Earth,Core,Structure.,Elements,Of,This,3d,Image,Furnished,By

In a remarkable discovery that challenges our understanding of Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pumping-too-much-groundwater-affects-earths-spin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water distribution</a>, aided by a mineral called ringwoodite, researchers found evidence suggesting the presence of several oceans worth of water trapped deep beneath the United States. 



The discovery, made by geophysicist Steve Jacobsen from <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a> and seismologist Brandon Schmandt from the <a href="https://www.unm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of New Mexico</a>, may represent the planet's largest water reservoir. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-earth-s-water-cycle">Rethinking Earth's water cycle</h2>



Published in the journal Science, their findings shed light on the Earth's formation, composition, and the amount of water trapped in mantle rock.



"Geological processes on the Earth's surface, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthquakes-have-long-lasting-impacts-on-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earthquakes</a> or erupting volcanoes, are an expression of what is going on inside the Earth, out of our sight," explained Jacobsen, a co-author of the paper. 



"I think we are finally seeing evidence for a whole-Earth <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperature-fluctuations-have-reshaped-earths-water-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water cycle</a>, which may help explain the vast amount of liquid water on the surface of our habitable planet. Scientists have been looking for this missing deep water for decades," Jacobsen continued.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-mantle-has-remarkable-secrets">Earth's mantle has remarkable secrets</h2>



Scientists have long speculated about the existence of water trapped in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-mantle-may-contain-a-wealth-of-green-metals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's mantle</a>, located between the lower and upper mantle at depths of 250 to 410 miles. 



Jacobsen and Schmandt are the first to provide direct evidence of water in this "transition zone" on a regional scale, extending across most of the interior of the United States.



"Melting of rock at this depth is remarkable because most melting in the mantle occurs much shallower, in the upper 50 miles," said Schmandt, a co-author of the paper. 



"If there is a substantial amount of H2O in the transition zone, then some melting should take place in areas where there is flow into the lower mantle, and that is consistent with what we found."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-liquid-ice-vapor-and-a-fourth-form-of-water">Liquid, ice, vapor and a fourth form of water</h2>



The water discovered in the mantle is not in a form familiar to us – it is not liquid, ice, or vapor. Instead, it is trapped inside the molecular structure of the minerals in the mantle rock. 



The immense pressure created by 250 miles of solid rock, along with temperatures above 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, causes water molecules to split and form hydroxyl radicals (OH) that can be bound into a mineral's crystal structure.



"Whether or not this unique sample is representative of the Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theia-ancient-planet-buried-inside-of-earth-may-be-the-origin-of-our-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interior composition</a> is not known, however," Jacobsen said. "Now we have found evidence for extensive melting beneath North America at the same depths corresponding to the dehydration of ringwoodite, which is exactly what has been happening in my experiments."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-following-the-ringwoodite">Following the ringwoodite</h2>



Ringwoodite, a high-pressure mineral with a captivating blue hue, was named after the Australian geologist Alfred Ringwood, forms deep within the Earth's mantle at depths between 410 and 660 kilometers (250-410 miles). What makes ringwoodite truly remarkable is its ability to store water within its crystal structure.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synthesizing-ringwoodite-in-the-lab">Synthesizing ringwoodite in the lab</h3>



Jacobsen has been synthesizing ringwoodite, a sapphire-like blue mineral, in his Northwestern lab by reacting the green mineral olivine with water at high-pressure conditions. He found that more than one percent of the weight of ringwoodite's crystal structure can consist of water.



Under the immense pressures and temperatures found in the mantle's transition zone, water molecules split into hydroxyl radicals (OH), which can then be incorporated into ringwoodite's structure. This mineral acts like a sponge, soaking up water and storing it in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-ancient-ocean-floor-surrounds-the-earths-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep Earth</a>.



"The ringwoodite is like a sponge, soaking up water," Jacobsen said. "There is something very special about the crystal structure of ringwoodite that allows it to attract hydrogen and trap water. This mineral can contain a lot of water under conditions of the deep mantle."



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ringwoodite-implications-for-earth-s-formation-and-habitability">Ringwoodite implications for Earth's formation and habitability</h3>



The presence of water-rich ringwoodite in the Earth's mantle has implications for our understanding of the planet's formation and its potential for habitability.



As scientists continue to study this intriguing mineral, they may uncover new insights into the role of water in the Earth's deep interior and its influence on the geologic processes that shape our world.



Ringwoodite's ability to store and transport water within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-ancient-breath-study-links-atmospheric-oxygen-and-mantle-chemistry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mantle</a> could also have implications for the search for life on other planets, as the presence of water is considered a key factor in the development and sustainability of life as we know it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-magma-beneath-north-america">Detecting magma beneath North America</h2>



Using seismic waves, Schmandt detected the presence of magma beneath North America, which aligned with Jacobsen's findings of partial melt when subjecting synthesized ringwoodite to conditions around 400 miles below the Earth's surface.



Additionally, seismic studies have detected regions of partial melting in the mantle's transition zone, which could be attributed to the release of water from ringwoodite as it transforms into other minerals at greater depths.



"Seismic data from the USArray are giving us a clearer picture than ever before of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-interior-is-cooling-faster-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's internal structure</a> beneath North America," Schmandt explained. "The melting we see appears to be driven by subduction -- the downwelling of mantle material from the surface."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-process-of-dehydration-melting">Process of dehydration melting</h2>



The melting detected by the researchers is called dehydration melting. When ringwoodite in the transition zone moves deeper into the lower mantle, it forms a higher-pressure mineral called silicate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perovskite-crystals-appear-to-dance-when-they-get-excited/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perovskite</a>, which cannot absorb water. This causes the rock at the boundary between the transition zone and lower mantle to partially melt.



"When a rock with a lot of H2O moves from the transition zone to the lower mantle it needs to get rid of the H2O somehow, so it melts a little bit," Schmandt said. "This is called dehydration melting."



"Once the water is released, much of it may become trapped there in the transition zone," Jacobsen added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-ringwoodite-was-accidentally-discovered">How ringwoodite was accidentally discovered</h2>



The international team of scientists responsible for this remarkable find was led by Graham Pearson, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Arctic Resources at the <a href="https://www.ualberta.ca/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alberta</a>. 



Analysis of the mineral sample revealed that it contains a significant amount of water -- 1.5 per cent of its weight -- a finding that proved to have far-reaching implications for our understanding of the Earth's interior and its dynamic nature.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Elusive ringwoodite</h3>



Ringwoodite, a form of the mineral peridot, is believed to exist in large quantities under high pressures in the transition zone between the Earth's upper and lower mantle. 



While ringwoodite has been found in meteorites, no terrestrial sample had ever been discovered before Graham Pearson came along. Due to the extreme depths at which it is formed, this elusive mineral is inaccessible for direct fieldwork.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contribution-of-artisan-miners-in-brazil">Contribution of artisan miners in Brazil</h3>



The ringwoodite sample was found in 2008 in the Juina area of Mato Grosso, Brazil, where artisan miners unearthed a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-of-how-diamonds-reach-the-earths-surface-finally-solved/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diamond</a> from shallow river gravels. 



The diamond, which had been brought to the Earth's surface by a deeply derived volcanic rock known as kimberlite, contained the ringwoodite inclusion.



Pearson's team had been searching for another mineral when they purchased the three-millimeter-wide, dirty-looking, commercially worthless brown diamond. 



The ringwoodite itself, invisible to the naked eye and buried beneath the surface, was fortunately discovered by Pearson's graduate student, John McNeill, in 2009.



"It's so small, this inclusion, it's extremely difficult to find, never mind work on," Pearson said, "so it was a bit of a piece of luck, this discovery, as are many scientific discoveries."



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Confirming the Find</h3>



The sample underwent years of rigorous analysis using Raman and infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction before it was officially confirmed as ringwoodite. 



The critical water measurements were performed at Pearson's Arctic Resources Geochemistry Laboratory at the University of Alberta, which forms part of the world-renowned <a href="https://www.eas.ualberta.ca/ccim/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadian Centre for Isotopic Microanalysis</a>, also home to the world's largest academic diamond research group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Implications for Earth's Dynamics</h2>



For Pearson, one of the world's leading authorities in the study of deep Earth diamond host rocks, this discovery proved to be the most significant of his career. 



It confirmed about 50 years of theoretical and experimental work by geophysicists, seismologists, and other scientists trying to understand the makeup of the Earth's interior.



"One of the reasons the Earth is such a dynamic planet is the presence of some water in its interior," Pearson said. "Water changes everything about the way a planet works."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ringwoodite-earth-s-water-cycle-and-the-future">Ringwoodite, Earth's water cycle, and the future</h2>



In summary, the crucial discovery of a vast water reservoir deep within the Earth's mantle by Steve Jacobsen and Brandon Schmandt has revolutionized our understanding of the planet's formation, composition, and water cycle.



As researchers continued to explore the complex processes occurring far beneath the Earth's surface, their ringwoodite findings provided a new understanding of the delicate balance that makes our planet habitable. 



The presence of this hidden ocean, trapped within the crystals of mantle rock, serves as a testament to the incredible forces at work within the Earth and the countless mysteries that still lie beneath our feet. 



With each new revelation, we move closer to unraveling the secrets of our planet's past, present, and future, and to appreciating the remarkable world we call home.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="http://www.sciencemag.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a> and the journal <a href="http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v507/n7491/full/nature13080.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>



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Earth has a vast interior ocean, 400-miles under our feet, that creates 'ringwoodite' gems

In a remarkable discovery that challenges our understanding of Earth's water distribution, aided by a mineral called ringwoodite, researchers found evidence suggesting the presence of several oceans worth of water trapped deep beneath the United States. The discovery, made by geophysicist Steve Jacobsen from Northwestern University and seismologist Brandon Schmandt from the University of New Mexico, may represent the planet's largest water reservoir. Rethinking Earth's water cycle Published in the journal Science, their findings shed light on the Earth's formation, composition, and the amount of water trapped...

Recent breakthroughs in neuroscience and AI (Artificial Intelligence) have spurred innovative ventures into better understanding the intricacies of intelligence. Spearheading these efforts is a groundbreaking new platform called the Digital Twin Brain.



Developed by a team led by Tianzi Jiang at the <a href="http://english.ia.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Automation</a> of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this platform has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of both biological and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-environmental-cost-of-ai-what-are-we-willing-to-give-up-for-computing-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-digital-twin-brain">Understanding the Digital Twin Brain</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-concept">The concept</h3>



Drawing parallels between biological and artificial networks, the Digital Twin Brain aims to create a digital replica of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-the-human-brain-outperform-artificial-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human brain</a>. This "twin" could absorb insights from biological intelligence, thereby offering a platform to bridge the two forms of intelligence.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultimate-goals-of-digital-twin-brain">Ultimate goals of Digital Twin Brain</h3>



The overarching objectives of the Digital Twin Brain are twofold:



<ol type="1" start="1">
<li>Propel the evolution of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). </li>



<li>Enhance the precision in mental healthcare.</li>
</ol>



These ambitions underscore the need for collaboration across multiple scientific disciplines on a global scale.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-applications">Potential applications</h3>



The Digital Twin Brain offers a sandbox for simulating various states of the human brain. Researchers can understand regular brain functions, pinpoint malfunctions linked to disorders, and devise techniques to alter undesirable brain states.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-core-pillars-of-the-digital-twin-brain">Core pillars of the Digital Twin Brain</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-atlases">Brain atlases</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/digital-twin-brain_core-elements_credit-Hui-Xiong_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brain atlases</a> are akin to structural blueprints, ensuring that the digital replica mimics the intricacy of the biological brain. They encompass:



<ul>
<li>Atlases at varying scales. </li>



<li>Atlases spanning different modalities. </li>



<li>Atlases from varied species.</li>
</ul>



These atlases are imperative for a comprehensive understanding of brain regions, their interconnections, and the overarching organizational principles of the brain. 



However, they also present challenges. Ensuring "biological plausibility" means that neural models are bound by the confines of these atlases, creating technical complexities.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multi-level-neural-models">Multi-level neural models</h3>



Derived from biological data, these models simulate brain functions. Their effectiveness relies heavily on a dynamic brain atlas, which, when enhanced, leads to more accurate function simulations.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-applications">Practical applications</h3>



The "twin", made up of the neural models, undergoes validation across diverse practical applications, such as disease biomarker identification and drug testing. The insights from these applications cyclically refine the brain atlas, ensuring an evolving and dynamic platform.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-brainnetome-atlas">The Brainnetome Atlas</h2>



An essential asset in the development of the Digital Twin Brain is the Brainnetome Atlas. Introduced by the Institute of Automation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2016, this atlas provides a macroscale overview of 246 brain sub-regions. It aims to offer an exhaustive and intricate mapping of the structure and connectivity of the human brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-a-comprehensive-platform">Need for a comprehensive platform</h2>



The current brain simulation platforms, despite their potential, lack a robust anatomical foundation. It's crucial to craft an open-source, versatile platform. This platform should be adaptable, user-friendly, and potent enough to endorse multiscale and multimodal modeling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-open-challenges-of-digital-twin-brain">Open challenges of Digital Twin Brain</h2>



Several challenges loom over the Digital Twin Brain:



<ul>
<li>Incorporating fragmented biological knowledge into the digital twin seamlessly. </li>



<li>Designing superior models for precise simulations. </li>



<li>Integrating the Digital Twin Brain into real-world applications.</li>



<li></li>
</ul>



In summary, the Digital Twin Brain emerges as a nexus of neuroscience and AI. Integrating detailed brain atlases, evolving neural models, and varied applications, this platform stands on the cusp of reshaping our comprehension of both biological and artificial intelligence. 



With the unified efforts of the global scientific community, it promises groundbreaking insights into the human psyche, advanced intelligent technologies, and novel treatments for brain-related conditions.



The full study was published in <a href="https://spj.sciencemag.org/journals/icomputing/?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D66160571152378498672135368084722781746%7CMCORGID%3D242B6472541199F70A4C98A6%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1697113960" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intelligent Computing</a>, a Science Partner Journal.



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Owning a digital twin of your brain is one step closer to becoming a reality

Recent breakthroughs in neuroscience and AI (Artificial Intelligence) have spurred...

Every year, an alarmingly large quantity of e-waste goes unnoticed. Items such as discarded cables, electronic toys, LED-embellished novelty garments, power tools, vaping devices, and a myriad of smaller consumer products are often discarded by consumers as e-waste.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-e-waste-accumulation-nbsp">E-waste accumulation&nbsp;</h2>



These items collectively contribute to a colossal nine billion kilograms of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-years-electronic-waste-outweighs-the-great-wall-of-china/">electronic waste</a> annually in the US. This figure represents a staggering one-sixth of the total global e-waste production.&nbsp;



To put this in perspective, should this “hidden” e-waste be amassed, it would be equivalent to the weight of almost half a million 40-tons trucks - a continuous line stretching from Rome all the way to Nairobi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-use-of-lithium">Increasing use of lithium</h2>



As the world marks the 6th annual <a href="https://weee-forum.org/iewd-about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International E-Waste Day</a> on October 14th, this overlooked category of e-waste takes center stage. A concerning trend is the increasing use of lithium in devices such as vapes. While lithium plays a vital role in making batteries rechargeable, it also poses a substantial fire hazard upon disposal.&nbsp;



The European Commission has even flagged lithium as a ‘strategic raw material,’ crucial for Europe’s transition to green energy, yet its supply remains in jeopardy, with vast amounts being discarded with household trash.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electronic-toys-nbsp">Electronic toys&nbsp;</h2>



This groundbreaking study, spearheaded by the <a href="http://www.weee-forum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Forum</a> and conducted by the<a href="https://www.unitar.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)</a>, sheds light on the enormity of the situation. Of particular note is the category of electronic toys, such as racing sets, drones, and biking computers.&nbsp;



These toys alone account for a whopping 3.2 billion kg or 35 percent of the ‘invisible’ e-waste, equating to an astonishing 7.3 billion individual items discarded every single year. This means that, on average, every individual on Earth disposes of one electronic toy annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vaping-devices">Vaping devices</h2>



Highlighting another segment, the researchers argue that the vaping devices discarded yearly form an e-waste mountain with a weight equivalent to triple that of New York’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge or even six times the weight of Paris’ Eiffel Tower.&nbsp;



Additionally, the staggering 950 million kg of discarded cables, rich in precious and recyclable copper, could encircle our planet 107 times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-waste">Invisible waste</h2>



Pascal Leroy, Director-General of the WEEE Forum, emphasized the deceptive nature of ‘invisible’ e-waste. “Invisible e-waste goes unnoticed due to its nature or appearance, leading consumers to overlook its recyclable potential."&nbsp;



"People tend to recognize household electrical products as those they plug in and use regularly. But many people are confused about the waste category into which ancillary, peripheral, specialist, hobby, and leisure products fit and how to have them recycled,” explained Leroy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-awareness-of-e-waste">Public awareness of e-waste</h2>



Magdalena Charytanowicz of the WEEE Forum highlights the urgency to increase public awareness, drawing parallels to the global mobilization against plastic pollution.&nbsp;



Despite Europe’s leading efforts, where 55 percent of e-waste is officially collected and processed thanks to two decades of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, the global average lags, with collection rates barely scraping past 17 percent.



Virginijus Sinkevičius, the European Commissioner for the Environment, underscores the need for a holistic approach, integrating modern circular economy principles into legislation. He believes that harmonizing standards and defining clear e-waste management protocols are essential steps forward.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-escalating-e-waste-crisis">Escalating e-waste crisis</h2>



Looking at the broader picture, the United Nations warns of an escalating e-waste crisis. By 2023, it is estimated that every global citizen will produce about eight kg of e-waste.&nbsp;



Out of this, a mere 17.4 percent will be appropriately collected and processed, leaving the lion’s share to rot in landfills, be burned, or stockpiled in households.



Organizations like the WEEE Forum remain committed to the responsible management of e-waste, championing the importance of collective global action in addressing this ever-growing challenge. The onus is also on consumers to recognize the value and potential hazards in items that, at first glance, might not seem like typical e-waste.



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Hidden e-waste: Millions of tons discarded in the US each year

Every year, an alarmingly large quantity of e-waste goes unnoticed....

Researchers have unearthed what appears to be the earliest evidence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-provides-insights-into-the-lives-of-neanderthals/">Neanderthals</a> hunting cave lions, dating back to 48,000 years ago in Germany.&nbsp;



The findings, published by Springer Nature in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-42764-0">Scientific Reports</a>, offer new clues about the relationship between ancient humans and these once-majestic creatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primary-evidence-nbsp">Primary evidence&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/neanderthals_cave-lions-skeleton_2medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Puncture wounds</a> on a cave lion's ribcage hint at the possibility that Neanderthals might have killed it with a wooden spear.&nbsp;



This revelation could place Neanderthals as the earliest hunters of these big cats, a discovery which was previously unknown.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cave-lion-pelts-nbsp">Cave lion pelts&nbsp;</h2>



The study also presents what could be the earliest evidence of Neanderthals using a cave lion pelt.&nbsp;



This particular interaction has been a subject of speculation for a long time, especially given the prominence of cave lions in ancient human cultures.&nbsp;



For instance, Homo sapiens prominently featured cave lions in their cave paintings, but direct interactions with Neanderthals remained elusive until now.



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



The (almost complete) cave lion skeleton from Siegsdorf, Germany was originally excavated in 1985. Gabriele Russo and colleagues took on the task of analyzing the skeleton.&nbsp;



Through their analysis, the experts concluded that the remains likely belonged to an old, medium-sized lion.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intriguing-discovery-nbsp">Intriguing discovery&nbsp;</h2>



Although previous assessments suggested that the animal might have been butchered post-mortem, a closer examination unveiled something more intriguing.



A partial puncture wound, specifically located on the inside of the lion’s third rib, presented the researchers with a unique clue. The wound seemed to be consistent with the impact mark of a wooden-tipped spear.&nbsp;



The angle of the puncture suggests that the spear might have entered from the left side of the lion's abdomen, hitting vital organs before lodging into the third rib on the right side.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skilled-hunters-nbsp">Skilled hunters&nbsp;</h2>



Moreover, the nature of this wound bore similarities to those found on deer vertebrae, which were confirmed to be caused by Neanderthal spears.&nbsp;



Drawing parallels, the authors propose that the Siegsdorf specimen stands as a testament to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-tools-hunt-distance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals' hunting expertise</a>, specifically targeting cave lions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-analysis-of-cave-lion-specimens">Further analysis of cave lion specimens</h2>



The researchers also analyzed phalange and sesamoid bones from three cave lion specimens, excavated in 2019 from Einhornhöhle, Germany.&nbsp;



These specimens, dating back to approximately 55 – 45,000 years ago, bore cutmarks that are typically found when an animal is skinned.&nbsp;



The way these marks were positioned indicated a deliberate effort to ensure the lion's claws remained intact within the fur. This could very well be the earliest instance of Neanderthals using lion pelts, possibly for cultural or ritualistic purposes.



These findings not only shed light on Neanderthal hunting strategies but also their cultural practices. The research presents a new understanding of the interactions between Neanderthals and cave lions during the Pleistocene epoch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-cave-lions">More about cave lions</h2>



As mentioned previously, cave lions, whose scientific name is Panthera spelaea, once prowled the vast landscapes of Europe and northern Asia during the Pleistocene era. Although they bear the name "cave lion," this moniker arises not from their living habits but from the fact that we often find their remains in caves.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-appearance">Physical appearance</h3>



These majestic creatures closely resembled the modern-day lion, but with some distinct differences. For starters, cave lions were slightly larger, with males weighing up to 830 pounds (about 375 kilograms) or more. Unlike the African lions, they didn't possess a mane, making both males and females appear quite similar.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



Their diet primarily consisted of large herbivores like bison, horses, and deer. Evidence from various cave paintings suggests that they might have hunted in groups, a behavior seen in today's lions. These ancient artworks, especially those found in the Chauvet Cave in France, depict the cave lion with remarkable detail and respect, indicating the significance they held in the eyes of ancient human communities.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extinction">Extinction</h3>



The circumstances surround their extinction, which occurred approximately 14,000 years ago, remains a mystery. While climate change and the resulting habitat alterations surely played a role, overhunting by humans could also have been a contributing factor.



Today, the legacy of the cave lion lives on through paleontological studies, ancient artworks, and the imaginations of those intrigued by the prehistoric world. As we continue to unearth more about these fascinating creatures, they serve as a powerful reminder of nature's ever-evolving tapestry.



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Neanderthals hunting cave lions: Earliest evidence uncovered

Researchers have unearthed what appears to be the earliest evidence...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Hundreds of genes identified that directly influence what we eat

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

Epiphytes are plants that can be found in tree canopies like mosses, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/masters-of-deception-orchids-use-trickery-to-get-what-they-need/">orchids</a>, and bromeliads. A recent study highlights the profound importance of epiphytes to global biodiversity, as well as the growing threats they face due to human and natural disturbances.



Known as nonparasitic plants that thrive on other plants, epiphytes serve vital functions in forests. They provide habitats in trees for a variety of life, ranging from microorganisms like bacteria to reptiles and birds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inherent-characteristics-nbsp">Inherent characteristics&nbsp;</h2>



Epiphytes showcase a remarkable diversity, with over 28,000 identified species. Mosses stand out as the most common type.



The inherent characteristics of epiphytes, which once facilitated their survival in forest canopies, now leave them increasingly susceptible to disturbances.



Rapid environmental changes are placing heightened pressure on these unique plants, noted Nalini Nadkarni, a biologist at the <a href="https://www.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a> who is known for her work on treetop ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerability-of-epiphytes">Vulnerability of epiphytes</h2>



In her latest study, Nadkarni emphasizes the heightened vulnerability of epiphytes to disturbances like climate change and deforestation.&nbsp;



Alarmingly, she reveals that while many of these disturbances are labeled "natural," human activities are intensifying their frequency and severity worldwide.



"This synthesis revealed the exceptional vulnerability to the increasing levels of disturbances - such as climate change and deforestation - on the abundance, diversity and connectivity of canopy-dwelling plants around the globe,” said Nadkarni.&nbsp;



“Although we categorize the disturbances with greatest negative effects on canopy plants as ‘natural,’ as hurricanes and wildfire, human activities are increasing the severity and frequency of those in the USA and around the world.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-disturbances-nbsp">Ecological disturbances&nbsp;</h2>



For her study, Nadkarni reviewed 255 previously published papers on ecological disturbances affecting epiphytes across 58 countries.&nbsp;



The analysis revealed that forest fragmentation was the most frequently cited disturbance to epiphytes, followed by climate change, harvesting, and extreme events.



“Across all impacts, disturbance agents were significantly more likely to lead to negative, rather than positive, effects in both tropical and temperate locales,” wrote Nadkarni.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keystone-roles">Keystone roles</h2>



"Communities of plants that live in rainforest canopies - ferns, orchids and bromeliads - play ‘keystone roles’ in maintaining biodiversity, fostering critical interactions for pollination and seed dispersal and maintaining healthy nutrient cycles, even though their biomass is small relative to whole forests,” explained Nadkarni.&nbsp;



“Many of them have been cultivated by people for centuries because of their beauty and the ways they connect us to aesthetically and spiritually to nature.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intercepting-nutrients">Intercepting nutrients</h2>



In a 2009 TED talk, Nadkarni passionately spoke about these plants, explaining how they absorb nutrients from mist and fog through their leaves.&nbsp;



“They don’t have roots that go into trunks or to the forest floor, but rather it is their leaves that are adapted to intercept the dissolved nutrients that come to them in the form of mist and fog,” Nadkarni said.



“Underneath these live epiphytes, as they die and decompose, they actually construct an arboreal soil…They have a tremendous capacity for holding onto nutrients and water."



“If you pull back on those mats of epiphytes, what you’ll find underneath them are connections, networks of what we call canopy roots. These are not epiphyte roots. These are roots that emerged from the trunks and branches of the host trees themselves."&nbsp;



"And so those epiphytes are actually paying the landlord a bit of rent in exchange for being supported high above the forest floor.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-the-future-of-epiphytes">Implications for the future of Epiphytes</h2>



To protect these vital plants, Nadkarni recommends actions like retaining old, large trees during forestry activities, harvesting epiphytes from only limited areas, and safeguarding vast forest sections.&nbsp;



Nadkarni concluded that it is imperative to share these insights with policymakers and land managers. Collaborative efforts are needed to shield epiphytes from harm.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/nph.19245" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.



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Epiphytes are increasingly threatened by forest disturbances

Epiphytes are plants that can be found in tree canopies...

An international consortium of astronomers reported the observation of two ice giant exoplanets engaging in a cataclysmic planetary collision around a star reminiscent of our Sun. This monumental event was marked by an intense blaze of light and subsequent emanation of enormous dust plumes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-initial-observation">Initial observation</h2>



The intrigue surrounding this star system began when an astrophysics enthusiast, while perusing the light curve of the star, discerned a peculiar pattern. The system's brightness at infrared wavelengths exhibited a two-fold increase approximately three years prior to a noticeable dimming of the star in visible light.



Dr. Matthew Kenworthy, a co-lead author affiliated with <a href="https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leiden University</a>, recounted his astonishment at this unusual observation, admitting that the phenomenon was entirely unanticipated. The initial visible light curve data, when disseminated amongst the astronomical community, garnered the attention of other experts, prompting them to intensify the scrutiny of this star using a collective of telescopes.



The role of social media in this discovery is noteworthy. It was a post by another astronomer that highlighted the star's increased brightness in the infrared, a phenomenon that occurred over a millennium before the observed optical fading.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-and-naming-the-planetary-collision">Studying and naming the planetary collision</h2>



The focal star of this study was christened ASASSN-21qj, a nomenclature derived from the network of telescopes instrumental in its detection at visible wavelengths. Over the subsequent two years, the star underwent meticulous monitoring by both professional and amateur astronomers.



Their collective research led to a consensus on the most probable cause behind these observations. The infrared glow, which had been registered by NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/neowise" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NEOWISE</a> mission -- a mission primarily oriented towards asteroid and comet detection using space telescopes -- was deduced to originate from the collision of two ice giant exoplanets.



Dr. Simon Lock, another co-lead author from the University of Bristol's <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/earthsciences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth Sciences</a> department, elucidated their hypothesis by referencing their computations and simulations. He explained that the characteristics and longevity of the observed glowing material were in line with what one would anticipate from an impact between two such celestial bodies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-after-a-planetary-collision">What happens after a planetary collision</h2>



The aftermath of this planetary collision was discernible as an expansive debris cloud. As this cloud traversed in front of the star, it accounted for the dimming witnessed approximately three years post the infrared surge.



The ramifications of this collision are ongoing. Astronomers anticipate the debris cloud to eventually distribute along the orbit of the remnants of the collision. As this unfolds, light scattering from the cloud might become observable using both terrestrial telescopes and NASA’s preeminent space telescope, the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next-for-the-planets">What happens next for the planets?</h2>



The astronomical community is rife with anticipation regarding the future trajectory of this system. Dr. Zoe Leinhardt, a co-author from the University of Bristol, speculated on the potential developments in the aftermath of this cosmic event. She foresees the possibility of the amassed material coalescing to engender a series of moons that will subsequently revolve around the emergent planet.



This event has provided the astronomical community with a rare and valuable opportunity to observe and understand the dynamics of exoplanet collisions. As the remnants of this colossal impact continue to evolve, astronomers globally will remain vigilant, hoping to glean further insights from this unprecedented phenomenon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-planetary-collisions">More about planetary collisions</h2>



As we learned above, planetary collisions, while sounding like the stuff of science fiction, play a crucial role in shaping our universe. These cataclysmic events have forged planets, birthed moons, and even dictated the fates of entire solar systems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-planetary-collisions-occur">How planetary collisions occur</h3>



In the vastness of space, gravitational forces rule supreme. Planets, protoplanets, and other celestial bodies dance to this cosmic tug-of-war. Occasionally, these orbits intersect or become unstable, leading two bodies to collide. The size, speed, and angle of impact dictate the outcome of these collisions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-birth-of-earth-s-moon">The birth of Earth’s moon</h3>



Our very own moon serves as a testament to these violent events. Most scientists believe that about 4.5 billion years ago, a Mars-sized body, often referred to as Theia, collided with a young Earth. 



This impact threw a vast amount of debris into space, which eventually coalesced to form the Moon. This theory, known as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-impact-may-have-instantly-formed-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giant Impact Hypothesis</a>, explains why the Moon and Earth have similar isotopic compositions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-creation-and-destruction-of-planets">The creation and destruction of planets</h3>



Not all impacts result in creation; some lead to destruction. Early in our solar system's history, rogue protoplanets likely roamed, sometimes smashing into one another. These collisions could shatter a protoplanet, disperse its materials, and prevent it from becoming a full-fledged planet.



Conversely, collisions can also build planets. Dust and rocks, through countless collisions, gradually stick together and grow. Over time, these merged bodies accumulate enough mass to clear their orbits of other debris, earning them the title of a planet.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-planetary-collisions">Future planetary collisions</h3>



While massive collisions between mature planets in our solar system remain unlikely due to established and relatively stable orbits, other star systems, such as ASASSN-21qj discussed above, still experience such events. These impacts can change planetary atmospheres, influence orbits, or even form new celestial bodies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-collisions-in-the-search-for-life">Planetary collisions in the search for life</h3>



Collisions also play a role in our quest to find extraterrestrial life. The impact can strip a planet of its atmosphere or create conditions unsuitable for life. However, they can also deliver vital ingredients, like water, to otherwise barren worlds.



Planetary collisions, though violent and chaotic, are essential threads in the cosmic tapestry. They remind us of the dynamic nature of our universe, where creation and destruction often go hand in hand. As we continue our journey through the cosmos, understanding these events will undoubtedly shed light on our past and hint at our future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06573-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Aftermath of a huge planetary collision captured by telescope for the first time

An international consortium of astronomers reported the observation of two...

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au/">University of Queensland</a> (UQ) in Australia suggests that despite significant conservation endeavors, the illicit hunting of the critically endangered orangutans in Borneo might persistently endanger the species.



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



Emily Massingham, a PhD student at UQ’s Faculty of Science, led a team of researchers that embarked on a journey across the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/already-endangered-orangutans-now-face-new-threats-from-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bornean orangutan</a> habitat in Kalimantan, visiting 79 villages and engaging in one-on-one discussions with a total of 431 individuals.



“Our study builds on previous research which indicated killing was one of the key reasons for orangutan population decline, alongside habitat loss,” Massingham said.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orangutan-killings">Orangutan killings</h2>



The primary objectives of their investigation were to ascertain the recent occurrences of orangutan killings, evaluate the efficacy of conservation initiatives in mitigating these killings, and understand the local community’s perspective and the reasons driving such actions.



“It has been almost 15 years since the previous study, and we did not find a clear decrease in killings despite Indonesia’s commendable efforts to reduce habitat loss,” she reported.&nbsp;



Disturbingly, a significant 30 percent of the visited villages reported instances of orangutan killings within the last five to 10 years. According to Massingham, these activities are both “illegal and taboo,” making it challenging to gauge their full extent accurately.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-decline-nbsp">Alarming decline&nbsp;</h2>



Highlighting the alarming decline in the orangutan population, Massingham argued that the numbers had plummeted by approximately 100,000 in recent times, with fewer than 100,000 of these creatures surviving in the wild.&nbsp;



“Our findings did not indicate that conservation projects are reducing killing, highlighting an urgent need to improve the collective approach to orangutan conservation,” she added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intrinsic-vulnerability-nbsp">Intrinsic vulnerability&nbsp;</h2>



One of the central concerns raised by the scientists is the species’ intrinsic vulnerability. Given their long life expectancy and slow reproductive rate, the death of mature apes can severely impede population growth.&nbsp;



“Our interviews revealed some of the situations which lead to the killing or displacement of individual orangutans,” she said. “They include protecting crops and taking infant apes to keep as pets.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts">Conservation efforts</h2>



To combat these challenges, the researchers provided several suggestions to bolster conservation efforts.&nbsp;



“Working with communities and collaborating across disciplines and projects will be key,” Massingham said. “Conservationists need to work closely with individual villages to understand their needs and perspectives, identify the social drivers of killing of orangutans and implement solutions that reduce human-orangutan conflict.”



The study - published in the journal <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/csp2.13025">Conservation Science and Practice</a> - benefited from the involvement of a regional social development entity that aided in fieldwork facilitation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-orangutans-nbsp">More about orangutans&nbsp;</h2>



Orangutans are one of the world's most endangered primates and are found only in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra.&nbsp;



The Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) is one of the three species of orangutans. The other two are the Sumatran (Pongo abelii) and the Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis), which is found only in a specific region of Sumatra.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distribution-nbsp">Distribution&nbsp;</h3>



In Borneo, orangutans are distributed in fragmented forests mainly in the Indonesian provinces of Kalimantan and the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak.



The population of Bornean orangutans has declined significantly due to deforestation, habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation">Conservation</h3>



Various organizations and governments are working on conservation projects to protect the orangutans and their habitats. 



Facilities like the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah and the Samboja Lestari Rehabilitation Center in East Kalimantan work to rehabilitate and reintroduce rescued orangutans back into the wild.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecotourism">Ecotourism</h3>



Ecotourism, when practiced responsibly, can be a tool for orangutan conservation. Tourists are educated about the importance of conserving the species and their habitats. The revenue generated can be reinvested into conservation projects.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavior">Behavior</h3>



Bornean orangutans are semi-solitary creatures. Adult males are particularly solitary, while females live with their offspring. They are known for their intelligence and have been observed using tools in the wild.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



Orangutans are primarily frugivores, meaning they consume mainly fruits. However, they also eat leaves, bark, insects, and, occasionally, smaller vertebrates.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction">Reproduction</h3>



Female orangutans have a long inter-birth interval, only reproducing every 6-8 years, which is one reason why their populations are slow to recover from declines.



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Illicit hunting remains a major threat to orangutans

A new study led by the University of Queensland (UQ)...

Fresh,Citrus,Fruit,Assortment.,Different,Citrus,Fruit,On,Black,Slate

The citrus family boasts an incredible diversity of fruits, each with its unique flavors, fascinating aromas, and valuable health benefits. Among this diversity, lemons and oranges take the spotlight.



But have you ever wondered where citrus fruits came from? Researchers may have found the answer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-citrus-family">The citrus family</h2>



We know of several speculated origins of the citrus family. This widely cultivated group of fruits has been rumored to come from the balmy jungles of northeastern Australia. Researchers have also suggested the Himalayan foothills as its origin.



However, a new study provides some clarity about the origin of citrus fruits. In this study, researchers extensively examined the genomes of the numerous species within the orange subfamily - <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1439609208000640" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aurantioideae</a>. 



Their findings point to the possibility of citrus-related fruits originating from the ancient Indian subcontinent, followed by the diversification of their flavors in south-central China.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-citrus-genus">The citrus genus</h2>



Aurantioideae is the orange subfamily. It contains more than 30 genera of fruit-bearing plants. They are widely dispersed across Asia, Africa, and Polynesia. The Citrus genus is one of the most prominent in the subfamily.



Members of the Citrus genus include oranges, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grapefruit-juice-reaction-medications/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grapefruits</a>, lemons, and limes, all of which have left lasting flavors on the palates of people around the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experimental-design">Experimental design</h2>



The research team from the<a href="https://www.hzau.edu.cn/en/HOME.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Huazhong Agricultural University</a> in China was led by horticulturist Qiang Xu. The goal was to provide clearer and actionable insights into the origin and evolution of the orange subfamily. 



To achieve this, they compiled the genome sequences of 12 distinct species and cross-referenced them with 314 existing accessions from the Aurantioideae subfamily. This helped them to construct a graph-based pangenome for the group.



The team constructed a phylogenetic tree (or evolutionary family tree) from the genetic database obtained, showing the various evolutionary patterns between the members of the group. From there, they drew insights into the time and place of origin of these species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-was-learned-about-citrus-fruits">What was learned about citrus fruits</h2>



Findings from the study point to a remarkable history that has unfolded over time. It appears that the precursors to citrus plants first existed on the Indian subcontinent about 25 million years ago.



The collision of this subcontinent with continental Asia created the Himalayas. As a result of the collision, the ancestral citrus plants also dispersed into Asia, as indicated by the citrus-like plant fossils found in southern China.



The scientists suggest that south-central China was the origin of mandarins, trifoliate oranges, and other true citrus species. They estimate that the time of origin was eight million years ago. The experts also propose that other early citrus species, including citron and pomelo, originated years later in the<a href="https://www.mapsofindia.com/dehradun/the-himalayan-foothills.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Himalayan foothills</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-south-central-china">Why south-central China?</h2>



The researchers believe south-central China's climate played a pivotal role in this evolutionary tale. The shift in climate from dry tropical conditions to a wetter climate provided the ideal growth conditions for oranges and lemons. The subsequent cultivation of citrus fruits by locals, for varying purposes, helped to rapidly grow the group's diversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ph4-genes-and-citric-acid">PH4 genes and citric acid</h2>



Expanding the scope of their study, the researchers also found major differences in how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-seek-out-citrus-plants-with-disease-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">citrus plants</a> and their kin expressed the PH4 genes.



"The PH4 gene is important for the citric acid accumulation of fruits for both citrus and citrus relatives," explained Xu. While non-citrus fruits had low levels of citric acid, their citrus counterparts contained high amounts. This indicates a better PH4 gene expression in the latter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conserving-citrus-fruits">Conserving citrus fruits</h2>



Understanding the past of oranges and lemons and all citrus fruits holds promise for their future conservation. This knowledge could prove crucial for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citrus-greening-infects-entire-trees-before-its-detected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protecting</a> wild species' habitats. It could also aid in the preservation of genetic diversity by identifying the endangered species among the group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-citrus-fruits">More about citrus fruits</h2>



With their vibrant colors and zesty flavors, citrus fruits are more than just a delightful addition to our diet. From lemons to oranges and grapefruits to limes, these fruits bring a plethora of health benefits and diverse uses to the table. Let's move beyond their origin story and touch upon the benefits of citrus.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-citrus-elevates-health">Citrus elevates health</h3>



Packed with Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, notably oranges, supply a significant dose of Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant. Vitamin C boosts the immune system, aids in the absorption of iron from plant-based foods, and promotes healthy skin.



Rich in Fiber: Consuming citrus helps support digestive health. The soluble fiber present in these fruits aids in lowering cholesterol levels and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.



Promotes Heart Health: Regularly eating citrus fruits can reduce the risk of certain heart-related conditions. The combination of fiber, potassium, and natural compounds supports healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multitude-of-culinary-uses">Multitude of culinary uses</h3>



Juices and Drinks: Many people start their day with a refreshing glass of orange or grapefruit juice. Citrus juices serve as a base for countless beverages, from smoothies to cocktails.



Zests and Flavors: Lemon and orange zests add a burst of flavor to baked goods, sauces, and salads. Their essential oils elevate many dishes with a tangy twist.



Natural Preservatives: Citrus juice, especially lemon, acts as a natural preservative. It prevents the browning of fruits like apples and avocados and keeps homemade jams and jellies fresh.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-citrus-fruits-in-daily-life">Citrus fruits in daily life</h3>



Natural Cleaners: The high acidity of citrus fruits, combined with their antiseptic properties, makes them effective natural cleaners. Lemon juice, for instance, cuts through grease, brightens whites in laundry, and leaves a refreshing scent.



Beauty Enhancer: Citrus fruits play a role in skincare and beauty routines. Lemon juice acts as a natural bleach for hair and skin, while orange peel exfoliates and refreshes tired skin.



Air Fresheners: The pleasant aroma of citrus fruits purifies the air. Simply boiling citrus peels or using their essential oils can replace commercial air fresheners, creating a natural and invigorating ambiance.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-of-caution">Word of caution</h3>



While citrus fruits offer many benefits, consuming them in excessive amounts can lead to tooth enamel erosion because of their acidity. It's also essential to remember that some people may have citrus allergies or sensitivities.



Citrus fruits, in all their tangy glory, serve more purposes than one might imagine. Whether boosting our health, enhancing our meals, or adding zest to our daily routines, the versatility and benefits of citrus are truly unparalleled. Embracing these fruits in various aspects of life can lead to a refreshing and healthful experience.



The study has been published in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-023-01516-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal Nature Genetics</a>.



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Citrus fruits: Where did they come from and how would we live without them?

The citrus family boasts an incredible diversity of fruits, each...

Scientist,With,Natural,Drug,Research,,Natural,Organic,And,Scientific,Extraction

Researchers have uncovered yet another crisis that is developing from the negative impact of climate change on the global plant kingdom. So many plants currently face extinction that humanity could lose half of all future medicines that would be developed from those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-largest-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vanishing plant species</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-medicines">Plant-based medicines</h2>



It's been estimated that over 25% of prescription drugs contain plant-derived ingredients. Plants provide a vast source of naturally occurring, biologically active substances, many of which are known to have therapeutic effects.



A recent study suggests we may lose the medicinal benefits offered by the plant kingdom if we, as a species, don't act now to reverse this devasting trend and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-plants-on-earth-could-be-saved-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">save the endangered plant species</a> around the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-losing-known-plants-and-unknown-medicines">Losing known plants and unknown medicines</h2>



The report, which was based on the findings of different teams of <a href="https://www.kew.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kew</a> scientists, contains many discoveries about the universe's current plant population and how they are being threatened.



"The estimates indicate that 45% of all known flowering plant species could be under threat of extinction," the report noted.



The most threatened plant groups are Orchidaceae (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/masters-of-deception-orchids-use-trickery-to-get-what-they-need/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orchids</a>): Piperaceae, which includes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/its-in-the-genes-humans-traded-peppers-along-global-trade-routes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black pepper</a>; Bromeliaceae, which includes <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/how-do-pineapples-grow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pineapple</a>; and Araceae, which includes many important crops.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facing-extinction-before-being-discovered">Facing extinction before being discovered</h2>



Although about 350,000 species of vascular plants have been identified and named, we still have about 100,000 yet to be formally named. Scientists fear that most of these yet-to-be-described plants are also at risk of extinction.&nbsp;



"New estimates suggest as many 3 in 4 undescribed vascular plants are likely to be already threatened with extinction," wrote the researchers.



Based on these projections, it is most likely that new plant species discoveries will also be at risk of extinction by the time they are found, or even before we know they existed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-5-million-species-of-fungi">2.5 million species of fungi</h2>



Fungi include microscopic organisms, like yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. Like plants, they offer valuable potential sources of useful medicinal compounds. Scientists believe there are about 2.5 million species of fungi across the world, but most of these are unknown. 



Despite their diversity, only 155,000 fungal species have been formally named, with 10,200 of these coming in the past three years. At this rate, it would take about a thousand years to describe them all.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identify-and-investigate">Identify and investigate</h2>



What is the way forward? The first step is to intensify our efforts to name and describe more plant and fungal species across the world. 



This is especially important, considering that many of the new discoveries waiting to be made could be important sources of food, medicine, chemicals, and enzymes with useful properties such as plastic degradation.



Dr. Tuula Niskanen, former research leader in Accelerated Taxonomy at <a href="https://www.kew.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RBG Kew</a>, shared this sentiment.  



"Without knowing what species there are and having names for them, we won’t be able to share information on the key aspects of species’ diversity, make any assessments of species’ conservation status to know whether they are at risk from extinction, or explore their potential to benefit people and society," said Dr. Niskanen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reclassifying-new-species">Reclassifying new species</h2>



Scientists have also called for newly described species to be classified as threatened. The belief is that prioritizing these threatened species over others on the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN Red List</a> will speed up their full assessments and aid conservation efforts.



Dr. Matilda Brown, a researcher in Conservation Assessment and Analysis at RBG Kew, said: “Ideally, partnerships between taxonomists and experienced conservation assessors would aim to describe and assess species simultaneously to maximize opportunities for effective conservation action."



"In the meantime, if accepted, our recommendation could aid in the protection of many tens of thousands of undescribed threatened species by treating them as threatened as soon as they become known to us."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-medicines-are-nature-s-gift">Plant-based medicines are nature's gift</h2>



Finally, it is important to secure the natural world's pharmaceutical treasure trove. We must protect these species and the future of medicine for generations to come.



Over 200 scientists across 102 institutions worldwide contributed to the report titled "<a href="https://www.kew.org/science/state-of-the-worlds-plants-and-fungi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The State of the World's Plants and Fungi</a>." It has been published on the RBG Kew website. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-use-of-plants-in-medicine">More about the use of plants in medicine</h2>



Plants have served as the foundation for human health and well-being for thousands of years. They not only provide us with oxygen, food, and shelter but also offer a vast array of medicinal properties. Here, we'll expand upon the previous statements and dive into the beneficial aspects of plants in treating various ailments.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-act-as-powerful-healers">Plants act as powerful healers</h3>



Willow Bark relieves pain: Long before the invention of aspirin, people chewed the bark of willow trees to reduce fever and inflammation. The active ingredient, salicin, when consumed, converts into salicylic acid in the human body, working to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.



Aloe Vera soothes burns: Almost everyone knows the immediate relief aloe vera gel brings to sunburns. Aloe vera contains compounds that moisturize, heal, and reduce inflammation, making it a must-have for any first aid kit.



Turmeric reduces inflammation: Turmeric, a golden-hued spice, houses a compound named curcumin. This compound has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Consuming turmeric helps combat chronic inflammation, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-boost-immunity-and-health">Plants boost immunity and health</h3>



Echinacea fights colds: Many people turn to echinacea at the first sign of a cold. Studies suggest this plant can help boost the immune system and may reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms.



Ginger eases digestive woes: Ginger root has been a remedy for stomach upset for centuries. Whether you're battling motion sickness or morning sickness, sipping ginger tea can provide relief due to its anti-nausea properties.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-aid-mental-well-being">Plants aid mental well-being</h3>



Lavender calms the mind: The sweet scent of lavender has long been associated with relaxation and sleep. Essential oils derived from lavender flowers can alleviate anxiety, stress, and even mild pain.



St. John's Wort fights depression: For those facing mild to moderate depression, St. John's Wort offers a natural remedy. Its active compounds interact with brain chemicals that regulate mood.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safety-first-when-using-plants-as-medicine">Safety first when using plants as medicine</h3>



While plants offer incredible healing properties, it's essential to use them wisely. Not all plants are safe for every individual, and some may interact negatively with prescribed medications. Before experimenting with the world of medicinal plants, always consult with a healthcare provider or herbalist.



Plants play a pivotal role in the realm of both natural and pharmaceutical medicine. As researchers continue to explore their potential, we gain a deeper appreciation for nature's ability to heal and nourish our bodies. As we harness the power of plants, we find pathways to holistic health and well-being.



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Increasing plant extinction threatens the future of medicine and human health

Researchers have uncovered yet another crisis that is developing from...

Surface,Of,Venus.,Hot,Lava,Flows,On,Venus.,3d,Illustration

Speculations about lightning on Venus have been around for a long time. Scientists have argued for and against the possibility of lightning on the runaway greenhouse planet.&nbsp;



Now, findings from a recent study suggest that this phenomenon is a rarity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-welcome-to-venus">Welcome to Venus</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sign-of-life-found-in-the-clouds-surrounding-venus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Venus</a> is one of the four terrestrial planets and the second planet from the Sun. It is the hottest planet in the solar system with temperatures that can melt lead, making it unable to support life.



In a new discovery about the cloud-swaddled planet, researchers from the<a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> University of Colorado Boulder</a> have determined that lightning would be rare on Venus if it exists at all. 



The team came to this conclusion by analyzing data obtained from <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA's Parker Solar Probe</a>, which is the first spacecraft to touch the sun.



Harriet George, lead author of the published paper and a postdoctoral researcher at the University’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, explained the findings.&nbsp;



"There’s been debate about lightning on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanoes-cover-nearly-the-entire-surface-of-venus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Venus</a> for close to 40 years. Hopefully, with our newly available data, we can help to reconcile that debate," said George.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parker-solar-probe-nbsp">Parker Solar Probe&nbsp;</h2>



The Parker Solar Probe is a space mission designed to explore the Sun. Since its launch in 2018, the mission spacecraft has leveraged advanced technology and autonomy to withstand the radiation and heat from the sun.



How can a spacecraft that is designed for solar exploration observe Venus? Well, it already has. The Parker Solar Probe passed by Venus in February 2021, approaching within 2,400km.



Using the<a href="https://fields.ssl.berkeley.edu/"> PSP/FIELDS Experiment</a>, a set of electric and magnetic field sensors on the spacecraft, the scientists were able to analyze the planet's atmospheric conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-probe-doesn-t-see-lightning-on-venus">Probe doesn't see lightning on Venus</h2>



The Parker Solar Probe detected whistler waves in the thick, cloudy atmosphere of Venus. If whistlers are restricted to Earth, why were they found in Venus?



The researchers sought answers by analyzing the data obtained from the flyby. Interestingly, they found disruptions in the weak magnetic field of Venus. These disruptions are called<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2018JA025935"> magnetic reconnection</a> and can have explosive effects.



Further analysis of the whistlers revealed that they move downward rather than upward and out of the atmosphere. According to David Malaspina, a co-author of the study, this finding is different from what "everybody had been imagining for the last 40 years."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-whistler-waves-on-venus-to-make-lightning">No whistler waves on Venus to make lightning</h2>



Whistler waves are very low-frequency electromagnetic waves that are produced by lightning. As the name implies, they make whistling tones that are audible enough to be picked up by the headphones of the radar operators.



Although whistler waves are common on Earth, they rarely occur on Venus. They were first detected in 1978 by <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/pioneer-venus-1/">NASA's Pioneer Venus</a> spacecraft. Some scientists have relied on their existence over the years to argue that Venus might have lightning.



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



The number of whistler waves picked up on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-organisms-may-be-transforming-the-clouds-around-venus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Venus</a> so far suggests that the planet records seven times more lightning strikes than Earth. This is based on the assumption that the whistler waves were caused by lightning.



To get answers, the scientists now look forward to the next time the Parker Solar Probe will pass by the planet. There are already five flybys, and there are two more to go.



"Parker Solar Probe is a very capable spacecraft. Everywhere it goes, it finds something new," George said.



Finally, the findings from this study are not enough to completely eliminate the chances of lightning existing on Venus. Scientists believe that the analysis of additional whistler wave data will provide more insights sufficient to make a full refutation.



Parker Solar Probe is expected to fly by Venus for the last time in November 2024.



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Whether or not Venus has lightning has been a topic of debate for decades

Speculations about lightning on Venus have been around for a...

A recent study has unveiled the independent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fibonacci-spirals-an-unexpected-twist-in-plant-evolution/">evolution</a> of pathways in plants to produce the same substance for defense.



"Enzymes that catalyze the same chemical reaction can evolve independently many times," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"However, examples of independent evolution of an entire pathway that consists of many enzymatic steps are rare. In this manuscript, we report the discovery of two biosynthetic pathways that both synthesize a class of plant defensive molecule called benzoxazinoid."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-specialized-metabolites-nbsp">Specialized metabolites&nbsp;</h2>



Benzoxazinoids are crucial for maize plants. Serving as a defense against herbivores, they suppress their appetite while also possessing antimicrobial properties.&nbsp;



Furthermore, these compounds play a role in facilitating interactions between plants. Their production process in maize has been familiar to researchers since the 1990s.&nbsp;



However, what's remarkable is that even though specialized metabolites often are seen in related plant species, benzoxazinoids deviate from this trend. They appear sporadically across numerous unrelated plant families.



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



A team of researchers led by Tobias Köllner at the <a href="https://www.ice.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology</a> set out to investigate this peculiar behavior. The goal was to determine whether different species developed the ability to form benzoxazinoids independently of each other.&nbsp;



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



The researchers explored two unrelated eudicot plant species known for producing benzoxazinoids: the golden dead-nettle Lamium galebodolon and the zebra plant Aphelandra squarrosa.



The team developed comprehensive datasets of the compounds and genes expressed in different tissues of these plants.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-candidate-genes-nbsp">Candidate genes&nbsp;</h2>



By contrasting them with related species that don't produce benzoxazinoids, they were able to pinpoint potential genes that might be implicated in the formation of these compounds.&nbsp;



"This approach allowed us to identify candidate genes that may be involved in the formation of these compounds," explained study first author Matilde Florean.



"We further characterized the candidate genes by expressing them in tobacco to find out if they are really involved in the production of benzoxazinoids."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-results">Surprising results</h2>



The results were surprising. The study revealed that the metabolic pathway of benzoxazinoids evolved independently in maize, the golden dead-nettle, and the zebra plant.&nbsp;



Unlike in maize, where a set of closely related cytochrome P450 enzymes handle specific steps, the golden dead-nettle and the zebra plant employ entirely different enzyme classes.&nbsp;



Remarkably, these two plants utilize a dual-function flavin-containing monooxygenase for this process, instead of the two separate cytochrome P450 enzymes observed in grasses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flexible-plant-metabolism-nbsp">Flexible plant metabolism&nbsp;</h2>



"With this work, we have shown how flexible plant metabolism can be. We have shown that plants can independently invent very different strategies to make the same chemical compounds, and this has happened at least three times in the evolutionary history of benzoxazinoids," said Sarah O'Connor, the director of the Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis.



The research team's next goal is to explore the biosynthesis of benzoxazinoids in a broader range of plant families.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2307981120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Different plants independently created the same chemical defense

A recent study has unveiled the independent evolution of pathways...

The mystery surrounding the fluctuating quality of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-wildfire-smoke-impact-wine-flavors/">wine</a> vintages may have finally been solved. Researchers have discovered that the weather - notably warm summers and wet winters - significantly influences wine quality.



“Weather drives wine quality and wine taste,” said study first author Andrew Wood of the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consistent-trend-nbsp">Consistent trend&nbsp;</h2>



By scrutinizing 50 years of wine critic scores and weather data from Bordeaux, the researchers discovered a consistent trend. High-quality wines are produced in years marked by warmer temperatures, abundant winter rainfall, and condensed, earlier growing seasons.



It's noteworthy that these climatic conditions, favorable for producing superior wine, are expected to prevail with the ongoing climate changes.&nbsp;



“We found evidence that temperature and precipitation effects occur throughout the year - from bud break, while the grapes are growing and maturing, during harvesting, and even overwinter when the plant is dormant," said Wood.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inconsistent-weather-consistent-quality">Inconsistent weather, consistent quality</h2>



Despite emanating from the same vineyards, vines, and production methods, wines exhibit varied quality due to the annual weather inconsistencies.&nbsp;



The researchers investigated how these meteorological variations influence wine quality and the potential impact of climate change on this aspect.&nbsp;



The study significantly extends beyond the growing season, considering the dormant winter period's effects as well. “Perennial crops like grapes are there all the time, and so things that happen outside of the growing season can also impact the wine,” explained Wood.



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



Bordeaux, chosen for its reliance on rainfall for irrigation and its extensive records, serves as an ideal study subject.&nbsp;



The research team analyzed both regional and localized quality variations, employing models to assess the influence of weather-related factors on wine quality.&nbsp;



This comprehensive approach allowed for the identification of quality-determining elements, including seasonal length and fluctuations in temperature and precipitation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quality-over-time">Quality over time</h2>



A noteworthy finding is the improvement in Bordeaux wine quality scores from 1950 to 2020. This enhancement can be attributed to the region's gradual warming, technological advancements in winemaking, or the industry's response to changing consumer preferences.&nbsp;



“The trend, whether that’s driven by the preferences of wine critics or the general population, is that people generally prefer stronger wines which age for longer and give you richer, more intense flavors, higher sweetness, and lower acidity,” said Wood.&nbsp;



“And with climate change - generally, we are seeing a trend across the world that with greater warming, wines are getting stronger.”



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



The study paints a somewhat optimistic picture for the Bordeaux region, where climate-induced weather patterns seemingly favor the production of higher quality wines.



“With the predicted climates of the future, given that we are more likely to see these patterns of warmer weather and less rainfall during the summer and more rainfall during the winter, the wines are likely to continue to get better into the future,” said Wood.



However, this is true only up until the point at which water becomes limited. “The problem in scenarios where it gets really hot is water: if plants don’t have enough, they eventually fail, and when they fail, you lose everything,” explained Wood.&nbsp;



“But the general idea or consensus is that the wines will continue to get better up to the point where they fail.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.107954" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



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Warm summers and wet winters produce superior-quality wine

The mystery surrounding the fluctuating quality of wine vintages may...

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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

[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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" 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> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.



In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;



Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. 



Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.



Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. 



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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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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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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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



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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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes why experts are studying zebrafish to gain a better understanding of how the immune system responds to injury. Zebrafish have the ability to repair and regenerate organs.



“Organ regeneration offers an exciting opportunity for studying the immune system and to inquire why some species can regenerate organs like the heart or missing limbs while others like humans cannot,” explained Dr. Tatjana Piotrowski.



Zebrafish sensory organ hair cells are an ideal system to investigate the pathways and cell types involved in regeneration since they are easily destroyed with antibiotics and begin regenerating within five hours. This enabled the researchers to identify the exact timing and genetic programs for each anti-inflammatory macrophage activation state.&nbsp;



“Our hypothesis is that human macrophages do not receive the proper chemical activation 'cocktail' to instruct pro-regenerative processes,” said Dr. Nicolas Denans. “Identifying the molecular recipe of macrophage activation in zebrafish may one day enable us to design regenerative immunotherapies in humans.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



“The new evidence is a valuable resource for comparative studies on the genetic programs involved in macrophage-mediated repair and regeneration. In other words, different types of injuries may induce different kinds of inflammatory responses. We want to decipher whether this 'language' is universal or if there are a variety of dialects."



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&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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How the immune system responds to injury

[sendtonews key="0dEcERCq61-2283382-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Stowers...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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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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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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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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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