome</a>, and overall health of carpenter bees. 



Contrary to popular belief, most wild bees lead solitary lives. But among these solitary creatures, the carpenter bee stands out. These tiny bees nurture and care for their offspring like human mothers.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-tremendous-health-benefits">Tremendous health benefits&nbsp;</h2>



Maternal care provides tremendous benefits to the microbiome, development, and overall health of the young carpenter bees. It shields the bees from harmful pathogens during crucial stages of development.&nbsp;



In fact, the absence of maternal care results in an alarming increase in pathogen loads. The researchers found that 85 percent of these pathogens were fungi, while 8 percent were bacteria.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-developmental-changes">Developmental changes&nbsp;</h2>



Such an imbalance drastically affects the bees' microbiome, which is vital for their health. It impacts not just their immune system and gene expression but can lead to developmental changes in their brain, eyes, and even behavior.&nbsp;



One notable fungus, Aspergillus, induces the lethal stonebrood disease in honey bees, turning them into mummified versions of their former selves.



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



During the course of the study, researchers closely observed the carpenter bees through four distinct developmental stages, starting from the larvae stage.&nbsp;



The team compared and contrasted the effects of the presence and absence of maternal care on these stages.



<h2 id="h-overall-health">Overall health</h2>



The experts report that a lack of maternal care in the later stages of life causes a diminished microbiome in carpenter bees, which raises their vulnerability to diseases and adversely affects their general health.



The research also highlighted how gene expression or suppression, and the regulation thereof, combined with disease loads and maternal care, play a pivotal role in affecting the bee's microbiome and overall health.



“We are documenting the shifts in development, the shifts in disease loads, and it is a big deal because in wild bees there is a lot less known about their disease loads. We are highlighting all of these factors for the first time,” said senior author Sandra Rehan, a professor in York’s Faculty of Science.



<h2 id="h-critical-early-stages">Critical early stages</h2>



Being single mothers, carpenter bees construct one nest annually within the core of deceased plant stems. Here, from spring to fall, they give birth and look after their young diligently.&nbsp;



However, any factor disrupting the mother from tending to her offspring, such as excessive pruning during spring or fall, escalates the risks of nest predation and parasitism, with dire consequences for the young.



“We found really striking shifts in the earliest stages, which was surprising as we didn’t expect that stage to be the most significantly changed,” said study lead author Katherine Chau.&nbsp;



“Looking at gene expression of these bees you can see how the slightest dysregulation early in development cascades through their whole formation. It is all interconnected and shows how vital maternal care is in early childhood development.”



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



This research emphasizes the importance of maternal care in the wild bee's life and the broader implications it holds for their development and overall health.&nbsp;



“It is a complex paper that provides layers of data and shows the power of genomics as a tool,” said Rehan. “It allows us to document the interactions between host and environment. I think that is the power of this approach and the new technologies and techniques that we are developing.”



Rehan hopes the research will give people more insight into the hidden life of bees and their vast differences, but also similarities.&nbsp;



“Often people see bees as a monolith, but when you understand the complexity of bees and that there are wild bees and managed bees, people are more likely to care about bee diversity."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/commsbio/">Communications Biology</a>. 



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Maternal care provides lifelong health benefits to carpenter bees

Researchers at York University have discovered the profound influence of...

Many of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-bacteria-can-help-farmers-control-crop-diseases/">bacteria</a> that compromise crops and jeopardize our food sources deploy a common strategy to cause disease: they release a blend of detrimental proteins straight into the plant cells.&nbsp;



For over two decades, a team of researchers from <a href="https://duke.edu/">Duke University</a> has been studying this set of molecules that plant pathogens use to cause diseases in a variety of crops worldwide, ranging from rice to apple trees.&nbsp;



Now, a collective initiative from three collaborating research teams may have found the answer to how these molecules induce illness in plants, while providing a possible method to neutralize them.&nbsp;



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



The researchers examined key elements of this deadly blend, focusing on a group of injected proteins named AvrE/DspE. These proteins are accountable for diseases like brown spot in beans, bacterial speck in tomatoes, and fire blight in fruit trees.



Since its discovery in the early 1990s, this protein group has grabbed the attention of many experts in plant disease. Because these proteins are a vital tool for bacteria, deactivating them in controlled settings renders the bacteria harmless.&nbsp;



Yet, despite decades of research, the exact mechanisms through which they infect plant cells have remained elusive.



<h2 id="h-weird-proteins">Weird proteins&nbsp;</h2>



Now, the scientists managed to identify several proteins in the AvrE/DspE group that suppressed the plants’ defense mechanisms, often leading to distinct, waterlogged spots on their leaves, which is a telltale sign of disease.&nbsp;



While the sequence of amino acids that linked to form the proteins was already understood, the three-dimensional folding of these sequences remained a mystery.



A notable challenge was the sheer size of the proteins: while a typical bacterial protein might contain around 300 amino acids, the proteins from the AvrE/DspE family boast a staggering 2000. Moreover, efforts to find proteins with similar sequences proved fruitless. “They’re weird proteins,” said senior author Sheng Yang He, a biologist at Duke.



<h2 id="h-artificial-intelligence">Artificial intelligence</h2>



To address this problem, the researchers used a 2021 computer program named AlphaFold2, which employs artificial intelligence to predict the 3D formation of a particular amino acid sequence.&nbsp;



While the experts already knew that some members of this family help the bacteria evade the plants’ immune systems, a first look into the proteins’ 3D design suggested they have an additional role.&nbsp;



“When we first saw the model, it was nothing like what we had thought,” confessed Pei Zhou, a professor of Biochemistry at Duke who collaborated with the study authors.



AI predictions for bacterial proteins impacting crops like pears, apples, tomatoes, and corn, all hinted at a consistent 3D design, resembling a tiny mushroom with a tubular stem. This predicted shape matched up with images of a protein responsible for fire blight disease in fruit trees, which were captured via a cryo-electron microscope.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-intriguing-new-theory">Intriguing new theory&nbsp;</h2>



Seen from above, the protein was highly similar to an empty hollow tube. This led researchers to an intriguing hypothesis: perhaps bacteria employ these proteins to puncture the plant cell membrane, or, as He argued, to “force the host for a drink” during infection.



Once they enter the leaves, the bacteria first encounter an intercellular area called the apoplast. Plants typically maintain this space in a dry state, facilitating gas exchanges that are crucial for photosynthesis. However, during bacterial invasion, the inside of the leaves becomes waterlogged, making it ripe for bacterial sustenance and proliferation.



Further probing into the predicted 3D model for the fire blight-causing protein revealed that while the exterior of this tubular form repelled water, its inner core had an increased affinity for water.



<h2 id="h-testing-the-hypothesis">Testing the hypothesis</h2>



To test this “water channel hypothesis,” the researchers collaborated with Duke’s biology experts Ke Dong and Felipe Andreazza, who added the gene readouts for the bacterial proteins AvrE and DspE to frog eggs, converting these eggs into protein factories. Once introduced into a saline environment, the eggs expanded due to excessive water and subsequently ruptured.



In their quest to neutralize the damaging proteins by blocking their channels, the experts focused on a type of minute spherical nanoparticles known as PAMAM dendrimers. These particles have been used for decades in drug delivery and can be designed with precision in the lab.



“We were tinkering with the hypothesis that if we found the right diameter chemical, maybe we could block the pore,” He explained.



<h2 id="h-remarkable-discovery">Remarkable discovery</h2>



After testing different sized particles, they identified one with the right size to obstruct the water channel protein from the fire blight bacterium, Erwinia amylovora.&nbsp;



By taking frog eggs designed to synthetize this protein and dousing them with the PAMAM nanoparticles, they managed to successfully stop the water flowing into the eggs.



Similar tests on Arabidopsis plants afflicted with the Pseudomonas syringae bacterium - a known cause of bacterial speck - confirmed the nanoparticles’ efficacy. These particles successfully stopped the bacteria from taking hold, reducing its concentration in plant leaves by a hundredfold.



Tests were extended to pear fruits exposed to fire blight causing bacteria. Remarkably, the fruits remained healthy and symptom-free. “It was a long shot, but it worked,” He said. “We’re excited about this.”



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



According to the experts, these findings could prove revolutionary in combating numerous plant diseases. While plants contribute to 80 percent of our diet, over 10 percent of global crop yield, including crops such as wheat, rice, maize, potato, and soybean, succumb to pests and pathogens each year, leading to a staggering economic loss of $220 billion.



In future research, the scientists plan to clarify how this protection works by examining more closely how the channel-blocking nanoparticles and the channel proteins interact.



“If we can image those structures, we can have a better understanding and come up with better designs for crop protection,” Zhou concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06531-5">Nature</a>.



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Crop disease: Experts discover how bacteria hijack plant cells

Many of the bacteria that compromise crops and jeopardize our...

Industry,Pollution,Environment,Concept,As,A,Human,Head,Shaped,As

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-that-climate-change-is-caused-by-human-activities/">Human activities</a> are inching dangerously close to triggering dramatic changes in Earth’s environmental conditions.&nbsp;According to a new study published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adh2458?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D19497807440487755780687919033919271016%7CMCORGID%3D242B6472541199F70A4C98A6%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1694629855" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>, humans have now surpassed six of the nine planetary boundaries that make Earth habitable.



<h2 id="h-planetary-boundaries">Planetary boundaries&nbsp;</h2>



The planetary boundaries were introduced in 2009 to define the global environmental limits within which humans can safely live.&nbsp;



Johan Rockström, former director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre, led a group of 28 renowned scientists to identify the nine processes that regulate the stability and resilience of the Earth system



<h2 id="h-framework-update">Framework update</h2>



In a study led by Professor Katherine Richardson of the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a>, experts analyzed the degree of breaching of the safe boundary levels caused by human-driven activities.&nbsp;



The research, which represents the third update of the framework, was carried out by twenty-nine scientists from eight different countries.



"This planetary boundaries framework update finds that six of the nine boundaries are transgressed, suggesting that Earth is now well outside of the safe operating space for humanity," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the experts report that transgression is increasing for all boundaries except the degradation of the Earth’s ozone layer.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-clear-warning-signal">Clear warning signal&nbsp;</h2>



The trend of increasing transgression of the boundaries is worrying, said Professor Richardson. "Crossing six boundaries in itself does not necessarily imply a disaster will ensue but it is a clear warning signal."&nbsp;



"We can regard it as we do our own blood pressure. A BP over 120/80 is not a guarantee of a heart attack but it increases the risk of one. Therefore, we try to bring it down. For our own – and our children’s – sakes we need to reduce the pressure on these six planetary boundaries."



<h2 id="h-integrity-of-the-biosphere">Integrity of the biosphere&nbsp;</h2>



Rockström, who is now the director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), said that focus on human-caused climate change is not enough if we want to protect the Earth system from irreversible harm.



"Next to climate change, integrity of the biosphere is the second pillar of stability of our planet. Our research shows that mitigating global warming and saving a functional biosphere for the future have to go hand in hand," added co-author Wolfgang Lucht.



<h2 id="h-biodiversity-loss">Biodiversity loss</h2>



According to Professor Richardson, the study shows that humans are appropriating the equivalent of ~30% of the energy that was available to support biodiversity before the Industrial Revolution.



"Surely, the removal of so much of the energy that otherwise would have been available to nature must be a driver of biodiversity loss. Therefore, we propose the adoption of Human Appropriation of Net Primary Production (HANPP), i.e., biomass use, as one of two metrics when assessing human impacts on biodiversity," said Professor Richardson.



<h2 id="h-a-guide-for-action">A guide for action</h2>



"A world that develops within science-defined boundaries is the only way to navigate our current situation with rising, potentially catastrophic risks, at the planetary scale. We already recognize this on climate, where the Paris agreement has adopted the climate planetary boundary of holding the 1.5°C limit," said Rockström.



"Similarly, the world has accepted the planetary boundary on biodiversity, when decided at the 2022 Montreal-Kunming COP15, to halt and reverse biodiversity loss on land and in the ocean."



"Our study shows, however, that this is by far not enough. The planetary boundaries science provides a ‘guide for action’ if we truly want to secure prosperity and equity for all on Earth, and this goes well beyond climate only, requiring novel Earth system modelling and analysis, and systematic efforts to protect, recover and rebuild planetary resilience.”



Katherine Richardson hopes the study will serve as a wake-up call and increase focus on the necessity of limiting our impacts on the planet in order to preserve and protect the Earth conditions that allow advanced human societies to flourish.



<h2>More about planetary boundaries</h2>



As our planet faces unprecedented environmental challenges, understanding and respecting planetary boundaries becomes critical. These boundaries highlight the limits within which humanity can operate sustainably, without causing irreversible damage to Earth's systems.



<h3>Defining planetary boundaries</h3>



Planetary boundaries are thresholds of environmental indicators that, when crossed, risk destabilizing the planet's equilibrium. As mentioned above, they were developed by a group of international scientists in 2009, outlining nine crucial systems that maintain Earth's stability.



<h3>The nine boundaries</h3>



Climate Change: Greenhouse gas concentrations, primarily CO2, are the primary metric here. Exceeding the recommended levels risks amplifying global warming.



Ocean Acidification: Oceans absorb CO2, leading to decreased pH levels. This boundary measures the carbonate ion concentration, vital for marine life like corals.



Stratospheric Ozone Depletion: The ozone layer protects life from harmful ultraviolet radiation. This boundary emphasizes the ozone concentration in the stratosphere.



Nitrogen and Phosphorus Cycles: Excess nitrogen and phosphorus, often from fertilizers, can disrupt ecosystems. Here, the focus is on their flow into the environment.



Freshwater Use: Freshwater is vital for life. This boundary pinpoints the annual consumption of freshwater resources.



Land-System Change: As we modify landscapes, particularly through deforestation, we alter habitats and carbon storage capabilities. This threshold concerns the amount of forested land remaining.



Biodiversity Loss: Biodiversity underpins ecosystem resilience. This metric observes the extinction rate of species.



Atmospheric Aerosol Loading: Aerosols influence climate and human health. This boundary examines their density in the atmosphere.



Chemical Pollution: Synthetic chemicals can harm ecosystems and human health. This boundary reviews their concentration and spread.



<h3>Why they matter</h3>



Planetary boundaries serve as a warning system. Respecting them ensures Earth remains a safe operating space for humanity. Ignoring them can trigger feedback loops, leading to rapid environmental change and decreased resilience against disturbances.



They also offer a science-based approach to understanding Earth's limits. By recognizing and respecting them, we pave the way for a sustainable future, ensuring that the planet remains habitable for generations to come.



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Six of nine planetary boundaries that make Earth habitable have been exceeded

Human activities are inching dangerously close to triggering dramatic changes...

Bottles,With,Detergent,And,Cleaning,Tools,On,Wooden,Table

A disturbing study published today in the scientific journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139570" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chemosphere</a> has shed light on the potential health hazards posed by common household cleaning products.



Conducted by scientists from the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Working Group</a> (EWG), the study analyzed 30 different cleaning products and found them to emit hundreds of hazardous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-household-products-expose-people-to-dangerous-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volatile organic compounds</a> (VOCs).



<h2 id="h-key-findings-on-vocs">Key findings on VOCs</h2>



<ul>
<li>The study examined a range of cleaning products, including multipurpose cleaners, glass cleaners, air fresheners, and more. </li>



<li>A staggering 530 unique VOCs were detected across the 30 products. Alarmingly, 193 of these VOCs were identified as hazardous, with potential health risks including respiratory damage, increased cancer risk, and developmental and reproductive impacts. </li>



<li>VOC emissions from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/windshield-wiper-fluid-accounts-for-large-percentage-of-toxic-vehicle-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cleaning products</a> are particularly concerning for indoor air quality. They were found to contaminate indoor air two to five times more than outdoor air. Some estimates even suggest the difference could be as much as tenfold. Moreover, certain products continue to emit VOCs for extended periods, ranging from days to months.</li>
</ul>



<a href="https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/our-experts/alexis-temkin-phd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alexis Temkin</a>, Ph.D., a senior toxicologist at EWG, warned, “This study is a wake-up call for consumers, researchers, and regulators to be more aware of the potential risks associated with the numerous chemicals entering our indoor air.”



<h2>Green products vs. conventional products</h2>



Encouragingly, the research showed that products labeled “green” emitted significantly fewer VOCs compared to their conventional counterparts -- approximately half as many, on average. 



Furthermore, when categorized as “fragrance free,” green products produced the least <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-develop-an-eco-friendly-material-to-purify-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VOC emissions</a>, about eight times fewer than conventional products and four times less than green products containing fragrance.



On average, green products emitted only four <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/special-coating-transforms-a-lampshade-into-an-air-purifier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hazardous chemicals</a>, while green products with fragrance emitted about 15, and conventional products as many as 22.



Dr. Temkin also highlighted a potential solution for consumers, “Our findings emphasize a way to reduce exposure to hazardous VOCs -- by selecting products that are ‘green,’ especially those that are ‘green’ and ‘fragrance free.’”



<h2>Implications for health and environment</h2>



The adverse health effects of VOCs are deeply concerning given the exposure rates. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33234692/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research</a> indicates that individuals employed in the cleaning industry face a 50% higher risk of developing asthma and a 43% increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Women in this sector also experience a heightened risk of lung cancer.



Additionally, children’s health is jeopardized. Some research links higher use of certain indoor cleaners during pregnancy and infancy to an increased risk of asthma and wheezing in childhood.



The environmental impact of VOCs is equally worrying. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/our-experts/samara-geller" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samara Geller</a>, EWG senior director of cleaning science, highlighted that VOCs from consumer products can exacerbate outdoor air pollution. A <a href="https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/chemicals-everyday-products-rival-cars-source-air-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2018 study</a> estimated that consumer products were the source of half of the VOCs contributing to air pollution.



Geller concluded, “Going green with your cleaning products is an easy way to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. This may be especially important for women’s and children's health.”



This important research emphasizes the importance of making informed choices about household cleaning products, not just for individual health, but also for the well-being of the planet.



<h2>More about VOCs</h2>



Volatile Organic Compounds, commonly known as VOCs and discussed above, permeate our environment. They are essential to understand due to their significant impact on human health and the planet. Let's now dive deep into what VOCs are, where you find them, and the effects they can have.



<h3>What are VOCs?</h3>



VOCs stand for Volatile Organic Compounds. They are a group of carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. Due to their volatile nature, they can become a primary component of indoor and outdoor air pollution.



<h3>Common sources</h3>



Every day, you encounter products and materials that release VOCs. Some of these sources include:



<ul>
<li>Household Products: Paints, varnishes, and cleaning agents often contain VOCs. When you open a can of paint or use a cleaning agent, you release these compounds into the air. </li>



<li>Automobiles: Car exhaust emits a significant number of VOCs. </li>



<li>Industrial Processes: Factories that produce goods, ranging from plastics to clothing, often release VOCs as a byproduct. </li>



<li>Building Materials: Many construction materials, such as adhesives, wood preservatives, and even some carpets, give off VOCs.</li>
</ul>



<h3>Health impacts of VOCs</h3>



Exposure to VOCs can lead to a range of health issues, including:



<ul>
<li>Short-term effects: These can range from eye, nose, and throat irritation to headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. </li>



<li>Long-term effects: Chronic exposure can lead to liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage. Some VOCs, like benzene and formaldehyde, are even potential carcinogens.</li>
</ul>



<h3>Environmental effects</h3>



Apart from human health, VOCs also affect the environment:



<ul>
<li>Ozone Formation: When VOCs mix with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight, they form ground-level ozone. This is a primary component of smog, and it can be harmful to both human health and vegetation. </li>



<li>Contribution to Climate Change: Some VOCs are greenhouse gases, which means they trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming.</li>
</ul>



<h3>Reducing exposure to VOCs</h3>



To minimize the risks associated with VOCs, consider the following steps:



<ul>
<li>Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation when using products that emit VOCs. This can help dilute the concentration of VOCs in the air. </li>



<li>Read Labels: Check products for VOC content and opt for low-VOC or VOC-free options when available. </li>



<li>Limit Use: Use VOC-emitting products sparingly and follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter. </li>



<li>Safe Storage: Store products that contain VOCs in well-sealed containers to prevent unnecessary evaporation.</li>
</ul>



<h3>VOC regulations</h3>



Many governments recognize the threats posed by VOCs and have introduced regulations to limit their emissions. These often include setting limits for VOC content in products, establishing air quality standards, and requiring industries to adopt best practices to minimize VOC emissions.



In summary, VOCs, while ubiquitous in our modern environment, can pose significant health and environmental challenges. By understanding what they are and where they come from, and by taking proactive steps to reduce exposure, we can protect both our health and the environment. It's up to both individuals and industries to play their part in ensuring a safer, VOC-reduced world.



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Common household cleaning products release hundreds of toxic chemicals

A disturbing study published today in the scientific journal Chemosphere...

Why was the Sahara Desert once lush and green? A recent study published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/ncomms/">Nature Communications</a> provides new insights into periodic wet phases and greening in the Sahara over the last 800,000 years.



<h2 id="h-earth-s-orbital-precession">Earth’s orbital precession&nbsp;</h2>



The primary driver behind intermittent green periods in the Sahara was identified as changes in Earth’s orbit around the Sun, notably Earth’s orbital precession. This refers to Earth's wobbly motion on its axis, influencing the seasonal contrasts.&nbsp;



The wobbles, which occur approximately every 21,000 years, determine the energy Earth receives during different seasons. This ultimately controls the strength of the African monsoon and, by extension, the spread of vegetation across the Sahara.



<h2 id="h-ice-ages">Ice ages</h2>



However, the researchers also found that these humid greening intervals in the Sahara did not occur during ice ages.&nbsp;



Massive glacial ice sheets, blanketing much of the high latitudes, cooled the atmosphere, suppressing the growth of the African monsoon system.&nbsp;



The experts report that the interconnection between these distant areas might have limited species’ movement, including early humans, out of Africa during the glacial periods spanning the past 800,000 years.



<h2 id="h-remarkable-environmental-changes">Remarkable environmental changes&nbsp;</h2>



Study lead author Dr. Edward Armstrong is a climate scientist at the University of Helsinki and <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/">University of Bristol</a>.



“The cyclic transformation of the Sahara Desert into savannah and woodland ecosystems is one of the most remarkable environmental changes on the planet," said Dr. Armstrong.



“Our study is one of the first climate modeling studies to simulate the African Humid Periods with comparable magnitude to what the palaeoclimate observations indicate, revealing why and when these events occurred.”



<h2 id="h-advanced-climate-modeling">Advanced climate modeling&nbsp;</h2>



Many existing climate models have fallen short in simulating the amplitude of these humid periods in the Sahara.



However, the recent study utilized an advanced climate model that not only offers insights into the past shifts but could potentially improve predictions of future changes.



The results confirmed that the African Humid Periods occurred every 21,000 years and were determined by changes in Earth’s orbital precession.&nbsp;



Warmer summers and increased precipitation from the intensified monsoon system drove greening across the desert.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-significance-of-the-study">Significance of the study</h2>



“We are really excited about the results. Traditionally, climate models have struggled to represent the extent of the ‘greening’ of the Sahara," said study co-author Professor Paul Valdes.



"Our revised model successfully represents past changes and also gives us confidence in their ability to understand future change."



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



There is undeniable evidence that the Sahara was home to sprawling rivers, lakes, and water-dependent animals, such as hippos, in past epochs.&nbsp;



Such periods of vegetation might have played a pivotal role in creating green corridors for various species, including early humans, to disperse across the globe.



“The Sahara region is kind of a gate controlling the dispersal of species between both North and Sub-Saharan Africa, and in and out of the continent," said study co-author Professor Miikka Tallavaara.



“The gate was open when Sahara was green and closed when deserts prevailed. This alternation of humid and arid phases had major consequences for the dispersal and evolution of species in Africa."&nbsp;



"Our ability to model North African Humid periods is a major achievement and means we are now also better able to model human distributions and understand the evolution of our genus in Africa.”



The study has the potential to reshape our understanding of early human migrations and the broader implications of global climate shifts.



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Study reveals the driving forces behind greening in the Sahara Desert

Why was the Sahara Desert once lush and green? A...

In an era long past, when the Earth was hot and humid, marine life thrived. The sea teemed with early squids, eel-like fish, and sea worms, all hunting smaller marine animals -- like the springtails.



Yet, above ground, life had not yet ventured. Such was the state of our planet about 450 million years ago, at the tail end of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ordovician-period_illustration_Credit-Fritz-Geller-Grimm_1big.jpeg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ordovician period</a>.



The warm oceans provided an idyllic haven for marine creatures, but change was imminent. Earth’s once balmy land masses began to freeze, as a vast ice cap steadily expanded across its surface.



The previously hospitable waters transformed into cold, unforgiving habitats. Within a brief span, our world witnessed its second-worst mass extinction event. Half of all known species were obliterated.



<h2 id="h-springtails-are-everywhere">Springtails are everywhere</h2>



However, against the odds, the springtail emerged as a survivor. These insect-like creatures are minute, with the largest among them only stretching to six millimeters. At a casual glance, you might mistake them for a garden-variety insect, but they command a unique evolutionary branch.



Over 9,000 species of springtails have been identified, and their habitats range from the soils of backyards to the foliage of dense forests. Interestingly, they get their name from a forked tail, also known as furcula, which allows them to jump up to 10 centimeters high when threatened, a notable feat for such a tiny creature.



Amidst the ever-expanding list of their fascinating traits, springtails have another impressive adaptation: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snailfish-have-a-secret-weapon-to-survive-in-frozen-arctic-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antifreeze proteins</a>.



<h2>Tiny animals and antifreeze proteins</h2>



A fascinating <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-35983-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new study</a> by researchers from <a href="https://international.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a> and <a href="https://www.queensu.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen’s University</a> in Canada suggests that the springtail may have been the first animal to ever produce antifreeze proteins. Prior to this discovery, the scientific consensus was that animals did not develop this ability until much later.



“We knew that antifreeze proteins had developed independently of each other several times during evolutionary history. Fish have them. Insects have them. Some spiders have them. But until we saw these results, we didn't know that they’d developed so early in the animal world," says Professor Martin Holmstrup of the Department of Ecoscience at Aarhus University.



<h2>How to find springtails</h2>



Martin Holmstrup and his colleagues collected the springtails from Denmark, Iceland, and Greenland for their lab. Finding them isn't difficult. You might even discover them in your garden. Here's how:



<ol type="1">
<li>Take a handful of soil or foliage from your garden and put it in a sieve. </li>



<li>Position an adjustable lamp above the sieve and set a tray underneath. </li>



<li>The lamp's heat drives the springtails to seek cooler surroundings, causing them to fall through the sieve. You can then observe them scurrying about in the tray.</li>
</ol>



<h2>What the researchers learned</h2>



Holmstrup, who oversees nearly 20 species of springtails in his laboratory, sent samples to his Canadian colleagues to ascertain when these creatures first developed the antifreeze protein. With DNA sequencing technology, the team searched for sequences associated with antifreeze protein production across a wide range of species.



Their findings? The gene mutation leading to antifreeze protein genesis happened during the Ordovician period.



"The calculations show that springtails developed the antifreeze protein long before other animals. It didn’t happen for fish and insects until a million years later. Although plants and microorganisms, such as bacteria and single-celled algae, might have developed a similar mechanism even earlier,” Holmstrup adds.



<h2>Springtails dry out like raisins</h2>



While these proteins are vital, springtails have another survival mechanism. To protect their cells from freezing, they undergo a form of hibernation, drying out completely. In this state, their metabolism drops to near-undetectable levels.



“You can compare them to a grape that dries into a raisin in a process reminiscent of freeze-drying. The springtails shrink and become small, wrinkly critters in winter. And then, when spring arrives, they absorb water and swell back to normal size,” Holmstrup explains.



<h2>Antifreeze proteins and the food industry</h2>



The concept of antifreeze proteins first emerged in the mid-20th century. For years, scientists were puzzled at how Arctic fish could thrive in icy waters that, based on temperature alone, should have frozen them. It wasn’t until the late 1960s that the American researcher Arthur DeVries identified these proteins in Arctic fish, noting their ability to prevent ice from forming within their cells.



Today, the implications of these proteins reach beyond our understanding of evolutionary survival. The food industry, particularly in the frozen sector, has taken a keen interest.



Holmstrup shares, "The genes that encode the antifreeze proteins in fish have been copied into industrial yeast cell cultures. This makes the yeast produce the very useful proteins, which can then be added to different foods."



For instance, companies like Unilever have integrated these proteins into ice creams, resulting in enhanced textures and an improved freezing-thawing process. But the potential applications don't end there.



As Holmstrup concludes, "In the longer term, this effect could be used in connection with the cryopreservation of transplant organs. Other industries like the aerospace and wind turbine industries have also experimented with the proteins. They hope the proteins can protect wings from freezing and needing to be de-iced.”



In understanding the springtail's evolutionary triumph, we not only gain insight into our planet's rich past but also draw inspiration for technological advancements in our future.



<h2>More about the Ordovician period</h2>



Dive deep into Earth's geologic timeline, and you'll find the Ordovician Period. Spanning from approximately 485 to 443 million years ago, this epoch, following the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-did-the-first-animals-appear-on-earth-we-are-now-one-step-closer-to-knowing-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambrian Period</a>, paints a vivid picture of an ever-evolving world.



<h3>A flourishing marine life</h3>



The Ordovician Period primarily showcased an explosion in marine life. Oceans covered a vast majority of the Earth's surface, and within these primordial waters, diverse marine species thrived. Trilobites, brachiopods, graptolites, and nautiloids dominated the oceans. Notably, corals began constructing the first significant reef systems, laying the foundation for an ecosystem we recognize and value today.



However, it wasn't just about the animals. The first evidence of green algae appeared during this period, indicating the beginnings of plant life that would later colonize the land. The marine plankton diversified, which led to a significant increase in the overall amount of life. This diverse marine food web set the stage for the rapid evolution and proliferation of predatory organisms.



<h3>Advancements in ocean dynamics</h3>



The world's continents underwent significant transformation during the Ordovician. The supercontinent known as Gondwana was on a slow journey toward the South Pole. This migration played a key role in shaping oceanic patterns and sea levels. As Gondwana approached the pole, global cooling ensued, setting the stage for the period's eventual ice age.



<h3>The rise of fish</h3>



Fish, albeit very early fish, first emerged during the Ordovician Period. Although these early fish lacked jaws, they still represented a significant evolutionary advancement, marking the onset of vertebrates' dominance in the following periods. These early fish primarily relied on filter feeding, with their soft bodies navigating the depths of the ancient oceans.



<h3>Life takes its first steps on land</h3>



While the Ordovician seas teemed with life, land remained mostly barren. However, by the end of the period, the first evidence of life on land began to emerge. Early, non-vascular plants called bryophytes likely took root on terrestrial landscapes. These first steps onto land would pave the way for the more advanced plants and animals that would later dominate the Silurian and Devonian periods.



<h3>A freezing conclusion</h3>



The Ordovician Period did not end quietly. The movement of Gondwana over the South Pole led to widespread glaciation. This global cooling caused a drop in sea levels, which, combined with other yet-to-be-confirmed factors, triggered the Ordovician mass extinction. This catastrophic event wiped out nearly 60% of marine invertebrate genera and 85% of marine invertebrate species.



However, despite its chilling conclusion, the Ordovician Period remains significant for its contributions to Earth's evolutionary history. It showcased the diversification and dominance of marine life, saw the emergence of the first fish and land plants, and underwent significant geological changes that shaped the Earth as we know it. 



The legacy of the Ordovician Period offers us a profound understanding of our planet's dynamic history and the intricate web of life it nurtures.



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What are springtails and why would humans not exist without them?

In an era long past, when the Earth was hot...

By the end of this century, many coastal communities will face "100-year floods" on a yearly basis, according to a study published by the <a href="https://www.agu.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Geophysical Union</a>.&nbsp;



The experts suggest that this forecast may be inevitable, reporting that even if carbon dioxide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-rivers-in-the-andes-are-hotspots-for-emissions/">emissions</a> peak by 2040, extreme floods will likely become an annual event.



<h2 id="h-100-year-flood">100-year flood&nbsp;</h2>



The term "100-year flood" refers to a severe flooding event that historically had a one percent likelihood of occurring each year. The terminology may be misleading because these floods can happen in consecutive years or might not occur at all within a century.&nbsp;



Regardless, the new study indicates that these historical patterns may no longer be useful for predicting future flood events. The research was led by Hamed Moftakhari, a civil engineer and professor at the <a href="https://www.ua.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alabama</a>.



“The threshold that we expect to be exceeded once every hundred years on average is going to be exceeded much more frequently in a warmer climate until they are no longer considered 100-year events," said Moftakhari.



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



Storms and waves cause severe flooding in coastal communities, but the researchers focused their study on the longer term impacts of sea-level rise.



"The gradual increase of global mean sea level (MSL), known as sea-level rise (SLR), is one of the biggest climate change-related concerns of the 21st century. SLR poses a threat to seaside communities and can lead to an increase in the frequency and severity of coastal flooding. Thus, evaluating the future expected number of extreme sea-level events and their magnitudes is critical for sustainable coastal flood risk management," wrote the study authors.



The experts set out to estimate future extreme sea levels under two carbon emission scenarios: if carbon dioxide emissions continue to rise through the end of the century, or if carbon dioxide emissions reach their peak by 2040 and then decline.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-proactive-planning-is-needed">Proactive planning is needed</h2>



The researchers analyzed trends based on data from 375 tide gauges located all over the globe. The results showed that in both carbon emission scenarios, sea level rise will lead to an increase in 100-year flood events in most of the locations that were examined.



Moftakhari said that a proactive approach to land planning, urban development and coastal protective measures could help communities reduce flooding and avoid disaster, and that starts with realistic forecasts of future coastal conditions.



“What makes it so challenging is that the majority of tools, design guidelines, manuals of practice and more are all based on the assumption of stationarity,” said Moftakhari. “They need to be updated to enable us to keep pace with the rate of change.”



<h2 id="h-unique-solutions">Unique solutions&nbsp;</h2>



According to a study published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0118571">PLOS ONE</a>, more than 600 million people live in low-lying coastal regions, and that number is expected to rise. In order for coastal communities to withstand extreme flooding, well-designed coastal defense structures are critically important.&nbsp;



According to Moftakhari, coastal communities will require unique solutions based on local information to match their needs. Some areas are experiencing much faster rates of sea level rise. This is the case in parts of Texas and Louisiana on the Gulf coast where the land is gradually sinking.



<h2 id="h-enhancing-the-resilience-of-coastal-communities">Enhancing the resilience of coastal communities&nbsp;</h2>



“We know that mean sea level is rising, the question is: how are we going to deal with it?” said Moftakhari. “We’ve already seen that many portions of the coast are permanently inundated and losing land, and many coastal cities and islands are experiencing flooding much more frequently than in the past - it’s time to learn how to deal with non-stationarity.”



Moftakhari is determined to remain optimistic, noting that disasters are the outcome of human decision-making, not hazards alone.&nbsp;



“Don’t forget that this is all about the level of water that we expect to experience without mitigation measures. There will be technological advancements that could enhance the resilience of communities.”



The research is published in the AGU journal Earth's Future. 



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100-year floods will be annual events by the end of the century

By the end of this century, many coastal communities will...

Astronomers have revealed the discovery of two potential polar ring galaxies, NGC 4632 and NGC 6156. 



In a study published yesterday in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article-abstract/525/3/4663/7264229" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</a>, the research team, led by Canada's <a href="https://www.queensu.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queens University</a>-based astrophysicist Nathan Deg, explained that the discovery was made while analyzing data from the <a href="https://wallaby-survey.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Widefield ASKAP L-band Legacy All-sky Blind surveY</a> (WALLABY).



<h2 id="h-the-wallaby-leads-the-search">The WALLABY leads the search</h2>



The WALLABY is a next-generation survey running on the <a href="https://www.atnf.csiro.au/projects/askap/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder </a>(ASKAP), a radio telescope in Western Australia.



According to Deg, “finding two potential polar ring galaxies in the Wallaby pilot survey is incredibly exciting, as it suggests that these objects may be more common than previously thought”.



"The findings suggest that one to three per cent of nearby galaxies may have gaseous polar rings, which is much higher than suggested by optical telescopes,’’ he added.



<h2>Where are these polar ring galaxies?</h2>



The NGC 4632 galaxy lies 56 million light-years away and is surrounded by a hydrogen gas ring only detectable by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-telescope-array-is-joining-the-hunt-for-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">radio telescopes</a>. It was initially noticed in a 2022 WALLABY survey when the team explored the movement of the mass of gas around the galaxy.



The NGC 6156 galaxy has a less prominent ring and is located about 150 million light-years away. The researchers examined the speed of the gas encircling the galaxy and are less certain that it could be a polar ring.



<h2>ASKAP holds great potential</h2>



Professor Bärbel Koribalski, an astronomer at the <a href="https://www.csiro.au/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation</a> (CSIRO), was a co-author of the report. She underscored the great potential and powers of the ASKAP.&nbsp;



‘’NGC 4632 is one of two polar ring galaxies we've identified from 600 galaxies that were mapped in our first small WALLABY survey.’’



‘’The two polar ring galaxies are just the beginning of a huge project. Using ASKAP over coming years we expect to reveal more than 200,000 hydrogen-rich galaxies, among them many more unusual galaxies like these ones with polar rings.’’



<h2>Next up in the hunt for polar ring galaxies</h2>



While the these galaxies are waiting to be confirmed, the researchers predict that further studies of the NGC 4632 and NGC 6156 may open the floodgates for finding many similar galaxies in the future.&nbsp;



‘’As better observations and more sophisticated models are obtained for both galaxies, it will be possible to constrain the parameters of the ring progenitor (if they are indeed formed via mergers or flybys).’’



Scientists categorize galaxies into 4 main types— <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/a-perfect-example-of-a-barred-spiral-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiral</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jwst-spots-a-mysterious-question-mark-in-deep-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elliptical</a>, lenticular, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/open-star-cluster-in-the-small-magellanic-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">irregular</a>. Lenticular galaxies (denoted S0) are the most well-known polar ring galaxies.&nbsp;NGC 2685, NGC 4650A, A 0136 -0801, and ESO 415 -G26 were the first four S0 galaxies recognized as polar ring galaxies.



---



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Rare and beautiful polar ring galaxies discovered by ASKAP

Astronomers have revealed the discovery of two potential polar ring...

Spring break often signals an ideal period for skiing, with extended daylight and milder <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-linked-to-vision-impairment/">temperatures</a>. However, if one is planning their skiing adventures during the preceding fall, anticipating the best snow conditions for spring becomes challenging. 



Water resource scientists, too, are keen on determining seasonal snow volumes. Insights into total snowpack levels enables them to assess the subsequent water availability for hydropower, agricultural irrigation, and consumption later in the year.



<h2 id="h-predicting-snow-accumulation">Predicting snow accumulation&nbsp;</h2>



Now, a team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> (UW) has found that, for certain western states, the snow accumulated by the end of December can be an accurate indicator of the entire season’s snowpack. 



This predictive model is quite precise for northern states such as Alaska, Oregon, Washington, as well as some areas of Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. However, states such as California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona were found to offer less predictability, either due to their erratic weather fluctuations or the fact that significant precipitation occurs post-December.



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



“The main thing water managers are asking for - aside from making it snow more, which is usually everyone’s first request - is longer lead-time forecasts,” said Jessica Lundquist, a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UW.&nbsp;



“These are hard predictions to make. We’re fairly good at long-term average forecasts: what will happen 50 years from now. And we can do short-term forecasts: what will happen less than a week from now. But as for what’s going to happen in the next three to four months, that’s been kind of a no-go zone. It was really interesting to find that the amount of snow on the ground by the end of December ended up being a good predictor of peak spring snow.”



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



The researchers collected data from an extensive snow sensor grid spanning the western U.S., including Alaska.&nbsp;



After examining air temperature and precipitation metrics from 2001-2022 for 873 sites, they compared snow accumulation by the end of December (fall snow) with the entire winter-spring snow accumulation (peak season snow).



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



Several factors drove the correlation between early and peak snow. For instance, in regions like Alaska, a majority of the snow falls before January, making the early snow almost identical with peak season snow.&nbsp;



In other places, such as Interior Alaska, northeast Utah, and southwestern Wyoming, meteorological trends indicate that an above-average early snowfall reliably predicts an above-average late-season snowfall.



<h2 id="h-air-temperatures">Air temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



Moreover, cooler air temperatures can also be a reliable predictor of snow levels. For instance, in northern states such as Alaska, Washington, and Oregon, or in places at higher elevation, snow on the ground in the fall was less likely to melt between storms due to the fact that the air remained cool, meaning that this snow usually sticks around, adding to the total snowpack.



“Another really interesting pattern happens in Oregon and Washington. We get mixed rain and snow all along the west slope of the Cascades. This ‘wintry mix’ is so close to freezing that it could freeze or melt when it hits the ground. If you have above-average snowpack early in the year, then the wintry mix will stick to that snowpack and add to it. But if you have a below-average snowpack, that wintry mix is more likely to melt that snowpack and actually decrease it,” Lundquist explained.



<h2 id="h-climate-change">Climate change&nbsp;</h2>



Discussing the potential impact of climate change on snow predictability, Lundquist argued that it may have mixed results.&nbsp;



While northern or higher-altitude regions might remain relatively unchanged, shifting weather patterns could render areas like northern Oregon as unpredictable as California.



<h2 id="h-evolving-patterns">Evolving patterns&nbsp;</h2>



Lundquist concluded by emphasizing the importance of monitoring these evolving patterns. “These snow sensors are in long-term stations, so it’s easy to get the most recent data every year,” she said.&nbsp;



“And then it’s just a simple analysis to predict which areas will likely have the largest snowpack. Though, as my family reminds me, it unfortunately does not let me predict powder days.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1029/2023GL103802" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Fall snow levels can help predict a year’s total snowpack

Spring break often signals an ideal period for skiing, with...

Research from the <a href="https://school.wakehealth.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wake Forest University of Medicine</a> has revealed a compelling connection between heavy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/no-more-alcohol-hangovers-thanks-to-new-medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alcohol</a> consumption and the accumulation of ectopic fat - the type that builds up around essential organs like the heart, liver, and intestines.



“Research shows that an excessive amount of alcohol is not good for heart health," said lead author Dr. Richard Kazibwe. “Pericardial fat, or fat around the heart, is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We embarked on this study with an aim to decipher how alcohol might be influencing this risk.”



<h2 id="h-multi-ethnic-study-of-atherosclerosis">Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis</h2>



The research was focused on data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), which has been running since 1999. The primary focus of MESA has been understanding the subtle features of subclinical cardiovascular ailments. These are heart and blood vessel disorders that have not yet manifested in noticeable symptoms.&nbsp;



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



MESA has been monitoring a diverse group of over 6,500 individuals, spanning from European to Asian descent, between the ages of 45 and 84. The participants were all in good health upon joining the study.



Based on a personal-history questionnaire, the individuals were categorized as one of the following: lifetime abstainers, former drinkers, light drinkers, moderate drinkers, heavy drinkers, or binge drinkers.



<h2 id="h-ct-scans">CT scans&nbsp;</h2>



The team used Computerized Tomography (CT) scans on a subset of participants. Dr. Kazibwe explained that the scans granted his team the ability to examine internal body fat distribution.&nbsp;



"The distribution can sometimes give us insights into cardiovascular risk that go beyond traditional obesity measures like body mass index," said Dr. Kazibwe.



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



The study revealed that heavy alcohol and binge drinkers exhibited significantly higher pericardial fat when juxtaposed with non-drinkers. Similar trends were observed with other ectopic depots, most pronounced around the heart and liver.



“Interestingly, the lowest levels of ectopic fat were seen in people who reported light to moderate intake of alcohol," noted Dr. Kazibwe.



<h2 id="h-wine-is-the-least-harmful">Wine is the least harmful</h2>



When they looked at specific alcoholic beverages, the experts found that wine seemed to be the least harmful when compared with hard spirits and beer. The secret? Possibly the polyphenols, beneficial compounds present in wine.&nbsp;



However, as Dr. Kazibwe pointed out, other factors such as diet, exercise, and even access to healthcare might differentiate wine drinkers from others. “Wine drinkers might have better access to health care and have healthier lifestyles than non-wine drinkers," he said.&nbsp;



The pattern between alcohol intake and ectopic fat appeared J-shaped. Dr. Kazibwe said that multiple previous studies have reported a J-shaped relationship between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular risk, where low-moderate alcohol consumption is tied to the lowest cardiovascular risks and excessive alcohol intake is linked to a higher risk.



<h2 id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



“These findings are significant because both excessive alcohol intake and excess ectopic fat accumulation are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Kazibwe.&nbsp;



“It is also important to emphasize that given the well-documented health concerns caused by excessive alcohol consumption, it is important that people are aware of these potential risks.”



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



Dr. Cashell Jaquish is a genetic epidemiologist and program officer at the NHLBI who also works with the MESA study.



“These findings further solidify the relationship between drinking and cardiovascular risk and shed light on specific sub-clinical disease associated with excessive alcohol intake,” said Dr. Jaquish.



“Additional studies are needed to further clarify the role of ectopic fat distribution in the relationship between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease."



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.123.030470" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the American Heart Association</a>



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Heavy drinking increases the buildup of ectopic fat around the heart and liver

Research from the Wake Forest University of Medicine has revealed...

Fresh,Radish,Harvest,On,Soil,In,Garden.

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Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving fall garden, and this guide lays out the best vegetables and herbs to plant now for a fruitful autumn harvest. 



Fast-growing leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, kale, and arugula perform especially well in the waning summer heat, with harvests beginning as soon as 30 days. 



These cool-season crops relish the transition into fall, offering repeated yields with cut-and-come-again methods.



Root vegetables like radishes, carrots, and beets also excel during this period. Radishes deliver satisfaction in under a month, while carrots and beets mature in about two months. Employing succession planting ensures a continuous stream of produce deep into the cooler months. 



For a boost of fresh flavor, herbs like cilantro, basil, dill, and chervil are excellent picks. These heat-loving varieties flourish in July’s warmth and are harvest-ready in about 30 days, especially when sown continuously.



Gardeners in zones 6 through 9 can benefit from planting bush beans and snap peas, which don’t require trellising and are ideal for compact plots. 



Maturing in 50–60 days, they’re a smart choice for quick, protein-rich harvests. For those in hotter regions, heat-tolerant crops such as okra and southern peas provide reliable yields and thrive in scorching conditions.



This guide emphasizes more than crop selection—it highlights the importance of timing, soil preparation, and ongoing sowing techniques. 



With thoughtful planning and attention to regional climate needs, even late-summer gardeners can enjoy fresh salads, hearty stews, and the satisfaction of a robust, homegrown harvest well into fall.



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving...

Green,Ecoduct,Over,An,Empty,Highway,During,Sunset.

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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. 



Frogs and salamanders often cross roads to reach breeding ponds each spring, but many are killed by vehicles. 



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>, in collaboration with local citizens and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, installed two underpass tunnels in 2015. 



Over a 12-year monitoring period, they observed an 80.2% reduction in amphibian deaths, and up to 94% for non-climbing species like salamanders. 



The study used a before-after-control-impact design and documented more than 5,200 amphibians, highlighting the tunnels’ effectiveness even in nearby buffer zones.



Funded at $342,397 - far cheaper than wildlife crossings for large mammals - the project showcased the power of community-led conservation.



Local groups initiated the effort after observing mass amphibian deaths. Wildlife cameras later captured over 2,200 amphibians using a tunnel in just one spring, along with other species like raccoons and bobcats, indicating wider ecosystem benefits.



This marks the first peer-reviewed, long-term data set in the northeastern U.S. confirming amphibian-specific underpasses work. 



The study urges transportation departments to incorporate these designs into road planning and highlights how community action, thoughtful infrastructure, and persistence can make a real difference for biodiversity.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1617138125000780" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal for Nature Conservation</a>.



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that...

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.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" 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> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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