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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

Since evolution is usually a slow process, many animal species have significant problems adapting to a rapidly changing climate.&nbsp;



To estimate the possible impacts of climate change on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/physical-changes-in-birds-linked-to-global-warming/">birds</a>, a team of scientists led by the <a href="https://nioo.knaw.nl/en">Netherlands Institute of Ecology</a> (NIOO-KNAW) has recently conducted a genomic selection experiment on great tits (Parus major), a model species frequently used in scientific studies. The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ade6350">Science Advances</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-studying-how-birds-change-by-examining-the-future">Studying how birds change by examining the future</h2>



“It’s important to know [how fast species can adapt to climate change] because climate change and evolution need to keep a relatively even pace for species to keep up,” said senior author Marcel Visser, a biologist at NIOO-KNAW.



“That’s why we set out to study great tits from the future. In the coming decades, natural selection will produce birds with a particular genetic make-up. To predict the extent to which these birds can respond to natural selection, we sped up evolution through artificial selection of genetically early and late birds in aviaries. We then took the eggs to our long-term population in De Hoge Veluwe national park, to see how their offspring did compared to wild great tits.”



“In the forest, the earliest birds did in fact lay their eggs earlier than great tits selected for laying eggs late,” reported lead author Melania Lindner, a doctoral student in Ornithology at the same institution.&nbsp;



“So we were able to successfully select them for laying eggs early or late in spring. But the earliest birds didn’t lay their eggs significantly earlier than the wild great tits breeding in the forest, while the ones we selected for laying their eggs late, did have a significantly later lay date.” 



Thus, the early birds did not seem to breed more successfully than their wild counterparts, suggesting that genetic adaptation towards early lay dates is an extremely slow process.



<h2 id="h-climate-change-is-happening-too-fast-for-animal-evolution">Climate change is happening too fast for animal evolution</h2>



Moreover, climate change will likely cause significant ecological relationship problems to insectivorous songbirds such as the great tit. 



According to the experts, their timing no longer matches that of the insects their offspring need to feed on, such as caterpillars, making the young miss out sources of nutrients that usually play a major role in their growth. 



While changing their timing could be a possible solution, it is not yet clear how much earlier the birds could actually lay their eggs.



“What we’re seeing now is that climate change is simply going too fast for them,” Visser said. “They won’t be able to adapt sufficiently. In the bleakest climate scenarios, in particular, the birds will fall behind more and more.”



<h2 id="h-climate-impacts-on-animal-evolution-are-camouflaged">Climate impacts on animal evolution are camouflaged</h2>



However, for the moment, the real impact of climate change on great tits is “camouflaged” by density-dependent processes. 



For instance, since out of every ten chicks, eight or nine would usually die in their first year due to factors such as predation, food shortages, or competition, if three of them die before fledging due to climate change, the chances of the remaining seven may improve. 



Moreover, there is also significant annual weather variation, which makes it more difficult to measure the impact of climate on the birds in the field. 



Although the mismatch between wild great tits and their food was surprisingly small during the study period, this situation is likely to change as the climate continues to warm.



&nbsp;“Now that we have looked at the impact of climate change on the relatively straightforward food chain of oak tree, winter moth, and great tit, it’s time to see if we can include a larger number of the species that together make up a food network,” Visser concluded.



<h2 id="h-more-about-birds-and-climate-change">More about birds and climate change</h2>



Birds are greatly affected by climate change, which has been primarily driven by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. Here are some of the key ways in which climate change affects bird populations:



<h3 id="h-habitat-shifts">Habitat shifts</h3>



As temperatures rise, the habitats of many bird species are shifting. For instance, birds that typically live in cooler climates may move further north or to higher elevations. This can cause displacement, and in some cases, the birds might not find suitable new habitats, leading to population declines.



<h3 id="h-birds-change-migration-patterns">Birds change migration patterns</h3>



Many birds rely on specific cues for migration, such as temperature and the availability of food. Climate change can cause these cues to change, which can, in turn, affect the timing and patterns of bird migration. This might lead to mismatches between the time when birds migrate and the availability of food and nesting sites.



<h3 id="h-changes-in-food-availability">Changes in food availability</h3>



Climate change can affect the abundance and distribution of prey and plant species that birds rely on for food. For example, if insects emerge earlier in the year due to warmer temperatures but birds do not adjust their migration patterns accordingly, there may be less food available for the birds when they arrive at their breeding grounds.



<h3 id="h-extreme-weather-events">Extreme weather events</h3>



An increase in the frequency and severity of storms, droughts, and other extreme weather events can have devastating effects on bird populations. For example, intense hurricanes can destroy nesting sites, while droughts can reduce the availability of water and food.



<h3 id="h-sea-level-rise">Sea level rise</h3>



Many bird species live in coastal areas, and rising sea levels due to the melting of polar ice caps can result in the loss of critical habitats for these birds. Species that nest on beaches or in marshes are particularly vulnerable.



<h3 id="h-altered-breeding-seasons">Altered breeding seasons</h3>



Warmer temperatures may cause birds to begin their breeding seasons earlier. This can sometimes be beneficial if it allows them to take advantage of more abundant food resources, but it can also lead to problems if, for instance, the young birds are not yet strong enough to survive when it is time for them to migrate.



<h3 id="h-increased-disease-and-parasites">Increased disease and parasites</h3>



Warmer temperatures can also lead to the spread of diseases and parasites that affect bird populations. For example, as temperatures rise, mosquitoes, which are vectors for diseases like West Nile Virus, can expand their range, potentially affecting bird populations not previously exposed to these diseases.



<h3 id="h-species-interactions-and-competition">Species interactions and competition</h3>



As bird species move and adapt to new areas, they may come into contact and compete with other species they didn't encounter before. This can have unpredictable consequences on community structures and the survival of some species.



Conservation efforts aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change on bird populations are important. These can include protecting and restoring habitats, creating corridors for species migration, and taking measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Is climate change happening too fast for birds to keep up?

Since evolution is usually a slow process, many animal species...

A recent study conducted by researchers from <a href="https://www.psu.edu/">Penn State</a>’s College of Agricultural Sciences reveals that traumatic events or "shocks," such as climate disasters and loss of family income, may inflict a long-term toll on the academic progress and future food security of young people. 



With climate change exacerbating the frequency of extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-climate-change-affect-extreme-weather-events/">weather</a> events and other climate disasters, this problem could see a significant escalation.



Drawing from data gathered in Peru, the researchers found a direct correlation between exposure to a higher number of shocks in early life and lower reading and vocabulary test scores over time.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the impacts extended to a reduced level of food security. The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11113-023-09787-x">Population Research and Policy Review</a>, provides insights that could potentially inform policies to alleviate the effects of shocks.



<h2 id="h-policies-needed-to-minimize-effects-of-shocks-on-youth">Policies needed to minimize effects of shocks on youth</h2>



The research was led by Carolyn Reyes, a senior research associate at Public Wise. "As climate change leads to more frequent and severe weather events, and economic crises and an ongoing pandemic continue to create challenges for families, it's critical for policies to help minimize the effects of these shocks," said Reyes.



As possible solutions to the rising problem, Reyes suggests potential interventions such as unconditional cash transfers, expanded social protections, and more accessible and widely available insurance programs.



Moreover, the study indicated that recent shocks have a stronger association with negative learning and well-being outcomes. 



In particular, Peruvian adolescents aged 15 who had experienced a shock within the preceding three to four years were found to have lower test scores, less food security, poorer health, and a greater burden of household duties.



<h2 id="h-impact-of-climate-disasters-and-shocks-on-youth-is-global">Impact of climate disasters and shocks on youth is global</h2>



"Household shocks experienced by kids can take an important toll on health and learning no matter where they live," said study co-author Professor Heather Randel.&nbsp;



"For example, if teens have to help take care of siblings or assist their parents in earning income, this may divert resources and attention away from school. This in turn can affect the amount of time teens have to focus on schoolwork, or it may push them out of school altogether."



It's worth noting that children are often more vulnerable to shocks than other members of a household. Especially young children could face significant, long-lasting impairment to their physical and cognitive development due to early life shocks.&nbsp;



This problem exacerbates for children from rural households, who could face additional hurdles due to environmental shocks. For example, children may be pulled out of school to compensate for family income loss due to crop failure in a drought.



<h2 id="h-study-focused-on-climate-disasters-and-shocks-on-young-people">Study focused on climate disasters and shocks on young people</h2>



Although previous studies have identified links between shocks and adverse educational outcomes, most of them relied on cross-sectional data instead of longitudinal data, or only examined the effects of one or two types of shock. 



Reyes and Randell intended to expand the study to analyze the impacts of multiple shocks on education and multiple aspects of well-being over a 15-year time span.



The study leveraged data from the Young Lives Longitudinal Survey involving 1,713 children from Peru, collected over 15 years. 



The researchers considered a diverse range of shocks, including economic or agricultural ones like job loss or crop failure, environmental ones such as floods or earthquakes, and family shocks like divorce or the death of a family member.



Several plausible explanations were proposed by the researchers for these findings. For instance, if a flood wipes out a family's crops, children might be compelled to work more to make up for the lost income, detracting them from school or study. Conversely, a family member's death could have psychological impacts that hinder school progress.



Reyes suggests that the implications of experiencing multiple shocks in early life could potentially extend far beyond adolescence and persist for many years.&nbsp;



“Because education and early work experiences are so important for future economic and social success, exposure to shocks could create circumstances that result in a lifetime of hardship,” she said. 



“Additional research could explore the exact mechanisms of how these shocks affect schooling and well-being, which could then help in the design of targeted and effective interventions.”



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Climate disasters and other shocks have long-term impacts on youth

A recent study conducted by researchers from Penn State’s College...

A new report on the mating success of blue tits provides insights into the fascinating world of bird song, its evolution, and its impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-shows-giant-sea-spiders-mating-for-the-first-time/">mating</a> rituals. The study is an exciting development in the field of avian behavioral studies.



Male blue tits that display the ability to repeatedly hit the same note in a song with high precision have the best chance of attracting a female mate, the study suggests. 



The researchers also discovered that the male bird needs to perform a diverse array of songs to sustain the female's interest and prevent her from getting bored.



This intriguing study, led by scientists from <a href="https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/">Lancaster University</a> and Manchester Metropolitan University, helps illuminate the intricate evolution of bird song. 



Over a span of two years, the scientists recorded and analyzed over 7,000 songs of blue tits in the wild, as they were breeding in monitored nest boxes.



<h2 id="h-how-the-blue-tits-study-was-conducted">How the blue tits study was conducted</h2>



In an interesting experiment, researchers played song recordings to receptive female birds. The experts found that the key factor that triggered sexual excitement in the females was the male's vocal consistency. This refers to the precise repetition of the same pattern of notes. 



However, it seems that being a "one hit wonder" doesn't suffice in the bird world. Perfect renditions of the same note, while initially attractive, eventually bored the female blue tits. The females' response diminished until the males transitioned to a different song type.



The results offer new insight into why bird songs are not extremely variable among most species. Instead, birds typically present moderate variations. This creates a fine balance between sending a reliable signal of quality and preventing female habituation, thereby maintaining their interest.



Dr. Javier Sierro, the lead author of the study, shared his thoughts on the significance of this finding. 



"In songbirds, singing requires the execution of complex motor patterns within the bird. Precisely hitting those repetitive notes is the way a male bird can demonstrate to potential mates these qualities, which also cut across social status, reproductive output, longevity, sexual attractiveness, and ability to defend territories," explained Dr. Sierro.



<h2 id="h-vocal-consistency-important-for-male-blue-tits">Vocal consistency important for male blue tits</h2>



The study revealed that male blue tits with higher vocal consistency experienced higher reproductive success. Researchers confirmed this by finding a larger number of eggs in their nests. 



The pattern underlines the theory that individuals of higher quality exhibit the trait of vocal consistency. These are the birds who will contribute significantly to future populations.



The scientists also observed that vocal consistency increased over the breeding season, peaking during the 7 to 10 day period when the female was at her most fertile and laid an egg daily. This suggests an astute understanding and adaptation of male birds to their mates' reproductive cycles.



According to the researchers, a harmonious balance between consistency and diversity in birdsong could resolve a longstanding paradox in avian communication studies and provide an explanation for the level of variability in singing styles between species.



Dr. Selvino de Kort from Manchester Metropolitan University, and co-author of the study, reflected on the findings: “Our results explain why most birds repeat song structures and do not sing in a way that advertises song diversity, by continuously producing novel notes or song types.”



Dr. Ian Hartley, from the Lancaster Environment Centre at Lancaster University, added: “Birdsong seems to have evolved under opposing selective effects, which may result in a balance between repetition to achieve the ‘sexiest’ song, and diversity between songs to reduce the psychological effect of habituation.”



The report is published in the prestigious journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-39308-5">Nature Communications</a>.



<h2 id="h-more-about-blue-tits">More about blue tits</h2>



Small passerine birds known as Blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) inhabit Europe and parts of Asia. Their vibrant blue and yellow plumage makes them easily recognizable and popular among birdwatchers. 



Here are some key facts about blue tits:



<h3 id="h-appearance">Appearance</h3>



Blue tits have a bright blue crown and wings, a yellow underside, and a white face with a black stripe running through the eyes. The color intensity may vary depending on the bird's age, sex, and subspecies.



<h3 id="h-size">Size</h3>



Blue tits are small birds, measuring around 10 to 12 centimeters (4 to 4.7 inches) in length, with a wingspan of approximately 18 to 20 centimeters (7 to 8 inches). They weigh about 9 to 12 grams (0.3 to 0.4 ounces).



<h3 id="h-habitat">Habitat</h3>



Blue tits are adaptable birds that inhabit various habitats, including woodlands, gardens, parks, and orchards. You can also find them in urban areas where suitable nesting sites and food sources are available.



<h3 id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



These birds have a diverse diet. They primarily feed on insects, spiders, and caterpillars, but they also consume seeds, berries, and small fruits. Blue tits demonstrate their acrobatic foraging skills by clinging to branches and leaves while searching for food.



<h3 id="h-breeding">Breeding</h3>



Blue tits are cavity nesters and will nest in tree holes, crevices, or nest boxes. The female builds the nest using moss, feathers, and hair, and lays a clutch of 7 to 14 eggs. The eggs are incubated by the female for about 12 to 16 days. Both parents participate in feeding the chicks, which fledge after about 18 to 21 days.



<h3 id="h-behavior">Behavior</h3>



Blue tits are highly active and agile birds. Their energetic and acrobatic movements while searching for food or communicating with other members of their flock are notable traits of the Blue tits. They have a wide repertoire of calls and songs, which they use for communication.



<h3 id="h-conservation">Conservation</h3>



Blue tits are not currently considered a threatened species. They have adapted well to human-altered environments and readily use nest boxes, which has helped increase their populations in some areas.



Blue tits are charming and delightful birds that bring color and liveliness to their surroundings. Their adaptability and attractive appearance make them a favorite subject for bird enthusiasts.



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Blue tits have more mating success when males perform a variety of songs

A new report on the mating success of blue tits...

Scientists at the <a href="https://medschool.duke.edu/">Duke School of Medicine</a> have developed a cutting-edge method that uses DNA barcoding to identify the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diets-are-proven-better-for-human-and-environmental-health/">plant-based foods</a> an individual has consumed, based on analysis of DNA markers in fecal samples. 



This innovative technique promises to bridge the gap between what people say they've eaten and what they've actually consumed. These two things often diverge significantly. The breakthrough could improve the accuracy of clinical trials, nutrition studies, and much more.



<h2 id="h-dna-barcoding-tech-uses-genetic-markers">DNA barcoding tech uses genetic markers</h2>



This technology builds upon previous research that sought to compare the DNA found in feces to reported diets. 



Under the direction of Professor Lawrence David, who specializes in molecular genetics and microbiology, researchers have developed a genetic marker for plant-based foods. 



“We can go back after the fact and detect what foods were eaten,” explained study lead author Brianna Petrone.



The marker identified is a specific region of DNA that plants utilize to power chloroplasts, the organelles responsible for converting sunlight into sugars. Known as trnL-P6, this genomic region is present in all plants, but varies subtly from species to species.



The team put their marker to the test. They analyzed more than 1,000 fecal samples from 324 study participants across five different studies. Approximately 20 of these participants maintained high-quality dietary records.



As reported in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2304441120">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>, the team found that these DNA markers can indicate not only what foods were consumed. They can also identify the relative quantities of specific food species. 



The researchers observed that a person's diet, age, and household income influenced the diversity of plant DNA found in their feces.



<h2 id="h-distinguishing-between-major-crops">Distinguishing between major crops</h2>



For the investigation, Professor David's lab made use of a reference database that contains markers for 468 species of plants typically consumed by Americans in plant-based foods. 



By associating detected versions of trnL-P6 with specific plant sources, their DNA barcoding method was able to distinguish 83 percent of all major crop families.



Petrone noted that people in other parts of the world tend to consume the subset of crop families that are currently undetectable. The lab is now working on adding crops such as pearl millet and pili nuts to their database. 



The team has yet to track meat intake, but Professor David assures that the technology has that capability as well. “That relative ratio of plant to animal intake is probably one of the most important nutritional factors we might look at,” he said.



The researchers applied their DNA barcoding technique to fecal samples from participants of a weight loss intervention program. By examining the DNA markers, the team knew exactly what the participants had been fed a day or two prior. 



For instance, the scientists searched for markers of a dish called mushroom wild rice pilaf's components in fecal samples after serving it.



<h2 id="h-dna-markers-reveal-dietary-patterns">DNA markers reveal dietary patterns </h2>



The team found that the DNA barcoding technique not only identified the plants but also the relative amounts consumed of certain plants. 



“When big portions of grains or berries were recorded in the meal, we also saw more trnL from those plants in stool,” Petrone said.



The team then analyzed samples from 60 adults who participated in two fiber supplementation studies. The number of plants detected by trnL aligned well with dietary diversity and quality as estimated from participants’ survey responses.



Researchers later applied DNA barcoding to a study involving 246 adolescents from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.



The study revealed 111 different markers from 46 plant families and 72 species in the adolescents’ diet. Notably, over two-thirds of the subjects consumed wheat, chocolate, corn, and the potato family.



The technique is not without its limitations. For example, it can't distinguish between individual members of closely related plant families, such as the brassica family, which includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, and cauliflower.&nbsp;



However, the research revealed a pattern of greater dietary variety among higher-income study participants and a decline in fruit, vegetable, and whole grain food intake as the adolescents aged. This may be a result of older children eating less often with their families.



Professor David is optimistic about the potential of the barcoding technique. He asserts that it can effectively identify the diversity of plants found in a sample as a surrogate for dietary diversity. Dietary diversity is a well-known indicator of nutrient adequacy and superior heart health.



<h2 id="h-future-research-opportunities">Future research opportunities&nbsp;</h2>



Interestingly, the researchers conducted these genomic analyses on samples they had collected years prior. This suggests that researchers could potentially use the DNA barcoding method to reconstruct dietary data for already concluded studies.



The research team believes that this novel methodology will significantly benefit various studies of human nutrition.&nbsp;



"We are limited in how we can track our diets, or participate in nutrition research or improve our own health, because of the current techniques by which diet is tracked," said Professor David. 



"Now we can use genomics to help gather data on what people eat around the world, regardless of differences in age, literacy, culture, or health status.”



Looking to the future, the team plans to apply this technique to global studies of disease. They also plan to monitor food biodiversity in settings facing climate instability or ecological distress.



<h2>More about DNA barcoding</h2>



DNA barcoding is a method of identifying species. It uses a short DNA sequence from a specific part of the genome.



In animals, the commonly used barcode region is a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene (CO1). Researchers use this gene because it varies highly among species and is relatively stable within species. For plants, the standard barcode regions are two chloroplast genes, matK and rbcL.



The process begins by extracting DNA from a small tissue sample of an organism. Next, the DNA is amplified using a technique called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). 



This step makes numerous copies of the barcode region. Scientists then sequence the amplified DNA to determine the order of nucleotides, forming a unique pattern for different species.



Researchers compare the obtained sequence to a reference database. If researchers find a match, they identify the species. If they find no match, the sequence could represent a new species.



DNA barcoding has several applications. Researchers use it in species identification, biodiversity studies, and food safety. It helps in identifying mislabeled products, detecting invasive species, and understanding ecosystem dynamics. 



Despite its strengths, DNA barcoding has limitations. These include difficulty in distinguishing closely related species and potential errors due to contamination or sequencing errors.



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Nutrition science breakthrough: DNA barcoding can identify exactly what a person ate

Scientists at the Duke School of Medicine have developed a...

Aerial,View,Of,Earth,Surrounded,By,Space,Junk,From,Space

A new study conducted by researchers at the <a href="https://www.uma.es/?set_language=en">University of Malaga</a> (UMA) reveals a dark side to space exploration and satellite technology. Space debris, or space junk, is a threat to space exploration and also our planet.



The escalating quantity of defunct objects in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-surges-of-cosmic-radiation-from-space-directly-linked-to-earthquakes/">space</a> is a direct result of human activities beyond Earth's atmosphere. The mess we have made in space could be setting us up for a potentially devastating future.



Since the launch of the first satellite in 1957, the proliferation of space debris has been relentless. The <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> (ESA) estimates that there are now over 131 million pieces of space junk. These range in size from one millimeter to ten centimeters, circumnavigating our planet at speeds of 36,000 kilometers per hour.&nbsp;



Remnants of rockets, dysfunctional satellites, and even stray astronaut tools make up the clutter. The debris presents a serious threat to operational satellites and future space missions. “Any piece larger than one centimeter is potentially lethal in case of collision," said Professor José Luis Torres.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-theoretical-model">Theoretical model</h2>



Together with Professor Anelí Bongers, Torres led a project focused on Space Economy, which applied quantitative analysis to establish a theoretical model that outlines an optimal rate of satellite launches based on the existing amount of space debris.



Using data from NASA and ESA, the model uses computational simulations to investigate the impact of anti-satellite tests on the volume of space debris and the consequential probability of collisions with operational satellites. There are approximately 6,000 satellites that are currently orbiting Earth.



The UMA researchers dynamically calculated the quantity of space debris based on the optimal behavior of space-operating companies in determining the rate of satellite launches and the number of satellites. Their study shows that the amount of space debris adversely influences the quantity of launches and satellites.&nbsp;



“The calculations also show that anti-satellite tests generate more than 102,000 new pieces of this waste larger than one centimeter and that its negative effects take 1,000 years to disappear due to the high altitude at which tests are carried out," said the researchers.&nbsp;



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="sA5iz7AQa5-2831809-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 id="h-unregulated-global-market">Unregulated global market</h2>



The experts approached the study of space debris from an economic perspective. They view outer space as a global common good that, similar to the high seas, risks overexploitation.



This approach highlights the lack of express regulation beyond a non-binding United Nations International Treaty. As a consequence, they identify a clear "market failure," where the absence of property rights encourages misuse of this resource, resulting in negative externalities.



The researchers express concern that our increasing dependence on tech companies operating in space implies a continued rise in the volume of space debris. With that comes an increased probability of collision. “We are facing a huge unregulated market, which problems have just started," they wrote.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-hypothetical-space-war">Hypothetical space war</h2>



In a startling scenario, the UMA study also investigates the fallout of a hypothetical space war. The simulation assumed the destruction of 250 satellites. Under such circumstances, the model predicts a surge of space debris by an astonishing 25.5 million fragments,each larger than one centimeter. This would exponentially escalate the probability of collision and satellite destruction.



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10242694.2023.220802">Defense and Peace Economics</a>, is a stern reminder of the potential consequences of space debris on our global economy and the physical problems it may impose on Earth. 



The research also highlights the implications for human activities in space, both commercial and scientific. If we don't check the current rate of space debris generation, it could render space exploration impossible.



<h2 id="h-more-about-space-debris">More about space debris&nbsp;</h2>



Space debris, also known as space junk, refers to objects that are no longer functional and orbit the Earth. These objects include defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, fragments from collisions, and other remnants of human activities in space. The accumulation of space debris poses a significant threat to operational satellites, spacecraft, and even astronauts.



<h3 id="h-key-points-about-space-debris">Key points about space debris:</h3>



<h4 id="h-origins">Origins</h4>



Space junk can originate from various sources, such as satellite launches, on-orbit explosions, and mission-related activities. Collisions between objects in space generate more debris, creating a cascade effect known as the Kessler Syndrome.



<h4 id="h-types-of-debris">Types of debris</h4>



Space debris can vary in size, from tiny paint flecks and screws to larger objects like dead satellites. Even smaller debris particles can pose a risk due to their high velocities in orbit.



<h4 id="h-orbital-zones">Orbital zones</h4>



Space junk can be found in different orbital regions, including low Earth orbit (LEO) below 2,000 km, medium Earth orbit (MEO) between 2,000 km and 35,786 km, and geostationary orbit (GEO) at 35,786 km. The majority of debris is concentrated in LEO.



<h4 id="h-risks-and-challenges">Risks and challenges</h4>



Space debris poses risks to operational satellites, as even a small collision with debris can cause significant damage or complete destruction. This risk increases with the growing number of satellites in orbit. It also poses a threat to crewed missions and the International Space Station (ISS).



<h4 id="h-tracking-and-monitoring">Tracking and monitoring</h4>



Space agencies and organizations track and monitor space debris using radar systems, telescopes, and other technologies. They catalog and predict the trajectories of larger objects to minimize the risk of collisions.



<h4 id="h-mitigation-measures">Mitigation measures</h4>



To address the problem, several mitigation measures have been proposed and implemented. These include designing satellites and rockets with measures to limit debris generation, deorbiting satellites at the end of their operational life, and removing larger debris through active removal missions.



<h4 id="h-international-cooperation">International cooperation</h4>



Space debris is a global issue that requires international cooperation. Organizations like NASA, ESA, and other space agencies collaborate to develop guidelines, share tracking data, and work on debris mitigation strategies.



Efforts are underway to develop advanced technologies for cleaning up space debris and prevent further accumulation. These include concepts like active debris removal, space-based lasers, and other innovative solutions. The goal is to ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities and preserve the space environment for future generations.



—--



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Future space exploration could be shut down by orbiting space debris

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of...

Earth,Water,Resources,Generating,New,Life.,Digital,Illustration.

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a superabsorbent hydrogel material. It is capable of absorbing moisture and extracting water from the air. 



This groundbreaking material could be a game-changer, particularly in desert and drought-prone regions.



The material is able to swell as it absorbs <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-water-vapor-become-a-reliable-source-of-fresh-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water vapor</a>. This allows it to continuously draw in moisture even under dry conditions of 30 percent relative humidity.



Remarkably, it does this without any leakage. After absorbing the water, one can heat, condense, and collect it as ultrapure water.



<h2 id="h-supercharged-hydrogel-is-the-secret-sauce">Supercharged hydrogel is the secret sauce</h2>



What's the secret behind this new material's extraordinary absorbency? The material is a hydrogel, a naturally absorbent substance used in products such as disposable diapers.



The team of engineers supercharged the hydrogel's moisture-absorbing capabilities by infusing it with lithium chloride. Scientists know this salt for its desiccating power.



Earlier studies limited how much salt could be infused into the hydrogel. This <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT team</a>, however, was able to exceed that limit. They achieved unprecedented levels of moisture absorption even in extremely dry environments.



Carlos Díaz-Marin is a mechanical engineering graduate student at MIT and member of the <a href="https://drl.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Device Research Lab</a>. 



He said, "We've been application-agnostic, in the sense that we mostly focus on the fundamental properties of the material. But now we are exploring widely different problems like how to make air conditioning more efficient and how you can harvest water. This material, because of its low cost and high performance, has so much potential."



<h2>You can quickly produce hydrogel in massive amounts</h2>



If we can manufacture this superabsorbent hydrogel quickly and on a large scale, it could serve as a passive water harvester. Additionally, we could also integrate it into air conditioning units to save energy by dehumidifying the air.



The MIT team sought to improve hydrogels' moisture-absorbing abilities, particularly from the air. They found that salts like lithium chloride were efficient at absorbing moisture and decided to combine the two.



Gustav Graeber was a member of the MIT team and is now a principal investigator at <a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humboldt University</a> in Berlin. He said, "The hydrogel can store a lot of water, and the salt can capture a lot of vapor. So it's intuitive that you'd want to combine the two."



<h2>How the hydrogel was created</h2>



In a new approach, the MIT team spent days and even weeks allowing the lithium chloride to infuse into the hydrogel, instead of the usual 24 to 48 hours used in previous experiments. 



The results were astonishing. After 30 days, the hydrogels had absorbed up to 24 grams of salt per gram of polymer, quadrupling the previous record.



This record-breaking absorption ability held across a range of humidity levels. In dry conditions of 30 percent relative humidity, the hydrogel captured an astonishing 1.79 grams of water per gram of material.



Díaz-Marin further commented, "Any desert during the night would have that low relative humidity, so conceivably, this material could <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organisms-steal-water-from-rocks-to-survive-desert-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">generate water in the desert</a>." The focus now, he said, is on improving the rate of water uptake, to allow for faster cycling and more frequent water harvesting.



The team published their study in the journal Advanced Materials. The research was supported, in part, by the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the Swiss National Science Foundation. 



The innovation showcased by these researchers offers a glimpse of a future where even the driest of regions may have access to a consistent water source.



<h2>Material used in diapers was the spark for creating the hydrogel</h2>



This astonishingly absorbent hydrogel is a product of MIT's Device Research Lab. This lab is dedicated to creating innovative materials aimed at solving global energy and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-world-is-falling-way-behind-on-water-security-targets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water challenges</a>.



The team chose to focus on enhancing the capabilities of hydrogel, a material that people have used for years to absorb moisture, especially in products like diapers.



The team pondered, "Our question was, how can we make this work just as well to absorb vapor from the air?" Díaz-Marin shared. They researched extensively and found that some salts, like rock salt, could efficiently soak up moisture.



&nbsp;Of these, lithium chloride stood out due to its incredible ability to absorb over ten times its own mass in moisture. However, lithium chloride by itself can only pool the moisture around it without retaining it.



<h2>Getting from diapers to a groundbreaking hydrogel material</h2>



This led the researchers to combine hydrogel and lithium chloride, resulting in a superabsorbent material that could attract and hold in moisture.



Graeber clarified this approach by stating, "It’s the best of both worlds. The hydrogel can store a lot of water, and the salt can capture a lot of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-water-vapor-become-a-reliable-source-of-fresh-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water vapor</a>. So it’s intuitive that you’d want to combine the two.”



The innovation of the MIT team, however, didn't stop there. They noticed that other teams had hit a roadblock when it came to the amount of salt they could infuse into the hydrogel. 



Previous attempts were only able to infuse 4 to 6 grams of salt per gram of polymer, yielding absorption of about 1.5 grams of vapor per gram of material in 30 percent relative humidity conditions.



Instead of stopping there, the MIT team decided to push the boundaries. They experimented with a longer infusion process that went on for weeks instead of hours.



The research team sliced tubes of hydrogel into thin disks and placed each disk into a different concentration of lithium chloride solution. They weighed the disks each day to measure how much salt they had absorbed, then returned them to their solutions.



<h2>Final results of their work exceeded expectations</h2>



The results were striking. After a month-long process, hydrogel incorporated up to 24 grams of salt per gram of polymer. When tested under various humidity conditions, the enhanced gels swelled and absorbed more moisture without leaking. 



This happened even at a very low 30 percent relative humidity. At this dry condition, the gels captured a "record-breaking" 1.79 grams of water per gram of material.



Díaz-Marin enthused, "Any desert during the night would have that low relative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humidity-increases-urban-heat-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humidity</a>, so conceivably, this material could generate water in the desert." 



He indicated that their next objective is to enhance the rate at which the material absorbs moisture.



Graeber added, "The big, unexpected surprise was that, with such a simple approach, we were able to get the highest vapor uptake reported to date. Now, the main focus will be kinetics and how quickly we can get the material to uptake water. That will allow you to cycle this material very quickly, so that instead of recovering water once a day, you could harvest water maybe 24 times a day."



<h2>More work ahead to unleash the vast potential of the hydrogel</h2>



The research carried out at <a href="https://drl.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT's Device Research Lab</a> underlines the vast potential of this superabsorbent material. This could mark a significant advancement in the quest for more sustainable water harvesting and energy-saving practices.



The world awaits the next developments with eager anticipation as we move closer to a future where the scarcity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-is-the-main-source-of-rain-in-the-atacama-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water in desert regions</a> could be a thing of the past.



<h2>More about global water security</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-the-worlds-climate-driven-water-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global water security</a> is a critical issue that's becoming more important due to growing populations, climate change, and increased industrial demand. It refers to the reliable access and availability of clean, safe water for everyone, everywhere. It's an essential aspect of global security, health, and development.



There are numerous challenges that threaten global water security. Here are some of them:



<h3>Water Scarcity</h3>



Water scarcity is caused by a combination of factors like overuse, wastage, pollution, and climate change. <a href="https://www.un.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The United Nations</a> estimates that by 2025, nearly two-thirds of the world's population could be under "water-stressed" conditions.



<h3>Climate Change</h3>



Changes in weather patterns due to climate change can lead to droughts, floods, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-supply-from-icy-mountains-will-become-less-reliable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unpredictable rainfall</a>, making water availability less predictable.



<h3>Population Growth and Urbanization</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-population-set-to-hit-eight-billion-by-next-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rapid population growth</a> and urbanization often lead to increased demand for water, sometimes outpacing the supply.



<h3>Pollution</h3>



Pollution from industry, agriculture, and domestic waste can contaminate water sources, making them unsafe for human consumption and reducing the overall available clean water.



<h3>Inadequate Infrastructure</h3>



In many parts of the world, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-security-in-africa-remains-very-poor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water infrastructure</a> is outdated or inadequate. This can lead to significant water loss due to leakage or inefficient distribution systems.



<h3>Political and Transboundary Issues</h3>



Water sources often cross national borders, and disagreements over usage rights can lead to conflicts. Effective water management and cooperation between countries are essential for global water security.



Addressing these challenges requires a combined global effort. Potential solutions include improved water management strategies, increased investment in infrastructure, implementing water conservation measures, pollution control, and using new technologies like the superabsorbent hydrogel developed by MIT engineers.



Achieving global water security is not just about having enough water, but also about ensuring the water is safe and can be accessed by everyone. It's an integral part of sustainable development and vital for the health and survival of communities around the world.

New hydrogel material can extract unlimited amounts of water from the air

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed...

Three,Parasaurolophus,Stand,On,A,Rock,Beach.,Pterasaurs,Fly,Over

An astonishing new study concludes that human ancestors survived the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-details-on-the-asteroid-impact-that-killed-the-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid impact</a> that killed the dinosaurs. This fact, and other new insights into the timeline of animal evolution, are rocking the scientific community.



Researchers conducted a thorough analysis of the fossil record. They discovered that placental mammals – a group that includes humans, dogs, and even bats — originated in the Cretaceous period.



<h2 id="h-placental-mammals-human-ancestors-and-dinosaurs">Placental mammals, human ancestors, and dinosaurs</h2>



This suggests that these mammals shared the planet with dinosaurs for a brief period before the mass extinction event. This finding that throws a curveball into the long-standing debate among researchers.



Until now, it was a point of contention whether placental mammals walked alongside dinosaurs or only came into existence after the large reptiles had vanished.



Fossils from placental mammals only showed up in rocks less than 66 million years old. That was the time when an asteroid had a fateful encounter with Earth.



This evidence seemed to suggest that placental mammals appeared only after the dinosaurs' dramatic exit. However, molecular data has been hinting at an older age for this group. This finding has completely complicated the narrative.



<h2>How the placental mammal study was conducted</h2>



In an exciting breakthrough, a team of paleobiologists from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> and the <a href="https://www.unifr.ch/home/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Fribourg</a> published a paper in the journal Current Biology. In this paper, they offer a new perspective.



Using statistical analysis, they dissected the fossil record. Their findings confirmed that placental mammals did indeed originate before the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-that-killed-the-dinosaurs-ignited-massive-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur extinction event</a>. This incident is also known as the catastrophic Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction.



Shockingly, their conclusion means that placental mammals, the ancestors of humans, briefly co-existed with dinosaurs.



<h2>Human ancestors thrived when dinosaurs vanished</h2>



However, the story doesn't end there. Their research shows that placental mammals began to flourish only after the asteroid impact wiped out the dinosaurs. This suggests that the removal of dinosaurs as competition allowed these mammals to diversify and thrive.



To reach this conclusion, the scientists embarked on a mission to collect extensive fossil data from placental mammal groups. This fossil data went all the way back to the mass extinction event, 66 million years ago.



"We pulled together thousands of fossils of placental mammals and were able to see the patterns of origination and extinction of the different groups," explained Emily Carlisle of Bristol’s School of Earth Sciences, the lead author of the paper. "Based on this, we could estimate when placental mammals evolved."



Co-author Daniele Silvestro from the University of Fribourg elaborated on their methodology.



"The model we used estimates origination ages based on when lineages first appear in the fossil record and the pattern of species diversity through time for the lineage. It can also estimate extinction ages based on last appearances when the group is extinct.”



<h2>Human ancestors, dinosaurs and asteroids</h2>



The researchers also highlighted how examining both the origins and extinctions can provide a clearer picture of the impact of major events. One such example is the K-Pg mass extinction.



Professor Phil Donoghue, a co-author from Bristol, stated, “By examining both origins and extinctions, we can more clearly see the impact of events such as the K-Pg mass extinction or the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM).”



<h2>Primates, rabbits, dogs and dinosaurs living in harmony</h2>



Even more intriguing is the finding that primates, the group that includes the human lineage, as well as Lagomorpha (rabbits and hares) and Carnivora (dogs and cats), evolved just before the K-Pg mass extinction.



This implies that our very own ancestors once rubbed shoulders with dinosaurs.



Following the cataclysmic asteroid impact, placental mammals demonstrated a rapid diversification. The extinction of the dinosaurs might have paved the way for the successful expansion of our mammalian ancestors.



If that asteroid had not killed the dinosaurs, the world as we know it today would be much different, indeed.



<h2>More about the K-Pg mass extinction event</h2>



The Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction event is also known as the K-T extinction event (Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction event). It is one of the most well-known extinction events in Earth's history.



The K-Pg occurred approximately 66 million years ago, marking the end of the Cretaceous period and the beginning of the Paleogene period.



Here's an in-depth look at this crucial turning point in Earth's history:



<h3>Cause</h3>



The prevailing hypothesis about the cause of the K-Pg extinction event is that a large asteroid or comet struck the Earth near the present-day Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It was approximately 10 to 15 kilometers in diameter, and it created the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chicxulub-asteroid-struck-at-deadliest-possible-angle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicxulub Crater</a>.



The impact would have released an enormous amount of energy. This would have caused fires, tsunamis, severe storms with high winds.



In addition, a subsequent "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-impact-sparked-two-years-of-darkness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact winter</a>" would have resulted, caused by debris thrown into the atmosphere blocking sunlight. This would have drastically altered the Earth's climate in the following months and years. There would have been a devastating impact on life across the globe.



<h3>Victims</h3>



The most famous victims of the K-Pg extinction event are the non-avian dinosaurs. However, many other organisms also became extinct. These included certain groups of mammals and birds, as well as marine reptiles and invertebrates. In total, it's estimated that about 75% of all species on Earth disappeared.



<h3>Survivors</h3>



Some species managed to survive the mass extinction. This set the stage for the world's biodiversity today.



These include birds, small mammals, amphibians, crocodiles, turtles, and many invertebrates. Some of these creatures were likely able to endure the harsh conditions because they were small. They could find shelter, and they didn't require a lot of food to survive.



Some plants and marine plankton also survived. Their recovery and evolution played a key role in shaping the post-K-Pg world.



<h3>Recovery and Evolution</h3>



The recovery of life <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/after-asteroid-killed-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">after the K-Pg extinction event</a> took millions of years. In the absence of the dinosaurs, mammals underwent significant adaptive radiation. They began diversifying and evolving to fill many of the ecological roles left vacant.



<h3>Fossil Evidence</h3>



There's a distinctive layer of sediment in the Earth's crust worldwide, known as the K-Pg boundary. It is full of iridium, a rare metal on Earth but more common in asteroids and comets.



This layer serves as the primary evidence for the asteroid impact hypothesis. Fossil evidence also shows a dramatic decrease in biodiversity following this layer.



<h3>Research</h3>



The K-Pg extinction event continues to be a subject of intense scientific study. The asteroid impact hypothesis is the most widely accepted cause. 



However, other factors such as intense volcanic activity in the Deccan Traps (modern-day India) and potential climate change leading up to the event are also considered as contributing factors to the extinction event.



Keep in mind that our understanding of the K-Pg extinction event is continually evolving. New research and technology provide us with more detailed and precise information every day about this fascinating period in Earth's history.

Ancient human ancestors actually did live with dinosaurs, according to stunning new research

An astonishing new study concludes that human ancestors survived the...

Honey,Bee,On,Lavender

In a study focused on the foraging behavior of honey bees and bumble bees, researchers from the <a href="https://www.ars.usda.gov/">U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service</a> have uncovered some fascinating insights. 



The results suggest that honey bees exhibit a higher degree of fidelity to their chosen flower patches compared to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/californias-bumble-bees-are-vanishing/">bumble bees</a>.



The study was led by Johanne Brunet, an ecologist with the ARS Vegetable Crops Research Unit in Madison, Wisconsin, along with postdoctoral associate Fabiana Fragoso.&nbsp;



An impressive 76% of honey bees in the study demonstrated a committed loyalty to the same plot of alfalfa flowers. They would routinely return to these locations for collecting more pollen and nectar. 



In contrast, eastern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-flowers-do-bees-like-to-eat-most-scientists-think-they-have-figured-it-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumble bees</a> exhibited a slightly more nomadic approach, with only 47% revisiting the same flower patches.



<h2 id="h-flower-patch-size">Flower patch size</h2>



Interestingly, the study pointed out the pivotal role of flower patch size. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumble-bees-can-play-with-objects-for-fun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bumble bees</a> showed a greater allegiance to larger flower patches, suggesting that they are influenced by the abundance and variety offered by these areas.&nbsp;



However, honey bees appeared indifferent to the size of the flower patches, maintaining their loyalty irrespective of whether the patches were large or small. 



The large patches studied were nearly 15 by 15 yards and contained 225 plants, more than double the 100 plants found in the smaller patches, which were about 10 by 10 yards.



<h2 id="h-differences-in-flower-patch-fidelity">Differences in flower patch fidelity</h2>



An animal or insect's fidelity to a specific location is contingent on their robust spatial memory. This allows them to navigate intricate landscapes and repeatedly return to familiar sites.&nbsp;



The researchers explained that both honey and bumble bees have demonstrated the ability to return to the same sites. Species-specific factors likely govern their differing degrees of patch fidelity.



The differences in patch fidelity may stem from distinct foraging behaviors exhibited by the two species. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-flowers-are-critical-for-the-survival-of-bumble-bees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bumble bees</a>, characterized by their explorative nature, are prone to diverse foraging bouts. They often visit more than one flower type during a foraging event.&nbsp;



On the other hand, honey bees possess a sophisticated communication system, epitomized by the famous "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-refine-their-dancing-skills-by-watching-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waggle dance</a>." 



This unique behavior, performed by honey bee foragers upon returning to the hive, effectively shares the location of fruitful food sources with other members of the colony. In contrast, bumble bees do not perform this dance.



According to Brunet, the heightened patch fidelity displayed by honey bees might be indicative of a higher degree of risk aversion. We can understand this as a strategy aimed at preventing the squandering of energy and resources or minimizing potential encounters with predators.



<h2 id="h-implications-of-the-study">Implications of the study</h2>



The implications of these findings stretch far beyond the distinct behaviors of these two bee species. A better understanding of the factors influencing patch fidelity could equip beekeepers, farmers, and conservation biologists with the knowledge needed to better support pollinator health. This would ultimately ensure successful crop pollination.&nbsp;



The research, which is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4606">Ecosphere</a>, also offers potential insights into the mechanisms of gene flow. This is the process by which the gene pools of two distinct populations of the same species intermingle.&nbsp;



"Bumble bees' lower patch fidelity can translate into higher gene flow among the patches they visit, creating a higher probability for bumble bees to move genes longer distances," said Brunet. "Higher gene flow in plant populations in the natural environment will also tend to homogenize their genetic diversity."



<h2 id="h-more-about-honey-bees">More about honey bees</h2>



Honey bees are a subgroup of bees which represent a small fraction of the approximately 20,000 known species of bees. Honey bees are known for their role in pollination and for the production of honey and beeswax. There are several species of honey bees, with the most common being the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera).



<h3>Colony life</h3>



Honey bees are social insects, meaning they live in well-organized colonies that can contain up to 60,000 individuals. A colony typically consists of one queen, a few hundred drones (males), and tens of thousands of workers. The workers are infertile females.



The queen bee's primary role is to reproduce. Workers perform a variety of tasks to maintain the colony. These include cleaning, feeding larvae, producing wax and constructing the hive, guarding the colony, and foraging for nectar and pollen. Drones are responsible for mating with a virgin queen, after which they die.



<h3>Nectar and honey</h3>



Honey bees produce honey from nectar, which they collect from flowers. The bees carry the nectar in a special stomach and once back in the hive, they pass it from bee to bee. 



This process changes the nectar’s composition and protects it from bacteria. The bees then store the altered nectar in the wax cells of the hive. Neatly tucked away in the cells, it slowly dries out and turns into honey.



<h3>Vital for pollination</h3>



Honey bees are vital for pollination, which is the process by which plants reproduce. When a bee collects nectar from a flower, some pollen from the male parts of the flower sticks to the bee's body. When the bee visits another flower, some of this pollen rubs off onto the female parts of the flower, fertilizing it and enabling the plant to produce fruit and seeds.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-lifespans-are-mysteriously-declining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worldwide decline</a> in honey bee populations over recent years is a significant concern because of the bees' role in pollination. This decline is believed to be due to a combination of factors, including pesticides, diseases, climate change, and habitat loss. Efforts to help sustain and increase honey bee populations are crucial to maintaining biodiversity and global food security.



—-



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Honey bees are very loyal to their flower patches

In a study focused on the foraging behavior of honey...

Selangor.malaysia.01.10.2021.,Coke,Zero,Does,Not,Contain,Any,Calories,Or,Sugar

In a world increasingly concerned about the negative health effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sugar-taxation-could-help-combat-climate-change/">sugar</a> consumption, sweeteners have been hailed by many as a healthy substitute. However, a growing collection of research suggests that artificial sweeteners may not be healthier than sugar after all.&nbsp;



Numerous studies have linked sweeteners to various health concerns - from certain types of cancers to anxiety and cardiovascular diseases. As a result,&nbsp; many health professionals are expressing concern about their widespread use.&nbsp;



Sugar, however, is not without its own set of risks, including a higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and strokes, not to mention obesity and tooth decay.



<h2 id="h-potential-cancer-risk">Potential cancer risk</h2>



This ongoing debate is now back in the spotlight following a groundbreaking report stating that the <a href="https://www.who.int/">World Health Organization</a> (WHO) is set to declare the artificial sweetener aspartame as a potential cancer risk to humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a subsidiary body of the WHO, is expected to classify it as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" in the upcoming weeks.



Aspartame is a common ingredient in numerous soft drinks, including household names like Diet Coke and Dr. Pepper, as well as a range of juices, yogurt, and even some over-the-counter medicines. The declaration has prompted the question of whether artificial sweeteners pose a greater health risk than sugar.



In a quest for clarification, <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/index.html">MailOnline</a> sought the expertise of Professor Gunter Kuhnle, a professor of Nutrition and Food Science at the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/">University of Reading</a>. In his view, the prime advantage of sweeteners lies in their non-caloric nature, which allows for the provision of sweetness without sugar. This feature makes sweeteners particularly beneficial for people living with diabetes, as they do not affect blood sugar levels.



<h2 id="h-lack-of-evidence">Lack of evidence</h2>



Addressing the possible downsides of sweetener use, Professor Kuhnle said that while they have been scrutinized by various regulatory agencies and found to be harmless at permitted levels, there is a lack of data regarding their safety at higher levels. Thus, the absence of evidence does not equate to the proof of their safety.&nbsp;



However, Professor Kuhnle went on to note that there is no current reason to worry about their use, adding that debates surrounding their impact on the microbiome have yet to yield concrete evidence of an issue. "As far as I'm aware, there is no risk associated with it as long as it is used within the recommended amounts," he added.



Nevertheless, Kuhnle noted that sweeteners can't substitute the "functionality of sugar, " which includes the preservation of certain foods like jam or cakes and the texture they provide in the mouth.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-safe-consumption-levels">Safe consumption levels</h2>



The debate around sweeteners extends to the quantity that can be safely consumed. In the US, the safe daily aspartame consumption is 50mg per kg of body weight, while in the UK it stands at 40mg per kg. This means, for a 70kg adult in the UK, the recommended limit is approximately 2800mg.&nbsp;



To put that in perspective, an average can of Diet Coke contains 180mg of aspartame, implying an adult would need to drink about 15 cans a day to risk health consequences from the sweetener, according to the <a href="https://www.bda.uk.com/">British Dietetic Association</a>.



Yet, Professor Kuhnle pointed out that aspartame contains phenylalanine, which renders it unsuitable for individuals with phenylketonuria, a rare but potentially serious disorder preventing the body from breaking down certain proteins.



<h2 id="h-potential-health-benefits">Potential health benefits&nbsp;</h2>



According to the International Sweeteners Association, zero and low-calorie sweetened foods have been connected with improved diet quality, can help reduce calorie intake, and do not promote teeth decay. Short term trials on drinks sweetened with zero-calorie sweeteners have demonstrated that they can help reduce energy intake and weight gain when consumed in place of sugary drinks.



Global public health organizations have largely accepted these benefits of sweeteners. As the NHS explains, "Sweeteners that don’t increase blood glucose can be used as part of a healthy diet for diabetes," primarily because they don't affect blood glucose levels.&nbsp;



Before any sweetener can be used in food and drink in the UK, it undergoes a rigorous safety assessment. All approved sweeteners are considered a safe and acceptable alternative to sugar, with laws determining their permissible amounts and product inclusion.



<h2 id="h-aspartame-and-sucralose">Aspartame and sucralose</h2>



Despite this, there is a diverging school of thought among some experts. Professor Erik Millstone, a science policy expert at the University of Sussex who has spent nearly four decades studying the impact of sweeteners on human health, voiced his concerns to MailOnline:



"Evidence showing that we could not be sure that aspartame is safe has been available since the mid-1980s." He further highlighted that "reliable evidence that it can cause cancer in laboratory animals emerged in 2005 and has subsequently strengthened."



Professor Millstone criticized large food and beverage corporations and their trade associations for attempting to discredit the IARC. According to him, they are attacking the IARC simply for providing a message they don't want to hear. Professor Millstone hailed the IARC as more reliable than most other official bodies because it excludes individuals with commercial conflicts of interest, unlike many government bodies.



Further supporting these concerns, a 2017 study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal examined data from over 400,000 individuals over ten years and found a significantly higher risk of weight gain, obesity, and related illnesses such as type 2 diabetes among those consuming one or more artificially sweetened beverages daily.



A 2018 study by George Washington University also indicated that sucralose, a common sweetener, increases levels of a protein called GLUT4, which promotes fat accumulation in cells. This alteration is associated with an increased risk of obesity, according to the scientists.



<h2 id="h-children-and-sweeteners">Children and sweeteners</h2>



In the UK, a soft drink industry levy launched in 2018 - aimed at addressing rising childhood obesity rates - imposed a tax of 24p per liter on any beverage containing 8g or more of added sugar per 100ml. Almost all major UK soft drink brands cut the sugar content of their products and replaced the missing sweetness with artificial alternatives in response to this tax.



However, there's mounting concern over the effects of sweeteners in children's diets. Dr. Vicky Sibson, a public health nutritionist and director of the charity First Steps Nutrition Trust, warned MailOnline about the risks of children developing a sweet palate from consuming sweeteners and craving sweetness in all its forms, whether from sugar or not.



Dr. Sibson explained that both sugary and artificially sweetened foods and drinks can cause dental decay - a major public health concern - and contribute to excess energy intake and weight gain. More crucially, she warned against the formation of a lifelong preference for sweet foods due to taste preferences forming in the early years. With that in mind, she underscored how much sweeter artificial sweeteners are than sugar.



—-



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Are artificial sweeteners safe? The debate is heating up

In a world increasingly concerned about the negative health effects...

Sunset,Cannabis,Field.,Marijuana,Plants.

An infectious pathogen is currently spreading widely in California’s cannabis farms. This scourge is attacking plants and growing invisibly for months before spoiling crops. 



This happens just as farmers are getting ready to harvest. Scientists believe it currently affects over 90 percent of farms. it will cause billions of dollars in damages to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-number-of-americans-are-high-on-marijuana-at-work/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">national cannabis economy</a>.



<h2>What is this pathogen attacking cannabis farms?</h2>



The hop-latent viroid (HLVd) was first identified in hop plants (close relatives of cannabis) in the 1980s. It shrivels cannabis plants, reducing how much weight they produce by as much as 30 percent. 



The pathogen also destroys the plants’ amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetics-not-environmental-stress-increases-thc-in-hemp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">THC</a> (marijuana’s main psychoactive compound). This decreases their value dramatically. 



Although this pathogen has likely been spreading in cannabis farms for over a decade, growers were clueless. At first they didn’t know what was harming their harvests. 



Damage only occurred at the end of the crop’s life cycle. This makes the pathogen eve more dangerous.



Farmers usually grow cannabis by cutting small pieces off of one plant. They refer to this as the "mother," and use it to propagate hundreds of new plants.



To keep producing offspring, growers artificially prevent these mother plants from growing flowers. This means they can silently spread the pathogen for months without showing any signs of disease. 



<h2>Researchers didn't identify this cannabis farm pathogen until 2019</h2>



HLVd was first identified in California in 2019 in samples from a Santa Barbara cannabis farm. BY 2021, it had spread to at least 90 percent of the state’s farms. 



Scientists believe it has spread in other states, as well as in Europe. The HLVd pathogen has become the “biggest concern for cannabis” growers worldwide. This, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36992390/">recent scientific paper</a>.



<h2>New rapid test available</h2>



Fortunately, <a href="https://purplecitygenetics.com/">Purple City Genetics</a> figured out how to help. The Oakland-based startup, Purple City, focuses on breeding and cultivating cannabis phenotypes.



This year, they released a new HLVd test that can be conducted on site. It delivers results in just a few hours. This is much faster than previous methods for identifying HLVd infections. 



Those involved farmers mailing samples to labs. They would then wait for days or even weeks to get the results.



“By the time you get the results back you may have cut that plant and sold it to your customers. So there is a real need for a high throughput onsite diagnostic test for hop-latent viroid,” said Ali Bektaş, the CEO of Purple City.&nbsp;



<h2>New tech called LAMP is helping save cannabis farms</h2>



To overcome this problem, Bektaş adapted a technique called LAMP. He worked this tech on during his doctoral studies in Microbial Ecology at the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/">University of California, Berkeley</a>. 



This method became very popular during the Covid-19 pandemic. Unlike PCR tests that require specialized lab equipment and expert technicians, it uses cheap equipment. 



LAMP can be accurately operated by nearly anyone. It delivers results in just a few hours. Recently, the company has started to sell this technology worldwide for $10 a test.



“We didn’t just identify a great test that is accurate, but it’s [also] easy to use and it doesn’t require a high level of expertise. You can take microbiology to the public and put it in their hands…It’s important for people to have this type of testing,” concluded Luke Horst, the director of business development for Purple City Genetics.



A recent scientific article discussing the features and spread of HLVd was published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/v15030681">Viruses</a>.



<h2 id="h-additional-threats-to-cannabis-farms">Additional threats to cannabis farms</h2>



Cannabis farms, like any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/booming-cannabis-industry-is-not-eco-friendly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agricultural operation</a>, face a number of potential threats that can affect their viability and profitability. Here are several key threats:



<h3 id="h-pests-pathogens-and-diseases">Pests, pathogens and diseases</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marijuana-smokers-may-have-more-lung-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cannabis plants</a> can be vulnerable to a wide variety of pests, including aphids, spider mites, and various kinds of mold and mildew. Controlling these pests can be challenging and may require significant investment in pest control measures.



<h3 id="h-weather-conditions">Weather conditions</h3>



Cannabis farms can be adversely affected by harsh weather conditions. Cold temperatures, high winds, excessive rain, or prolonged drought can all potentially damage crops and lower yields. Moreover, cannabis is a crop that prefers consistent sunlight, and cloudy or shaded conditions can impact growth.



<h3 id="h-regulatory-changes">Regulatory changes</h3>



In many regions, the legality of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-worms-get-the-munchies-from-ingesting-marijuana/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis cultivation</a> is still relatively new and subject to change. Regulatory changes could potentially limit the amount of cannabis that can be grown, change licensing requirements, or even criminalize certain kinds of cultivation.



<h3 id="h-market-fluctuations">Market fluctuations</h3>



The cannabis industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, but it remains a relatively new and volatile market. Prices can fluctuate wildly, and changes in supply and demand can impact profitability.



<h3 id="h-security">Security</h3>



Theft is a significant concern for many cannabis farms, as the crop can be very valuable and highly sought after. This can necessitate significant investment in security measures, such as fencing, cameras, and security personnel.



<h3 id="h-environmental-impact-and-sustainability">Environmental impact and sustainability</h3>



There's an increasing societal pressure for sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Water consumption, energy use for indoor farms, pesticide use, and waste management are all environmental issues that cannabis farms must address.



<h3 id="h-legal-compliance">Legal compliance&nbsp;</h3>



Cannabis is a highly regulated industry. There are laws about who can grow cannabis, where it can be grown, how it can be grown, how it can be sold and advertised, etc. Failure to comply with these laws can lead to heavy fines, license revocation, or even criminal charges.



<h3 id="h-lack-of-banking-and-financial-services">Lack of banking and financial services</h3>



Despite cannabis being legal in many places, banking services are often unavailable to cannabis businesses. This is due to federal regulations in the United States. No banking access can make it hard for cannabis businesses to secure loans, handle cash, or manage other financial needs.



Understanding and managing these threats is crucial to the success of any cannabis farming operation. Many of these challenges are common to other types of agriculture. 



However, some are unique to the cannabis industry. Due to how relatively new the industry is, issues need to be overcome. This is especially due to the unique legal and regulatory environment in which it operates.



—-



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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90% of cannabis farms are infected with a dangerous and deadly pathogen

An infectious pathogen is currently spreading widely in California’s cannabis...

Throughout history, many dictators and social disrupters have used coercive language and conspiracy theories to encourage the public to hate individuals and social groups that are different from themselves. 



Unfortunately, according to a new book published at Routledge, our brains may be hardwired to believe such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lie-detection-nose-shrinks/">lies</a>. 



In <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781003349143">Politics, Lies, and Conspiracy Theories</a>, Marcel Danesi – a professor of Semiotics and Linguistic Anthropology at the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/">University of Toronto</a> - has analyzed the speeches of dictators such as Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, or Putin, as well as those of prominent hate groups in order to highlight their specificity and persuasive capacity.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-dehumanizing-metaphors-to-spread-conspiracy-theories">Dehumanizing metaphors to spread conspiracy theories</h2>



Professor Danesi's investigations revealed that all these speeches tend to use dehumanizing metaphors to instill and propagate hatred of others. 



For instance, the Nazi regime frequently used words such as “pests,” “parasites,” or “reptiles” to describe minorities such as Jews or homosexuals. 



More recently, groups of white supremacists participating in a “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville in August 2017 employed both animal and dirt metaphors in their attacks against “the parasitic class of anti-white vermin” and the “anti-white, anti-American filth.”&nbsp;



With the rise of far-right and populist political movements in the 2010s, the use of such dehumanizing metaphors to engender hatred of minorities has spread worldwide, leading individuals such as Hungary’s prime minister Viktor Orbán to characterize refugees and migrants as “poison.”



“The intent of such speech is to attack those who do not belong to the mainstream, such as racial minorities, or people of different sexual orientations,”&nbsp;Danesi explained.



<h2 id="h-hardwired-in-the-brain">Hardwired in the brain</h2>



According to Professor Danesi, dehumanizing metaphors such as these are so powerful because they make use of existing circuits in the brain. This links together important and salient images and ideas, while bypassing higher cognitive reasoning centers and forcing us to focus on certain things and ignore others.



The more such circuits are activated, the more hardwired they tend to become, until it is almost impossible to rationally control them. 



This happens also in the case of conspiracy theories, which lead to the development of rigid neural pathways, making it highly difficult to rethink and recontextualize specific scenarios and situations.



“When we come across a big lie or a conspiracy theory, it can shape our ideas without us even being aware of it,” Danesi warned. “By being exposed to particular metaphors, we may develop hostile feelings towards specific groups - this is why hate groups use metaphors to turn the switches on, so as to motivate people to violent activism.”



<h2 id="h-harmful-behaviors">Harmful behaviors&nbsp;</h2>



Unfortunately, as previous research has shown, once people begin to believe lies and conspiracy theories, they are unlikely to change their minds even when confronted with contradictory evidence. 



Instead, they will often seek out information that confirms their beliefs, while avoiding anything that might make them reconsider their worldviews, frequently leading to devastating consequences.



“When lies are used to generate hate, harmful behaviors tend to result, including violence and genocide against the target individual or groups. The spread of lies is also becoming a powerful factor in generating political and social instability worldwide, destabilizing democracies,” Danesi explained.



To protect ourselves from the power of lies and conspiracy theories, Danesi suggests that we should try to be aware of the metaphors peoples use, while also closely examining the metaphors we use, often unconsciously. 



Although it may be very difficult to change entrenched beliefs and worldviews, increased awareness of their metaphorical structuring could help us take some distance from them and accept being exposed to different ideas and perspectives.



<h2 id="h-more-about-conspiracy-theories">More about conspiracy theories&nbsp;</h2>



Conspiracy theories are hypotheses that suggest events, often of considerable significance, are the result of secret manipulations by two or more individuals or an organization. 



They are often characterized by a belief in the deliberate, covert actions of powerful or influential groups, such as governments, corporations, or secret societies.



While these theories sometimes stem from a lack of information or misunderstanding of complex issues, they can also serve to provide simple explanations for complicated or troubling events. 



In some cases, they can fuel fear and paranoia, lead to social divisiveness, and be used for political manipulation. Some well-known conspiracy theories include:



<h3 id="h-jfk-assassination">JFK assassination</h3>



Many believe that the killing of President John F. Kennedy was the result of a conspiracy rather than the act of a lone gunman, as the Warren Commission determined.



<h3 id="h-moon-landing">Moon landing</h3>



Some people maintain that the U.S. faked the moon landing in 1969 to win the space race against the Soviet Union.



<h3 id="h-9-11-conspiracy-theories">9/11 conspiracy theories</h3>



A variety of theories suggest that the U.S. government was involved in or allowed the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, to justify wars in the Middle East and the passage of laws curtailing civil liberties.



Despite the prevalence of these theories, it's always important to critically evaluate information, consider the source, and seek out credible, peer-reviewed, and established news outlets for information.&nbsp;



It's also useful to understand cognitive biases, which can lead people to interpret information in a way that confirms their existing beliefs and ignore contradictory evidence. This phenomenon, known as confirmation bias, often plays a role in the spread and persistence of conspiracy theories.



—-



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Our brains may be hardwired to believe lies and conspiracy theories

Throughout history, many dictators and social disrupters have used coercive...

Saturn

Prepare for a breathtaking journey into the cosmos with the latest image captured by the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)</a>. It is an awe-inspiring shot of Saturn, with its iconic rings casting an otherworldly glow. The unique infrared imaging abilities of the telescope captures Saturn in a whole new light.



The spectacular photo is more than just a feast for the eyes. It is part of a broader observing program designed to push the limits of the telescope's abilities.



This venture hopes to detect previously unseen moons orbiting around the ringed planet, which may bring us a step closer to understanding Saturn's present system and its past.



<h2 id="h-saturn-s-rings-are-spectacular-in-the-infrared-spectrum">Saturn's rings are spectacular in the infrared spectrum</h2>



What makes this image even more remarkable is the distinctive way Saturn appears in the infrared spectrum. At a specific wavelength—3.23 microns to be precise—the planet's methane-rich atmosphere absorbs nearly all the sunlight.



This absorption blocks the view of the familiar striped patterns on Saturn's surface, as the methane-rich upper atmosphere hides the primary clouds.



Instead of stripes, we see dark and intriguing high-altitude aerosol-related structures that don't follow the planet's latitude lines. These features are remarkably similar to the wave-like structures that researchers noticed on Jupiter in earlier JWST observations.



Saturn's rings, devoid of methane, appear strikingly vivid at this infrared wavelength. They easily overshadow the darkened planet.



<h2>JWST's infrared imaging ability</h2>



As a bonus, the image lays bare intricate details within the ring system. It pulls back the curtain on some of Saturn's moons, like Dione, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-discovery-saturns-moon-enceladus-has-all-of-the-ingredients-necessary-for-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enceladus</a>, and Tethys.



"We are very pleased to see JWST produce this beautiful image, which is confirmation that our deeper scientific data also turned out well," commented Dr. Matthew Tiscareno. He is a senior research scientist at the SETI Institute who led the design of this observation. "We look forward to digging into the deep exposures to see what discoveries may await."



In the last few decades, space missions like NASA’s Pioneer 11, Voyagers 1 and 2, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-may-have-learned-how-earth-got-its-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cassini spacecraft</a>, and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/celebrating-32-years-of-the-hubble-space-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a> have observed Saturn. Yet, the image captured by JWST offers a fresh perspective, demonstrating the capabilities of this advanced observatory.



Researchers expect to uncover more about Saturn using deeply exposed images from JWST. They could possibly find new ring structures or moons.



<h2>New details revealed about Saturn’s rings</h2>



When we examine Saturn's rings from the inside out, we notice different features. The dark C ring, the bright B ring, the thin, dark Cassini Division, and the medium-bright A ring are visible. The A ring has a dark feature called the Encke Gap near its outer edge.



Beyond the A ring, we find the slim strand known as the F ring. These rings and the planet cast shadows on each other, creating fascinating visual effects.



In-depth exposures, not shown in this image, will allow scientists to study Saturn's fainter rings. These include the thin G ring and diffuse E ring, which aren't visible in the current image.



Saturn's rings are a complex mixture of rocky and icy fragments, varying in size from tiny sand grains to enormous mountains. Recently, using JWST, researchers were able to study Enceladus.



On this intriguing moon of Saturn, they discovered a significant plume of particles and water vapor emanating from its southern pole. This discovery indicates that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-on-saturns-moon-enceladus-massive-water-plume-has-scientists-wondering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plume from Enceladus</a> contributes to Saturn's E ring.



<h2>Infrared imaging highlights Saturn’s seasonal changes</h2>



Seasonal changes on Saturn are evident in this image too. While the northern hemisphere enjoys summer, the southern hemisphere is just emerging from winter darkness.



Interestingly, the northern pole appears unusually dark. This could be due to an unknown process affecting polar aerosols.



A faint glow at Saturn's edge may be due to high-altitude methane fluorescence or emission from the ionosphere's trihydrogen ion (H3+). Scientists will use JWST's spectroscopy capabilities to verify these potential explanations.



In conclusion, this new image from JWST not only gives us a unique view of Saturn but also opens exciting avenues for further exploration and discovery in our solar system.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-medium is-resized"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Saturn_rings_JWST_annotated_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Saturn_rings_JWST_annotated_1medium-500x281.jpg" alt="Annotated version of the new JWST image of Saturn's rings and several moons captured using infrared imaging" class="wp-image-1918973" width="375" height="211"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Annotated version of the new JWST image of Saturn's rings and several moons captured using infrared imaging</figcaption></figure>



<h2>More about Saturn</h2>



Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun in our solar system and is famous for its iconic rings. Here's an overview of what we know about Saturn:



<h3>Physical characteristics</h3>



Saturn is a gas giant, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium. It's the second-largest planet in the solar system, right after Jupiter. Its yellowish color is due to ammonia crystals in its upper atmosphere.



<h3>Saturn's rings</h3>



Saturn is well-known for its ring system, which is composed of ice particles with a smaller amount of rocky debris and dust. The exact origin of the rings is unknown, but they are believed to be remnants of comets, asteroids, or shattered moons.



<h3>Saturn's moons</h3>



Saturn has at least <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-now-leads-the-solar-system-moon-race-with-145/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">145 known moons</a>. The largest, Titan, is the second-largest moon in the solar system and is even bigger than the planet Mercury. Titan has a dense atmosphere and liquid hydrocarbon lakes. Enceladus, another of Saturn's moons, has geysers that shoot large jets of water vapor into space, suggesting that there might be a subsurface ocean.



<h3>Atmosphere</h3>



Saturn's atmosphere, while mostly composed of hydrogen and helium, also has traces of other compounds like water, ammonia, methane, and ethane. The atmosphere exhibits a banded pattern similar to Jupiter's, but Saturn's bands are much fainter and are wider near the equator.



<h3>Rotation and orbit</h3>



Saturn has an axial tilt of 26.73 degrees, meaning it has seasons like Earth, although each season lasts over seven years due to its long orbital period of 29.5 Earth years. Saturn rotates very quickly, with a day on Saturn lasting only about 10.7 hours.



<h3>Magnetosphere</h3>



Saturn has a strong magnetic field, second only to Jupiter's in strength. This magnetosphere produces auroras and radiation belts.



<h3>Exploration</h3>



Saturn has been visited by four spacecraft: Pioneer 11, Voyager 1 and 2, and the Cassini-Huygens mission. The most recent, Cassini-Huygens, was a joint NASA/ESA mission that arrived at Saturn in 2004 and studied the planet, its rings, and its moons until September 2017, when the mission ended.



<h3>Hexagonal storm</h3>



At the planet's north pole, there's a long-lasting hexagonal cloud pattern, with each side nearly 13,800 km (8,600 mi) long, wider than Earth. The south pole also has a vortex, but it is not hexagonal.



As we continue to explore Saturn with ground-based observations and potential future space missions, our understanding of this beautiful and complex gas giant will undoubtedly continue to grow.

Stunning new image of Saturn's rings and several moons captured by JWST

Prepare for a breathtaking journey into the cosmos with the...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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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?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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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



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

How 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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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.

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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.



“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”



The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.



The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.



“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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