Isn't it bizarre how many times we've been told that a glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away? Or some variation of that claim on benefits of moderate drinking. 



Well, a new research has come to light, and it might alter the way you perceive that glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or pint of IPA in your hand.



The report is shaking up the conventional wisdom we've heard for years--that moderate drinking could extend lives and decrease our chances of chronic diseases. 



Steering this riveting ship of discovery is lead researcher Tim Stockwell, Ph.D., a scientist affiliated with the <a href="https://www.uvic.ca/research/centres/cisur/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research</a> at the University of Victoria.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-past-studies-on-moderate-drinking">Past studies on moderate drinking</h2>



Stockwell and his team argue that there are underlying flaws in the way previous researches have been designed. 



They believe that the studies' focus on older adults without considering their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-has-a-hidden-impact-on-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifetime drinking habits</a> led to skewed results.



"Think about this for a second. When these studies compare moderate drinkers with abstainers, many of the abstainers are older adults who have quit or reduced their drinking due to health conditions," Stockwell remarked. 



"This situation makes the continued drinkers appear healthier, but it's a rigged comparison. It's like comparing apples with oranges."



In other words, things are not what they seem when it comes to these studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-truth-about-alcohol-consumption">Truth about alcohol consumption</h2>



For this analysis, Stockwell and his team examined 107 published studies that followed individuals over time and explored the relationship between drinking habits and lifespan.



A quick look at the data suggested something that might ring a bell: moderate drinkers (those who drank between one drink per week and two per day) had a 14% lower risk of dying during the study period compared to abstainers. However, a closer examination of the studies told a different story.



Stockwell pointed out that the "higher quality" studies - those that considered younger participants and ensured a clear distinction between former drinkers and lifelong abstainers - showed no link between moderate drinking and longer lives.



The illusion of health benefits came only from the "lower quality" studies. Stockwell quipped, "If you look at the weakest studies, that's where you see supposed health benefits."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paradox-of-perception">Paradox of perception</h2>



In our social constructs, drinking often takes on an additional layer of meaning, transformed into a communal activity that fosters connection. Yet, this context can also mask the true implications of alcohol consumption on health. 



Many individuals justify their drinking habits with social norms, failing to recognize the potential harm. 



Stockwell's research underscores the importance of examining how societal attitudes towards drinking can buoy the perception of its health benefits, leading to an environment where moderation may not be as beneficial as previously thought. 



We need to reassess not just our protocols for studying alcohol but also the culture around it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-awareness-on-moderate-drinking">Public awareness on moderate drinking</h2>



Given these revelations, there is an urgent need for public health campaigns to rethink their messaging about alcohol consumption. 



Instead of perpetuating the myth that moderate drinking has health benefits, stakeholders should emphasize the risks tied to alcohol and encourage a more informed dialogue around healthy lifestyles. 



By promoting comprehensive education on the potential dangers of drinking, the goal should be to empower individuals to make more educated choices regarding their alcohol consumption. 



It’s time to break away from outdated perceptions and embrace a modern understanding of alcohol’s role in our health, fostering a culture of awareness rather than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-zero-alcohol-drinks-a-type-of-gateway-drug-for-teens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complacency</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-busting-myths">Busting myths</h2>



One myth that Stockwell wants to debunk is the decades-old belief in the "French Paradox." This notion suggests that red wine explains why French people have significantly lower rates of heart disease despite having a diet high in fats. 



It's a compelling story, but Stockwell argues that the concept is a mere figment of the public imagination.



According to Stockwell, moderate drinking likely doesn't extend our lives. In fact, it can bring along a suitcase of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-consumption-can-lead-to-chronic-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health risks</a>, such as increased chances of developing certain cancers.



"There is simply no completely 'safe' level of drinking," Stockwell stressed.



So, the next time you hear that familiar saying about a glass of wine a day, remember: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-benefits-of-moderate-drinking-may-be-hidden-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">what the doctor ordered</a> has been reconsidered. 



New evidence prompts us to reassess our drinking habits and encourages us towards a more informed and healthier future, even if it's with a little less wining and dining. Cheers to that!



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.jsad.com/doi/10.15288/jsad.23-00283" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs</a>. 



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Even moderate drinking severely harms health, despite past studies

Isn't it bizarre how many times we've been told that a glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away? Or some variation of that claim on benefits of moderate drinking. Well, a new research has come to light, and it might alter the way you perceive that glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or pint of IPA in your hand. The report is shaking up the conventional wisdom we've heard for years--that moderate drinking could extend lives and decrease our chances of chronic diseases. Steering this riveting ship...

When confronted with a stressful situation, like a tight deadline at work or a difficult time in a relationship, it’s hard not to become overwhelmed by negative feelings. 

Negative emotions and thoughts are not easy to offset and can often sour an entire day or impede one from making effective leadership decisions. 

When our emotions or thoughts get in the way, it’s common to try to “shake it off” or simply ignore the bad and choosing to be positive in the wake of whatever difficulties arise. 

But according to one Harvard psychologist, not processing difficult feelings and thoughts in favor of a positive attitude can actually hinder our emotional agility and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/politicians-voice-impacts-success/">success</a>. 

For the past 30 years, David has studied emotions and happiness and how the two affect personal achievement.

In her book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Agility-Unstuck-Embrace-Change/dp/1592409490">Emotional Agility: Get Stuck, Embrace Change and Thrive in Work and Life </a>, David discusses how facing difficult and negative emotions head-on rather than stifling them is necessary for developing emotional agility and improving well-being. 

David offers four steps to achieving healthier management and processing techniques as well as becoming more successful and productive at work.  

“We see leaders stumble not because they have undesirable thoughts and feelings—that’s inevitable—but because they get hooked by them, like fish caught on a line,” David wrote in the <a href="https://hbr.org/2013/11/emotional-agility">Harvard Business Review</a>. “Effective leaders don’t buy into or try to suppress their inner experiences. Instead, they approach them in a mindful, values-driven, and productive way—developing what we call emotional agility.”

The four steps are showing up, stepping out, walking your why, and moving on. When faced with a difficult emotion, the first step suggests embracing it rather than ignoring it. Instead, accept the negative emotion or thought and get at the root of what you’re feeling. 

The second step is all about creating space between you and your emotions. By “stepping out,” you can find a better management technique that doesn’t let your thoughts or emotions dictate your reactions or responses. 

The third step is perhaps the most crucial, as it instructs readers be ruled by their core values and moral compass. 

Finally, the fourth step is all about balance, honing your emotional agility and as David discusses, continually seeking self-improvement and development. 

--

By <a href="mailto:kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Stifling negative emotions can hinder growth and success

When confronted with a stressful situation, like a tight deadline...

It’s widely known that alcohol isn’t exactly great for your body, especially when consumed in excess. But according to a new study from researchers at the <a href="http://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/">MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology</a> in Cambridge, it can actually affect your genetics. The results found that alcohol can damage DNA in stem cells, which helps explain why drinking increases your risk of cancer.

The researchers gave diluted alcohol to mice, then used chromosome analysis and DNA sequencing to examine the genetic damage caused by acetaldehyde, which is a chemical produced when our bodies process alcohol. Their findings showed that acetaldehyde can break and damage DNA within blood stem cells, resulting in rearranged chromosomes and permanently altered DNA sequences within the affected cells. 

When stem cells become faulty, they can give rise to cancer. This is why it’s important for scientists to study how the DNA within stem cells becomes damaged. These new findings help us to understand how drinking alcohol increases the risk of getting 7 types of cancer, including common forms such as breast and bowel. 

“Some cancers develop due to DNA damage in stem cells,” explains Professor Ketan Patel, lead author of the study and scientist at the <a href="http://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/">MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology</a>. “While some damage occurs by chance, our findings suggest that drinking alcohol can increase the risk of this damage.”

Beyond just looking at how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/socioeconomic-alcohol-related-death/">alcohol</a> damages DNA, the researchers also examined how the body attempts to protect itself against damage caused by alcohol. They found that the first line of defense is a family of enzymes called aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDH), which breakdown the harmful acetaldehyde into acetate, which our cells can use as a source of energy.

When mice lacking the ALDH enzyme were given alcohol, it was found that they suffered four times as much DNA damage in their cells compared to normal mice. Around the world, millions of people either lack these enzymes or carry faulty versions of them.

Cells also use a variety of DNA repair systems, which allow them to fix and reverse certain types of DNA damage. But they don’t always work and some individuals have mutations which prevent their cells from carrying out these repairs effectively. 

“Our study highlights that not being able to process alcohol effectively can lead to an even higher risk of alcohol-related DNA damage and therefore certain cancers,” explains Patel. “But it’s important to remember that alcohol clearance and DNA repair systems are not perfect and alcohol can still cause cancer in different ways, even in people whose defense mechanisms are intact.”

--

By <a href="mailto:certz@earth.com">Connor Ertz</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Drinking alcohol increases cancer risk by damaging DNA

It’s widely known that alcohol isn’t exactly great for your...

The results of a 2017 national public opinion survey from <a href="http://www.researchamerica.org/">Research!America</a> show that 67 percent of Americans have a positive perception of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/washington-march-science-earth-day/">science</a>. The analysis also demonstrates, however, that the majority of Americans are largely unaware of who is conducting scientific research and where.

Over half of the respondents to the survey support basing the country's medical and health policies on the best available science. The majority of participants also agree that scientific research should be used to shape public policies regarding education, infrastructure, and national defense. 

82 percent of the public considers scientists to be the most trustworthy spokespersons for science compared to elected officials and the media. Americans have the expectation that scientists will be the primary messengers for scientific issues, even those with policy implications. 

Despite this level of trust, scientists remain essentially invisible to the American public. 81 percent of respondents cannot name a living scientist, while 67 percent cannot name an institution or company that conducts medical research. In addition, only 21 percent of the population is aware that health research is conducted in all 50 states.

“The findings related to the visibility of scientists and the scientific community have been consistent over the past decade - woefully low - which indicates a need for stronger engagement between scientists and the public,” said Mary Woolley, president of Research!America. “In order for science to have a more prominent position in our national agenda, the public and their policymakers must hear more from scientists about the health and economic benefits of public and private sector research.”

When asked about whether or not progress in science and innovation will continue under the Donald Trump Administration, 46 percent of respondents said yes and 33 percent said no. Far more Republicans agreed with this statement than Democrats or Independents.

Furthermore, 79 percent of Americans surveyed agree that it is important for President Trump to make health research and innovation a high priority to assure continued medical progress. 71 percent of Americans report having confidence in scientific institutions, while just 46 percent have confidence in the President and only 31 percent put their full trust Congress. 

“Scientists must initiate productive conversations with candidates to connect the dots between research and finding solutions to health threats like Alzheimer's disease and the opioid epidemic,” said Woolley.

The results of the Research!America survey are available <a href="http://www.researchamerica.org/polls-and-publications/polls/public-opinion-polls">here</a>.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Public has more confidence in scientists than in policy makers

The results of a 2017 national public opinion survey from...

A study from <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/">Harvard University</a> has found that winemakers may have to start using lesser-known varieties of grapes in response to climate change. The researchers say there is growing need for a better understanding of the wide diversity of grapes and how they adapt to changing environments.

“It's going to be very hard, given the amount of warming we've already committed to...for many regions to continue growing the exact varieties they've grown in the past,” said study co-author Elizabeth Wolkovich. “But what we're interested in talking about is how much more diversity of grape varieties do we have, and could we potentially be using that diversity to adapt to climate change.”

Wolkovich pointed out that Africa, Europe, and Asia have a huge assortment of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wine-glasses-bigger-drinking/">wine</a> grapes available, with over 1,000 varieties. The professor explained that some of these grapes are “better adapted to hotter climates and have higher drought tolerance than the 12 varieties now making up over 80 percent of the wine market in many countries.”

Despite the fact that the resilient varieties of grapes should be explored in preparation for climate change, Wolkovich said that most wine producers are unwilling to change the grapes they use. The professor said that the reason for this lies in the concept of terroir, which is the belief that a wine's flavor is a reflection of which grapes were used, where they were planted, and how they were grown. 

“There's a real issue in the premier wine-growing regions that historical terroir is what makes great wine, and if you acknowledge in any way that you have climate change, you acknowledge that your terroir is changing,” said Wolkovich. “So in many of those regions there is not much of an appetite to talk about changing varieties.”

Even if winemakers are willing to try new grapes, there is not yet enough conclusive evidence to show which particular varieties would thrive despite climate change.

“Part of what this paper sets up is the question of how much more do we need to know if we want to understand whether there is enough diversity in this crop to adapt wine regions to climate change in place,” said study co-author Ignacio Morales-Castilla. “Right now we know we have this diversity, but we have little information on how to use it. One of our other suggestions is for growers to start setting aside parts of vineyards to grow some other varieties to see which ones are working.”

Wolkovich said that proactively testing out new grapes could help to offset the negative consequences of climate change.

“With continued climate change, certain varieties in certain regions will start to fail - that's my expectation,” said Wolkovich. “The solution we're offering is how do you start thinking of varietal diversity. Maybe the grapes grown widely today were the ones that are easiest to grow and tasted the best in historical climates, but I think we're missing a lot of great grapes better suited for the future.”

The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/nclimate">Nature Climate Change</a>.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Winemakers might need to switch grapes in a changing climate

A study from Harvard University has found that winemakers may...

Genome sequencing the remains of an infant that lived over 11,000 years ago has shed light on the earliest populations that migrated into the Americas. 

For the first time, researchers were able to find direct genetic traces of the earliest Native Americans and illustrate how people first entered Alaska in one wave rather than in several migrations. 

The new study was conducted by researchers from the Universities of <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/">Cambridge</a> and <a href="http://www.ku.dk/">Copenhagen</a> and was published in the journal Nature. 

The researchers sequenced the genome of the remains of an infant girl discovered at the Upward Sun River archaeological site in Alaska 2013. 

The results of the gene mapping showed that the girl’s genetic information did not match either the Northern or Southern branches of the early Native Americans, but instead, belonged to a different population known as Ancient Beringians. 

There were connections between the Northern, Southern and Berginans genetics, suggesting that through time, the Ancient Beringians were possibly some of the first people to migrate into the Americas before separating into different groups. 

“We were able to show that people probably entered Alaska before 20,000 years ago,” said Professor Eske Willersle, the leader of the study. “It's the first time that we have had direct genomic evidence that all Native Americans can be traced back to one source population, via a single, founding migration event.”

Researchers believe that early settlers migrated to Alaska from Russia using a land bridge that spanned the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/north-american-ancestors-sooner/">Bering Strait</a>. However, there is some debate about when this occurred and if the Americas were settled in one migratory wave or several. 

For the study, the researchers compared genetic data from the archaeological remains of the infant girl with present-day Native American Populations and ancient Northern and Southern Native American genomes. 

The Ancient Beringians emerged 36,000 years ago, and the Beringian genome is closer to early Native Americans than Ancient Asian and Eurasian ancestors. 

“It looks as though this Ancient Beringian population was up there, in Alaska, from 20,000 years ago until 11,500 years ago, but they were already distinct from the wider Native American group,” said Jos Vctor Moreno-Mayar from the University of Copenhagen.

The study sheds light on ancient Native American migration, and gives convincing evidence for a single migratory event rather than multiple populations crossing the Bering Strait at different times before the end of the last Ice Age. 

--

By <a href="mailto:kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Genome research reveals when Native Americans first arrived

Genome sequencing the remains of an infant that lived over...

<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england">Public Health England</a> (PHE), an executive agency of the UK’s Department of Health, has launched a program called Change4Life, which is the country's first social marketing campaign to address the causes of obesity.

A National Diet and Nutritional Survey conducted by PHE revealed that children are consuming entirely too much sugar, over half of which comes from snacks and sugary drinks. The analysis showed that primary school children have an average of over three sugary snacks per day.

Change4Life is aimed at making parents aware of more nutritious snacks that have less sugar, and is offering money-off vouchers on healthier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/junk-food-distracting/">snacks</a> which have 100 calories or less. The program also offers a free food scanner app that enables parents to easily view the sugar, salt, and fat content in the products they are purchasing.

Dr. Alison Tedstone is the Chief Nutritionist at Public Health England. 

Dr. Tedstone told the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/">BBC</a> , “If you wander through a supermarket you see many more things being sold as snacks than ever before. What has changed is kids' lunch boxes are getting full of snacking products. It leads to a lot of calories for lunch. Our research showed us that parents appreciated a rule of thumb. They were surprised how much sugar their children were consuming in snacks.”

Change4Life is recommending that parents give children no more than two snacks per day, which contain no more than 100 calories each.

Dr. Tedstone said in a letter to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk">The Guardian</a>, “The food we eat has the biggest impact on our waistlines: you can’t run off a bad diet. That’s why we’re working with industry and others to improve the food we all eat, starting with lowering sugar and calories.”

The Change4Life campaign also encourages children to be more active. Currently, there are over four million families participating in the program.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Children’s snacks should be limited to 100 calories or less

Public Health England (PHE), an executive agency of the UK’s...

Bitcoin has created quite a stir, with some people enthusiastic about the cryptocurrency while others doubt it is sustainable or even practical. Bitcoin millionaires are making headlines, but bitcoin’s value is anything but stable. 

The cryptocurrency works by offering digital tokens that people can trade for goods and services, but finding a record of any payments made is difficult because Bitcoin is not based in any bank or real world financial transaction.

You can get bitcoins as payment, buying them yourself and mining for them.

Mining is probably one of the most popular ways to get bitcoins, but the processing power needed for mining is massive, creating concerns that the energy consumption for bitcoin mining is detrimental to the environment. 

The concerns are not unfounded, as bitcoin miners need specialized hardware and software for their computers and fossil fuels are still a primary means of producing energy and electricity. 

Mining is an exhaustive process, and the specially designed software scours the internet for coins and solves complex puzzles to acquire them. The more coins available, the harder the puzzles are to solve. 

Both economists and environmentalists are now worried about the sustainability of bitcoin, as a form of reliable currency in the market and its impact on fossil fuel consumption. 

One <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/qa-growth-bitcoin-affecting-environment-52083850">ABC News</a> report found that bitcoin mining takes more energy than is needed to run a small country. 

Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/12/19/why-the-bitcoin-craze-is-using-up-so-much-energy/?utm_term=.f50e9c6871dc">Washington Post</a> reported that experts say bitcoin’s energy use is equal to that of one to three <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-nuclear-reactor-design/">nuclear reactors</a>. 

Measuring the energy consumption of bitcoin is no easy feat, and if bitcoin’s worth continues its upward trajectory, its energy impact will also increase. 

--

By <a href="mailto:kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>,<a href="https://www.earth.com/"> Earth.com </a>Staff Writer

Concerns arise over the environmental impact of Bitcoin

Bitcoin has created quite a stir, with some people enthusiastic...

A new study led by Eirik Degerud from the <a href="https://www.fhi.no/en/">Norwegian Institute of Public Health</a> has found a link between frequent alcohol consumption and an increased risk of fatal cardiovascular disease. However, the association was only identified among people in the lowest socioeconomic position.

Individuals with low education, income, and wealth have been shown to consume alcohol less frequently than those in higher socioeconomic positions, yet they experience a higher rate of alcohol-related illnesses and deaths. 

The research team analyzed survey data on 207,394 Norwegian adults who were born before October 15, 1960. Information on the individuals included their health and socioeconomic status, as well as their cause of death.

The study revealed that individuals who had drank alcohol both moderately and frequently, which was designated as 2 to 3 times per week, had a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than infrequent drinkers. This association was the most prevalent among people of the highest socioeconomic status.

Individuals who drank alcohol very frequently, which was designated as 4 to 7 times a week, were found to have an increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease among people in the lowest socioeconomic position.

The researchers also found that weekly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/college-binge-drinking-brain-activity/">binge drinkers</a> had higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than those who did not binge drink, and this risk was the same across all socioeconomic positions.

"It is unclear if [these difference in risk] reflects differential confounding of alcohol consumption with health-protective or damaging exposures or differing effects of alcohol on health across socioeconomic groups," wrote the study authors. "The heterogeneity between groups in the population needs to be assessed when making population recommendations regarding alcohol consumption."

In an accompanying editorial, Jurgen Rehm and Charlotte Probst of Canada's <a href="http://www.camh.ca/">Centre for Addiction and Mental Health</a> said that the research provides significant evidence to help understand the complex interactions between socioeconomic position and mortality. 

They wrote that the findings of the study suggest that “it is not appropriate simply to extrapolate from risks associated with alcohol use in higher-income populations to address lower-income populations where the impact of alcohol use is highest."

The research is published in <a href="http://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/">PLOS Medicine</a>.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Socioeconomics impacts rates of alcohol-related illness and death

A new study led by Eirik Degerud from the Norwegian...

The time has come for people in the state of California to get rid of incandescent light bulbs. The new energy standards, which were set in motion by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, will affect the rest of the country in 2020.

The <a href="https://energy.gov/">Department of Energy</a> reports that the transition away from incandescent bulbs and toward more energy-efficient light sources will save people between 25 and 80 percent on their electricity bills. 

Even though alternatives such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been available now for years, many people have stuck with incandescent bulbs because they have grown accustomed to the warmth and the level of the light that they produce.

Approximately 90 percent of the energy used by incandescents is burned up by heat, while only 10 percent is actually used for light. These bulbs may be cheaper than other options, but their more efficient counterparts last between three and five times longer.

Harry Verhaar is Senior Director of Energy &amp; Climate Change at Philips Lighting. 

Verhaar <a href="https://www.eceee.org/all-news/columns/Harry_Verhaar/Bulbs/">explained</a>, “The idea of phasing out incandescent light bulbs in order to save energy has been widely welcomed across the world and for many the question is not ‘if’ we should do it, but ‘how fast’ we can do it.”

“The benefits are clear,” he said. “The potential energy savings are 10 billion Euros per year in Europe alone, along with 25 million tonnes of CO2. Globally, these savings are roughly four to five times.”

According to the <a href="http://www.latimes.com/">Los Angeles Times</a>, “the future is all about LEDs, which have the potential to produce colors and shades that we may someday love as much as we loved the incandescent.” The Times Editorial Board writes that LEDs “can collectively save consumers billions of dollars a year.”

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Incandescent light bulbs are now being phased out

The time has come for people in the state of...

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-humidity/">Climate change</a> could make chocolate a thing of the past, as harsh weather conditions, drought, and land shortages could cause the world’s chocolate supply to run out.

Both chocolate and coffee are two industries most threatened by climate change because demand continues to skyrocket while suitable land to grow the plants is shrinking. 

The cacao plant is a delicate one and can only thrive within 20 degrees north and south of the equator. The high humidity and rainfall in those areas are perfect for the cacao bean.

A temperature increase of just a few degrees Celsius is all it would take to devastate cacao harvests and create major shortages in the worldwide chocolate industry. 

The coffee industry is set to face similar consequences from climate change, as one report from the <a href="https://worldcoffeeresearch.org/">World Coffee Research </a>organization predicts that demand for coffee will <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-coffee-industry/">double by the year 2050</a>, but suitable land for growing coffee trees will decrease by half. 

For the cacao bean, increasing temperatures will cause mercury in the soil to rise and absorb more water from the soil and plants. Precipitation totals will not be able to offset this new strain on water for the cacao plants. 

Both coffee and chocolate farms will have to move, and researchers say that cacao plants will end up in mountain preserves which could put wildlife conservation at risk. 

Even though major advancements have been made in agricultural research and biotechnology, these advancements are often costly and unfeasible for local chocolate and coffee farmers to implement on their own.

In short, the world is likely to face shortages in chocolate as supply won’t be able to keep up with demand due to the adverse impact of climate change on cacao plants. 

It's estimated that by<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/when-chocolate-extinct-2017-12?utm_source=feedly&amp;utm_medium=webfeeds"> 2050 cocoa plants could disappear</a> unless scientists can work to find a way to mitigate climate change or genetically enhance the cacao plant to face harsher conditions. 

--

By <a href="mailto:kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

The world could run out of chocolate sooner than you might think

Climate change could make chocolate a thing of the past,...

For years, China has been criticized for sacrificing the health of the environment for economic gain. But now, policies limiting pollution due seem to be slowing China’s manufacturing sector, according to the new Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) released on Sunday. 

China is known for its booming economy and exports, but the PMI shows a decrease from 51.8 in November to 51.6 in December. 

Experts have predicted that the economic growth in China would slow, but the overall future outlook for expansion and growth look promising. 

“Overall, 2017's economic performance continues to be steady and good, establishing a generally good foundation for 2018,” the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing told <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-economy-pmi-factory-official/china-december-factory-growth-eases-as-tough-pollution-measures-bite-idUSKBN1EP009">Reuters</a>. “Recent PMI surveys show companies are confident for economic development in the new year, with production and operating activity expectation indices showing significant improvement."

The reason for the economic slowdown can be linked to government policies meant to limit smog and pollution, as well as curbs on the housing market.  

Steelmakers in 28 cities are cutting down on their output, and some manufacturing activity has been stalled or hindered thanks to a campaign to convert coal to natural gas in order to limit environmental pollution and smog. 

Air quality in Beijing, China has been a concern for some time.

In the winter months, the haze is particularly toxic, and covers Beijing and other parts of China in thick rolling clouds that can cause respiratory problems and cardiovascular disease. 

Burning coal has also been linked to thousands of premature deaths in China. According to a report published on <a href="https://www.healtheffects.org/publication/burden-disease-attributable-coal-burning-and-other-air-pollution-sources-china">Healtheffects.org</a>, and the pollution problem is so large that smog is related to almost <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/china-smog-deaths-2016-12">one-third of all deaths in the country</a>. 

The efforts to combat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asian-pollution-increased-smog/">smog</a> could cost China billions, but so far, <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2017/11/27/news/economy/china-crackdown-pollution-economy/index.html">economists and analysts say </a>China’s economy is strong enough to handle the hit to the manufacturing sector. 

However, there are arguments that if the health of the economy is at stake, Chinese policies limiting pollution may ease up or even reverse.

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By <a href="mailto:kayvandette@gmail.com">Kay Vandette</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Chinese manufacturing sacrifices growth for environmental gains

For years, China has been criticized for sacrificing the health...

As the holidays come to an end, many people are faced with the dilemma of what to do with their live Christmas trees. A lot of cities offer curbside pickup, but there are also some creative and environmentally friendly ways to recycle the trees.

For those who wish to extend the life of their Christmas tree instead of putting it out with the trash, <a href="http://www.realchristmastrees.org/">The National Christmas Tree Association</a> (NCTA) has some very unique ideas. 

The authors of the organization's <a href="http://www.realchristmastrees.org/dnn/All-About-Trees/How-to-Recycle">website</a> write: “After the holidays, don’t throw your real Christmas tree in the trash or set it on the curb. Real <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/christmas-trees-wild-instagram/">Christmas trees</a> are biodegradable, which means they can be easily reused or recycled for mulch and other purposes.”

One proposed suggestion is to buy live trees that still have the roots. The experts recommend digging a hole in the fall before the ground freezes and planting the tree right after Christmas is over.

The NCTA also points out that, “Some communities use Christmas trees to make effective sand and soil erosion barriers, especially for lake and river shoreline stabilization and river delta sedimentation management.”

According to the website, many areas are also making use of shredded trees as a renewable path material for developing hiking trails. 

In addition, Christmas trees can be used as fish feeders or bird feeders. The authors say that trees “make an excellent refuge and feeding area for fish” when placed in the bottom of private fish ponds. 

To transition a Christmas tree into a bird feeder: “Place the Christmas tree in the garden or backyard and use it as a bird feeder and sanctuary. Fresh orange slices or strung popcorn will attract the birds and they can sit in the branches for shelter. (Make sure all decorations, hooks, garland and tinsel strands are removed).”

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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

Environmentally friendly ways to get rid of your Christmas tree

As the holidays come to an end, many people are...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

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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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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...