For years, bacteria dominated gut health research. Now, the gut virome is gaining attention as a major player in health and disease. Bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-think-they-found-two-key-bacteria-that-cause-multiple-sclerosis/">bacteria</a>, make up around 90% of the gut virome.



Though small in biomass, they outnumber bacteria by up to tenfold. These tiny viruses shape microbial communities, influence immunity, and affect gut health.



A landmark review published recently in Precision Clinical Medicine reveals how the gut virome links to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/inflammatory-bowel-disease/about/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IBD</a>), <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colonoscopy-vs-stool-tests-doctors-found-out-which-is-better-at-detecting-cancer/">colorectal cancer</a>, and Clostridium difficile infection (<a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15548-c-diff-infection" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDI</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-s-virome-changes-across-life-stages">Gut's virome changes across life stages</h2>



The gut virome changes constantly throughout life. Infants show high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-that-eat-forever-chemicals-discovered-in-contaminated-soil/">diversity</a> in gut bacteriophages (also called phages), which is shaped by birth method, diet, and antibiotic exposure.



As individuals grow, diet and hormones refine the virome. In adults, phages and bacteria form a stable, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-021-00536-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">balanced community</a>.



However, aging shifts this balance. Older adults show more lysogenic phages, which integrate into bacterial genomes and potentially alter metabolism and immune interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-and-environment-shape-the-virome">Diet and environment shape the virome</h2>



Diet greatly <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9455721/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influences</a> the virome. High-fiber diets support beneficial phages by encouraging helpful bacteria. Western diets, rich in fat and sugar, promote harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-bacteria-breathe-by-creating-electricity/">phages</a>.



Urbanization reduces exposure to natural viruses. Studies show that rural diets which are rich in fiber boost gut virome diversity.



Host genetics and immunity also play roles. Genetic variants can affect viral detection and clearance. Immune defenses, like <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/interferons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interferons</a> and <a href="https://www.immunology.org/public-information/bitesized-immunology/receptors-molecules/immunoglobulin-iga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IgA</a>, keep the virome balanced.



However, immune dysfunction can trigger viral imbalances, worsening conditions like HIV and gut inflammation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viruses-and-bacteria-interacting">Viruses and bacteria interacting</h2>



Viruses, including phages, along with bacteria and fungi form a complex and dynamic ecosystem in the gut. The components interact in positive and negative ways, thus affecting host metabolism, immune regulation and resistance to disease. 



The gut virome plays a crucial regulatory role in these intricate interactions. Phages interact with bacteria through lytic, lysogenic, and budding cycles, which regulate bacterial populations and gene flow. 



In a form of microbial arms race, the bacteria defend against phages using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crispr-used-to-remove-extra-chromosomes-in-down-syndrome-and-restore-cell-function/">CRISPR systems</a> and the phages evolve escape mechanisms.



Some phages even boost bacterial metabolism and biofilm formation, affecting disease risk. For instance, phages can transfer genes that enhance bacterial survival in acidic conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virome-s-influence-on-immunity">Virome’s influence on immunity</h2>



The virome affects gut immunity deeply. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-bacteria-get-hungry-they-turn-on-each-other/">Phages</a> can anchor to gut mucus and form a protective barrier. They also shape our own <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459471/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T and B cell</a> activity and regulate macrophages. In addition, viruses that infect eukaryotic cells affect immune pathways and maintain gut balance.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/virome_microbiome_human-gut_graphic_credit-PCM_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/virome_microbiome_human-gut_graphic_credit-PCM_1s.webp" alt="This infographic illustrates four major therapeutic approaches—fecal microbial transplantation (FMT), phage therapy, dietary interventions, and probiotics/prebiotics—that aim to restore gut health by modulating the microbiome and virome. Each strategy offers unique methods, benefits, and challenges in managing gastrointestinal disorders such as IBD, CRC, and CDI, highlighting the growing potential of virome-informed precision medicine. Credit: Precision Clinical Medicine" class="wp-image-1976450"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This infographic illustrates four major therapeutic approaches—fecal microbial transplantation (FMT), phage therapy, dietary interventions, and probiotics/prebiotics—that aim to restore gut health by modulating the microbiome and virome. Each strategy offers unique methods, benefits, and challenges in managing gastrointestinal disorders such as IBD, CRC, and CDI, highlighting the growing potential of virome-informed precision medicine. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Precision Clinical Medicine</figcaption></figure>



However, infections and antibiotics can disrupt this harmony and lead to inflammation. Phages can trigger TLR9 pathways, causing excessive immune responses such as those linked to IBD.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virome-s-role-in-disease">Virome’s role in disease</h2>



Imbalances in the gut virome have been linked to several gut diseases. In IBD, specific phages become abundant and worsen inflammation.



Certain groups of phages (such as Caudovirales) amplify immune responses, while norovirus and rotavirus can damage the gut lining. Viral imbalances are also common in IBS and CDI.



In colorectal cancer, phages and eukaryotic viruses like HPV and JC virus (polyomavirus) appear more often. They may promote tumor growth by altering bacterial communities and gene expression.



Studies suggest that some phages directly influence cancer risk by promoting biofilms and transferring harmful genes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virus-based-treatments">Virus-based treatments</h2>



Several therapies now explore the virome’s potential to treat certain diseases or conditions. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) restores gut balance and reduces inflammation in IBD and CDI.



FMT works not only by shifting bacteria but also by transferring beneficial phages. Studies show that donor phages often align quickly with recipients and promote recovery.



Phage therapy, which uses viruses to kill specific bacteria, is another approach that is gaining traction. It can reduce harmful microbes while preserving beneficial ones.



Researchers have created phage cocktails that target specific gut pathogens like E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and this approach has had promising results in animal models.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-as-a-tool-to-reshape-the-virome">Diet as a tool to reshape the virome</h2>



Dietary strategies also reshape the virome. High-fiber diets boost beneficial phages and support bacterial diversity.



Whey protein has shown potential in managing Crohn’s disease by improving phage-bacteria interactions.



Other interventions, such as exclusive enteral nutrition and low-FODMAP diets, also show benefits in gut diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-probiotics-prebiotics-and-phages">Probiotics, prebiotics, and phages</h2>



Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics feed them. Combining them, known as symbiotics, shows promise for restoring and maintaining gut health.



Recent research suggests that adding phages can enhance these effects. Phage-based products, such as PreforPro, have already shown benefits in clinical trials.



These products can reduce populations of harmful bacteria and improve probiotic performance, thereby creating a more stable gut environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-gut-viruses-to-detect-diseases-early">Using gut viruses to detect diseases early</h2>



The gut virome is now being studied as a diagnostic tool. Viral patterns are more stable than bacterial ones, making them reliable biomarkers.



Distinct virome signatures can predict IBD and colorectal cancer. Machine learning models already use virome data to detect these diseases early.



Virome profiling may also track treatment responses, such as FMT success in IBD and CDI.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-future-prospects">Challenges and future prospects</h2>



Despite the excitement over potential new treatments, many hurdles remain. Current methods struggle to capture the full virome due to technical limits.



Many phages are still unculturable, and their roles remain unclear. Researchers are working to improve viral databases and develop targeted therapies. Once these gaps close, virome-based therapies could change how we treat gut diseases.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/pcm/article/8/2/pbaf010/8152264" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Precision Clinical Medicine</a>.



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Move over microbiome, it's time for the human gut's "virome" to shine

For years, bacteria dominated gut health research. Now, the gut virome is gaining attention as a major player in health and disease. Bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria, make up around 90% of the gut virome. Though small in biomass, they outnumber bacteria by up to tenfold. These tiny viruses shape microbial communities, influence immunity, and affect gut health. A landmark review published recently in Precision Clinical Medicine reveals how the gut virome links to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer, and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI)....

Desert ants, particularly the species Cataglyphis nodus, have amazed scientists with their navigational skills using magnetic field.



Researchers, led by Dr. Pauline Fleischmann from the University of Oldenburg, Germany, have unveiled a fascinating discovery about these ants.



Unlike other insects, they rely on a unique component of Earth's magnetic field for orientation. This finding suggests that desert ants possess a distinct mechanism for magnetoreception that potentially involves tiny particles of magnetite or other magnetic minerals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetoreception-in-animals">Magnetoreception in animals</h2>



Magnetoreception - the ability to detect the Earth's magnetic field - remains a topic of intense scientific debate.



One theory centers on the radical-pair mechanism, a light-dependent quantum effect that allows an organism to detect subtle changes in the direction of the magnetic field.



Evidence from the Collaborative Research Centre's Magnetoreception and Navigation in Vertebrates project supports the radical-pair mechanism in small songbirds and possibly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ant-queens-turn-to-cannibalism-recycle-bodies-for-colony-disease-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a>, such as monarch butterflies.



Another theory involves tiny magnetic particles, within sensory or nerve cells, that act like compass needles.



Animals such as pigeons, bats, and sea turtles are thought to use this particle-based system. Both mechanisms appear to coexist in nature, demonstrating the complexity of magnetoreception across species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desert-ants-have-magnetic-sensitivity">Desert ants have magnetic sensitivity</h2>



To identify which mechanism desert <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-use-chemical-trails-to-guide-their-friends-to-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a> use, scientists from the <a href="https://uol.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oldenburg</a> conducted behavioral experiments.



They hypothesized that animals using a particle-based system would respond to the north-south polarity of the geomagnetic field, while those using the radical-pair mechanism detect the field’s inclination.



Dr. Fleischmann, along with Dr. Robin Grob, Johanna Wegmann, and Dr. Wolfgang Rössler, explored the magnetic sense displayed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/desert-ants-use-earths-magnetic-field-for-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desert ants</a>.



The experts focused on whether the ants detect the geomagnetic field’s inclination or polarity. This research builds on Fleischmann’s 2018 doctoral discovery that desert ants have a magnetic sensitivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-manipulating-magnetic-fields">Manipulating magnetic fields</h2>



The team conducted experiments on a Greek ant colony, using Helmholtz coils to create artificial magnetic fields. 



Ants emerging from a nest were guided through a tunnel to an experimental platform, where their "learning walks" were filmed. These walks are crucial as ants memorize the nest entrance direction, using the magnetic field to enhance their visual memory.



“We suspect the ants use the magnetic field to train their visual memory,” Fleischmann explained. A recent study in&nbsp;PNAS on ant brain development supports this hypothesis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desert-ants-rely-on-polarity">Desert ants rely on polarity </h2>



In their experiments, the researchers altered the magnetic field’s inclination without affecting the behavior of the ants.



The ants continued to look towards their nest entrance. However, when the field’s polarity was reversed by 180 degrees, the ants misjudged the nest’s location entirely. This indicates that desert ants rely on polarity, not inclination, for navigation.



"This type of compass is particularly useful for navigation over comparatively short distances," said Fleischmann. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eastern-monarch-butterfly-populations-have-plummeted-by-59-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monarch butterflies</a> and songbirds, by contrast, use magnetic inclination as a navigational aid on their long-distance migrations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigational-skills-of-desert-ants">Navigational skills of desert ants </h2>



Desert ants thrive in harsh environments like the North African Sahara’s salt pans or Greek pine forests, where landmarks are scarce. 



Despite traveling hundreds of meters in search of food, they return to their nest entrance with remarkable precision. Their zig-zag outbound patterns transform into straight-line paths on their return.



This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary diversity of magnetoreception. Ants, bees, and wasps, all members of the Hymenoptera order, exhibit unique sensory adaptations. 



"The fact that desert ants use a different mechanism for magnetoreception than other insects opens up new avenues for studying the evolution of sensory perception in the animal kingdom," noted Fleischmann.



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



Understanding the magnetic sense of desert ants not only deepens our knowledge of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-destabilizing-ant-plant-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect</a> navigation but also highlights the intricate evolution of sensory systems.



This research paves the way for further investigation into how diverse species adapt to their environments using the Earth's magnetic field as a guide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-on-desert-ants">More on desert ants</h2>



Desert ants are not just remarkable for their magnetic sense; they are also masters of adaptation. They thrive in some of the world’s most extreme environments, enduring temperatures that can exceed 50°C (122°F). 



These ants have specialized heat-shock proteins that allow them to survive such intense heat. Additionally, their silvery body hairs reflect sunlight, which helps them maintain lower body temperatures.



Another fascinating aspect of desert ants is their reliance on path integration for navigation. They use a combination of step counting and celestial cues, such as the position of the sun, to calculate their precise location. 



This allows them to find their way back to their nest even when their outward journey involves complex, winding routes.



Desert ants also exhibit impressive teamwork. They collaborate to transport large food items back to the nest and adapt their strategies based on environmental challenges. These survival traits make them an excellent model for studying behavioral ecology and evolutionary biology.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)01519-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Desert ants have a unique way of using Earth's magnetic field for navigation

Desert ants, particularly the species Cataglyphis nodus, have amazed scientists...

Rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and ocean heatwaves -- 2023 brought alarming new climate warming records in just about every measurable category.



One of the most concerning was the rise in global mean temperature, reaching almost <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1.5 degrees</a> Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels.



Scientists have been working to determine what triggered this sudden surge in global warming. 



They considered anthropogenic influences like greenhouse gases, the El Niño effect, and natural events like volcanic eruptions.



Yet, these factors leave an unexplained warming gap of 0.2 degrees Celsius.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-theory-changes-in-cloud-cover">New theory: Changes in cloud cover</h2>



A research team from the Alfred Wegener Institute (<a href="https://www.awi.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AWI</a>) proposes that changes in Earth's cloud cover may explain this warming gap. 



"In addition to the influence of El Niño and the expected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unprecedented-heat-is-popping-up-in-hotspots-across-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-term warming</a> from anthropogenic greenhouse gases, several other factors have already been discussed that could have contributed to the surprisingly high global mean temperatures since 2023," said Dr. Helge Goessling, lead author from AWI. 



Dr. Goessling mentioned factors like increased solar activity, excess water vapor from volcanic eruptions, and fewer atmospheric aerosol particles. 



But adding these elements still leaves 0.2 degrees Celsius (0.36 degrees Fahrenheit) unexplained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-0-2-degree-gap-mystery">The 0.2-degree gap mystery</h2>



"The "0.2-degree-Celsius 'explanation gap' for 2023 is currently one of the most intensely discussed questions in climate research," noted Dr. Goessling.



To investigate further, climate modelers from AWI and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (<a href="https://www.ecmwf.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ECMWF</a>) analyzed satellite data from NASA. 



They also used the ECMWF's reanalysis data, which combines observational data with weather models. The data revealed an alarming trend - 2023 recorded the lowest planetary albedo since at least 1940.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-albedo-effect">Understanding the albedo effect</h2>



Planetary albedo is all about how much sunlight a planet reflects back into space. Think of it as the planet's "shine factor." 



Earth, for example, reflects about 30% of the sunlight that hits it, which means its albedo is 0.3 (on a scale from 0 to 1). Different surfaces on a planet contribute to this reflection. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-models-underestimate-sea-ice-melt-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bright areas like ice caps</a> and clouds bounce a lot of light back, while darker areas like oceans and forests absorb more sunlight. 



The balance of reflected and absorbed sunlight plays a huge role in shaping a planet's climate and energy budget.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/earth-albedo_cloud-impact_illustration_credit-Yves-Nowak_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/earth-albedo_cloud-impact_illustration_credit-Yves-Nowak_1s.webp" alt="Considering the globe as a whole, high clouds and cloud-free scenes result in warming of the Earth's atmosphere, as less energy escapes into space than arrives from the sun. For low clouds, it's the opposite, so their decline leads to warming. Credit: Alfred-Wegener-Institut / Yves Nowak" class="wp-image-1952676"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Considering the globe as a whole, high clouds and cloud-free scenes result in warming of the Earth's atmosphere, as less energy escapes into space than arrives from the sun. For low clouds, it's the opposite, so their decline leads to warming. Credit: Alfred-Wegener-Institut / Yves Nowak</figcaption></figure>



On Earth, changes in albedo can have a big impact. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-planting-trees-in-the-arctic-is-not-a-good-climate-solution/">When</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-planting-trees-in-the-arctic-is-not-a-good-climate-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-planting-trees-in-the-arctic-is-not-a-good-climate-solution/">ice melts</a> due to warming, it exposes darker water or land underneath, which absorbs more sunlight and speeds up the warming process -- a feedback loop known as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-tree-planting-warm-earth-science-behind-albedo-effect/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">albedo effect</a>. 



"What caught our eye was that, in both the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> and ECMWF datasets, 2023 stood out as the year with the lowest planetary albedo," said study co-author Dr. Thomas Rackow from ECMWF.



Lower albedo means less sunlight reflected, contributing to increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-shatters-heat-records-earths-hottest-year-is-here/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global temperatures</a>. But what caused this drop in albedo?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-altitude-clouds-and-warming-surge">Low-altitude clouds and warming surge</h2>



The answer lies in declining low-altitude clouds, particularly in the northern mid-latitudes and tropics. This trend was most pronounced over the Atlantic, which coincidentally saw unusual heat records in 2023. 



"It’s conspicuous that the eastern North Atlantic, which is one of the main drivers of the latest jump in global mean temperature, was characterized by a substantial decline in low-altitude clouds," said Dr. Goessling.



The decline in low cloud cover means a reduction in Earth’s albedo, intensifying global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-clouds-in-climate-regulation">Role of clouds in climate regulation</h2>



Clouds play a critical role in moderating Earth's temperature. They reflect sunlight, providing a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-cool-the-climate-more-than-previously-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cooling effect</a>. 



Low clouds are especially important since they lack the greenhouse effect seen in higher clouds, which trap heat. 



As lower cloud cover declines, the cooling effect diminishes, contributing to warmer temperatures. "If there are fewer low clouds, we only lose the cooling effect, making things warmer," Goessling explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-contributing-to-fewer-low-clouds">Factors contributing to fewer low clouds</h2>



But what’s causing fewer low-altitude clouds? A combination of factors could be at play. 



Stricter marine fuel regulations have reduced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerosol-formation-earths-lower-atmosphere-soas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric aerosols</a> -- tiny particles that serve as condensation nuclei for cloud formation. 



Aerosols also reflect sunlight, and fewer aerosols mean less cloud formation and less sunlight being reflected.



Natural climate fluctuations and ocean feedbacks might also contribute, but Goessling believes these aren't the whole story. "Global warming itself may be reducing low cloud cover," he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-surge-and-cloud-loss">Warming surge and cloud loss</h2>



This feedback loop between warming and cloud loss could indicate a worrying trend. 



"If a large part of the decline in albedo is indeed due to feedbacks between global warming and low clouds, as some climate models indicate, we should expect rather intense warming in the future," noted Dr. Goessling.



This means we might cross the critical 1.5-degree threshold of global warming sooner than anticipated. 



If that happens, the remaining carbon budgets under the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a> would shrink, making adaptation measures even more urgent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cloud-cover-and-global-warming">Cloud cover and global warming</h2>



The study sheds light on why temperatures surged so suddenly and highlights the importance of Earth's cloud cover in regulating climate. 



Reduced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cloud-engineering-can-temporarily-cool-our-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud cover</a>, particularly at low altitudes, lessens Earth's ability to reflect solar radiation, adding to the warming already driven by greenhouse gases. 



With climate models pointing to this feedback as a significant factor, urgent action becomes even more vital to manage future warming and minimize extreme weather events.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq7280" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Unexpected source to blame for rapid surge in global warming

Rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and ocean heatwaves -- 2023...

Chimpanzees are renowned for having the most complex memory among animals, apart from humans. Their short-term or working memory is especially impressive.



They can remember not only when and where fruits are ripe, but also use this knowledge to plan which fruit-bearing trees to visit and even where to sleep -- ensuring they can feast on these fruits first thing in the morning. 



However, while much is known about how chimpanzees locate and exploit plant-based resources, the cognitive strategies they use to obtain animal-based foods have remained less explored.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-locating-elusive-prey-underground">Locating elusive prey underground</h2>



Until recently, researchers had limited understanding of how chimpanzees locate critical non-plant foods. 



Now, a team from the <a href="https://web.ub.edu/web/ub/">University of Barcelona</a> (UB) and the <a href="https://janegoodall.org/">Jane Goodall Institute</a> in Spain has led a study revealing that wild chimpanzees in Africa employ sophisticated cognitive skills to find and consume army ants concealed in underground nests. 



This discovery, published in the journal Nature Communications Biology, marks the first documentation of how chimpanzees rely on spatial and episodic-like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-connects-old-memories/">memory</a> to extract social insects hidden beneath the surface.



The study shows that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-pass-tool-use-skills-across-generations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">these primates</a> can successfully overcome a challenging cognitive task to exploit a difficult animal food source in the wild over extended periods.



By doing so, chimpanzees provide insight into the evolutionary underpinnings of cognitive abilities shared by both non-human primates and humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenge-of-locating-hidden-insects">Challenge of locating hidden insects</h2>



Army <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-shifting-to-new-habitats-to-cope-with-climate-change/">ants</a> (Dorylus spp.), also known as marabunta, boast the largest colonies of social insects on Earth. 



Rich in protein and minerals -- key nutrients for chimpanzees -- these hymenopterous insects are notoriously elusive.



They build their nests under rocks, roots, and fallen vegetation, and move unpredictably, posing a significant foraging challenge.



To uncover how chimpanzees meet this challenge, the team analyzed 679 visits by chimpanzees to four army ant nests in Senegal’s Dindefelo community nature reserve from 2018 to 2022.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chimpanzees-memory-of-hidden-nests">Chimpanzees' memory of hidden nests</h2>



Study first author Andreu Sánchez-Megías is a PhD student at UB. 



"We studied if chimpanzees intentionally return to nests, the strategies they use to detect if ants are present, the availability of these insects and the extent to which chimpanzees consume them.” 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/chimpanzee_using-stick-tool_credit-Jane-Goodall_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/chimpanzee_using-stick-tool_credit-Jane-Goodall_1s.webp" alt="A chimpanzee carries a stick to use as a tool to eat army ants. The chimpanzees insert these tools into the ant nests until the insects climb on the tool and then eat them. Credit: Andreu Sánchez-Megías" class="wp-image-1952667" style="width:300px;height:auto"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A chimpanzee carries a stick to use as a tool to eat army ants. The chimpanzees insert these tools into the ant nests until the insects climb on the tool and then eat them. Credit: Andreu Sánchez-Megías</figcaption></figure>



According to Sánchez-Megía, ant nests are scarce and nearly always impossible to see, and thus, for the chimpanzees, remembering the exact location of the nest is a good <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-foraging-behavior-changing-climate-warming-waters/">foraging strategy</a>. 



"The nests are abandoned and reoccupied at irregular intervals, and this key component of the ants’ behavior allows chimpanzees to repeatedly visit the same nests to feed on these insects," said Sánchez-Megías.



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



By recalling not only where the nests are located but also past outcomes -- whether ants were found previously -- chimpanzees exhibit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-chickadees-have-an-extraordinary-memory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">episodic-like memory</a>. 



In humans, this type of memory corresponds with the ability to remember where, when, and what happened in past events.



Since non-human animals cannot verbally communicate their memories, scientists refer to this as episodic-like memory, indicating it is similar yet not identical to human episodic memory.



A key finding of this study is that chimpanzees employ four senses -- sight, smell, taste, and touch -- to inspect empty nests and detect whether ants are present. 



This multi-sensory approach adds a new dimension to our understanding of how primates navigate complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rhesus-monkeys-quickly-learn-that-patience-is-rewarding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foraging challenges</a>.



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



Study senior author R. Adriana Hernandez-Aguilar is an evolutionary anthropologist at UB, 



"It is important to emphasize that the study of chimpanzee cognition in an ecologically relevant context -- such as the savannah where our research was carried out -- contributes to better understanding the evolution of human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifestyle-choices-in-young-adulthood-impact-cognitive-ability-in-midlife/">cognitive capacities</a>, given that the first hominins inhabited similarly dry, open, and hot landscapes," said Hernandez-Aguilar.



This research advances our knowledge of primate cognition and has important implications for conservation. 



As chimpanzees are endangered, understanding the strategies they use to secure essential foods can inform efforts to protect their habitats and ensure their survival. 



By revealing that chimpanzees rely on advanced memory and problem-solving abilities to exploit challenging animal food sources, this study broadens our perspective on primate intelligence and its evolutionary roots. 



The findings serve as a reminder that these extraordinary creatures possess cognitive talents that can inspire deeper appreciation and inform more effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-machine-learning-can-help-us-protect-chimpanzees/">conservation</a> measures.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-07206-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications Biology</a>.



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Chimpanzees have remarkable spatial memory and sense of direction

Chimpanzees are renowned for having the most complex memory among...

The combined effects of sea level rise, permafrost thaw subsidence, and coastal retreat threaten to reshape Arctic coastal regions on an unprecedented scale, surpassing the impact of any single climate hazard.&nbsp;



According to scientists, this compounding set of factors will lead to drastic land loss, posing significant challenges for Arctic communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overlapping-hazards-magnify-coastal-retreat-nbsp">Overlapping hazards magnify coastal retreat&nbsp;</h2>



While decades of research have documented the growing threat of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fighting-coastal-erosion-electricity-turns-sand-into-a-sea-wall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal erosion</a> in the Arctic, the additional roles of sea level rise and permafrost thaw subsidence have been less explored.&nbsp;



This gap in understanding has limited the ability to evaluate the full extent of these combined processes and their impacts on Arctic landscapes.



A new study by researchers from the <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/who-we-are/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> (WHOI) and other institutions, focuses on the Alaska Arctic Coastal Plain (ACP). Spanning more than 60,000 square kilometers, this low-lying, ice-rich region experiences some of the Arctic’s most extreme rates of erosion and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-warnings-what-coastal-cities-must-prepare-for/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea-level rise</a>.



“Our findings highlight the risks that compounding climate hazards pose to coastal communities and underscore the need for adaptive planning for Arctic communities within zones of 21st-century land loss,” the experts wrote.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-stark-forecast-for-arctic-shorelines">A stark forecast for Arctic shorelines</h2>



The study presents a stark forecast for the North Slope shoreline, predicting a dramatic inland retreat by 2100 due to the interplay of these three hazards.



“Compound <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-permafrost-melt-devastating-role-accelerating-global-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> impacts accelerate coastal change,” said lead author Roger Creel, a postdoctoral scholar in WHOI’s Department of Physical Oceanography. “There is this nonlinear acceleration in coastal impacts that we should be expecting will happen in places like Northern Alaska.”



The shoreline is expected to retreat farther inland than it has been in over 100,000 years, during the last interglacial period.&nbsp;



“By 2100, the combined effects of coastal erosion, sea level rise, and permafrost thaw subsidence will likely push the North Slope shoreline inland to a location it hasn't reached since the last interglacial period over 100,000 years ago,” explained co-author Benjamin Jones of the <a href="https://www.uaf.edu/uaf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alaska Fairbanks</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-projections-of-coastal-retreat-nbsp">Projections of coastal retreat&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers utilized advanced tools to assess future land loss, including 5-meter topography, satellite-derived lake depth measurements, and empirical data on permafrost thaw subsidence.&nbsp;



The team incorporated these with projections of coastal erosion and sea level rise under medium- and high-emission scenarios from the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/assessment-report/ar6/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC’s 6th Assessment Report</a>.



“This research highlights the value of working across disciplinary boundaries for more robust projections of coastal Arctic evolution in the coming century,” said co-author Julia Guimond, an assistant scientist at WHOI.&nbsp;



“Our work shows that by 2100, total land loss will exceed erosional losses by up to eight times. Here we focus on processes affecting Alaska's Arctic Coastal Plain, but a key takeaway is the compounding effects of multiple hazards and that applies to coastal resilience planning across the globe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-permafrost-thaw-a-hidden-dominator">Permafrost thaw: A hidden dominator</h2>



The study emphasizes that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-permafrost-thaw-in-alaska-threatens-global-climate-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">permafrost thaw</a> subsidence will be the dominant factor driving land loss, surpassing even sea level rise and coastal erosion in its long-term impacts.



“Along ice-rich permafrost coastlines, the land surface is falling faster than the sea levels are rising,” noted co-author Pier Paul Overduin from the <a href="https://www.awi.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research</a>.&nbsp;



“Over the coming decades, permafrost thaw subsidence will move the coastline farther inland than coastal erosion or sea level rise alone will move it, and this subsidence will dominate Arctic coastal change over the long term.”



Creel highlighted the need for greater awareness among decision-making agencies, such as the <a href="https://www.usace.army.mil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Army Corps of Engineers</a> and <a href="https://www.fema.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FEMA</a>, to allocate resources more effectively.&nbsp;



“These sorts of bodies with a lot of resources may have not been paying enough attention to permafrost thaw subsidence as an agent of coastal change. This study is a wake-up call to expand the conversation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communities-on-the-frontline-of-change">Communities on the frontline of change</h2>



An Arctic coastline shaped by inundation will create unprecedented challenges for the communities that call this region home. These include the loss of infrastructure, hunting grounds, subsistence routes, and cultural heritage sites.



“Future research on Arctic shoreline evolution should be motivated by the needs of these communities, who will need support to respond to the paradigm shift in 21st-century Arctic coastal change that we project here,” the authors concluded.



The study is published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2409411121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



Image Credit: Photo by: Benjamin M. Jones, Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks



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Accelerating coastal retreat in Alaska: The triple threat

The combined effects of sea level rise, permafrost thaw subsidence,...

At first glance, hummingbird bills look like straws -- long and thin, perfect for sipping nectar. But a new study reveals that this comparison is far from accurate. 



These tiny birds have evolved intricate adaptations for drinking nectar, turning their bills into incredibly sophisticated tools.



In a recent study, a team led by Alejandro Rico-Guevara from the University of Washington discovered that hummingbird bills do much more than we thought. 



The bills aren't passive tools; they actively and flexibly engage with the bird's tongue to help it drink nectar with lightning speed.



The team showed that, contrary to what you might expect, a hummingbird’s bill works in concert with its tongue, opening and closing in various sections while drinking. 



This rapid coordination allows the bird to extract nectar quickly, helping it conserve energy while hovering mid-air.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-hummingbirds-the-basics">Understanding hummingbirds -- the basics</h2>



These little birds, found mostly in the Americas, are famous for their incredible ability to hover in place, thanks to their unique wing structure. 



Their wings beat at mind-blowing speeds -- up to 80 beats per second in some species -- which creates the signature humming sound that gives them their name. 



They also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-hummingbirds-deal-with-their-need-for-flight-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have extraordinary agility</a>, flying not just forward but backward, sideways, and even upside down. What really sets hummingbirds apart is their insanely high metabolism. 



To fuel their constant movement, they feed on nectar from flowers, using their long, specialized beaks and tongues to reach deep into blooms. They also eat insects and spiders for protein, keeping their diet balanced. 



Hummingbirds are small -- some, like the bee hummingbird, are just 2 inches long -- but they pack a visual punch. 



Their iridescent feathers shimmer in the sunlight, changing colors depending on the angle, making them one of nature’s most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giants-hummingbirds-are-not-just-one-two-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eye-catching creatures</a>. 



Plus, their energy and tenacity are unmatched, with some species migrating thousands of miles to escape the cold.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexities-of-drinking-nectar">Complexities of drinking nectar</h2>



“Most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-have-an-amazing-sense-of-touch-for-precise-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbirds</a> drink while they’re hovering mid-flight,” said Rico-Guevara, who is also curator of ornithology at the UW’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.burkemuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture</a>. 



“Energetically, that is very expensive. Flying straight at commuting speeds uses up less energy than hovering to drink. So, hummingbirds are trying to minimize energy and drink as fast as they can -- all from these hard-to-reach spaces -- which requires special adaptations for speed and efficiency.”



Until now, scientists knew that hummingbirds use their long, intricate tongues to gather nectar. But how their bills contributed to this task remained a mystery. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-essential-role-of-hummingbird-bill">Essential role of hummingbird bill</h2>



By filming hummingbirds in slow motion at field sites across Colombia, Ecuador, and the U.S., the researchers discovered the bill plays an essential role:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The hummingbird opens just the tip of its bill to extend its tongue. </li>



<li>After the tongue gathers nectar, the bill tip closes. </li>



<li>To draw the nectar further, the midsection of the bill stays closed while the base opens slightly. </li>



<li>The tip opens again for the next round, repeating 10-15 times each second. </li>
</ul>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="Ph5eMVbHPn-4097208-12187" type="single"]</div>



Hummingbirds have highly specialized tongues -- some even resembling intricate origami -- to gather nectar. But this study highlights the often-overlooked importance of the bill.



Though it looks rigid, the bill is surprisingly flexible and essential for efficient nectar drinking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-fluid-collection-of-hummingbird-bills">Unique fluid collection of hummingbird bills</h2>



The <a href="https://www.washington.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> research also uncovered something unique about hummingbird feeding techniques. 



"We already knew that hummingbird bills have some flexibility, for example bending their lower bill while catching insects. But now we know that the bill plays this very active and essential role in drawing up nectar that the tongue collects," Rico-Guevara explained.



Most animals use just one method to collect fluids. Dogs and cats, for instance, lap water using what’s known as Couette flow, while mosquitoes use a suction-based system called Poiseuille flow.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hummingbird-beak_feeder_Chalybura-buffonii_credit-Kristiina-Hurme_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hummingbird-beak_feeder_Chalybura-buffonii_credit-Kristiina-Hurme_1s.webp" alt="Image showing a white-vented plumeleteer (Chalybura buffonii) drinking from a feeder at the Colibrí Gorriazul Research Center in Colombia. Credit: Kristiina Hurme" class="wp-image-1952645"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image showing a white-vented plumeleteer (Chalybura buffonii) drinking from a feeder at the Colibrí Gorriazul Research Center in Colombia. Credit: Kristiina Hurme</figcaption></figure>



Hummingbirds, however, use both approaches. Their bills and tongues work together, first lapping the nectar and then drawing it up through suction. 



This dual method makes hummingbirds truly unique among nectar feeders.



"It makes sense that they would have to use both, given the pressure to reach the nectar deep within the flower and to feed quickly and efficiently," said Rico-Guevara.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-and-future-questions">Evolution and future questions</h2>



The evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-butterfly-and-hummingbird-day-celebrating-the-beauty-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbird</a> bills is a fascinating example of adaptation. As flowers have evolved different shapes and sizes, hummingbird bills have also adapted, becoming perfectly suited for reaching deep into blossoms.



But with every answer, new questions arise. What muscles control these intricate movements? How does catching insects impact bill flexibility? There’s still much to learn about these tiny avian marvels.



The co-authors of the study include researchers from universities across the U.S. and the U.K., highlighting the international effort to understand these tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-extinctions-shatter-the-harmonious-balance-of-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>.



In conclusion, hummingbirds, with their delicate beauty and incredible speed, are more than just nectar sippers. 



Their bills, far from being mere straws, are the result of millions of years of evolution, fine-tuned to help these birds survive in a competitive environment.



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The study "Upper bill bending as an adaptation for nectar feeding in hummingbirds" is published in the <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2024.0286" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the Royal Society Interface</a>.



Video Credit: Alejandro Rico-Guevara



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Hummingbird bills are an evolutionary wonder

At first glance, hummingbird bills look like straws -- long...

Centenarians, once a rarity, have now become common. They are the fastest-growing demographic group, doubling roughly every decade since the 1970s. 



How long humans can live and what defines a healthy, long life have intrigued us for centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-longevity-mystery">Decoding the longevity mystery</h2>



More than two millennia ago, even renowned philosophers like Plato and Aristotle were captivated by the enigma of aging. 



Unveiling the secrets behind <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-high-resilience-live-up-to-ten-years-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exceptional longevity</a>, however, is no simple task. It involves understanding the intricate relationship between genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors, and how they interact throughout a person's lifetime.



A recent study led from <a href="https://ki.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karolinska Institutet</a> gives us more insight into this topic. The researchers have identified some common biomarkers, including levels of cholesterol and glucose, in individuals who have had the privilege of blowing out more than 90 candles on their birthday cake.



"Despite the claim that chance plays an important role in the achievement of exceptional longevity, it has repeatedly been shown that already earlier in life, centenarians are a selected group with fewer disabilities, comorbidities, hospitalizations, and better cognitive function compared to non-centenarians," wrote the study authors. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-centenarians-and-the-secrets-to-healthy-aging">Centenarians and the secrets to healthy aging</h2>



Scientists are fascinated by nonagenarians and centenarians, as they offer insights into living longer and aging in better health. These individuals may hold the secrets to understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survival-of-the-friendliest-social-animals-live-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">longevity</a> and healthy aging. 



However, many previous studies on this topic have been limited in scope, often focusing on smaller or selective groups. 



For example, some research has excluded centenarians living in care homes, which can skew findings. By studying a broader and more inclusive range of participants, researchers aim to uncover the factors that contribute to both extended lifespan and improved quality of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biomarkers-of-centenarians">Biomarkers of centenarians </h2>



Breaking away from small-scale studies, this recent research is the largest of its kind to date. It compares biomarker profiles between exceptionally <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/becoming-more-physically-active-could-add-11-years-to-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-lived individuals</a> and their shorter-lived peers.



The data includes information of 44,000 Swedes aged between 64-99 from the so-called Amoris cohort. Out of these people, 1,224 made it to the age of 100, and about 85% were female.



A dozen blood-based biomarkers related to inflammation, metabolism, liver and kidney function, as well as potential malnutrition and anaemia were included in the study.



The researchers found that people who reached their hundredth birthday generally had lower levels of glucose, creatinine, and uric acid after their sixties.



While centenarians and non-centenarians didn't markedly differ in median values for most biomarkers, centenarians rarely exhibited extremely high or low values.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metabolic-health-nutrition-and-longevity">Metabolic health, nutrition, and longevity </h2>



When investigating which biomarkers were linked to the likelihood of reaching 100, the researchers found that all but two (alat and albumin) of the 12 biomarkers influenced the chances of becoming a centenarian. 



For example, people with the lowest levels of total cholesterol and iron had a lower chance of reaching 100 years compared to those with higher levels.



While the differences were generally small, these findings indicate a potential relationship between metabolic health, nutrition, and exceptional longevity. 



The study doesn't suggest any specific lifestyle factors or genes responsible for these biomarker values. Yet, it is realistic to believe that elements like nutrition and alcohol intake might have some role.



While chance may play a part in reaching an exceptional age, it appears that genes and lifestyle could also be important. Therefore, keeping an eye on your kidney and liver values, as well as glucose and uric acid as you age, might be a good idea. 



After all, who wouldn't want a chance at blowing out a centenary of candles?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-facts-on-centenarians">More facts on centenarians</h2>



Centenarians credit their long lives to a few simple habits: staying positive, building strong relationships, and having a sense of purpose. 



Many stick to plant-based diets with little processed food, stay active with hobbies like gardening, and occasionally enjoy a drink.



Genetics also play a big part, helping older adults recover from illness and avoid chronic diseases. Most live healthy, active lives right up until their later years, proving that it’s not just about living longer - it’s about living well.



The study on blood biomarker profiles and exceptional longevity is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11357-023-00936-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GeoScience</a>.



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Centenarians on the rise: Living over 100 is now more common

Centenarians, once a rarity, have now become common. They are...

The Mayan civilization was among the ancient societies that transitioned smoothly to a sedentary lifestyle in harmony with their natural habitats.



New scientific research on the Maya, specifically in Belize, has brought to light some fascinating facts about the lifestyle of these people.



This tale of survival, resilience, and environmental adaptation resonates today, as we grapple with pressing environmental issues.



It reminds us that our ancestors understood the essence of responsible resource management.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-maya-s-hidden-wetland-treasure">The Maya's hidden wetland treasure</h2>



The phenomenal findings focus on the earliest known, large-scale fish-trapping facility in ancient Mesoamerica.



Nestled within the heart of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest inland wetland of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-has-darkened-coastal-waters-off-belize/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belize</a>, are fisheries canals that date back to between 2000 and 1900 years BCE.



That's a staggering thousand years older than similar facilities that have been discovered in the Amazon!



Even more impressively, this sustainable facility was in operation for centuries, and was utilized by the descendants of the original Mayan architects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-mayan-civilization-thrived">How Mayan civilization thrived</h2>



The study was authored by Dr. Eleanor Harrison-Buck, a professor of anthropology at the <a href="https://www.unh.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of New Hampshire</a>, and co-authored by Dr. Samantha M. Krause, an assistant professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Texas State University.



This novel research offers a fascinating exploration of ancient resource management and sustainability methods, and sheds light on how early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-collapse-of-mayan-civilization-was-not-caused-by-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mayan communities</a> thrived in challenging environmental conditions.



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wetlands-day-the-hidden-potential-of-tidal-landscapes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wetlands</a> have always been a critical ecosystem for humans across the globe," said Dr. Krause. "Knowing how to manage wetland resources responsibly is essential for the continued resilience of these ecosystems, both in the past and today."



"The Archaic hunter-gatherer-fishers knew how to protect their resources and use them in a way that could sustain these habitats, not exhaust them, which explains their long-lasting occupation in this area.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-modern-technology">Harnessing modern technology</h2>



The researchers used drones and satellite imagery to identify an extensive network of linear earthen channels or weirs. These were designed to redirect annual floodwaters into source ponds for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-age-art-discovery-reveals-15800-year-old-fishing-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish trapping</a>.



The clever constructions coincided with a long-term drought that hit Mesoamerica between 2200 and 1900 years BCE.



Excavations revealed a side to ancient civilizations from which modern society can indeed learn a lot.



In response to the drought, these communities intensified fish trapping and balanced it with other food sources, such as amaranth that thrives in the sandy, clay-rich soils typical of Belize's wetland-lagoon environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-a-sustainable-future">Creating a sustainable future</h2>



The hunter-gatherer-fisher groups were not only surviving but thriving during this challenging period. 



They even used controlled fire burns to encourage the annual regrowth of amaranth and other valuable plant species. 



To top it off, these controlled burns cleared away undergrowth to provide open access to fish canals and ponds while also fertilizing the fish-trapping facilities.



The data suggests that such environmental and social conditions likely supported larger social gatherings, communal feasting, and eventually the transition to permanent settlements.



So, these fish-trapping facilities, rather than maize-based agriculture, might have contributed to the emergence of Mayan population centers such as Chau Hiix, Lamanai, and Nohmul in northern Belize, and Itzamkanac and Aguada Fénix in Campeche and Tabasco, Mexico.



This intriguing research highlights how an ancient civilization balanced adaptation, innovation, and sustainability to thrive in changing climatic conditions – a lesson from which we could all learn.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-echoes-of-mayan-civilization-in-modern-practices">Echoes of Mayan civilization in modern practices</h2>



The ingenuity of ancient Mayan communities in managing wetland ecosystems offers a blueprint for modern sustainability efforts.



Their ability to adapt to environmental changes - such as prolonged droughts - while maintaining ecological balance demonstrates the potential of integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary strategies.



Today, wetlands around the world face significant threats from urbanization, pollution, and climate change. 



Yet, ancient practices like controlled burns to rejuvenate vegetation, or the creation of fish-trapping networks, can inspire solutions to protect these critical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>.



Conservationists and archaeologists alike emphasize the importance of preserving such ancient wisdom as we seek innovative ways to tackle modern environmental challenges.



The Mayan system of resource management serves as a reminder that humanity's survival hinges not only on innovation but also on respecting and working in harmony with nature - a lesson as relevant today as it was over 4,000 years ago.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq1444" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Mayan civilization may have been shaped by ingenious fisheries

The Mayan civilization was among the ancient societies that transitioned...

As climate change accelerates, it poses a serious threat to our global food supply. Scientists are raising alarms about the potentially devastating consequences. 



Without rapid changes to how we develop climate-resilient crops, we could face widespread food shortages, famine, mass migration, and global instability. 



An international team of researchers, as reported in Trends in Plant Science, calls for urgent action to avert this crisis.



"We're in a race against time," said Silvia Restrepo, president of the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) and co-author of the paper.



"The crops we depend on for food are increasingly struggling to survive extreme weather, from heat waves to droughts and floods. Meanwhile, our current approaches to developing tougher, more resilient crops simply aren't moving fast enough."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-impacting-food-supply">Climate change impacting food supply </h2>



The challenges facing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a> are more complex than ever. Crops are not only battling higher temperatures but are also dealing with more frequent pest outbreaks and diseases. 



Even when plants survive these challenges, climate change can reduce their nutritional value. 



The situation is further complicated by agriculture itself contributing to about 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions, creating a vicious cycle that accelerates climate change.



The <a href="https://btiscience.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BTI</a> researchers outline five key recommendations to tackle this urgent crisis:



<ol start="1" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Create global research initiatives that unite scientists from developed and developing nations to share resources and expertise. </li>



<li>Study plants in real-world conditions, beyond the confines of controlled laboratory environments. </li>



<li>Forge stronger partnerships between scientists and farmers to ensure practical solutions. </li>



<li>Build public trust in new crop development technologies to increase acceptance. </li>



<li>Streamline regulations&nbsp;to speed up the implementation of innovative agricultural solutions.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-funding-gaps-and-neglected-regions">Funding gaps and neglected regions</h2>



Despite the crucial role agriculture plays in human survival, only about 4% of global climate funding - roughly $35 billion annually - goes toward developing climate-resilient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-food-day-fighting-global-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food systems</a>.



What’s even more alarming is that most of this funding focuses on large-scale farming in developed nations, leaving smaller farms and developing countries behind. 



This imbalance is exacerbating both climate challenges and the global food supply crisis, leaving vulnerable regions at greater risk.



"We need to completely rethink how we approach this challenge," said study co-author Andrew Nelson, an associate professor at BTI.



"Instead of starting in the lab and hoping solutions work in the field, we should begin by understanding farmers' real-world challenges and then work backward to develop practical solutions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-resilience-through-collaboration">Building resilience through collaboration</h2>



Success will demand unprecedented collaboration among scientists, farmers, policymakers, and the public. 



It will also require making new technologies accessible to all regions, particularly in the Global South, where climate impacts are felt most severely.



This global collaboration could help prevent a worsening crisis in agriculture and improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-predict-the-chaotic-response-of-crops-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> security and nutrition worldwide.



The experts emphasize that the time for incremental changes has passed. Rapid and decisive action is required to implement their five recommendations. 



Only by building resilient agricultural systems can we hope to secure our food supply in the face of ongoing climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-summit-on-plant-resilience">International summit on plant resilience</h2>



The group of 21 co-authors from nine countries formed after the First International Summit on Plant Resilience, organized by the Plant Resilience Institute. 



The summit, held earlier this year, featured Michelle Heck as the keynote speaker. Heck, an adjunct professor at BTI and <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> and Research Molecular Biologist at USDA-ARS, spoke about her innovative research on preventing citrus greening disease.



The summit aimed to promote global collaboration by bringing together leading plant scientists from diverse disciplines. The goal? Establishing plant resilience research as a cornerstone of climate change solutions.



Another summit is already planned for 2026, signaling the importance and urgency of continued efforts to fight climate threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-our-food-supply-from-climate-change">Protecting our food supply from climate change</h2>



As climate change continues to accelerate, our food systems face an uncertain future. 



Addressing these issues will require collaboration across borders, new technology, and a fresh perspective on solving real-world agricultural problems.



The five recommendations outlined by the researchers are a roadmap that could lead to a more resilient and secure food system - but only if we act decisively.



The time for half-measures has passed; the world must come together to ensure a stable food supply for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/trends/plant-science/abstract/S1360-1385(24)00302-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trends in Plant Science</a>.



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We are in a race against time to save our food supply from climate change

As climate change accelerates, it poses a serious threat to...

In the early days of mankind, even the simplest tasks we now take for granted were hard-earned skills, sculpted over hundreds of thousands of years. From learning to make a fire to evolving complex language, these represent chapters in our evolution, much like the chimpanzee tool use that showcases early problem-solving abilities.



A recent study suggests that such fundamental abilities could have roots dating back even further, when our ancestors were still primates, swinging from trees rather than conversing over tea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-human-behaviors">Complex human behaviors</h2>



Many human behaviors are highly complex, requiring intricate sequences, such as spoken <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/similar-patterns-music-language-found-across-all-cultures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">language</a> or tool-making. 



These actions involve the ability to organize behaviors into chunks and understand relationships between different elements of a sequence, even if they are separated by other actions. 



For instance, making a cup of tea or coffee involves multiple actions that must be done in the correct order - boiling water before pouring it, for example.



These tasks require breaking down complex steps into solvable parts, and humans are adept at switching between these chunks to adjust for unexpected occurrences, such as cleaning up spilled milk before continuing. 



Until recently, it was unclear if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-pass-tool-use-skills-across-generations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-human primates</a> shared this flexible ability to organize behaviors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chimpanzees-and-tool-use">Chimpanzees and tool use</h2>



The new research was led by the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> with an international team from the UK, US, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan. 



The researchers explored whether chimpanzees, our closest relatives, display similar behavior when using tools.



The team studied wild chimpanzees in the Bossou forest, Guinea, analyzing tool use sequences captured in decades-long video footage. 



These chimpanzees were documented using hammer and anvil stones to crack hard-shelled nuts - one of the most complex forms of natural tool use in the animal kingdom.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-chimpanzee-tool-use">Observing chimpanzee tool use</h2>



The researchers recorded approximately 8,260 individual actions performed by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-are-constantly-mastering-new-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimps</a> as they cracked over 300 nuts, detailing each movement, such as grasping the nut, positioning it on the anvil, and striking with a hammer. 



Using advanced statistical models, they discovered relationships between these actions that were similar to patterns seen in human behavior. 



Specifically, half of the adult chimpanzees were shown to associate actions further along the sequence, suggesting they planned these actions rather than linking them reflexively, step by step.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flexibility-of-chimpanzee-tool-use">Flexibility of chimpanzee tool use</h2>



"The ability to flexibly organize individual actions into tool use sequences has likely been key to humans’ global success," noted Dr. Elliot Howard-Spink, the lead researcher.



"Our results suggest that the fundamental aspects of human sequential behaviours may have evolved prior to the last common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees, and then may have been further elaborated on during subsequent hominin evolution." 



Chimpanzees not only plan their tool use sequences but also adapt mid-process - such as adjusting tools or preparing multiple nuts before cracking them. This flexibility mirrors human-like problem-solving, where interruptions or adjustments are handled naturally.



Most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-feel-the-pressure-to-perform-with-an-audience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimpanzees</a> in the study organized actions into repeatable chunks, just as humans do. However, not every individual followed this pattern, suggesting that these strategies might not be universal among chimpanzees as they are for humans.



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



"There has been a renewed interest in the co-evolution of language and stone tool use in human evolution, and our study contributes to this debate," said Professor Thibaud Gruber from the <a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Geneva</a>.



"While the connection between our results and early hominin stone tool use can be made more readily, how this connects with the evolution of other complex behaviours, like language, remains an exciting avenue of future research." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-cultural-preservation">Conservation and cultural preservation</h2>



Interestingly, the findings may also influence conservation efforts. 



"There is increasing recognition that preserving cultural behaviors in wild animals - such as stone-tool use in West-African chimpanzees - should be incorporated into conservation efforts," said Professor Dora Biro from the <a href="https://www.rochester.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rochester</a>.



"Wild chimpanzees and their cultures are critically endangered, yet our work highlights how much we can yet learn from our closest relative about our own evolutionary history.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shared-abilities-across-great-apes">Shared abilities across great apes</h2>



Since many great apes engage in complex, technical foraging, this capacity for intricate behavioral sequences might be present across other ape species as well. 



More research is needed to determine whether these abilities are indeed shared among different great apes, and this is a priority for the team moving forward.



In addition, future research will focus on how chimpanzees group actions into higher-order chunks during tool use. Understanding the specific rules chimpanzees follow when organizing their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzee-cultures-are-more-complex-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behaviors</a> will shed further light on how these skills emerge and develop over time.



The study offers fresh insights into the shared evolutionary roots of complex behaviors, including language and tool use. 



By observing our closest relatives, we learn more about the fundamental skills that may have helped shape human success - long before the first words were spoken or the first tools were made.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://peerj.com/articles/18484/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PeerJ</a>.



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Chimpanzees can plan and adapt their use of tools just like humans

In the early days of mankind, even the simplest tasks...

An interesting new study has generated some unexpected results relating to how alcohol influences people's pain thresholds and the effect that this has on their subsequent behavior.



It seems that alcohol may make us less sensitive to pain and, at the same time, more aggressive towards others. This then may increase the possibility that we end up causing harm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unmasking-the-unsuspected-connection">Unmasking the unsuspected connection</h2>



The findings of this study are based on a well-established experimental design in operation since 1967.



A total of 870 volunteers who drink an average of 3-4 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-causes-women-to-consume-more-alcohol-than-intended/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alcoholic beverages</a> per occasion, at least once a month, took part in two independent laboratory experiments.



The study attracted a varied pool of participants through newspaper advertisements, which offered the added incentive of a $75 reward upon completion of the experiment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-experiment-a-tipple-for-tolerance">The experiment: A tipple for tolerance</h2>



After a thorough briefing and signing informed consent, each participant was given an indistinguishable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sugary-beverages-premature-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beverage</a>, either alcoholic or a placebo.



The drinks were cleverly designed to keep the participants in the dark about the nature of their drink. 



To maintain the illusion, placebo beverages included minute alcohol traces on top and around the rim to mimic the taste of an alcoholic concoction.



Once the drinks were downed, the researchers monitored the participant's pain threshold by administering one-second electrical shocks to their fingers, intensifying the shocks until the participant reported pain. 



This marked the participant's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-have-a-higher-pain-threshold-when-females-are-treating-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain threshold</a>, a crucial aspect of the subsequent experiment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-outcome-when-alcohol-ignites-aggression">The outcome: When alcohol ignites aggression</h2>



Following their drinks, the volunteers were involved in an online competitive reaction time task. The winner had the liberty to shock the loser, with shock intensity and duration at their discretion.



Unbeknownst to the participants, the opponent was non-existent and the results were manipulated by the researchers.



The outcome was quite telling. Those who had consumed alcohol displayed higher pain thresholds. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-pain-tolerance-and-aggression">Increased pain tolerance and aggression </h2>



More concerning, however, was the direct correlation between their increased pain tolerance and how intense and long-lasting a shock they were willing to deliver to their supposed opponent. 



This suggested a pronounced tendency towards aggressive behavior, triggered by having an increased tolerance of pain themselves.



On the contrary, participants who consumed placebo beverages exhibited less aggressive behavior, as their pain threshold was comparatively lower.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-empathy-and-more-aggression">Less empathy and more aggression</h2>



This study took place at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State University</a>. Insightful comments from co-author Professor Brad Bushman shed light on the findings.



“We’ve all heard the idiom 'I feel your pain.' But if intoxicated people can’t feel their own pain, they might be less likely to feel empathy when others feel pain, and that could lead them to be more aggressive," he explained.



Professor Bushman also noted that participants who had consumed alcohol had average blood alcohol concentrations of between 0.095% and 0.11%, just above the legal limit.



This led Bushman to suggest that the effects of alcohol on pain tolerance could potentially be exaggerated for those consuming alcohol beyond these experimental levels, making them even more susceptible to aggressive behavior.



Further research will continue to examine the myriad ways in which alcohol influences behavior, focusing specifically on the links between alcohol, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/no-pain-no-gain-physical-activity-enhances-pain-tolerance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain tolerance</a>, and ensuing aggression.



The study was a collaborative effort, with contributions from C. Nathan DeWall from the University of Kentucky and Peter Giancola, a clinical psychologist based in Montreal. 



Funding was provided by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Center for Research Resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alcohol-and-its-ripple-effect-on-aggression">Alcohol and its ripple effect on aggression</h2>



The study highlights how alcohol's ability to dull personal pain can ripple outward, influencing social interactions and behaviors. 



In settings like bars or gatherings, heightened pain tolerance paired with reduced empathy might escalate minor disputes into aggressive confrontations. 



Such insights emphasize the need for broader public awareness campaigns about alcohol's behavioral effects, and support systems for individuals prone to aggressive tendencies when intoxicated.



By understanding these mechanisms, policymakers and health professionals can design targeted interventions to address alcohol-induced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-struggle-to-predict-aggression-in-dogs-and-other-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aggression</a>, thereby reducing harm in communities and promoting safer drinking environments.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.jsad.com/doi/10.15288/jsad.24-00144" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs</a>.



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Alcohol increases pain tolerance and fuels aggression

An interesting new study has generated some unexpected results relating...

The Nebra Sky Disc, estimated to be over 3,600 years old, is a globally significant artifact that has been listed in UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” register since 2013.&nbsp;



Despite its reputation as one of the most extensively studied archaeological discoveries, the precise process used to craft this extraordinary object has remained uncertain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-intricate-manufacturing-process">An intricate manufacturing process</h2>



Previous studies based on the disc’s material composition made it clear that it could not have been cast directly in its final form. However, new metallographic analyses have revealed that its creation involved a complex hot forging method.&nbsp;



Researchers determined that producing the disc required approximately ten cycles of heating to around 700°C, forging, and annealing, a process used to relax the metal’s internal structure.



Since the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-metal-spheres-from-the-pacific-ocean-may-earths-first-alien-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artifact</a> was recovered by police and returned to Saxony-Anhalt in 2002, it has undergone numerous scientific studies. These investigations have provided valuable insights into its raw materials and even its original coloration, but the exact manufacturing process had remained elusive until now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crafting-the-nebra-sky-disc-a-technical-feat">Crafting the Nebra Sky Disc: A technical feat</h2>



Creating a bronze disc with a diameter of 31 centimeters and a thickness of only a few millimeters is no straightforward task. The most recent findings focus on the steps needed to transform a cast bronze blank into the final product.



The study was conducted by the <a href="https://www.lda-lsa.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt</a>, in collaboration with <a href="https://www.ovgu.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg</a> and <a href="https://deltasigma.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DeltaSigma Analytics GmbH</a>. 



The researchers utilized advanced metallographic techniques, including energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and light microscopy on color-etched samples. They also performed hardness tests to better understand the metal’s properties.



The team examined a small sample taken from the disc’s outer edge in 2002, which had previously been reinserted, temporarily removing it for further analysis.&nbsp;



To validate their findings, experimental trials were conducted by skilled coppersmith Herbert Bauer, who created a replica of the Sky Disc from a cast blank.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-advanced-forging-techniques">Evidence of advanced forging techniques</h2>



The analyses confirmed that the disc’s creation involved a series of carefully executed hot forging cycles. Until it reached its final dimensions, approximately ten cycles were necessary, each including heating to around 700 °C, forging and then annealing to relax the metal structure again.



Interestingly, Bauer’s experiments required significantly more forging cycles to produce the replica, suggesting that the original cast blank used for the Sky Disc was slightly larger and thinner than the one used in the replication.



“That the investigations continue to produce such fundamental new findings more than 20 years after the Sky Disc was secured not only once again demonstrates the extraordinary character of this find of the century, but also how highly developed the art of metal processing was already in the Early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bronze-age-technology-is-a-modern-solution-for-clean-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bronze Age</a>,” said State Archaeologist Harald Meller, the study’s senior author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-nebra-sky-disc-nbsp">Significance of the Nebra Sky Disc&nbsp;</h2>



The findings highlight the advanced skills of Early Bronze Age metalworkers. These artisans were not only proficient in casting but also in mastering complex forging techniques, such as hot forging.&nbsp;



Drawing on their vast expertise and skill, they were capable not only of mass-producing axes but also of crafting an exceptional artifact like the Nebra Sky Disc, which remains unparalleled even by today’s standards.



This remarkable artifact reflects a high level of technical expertise, showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of ancient craftspeople who worked with limited <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-flint-discovery-challenges-theory-of-human-cultural-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tools</a> but extraordinary skill.



“In addition, the Sky Disc shows how important it is to re-examine seemingly well-known finds when new methods become available,” Meller said.



The Nebra Sky Disc continues to provide invaluable insights into the technological and cultural achievements of the Early Bronze Age.&nbsp;



As research progresses, this extraordinary artifact reveals ever more about the ingenuity of ancient civilizations, solidifying its status as one of the most fascinating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/enduring-mystery-ai-discovers-303-more-line-drawings-carved-into-the-nazca-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">archaeological discoveries</a> of our time.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-80545-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Reports</a>.



Image Credit: Juraj Lipták, State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt



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The Nebra Sky Disc: What does it do, and how was it made?

The Nebra Sky Disc, estimated to be over 3,600 years...

One of the most enduring scientific mysteries concerns the origins of life on Earth. Researchers have often focused on the potential role of deep-sea hydrothermal vents - towering underwater structures that release a mixture of organic and inorganic materials.&nbsp;



Within the plumes of these vents are minerals known as iron sulfides, which scientists believe may have catalyzed early chemical reactions essential for life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-springs-and-the-emergence-of-life">Hot springs and the emergence of life</h2>



Interestingly, these same minerals are also found in modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-found-in-yellowstones-hot-springs-are-1-5-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hot springs</a>, such as the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park. These springs are created by groundwater heated through volcanic activity beneath the Earth's crust.



New research led by an international team of scientists and published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-54062-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a> contributes to the growing body of evidence suggesting that ancient hot springs may have played a critical role in the emergence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-life-has-inhabited-earth-since-the-very-first-cell-scientists-found-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a>. 



This work helps to reconcile competing theories about the environments where life could have first arisen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-geochemistry-to-biology">From geochemistry to biology</h2>



Carbon fixation, a fundamental process for life, involves converting carbon dioxide from the air or water into organic molecules.&nbsp;



Various life forms, including plants, bacteria, and archaea, accomplish this through distinct pathways, with photosynthesis being a well-known example.



Each carbon fixation pathway is a series of enzyme-driven reactions, some of which involve proteins with iron-sulfur cores. These iron-sulfur clusters are present in all life forms and are believed to trace back to the Last Universal Common Ancestor - a cell proposed to be the origin point for all life on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minerals-in-land-based-hot-springs-nbsp">Minerals in land-based hot springs&nbsp;</h2>



Iron sulfides, formed when dissolved iron reacts with hydrogen sulfide gas, exhibit structures remarkably similar to these iron-sulfur clusters.&nbsp;



This resemblance has led some scientists to hypothesize that iron sulfides were key in bridging the gap between Earth's geochemical conditions and biological processes.



The new research extends this understanding by exploring the chemical properties of iron sulfides in ancient land-based hot springs, which share similarities with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-hydrothermal-vents-provide-clues-about-the-origin-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea hydrothermal vents</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-early-earth-s-hot-springs">Simulating early Earth’s hot springs</h2>



To replicate early Earth’s hot spring conditions, researchers designed a custom chamber. Inside, synthesized iron sulfide samples - some pure and others mixed with common hot spring metals - were spread across the chamber.&nbsp;



A lamp simulated sunlight on Earth’s ancient surface, with varying levels of ultraviolet radiation.



Carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas, known to be important for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turning-plants-into-carbon-capture-machines-with-cyanobacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon fixation</a> in deep-sea vent experiments, were continually pumped into the chamber. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-springs-and-early-life-processes-nbsp">Hot springs and early life processes&nbsp;</h2>



The results showed that all the iron sulfide samples were capable of producing methanol, a simple organic molecule, though production levels varied.&nbsp;



These findings indicate that iron sulfides can facilitate carbon fixation in both deep-sea vents and terrestrial hot springs.



Methanol production increased when the samples were exposed to visible light and higher temperatures.&nbsp;



Additional experiments with different temperature ranges, lighting conditions, and water vapor content further demonstrated that land-based hot springs could have supported carbon fixation processes on early Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-an-ancient-pathway">Uncovering an ancient pathway</h2>



Further experiments and theoretical analyses revealed that methanol production occurred through a reaction called the reverse water-gas shift.&nbsp;



This reaction mirrors part of the acetyl-CoA (or Wood-Ljungdahl) pathway, a method used by some bacteria and archaea to convert carbon dioxide into energy-rich molecules. The acetyl-CoA pathway is thought to be one of the earliest mechanisms for carbon fixation in life.



What makes this connection fascinating is that the reverse water-gas shift takes place on dry land near hot springs, while the acetyl-CoA pathway occurs in the aqueous environment of living cells. This parallel suggests a shared origin for these processes, bridging the gap between geochemistry and biology.



The study demonstrates that methanol production could occur under a wide range of conditions similar to those found in early Earth’s hot springs.&nbsp;



These results broaden our understanding of how iron sulfides may have facilitated the chemical reactions necessary for life, both in the ocean and on land.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-life-s-origins">Implications for life’s origins</h2>



This research supports the prevailing scientific consensus that iron-sulfur clusters and the acetyl-CoA pathway are ancient and may have been crucial in the emergence of life.&nbsp;



By showing that carbon fixation is possible in both marine and terrestrial environments, the findings highlight the versatility of early chemical processes.



Whether life began at the bottom of the ocean or at the edges of hot springs on land, this study underscores the importance of iron sulfides in the origin of life.&nbsp;



The research also provides a framework for understanding how life might arise in similar conditions on other planets, offering valuable insights into the universal principles of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-about-the-origins-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life’s origins</a>.



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Hot springs may have played a key role in the emergence of life

One of the most enduring scientific mysteries concerns the origins...

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.



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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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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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

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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

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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?

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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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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

How the immune system responds to injury

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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