In a remarkable medical breakthrough, engineers have developed a light-activated pacemaker so tiny that doctors can inject it into the body through a syringe. Remarkably, the device simply dissolves after it’s no longer needed.&nbsp;



Designed for newborns, the pacemaker could transform temporary heart care after congenital defect surgeries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-the-heart-with-light">Controlling the heart with light</h2>



The new pacemaker is smaller than a grain of rice. It's wirelessly activated through pulses of light which are delivered by a soft, wearable device mounted on the patient’s chest.



The external controller detects abnormal rhythms and sends light through the body to activate the pacemaker and restore heartbeat. The study demonstrates the device’s effectiveness across animal and human donor hearts.&nbsp;



The development of the pacemaker was led by John A. Rogers, a professor of material science, biomedical engineering, and neurological surgery at <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a>.&nbsp;



“We have developed what is, to our knowledge, the world’s smallest pacemaker,” said Professor Rogers.



“There’s a crucial need for temporary pacemakers in the context of pediatric heart surgeries, and that’s a use case where size miniaturization is incredibly important. In terms of the device load on the body - the smaller, the better.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solution-designed-for-newborns">Solution designed for newborns</h2>



Though the light-activated pacemaker can function in patients of all sizes, its miniaturized design was motivated by the needs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infant-speech-is-driven-by-heart-rate-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infants</a>. 



Igor Efimov is a co-leader of the study and experimental cardiologist at Northwestern.&nbsp;



“About 1% of children are born with congenital heart defects. The good news is that these children only need temporary pacing after a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-smallest-robot-could-transform-minimally-invasive-surgery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surgery</a>. In about seven days or so, most patients’ hearts will self-repair. But those seven days are absolutely critical," said Efimov.



Traditional pacemakers require surgery and have wires sticking out of the chest to connect to an external device. When they are no longer needed, the wires are removed - risking bleeding, tissue damage, or even death.



“Wires literally protrude from the body, attached to a pacemaker outside the body,” Efimov explained. “When the pacemaker is no longer needed, a physician pulls it out. The wires can become enveloped in scar tissue. That’s actually how Neil Armstrong died.”



The new injectable pacemaker addresses these risks. All of its components are biocompatible and bioresorbable, meaning they safely dissolve in the body’s fluids without needing surgical removal. Once the device has served its purpose, it simply disappears.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-the-light-activated-pacemaker">Refining the light-activated pacemaker</h2>



This innovation builds on <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-021-00948-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earlier work</a> by Rogers and Efimov, who developed a quarter-sized dissolvable pacemaker in 2021. Surgeons asked for a smaller version to allow easier placement and suit the smallest patients.&nbsp;



The original device used near-field communication (NFC), but its antenna limited how small the device could be made. To overcome this, the team replaced the NFC system with a novel light-based mechanism.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pacemaker_light-activated_worlds-smallest_heart-health_Northwestern_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pacemaker_light-activated_worlds-smallest_heart-health_Northwestern_1s.webp" alt="The tiny pacemaker sits next to a single grain of rice on a fingertip. The device is so small that it can be non-invasively injected into the body via a syringe. Credit: John A. Rogers/Northwestern University" class="wp-image-1964846"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The tiny pacemaker sits next to a single grain of rice on a fingertip. The device is so small that it can be non-invasively injected into the body via a syringe. Click image to enlarge. Credit: John A. Rogers/Northwestern University</figcaption></figure>



“Instead of using the radio frequency scheme for wireless control, we developed a light-based scheme for turning the pacemaker on and delivering stimulation pulses to the surface of the heart. This is one feature that allowed us to dramatically reduce the size,” said Professor Rogers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powered-by-the-body-s-own-fluids">Powered by the body’s own fluids</h2>



The engineers also reimagined how to power the tiny pacemaker. Rather than requiring a battery or external power source, the device uses a simple galvanic cell - a chemical battery formed by two different metals as electrodes.&nbsp;



When the device is inside the body, surrounding biofluids act as the electrolyte, allowing electrical current to flow and stimulate the heart.



“A very tiny light-activated switch on the opposite side from the battery allows us to turn the device from its ‘off’ state to an ‘on’ state upon delivery of light that passes through the patient’s body from the skin-mounted patch,” explained Professor Rogers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-trauma-and-risk">Reducing trauma and risk</h2>



Using infrared light, which can safely penetrate deep into the body, the wearable controller detects when a patient’s heart rate falls too low. It then triggers a light-emitting diode (LED) to flash on and off at the desired pacing rhythm.&nbsp;



“Infrared light penetrates very well through the body,” Efimov said. “If you put a flashlight against your palm, you will see the light glow through the other side of your hand. It turns out that our bodies are great conductors of light.”



Despite its microscopic size - just 1.8 mm wide, 3.5 mm long, and 1 mm thick - the pacemaker delivers stimulation on par with traditional devices. “The heart requires a tiny amount of electrical stimulation,” Rogers said.&nbsp;



“By minimizing the size, we dramatically simplify the implantation procedures, we reduce trauma and risk to the patient, and, with the dissolvable nature of the device, we eliminate any need for secondary surgical extraction procedures.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-era-of-heart-care">A new era of heart care</h2>



Because these light-activated pacemakers are so small and wireless, doctors could one day deploy multiple units on different parts of the heart to create more advanced pacing systems. 



Each device could be controlled independently using different light wavelengths, enabling personalized and precisely timed stimulation across the heart’s surface.



“We can deploy a number of such small pacemakers onto the outside of the heart and control each one,” Efimov said. “Then we can achieve improved synchronized functional care.”



Professor Rogers noted that because it’s so small, the pacemaker can be integrated with almost any kind of implantable device.



“We also demonstrated integration of collections of these devices across the frameworks that serve as transcatheter aortic valve replacements to address complications that can occur during a patient’s recovery process," said Rogers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-bioelectronic-medicine">Future of bioelectronic medicine</h2>



While this breakthrough has clear implications for pediatric heart care, the technology could pave the way for a new generation of bioelectronic medicine.&nbsp;



These tiny, dissolvable devices could one day be adapted to promote nerve and bone regeneration, manage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-meditation-is-a-powerful-weapon-against-chronic-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain</a>, support wound healing, and more.



Northwestern engineers shrank the device and removed risks by making it dissolve after use. In doing so, they’ve created a tool that could reshape how doctors care for the heart - from the tiniest patients to adults.



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Click here to <a href="https://youtu.be/j_0hZ8cUwgo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watch a video interview...</a>



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08726-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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World's smallest pacemaker is set to revolutionize heart health

In a remarkable medical breakthrough, engineers have developed a light-activated pacemaker so tiny that doctors can inject it into the body through a syringe. Remarkably, the device simply dissolves after it’s no longer needed.&nbsp; Designed for newborns, the pacemaker could transform temporary heart care after congenital defect surgeries. Controlling the heart with light The new pacemaker is smaller than a grain of rice. It's wirelessly activated through pulses of light which are delivered by a soft, wearable device mounted on the patient’s chest. The external controller detects...

Researchers at the University of Manchester suggest that fossilized bones of the ancient flying reptiles known as pterosaurs may offer vital insights for building lighter, stronger materials in future. 



Using advanced X-ray imaging, the research team discovered a hidden network of microscopic canals inside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaurs-took-flight-millions-of-years-before-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pterosaur</a> wing bones.&nbsp;



These canals, originally used for nutrient transport and structural maintenance, also helped protect against small cracks - a natural design that could revolutionize aerospace engineering today.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prehistoric-flyers-with-an-engineering-edge">Prehistoric flyers with an engineering edge</h2>



Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that lived alongside dinosaurs and were the first vertebrates to achieve powered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-flight-feathers-may-reveal-which-dinosaurs-could-fly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flight</a>.&nbsp;



Early pterosaur species had wingspans of about 2 meters (6.5 feet), but later forms grew much larger, with some exceeding 10 meters (32 feet). 



Supporting such expansive wing membranes required a delicate balance between high strength and low weight. 



The scientists behind this new study used state-of-the-art X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) to examine precisely how pterosaurs met this challenge. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-pterosaur-bones-for-biomimicry">Analyzing pterosaur bones for biomimicry</h2>



By analyzing fossil bones at near sub-micrometer resolution, the experts uncovered a dense web of channels inside the bone tissue. 



These channels not only served biological functions, such as transferring nutrients and aiding bone growth, but also provided mechanical reinforcement. 



They directed stress away from weaker areas, thus preventing microfractures from developing into serious damage.



“We are so excited to find and map these microscopic interlocking structures in pterosaur bones," said Nathan Pili, a Ph.D. student at the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manchester</a> and first author of the study. 



"We hope one day we can use them to reduce the weight of aircraft materials, thereby reducing fuel consumption and potentially making planes safer.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pterosaur-bones-in-amazing-detail">Pterosaur bones in amazing detail</h2>



To capture these structures in 3D, the research team harnessed ultra-detailed X-ray imaging that can visualize features around 20 times thinner than a human hair.&nbsp;



Past examinations of pterosaur bones had never reached this resolution, leaving these intricate microcanals undiscovered. 



According to the team, the extraordinary precision of the scans allowed them to understand how the channels fit together like a network, conferring both strength and flexibility.



The microcanals were originally pathways for blood vessels and other biological materials. Over millions of years of evolution, however, pterosaurs adapted to maintain enough bone density to support flight without adding unnecessary mass.&nbsp;



The result was a structural arrangement that distributed loads effectively - an arrangement that the researchers believe could point to innovative “palaeo-biomimetic” solutions for 21st-century engineering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aircraft-inspired-by-pterosaur-bones-nbsp">Aircraft inspired by pterosaur bones&nbsp;</h2>



Modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-aircraft-demonstrate-major-climate-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aircraft</a> designers are always looking for lighter yet more resilient materials to reduce fuel consumption, cut emissions, and enhance safety.&nbsp;



The canal-based structure found in pterosaur bones might be mimicked in metal 3D printing, producing airplane parts with strategically placed internal channels that mirror the reptile’s natural bone architecture.



“It is highly likely that, among the billions of permutations of life on Earth, unique engineering solutions have evolved but were lost to the sands of time,” said Professor Phil Manning, senior author of the study and Director of Science at the <a href="https://dct.gov.ae/en/what.we.do/culture/museums/natural.history.museum.abu.dhabi..aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi</a>.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ancient-pterosaur-bone_aerospace-design_credit-UManchester_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ancient-pterosaur-bone_aerospace-design_credit-UManchester_1s.webp" alt="Credit: Nathan Pili, University of Manchester" class="wp-image-1961537"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Nathan Pili, University of Manchester</figcaption></figure>



“We hope to unlock the potential of ancient natural solutions to create new materials but also help build a more sustainable future.”



The researchers suggest that such bio-inspired designs could allow for integrated sensors or even self-healing properties, further pushing the boundaries of aviation technology.&nbsp;



As more advanced 3D printing methods emerge, these fossil-derived ideas could feasibly enter industrial production lines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dual-function-of-pterosaur-bones">Dual function of pterosaur bones</h2>



As the largest known flying vertebrates, some pterosaurs had wingspans of up to 10 meters (32 feet) or more, supported primarily by an elongated fourth finger that served as a “wing spar.”&nbsp;



This anatomical arrangement required bones that were strong enough to sustain flight stresses yet not so heavy as to hinder takeoff and maneuverability. The newly revealed microcanal system effectively addresses both goals.



The dual function of biological support and mechanical resilience is a hallmark of evolutionary engineering, where life solves specific survival challenges over millions of years of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-rules-natural-selection-change-significantly-often-daphnia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural selection</a>.



“There is over 4 billion years of experimental design that were a function of Darwinian natural selection,” Manning commented. 



“These natural solutions are beautifully reflected by the same iterative processes used by engineers to refine materials.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extinct-creatures-and-modern-innovation-nbsp">Extinct creatures and modern innovation&nbsp;</h2>



The study’s authors see these discoveries as a stepping stone to palaeo-biomimetics, the idea that even extinct creatures can guide modern innovation.&nbsp;



Whether for aircraft, marine vessels, or other structural applications, the strategies that once helped pterosaurs soar across prehistoric skies may now help address present-day engineering obstacles.



While natural selection did not always produce “perfect” designs, there may be countless examples of biological systems that overcame extreme challenges.&nbsp;



The pterosaur bone microcanals are just one instance of how ancient life can inform solutions that lie beyond the scope of conventional human design.



Pili and colleagues plan to conduct higher-resolution scans of more pterosaur fossils, hoping to uncover additional secrets hidden in ancient bones.&nbsp;



These efforts may spur a new wave of cross-disciplinary research involving paleontology, materials science, and advanced manufacturing. 



The hope is that some of the most promising ideas for the future might be found by looking 100 million years into the past.



The findings were recently published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-88257-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Reports</a>.



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100-million-year-old bones inspire new aircraft design

Researchers at the University of Manchester suggest that fossilized bones...

The frozen landscape of the Canadian Arctic was once home to palm trees - a revelation that defies everything we thought we knew about Earth's climate history.



Today, the Arctic is defined by ice, permafrost, and extreme cold, supporting only the hardiest plants and animals. 



However, evidence suggests that millions of years ago, the region was warm enough to sustain towering palm trees and a thriving ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-look-at-the-arctic-s-past">A new look at the Arctic's past </h2>



Researchers at <a href="https://www.conncoll.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connecticut College</a> are describing fossil discoveries that tell a very different tale of the Arctic's history.



The research sheds light on how the Arctic once existed - with dense forest, warm-water ecosystems, and a climate akin to the today's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-half-of-the-worlds-vertebrates-reside-in-the-tropics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropics</a>.



The idea of palms thriving in a region that now endures months of icy darkness and subzero temperatures is astonishing. 



It contradicts our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ecosystems-are-endangered-by-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> environments and compels us to reexamine the dynamic nature of Earth's climate over geologic timescales.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-fossils-from-the-eocene">Plant fossils from the Eocene </h2>



The scientists studied small silica structures known as phytoliths - microscopic plant fragments that are a fossilized record of past <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegetation-impacts-energy-movement-in-the-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a> - embedded in ancient lakebed residues from Canada's Northwest territories.



The mineralized structures, which preserve the unique shape of the plants they originated from, are important evidence of a drastically different Arctic environment.



In particular, the researchers visited the Giraffe Pipe locality, a relatively well-preserved geological location that provides an exceptional snapshot of prehistoric times, suspended in perpetuity.



This out-of-the way place, which was once a productive ecosystem, contains some of the finest-preserved plant fossils from the Eocene epoch. The fossils help scientists recreate ancient climates with extraordinary accuracy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-palm-trees-in-the-arctic">Palm trees in the Arctic</h2>



What the team discovered was nothing less than incredible. The fossil record indicates that about 48 million years ago, this area had warm, stable temperatures throughout the year - even in times of pure winter darkness when the sun never broke the horizon.



Contrary to today's Arctic environment, where ice covers the terrain and subzero temperatures prevail for most of the year, this ancient ecosystem was more like a subtropical haven.



Palm trees did not merely survive here - they thrived, towering above a dense forest of warm-climate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-how-plants-adapt-to-changing-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>. Their existence upends long-standing beliefs regarding the boundaries of plant survival and offers a striking image of an Arctic that was once recognizably warm and vibrant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-palm-trees-and-a-lost-arctic-world">Palm trees and a lost Arctic world</h2>



"These findings give us a window into past greenhouse conditions and help refine models predicting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-levels-complicate-predictions-of-future-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">future climate change</a>," said Peter Siver, the study's lead researcher.



The discovery included fossilized stegmata - unique linear arrangements of plant structures in palm leaves - which represent the earliest known record of this evolutionary trait.



The researchers also identified traces of warm-adapted aquatic life, further confirming that the Arctic once harbored a stable, temperate ecosystem.



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



The study challenges previous assumptions about ice formation in the Northern Hemisphere. By examining these ancient environments, researchers can gain critical insights into how ecosystems adapt to long-term climate shifts.



Warm-adapted aquatic organisms found alongside the palm tree fossils further solidify the narrative of a once-thriving, temperate arctic ecosystem. 



The research offers more than just a fascinating historical account - it provides crucial context for understanding contemporary climate dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-story-of-life-on-earth">The story of life on Earth</h2>



Understanding Earth's climate history isn't just about satisfying scientific curiosity. It helps us comprehend the incredible adaptability of life and the dramatic transformations our planet can undergo.



The Arctic of 48 million years ago serves as a powerful reminder of the planet's complex and ever-changing nature. 



The study demonstrates that even the most extreme environments can shift drastically over time, shaped by the forces of geology and climate.



In the face of today's climate challenges, these prehistoric insights offer a unique perspective on environmental change, resilience, and the extraordinary story of life on Earth.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/aob/advance-article/doi/10.1093/aob/mcaf021/8006661" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annals of Botany</a>.



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Palm tree fossils found in the Arctic rewrite Earth's climate history

The frozen landscape of the Canadian Arctic was once home...

Life on Earth has faced several extinction events, but none were as devastating as the end-Permian mass extinction 252 million years ago. Nearly 90% of all species vanished, yet some amphibians managed to survive.



This catastrophe reshaped ecosystems, forcing the remaining species to adapt to extreme conditions. Among these survivors were ancient amphibians called temnospondyls, distant relatives of modern frogs and salamanders.



Scientists from the University of Bristol have uncovered how these early amphibians endured the extinction crisis. 



The findings, published in Royal Society Open Science, reveal that temnospondyls thrived by feeding on freshwater prey, which remained stable while land-based food sources dwindled.



Their adaptability helped early amphibians <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frog-saunas-hot-solution-to-fighting-global-amphibian-extinction-apocalypse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survive</a> a world marked by climate chaos and environmental upheaval.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-amphibians-survived-extinction">How amphibians survived extinction</h2>



The period following the end-Permian extinction was marked by drastic environmental shifts. Massive volcanic eruptions led to rising global temperatures, acid rain, and widespread wildfires. 



Many terrestrial species struggled to find food as plant and animal populations plummeted. However, freshwater ecosystems remained relatively stable, providing a refuge for adaptable predators like temnospondyls.



“One of the great mysteries has been the survival and flourishing of a major group of amphibians called the temnospondyls,” said Aamir Mehmood from Bristol’s <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/biology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Biological Sciences</a>. 



“These were predatory animals that fed on fishes and other prey, but were primarily linked to the water, just like modern amphibians such as frogs and salamanders. We know that climates then were hot, and especially so after the extinction event. How could these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-a-new-virus-put-an-end-to-the-global-amphibian-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water-loving animals</a> have been so successful?”



Scientists believe that the feeding habits of amphibians played a crucial role in preventing their extinction. Unlike land-dwelling predators, which relied on an unstable food supply, temnospondyls could hunt a variety of freshwater creatures, ensuring their survival even when environmental conditions changed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-features-of-early-amphibians">Features of early amphibians </h2>



“We collected data on 100 temnospondyls that lived throughout the Triassic and wanted to look at how their ecologies changed. We measured their body sizes and features of the skulls and teeth that tell us about function,” noted co-author Dr. Suresh Singh.



“Much to our surprise, we found that they did not change much through the crisis," added Dr. Armin Elsler. "The temnospondyls showed the same range of body sizes as in the Permian, some of them small and feeding on insects, and others larger."



“These larger forms included long-snouted animals that trapped fishes and broad-snouted generalist feeders. What was unusual though was how their diversity of body sizes and functional variety expanded about 5 million years after the crisis and then dropped back.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surviving-the-tropical-dead-zone">Surviving the tropical dead zone</h2>



Due to extreme global warming in the Early Triassic, many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amphibian-siphonops-annulatus-discovered-feeds-milk-to-offspring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> moved away from the tropics. However, temnospondyls managed to cross these inhospitable regions.



“Our work shows that the temnospondyls, unexpectedly, were able to cross the tropical dead zone," said Professor Mike Benton.



"Fossils are known from South Africa and Australia in the south, as well as North America, Europe, and Russia in the north. The temnospondyls must have been able to criss-cross the tropical zone during cooler episodes."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-decline-of-early-amphibians">The decline of early amphibians</h2>



Their early success highlights the resilience of amphibians, showing how adaptability can determine survival in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frogs-and-toads-face-new-risks-as-their-habitats-dry-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme environments</a>. However, Mehmood pointed out that the amphibians' rapid success in the Early Triassic was short-lived.



"They coped with the hot conditions probably by having a low requirement for food, by being able to eat most prey animals, and by hiding in sparse water bodies. But when the ancestors of dinosaurs and of mammals began to diversify in the Middle Triassic, the temnospondyls began their long decline."



The dominance of temnospondyls faded as the new competitors emerged, leading to their eventual extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-legacy-of-resilience">A legacy of resilience</h2>



Temnospondyls may have disappeared, but their story highlights how adaptability shapes survival. Their ability to endure extreme environmental changes for millions of years demonstrates the importance of flexible feeding strategies and ecological diversity.



The history of temnospondyls also provides insight into how modern amphibians might respond to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amphibian-fossils-found-in-burrows-reveal-ancient-survival-strategies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental challenges</a>.



As climate change alters habitats today, species with broad diets and adaptable lifestyles may have the best chance of survival, just as the temnospondyls did millions of years ago.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.241200" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



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How amphibians survived Earth’s deadliest mass extinction

Life on Earth has faced several extinction events, but none...

Cosmic,Vortex:,The,Fiery,Eye,Of,The,Galaxy

Dark matter has puzzled scientists for decades, stirring endless debate about what constitutes the huge chunk of mass in the universe that is not directly visible. 



While numerous theories have been proposed, researchers have yet to confirm a definitive explanation for this elusive substance.



Advanced instrumentation has now sparked renewed attempts to uncover possible signals from dark <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-dark-matter-does-not-exist-and-the-universe-is-27-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">matter</a> in the near infrared spectrum. 



After reviewing recently collected data, scientists are discussing results that appear to set new standards on how long certain dark matter particles can last.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-dark-matter-the-basics">Understanding dark matter - the basics</h2>



Dark matter is the mysterious, invisible glue that holds the universe together. Most scientists believe it’s there because of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-big-bang-theory-attempts-to-explain-origin-of-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational pull on galaxies</a>, but they can’t see or touch it. 



Unlike regular matter, dark matter doesn’t emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it impossible to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-are-now-searching-for-dark-matter-inside-old-earth-rocks-minerals-crystals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">detect directly</a>. 



Instead, astronomers study how galaxies move and rotate - without dark matter’s extra gravity, they should be flying apart. 



The crazy part? Dark matter makes up about 85% of the universe’s total mass, yet we have no idea what it actually is.



Scientists are on a mission to crack the dark matter mystery, using massive underground detectors and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-might-be-driving-force-behind-black-hole-mergers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">powerful telescopes</a>. 



Some theories suggest it’s made of undiscovered particles, while others think it could be linked to hidden dimensions. 



Whatever it is, most scientists believe that dark matter plays a huge role in shaping the cosmos, influencing everything from galaxy formation and black holes, to the structure of the universe itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter-signals-in-infrared-light">Dark matter signals in infrared light</h2>



Associate Professor <a href="https://inspirehep.net/authors/1421892" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wen Yin</a> from <a href="https://www.tmu.ac.jp/english/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tokyo Metropolitan University</a> has worked with a team on a fresh approach that searched for faint signals produced by <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/1407.0546" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">axionlike particles</a>.



They relied on the fact that certain theoretical models predict these particles will emit narrow bands of light when they decay.



“The identity of dark matter has been a mystery in astronomy, cosmology, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-formation-may-have-occurred-before-the-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particle theory</a> for about a century,” wrote Yin and co-authors from Tokyo Metropolitan University in a new study. 



They used an infrared spectrograph, known as <a href="http://lihweb.kyoto-su.ac.jp/WINERED/overview_winered.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WINERED</a>, which picks up subtle features in light that might reveal how dark matter decays.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-infrared-tools-to-detect-dark-matter-decay">Using infrared tools to detect dark matter decay</h2>



Instruments like WINERED, the <a href="https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a>, and other devices help scientists inspect complicated <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/electromagnetic-signal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electromagnetic signals</a> in the cosmos to see if anything stands out. 



Researchers are particularly keen on the near infrared band because some dark matter models point to that range as a possible hotspot.



Investigating this spectral window is tricky because noise from <a href="https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/everything-you-need-to-know-zodiacal-light-or-false-dawn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zodiacal light</a> and atmospheric interference can obscure important features. 



A new data analysis technique, which separates narrow decay signals from broad background emissions, reduces this confusion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-hidden-galaxies">Mapping hidden galaxies</h2>



The <a href="https://www.lco.cl/magellan-telescopes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Magellan Clay Telescope</a> in Chile measures about 21 feet (6.4 meters) across, and has the ability to capture even the faint glow from distant <a href="https://esahubble.org/wordbank/dwarf-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dwarf galaxies</a>.



By pointing this telescope at galaxies named Leo V and Tucana II, Yin’s team managed to gather significant infrared data in just four hours.



Their measurements pointed to no noticeable bursts at certain frequencies, which suggests that axionlike particle decay was not observed. 



The absence of any distinct signal implies that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/existence-of-dark-matter-confirmed-by-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a>, if they exist, might survive for more than 1025 seconds, which is many times the age of our cosmos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-something-unexpected">Signs of something unexpected</h2>



Although the data so far show no conclusive dark matter decay, there were slight hints of unexplained patterns that deserve further investigation. 



Such anomalies might indicate that more sensitive instruments or longer observation windows could finally pin down a genuine dark matter signature.



Several groups worldwide are refining spectrometers to explore these curious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-big-bang-theory-attempts-to-explain-origin-of-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signals</a> at higher resolution. 



Continued monitoring of galaxies with low background interference could clarify whether these faint clues are actual traces of dark matter or just simple flukes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-detecting-dark-matter-signals">Challenges in detecting dark matter signals</h2>



Examinations of <a href="https://www.amnh.org/learn-teach/curriculum-collections/cosmic-horizons-book/cosmic-microwave-background-radiation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">background radiation</a> remain complicated because the universe is filled with scattered light from multiple sources. 



Researchers must also untangle contamination from Earth’s own atmosphere, which intensifies when the sun heats the air.



Despite these obstacles, improved calibration methods and collaborative efforts between astronomers and particle physicists continue to enhance the search for hidden cosmic matter. 



No single test has delivered a decisive answer, yet confidence is growing that bigger discoveries lie ahead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-these-findings-matter">Why these findings matter</h2>



If axionlike particles do show up, they might solve a puzzle that has preoccupied scientists since the 1930s. 



Decades ago, measurements of galaxy rotation speeds revealed invisible mass exerting gravitational influence, which prompted the name “dark matter” for this puzzling substance.



Pinpointing whether these elusive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-does-not-exist-universe-27-billion-years-old-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a> exist could also unlock new physics beyond the current understanding, and pave the way for novel insights about the structure of the cosmos.



Scientists remain motivated to analyze more data from advanced spectrographs as the chase continues for clues about what really makes up the bulk of our universe.



The study is published in <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.051004" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Letters</a>.



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Dark matter, if it exists, has a strictly limited lifetime, new study says

Dark matter has puzzled scientists for decades, stirring endless debate...

Health is often assessed through physical fitness, diet, and medical history. However, new research suggests that male reproductive health might hold critical clues about life expectancy. 



A study published in the journal Human Reproduction reveals a surprising connection between semen quality and lifespan.



The researchers analyzed data from nearly 80,000 men over 50 years. They found that those with higher motile <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/semen-has-its-own-microbiome-and-it-may-be-the-cause-of-infertility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sperm</a> counts lived longer.



Men with over 120 million motile sperm lived two to three years longer than those with less than 5 million. This research, the largest of its kind, is described as a “landmark” publication in an editorial commentary.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-semen-quality-affects-lifespan">Semen quality affects lifespan</h2>



Dr. Lærke Priskorn and Dr. Niels Jørgensen led the study at Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet. The team examined semen samples from men who sought fertility <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/novel-gene-editing-tool-analyzes-sperm-health-in-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">assessments</a> between 1965 and 2015.



The researchers analyzed sperm concentration, volume, motility, and shape. They then tracked mortality rates using Danish national registers.



Over the study period, 11% of the participants died, amounting to 8,600 deaths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adjusting-for-other-factors">Adjusting for other factors</h2>



Among the men studied, 59,657 provided samples between 1987 and 2015. For this group, additional data such as educational level and medical history were available.



“Previous research has suggested that male infertility and lower semen quality could be associated with mortality,“ noted Dr. Priskorn.



“We conducted this study to test the hypothesis and at the same time get an absolute estimate of how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-enhances-sperm-performance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">semen</a> quality predicts a man’s lifespan and to understand whether diagnosed diseases prior to semen quality assessment might explain some of the reported association.”



Dr. Priskorn emphasized that higher semen quality correlated with longer life expectancy. The researchers found no link between mortality and pre-existing medical conditions or educational levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-semen-quality-as-a-health-indicator">Semen quality as a health indicator</h2>



The findings suggest that poor semen quality might indicate broader health risks. It could serve as an early warning sign for potential health problems.



“We need to better understand the association between semen quality and men’s general health,“ said Dr Jørgensen.



“However, this study suggests that we can identify subgroups of men with impaired semen quality who are apparently healthy when their semen quality is assessed, but who are at increased risk of developing certain diseases later in life.”



Dr Jørgensen noted that fertility evaluations could help detect risks of future health conditions. Further research will explore whether specific diseases, such as cancer or heart disease, contribute to the shorter lifespan of men with poor semen quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-missing-lifestyle-data">Missing lifestyle data</h2>



The study’s large sample size is a major strength. However, some limitations exist. The researchers lacked data on lifestyle habits and only had pre-existing medical records for men who provided samples after 1987.



Additionally, the study could not differentiate between men with obstructed reproductive tracts and those with other causes of low motile <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-body-prevents-multiple-sperm-from-fertilizing-an-egg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sperm</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-underlying-factors">Exploring the underlying factors</h2>



Professor John Aitken from <a href="https://www.newcastle.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Newcastle</a> praised the research as a milestone in reproductive medicine. He explored possible reasons for the link between semen quality and lifespan.



“In this commentary, I have highlighted several potential mediators of such an association including genetic defects on the sex chromosomes (X or Y), a compromised immune system, comorbidities, lifestyle factors and chemical pollutants capable of compromising telomeric integrity,“ he wrote.



“Given the complexity of these factors, we might ask whether they are acting independently, or do they reflect the existence of some fundamental pathological process that cuts across all of these epidemiological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-life-begins-egg-sperm-and-a-covert-team-of-proteins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathways</a>?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxidative-stress-and-longevity">Oxidative stress and longevity</h2>



Professor Aitken suggested oxidative stress as a possible factor. This condition results from an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Oxidative stress damages cells, impacts semen quality, and plays a role in aging.



“Any factor (genetic, immunological, metabolic, environmental or lifestyle) that enhances overall levels of oxidative stress, could reasonably be expected to drive changes in the semen profile and subsequent patterns of mortality, as observed by Priskorn et al.,” wrote Professor Aitken.



”Furthermore, an aetiology grounded in oxidative stress might also explain the relationships observed between complications of pregnancy (preeclampsia, gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes) and female mortality later in life."



”An overarching oxidative stress hypothesis also accords with the observation that circulating antioxidant levels are generally higher in women than men, just as their telomeres are usually longer. 



”So perhaps, for both genders, the secret to achieving both high fecundity and heathy ageing, is to monitor oxidative stress and adopt measures to maintain a balanced redox state. Could it be that simple? Clearly, much food for thought.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-semen-quality">Future research on semen quality</h2>



The study raises important questions about fertility and long-term health. Researchers plan to investigate specific causes of early death among men with poor semen quality. They will also look for biomarkers that could predict future health risks.



These findings highlight the potential of fertility assessments in the early detection of health issues. Ultimately, understanding the implications of semen quality could lead to better preventive healthcare strategies for men.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/humrep/advance-article/doi/10.1093/humrep/deaf023/8051460" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human Reproduction</a>.



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Poor semen quality signifies more than just fertility problems

Health is often assessed through physical fitness, diet, and medical...

Forests are&nbsp;essential&nbsp;in&nbsp;sequestering carbon, a process that slows the rate of global warming. But when it comes to the ability to store carbon, not all forests are created equal. 



A recent study has revealed that mixed forests with several different species of trees sequester much more carbon than those in which only a single species of tree is present.



The study, led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.uni-freiburg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Freiburg</a>, offers robust evidence that mixed forests are more effective at sequestering carbon, and thus represent a key weapon in the fight against climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tropical-tree-diversity-experiment">Tropical tree diversity experiment </h2>



The research focused on data from the Sardinilla experiment in Panama, which was set up in 2001 and is the world’s longest-running tropical tree diversity experiment in the world. 



Originally, pastureland was replanted with tree species. Today, forest growth can be compared on plots that were planted with one, two, three, or five different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-forests-benefit-from-diverse-native-tree-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">native tree species</a>.



The forests have now become more mature and scientists can examine long-term trends. The researchers considered multiple carbon stocks in the plots, such as carbon within tree biomass, leaf litter, and mineral soil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-diversity-boosts-carbon-storage">Tree diversity boosts carbon storage</h2>



The experts found that forests with five tree species had significantly higher carbon stocks above ground than those with only one species.



Mixed forests captured 57% more carbon in tree biomass when compared to monocultures. This confirms that planting different tree species leads to more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-fires-diminish-forests-carbon-storage-ability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage</a>.



However, belowground carbon stocks and fluxes remained similar, regardless of species diversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-resilient-carbon-sink">A resilient carbon sink </h2>



The benefits of tree diversity did not fade over time. In fact, they became stronger, even as the forests faced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a>. 



The study period included a severe El Niño-driven drought and a hurricane, yet the mixed forests continued to outperform those composed of monocultures.



Study first author Dr. Florian Schnabel is a forest scientist at the University of Freiburg’s Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources.



“This is important, because in the face of climate change, the long-term carbon balance of forests will depend largely on their stability to disturbances. Diverse forests exhibit greater ecological stability and the risk that the stored carbon is released back to the atmosphere is lower than in monocultures,” said Dr. Schnabel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixed-forests-and-climate-action">Mixed forests and climate action</h2>



The study’s findings suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/success-story-reforestation-has-helped-keep-the-eastern-us-relatively-cool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reforestation</a> projects should prioritize mixed-species forests over monocultures in order to maximize carbon sequestration.



However, the researchers caution against overestimating the climate benefits of planting new forests.



Dr. Catherine Potvin from McGill University in Canada was head of the Sardinilla experiment until 2024, and helped to initiate the study.



“The average yearly net CO2&nbsp;uptake of the planted forests was 5.7 tonnes CO2&nbsp;equivalents per ha and year. It would thus need one-year tree growth on 11 ha of this type of forest to compensate for the emissions of a single one-way flight between Frankfurt and Panama City,” noted Dr. Potvin. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-forest-diversity">Embracing forest diversity </h2>



The research contributes to a growing collection of evidence that species diversity is central to climate resilience. Mixed forests not only take up more carbon, but also store it more consistently, even in the case of extreme weather events.



When governments and institutions start investing in climate mitigation strategies by planting trees, species diversity is key to making the effects exponentially more powerful.



By creating diverse forests, we can cultivate landscapes that have greater carbon sequestration potential, withstand environmental stress, and provide long-term returns to ecosystems and future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-benefits-of-diverse-forests">Additional benefits of diverse forests</h2>



In addition to carbon storage, mixed forests offer crucial ecological benefits. They promote biodiversity, provide wildlife with food and shelter, and improve conditions for pollinators, seed dispersal agents, and natural pest suppression. These interactions enhance forest health and resilience.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-with-many-tree-species-are-more-effective-at-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Multispecies forests</a> are also more resistant against disease and pests, as opposed to monocultures where all individuals may succumb to the same pest infestation, leading to heavy financial losses. By reducing this risk, mixed forests maintain long-term stability even under changing conditions.



Furthermore, diverse forests help regulate water, thus maintaining the soil moisture level, preventing soil erosion, and stabilizing environments. Their roots prevent landslides and protect freshwater systems that are vital to communities.



Prioritizing species diversity can lead to more resilient forests that safeguard both the environment and human well-being.



The full results of the study were published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.70089">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Nature's climate solutions: Mixed forests store more carbon

Forests are&nbsp;essential&nbsp;in&nbsp;sequestering carbon, a process that slows the rate of...

Honeybees have been indispensable to agriculture for centuries. Their role in pollination supports food production, contributing to the growth of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and coffee. Without bees and proper hive health, many crops would struggle, leading to food shortages.



But bee populations are shrinking due to bad weather, chemicals, and pests. This harms nature and makes life harder for beekeepers who need healthy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-honey-bee-day-protecting-our-vital-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> for honey and farming.



Beekeepers face increasing challenges in maintaining hive health. External stressors disrupt colonies, making it difficult for bees to survive. 



Traditional methods of monitoring hive conditions rely on experience and judgment. While valuable, these methods are not always precise. Scientists and engineers have now introduced a data-driven approach to help beekeepers make informed decisions and prevent colony collapse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-beehive-thermoregulation">Understanding beehive thermoregulation</h2>



Bee colonies regulate their internal temperature to stay between 33 and 36 degrees Celsius, or 91 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit. This thermoregulation is vital for the survival of the hive. 



When temperatures drop, bees cluster together to generate warmth. In hot conditions, they fan their wings to cool the hive. This natural ability allows them to protect their brood and maintain an optimal environment for their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-cause-of-honeybee-mortality-can-be-easily-reduced/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colony</a>.



However, when external stressors like pesticides, habitat loss, or sudden weather changes affect the hive, bees struggle to maintain their internal climate. If they fail, the colony becomes vulnerable to diseases, reduced reproduction, and, ultimately, collapse. 



Beekeepers intervene when necessary, but current monitoring techniques do not always detect early warning signs of trouble. Scientists recognized this gap and developed an advanced tool to assist beekeepers in safeguarding their hives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-system-to-track-hive-health">Smart system to track hive health</h2>



A research team from Carnegie Mellon University’s <a href="https://www.cs.cmu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Computer Science</a> and the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California</a>, Riverside has developed a system to monitor hive health more accurately.



This tool, called the Electronic Bee-Veterinarian (EBV), uses heat sensors and predictive modeling to track changes in hive temperature and identify early signs of stress.



The EBV system includes two sensors - one inside the hive and one outside. These sensors collect real-time temperature data, which is then fed into a model that calculates a hive health factor.



This single numerical value provides beekeepers with a quick understanding of their colony’s condition. If the health factor remains close to one, the hive is functioning normally. If it drops significantly, beekeepers receive an early warning that intervention is needed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-driven-approach-to-hive-health">Data-driven approach to hive health </h2>



The research team applied physics and engineering principles to design an effective health monitoring system. Christos Faloutsos, a professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon, explained the approach used to create the hive health forecasting model.



"We derived equations based on the first principles of thermal diffusion, heat transfer and control theory," said Professor Faloutsos.



"We put these equations together and then compressed all the historical data into one number, the hive health factor. If the health factor is close to one, the bees are healthy and thermoregulating."



"If it is much lower than one, it means the beehive isn't healthy and might need an intervention. Once we have this health factor computed every day, we can do standard forecasting and the beekeeper can take further action."



This data-driven approach simplifies decision-making for beekeepers. Instead of relying solely on visual inspections or experience, they can use precise, real-time data to assess hive health and respond to problems before they escalate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-designing-a-tool-for-beekeepers">Designing a tool for beekeepers</h2>



One of the key goals of the EBV project was to ensure that the system was easy to use. 



Many beekeepers do not have technical expertise in data analysis, so researchers condensed the data into a single hive health factor. This simplification allows any beekeeper, regardless of experience, to interpret the results quickly.



Jeremy Lee, a doctoral student at Carnegie Mellon who worked on the project, emphasized the importance of collaboration between different fields in making this system successful. 



The team included researchers from computer science, electrical engineering, and entomology. Their combined knowledge helped create a practical and effective solution for beekeepers.



"This is something I'm very interested in - using our expertise from computer science and working with other domain experts to make an impact in another area," Lee said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-computer-science-in-agriculture">Computer science in agriculture</h2>



Lee has worked on other projects that use computational techniques to solve real-world challenges. 



Along with Professor Faloutsos and other researchers from Carnegie Mellon and McGill University, Lee applied data science to criminology by helping experts detect human trafficking networks. His ability to bridge different fields has made a tangible impact in both law enforcement and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honeybees-use-creative-dance-moves-to-help-others-find-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental science</a>.



The EBV system represents a growing trend where computer science and artificial intelligence contribute to agriculture and environmental sustainability. 



With forecasting and automation, technology helps beekeepers keep hives stable and prevent losses. The next step is to improve the system even more.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-hive-climate-control">Future of hive climate control</h2>



With additional funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the research team is working on automating hive climate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-colonies-are-collapsing-as-climate-change-progresses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">control</a>. 



If successful, the EBV system will not only detect health issues but also take corrective actions automatically. This could involve adjusting hive temperature to counteract environmental stress or implementing early interventions to protect bees from disease outbreaks.



With automated climate control, beekeepers can do less manual work while keeping hives healthy and producing more honey. This technology could also help large beekeeping farms manage many hives more easily.



The decline of honeybee populations remains a serious concern, but innovations like the EBV system offer hope. By combining scientific expertise with real-world applications, researchers have created a tool that could change how beekeepers manage their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-face-a-multitude-of-complex-stressors-in-the-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colonies</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3719014" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACM Transactions on Knowledge Discovery from Data</a>.



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Smart sensors help beekeepers monitor hive health

Honeybees have been indispensable to agriculture for centuries. Their role...

A country like Australia, with its wildlife-rich forests, is a treasure trove of interesting species. Standing out among them is the superb lyrebird. This bird's distinct tail and mimicry skills have always fascinated scientists and nature enthusiasts.



However, recent research has uncovered a previously unseen aspect of the bird's behavior, shedding light on how it stands apart from other species. 



The lyrebird does more than just imitate sounds. It farms to keep a steady food supply which helps maintain the balance of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-that-optimize-their-food-supply">Birds that optimize their food supply</h2>



For years, scientists have studied the foraging habits of lyrebirds, but only recently did they realize the true extent of their influence on their habitat. Researchers from <a href="https://www.latrobe.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Trobe University</a> observed these birds arranging leaf litter and soil in ways that create microhabitats, perfect for the growth of their prey.



Instead of simply hunting for food, lyrebirds manipulate the forest floor to encourage worms, centipedes, and spiders to flourish. By creating the right conditions, they ensure that their prey grows larger and becomes more abundant, allowing them to return later for an easy meal.



This type of farming is rarely seen in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-rich-tree-diversity-adapt-better-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a>, making the lyrebird a unique case among birds. The research findings suggest that the bird does not just survive in its environment but actively modifies it to its advantage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lyrebird-s-impact-on-forest-ecosystems">Lyrebird’s impact on forest ecosystems</h2>



To better understand how these birds shape their surroundings, the researchers set up controlled experiments. They fenced off small areas in the forest to prevent lyrebirds from entering. Some of these areas were left untouched, while others were raked to simulate the bird’s natural foraging behavior.



The results were striking. In the raked areas, there was a noticeable increase in the variety and size of invertebrates compared to the untouched zones. This confirmed that the birds’ actions directly influenced the availability of food in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-too-many-trees-could-spoil-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat</a>.



Lead researcher Alex Maisey explained the significance of these findings. "Lyrebirds set up the perfect home for their prey, creating conditions with more food resources and effectively fattening them up before eating them."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-key-player-in-australia-s-forests">A key player in Australia’s forests</h2>



The superb lyrebird is primarily found in the moist eucalypt forests of south-eastern Australia. These birds do more than just modify the ground for their own benefit - they shape entire ecosystems.



By constantly disturbing the forest floor, lyrebirds influence which plants and animals can thrive in their habitat. Their foraging behavior creates a dynamic environment where nutrients are redistributed, allowing different species to grow in areas they might not otherwise survive.



This activity helps maintain biodiversity by preventing the forest floor from becoming too compacted or overgrown. The birds ensure that organic material continues to break down, enriching the soil and supporting a diverse range of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asian-forests-proving-resilient-both-climate-change-human-actions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life forms</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lyrebirds-help-control-bushfires">Lyrebirds help control bushfires</h2>



One of the most surprising benefits of the lyrebird’s digging behavior is its role in fire prevention. Bushfires are a natural part of Australia’s landscape, but their frequency and intensity have increased due to climate change. Lyrebirds may provide an unexpected solution to this growing problem.



By moving massive amounts of leaf litter and soil, these birds help bury potential fuel sources, reducing the risk of intense fires. The researchers found that lyrebirds can shift an average of 155 tonnes of material per hectare as they farm for invertebrates.



"Lyrebirds are widespread and active across millions of hectares of forest. Their farming actions play an important role in maintaining forest biodiversity," said Dr. Maisey.



This means that in addition to securing their own food, lyrebirds contribute to the overall health and safety of the forests they inhabit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lyrebirds-take-care-of-their-environment">Lyrebirds take care of their environment </h2>



For a long time, the superb lyrebird has amazed people with its ability to copy sounds. It can mimic anything from chainsaws to camera shutters, making it one of the best sound imitators in the animal world. This talent has made it famous worldwide.



But scientists have now discovered something even more impressive about these birds. Lyrebirds are not just great at mimicking - they also help take care of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-degree-temperature-warming-boreal-forests-wreak-havoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>.



By digging up the ground and moving leaves, they create better homes for the insects and worms they eat. This keeps nature in balance and helps different plants and animals survive.



Even more surprising, their digging helps stop dangerous wildfires. By burying dry leaves and branches, they reduce the fuel that fires need to spread. This means lyrebirds play a key role in protecting forests.



Scientists are still learning more about these birds, and future research might reveal even more ways they help the environment. One thing is certain: the superb lyrebird is more than just a great imitator - it’s a nature-made engineer that keeps forests healthy.



The study is published in the <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.70009" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Animal Ecology</a>. 



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Lyrebirds farm their own food - and shape entire forests

A country like Australia, with its wildlife-rich forests, is a...

The world has faced multiple pandemics, with COVID-19 being the most recent reminder of how quickly diseases can spread. Traditional methods of controlling outbreaks, such as lockdowns, mass testing, and travel restrictions, often come at a high cost to society. However, advances in technology like smartwatches may offer a better solution.



Already used for fitness tracking and health monitoring, smartwatches have shown remarkable accuracy in detecting infections before symptoms appear.



A new study from Aalto University, <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>, and <a href="https://www.tamu.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M</a> suggests that wearable technology could change how we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preparing-for-the-next-pandemic-lessons-about-viral-transmission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manage diseases</a>.



The research highlights how smartwatches can help reduce transmission by alerting individuals before they even feel sick. This smartwatch-based approach could provide a practical and cost-effective way to slow down or even stop pandemics before they escalate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smartwatches-detect-illness-early">Smartwatches detect illness early</h2>



Many infectious diseases, including COVID-19 and influenza, are most contagious before noticeable symptoms develop. 



Research has shown that 44 percent of COVID-19 infections were transmitted before the infected person realized they were sick. This makes early detection essential in preventing further spread.



Wearable devices monitor physiological changes such as heart rate, respiration, and skin temperature. These indicators can reveal an infection days before a person experiences symptoms. 



Everyday smartwatches have demonstrated 88 percent accuracy in detecting COVID-19 and 90 percent accuracy for the flu. The ability to identify infections at such an early stage offers a new way to curb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/staying-home-is-the-new-going-out-after-the-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disease transmission</a>.



“Unlike during the pandemic, we now have concrete data on how pandemics develop, and how effective different measures are at curbing the spread,“ noted Märt Vesinurm from <a href="https://www.aalto.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aalto University</a>.



“Add to this that wearable technology is now extremely effective when it comes to detecting the very early physiological signs of infection, and we are much better prepared.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-warnings-reduce-disease-spread">Early warnings reduce disease spread</h2>



People naturally change their behavior once they realize they are sick. Studies show that individuals reduce social contact by 66 to 90 percent from the moment they become aware of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/playful-people-handled-pandemic-stress-better-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">illness</a>. 



However, by the time symptoms appear, they may have already infected others. This is where smartwatches could play a crucial role.



“Even at the lower end of compliance, if people receive and act on an earlier warning by self-isolating, the impact is significant," explained Vesinurm.



“Even just a 66-75 percent reduction in social contacts soon after detection by smartwatches - keeping in mind that that’s on a par with what you’d normally do if you had cold symptoms - can lead to a 40-65 percent decrease in disease transmission compared to someone isolating from the onset of symptoms.”



This research suggests that if compliance levels were even higher, such as during a pandemic, smartwatches could effectively stop an outbreak.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-smartwatches-prevent-a-pandemic">Can smartwatches prevent a pandemic?</h2>



One of the biggest concerns in public health today is the potential emergence of new, highly contagious diseases. 



The spread of avian flu (H5N1) and other infectious diseases remains a serious risk. If smartwatches can detect infections early, could they help prevent the next <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-makes-a-virus-capable-of-causing-a-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global pandemic</a>? "I see no reason why not,“ said Vesinurm.



“As we gather more specific data about how different illnesses affect these measurements, there’s no reason we couldn’t distinguish between diseases, from bird flu and HIV to the common cold, especially when used in conjunction with advanced machine learning methods and other data from the user.”



Machine learning algorithms combined with smartwatch data could help identify different infections more precisely. 



Over time, researchers could fine-tune these models to differentiate between various illnesses based on physiological responses. This could lead to even more accurate and personalized health alerts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smarter-approach-to-public-health-policy">Smarter approach to public health policy</h2>



The team behind this research is the first to combine real-world data from multiple epidemiological, biological, and behavioral studies into a mathematical model. This model examines how infections spread and how smartwatches could alter the course of a pandemic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pandemic-puppy-owners-report-challenges-but-remain-committed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outbreak</a>.



Vesinurm envisions a future where wearable devices play a key role in pandemic response strategies. If smartwatches become widely adopted, they could reduce the need for large-scale lockdowns and mandatory testing. 



Instead, early warnings from wearable devices could encourage targeted actions, minimizing disruptions to daily life.



“People are used to wearable devices and they’re likely to trust them. While they’re not yet diagnostic, they could help make unpopular approaches like masks, lockdowns and invasive testing more targeted and less of a blunt instrument,” said Vesinum.



Receiving a smartwatch alert could prompt users to take simple steps like getting a PCR test, avoiding travel, or staying away from high-risk individuals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smartwatches-for-pandemic-management">Smartwatches for pandemic management </h2>



The idea of using smartwatches for pandemic management raises important ethical questions. If governments recognize their effectiveness, they may consider providing smartwatches to citizens during health crises. 



This could ensure that more people receive early warnings, but it also introduces concerns about data privacy and personal freedom.



“It could be that governments find it most cost effective in a pandemic situation to provide every person who wants one with a smartwatch - although of course, this comes with its own ethical considerations,” said Vesinurm.



Despite these concerns, the potential benefits of smartwatches in disease prevention are undeniable. Early detection at the individual level could lead to better public health outcomes and significantly reduce the impact of future pandemics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-wearable-health-monitoring">Future of wearable health monitoring</h2>



As technology continues to improve, smartwatches may become an even more powerful tool for disease detection. Researchers are working to refine algorithms, increase accuracy, and expand the range of illnesses that can be detected through wearable devices.



With such a simple approach to early detection, the way we manage disease outbreaks may soon change. Instead of relying on large-scale interventions, individuals could take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities.



The findings from this study offer a glimpse into a future where a smartwatch helps us stay ahead of pandemics rather than reacting to them after they begin.



“Either way, with early detection literally at our fingertips, I see a lot of reason to hope,” concluded Vesinurm.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/4/3/pgaf044/8046445" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a>.



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Smartwatches could help prevent the next pandemic

The world has faced multiple pandemics, with COVID-19 being the...

A new study warns that if global warming surpasses 1.5°C, vast regions could lose critical crop diversity, heightening the risk to worldwide food security.&nbsp;



Researchers predict that about one-third of global food production may be in jeopardy due to higher temperatures, underscoring how climate change is expected to reshape agriculture, especially in vulnerable low-latitude countries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loss-of-crop-diversity">Loss of crop diversity </h2>



Scientists at <a href="https://www.aalto.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aalto University</a> conducted the research, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43016-025-01135-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Food</a>, by analyzing how changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, and overall aridity will influence the growth of 30 key food <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creating-resilient-crops-to-cope-with-the-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a> around the globe.&nbsp;



The results show that low-latitude areas - including large portions of the tropics - stand to suffer the most. As warming increases, these regions would see far more land becoming unsuitable for agriculture, as well as a sharp drop in the variety of crops that can be grown.



“The loss of diversity means that the range of food crops available for cultivation could decrease significantly in certain areas. That would reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-molecule-could-shape-the-future-of-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food security</a> and make it more difficult to get adequate calories and protein,” said Sara Heikonen, the doctoral researcher who led the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-food-crops">Climate change and food crops</h2>



Up to half of the world’s current food crop production may be impacted by these shifting conditions. Major staples - rice, maize, wheat, potato, and soybean - are likely to face severe reductions in suitable cropland, heightening challenges for societies that depend on them for daily nutrition.&nbsp;



According to Heikonen, many other crops, like “tropical root crops such as yam, which are key to food security in low-income regions, as well as cereals and pulses are particularly vulnerable. 



In sub-Saharan Africa, the region which would be impacted most, almost three quarters of current production is at risk if global warming exceeds 3°C.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-brings-winners-and-losers">Warming brings winners and losers</h2>



The study reveals a stark contrast between low-latitude and mid- to high-latitude regions. While countries nearer the equator face severe crop losses and falling diversity, those in cooler climates could retain their overall production levels. 



Scientists also project that mid- and high-latitude areas may be able to cultivate a broader range of crops in a warming world.



“For example, the cultivation of temperate fruits, such as pears, could become more common in more northerly regions,” Heikonen said.



Yet, the study’s senior author Matti Kummu notes that a favorable shift in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-predict-the-chaotic-response-of-crops-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> does not guarantee greater yields. 



“We showed that there’s climatic potential but, for example, warming might bring new pests and extreme weather events, which our model doesn’t include. So the situation isn’t really that black and white,” Kummu said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-low-latitude-regions">Challenges in low-latitude regions</h2>



Countries already vulnerable to food insecurity, especially in Africa, face mounting difficulties as rising temperatures coincide with other social and economic pressures. Still, Kummu argues there is room for adaptation.



“In many low latitude areas, especially in Africa, the yields are small compared to similar areas elsewhere in the world. They could get higher yields with access to fertilisers and irrigation as well as reducing food losses through the production and storage chain,” he said.&nbsp;



“However, ongoing global warming will add a lot of uncertainty to these estimates and probably even more actions are needed, such as crop selection and novel breeding. But I always say that the modelling and analysis is the easy part – understanding how to make the changes happen is the hardest part.”



Policy-makers in low-latitude countries, the report suggests, must look for ways to close gaps in agricultural infrastructure while simultaneously bracing for more hostile growing conditions.&nbsp;



Without such efforts, local communities already at risk for food shortages may struggle even more in the years ahead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-securing-the-world-s-food-crops">Securing the world's food crops</h2>



For mid- and high-latitude regions, farmers and legislators will have to remain flexible. Even if warming opens the door to new crops, changes in global demand and market forces could further reshape what people choose to cultivate.&nbsp;



Building resilience likely involves experimenting with different crop varieties, adjusting planting seasons, and investing in infrastructure to cope with potential extreme weather and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urgent-need-to-protect-earths-forests-from-non-native-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pests</a>.



“If we want to secure our food system in the future, we need to both mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects,” Heikonen said. “Even if the biggest changes are in equatorial regions, we will all feel the effects through the globalized food system. We need to act together to address these problems.”



This interconnection means that climate-driven crop failures in one part of the world could ripple across supply chains, affecting food prices and availability everywhere.



 The study emphasizes that mitigating climate change is essential, but so too is planning for a hotter and more unpredictable planet.&nbsp;



By adjusting farming practices, investing in research, and coordinating policy efforts, countries can better prepare to feed a growing population in an era of environmental upheaval.



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Critical food crops are threatened by rising temperatures globally

A new study warns that if global warming surpasses 1.5°C,...

We show our emotions using our facial expressions as well as our body language. The way your body shakes with laughter during a comedy routine versus the restrained movements of a heartfelt reunion with a dear friend - both express joy, yet in profoundly different ways.



Understanding these subtly different layers of physical expression was the focus of a recent research project. 



The uniqueness of the study was not just its shift from facial expressions to body movements. The researchers also considered the cultural aspects of body language.



How do we account for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-find-cultural-differences-in-how-we-interpret-rhythm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultural diversity</a> in body language? What does happiness look like for someone born and raised in Japan?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-charting-emotions-in-motion">Charting emotions in motion</h2>



Building on previous research that primarily focused on Western populations and simple, repetitive actions, this study takes a significant step forward. 



In a collaborative effort, scientists from the <a href="https://www.riec.tohoku.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research Institute</a> of Electrical Communication at Tohoku University (Japan) and National Chung Cheng University (Taiwan) joined forces to address these challenges.



The researchers' quest led them to a motion capture lab where six professional performers expressed a range of emotions by simply moving their bodies.



Notably, the study focused on the emotional expression of Japanese people - a demographic largely overlooked in past studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotions-conveyed-through-body-language">Emotions conveyed through body language </h2>



The researchers asked the performers to recall personal emotional experiences that made them feel everything from joy to anger, sadness, surprise, fear, disgust, and contempt. 



Their movements captured by high-tech motion capture technology were later transformed into simple, stick figure-like animations.



The team also explored imitation learning. This technique involves a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-can-now-learn-to-accomplish-any-task-by-watching-videos-or-observing-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robot learning</a> by mimicking the movements of a human who is performing a task. Despite its effectiveness in stable environments, imitation learning falters in new or unfamiliar situations.



Professor Mitsuhiro Hayashibe of the Graduate School of Engineering at Tohoku University provided a solution to this dilemma. 



The researchers merged imitation learning with another approach. Instead of applying deep learning to the Central Pattern Generators (CPGs), they applied it to a reflex neural network that supports the CPGs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-body-language">Decoding the body language </h2>



The study participants watched the animations and interpreted the expressed emotions. Surprisingly, their accuracy matched those found in earlier studies that used simpler action databases.



Of the various emotions displayed, the participants found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/want-to-control-anger-write-your-feelings-down-and-destroy-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anger</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-new-way-to-suppress-fear/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fear</a> the easiest to decode, while contempt and disgust were considered challenging.



Dr. Miao Cheng, an assistant professor at Tohoku University, praised the study. He described it as a vital step forward in creating a diverse, Asian-centric dataset to bolster further research on emotional communication.



"We are extremely fortunate to have the support of a local musical company based in Sendai, SCS musical company, to fully support this endeavor from the moment performers were recruited and throughout their performances," noted Dr. Chia-huei Tseng, an associate professor at Tohoku University.



"Without the professional help provided by Mr. Jun Hirose and Mr. Kazumasa Fujita from SCS musical company, it would have been very difficult to bridge art and science properly in this study." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-promise-of-future-research">The promise of future research</h2>



The researchers hope future studies will use this database to provide fresh insights into cultural variations in nonverbal communication. This kind of understanding could prove invaluable in developing tech communication tools that promote cross-cultural understanding. 



Industries employing motion capture techniques might also benefit from this research, including those in the fields of gaming, film, animation, and virtual reality.



Additionally, the research paves the way for advances in mental health diagnostics. The way individuals move when experiencing different emotions might offer subtle cues about their psychological state, potentially aiding in early detection of conditions such as anxiety or depression.



By incorporating motion-based emotional assessment into therapeutic practices, psychologists and neuroscientists could gain an additional layer of insight into a patient’s well-being.



Finally, the study highlights the importance of expanding the scope of psychological and neuroscientific research beyond Western perspectives. 



Much of the existing literature on body language and emotional expression is based on Western subjects, leading to potential biases in how we interpret emotions globally. 



By emphasizing culturally diverse datasets, the study contributes to a more comprehensive and inclusive understanding of human emotion, and paves the way for richer cross-cultural research.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/s13428-024-02558-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Behavior Research Methods</a>.



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Body language expresses emotions across cultures

We show our emotions using our facial expressions as well...

Nitrogen was important in the evolution of life on early Earth, but its availability has been heavily debated. Although earlier hypotheses proposed that biologically available nitrogen was limited, recent studies contradict this notion.



Researchers, including scientists at <a href="https://rptu.de/en/home-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RPTU</a> University Kaiserslautern-Landau in southwestern Germany, have been studying how nitrogen affected the development and dissemination of life billions of years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrogen-and-the-origins-of-life">Nitrogen and the origins of life</h2>



Nitrogen is an essential element in all life. It is required for the formation of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, and for other biological compounds.



Although the Earth's atmosphere is full of nitrogen gas, it is not readily available to most living organisms. 



Some types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-laid-the-foundation-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> can convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that are usable by other organisms - a process referred to as nitrogen fixation. But how did ancient microbes obtain nitrogen, and was it present in adequate amounts to facilitate the development of life?



This is where the research, led by RPTU researcher Michelle Gehringer, gives us some clues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrogen-fixation-remained-stable-over-time">Nitrogen fixation remained stable over time</h2>



The scientists tracked nitrogen fixation stability under different environmental conditions. They used a method that detects nitrogen isotopes in two stable forms (15N and 14N) to track the process of nitrogen fixation by bacteria.



"Nitrogen gas is a mixture of the light atom 14N and the heavier atom, 15N. When modern microbes use nitrogen in their metabolism, they use these two isotopes in a certain ratio to each other. We measure this by burning nitrogen-containing biomass and collecting the nitrogen gas produced during combustion," explained Gehringer.



So&nbsp;far,&nbsp;everyone&nbsp;assumed&nbsp;that microbes&nbsp;maintained the same 15N:14N ratio in any environmental conditions, even in a carbon dioxide-dense, oxygen-free <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-ancient-breath-study-links-atmospheric-oxygen-and-mantle-chemistry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient atmosphere</a>. However, no one had ever tested this assumption.



Because metabolic rates depend on environmental conditions, the researchers theorized that nitrogen isotope ratios might be variable as well.



To test this, Gehringer and coworkers cultured cyanobacteria under conditions closely approximating those of the early Earth, with no oxygen present and lots of carbon dioxide.



"We found that the 15N:14N ratios of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cyanobacteria-may-shed-new-light-on-the-history-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cyanobacteria</a> remain stable. Our results therefore support the assumption that this ratio was the same throughout the Earth's history," Gehringer explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-rocks-hold-more-clues">Ancient rocks hold more clues</h2>



Following this research, Gehringer worked with Dr. Ashley Martin from Northumbria University and Dr. Eva Stüeken from the University of St Andrews. The experts set out to study nitrogen cycles in ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stromatolites-algae-found-saudi-arabia-red-sea-new-clues-earliest-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stromatolites</a> - microbial-generated sedimentary rock formations.



These rocks, dated to be approximately 2.7 billion years old, contain records of early life and offer a glimpse into Earth's distant past.



"We gained access to pristine, unweathered rock, which we ground into a fine powder and analyzed for nitrogen isotopes," said Gehringer.



The results were surprising. Unlike living stromatolites, which depend completely on cyanobacterial nitrogen fixation, the ancient samples indicated a secondary source of nitrogen - dissolved ammonium.



"And the most plausible source for this is hydrothermal activity on the sea floor," stated Gehringer.



To test this hypothesis further, the researchers also analyzed sedimentary rocks in a volcanic basin that is also around 2.7 billion years old.



These findings supported the fact that hydrothermal vent-borne ammonium was a large contributor to the nitrogen cycle at the time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-life-beyond-earth">What this means for life beyond Earth</h2>



Scientists have long explored the factors that shaped the spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-early-life-may-be-a-model-of-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early life on Earth</a>. However, this research challenges previous assumptions.



"Until now, it was assumed that life on the early Earth, before the atmosphere was enriched with oxygen, was limited by a lack of biologically available nitrogen," said Gehringer.



"With the help of hydrothermal vents, nitrogen did not limit the spread of life on early Earth. Rather, life was able to flourish in both deep and shallow-water marine environments."



This finding has broad implications - both for what it reveals about the history of our own planet and for whether life can or might exist elsewhere.



"Hydrothermal activity has been documented on Mars and probably also takes place on the icy moons in the outer solar system." 



If the same sources of nitrogen are present outside Earth, the conditions that nourished microbial life here may also exist elsewhere in the universe.



Ongoing research not only fills gaps in Earth's history but also expands our understanding of where life might exist beyond our planet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-57091-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Nitrogen was plentiful for early life on Earth

Nitrogen was important in the evolution of life on early...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" 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> 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

[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" 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.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes how cavefish adapted to a sedentary lifestyle over tens of thousands of years. 



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

[sendtonews key="MHyhtebibJ-2200368-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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