A study led by Tel Aviv University has revealed alarming insights into how microplastic particles are transformed within marine ecosystems, posing new challenges to the health of the ocean’s food web.&nbsp;



The research highlights how filter-feeding marine organisms alter the behavior and composition of microplastics, creating unforeseen risks for marine environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-microplastic-pollution">Investigating microplastic pollution</h2>



While previous research has documented the dangers of marine animals ingesting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-steadily-increasing-in-freshwater-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a>, this study goes a step further, exploring how these particles change after passing through the digestive systems of filter feeders.&nbsp;



Conducted by PhD student Eden Harel, Professor Noa Shenkar, and Professor Ines Zucker from <a href="https://english.tau.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tel Aviv University</a>, the study focused on ascidians - marine animals that efficiently filter tiny particles from water.&nbsp;



The findings reveal how the interaction between filter feeders and microplastics contributes to the spread and transformation of these particles.



“We aimed to examine whether and how plastic changes after passing through the digestive system of a marine organism and how this process affects the presence of plastic and its availability to other organisms,” Shenkar explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-filter-feeders-transform-microplastics">How filter feeders transform microplastics</h2>



Using a controlled laboratory experiment, the researchers simulated seawater environments containing ascidians and introduced two types of microplastic particles.



These particles included polystyrene (PS), a common conventional plastic, and polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable bioplastic marketed as environmentally friendly. The team monitored the filtration, digestion, and excretion processes over 48 hours.



The results showed stark differences between the two types of plastic. Ascidians removed 90% of polystyrene particles from the water within two hours, but these particles were reintroduced to the water after 48 hours following digestion.



Polylactic acid particles, on the other hand, decreased significantly in concentration and remained at low levels. Larger PLA particles appeared to break down during digestion - likely returning to the water as smaller, undetectable nanoparticles.



These findings reveal that while some microplastics persist in their original form, others may fragment into smaller particles, potentially amplifying their environmental impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-disguised-as-organic-matter">Plastic disguised as organic matter</h2>



To understand the changes microplastics undergo during digestion, the team used Raman spectroscopy to analyze particles excreted by the ascidians.&nbsp;



The analysis revealed a surprising transformation: the plastic particles were no longer identifiable as plastics. Instead, they appeared to be organic matter due to a fecal coating acquired in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-humans-have-shockingly-different-digestive-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digestive system</a>.



“Our findings revealed that microplastic particles are excreted from the ascidian’s digestive system coated with a fecal layer, and it is likely that the marine environment also identifies these particles as this organic material,” Harel said.



This transformation increases the likelihood of these particles being ingested by other marine animals that feed on feces, further embedding microplastics into the food web.&nbsp;



The fecal coating also facilitates bacterial colonization and the adhesion of pollutants like heavy metals and residual organic compounds, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistance-could-cause-a-health-crisis-globally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a>, making these particles even more hazardous.



According to Zucker, plastic particles undergo many transformations in the environment, from weathering to digestive processes, turning them into carriers of pollutants and diseases within the food web.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-microplastics-on-feces">Impacts of microplastics on feces</h2>



In addition to examining how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-jawless-fish-rhinopteraspis-dunensis-filter-feeders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">filter feeders</a> transform microplastics, the study explored how these particles affect the physical properties of feces - a vital nutrient source for many marine organisms. Feces containing microplastics displayed significant changes in behavior.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-sinking">Rapid sinking</h3>



Unlike normal feces, which sink slowly and provide sustenance to organisms along their descent, feces containing microplastics sank rapidly to the seafloor. This deprives marine organisms in the water column of a crucial food source.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-localized-accumulation">Localized accumulation</h3>



The faster sinking caused feces and microplastics to accumulate on the seafloor near the filter feeders, instead of dispersing evenly. This buildup can lead to increased carbon and nitrogen levels, fostering algal blooms that disrupt marine ecosystems.



“This accumulation can increase carbon and nitrogen levels on the seafloor and trigger algal blooms, representing another critical impact of microplastics on the balance of the marine food web,” Harel explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-of-microplastic-pollution-nbsp">Complexity of microplastic pollution&nbsp;</h2>



The study highlights the complexity of microplastic pollution, showing that the problem goes far beyond the particles themselves. Their transformation through biological processes and environmental exposure creates unexpected and far-reaching consequences.



“The most alarming conclusion is that the microplastic problem is far more complex than initially thought,” said the researchers.&nbsp;



“Plastic pollution in the marine environment has many unexpected dimensions, and its complexities continue to grow. Sometimes, neither we nor the environment can even recognize it as plastic.”



The findings emphasize the urgent need for better technologies and strategies to mitigate the spread and impact of microplastics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-microplastics-crisis">Addressing the microplastics crisis</h2>



As microplastic pollution continues to infiltrate marine ecosystems in unpredictable ways, this study reveals just how urgent the issue has become. With microplastics transforming into carriers of pollutants, altering the balance of marine food webs, and contributing to environmental degradation, addressing this crisis is essential.



“As time goes on, plastic continues to harm more and more marine ecosystems,” the researchers concluded. “It is our duty to develop new technologies to mitigate this dangerous phenomenon.”



This research provides a crucial step toward understanding the hidden dimensions of microplastic pollution and calls for global action to protect marine life and the delicate ecosystems that sustain it.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Filter feeders transform microplastics into a bigger threat 

A study led by Tel Aviv University has revealed alarming insights into how microplastic particles are transformed within marine ecosystems, posing new challenges to the health of the ocean’s food web.&nbsp; The research highlights how filter-feeding marine organisms alter the behavior and composition of microplastics, creating unforeseen risks for marine environments. Investigating microplastic pollution While previous research has documented the dangers of marine animals ingesting microplastics, this study goes a step further, exploring how these particles change after passing through the digestive systems of filter feeders.&nbsp; Conducted...

California has become a vivid example of a global phenomenon known as “hydroclimate whiplash,” which involves sudden and dramatic swings between extreme wet and dry conditions.&nbsp;



These abrupt shifts are increasingly destabilizing ecosystems and communities, as shown in a new study published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-024-00624-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Reviews Earth and Environment</a>.&nbsp;



The research highlights how climate change is intensifying these weather patterns and their associated risks, from destructive wildfires to devastating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flood-fatalities-experts-reveal-the-hidden-health-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">floods</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-state-in-constant-flux">A state in constant flux</h2>



The winters of 2022-23 and 2023-24 brought California unprecedented precipitation, fueled by dozens of atmospheric rivers.&nbsp;



Mountain towns were buried under snow, valleys were inundated with rain and snowmelt, and landslides occurred across the state.&nbsp;



However, these deluges were followed by record summer heat and a drought-ridden start to the 2025 rainy season. The resulting dry vegetation has provided ample fuel for a series of wildfires.



“This whiplash sequence in California has increased fire risk twofold,” explained lead author Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.&nbsp;



“First, by greatly increasing the growth of flammable grass and brush in the months leading up to fire season, and then by drying it out to exceptionally high levels with the extreme dryness and warmth that followed.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-trends-in-climate-whiplash">Global trends in climate whiplash</h2>



California's situation mirrors a global trend. The study found that hydroclimate whiplash has increased worldwide by 31% to 66% since the mid-20th century - outpacing predictions made by climate models.&nbsp;



The trend is accelerating due to human-driven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, with projections suggesting that whiplash events could more than double if global temperatures rise by three degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.



A key driver of this intensification is the “expanding atmospheric sponge,” a phenomenon in which a warmer atmosphere absorbs and releases more water.&nbsp;



For every degree Celsius of warming, the atmosphere’s capacity to hold moisture increases by 7%, compounding the severity of both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-the-driving-force-behind-droughts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">droughts</a> and floods.



“The problem is that the sponge grows exponentially, like compound interest in a bank,” Swain said. “The rate of expansion increases with each fraction of a degree of warming.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-rainfall-the-role-of-evaporation">Beyond rainfall: The role of evaporation</h2>



While many studies focus solely on precipitation patterns, this research emphasizes the role of increasing “evaporative demand.”&nbsp;



A warming atmosphere pulls more moisture from plants and soil, exacerbating drought conditions even when rainfall does not decrease.



“The expanding atmospheric sponge effect may offer a unifying explanation for some of the most visible, visceral impacts of climate change,” Swain noted.&nbsp;



This includes the rapid transitions between floods and droughts, landslides triggered by oversaturated soil, and cycles of vegetation growth and fire.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-for-water-management">Challenges for water management</h2>



The intensifying hydroclimate whiplash poses significant challenges for water resource management.&nbsp;



California’s traditional strategies, such as diverting flood waters to the ocean, need to be balanced with measures to retain water for prolonged dry spells. Swain emphasized the importance of a “co-management” approach that considers drought and flood risks together.



John Abatzoglou, a UC Merced climate scientist and co-author of the study, highlighted the strain on California’s infrastructure:&nbsp;



“Hydroclimate in California is reliably unreliable. Swings like we saw a couple years ago, going from one of the driest three-year periods in a century to the once-in-a-lifetime spring 2023 snowpack, both tested our water-infrastructure systems and furthered conversations about flood water management to ensure future water security in an increasingly variable hydroclimate.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-phenomenon-of-climate-whiplash-nbsp">Global phenomenon of climate whiplash&nbsp;</h2>



While California offers a stark example, hydroclimate whiplash is a global issue. 



Regions such as northern Africa, South Asia, and the tropical Pacific are projected to experience the most dramatic increases, but almost every region will face growing risks.



“Increasing hydroclimate whiplash may turn out to be one of the more universal global changes on a warming Earth,” Swain said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-southern-california-fire-season-s-extended-grip">Southern California: Fire season’s extended grip</h2>



Southern California’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-have-identified-the-key-driver-of-severe-wildfires-in-canada/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire</a> risks have been amplified by the lack of rain and the dry vegetation left behind by previous wet seasons.&nbsp;



While seasonal winds, such as the Santa Anas, play a role in spreading fires, Swain noted that “climate change is increasing the overlap between extremely dry vegetation conditions later in the season and the occurrence of these wind events.”&nbsp;



“This, ultimately, is the key climate change connection to Southern California wildfires.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slowing-the-intensification-of-climate-whiplash">Slowing the intensification of climate whiplash</h2>



The study highlights the urgent need to reduce global warming to slow the intensification of hydroclimate whiplash.&nbsp;



“The less warming there is, the less of an increase in hydroclimate whiplash we’re going to see,” Swain said.&nbsp; However, with the planet on track for two to three degrees Celsius of warming this century, substantial increases in variability are likely.



Adapting to these changes will require rethinking water management, infrastructure, and conservation strategies. By addressing both ends of the water spectrum - flood and drought - policymakers and communities can better prepare for the challenges of a warming world.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

"Hydroclimate whiplash" is wreaking havoc across the U.S.

California has become a vivid example of a global phenomenon...

Picture a home being restored after years of neglect - that’s the transformation unfolding in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB), where bird habitats are being revitalized. 



Over the past few decades, this biodiversity hotspot - home to a rich variety of bird species - has faced severe habitat degradation driven by climate change and human activities.



Despite these challenges, the Yangtze River Basin stands as a testament to the resilience of nature and the power of rehabilitation. Today, we explore a study that offers glimmers of hope - a story that highlights the possibilities of resilience, restoration, and renewal.



The research was a collaborative effort by scientists from the <a href="https://www.nies.org/ywz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences</a>, associated with China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and their colleagues at <a href="https://www.princeton.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-challenges-in-the-yangtze-river">Biodiversity challenges in the Yangtze River</h2>



"The Yangtze River Basin (YRB) is an area of economic importance in China's development and is also one of the key hotspots of global biodiversity," noted the researchers.



"As the world's third largest river, the Yangtze supports a population of 900 million (or more than 60% of the country), and it harbors a large proportion of China's biodiversity, with at least 14,000 plant species and 1,731 vertebrate animal species."



The study paints a comprehensive picture of bird diversity in the Yangtze River Basin. Beyond just stating facts, the experts evaluated the effectiveness of prior conservation measures.



For the investigation, the team used the Living Planet Index (LPIO), a tool that offers a multi-faceted understanding of bird populations by taking into account species abundance, richness, and information entropy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-s-eye-view-of-the-yangtze-river">Bird's eye view of the Yangtze River</h2>



The researchers focused on the decade between 2010 and 2020, studying 536 sites across the Yangtze River Basin. They found different trends among these regions.



The findings are mostly encouraging, revealing a 6.12% increase in bird <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-bird-species-face-extinction-risks-in-the-neotropics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a>. The improvement was particularly notable among terrestrial bird species and was echoed in increased functional complexity throughout the YRB.



However, challenges persist. In the downstream parts of the Yangtze River Basin, the researchers noted a 2.83% decrease in bird diversity.



This drop links back to the stark decline in wetland bird species, emphasizing the urgency of established and targeted conservation efforts in these areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wetland-restoration-is-crucial">Wetland restoration is crucial</h2>



"Our study provides compelling evidence that targeted conservation efforts can halt the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-extinctions-shatter-the-harmonious-balance-of-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decline of biodiversity</a>," said lead researcher Wei Liu.



The message is clear: continued monitoring and wetland restoration strategies are critical for safeguarding bird biodiversity in the Yangtze River Basin.



The research presents a replicable model for other regions grappling with similar environmental dilemmas. It shows that targeted conservation work can not only enhance biodiversity but also protect vital ecosystem services that underpin human well-being and economic stability.



"The results will improve our understanding of conservation and restoration programs and their impacts on biodiversity. This in turn can provide insights relevant for conservation policies and planning," said the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-balance-of-the-yangtze-river">Ecological balance of the Yangtze River </h2>



Spanning over 6,300 kilometers, the Yangtze River is more than just Asia's longest river; it is a lifeline for countless ecosystems. Its vast basin supports a mosaic of habitats, from wetlands and forests to grasslands, creating ideal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-wings-have-a-surprising-effect-on-island-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions for avian species</a> to thrive.



These habitats play a crucial role in global biodiversity, acting as a sanctuary for migratory birds and endemic species.



The Yangtze’s ecological balance has been disrupted over the decades by habitat fragmentation, urbanization, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-behavior-productivity-being-directly-impacted-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. Moreover, wetlands, which serve as vital breeding and feeding grounds for birds, have borne the brunt of human activity.



Despite these challenges, the river's resilience, coupled with targeted conservation measures, offers a glimmer of hope for its future.



"In light of the extant legislation and regulations concerning the protection of the Yangtze River, it is incumbent upon the relevant authorities to devise a comprehensive, large-scale wetland ecological restoration program for the downstream area," concluded the researchers.



"Moreover, additional monitoring sites should be established in the upstream area, with an even distribution across farmland, wetland, forest, and other habitat types."



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772985024000620?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eco-Environment &amp; Health</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Bird diversity is rebounding in the Yangtze River Basin

Picture a home being restored after years of neglect -...

A study from Chapman University provides the first comprehensive global estimates of water storage in Earth’s vegetation and the time it takes for that water to flow through plants. The research fills a critical gap in our understanding of the global water cycle and its sensitivity to climate and land-use changes.



Published in the journal Nature Water, the study reveals that Earth's vegetation holds about 786 km³ of water, a mere 0.002% of Earth’s total freshwater.



However, the significance lies in the rapid movement of water through plants. This transit time, from absorption to release into the atmosphere, is among the fastest in the water cycle - ranging from five days in croplands to 18 days in evergreen needleleaf forests.



For perspective, water in lakes takes around 17 years to cycle, and in glaciers, the process spans 1,600 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continuous-loop-of-earth-s-water-cycle">Continuous loop of Earth's water cycle</h2>



Earth's water cycle, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/water-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrological cycle</a>, is the continuous movement of water through the environment. It begins with evaporation, where the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-are-wreaking-havoc-on-the-global-water-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sun heats water</a> from oceans, lakes, and rivers, turning it into vapor.



This vapor rises into the atmosphere and cools, leading to&nbsp;condensation, which forms clouds. When the clouds become heavy, water returns to Earth as&nbsp;precipitation&nbsp;in the form of rain, snow, or hail. 



Once on the ground, water either flows over the surface into rivers and lakes (runoff) or seeps into the soil (infiltration). 



Plants also play a role by releasing water vapor into the air through&nbsp;transpiration. Together, these processes recycle water, connecting oceans, land, and the atmosphere in a continuous loop.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-forgotten-element-of-the-water-cycle">A forgotten element of the water cycle</h2>



“Plants are the forgotten part of the global water cycle,” noted Dr. Andrew Felton, lead author and professor at <a href="https://www.montana.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montana State University</a>. Despite their critical role in returning water from the ground to the atmosphere, plants are often excluded from water cycle diagrams.



“Our results show that the transit of water through plants occurs on the order of days, rather than months, years, or centuries, as it does in other parts of the water cycle,” said Dr. Felton.



By combining plant water transit estimates with those for the atmosphere (8–10 days) and soil (60–90 days), researchers can now approximate the total time a drop of water spends in the terrestrial cycle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intensification-of-the-water-cycle">Intensification of the water cycle</h2>



One striking finding is the rapid transit of water through croplands. During peak growing seasons, water cycles through crops in less than a day. This speed, consistent across global croplands, hints at a broader environmental implication.



“Land use change may be homogenizing the global water cycle and contributing to its intensification by more rapidly recycling water back to the atmosphere where it can turn into heavy rain events,” explained <a href="https://www.chapman.edu/our-faculty/greg-goldsmith" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Gregory Goldsmith</a>, senior author and associate professor at Chapman University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-dynamics-in-earth-s-vegetation">Water dynamics in Earth's vegetation</h2>



The research team utilized data from NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive Mission (<a href="https://smap.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SMAP</a>), a satellite program designed to measure soil moisture across Earth’s surface.



SMAP data accounted for vegetation interference, which the satellite originally treated as noise to correct soil moisture readings. However, the researchers discovered that these corrections held important information about the amount of water stored in plants.



By analyzing this overlooked data and combining it with advanced measurements of how quickly water exits plants, the team developed detailed estimates. 



These included five years of monthly data on plant water storage and the time water takes to move through vegetation, calculated with a spatial resolution of&nbsp;9 square kilometers (approximately 3.5 square miles). 



This high-resolution analysis provided a remarkable understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/distress-signals-earths-water-cycle-is-becoming-more-erratic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water dynamics within Earth's vegetation</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-a-changing-planet">Implications for a changing planet</h2>



The study highlights the sensitivity of plant water transit times to environmental events like deforestation, drought, and wildfires. 



“The results suggest that the transit time of water through plants is likely to be very sensitive to events such as deforestation, drought and wildfire, which will fundamentally change the time it takes for water to flow through the water cycle,” said Felton.



By shedding light on the dynamic role of vegetation, this research highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the urgent need to understand how land-use changes influence the global water cycle.



As the planet faces intensifying climate challenges, studies like this pave the way for more informed strategies to manage water resources and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sci-fi-inspired-scenarios-illustrate-our-impact-on-earths-water-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predict environmental shifts</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44221-024-00365-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Water</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Water moves through plants and back into the atmosphere with unexpected speed

A study from Chapman University provides the first comprehensive global...

New research suggests that we could use artificial intelligence (AI) to combat climate change in a completely unexpected way. Experts are exploring the use of AI to reduce methane in cow burps.



Cows contribute to climate change significantly with their gassy stomachs. As part of their normal digestion, cows release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. 



In fact, according to a recent study, methane from cows in the agriculture sector accounts for about 33 percent of U.S. agriculture and three percent of total U.S. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-a-pill-stop-cows-from-burping-methane/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-to-address-methane-emissions">Solutions to address methane emissions </h2>



Experts with the ARS Livestock Nutrient Management Research Unit and <a href="https://www.iastate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iowa State University</a>'s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering are investigating ways to reduce these methane emissions.



"Developing solutions to address methane emissions from animal agriculture is a critical priority," stated ARS Administrator Simon Liu.



"Our scientists continue to use innovative and data-driven strategies to help cattle producers achieve emission reduction goals that will safeguard the environment and promote a more sustainable future for agriculture."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-production-in-cows">Methane production in cows</h2>



Cows digest tough plant materials in their rumen, the largest of their four stomach compartments. In the rumen, microorganisms break down these plants, releasing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seaweed-supplements-reduce-methane-in-grazing-cattle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane gas</a> as a natural byproduct. 



This methane is expelled through burping that contributes to climate change. Scientists have discovered that certain compound molecules can inhibit this methane production.



Bromoform, a molecule naturally found in seaweed, has demonstrated a capacity to lessen cattle methane production by an astounding 80-98 percent.



The catch? It's a carcinogen, so it's not safe for cattle consumption and therefore not a viable solution for food safety reasons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cutting-methane-from-cows-with-ai">Cutting methane from cows with AI </h2>



Facing the challenge of time-consuming and financially demanding research, the ARS scientists decided to employ AI and computational models to speed up the search for a safe and effective bromoform substitute.



"We are using advanced molecular simulations and AI to identify novel methane inhibitors based on the properties of previously investigated inhibitors [like bromoform], but that are safe, scalable, and have a large potential to inhibit methane <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-methane-emissions-threaten-earths-habitability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>," noted Matthew Beck, an animal research scientist.



Teams from both institutions are working hand-in-hand. Iowa State University is leading the computer simulation and AI work, while ARS is identifying compounds and testing them through in vitro (lab) and in vivo (live cattle) studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavior-of-molecules-in-a-cow-s-stomach">Behavior of molecules in a cow's stomach</h2>



For this particular research, the experts are using what is known as a "graph neural network." In a nutshell, AI learns from publicly available data about cow rumen and predicts the behavior of molecules that can be further tested in laboratories.



This cycle creates a continuous feedback loop that helps the AI make more accurate predictions.



"Our graph neural network is a machine learning model, which learns the properties of molecules, including details of the atoms and the chemical bonds that hold them, while retaining useful information about the molecules' properties to help us study how they are likely to behave in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-have-emerged-as-major-source-of-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cow's stomach</a>," explained ISU Professor Ratul Chowdhury.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-ai-in-methane-reduction">The role of AI in methane reduction</h2>



The experts have identified 15 molecules that appear to have the same potential to inhibit methane production as bromoform.



The hope is that AI will play a significant role in understanding how these molecules interact with the microbial community of the cow's stomach - letting us discover novel molecules, and potentially key interactions, within the cow's stomach microbiome.



Jacek Koziel, <a href="https://www.ars.usda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA-ARS</a> research leader, acknowledges the limitations of current strategies to mitigate methane emissions but sees great potential in this approach.



"This is why combining AI with laboratory research, through iterative refinement, is a valuable scientific tool," said Koziel.



"AI can fast-forward the research and accelerate these several pathways that animal nutritionists, researchers, and companies can pursue to get us closer to a very ambitious goal of limiting greenhouse gas emissions and helping mitigate climate change."



The power of AI is only limited by our imagination. From reducing cow burps to combating climate change, artificial intelligence is becoming an important ally in the fight to protect our natural world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/af/article/14/6/33/7942668" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animal Frontiers</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

How AI can help reduce methane emissions from cows

New research suggests that we could use artificial intelligence (AI)...

Beneath the ocean’s surface, fisheries rely on the health of vibrant and complex ecosystems. Coral reefs, in particular, are the center of underwater life. 



They provide essential food and shelter to countless marine species, making them crucial for maintaining marine biodiversity and ecosystem balance. Without coral reefs, many sea creatures would struggle to survive, threatening the entire marine environment.



But these individual ecosystems are in deep trouble. And that can have a ripple effect, impacting not just marine life, but human livelihoods too - particularly in the fisheries sector.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-decline-affects-fisheries">Coral decline affects fisheries </h2>



According to a recent study from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (<a href="https://www.whoi.edu/who-we-are/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHOI</a>), a decline in live <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-coral-bleaching-event-prompts-emergency-un-session/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a> habitats directly influences the yield of marine fisheries.



The researchers explored the yield trends of nine fisheries in the vicinity of Australia's iconic Great Barrier Reef from 2016 to 2020.



The team uncovered a worrying trend- significant losses could be the unfortunate reality if coral restoration efforts are not amped up.



In 2024, the Great Barrier Reef faced a severe bleaching episode, one of the worst in its history. During this event, an alarming 73% of surveyed reefs showed signs of bleaching, as per the Australian Marine Institute.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-bleaching-threat-to-marine-biodiversity">Coral bleaching: Threat to marine biodiversity</h2>



Coral reefs depend on microscopic algae, zooxanthellae, for survival and their bright hues. When ocean temperatures rise, the coral gets stressed and expels these crucial algae, leading to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/60-percent-global-coral-reefs-face-bleaching-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bleaching</a>.



The persistent warming trend means the algae may not return, leaving the coral bleached and on the brink of death. 



Over the past 30 years, a staggering 19% of the world's coral reef area has been lost due to bleaching induced by ocean warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-and-famine-lives-and-livelihoods-at-risk">Fish and famine: Lives and livelihoods at risk</h2>



“This rapid loss of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-coral-bleaching-event-is-now-underway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a> will force fish capable of living independently of them to move elsewhere. Less concentrated populations can lead to smaller yields for fisheries," noted Marine (Yaqin) Liu, an environmental economist at WHOI.



When it comes to fish species that directly rely on reefs for food or shelter, like butterflyfish and coral trout, their yield will deplete in parallel with their population decline.



And it's not just marine life at risk. Many fisheries, and the communities they support, are bound for turbulent waters. 



The study pointed out coral trout and saddletail snappers, which heavily rely on outer-shelf reefs as their primary habitat, as the two most vulnerable fisheries. 



If the live coral cover of the Great Barrier Reef reduces from 30% to 25%, the maximum sustainable yield of coral trout and saddletail snappers would drop by 8% and 19%, respectively. 



An even steeper decline from 10% to 5% live coral cover could result in losses of 27% and a startling 56% for coral trout and saddletail snapper fisheries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-decline-economic-impact-on-fisheries">Coral decline: Economic impact on fisheries</h2>



These losses are not only ecological but economic. Professor Qingran Li, from <a href="https://www.clarkson.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clarkson University</a> in New York, shed light on the economic toll.



"Coral trout and saddletail snapper are part of Queensland, Australia’s line fishery, an industry with $27-31 million gross value," said Professor Li.



"While this methodology of this study does not lend itself to making dollar predictions, we can expect a decline in fishing yields to have substantial economic impacts, such as loss of jobs and reduced export."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-coral-reefs-and-fisheries">Preserving coral reefs and fisheries</h2>



As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-could-vanish-if-temperatures-continue-to-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a> continue to battle warmer waters and bleaching events become more frequent, their role in nurturing marine life and safeguarding coastal communities from major storms becomes increasingly crucial. Their contribution to tourism and fishing revenues is equally significant.



These ecosystems also act as natural barriers, reducing the impact of storm surges and protecting vulnerable coastlines from erosion.



Data-driven climate change advocacy is so essential. "Responsible fisheries are already safeguarding coral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-bleaching-hinders-reproduction-in-popular-reef-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reefs</a> by integrating sustainable approaches, but human impacts like ocean warming and acidification further threaten coral reefs and fisheries yields," said Liu.



"WHOI’s Reef Solutions Team continues study and develop innovative ways to restore and strengthen coral reefs, with a goal of taking successful learnings and implementing them globally."



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Bleaching effect: Coral loss threatens fisheries and livelihoods

Beneath the ocean’s surface, fisheries rely on the health of...

In today's world, "forever chemicals," scientifically known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are virtually ubiquitous. Found in water, soil, and even the deepest regions of the human brain, their persistent presence raises significant concern. But what exactly do these chemicals do to our brain?



Typically safeguarded by the blood-brain barrier, the brain appears unusually susceptible to these persistent chemicals. Investigating this perplexing vulnerability, a team of researchers from the University at Buffalo has uncovered a vital piece of the puzzle.



"Our findings indicate these genes may be markers to detect and monitor PFAS-induced neurotoxicity in the future," explained study co-author Dr. G. Ekin Atilla-Gokcumen.



The research, published in the journal ACS Chemical Neuroscience, represents a critical step toward deciphering the mysteries of PFAS-related health effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-response-of-brain-cells-to-forever-chemicals">Response of brain cells to forever chemicals </h2>



The study demonstrates that some genes show consistent changes when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-found-in-tap-and-bottled-water-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exposed to PFAS</a>, regardless of the specific chemical compound. Among these, genes crucial for neuron survival tend to exhibit reduced activity - potentially weakening their protective functions in the brain.



At the same time, genes linked to cell death become more active, which could increase the risk of neuronal damage or dysfunction. This opposing effect highlights how forever chemicals may disrupt essential brain functions and contribute to long-term neurological harm.



While the researchers identified 11 genes with consistent responses, they also found that hundreds of other genes react differently depending on the specific type of PFAS. This variability suggests that each PFAS compound, despite having some shared chemical properties, interacts uniquely with biological systems.



"PFAS, despite sharing certain chemical characteristics, come in different shapes and sizes, leading to variability in their biological effects," noted study co-author Dr. Diana Aga.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfoa-a-notable-offender">PFOA: A notable offender</h2>



Among the six PFAS compounds studied, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) - previously used in nonstick cookware - stood out for its dramatic impact.



PFOA altered the expression of nearly 600 genes, far more than any other compound tested. These changes affected pathways related to oxidative stress, protein synthesis, and neural function.



For instance, PFOA downregulated mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein crucial for neuron survival. At the same time, it up-regulated thioredoxin-interacting protein, which is linked to cell death. 



"Each of these 11 genes exhibited consistent regulation across all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dangerous-pfas-forever-chemicals-found-in-the-amazon-rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> that we tested," notes Atilla-Gokcumen. 



"This uniform response suggests that they may serve as promising markers for assessing PFAS exposure, but further research is needed to know how these genes respond to other types of PFAS."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forever-chemicals-in-daily-life">Forever chemicals in daily life</h2>



PFAS are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-found-in-fitness-trackers-and-smartwatch-bands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nearly everywhere</a> - in food packaging, firefighting foams, and even semiconductors. The widespread use of forever chemicals highlights the challenge of mitigating their impact on both the environment and brain health while maintaining their utility.



Short-chain PFAS, considered less persistent in the environment, show promise as alternatives. However, these substitutes may come with their own set of health risks and reduced effectiveness.



"If we understand why some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-source-water-exceeds-safe-drinking-limits-of-pfas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> are more harmful than others, we can prioritize phasing out the worst offenders while seeking safer substitutes," noted Dr. Atilla-Gokcumen. This nuanced approach could help balance industrial needs with environmental and human safety.



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



This study from the <a href="https://www.buffalo.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University at Buffalo</a> provides crucial insights into how forever chemicals disrupt brain function, offering a foundation for future research. 



By identifying the genes consistently impacted by these chemicals, researchers have opened new doors for detection, monitoring, and the eventual development of safer alternatives.



"Knowledge on how our own biology reacts to the different types of PFAS is of major biomedical relevance," said Dr. Aga. As we learn more about the specific effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strict-pfas-limits-will-make-drinking-water-safer-for-100-million-americans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">various PFAS compounds</a>, we can craft more effective strategies to mitigate their harm.



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



The persistence and pervasiveness of PFAS demand innovative solutions to protect human health and the environment. 



Studies like this not only enhance our understanding of these chemicals but also provide hope for a safer future. 



By prioritizing research and promoting public awareness, we can work toward reducing the impact of these "forever chemicals" while ensuring their essential uses remain sustainable.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00652" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Chemical Neuroscience</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Forever chemicals alter gene expression in the brain

In today's world, "forever chemicals," scientifically known as per- and...

Hotter, drier North American climates will curtail the growth of a critical fungus used to keep the invasive spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) in check, according to computer models recently devised by scientists.



The research, led by the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a> and the <a href="https://www.anl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Argonne National Laboratory</a>, highlights the interconnected nature of climate change impacts by showing how higher temperatures can ripple through ecosystems and alter species interactions in unexpected ways.



Greg Dwyer is a professor of ecology and evolution at UChicago and senior author of the study.&nbsp;



“The vast majority of previous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> studies look at individual organisms, but a small amount of climate change can have a big effect when you compound it across multiple species,” said Dwyer.&nbsp;



“So, computer models are crucial for understanding the effects of climate change on species interactions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spongy-moth-a-destructive-invader">Spongy moth: A destructive invader</h2>



Introduced to North America in 1869, the spongy moth originates from Europe. 



Female <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bella-moths-use-toxins-to-deter-predators-and-attract-mates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moths</a> deposit their eggs on various surfaces - such as branches, stacked firewood, and outdoor furniture - which people can inadvertently transport far beyond the moth’s initial release site in Massachusetts. 



Once hatched, the caterpillars voraciously consume the leaves of hardwood forests, particularly oaks, leading to large-scale defoliation and significant tree mortality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungi-vs-forest-invaders">Fungi vs. forest invaders</h2>



Relief arrived in 1989, when the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-all-fungi-matter-not-just-mushrooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungus</a> Entomophaga maimaiga began to spread among spongy moth populations.&nbsp;



While it’s not certain how or when this non-native fungus arrived in North America - whether intentionally introduced for control or accidentally imported - the fungus effectively curbed moth outbreaks for decades.&nbsp;



Another pathogen, the nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV), also helps keep spongy moth numbers down, but it requires large moth populations to spread efficiently. 



The E. maimaiga fungus, in contrast, can develop in small moth populations before major destruction sets in, provided that conditions are cool and moist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-warming-affects-moth-fungus-dynamics">How warming affects moth-fungus dynamics</h2>



As part of their study, Dwyer and his colleagues collaborated with atmospheric scientists Jiali Wang and Rao Kotamarthi from the Argonne National Laboratory to integrate advanced climate modeling into existing spongy moth population models.&nbsp;



By refining large-scale climate data to capture regional differences in temperature and precipitation, the research team could project how changing environments affect the interplay of spongy moths, their predators, and pathogens like E. maimaiga.



The simulations revealed that rising temperatures and drier weather reduce the infection rates of E. maimaiga, resulting in fewer moth deaths. 



As spongy moths become more likely to survive and reproduce, they cause more extensive defoliation. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiplication-of-the-spongy-moth">Multiplication of the spongy moth</h2>



“Even small reductions in mortality rate for the moths lead to big increases in defoliation,” Dwyer explained. 



“If they don’t get killed off when they’re at low density one year, then the next year they’ll be back at higher density. You get this multiplication process going on.”



Recent seasonal trends have already hinted at what the future might hold. Below-average rainfall paired with above-average temperatures helped spur significant moth outbreaks, earlier than the researchers expected.&nbsp;



“Our projections were pessimistic, but probably not pessimistic enough. It’s very concerning,” said Dwyer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-domino-effect-of-climate-change">The domino effect of climate change</h2>



The study highlights the importance of treating species interactions as dynamic systems, where even slight changes in temperature or humidity can cascade across multiple organisms.&nbsp;



In this case, the spongy moth, the fungus that infects it, and the overall forest ecosystem are interlinked. As warmer, drier conditions limit E. maimaiga, spongy moth numbers surge, ultimately threatening <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-mammals-play-a-vital-role-in-maintaining-forest-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest health</a> and stability.



The spongy moth’s destructive capacity poses a financial burden as well, given the expensive efforts needed to manage infestations and the losses in timber and ecosystem services resulting from tree deaths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-spongy-moth-populations-nbsp">Controlling spongy moth populations&nbsp;</h2>



By drawing attention to the vulnerability of E. maimaiga under climate change, the study suggests that forest managers and policymakers might need alternative or supplemental approaches to control spongy moth populations.&nbsp;



In addition, other species could be affected in similarly indirect ways - a warning that climate change can reshape ecological communities through multiple layers of interaction.



In the future, the team hopes to test its model’s predictions in real-world settings and refine it to factor in additional complexities, such as geographic variations in forest composition and predator species.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-the-health-of-our-forests-nbsp">Preserving the health of our forests&nbsp;</h2>



By deepening our understanding of how climate change influences species relationships, researchers can help guide effective solutions for preserving forest health and maintaining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>.



Overall, the research highlights a broader truth about ecological management in a changing world: when one piece of the puzzle shifts, the entire system can behave in unexpected ways.&nbsp;



As Dwyer put it, “a small amount of climate change can have a big effect when you compound it across multiple species,” and the spongy moth’s changing fate exemplifies that message.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-02204-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Nature's defense against the invasive spongy moth is fading

Hotter, drier North American climates will curtail the growth of...

A new study has shown that over the last 20 years, large floods in the U.S. have been linked with significantly higher death rates across major causes of mortality.&nbsp;



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03358-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Medicine</a>, this research highlights sweeping and hidden effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/">floods</a> - including those not related to hurricanes, such as those resulting from heavy rain, snowmelt, or ice jams - on public health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-a-critical-knowledge-gap">Bridging a critical knowledge gap</h2>



The study was led by scientists at <a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health</a>, in partnership with researchers from <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a>, Harvard University, and the University of Arizona.&nbsp;



The experts aimed to fill a crucial gap in understanding cause-specific mortality risks related to floods over time and how these risks vary among different groups. The findings are expected to help public health agencies better allocate resources to mitigate these risks.



In the United States, population growth alone is believed to result in an approximately 72 percent increase in the population exposed to floods yearly by 2050. This is before accounting for the impact of climate change, which will likely lead to more frequent river, coastal, and flash floods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flooding-is-an-urgent-public-health-concern-nbsp">Flooding is an urgent public health concern&nbsp;</h2>



Victoria Lynch, a post-doctoral research fellow at Columbia Mailman School and the study’s first author, stressed the severity of the issue.&nbsp;



“Flooding is an urgent public health concern as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-levels-linked-to-the-rise-and-fall-of-early-human-societies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise,</a> rapid snowpack melting, and increased storm severity will lead to more destructive and frequent events,” she said.&nbsp;



“Our results show that floods were associated with higher death rates for most major causes of death, even for rain- and snow-related floods that are less likely to generate rapid emergency responses.”



Study senior author Robbie M. Parks, assistant professor in Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia Mailman School, noted that floods have a devastating effect on society in the U.S., yet a comprehensive assessment of their continuing health impacts had been lacking.



“Our study is a first major step in better understanding how floods may affect deaths, which provides an essential foundation for improving resilience to climate-related disasters across the days, weeks, months, and years after they wreak destruction,” said Parks.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deaths-after-large-floods">Deaths after large floods</h2>



The research team examined 35.6 million U.S. death records spanning from 2001 to 2018. Using a statistical model, they compared death rates during three-month periods following large floods to those during normal conditions, assessing variations across 2,711 counties that cover over 75% of the U.S. population.



The analysis revealed significant increases in death rates associated with flooding:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Injury deaths: Tropical storm and hurricane-related floods caused a 24.9% increase in deaths among older adults and a 21.2% rise among women.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-worsens-cardiovascular-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cardiovascular diseases</a>: Death rates rose by 2.1% during heavy rain floods and 8.9% during snowmelt-related floods.</li>



<li>Respiratory diseases: Snowmelt-related flooding was linked to a 22.3% increase in mortality.</li>



<li>Neuropsychiatric conditions: Death rates rose by 15.9% during snowmelt-related floods.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-infectious-disease-landscape-is-changing-and-we-must-prepare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Infectious diseases</a>: Heavy rain floods caused a 3.2% increase in deaths, likely due to disruptions to water and sewage systems.</li>
</ul>



The study noted an alarming increase in the frequency of record-breaking rainfall. For instance, record-high monthly rainfall totals were achieved 27 percent more frequently in 2024 than at the century’s start, while daily records rose by 52 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lingering-health-impacts-of-floods">Lingering health impacts of floods</h2>



The experts emphasize that floods cause long-lasting health impacts beyond the immediate disaster. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forecasting-the-floods-new-clues-about-extreme-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extreme rainfall</a> events led to widespread flash floods in regions such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Spain, and Bangladesh, causing thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.&nbsp;



Conversely, severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> conditions in places like the Amazon and southern Africa disrupted ecosystems, reduced crop yields, and heightened wildfire risks.



“Our study shows that even floods caused by snowmelt or heavy rain, each uniquely driven by changes to climate and development, elevate mortality months after the fact, providing critical knowledge of how to manage and adapt to floods,” said study co-author Jonathan Sullivan, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona.



These findings call for urgent action, including stronger flood defences, drought-resilient agriculture and water supplies, and better early warning systems.&nbsp;



Understanding the broad and lasting health impacts of floods will be critical for building resilient communities in the face of climate change.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Flood fatalities: Experts reveal the hidden health impacts

A new study has shown that over the last 20...

Antarctica, a land of extremes, hides a fascinating and potentially impactful geological secret beneath its ice. Known for its towering Mount Erebus and iconic lava lake, the continent also harbors over 100 lesser-known volcanoes. 



Many of these lie buried beneath kilometers of ice, especially along Antarctica’s western coast.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctica-s-hidden-volcanoes">Antarctica's hidden volcanoes</h2>



Climate change is causing Antarctica's ice sheet to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-patterns-point-to-rapid-melting-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melt faster than before</a>, which is raising global sea levels. But the impact doesn’t stop with the oceans. 



The ice sheet is incredibly heavy and presses down on the land beneath it. When the ice melts, the weight on the rocks below is reduced, a process scientists call&nbsp;"unloading."



This unloading has significant geological effects. The reduced pressure can increase the chances of volcanic eruptions.



Similar effects have been seen in other parts of the world, where melting glaciers and ice sheets have triggered increased volcanic activity.



In Antarctica, where many volcanoes lie buried under kilometers of ice, this unloading process could "awaken" these hidden volcanoes. Their eruptions could melt even more ice from beneath, amplifying the melting process in what scientists call a "feedback loop." 



This means that as the ice melts, it could trigger volcanic eruptions that further accelerate the melting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melting-ice-and-subglacial-volcanoes">Melting ice and subglacial volcanoes</h2>



A research team led by A. N. Coonin from <a href="https://www.brown.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brown University</a> used 4,000 computer simulations to study how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-past-present-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting Antarctic ice</a> affects hidden volcanoes.



The results show that as the ice gradually melts, it can increase both how frequent and how powerful subglacial volcanic eruptions become.



This means that ice loss doesn’t just impact the surface - it also significantly affects Antarctica’s volcanoes deep below the Earth’s crust.



The phenomenon is linked to how magma chambers respond to changes in pressure. Magma chambers, located beneath the Earth's surface, hold molten rock under high pressure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pressure-inside-of-magma-chambers">Pressure inside of magma chambers</h2>



The massive weight of an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turquets-octopus-dna-tells-scientists-that-west-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse-is-close/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice sheet</a> above a magma chamber keeps the pressure stable. When the ice melts, the weight is reduced, and the pressure on the magma decreases.



As the pressure lifts, the magma can expand. This expansion puts stress on the walls of the magma chamber, making eruptions more likely. 



To make matters more complex, many magma chambers contain gases, such as water vapor and carbon dioxide, dissolved in the magma under high pressure. When the pressure reduces - similar to opening a soda bottle - these gases escape in bubbles, rapidly increasing the pressure inside the chamber.



This added pressure from escaping gases and expanding magma increases the chances of an eruption. The process is further intensified in regions like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-will-the-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a>, where ice loss directly impacts the stability of these underground systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-subglacial-eruptions">Impact of subglacial eruptions</h2>



Subglacial volcanic eruptions rarely breach the surface, but their heat has significant consequences. They can intensify melting deep below the ice, weakening the ice sheet from within. 



As discussed above, this weakening creates a feedback loop: as ice melts and pressure lessens, volcanic activity increases, which in turn accelerates ice melting.



The researchers emphasize that this is a slow process, unfolding over centuries. However, this slow feedback loop could persist even if humanity succeeds in curbing greenhouse gas emissions. 



The process might have played a role in past volcano eruptions when Antarctica’s ice sheet was much thicker during the last ice age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interconnectedness-of-antarctica-s-volcanoes">Interconnectedness of Antarctica's volcanoes</h2>



Antarctica’s hidden volcanoes highlight that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emergency-meeting-reveals-the-alarming-extent-of-antarcticas-ice-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impacts of climate change</a> extend far beyond the atmosphere and oceans. They reveal how warming temperatures can initiate complex chain reactions deep within the Earth. 



As the ice melts, it reduces pressure on underground magma systems, potentially triggering volcanic eruptions. These eruptions, in turn, can intensify ice melting, creating a self-reinforcing cycle.



Although this process unfolds over centuries, it serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of Earth's systems. Geology and climate are not isolated - they influence each other in ways that can reshape the planet.



Understanding these hidden dynamics is essential as we address the long-term consequences of climate change. By studying these processes, we can better prepare for the challenges they may bring, even if their full effects seem distant today.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GC011743" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems</a>.



Image Credit:&nbsp;Josh Landis, U.S. Antarctic Program



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Melting ice in Antarctica could wake sleeping volcanoes

Antarctica, a land of extremes, hides a fascinating and potentially...

Imagine the vast expanse of the United States Corn Belt, where fields of corn stretch endlessly toward the horizon, shaping not only the landscape but also the region's weather patterns.



A recent study reveals an intriguing perception: our farming practices and the environment are in an intricate dance, manifesting subtle changes in the weather.



The study paints a vivid picture of "precipitation recycling." This term describes a climate phenomenon where the moisture released from plants, soil, and other geographical features returns to earth as rainfall in a self-sustaining feedback loop.



Due to farming practices and the natural influence of shallow groundwater, precipitation recycling has increased by nearly 30% in the Corn Belt. The feedback loop boosts rainfall during the crucial growing season.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-eye-of-the-storm-the-u-s-corn-belt">In the eye of the storm: The U.S. Corn Belt</h2>



The Corn Belt, stretching across 12 midwestern and Great Plains states from Ohio to Nebraska, was once a tapestry of tallgrass prairie and woodlands. Today, it is a quilt of croplands extensively maintained through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-can-now-show-us-how-much-water-we-use-for-irrigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">irrigation</a> systems.



The effects of the rainfall recycling are fascinating: as corn matures during the summer months, recycling peaks. The phenomenon is also heightened during drier years when moisture from other regions is scarce.



"This research shows how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/developing-climate-smart-agricultural-practices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agricultural practices</a> can modify regional climate, with implications for food and water security," noted study lead author Zhe Zhang. 



"In an agricultural region like the U.S. Corn Belt where rainfall is critical, it’s important for both farmers and water resource managers to understand where the rain comes from."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-influencing-weather-in-the-corn-belt">Factors influencing weather in the Corn Belt </h2>



The process of squeezing out these results involved some serious computer modeling power. 



The researchers used the NSF NCAR-based Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, which simulates the atmosphere down to a high resolution of about 2.5 miles.



The experts also used the Noah-MP computer model, also based at NSF NCAR, which allows for an in-depth analysis of the system of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electronic-soil-boosts-crop-growth-by-over-50/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop growth</a>.



By comparing simulations that included crops, irrigation, and groundwater with those that lacked one or more of these factors, the scientists pinpointed the contributions of each factor to precipitation recycling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainfall-patterns-and-agricultural-productivity">Rainfall patterns and agricultural productivity </h2>



The revelations of this study could help improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snowflake-patterns-can-help-predict-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall predictions</a> for the Corn Belt and provide useful insights for water resource allocations and planting strategies.



Understanding the source of rainfall is not only crucial for managing agriculture but also for understanding freshwater availability. 



Now, the team plans to examine how these changing precipitation patterns may impact agricultural productivity.



As we continue to cultivate our landscapes, it seems we're not just shaping the earth beneath our feet but also the skies above.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-costs-of-rainfall-recycling">Hidden costs of rainfall recycling</h2>



While precipitation recycling may seem like a boon for agriculture, it’s not without its challenges. The increased reliance on local water sources through recycling can put additional pressure on shallow groundwater reserves.



As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-people-in-the-u-s-rely-on-contaminated-groundwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater</a> plays a key role in maintaining this self-sustaining feedback loop, overextraction for irrigation could disrupt the delicate balance. 



Furthermore, heavy reliance on precipitation recycling might make the region more vulnerable to prolonged droughts if external moisture sources diminish.



These findings suggest that a comprehensive understanding of water cycles is necessary for improving agricultural output and also for preventing potential resource depletion.



Future strategies will need to weigh these trade-offs to ensure long-term sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecasting-weather-in-the-corn-belt">Forecasting weather in the Corn Belt</h2>



The findings from the U.S. Corn Belt also hold valuable insights for other agricultural regions around the globe. 



Similar precipitation recycling processes may be occurring in other heavily irrigated areas, such as India’s Punjab region or China’s North China Plain. 



Understanding these localized climate interactions could provide a global framework for managing water resources in a warming climate.



Additionally, precipitation recycling highlights the complex relationship between human activity and regional weather patterns.



These insights could lead to advancements in precision agriculture, helping farmers fine-tune their practices to optimize water use and productivity while minimizing environmental impact.



As the study highlights, the interplay between agriculture and climate is far more nuanced than previously understood. 



By learning from these patterns, we not only ensure the sustainability of the Corn Belt but also gain tools to navigate global agricultural challenges.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2402656121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

How the U.S. Corn Belt influences its own weather

Imagine the vast expanse of the United States Corn Belt,...

In our vast oceans and water bodies, an intricate ecological dance unfolds beneath the surface, guided in part by light-detecting molecules called phytochromes. 



These remarkable sensors are found in the bodies of tiny phytoplankton, and enable them to adapt and thrive in dynamic aquatic environments.



Phytoplankton are the backbone of marine food chains. They play a critical role in regulating our planet's climate by absorbing atmospheric CO2 and producing half of the world's oxygen through photosynthesis.



Despite their immense importance, the mechanisms behind the distribution and behavior of phytoplankton remain a scientific mystery that sparks ongoing curiosity and research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diatoms-with-built-in-light-detection">Diatoms with built-in light detection </h2>



In a joint effort, scientists from <a href="https://www.cnrs.fr/fr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNRS</a> and <a href="https://www.sorbonne-universite.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sorbonne University</a> set out to investigate the movements of these microscopic organisms in the water column. The focus was primarily on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-plankton-play-a-big-role-in-the-global-carbon-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diatoms</a>, a major group of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-heatwaves-have-complex-effects-on-phytoplankton-food-web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a>.



Through rigorous research, the experts discovered that diatoms have a built-in light detection system, comprising sensors that are encoded directly into their genomes. 



The light-sensitive pigments, known as phytochromes, are essentially microscopic "eyes" that allow diatoms to perceive changes in the light spectrum present at different depths of water. This provides the diatoms with data about their vertical position in the water column.



Knowing whether you are shallow or deep in the water becomes incredibly useful, especially in turbulent water bodies like the high latitude, temperate, and polar regions that witness intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-and-arctic-mixing-is-crucial-for-earths-climate-stability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water mixing</a>.



By interpreting the information relayed by phytochromes, diatoms adjust their photosynthetic activity, and thus, survive and thrive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-timekeepers-of-the-aquatic-world">Tiny timekeepers of the aquatic world</h2>



The researchers took their study a step further by scrutinizing environmental genomic data gathered from marine sampling expeditions. They observed an intriguing pattern: phytochromes were solely present in diatoms from zones outside the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.



These regions are marked by notable differences in day length, highlighting a strong sense of seasonality.



The presence of phytochromes in diatoms from these latitudes suggests that the light sensors may also double as biological clocks, helping diatoms measure the passage of time translating into seasons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-into-phytoplankton-behavior">Critical insights into phytoplankton behavior</h2>



The research, published in the journal Nature, provides a fresh perspective on how phytoplankton, specifically diatoms, perceive and react to light in order to navigate their surroundings.



Probing into the secrets of phytoplankton behavior and their adaptive mechanisms doesn't just feed scientific curiosity - it holds the potential to profoundly enhance our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a> and the complex dynamics that govern them.



As our environments continue to change, such insights could prove invaluable in preserving the ecological balance of aquatic ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phytochromes-beyond-light-detection">Phytochromes: Beyond light detection</h2>



While the role of phytochromes in light detection is remarkable, their functionality may extend beyond navigation and adaptation to light conditions. 



Emerging research suggests that these molecular sensors could influence the efficiency of photosynthesis in diatoms. 



By detecting subtle changes in the light spectrum around diatoms, phytochromes may help optimize the energy conversion process, allowing diatoms to make the most of varying light availability in their environment.



This adaptive advantage is particularly significant in turbulent waters, where light intensity and quality shift rapidly. 



Diatoms equipped with phytochromes are better positioned to compete for resources, which ensures their survival and their ability to sequester carbon and produce oxygen. 



Understanding how phytochromes contribute to these processes could unlock innovative approaches to mitigating climate change. For example, experts could potentially harness phytoplankton's natural abilities to absorb atmospheric CO2.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-global-importance-of-phytoplankton">The global importance of phytoplankton</h2>



Phytoplankton may be microscopic, but their impact extends across the entire planet. These tiny organisms form the foundation of the marine food webs that support everything from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zooplankton-are-rapidly-escalating-the-threat-of-nanoplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zooplankton</a> to the largest whales.



Beyond their ecological role, they are also crucial to Earth's climate system. By absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, phytoplankton act as a natural buffer against global warming, and help to regulate atmospheric CO2 levels.



However, this delicate balance is increasingly under threat. Climate change, pollution, and ocean acidification are altering marine environments, and disrupting phytoplankton populations along with the ecosystems they support.



Research into the adaptive mechanisms of phytoplankton highlights the urgency of preserving the health of our oceans. Protecting phytoplankton is not just about saving marine life - it’s about safeguarding the stability of our planet's climate and resources for future generations.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08301-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



Image Credit: John Dolan/CNRS Images



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Light-detecting molecules guide diatoms through turbulent waters

In our vast oceans and water bodies, an intricate ecological...

Tiny microplastic particles that shed from everyday products like clothing, packaging, and other plastics are ending up in the fish people eat, according to new research conducted by Portland State University (PSU). 



The study highlights the need for strategies and technologies to curb microfiber pollution entering the environment and, ultimately, the human food chain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seafood-contaminated-with-microplastics-nbsp">Seafood contaminated with microplastics&nbsp;</h2>



Previously, <a href="https://www.pdx.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland State University</a>’s Applied Coastal Ecology Lab - led by Elise Granek, professor of environmental science and management - investigated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-steadily-increasing-in-freshwater-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> in bivalves like Pacific oysters and razor clams.&nbsp;



Building on these findings, the researchers turned their attention to commonly consumed finfish and crustaceans.



Summer Traylor, who finished her master’s in environmental management in 2022, led the project with support from undergraduate environmental science major Marilyn Duncan, a 2024 graduate.&nbsp;



They aimed to explore microplastic contamination in Oregon finfish and shellfish, examine differences across trophic levels, and understand how contamination might vary between fish acquired directly from research fishing vessels versus those from supermarkets and seafood vendors.&nbsp;



Traylor’s work later helped her secure a position with the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA), while Duncan plans to pursue microplastics research in graduate school.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-microplastics-in-seafood-species">Identifying microplastics in seafood species</h2>



The research team focused on six species of economic or cultural importance in Oregon: black rockfish, lingcod, Chinook salmon, Pacific herring, Pacific lamprey, and pink <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrimp-crisis-alarming-virus-threatens-global-seafood-supplies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shrimp</a>. They evaluated the amount of anthropogenic particles - materials produced or modified by humans - found in the edible tissues of these species.



In collaboration with Susanne Brander, an ecotoxicologist and associate professor in Oregon State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences, the researchers confirmed a subset of suspected microplastics.&nbsp;



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/ftox.2024.1469995" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Toxicology</a>, reported 1,806 suspected particles across 180 of 182 individual samples. Fibers dominated the findings, followed by fragments and films.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smaller-species-have-higher-contamination-levels">Smaller species have higher contamination levels</h2>



Among the species tested, pink shrimp, which filter-feed close to the water’s surface, displayed the highest concentrations of particles in their edible tissues. Chinook salmon registered the lowest, with black rockfish and lingcod falling somewhere in the middle.



“We found that the smaller organisms that we sampled seem to be ingesting more anthropogenic, non-nutritious particles,” Granek said.&nbsp;



“Shrimp and small fish, like herring, are eating smaller food items like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zooplankton-poop-can-be-used-to-store-carbon-in-the-deep-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zooplankton</a>. Other studies have found high concentrations of plastics in the area in which zooplankton accumulate and these anthropogenic particles may resemble zooplankton and thus be taken up for animals that feed on zooplankton.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastic-contamination-in-processed-fish">Microplastic contamination in processed fish</h2>



Although the researchers initially believed that handling and packaging fish might introduce additional microplastics, their findings varied among the species.&nbsp;



The experts rinsed off fillets and shrimp to simulate typical home preparation, suggesting that in certain cases, external contaminants on the surface may be washed away before cooking.&nbsp;



Even so, the study provides clear evidence of widespread microplastic contamination within the tissues of Oregon’s marine and freshwater species.



“It’s very concerning that microfibers appear to move from the gut into other tissues such as muscle,” Brander said. “This has wide implications for other organisms, potentially including humans too.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-are-widespread-in-the-environment-nbsp">Microplastics are widespread in the environment&nbsp;</h2>



The results signal the need for further research on how these particles move into muscle tissue, which humans consume, and on policy actions to regulate anthropogenic particles.&nbsp;



“This project established critical baseline data for West Coast fisheries stakeholders and highlighted how much we still do not know about these pervasive microplastic pollutants,” Traylor noted. Now a NOAA Corps Officer, she is continuing to gather baseline microplastic data in the Gulf of Mexico.



Granek cautions against avoiding seafood altogether, reminding people that microplastics permeate many parts of our environment.&nbsp;



“If we are disposing of and utilizing products that release microplastics, those microplastics make their way into the environment, and are taken up by things we eat,” she said. “What we put out into the environment ends up back on our plates.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-solutions-for-safer-seafood">Finding solutions for safer seafood</h2>



In response to these findings, Granek’s lab is increasingly working toward finding viable solutions.&nbsp;



“We’re continuing to do work to understand the effects of anthropogenic particles on animals, but we’re also moving into experimental work to test what are effective solutions to reduce microplastics entering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>,” she explained.



Granek leads a $1.9 million NOAA-funded project exploring cost-effective filtration solutions for washing machines, dishwashers, and clothes dryers.&nbsp;



Another project, supported by Oregon Sea Grant, will install six catch basin filters in stormwater drains in two coastal towns. These filters aim to reduce road runoff before it flows into waterways. Brander’s lab collaborates on both projects, further illustrating the collective effort to confront microplastic pollution.



As evidenced by this study, microplastics in marine species have broader environmental and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-marine-protected-areas-boost-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human health</a> implications.&nbsp;



By continuing to research contamination levels, understanding the biological pathways of microplastics, and developing practical solutions, scientists hope to protect marine ecosystems and ensure that the seafood reaching dinner tables is safer for everyone.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

If you eat fish or any kind of seafood, you are likely eating microplastics

Tiny microplastic particles that shed from everyday products like clothing,...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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.

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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.

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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.

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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.

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



---



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="fxH3eJHEkQ-2010196-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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.

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="Ccjk8KEMzv-2550719-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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.

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6SdlLLbt0t-1988946-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="6SdlLLbt0t-1988946-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NTU...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="gRpsplpwpe-2251464-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="gRpsplpwpe-2251464-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="eAVLRk51oJ-1826888-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="eAVLRk51oJ-1826888-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="sFFhiK9OOn-1720418-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="sFFhiK9OOn-1720418-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="yPSXGZek1I-2312529-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="yPSXGZek1I-2312529-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="EPdZexVR30-1731237-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="EPdZexVR30-1731237-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uwirCufwYv-2012371-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="uwirCufwYv-2012371-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JrMLDXHmjl-1911953-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes the importance of monitoring the shape of the sea surface, which is constantly changing. These observations have many applications, such as ship routing, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-modem-ocean-is-a-tough-place-for-whales-to-survive/">ocean</a> current forecasting, and debris tracking.



"A project supported by the Discovery element of ESA’s Basic Activities recently investigated a new technique to measure sea surface topography very precisely," reports ESA.



"The technique involves looking at satellite navigation (GNSS) signals that have been reflected off of the sea surface at very low angles. At these so-called grazing angles, waves and surface roughness have very little impact on the reflection process; the sea surface acts as a very smooth mirror."



Estel Cardellach is the principal investigator at the Institute for Space Studies of Catalonia, who first submitted the idea for the project.



“In a mirror-like reflection the phase of the signal can be tracked – it is continuous," said Cardellach. "Different surface heights result in different phase measurements. It gives a very precise measurement of the surface altitude at a few centimetres’ precision.”



The researchers developed a GNSS receiver and set up an experiment in the Balaeric Islands to collect signals from the receiver that were reflected off the sea surface. Ultimately, these signals will provide improved measurements of the shape of the sea surface.



Image/ Video Credit: ESA



---



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

Monitoring the dynamic shape of the sea surface

[sendtonews key="JrMLDXHmjl-1911953-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Aerial,Photo,Of,River,In,Amazon,Rainforest,Jungle,In,Peru

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="u0TYxxqfF7-2186404-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center</a> describes how scientists are using autonomous sound sensors to monitor deforestation in the Amazon. By recording soundscapes, the experts can determine which animals are present through their distinct sounds.&nbsp;



Using this method, sounds can be used as scientific measurements to analyze the effects of deforestation. The researchers will gain a better understanding of how the acoustics of a forest can be used to measure its health.&nbsp;



"From space, parts of the Amazon rainforest that have previously been logged or burned may look lush and green, like a place buzzing with activity and full of sounds. But inside the rainforest, the animal life may tell a different story, of a harsh environment and a quieter soundscape," says NASA.



Video Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center&nbsp;



---



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

Monitoring deforestation in the Amazon through sounds

[sendtonews key="u0TYxxqfF7-2186404-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA’s...