Many expect warmer winters to reduce cold snaps, but that isn't how it works. A new study reveals that the polar vortex, happening high in the stratosphere, still controls much of what happens at ground level.



In this study, scientists looked at how changes in that polar vortex - especially in the stratosphere (a layer of the atmosphere way above us) - affect winter weather in the U.S. 



They discovered that the shape and strength of the vortex at two different heights can look totally different, and this matters a lot.



The study was conducted by researchers from the <a href="https://www.uml.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Lowell</a>, <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebrew University</a> of Jerusalem,&nbsp;and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>).



“The public often hears about the ‘polar vortex’ when winter turns severe, but we wanted to dig deeper and understand how variations within this vortex affect where and when extreme cold hits,” the research team explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-polar-vortex">Understanding the polar vortex</h2>



Imagine the atmosphere above the North Pole as a swirling dome of icy air - that’s the polar vortex, officially called the stratospheric polar vortex (<a href="https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/understanding-arctic-polar-vortex" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SPV</a>). 



When it’s strong and stable, winter in the U.S. tends to stay fairly calm. But when this vortex gets stretched, twisted, or broken apart, cold air can spill southward, triggering severe winter weather across the country.



This study dug into how different shapes and behaviors of the polar vortex - not just at one level of the atmosphere but at two - affect winter storms in the U.S. 



Over the last decade, the worst <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-global-heat-in-january-2025-defied-climate-expectations/">cold snaps</a> have been hitting farther west than before. That shift seems to line up with more frequent La Niña events - times when the Pacific Ocean is cooler than usual. 



La Niña tends to favor the version of the vortex that affects the western U.S., while El Niño, its warmer sibling, leans more toward the version that affects the east.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-types-of-polar-vortexes">Different types of polar vortexes</h2>



The researchers used a technique called <a href="https://stanford.edu/~cpiech/cs221/handouts/kmeans.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">K-means clustering</a> (basically, pattern detection in big datasets) to spot five different types of stratospheric behavior. 



Two of these polar vortex classes stood out because they often came with extreme cold and snow.



One pattern (called P2) leads to severe weather in the Northwest U.S.. The other (P3) hits the Central and Eastern regions of the U.S.



P2 features a strong vortex centered over the pole with a stretched lower vortex. It often brings snow and cold to the Northwestern U.S. 



P3 shows a weaker, displaced vortex toward the North Atlantic, steering cold into the Central and Eastern U.S. These variations do not just depend on vortex position but also on how atmospheric waves behave.



Planetary waves can either be absorbed or reflected in the stratosphere. When reflected, they can send cold air barreling southward. 



P3 events consistently show this reflection during the cold wave itself. P2 events often have wave reflection before the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-equation-predicts-a-rapid-rise-in-extreme-heatwaves/">cold</a> snap hits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-the-cold-hits-and-why">Where the cold hits and why</h2>



The researchers used the <a href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024EGUGA..26.2134C/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rAWSSI index</a>, which considers temperature, snow depth, and snowfall.



The analysis revealed that P3 patterns produce the most extreme winter conditions in the Central and Eastern U.S., while P2 patterns primarily affect the Northwestern region with intense cold and snowfall. 



The findings help explain recent cold events, including the severe <a href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/great-texas-freeze-february-2021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas freeze of 2021</a>.



The Northwest has seen more P2 days recently. This increase matches a northwestward shift in cold air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/">outbreaks</a>. The central and eastern parts still get hit, but less often now.



Wave activity flux (WAF) offers clues. Before P2 events, reflection happens over Siberia and Alaska. During P3 events, strong reflection occurs over Asia and the Pacific. In P3, this reflection continues as the cold air descends.



Cold air starts in the east, spreads across the Midwest, and settles in the Northwest. These transitions help forecast where the next cold wave might land.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-cycles-and-the-polar-vortex">Global cycles and the polar vortex</h2>



P2 is more frequent during La Niña conditions. P3 prefers El Niño phases. This suggests tropical ocean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-is-on-pace-to-surpass-1-5c-global-temperature-increase-for-second-year-in-a-row/">temperatures</a> influence how the polar vortex behaves.



Other climate patterns play a role as well. The westerly phase of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/quasi-biennial-oscillation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">QBO</a>) often coincides with P2 days.



On the other hand, the Arctic Oscillation (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_oscillation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AO</a>) tends to be more negative during P3 events, a state that supports increased cold outbreaks in the Central and Eastern United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winter-cold-is-shifting">Winter cold is shifting</h2>



What makes this research unique is that it doesn’t just focus on surface temperatures like most studies. It includes snow cover and snowfall, too, giving a fuller picture of how the stratosphere connects to what we experience on the ground. 



Despite a warming climate, these findings suggest extreme cold will continue to return each year, even though its location may shift. In the past decade, the coldest anomalies moved westward, which is a change from decades of more common Eastern U.S. cold.



This deeper understanding could help forecasters predict harsh winter conditions weeks in advance by watching patterns in the stratosphere and tropical oceans.



In the end, this study shows that what happens high above the Earth - and even far across the ocean - can shape the winter weather we feel in a big way. And by getting better at reading those signals from way up in the sky, we might get better at preparing for the coming storms.



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The research was funded by the&nbsp;National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>)&nbsp;, the&nbsp;U.S.–Israel Binational Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.bsf.org.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BSF</a>)&nbsp;, the&nbsp;U.S. Department of Energy (<a href="https://www.doe.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DOE</a>)&nbsp;, and the&nbsp;National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (<a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>).



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq9557" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Why global warming hasn't ended extreme winter cold, and why you shouldn't expect it to

Many expect warmer winters to reduce cold snaps, but that isn't how it works. A new study reveals that the polar vortex, happening high in the stratosphere, still controls much of what happens at ground level. In this study, scientists looked at how changes in that polar vortex - especially in the stratosphere (a layer of the atmosphere way above us) - affect winter weather in the U.S. They discovered that the shape and strength of the vortex at two different heights can look totally different, and this...

The presence of plastic in oceans and terrestrial environments has long been a concern for environmentalists. Now, a study from <a href="https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/78501" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waseda University</a> reveals that the problem extends far beyond solid ground and deep waters. Airborne microplastics (AMPs), which are minute <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-dropped-into-the-ocean-can-travel-hundreds-of-miles-while-sinking/">plastic particles</a> less than 5mm in size, may have now become an integral component of clouds. This can lead to what is known as “plastic rainfall."



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



Microplastics form from the degradation of larger plastic waste or are released from industrial effluents.&nbsp;



Alarmingly, these tiny particles are known to enter the bodies of humans and animals, with research detecting their presence in several organs including the lung, heart, blood, placenta, and even feces.&nbsp;



Approximately ten million tons of microplastics end up in oceans annually. From here, they are released into the atmosphere, potentially influencing the composition of clouds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-free-troposphere-nbsp">Free troposphere&nbsp;</h2>



"The free troposphere is an important pathway for the long-range transport of air pollutants owing to strong wind speeds; it has been observed that airborne microplastics are also transported in the free troposphere and contribute to global pollution," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"In addition, airborne microplastics may act as cloud condensation nuclei and ice nucleus particles during transport in the free troposphere and atmospheric boundary layer, thereby potentially promoting cloud formation."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-airborne-microplastics">Studying airborne microplastics</h2>



The experts investigated the role of airborne microplastics in the biosphere, focusing on their potential impacts on human health and the climate.&nbsp;



“Microplastics in the free troposphere are transported and contribute to global pollution. If the issue of 'plastic air pollution' is not addressed proactively, climate change and ecological risks may become a reality, causing irreversible and serious environmental damage in the future,” said study co-author Hiroshi Okochi.



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



To better understand the influence of airborne microplastics on the atmosphere, Okochi's team collected cloud water from several regions with varying altitudes. The collection sites included the summit of Mount Fuji, its southeastern foothills, and the summit of Mt. Oyama.



Using advanced imaging techniques, the team identified the presence of microplastics in the cloud water and further analyzed their physical and chemical properties.&nbsp;



Alarmingly, the team detected nine distinct types of polymers and a form of rubber.



Furthermore, these airborne microplastics were found to play a crucial role in rapid cloud formation, which could have wider implications for the global climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-and-climate-impacts">Ecological and climate impacts</h2>



The accumulation of airborne microplastics, especially in polar regions, might severely disrupt the planet's ecological balance and lead to a dramatic loss of biodiversity.&nbsp;



“AMPs are degraded much faster in the upper atmosphere than on the ground due to strong ultraviolet radiation, and this degradation releases greenhouse gases and contributes to global warming," said Okochi.



"As a result, the findings of this study can be used to account for the effects of AMPs in future global warming projections.”



Okochi collaborated with study lead author Yize Wang, also from Waseda University, and Yasuhiro Niida of PerkinElmer Japan Co. Ltd.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10311-023-01626-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Chemistry Letters</a>.



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"Plastic rain" is now a real thing as airborne microplastics are discovered in clouds

The presence of plastic in oceans and terrestrial environments has...

A study led by NASA scientists has found that certain regions of New York City are either sinking or rising, and it's not just due to modern human intervention - some of the reasons trace back to the last Ice Age.



While the elevation changes are just fractions of inches per year, the experts noted that they can increase or diminish local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-flood-risks-plague-the-us-housing-market/">flood risks</a> associated with sea level rise.



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



The detailed analysis was conducted by experts from NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-led-study-pinpoints-areas-of-new-york-city-sinking-rising" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in California and Rutgers University in New Jersey.



The researchers used interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data from 2016 to 2023. This advanced remote sensing technique merges multiple 3D observations of an area to expose surface movements or changes in topography.



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



A considerable amount of the movement was detected in areas previously altered by human activity, such as land reclamation or the establishment of landfills.&nbsp;



Such activities made the underlying ground more susceptible to compression, especially under the weight of new constructions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heavy-ice-burden">Heavy ice burden</h2>



However, not all of the alterations were recent. The last ice age, which peaked around 24,000 years ago, saw vast parts of New England blanketed in ice.&nbsp;



This heavy ice burden impacted the Earth's mantle. Areas like New York City, which were located just outside the ice sheet's periphery, have been undergoing a "rebalancing" of sorts, leading to the current sinking pattern.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vertical-land-motion-nbsp">Vertical land motion&nbsp;</h2>



On average, the metropolitan area saw a decline of approximately 0.06 inches (1.6 millimeters) per year. To put it in perspective, that's roughly the pace at which a toenail grows monthly.&nbsp;



But certain landmarks and neighborhoods in New York have been sinking faster than this average. 



Brett Buzzanga, the study's lead author, expressed excitement at the granularity of the data.&nbsp;



“We’ve produced such a detailed map of vertical land motion in the New York City area that there are features popping out that haven’t been noticed before," said Buzzanga.



Understanding these local elevation shifts is pivotal for flood mapping, especially given the global climate crisis and rising sea levels, noted David Bekaert, a JPL scientist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zones-of-change">Zones of change</h2>



A significant finding from the study highlights two regions in Queens, both associated with landfills, which are subsiding at alarming rates.&nbsp;



One such area is runway 13/31 at LaGuardia Airport, descending at approximately 0.15 inches per year. The other notable location is the Arthur Ashe Stadium, sinking about 0.18 inches each year.



Other affected zones include parts of Governors Island, areas near Brooklyn's Coney Island and Queens' Arverne by the Sea built on artificial fill, and parts of New Jersey crisscrossed by Route 440 and Interstate 78.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upward-movement">Upward movement</h2>



Yet, not all areas are on a downward trajectory. Surprisingly, regions in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Woodside, Queens, showed uplift.&nbsp;



Woodside rose a notable 0.27 inches annually between 2016 and 2019.&nbsp;



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



Study co-author Robert Kopp of Rutgers University said that groundwater pumping and injection wells used to treat polluted water may have played a role, but further investigation is needed.&nbsp;



“I’m intrigued by the potential of using high-resolution InSAR to measure these kinds of relatively short-lived environmental modifications associated with uplift,” said Kopp.



The scientists noted that cities like New York, which are investing in coastal defenses and infrastructure in the face of sea level rise, can benefit from high-resolution estimates of land motion.



With billions invested in coastal defenses and infrastructural adaptations, understanding and accounting for these subsiding and rising zones might just be the blueprint they need for a more resilient future.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adi8259" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Parts of New York City are sinking, while others are rising

A study led by NASA scientists has found that certain...

The capacity for individual innovation is often seen as a marker of intelligence across species, with elephants being a focal point of such studies due to their nuanced problem-solving skills.&nbsp;



A new study led by the <a href="http://www.cuny.edu/">City University of New York</a> (CUNY) has reported the findings of a six-month investigation, shedding light on the capabilities of individual wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/for-asian-elephants-shrinking-habitats-will-increase-conflicts/">Asian elephants</a> in securing food by solving puzzles that unlock storage boxes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capacity-to-adapt">Capacity to adapt</h2>



“An animal’s capacity for innovation or solving novel problems likely has important implications for how quickly they can adapt to environmental change. Asian elephants,&nbsp;Elephas maximus, living in zoos have previously demonstrated a capacity to innovate, but problem solving has never been studied experimentally in a wild elephant population,” the authors explained.



“This is the first research study to show that individual wild elephants have different willingness and abilities to problem solve in order to get food,” said lead author Sarah Jacobson, a doctoral student in Animal Cognition at CUNY.&nbsp;



“This is important knowledge, because how animals think and innovate may influence their ability to survive in environments that are rapidly changing due to human presence.”



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



This study was carried out at the Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, utilizing motion-activated cameras to monitor 77 wild Asian elephants as they decided whether to engage with puzzle boxes containing aromatic jackfruit within three uniquely configured compartments.&nbsp;



The methods of access varied: elephants could pull on a chain, push a door, or slide a door open, each method requiring a different approach. The elephants were left to interact with the puzzle boxes autonomously to learn the unlocking mechanisms.



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



Out of the elephants observed, 44 decided to engage with the boxes, showing varying levels of innovative interactions.&nbsp;



The experts found that elephants which engaged more frequently and persistently with the boxes had higher success rates in accessing food from all the differently configured compartments.&nbsp;



In the end, 11 elephants managed to solve one type of compartment, eight cracked two types, and five elephants showcased the highest level of innovation by solving all three.



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



“Conflict involving humans and elephants is increasing due to loss of natural habitat and agricultural encroachment into what is left of it,” said senior author Joshua Plotnik, a professor of Psychology at CUNY.



“Investigating innovation and problem solving in elephants can inform our understanding of wild elephant cognitive flexibility and its potential impact on conservation management and human-elephant conflict mitigation,” he concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-elephant-innovation">More about elephant innovation</h2>



Elephants are remarkable animals, known for their intelligence and complex social behaviors. As mentioned by the CUNY team, their "innovations" are more about adapting and evolving to their environment over time, rather than inventing or creating new tools or technologies.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-structures">Social structures</h3>



Elephants have intricate social structures, which they use to manage group dynamics, support each other, and protect young members.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication">Communication</h3>



They use a variety of vocalizations and even subsonic rumbles that can travel long distances to communicate with one another.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory">Memory</h3>



Known for their excellent memory, elephants can remember the locations of water sources over vast distances and recall these during dry seasons.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-problem-solving-abilities">Problem-solving abilities</h3>



Elephants are known to work together to solve problems. For example, they might coordinate efforts to move obstacles or assist a member in distress.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empathy-and-mourning-nbsp">Empathy and mourning&nbsp;</h3>



Elephants display empathetic behaviors and even engage in rituals that resemble mourning when a member of their group dies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-use-of-tools">Use of tools</h3>



While not as advanced as some species, elephants do use basic tools. They might use branches to swat flies, or utilize their trunks in sophisticated ways to gather food, drink water, or give themselves dust or mud baths for skin protection.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-and-imitation">Learning and imitation</h3>



They have the ability to learn new behaviors, both from other elephants and through direct experience. They can also imitate sounds and behaviors.



While these may not be "innovations" in the human sense, these adaptations and evolved behaviors highlight the intelligence and complexity of elephants as a species.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2023.08.019">Animal Behavior</a>.



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Wild Asian elephants exhibit strong capacity for innovation

The capacity for individual innovation is often seen as a...

The,Harvest,Moon,And,Japanese,Pampas,Grass.

The Harvest Moon is set to rise this Thursday as the final supermoon of 2023, wrapping up a summer marked by big, radiant full <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-atmosphere-beyond-moon/">moons</a>.



According to Space.com, this special supermoon will be joined by a parade of planets, including the largest worlds in our solar system -&nbsp; Jupiter and Saturn - as well as Mercury, which is the smallest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-supermoon">What is a supermoon?</h2>



A <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/next-weeks-blue-supermoon-will-be-the-biggest-and-brightest-of-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermoon</a> is a celestial phenomenon that occurs when the moon is at or near its closest approach to Earth in its orbit. This proximity makes the moon appear larger and brighter in the night sky compared to other periods in its cycle.



This year's last supermoon will hit its peak brilliance at approximately 6 a.m. ET on Friday after making its grand appearance on Thursday night, according to the <a href="https://www.almanac.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farmer's Almanac</a>. The illumination will still be visible on Friday evening.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-corn-moon">The Corn Moon</h2>



This week's full moon is known as the "Harvest Moon," which is due to its proximity to the autumnal equinox which took place on September 23.&nbsp;



Traditionally, September's full moon has also been known as the Corn Moon, a tribute to the end-of-summer harvests.



While the Harvest Moon typically graces us in September, every three years it shifts to October. This means that not all Corn Moons earn the title of Harvest Moon.



Those who might miss out on this week's event need to mark their calendars for summer 2024, when the next supermoon will be visible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-origin-of-the-harvest-moon-nbsp">The origin of the Harvest Moon&nbsp;</h2>



The term Harvest Moon is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions. "In the days before tractors with headlights, having moonlight to work by was crucial to getting the harvest in quickly before rain caused it to rot," explained Alan MacRobert, an editor at <a href="https://skyandtelescope.org/">Sky &amp; Telescope</a> magazine.



The timeline of the Harvest Moon aligns with the ripening of numerous crops in late summer and early autumn.&nbsp;



In those days, farmers, burdened with the immense workload, had no choice but to extend their labor hours past sunset. Moonlight was their guiding light.



NASA, citing the Oxford English Dictionary, notes that the term "Harvest Moon" made its first printed appearance in 1706.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-characteristics">Unique characteristics</h2>



Beyond its agricultural significance, the Harvest Moon is also known for its unique characteristics.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brightness-and-timing">Brightness and timing</h3>



One of the main reasons the Harvest Moon is special is due to its path across the sky. It rises during twilight for several nights in a row, which means there's no long period of darkness between sunset and moonrise.&nbsp;



This results in several evenings of bright moonlight early in the evening, which was traditionally helpful to farmers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-color">Color</h3>



The Harvest Moon often appears orange in color as it rises. This is due to the angle at which it rises - making it seem larger on the horizon and its light having to pass through a larger portion of the Earth’s atmosphere. This scattering of light results in the orange hue.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-festivals">Festivals</h3>



Many cultures have harvest festivals around the time of the Harvest Moon.&nbsp;



For instance, in East Asia, the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is celebrated around this time. It's a time of family gatherings, moon gazing, and the consumption of mooncakes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-significance-in-folklore">Cultural significance in folklore</h3>



The Harvest Moon is a prominent fixture in various cultures' folklore and traditions. It has been associated with both romance and mysticism in various legends.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbol-of-abundance-nbsp">Symbol of abundance&nbsp;</h4>



Given its association with the time of harvest, this moon symbolizes prosperity, abundance, and preparation for the winter months.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superstitions">Superstitions</h4>



Some believed that the Harvest Moon could bring out certain behaviors in people and animals, often attributing heightened restlessness or craziness to its appearance.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fertility-and-romance">Fertility and romance</h4>



In some cultures, the Harvest Moon is seen as a symbol of fertility, with some believing that its light has special properties. Couples might try to conceive under its light.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-end-of-cycle">End of cycle</h4>



As the Harvest Moon signifies the ending of the harvest and the impending approach of winter, some myths might focus on themes of death, rebirth, or the cyclical nature of life.



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Beautiful "Super Harvest Moon" reaches its peak tonight

The Harvest Moon is set to rise this Thursday as...

Wildlife,Conservation,Day,Wild,Animals,To,The,Home.,Or,Wildlife

A new study underscores the importance of protected lands in preserving biodiversity, especially for vertebrates like amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. 



The research, led by the <a href="https://serc.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Environmental Research Center</a> (SERC) and <a href="https://www.conservation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation International</a>, sheds light on the critical role of effective governance and supports the United Nations’ "30 by 30" initiative. 



The findings also emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach to conservation that goes beyond protected areas alone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-protected-lands">Conservation and protected lands</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-negatively-impact-wildlife-even-in-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human activities</a> have dramatically escalated the natural extinction rate of vertebrates, increasing it by 22 times. This rapid loss of biodiversity destabilizes food webs and endangers essential ecological services such as crop pollination, healthy diets, and disease control. 



"Humans are inextricably dependent on biodiversity for survival,” says Justin Nowakowski, SERC conservation biologist and lead author of the study. “It provides food, fuel, fiber and other ecosystem services that we depend on for life.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



The study involved meticulous data collection for over 1,000 species from every continent, excluding Antarctica, leveraging data from the Living Planet and BioTIME databases. 



Nowakowski’s team studied 2,239 vertebrate populations, comparing the states of species within and outside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-parks-enrich-mammal-diversity-beyond-the-boundaries-of-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a>. The research revealed that vertebrates inside protected areas are declining at a rate of 0.4% per year, nearly five times more slowly than those in unprotected areas (1.8% per year).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-significance-of-protected-lands">The significance of protected lands</h2>



Protected areas offer a refuge where biodiversity is closer to stability. “They buy us much-needed time to figure out how to reverse the biodiversity crisis,” stated Luke Frishkoff, coauthor and assistant professor of biology at the University of Texas at Arlington. 



Frishkoff further noted that populations outside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protected-areas-provide-a-thermal-buffer-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a> could halve in 40 years, while those inside would take 170 years to face a similar fate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-different-species">Impact on different species</h2>



The study found that certain vertebrate classes, notably amphibians and birds, benefitted more within protected lands. This is likely due to the severe threats they face outside, including habitat loss, climate change, and diseases like the chytrid fungus affecting amphibians. 



“Amphibians typically have fairly small home ranges, and they’re also really sensitive to small changes in the environment,” said Jessica Deichmann, coauthor and ecologist with the Liz Claiborne &amp; Art Ortenberg Foundation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-external-factors">Challenges and external factors</h2>



However, the conversion of nearby land for agriculture and development along with climate change continue to undermine the efficacy of protected areas. The research team made sure to highlight the urgent need for interconnected protected zones and adaptive strategies that align with the ecological fluidity, as species are constantly moving.



The findings also reaffirm the UN’s commitment made last December, where nearly 200 nations pledged to protect 30% of Earth’s land and water by 2030. This ambitious roadmap is called the <a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2021/07/a-new-global-framework-for-managing-nature-through-2030-1st-detailed-draft-agreement-debuts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"30 by 30" initiative</a>. 



While this commitment has fueled a surge in establishing protected lands, the study cautions against mere compliance through ‘paper parks’ and emphasizes actual biodiversity conservation within these regions.



In addition, effective governance emerged as a crucial factor in successful conservation efforts. Nations with transparent and corruption-free governments are often more efficient in enforcing environmental laws, managing conservation funds and involving local communities in conservation laws.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-protected-lands">Beyond protected lands</h2>



Conservation experts are advocating for diverse strategies to conserve biodiversity. Examples include “payment for ecosystem services” programs, such as the one in Costa Rica, which incentivizes landowners to preserve forests. These innovative models, along with biological corridors and Indigenous-led protected areas, offer flexible and effective alternatives to traditional conservation approaches.



In summary, the study by SERC and Conservation International illustrates the pivotal role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation, but also emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive strategies that encompass effective governance, community involvement, and innovative conservation models. 



By adopting such holistic approaches, humanity can hope to curb the ongoing biodiversity crisis and ensure the survival and thriving of myriad species on Earth.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06562-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal Nature</a>.



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Loss of wildlife happens five times slower in protected lands

A new study underscores the importance of protected lands in...

Walrus,Cow,On,Ice,Floe

Atlantic walrus are at high risk of extinction

The Atlantic walrus faces unprecedented threats due to the relentless...

Recent research indicates that even short-term exposure to air pollution could significantly increase the risk of stroke.&nbsp;



This revelation comes from a comprehensive meta-analysis published by the <a href="https://www.aan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Academy of Neurology</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-term-exposure-nbsp">Short-term exposure&nbsp;</h2>



The study defines "short-term exposure" as any exposure occurring within five days prior to the stroke event.



“Previous research has established a connection between long-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of stroke. However, the correlation between short-term exposure to air pollution and stroke had been less clear," said study lead author Dr. Ahmad Toubasi from the <a href="https://www.ju.edu.jo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Jordan</a>.&nbsp;



"For our study, instead of looking at weeks or months of exposure, we looked at just five days and found a link between short-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of stroke.”



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



The experts reviewed 110 distinct studies, which collectively involved more than 18 million stroke cases. Key <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/specific-air-pollutants-linked-to-asthma-attacks-in-urban-children/">pollutants</a> such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide were the primary focus.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the researchers investigated the different sizes of particulate matter present in the air. This included PM1, particles that are less than 1 micron (μm) in diameter; PM2.5, minute inhalable particles emanating from vehicle exhaust, industrial fuel burning, and natural fires; and PM10, which captures dust from roads and construction sites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-stroke-risks">Increased stroke risks</h2>



The results of the study showed that exposure to elevated concentrations of these pollutants was directly associated with an increased stroke risk.



<ul>
<li>Nitrogen dioxide: 28% increased risk</li>



<li>Ozone: 5% increased risk</li>



<li>Carbon monoxide: 26% increased risk</li>



<li>Sulfur dioxide: 15% increased risk</li>



<li>PM1: 9% increased risk</li>



<li>PM2.5: 15% increased risk</li>



<li>PM10: 14% increased risk</li>
</ul>



These pollutants were also associated with a higher risk of death from stroke, with nitrogen dioxide leading to a 33% increased risk and sulfur dioxide resulting in a 60% increase.



“There is a strong and significant association between air pollution and the occurrence of stroke as well as death from stroke within five days of exposure," said Dr. Toubasi.



"This highlights the importance of global efforts to create policies that reduce air pollution. Doing so may reduce the number of strokes and their consequences.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-and-cardiovascular-health">Air pollution and cardiovascular health</h2>



Air pollution is known to have extremely detrimental impacts on health, particularly the cardiovascular system.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-attacks">Heart attacks</h3>



Air pollution is associated with a higher incidence of heart attacks. Particulate matter and toxic gases in polluted air can accelerate the formation of plaque in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of heart attacks.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stroke">Stroke</h3>



As found in the meta-analysis published in Neurology®, short-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of strokes. The pollutants can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to changes in the arteries that supply blood to the brain.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hypertension">Hypertension</h3>



Studies have shown that exposure to air pollution can result in elevated blood pressure levels. Pollutants may cause the blood vessels to constrict, leading to hypertension, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-failure">Heart failure</h3>



There is evidence that air pollution can exacerbate heart failure, where the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should. The pollutants can lead to inflammation, affecting the heart’s functionality and worsening pre-existing conditions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arrhythmias">Arrhythmias</h3>



Exposure to air pollution has been linked with irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Particulates and other pollutants can affect the heart's electrical activity, leading to arrhythmias, which can be dangerous if not managed.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-vein-thrombosis">Deep vein thrombosis</h3>



Research has found correlations between exposure to high levels of air pollution and an increased risk of developing DVT, a condition where blood clots form in veins deep in the body, usually in the legs.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-effects">Long-term effects</h3>



Chronic exposure to air pollution over the years can lead to persistent inflammation and stress on the cardiovascular system, resulting in long-term damage and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.



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Short-term exposure to air pollution increases stroke risk

Recent research indicates that even short-term exposure to air pollution...

A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a> has revealed a new kind of earthquake threat to the Pacific Northwest. The examination of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-rings-reveal-the-shocking-extent-of-arctic-air-pollution/">tree rings</a> helped the researchers pinpoint a significant seismic event in the Puget Lowlands in western Washington around late A.D. 923 or early 924.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devastating-seismic-activity">Devastating seismic activity</h2>



The team discovered that similar shallow faults, located less than 18 miles beneath the surface, ruptured approximately 1,000 years ago, mirroring the recent earthquakes that devastated the Turkey-Syria border.&nbsp;



The 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria was followed by one nearly as large nine hours later. Shallow faults less than 18 miles beneath the surface buckled. The violent earthquakes leveled thousands of buildings and killed more than 50,000 people.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earthquake-threat">Earthquake threat</h2>



The new earthquake threat that has been uncovered by the Arizona team poses a significant risk to over 4 million residents across the Pacific Northwest, including major cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia.&nbsp;



The researchers noted that the ancient quake in this region could have either been a solitary event with an estimated magnitude of 7.8 or a sequence of twin quakes occurring consecutively, with magnitudes of about 7.5 and 7.3.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linked-faulting">Linked faulting</h2>



One of the striking revelations of the study was the interconnectedness of the shallow faults. According to study first author Professor Bryan Black, these events on shallow faults are intricately linked, either through subterranean connections or through the transference of stress from one fault to another.&nbsp;



Regional hazard models, used to develop engineering design and policies, don't currently reflect the possibility of this earthquake threat - but should, said Professor Black.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shallow-faults">Shallow faults</h2>



Scientists have been finding shallow faults in the region since the 1960s, when the Seattle Fault was first discovered, followed by the Saddle Mountain Fault, which runs along the eastern foothills of the Olympic Mountains, and the Tacoma and Olympia faults.



"These are four shallow faults that had shown evidence of having ruptured roughly 1,000 years ago in a cluster of earthquakes called the millennial cluster," Black said. "A 25-foot cliff was thrusted into the air from west Seattle out to Puget Sound. It also triggered a local tsunami and landslides that stripped mountainsides of whole forests and discarded them into nearby lakes Washington and Sammamish."



Prior to this study, it was not known when and how these faults last gave out. "These quakes could have ruptured at the same time, hours apart or centuries apart," said Black. "We weren't sure."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synchronous-timing-of-death">Synchronous timing of death</h2>



To investigate, the researchers explored the Pacific Northwest’s rugged terrain, collecting samples from tree stumps that perished during previous seismic activities.&nbsp;



The team utilized underwater chainsaws, powered by generators placed on makeshift barges, to extract samples from trees that died during the millennial cluster of earthquakes.&nbsp;



The experts compared the growth patterns of these ancient trees with those still living, discovering a synchronicity in the time of death across trees situated along different fault lines.



The tree deaths, occurring during their dormant season, provided crucial insight into the timing of the ancient seismic events, narrowed down to late fall through early spring of late 923 to early 924.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hazardous-conditions-nbsp">Hazardous conditions&nbsp;</h2>



"Combined, the evidence showed us that these trees from across the region died together, and this was in fact a linked event," said Black.&nbsp;



"We've taken uncertainties around these two faults that used to span decades or centuries and narrowed it down to within one season. It's a much different scenario if we have earthquakes on these two faults separated by 100 years versus 100 hours."



"Demonstrating that these faults can rupture synchronously or in very rapid succession has really changed what we understand about the hazard in the region."



However, current hazard models don't currently recognize that linked faulting is possible, he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-succession-nbsp">Rapid succession&nbsp;</h2>



"If Saddle Mountain and Seattle faults went together it would be on par with the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco," Black said. "Or, like the quakes in Turkey, they can also go at rapid succession."&nbsp;



"If that were the case, the infrastructure and landforms already weakened by one quake are then going to get the knockout punch with a second quake. It will still be quite destructive: thrusting up water mains, severing roads, triggering landslides and local tsunamis."



Luckily, he said, the bigger and more severe the quake, the less frequent it is. Earthquakes of this size are relatively uncommon.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adh4973">Science Advances</a>.



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Violent earthquake threat in the Pacific Northwest revealed in tree rings

A recent study led by the University of Arizona has...

According to researchers from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> and the <a href="https://nsidc.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Snow and Ice Data Center</a> (NSIDC), 2023 marked the sixth-lowest year for Arctic sea ice since satellite measurements began, likely hitting its annual minimum extent on September 19. 



Meanwhile, Antarctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-levels-in-antarctica-have-reached-an-unprecedented-low/">sea ice</a> reached a record-breaking minimum, hitting its lowest maximum extent on September 10, a time when the ice cover is usually expanding rapidly during the coldest and darkest months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasonal-changes">Seasonal changes</h2>



Understanding the seasonal and yearly changes in sea ice is essential since this ice plays a pivotal role in shaping Earth’s polar ecosystems and influencing the global climate.&nbsp;



Scientists from NASA and NSIDC employ satellites to gauge sea ice during its melting and freezing cycles, focusing on sea ice extent, which represents the total ocean area with at least 15 percent ice cover.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-ice-cover-nbsp">Arctic ice cover&nbsp;</h2>



From March to September 2023, Arctic ice cover diminished from a peak area of 14.62 million square kilometers to 4.23 million square kilometers.&nbsp;



This is approximately 1.99 million square kilometers below the average minimum from 1981–2010, representing a loss enough to cover the entire continental United States.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-record-low-ice-extent-in-antarctica-nbsp">Record low ice extent in Antarctica&nbsp;</h2>



At the same time, Antarctic sea ice reached a record low winter maximum extent of 16.96 million square kilometers, about 1.03 million square kilometers below the former record-low set in 1986.



“It’s a record-smashing sea ice low in the Antarctic,” said Walt Meier, a sea ice scientist at NSIDC. “Sea ice growth appears low around nearly the whole continent as opposed to any one region.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures-nbsp">Rising temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



This year, the Northwest Passage in the Arctic also saw notably low ice levels, indicating more open areas and a higher presence of loose, lower concentration ice.



The sea ice modifications are a result of warming temperatures over the decades. “It is more open there than it used to be. There also seems to be a lot more loose, lower concentration ice – even toward the North Pole – and areas that used to be pretty compact, solid sheets of ice through the summer. That’s been happening more frequently in recent years,” Meier reported.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-amplification-nbsp">Arctic amplification&nbsp;</h2>



According to Nathan Kurtz, the director of NASA’s Cryospheric Sciences Laboratory, the growing thinness of the ice is due to the Arctic warming about four times faster than the rest of the planet.&nbsp;



“Thickness at the end of the growth season largely determines the survivability of sea ice. New research is using satellites like NASA’s ICESat-2 (Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite-2) to monitor how thick the ice is year-round,” he explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-driving-forces">Understanding the driving forces</h2>



As Kurtz stresses, connecting current measurements to historical records is essential for understanding the driving forces behind these changes.&nbsp;



“At NASA we’re interested in taking cutting-edge measurements, but we’re also trying to connect them to the historical record to better understand what’s driving some of these changes that we’re seeing,” he said.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-various-factors">Various factors</h3>



The scientists are delving deeper to decipher the causes behind the scant growth of Antarctic sea ice. Various factors such as El Nino, alterations in wind patterns, and rising ocean temperatures are currently being investigated.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-heat-nbsp">Ocean heat&nbsp;</h3>



Recent research indicates that ocean heat is likely a significant factor in delaying ice growth and enhancing melting during the warm season.



This year’s record-low extent is part of a continuing downward trend in Antarctic sea ice that began after 2014, reversing a slight increase of about one percent per decade before 2014.&nbsp;



The diminishing sea ice at both poles enhances warming through the “ice-albedo feedback” cycle, which leads to more solar energy absorption by the ocean, warming the ocean waters and further impeding sea ice growth.



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Antarctic sea ice extent hit a record low this month

According to researchers from NASA and the National Snow and...

In a surprising new study, scientists have identified water fleas as a potential solution to the global water crisis.&nbsp;



The research suggests that these tiny creatures might be the key to cleaning persistent chemical pollutants from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-wastewater-is-a-hidden-solution-to-the-climate-crisis/">wastewater</a>, making it safer for industrial, agricultural, and domestic use.



“This novel nature-inspired technology provides a potentially revolutionary process for sustainably removing persistent chemical pollutants from wastewater," said study lead author Muhammad Abdullahi of the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx">University of Birmingham</a>. "By preventing these chemicals from being discharged, we can protect our environment and biodiversity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-water-crisis">Global water crisis</h2>



The world is currently facing a severe water crisis, which can be attributed to rapid urbanization, booming populations, unsound food production practices, and climate change.&nbsp;



Due to these conditions, sustainable water management is urgently needed for the well-being of society, economy, and environment.



However, one of the significant challenges in wastewater management is the inability to effectively remove persistent chemical pollutants from domestic and industrial processes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wastewater-treatment-nbsp">Wastewater treatment&nbsp;</h2>



Current wastewater treatment methods often fall short, allowing these pollutants to seep into rivers, reservoirs, irrigation systems, and aquifers.&nbsp;



This results in the harmful entry of chemicals into the human food chain and water supply, endangering the health of approximately 92 million people annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-potential-of-daphnia">The potential of Daphnia</h2>



Daphnia, commonly known as water fleas, may provide us with a remarkable new clean water solution.&nbsp;



In the Birmingham study, the researchers have found a way to use water fleas to remove pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals from wastewater without producing the harmful byproducts associated with present-day technologies.&nbsp;



“Our profound understanding of water flea biology enabled us to pioneer a nature-inspired tertiary wastewater treatment technology. This refines municipal wastewater effluent and safeguards the ecological health of our rivers," said study senior author Professor Luisa Orsini.



“The water flea's remarkable ability to remain dormant for centuries allows scientists to revive dormant populations that endured varying historical pollution pressures. Leveraging this trait, researchers sourced strains with diverse tolerances to chemical pollutants, incorporating them into the technology.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resurrecting-water-fleas">Resurrecting water fleas</h2>



Using specialized technology, the team has successfully integrated populations of water fleas into wastewater treatment plants.&nbsp;



The uniqueness lies in the strain selection – by "resurrecting" water fleas from past environments, the experts have identified strains that have been historically resilient to different pollution pressures.



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



The study reveals the efficiency of four distinct water flea strains in removing a variety of pollutants, such as diclofenac, atrazine, arsenic, and PFOS (industrial chemicals).



“Our technology could improve the quality of wastewater effluent - meeting current and upcoming regulatory requirements to produce reusable water suitable for irrigation, industrial applications, and household use," said study co-author Dr. Mohamed Abdallah.&nbsp;



"By preventing persistent chemicals from entering waterways, we can also prevent environmental pollution.”



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Water fleas may be the solution to our global water crisis

In a surprising new study, scientists have identified water fleas...

Decreasing biodiversity, particularly in tropical rainforests, has a direct impact on the prevalence of viruses, according to a study led by the <a href="https://www.izw-berlin.de/en/home.html">Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research</a>.



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.66550">eLife</a>, the research demonstrates that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-animals-will-suffer-as-the-rainforest-turns-into-savanna/">rainforest</a> destruction leads to reduced diversity in mosquito species. This paves the way for more resilient mosquito species - and the viruses they carry - to become dominant.



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



The researchers set out to investigate how environmental changes, biodiversity loss, and the spread of pathogens may be connected.



The study was led by Professor Sandra Junglen, leader of the Ecology and Evolution of Arboviruses research group at <a href="https://virologie-ccm.charite.de/en/">Charité's Institute of Virology</a>.



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



The research team executed their study in and around Taï National Park in Côte d’Ivoire, encompassing a diverse array of land uses, from untouched rainforests to human settlements.&nbsp;



“We identified the species of mosquitoes we had caught and tested them for viral infections,” explained study first author Kyra Hermanns.&nbsp;



“Then we looked at how the composition of mosquito species differs across the different land use types, where certain viruses are present, and how prevalent they are.”



In a healthy ecosystem such as a rainforest, many different viruses are present due to the wide variety of animal species - which act as hosts.&nbsp;



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



According to Junglen, the team identified 49 virus species, with the majority found in undisturbed habitats. However, certain mosquito species adapted efficiently to cleared areas, bringing along their respective viruses.



"Most of the 49 different virus species were relatively rare in the areas studied. However, nine of them were commonly found in multiple habitats, with the prevalence of five virus species increasing in habitats that had been disturbed and reaching the highest figures in human settlements," said Junglen.



“This means that the clearing of tropical rainforests causes a decrease in the diversity of mosquito species, which changes the composition of host types. Some resilient mosquito species have multiplied very successfully in the cleared areas, bringing their viruses with them," explained the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevalence-of-viruses-nbsp">Prevalence of viruses&nbsp;</h2>



The composition of a given community of species has a direct effect on the prevalence of viruses: “If one host species is very abundant, it is easier for viruses to spread,” said Junglen.



“All of the viruses we found to be more common were demonstrated to be present in a certain mosquito species."&nbsp;



"The viruses belong to different families and have different properties. That means we were able to show for the first time that the spread of the viruses is attributable not to a close genetic relationship, but to the characteristics of their hosts – especially those mosquito species that adapt well to changing environmental conditions in habitats that have been disturbed.”&nbsp;



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



Although the discovered viruses currently pose no threat to humans, the study sheds light on the dynamics of infectious diseases.&nbsp;



“Our study makes clear just how important biodiversity is, and that decreasing biodiversity makes it easier for certain viruses to thrive because it causes their hosts to become more abundant,” said Junglen.



“Previously, these kinds of processes were studied almost exclusively using individual pathogens and individual hosts. Now we have a more complete picture that we can use for further research."



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Biodiversity loss promotes the spread of viruses

Decreasing biodiversity, particularly in tropical rainforests, has a direct impact...

Female,Friends,Drinking,Beer,At,Music,Festival

Rising global temperatures may be fueling an unexpected health crisis - an increase in hospital visits due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moderate-alcohol-consumption-does-not-increase-risk-of-early-death/">alcohol</a> and drug-related disorders. A study conducted by scientists at <a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/">Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health</a> has shed light on this alarming connection.



The study is possibly the first of its kind, offering a comprehensive look into the relationship between escalating temperatures and a subsequent rise in hospital visits.



"Our work highlights how hospital visits from alcohol- and substance-related disorders are currently impacted by elevated temperatures and could be further affected by rising temperatures resulting from climate change," wrote the study authors.



"Enhanced social infrastructure and health system interventions could mitigate these impacts."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alcohol-and-drug-disorders-nbsp">Alcohol and drug disorders&nbsp;</h2>



In recent decades, the U.S. has witnessed a concerning surge in cases of binge drinking, alcohol-induced illnesses, and fatalities, particularly among middle-aged to older citizens. 



Furthermore, drug overdose deaths have increased more than five times since the end of the 20th century.



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



For the study, the team analyzed data from over 671,625 alcohol- and 721,469 substance-related hospital admissions spanning two decades in New York State. This data was cross-referenced with daily temperatures and humidity levels.



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



One of the significant revelations was the correlation between elevated temperatures and an increase in alcohol-related hospital admissions.&nbsp;



Possible explanations could include increased outdoor activities during pleasant weather, higher substance consumption, dehydration due to sweating, or a rise in DUI incidents.



For drug disorders involving cannabis, cocaine, opioids, and sedatives, a similar pattern was observed, but only up to a specific temperature - 65.8°F. The findings suggest that individuals might be less likely to venture outdoors beyond this temperature threshold.



“We saw that during periods of higher temperatures, there was a corresponding increase in hospital visits related to alcohol and substance use, which also brings attention to some less obvious potential consequences of climate change,” said study first author Dr. Robbie M. Parks.



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



The researchers note that their study may underestimate the link between temperature rise and substance use disorders because the most severe disorders may have resulted in deaths before a hospital visit was possible.&nbsp;



In subsequent research, scientists could investigate the potential correlation between the number of deaths and hospital admission records to get a fuller picture of a patient's medical trajectory.



Experts could also explore the effects of pre-existing health conditions aggravated by substance use in conjunction with soaring temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-interventions-nbsp">Public health interventions&nbsp;</h2>



"Our findings suggest that rising temperatures, including those caused by climate change, may influence hospital visits for alcohol and other drugs, emphasizing the need for appropriate and proportionate social and health interventions, as well as highlighting potential hidden burdens of climate change," wrote the researchers.



There is an urgent need for public health officials and scientists to lead initiatives like public awareness drives to educate communities about the risks posed by warmer temperatures on substance abuse.



“Public health interventions that broadly target alcohol and substance disorders in warmer weather - for example, targeted messaging on the risks of their consumption during warmer weather - should be a public health priority,” said study senior author Dr. Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43856-023-00346-1">Communications Medicine</a>.



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Rising temperatures may amplify alcohol and drug disorders

Rising global temperatures may be fueling an unexpected health crisis...

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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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 <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.



“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. 



The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.



“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;



“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”



The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;



The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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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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Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes the first comprehensive estimate of carbon density in the Saharan, Sahel, and Sudanian zones of Africa. In an effort to measure the amount of carbon stored across these drylands, a team of scientists used high-resolution satellite images and artificial intelligence to map nearly 10 billion individual trees. 



"The high spatial resolution (50 cm) combined with AI and field measurements used in this study is key to improving tree inventories in drylands," said Pierre Hiernaux, a French researcher working for NASA. "The ever-increasing availability of very high-resolution satellite imagery will make it possible to assess carbon pools and their dynamics at the individual tree level on a global scale."



"This study is exceptional because it is pioneering a type of approach that will revolutionize the monitoring of trees and forests on a global scale: in the short term, it will be possible to map the world's trees from the centre of the Amazon to our schoolyards," said <a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en">INRAE</a> researcher Jean-Pierre Wigneron.



"Many fields of application will become much more efficient and accurate, such as tracking carbon stocks, biodiversity, monitoring logging and protection against illegal forest degradation, in near real time.”



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> features a visual dataset of.methane emissions from wetlands across the globe. Atmospheric methane levels have reached record highs in recent years, and wetlands are a major source of these emissions.&nbsp;



"Methane is an important greenhouse gas that contributes substantially to global warming. On a molecule by molecule basis, methane is much more efficient at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, the main driver of warming," says NASA.



"Though human activities, including agriculture, oil and natural gas production and use, and waste disposal, collectively contribute the majority of methane to the atmosphere, about a third of total methane emissions comes from wetlands."&nbsp;



According to NASA, understanding methane emissions from wetlands and other natural sources is critically important for scientists and policymakers who are working to combat climate change by reducing emissions from human activities.



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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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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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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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

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes how record-breaking heat expressed itself around the world in 2022.



Scientists have determined that 2022 was the 5th warmest year since 1880. Furthermore, the last nine consecutive years have been the warmest on record.



From devastating floods and wildfires to natural disasters like Hurricane Ian, 2022 showed us yet again how a warming climate affects people across the globe.&nbsp;



"As we look back at 20:22 and years past, we see that each year we better understand the challenges we face and how important it is to meet them," says NASA.



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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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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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes how Earth is unique in our solar system for its ability to sustain liquid water on its surface. But now, the water cycle is shifting as the climate warms, and scientists must find ways to predict how these changes will affect water availability.



Overall, 96 percent of Earth's water is saltwater, and nearly all of freshwater is found in ice and groundwater. These sources of water are linked as it passes through solid, liquid and gas phases.



In a warmer climate, the water cycle will be transformed. It will be easier for water to evaporate and form clouds, and storms will become more frequent and intense. Some regions will get too much water, while others will be left without enough water. In addition, soil moisture will be lost - which threatens food security.



Scientists are using satellite data from over the last 40 years to track changes that are happening in the water cycle. This will ultimately help us prepare for extreme events and better manage our water resources, according to ESA.



Video Credit: ESA



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



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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

[sendtonews key="fxH3eJHEkQ-2010196-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Saturn,-,High,Resolution,3d,Images,Presents,Planets,Of,The

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> features images of Saturn from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. The photographs capture the start of the mysterious "spoke season" on Saturn - when unexplained features appear on its rings. 



According to NASA, both the cause of the spokes and their seasonal variability have yet to be fully explained by planetary scientists.



"Like Earth, Saturn is tilted on its axis and therefore has four seasons, though because of Saturn's much larger orbit, each season lasts approximately seven Earth years. Equinox occurs when the rings are tilted edge-on to the Sun," explains NASA.



"The spokes disappear when it is near summer or winter solstice on Saturn. (When the Sun appears to reach either its highest or lowest latitude in the northern or southern hemisphere of a planet.) As the autumnal equinox of Saturn's northern hemisphere on May 6, 2025, draws near, the spokes are expected to become increasingly prominent and observable."



Experts believe that the spokes may be a product of the planet's variable magnetic field. When magnetic fields interact with solar wind, an electrically charged environment is created. This phenomenon is visible on Earth as the northern lights.&nbsp;



"Scientists think that the smallest, dust-sized icy ring particles can become charged as well, which temporarily levitates those particles above the rest of the larger icy particles and boulders in the rings," says NASA.



The spokes were first observed in the early 1980s by NASA's Voyager mission. Depending on the angle of the rings, the spokes can appear dark or light.



"Thanks to Hubble's OPAL program, which is building an archive of data on the outer solar system planets, we will have longer dedicated time to study Saturn’s spokes this season than ever before," said NASA senior planetary scientist Amy Simon, head of the Hubble Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) program.



"Despite years of excellent observations by the Cassini mission, the precise beginning and duration of the spoke season is still unpredictable, rather like predicting the first storm during hurricane season."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

[sendtonews key="Ccjk8KEMzv-2550719-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

Closeup,Of,Fresh,Green,The,Napier,Bush,Grass,As,Animal

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="http://www.ntu.edu.sg/">NTU Singapore</a> reveals that some plants can remove toxic heavy metals from soil.&nbsp;



The researchers analyzed samples of various tropical plant species to test for levels of heavy metals and metalloids. The study showed that there are existing plants with high levels of these contaminants, which means that these species are great candidates for drawing pollutants out of the soil.&nbsp;



Among the plants examined in the study, 12 species had accumulated several types of heavy metals and metalloids. These plants are widely available, including species that are native to Singapore.



“In a small nation like Singapore, land may be repurposed to support new development plans, so it is important that we have a green and sustainable way to remediate land that is contaminated," said Professor Lam Yeng Ming.



"We set out to uncover how to better make use of tropical plants to do phytoremediation and through advanced characterization techniques, we showed how some of these tropical plant species can be an environmentally friendly and literally a 'green' way to remove contaminants in soil."&nbsp;



"Phytoremediation also has benefits of cost effectiveness, simplicity of management, aesthetic advantages, and long-term applicability and sustainability. The strategy prevents erosion and metal leaching by stabilizing or accumulating heavy metals, so that helps reduce the risk of contaminant spread.”



Video Credit: NTU Singapore



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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.

Plants help remove heavy metals from contaminated soil

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes why herbicides are not as effective in killing weeds anymore. In the 20th century, chemical companies developed thousands of herbicides. The most commonly used herbicide was glyphosate, which was introduced in 1974.



Over the past few decades, dozens of species of weeds have evolved resistance to glyphosate. Depending on the site of action, the part of the plant that an herbicide interacts with, weeds may even be resistant to herbicides that have not been developed yet.&nbsp;



With increasing resistance to glyphosate and other herbicides, weeds are - once again - becoming a major concern for farmers.&nbsp;



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/">NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> (JPL) describes a dust storm on Mars that was nearly twice the size of the United States. As the storm covered the southern hemisphere of the planet, some of NASA’s explorers had to delay their normal activities.



NASA’s Insight lander put itself in a "safe mode" for 11 days to conserve battery power because solar power was disrupted by the dust. The Ingenuity Mars Helicopter postponed flights until conditions improved.



"A fleet of NASA orbiters monitor Martian dust storms like this one and serve as lifelines to Earth by relaying data from the rovers and lander on the ground back to the team. This includes the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, MAVEN, and Odyssey," reports JPL.



"Dust storms like this recent one start close to the ground and are spread by wind as they rise – warming the cold Martian atmosphere."



The images in the video were captured by NASA’s Curiosity as the dust rolled in. A fleet of orbiters monitored the dust storm from above, relaying data from Mars’ explorers back to scientists on Earth.



Video &amp; Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS



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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.

NASA monitors giant dust storms on Mars

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="http://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. This strait provides the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.



Qeshm is separated from the Iranian coast by the Clarence Strait, also known as Khuran.&nbsp;The Hara Forest Protected Area is a network of shallow waterways and forest located between the island and the mainland. This protected region is home to sea turtles, snakes, and more than 150 species of migrating birds.



Qeshm is famous for its wide range of&nbsp;ecotourist&nbsp;attractions, such as the&nbsp;Hara marine forests. According to environmentalists, about 1.5 percent of the world birds and 25 percent of Iran's native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-hummingbirds-avoid-sexual-harassment-by-looking-like-males/">birds</a> annually migrate to the forests, which are the first national geo park in Iran.



Tourists are also drawn to the island to see an age-old Portuguese&nbsp;fort, historic mosques, the&nbsp;Seyyed Mozaffar&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bibi Maryam&nbsp;shrines, and the "Valley of Stars."



The average temperature on the island is 81 degress and the region is often hot and humid. From June to August, the island is described as being oppressively hot. The ideal time to visit is during the winter season. 



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.

Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique.&nbsp;



"Inhambane Bay is a deep inlet into which the small Mutamba River flows," says ESA. "On one side of the bay lies the historical city of Inhambane, capital of the Inhambane Province, while the sister city of Maxixe, the economic capital of Inhambane, sits across from it. The province is the second largest grower of cashews, after Nampula, and it also produces coconut and citrus fruits."



The beaches of Barra and Tofo are popular with tourists. There are also coral reefs along the long coastline of Inhambane, making it an ideal destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.



"Mozambique’s extensive coastline heightens the country’s vulnerability to tropical cyclones that develop in the Indian Ocean as well as storm surge flooding," says ESA.



"More than half of the population lives in low lying coastal areas, putting communities at risk. Inhambane Bay was dangerously close to where Cyclone Idai made landfall in 2019 causing widespread destruction to the country."



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.

Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency </a>&nbsp;features the Kangerlussuaq Glacier, one of the largest tidewater outlet glaciers in Greenland. The glacier is located on the east coast of the Greenland ice sheet.



As human-induced climate change continues to drive up temperatures, global ice loss is accelerating at an alarming rate. ESA reports that, over the past decade alone, 3.5 trillion tons of ice have melted from the Greenland ice sheet. This is enough to cover the UK with meltwater 15 meters deep.



Based on satellite imagery, researchers determined that Kangerlussuaq entered a new phase of rapid retreat and acceleration in 2017. In their study, published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feart.2019.00123/full">Frontiers in Earth Science</a>,&nbsp; the experts report that the glacier's ice front is now at its most retreated position since the early 20th century.



"Given Kangerlussuaq’s previous impacts on both the magnitude and pattern of ice sheet wide mass loss, we predict that its new phase of retreat, acceleration and thinning will markedly enhance the south-east region’s contribution to increasing discharge from the ice sheet," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"More broadly, accurate forecasting of the ice sheet’s contribution to sea level rise will require a deeper understanding of, and responses to, these non-linear ice dynamic processes."



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.

Kangerlussuaq Glacier on the Greenland ice sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes the complex relationship between ocean and climate. ESA's Climate Change Initiative will help us understand how oceans influence the climate and how climate change is impacting the oceans.&nbsp;



"Earth’s oceans are huge heat stores, soaking up 93% of the excess heat from human activity over the past 70 years. Ocean currents redistribute heat around the planet, from the Equator to the poles. Where this ocean heat goes influences weather patterns and regional climate," explains ESA.



"As well as absorbing heat, oceans are a natural carbon sink, absorbing a quarter of carbon dioxide emissions from human activity. This has led to the acidification of ocean water, threating marine life."



The amount of heat and carbon dioxide soaked up by the ocean depends on specific variables, including phytoplankton, temperatures, waves, salinity, and ice cover. Satellites can be used to measure these variables from space.



"From their unique vantage point, satellites provide key information for understanding the complexities of our planet and monitoring environmental issues," says ESA.



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.

Ocean heat influences regional climate

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