Thought Mars was just a barren, rusty desert? Well, it may be time to rewrite the science textbooks. NASA's Perseverance rover has thrown us a curveball, a potentially discovering remnants of microbial life in a rock on Mars that may revolutionize our understanding of life beyond Earth.



Enter the 'Cheyava Falls' -- an oddly intriguing rock discovered on Mars, bearing tantalizing hints pointing towards the possibility of ancient microbial life.



“We have designed the route for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-perseverance-rover-now-uses-ai-search-minerals-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseverance</a> to ensure that it goes to areas with the potential for interesting scientific samples,” explained Nicola Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Headquarters</a> in Washington.



“This trip through the Neretva Vallis riverbed paid off as we found something we’ve never seen before, which will give our scientists so much to study.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-on-mars-in-cheyava-falls-rock">Life on Mars in Cheyava Falls rock?</h2>



Located on the northern edge of the Neretva Vallis, an ancient Martian river valley, the Cheyava Falls rock is unique. Its characteristics have tickled the curiosity of scientists and have led to the detection of organic compounds within it.



The rover's scientific instruments, including <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/jpl/the-detective-aboard-nasas-perseverance-rover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SHERLOC</a> (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman &amp; Luminescence for Organics &amp; Chemicals), have detected organic compounds within the rock.



These compounds, considered the building blocks of life, raise the <a href="https://youtu.be/I7v_xuCDwnM?list=PLTiv_XWHnOZqCrMU2ppcLjRn1zlDkNx3q" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tantalizing possibility that Mars may have once harbored life</a>.



“This is the kind of key observation that SHERLOC was built for -- to seek organic matter as it is an essential component of a search for past life,” enthused SHERLOC’s principal investigator Kevin Hand of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>) in Southern California, which manages the mission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extraordinary-rock-in-jezero-crater">Extraordinary rock in Jezero Crater</h2>



Cheyava Falls is no ordinary rock, as described by Ken Farley, the Perseverance project scientist from Caltech, "the most puzzling, complex, and potentially important rock yet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lake-sediments-found-in-jezero-crater-hint-at-past-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigated by Perseverance</a>."



This unusual rock sports several intriguing features including colorful spots that hint at chemical reactions, evidence of past water flow, and the presence of organic material.



These elements, in combination, suggest that Cheyava Falls may be a link to Mars' ancient past and its mysteries.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mars-rock_Cheyava-Falls_Jezero-Crater_leopard-spots_ancient-life_Perseverance-rover_NASA_1s.jpg" alt="&quot;Leopard spots&quot; hint at microbial life on Mars in reddish rock named &quot;Cheyava Falls&quot; in Jezero Crater on Mars. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1939965"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">"Leopard spots" hint at microbial life on Mars in reddish rock named "Cheyava Falls" in Jezero Crater on Mars. Credit: NASA</figcaption></figure>



“On the one hand, we have our first compelling detection of organic material, distinctive colorful spots indicative of chemical reactions that microbial life could use as an energy source, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-samples-bunsen-peak-rock-jezero-crater-martian-lake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clear evidence that water</a> -- necessary for life -- once passed through the rock," Farley expounded.



"On the other hand, we have been unable to determine exactly how the rock formed and to what extent nearby rocks may have heated Cheyava Falls and contributed to these features.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-blocks-of-life-in-mars-cheyava-falls-rock">Building blocks of life in Mars' Cheyava Falls rock</h2>



The rock features large white veins of calcium sulfate running along its length. Between these veins are reddish bands, indicating the presence of hematite, a mineral that contributes to Mars' characteristic rusty color.



Upon closer inspection, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-curiosity-rover-makes-surprising-find-under-martian-rock-sulfur-crystals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseverance discovered</a> numerous irregularly shaped, millimeter-sized off-white splotches surrounded by black material, resembling leopard spots. 



Using the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/heres-how-ai-is-changing-nasas-mars-rover-science" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PIXL</a> (Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry) instrument, Perseverance found that these black halos contain iron and phosphate.



What adds another layer of complexity to the mystery is the presence of iron, phosphate, and possibly hematite -- minerals often linked to biological processes.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mars-rock_Cheyava-Falls_Jezero-Crater_leopard-spots_ancient-life_annotated_Perseverance-rover_NASA_1s.jpg" alt="&quot;Leopard spots&quot; hint at microbial life on Mars in reddish rock named &quot;Cheyava Falls&quot; in Jezero Crater on Mars. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1939963"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">"Leopard spots" hint at microbial life on Mars in reddish rock named "Cheyava Falls" in Jezero Crater on Mars. Credit: NASA</figcaption></figure>



David Flannery, an astrobiologist from the <a href="https://www.qut.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queensland University of Technology</a>, chimes in, "On Earth, these types of features in rocks are often associated with the fossilized record of microbes living in the subsurface."



This discovery has sparked a flurry of questions and hypotheses.



Was Cheyava Falls the result of mud with organic compounds hardening into rock, with subsequent fluid flows depositing the calcium sulfate veins?



Or could the olivine crystals in the veins actually be magma remnants, suggesting a wholly different formation process?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-returning-rocks-a-giant-leap-in-space-exploration">Returning Rocks: A Giant Leap in Space Exploration</h2>



To crack this Martian mystery, the scientific community needs more than just remote data.



“We have zapped that rock with lasers and X-rays and imaged it literally day and night from just about every angle imaginable,” Farley concluded.



“Scientifically, Perseverance has nothing more to give. To fully understand what really happened in that Martian river valley at Jezero Crater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-may-have-once-been-a-cradle-for-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">billions of years ago</a>, we’d want to bring the Cheyava Falls sample back to Earth, so it can be studied with the powerful instruments available in laboratories.”



The return of Martian samples marks a significant milestone in planetary science. With these samples on Earth, researchers can use advanced technologies to examine the rock's composition, structure, and potential biological signatures more closely.



This could finally answer questions about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/searching-for-life-on-mars-quest-continues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">presence of ancient life on Mars</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncharted-territory-where-do-we-go-from-here">Uncharted territory: Where do we go from here?</h2>



As the Perseverance mission ventures further into the Martian landscape, we wait with bated breath for the next reveal. Its methodical, inch-by-inch exploration adds to our knowledge about Mars' past and its potential to support life.



The Cheyava Falls discovery has brought with it an exhilarating mixture of challenges that scientists are chomping at the bit to solve.



Whether or not life ever existed on Mars, the contributions of the Perseverance and future missions will continue to enrich our understanding of Mars and the wider cosmos.



As we delve deeper into the Martian mysteries and set our sights on other celestial bodies, we can expect to uncover more secrets about our solar system's history and the potential for life beyond Earth.



So, the next time you're stargazing, remember: The universe is full of mysteries, and we've only just started the journey. Imagine what we’ll find next!



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NASA: Perseverance rover finds best evidence yet for life on Mars

Thought Mars was just a barren, rusty desert? Well, it may be time to rewrite the science textbooks. NASA's Perseverance rover has thrown us a curveball, a potentially discovering remnants of microbial life in a rock on Mars that may revolutionize our understanding of life beyond Earth. Enter the 'Cheyava Falls' -- an oddly intriguing rock discovered on Mars, bearing tantalizing hints pointing towards the possibility of ancient microbial life. “We have designed the route for Perseverance to ensure that it goes to areas with the potential...

Beneath the skin of Mercury, the smallest planet in our solar system, expect the unexpected. Reaching out across the cosmos with this fascinating revelation is a new study that points to a 9-mile-thick layer of diamonds concealed beneath the planet's surface.



While instance of such valuable encrustation might sound tantalizing, turning these precious stones into fashionable jewelry remains an impossibility due to their inaccessible location deep within the planet. 



However, these gems could hold the key to unraveling some of the big unanswered questions circling around Mercury' composition and its rather <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">curious magnetic field</a>.



The scientist leading the charge is Yanhao Lin, a staff scientist based out of the <a href="http://www.hpstar.ac.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research</a> in Beijing. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-s-hidden-diamond">Mercury’s hidden diamond</h2>



Oddly enough, for a planet its size, Mercury has a magnetic field. It is weaker than its Earth counterpart, but is still intriguing considering the planet's overall inactivity in geological terms. 



What truly sparked Lin's interest, however, were the unusually dark patches on the surface of Mercury that were identified as graphite by NASA's <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/messenger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Messenger mission</a>. 



This revelation triggered exploration into the possibility of something unique brewing within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-worlds-do-not-fit-the-definition-of-a-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a>'s interior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birth-of-mercury-s-diamond-layer">Birth of Mercury's diamond layer</h2>



Utilizing a team comprised of Chinese and Belgian researchers, Lin sought to explore the possibility of diamond formation deep in Mercury’s core. 



The team began by creating chemical mixtures that replicated Mercury's magma ocean. The concoction included iron, silica, and carbon, elements similar to certain kinds of meteorites, and was subjected to crushing pressures and extreme temperatures.



The team's rigorous experiments and computer simulations confirmed that Mercury's mantle would indeed be conducive to forming diamonds, especially under the revised conditions that the team established. 



If these diamonds do exist, they could form a 9-mile average thick layer at the core-mantle boundary of Mercury, which is approximately 300 miles below the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-s-magnetism">Mercury's magnetism</h2>



The hypothesized existence of this layer of diamonds is more than just an intriguing fact. It could potentially explain the origin of Mercury’s magnetic field. 



These diamonds may facilitate heat transfer between the core and mantle, thereby creating temperature differences and causing liquid iron to circulate – a process that would kickstart the creation of a magnetic field.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-future-research">Implications for future research</h2>



The discovery of a potential diamond layer within Mercury opens new avenues for planetary research and composition studies not only of Mercury but also of other celestial bodies. 



Understanding the unique geological characteristics of Mercury could provide deeper insight into the formation and evolution of the solar system. 



Future missions to Mercury may focus on directly exploring its interior structure through advanced geophysical measurements and remote sensing techniques to verify the existence of this diamond layer and its impact on the planet's magnetic field.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-formation-and-mercury-s-diamonds">Planetary formation and Mercury's diamonds</h2>



This revelation also prompts a reconsideration of the processes involved in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary formation</a>. 



Diamonds are typically associated with high-pressure environments, suggesting that similar conditions may exist in other distant rocky <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-discovery-nasa-identifies-over-5500-distant-worlds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a> and moons within our solar system. 



Lin and his team's findings underline the importance of studying extreme planetary conditions, which can reveal not only the composition of these bodies but also the historical processes that formed them, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of geology across the cosmos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-exoplanets">Evolution of exoplanets</h2>



The potential discovery casts a new light on the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-discovery-nasa-identifies-over-5500-distant-worlds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon-rich exoplanets</a>. According to Lin, the process that led to the formation of a diamond layer on Mercury could also be at play on other planets, possibly leaving similar traces.



The arrival of the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/bepicolombo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BepiColombo</a> spacecraft, a joint mission of the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, in 2025 will provide better opportunities to delve deeper into this intriguing discovery.



Mercury, it seems, continues to dazzle us with new surprises, keeping the scientific community and general public on their toes. 



Who'd have thought that this small, seemingly quiet planet could hold such vast volumes of precious stones deep within its confines?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49305-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Layer of diamonds nine-miles thick discovered on planet Mercury's surface

Beneath the skin of Mercury, the smallest planet in our...

A remarkable revelation is brought to us courtesy of Diego Diel, an associate professor of virology, and director of the Virology Laboratory at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center in the <a href="https://www.vet.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>, Cornell University. The team found that the highly pathogenic avian flu can now efficiently spread among mammals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avian-flu-s-journey-to-mammals">Avian flu's journey to mammals</h2>



“This is one of the first times that we are seeing evidence of efficient and sustained mammalian-to-mammalian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/raw-milk-may-transmit-bird-flu-virus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza</a> H5N1,” said Diel.



However, there's a bit of good news too. The sequencing of the virus hasn't revealed any mutations that would increase its transmissibility in humans.&nbsp;



But, the very fact that the virus is showing mammal-to-mammal transmission is cause for worry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-cases-and-the-virus-origin">Human cases and the virus origin</h2>



So how does this impact us humans? Well, the U.S. has reported 11 cases so far, with the first case recorded back in April 2022. 



All these patients have shown mild symptoms, and their exposure to the virus can be linked to either cattle or poultry farms. 



And it seems dairy cows might be the origin of the virus. These patients had contracted the same strain that was found circulating in dairy cows.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-infection">Human infection</h2>



While the virus does infect and replicate in humans, the efficiency is rather low currently. But, Diel cautions about possible future mutations which might make the virus adapt better to mammals and subsequently to humans, potentially leading to efficient transmission amongst us.



Therefore, what's really crucial is to keep monitoring the virus in affected animals and also in humans that might potentially get infected. 



"Early testing, enhanced biosecurity and quarantines in the event of positive results, would be necessary to contain any further spread of the virus," Diel advises.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avian-flu-s-impact-on-mammals">Avian flu's impact on mammals</h2>



H5N1 Infections were first detected in January 2022 and have resulted in over 100 million domestic birds and thousands of wild birds losing their lives.&nbsp;



The virus has increasingly been found in dairy cattle herds, causing reduced appetite, respiratory distress, and abnormal milk in the affected animals, leading to a significant drop in milk production.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-avian-flu-s-spread-to-mammals">Preventing avian flu's spread to mammals</h2>



In light of the rising concerns regarding H5N1 outbreaks among livestock, implementing strict biosecurity measures is paramount. 



Farmers and ranchers are advised to limit contact between domestic animals and wild birds, as well as employ robust sanitation protocols within barns and feeding areas. 



Routine health checks for livestock, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universal-influenza-vaccine-could-offer-lifetime-immunity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">along with vaccination</a> where feasible, can help mitigate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/avian-influenza-h5n1-marine-mammals-spreading-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risks of transmission</a>.



Additionally, educating farm workers on the signs of avian influenza and ensuring that any symptomatic animals receive immediate veterinary care contributes to early detection and control of the virus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-research-and-surveillance">Role of research and surveillance</h2>



As the situation evolves, ongoing research and surveillance are critical to understand the dynamics of avian flu's transmission to mammals.



Universities and veterinary institutes are ramping up their efforts to study the virus's behaviour in both avian and mammalian hosts. 



This comprehensive approach includes genetic sequencing, epidemiological studies, and close monitoring of infected populations.



Collaborative efforts between agricultural departments and public health agencies are essential to timely identification and response to potential outbreaks. 



Enhanced reporting mechanisms will also ensure that any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-is-killing-thousands-of-seals-and-sea-lions-globally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emerging threats</a> are swiftly addressed, guarding both animal health and public safety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unearthing-the-disease-spread">Unearthing the disease spread</h2>



This extensive research involved whole genome sequencing of characterized viral strains, modeling, and epidemiological information to trace the virus's journey. The virus was found capable of moving from Texas cows to healthy ones in Ohio.&nbsp;



Even cats, a raccoon and wild birds found dead on the affected farms tested positive for the virus, likely contracted from consuming raw milk of the infected cows.



This research is a collaborative effort, involving many experts from various institutions. Several authors contributed their expertise to this significant study. They worked under different institutions, pooling their knowledge and resources.



The study was funded by entities like the AHDC, the Ohio Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, the Texas A&amp;M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, and the USDA.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07849-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Avian flu is now spreading from mammal-to-mammal, alarming health officials

A remarkable revelation is brought to us courtesy of Diego...

Have you ever pondered the bewildering array of creatures that inhabit our planet? From scaly reptiles to feathered birds and furry beasts, each one piques our curiosity. One such group that stands out because of their unusual stomachs is the monotremes.



Monotremes are egg-laying mammals -- encompassing the platypus and echidnas -- and they bask in the glory of being the oldest living <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unearthing-the-lost-world-of-unique-mammals-in-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammalian lineage</a>. These oddballs continue to intrigue and confound scientists around the globe.



The recent revelation hits the nail on the head, demystifying why they have unusually small, non-acidic stomachs; in particular, platypuses lack a pyloric sphincter, the gateway that controls the passage of food from the stomach to the intestine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monotremes-anatomy">Monotremes anatomy</h2>



Enter Jackson Dann, the lead author of this groundbreaking study, and a Ph.D. student at the University of Adelaide's <a href="https://set.adelaide.edu.au/biological-sciences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Biological Sciences</a>.



"Work from our lab previously had shown that the platypus and echidna had lost the genetic instructions for proteins that break down food and secrete stomach acids, but to me this didn't explain the drastic shift in their stomach anatomy relative to other animals," Dann shared his initial dilemma.



Drawing a unique conclusion from his research, he discovered that an essential gene named Nkx3.2 was inactivated in the common ancestor between platypuses and echidnas, tens of millions of years ago!



"Thanks to novel repositories of genetic data, and physical specimens we had at the lab, we were able to discover that Nkx3.2 wasn't functional in monotremes, and this inactivating event contributed to the evolution of their unique body plans," Dann continued.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-monotreme-s-stomach-anatomy">Insights into monotreme's stomach anatomy</h2>



Dann and his team's discerning analysis of genetic data endowed us with priceless insights into how the monotreme stomach evolved and how it develops in the fetal period.



Monotremes harbor an enigmatic stomach anatomy. 



"It's likely there is some overarching <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-mammals-play-a-vital-role-in-maintaining-forest-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecological factor</a> we're missing as to why these species have lost their stomachs," Dann surmised.



"It's otherwise surprising that we would see these drastic shifts in stomach anatomy in monotremes and then the next closely related species are loose groups of fish."



The lens of curiosity zoomed onto these remarkable creatures based on Dann’s fascination with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mammals-have-evolved-over-66-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> of unique animal body plans. 



The published research paper in Open Biology shines a light on a singular aspect of the labyrinthine evolutionary trajectory of monotremes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-significance-of-monotremes">Evolutionary significance of monotremes</h2>



Monotremes hold a pivotal place in the evolutionary timeline, serving as a bridge between reptiles and mammals. Their unique characteristics reveal much about the diversification of mammals over millions of years. 



With a lineage dating back to the Mesozoic era, these creatures exemplify how evolutionary adaptations can lead to distinct biological forms. 



The study of monotremes enables scientists to understand not just their own evolutionary history, but also the evolutionary mechanisms that led to the vast array of mammalian life we see today. 



This knowledge can offer insights into resilience and adaptation in changing environments, shedding light on the pressures that shape species over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-monotreme-stomachs">Significance of monotreme stomachs</h2>



Dann's study is not simply for the biologists and geneticists, but also for us, the ordinary folks. He earnestly believes that the more we know about monotremes -- and all Australian fauna -- the more we can appreciate their role in their ecosystems and celebrate their idiosyncrasies.



"There are fantastic efforts led by my colleagues, Dr. Tahlia Perry, Isabella Wilson, and my supervisor, Professor Frank Grützner, into engaging and educating the public about monotreme biology and conservation, such as through EchidnaCSI," Dann appreciatively said.



"A better understanding of these unique and iconic species provides a significant contribution to Australian ecology and culture -- they help us understand more about mammals, including ourselves."



As we delve deeper into monotreme biology, it becomes evident that their distinct traits not only offer insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-geographic-isolation-shaped-global-species-habitat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammalian evolution</a> but also highlight the delicate balance of ecosystems. 



By studying these remarkable animals, we gain a greater appreciation for biodiversity and the importance of preserving such unique species in our ever-changing world.



So, next time when you see a picture of an echidna or a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unique-museum-collection-of-platypuses-resurfaces-after-150-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">platypus</a>, remember that their small, non-acidic stomach hosts a tale of millions of years of evolution!



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsob.240071" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Biology</a>.



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Egg-laying mammals, called monotremes, are unique in many ways

Have you ever pondered the bewildering array of creatures that...

Scientists have recently celebrated a significant milestone in astronomy, announcing the discovery of six new exoplanets. This pushes the total number of confirmed exoplanets to 5,502, according to a report from <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/universe/exoplanets/discovery-alert-with-six-new-worlds-5500-discovery-milestone-passed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



The achievement marks a major step in our understanding of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-sized-exoplanet-orbiting-ultracool-dwarf-star-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worlds beyond our solar system</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-of-5-502-exoplanet-discoveries">Journey of 5,502 exoplanet discoveries</h2>



Back in 1992, scientists made an incredible discovery. They found exoplanets. Poltergeist and Phobetor were found orbiting the pulsar PSR B1257+12. This was a game-changer in astronomy. It opened the door to studying planets beyond our solar system.



By March 2022, more than 5,000 exoplanets had been identified. Each new find teaches us more about how planets form. It also shows us how diverse these distant worlds can be. 



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="hVqU3bwfBE-3751524-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-latest-discoveries-six-new-exoplanets">The latest discoveries: Six new exoplanets</h2>



Now, let's meet the new members of the cosmic family, each of them holding fascinating stories of their own:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hd-36384-b">HD 36384 b</h3>



HD 36384 b is a super-Jupiter planet. It orbits a massive M giant star. Scientists discovered this planet using the radial velocity method. The star it orbits is nearly 40 times the size of our Sun.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toi-198-b">TOI-198 b</h3>



TOI-198 b is a potentially rocky planet. It is located on the inner edge of the habitable zone. The planet orbits an M dwarf star. Scientists discovered TOI-198 b using the transit method, which detects planets as they dim their star's light.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toi-2095-b">TOI-2095 b</h3>



TOI-2095 b is a large, hot super-Earth. It orbits an M dwarf star. Scientists discovered this planet using the transit method. TOI-2095 b is likely more similar to Venus than Earth.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toi-2095-c">TOI-2095 c</h3>



TOI-2095 c is a large, hot super-Earth. It orbits the same M dwarf star as TOI-2095 b. Scientists discovered this planet using the transit method. TOI-2095 c is likely more similar to Venus than Earth.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toi-4860-b">TOI-4860 b</h3>



TOI-4860 b is also known as a hot Jupiter. It orbits an M dwarf star. Scientists discovered this planet using the transit method. TOI-4860 b completes an orbit every 1.52 days. It is rare for such planets to orbit closely to stars.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mwc-758-c">MWC 758 c</h3>



MWC 758 c is a giant protoplanet. It orbits a very young star with a protoplanetary disk. Scientists discovered this planet using direct imaging, which captures actual images of the planet. MWC 758 c is notable for carving spiral arms into the star's disk. It is one of the first exoplanets found in such a young system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-routes-to-exoplanet-discovery">Diverse routes to exoplanet discovery</h2>



Exoplanets are elusive. Their detection and study involve a creative mix of methods, each designed to reveal unique aspects of these distant worlds. From the radial velocity method, transit method, to direct imaging, each approach brings its unique perspective to the table.



In exoplanet research, technology leads the way. <a href="https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/tess/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TESS</a> and NASA's space telescopes like <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/spitzer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spitzer</a>, <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a>, and <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a> have been crucial in making these discoveries possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upcoming-missions">Upcoming missions</h2>



The future holds exciting times for space enthusiasts. NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, launching in May 2027, will carry the Roman Coronagraph Instrument. 



As a result, we will soon be looking at the development of the Habitable Worlds Observatory, which is set to search for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-identified-85-new-exoplanets-that-could-harbor-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life signatures</a> on distant planets.



The discovery of exoplanets is not a matter of numbers or records. Each discovery contributes to our growing understanding of planetary formation and diversity and stirs up possibilities for finding habitable worlds and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sulfur-dioxide-found-on-distant-exoplanet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extraterrestrial life</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-exoplanet-research">Future of exoplanet research </h2>



The field of exoplanet research resembles a river; it's always flowing and progressing. Technological advancements and the launch of new missions hint at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearby-exoplanet-lhs-1140-b-best-chance-yet-finding-alien-ocean-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greater discoveries</a> in the pipeline. The potential to find life on other planets fuels this constant drive and inspires a new generation of space explorers.



This latest announcement marks a significant milestone in the exploration of the universe. We have confirmed over 5,500 exoplanets, and we are getting closer to understanding the mysteries of space.



NASA scientists continue their quest unabated, inspiring awe and curiosity about the intriguing worlds beyond our own.



Video Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/M. Russo, A. Santaguida (SYSTEM Sounds)



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Exoplanet discovery: NASA identifies over 5,500 distant worlds

Scientists have recently celebrated a significant milestone in astronomy, announcing...

Scientists have discovered something wholly unexpected and utterly captivating about the sun. Previously, events shaping our planet - volcanic eruptions, tectonic movement, climate oscillations - were predominantly chalked up to Earth's internal dynamics. But this story now has a new twist: our brilliant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geomagnetic-storm-warning-issued-astronauts-auroras/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sun</a> also leaves its mark deep within the Earth's magma.



Among those pioneering the study is Wan Bo, a geologist from the <a href="http://english.igg.cas.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Geology and Geophysics</a> of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redox-reactions-in-earth-s-magma">Redox reactions in Earth's magma</h2>



The world of science favors evidence, and what better evidence exists than the redox state of arc magma? 



"Redox" state is the perfect balance between oxidizing and reducing conditions within magma formed in volcanic arcs. Here's the stunning part: marine creatures, rich in organic carbon, play a vital role in these deep-Earth chemical reactions, subsequently influencing the redox state of the magma.



Through the subduction of oceanic plates, these carbon-rich organisms make the profound journey from the ocean surface to the Earth's interior. 



The presence of this organic carbon decreases the oxidation state of arc magma. Simply put, our magma has a dash of sunlight in it, courtesy of these carbon-laced marine organisms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magma-samples-and-sun-s-traces">Magma samples and Sun's traces</h2>



Researchers have collected thousands of magma samples globally, giving us an extraordinary peek into the web of interactions between the surface climate and deep Earth processes. 



These samples are crucial for locating metal ores such as copper, tin, and lithium, essential components for renewable energy technologies.



Two proven guides in this exploration have been the levels of vanadium and scandium in the arc magma. The researchers noticed a distinct pattern of the redox state in the magma - more oxidized at higher latitudes and less at lower latitudes. It seems that the sun leaves a different tattoo on the magma according to the Earth's latitude.



“Trying to explain these differences led us to discover this unexpected pattern," said Wan Bo, offering a glance into the fascinating journey of scientific discovery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sun-seafloor-and-magma">Sun, seafloor and magma</h2>



The sun's influence on Earth's deep interior doesn't end here. Seafloor studies offer more insights into this intriguing relationship. 



There exist larger deposits of reduced carbon at lower latitudes. This carbon, upon interaction with sulfur, forms sulfide that is then seamlessly transported into the mantle, further enhancing the overall redox pattern.



"It suggests a strong link between the surface environment and the redox state of the deep Earth, paving new directions for exploring the resources and environmental impacts of subduction systems at different latitudes," noted study co-author Hu Fangyang.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-climate-research">Implications for climate research</h2>



The interconnectedness of surface and deep Earth processes could revolutionize our understanding of climate change and its impact on geological formations. 



As global temperatures fluctuate, the alterations in organic matter availability at the ocean surface may influence the levels of carbon transported into the Earth's interior. These shifts could result in noticeable changes to the redox state of the magma over time. 



Understanding this relationship is critical, as it may provide insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/suns-fury-secrets-of-solar-energy-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geothermal activities</a> that contribute to volcanic eruptions and their link to climate variability. 



Moreover, the study of these deep-Earth processes might enhance predictive models, allowing scientists to better forecast the effects of climate change on both our planet's surface and subsurface dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geochemical-research">Geochemical research</h2>



As the intrigue surrounding the sun's influence on Earth's magma continues to grow, researchers are keen to explore further avenues of investigation. 



Future studies may focus on understanding the specific mechanisms by which organic carbon alters the redox state, and how these changes affect volcanic activity and mineral deposits. 



Additionally, employing advanced analytical techniques could yield more detailed data on the elemental signature of magma samples, enhancing our comprehension of the geographical and chemical variations across different volcanic arcs. 



By embracing interdisciplinary collaboration, scientists across geology, geochemistry, and environmental science can pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries that link the forces of nature shaping our world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-journey-ahead">The journey ahead</h2>



Despite these captivating findings, the insatiable curiosity and diligence of scientists continue. 



As Wan Bo acknowledges, we need more data, especially from global marine and subducted sediments. Nevertheless, this study has opened up new, thrilling avenues for scientific exploration.



So, the next time you bask in the sun's warm rays, take a moment to consider its influence far-reaching, intricate, and entirely awe-inspiring.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-50337-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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The sun affects magma formation deep within the Earth

Scientists have discovered something wholly unexpected and utterly captivating about...

Giant plumes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sahara Desert dust</a> that blow across the Atlantic can influence weather patterns, suppressing the formation of hurricanes and affecting North American weather. 



However, a new study published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn6106" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a> has shown that thick dust plumes can also lead to heavier rainfall and more potential destruction from landfalling storms.



“Saharan dust, transported across the Atlantic Ocean by trade winds, is the predominant aerosol type during summer and early fall over the tropical Atlantic,” noted the researchers.



“It can efficiently alter atmospheric radiative fluxes in both shortwave and longwave bands and participate in cloud formation by serving as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and/or ice nuclei (IN).”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saharan-dust-and-hurricane-precipitation-nbsp">Saharan dust and hurricane precipitation&nbsp;</h2>



The study uncovered a previously unknown relationship between Saharan dust plumes and hurricane precipitation.&nbsp;



Study co-author Yuan Wang is an assistant professor of Earth system science at the <a href="https://sustainability.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability</a>.



“Surprisingly, the leading factor controlling hurricane precipitation is not, as traditionally thought, sea surface temperature or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humidity-increases-urban-heat-stress/">humidity</a> in the atmosphere. Instead, it’s Sahara dust,” said Wang.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-saharan-dust-nbsp">Climate change and Saharan dust&nbsp;</h2>



Previous research indicates that Saharan dust transport may decline in the coming decades, leading to increased hurricane rainfall due to human-caused <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. 



However, there is still uncertainty regarding how climate change will affect Saharan dust outflows and the amount of additional rainfall from future hurricanes.&nbsp;



Understanding the complex relationships among Saharan dust, ocean temperatures, and hurricane dynamics is critical for predicting and mitigating climate change impacts.



“Hurricanes are among the most destructive weather phenomena on Earth,” said Wang. Even relatively weak hurricanes can cause significant inland flooding and heavy rains.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tropical-cyclone-rainfall">Tropical cyclone rainfall</h2>



The study authors noted that tropical cyclones (TCs) have caused catastrophic damages globally.&nbsp;



“According to global and regional climate models, tropical cyclone rainfall (TCR) is expected to increase with global warming, following the increased water vapor holding capacity in the atmosphere with rising temperature,” wrote the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underestimated-weather-source-nbsp">Underestimated weather source&nbsp;</h2>



However, as Wang pointed out, dust has not received enough attention in conventional weather and hurricane predictions. Dust particles can have opposing effects on tropical cyclones.&nbsp;



According to Wang, a dust particle can make ice clouds form more efficiently in the core of the hurricane, which can produce more precipitation.



This effect is called microphysical enhancement. However, dust can also block solar radiation and cool sea surface temperatures around the hurricane's core, thereby weakening the tropical cyclone.



To understand these dynamics, Wang and his colleagues developed a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-can-more-accurately-predict-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">machine learning</a> model to predict hurricane rainfall. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-optical-depth-nbsp">Dust optical depth&nbsp;</h2>



Using 19 years of meteorological data and hourly satellite precipitation observations, they found that a key predictor of rainfall is dust optical depth, which measures how much light passes through a dusty plume.&nbsp;



The experts discovered a boomerang-shaped relationship: rainfall increases with dust optical depths between 0.03 and 0.06, then sharply decreases as dust concentration rises further. This means high concentrations of dust shift from enhancing to suppressing rainfall.



“This study uses an XGBoost machine learning model with 19-year meteorological data and hourly satellite precipitation observations to predict TCR for individual storms. The model identifies dust optical depth (DOD) as a key predictor that enhances performance evidently.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saharan-dust-and-tropical-cyclone-rainfall-nbsp">Saharan dust and tropical cyclone rainfall&nbsp;</h2>



The model also uncovers a nonlinear and boomerang-shape relationship between Saharan dust and TCR, with a TCR peak at 0.06 DOD and a sharp decrease thereafter. This indicates a shift from microphysical enhancement to radiative suppression at high dust concentrations,” the authors explained.



“Normally, when dust loading is low, the microphysical enhancement effect is more pronounced. If dust loading is high, it can more efficiently shield [the ocean] surface from sunlight, and what we call the ‘radiative suppression effect’ will be dominant,” Wang added.



The research highlights not only the power of machine learning algorithms to predict weather patterns, but also the urgent need to consider Saharan dust in hurricane predictions to better understand and mitigate the impacts of climate change.



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



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h--0">-----</h3>

Saharan dust can intensify hurricanes

Giant plumes of Sahara Desert dust that blow across the...

According to the <a href="https://climate.copernicus.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Copernicus Climate Change Service</a> (C3S), our planet has just experienced its hottest day in recorded history. 



On July 22, 2024, the daily global average <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/death-valley-may-reach-the-hottest-temperature-ever-recorded-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> reached a new record high of 17.15°C. This exceeded the previous records of 17.09°C set just one day before on July 21, 2024, and 17.08°C set a year earlier on July 6, 2023.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hottest-day-on-record">Hottest day on record</h2>



Based on preliminary data released by C3S on July 24, 2024, Monday, July 22, marked the hottest day in the ERA5 dataset, which has records dating back to 1940.&nbsp;



While the temperature on July 21, 2024 (17.09ºC) was nearly indistinguishable from the previous record of 17.08ºC reached on July 6, 2023, the new record temperature of 17.15°C on July 22 represents a more significant deviation than typical day-to-day variations.



What stands out even more is the significant difference between the temperatures recorded since July 2023 and those of all previous years. The data can be explored in <a href="https://pulse.climate.copernicus.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Pulse</a>, the C3S application that provides historical and near-real-time temperature data from the ERA5 reanalysis dataset.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-temperature-record">Global temperature record</h2>



Before July 2023, the previous daily global average temperature record was 16.8°C, set on August 13, 2016. Since July 3, 2023, there have been 58 days that have exceeded that previous record, spread between July and August 2023, and during June and July so far in 2024.



“On July 21st, C3S recorded a new record for the daily global mean temperature. What is truly staggering is how large the difference is between the temperature of the last 13 months and the previous temperature records. We are now in truly uncharted territory and as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-the-dual-crises-of-climate-and-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> keeps warming, we are bound to see new records being broken in future months and years,” said  C3S Director Carlo Buontempo, commenting on the record set on July 21, 2024.



“We now have a new record, and its value is sufficiently large to indicate with some confidence that this has exceeded the record set only last year. The event is still ongoing and it is possible the date of the peak may still change, but our data suggest we may see slightly lower temperatures in the next few days,” he added, following the new record on July 22, 2024



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-the-times">Signs of the times</h2>



Analysis of the years with the highest annual maximum daily global temperatures shows that both 2023 and 2024 have seen annual highs substantially above those recorded in previous years.&nbsp;



Another sign of the global warming trend is the fact that the ten years with the highest annual maximum daily average temperatures are the last ten years, from 2015 to 2024.



The difference between the lowest-ranked of those ten years (2015) and the previous record prior to 2023 (August 13, 2016) was 0.2°C. The jump from the 2016 record to 2023 is 0.28°C, and to the new 2024 record is 0.35°C, highlighting how substantial the warmth of 2023 and 2024 is.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forces-behind-the-hottest-day">Forces behind the hottest day</h2>



But what caused this new record global average temperature? The global average temperature tends to reach its annual peak between late June and early August, coinciding with the Northern Hemisphere summer. This is because the seasonal patterns of the Northern Hemisphere drive the overall global temperatures.&nbsp;



The large land masses of the Northern Hemisphere warm up faster than the oceans of the Southern Hemisphere can cool down during the Northern summer months.



The global average temperature was already at near-record levels in recent days, slightly below the levels of 2023, after being at record levels for the time of year for more than a year.&nbsp;



The analysis suggests that the sudden rise in daily global average temperature is related to much above-average temperatures over large parts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-in-distress-the-escalating-consequences-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a>. Such large anomalies are not unusual during the Antarctic winter months and also contributed to the record global temperatures in early July 2023.



What’s more, Antarctic sea ice extent is almost as low as it was at this time last year, leading to much above-average temperatures over parts of the Southern Ocean.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-record-global-temperatures-nbsp">Record global temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



As the global average temperature was already at near-record levels during the first half of July, close to the temperatures seen at this time of year in 2023, and the global average temperature typically reaches its peak at this time of year, it is not completely unexpected that we are seeing global average temperatures of this magnitude.



We expect the daily global average temperature to peak around July 22 or 23, 2024, and then decrease, but with possible further fluctuations in the coming weeks.&nbsp;



As the annual maximum global average temperature typically occurs between late June and early August, these conclusions are preliminary as scientists follow the evolution of the climate in near-real time.&nbsp;



In 2023, there was a second peak in the daily global average temperature on August 4 (reaching 17.05°C) that came close to the record set on July 6, 2023.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hottest-year-on-record">Hottest year on record?</h2>



Whether 2024 will likely be the warmest year on record will largely depend on the development and intensity of the next phase of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-event-may-push-earth-towards-its-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a> Southern Oscillation (ENSO) (i.e., when and how strongly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-bushfires-triggered-rare-multi-year-la-nina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Niña</a> develops). 



To date, 2024 has been sufficiently warm for it to be quite possible that the full year will be warmer than 2023, but the exceptional warmth of the last four months of 2023 makes it too early to predict with confidence which year will be the warmer.



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



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Earth just experienced its hottest day ever recorded

According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), our planet...

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lack-of-sexual-satisfaction-linked-to-rapid-memory-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Memory loss</a> and attention deficit are common complaints among those who have recovered from severe COVID-19. However, a new study from the <a href="https://www.fearp.usp.br/en/index.php/where-we-are/university-of-sao-paulo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of São Paulo</a> (USP) in Brazil reveals that even individuals with mild COVID cases can experience cognitive impairments more than 18 months after infection. 



This finding underscores the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/abzymes-new-discovery-cause-long-covid-symptoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long COVID</a> sufferers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-infection-and-cognitive-impairment-nbsp">COVID infection and cognitive impairment&nbsp;</h2>



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01740-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMC Psychology</a>, collected data from 302 volunteers and found cognitive impairment in 11.7 percent of mild cases, 39.2 percent of moderate cases, and 48.9 percent of severe cases. These results highlight the significant impact of neuroinflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2.



“Although the damage done by the disease in terms of memory loss, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/information-overflow-attention-spans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attention</a> deficit, and slow processing increases in proportion to its severity, the same problems affect a far from negligible number of people – around 100 in our study – who had mild or moderate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-infected-with-even-mild-covid-cases-experience-long-term-decline-in-semen-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID</a>,” explained Antônio de Pádua Serafim, the study’s first author and a professor at the Institute of Psychology (IP-USP).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-and-attention-impairments-nbsp">Memory and attention impairments&nbsp;</h2>



The results of the study emphasize the potential impact of neuroinflammation due to COVID-19 infection. Memory and attention impairments are not limited to those who were intubated or received intensive care.&nbsp;



“Some of the data analyzed in the study were from patients who didn’t require intensive care or didn’t even have sufficient symptoms to be hospitalized and nevertheless exhibited memory loss and attention deficit,” Serafim noted. “The findings therefore opened our eyes to the question of neuroinflammation due to COVID-19.”



Attention and memory are crucial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-drugs-secreted-from-toad-skin-greatly-improve-cognitive-functioning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive functions</a> that significantly affect daily life. Participants with poor memory and attention test scores reported difficulties recalling words or performing routine activities, such as forgetting pots on the stove or failing to pick up children from school. 



“Attention is the primary function in all mental activity, and this explains why attention deficit has such a huge impact on people’s daily lives. Impairment of attention in turn affects memory. This also affects processing activity, which involves rapid decision-making based on information,” Serafim explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-impairments-in-covid-recovery-nbsp">Addressing impairments in COVID recovery&nbsp;</h2>



The study, funded by the <a href="https://fapesp.br/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">São Paulo Research Foundation</a> (FAPESP), points to the importance of addressing cognitive impairments in COVID-19 recovery. Serafim and his colleagues at USP are developing programs to mitigate these cognitive losses. 



They are exploring non-invasive techniques like neurostimulation and neurofeedback to enhance brain function through neuromodulation, which stimulates synaptic connections.&nbsp;



“We have only case studies so far. For example, in the case of a physician who was in the intensive care unit for 34 days, we conducted a neurofeedback protocol often used to study patients with attention deficit disorder, and he made a good recovery. But that was an isolated case,” Serafim said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-and-cognitive-difficulties-persist-nbsp">Emotional and cognitive difficulties persist&nbsp;</h2>



Despite the end of the severe phase of the pandemic, the cognitive sequelae persist. Serafim emphasized the need for effective intervention programs to address both emotional and cognitive difficulties resulting from COVID-19.&nbsp;



Serafim said that based on the knowledge his team has acquired so far regarding cognitive stimulation and rehabilitation techniques, he believes it may be possible to obtain an improvement in neural connectivity by means of brain training to stimulate overall cognitive ability.



“Many people were infected, and many have sequelae of this kind. However, we don’t have an effective program to intervene not only in the emotional aspects but also in the cognitive difficulties resulting from COVID-19,” said Serafim.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rehabilitation-programs-are-needed">Rehabilitation programs are needed</h2>



The researchers noted that the findings provide empirical evidence regarding cognitive effects post-COVID-19, particularly in individuals experiencing severe disease manifestations.&nbsp;



“Moreover, our study has demonstrated the presence of cognitive difficulties in individuals infected with mild and moderate symptoms, emphasizing the intricate nature of factors associated with COVID-19, as underscored in the existing literature.”&nbsp;



The experts said they have also highlighted the need for a comprehensive, multidimensional approach in rehabilitation programs to address the enduring cognitive impacts of COVID-19.



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



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Even mild COVID can cause prolonged cognitive impairment

Memory loss and attention deficit are common complaints among those...

A new study, published in the scientific journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ece3.11658" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology and Evolution</a>, has recently explored the potential maximum sizes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-dinosaurs-did-not-necessarily-grow-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>, specifically focusing on the famous Tyrannosaurus Rex. 



Dr. Jordan Mallon of the<a href="https://nature.ca/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Canadian Museum of Nature</a> and Dr. David Hone of <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a> used computer modeling to estimate that T. rex might have been 70 percent heavier than current fossil evidence suggests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-largest-animals">Earth's largest animals</h2>



The researchers aimed to understand how dinosaurs could have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-may-have-become-warm-blooded-180-million-years-ago/">evolved</a> to such massive sizes. The study highlights that most known dinosaur species come from just a few specimens, making it unlikely that we have discovered the largest individuals.&nbsp;



“Dinosaurs are the largest animals ever to have walked the earth. Accordingly, they inspire awe among the public, and frequently the question is asked: ‘Which is the biggest?’ But which is the biggest dinosaur (or example of some subclade or ecological guild) ever found and which is the biggest that ever lived are two separate considerations,” noted the researchers.



“The first is relatively straightforward to answer, notwithstanding complications in estimating body mass and comparing skeletons of variable completeness. The second consideration is the more difficult to address.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-the-size-of-t-rex">Analyzing the size of T. rex</h2>



To address this, Mallon and Hone created computer models considering variables like population size, growth rate, lifespan, and the incompleteness of the fossil record. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/were-there-three-distinct-species-of-tyrannosaurus-rex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T. rex</a> was chosen due to the extensive data available on this iconic dinosaur. 



By using living alligators as a reference for body-size variance at adulthood, the researchers modeled size differences with and without considering sex differences.&nbsp;



The team found that the largest known T. rex fossils likely fall in the 99th percentile, representing the top one percent of body size. However, discovering an individual in the top 99.99 percent would require another 1,000 years of fossil excavation at the current rate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-size-of-t-rex">Surprising size of T. rex</h2>



According to their computer models, the largest individual T. rex that could have existed may have been 70 percent&nbsp; more massive than the current largest-known specimens, potentially weighing up to 15 tons compared to the previous estimate of 8.8 tons.&nbsp;



Additionally, these giant T. rexes could have been 25 percent longer, reaching up to 15 meters.



Dr. David Hone, from Queen Mary University of London, emphasized the significance of their findings, noting that there are hints of larger individuals in isolated bones and fragments. This suggests that larger dinosaurs existed but have yet to be discovered.&nbsp;



“Some isolated bones and pieces certainly hint at still larger individuals than for which we currently have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-dinosaur-comptonatus-chasei-most-complete-discovered-unique-traits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skeletons</a>,” he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study">Broader implications of the study</h2>



The study contributes to ongoing debates about the biggest fossil animals. Many of the largest dinosaurs are known from a single specimen, making it difficult to determine if that individual represents the average size of the species. Thus, the largest displayed skeletons in museums might not be the largest individuals of their species.



“Our study suggests that, for big fossil animals like T. rex, we really have no idea from the fossil record about the absolute sizes they might have reached. It’s fun to think about a 15-ton T. rex, but the implications are also interesting from a biomechanical or ecological perspective,” said Dr. Jordan Mallon, a paleontologist at the Canadian Museum of Nature.



“It’s important to stress that this isn’t really about T. rex, which is the basis of our study, but this issue would apply to all dinosaurs, and lots of other fossil species. Arguing about ‘which is the biggest?’ based on a handful of skeletons really isn’t very meaningful,” Hone added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-true-size-of-t-rex">Understanding the true size of T. rex</h2>



The study provides new insights into the possible sizes of the T. rex and other dinosaurs, suggesting that the largest individuals were likely much bigger than those currently known.&nbsp;



By using computer modeling and considering various factors, the researchers have opened up new possibilities for understanding the true scale of these ancient giants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-sizes-of-fossil-species-nbsp">Body sizes of fossil species&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers noted that the findings serve as an important reminder that body size comparisons of fossil species should entail ontogenetically controlled statistical parameters (e.g., means and variances).&nbsp;



“Simply comparing the largest known individuals ignores the realities of intraspecific variation and sampling intensity, and is more likely to lead to claims that are debatable, if not outright misleading,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



“We maintain that the rigid pursuit to establish ‘which is biggest’ can distract from more interesting biological questions posed by the immensity of the non-avian dinosaurs.”



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T. rex was about 70 percent bigger than we thought

A new study, published in the scientific journal Ecology and...

The quest for gold is not only about the grueling years of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coaches-can-improve-athletes-lives-by-being-authentic-leaders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">training an Olympic athlete</a> endures. It's also about timing. And, not the proverbial "timing is everything." We're delving into the age factor. 



Enter the realm of statistics, where a team from the <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Waterloo</a> has revealed a fascinating insight: the age when a track-and-field athlete's performance hits its pinnacle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-track-and-field">Track and field</h2>



Track-and-field, a conglomerate of running, jumping, throwing, and combined event disciplines, has its athletes' career trajectories often mapped as a bell curve. 



After several years of rigorous training, the athletes finally conquer their personal Everest or "peak" at a particular age, only to see their performance level slowly descend thereafter.



Study lead author David Awosoga, a master’s student in data science, provides a fresh perspective. He points out the uniqueness of track-and-field.



"Unlike other Olympic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/watching-sports-has-a-very-positive-impact-on-mental-and-physical-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sports</a> such as soccer and tennis that have high-profile competitions outside the Games, the Olympics is the largest stage upon which track-and-field athletes compete," said Awosoga.



"Because the Olympics occur only once every four years, track-and-field athletes must carefully consider when and how they should train to maximize their probability of qualifying for the Olympics while at their personal peak."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-peak-athlete-age">Decoding the peak athlete age</h2>



The research team from the University of Waterloo embarked on a statistical journey, examining data from every track and field athlete who participated in an individual event at the Olympics since the 1996 Games in Atlanta. 



The goal was to determine the age at which an Olympic track-and-field athlete reaches their peak performance. The factors taken into account were gender, nationality, event type, duration of elite-level training, and whether the year was Olympic or not.



Here's what the team discovered: the average age of participation for both genders over the past three decades is remarkably consistent, standing just shy of 27 years old. 



"Interestingly enough, our analysis also demonstrated that the median peak age for these athletes was 27," said Awosoga.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-going-downhill-after-27">Going downhill after 27?</h2>



The analysis also revealed that after 27, there's only a 44 percent chance that an athlete's peak lies in the future, and the percentage drops every subsequent year.



"Age, however, isn’t the only factor in an athlete’s peak. What’s really exciting is that we also found that knowing it’s an Olympic year actually helps predict an athlete’s performance," noted study co-author Matthew Chow, an undergraduate economics student.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experience-and-athlete-age">Experience and athlete age</h2>



As athletes approach their peak ages, experience becomes a vital asset in their performance. Many track-and-field athletes hone their skills through years of competition, learning to navigate the pressures of high-stakes events. 



This accumulated wisdom often allows them to adjust their strategies and tactics effectively, enhancing their overall performance. 



For athletes beyond their mid-twenties, this combination of physical capability and seasoned judgment can lead to remarkable breakthroughs, often allowing them to defy age-related trends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-factors-affecting-peaks">Psychological factors affecting peaks</h2>



Equally important to the discussion of peak performance is the psychological component. Mental fortitude plays a significant role in an athlete's ability to compete at their highest level. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/embracing-stress-mindset-is-actually-a-good-thing-for-athletes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Factors</a> such as motivation, focus, and confidence are critical, particularly during the crucial moments of the Olympics. Studies reveal that athletes who cultivate a strong mental game often perform better, regardless of their age. 



The pressure of the Olympic stage can either elevate or hinder performance, making the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-fatigue-impairs-athletic-performance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychological aspect</a> a key focus area for athletes and coaches alike. 



Understanding how to manage anxiety and leverage support systems can be instrumental in ensuring that an athlete not only reaches but also sustains their peak.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-guide-to-hitting-the-peak">A guide to hitting the peak</h2>



While the researchers stress that their analysis is primarily theoretical, they envision the findings proving beneficial for athletes and fans alike. They present a list of variables that can be instrumental in predicting an athlete's peak. 



"You can’t change the year of the Olympics, your genetics, or your nationality, but you might modify your training regimes to better align with these biological and external factors," said Awosoga.



When we watch these athletes compete, we are looking at a statistical rarity, someone at the peak of their physical prowess and simultaneously enjoying the perfect timing.



"This kind of research really helps us appreciate how hard it is to make it to the Olympics in the first place," said Chow.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jrssig/article/21/3/6/7686552" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Significance</a>.



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At what age do Olympic athletes perform their best?

The quest for gold is not only about the grueling...

The world's largest living species of monitor lizard, the formidable Komodo dragon, has recently offered science another fascinating insight into its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeding-strategies-of-komodo-dragons-mimic-prehistoric-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deadly arsenal</a>. This time, it is not inside their venomous saliva, but rather in their teeth. 



Researchers from <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King’s College London</a>, led by Dr. Aaron LeBlanc, have discovered that the serrated edges of Komodo dragons’ teeth are actually tipped with iron.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-komodo-dragon-teeth">Komodo dragon teeth</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/how-big-do-komodo-dragons-get/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Komodo</a> dragons, hailing from Indonesia, are known for their predatory efficiency. They sport sharp, curved teeth that are reminiscent of many carnivorous dinosaurs and capable of tearing apart various types of meat.



Whether it's small reptiles and birds, or larger game like deer, horses, or water buffalo, nothing stands a chance against the ferocious bite of the Komodo dragon.



The research team found that many reptiles contain iron in their teeth. Still, the Komodo dragons have managed to concentrate this iron along the cutting edges and tips of their teeth, staining them with an identifiable orange hue.



This is a stark contrast to crocodiles and other monitor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-lizards-have-evolved-to-resist-deadly-snake-venom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lizards</a> where the iron presence is so small, it's virtually invisible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concentrated-iron-coating">Concentrated iron coating</h2>



To delve deeper into this unexpected discovery, the team collected skulls and teeth of Komodo dragons from various museums. 



Also, they studied the teeth of Ganas, a 15-year-old Komodo dragon who had spent his life at ZSL conservation zoo, London Zoo. Using advanced imaging and chemical analysis, the researchers were able to understand the peculiar makeup of the lethal <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/komodo-dragon-varanus-komodoensis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Komodo</a> teeth. 



They found a concentrated iron coating on top of their tooth serrations and tips. This sturdy layer keeps the teeth sharp, ready to rip flesh apart at a moment’s notice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meat-eating-dinosaurs">Meat-eating dinosaurs </h2>



The implications of this research are far-reaching. The findings open up new queries and opportunities for studying how extinct species such as dinosaurs lived and hunted.



Dr. Aaron LeBlanc, the study's lead author and lecturer in Dental Biosciences at King’s College London, emphasized the plan to use this research to learn more about the lifestyles of carnivorous dinosaurs. However, he pointed out a crucial obstacle in their path.



According to Dr. LeBlanc, current technology is unable to identify whether fossilized dinosaur teeth contained high iron levels due to chemical alterations during the fossilization process.



What the researchers did find is that larger meat-eating dinosaurs, like tyrannosaurs, had altered the structure of their teeth.



Hence, they concluded that while Komodo dragons altered their teeth's chemistry, some dinosaurs changed their dental enamel structure to maintain a sharp cutting edge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-next-steps">The next steps</h2>



Dr. LeBlanc and his team hope that further analysis will uncover other markers in the iron coating unaffected by fossilization. Identifying these markers could confirm whether dinosaurs indeed had iron-coated teeth, dramatically enriching our understanding of these fearsome predators.



The Komodo dragon, despite its fascinating biology, faces serious threats to its survival including habitat loss, tourism, and poaching.



Conservation efforts led by organizations like the WWF focus on protecting their habitats and ensuring these ancient predators thrive through the establishment of protected areas and sustainable tourism practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-the-komodo-dragon">Protecting the Komodo dragon</h2>



Educating the public about the Komodo dragon's ecological significance and the challenges it faces is crucial for its conservation. By fostering an appreciation for these unique reptiles, communities can be encouraged to participate in protective measures and support conservation initiatives.



Schools and institutions around the world can raise awareness about biodiversity. They can implement programs that showcase its importance. Apex predators like the Komodo dragon play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Educating others about this is essential.



Increased public engagement can lead to a collective effort to safeguard these extraordinary creatures and their habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-komodo-dragons">Understanding Komodo dragons </h2>



This fascinating discovery adds more depth to our understanding of these majestic creatures, aiding conservation efforts aimed at their protection.



“As the world’s largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-sea-lizard-khinjaria-had-teeth-like-daggers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lizards</a>, Komodo dragons are inarguably impressive animals. Having worked with them for 12 years at London Zoo, I continue to be fascinated by them and these findings further emphasize just how incredible they are," explained 



Study co-author Dr. Benjamin Tapley is Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians at ZSL.



“Komodo dragons are sadly endangered, so in addition to strengthening our understanding of how iconic dinosaurs might have lived, this discovery also helps us build a deeper understanding of these amazing reptiles as we work to protect them,” said Dr. Tapley.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02477-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Komodo dragons have iron-tipped teeth to rip apart flesh

The world's largest living species of monitor lizard, the formidable...

The marvel of symbiosis highlights the intricate interplay between different organisms, each playing a crucial part in their mutual survival and progress.



This biological phenomenon demonstrates how life forms, despite their differences, can forge beneficial relationships that enhance their existence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-bacteria-symbiosis-in-action">Plant-bacteria symbiosis in action</h2>



A particular and striking example of such interdependence is found in the relationship between leguminous plants and soil bacteria, also known as Rhizobia. This fascinating partnership allows <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-legumes-and-their-symbiotic-bacteria-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">legumes</a> to thrive in low-nitrogen environments, a feat that is challenging for many plants.



Rhizobia have a unique ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form the plants can utilize - ammonium. This nitrogen fixation process is vital for the legumes' growth and development, enabling them to flourish even in nutrient-poor soils.



But where do these beneficial bacteria reside? Quite intriguingly, they find a home within specialized structures called root nodules that form on the roots of leguminous plants.



These nodules provide a protective environment where the Rhizobia can live and function, facilitating a continuous exchange of nutrients that supports the health and productivity of both partners in this remarkable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-symbiotic-relationships-evolve-between-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">symbiotic relationship</a>.



This mutualistic interaction not only underscores the complexity and elegance of natural processes but also has significant implications for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-plant-bacteria-interaction">Unraveling plant-bacteria interaction</h2>



The interaction, however, is far from simplistic. An uncontrolled formation of numerous root nodules can significantly hinder root function, impeding the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients effectively.



A precise regulation over both the distribution and the amount of root nodules is required for the plants to survive. The intricate mechanisms underpinning this regulation remained largely undiscovered.



However, recent studies on Lotus japonicus, a model legume plant, have begun to unveil these complexities.



The studies have shed light on the sophisticated biological controls that manage nodule formation, ensuring that the symbiotic relationship between legumes and Rhizobia is both efficient and beneficial.



This groundbreaking research is a collaborative effort conducted by the National Institute for Basic Biology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Kwansei Gakuin University, RIKEN, and Aichi University of Education.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dancing-with-the-rhythm">Dancing with the rhythm</h2>



The interaction between legume <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/symbiotic-relationship-plant-roots-underground-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roots</a> and Rhizobia is dictated by a rhythmic gene expression occurring every six hours. This rhythmic pattern influences the root regions susceptible to Rhizobial infection and the distribution of nodules.



"When Rhizobia infect legume roots, root epidermal cells form infection threads, membranous tube-like structures guiding the bacteria to the inner root tissue where they can fix <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-produce-their-own-nitrogen-fertilizer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen</a>," explained study co-author Dr. Takashi Soyano.



"We noticed that these oscillation regions coincide with areas where infection threads are densely formed, leading us to think that this rhythmic gene expression might be related to the determination of nodule formation sites."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cytokinin-the-symbiotic-maestro">Cytokinin: The symbiotic maestro</h2>



Moreover, another key discovery centered on the crucial role of the plant hormone cytokinin in this intricate process. This hormone is pivotal for maintaining the rhythmic gene expression that governs the interaction between legume roots and Rhizobia.



The research team observed distinct oscillatory patterns of genes involved in cytokinin biosynthesis, metabolism, and signaling following rhizobial inoculation. 



The findings suggest that cytokinin is not only essential for initiating nodule formation but also for regulating the periodic responses that ensure an optimal balance of root nodules.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-symbiosis-and-evolution">Linking symbiosis and evolution</h2>



Root nodule symbiosis is not an isolated phenomenon. It occurs in the monophyletic nitrogen-fixing clade, inclusive of four orders - Fabales, Rosales, Cucurbitales, and Fagales - indicating a shared evolutionary acquisition to interact with nitrogen-fixing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/symbiotic-bacteria-provide-nutrients-to-seagrasses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a>.



The legume family in the order Fabales, where most species engage in root nodule symbiosis, uniquely incorporated the cytokinin pathway as an important regulatory module for the symbiosis.



"The discovery of periodic cytokinin responses was unexpected, raising several questions, including the molecular mechanisms that establish this periodicity and how these periodic responses shape the infection regions," said Dr. Soyano.



Addressing these questions can further our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of root nodule symbiosis and propel research on the spatial control of organ development through periodic responses mediated by plant hormones.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk5589" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Plants keep up a precise rhythm to partner with bacteria

The marvel of symbiosis highlights the intricate interplay between different...

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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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" 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> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[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

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

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.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

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" 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.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

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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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

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" 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 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

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

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://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

[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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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

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" 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 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...