Falling asleep and waking up refreshed is something most of us crave. Yet some people appear to thrive on fewer hours, leaving everyone else wondering how they manage it. A new study involving a healthy older adult suggests that a rare gene mutation might be a key to needing fewer hours of sleep.



The research was led by Dr. Hao Chen from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), whose team investigated a "natural short sleeper" <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-night-of-lost-sleep-can-trigger-hidden-health-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trait</a> linked to a genetic variant in the SIK3 gene.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-genetics-influence-sleep-duration">How genetics influence sleep duration</h2>



Scientists who explore patterns of rest have long recognized that people’s genetic makeup can influence how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-prepares-the-brain-for-the-future-while-protecting-memories-of-the-past/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a> they need. This latest finding highlights how even a slight genetic tweak might reduce the time required for the brain and body to recover.



Those who qualify as short sleepers function at a normal or high level despite clocking fewer hours in bed. Researchers classify them separately from individuals suffering from insomnia, because these short sleepers typically wake up rested and show no health problems tied to exhaustion.



One older participant reported sleeping around 6.3 hours per night yet displayed sharp cognition and good health. Her genetic profile pointed to a single mutation as the possible reason for her efficient slumber.



These individuals, referred to as natural short sleepers, seem wired to operate on less rest. Specialists are intrigued by how they sail through daily life with no visible drawbacks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gene-mutation-and-sleep-patterns">Gene mutation and sleep patterns</h2>



The <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/protein-kinases" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kinase protein</a> produced by the SIK3 gene relays signals that influence various cellular processes. Scientists suspect that changes in kinase function might play a role in controlling how much time the body devotes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-can-boost-memory-in-a-surprising-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>.



When Dr. Chen’s team transferred this mutation to lab mice, the animals spent slightly less time resting each day. This observation hinted at a biological mechanism that could be significant across different species.



“Studying human sleep genes not only expands our knowledge regarding the sleep regulatory network, but also may bring the basic research from mouse models to clinical relevance,” noted the researchers.



Brain scans in the test mice revealed that their <a href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/life-science/protein-biology/protein-biology-learning-center/protein-biology-resource-library/pierce-protein-methods/phosphorylation.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phosphorylation</a> patterns changed, especially around the areas that oversee rest and wake cycles. This shift aligns with the idea that sleep is coordinated by a web of signals in the brain that might be influenced by tiny chemical tweaks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-mutations-in-short-sleepers">Genetic mutations in short sleepers</h2>



Scientists have now identified at least five distinct genetic mutations linked to the natural short sleep trait. Each one affects different proteins involved in the brain’s signaling and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-quality-could-be-the-key-to-better-metabolic-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>-wake rhythms, hinting at multiple pathways that might influence rest duration.



The SIK3 variant joins others such as <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.1801693115" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DEC2</a>, <a href="https://www.ajmc.com/view/a-rare-gene-mutation-is-associated-with-requiring-less-sleep-researchers-say" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ADRB1</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/387129" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NPSR1</a>, and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/14816" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GRM1</a>, each contributing a piece to the sleep efficiency puzzle. Researchers believe that mapping these variants could eventually lead to a full blueprint of how the body regulates its need for sleep.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treatments-for-sleep-disorders">Treatments for sleep disorders</h2>



Researchers think there could be important applications for people who struggle with sleep disorders. Adjusting the pathways linked to this genetic variant might shorten the time needed to feel rested, although practical therapies will likely take time to refine.



Still, scientists caution that these insights do not give an excuse to slash nightly rest. They emphasize that ordinary individuals without the mutation may not reap any benefits from copying a short sleeper’s schedule.



Experts see promise in pursuing treatments that enhance the body’s own efficiency. They hope new knowledge of genetic influences will guide strategies to help those who find it difficult to get restorative rest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-short-sleep-genes">Future research on short-sleep genes </h2>



Short-sleep genes have captured the imagination of specialists for years. There is strong interest in mapping out exactly how the human brain resets itself, and why some people get the same benefits in a compressed timeframe.



“These [NSS] people, all these functions our bodies are doing while we are sleeping, they can just perform at a higher level than we can,” said neuroscientist and geneticist Ying-Hui Fu, from the University of California, San Francisco (<a href="https://www.ucsf.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSF</a>). 



Scientists aim to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37398097/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">uncover</a> the precise factors that grant this group their resilience. Many research teams intend to investigate how broader networks of genes might interact to influence rest. 



The SIK3 discovery raises big questions about what else might affect daily energy levels and long-term health.



Fascination with short sleepers is unlikely to fade soon. Unlocking the secrets of their genetics could reshape how we view rest, opening a path to solutions for chronic sleep troubles.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2500356122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS</a>.



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Rare gene explains why some people can thrive on less sleep

Falling asleep and waking up refreshed is something most of us crave. Yet some people appear to thrive on fewer hours, leaving everyone else wondering how they manage it. A new study involving a healthy older adult suggests that a rare gene mutation might be a key to needing fewer hours of sleep. The research was led by Dr. Hao Chen from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), whose team investigated a "natural short sleeper" trait linked to a genetic variant in the SIK3 gene. How genetics...

A study from the <a href="https://uconn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Connecticut</a> has explored the influence of grit and self-control on weight loss, specifically among couples



"Grit" is a term which refers to resilience and persistence toward long-term goals. In previous investigations, it has been established that possessing grit and self-control generally result in superior weight management outcomes.&nbsp;



However, the dynamics of these characteristics within couples undergoing weight loss had not been previously explored.



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



Professor Tricia Leahey, the director of InCHIP, commented on the goals of the study.&nbsp;



“We wanted to see if there was any sort of effect of couples. That is, do partners have similar levels of self-control? And, does self-control change similarly in couples over time when they’re in a weight loss program?”



The research was focused on a couples-based weight management intervention that involved 64 couples during a six-month intervention followed by another six-month follow-up.&nbsp;



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



To gauge participants' self-control and grit levels, they completed questionnaires at the beginning and conclusion of the research.&nbsp;



These questionnaires included statements like “I am good at resisting temptation” and “setbacks don’t discourage me.”



The behavioral weight loss program encouraged participants to lower calorie consumption and elevate physical activity. This program also offered training in behavior modification techniques such as goal setting and stimulus control.



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



Surprisingly, the study's results revealed no discernible "couple effect." Initially, couples did not demonstrate similar grit or self-control levels.&nbsp;



Furthermore, if one partner enhanced their grit or self-control throughout the study, it wasn't a given that their partner would experience a similar evolution.



“While couples tend to share weight management behaviors, this study found that there wasn’t any social influence between the couples when it comes to self-control or grit,” said Leahey. “Instead, these are more individual characteristics.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-self-control-nbsp">Improving self-control&nbsp;</h2>



Nevertheless, despite not targeting the enhancement of self-control and grit directly, participants generally displayed progress in these areas during initial treatment.



“That suggests that both constructs are malleable,” said Leahey. “Sometimes people think of self-control as something that doesn’t change. But this study goes to show that, with a behavioral weight loss program that teaches behavior change strategies, we can improve people’s self-control or goal pursuit.”



As expected, the researchers found that participants with greater self-control and grit demonstrated better weight management outcomes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weight-loss-maintenance-nbsp">Weight loss maintenance&nbsp;</h2>



Such characteristics correlated with essential practices like consistent exercise and self-weighing. Notably, grit was pinpointed as a significant factor for maintaining weight loss.



"Weight loss maintenance is a major challenge in obesity treatment,” noted Leahey. “The fact that we saw that grit was associated with weight loss maintenance, suggests that targeting grit may improve long-term maintenance outcomes.”



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



Future research might look into bolstering individuals' grit or persistence in achieving goals to enhance weight management habits.&nbsp;



Leahey also suggested that potential studies could lessen the dependence on self-control and grit through modifying the environment.&nbsp;



“Our environments tend to be obesogenic in that there are a lot of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and significant opportunity for sedentary behavior,” said Leahey. 



“Because of this, it’s not surprising that we have high rates of overweight and obesity. By modifying our environments, we can make it easier for people to lead healthier lives and not have to exercise as much self-control and grit.”



The research is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10865-023-00431-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Behavioral Medicine</a>.



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There's no couple advantage when it comes to weight loss

A study from the University of Connecticut has explored the...

TikTok may be an effective tool for farmers to cultivate empathy regarding the pressing issue of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/science-reporting-can-change-climate-change-beliefs/">climate change</a>, according to researchers at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/news/agricultural-sciences/story/tiktok-may-help-farmers-cultivate-empathy-around-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a>.&nbsp;



The team analyzed reactions to climate-focused TikTok videos posted by farmers and found that many viewers reacted with warmth and compassion, indicative of emotional empathy.



However, the videos were less successful in stimulating cognitive empathy, which is marked by viewers actively engaging in discussions, providing insights, or seeking further understanding about the content.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhanced-communication">Enhanced communication</h2>



Ilkay Unay-Gailhard, affiliated with the Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies in Germany, noted that platforms like TikTok can enhance the ways farmers communicate with consumers.&nbsp;



“Today’s consumers are increasingly looking for transparency in agri-food systems and want to know who their farmer is and how their food is produced,” said Unay-Gailhard.&nbsp;



“They’re also increasingly willing to ensure a sustainable agri-food sector by supporting farmers involved in decisions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. These trends indicate an opportunity for farmers to engage more directly with citizens, as policymakers, media, scientists and activists already have been doing.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fostering-empathy-nbsp">Fostering empathy&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Mark Brennan emphasized that fostering empathy (as opposed to sympathy) can lead to more fruitful understanding and collaboration between farmers and consumers.&nbsp;



“This empathy also shows that farmers and consumers are not that different and want the same things many times," said Brennan. "Connecting with them builds understanding and breaks down the artificial divides that are often propagated in our society. We are better together in the end."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-farmers-use-tiktok">How farmers use TikTok</h2>



According to the researchers, the work was inspired by the dual way that food production both contributes to and is affected by climate change.



For example, food production can create heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions, and the subsequent climate warming has negative impacts on food production.



Unay-Gailhard said this intersection gives farmers a unique perspective, and while conversations about food production and climate change typically happen at the social and political level, the rise of new social media platforms is giving farmers new ways to speak out.



“Today’s young farmers are becoming involved in climate actions in different forms than previous generations,” she said.&nbsp;



“Even though farmers are still in the early stages of using social media to initiate conversations about climate change, some social media platforms like TikTok present an opportunity to use new forms of communication with ‘millennial- or Gen-Z-style’ humor to connect with diverse communities on the topic.”



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



To unravel TikTok's potential for fostering climate change dialogues, the team executed a two-step analysis.



They examined user engagement with farmer-generated TikTok videos from the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference held in late 2021. Their sample comprised 29 TikTok videos, including almost 3,000 conversations from six countries.



Interviews were conducted with 12 farmers active on TikTok from four countries to gauge their sentiments about climate change discourse on the platform.



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



“When we talked to farmers, they believed that creating entertaining content on TikTok resulted in more engagement more quickly than content on YouTube, where it takes longer to reach viewers,” said Unay-Gailhard.&nbsp;



“They also felt that presenting themselves and their viewpoints in ‘imperfect’ ways promotes engagement on TikTok, compared to Instagram, where pleasing aesthetics are valued, or X - previously known as Twitter - which is highly polarized.”



The interviewed farmers added that, on TikTok, presenting a straightforward argument with playful and humorous tones can promote more constructive dialogues, even when disagreements arise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-about-farmers-on-tiktok">Learning about farmers on TikTok </h2>



“What is notable from the narratives of TikTok farmers is how empathy among farm-interested viewers turns the platform into a learning landscape,” said Unay Gailhard.&nbsp;



“The self-representation of farmers on TikTok with professional identities is not only about having a voice and joy but also reciprocally investing in others in their online community. This reciprocity emerges with gathering and sharing experiences and knowledge within informal educational contexts.”



Going forward, the researchers said additional studies could explore how content could go beyond triggering emotional empathy and foster cognitive empathy, as well.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0743016723001419" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Rural Studies</a>.



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TikTok can help farmers discuss climate change

TikTok may be an effective tool for farmers to cultivate...

While the old adage “you are what you eat” may be true, a new study suggests that what we eat also has something to do with who we are, genetically speaking. A team of scientists led by the <a href="https://som.cuanschutz.edu/">University of Colorado School of Medicine</a> has recently pinpointed approximately 500 genes which seem to influence what we eat and have a direct impact on an individual’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/foods-preference-decisions/">food preferences</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensory-genetic-profiles-nbsp">Sensory genetic profiles&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers believe that understanding these genes could pave the way for personalized nutrition plans tailored to enhance health or stave off diseases.



“Some genes we identified are related to sensory pathways - including those for taste, smell, and texture - and may also increase the reward response in the brain,” said lead author Joanne Cole, an assistant professor of Biomedical Informatics department at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.&nbsp;



“Because some of these genes may have clear paths toward influencing whether someone likes a food or not, they could potentially be used to create sensory genetic profiles for fine-tuning a person’s dietary recommendations based on foods they like to eat.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-genes-tied-to-eating">Studying the genes tied to eating</h2>



For this investigation, the research team analyzed data from the <a href="https://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk/">UK Biobank</a>, which consists of details from 500,000 participants. Through a phenome-wide association study, they aimed to pinpoint genes that had a stronger connection with dietary habits rather than other health or lifestyle aspects.&nbsp;



“The foods we choose to eat are largely influenced by environmental factors such as our culture, socioeconomic status, and food accessibility,” Cole explained.&nbsp;



“Because genetics plays a much smaller role in influencing dietary intake than all the environmental factors, we need to study hundreds of thousands of individuals to detect genetic influences amid the environmental factors. The data necessary to do this hasn’t been available until recently.”



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



To separate the direct impacts of genetic variations on diet from indirect ones, such as distinguishing a genetic predisposition to diabetes from the subsequent reduced sugar intake due to the condition, the team employed computational techniques.



The rich genetic, health, and socioeconomic data from the UK Biobank enabled the researchers to scrutinize individual genetic markers for links with a plethora of traits.&nbsp;



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



The experts found about 300 genes associated with specific food consumption, and nearly 200 genes connected to broader dietary patterns, like general fish or fruit intake.&nbsp;



“The study showed that dietary patterns tend to have more indirect genetic effects, meaning they were correlated with a lot of other factors,” Cole said.&nbsp;



“This shows how important it is to not study dietary patterns in a vacuum, because the eating pattern’s impact on human health may be completely mediated or confounded by other factors.”



Looking ahead, Cole envisions exploring the possibility of genetically tailored diets to enhance weight loss, the central question being: Can nutrition experts use genetic data to tailor the taste aspects of a weight loss regimen to ensure better compliance?



These findings were presented at the <a href="https://nutrition.org/n23/">Annual Conference of the American Society for Nutrition </a>in Boston and will soon undergo peer review for publication.



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Hundreds of genes identified that directly influence what we eat

While the old adage “you are what you eat” may...

Papaya,Filled,With,Mixed,Berries,Smoothie

For those striving to combat the inevitable effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aging-may-be-driven-by-genetic-imbalances/">aging</a>, it appears that nature might have presented a solution that is much simpler than expected.&nbsp;Certain foods, consumed as part of a regular diet, could be the cornerstone of a youthful appearance, promising longevity and peak cognitive function.&nbsp;



Incorporating these foods into our daily meals can boost longevity and protect us from the effects of aging, primarily due to their rich content of antioxidants, chlorophyll, and omega-3 fatty acids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vegetables">Vegetables</h2>



The darkest vegetables are some of the most nutrient and healthy ones. Loaded with a combination of vitamins A and C, minerals, and a myriad of bioactives, they are the vanguard against premature aging.&nbsp;



Chlorophyll, more abundant in deeply colored greens, offers paramount protection against free radicals. Additionally, these superfoods contain lutein, essential for shielding the skin from UV damage.&nbsp;



Furthermore, they are abundant in vitamins that bolster skin health and foster collagen production. For instance, kale, bok choy, and chard are nutritional staples.&nbsp;



However, there are others in this category like watercress, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-are-working-to-make-spinach-more-appealing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spinach</a>, broccoli, green tea, and the beloved sweet potatoes and red bell peppers that also provide strong benefits, increasing skin resilience and elasticity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthy-oils">Healthy oils</h2>



Plant-derived oils, particularly those such as coconut and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/olive-oil-can-boost-brain-health-and-fight-off-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">olive oil</a>, are a treasure trove of fatty acids, monounsaturated fats, and antioxidants.&nbsp;



Coconut oil, in particular, has been highlighted for its capability to diminish age spots. Olive oil, on the other hand, is prized for its high content of squalene, which improves skin hydration.&nbsp;



When it comes to combating neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, both olive and avocado oil have shown significant potential in decreasing the risk of developing such debilitating diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legumes">Legumes</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-legumes-and-their-symbiotic-bacteria-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Legumes</a>, humble yet power-packed, are a nutritional cornerstone, offering a cocktail of fiber, proteins, vitamin B, and more.&nbsp;



Ranging from antioxidant-rich black beans to collagen-promoting lentils and chickpeas, their consumption leads to radiant skin and better health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nuts-and-seeds">Nuts and Seeds</h2>



Nuts, with their rich texture and nutrient density, are invaluable for skin health. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/almonds-accelerate-recovery-after-strenuous-exercise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Almonds</a>, walnuts, and Brazil nuts, among others, are filled with vitamins and antioxidants.&nbsp;



They ensure that skin remains hydrated, protected from the sun, and that the cognitive effects of aging are minimized. Pomegranate seeds, with their historic medicinal use, are also noteworthy for their skin benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fermented-foods">Fermented foods</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/old-trick-turns-plant-based-cheese-into-something-that-actually-tastes-good/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fermentation</a>, a process as ancient as human civilization, results in foods that bring a plethora of health benefits. These range from miso soup, abundant in antioxidants, to kombucha, replete with skin-firming vitamins.&nbsp;



Their regular consumption has been linked with myriad health benefits, from gut health to skin rejuvenation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fruits">Fruits</h2>



In the realm of fruits, papaya and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-science-behind-a-smoothie-the-fruit-you-choose-makes-a-difference/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blueberries</a> are celebrated for their anti-aging prowess. Their nutrient profiles, filled with antioxidants and vital vitamins, contribute significantly to skin health, combating the detrimental effects of free radicals and ensuring a fresh, youthful glow.



Incorporating these six categories into one’s dietary regimen paves the way for a rejuvenated, radiant, and healthy self - both from the inside and out.



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Six foods that rejuvenate your body, inside and out

For those striving to combat the inevitable effects of aging,...

New research unveiled at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology (<a href="https://www.eadv.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EADV</a>) Congress 2023 has brought forth a surprising revelation. Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is now responsible for a higher number of global deaths compared to melanoma, despite melanoma being regarded as the more severe form of skin cancer. 



The data, collected from the World Health Organization <a href="https://www.iarc.who.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Agency for Research on Cancer</a>, further implies that the true impact of NMSC might be even graver than previously thought, as the condition often goes underreported.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-cases-equals-more-deaths">More cases equals more deaths</h2>



Professor Thierry Passeron, who spearheaded the research, shared, “Although NMSC is less likely to be fatal than melanoma skin cancer, its prevalence is strikingly higher. In 2020, NMSC accounted for 78% of all skin cancer cases, resulting in over 63,700 deaths. In contrast, melanoma caused an estimated 57,000 fatalities in the same year.” 



This illustrates that despite the lesser individual fatality rate of NMSC compared to melanoma, the sheer number of NMSC cases contributes to a greater overall death toll.



Delving deeper into the figures, Professor Passeron cautioned that these numbers might only be the tip of the iceberg. “As alarming as these figures are, they may, in fact, be underestimated. NMSC is often underreported in cancer registries, making it challenging to understand the true burden.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-cancer-demographics">Skin cancer demographics</h2>



In their comprehensive study, the researchers also pinpointed specific demographics that appeared more vulnerable to NMSC. These include outdoor workers exposed to the sun for prolonged periods, organ transplant recipients, and individuals diagnosed with xeroderma pigmentosum—a genetic disorder characterized by extreme sensitivity to sunlight.



Skin cancer’s reach is not limited by geographical or ethnic boundaries. While a significant incidence was found among fair-skinned and elderly populations in countries like the USA, Germany, UK, France, Australia, and Italy, countries with a predominantly darker-skinned populace are not spared. Evidence for this is the 11,281 recorded skin cancer deaths in Africa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-non-melanoma-skin-cancer-nmsc">Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)</h2>



In 2020 alone, a staggering 1.2 million cases of NMSC were reported globally, in contrast to the 324,635 cases of melanoma. It's important to highlight that most skin cancer diagnoses are non-melanoma. 



These cancers typically manifest in the skin's upper layers and are broadly categorized into types such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Compared to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/golfers-have-more-than-double-the-risk-of-skin-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melanoma</a> -- which originates in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells -- NMSC is less aggressive, as it is less likely to metastasize to other body parts and can often be treated more effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-effective-messaging-needed">More effective messaging needed</h2>



Professor Passeron comments, “We have to get the message out that not only melanoma can be fatal, but NMSC also. It's crucial to note that individuals with melanin rich skin are also at risk and are dying from skin cancer. There is a need to implement effective strategies to reduce the fatalities associated with all kinds of skin cancers.”



“Our study did not find consistent evidence to suggest that having more dermatologists per capita could reduce mortality rates. Surprisingly, countries like Australia, the UK and Canada, with fewer dermatologists, exhibited low mortality-to-incidence ratios. We therefore need to explore what strategies these countries are employing to reduce the impact of skin cancer in further depth. The involvement of other healthcare practitioners, such as GPs, in the identification and management of this disease may partly explain their success. There remains huge opportunity worldwide to elevate the role of GPs and other healthcare professionals in this process and train them to recognise suspicious lesions early.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-cancers-are-preventable">Skin cancers are preventable</h2>



“In alignment with this, there is an ongoing need to develop awareness campaigns that educate the general public about the risks of sun exposure and other relevant risk factors. These campaigns should be tailored to at-risk populations, including those with fair skin, outdoor workers, the elderly and individuals who are immunosuppressed. Importantly, these efforts should also extend to populations that may not typically be considered at high risk, such as darker-skinned populations.”



Professor Passeron concludes, “Skin cancers are preventable and treatable, so we need to do more to ensure we are stopping the progression of this disease as early as possible to save lives.”



In light of these findings, it is crucial for global health organizations and governments to recognize the extensive reach and impact of NMSC, ensuring that preventative measures, accurate reporting, and effective treatments are prioritized.



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Melanoma has been replaced as the deadliest form of skin cancer

New research unveiled at the European Academy of Dermatology and...

In the largest study ever conducted on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-crisis-half-of-the-worlds-population-will-be-affected-by-age-75/">mental health</a> impacts of light exposure, researchers have found that artificial light elevates the risk for psychiatric disorders.



The investigation involved nearly 87,000 participants and was led by Professor Sean Cain of the <a href="https://www.monash.edu/medicine/psych" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monash School of Psychological Sciences</a>.&nbsp;



"Circadian rhythm disturbance is a common feature of many psychiatric disorders. Light is the primary input to the circadian clock, with daytime light strengthening rhythms and night-time light disrupting them," wrote the study authors.



"Therefore, habitual light exposure may represent an environmental risk factor for susceptibility to psychiatric disorders."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artificial-light-exposure">Artificial light exposure</h2>



The comprehensive research demonstrates that artificial light exposure, particularly at night, is linked with a greater chance of conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and an increased risk of self-harm.&nbsp;



The study also revealed a 30% increase in the risk of depression for individuals with high nighttime light exposure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-daytime-light-exposure-nbsp">Daytime light exposure&nbsp;</h2>



Conversely, the study also sheds light on the positive effects of substantial daytime light exposure.&nbsp;



The findings suggest that ample daylight exposure can reduce the risk of depression by 20 percent, and is also associated with a diminished risk of other mental health issues.&nbsp;



In other words, exposure to daylight is a simple, non-medicinal way to help protect yourself from mental health challenges.&nbsp;



“Our findings will have a potentially huge societal impact,” said Professor Cain. “Once people understand that their light exposure patterns have a powerful influence on their mental health, they can take some simple steps to optimize their wellbeing. It’s about getting bright light in the day and darkness at night.”



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



The research was focused on 86,772 participants from the UK Biobank.&nbsp;



Among the data collected from these individuals, the experts analyzed their exposure to light, sleep patterns, levels of physical activity, and mental health status.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consistent-impacts">Consistent impacts</h2>



It is crucial to note that the observed impact of nighttime light exposure on mental health remained consistent across various demographics and was not influenced by physical activity levels, season, or employment status.&nbsp;



“Our findings were consistent when accounting for shiftwork, sleep, urban versus rural living and cardio-metabolic health."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-lifestyles">Modern lifestyles</h2>



Professor Cain pointed out the disjunction between modern human lifestyles and our biological systems, suggesting that contemporary living conditions might be detrimental to our mental health.&nbsp;



He noted that human brains evolved under conditions of bright daylight exposure followed by almost complete darkness at night.



“Humans today challenge this biology, spending around 90 percent of the day indoors under electric lighting which is too dim during the day and too bright at night compared to natural light and dark cycles. It is confusing our bodies and making us unwell."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s44220-023-00135-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Mental Health</a>.



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Artificial light exposure is extremely harmful to our mental health

In the largest study ever conducted on the mental health...

In a recent study from the California Grape Table Commission, experts have found that older adults can improve key markers of eye health by consuming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grapes-help-protect-skin-from-uv-damage/">grapes</a> on a daily basis.&nbsp;



"Oxidative stress is a key risk factor for visual impairment and consuming dietary antioxidant-rich foods may help in managing visual impairments," wrote the researchers.&nbsp;



"However, a limited number of studies have investigated the effect of dietary antioxidant-rich food including grapes on eye health in older adults."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-grapes-and-eye-health">Studying grapes and eye health</h2>



The experts set out to investigate impact of regular grape consumption on macular pigment accumulation and other biomarkers of eye health.&nbsp;



While this is the first human study of its kind, the results support preliminary studies which indicated that grape consumption protects retinal structure and function.



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



"This was a 16 week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Thirty-four Singapore older adults were randomized into regularly consuming either 46 g day−1 of freeze-dried table grape powder (the intervention group) or the same amount of placebo powder (the control group)," explained the study authors.&nbsp;



"Macular pigment optical density (MPOD), skin carotenoid status, advanced glycation end product (AGEs) status and dietary lutein intake were assessed every 4 weeks, and plasma lutein concentration, total antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content were measured every 8 weeks."



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



The study revealed that grape eaters showed a significant increase in MPOD, plasma antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic content compared to those on placebo.&nbsp;



Furthermore, participants who did not consume grapes saw a significant increase in harmful AGEs, as measured in the skin.



“Our study is the first to show that grape consumption beneficially impacts eye health in humans which is very exciting, especially with a growing aging population,” said co-author Dr. Jung Eun Kim.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“Grapes are an easy, accessible fruit that studies have shown can have a beneficial impact in normal amounts of just 1 ½ cups per day.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-grapes-and-eye-health">Implications for grapes and eye health</h2>



The findings underscore the significant risk of eye disease and vision problems within aging populations.&nbsp;



With age being a considerable risk factor, it is essential to address the issue proactively to preserve eye health.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aging-population-nbsp">Aging population&nbsp;</h2>



Science has shown that an aging population has a higher risk of eye disease and vision problems, as noted by the researchers.



With an increase in life expectancy across the globe, this issue becomes even more pressing. The aging process naturally exacerbates the susceptibility to various health issues, including eye diseases and visual impairments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-risk-factors">Key risk factors</h2>



Among the notable risk factors for eye diseases in aging individuals are oxidative stress and high levels of ocular advanced glycation end products (AGEs).&nbsp;



Oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, plays a pivotal role in the development of age-related eye conditions. Concurrently, elevated levels of ocular AGEs also significantly contribute to the predicament.



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



Advanced glycation end products&nbsp; are notorious for their detrimental effects on the eyes, particularly through damaging the vascular components of the retina, impairing cellular function, and causing oxidative stress.



Such damage to the retina’s vascular components is especially concerning, as it directly influences vision quality.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the impairment of cellular functions and induction of oxidative stress by AGEs collectively accelerate the progression of various eye diseases, making them a crucial target for prevention and treatment strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-antioxidant-solution">The antioxidant solution</h2>



The experts noted that dietary antioxidants can decrease oxidative stress and inhibit the formation of AGEs, with possible beneficial effects on the retina.



The reduction of oxidative stress and prevention of AGE formation through dietary means offer a practical and accessible approach to mitigating the risk of eye diseases.&nbsp;



Improved macular pigment optical density is particularly noteworthy, as it is closely associated with enhanced visual function and protection against age-related macular degeneration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-grape-advantage">The grape advantage</h2>



The protective effects of antioxidants - particularly those found naturally in grapes - is a promising avenue for further research focused on eye health.&nbsp;



Through dietary interventions and a focus on antioxidant-rich foods, there is hope for improving quality of life among older adults.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d3fo02105j">Food &amp; Function</a>.



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Grapes provide a dietary shield to protect eye health

In a recent study from the California Grape Table Commission,...

A new study from Vrije University has shown that running can be just as effective as antidepressants in treating depression.&nbsp;



The results of the research, recently presented at the <a href="https://www.ecnp.eu/congress2023/ECNPcongress/programme/programme?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoLOqoqbcgAMVCc53Ch3kQQ6vEAAYASACEgIhmfD_BwE#!abstractdetails/0000524290" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ECNP conference</a> in Barcelona, highlight both the mental and physical benefits of exercise over antidepressants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings">Key findings</h2>



The study showed similar benefits in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-may-improve-mental-health-more-than-medication/">mental health</a> between the group that took antidepressants and the group that engaged in running.



“Both interventions helped with the depression to around the same extent," said Professor Brenda Penninx, who led the study.



"Antidepressants generally had a worse impact on body weight, heart rate variability and blood pressure, whereas running therapy led to an improved effect on general fitness and heart rate for instance."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-improvements">Health improvements</h2>



Over a 16-week course, the running group showed improvements in weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, and heart function.



Conversely, the antidepressant group, who took Escitalopram for 16 weeks, exhibited a tendency towards a slight deterioration in these metabolic markers.



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



The study was focused on 141 patients suffering from depression and/or anxiety. The individuals were given the choice between taking SSRI antidepressants for 16 weeks or joining a group-based running therapy for the same duration.&nbsp;



The majority, 96 participants, opted for running while 45 chose the antidepressants. This discrepancy in numbers indicates a clear preference for exercise over medication among the participants.



Professor Penninx noted that the individuals who chose the antidepressant route were slightly more depressed than those who opted for running.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adherence-to-treatment">Adherence to treatment</h2>



Despite the evident inclination toward running, the dropout rate for the exercise group was considerably higher.&nbsp;



Only 52 percent of the running group adhered to the recommended two to three supervised 45-minute group sessions per week for 16 weeks. The adherence rate for the antidepressant group was 82 percent.



The nature of each treatment might explain this difference. While taking antidepressants requires simple medication intake, running necessitates a more active approach, urging individuals to counter the sedentary lifestyles often associated with depression and anxiety disorders.&nbsp;



Running encourages individuals to go outdoors, set personal goals, enhance their fitness levels, and engage in group activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-room-for-both-therapies-nbsp">Room for both therapies&nbsp;</h2>



"It is important to say that there is room for both therapies in care for depression. The study shows that lots of people like the idea of exercising, but it can be difficult to carry this through, even though the benefits are significant," said Penninx.



"We found that most people are compliant in taking antidepressants, whereas around half of the running group adhered to the two-times-a-week exercise therapy."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exercise-therapy-nbsp">Exercise therapy&nbsp;</h2>



While the study shows that exercise provides additional physical health benefits, the challenge remains in ensuring that patients stick to their exercise regimen.



"Telling patients to go run is not enough. Changing physical activity behavior will require adequate supervision and encouragement as we did by implementing exercise therapy in a mental health care institution."



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



Professor Penninx stressed the importance of this study as it gave patients a real-life choice between medication and exercise. She said the research aimed to assess the impacts of both treatments on overall health, not just mental well-being.



“Antidepressants are generally safe and effective. They work for most people. We know that not treating depression at all leads to worse outcomes; so antidepressants are generally a good choice," said Penninx.



"Nevertheless, we need to extend our treatment arsenal as not all patients respond to antidepressants or are willing to take them. Our results suggest that implementing exercise therapy is something we should take much more seriously, as it could be a good – and maybe even better – choice for some of our patients."



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Running is just as effective as drugs for treating depression

A new study from Vrije University has shown that running...

A recent study highlights the importance of deep sleep for cardiovascular health.&nbsp;



The research provides valuable insights into how targeted stimulation during deep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exposure-to-light-during-sleep-can-damage-your-health/">sleep</a> can substantially benefit the heart, particularly the left ventricle, optimizing its functionality to pump and extract blood more efficiently.&nbsp;



Such enhanced activity in the left ventricle subsequently improves the supply of oxygen-rich arterial blood to vital organs, extremities, and the brain.



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



The study was led by Christian Schmied, Senior Consultant for Cardiology at the University Hospital Zurich.&nbsp;



The researchers used auditory stimulation to experimentally enhance slow waves.&nbsp;Using echocardiography, the experts obtained visual images of the heart to demonstrate that nocturnal stimulation intensifies the deformation of the left ventricle.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improved-cardiac-function-nbsp">Improved cardiac function&nbsp;</h2>



Through their examination, the researchers observed that an increase in brain waves during deep sleep (slow waves) directly correlated with improved cardiac function.



“We were expecting that stimulation with tones during deep sleep would impact the cardiovascular system. But the fact that this effect was so clearly measurable after just one night of stimulation surprised us,” explained project leader Caroline Lustenberger, a sleep expert at ETH Zurich.



“We clearly saw that both the heart’s pumping force and its relaxation were greater after nights with stimulation compared to nights without stimulation," said Schmied. Both factors are an excellent measure of cardiovascular system function.



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



The study was focused on 18 healthy male participants between the ages of 30 and 57. Over three non-consecutive nights, the subjects were closely monitored while they slept, with the research team employing sound stimulation on two nights and abstaining on the third.&nbsp;



This precise approach offered researchers an opportunity to directly observe the correlation between sound stimulation-enhanced deep sleep, and the participants' heart rate and blood pressure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continuous-measurements-nbsp">Continuous measurements&nbsp;</h2>



A computer system was used to meticulously analyze data from continuous measurements of the subjects' brain activity, blood pressure, and heart activity during sleep.&nbsp;



The system played a series of brief tones, or "pink noise," upon detecting that a subject had entered deep sleep. This experimental design allowed the team to monitor the immediate effects of sound stimulation on deep sleep and the cardiovascular system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increase-in-slow-waves">Increase in slow waves</h2>



“During stimulation, we clearly see an increase in slow waves, as well as a response from the cardiovascular system that is reminiscent of cardiovascular pulsation,” said study lead author Stephanie Huwiler.



“Despite the relatively small group of subjects, the results are significant. We were also able to reproduce the results on two separate nights, which in statistical terms makes them very strong,” said Lustenberger.



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



According to Huwiler, the deep sleep stimulation system developed in this study could have valuable applications in preventive medicine and competitive sports.&nbsp;



"Especially in preventive medicine, but also in competitive sport, this kind of deep sleep stimulation system might enable improved cardiac function in the future – and possibly ensure faster and better recovery after intense workouts,” said Huwiler.



“The treatment of cardiovascular diseases may be enhanced with this or similar stimulation methods," said Lustenberger. "However, it’s crucial to first investigate whether patients can benefit from this kind of deep sleep stimulation method as well.”



The research is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehad630" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Heart Journal</a>.



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Deep sleep stimulation can improve cardiac function overnight

A recent study highlights the importance of deep sleep for...

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London have discovered that people may suffer from persistent symptoms, or "long colds," following acute respiratory infections.



The study suggests that there could be long-lasting health impacts following a non-COVID respiratory infections, such as a cold or the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-killed-hundreds-of-seals-in-new-england-last-year/">flu</a>, that are currently going unrecognized.



This phenomenon is similar to "long Covid," a condition in which individuals experience lingering symptoms after their initial recovery. However, it is not yet clear whether the symptoms of long colds have the same severity or duration as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-covid-linked-to-persistent-inflammation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long Covid</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lasting-effects-of-respiratory-infections-nbsp">Lasting effects of respiratory infections&nbsp;</h2>



“Our findings shine a light not only on the impact of long Covid on people’s lives, but also other respiratory infections. A lack of awareness - or even the lack of a common term - prevents both reporting and diagnosis of these conditions," said study lead author Giulia Vivaldi.&nbsp;



“As research into long Covid continues, we need to take the opportunity to investigate and consider the lasting effects of other acute respiratory infections.



“These ‘long’ infections are so difficult to diagnose and treat primarily because of a lack of diagnostic tests and there being so many possible symptoms. There have been more than 200 investigated for long Covid alone.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symptoms-of-a-long-cold">Symptoms of a long cold</h2>



The experts analyzed data from 10,171 UK adults collected by <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/covidence/about-the-covidence-uk-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVIDENCE UK</a>, Queen Mary University of London’s national study of COVID-19.&nbsp;



The researchers identified common symptoms of the long cold, including coughing, stomach pain, and diarrhea persisting for over four weeks post the initial infection.&nbsp;



The researchers found that the severity of the initial illness plays a crucial role in determining the risk of developing long-term symptoms.&nbsp;



More research is needed to clarify why some individuals suffer from prolonged symptoms while others recover quickly.



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



The team compared the prevalence and the severity of long-term symptoms occurring after COVID-19 infections with those manifesting post non-COVID-19 respiratory infections.&nbsp;



The results showed that individuals recovering from COVID-19 were notably more prone to experiencing light-headedness, dizziness, and problems with taste and smell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-implications-for-long-colds">Future implications for "long colds"</h2>



“Our findings may chime with the experience of people who have struggled with prolonged symptoms after having a respiratory infection despite testing negative for COVID-19 on a nose or throat swab," explained Professor Adrian Martineau, chief investigator of COVIDENCE UK.



“Ongoing research into the long-term effects of COVID-19 and other acute respiratory infections is important because it can help us to get to the root of why some people experience more prolonged symptoms than others. Ultimately this could help us to identify the most appropriate form of treatment and care for affected people.”



Victoria King is the director of Funding and Impact at Barts Charity, an organization dedicated to supporting transformative healthcare research.



“Barts Charity swiftly supported COVIDENCE UK in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 to help inform of its risk factors and impacts. These findings highlight not only the long-term symptoms experienced by people after Covid infection, but by people after other acute respiratory infections as well," said King.&nbsp;



"As we learn more about long Covid symptoms and their possible treatments, studies like this help to build greater awareness around other prolonged respiratory infections that may be going unrecognized.”&nbsp;



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Scientists find possibility of "long colds" alongside "long Covid"

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London have discovered that...

A team of scientists led by the University of Bern in Switzerland has found that attending a classical music concert can lead to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-have-brains-that-synchronize-when-they-socialize/">synchronicity</a> among the audience members in various physiological ways.&nbsp;



The heartbeats of attendees can align, and they might even find themselves breathing in harmony or making similar movements in their seating.



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



The study involved 132 participants in Berlin, ranging from 18 to 85 years of age. The researchers witnessed this synchronization as the audience listened to compositions from renowned artists such as Beethoven, Brahms, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s contemporary composer, Brett Dean.&nbsp;



Monitoring tools showed that the breathing rates of these individuals, captured using sensor-equipped belts, aligned most consistently with the musical performance. Their heartbeats and subtle changes in fingertip sweat, indicating excitement, followed suit.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synchronized-heart-rhythms-nbsp">Synchronized heart rhythms&nbsp;</h2>



Interestingly, those who felt ‘inspired’ or were ‘emotionally moved’ by Brahms and Dean’s pieces showed a higher tendency for synchronized heart rhythms.



“It is fascinating that people at a concert, who do not know each other and do not even speak to each other, seem to have a shared experience, based on measurements like their heart rate,” said lead author Wolfgang Tschacher, a psychologist at Bern.&nbsp;



“When we see synchrony, we know people are really engaged in the music, as they are reacting to it emotionally in the same way.”



Upon further investigation, the researchers discovered that participants who prioritized socializing and interaction with companions during the concert demonstrated less physiological alignment with the music than others.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personality-traits">Personality traits</h2>



Additionally, extroverted and neural traits seemed to correlate with decreased synchronization, specifically in their fingertip sweat. 



On the other hand, those characterized as agreeable and open to novel experiences exhibited a heightened response to the melodies, mirroring the reactions of their fellow attendees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subconscious-immersion-nbsp">Subconscious immersion&nbsp;</h2>



Even under subdued lighting and separated seating, audience members managed to exhibit similar reactions, alluding to a shared, subconscious immersion in the music. The term "synchronization" in this context implies a statistically significant coordination, rather than perfect simultaneity.&nbsp;



Interestingly, Beethoven’s Op. 104 in C minor generated less of this coordinated response compared to Brahms’ Op. 111 in G Major and Dean’s Epitaphs. Past studies have also highlighted that not only audience members but musicians and conductors too can exhibit synchronized physical reactions during performances.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-41960-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Reports</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-responses-to-classical-music-nbsp">Brain responses to classical music&nbsp;</h2>



Listening to classical music can elicit various responses in the brain, which may include relaxation, improvement in mood, and stimulation of cognitive functions.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-relaxation">Relaxation</h3>



Classical music often leads to the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and relaxation. Slow tempo and soft dynamics can help lower blood pressure and reduce stress hormone levels.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-function">Cognitive function</h3>



Some research suggests that listening to classical music, like that of Mozart, may temporarily improve spatial-temporal abilities and memory in listeners. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as the “Mozart Effect.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-quality">Sleep quality</h3>



The soothing quality of classical music can help with insomnia and improve overall sleep quality in some individuals.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-regions-nbsp">Brain regions&nbsp;</h3>



Different aspects of music (such as rhythm, melody, and harmony) can engage various areas in the brain, including the auditory cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-responses">Emotional responses</h3>



Classical music can evoke strong emotions and activate areas of the brain associated with emotional processing, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex.



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Classical music can synchronize the heartbeats of strangers

A team of scientists led by the University of Bern...

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have discovered that the brain undergoes significant rewiring during pregnancy, preparing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-animals-may-acquire-mate-preferences-through-observation/">females</a> for motherhood.&nbsp;



According to the study, pregnancy hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone are instrumental in initiating these brain changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parental-behaviors">Parental behaviors</h2>



The researchers found that these hormones act upon a select group of neurons in the brain, inducing parental behaviors even before the offspring are born.&nbsp;



In mice, the activated neurons led to heightened and selective responses towards pups, which is a crucial aspect of maternal care.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hormonal-changes">Hormonal changes</h2>



Traditionally, it was believed that the onset of maternal behaviors was primarily triggered by hormones released during childbirth.&nbsp;



However, earlier studies indicated that even rats who underwent Caesarean sections and virgin mice exposed to pregnancy hormones exhibited maternal behaviors.&nbsp;



This observation implied that hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy play a pivotal role in promoting maternal instincts.



The researchers observed enhanced parental behaviors in female mice during late pregnancy. Interestingly, exposure to pups was not a prerequisite for the development of these behaviors.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galanin-expressing-neurons">Galanin-expressing neurons</h2>



The study highlighted the role of galanin-expressing neurons situated in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) of the hypothalamus, a region associated with parenting. These neurons were particularly influenced by oestrogen and progesterone.



Oestrogen was found to decrease the baseline activity of these neurons while increasing their excitability.&nbsp;



Progesterone, on the other hand, altered the neurons' inputs by increasing the number of synapses, which are crucial communication points between neurons.&nbsp;



When these neurons were made insensitive to hormones, mice failed to exhibit parental behaviors, highlighting the significance of hormonal influence during pregnancy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-brain-rewiring-nbsp">Long-term brain rewiring&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers noted that some of these neuronal changes persisted for at least a month post-childbirth, with others potentially being permanent, indicating long-term brain rewiring as a result of pregnancy.



"We know that the female body changes during pregnancy to prepare for bringing up young. One example is the production of milk, which starts long before giving birth. Our research shows that such preparations are taking place in the brain, too," explained study co-author Jonny Kohl.&nbsp;



“We think that these changes, often referred to as ‘baby brain,' cause a change in priority - virgin mice focus on mating, so don’t need to respond to other females’ pups, whereas mothers need to perform robust parental behaviour to ensure pup survival."&nbsp;



"What’s fascinating is that this switch doesn’t happen at birth - the brain is preparing much earlier for this big life change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-window-of-brain-plasticity-nbsp">Window of brain plasticity&nbsp;</h2>



“We’ve demonstrated that there’s a window of plasticity in the brain to prepare for future behavioral challenges," said co-first author Rachida Ammari.&nbsp;



"These neurons receive a large number of inputs from elsewhere in the brain, so now we’re hoping to understand where this new information comes from.”



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



The team is optimistic that their findings may have implications for understanding pregnancy and motherhood in humans, as similar hormonal changes are expected to influence the same brain regions.&nbsp;



The experts believe that these alterations in brain wiring could work in tandem with environmental and social cues to influence parental behaviors.&nbsp;



With these insights, the study sheds light on the complex interplay between hormonal changes during pregnancy and the onset of maternal instincts and behaviors.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adi0576." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Pregnancy brain: How neurons get rewired to prepare for motherhood

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have discovered that the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes how cavefish adapted to a sedentary lifestyle over tens of thousands of years. 



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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