The Dead Sea is one of the most unique bodies of water on the planet. Sitting at the lowest point on Earth's land surface, it's known for its extreme salinity and incredible density. But there's more happening beneath its surface than meets the eye. 



Among the many unusual things scientists are learning about this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-salt-lake-agriculture-is-draining-a-natural-wonder/">hypersaline lake</a> is the ongoing formation of what they call “salt giants” - massive underground salt deposits.



“These large deposits in Earth's crust can be many, many kilometers horizontally, and they can be more than a kilometer thick in the vertical direction,” noted Eckart Meiburg, a professor of mechanical engineering at UC Santa Barbara..



“How were they generated? The Dead Sea is really the only place in the world where we can study the mechanism of these things today.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salt-formation-in-the-dead-sea">Salt formation in the Dead Sea</h2>



While salt formations have been found under other seas - including the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-the-shores-of-the-red-sea-turn-pink-every-year/">Red Sea</a> and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mediterranean-nearly-lost-all-of-its-water-6-million-years-ago/">Mediterranean</a> - only the Dead Sea lets scientists observe them forming right now. 



This gives researchers a rare chance to understand the actual physical processes behind these deposits, especially how their thickness changes across space and time.



A recent paper published by researchers at <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/">UC Santa Barbara</a> and the Geological Survey of Israel explains how evaporation, water temperature, and salt saturation all combine to build these structures. 



Because the Dead Sea is a terminal lake - one with no outlet - water can only leave by evaporation. As that water vanishes, salt stays behind, accumulating layer by layer.



This process has been going on for millennia, shrinking the lake and increasing salinity. The damming of the Jordan River, the lake's main water source, has sped up this decline, with the lake now dropping by about one meter (three feet) per year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-layers-of-salt-and-shifting-temperatures">Layers of salt and shifting temperatures</h2>



Temperature also plays a crucial role. The Dead Sea used to be what scientists call "meromictic," with a stable layering of warm, less salty water on top and cooler, saltier water at the bottom.



“It used to be such that even in the winter when things cooled off, the top layer was still less dense than the bottom layer,” Meiburg explained. “And so as a result, there was a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-struggling-to-maintain-oxygen-as-temperatures-rise/">stratification</a> in the salt.”



That changed in the early 1980s when water levels fell and surface salinity caught up to deeper levels. 



Mixing between the layers began, turning the lake from meromictic to holomictic - meaning it now undergoes full mixing in the water column each year. Today, the Dead Sea stays stratified only during the warmer eight months of the year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salt-snow-in-the-summer">Salt snow in the summer</h2>



In 2019, scientists made a surprising discovery: halite crystals - or "salt snow" - were forming in the lake during the summer, not just in winter as expected. 



Halite, or rock salt, forms when water can no longer dissolve salt due to high concentrations. Normally, this happens in the colder, deeper parts of the lake. But in summer, something unusual was happening. 



The top layer of the lake grew even saltier due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-can-vaporize-water-cause-evaporation-without-heat/">evaporation</a>. At the same time, its warm temperature allowed it to keep dissolving salt. This led to a special process known as "double diffusion." 



In this process, salty warm water from the top cools and sinks, while slightly less salty cool water below warms and rises. When the upper layer cools, the salt falls out, like underwater snowfall.



The constant shift in density and temperature, along with other factors like waves and currents, creates salt deposits in all kinds of shapes and sizes. 



Unlike other shallow salt lakes where this happens mostly in dry seasons, the Dead Sea sees the most salt formation in winter. This year-round activity helps explain the birth of the salt giants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-lesson-from-the-distant-past">A lesson from the distant past</h2>



The process happening in the Dead Sea today may also explain salt formations from long ago. Around 5.96 to 5.33 million years ago, the Mediterranean Sea dried up during what’s known as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-flood-refilled-the-mediterranean-sea-millions-of-years-ago/">Messinian Salinity Crisis</a>.



“There was always some inflow from the North Atlantic into the Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar,” Meiburg said. “But when tectonic motion closed off the Strait of Gibraltar, there couldn't be any water inflow from the North Atlantic.” 



The sea level dropped dramatically - up to 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) - due to evaporation, leaving behind thick salt crusts. These can still be found beneath parts of the Mediterranean. Later, the Strait of Gibraltar reopened, and the sea filled again.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salt-features-of-the-dead-sea">Salt features of the Dead Sea </h2>



The Dead Sea continues to be full of surprises. Springs on its floor and varying salt flows create even more formations - including salt domes and chimneys.



Beyond learning how these features form, the study of the Dead Sea could have broader implications. 



Watching how sediment moves on the newly exposed beaches may help scientists understand how coastlines in dry regions respond to sea level changes. It could also point to new ways to manage resources from such salty environments.



With its strange physics and active processes, the Dead Sea gives researchers a rare look at how massive salt deposits grow - one underwater snowflake at a time.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-fluid-031424-101119">Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics</a>.



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How the Dead Sea builds 'salt giants' beneath its waters

The Dead Sea is one of the most unique bodies of water on the planet. Sitting at the lowest point on Earth's land surface, it's known for its extreme salinity and incredible density. But there's more happening beneath its surface than meets the eye. Among the many unusual things scientists are learning about this hypersaline lake is the ongoing formation of what they call “salt giants” - massive underground salt deposits. “These large deposits in Earth's crust can be many, many kilometers horizontally, and they can be...

Imagine this: with just a focus on 0.7% of the world's land, we could safeguard a third of the world's endangered tetrapod species. How? The answers lie in a recent study from Imperial College London, On the Edge, and ZSL.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-of-conservation-efforts">New era of conservation efforts</h2>



We live in a world teeming with biodiversity, where 0.7% of our planet's land can house a stunning one third of threatened tetrapod species. 



The team at <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a>, backed by supporting organizations, On the Edge and ZSL, have adopted a new perspective for conservation. 



Focused on regions boasting wondrous biodiversity and species with unique evolutionary traits and global endangerment, they're setting the stage for a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-we-failing-the-worlds-most-threatened-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new era of conservation efforts</a>.



The list of endangered species in their radar ranges from a very unique lemur in Madagascar, called the aye-aye, and a bird that seems like it’s put on high heels and a cape, the secretary bird. 



There’s also a frog that looks like it’s preparing for a masquerade ball with a pig nose, known as the purple frog, and let's not forget the gharial, an endangered crocodile species from India with a nose so long it would give Pinocchio a run for his money.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proactive-protection-or-persistent-pressure">Proactive protection or persistent pressure?</h2>



Despite these identifiable hotspots of biodiversity, the unfortunate truth is that only 20% of these areas are under any form of protection. Human activities continue to exert growing pressures on these regions, almost like tightening a noose around our own natural wealth.



Sebastian Pipins, a PhD candidate at the Grantham Institute, Imperial College London, and the lead author of this study, provides his insights. He emphasizes the immediate concern these regions pose due to their exceptional biodiversity richness. 



"Our research highlights the regions of the world that are of immediate concern. Furthermore, it shows that in protecting just a fraction of the Earth’s land surface, huge gains can be made for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-is-tracking-endangered-animal-habitats-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preservation</a> of nature," said Pipins.



"Given the global importance of the biodiversity found within these regions, high-income countries must mobilize funding to facilitate sustainable development that can benefit both humans and nature."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-on-the-edge-of-extinction">On the edge of extinction</h2>



This project isn’t about conservation alone. It's also about preserving the evolutionary narrative of our world, written over millennia. 



EDGE is short for Evolutionarily Distinct (ED) and Globally Endangered (GE) species. These are creatures that have few or no close relatives today, carrying unique evolutionary stories on the brink of being silenced forever.



With nearly 3,000 EDGE species mapped out, the team identifies 25 "EDGE Zones" for impactful conservation efforts. 



These areas are biodiversity-rich hotspots, such as large portions of Southeast Asia and the Indo-Gangetic plain, the Amazon basin, the Atlantic Forest, Hispaniola, Cameroon's highlands, and the Eastern Arc mountains of East Africa.



Interestingly, the greatest concentration of EDGE species was found in less than 100 square kilometers in Madagascar. Along with Mexico and Indonesia, it hosts the highest number of EDGE species. It's almost like they're the VIP lounges for the world's most <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/the-12-endangered-birds-most-at-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unique creatures</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-unique-endangered-species">Saving unique, endangered species</h2>



Dr. Rikki Gumbs, a co-author of the study from the ZSL’s EDGE of Existence program, drops a stark reality check on us: Three-fourths of the world's most unique animals are confined to a single country.



Most EDGE Zones, especially in Southeast Asia, face an impending biodiversity disaster due to human disturbances. 



It's not just about protecting our unique creatures; we're also dealing with a scenario where humans residing in these EDGE Zones face deprivation in health, education, and living standards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-priceless-biodiversity-of-endangered-species">Priceless biodiversity of endangered species</h2>



Governments often struggle to strike a balance between addressing human needs and preserving biodiversity. The researchers emphasize that high-income countries must step up to the plate, mobilizing funding for sustainable development benefiting both humans and nature.



The team's ambitious global goal? Get more EDGE Zones under protected status, with the current figure standing at a dismal 20 percent. As the planet gears up for COP16 Biodiversity Conference, it's time to push for increased commitments and resources to preserve and restore our shared natural world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bigger-picture-for-biodiversity">Bigger picture for biodiversity</h2>



This study isn't about conservation of endangered species alone. It's about preserving the library of life on Earth, where every creature holds a unique tale of evolution. Our researchers strongly believe that the EDGE Zone approach can be extended to other important groups of wildlife, including plants and fish.



The charitable organization On the Edge and the ZSL's EDGE of Existence program are already using the research findings to guide their activities. Here's hoping that these campaigns and regional efforts, combined with storytelling and increased funding, will turn the tide for the unique species of the world.



In the end, we're talking about securing 0.7% of our planet's land to protect a third of our threatened tetrapods. It's a small shift in perspective, but it carries a massive potential for positive change. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51992-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Protecting just 0.7% of land can save many unique species

Imagine this: with just a focus on 0.7% of the...

The summer of 2024 is shaping up to be the hottest on record for numerous cities across the U.S. and globally, with temperatures reaching unprecedented levels.&nbsp;



Even in Antarctica, which is currently in the middle of its winter, temperatures soared more than 50°F above the July average in some areas. This extreme weather event is part of a broader trend of intensifying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-experienced-the-most-intense-heat-wave-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat waves </a>fueled by climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delicate-ecosystems-of-antarctica-nbsp">Delicate ecosystems of Antarctica&nbsp;</h2>



A recent study published on July 31 in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2023EF004306" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s Future</a> explores how such heat waves, particularly during Antarctica’s cold seasons, may impact the continent’s delicate ecosystems.



The research, led by scientists from the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a>, focuses on how these heat waves could disrupt the lives of the animals and organisms that inhabit the coldest and driest places on Earth. 



The findings illustrate that climate change-driven extreme weather could have profound and long-lasting effects on the fragile ecosystems of Antarctica, particularly for its resilient yet vulnerable inhabitants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-intense-heat-wave-on-earth">Most intense heat wave on Earth</h2>



In March 2022, Antarctica experienced the most intense heat wave ever recorded on Earth. This unprecedented event occurred just as the region’s organisms were preparing for the long, harsh winter ahead.&nbsp;



Temperatures soared more than 70°F above the average in parts of the continent, leading to rapid melting of glaciers and snow, even in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, a region known for being one of the coldest and driest places on the planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microscopic-organisms-in-soils-nbsp">Microscopic organisms in soils&nbsp;</h2>



As part of a Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) project, researchers studied the impact of this sudden heat wave on the McMurdo Dry Valleys, where they found that the extreme weather likely disrupted the life cycles of many organisms.&nbsp;



In particular, the rapid melting followed by an equally rapid refreeze appeared to have killed a significant number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invertebrate-extinction-cause-concern/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invertebrates</a>, such as roundworms, which are well-adapted to the harsh conditions of the polar desert.



“It's important that we pay attention to these signals, even if they're coming from microscopic organisms in soils in a polar desert,” said Michael Gooseff, senior author of the study and a professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering at CU Boulder.&nbsp;



“They're the early responders to changes that could cascade up to larger organisms, the landscape, and even us, far away from Antarctica.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-temperature-rise-nbsp">Extreme temperature rise&nbsp;</h2>



Gooseff, a fellow at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/instaar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research</a> (INSTAAR), has led the LTER project at the McMurdo Dry Valleys for the past decade, regularly traveling to the southern region during the Antarctic summer to study the unique ecosystem. 



In November 2021, when Gooseff arrived in Antarctica, the landscape appeared much like it had for the past two decades. 



However, by March 2022, when the research team had already left the continent, an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consecutive-atmospheric-rivers-cause-far-more-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric river</a> - a massive storm carrying moist air over long distances - brought about the most extreme heat wave ever recorded there. 



The event caused temperatures in the McMurdo Dry Valleys to rise more than 45°F above normal, with air temperatures that typically hover around -4°F in March rising above freezing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disrupted-life-cycles">Disrupted life cycles</h2>



Satellite imagery and stream discharge measurements confirmed that the sudden warming caused an unusual wetting of the valleys’ soil, occurring more than two months after the typical summer thaw.&nbsp;



This was a critical period when organisms in the region were preparing for the upcoming winter, shutting down their biological processes to conserve energy.&nbsp;



The rapid rise and subsequent fall in temperatures, as the heat wave passed and the soil refroze, likely disrupted the delicate timing of these organisms’ life cycles.



“These animals invest a significant amount of energy in preparing and shutting down for the winter,” Gooseff explained. “When things start to warm up the following summer, they use energy to become active again.”&nbsp;



“One of our major concerns with unusual weather events like this heat wave is that these animals might start using a lot more energy, thinking it's summer, only to have to shut down again two days later. How many times can they go through that cycle before they exhaust their energy reserves?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-false-start-to-the-summer">A false start to the summer</h2>



When Gooseff and his team returned to Antarctica in December 2022, they sampled the soil and compared the organisms in areas that had become wet during the heat wave with those in areas that had stayed dry.&nbsp;



The findings revealed a 50% decrease in the population of Scottnema, a common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/roundworms-travel-backwards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roundworm</a> species that is highly adapted to the extreme cold and dryness of the McMurdo Dry Valleys.



“The heat wave made the environment appear warm enough for things to get wet, creating a false start to summer. Some of the biology responding to these temperatures might be seriously disrupted by this,” Gooseff said.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-food-webs">Implications for food webs</h2>



While species like Scottnema suffered, other organisms, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discovered-a-16-million-year-old-tardigrade-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tardigrades</a> (also known as water bears), which are more tolerant of moisture, were likely less affected. 



This shift in species populations could have wide-ranging implications for the region's food webs and nutrient cycling.



Changes in the populations of organisms like Scottnema can have a significant impact on the ecosystem. Previous research has shown that Scottnema is responsible for about 10% of the carbon processing in the Dry Valleys’ soil ecosystem.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-species-affected-by-heat-waves-in-antarctica">Large species affected by heat waves in Antarctica </h2>



As extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, larger species in Antarctica are also being affected. 



In 2013, an unusual rainfall event along the Adélie Coast of East Antarctica killed all of the Adélie penguin chicks in the region, and in July 2024, temperatures in parts of East Antarctica climbed 50°F above the usual winter average.



Gooseff and his team plan to continue monitoring the effects of extreme weather events on Antarctica’s ecosystems. 



As Gooseff noted, what happens in Antarctica does not stay in Antarctica. “The loss of ice shelves has pretty dramatic impacts on the mass balance of our oceans, and it affects us even thousands of miles away,” he concluded.



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How are intense heat waves affecting life in Antarctica? 

The summer of 2024 is shaping up to be the...

Can you imagine thriving in darkness? Humans certainly can't, but some tiny organisms in the Arctic do just that. Organisms like microalgae can exist under the thick ice and snow cover of the icy Arctic Ocean. 



These microscopic plant-like organisms defy our understanding of life as they carry out photosynthesis, a light-dependent process, in almost total darkness. It's as fascinating as it sounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-microalgae-survival">Arctic microalgae survival</h2>



The ability of the pint-sized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ocean-turning-green-thanks-to-climate-change-algae-blooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> microalgae to carry out photosynthesis under minuscule light conditions has been the focus of a recent international study. 



The researchers found that, contrary to prior belief, photosynthesis in oceans can occur under significantly reduced light conditions and at much deeper depths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magic-of-photosynthesis">Magic of photosynthesis</h2>



Photosynthesis is the process <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-emerged-zygnema-star-algae-conquer-earths-landmass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> use to convert sunlight into a form of energy that sustains life. This vital process is fundamental to all life on earth. 



Previous studies suggested that a certain amount of light was required for photosynthesis - significantly more than what is theoretically the bare minimum. Well, it turns out that we may have been selling photosynthesis short.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mosaic-expedition-and-arctic-microalgae">MOSAiC expedition and Arctic microalgae</h2>



The data for this study came from the <a href="https://mosaic-expedition.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MOSAiC research project</a>. This is the same project that froze the German research icebreaker Polarstern into the Arctic ice for a year in 2019.



Its aim was to study the Arctic climate and ecosystem through the severities of each season. Working under the leadership of Dr. Clara Hoppe from the <a href="https://www.awi.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alfred Wegener Institute</a>, a team focused on studying phytoplankton and ice algae, the major contributors to photosynthesis in the central Arctic.



And what they found was quite an eye-opener. A few days after the polar night -- a period when it's pitch black for an entire month -- there was a buildup of plant biomass. Now, that's something that's impossible without photosynthesis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-near-impossible-conditions-for-arctic-microalgae">Near-impossible conditions for Arctic microalgae</h2>



Here's the jaw-dropping bit. Photosynthesis was taking place under snow-covered sea ice. This ice cover only allowed a tiny amount of sunlight to reach the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-algae-play-an-unexpected-role-in-cooling-the-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microalgae</a>, about one hundred-thousandth of what we experience on a sunny day. 



"It is very impressive to see how efficiently the algae can utilise such low amounts of light. This shows once again how well organisms are adapted to their environment," says Dr. Clara Hoppe.



The success of this study was also a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. Sea ice researchers Dr. Niels Fuchs and Prof. Dirk Notz from the Institute of Marine Research at the <a href="https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Hamburg</a> helped combine the measurements of light with biological data. 



This required freezing specially developed instruments into the ice during the polar night.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-climate-change-research">Implications for climate change research</h2>



The findings from the MOSAiC expedition carry significant implications for our understanding of climate change. As Arctic temperatures continue to rise, the ecological balance of this sensitive region is being disrupted. 



The ability of Arctic microalgae to photosynthesize under reduced light conditions suggests a resilience that could help maintain primary production even as ice cover fluctuates. 



This resilience not only sustains the local food web but also has broader implications for global carbon cycling, as increased algal biomass could affect the ocean's capacity to sequester carbon dioxide, thereby influencing climate dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-microalgae-and-the-future">Arctic microalgae and the future</h2>



Given the exciting revelations about Arctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-algae-genes-chlorophyll-boost-crop-yields-land-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microalgae</a>, future research must continue to investigate the underlying mechanisms that enable these organisms to thrive in such extreme environments. 



Further studies could explore the genetic adaptations that allow for efficient photosynthesis under low light or investigate the impact of varying ice conditions on algal productivity. 



Understanding these factors will not only enrich our knowledge of Arctic ecosystems but also inform conservation strategies aimed at preserving these vital organisms amid changing climatic conditions. 



Engaging with diverse scientific disciplines will be essential in advancing this research and applying the insights gained to broader ecological and environmental challenges.



"Even though our results are specific to the Arctic Ocean, they show what photosynthesis is capable of," explains Dr. Clara Hoppe. 



This new understanding of photosynthetic efficiency suggests that similar processes could be happening in the darker parts of oceans worldwide, thus expanding the potential photosynthetic habitat.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51636-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Arctic microalgae show photosynthesis is possible in near darkness

Can you imagine thriving in darkness? Humans certainly can't, but...

Air,Pollution,From,Car,Exhaust,Smoke,Traffic,In,The,City.

Turns out our environment, the air we breathe, and the noise we hear, can play a crucial role in fertility. A recent Danish study published by The BMJ highlights that long term exposure to air pollution particulates (PM2.5) and road traffic noise can increase the risk of infertility in both men and women.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-noise-and-infertility">Air pollution, noise and infertility</h2>



Reproductive health is a significant topic around the world, garnering lots of attention and research. 



Infertility, one particular aspect of reproductive health, affects one in every seven couples trying to conceive. 



While various culprits have been blamed for this issue, our focus today is on the role of air pollution and traffic noise.



Inconsistent results from previous studies have driven the need to investigate these environmental factors further. 



While some studies have suggested negative impacts of air pollution on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/semen-has-its-own-microbiome-and-it-may-be-the-cause-of-infertility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sperm quality</a> and fertility treatments, no concrete studies had looked into traffic noise's role.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-infertility-diagnoses">Infertility diagnoses</h2>



To bring clarity to the matter, researchers delved into investigating if long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and road traffic noise could be associated with higher risk <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-fertility-rates-are-quickly-declining-and-little-is-being-done-about-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infertility</a> in men and women. 



Using national registry data from Denmark, they selected 526,056 men and 377,850 women, all aged between 30-45 years, and mostly trying to become pregnant.



To ensure purity in their study, the researchers selected participants who were yet to receive infertility diagnoses or undergone surgeries that prevent pregnancy. 



Also, the chosen participants had fewer than two children and were either cohabiting or married.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-pollution-and-noise-on-infertility">Impact of pollution and noise on infertility</h2>



Based on the participant's addresses from 1995-2017, the researchers calculated the yearly average PM2.5 concentrations and road traffic noise levels. 



They then cross-checked these records with infertility diagnoses from the national patient register.



The findings? During the 18-year follow-up, 16,172 men and 22,672 women were diagnosed with infertility. 



Further adjustments for influential factors like income, education level, and occupation showed that exposure to 2.9 µg/m3 higher average levels of PM2.5 over five years increased the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-testicles-created-in-a-lab-will-eventually-produce-sperm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infertility</a> in men aged 30-45 years by 24%. 



On the other hand, women exposed to 10.2 decibel higher average levels of road traffic noise over five years had a 14% higher risk of infertility, but only for those older than 35 years.



For the men, road traffic noise increased infertility risk slightly in the 37-45 age group, but not among those aged 30-37 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rich-poor-middle-class">Rich, poor, middle Class</h2>



No corner of Denmark was spared. The study found consistent rise in the risk of noise-related infertility in women and PM2.5 related infertility in men across rural, suburban, and urban areas. Socioeconomic status, whether low, medium, or high, had little effect on these findings.



And while the study is observational, thus designed to find links rather than cause-effect relationships, their large sample size based on reliable health and residential data adds weight to the findings. 



Additionally, validated models were used to assess the impact of pollution and noise levels, taking into account major social and economic factors.



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



The researchers acknowledge the potential limitations of their infertility study, including potential inclusion of couples not actively trying to conceive, or lacking information on factors such as lifestyle, or exposure to noise and air pollution at work and during leisure activities. 



Yet, their findings shine a light on a rarely discussed aspect of infertility.  



“If our results are confirmed in future studies, it suggests that political implementation of air pollution and noise mitigations may be important tools for improving birth rates in the western world,” the authors conclude.



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



This begs the question: what does this mean for you and me, and what can we practically do about it?



While individual actions can be taken to reduce exposure to noise and air pollution, the study on infertility poses a challenging question to policymakers. 



If these results are confirmed in future studies, does it warrant enforcing regulations on noise and air pollution?



It's certainly food for thought. Could this be the push needed for stricter regulations on noise and air pollution?



Ultimately, if these findings stand up to further scrutiny, they could guide strategies to protect us all from these exposures. In the end, it might not just be a call for cleaner air and quieter streets, but also a chance at improving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-infertility-screening-will-be-drastically-improved-with-ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birth rates</a> in the western world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/386/bmj-2024-080664" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The BMJ</a>.



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Air pollution and traffic noise increase the risk of infertility

Turns out our environment, the air we breathe, and the...

Tropical forests play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle, accounting for over half of the world's terrestrial carbon sink. However, climate change poses a significant threat to the carbon balance within these ecosystems.



A new study has revealed that the warming and drying of tropical forest soils could heighten the vulnerability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-can-store-the-most-soil-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil carbon</a>. This is primarily due to the increased degradation of older carbon stores.&nbsp;



The research was led by scientists from <a href="https://www.llnl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory</a> (LLNL), in collaboration with researchers from <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a> and the <a href="https://stri.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-storage-in-tropical-forests-nbsp">Carbon storage in tropical forests&nbsp;</h2>



“These findings imply that both warming and drying, by accelerating the loss of older soil carbon or reducing the incorporation of fresh carbon inputs, will intensify soil carbon losses and negatively impact carbon storage in tropical forests under climate change,” said study lead author Karis McFarlane, a scientist at LLNL.



Tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-destruction-of-tropical-forests-is-much-worse-than-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> exchange more carbon dioxide (CO2) with the atmosphere than any other terrestrial biome, and they hold nearly a third of global soil carbon stocks. These ecosystems are characterized by a short carbon residence time, typically between 6 to 15 years.&nbsp;



This short duration means that changes in carbon inputs or outputs, including CO2 emissions from soil, can have significant and relatively rapid effects on the carbon balance of tropical ecosystems, potentially exacerbating carbon-climate feedback loops.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-warming-and-reduced-rainfall-nbsp">Soil warming and reduced rainfall&nbsp;</h2>



Projections for tropical regions suggest a future with warmer temperatures and reduced rainfall, leading to longer and more intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-fires-diminish-forests-carbon-storage-ability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">droughts</a>, particularly in the Neotropics, which spans from southern Mexico through Central America and into northern South America, including the Amazon rainforest.



The research, which involved climate manipulation experiments in Panama’s tropical forests, demonstrated that both soil warming - by 4°C - and a reduction in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-changing-rainfall-patterns-impact-plants-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> - by 50% - increased the age of carbon released from the soil by 2 to 3 years, as reflected by higher carbon-14 levels in the emitted CO2.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varying-effects-of-warming-and-drying">Varying effects of warming and drying</h2>



Interestingly, the processes behind this carbon shift differed between warming and drying. Soil warming sped up the breakdown of older carbon by increasing CO2 emissions, as newer carbon was quickly depleted. 



In contrast, drying reduced the decomposition of fresh carbon inputs, leading to a decrease in overall soil CO2 emissions but a higher contribution of older carbon to the CO2 being released.



“Field and laboratory experiments suggest that climate warming will stimulate a net loss of global soil carbon to the atmosphere, but how climate warming and drying will interact to influence carbon balance in forests and other ecosystems is less clear,” explained McFarlane.



Previous studies in tropical forests primarily focused on the total amount of CO2 being released, which is important for understanding the overall carbon balance but falls short of explaining the underlying mechanisms.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-age-of-carbon-released-by-soil">Age of carbon released by soil</h2>



By analyzing carbon-14 values, this study was able to determine the age of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-pool-of-global-soil-carbon-alters-climate-change-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> being metabolized and emitted as CO2, offering insights into these processes.



In this context, “new” or “young” carbon refers to carbon that has been fixed from the atmosphere in recent years, while “decadal aged” carbon contains higher levels of carbon-14 relative to the current atmosphere. Even older carbon, from centuries to millennia, is depleted in carbon-14.



The team studied the effects of warming and drying on the amount and age of carbon released as soil CO2 in two distinct lowland tropical forest areas in Panama, where experimental soil warming and drying were conducted. They measured the carbon-14 and carbon-13 isotopes of the CO2 emitted from the soil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-warming-releases-older-carbon-nbsp">Soil warming releases older carbon&nbsp;</h2>



Utilizing the Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry at LLNL, the team found that soil warming increased carbon-14 in CO2 emissions during the wet season, indicating a greater release of older carbon, including “bomb” carbon from nuclear testing in 1963, under both warm and wet conditions.&nbsp;



The warming accelerated the breakdown of older carbon as microbial communities shifted to using older carbon after depleting fresh organic matter.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-drying-limits-access-to-fresh-carbon">Soil drying limits access to fresh carbon </h2>



On the other hand, drying decreased the total release of CO2 from the soil but also increased the carbon-14 in the remaining emissions by limiting the availability of fresh carbon from sources like leaf litter and roots.



“This limitation of microbial access to fresh carbon explains the shift toward increased contributions of older carbon in total soil CO2 emissions with warming and drying,” said McFarlane.



“Our results suggest that climate change will increase the vulnerability of previously stored soil carbon in tropical forests by stimulating the decomposition and loss of old carbon.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51422-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Warming and drying soils are losing more carbon

Tropical forests play a crucial role in the global carbon...

Ferruginous hawks that winter in California have shown an unexpected rise in numbers, despite a significant decline in their preferred grassland habitats over the past two decades. 



In contrast, many other grassland bird species have experienced sharp population declines, paralleling the loss of the open landscapes that once characterized much of western North America.



A recent study published in the <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.3356/jrr2370" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Raptor Research</a>, explores this surprising trend. The paper, authored by independent researcher Edward Pandolfino, along with Lily Douglas from the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service</a> and Chris Ray from <a href="https://www.birdpop.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Institute for Bird Populations</a>, suggests possible explanations for the hawks’ population growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conflicting-data-on-ferruginous-hawks">Conflicting data on ferruginous hawks</h2>



The research highlights how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-rare-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">citizen science</a> can reveal important insights about the lesser-studied aspects of a raptor’s life cycle, such as wintering grounds. These periods, although often overshadowed by the breeding season, are vital to understanding the overall health of a species.



Studying ferruginous hawks (Buteo regalis) can be difficult because they do not consistently appear at migration sites, unlike other hawks that follow more predictable paths along topographical features such as ridges. 



This has led to conflicting data on their population status, with their conservation status varying across different regions and countries.&nbsp;



For example, many of the hawks wintering in California come from breeding populations in Washington and Oregon, where they are classified as endangered and sensitive-critical, respectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-bird-counts-nbsp">Christmas Bird Counts&nbsp;</h2>



To investigate the species’ mixed population trends, the research team analyzed citizen science data from the Washington-Oregon population's wintering grounds. They focused on five Bird Conservation Areas in California, where Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) had been conducted between 1998 and 2022.



Christmas Bird Counts are organized by bird enthusiasts and related organizations every December, following a consistent method to record bird species' presence. These counts provide a rich dataset that offers a clearer picture of the ferruginous hawk’s winter range, far beyond what typical research efforts could achieve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-population-trends-of-ferruginous-hawks">Population trends of ferruginous hawks</h2>



The analysis revealed an intriguing result: while the quality of the hawks' habitat declined over the 25-year period, their winter numbers actually increased. This finding was unexpected, especially since the species has been in decline in Washington, where many of these hawks breed.



“Grassland species are nearly all in long-term, continent-wide declines. Our findings offer a small ray of hope these hawks can continue to persist,” Pandolfino said.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raptors-in-open-habitats-nbsp">Raptors in open habitats&nbsp;</h2>



One potential reason for the hawks’ resilience in California could be their preference for larger prey, such as Black-tailed Jackrabbits (Lepus californicus), which thrive in open habitats, including areas affected by development and agriculture.&nbsp;



It’s also possible that ferruginous hawks have adapted by using inactive croplands as new habitat and expanded their diet to include a greater variety of prey.



Despite the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-predators-face-the-most-imminent-threat-from-habitat-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat losses</a>, these findings suggest that the population dynamics of raptors in open habitats can be more complex than expected. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-ferruginous-hawks-nbsp">Protecting ferruginous hawks&nbsp;</h2>



Since young ferruginous hawks face high mortality rates during their first year, understanding the conditions they encounter on their non-breeding grounds is crucial. Protecting these areas, especially in California, will require a collaborative conservation approach.



“Nearly every acre of ferruginous hawk habitat surveyed for this paper is on private cattle ranches,” Pandolfino explained. “In California, the survival of this hawk is completely dependent on cattle ranching continuing to be a viable way to make a living.”



As apex predators, ferruginous hawks serve as indicators of the overall health of their ecosystems, making their protection even more critical in a rapidly changing environment.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-the-habitats-of-grassland-birds-nbsp">Preserving the habitats of grassland birds&nbsp;</h2>



Pandolfino plans to continue his research in California to support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wind-energy-facilities-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grassland birds</a> like the ferruginous hawk and raise awareness about the importance of preserving their diminishing habitats.



“This same approach of assessing population trends conducted in other parts of the winter range could shed more light on the overall population status of this species,” noted the study authors.&nbsp;



“In addition, telemetry studies of birds breeding in other parts of the range could clarify the source(s) of increasing numbers of Ferruginous Hawks wintering in California.”



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Resilient hawks manage to thrive despite shrinking habitats

Ferruginous hawks that winter in California have shown an unexpected...

Ultrafine particles (UFPs) in wildfire smoke can significantly impact air quality, human health, and the environment, extending far beyond the immediate vicinity of the fires. These tiny particles can travel long distances, spreading their effects over vast regions.



While larger particles from fires are known to affect weather patterns and climate by altering cloud formation and the reflection or absorption of the sun's energy, the specific role of ultrafine particles has often been overlooked due to their elusive and transient nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overlooked-impact-of-ultrafine-particles">Overlooked impact of ultrafine particles</h2>



The minuscule particles, measuring less than 100 nanometers in diameter, were thought to be quickly "scavenged" by larger particles, thus minimizing their influence on atmospheric processes and reducing their potential to linger in the atmosphere.



However, emerging research indicates that ultrafine particles are more resilient and influential than previously thought, suggesting their impact on climate and weather patterns might be far more significant than earlier assumptions.



This challenges traditional views on how wildfire smoke interacts with the atmosphere and calls for a deeper investigation into the role of ultrafine particles in environmental processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abundant-ultrafine-particles-in-smoke">Abundant ultrafine particles in smoke</h2>



A team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.pnnl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pacific Northwest National Laboratory</a> (PNNL), in collaboration with their partners using the specialized G-1 research aircraft, conducted comprehensive measurements and advanced model simulations to analyze ultrafine particles in detail.



The study revealed that UFPs were not only present but also highly abundant in smoke from vegetation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-in-old-growth-amazon-forests-increased-by-152-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fires in the Amazon</a> rainforest, with specific atmospheric conditions favoring their formation, persistence, and survival.



The team's high-resolution modeling further demonstrated that these UFPs have the potential to intensify <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/smoke-infused-storm-cloud-over-the-northwest-territories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storm clouds</a>, leading to increased occurrences of heavy rainfall. 



The research significantly enhances our understanding of how aerosols produced by vegetation fires can influence weather patterns, cloud dynamics, and long-term climate change, underscoring the need to incorporate ultrafine particles into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate models</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-in-earth-system-models">Limitations in Earth system models</h2>



Previously, Earth system models did not account for secondary UFPs formed through nucleation and the growth of atmospheric constituents resulting from chemical oxidation in smoke from burning biomass. Earlier assumptions suggested significant losses of nucleating species to primary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-particles-erode-the-ozone-layer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoke particles</a>.



However, the team identified efficient nucleation and growth mechanisms for secondary UFPs, highlighting how nucleating species in smoke could overcome these losses and maintain the presence of many ultrafine particles.



The study, published in the journal One Earth, fills a significant gap in our understanding of ultrafine particle processes. It opens new research opportunities by showcasing the potential impacts of ultrafine particles formed in biomass smoke on cloud formation, rain development, and both short-term weather and long-term climate conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-modeling-techniques">Advanced modeling techniques</h2>



Detailed analysis using the G-1 aircraft measurements of smoke tracer gas acetonitrile and particle size distributions over the Amazon rainforest revealed a large amount of ultrafine particles in smoke from fresh vegetation fires.



The multi-institutional team used the Weather Research and Forecasting Model coupled to chemistry (WRF-Chem) for regional modeling. The analysis identified key mechanisms explaining the formation of ultrafine particles in biomass smoke.



The researchers found that the inclusion of biomass burning emissions of dimethyl amines (DMA) in the model was necessary to maintain observed ultrafine particle concentrations and overcome the large losses of nucleating species to primary biomass burning aerosols.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultrafine-particles-and-storm-intensity">Ultrafine particles and storm intensity</h2>



The researchers also proposed adjustments to the model, such as increasing the emission rates of dimethyl amines (DMA), sulfuric acid, and extremely low volatility organic compounds to better reflect the particle size distributions observed in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-has-affected-almost-every-lake-in-north-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire smoke</a>.



To understand how both ultrafine and larger particles influence cloud formation and precipitation, the team employed particle size data and hygroscopicity profiles generated by the WRF-Chem model, combined with a sophisticated cloud microphysics framework known as WRF with spectral bin cloud microphysics.



The simulations revealed that while ultrafine particles have the potential to strengthen storms, enlarge storm anvils, and lead to more intense rainfall, the presence of larger particles from fires tends to delay precipitation onset and reduce rainfall intensity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(24)00258-6?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2590332224002586%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Earth</a>.



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Ultrafine particles in wildfire smoke change weather patterns

Ultrafine particles (UFPs) in wildfire smoke can significantly impact air...

Green spaces are becoming essential lifelines as global temperatures continue to rise. Increasing levels of heat are turning our cities into insufferable melting pots, where concrete and asphalt amplify the issue.



Rising heat is especially severe across cities of the Global South. Here, a lack of greenery compounded by rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure exacerbates already harsh living conditions.



A recent study has revealed that these cities have only about 70% of their "cooling capacity" compared to cities in the Global North, making them significantly more vulnerable to heat stress.



The rising threat of global warming in urban areas of the South is further intensified by the urban heat island effect, a phenomenon where dense construction and limited vegetation cause cities to be significantly warmer than their surrounding rural regions.



This worsens heat-related illnesses, disproportionately affecting low-income communities and creating a dire public health crisis for these vulnerable regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-green-spaces">The power of green spaces</h2>



However, a cure for the relentless heat might not be as far-fetched as it seems. The introduction of urban green spaces is proven to be a highly effective approach to combat scorching temperatures.



The research team - including experts from the universities of Nanjing, Exeter, Aarhus, and North Carolina State - has found that there is “vast potential” to enhance urban cooling in the Global South and reduce inequality.



"Urban greenery is a really effective way of tackling what can be fatal effects of extreme heat and humidity," said Professor Tim Lenton from the Global Systems Institute at the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>.



“Currently, the people dying due to climate change are often in the slums of cities in the Global South, such as the hottest parts of India.&nbsp;Our analysis suggests green spaces can cool the surface temperature in the average city by about 3°C during warm seasons - a vital difference during extreme heat.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cooling-effect-of-urban-green-spaces">The cooling effect of urban green spaces</h2>



The cooling effect of green spaces in cities, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-forests-benefit-from-diverse-native-tree-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban forests</a>, is attributed to shading and transpirational cooling, which is the evaporation of water.



The study utilized satellite data from the world's 500 largest cities to gauge their cooling capacity - the extent to which urban green spaces could reduce a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-turf-water-cooled-sustainable-solution-hot-cities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">city's surface temperatures</a>.



The top ten cities with the highest cooling capacity were all located in the United States, with Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham in North Carolina topping the list.



Many US cities benefit from their low population density, despite this causing a side effect of "urban sprawl." Low population density allows for larger green spaces and a significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-measures-the-cooling-effect-of-shade-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cooling effect</a>.



On the opposite end of the spectrum, cities like Mogadishu in Somalia, Sana'a in Yemen, and Rosario in Argentina were found to have the lowest cooling capacity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooling-benefits-in-the-global-south">Cooling benefits in the Global South</h2>



The Global South, which spans Africa, Latin America, and large parts of Asia, is where the risk of exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-attribute-extreme-heat-and-wildfires-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme heat</a> is most severe. 



A prior study warns that existing climate policies may leave over a fifth of the world's population exposed to dangerously high temperatures by the year 2100 - with the most vulnerable sections located in India and Nigeria.



"The differences are mostly due to quantity of vegetation, but efficiency of cooling is also better in the Global North - possibly due to management of green spaces and different tree species," said Professor Chi Xu of <a href="https://www.nju.edu.cn/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nanjing University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-greener-future">A greener future</h2>



Despite the disparities in cooling capacity and benefits, there is still a silver lining. "The good news is that this nature-based solution to cooling can be substantially improved across the Global South, helping to tackle future heat stress for billions of people," said Professor Jens-Christian Svenning.



According to Professor Rob Dunn of NC State, creating a greener urban environment is not an easy task, but it's a critical step toward making cities habitable in the near future.



"It won’t be easy to regreen cities. It can be expensive in the short-term. Yet, it will be key to making cities liveable in the immediate future. Also key will be working to prevent the loss of green space in those cities that have it, or at least that have a little," said Professor Dunn.



“Changes could include ground-level green spaces and vertical and rooftop gardens, or even forests, to help protect city people from extreme heat.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51355-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Urban green spaces are urgently needed across the Global South

Green spaces are becoming essential lifelines as global temperatures continue...

Water is a vital part of our existence, yet millions of people around the globe are struggling to gain access to safe drinking water. But imagine if we could create water from the mere air around us? That would be a revolutionary game-changer.



According to the United Nations and World Health Organization, 1 in 3 people do not have access to safe drinking water. Now, experts from University of New South Wales (UNSW) suggest a new way to tackle this global issue - atmospheric water generation. 



In simple words, it's a process that could extract water from the moist air around us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extracting-water-from-air">Extracting water from air</h2>



Professor Kristen Splinter, the managing director of <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNSW</a>'s Water Research Laboratory joins Daniel Lambert, the former Civil Engineer of the Year and current CEO of Legacie, to promote the technology.



Together, they discuss the potential of atmospheric water generation technology in an episode of UNSW's Engineering the Future podcast series.



"When we consider innovations in water, atmospheric water generation is a really interesting one. Its viability commercially and on scale is still being proven but it could help solve some of our problems for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-4-4-billion-people-lack-access-to-safe-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communities without access to fresh water</a> supply. It could be particularly relevant for communities located in humid environments," noted Lambert.



This technology offers a broad spectrum of methods to extract water from air. From collecting fog and using membranes that only pass water vapor to using certain chemicals that extract water from air, the possibilities are promising.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-opportunities-vary-by-region">Opportunities vary by region </h2>



"You can collect fog, you can use membranes that only pass water vapor. There's ways of using different chemicals. You can expose air to those chemicals that extract the water from it, or through condensation or pressurizing air," notes Lambert. Kristen Splinter agrees on the promising nature of the technology, but with a caveat. It's the environmental conditions that matter.



"A research paper from <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03900-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> was suggesting that up to 1 billion people in the tropics, where this is potentially going to be most successful, could have access to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/public-trust-in-drinking-water-safety-has-dwindled-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safer drinking water</a> by using this atmospheric water harvesting," noted Splinter. This technology is potentially most successful in tropics due to their humid environment.



However, this solution doesn't work like a universal fix. The key to successful atmospheric water generation is humidity, which is absent in many parts of the world. "Each region would need to find the most viable solution for its area," Splinter said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-converting-air-to-water">Challenges in converting air to water</h2>



While the promise of atmospheric water generation is compelling, there are significant challenges that must be overcome before it can be widely implemented. 



One of the primary hurdles is the energy consumption associated with this technology. The processes used to extract moisture from air often require substantial power, which can limit their feasibility in regions where energy resources are scarce or where reliance on fossil fuels could exacerbate environmental woes. 



Additionally, the initial capital investment for the necessary infrastructure can be daunting, posing a barrier for communities with limited financial resources. 



Therefore, ongoing research is needed to develop more energy-efficient methods and cost-effective solutions to ensure that atmospheric water generation can become a viable option for diverse populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gray-side-of-water-a-potential-solution">Gray side of water: A potential solution</h2>



Besides atmospheric water generation, Splinter and Lambert also discuss other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strict-pfas-limits-will-make-drinking-water-safer-for-100-million-americans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential solutions</a> to the global water crisis, including graywater systems. Graywater refers to the reusable wastewater from washing machines, showers, and baths.



One important point the experts made was the need to prevent graywater from mixing with toilet water. "Why do we put all the other things that are graywater down that same system?" said Splinter.



"Education is key, not just how we deal with wastewater on a centralized scale, but at a community and household scale.



"If we think about 30 years down the track, will we need centralized&nbsp;wastewater treatment plants&nbsp;or will we be able to do it through a closed-loop process in a household or in a precinct?"



So, could the air we breathe today be our water source tomorrow? And could graywater be the golden ticket to tackling water scarcity? Only time will tell, but for now, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-play-a-crucial-role-in-clean-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fresh perspectives</a> are quenching our thirst for innovative solutions.



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Collecting water from the air to tackle a global crisis

Water is a vital part of our existence, yet millions...

Underground CO2 storage, a key component of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, is often viewed as a vital solution to combat climate change. In light of the urgency to address global warming, many potential methods of carbon capture have been meticulously investigated.



While the concept of storing CO2 underground is promising, recent research from <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a> highlights significant limitations and challenges associated with scaling up this technology.



Current international scenarios for limiting global warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2100 rely heavily on technologies that can remove CO2 from the Earth's atmosphere at unprecedented rates.



These strategies aim to remove between 1 and 30 gigatons of CO2 annually by 2050. However, the estimates for how quickly these technologies can be deployed have been largely speculative.



The Imperial study indicates that existing projections are not likely feasible at the current pace of development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertainty-in-storage-projections">Uncertainty in storage projections</h2>



“There are many factors at play in these projections, including the speed at which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-outer-core-is-its-largest-carbon-reservoir/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reservoirs</a> can be filled as well as other geological, geographical, economic, technological, and political issues,” said Yuting Zhang, lead author from Imperial’s Department of Earth Science and Engineering. 



“However, more accurate models like the ones we have developed will help us understand how uncertainty in storage capacity, variations in institutional capacity across regions, and limitations to development might affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plans-by-oil-companies-fall-short-of-climate-goals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate plans</a> and targets set by policymakers.”



The experts found that storing up to 16 gigatons of CO2 underground annually by 2050 is possible, but would require a substantial increase in storage capacity and scaling that current investment and development levels do not support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-realistic-plans-for-co2-storage">Realistic plans for CO2 storage</h2>



While the UK Government has aspirations to position Britain as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clean-energy-biodiversity-wildlife-habitats-delicate-balancing-act/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clean energy</a> superpower through initiatives like CCS, the research emphasizes the need to align such ambitions with realistic objectives for the safe and effective storage of CO2.



“Although storing between six to 16 gigatons of CO2 per year to tackle climate change is technically possible, these high projections are much more uncertain than lower ones,” noted co-author Dr. Samuel Krevor, also from Imperial’s Department of Earth Science and Engineering. 



“This is because there are no existing plans from governments or international agreements to support such a large-scale effort. However, five gigatons of carbon going into the ground is still a major contribution to climate change mitigation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modeling-co2-storage">Modeling CO2 storage</h2>



The researchers developed models to show how quickly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-with-many-tree-species-are-more-effective-at-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage</a> systems could realistically be scaled up, taking into account factors such as suitable geology, economic limitations, and technological feasibility.



These models suggest that while it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions on a large scale, the path to achieving this and the contribution from key regions might diverge significantly from current projections. 



For example, the study questions the overly optimistic projections often found in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports, particularly for countries like China, Indonesia, and South Korea, where current development is low.



“While integrated assessment models play an important role in helping climate policymakers make decisions, some of the assumptions they make when it comes to storing large amounts of carbon underground appear unrealistic,” noted study co-author Professor Christopher Jackson from Imperial’s Department of Earth Science and Engineering. 



“Our findings suggest that more attainable and accurate benchmarks are needed to guide policy and investment.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-setting-a-realistic-global-benchmark">Setting a realistic global benchmark</h2>



The team’s analysis suggests a more realistic global benchmark for underground CO2 storage might be in the range of 5-6 gigatons per year by 2050.



This projection aligns with growth patterns observed in existing industries, including mining and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-renewable-energy-capacity-will-take-a-record-leap-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a>. 



By applying these historical growth patterns to CO2 storage, the researchers have developed a model that offers a more practical and reliable method for predicting how quickly carbon storage technologies can be scaled up.



“Our study is the first to apply growth patterns from established industries to CO2 storage,” explained Dr. Krevor. “By using historical data and trends from other sectors, our new model provides a realistic and practical approach for setting attainable targets for carbon storage, helping policymakers to make informed decisions.”



The research, funded by the Engineering &amp; Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Royal Academy of Engineering, highlights the importance of setting realistic goals in the global effort to combat climate change.



While underground carbon storage presents a promising strategy, understanding its potential and limitations is crucial for making the best use of this technology.



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Underground CO2 storage: Feasible solution or climate illusion?

Underground CO2 storage, a key component of carbon capture and...

Securing the world's water supply is among the most pressing global challenges today. Researchers at Stockholm University have introduced an innovative method to better quantify the global risk of water scarcity.&nbsp;



The findings suggest that the risks to the world's water supply may be more significant than previously estimated when environmental conditions and governance in regions where rain-producing moisture originates are taken into account.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-global-water-supply-nbsp">Understanding the global water supply&nbsp;</h2>



Traditionally, the global water supply is understood as rain falling on the Earth's surface, subsequently stored in aquifers, lakes, and rivers. This conventional understanding is often used to evaluate water security and the potential for water scarcity.&nbsp;



However, a new study published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s44221-024-00291-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Water</a> challenges this perspective by highlighting the importance of governance and environmental conditions in regions upwind - where the moisture that eventually falls as rain is generated.



“Water supply really originates beforehand, with moisture evaporated from land or in the ocean traveling in the atmosphere before falling as rain. This upwind moisture is commonly overlooked when assessing water availability,” explained senior author Fernando Jaramillo, an associate professor in physical geography at <a href="https://www.su.se/cmlink/stockholm-university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stockholm University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-rainfall">Origins of rainfall</h2>



Typically, when a lake or river is shared between different countries or authorities, water assessments and regulations focus on upstream factors - considering the conditions upriver from the water body.&nbsp;



The new study, however, adopts an upwind perspective, which takes into account the areas where evaporated water is transported before it precipitates as rain. This area, known as a “precipitationshed,” can span vast regions of the Earth's surface.



“For instance, in tropical South America, most of the Amazon basin is downstream of the Andes mountain range, whereas large areas of the Andes are in themselves downwind of the Amazon rainforest and depend on it. This interdependency makes these two regions reliant on each other for water supply,” Jaramillo said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-higher-risks-of-water-scarcity-nbsp">Higher risks of water scarcity&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers analyzed 379 hydrological basins globally, revealing that water security risks are considerably higher when the upwind origins of water are factored into the equation.



“With this approach, we see that 32,900 km³/year of water requirements worldwide face very high risk, a near 50 percent increase compared to the 20,500 km³/year resulting from the more traditional upstream focus,” said lead author José Posada, a former doctoral student at Stockholm University.



Political control and land use changes in upwind regions can have profound effects on downwind water availability. For example, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-has-darkened-coastal-waters-off-belize/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a> and agricultural development in these areas can reduce the moisture provided by vegetation, subsequently decreasing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-becoming-more-intense-in-the-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> downwind and heightening water security risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-security-across-different-regions">Water security across different regions</h2>



“For coastal countries such as the Philippines, most of the rain comes from the sea, so land-use changes pose minimal risk to their water security. Conversely, for inland countries like Niger, where rainfall is largely sourced from moisture that evaporates in neighboring countries such as Nigeria and Ghana, land-use changes in these upwind regions can significantly impact water security,” Jaramillo explained.



This implies that political factors, such as environmental management and regulatory policies in areas where moisture first evaporates, can greatly influence water safety in distant regions.



“The Congo River basin, for example, heavily relies on moisture from neighboring countries with low environmental performance and governance according to global indicators. This makes the basin vulnerable to risks from potential deforestation and unregulated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/land-use-changes-expose-the-amazon-to-environmental-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">land use changes</a> in those neighboring areas,” said co-author Lan Wang-Erlandsson, a researcher at the Stockholm Resilience Center at Stockholm University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-all-water-is-connected">All water is connected</h2>



The study underscores the importance of considering upwind perspectives in environmental regulation and governance. It highlights the interdependence between countries situated upstream/downwind and downstream/upwind.



“It is not possible to ignore the interdependence between countries. In the end, all water is connected, so we should not only mind how we manage our water resources within a region or country but also how our neighboring countries do,” Wang-Erlandsson said.



The researchers hope their findings will help identify key areas and stakeholders for cooperation strategies aimed at mitigating the causes of water-related tensions. This includes considering atmospheric water flows in transboundary decision-making and water governance frameworks.



“We stress the need for international cooperation to effectively manage upwind moisture sources,” Jaramillo concluded.



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Global water security relies on the origins of rainfall

Securing the world's water supply is among the most pressing...

In the chilly waters off the western Antarctic Peninsula, scientists have made a thrilling discovery: a new species of Antarctic dragonfish, Akarotaxis gouldae.



The discovery of this "Banded Dragonfish" highlights both the hidden depths of biodiversity and the fragile state of the Antarctic ecosystem. The species was identified by researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) at William &amp; Mary.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-akarotaxis-gouldae">Akarotaxis gouldae</h2>



The discovery of Akarotaxis gouldae began when larval specimens, initially assumed to be Akarotaxis nudiceps, were collected during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zooplankton-are-rapidly-escalating-the-threat-of-nanoplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zooplankton</a> trawling missions off the Antarctic coast.



Upon comparing their DNA with Akarotaxis nudiceps specimens from collections at institutions like VIMS, <a href="https://www.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a>, and the <a href="https://www.mnhn.fr/fr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle</a> in Paris, significant genetic differences became apparent. 



The experts were able to confirm that these specimens belonged to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Akarotaxis-gouldae_antarctic-dragonfish_new-species_specimens_credit-andrew-corso_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previously unrecognized species</a>.



Study lead author Andrew Corso conducted the research during his PhD studies at VIMS under the guidance of advisors Eric Hilton and Deborah Steinberg. Corso emphasized the importance of genetic testing in modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-in-insect-taxonomy-threatened-by-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taxonomy</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Akarotaxis-gouldae_antarctic-dragonfish_new-species_science-boat_credit-andrew-corso_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Akarotaxis-gouldae_antarctic-dragonfish_new-species_science-boat_credit-andrew-corso_1s.jpg" alt="Akarotaxis gouldae, a newly discovered species of Antarctic dragonfish, was named in honor of the recently decomissioned Antarctic research supply vessel Laurence M. Gould. Credit: Andrew Corso" class="wp-image-1943441"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Akarotaxis gouldae, a newly discovered species of Antarctic dragonfish, was named in honor of the recently decomissioned Antarctic research supply vessel Laurence M. Gould. Credit: Andrew Corso</figcaption></figure>



“In the world of fish taxonomy, it’s becoming common to distinguish species with genetics alone. Genetic testing is an extremely valuable tool, but our discovery highlights the importance of early life stage morphology and natural history collections like those at <a href="https://www.vims.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VIMS</a> and other institutions,” said Corso.



Subsequent morphological analysis of adult Akarotaxis gouldae samples from ichthyology collections worldwide confirmed these genetic findings. 



“There are two distinct bands on the sides of adult Akarotaxis gouldae that are not present on Akarotaxis nudiceps, so we were surprised that the species already existed in collections but had been previously overlooked,” noted Corso.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empowering-insights-from-genetic-testing">Empowering insights from genetic testing</h2>



Through time-calibrated phylogeny, Corso and his colleague Thomas Desvignes from the University of Oregon’s <a href="https://ion.uoregon.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Neuroscience</a> estimated that Akarotaxis gouldae diverged as a separate species approximately 780,000 years ago, when the Southern Ocean was predominantly covered in glaciers.



“We hypothesize that a population of dragonfishes may have become isolated within deep trenches under glaciers, surviving on food pushed in by the moving ice," Corso explained.



Once the glaciers retreated, this subpopulation had become distinct enough to be reproductively incompatible with Akarotaxis nudiceps."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecology-of-antarctic-dragonfish">Ecology of Antarctic dragonfish</h2>



Despite their crucial ecological role, much remains unknown about Antarctic dragonfish. These species, including Akarotaxis gouldae, inhabit the deep, remote waters of the Southern Ocean.



The dragonfish species exhibit unique behaviors like nest guarding in shallower coastal waters, and their offspring remain closer to the surface during the larval stage.



Examination of female dragonfish ovaries has shown limited reproductive capacity, and larval sampling suggests that Akarotaxis gouldae is confined to the waters around the western Antarctic Peninsula.



“Akarotaxis gouldae appear to have one of the smallest ranges of any fish endemic to the Southern Ocean,” said Corso. 



“This limited range combined with their low reproductive capacity and the presence of early life stages in shallower waters suggest that this is a vulnerable species that could be impacted by the krill fishery.”



These dragonfish serve as a vital food source for many Antarctic species, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emperor-penguins-will-not-survive-the-current-rate-of-sea-ice-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">penguins</a>, whose populations are already under threat from changing environmental conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-akarotaxis-gouldae-honors-a-scientific-legacy">Akarotaxis gouldae honors a scientific legacy</h2>



The naming of Akarotaxis gouldae honors the legacy of the ARSV Laurence M. Gould, a vessel that significantly contributed to Antarctic research for over two decades.



The vessel’s decommissioning marked a shift in the U.S. Antarctic Program's priorities, highlighting the ongoing need for support and resources to continue studying the region's unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ocean-day-a-unified-approach-to-protect-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>. 



“To me, the loss of the ARSV Laurence M. Gould marks a setback in the scientific study of the Antarctic region. Antarctica is warming faster than anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere, and there is untold biodiversity in the region that we’re only beginning to understand," Corso concluded.



"By naming this fish after the ship, we hope to honor its scientific contributions while also bringing attention to the need for additional resources to study this unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a>."



This discovery emphasizes the urgent need to protect fragile ecosystems and the invaluable biodiversity they support.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5501.2.3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zootaxa</a>.



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New dragonfish species reveals the fragility of the Antarctic ecosystem

In the chilly waters off the western Antarctic Peninsula, scientists...

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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...

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NTU Singapore



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



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Plants help remove heavy metals from contaminated soil

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides

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



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



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



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



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



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



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NASA monitors giant dust storms on Mars

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz

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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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Kangerlussuaq Glacier on the Greenland ice sheet

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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Ocean heat influences regional climate

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