Artificial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-artificial-sweeteners-safe-the-debate-is-heating-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sweeteners</a> are appealing to those who want a sweet taste without the calories or health concerns associated with sugar. Yet, emerging research continues to uncover potential gut harm caused by sugar substitutes, such as neotame. 



A new study from Anglia Ruskin University (<a href="https://www.aru.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ARU</a>) sheds light on neotame, a relatively newer artificial sweetener, and its shocking effects on the gut.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-neotame-wrecks-havoc-on-the-gut-microbiome">How neotame wrecks havoc on the gut microbiome</h2>



According to the research, neotame directly harms the gut's protective lining and changes the behavior of good gut bacteria. This can weaken the gut barrier and disrupt the gut microbiome. These changes affect digestion, immune health, and can lead to various health problems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neotame-s-impact-on-epithelial-cells-in-the-gut">Neotame's impact on epithelial cells in the gut</h3>



Research indicates that neotame has the capacity to directly induce cell death in the epithelial cells that line your intestinal walls. The exact mechanism by which this occurs is still being investigated but might involve the disruption of essential cellular functions.



The epithelial lining of the gut plays a crucial role in maintaining a physical barrier between the contents of your digestive tract and your internal systems. 



This barrier is essential for both nutrient absorption and for protecting your body from harmful toxins, pathogens, and other substances found within the gut. Neotame's ability to kill these cells directly undermines the integrity of this barrier.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neotame-s-disruption-of-gut-microbes">Neotame's disruption of gut microbes</h3>



Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria like E.coli and E. faecalis. In a healthy state, many of these bacteria contribute to digestive processes and play a role in immune system support. However, exposure to neotame appears to induce negative changes in these bacteria.



Neotame can cause normally beneficial gut bacteria to become harmful. This includes increased adherence (sticking) to the gut wall, the ability to invade the gut lining, and the potential to break through the gut barrier and enter the bloodstream.



If harmful bacteria escape the confines of the gut and reach the bloodstream, this can cause sepsis - a life-threatening condition where the body has an extreme inflammatory response to infection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-a-neotame-compromised-gut">Consequences of a Neotame compromised gut</h2>



Your gut is often called the "second brain." It's home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as your gut microbiome, that have a profound influence on your overall well-being. Here's what might happen when neotame disrupts your delicate gut ecosystem:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs">Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)</h3>



As discussed, damage to the gut barrier can lead to increased intestinal permeability (often called "leaky gut"). This allows unwanted substances to pass through the gut lining and into the body, potentially triggering inflammation and immune responses that exacerbate IBS symptoms.



Research suggests that people with IBS often have altered gut microbiota compared to healthy individuals. An imbalance between beneficial and harmful gut bacteria can contribute to digestive distress, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sepsis">Sepsis</h3>



A compromised gut barrier allows harmful bacteria to potentially escape from the digestive tract and enter the bloodstream. This translocation of bacteria can trigger a severe systemic inflammatory response known as sepsis.



Sepsis is a medical emergency. When not promptly treated, it can progress to septic shock, leading to multiple organ failure and death.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metabolic-and-inflammatory-disorders">Metabolic and inflammatory disorders</h3>



The gut microbiome plays a significant role in regulating various metabolic processes, including energy harvesting from food and blood sugar control. An altered gut microbiome can contribute to metabolic dysregulation, leading to issues such as insulin resistance (a precursor to type 2 diabetes).



Disruptions in the gut microbiome from neotame can promote low-grade, chronic inflammation throughout the body. This sustained inflammation is a key contributor to the development of numerous chronic health conditions, including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and possibly even some forms of cancer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neotame-s-place-among-other-artificial-sweeteners">Neotame's place among other artificial sweeteners</h2>



This isn't the first time artificial sweeteners have been under scrutiny. “There is now growing awareness of the health impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweeteners-obesity-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sweeteners</a> such as saccharin, sucralose and aspartame, with our own previous work demonstrating the problems they can cause to the wall of the intestine and the damage to the ‘good bacteria’ which form in our gut," said study senior author Dr. Havovi Chichger.



For people struggling with weight control, diabetes, or glucose intolerance, artificial sweeteners can be a tool. But the research on neotame and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweetener-has-been-linked-to-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sweeteners</a> paints a complex picture. While they reduce sugar intake, the long-term consequences of their effect on the gut remain a significant health concern.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-things-to-consider">Things to consider </h2>



Before using any artificial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweeteners-linked-to-increased-risk-of-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sweetener</a>, consider the following:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moderation-is-key">Moderation is key</h3>



<ul>
<li>Small amounts if needed:&nbsp;If you decide to incorporate artificial sweeteners into your diet, it's crucial to do so with extreme caution. Using them sparingly minimizes potential exposure and reduces the risk of negative effects on gut health.</li>



<li>Retraining your palate:&nbsp;Our taste preferences are adaptable. Gradually reducing your intake of artificial sweeteners and highly sweetened foods allows your taste buds to adjust. Over time, you'll appreciate and enjoy the subtle sweetness of naturally occurring sugars found in fruits, vegetables, and some dairy products.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-read-food-labels">Read food labels</h3>



<ul>
<li>Ingredient awareness:&nbsp;Scrutinize ingredient lists carefully. Artificial sweeteners like neotame, sucralose, aspartame, and others can appear in a surprising variety of products, including diet drinks, processed snacks, chewing gum, and even seemingly "healthy" bars or beverages.</li>



<li>Hidden names:&nbsp;Artificial sweeteners can go by many names. Be vigilant in spotting them on food labels to make more informed choices about what you consume.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-alternatives">Natural alternatives</h3>



<ul>
<li>Stevia and monk fruit:&nbsp;These plant-derived sweeteners have little to no impact on blood sugar levels, making them potentially safer options. However, some individuals may find they have an aftertaste or digestive sensitivities to them.</li>



<li>Use with caution:&nbsp;Even natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweeteners-health-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sweeteners</a> shouldn't be consumed in excess. The goal is to reduce your overall reliance on overly sweet flavors and to appreciate the inherent sweetness of whole foods.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-talk-to-your-doctor">Talk to your doctor</h3>



<ul>
<li>Personalized advice:&nbsp;Seeking guidance from your doctor or a registered dietitian is essential, especially if you have underlying health conditions like diabetes or any digestive issues.</li>



<li>Individualized approach:&nbsp;They can help you develop a dietary plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns while taking into account potential risks associated with artificial sweeteners.</li>
</ul>



The evolving understanding of the complex relationship between artificial sweeteners like neotame and gut health underscores the value of a whole-foods based diet. This recent research on neotame is another reminder that what we put into our bodies has far-reaching effects beyond simple taste and metabolism. 



Prioritizing healthy, unprocessed foods is the best way to support your gut microbiome and your overall well-being for the long term.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1366409/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Nutrition</a>.



-----



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Artificial sweetener neotame has shocking effects on gut health

Artificial sweeteners are appealing to those who want a sweet taste without the calories or health concerns associated with sugar. Yet, emerging research continues to uncover potential gut harm caused by sugar substitutes, such as neotame. A new study from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) sheds light on neotame, a relatively newer artificial sweetener, and its shocking effects on the gut. How neotame wrecks havoc on the gut microbiome According to the research, neotame directly harms the gut's protective lining and changes the behavior of good gut bacteria....

The <a href="https://www.rsph.org.uk/">Royal Society of Public Health</a> (RSPC) is warning that excessive social media engagement should be treated as a public health issue, just like drinking and smoking. RSPC has launched the initiative “Scroll Free September” to encourage people to cut back on <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/social-media-beauty-standards/">social media</a>.

Thousands of people of all ages are expected to participate in the campaign,  with over 2,000 official pledges so far. The individuals have committed to give up the “Big 5” social media apps on September 1st, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and YouTube.

According to <a href="https://news.sky.com/">Sky News</a>, the campaign organizers predict tens to hundreds of thousands will participate in some way during the month of September.

The <a href="https://www.aap.org/">American Academy of Pediatrics</a> (AAP) has warned about some of the dangerous aspects of social media for children and adolescents such as cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content. A <a href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/127/4/800.full">clinical report</a> from the AAP also points to a new phenomenon referred to as “Facebook depression.”

“Acceptance by and contact with peers is an important element of adolescent life. The intensity of the online world is thought to be a factor that may trigger depression in some adolescents,” the report states. 

A growing collection of research has found that social media can be just as unhealthy for adults. Social media use has been linked to less life satisfaction, greater feelings of social isolation, and sleep disruption. Stress, anxiety, and lower self-esteem have also been reported among regular social media users.

RSPH Chief Executive Shirley Cramer explained that social media has great potential for positive impacts on health and wellbeing by connecting people in new ways. “However, as our #StatusOfMind report showed, for many of us, especially our young people, the overall impact on mental health and wellbeing may currently be a detrimental one.”

“Scroll Free September offers us all the opportunity to take back control of our relationship with social media, whether you choose to go cold turkey, or just abstain at social events or in the evening,” said Cramer.

“The aim is that by the end of the month, we will be able to reflect back on what we missed, what we didn’t, and what we got to enjoy instead of scrolling through our news feeds. That knowledge could help us build a healthier, more balanced relationship with social media in the future.”

You can find out more about Scroll Free September and sign up to participate at <a href="https://www.rsph.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/scroll-free-september.html">https://www.rsph.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/scroll-free-september.html</a>.

--
By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

“Scroll Free September” asks people to cut back on social media

The Royal Society of Public Health (RSPC) is warning that...

A team of researchers at <a href="https://www.temple.edu/">Temple University</a> has used machine learning to analyze which factors play the biggest role in determining an individual's income potential. The study findings suggest that interventions to improve a person's ability to delay gratification could literally pay off.


While the best predictors were found to be <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/robots-influence-children-education/">education</a> and occupation, an individual's ability to delay instant gratification was also determined to play an important role in reaching a higher income status. 

Age, occupation, education, gender, ethnicity, and even height have all been found to contribute to how much a person will earn. There are also behavioral factors linked to income potential, including “delay discounting,” or how much a person discounts the value of future rewards compared to immediate ones.

According to study lead author Dr. William Hampton, traditional methods of data analysis have failed to clearly rank these factors and reveal which ones are more important than others.

“All sorts of things predict income. We knew that this behavioral variable, delay discounting, was also predictive - but we were really curious how it would stack up against more common-sense predictors like education and age,” said Dr. Hampton. 

“Using machine learning, our study was the first to create a validated rank ordering of age, occupation, education, geographic location, gender, race, ethnicity, height, age and delay discounting in income prediction.”

The study was focused on data from more than 2,500 diverse participants, which was split into a training set and a test set. The test set was used to check the accuracy of the model results produced by the training set. 

It came as no surprise that the models identified occupation and education as the best predictors of high income, followed by location and gender. Researchers were surprised, however, to find that delay discounting was the next best predictor - over age, race, ethnicity, or height.

“This was amazing because it allowed us to check our findings and replicate them, giving us much greater confidence that they were accurate,” said Dr. Hampton. 

“This is particularly important given the recent wave of findings across science that do not seem to replicate. Using this machine learning approach could lead to more research that replicates - and we hope this spurs the use of more sophisticated analytic approaches in general.”

The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology">Frontiers in Psychology</a>.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

People who can delay instant gratification make more money

A team of researchers at Temple University has used machine...

After most major shooting incidents in the U.S., activists call for stricter gun control measures – but rarely see progress on legislation. The reason, a new study says, is because gun owners are more politically active than gun control advocates.

Gun owners make up for their smaller numbers by donating to campaigns and candidates, visiting the voting booths in higher numbers, and reaching out regularly to elected officials.

"Part of the reason majority opinions on gun control legislation aren't turning into policy is that gun owners are a very strong political group who hold a lot of weight and hold a lot of influence despite being a minority in American politics," Abbie Vegter, a graduate student in political science at the <a href="https://ku.edu/">University of Kansas</a>, said in a press release.

Vegter worked with political science professors Don Haider-Markel and Mark Joslyn at the university to look at the political activities and behaviors of gun owners compared to U.S. citizens who don’t own guns. They looked at political activity from donations to voting during presidential election years from 1972 to 2012.

They found that gun owners are more likely to donate, vote, and maintain contact with their political representatives during election years than non-gun owners. This may be one reason why gun control legislation rarely moves forward, even though studies show a <a href="http://time.com/5167216/americans-gun-control-support-poll-2018/">majority of Americans are in favor of stricter laws</a>.

The study also indicates that the <a href="https://home.nra.org/">National Rifle Association</a> may play a smaller role in influencing politics than gun owners as a whole.

"Only one in five gun owners belong to the NRA, so we think there is something else going on than just the NRA when it comes to mobilization," Vegter said.

The researchers believe that gun owners see that role as part of their political identity.

"Owning a gun for hunting doesn't necessarily mean being a hunter is a core part of your identity," Vegter said. "But owning a gun because you think it's an essential right guaranteed in the Constitution is more a part of your political identity. It's something more attached from the get-go to politics."

The study shows there is a lot to be learned about the influence of gun owners on political activity in the U.S., the researchers said. 

"There are a couple of lessons. For individuals, especially individual gun control advocates, in order to make a difference, you need to match this level of mobilization and participation," Vegter said. "There is also a lesson there for politicians who I think traditionally have not seen gun owners as a political group to be addressed."

The researchers plan to keep studying how gun rights activists influence U.S. politics, and how gun ownership plays a role in people’s identities.

The team will present "Motivated Voices: Gun Ownership and the Propensity for Political Participation" at today’s annual meeting of the <a href="https://www.apsanet.org/">American Political Science Association</a> in Boston.

—

By Kyla Cathey, Earth.com staff writer

Study: gun owners are more active in politics

After most major shooting incidents in the U.S., activists call...

A new study funded by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/">National Science Foundation</a> (NSF) and the <a href="https://www.energy.gov/">U.S. Department of Energy</a> has revealed that future <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-unpredictable-2/">El Niño</a> and La Niña events will cause more intense impacts on land, including bigger precipitation and temperature changes as well as higher wildfire risk.

For example, the researchers found that the increased wildfire danger in the Southwest United States would become even more dangerous as a result of a La Niña event. On the other hand, wetter and cooler conditions in the same region would likely become even colder and wetter when associated with El Niño events.

Study lead author John Fasullo is a scientist at the <a href="https://ncar.ucar.edu/">National Center for Atmospheric Research</a> (NCAR).

“The cycling between El Niño and La Niña is responsible for some of the weather whiplash we get from year to year, particularly in the Western U.S.,” said Fasullo. “What we find when we look at model simulations of the future is that the whiplash is likely to get more severe.”

Study co-author Ming Cai is a program officer in NSF's Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences.

‘These simulations show that the continuous rising of global mean temperature will leave regions of the U.S., including California, more vulnerable to severe droughts and widespread wildfires in the future, especially during La Niña years,” said Cai.

El Niño events are characterized by unseasonably warm surface water temperatures in the eastern Pacific Ocean, while the water in this region is cooler than usual during La Niña events.

These events can influence weather patterns across the planet, with far-reaching consequences such as changes in fire risk, crop yields, and energy demand. 

For their investigation, the researchers used two sets of simulations: one from the Community Earth System Model (CESM) and the other from the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory Earth System Model.


After the models were run dozens of times under various starting conditions, the scientists were able to recognize the impacts linked with El Niño and La Niña.


“We can't say from this study whether more or fewer El Niños will form in the future, or whether the El Niños that do form will be stronger or weaker,” said Fasullo. “But we can say that an El Niño that forms in the future is likely to have more influence over our weather than if the same El Niño formed today.”

The research is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/19448007">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer 

Image Credit: Erik A. Ellison, Wikimedia Commons

El Niño, La Niña will worsen the effects of intensifying weather

A new study funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF)...

Thank you notes are one of the requirements of polite etiquette but actually getting around to writing them is often regarded as a chore. 

While some consider letter writing to be a dying art, new research shows that the simple act of writing a thank you note it can be beneficial both to the recipient and the writer. 

Researchers from the <a href="https://www.utexas.edu/">University of Texas</a> conducted several experiments asking participants to write thank you letters to see how people perceive their own writing and how they think it will be received. 

The study was published in the journal Psychological Science. 

It turns out, we are likely to get hung up on our own phrasing and worry that our notes will not be received well, when in fact the opposite is true.

The researchers found that writing someone a note thanking them for doing something nice had a positive effect on both the writer and the reader. 

In the experiments, letter writers had a tendency to overestimate the way recipients would feel saying that they would feel much more awkward about getting a <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/brain-feel-gratitude/">thank you note</a> than they did. 

The letter writers also underestimated how positive and surprised the recipients would be about getting the note. 

“What we saw is that it only takes a couple of minutes to compose letters like these, thoughtful ones and sincere ones,” said Amit Kumar, the study’s lead author. “It comes at little cost, but the benefits are larger than people expect.”

The experiments showed that anxiety and worry about getting the phrasing right affected the letter writers. 

“When we're thinking about ourselves, we tend to think about how competent we are — are we going to be articulate in how we're expressing gratitude,” said Kumar.

The results of the study show that people are genuinely surprised and pleased when they receive unexpected thank you notes, and the benefits to both writer and recipient dictate that we should all engage in writing thank you letters more often.

--

By <a href="https://kaywritesstuff.com/">Kay Vandette</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Study: Thank you notes make both the sender and receiver happy

Thank you notes are one of the requirements of polite...

John Wesley Powell explored the Colorado River and Grand Canyon in one of the most stunning feats of European-American exploration in the US.  

In 1869, the Grand Canyon was terra incognito, especially to non-native Americans.  It was in this year that John Wesley Powell and nine men descended the canyon in four wooden boats.  The expedition descended 900 miles of the river, most of which was completely unknown to the expedition.  There was no one of telling whether there were waterfalls in narrow canyons or un-shootable rapids down river.  When Powell’s expedition put into the Colorado River, it was wholly wild. 

Despite the beautiful descriptions found in Powell’s writing, and despite the mythic names he placed on the land like ‘Bright Angel Creek’, or ‘Vulcan’s Throne’ and calling the Grand Canyon ‘library of the Gods’; John Wesley Powell came in the name of the federal government.  Powell’s famous expedition inevitably made development of the west possible, even if his specific recommendations have been largely ignored. In a way Powell’s exploration of the Grand Canyon ended an age of innocence in river descents. For those who follow Powell down rivers, there now always looms the possibility of a once wild river dammed into a Hell of tourists in house boats.

From 1956 to 1966, nearly 100 years after Powell’s audacious descent, the Glen Canyon Dam was built across the Colorado River.  Before Glen Canyon was flooded, the Colorado was already dammed. The Hoover Dam ushered in a new type of poverty under the guise of hydroelectric wealth to the American west.  Completed in 1936, the Hoover Dam killed 100 workers and flooded the Black Canyon of the Colorado (not to be confused with the Black Canyon of the Gunnison). It’s usually the Glen Canyon Dam, not the Hoover, that is remembered with pain by those clinging to visions of wild rivers and empty canyons.  Ever forgotten, the first dam on the Colorado River was Laguna Dam, built between 1903 and 1905 right after the Reclamation Act passed Congress in 1902. 

Dams have long been a sore spot for environmentalists.  Sometimes dams flood special places like Glen Canyon. Sometimes unique features disappear like the dinosaur footprints that march unknowingly into and beneath the waves of Lake Powell.  Dams displace people at times and can destroy plant life, archaeology, landscapes. Sometimes dams block important fish (or other animal) migrations.

Usually the damming of a river has a feel of finality about it.  A river dammed means an end of canyon exploration, of river running and a beginning of motor boats and paved campsites.  In the long run though, nothing is forever and Ed Abbey captured a bit of humor and long term optimism in a <a href="https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/edward-abbey-remarks-glen-canyon-dam-spring-equinox-1981">speech</a> he gave at the Glen Canyon Dam on the Spring Equinox of 1981:

“The good news I bring will certainly come to pass. The collapse of Glen Canyon Dam is as inevitable as the rising of the moon, or the revival of spring, or the flow of the river home to the sea. Let the engineers build fifty more dams between here and the Rockies, they can only retard, they cannot stop, the irresistible processes of erosion and renewal. The mountains and plateaus will continue to be uplifted, the rains and snows will fall, the waters will plunge downward back to their source, again and again and again.”

On human time scales though, probably most of us won’t be able to raft down an undammed Colorado River or explore the hidden secrets of Glen Canyon on foot.  On the scale of our lives, the Colorado River is dammed and the river one day shaking off its concrete shackles seems a distant fantasy. 

Besides the collapse of dams from natural processes, there is a beacon of hope.  Dam projects have slowed throughout the western US. <a href="https://www.americanrivers.org/2018/02/dam-removal-in-2017/">American Rivers</a> goes so far as to proclaim: 

“In the midst of all the challenges 2017 saw for rivers and clean water, it was a record year for removing outdated, unsafe dams!”

86 <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/hydropower-dams-andes-amazon/">dams</a> were torn down in 2017, beating the previous record of 78 dams being removed in 2014.  Dams were removed in 21 states, including the western states: Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada.  Dams are expensive to maintain, dangerous as they age and are quickly becoming outdated as a source of energy. These are some of the reasons dams are starting to be removed in much of the US. 

Although dams are being decommissioned in some areas, many more are continuing to build them.  <a href="http://www.pbl.nl/en/infographic/plans-for-3700-new-dams">A study</a> from PBL, Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, showed that globally there are plans for 3,700 new dams.  According to the study, if only economic ends were pursued and the dam potential of the world was fully exploited, 8 million people would potentially be displaced.  The study also states that there are currently 8600 large dams worldwide. 

According to a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/31/opinion/the-price-of-damming-tibets-rivers.html">New York Times</a> article, in 2015, China had 26,000 major dams, more than the rest of the world combined.  Major dams have now been built in Tibet to benefit Chinese cities with more electricity.     

Ed Abbey once floated through Glen Canyon on the Colorado River with his friend, Ralph Newcomb before the infamous dam was built.  In a way floating any major river in the world is a quixotic act of defiance against industrial development.

Today there are rafting guiding organizations that specialize in guiding raft trips to river destined to be dammed in an attempt to raise awareness for the beauty and peril of wild rivers.  <a href="http://www.lastdescents.info/">Last Descents</a> is one such organization, working in China, the world’s most dam hungry country.  Last Descents seems hopeful, despite China continuing to develop hydroelectric plans, in the ‘About’ section of there website, they state the idea behind their project:

“We believe that the wild rivers of western China have an important role in the future of the rapidly developing nation. By bringing urban Chinese to these areas we hope to facilitate a positive exchange between the rivers and our guests.  The river is a place to slow down, to be with family, it is a place for children and adults to grow, learn, and reconnect with themselves. We engage our guests in discussing how these rivers can be protected for generations to come.”

<a href="http://www.sierrarios.org/">Sierra Rios</a> is another such organization, with a much broader geographic focus.  The list of places Sierra Rios now offers trips to is only in Peru and Mexico, members of the organization have created a <a href="https://mexicanwhitewater.org/">guidebook</a> to white water of Mexico.  <a href="https://vimeo.com/115319041">A short documentary</a> about the organization and a descent of Peru’s Rio Marañón was also made.

There’s no doubt that damming of the Rio Marañón, primary source of the legendary Amazon River (as planned) would be tragic.  There seems little evidence that no matter how well intentioned, organizations bringing people to raft rivers have any real political power.  A descent down a river may change your life; rivers probably profoundly influenced lives of Ed Abbey and John Wesley Powell. But Abbey and not even Powell could stop rivers from being tamed.  Dams have been built. Is a last trip down a river slated for damming political activism or is it simply a sad goodbye? In the end, Abbey’s right; we may not be able to stop dams from being built but in the end, engineers can’t make them stand forever either.                    

--

By <a href="mailto:zachfitzner@yahoo.com">Zach Fitzner</a>, <a href="http://earth.com">Earth.com</a> Contributing Writer

Last descents: Dams flood some of nature’s most special places

John Wesley Powell explored the Colorado River and Grand Canyon...

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common problems facing men over the age of 40, with previous research showing that ED affects <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8254833">52 percent of men ages 40 to 70</a>. 

While there are several popular drugs available to combat ED, a new study has found that a simple diet change could be the best way to treat ED and improve cardiovascular health. 

A study conducted by researchers from the <a href="https://en.uoa.gr/">University of Athens</a> that found the Mediterranean diet, specifically consuming more olive oil, could reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. 

670 men with an average age of 67 from the Island of Ikaria in Greece were surveyed for the study. 

The researchers found that eating a healthy diet of vegetables, fruit, fish and nine tablespoons of olive oil every week decreased the risk of the erectile dysfunction by 40 percent. 

Previous studies on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-healthier-aging/">Mediterranean diet</a> have found that it can improve heart health, reduce the risk of many cardiovascular diseases, some cancers, and even Alzheimer's, as well as increasing longevity. 

Because of the effects of olive oil and a balanced diet on cardiovascular health, the researchers of this latest study theorize that the diet also allows for optimal blood flow through the body and to the groin for men. 

“What we found here is that the Med diet has a positive effect on aortic dilatation,” Christina Chrysohoou, the study’s lead author, told the <a href="https://dailym.ai/2LFsP0x">Daily Mail</a>. “It keeps your blood vessels healthy and helps men maintain sexual function. And of all of the components of the Med diet, it is the olive oil that has a specific effect on aortic dilatation and sexual function as well.”

The researchers found that among the 670 men who participated in the study, only 20 percent had erectile dysfunction which is well below the typical average. 

Chrysohoou also pointed out that even though Viagra is a popular treatment for ED, it is not a cure and the effects are short term. Viagra has also been <a href="https://www.viagra.com/learning/what-are-possible-side-effects">linked</a> to permanent damage for erections that last more than four hours if not properly treated, loss of vision, and in some rare cases, death. 


This study shows that making a few simple diet changes could not only improve sexual health but also has long-lasting positive impacts on cardiovascular health and wellbeing. 

--

By <a href="mailto:kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Mediterranean diet may be the key to sex later in life

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common problems...

The smartphone has become an essential tool for navigating everyday life, but it also contains some of the rarest elements on Earth to make it work. 

Mining for these precious metals creates huge quantities of toxic waste, and the serious environmental impacts of smartphones may not be something that most people consider when they flock to buy the latest model from Apple or Samsung. 

A new report in <a href="https://theconversation.com/three-ways-making-a-smartphone-can-harm-the-environment-102148">The Conversation</a> examines the harm that smartphone mining has on the environment and how it unfairly impacts people living near major mining operations in China, Africa, Russia, Brazil and Australia. 

As smartphones continue to become more and more accessible, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smartphone-harmful-environment/">their toll on the environment</a> will also grow.  

In their piece for The Conversation, researchers Patrick Byrne and Karen Hudson-Edwards highlighted the negative impacts of toxic waste spills from mining and the effects on the ecosystem that smartphone production causes. 

The biggest issues can be traced back to the mining operations for the rare and precious metals that are needed to make smartphones work.

Gold, iron, aluminum, copper, and lesser-known praseodymium are the elements that help make phone displays so colorful, glass screens crack resistant, and the metal frames so lightweight.  

Iron, aluminum, and copper mining create tons of solid and liquid waste (called mine tailings) which are contained in huge structures, but sometimes dam failures and devastating spills occur. 

In 2015, a dam collapse released 33 million cubic meters of iron ore mine tailings in Brazil. The collapse killed 19 people and the toxic waste later flowed into the Atlantic Ocean. 

“Recent catastrophic mine tailings spills highlight the danger of improper construction methods and lax safety monitoring,” Byrne and Hudson-Edwards wrote. “One thing is clear though – as our thirst for technology increases, mine tailings dams are increasing in number and size, and so is their risk of failure.” 

Gold and tin mining have largely contributed to deforestation in the Amazon and mining not only degrades important habitats, but toxic waste from mining like mercury can end up in drinking water and in fish. 

Mining for tin-rich sand has also destroyed coral reef ecosystems near Indonesia. 

However, all this pales in comparison to the pollution and waste created from mining rare earth elements in China, Russia, and Australia. 

In China, you will find a huge dumping ground for the toxic waste created from these sort of mining operations called the “World's tech waste lake.” 

Byrne and Hudson-Edwards say that although companies are working to improve their mining methods, in order to prevent mine tailing spills and further damage to the environment, both consumers and manufacturers need to be more aware of the environmental impacts of the technology that runs our lives. 

--

By <a href="mailto:kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Smartphone manufacturing is brutal on the environment

The smartphone has become an essential tool for navigating everyday...

A <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/red-tide-kills-sea-life/">red tide algae bloom</a> along the coast of southwest Florida, which has persisted since November of last year, is not only having a devastating impact on marine life but is also killing tourism in the region. 

According to the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/">Washington Post</a>, business owners in the most affected counties have reported collective losses of nearly $90 million and have laid off about 300 workers. The economy is also taking a hard hit from a separate freshwater algae bloom in Lake Okeechobee, the state’s largest lake.

<a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/aug/13/florida-gulf-coast-red-tide-toxic-algae-bloom-killing-florida-wildlife">The Guardian</a> reported earlier this month that the toxic red algae, Karenia brevis, have killed more than 267 tons of marine life since July. This summer, dead fish that have washed up on Florida’s beaches include thousands of small fish, 72 Goliath groupers, and even a 21-foot whale shark.

However, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/">CNN</a> has revealed that the casualties of the red tide have exploded even more - to over 2,000 tons of fish this month. The news outlet <a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2018/08/22/us/red-tide-fishkill-costs-trnd/index.html">reports</a> that workers in Lee County alone have picked up over 1,700 tons of dead fish since August 2nd, which does not include fishkill collected by the county's Department of Parks and Recreation.

Agricultural runoff and pollution are major contributors to toxic algal blooms, as they support the growth of algae and cyanobacteria. In addition, algae thrive in warmer waters that have high levels of CO2, which means that climate change is most likely another factor that is causing the deadly outbreak. 

“I am so sick of hearing it’s a natural occurring phenomenon that I’m ready to puke,” Andy Mele of <a href="https://www.suncoastwaterkeeper.com/">Suncoast Waterkeeper</a> told the Washington Post. “Yeah, it’s naturally occurring, but what happens to it is man-made. It responds to nutrients - period. Really the dynamite that lights the explosion is nutrient pollution.”

Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency for the five hardest-hit counties, as business owners brace themselves for the upcoming slow season.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Red tide is crushing the economy in southwest Florida communities

A red tide algae bloom along the coast of southwest...

A new study from <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk/">King's College London</a> has found that a single dose of cannabidiol can help reduce the brain function abnormalities found in patients with psychosis. The results of the trial are providing the first evidence of how <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/cannabidiol-marijuana-treat-addiction/">cannabidiol</a> works in the brain to reduce psychotic symptoms.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabis extract that has recently been licensed in a purified form to treat children with epilepsy in the United States. A previous trial from King's College London in 2017 demonstrated that cannabidiol has antipsychotic properties.

“The mainstay of current treatment for people with psychosis are drugs that were first discovered in the 1950s and unfortunately do not work for everyone,” said Dr. Sagnik Bhattacharyya. “Our results have started unravelling the brain mechanisms of a new drug that works in a completely different way to traditional antipsychotics.”

The researchers evaluated a group of 33 young people who had not yet been diagnosed with psychosis but were experiencing distressing psychotic symptoms. In addition, 19 healthy individuals were also examined as a control group. A single dose of cannabidiol was given to half of the participants, while a placebo was given to the other half of participants.

The individuals were studied with an MRI scanner while they performed memory tasks. MRI scans engage three of the brain regions known to be involved in psychosis. 

As expected, the brain activity among participants with symptoms of psychosis was abnormal compared to the healthy participants. However, the abnormal brain activity was found to be less severe among the individuals that had received a dose of cannabidiol compared to those who received a placebo. 

The results suggest that cannabidiol can help shift brain activity to normal levels. CBD’s influence on the three brain regions examined in the brain scans seems to be underlying its therapeutic effects on psychotic symptoms.

Previous research from King's College London shows cannabidiol appears to work in opposition to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. THC has been strongly linked to the development of psychosis, while cannabidiol has been found to have the opposite effect.


“There is an urgent need for a safe treatment for young people at risk of psychosis,” said Dr. Bhattacharyya. “One of the main advantages of cannabidiol is that it is safe and seems to be very well tolerated, making it in some ways an ideal treatment. If successful, this trial will provide definitive proof of cannabidiol’s role as an antipsychotic treatment and pave the way for use in the clinic.”

The study is published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry">JAMA Psychiatry</a>.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Cannabidiol may be an effective antipsychotic treatment

A new study from King's College London has found that...

New research from the <a href="https://www.surrey.ac.uk/">University of Surrey</a> has found that small changes in the timing of breakfast and dinner can successfully reduce body fat. The study was focused on time-restricted feeding, which is a form of intermittent fasting. 

Over ten weeks, the researchers investigated the impact that changing meal times may have on body composition, dietary intake, and diabetes and <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/overweight-heart-disease-risk/">heart disease</a> risk markers.

Two groups of study participants were instructed to either delay their breakfast by 90 minutes and have dinner 90 minutes earlier, or to eat meals as they would normally. 

Before and during the intervention, the individuals provided blood samples and recorded everything they ate. The participants also completed a feedback questionnaire immediately after the trial.

The individuals were not required to stick to a strict diet and were allowed to eat freely, which helped the researchers evaluate whether this type of diet was easy to follow in everyday life.

The study revealed that participants who changed their meal times lost more than twice as much body fat compared to individuals in the control group. The findings suggest that time-restricted feeding could have broad health benefits, but larger studies are needed to confirm this theory.

Even though there were no restrictions on what participants could eat, the experts found that those who made meal time changes ate less food overall. It is also possible that the longer fasting period which resulted from stricter meal times could have contributed to the body fat reduction.

“Although this study is small, it has provided us with invaluable insight into how slight alterations to our meal times can have benefits to our bodies,” said study lead author Dr. Jonathan Johnston. “Reduction in body fat lessens our chances of developing obesity and related diseases, so is vital in improving our overall health.”

“However, as we have seen with these participants, fasting diets are difficult to follow and may not always be compatible with family and social life. We therefore need to make sure they are flexible and conducive to real life, as the potential benefits of such diets are clear to see.”

“We are now going to use these preliminary findings to design larger, more comprehensive studies of time-restricted feeding.”

The study is published in the <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-nutritional-science">Journal of Nutritional Science</a>.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Small changes in meal times can help reduce body fat

New research from the University of Surrey has found that...

As we’ve recently reported, air pollution has wide ranging physiological effects on the human body. Poor air quality can actually change the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-heart-structure/">heart’s structure</a>, harm cardiovascular health, increase the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exposure-traffic-air-pollution-asthma/">asthma</a>, and has even been linked to 3.2 million cases of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-diabetes/">diabetes</a> in one year.

But now, a new study has found that air pollution even impacts cognitive function and causes a “huge reduction in intelligence.” 

The research was published this week in the <a href="http://www.pnas.org/">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a> and linked long-term exposure to air pollution to poorer scores on math and verbal tests.

A collaborative team of researchers led by <a href="http://english.bnu.edu.cn/">Beijing Normal University </a>tracked the test scores of 20,000 people in China over the course of 4 years. The results showed that test scores, particularly the verbal scores, were impacted by air pollution levels.

“The damage on the aging brain by air pollution likely imposes substantial health and economic costs, considering that cognitive functioning is critical for the elderly for both running daily errands and making high-stake decisions," the study’s authors wrote.

According to the <a href="http://www.who.int/">World Health Organization</a> (WHO), over 90 percent of the world’s population breathe unsafe air and more than 4.2 million people die each year from exposure to air pollution.

"Polluted air can cause everyone to reduce their level of education by one year, which is huge," said Xi Chen of the <a href="https://publichealth.yale.edu/">Yale School of Public Health</a>, co-author of the report. “But we know the effect is worse for the elderly, especially those over 64, and for men, and for those with low education. If we calculate for those, it may be a few years of education.”

--

By <a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com">Rory Arnold</a>, <a href="http://earth.com">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Air pollution causes reduction of intelligence, study finds

As we’ve recently reported, air pollution has wide ranging physiological...

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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

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" 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 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

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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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

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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

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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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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes why satellite images and measurements of our planet have become "essential to our survival, offering a new outlook of our world."&nbsp;



Rising sea levels pose one of the biggest societal threats associated with climate change. According to ESA, satellite altimeter missions such as Copernicus Sentinel-6 are essential in monitoring global and regional changes in sea level.



"Unbeknown to many, the island of Crete, Greece, plays an important role in the Copernicus satellite altimetry constellation and on an international stage," reports ESA.



"Satellite altimetry data have to be continuously monitored at the ESA’s Permanent Facility for Altimetry Calibration where different techniques have pioneered the use of transponders to provide the best measurements to validate satellite altimeters in space soon after launch."



Dr. Craig Donlon explains that, by understanding planet Earth through satellite measurements, we are able to find evidence of change.&nbsp;



Video Credit: European Space Agency&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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

[sendtonews key="761m2QQvR1-2035772-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...