A new study suggests that early humans may have used fire not primarily for cooking, but to protect their hard-earned meat from predators and preserve it through smoking and drying.



This theory offers a fresh explanation for why fire was first adopted long before it became a common part of daily life.



Researchers from <a href="https://english.tau.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tel Aviv University</a> argue that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-shows-early-humans-climbed-trees-and-worked-with-stone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early humans</a>, especially Homo erectus, likely used fire as a practical tool to guard and store large quantities of meat. Instead of cooking, fire may have served to smoke and dry meat from massive animals like elephants or hippos.



This, they propose, was a key survival strategy that let humans make the most of rare and valuable kills.



The research was conducted by Dr. Miki Ben-Dor and Professor Ran Barkai from the university’s Alkow Department of Archaeology and Ancient Near Eastern Cultures. The study is part of a broader theory that connects prehistoric developments to the decline of large game over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-uses-of-fire">Early uses of fire</h2>



Evidence of fire use becomes common in human habitats only after about 400,000 years ago. Before that, signs of fire are much rarer.



“The origins of fire use is a ‘burning’ topic among prehistory researchers around the world," Barkai said. "It is generally agreed that by 400,000 years ago, fire use was common in domestic contexts - most likely for roasting meat, and perhaps also for lighting and heating.” 



“But there is controversy regarding the preceding million years, and various hypotheses have been put forward to explain why early humans began using fire. In this study, we sought to explore a new perspective on the issue.”



Ben-Dor emphasized that early humans didn’t use fire on a regular basis. “At a number of early sites there are clear signs that fire was used, but without burnt bones or evidence of meat roasting," he said. 



The researchers suggest that ancient people needed a compelling, energy-efficient reason to invest time and effort in maintaining a fire.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patterns-across-ancient-sites"><a></a>Patterns across ancient sites</h2>



To support their theory, the researchers analyzed nine early sites - 1.8 million to 800,000 years old - with fire evidence. These sites span Africa, Israel, and Spain. The team also drew on ethnographic data from present-day <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-hunter-gatherer-ancestors-did-much-more-gathering-than-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunter-gatherers</a> to help interpret ancient behavior.



“We examined what the nine ancient sites had in common, and found that all contained large quantities of bones from large animals - mostly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ancient-humans-hunted-elephants-with-stone-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a>, but also hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, and others,” Ben-Dor said.



Previous studies show these animals were crucial for early human diets, supplying most of the necessary calories. "The meat and fat of a single elephant contain millions of calories, enough to feed a group of 20–30 people for a month or more,” he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-and-smoke-protects-food">Fire and smoke protects food</h2>



From this, the researchers concluded that early humans used fire to guard valuable meat from other animals and to prevent spoilage by smoking it.



“A hunted elephant or hippopotamus was thus a real treasure - a kind of meat and fat ‘bank’ that needed to be protected and preserved for many days, since it was coveted not only by predators but also by bacteria,” Ben-Dor said.



This dual use made fire-building worthwhile, even before it became a standard domestic tool, they argue. It also explains why some early sites have evidence of fire without signs of cooked meat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-wider-prehistoric-picture">A wider prehistoric picture</h2>



Barkai sees this idea as part of a larger shift in how we understand early human behavior. “In this study, we propose a new understanding of the factors that motivated early humans to begin using fire," he explained. "The need to safeguard large hunted animals from other predators, and to preserve the vast quantity of meat over time.”



“It is likely that once fire was produced for these purposes, it was also occasionally used for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-bedrock-can-tell-us-about-ancient-cooking-and-culture/">coo</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-bedrock-can-tell-us-about-ancient-cooking-and-culture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">k</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-bedrock-can-tell-us-about-ancient-cooking-and-culture/">ing</a> - at zero marginal energetic cost. Such use may explain evidence of fish roasting from around 800,000 years ago at Gesher Benot Ya'aqov.”



The researchers' approach aligns with their broader theory that prehistoric hunting and consumption of large animals drove human evolution. When those large animals disappeared, humans adapted by exploiting smaller prey.



In this view, fire wasn’t simply a tool for comfort or cuisine. It was a strategic response to ecological and survival pressures - a way for early humans to make the most of their greatest food sources before those sources became scarce.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1585182/full">Fron</a><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1585182/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">t</a><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1585182/full">iers in Nutrition</a>.



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Early humans first used fire to preserve meat instead of cooking

A new study suggests that early humans may have used fire not primarily for cooking, but to protect their hard-earned meat from predators and preserve it through smoking and drying. This theory offers a fresh explanation for why fire was first adopted long before it became a common part of daily life. Researchers from Tel Aviv University argue that early humans, especially Homo erectus, likely used fire as a practical tool to guard and store large quantities of meat. Instead of cooking, fire may have served to...

A cup of leafy green vegetables a day improves muscle strength, regardless of physical activity, according to a new study from <a href="https://www.ecu.edu.au/">Edith Cowan University</a> (ECU). The researchers found that people who consumed a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diet-lowers-the-overall-risk-of-stroke/">diet</a> rich in nitrates, mainly from vegetables, had significantly better muscle function.

The investigation was focused on data from more than 3,700 participants Melbourne's Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute AusDiab study. Individuals with the highest nitrate consumption had 11 percent stronger lower limb strength compared to those with the lowest nitrate intake. 

Study lead author Dr. Marc Sim said the findings reveal important evidence for the role diet plays in overall health.

"Our study has shown that diets high in nitrate-rich vegetables may bolster your muscle strength independently of any physical activity," said Dr. Sim.

"Nevertheless, to optimise muscle function we propose that a balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables in combination with regular exercise, including weight training, is ideal."

Muscle function is critical for maintaining good overall health, especially bone strength later in life.

"With around one in three Australians aged over 65 suffering a fall each year, it's important to find ways of preventing these events and their potentially serious consequences."

Dr. Sim noted that while leafy green vegetables may be some of our least favorite, they could be the most important. The greatest health benefits were linked to lettuce, spinach, kale and beetroot.

"Less than one in ten Australians eat the recommended five to six serves of vegetables per day," said Dr. Sim.

"We should be eating a variety of vegetables every day, with at least one of those serves being leafy greens to gain a range of positive health benefits for the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular system."

"It's also better to eat nitrate-rich vegetables as part of a healthy diet rather than taking supplements. Green leafy vegetables provide a whole range of essential vitamins and minerals critical for health."

Dr. Sim said the next step of his research will be exploring strategies to increase leafy green vegetable consumption in the general population.

"We are currently recruiting for the MODEL Study, which examines how knowledge of disease can be used to prompt people in making long-term improvements to their diet and exercise."

The study is published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jn">Journal of Nutrition</a>.

---

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Leafy green vegetables improve muscle strength

A cup of leafy green vegetables a day improves muscle...

Exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, according to a new study from <a href="https://utswmed.org/">UT Southwestern Medical Center</a>. The researchers found that when older adults with mild cognitive impairment followed an exercise program for a year, they exhibited decreased stiffness of blood vessels in their neck and increased blood flow to their brain. 

"This is part of a growing body of evidence linking exercise with brain health," said study lead author Dr. Rong Zhang. "We've shown for the first time in a randomized trial in these older adults that exercise gets more blood flowing to your brain."

Up to 20 percent of people over the age of 65 have some level of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is characterized by slight changes to the brain that affect memory, decision-making, or reasoning skills. This condition can progress to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Experts have previously demonstrated that mild cognitive impairment and dementia are associated with lower levels of blood flow to the brain, as well as stiffer blood vessels leading to the brain.

Even though studies have also suggested that regular exercise may help improve cognition and memory, scientists have not established whether there is a direct link between exercise, stiffer blood vessels, and brain blood flow.

"There is still a lot we don't know about the effects of exercise on cognitive decline later in life," said study senior author Dr. C. Munro Cullum. "MCI and dementia are likely to be influenced by a complex interplay of many factors, and we think that, at least for some people, exercise is one of those factors."

The investigation was focused on 70 men and women aged 55 to 80 who had been diagnosed with MCI. The participants underwent cognitive exams, fitness tests, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. 

Next, the individuals were randomly assigned to a moderate aerobic exercise program or a stretching program for one year. The exercise program involved three to five sessions a week that included 30 to 40 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking at a fast pace.

Overall, 48 participants completed their training and had follow-up tests. Individuals in the exercise group had reduced stiffness of blood vessels in their neck and increased blood flow to the brain. 

As the participants' oxygen consumption increased, the changes in blood vessel stiffness and brain blood flow became more pronounced. The beneficial effects were not found among people who completed the stretching program.

While there were no significant changes detected in memory or cognitive function, the researchers said this may be due to the small size or short length of the trial. They added that changes to blood flow could precede changes to cognition. The team is currently conducting a larger two-year study, Risk Reduction for Alzheimer's Disease (rrAD), to further investigate the link between exercise and cognitive decline.

"There are likely some people who benefit more from exercise than others," said Dr. Cullum. "But with the sample size in this study, it was hard to analyze subgroups of people to make those conclusions."

The study authors noted that the data are important to help explain the effects of exercise on the brain and why it can be beneficial.

"Having physiological findings like this can also be useful for physicians when they talk to their patients about the benefits of exercise," said Dr. Zhang. "We now know, based on a randomized, controlled trial, that exercise can increase blood flow to the brain, which is a good thing."

The study is published in the <a href="https://www.j-alz.com/">Journal of Alzheimer's Disease</a>.

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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

Exercise increases blood flow to the brain

Exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, according to a...

Since the beginning of the pandemic, pets have been in higher demand among families with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-best-bedtime-routine-for-children-has-now-been-defined/">children</a> in the home. But now, a new national poll from <a href="https://www.uofmhealth.org/">Michigan Medicine</a> reveals that older adults have acquired their fair share of pandemic pets as well. 

According to the <a href="https://www.healthyagingpoll.org/">National Poll on Healthy Aging</a>, nearly 60 percent of respondents aged 50 to 80 have pets in the home. Among these pet owners, 17 percent had gotten at least one pet since the pandemic began. 

The survey results showed that pet ownership was higher among women, white respondents, those who live in single-family detached homes, and among individuals aged 50 to 64.

In a 2019 poll from Michigan Medicine, older adults reported that having a pet helps them enjoy life and reduces stress. The respondents also said their pets give them a sense of purpose and help them to connect with other people and stay active.

Among older adults who lived alone or were not in the greatest health when the 2019 survey was conducted, nearly 75 percent said that having a pet made it easier for them to cope with physical or emotional symptoms.

Between the 2019 and 2021 polls, the percentage of older adults that lived alone with a pet jumped up by 12 points. Pets always play an important role as companions for people living alone, but this role became even more significant during the pandemic when many older adults stayed home. 

Poll director Dr. Preeti Malani has firsthand experience with getting a "pandemic puppy" to join her family, and it is the first time they have had any type of pet.

"Sully has been a great addition," said Dr. Malani. "He makes sure we get outside every day. I've also met several other dog owners in the neighborhood."

Wendy Welch is the director of communications at the Humane Society of Huron Valley, where adoption rates have hit record highs in the past year.

"We are delighted to see not just worthy animals get homes, but also to see people get much needed unconditional love as well," said Welch. "While grandparents have sadly been separated from hugging their grandchildren, furry friends have been okay to snuggle." 

"It's well documented that pets can help lower our blood pressure, ease anxiety and improve symptoms of depression. And of particular interest during this isolating pandemic, companion animals certainly stave off the silent killer: loneliness. We are so thankful to the older adults who've opened up their hearts and homes to shelter animals during this time."

The research was funded by the University of Michigan and <a href="https://www.aarp.org/">AARP</a>.

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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

Many people over 50 got pandemic pets

Since the beginning of the pandemic, pets have been in...

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-walkers-are-four-times-more-likely-to-die-from-covid-19/">COVID-19</a> is causing mild to severe hearing loss and other auditory problems such as tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, according to a study led by the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/">University of Manchester</a>. Professor Kevin Munro said that while further research is needed, more than one in 10 COVID-19 patients have reported that something has changed with their hearing.

In collaboration with PhD researcher Ibrahim Almufarrij, Professor Munro reviewed 56 studies that identified an association between COVID-19 and auditory and vestibular problems.

After analyzing data from 24 of the studies, the researchers estimate that the prevalence of hearing loss is 7.6 percent, tinnitus is 14.8 percent and vertigo is 7.2 percent among individuals who contracted COVID-19.

At the same time, the experts describe the quality of the studies as fair. The data was primarily collected through self-reported questionnaires or medical records, rather than more scientifically reliable hearing tests.

"There is an urgent need for a carefully conducted clinical and diagnostic study to understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the auditory system," said Professor Munro.

"It is also well-known that viruses such as measles, mumps and meningitis can cause hearing loss; little is understood about the auditory effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus."

"Though this review provides further evidence for an association, the studies we looked at were of varying quality so more work needs to be done."

Currently, Professor Munro leading a year-long study to investigate the potential long-term impacts of COVID-19 on hearing among people who were previously treated in the hospital for infection.

"Though the evidence is of varying quality, more and more studies are being carried out so the evidence base is growing. What we really need are studies that compare COVID-19 cases with controls, such as patients admitted to hospital with other health conditions," said Almufarrij.

"Though caution needs to be taken, we hope this study will add to the weight of scientific evidence that there is a strong association between Covid-19 and hearing problems."

Professor Munro said that he received hundreds of emails from people who had reported hearing changes after having COVID-19. "While this is alarming, caution is required as it is unclear if changes to hearing are directly attributed to COVID-19 or to other factors, such as treatments to deliver urgent care."

The study was funded by is NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

The research is published in the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/iija20/current">International Journal of Audiology</a>.

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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

COVID-19 linked to hearing loss and auditory issues

COVID-19 is causing mild to severe hearing loss and other...

High speed air dryers can spread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-dryers-spread-germs/">germs</a> from poorly washed hands to clothing and then onto other surfaces outside of the restroom, according to a study from the <a href="https://www.shea-online.org/">Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America</a>.

"Pathogens can persist for several hours on hands and up to several months on surfaces, and they can be acquired at a high rate through contact with environmental surfaces," wrote the researchers.

"Residual hand moisture is associated with increased microorganism transfer from hands to surfaces. Thus, the process of hand drying is essential in minimizing the risk of pathogen spread."

"Previously, we examined the risk of environmental bacterial contamination in hospital toilets associated with different hand-drying methods. We observed less droplet and/or microbe dispersion, and consequently lower level of toilet surfaces contamination, following hand drying with paper towels compared to a jet air dryer." 

"These observations showed the impact of the hand-drying method on the risk of contamination of the washroom and toilet environment. However, whether these differences could also affect the spread of pathogens beyond the toilets remains unknown, especially as in hospitals, these are used by staff, visitors, and patients."

To investigate, the researchers conducted an experiment designed to test the role of different hand drying methods in spreading germs outside of the restroom.

Study participants sanitized their hands with 70 percent alcohol disinfectant, dipped them in a harmless viral solution, and then dried them using either an air dryer or paper towels. 

During the experiment, the volunteers wore an apron to test contamination of clothing. The participants then took a predetermined path through the hospital while touching commonly used surfaces, such as elevator buttons. 

The researchers collected samples from surfaces that the volunteers touched, as well as from their aprons.

"Based on the user and surface contamination observed following hand drying using high speed air dryers, we question the choice of air dryers in healthcare settings," said study co-author Dr. Ines Moura of the University of Leeds. "Microbes remaining after hand drying can transfer to surfaces via contaminated hands and clothing."

The levels of contamination on surfaces that individuals touched with their hands were ten times higher after hands were dried with an air dryer rather than paper towels. In addition, there was greater microbial transfer to the apron when volunteers used the air dryer. 

"The study was performed in a healthcare setting and has important lessons for health institutions that still have high speed air dryers in restrooms, but the results are also relevant for public restrooms with high foot traffic," said Dr. Moura.

The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology">Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology</a>.

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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

Air dryers spread germs to surfaces beyond the restroom

High speed air dryers can spread germs from poorly washed...

Females who are physically fit tend to burn more fat when they <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-cardiovascular-benefits-of-exercise-are-unlimited/">exercise</a> compared to men, according to new research by sports nutritionists at the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/">University of Bath</a>.

In two studies, the experts have investigated the factors that most influence an individual's capacity to burn body fat when engaging in endurance sports.

The team previously demonstrated that the body's carbohydrate stores deplenish quickly among endurance athletes competing in distance events. This means that tapping into the body's fat reserves becomes essential to an athletes' ability to perform.

The first study was designed to investigate the lifestyle and biological factors for optimal fat burning. The participants - 73 healthy men and women - took a cycling fitness test as the researchers measured key indicators.

The trial revealed that females, as well as those who were the most physically fit, burned fat more efficiently when exercising regardless of age.

In a second study, the researchers set out to determine which molecular factors in muscles and fat tissue control how fat is burned. The experts biopsied fat and muscle tissue from participants to analyze how differences in the proteins may affect the ability to burn fat.

The results showed that the proteins in muscle that are involved in breaking down stored fat into the smaller fatty acids, and proteins involved in transporting those fatty acids into the mitochondria in muscle, consistently correlated with a greater ability to burn fat. The findings could not explain why this process is more efficient among females.

"Our study found that females typically have a greater reliance upon fat as a fuel source during exercise than males," said Ollie Chrzanowski-Smith, the lead author of both studies.

"Understanding the mechanisms behind these sex differences in fuel use may help explain why being female seems to confer a metabolic advantage for insulin sensitivity, an important marker of metabolic health."

According to the researchers, the ability to burn fat as a fuel appears to protect against future weight gain, ensuring good weight management. On the other hand, they caution that the body's ability to burn fat should not be equated with an ability to lose weight. When it comes to weight loss, especially for overweight individuals, the study authors stress the importance of diet and exercise.

"Weight management is mainly about energy balance, so to lose weight we need to eat fewer calories than we expend through our resting metabolism and physical activity," explained Dr. Javier Gonzalez. 

"However, people with a higher ability to burn fat as a fuel seem to be somewhat protected against future weight gain, which might be related to how fat burning affects food intake and energy expenditure."

"Ultimately, a greater capacity to burn fat as a fuel has potential benefits for endurance athletes, by delaying the timepoint when they run out of precious carbohydrate stores."

The study is published in the <a href="https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsnem/28/2/ijsnem.28.issue-2.xml">International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism</a>.

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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

Women who are physically fit burn fat faster

Females who are physically fit tend to burn more fat...

Slow walkers are four times more likely to die from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urgent-wake-up-call-climate-change-linked-to-covid-19/">COVID-19</a>, and have more than double the risk of developing a severe infection, according to a new study led by the <a href="https://le.ac.uk/">University of Leicester</a>.

The research was focused on more than 400,000 middle-aged adults in the UK Biobank database. The experts analyzed the potential relationship between the self-reported walking pace of the individuals and their risk of developing severe or fatal COVID-19.

The investigation revealed that slow walkers with a normal body weight are almost 2.5 times more likely to contract severe COVID-19 and 3.75 times more likely to die from their infection compared to fast walkers with a normal weight.

Study lead author Tom Yates is a professor of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and Health at the University of Leicester.

"We know already that obesity and frailty are key risk factors for COVID-19 outcomes. This is the first study to show that slow walkers have a much higher risk of contracting severe COVID-19 outcomes, irrespective of their weight," said Professor Yates.

"With the pandemic continuing to put unprecedented strain on health care services and communities, identifying individuals at greatest risk and taking preventative measures to protect them is crucial."

The researchers also found that slow walkers with a healthy weight have a higher risk of both severe and fatal COVID-19 than fast walkers with obesity. The risk among slow walkers is consistently high, regardless of weight. 

"Fast walkers have been shown to generally have good cardiovascular and heart health, making them more resilient to external stressors, including viral infection but this hypothesis has not yet been established for infectious disease," said Professor Yates.

"Whilst large routine database studies have reported the association of obesity and fragility with COVID-19 outcomes, routine clinical databases do not currently have data on measures of physical function or fitness."

"It is my view that ongoing public health and research surveillance studies should consider incorporating simple measures of physical fitness such as self-reported walking pace in addition to BMI, as potential risk predictors of COVID-19 outcomes that could ultimately enable better prevention methods that save lives."

The study is published in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/ijo/">International Journal of Obesity</a>.

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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

Slow walkers are four times more likely to die from COVID-19

Slow walkers are four times more likely to die from...

A new study from <a href="https://www.osu.edu/">Ohio State University</a> reveals what is going on inside of your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-brain-interactions-have-an-influence-on-diseases/">brain</a> when you get lost in a fictional fantasy. The experts discovered that the more immersed we become in the lives of our favorite characters of fiction, the more our brain activity reflects how much we identify with them.

"When they think about a favorite fictional character, it appears similar in one part of the brain as when they are thinking about themselves," said study lead author Timothy Broom.

The research was focused on self-described fans of the HBO series "Game of Thrones." The individuals were instructed to think about themselves, nine of their friends, and nine characters from the drama series. The participants also reported on which character they felt closest to and liked the most.

According to Broom, Game of Thrones was ideal for this study because it attracted a devoted fan base and the large cast presented a variety of characters that people could become attached to.

One of the key findings involved participants who scored highest on "trait identification." These individuals agreed most strongly with statements like "I really get involved in the feelings of the characters in a novel."

"People who are high in trait identification not only get absorbed into a story, they also are really absorbed into a particular character," said Broom. "They report matching the thoughts of the character, they are thinking what the character is thinking, they are feeling what the character is feeling. They are inhabiting the role of that character."

The researchers used an fMRI machine to measure activity in various parts of the brain through small changes in blood flow. As the participants' brains were scanned, they were evaluating themselves, their friends, and Game of Thrones characters. 

A part of the brain called the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) is known to show increased activity when people think about themselves and, to a lesser extent, when they think about close friends.

While in the fMRI, the individuals were shown a series of names - including themselves, friends, or characters - along with a trait, such as lonely, sad, trustworthy, or smart. The participants simply said "yes" or "no" to imply whether the trait fit the person.

As expected, the vMPFC was most active when people were evaluating themselves, less active when they evaluated friends, and least active when they evaluated characters from Game of Thrones.

However, among those who were high in trait identification, the vMPFC was more active when they thought about the fictional characters than it was for participants who identified less with the characters. This region of the brain was particularly active when the individuals evaluated the character they identified with the most.

Study co-author Dylan Wanger said the findings help explain how fiction can have such a big impact on some people.

"For some people, fiction is a chance to take on new identities, to see worlds though others' eyes and return from those experiences changed," said Wagner.

"What previous studies have found is that when people experience stories as if they were one of the characters, a connection is made with that character, and the character becomes intwined with the self. In our study, we see evidence of that in their brains."

The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/scan">Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience</a>.

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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

What happens in your brain while you're lost in fiction

A new study from Ohio State University reveals what is...

Disposable face masks made from plastic microfibers are a ticking time bomb for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-stars-may-be-drowning-in-their-environment/">environment</a>, according to a new study from the <a href="https://www.sdu.dk/en">University of Southern Denmark</a>. Based on recent studies, the study authors estimate that 129 billion face masks are used each month, which is the equivalent of three million masks per minute. 

The experts report that most of the billions of masks that are being used on a monthly basis are disposable face masks made from plastic microfibers.

The researchers warn that, with increasing reports on inappropriate disposal of masks, it is urgent to recognize this potential environmental threat and prevent it from becoming the next big plastic problem.

"We know that, like other plastic debris, disposable masks may also accumulate and release harmful chemical and biological substances, such as bisphenol A, heavy metals, as well as pathogenic microorganisms," said study co-author and environmental toxicologist Elvis Genbo Xu.

The alarmingly high number of masks that are being produced is comparable to that of plastic bottles, which is about 43 billion per month. Unlike plastic bottles, however, there are no official guidelines for recycling face masks. This makes them more likely to be disposed of as solid waste, explained the study authors. 

Disposable face masks are plastic products that are not biodegradable and may break down into smaller microplastics that are now invading even the most remote and pristine ecosystems. 

According to the experts, a major concern is that the masks are directly made from microsized plastic fibers with a thickness of ~1 to 10 micrometers. 

"When breaking down in the environment, the mask may release more micro-sized plastics, easier and faster than bulk plastics like plastic bags," wrote the researchers.

"Such impacts can be worsened by a new-generation mask, nanomasks, which directly use nano-sized plastic fibers (with a diameter smaller than 1 micrometer) and add a new source of nanoplastic pollution."

The study authors emphasized that they do not know how masks contribute to the large number of plastic particles detected in the environment, simply because no data on mask degradation in nature exists.

"But we know that, like other plastic debris, disposable masks may also accumulate and release harmful chemical and biological substances, such as bisphenol A, heavy metals, as well as pathogenic microorganisms. These may pose indirect adverse impacts on plants, animals and humans," said Xu.

The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.springer.com/journal/11783">Frontiers of Environmental Science &amp; Engineering</a>.

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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

Disposable face masks could become the next plastic crisis

Disposable face masks made from plastic microfibers are a ticking...

Men are more likely to have a heart attack when they are suffering from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/listening-music-exercise-fight-fatigue/">fatigue</a> and extreme irritability, which are symptoms of a condition known as vital exhaustion. The link between exhaustion and heart attack risk is stronger among men who are not married, according to a study from the <a href="https://www.escardio.org/">European Society of Cardiology</a>.

"Vital exhaustion refers to excessive fatigue, feelings of demoralisation and increased irritability," said study lead author Dr. Dmitriy Panov. "It is thought to be a response to intractable problems in people's lives, particularly when they are unable to adapt to prolonged exposure to psychological stressors."

The study was focused on 657 men between the ages of 25 and 64 with no history of cardiovascular disease who participated in the World Health Organization (WHO) MONICA Project.

The men were classified according to their level of vital exhaustion - none, moderate, or high - and were followed up with for 14 years.

Overall, two-thirds of the men were suffering from vital exhaustion, while 33 percent were unaffected. Among individuals with high blood pressure, 74 percent had vital exhaustion.

Men with moderate or high levels of vital exhaustion were found to have nearly three times the risk of a heart attack within five years.

Middle-aged men were more affected than younger men. The risk of a heart attack connected with exhaustion was nearly four times higher in 45 to 54-year-olds, and about six times higher in 55 to 64-year-olds.

Furthermore, exhaustion-related heart attack risk was up to seven times higher among men who were never married, divorced, or widowed. 

"Living alone indicates less social support, which we know from our prior studies is an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction and stroke," said Dr. Panov. He noted that the research revealed a pattern whereby social disadvantage relates to vital exhaustion, which is associated with a greater risk of heart disease. 

"The relationship of exhaustion with threatening cardiovascular events should be taken into account when assessing risk," said Dr. Panov.

"Efforts to improve well-being and reduce stress at home and at work can help reduce vital exhaustion. Involvement in community groups is one way to increase social support and become less vulnerable to stress. Together with a healthy lifestyle, these measures should be beneficial for heart health."

The research was presented at <a href="https://www.escardio.org/Congresses-&amp;-Events/Acute-Cardiovascular-Care">ESC Acute CardioVascular Care 2021</a>.

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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

Exhaustion increases the risk of a heart attack

Men are more likely to have a heart attack when...

Veggie Bowl over Coconut Quinoa

A plant-based diet can significantly reduce the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-young-adults-do-not-know-common-stroke-symptoms/">stroke</a>, according to a new study from the <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/">Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health</a>. 

The researchers found that individuals who eat a healthy diet primarily sourced from plants that is rich in leafy greens, whole grains, and beans - with lower levels of refined grains and added sugars - can reduce their overall risk of stroke by up to 10 percent.

"Our findings have important public health implications, suggesting that future nutrition policies to lower stroke risk should take the quality of food into consideration," said study first author Megu Baden.

While previous studies have linked plant-based diets to a lower risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the same association with stroke has not been well established.

"Many studies already show that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce your risk of all kinds of diseases, from heart disease to diabetes," said study co-author Dr. Megu Baden. "We wanted to find out if there is an association between this kind of healthy diet and stroke risk."

For their investigation, the researchers analyzed diet and health data from more than 200,000 participants in the Nurses' Health Study, Nurses' Health Study II, and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study.

The individuals did not have a history of cardiovascular disease or cancer at the time of enrollment, and were followed for more than 25 years.

In addition to lowering the overall risk of stroke, a healthy plant-based diet was found to be associated with a modest reduction in risk of ischemic stroke. This is the most common type of stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked. 

"Many individuals have been increasing the amount of plant-based components in their diet," said study co-author Professor Kathryn Rexrode. 

"These results show that higher intake of healthy plant-based foods may help reduce long-term stroke risk, and that it is still important to pay attention to diet quality of plant-based diets."

The study is published in the journal <a href="https://n.neurology.org/">Neurology</a>.

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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

Plant-based diet lowers overall stroke risk

A plant-based diet can significantly reduce the risk of stroke,...

Just two servings of fish per week can help prevent recurrent cardiovascular events, according to new research from <a href="https://www.mcmaster.ca/">McMaster University</a>. The experts analyzed multiple large studies involving participants from more than 60 countries. 

The study revealed that eating oily fish on a regular basis substantially lowers the likelihood of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-young-adults-do-not-know-common-stroke-symptoms/">stroke</a> among high-risk individuals.

The critical compound found in fish is omega-3 fatty acid, which is a type of essential fat that the body cannot make on its own. Omega-3 fatty acids are strongly associated with improved heart health. 

The researchers found that, among high-risk individuals, two servings of omega-3-rich fish each week lowered the threat of major cardiovascular events by one-sixth.

"There is a significant protective benefit of fish consumption in people with cardiovascular disease," said study co-lead author Professor Andrew Mente.

"This study has important implications for guidelines on fish intake globally. It indicates that increasing fish consumption and particularly oily fish in vascular patients may produce a modest cardiovascular benefit."

According to Mente, people at low risk for cardiovascular disease can still enjoy modest protection from CVD by eating fish rich in omega-3, but the health benefits were less pronounced than those high-risk individuals.

The investigation was based on data from nearly 192,000 people in four studies, including about 52,000 with cardiovascular disease. It is the first study of its kind to be conducted on all five continents. 

"This is by far the most diverse study of fish intake and health outcomes in the world and the only one with sufficient numbers with representation from high, middle and low income countries from all inhabited continents of the world," said study co-lead author Dr. Salim Yusuf.

The study is published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine">JAMA Internal Medicine</a>.

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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

Eating fish lowers risk of recurrent cardiovascular events

Just two servings of fish per week can help prevent...

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



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.

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



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.

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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" 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> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

[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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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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"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

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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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