Tiny bits of plastic no wider than a human hair have turned up in some unexpected places, including the human bloodstream. 



Now, data presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology meeting shows that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-spread-deep-into-the-ocean-far-below-the-surface/">fragments</a> have breached the fluids that surround eggs and travel with sperm.



The research team led by Dr. Emilio Gómez‑Sánchez of Next Fertility Murcia in Spain scanned <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/follicular-fluid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">follicular fluid</a> from 29 women and seminal fluid from 22 men.



The experts found microplastics in 69 percent of the women and 55 percent of the men they studied. According to Dr. Gómez‑Sánchez, the team was surprised to find that the particles were so widespread.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastics-in-human-reproductive-fluids">Plastics in human reproductive fluids</h2>



The study detected polymers such as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/polytetrafluoroethylene" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polytetrafluoroethylene</a> and <a href="https://adrecoplastics.co.uk/polypropylene-uses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polypropylene</a>, materials better known for slick frying pans and food packaging. Seeing them next to human eggs turns a theoretical hazard into a measurable one.



Back in 2021, Italian obstetricians spotted twelve plastic fragments in every placenta they examined, confirming that particles smaller than five millimeters can cross the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33395930/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maternal‑fetal boundary</a>.



Similarly sized particles have been uncovered deep in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35364151/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lung tissue</a> removed during surgery, proving that inhalation is a realistic delivery route for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-way-to-remove-microplastics-from-tap-water-home-faucet/">plastic</a> dust.



Researchers in the Netherlands have even measured plastic mass circulating in human blood samples, an <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35367073/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">observation</a> that explains how fragments migrate to distant tissues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-plastics-enter-the-human-body">How plastics enter the human body</h2>



Most people take in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-in-human-brains-may-affect-mental-health/">plastic</a> flecks by eating, drinking, or breathing, because everyday products shed invisible dust whenever they are heated, abraded, or exposed to sunlight. 



Once swallowed or inhaled, particles small enough can slip through the gut wall or the thin air‑blood membrane in the lungs.



Animal studies suggest that fragments under one micrometer can enter cells directly, whereas larger shards get trapped in tissue and spark local irritation. Either way, they bypass the body’s usual waste filters.



Laboratory work on mice shows that digestive uptake rises when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/airborne-microplastics-where-they-come-from-and-where-they-go/">microplastics</a> hitchhike on fats, a detail that matters for fertility research because reproductive hormones ride on similar lipid highways. 



The overlap raises worry that plastics may act as endocrine mimics or carriers for other chemicals.



Dr. Gómez‑Sánchez’s team avoided laboratory contamination by collecting every human sample in glass vials and verifying the absence of background plastic. This means the polymers they found were genuine residents, not stray lab dust.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-harms-fertility">Plastic harms fertility</h2>



Mice exposed to polystyrene fragments shed sperm with damaged DNA and sluggish movement, effects traced to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31896473/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxidative stress</a> that overwhelms antioxidant defenses.



Separate <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36948006/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> on rodent Leydig cells shows shriveled mitochondria after nanoplastic exposure, which throttles testosterone production and shrinks litter sizes.



Reviews published in 2024 concluded that microplastics can disrupt the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38750730/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hypothalamic‑pituitary‑gonadal axis</a>, leading to hormonal imbalances and faulty egg maturation.



Because human oocytes develop over months, chronic exposure could matter more than a short spike. That makes the repeated detection of PTFE in both eggs and sperm especially noteworthy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-levels-in-eggs-and-sperm">Plastic levels in eggs and sperm</h2>



In the current data set, PTFE appeared in 31 percent of sampled egg fluid and 41 percent of semen. PP ranked second among women and <a href="https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/chemicals/polystyrene/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polystyrene</a> second among men, with <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/polyethylene-terephthalate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polyethylene terephthalate</a> also present but in smaller numbers.



Annual plastic output has climbed from under two million tons in 1950 to about 460 million in 2019, a 230‑fold jump documented by the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36969097/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Minderoo‑Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health</a>.



Each uptick in production increases litter, weathering, and fragment release, tightening the feedback loop between plastics and people. Reproductive cells, delicate by design, stand on the front line.



Gómez‑Sánchez reported that most reproductive samples contained only one or two plastic particles, amounts considered low compared with overall debris in the fluids. Yet fertility specialists note that even trace metals can derail embryo development, so particle counts alone may not predict risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-fertility-research-must-include-plastics">Human fertility research must include plastics</h2>



“They should be considered an additional argument in favor of avoiding the generalized use of plastics in our daily lives,” said Professor Carlos Calhaz‑Jorge of the University of Lisbon. He also noted that further research is needed to prove causation.



The research team will now study hundreds of patients and link particle loads to embryo quality during <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22457-ivf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in vitro fertilization cycles</a>. Those correlations could supply the first direct human evidence beyond laboratory rodents.



They plan lifestyle questionnaires to test whether habits such as heavy bottled‑water use or microwaving food in plastic correlate with higher particle counts. The approach could convert abstract exposure theory into personal advice.



“Microplastics are just one variable in a complex equation,” said Dr. Gómez‑Sánchez. He urges moderation of plastic use rather than alarm. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-habits-to-lower-exposure">Simple habits to lower exposure</h2>



Switching from plastic bottles to glass or stainless steel lowers ingestion because heat and time no longer leach particles from container walls. Replacing scratched nonstick pans can cut PTFE flakes in the diet.



Researchers advise skipping plastic cutting boards and using ceramic or bamboo instead, because knife action liberates shavings that cling to food. Letting take‑out cool before transferring it from polystyrene boxes also helps.



Air purifiers with HEPA filters capture airborne fibers shed by synthetic textiles, a step especially useful for nurseries. Regular vacuuming with a sealed system keeps particles from resuspending.



These tweaks are not foolproof, yet they come with side benefits like removing chemical additives that ride on plastic dust. They buy time while science sorts out the clinical stakes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-efforts-to-cut-human-plastics-pollution">Efforts to cut human plastics pollution</h2>



Public‑health researchers argue that personal choices alone cannot outrun a supply chain making more than a billion pounds of new plastic every day. 



Negotiators at the United Nations are hammering out a global treaty that could cap production and streamline recycling.



<a href="https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/morrissey/departments/biology/people/faculty-directory/Phil-Landrigan.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Philip Landrigan</a> of Boston College calls the treaty a once‑in‑a‑generation chance to protect human health, because curbing output remains the only sure way to slow microplastic fallout. He points to the emerging fertility data as evidence that time is short.



Whether lawmakers act or not, the science of sub‑visible plastic is moving fast thanks to sharper imaging tools and nanomechanical sensors. Studies that once took months now finish in days, filling the literature with fresh clues.



Every new dataset sharpens the same picture: plastics weather into dust, the dust goes everywhere, and living tissue keeps no closed doors. Eggs and sperm, it turns out, are no exception.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/humrep#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human Reproduction</a>.



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Tiny plastic particles found in human egg and sperm fluids

Tiny bits of plastic no wider than a human hair have turned up in some unexpected places, including the human bloodstream. Now, data presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology meeting shows that these fragments have breached the fluids that surround eggs and travel with sperm. The research team led by Dr. Emilio Gómez‑Sánchez of Next Fertility Murcia in Spain scanned follicular fluid from 29 women and seminal fluid from 22 men. The experts found microplastics in 69 percent of the women and 55...

Even as catastrophic floods and storms intensify in parts of the world, more than three-quarters of Earth’s land has become permanently drier in recent decades, according to a stark new analysis released by UN scientists.&nbsp;



Released by the <a href="https://www.unccd.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UN Convention to Combat Desertification</a>, the report reveals that about 77.6% of Earth’s land experienced drier conditions over the three decades leading up to 2020 compared to the previous 30-year period.



Over the same three decades, drylands expanded by about 4.3 million km² - an area nearly a third larger than India - and now encompass 40.6% of all land on Earth, excluding Antarctica.&nbsp;



Within this timeframe, some 7.6% of global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/land-degradation-severely-threatens-planetary-boundaries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lands</a> - an area larger than Canada - surpassed aridity thresholds. Most transitioned from humid landscapes to drylands, setting off profound repercussions for agriculture, ecosystems, and the communities that depend on them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-emissions-scenarios-and-dryland-expansion">High-emissions scenarios and dryland expansion</h2>



The report warns that if the world does not curb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>, an additional 3% of today’s humid areas could become drylands by the end of this century.&nbsp;



Under high emissions scenarios, drylands are projected to spread across regions including the Midwestern United States, central Mexico, northern Venezuela, north-eastern Brazil, south-eastern Argentina, the entire Mediterranean region, the Black Sea coast, large parts of southern Africa, and southern Australia.



The study, titled The Global Threat of Drying Lands: Regional and Global Aridity Trends and Future Projections, was presented at the <a href="https://www.unccdcop16.org/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">16th UNCCD conference (COP16)</a> in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.



This was the largest UN land conference to date and the first in the Middle East - a region profoundly affected by aridity’s impacts.&nbsp;



“This analysis finally dispels an uncertainty that has long surrounded global drying trends,” said Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCD Executive Secretary. “For the first time, the aridity crisis has been documented with scientific clarity, revealing an existential threat affecting billions around the globe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-drier-land">Climate change and drier land</h2>



According to the UNCCD Science-Policy Interface, which authored the report, human-caused <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> is the primary driver of this shift.&nbsp;



Emissions from electricity generation, transportation, industry, and land-use changes are heating the planet and altering rainfall patterns, evaporation rates, and plant life - conditions that underpin increasing aridity.



Data from global aridity indexes, which monitor long-term environmental shifts, reveal extensive drying trends.&nbsp;



Areas most affected include almost all of Europe (95.9% of its land), parts of the western United States, Brazil, parts of Asia (notably eastern Asia), and central Africa.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, less than a quarter of the planet’s land (22.4%) became wetter, with some positive trends observed in the central United States, Angola’s Atlantic coast, and parts of Southeast Asia.&nbsp;



Overall, drylands are expanding globally, pushing ecosystems and societies into life-threatening challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-impacts-on-human-communities">Growing impacts on human communities</h2>



The report identifies South Sudan and Tanzania as countries with the largest percentage of land turning into drylands, and China as having the greatest total area shifting from non-drylands into drylands.&nbsp;



As of 2020, 2.3 billion people - well over a quarter of the global population - live in these expanding drylands. Aridity-related land degradation, known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oases-grow-by-human-effort-but-face-threats-from-desertification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desertification</a>, poses a dire threat to human well-being and ecological stability.



The future could be even more bleak without action. Under worst-case emissions scenarios, up to five billion people might inhabit drylands by the century’s end. Such a scenario would mean depleted soils, scarce water resources, and collapsing ecosystems for large swaths of humanity.



Forced migration, already visible in some of the world’s driest regions, is one of the most immediate consequences. As land becomes inhospitable and farming fails, families and communities often have no choice but to relocate, intensifying social and political challenges globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-effects-of-drier-land">Cascading effects of drier land</h2>



The cascading effects of rising aridity extend well beyond agriculture and water scarcity.&nbsp;



The report warns that one-fifth of all land could undergo abrupt ecosystem transformations - forests turning into grasslands and other dramatic changes - leading to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-how-and-when-humans-and-mammals-will-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinctions</a> among many of the world’s plant and animal species.&nbsp;



Aridity also drives a host of other problems, from declining GDP (notably in Africa) to intensifying wildfires and even public health crises, especially for children and women.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-global-drying-trend-nbsp">The global drying trend&nbsp;</h2>



Addressing the threat of aridity demands more than just acknowledging the science - it requires concerted policy action and comprehensive adaptation measures.&nbsp;



The report calls for improving aridity monitoring and integrating these metrics into drought monitoring systems, incentivizing sustainable land use, investing in water-efficient technologies, and building resilience in vulnerable communities.&nbsp;



The experts also emphasize the need for international frameworks and collaboration, emphasizing that human rights, social justice, and responsible governance must guide this collective effort.



In essence, the global drying trend forces a new narrative: as we confront climate change, we must recognize the irreversible transformation of once-fertile lands into dry regions.&nbsp;



Successfully adapting to this reality will determine whether we can secure a sustainable and equitable future in a world defined increasingly by the absence of water and the presence of ever-expanding drylands.



The full report can be found <a href="https://www.unccd.int/resources/reports/global-threat-drying-lands-regional-and-global-aridity-trends-and-future" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



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40 percent of Earth's land has became permanently drier 

Even as catastrophic floods and storms intensify in parts of...

Researchers have recently revealed new insights into how brittle stars can reversibly adjust the pliability of their tissues. This discovery could ultimately pave the way for innovative biomaterials with applications in human health.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-materials-for-regenerative-medicine-nbsp">New materials for regenerative medicine&nbsp;</h2>



The study, led by Denis Jacob Machado, an assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill</a>, and Vladimir Mashanov, staff scientist at the <a href="https://school.wakehealth.edu/research/institutes-and-centers/wake-forest-institute-for-regenerative-medicine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine</a>, focuses on mutable collagenous tissue (MCT) and the molecular mechanisms enabling these transformations.



The findings, detailed in an article published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12864-024-10926-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMC Genomics</a>, reveal 16 potential MCT modulator genes.&nbsp;



This work marks a significant step toward understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-stars-may-actually-be-walking-heads-with-no-bodies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">echinoderms</a> rapidly and dramatically modify their collagenous tissue, a process that could inspire new materials for regenerative medicine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-brittle-stars-respond-to-threats">How brittle stars respond to threats</h2>



The researchers utilized cutting-edge methods, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and RNA sequencing, to study Ophiomastix wendtii, a brittle star known for its remarkable ability to alter its tissue properties.&nbsp;



“We’re uncovering the precise instructions that DNA sends to the cell - what it’s saying, when it’s saying it, and in what quantities,” said Machado. He compared this process to decoding commands from a ship’s captain that direct the crew to accomplish specific tasks.



This advanced analysis provides insights into how echinoderms such as brittle stars adapt their tissues to environmental stressors.&nbsp;



These animals can shed body parts or modify tissue rigidity in response to threats, offering a fascinating model for studying MCT and its potential biomedical applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brittle-stars-and-tissue-adaptation">Brittle stars and tissue adaptation</h2>



Echinoderms like brittle stars and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-cucumbers-protect-coral-reefs-from-disease-and-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea cucumbers</a> possess a unique ability to rapidly adapt their collagenous tissues. This capability allows them to detach limbs to escape predators or withstand environmental changes.&nbsp;



The research team focused on juxtaligamental cells (JLCs), which play a critical role in controlling MCT. By comparing tissue regions rich in JLCs to areas without them, the experts identified key genomic relationships and isolated the role of these cells in regulating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-dinosaur-collagen-survived-the-test-of-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collagen</a> transformations.



The study highlights how brittle stars, as non-model organisms, present unique challenges for research. They lack the standardized protocols available for mice and other common model organisms, requiring researchers to develop innovative approaches.&nbsp;



Despite these hurdles, their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brittle-stars-have-no-brain-but-still-manage-to-learn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unique biology</a> makes them an ideal subject for studying tissue adaptability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paving-the-way-for-smart-biomaterials">Paving the way for smart biomaterials</h2>



One of the study’s most exciting outcomes is its potential to inspire the development of dynamic biomaterials.&nbsp;



The researchers have already filed a provisional patent for a collagen-based biomaterial capable of changing its pliability. Machado envisions this material as a “collagen matrix that can change its pliability to become as soft or rigid as we want.”&nbsp;



Such a material could revolutionize medicine, serving as a rapid-response surgical adhesive or even “gelatinous origami” to replace traditional stents.



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



The research revealed 16 candidate genes that regulate MCT, offering a roadmap for future investigations.&nbsp;



Using advanced techniques like in situ hybridization (ISH) and RNA interference (RNAi), the team plans to explore how turning off these genes affects tissue pliability.&nbsp;



“Confirming the role of the identified candidate genes in controlling MCT tensile strength will open up a wide range of new possibilities for both fundamental biology and biomedicine,” the researchers said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gene-expression-in-various-tissues">Gene expression in various tissues</h2>



The study represents a fusion of disciplines, combining bioinformatics, advanced microscopy, and biological experimentation.&nbsp;



The team, which includes experts from UNC Charlotte and Wake Forest, worked collaboratively to design experiments and analyze data. First author Reyhaneh Nouri, a Ph.D. student in UNC Charlotte's Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, played a key role in the project.



The researchers examined gene expression in different tissue regions of the brittle star, focusing on the inner arm core, which is rich in JLCs. They compared these findings to regions like the stomach, which lacks JLCs, providing a detailed map of how specific genes influence tissue adaptation.&nbsp;



The study offers the first attempt to identify echinoderm-specific MCT genes using advanced sequencing and gene expression analysis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transforming-medicine-with-biomaterials">Transforming medicine with biomaterials</h2>



The implications of this research extend far beyond brittle star biology. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind MCT could lead to transformative advancements in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.&nbsp;



The potential applications include faster <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healing-chronic-wounds-with-gold-and-red-wine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wound healing</a>, advanced surgical adhesives, and innovative materials for organ repair.



The researchers emphasized the importance of their findings for future innovation.&nbsp;



They noted that the evolution and molecular mechanisms of the echinoderm MCT could inform the design of new collagen-based biomaterials with dynamic, tunable mechanical properties for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-vision-for-the-future">A vision for the future</h2>



This study lays the groundwork for future research into MCT and its regulation. By identifying the genes responsible for tissue pliability, the team aims to develop biomaterials that can adapt to different conditions, offering unprecedented flexibility and functionality in medical applications.



“It starts with you daring to look into something completely new without knowing if it’s going to work or not,” said Machado, highlighting the innovative spirit driving their work.&nbsp;



With continued research and collaboration, these findings could revolutionize medicine, unlocking new possibilities for treating injuries, repairing tissues, and advancing human health.



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Secrets of brittle star tissue could transform regenerative medicine

Researchers have recently revealed new insights into how brittle stars...

"Man's best friend" takes on a new meaning in the field of medicine. Recent research findings suggest that dogs can effectively sniff out bladder cancer in other canines.



This discovery comes from a study conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-training-dogs-for-cancer-detection">Training dogs for cancer detection</h2>



Three specially trained dogs - Kizzy, a chocolate working cocker spaniel; Jobi, a black cocker spaniel; and Marlow, a black Labrador - played a central role in the study.



The dogs had prior experience detecting human bladder and prostate cancers and were retrained by Medical Detection Dogs (MDD) to identify canine urothelial carcinoma (UC), a common type of bladder cancer in dogs.



The training process involved teaching the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-dog-day-honoring-mans-best-friend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> to sniff urine samples attached to metal stands in MDD’s training room. The dogs displayed indication behaviors - such as sitting, staring, or standing - to signal cancer-positive samples.



Rewards included food and play, which kept the training engaging for these canines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-sniffing-out-cancer">Dogs sniffing out cancer</h2>



The findings reveal that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-and-dogs-were-bonding-much-earlier-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canine</a> bladder cancer emits a distinct smell that trained dogs can detect non-invasively. 



The detection rate reached up to 90% sensitivity (the rate at which the dogs correctly identified cancer-positive samples), and up to 95% specificity, meaning they accurately ignored cancer-free samples. 



These results highlight the remarkable accuracy of this method.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-traditional-diagnosis">Challenges of traditional diagnosis</h2>



Bladder cancer accounts for nearly 2% of all reported canine cancers, with about one in four dogs developing cancer in their lifetime. 



Urothelial carcinoma often mimics symptoms of other urinary tract disorders, like infections or bladder stones, making diagnosis challenging. 



Additionally, traditional diagnostic methods like urine sampling via cystocentesis carry risks, such as tumor seeding, and definitive diagnosis requires invasive biopsy procedures. 



These factors can delay treatment, leaving the disease to progress.



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



"We are delighted that [the dogs] were so successful at finding the odor of bladder cancer as it is a difficult disease to diagnose using traditional methods and unpleasant and intrusive for canine patients," noted Claire Guest, CEO and Co-Founder of Medical Detection Dogs.



 "There is great potential value in a new, early, cheap, rapid, and non-invasive diagnostic test which could lead to opportunities for earlier intervention."



The study also suggests that these trained <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chernobyl-dogs-are-rapidly-evolving-in-strange-ways-due-to-nuclear-radiation-exposure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> could provide a faster, more comfortable alternative to traditional diagnostics. 



This could enable earlier treatment for affected dogs, improving outcomes and quality of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-are-highly-effective-for-cancer-diagnosis">Dogs are highly effective for cancer diagnosis</h2>



"This study adds to the growing body of evidence which shows dogs are highly effective at detecting odors from changes linked to health in both humans and canines," noted Dr. Nicola Rooney from <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/vet-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bristol Veterinary School</a>.



"The dogs involved with the study demonstrated a sensitivity superior to cytology of a free catch sample and similar to the BRAF test," added Isabelle Desmas-Bazelle, who led the study at <a href="https://www.vetspecialists.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Davies Veterinary Specialists</a>.



It suggests cancer cells have a unique odor pattern, possibly via secretion of volatile organic chemicals. 



"This exciting research could lead to the development of an electronic nose as an additional diagnostic test for UC," added Desmas-Bazelle, highlighting the potential for technological advancements. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-non-invasive-cancer-detection">Non-invasive cancer detection</h2>



This study identifies the potential of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-feel-our-emotions-through-our-heart-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> as more than companions. Their exceptional olfactory abilities could transform veterinary diagnostics.



While traditional methods remain crucial, integrating canine detection and advancements like electronic noses could revolutionize how we diagnose and treat diseases like urothelial carcinoma in dogs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-and-disease-detection">Dogs and disease detection</h2>



Dogs have shown incredible potential in detecting various diseases apart from cancer.



For instance, trained dogs can identify diabetes by sensing hypoglycemic episodes through changes in a person’s scent. Similarly, they can detect the presence of malaria by sniffing worn socks from infected individuals. 



Dogs have also demonstrated the ability to identify neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and certain bacterial infections like Clostridium difficile.



These skills rely on their acute olfactory senses, which can detect volatile organic compounds associated with different diseases. 



Their application in real-world medical diagnostics is growing, and provides a non-invasive and rapid method to detect conditions that often require complex testing.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://veterinaryoncology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s44356-024-00012-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Veterinary Oncology</a>.



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Trained dogs can detect cancer in other dogs, as well as in people

"Man's best friend" takes on a new meaning in the...

Memory, a phenomenon that has fascinated scientists and psychologists for generations, remains a puzzle with many unanswered questions. 



A recently published review paper provides fresh insights into why certain experiences are retained, and explores the factors that shape what people remember.



Authored by Fernanda Morales-Calva, a graduate student in psychological sciences, and Stephanie Leal, an adjunct assistant professor at <a href="https://www.rice.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rice University</a>, the review appears in a special issue of the journal Cognitive, Affective &amp; Behavioral Neuroscience.



The researchers investigated the "three Ws" of memory - what, where, and when - while addressing the vital question of why certain experiences become memorable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experiences-that-we-remember">Experiences that we remember </h2>



The researchers examined existing studies to develop a comprehensive understanding of how emotional significance, personal relevance, and individual differences shape <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-human-brain-decides-which-memories-to-remember/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory retention</a>. They emphasized that memory is deeply subjective.



“Memory is not a one-size-fits-all phenomenon. What’s memorable for one person might be entirely forgettable for another, depending on their unique background and cognitive priorities,” explained Morales-Calva. 



The researchers categorized the study into three core domains: what, where, and when we remember.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-memory-how-we-remember-traumatic-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emotionally significant events</a>, personally relevant experiences, and focused attention emerged as critical factors shaping recall. 



For example, individuals are more likely to remember events that are imbued with emotional resonance or details they consciously focus on.



Moreover, individual circumstances such as cultural, cognitive, and personal differences further highlight the fluidity of how experiences are retained.



“This review highlights the importance of considering subjectivity and context in memory research. By accounting for these variables, we can develop more accurate diagnostic tools and effective interventions,” noted Leal, stressing the importance of this variability. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spatial-memory-and-timing">Spatial memory and timing</h2>



The researchers also emphasized the importance of where events occur. The concept of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-have-remarkable-spatial-memory-and-sense-of-direction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spatial memory</a>, often studied in animals, is highly relevant to human experiences as well.



According to Morales-Calva and Leal, new environments demand more attention and leave stronger imprints on memory compared to routine, familiar settings.



Additionally, the timing - or the when - of an event impacts memory retention. Humans tend to sequence events and recognize transitions, which aids in recall.



“Specific events are often compartmentalized into distinct episodes, making them easier to remember,” the researchers explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-implications-of-the-research">Clinical implications of the research </h2>



The researchers highlighted the critical implications of their findings for clinical and real-world applications, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of memory that takes into account individual variability.



Assessments often rely on standardized tests that may overlook individual differences, particularly in culturally and cognitively diverse populations. 



This limitation can lead to skewed results and inadequate diagnoses that fail to address the unique needs of these groups.



By incorporating subjectivity and context into experimental designs, researchers can create more accurate diagnostic tools and personalized interventions. This could lead to more effective treatments for memory-related impairments such as dementia and cognitive decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-remember-certain-experiences">Why we remember certain experiences </h2>



The review also stresses how memory influences decision-making, particularly through the "why" of memory retention.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-is-shaped-by-both-past-and-future-experience-and-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Memorable experiences</a> often serve as cognitive reference points that guide individuals when they encounter similar situations.



For example, emotionally significant memories can shape decision-making in areas such as relationships, professional settings, and even high-stakes scenarios like healthcare choices.



The researchers suggest that understanding these connections can lead to practical applications, such as improving decision-making frameworks or designing targeted interventions that help individuals make more informed choices based on their unique patterns of recall.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emerging-technologies-to-study-human-cognition">Emerging technologies to study human cognition </h2>



Advancements in neuroscience and technology are providing researchers with new tools to study human recall.



Techniques like functional MRI (fMRI) and machine learning are helping visualize how memories are encoded, stored, and retrieved. 



These tools are enabling researchers to identify patterns in memory retention and recall with unprecedented precision.



The integration of these technologies into studies of human cognition could lead to significant advancements in diagnosing and treating conditions such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-disease-attacks-the-brain-in-two-separate-phases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's disease</a>.



Additionally, personalized cognitive training programs that leverage these insights could enhance retention strategies, particularly for aging populations or individuals with cognitive challenges.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/s13415-024-01234-4#:~:text=The%20why%20of%20episodic%20memory,-Whereas%20extensive%20research&amp;text=We%20speculate%20that%20the%20why,together%20the%20other%20three%20Ws." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cognitive Affective &amp; Behavioral Neuroscience</a>.



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Memory mystery: Why we remember some experiences but not others

Memory, a phenomenon that has fascinated scientists and psychologists for...

In the pursuit of innovation, a group of scientists has achieved something remarkable: they've found a way to create "real" diamonds at normal room temperature and pressure.



This breakthrough not only eliminates the need for a starter gem but also drastically simplifies the process of producing lab-grown diamonds, making it more efficient and potentially more accessible. 



By challenging conventional methods, this discovery paves the way for a new era in diamond synthesis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-nature-makes-diamonds">How nature makes diamonds</h2>



Most diamonds start their journey about 90 to 150 miles beneath the surface, in a part of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-hole-drilled-into-earths-mantle-scientific-goldmine-magma-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's mantle</a> where temperatures soar to around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and pressures are mind-bogglingly high. 



Under these extreme conditions, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graphite-in-2-5-billion-year-old-ruby-linked-to-early-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon atoms</a> bond together in a unique crystal structure, creating the hard, shiny gems we know and love.



But getting those diamonds to the surface is another story. Volcanic eruptions, millions of years ago, brought diamonds closer to the Earth’s crust in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diamond-fountain-eruption-from-volcanoes-when-earth-continents-shift/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rocks called kimberlite</a> or lamproite. 



These eruptions were like express elevators, moving the diamonds upward quickly enough to keep them intact under lower-pressure conditions. 



Today, miners find these ancient gems in volcanic pipes or riverbeds where erosion has carried them. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mimicking-extreme-conditions-in-the-lab">Mimicking extreme conditions in the lab</h2>



To mimic these natural conditions in the lab, scientists have been using a method called high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) growth. 



With this method, they have been simulating the same extreme conditions in order to coerce dissolved carbon, in liquid metals like iron, to convert into diamond around a starter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-second-largest-diamond-found-in-botswana/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gem</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-growing-diamonds">Challenges of growing diamonds</h2>



This approach has its limitations. Incredible pressure and heat aren't easy to achieve or maintain in a lab setting. And, the size of the lab-made gems leaves a bit to be desired.



The largest ones only reach about the size of a blueberry, and the process is time-consuming.



Alternative methods, such as chemical vapor deposition, attempt to eliminate some of HPHT's limitations, such as the need for high pressures, but the requirement for a starter diamond remains.



The new technique, developed by a team led by Rodney Ruoff, a physical chemist at the <a href="https://www.ibs.re.kr/eng.do" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Basic Science</a> in South Korea, eliminates some of the disadvantages of the above-mentioned synthesis processes. 



According to Ruoff, he has been pondering new ways to grow diamonds for over a decade now, challenging conventional thinking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secret-to-growing-diamonds">Secret to growing diamonds</h2>



The team's method began with electrically heated gallium with a little bit of silicon in a graphite crucible. 



While gallium may sound exotic, it was actually chosen based on a previous unrelated study that identified its ability to catalyze the formation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graphene-new-wonder-material-earth-technology-found-moon-soil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">graphene</a>, a carbon cousin to diamond.



The team also invented a special chamber containing a 2.4-gallon crucible where the gallium-silicon mix awaited. 



This crucible chamber, designed to be at sea-level atmospheric pressure, was ready to experiment in just 15 minutes. It allowed the experimental gas mixtures to be changed rapidly and easily to determine the optimal blend.



After numerous trials, the scientists found that an optimal mixture of gallium-nickel-iron, with a smattering of silicon, catalyzed the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diamonds-can-be-grown-in-a-lab-in-less-than-3-hours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth</a> of diamonds most efficiently.



Even more impressive was that diamonds appeared at the base of the crucible within 15 minutes, and a more complete diamond film formed within two and a half hours.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-diamond-formation">Mystery of diamond formation</h2>



The actual mechanism that leads to diamond formation deep within the Earth isn't yet completely understood.



However, the researchers believe that a decrease in temperature helps drive the carbon from the methane towards the center of the crucible, where it coalesces into a diamond.



The process seems reliant on silicon. Without it, no diamonds could be formed, indicating the crucial role it plays as a seed for the carbon to crystallize around.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-of-the-new-technique">Limitations of the new technique</h2>



Despite these thrilling advancements, the new technique isn't without its own limitations. 



The diamonds produced using this method are minuscule, hundreds of thousands of times smaller than those grown with the HPHT method. Hence, these diamonds are far too small for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revolutionary-process-turns-carbon-emissions-into-diamonds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jewelry</a> applications.



However, their use in technological applications, such as drilling or polishing, is a possibility. Due to the low pressure involved in the new method, it might be feasible to significantly scale up diamond synthesis.



"In about a year or two, the world might have a clearer picture of things like possible commercial impact," Rodney Ruoff predicts optimistically. 



This breakthrough is a remarkable reflection of the unceasing quest for innovation that pushes the boundaries, and redefines the possible.



The intriguing discovery may even hint at an exciting new chapter in the evolving story of synthetic gems, one that could reshape their production and applications. Only time will tell how far this innovation will take us.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07339-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Diamonds can now be created from scratch in the lab in just 15 minutes

In the pursuit of innovation, a group of scientists has...

At the age of 74, parenting can be quite the adventure. But for one venerable albatross named Wisdom, it seems the journey is just beginning anew. 



Surprisingly, Wisdom is now in the process of becoming a mother yet again - a feat that sets her apart as the oldest known bird in the world to breed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-windy-home-of-the-oldest-bird">Windy home of the oldest bird</h2>



The scene takes place on Midway Atoll, near Hawaii. Each year, this location brims with the arrival of multitudes of spectacular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-are-moving-north-and-breeding-earlier-in-a-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seabirds</a> known as Laysan albatrosses.



Among them has been Wisdom, returning annually to nest. For decades, she was inseparable from her partner. They were monogamous, much like the rest of their kind. Over the course of her life, Wisdom has laid over 50 eggs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wisdom-s-new-lease-on-life">Wisdom's new lease on life</h2>



In an unexpected turn of events, Wisdom's partner sadly vanished. Unfazed by this change, the elderly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-winds-make-it-difficult-for-albatrosses-to-feed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">albatross</a> adapted and started to court other males. 



Wisdom's current visit to the atoll was marked by her laying another egg, and she has a new partner with whom to share the incubation duties.



"We are optimistic that the egg will hatch," expressed Jonathan Plissner, a supervisory wildlife biologist at <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/midway-atoll" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wisdom-the-world-s-oldest-breeding-bird">Wisdom: The world's oldest breeding bird</h2>



This new chapter in Wisdom's life was beautifully captured in photographs and video by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.



They depict the excited parents-to-be, seemingly communicating with their egg, before the male takes over incubation duty.



Tagged and identified back in 1956 when she was laying her first egg at the refuge, Wisdom was no less than five years old at the time - the age at which Laysan albatrosses reach sexual maturity.



Taking these facts into account, it is clear that Wisdom is at least 74 years old.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incredible-life-cycle-of-albatrosses">Incredible life cycle of albatrosses</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/albatrosses-use-infrasound-for-long-distance-navigation-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Albatrosses</a> have long been central to seafaring lore, and were famously featured in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner."



These majestic birds symbolize freedom, endurance, and the mysterious connection between nature and sailors. Today, the story of Wisdom, the world’s oldest known wild bird, adds a modern layer to their legendary status.



At over 70 years old, Wisdom continues to defy the odds, returning each year to raise chicks and inspire awe. Her resilience highlights the incredible life cycle of albatrosses and serves as a reminder of the need to protect these iconic birds and their ocean habitats for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-love-and-challenges-of-albatrosses">Life, love, and challenges of albatrosses</h2>



Laysan albatrosses are named after Laysan Island, one of their primary nesting sites within the Hawaiian Archipelago.



These birds exhibit incredible site fidelity, often returning to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-known-wild-albatross-mother/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breed</a> at the exact location where they were hatched. The species plays a critical role in the marine ecosystem, acting as indicators of ocean health due to their reliance on marine food sources like squid and fish.



These albatrosses are known for their elaborate courtship dances, which involve a series of coordinated movements, calls, and gestures. The ritual helps strengthen the bond between mating pairs. 



Laysan albatrosses also possess a unique adaptation - a specialized gland located above their eyes that helps them excrete excess salt from the seawater they drink, thus enabling them to thrive in their marine habitat.



Despite their resilience, Laysan albatross populations face threats from plastic pollution, longline fishing, and invasive predators at nesting sites. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-extinctions-shatter-the-harmonious-balance-of-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation efforts</a>, such as habitat restoration and reducing bycatch in fishing operations, are crucial for ensuring their survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extraordinary-journeys-of-albatrosses">Extraordinary journeys of albatrosses</h2>



Laysan albatrosses are quite remarkable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-sea-ice-makes-it-harder-for-seabirds-to-find-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a>. They have a wingspan stretching up to 80 inches and can travel over 930 miles in search of food.



Not only that, there are over a dozen species of albatross spanning locations from the Southern Hemisphere to the North Pacific Ocean.



Birds' lifespans can differ considerably based on their species. The smaller ones tend to reach only two to three years in age, whereas seabirds such as albatrosses and penguins can live up to 40 or 50 years.



Wisdom's age, however, surpasses all of these, making her an exceptional figure in the natural world.



Image Credit: Keegan Rankin/USFWS



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World’s oldest wild bird is expecting again at 74

At the age of 74, parenting can be quite the...

Friendships are a cornerstone of human social dynamics, often influenced by shared personalities and mutual interests. However, how animals like buffalos choose their companions remains less understood. 



A new study by researchers at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) sheds light on this question. The team examined a unique free-ranging feral population of water buffalo on Lantau Island in Hong Kong.



The findings reveal that spatial proximity is a strong indicator of buffalo friendships, influenced by certain shared personality traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buffalo-friendships-and-personalities">Buffalo friendships and personalities</h2>



"Our research provides evidence that friendships among water <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-animal-day-2024-building-a-legacy-of-compassion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">buffalo</a> can form among individuals with similar behaviors. These findings offer valuable insights into the evolution of friendships," said Dr. Debottam Bhattacharjee, a Postdoc in CityUHK’s <a href="https://www.cityu.edu.hk/ph/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health</a>.



"Personalities and social relationships will be potentially important for understanding how buffalo use their habitats during different seasons (wet and dry) of the year with fluctuating food resources."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buffalo-friends-and-spatial-associations">Buffalo friends and spatial associations </h2>



The study reveals that female buffalo with similar personalities tend to exhibit higher spatial associations. These individuals spend more time in close proximity during activities like foraging, collective movement, and resting.



The observational studies focused on female buffalo who displayed similar personality traits. These traits, described as repeatable behavioral variables, included social tension, vigilance, and general dominance.



Professor Alan McElligott, a co-author of the study and an expert on animal behavior and welfare at CityUHK, explained how these traits were assessed:



<ul>
<li>Social tension:&nbsp;How buffalo approached and avoided each other.</li>



<li>Vigilance:&nbsp;How they sat and moved around.</li>



<li>General dominance:&nbsp;How they responded to others in the herd.</li>
</ul>



These traits were predictive of the duration and quality of their interactions, offering significant insights into the formation and maintenance of buffalo <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-friendships-social-bonds-evolve-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">friendships</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-animal-well-being">Improving animal well-being</h2>



The implications of this research extend beyond academic curiosity. Studies have shown that strong social associations correlate with better health, well-being, and survival rates. 



This study contributes to the growing body of evidence that human-like friendships can occur in various species. Like human relationships, these animal friendships can be stable, enduring, and transcend kinship bonds.



The researchers emphasize the importance of studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/old-and-wise-animals-are-essential-for-the-survival-of-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social bonds</a> in feral buffalo for two reasons. 



First, previous research - mostly conducted in captivity - has highlighted buffalo’s social complexity, marked by affiliated behaviors and dominance hierarchies.



Second, understanding these behaviors in natural settings provides valuable insights for improving the welfare and health of buffalo populations.



"Moreover, understanding social behaviors and friendships of group living animals like buffalo improves welfare with broader implications for maintaining optimal health of those within the wider population," noted Professor Kate Flay from CityUHK’s <a href="https://www.cityu.edu.hk/pg/department/vcs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-for-conservation">Broader implications for conservation</h2>



The study highlights the importance of investigating preferential social bonds among feral buffalo. According to the CityUHK scientists, this research has implications for conservation and welfare strategies.



By examining how close social relationships affect buffalo populations, researchers can develop more sustainable approaches to animal welfare and conservation, especially for species facing threats.



The findings also suggest that these insights might apply to other species, paving the way for a deeper understanding of social dynamics in animals.



The major takeaway? Friendships in the animal kingdom are not just fascinating but also crucial for survival and ecological balance. The buffalo of Lantau Island are more than just majestic creatures; they are a testament to the power of connection in the wild.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-buffalo-friendships">Benefits of buffalo friendships</h2>



The formation of buffalo friendships extends beyond personality traits to include environmental and seasonal factors. 



Some studies have noted that access to shared resources, such as water and shade, often dictated which buffalo spent time together. In drought-prone periods, buffalo formed stronger bonds with those who exhibited cooperative behaviors, such as sharing resting spots or water access.



Interestingly, younger buffalo were observed mimicking the social patterns of older, more dominant individuals, suggesting that friendship behaviors might also have a learned component. This learning could play a role in how buffalo integrate into their herds and establish their social standing.



Another noteworthy aspect is the role of vocal communication. While the study primarily focused on spatial proximity, field observations revealed that buffalo frequently used low-frequency calls to maintain contact with their preferred companions when separated by distance. These calls helped reinforce bonds and facilitated regrouping.



The influence of predators also shaped buffalo friendships. Herd members who maintained strong friendships were more likely to engage in collective vigilance, enhancing their chances of detecting and escaping threats. This highlights the adaptive advantages of forming close <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/older-griffon-vultures-have-fewer-friends-with-stronger-bonds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social bonds</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(24)02644-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



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Buffalos build friendships based on similar personality traits

Friendships are a cornerstone of human social dynamics, often influenced...

Circadian rhythms are your body’s built-in 24-hour timer that keeps everything running smoothly, from your sleep schedule to your mood and even how you digest food. It’s like an internal clock that syncs you up with the world around you. 



These rhythms are mostly guided by light and dark -- sunlight tells your brain it’s time to wake up, while darkness signals that it’s time to wind down. 



The boss of this system is a tiny part of your brain called the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/syncing-brain-muscle-circadian-rhythms-slows-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)</a>, which sits in the hypothalamus. It’s basically the control center that keeps you on track with the day-night cycle.



Your internal clock doesn’t just decide when you should sleep -- it also impacts your energy levels, hormones, and how your body works throughout the day.



We know that the brightness of light surround us plays a major role in regulating your circadian rhythms, but what about the color of the light?



Dr. Christine Blume from the <a href="https://www.chronobiology.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centre for Chronobiology</a> of the University of Basel has examined how these signals to the light receptors in our eyes might involve not only brightness but also color.



“There is reason to believe that the color of light could also be relevant for the internal clock,” says Dr. Blume.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lights-colors-and-circadian-rhythm">Lights, colors, and circadian rhythm</h2>



Human eyes rely on specialized cells to gather light information. Rods work best in dim conditions, providing vision at low brightness levels. 



Cones function under brighter conditions, aiding color perception. Light-sensitive ganglion cells, responding strongly to short wavelengths at around 490 nanometers, help inform the internal clock that it is daytime. 



When exposed to light consisting solely of short wavelengths between 440 and 490 nanometers, individuals perceive it as blue. If this triggers ganglion cells, the internal clock receives signals associated with daytime conditions.



“The light-sensitive ganglion cells also receive information from the cones. This raises the question of whether the cones, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colors-of-sunset-and-sunrise-reset-our-circadian-rhythms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thereby the light color</a>, also influence the internal clock,” says Dr. Blume.



“After all, the most striking changes in brightness and light color occur at sunrise and sunset, marking the beginning and end of a day.”



Previous research on mice suggested that yellowish light might affect the internal clock differently than bluish light. 



The idea was that the color aspect of light, not just brightness or wavelength intensity, might shift human circadian timing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-lights-and-colors-in-the-lab">Testing lights and colors in the lab</h2>



To test this possibility, a study exposed 16 healthy volunteers to either bluish or yellowish light for one hour late in the evening. A white light served as a control condition. 



The light stimuli were designed so that differences in color-sensitive cone activation occurred without altering the stimulation of the ganglion cells. 



“This method of light stimulation allows us to separate the light properties that may play a role in how light effects humans in a clean experimental way,” says Manuel Spitschan, Professor of Chronobiology and Health at the <a href="https://www.tum.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Munich</a>.



In a controlled sleep laboratory, researchers assessed whether the color differences influenced each person’s internal clock and sleep. 



They measured how quickly each volunteer fell asleep, examined the depth of their sleep, noted how tired they felt, and recorded their reaction times, which drop as sleepiness grows.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-did-the-study-teach-us">What did the study teach us?</h2>



Study results indicated that the color difference between bluish and yellowish light had no meaningful impact on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/goodbye-jet-lag-using-a-protein-to-reset-the-body-clock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human internal clock</a> or on sleep patterns. 



The findings ran counter to earlier mouse-based research that suggested color might matter. 



“We found no evidence that the variation of light color along a blue-yellow dimension plays a relevant role for the human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-circadian-disturbances-trigger-mental-health-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internal clock or sleep</a>,” says Dr. Blume. 



“Rather, our results support the findings of many other studies that the light-sensitive ganglion cells are most important for the human internal clock,” she adds.



“Our findings show that it is probably most important to take into account the effect of light on the light-sensitive ganglion cells when planning and designing lighting. The cones and therefore the color play a very subordinate role,” says Spitschan. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



The study’s outcome focuses attention on reducing short-wavelength light if the goal is to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/link-between-sleep-and-mood-explains-the-wrong-side-of-the-bed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">support healthy sleep</a> and stable circadian rhythms. 



The presence of certain wavelengths matters more than shifting the color balance along a blue-yellow range.



Health advice often emphasizes reducing so-called blue light from device screens in the evening. Many people rely on night shift modes, which add a yellowish tint, believing it lessens the impact on sleep. 



The research suggests that such color changes may not be as necessary as once assumed. 



“Technologically, we can reduce the short-wavelength light in these displays without altering the color, but commercial mobile phones have yet to adopt this approach,” says Dr. Blume.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-circadian-rhythms-and-human-health">Circadian rhythms and human health</h2>



This work leaves questions for future studies, such as whether longer exposure times, different testing periods, or other conditions could reveal effects not seen in this setup. 



In short, results here highlight the complexity of human vision, sleep regulation, and internal timing. The sensitivity of ganglion cells to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/circadian-medicine-light-therapy-could-help-millions-of-heart-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">short-wavelength light</a> remains central to maintaining the body’s daily rhythms.



In everyday life, people still receive frequent advice to limit exposure to bright, blue-rich screens before bedtime. The takeaway from this study is that color adjustments may not hold the key. 



The intensity and type of wavelengths that affect these specialized ganglion cells appear to be what truly matters. 



Designers of lighting systems may focus their efforts on controlling the properties of short-wavelength light, rather than shifting colors along a blue-yellow axis.



For now, the findings bring attention to which aspects of light should be managed to keep the internal clock running smoothly.



The full study was published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-023-01791-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Human Behavior</a>.



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How the color of light impacts our internal clocks and circadian rhythms

Circadian rhythms are your body’s built-in 24-hour timer that keeps...

High above the sunlit, arid landscapes of the American West, a NASA aircraft soared on a mission to map the minerals hidden below.



This wasn't a journey to explore distant galaxies but a critical quest to uncover the resources essential for America's renewable energy future. 



From lithium for electric vehicles to rare earth elements crucial for wind turbines, these hidden treasures hold the potential to drive the nation’s clean energy ambitions. 



With every pass of its hyperspectral sensors, the aircraft revealed a vibrant tapestry of mineral deposits once invisible to the naked eye.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-minerals-an-aerial-exploration">Hunting minerals: An aerial exploration</h2>



Soaring majestically in the sky was NASA's ER-2 high-altitude research aircraft, its underbelly armed with optical sensors that perceived the earth in hundreds of shades. 



To the naked eye, the desert looked a barren brown, but through the lens of these sophisticated sensors, it seemed to burst with colors, each representing a hidden mineral treasure.



This flight was part of an ambitious venture known as the <a href="https://airbornescience.nasa.gov/content/Geological_Earth_Mapping_Experiment_GEMx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geological Earth Mapping Experiment</a> (GEMx), led by NASA in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-mineral-maps">Creating mineral maps</h2>



The goal was to map minerals vital to American national security, the tech industry, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clean-energy-biodiversity-wildlife-habitats-delicate-balancing-act/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clean energy</a>. The survey was focused on an area almost the size of Spain, including the states of California, Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon.



The ground beneath these lands was about to reveal secrets that could contribute to the country's self-sufficiency in obtaining mineral commodities.



"We've been exploring the earth beneath our feet for hundreds of years, and we're discovering that we've only just begun," said Kevin Reath, NASA's associate project manager for GEMx.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spectrometer-the-new-lens">Spectrometer: The new lens</h2>



In addition to traditional tools like lidar and magnetic-radiometric sensors, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-mantle-may-contain-a-wealth-of-green-metals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mineral exploration</a> effort harnesses the power of imaging spectrometers.



These high-tech optical tools detect various wavelengths of light reflected off planetary surfaces. They will now aid in mapping surface minerals across the treeless expanses of the Western United States.



By reflecting a unique light pattern, each molecule acts like a fingerprint. Through a spectroscopic lens, therefore, a barren desert can transform into a canvas of colors, each revealing a different mineral presence including mica, kaolinite, and gypsum.



"We’re not digging for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-secret-role-of-seawater-in-gold-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gold</a>. We’re revealing what’s hidden in plain sight," said Robert Green, a scientist involved in the GEMx project.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-great-lithium-hunt">The great lithium hunt</h2>



A mineral that is of particular interest to the researchers is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seaweed-based-battery-may-ultimately-replace-lithium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lithium</a>. Found in various forms, this silvery metal is critical to the proliferation of clean energy, notably in powering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-costs-electric-vehicle-tires-emit-20-more-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electric vehicle</a> batteries.



As demand for lithium-based batteries grows, legacy mines such as Hector Mine near Barstow, California, are being revisited for potential lithium deposits.



“Mine wastes are also potential sources of lithium, and many other byproduct commodities,” said Bernard Hubbard, a remote sensing geologist at USGS. “What has been a pollution source for communities could now be a resource.”



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



As the GEMx flights prepare to resume in the spring of 2025, scientists anticipate a treasure trove of data, paving the way for the first-ever complete hyperspectral map of California. 



Besides identifying mineral deposits, the research is expected to yield insight into invasive plant species, mine waste that can contaminate surrounding environments, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and wildfires.



"We are just beginning to scratch the surface in applying these measurements to help the nation’s economy, security, and health," shared Raymond Kokaly, the GEMx survey lead from USGS.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-resource-extraction">Sustainable resource extraction</h2>



The GEMx mission isn't just about identifying existing mineral deposits; it's also paving the way for more sustainable resource extraction. 



By providing detailed hyperspectral maps, scientists can pinpoint precise locations of mineral-rich zones, reducing the environmental footprint of mining operations. 



This approach minimizes unnecessary excavation, helping to preserve ecosystems while maximizing resource efficiency.



Critical minerals like cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements - vital for technologies ranging from renewable energy systems to advanced electronics - are also on the radar.



These maps may hold the key to unlocking untapped resources, giving the U.S. a competitive edge in the global race for clean energy solutions.



Image Credit: NASA/Carla Thomas



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NASA is on a mission to map America’s mineral wealth

High above the sunlit, arid landscapes of the American West,...

From feeling butterflies in the stomach to experiencing a heavy heart, humans have long associated emotions with bodily sensations. 



But have these expressions remained consistent throughout history? 



A multidisciplinary research team explored this question by analyzing how ancient Mesopotamians, living in what is now modern-day Iraq, experienced emotions in their bodies.



The researchers studied over one million words of ancient Akkadian language texts, dating from 934-612 BCE. 



These texts, inscribed on clay tablets in cuneiform script, offer a rare glimpse into the emotional landscape of one of humanity's earliest civilizations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-happiness-in-the-liver">Happiness in the liver</h2>



Professor Saana Svärd, an Assyriologist at the University of Helsinki led the project that highlighted the Mesopotamians' understanding of anatomy - particularly the heart, liver, and lungs.



The team discovered that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/facial-expressions-arent-enough-to-understand-human-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">happiness</a> was often associated with the liver, expressed through terms such as “open,” “shining,” or “full.”



“If you compare the ancient Mesopotamian bodily map of happiness with modern bodily maps, it is largely similar, with the exception of a notable glow in the liver,” said Juha Lahnakoski, a cognitive neuroscientist and visiting researcher at <a href="https://www.aalto.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aalto University</a>. 



This connection highlights a cultural and historical dimension to how emotions are linked to specific body parts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anger-love-and-their-bodily-roots">Anger, love, and their bodily roots</h2>



Contrasts between modern and ancient emotional maps emerged in other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-tech-will-track-emotions-through-changes-in-our-skin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotions</a> as well. 



Anger, for instance, is typically felt in the upper body and hands by modern humans, while Mesopotamians reported feeling anger primarily in their feet, using descriptors like “heated” or “enraged.”



Love, on the other hand, appeared to share more similarities. Both modern and Mesopotamian expressions of love involve the heart, but the ancient humans also linked it closely to the liver and knees.



"It remains to be seen whether we can say something in the future about what kind of emotional experiences are typical for humans in general," noted Svärd.



She also emphasized the importance of distinguishing between linguistic descriptions of emotions and their lived experiences, as modern body maps rely on self-reported experiences, while Mesopotamian maps are derived solely from textual evidence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-emotions-to-body-parts">Linking emotions to body parts</h2>



Cuneiform writing in Mesopotamia was primarily a skill of scribes, and was accessible only to the elite. Despite this limitation, the clay tablets covered diverse topics, including prayers, literature, tax records, and sales documents.



The researchers’ innovative approach of linking emotions to body parts through linguistic analysis marks a first in the study of ancient texts.



"It could be a useful way to explore intercultural differences in the way we experience <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-emotions-linked-to-unique-brain-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotions</a>," said Svärd. 



The findings contribute to ongoing discussions about the universality of human emotions and how cultural context shapes emotional expression.



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



For this project, the researchers utilized corpus linguistic methods developed at the Centre of Excellence in Ancient Near Eastern Empires (ANEE).



Next, the team plans to analyze 20th-century English texts and Finnish language data, thus expanding the scope of their exploration.



This research opens the door to deeper insights into how humans have historically experienced and expressed emotions. 



By comparing ancient and modern emotional maps, the study not only highlights cultural nuances but also enriches our understanding of the timeless connection between emotions and the human body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-emotions-and-bodily-sensations">History of emotions and bodily sensations</h2>



The history of emotions reveals fascinating shifts in how different cultures conceptualized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotions-sensory-perception-brain-fascinating-interplay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feelings</a>. 



In medieval Europe, emotions were often tied to the four humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile, which were thought to govern temperament and health.



Ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle believed emotions arose from a mix of bodily sensations and rational thought, and influenced ethical behavior.



In Chinese medicine, emotions were linked to specific organs -- fear with the kidneys and joy with the heart. 



Indigenous cultures worldwide have tied emotions to nature and spirituality, often personifying them as deities or forces.



These varied frameworks highlight the diverse ways humans have sought to understand and express their inner worlds throughout history.



-----



The research team includes Professor Mikko Sams from <a href="https://www.aalto.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aalto University</a>, Ellie Bennett from the <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Helsinki</a>, Professor Lauri Nummenmaa from the <a href="https://www.utu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Turku</a>, and Ulrike Steinert from <a href="https://www.uni-mainz.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz</a>. The study was funded by the <a href="https://skr.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Finnish Cultural Foundation</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(24)02590-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



Image Credit: Modern/PNAS: Lauri Nummenmaa et al., Mesopotamian: Juha Lahnakoski.



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Early humans felt emotions in unusual body parts compared to modern humans

From feeling butterflies in the stomach to experiencing a heavy...

Have you ever wondered about the impact of a father's health on the birth weight of his newborn baby? Well, a recent study from Brazil involving 89 families draws a fascinating connection. When it comes to a dad's weight, it seems the heavier the father is, the lower the baby’s birth weight.



The study was led by Mariana Rinaldi Carvalho, a researcher at the University of São Paulo’s Ribeirão Preto Medical School. She has bravely challenged the conventional understanding surrounding parental health and birth weight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-father-s-health-matters">Why the father's health matters</h2>



"There is a great deal of discussion and research on the link between fetal development and maternal health, including issues such as overweight before and during pregnancy, but the fact is that the father’s health also has a significant impact on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-baby-food-isnt-nutritious-despite-what-the-label-says/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">development of the baby</a> both during pregnancy and after birth," explained Carvalho.



"Our study was the first involving Brazilian families to show that the higher the father’s BMI, the lower the baby’s birth weight, evidencing the father’s importance to the baby’s health and development."



Birth weight is a crucial indicator of health. Babies born with low or high weights face higher risks of developing serious illnesses later in life, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adding-fathers-to-the-birth-weight-equation">Adding fathers to the birth weight equation</h2>



The study builds on earlier research that focused mostly on maternal health. Carvalho’s team included fathers in their analysis to see how their health and habits might affect their babies. 



"Having noticed that most studies involving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-do-babies-start-gaining-their-consciousness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fetal</a> and neonatal health fail to take the parents’ lifestyle into account, we set out to include paternal anthropometry as a factor affecting fetal development," noted Daniela Saes Sartorelli, Carvalho’s advisor.



The researchers plan to study how a father’s diet, including components such as ultra-processed foods and unhealthy fats, impacts a baby’s weight and fat levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle-and-environmental-factors">Lifestyle and environmental factors </h2>



The study highlights the role of epigenetics - changes in how genes work due to environmental factors. The father's lifestyle, including a poor diet or lack of exercise, can alter the quality of his sperm and pass on risks to his children.



"We now know that environmental stressors such as overweight can influence the structure and quality of the father’s sperm, altering gene expression and affecting the DNA of his children," Carvalho explained.



While a mother’s health remains critical, Carvalho stressed the importance of fathers making lifestyle changes before conception. 



"Our research findings show that, just as maternal nutritional counseling is important, so is the need for a preconception change in paternal habits," she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dad-s-role-in-newborn-health">Dad's role in newborn health</h2>



Maternal overweight has long been known as a public health issue. It increases risks like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and complications during delivery. 



For <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-infants-connect-with-the-world-it-all-starts-with-the-feet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">babies</a>, it raises the likelihood of abnormal birth weights and childhood obesity. This study shows that fathers also play a key role in their child’s health, even before conception.



The study also found that babies of fathers with higher BMIs had smaller head circumferences at birth. While this doesn’t necessarily indicate problems, head size is an important growth marker. More research is needed to fully understand these findings.



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



The researchers from the <a href="https://www5.usp.br/english/institutional/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of São Paulo</a> noted a few limitations to the study, such as not tracking how long the baby stayed in the birth canal during vaginal deliveries.



This could temporarily affect head circumference. They plan to explore how paternal diets, particularly the consumption of processed foods, affect newborn growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-influencing-birth-weight">Factors influencing birth weight</h2>



Several other factors contribute to a baby’s birth weight. Genetic predispositions play a major role, with parental genes influencing growth patterns. 



Maternal nutrition during pregnancy also significantly affects fetal weight, with deficiencies in key nutrients potentially leading to lower birth weights.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-climate-change-is-impacting-infant-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental exposures</a>, such as pollution or toxins, can also disrupt fetal development and impact weight.



Additionally, socioeconomic factors like access to healthcare and quality prenatal care can determine outcomes. Stress levels in the mother, influenced by psychological or physical challenges, can also alter birth weight through hormonal changes that affect the placenta.



Lastly, maternal age is a crucial factor, with very young or older mothers more likely to have babies with atypical weights. These factors, along with paternal and maternal health, highlight the complex interplay of genetics, environment, and lifestyle in shaping a newborn’s health.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41366-024-01639-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Obesity</a>.



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Fathers have a surprising influence on their baby's birth weight

Have you ever wondered about the impact of a father's...

The plague, in its historical context, has been a merciless killer. In the mid-1300s, it was famously known as the “Black Death,” which took the lives of nearly 50 million Europeans.



Today, the United States has an average of seven human plague cases annually, thanks to advancements in sanitation, public health measures, and antibiotics.



However, the plague still continues to haunt prairie dogs and other rodents, especially in the western half of the United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rodents-carriers-of-the-plague">Rodents: Carriers of the plague</h2>



Over time, scientists have been uncovering the role that animals, primarily <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-rodent-borne-diseases-spill-over-into-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rodents</a>, play in disease transmission. Recently, researchers at the <a href="https://missouri.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Missouri</a> made a breakthrough in understanding the mode of disease spread. 



The research was led by Deborah Anderson, a professor in Mizzou’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Her team discovered the disturbing mode of transmission -&nbsp;from&nbsp;mother&nbsp;flea to offspring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animals-impacted-by-the-plague">Animals impacted by the plague</h2>



Animals, specifically <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bald-eagles-dont-only-eat-fish-as-prairie-dogs-will-attest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prairie dogs</a>, have been significantly impacted by the plague. Entire colonies have been decimated, which consequently affects the broader ecosystem.



For instance, the black-footed ferret, one of the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/its-now-or-never-for-madagascars-endangered-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endangered mammals</a> globally, experienced an 80% population decline in 2009 due to the plague. Prairie dogs are their primary food source.



The ongoing spread of the plague by rodents amplifies the need for expanded research in this field to safeguard both animal and human lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-infectious-disease-research">Infectious disease research </h2>



Following 9/11, federal funding was directed toward the development of bioterrorism defense research facilities within public universities. As a result, the Laboratory for Infectious Disease Research (LIDR) was built on Mizzou’s campus.



This state-of-the-art facility features a Biosecurity Level 3 classification, making Mizzou one of only 12 universities equipped to safely investigate treatable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-heightens-risk-of-most-infectious-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathogenic diseases</a>.



Anderson noted that few places could support her infectious disease research as well as Mizzou does.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-need-for-continued-plague-research">The need for continued plague research</h2>



Mizzou’s commitment to combating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-remains-a-global-health-emergency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global health</a> challenges is demonstrated by their cutting-edge research.



The symbiotic relationship between the health of people, animals, and the environment is at the core of Mizzou’s research philosophy. 



This approach, known as One Health, places importance on the study of animals, given that it can help minimize human exposure to infectious diseases. 



For example, the more we understand about the plague-transmission habits of fleas, the better equipped we are to monitor the well-being of wildlife ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-safe-research-environment">A safe research environment</h2>



The safe execution of this research was made possible by Mizzou's stringent safety protocols at the LIDR. The environment encourages researchers to think broadly and take on societal challenges securely.



Anderson expressed gratitude for being able to work with bacteria safely and advocated for continued dedication to such research.



Overall, through the invaluable discoveries made by Deborah Anderson and her team at Mizzou, we continue to decode the intricacies of the plague, helping protect both humans and wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effect-of-the-plague-on-ecosystems">Ripple effect of the plague on ecosystems</h2>



The impact of the plague extends far beyond individual animals or species, triggering cascading effects across entire ecosystems.



Prairie dogs, often seen as key species in their habitats, play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of grassland ecosystems. When colonies are decimated by the plague, the consequences reverberate through the food chain.



Predators like the black-footed ferret rely heavily on prairie dogs not only as a primary food source but also for shelter within their burrows. 



The loss of prairie dog populations disrupts this interdependence, further endangering ferrets and impacting other species that share the habitat.



In addition, the reduction of prairie dog activity influences plant growth, soil composition, and overall biodiversity within these regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safeguarding-the-balance-of-ecosystems">Safeguarding the balance of ecosystems</h2>



Research into plague transmission helps safeguard this delicate balance, ensuring that ecosystems remain resilient against such biological disruptions.



Through deeper understanding and proactive management of disease dynamics, researchers can not only prevent outbreaks but also promote a healthier co-existence between humans, animals, and the environments they inhabit.



This broader ecological perspective highlights the importance of studying diseases like the plague from a holistic standpoint, tying together conservation, public health, and environmental sustainability.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51668-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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The modern-day plague: Rodents, fleas, and their impact on wildlife

The plague, in its historical context, has been a merciless...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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.

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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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



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.

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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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 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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



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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...

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