Quantum entanglement is a mind-boggling phenomenon in quantum mechanics that intrigues both scientists and the public alike.



Unlike the predictable nature of classical physics, quantum mechanics thrives on unpredictability, often challenging our everyday perceptions. This is particularly evident in the behavior of entangled particles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-quantum-entanglement">Understanding quantum entanglement</h2>



In quantum mechanics, particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously, a concept known as superposition. Entanglement elevates this idea: when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-laws-thermodynamics-follow-entropy-rule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles become entangled</a>, their states are interlinked.



A change in one particle's state instantly influences the other, regardless of distance—imagine two distant light bulbs flickering in sync across the cosmos.



Entanglement suggests that information can be shared instantaneously between particles, defying the notion that nothing travels faster than light.



This "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-spooky-action-at-a-distance-persists-between-top-quarks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spooky action at a distance</a>," as Albert Einstein famously termed it, prompts profound questions about the nature of space and time.



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



Measurement in quantum mechanics presents unique challenges. Observing one particle in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-dance-entangled-photons-wave-functions-captured-real-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an entangled pair</a> determines the states of both, leading to critical inquiries: What constitutes a 'measurement,' and how does it influence our understanding of reality?



The complex mathematics underpinning quantum mechanics -- incorporating concepts like Hilbert spaces, wave functions, and operators -- can be intimidating, rendering entanglement less accessible to many.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-puzzle">Fascinating puzzle</h2>



Simply put, quantum entanglement is just too complicated for most people to fully understand. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-tunneling-allow-particles-break-light-speed-barrier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">It defies classical intuitions</a>, involves sophisticated mathematics, and urges us to reevaluate our understanding of reality.



That is, until now. 



Enter Professor Carl Kocher, a pioneer of the study of quantum entanglement. He is currently a member of the <a href="https://quantumfoundry.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum Foundry</a> at University of California Santa Barbara and Professor Emeritus at <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a>.



Professor Kocher is the author of a new article in Frontiers in Quantum Science and Technology, explaining his groundbreaking 1964-67 experiments in quantum entanglement and discussing the 'paradox' of quantum entanglement.



In the following guest editorial, <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Carl-Kocher" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Kocher</a> helps us stretch our minds to understand this apparently paradoxical phenomenon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-quantum-entanglement-0">Understanding quantum entanglement</h2>



My new article, ‘<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/quantum-science-and-technology/articles/10.3389/frqst.2024.1451239/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum Entanglement of Optical Photons: The First Experiment, 1964-67</a>’, is intended to convey the spirit of a small research project that reaches into uncharted territory. 



The article breaks with tradition, as it offers a first-person account of the strategy and challenges for the experiment, as well as an interpretation of the final result and its significance. 



In this guest editorial, I will introduce the subject and also attempt to illuminate the question ‘What is a paradox?’



Let’s begin with the gyroscope that I bought when I was eight, from a store that sold novelties and magic tricks. The spinning disk, supported at one end of its shaft, did not fall, but moved slowly around in a horizontal plane. 



This behavior seems mysterious or paradoxical in the context of common experience that excludes gyroscopes, but makes complete sense in the context of Newtonian mechanics, which resolves the paradox by predicting precisely how gyroscopes will behave.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum theory</a>, conceived in the mid-1920s, has been impressively successful in accounting for the properties and interactions of atoms and molecules. 



In 1935, Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen stirred controversy with a thought experiment in which two particles of common origin move apart, noting that quantum theory predicts correlations in subsequent measurements of their spins.



The correlation may seem quite puzzling, as a measurement on one of the particles appears to influence a subsequent measurement on the other, even if the particles do not interact.



In current terminology, these correlations are an example of entanglement, and the correlation phenomenon is known as the EPR paradox.



The puzzle has become a subject for much discussion and analysis, especially because there was (and is) no known mechanism for measurements to communicate with each other.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disentangling-quantum-entanglement">Disentangling quantum entanglement</h2>



In 1964 I was intrigued by this unfamiliar effect and began to think of a way to actually perform the EPR experiment -- or at least a version of it -- for observing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">correlation and entanglement</a>. It would be a low-energy experiment that could be set up in a small laboratory.



For the experiment outlined here, the particles of interest are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-photons-used-to-measure-earth-rotation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visible-light photons</a>, which are noninteracting, emitted by excited calcium atoms in a two-stage spontaneous emission process. The polarization states of the photons, which are related to their spins, can be measured simply, with ordinary linear polarizers. 



Photomultiplier detectors count the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-dance-entangled-photons-wave-functions-captured-real-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">individual photons</a>, #1 (green) and #2 (violet), and timing circuits enable the identification of photon pairs from the same atom. A rotatable linear polarizer is mounted in front of each detector.



In simplest terms, the experiment involves counting the rate at which photon pairs are detected, as a function of the orientation of the polarizers. A photon pair detected from the same atom is recorded as a “coincidence count.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theory-and-experiment-agree">Theory and experiment agree</h2>



Quantum theory makes the following predictions:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-photons-create-vortex-when-they-collide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Each photon</a>, taken separately, has a 50% chance of being transmitted by its polarizer, regardless of its angle of orientation. </li>



<li>If the polarizer axes are parallel, both photons from the same atom can pass through their polarizers and be counted. Coincidence counts will be observed. </li>



<li>If the polarizer axes are perpendicular, it never happens that both photons pass through their polarizers. Therefore, no coincidence counts will be observed.</li>
</ol>



Predictions #1 and #2 are not surprising, as the green and violet beams of light are unpolarized.



Prediction #3, discussed further in my article, is a quantum entanglement effect with no analog in classical (non-quantum) physics. It is especially interesting because it can be tested experimentally. I designed the experiment specifically for this purpose.



The results of the experiment, after nearly three years of effort in the laboratory, clearly demonstrate that coincidence counts are recorded if the polarizer axes are parallel, and that no coincidences are recorded if the polarizers are perpendicular. The agreement between theory and experiment is unequivocal and striking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-so-is-there-a-paradox">So is there a paradox?</h2>



In our brief discussion of the gyroscope, no paradox was acknowledged because Newton’s theory (classical dynamics) fully explains how a gyroscope moves. 



Furthermore, both the theory and the observed gyroscopic behavior are compatible with our life experience and intuitive ability to grasp natural processes in the classical realm.



In the entanglement case, quantum theory accounts for the observed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-photons-fascinating-behavior-in-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">correlation of the photon polarizations</a>. But even when a theory predicts experimental results, a paradox may remain if the intuition cannot reach out to connect with it.



Take another look at predictions #1 and #3 above. If we draw on our experience of life in a non-quantum world, we may notice something very strange when the polarizers are “crossed” at 90 degrees. 



If each photon has a 50% chance of transmission through its polarizer, why don’t we get coincidences 25% of the time? Instead, we observe none at all. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stretching-the-mind-to-resolve-the-paradox">Stretching the mind to resolve the paradox</h2>



At first consideration, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">does seem to qualify as a paradox</a>. One possible explanation could involve a missing component of quantum theory - perhaps a causal mechanism that could allow one photon, or one measurement, to communicate with the other. 



However, despite extensive research, no evidence has been found for such a mechanism.



As we do not live in an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-quantum-revolution-will-impact-all-aspects-of-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overtly quantum world</a>, classical phenomena may influence our thought processes - even when we venture into the quantum realm. It may therefore remain a challenge to assimilate entanglement into the intuition.



I believe that the paradox can be at least partially resolved when further thought and experience, such as the experiment considered here, ‘stretch the mind’ to more fully embrace entanglement and other quantum phenomena.



I have come to view these aspects of nature as ‘strangely wonderful’.



The full paper and study can we read at <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/quantum-science-and-technology/articles/10.3389/frqst.2024.1451239/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Quantum Science and Technology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Quantum entanglement: A simple way to fully grasp this 'impossible' concept

Quantum entanglement is a mind-boggling phenomenon in quantum mechanics that intrigues both scientists and the public alike. Unlike the predictable nature of classical physics, quantum mechanics thrives on unpredictability, often challenging our everyday perceptions. This is particularly evident in the behavior of entangled particles. Understanding quantum entanglement In quantum mechanics, particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously, a concept known as superposition. Entanglement elevates this idea: when particles become entangled, their states are interlinked. A change in one particle's state instantly influences the other, regardless of distance—imagine...

Once purely the stuff of science fiction, we are steadily realizing that our primate cousins, the chimpanzees, have been quietly upgrading their technology tools. 



They have been doing so for thousands of years, and it seems their progress is fueled by the exchange of ideas through migrations among different populations. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-of-tool-use-in-chimpanzees">Art of tool use in chimpanzees</h2>



While chimpanzees might not develop smartphones or launch spaceships anytime soon, they have been exhibiting an intriguing trend. 



Gradually, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzee-cultures-are-more-complex-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimps</a> are enhancing their tool-using prowess, a process that has transpired over epochs - quite similar to us humans. 



In fact, the study proposes the idea that our distant ape ancestors also utilized the power of social networks to better their technologies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-amazing-chimpanzee-realm">The amazing chimpanzee realm</h2>



The scientists were enthralled by the observation that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-feel-the-pressure-to-perform-with-an-audience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimps</a> have a knack for performing complex tasks such as tool use and then passing these skills onto the next generation. Now, that's quite a feat for a creature that many still consider to be "less evolved."



But here's the twist. Despite us humans progressing from stone tools to space shuttles, the chimp "culture" - defined as socially learned behaviors - appeared somewhat stuck in time.



And this is precisely what Cassandra Gunasekaram, a doctoral student at the University of Zurich, decided to question.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chimpanzees-use-connections-to-upgrade-tools">Chimpanzees use connections to upgrade tools</h2>



The researchers combined genetic data from historic chimpanzee migrations across Africa with observations of 15 unique foraging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-use-rapid-gestures-in-conversations-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behaviors</a> across various populations and sub-groups.



The behaviors were segmented into three categories: those requiring no tools, those needing simple tools, and those involving complex toolsets.



The researchers were particularly impressed by the Congo chimps' remarkable toolset use, where they utilized a sturdy stick to bore a tunnel into the ground to reach termite nests. 



Then, with a plant stem modified into a brush by chewing, they would "fish" for termites in the tunnel they created.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-catalysts-for-enhanced-tool-use">Catalysts for enhanced tool use</h2>



The study unveiled that advanced tool use was significantly linked to populations connected by genetic exchanges over the last 5,000–15,000 years. 



This stirred the idea that such behaviors proliferated when groups interacted. The most complex tool use was observed where three subspecies overlapped, demonstrating how inter-group relations enrich cultural knowledge.



On the other hand, simpler behaviors, such as foraging without tools, appear less associated with migration and likely evolved autonomously in different regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-chimpanzees-and-tool-evolution">Humans, chimpanzees, and tool evolution</h2>



Gunasekaram hammers home how this mirrors our own species' journey wherein the exchange of ideas and incremental innovation have been pivotal to our technological leaps - right from the humble abacus to the modern smartphone.



"They've become so complex that one person alone could not reinvent them from scratch," Gunasekaram said.



Yet, unlike humans, chimps have sparse chances to meet new individuals and ideas. This is mainly because migrations unfold slowly, propelled by sexually mature females relocating to new communities to evade inbreeding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-the-challenges">Overcoming the challenges</h2>



Turning to ancient genetic flows analysis helped the research team tackle one of the largest hurdles in studying the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-continue-learning-as-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimpanzee</a> culture: the limited observation window. 



This historical data was important considering that we have been scientifically studying the species for only around a century.



Moreover, as Gunasekaram pinpointed, chimpanzee tools consist of perishable materials like sticks and stems, making it nearly impossible to track how their artifacts have evolved over time.



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



So, are we anticipating chimps matching human ingenuity? Highly unlikely. But given enough time, they could potentially become more efficient foragers.



Already, some populations show advancements in cracking nuts with stone-made hammers and anvils. One group has even invented a stabilizer for the anvil, according to Gunasekaram.



Indeed, this research reveals that chimpanzees' tool-using capabilities embody a form of "culture" - one that is dynamic, adaptable, and, most importantly, unique to separate communities.



Who knows what other surprises our primate counterparts might have in store as they continue to evolve through the ebbs and flows of time?



The study titled "Population connectivity shapes the distribution and complexity of chimpanzee cumulative culture" is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk3381" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Chimpanzees are constantly mastering new tools

Once purely the stuff of science fiction, we are steadily...

In the midst of our busy lives, those seemingly insignificant everyday experiences - like booking a flight home for Thanksgiving or writing a thank-you note - may feel less meaningful.



But according to Erin Westgate, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Florida, these experiences carry more value than we attribute them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-purpose-behind-the-research">Purpose behind the research</h2>



Alongside her team at the <a href="https://socialcognition.psych.ufl.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Social Cognition and Emotion Lab</a>, Westgate recently secured a grant from the National Science Foundation.



The researchers intended to examine why people underestimate the significance of future life <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/facial-expressions-arent-enough-to-understand-human-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experiences</a>. The spark for this exploration ignited during Westgate's school days.



“This started a long time ago when I was in grad school where I was talking to another student who asked me if we know how meaningful events will be in the future,” Westgate said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meaningful-experience-of-thanksgiving">Meaningful experience of Thanksgiving</h2>



The question prompted an interesting study involving <a href="https://www.virginia.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia</a> undergraduates. The students were asked about their expectations of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday's meaningfulness and their thoughts afterward. 



“Surely people know how significant Thanksgiving will be, right? It’s the poster child for gratitude and meaning,” Westgate said.



Much to Westgate's surprise, the students extensively misjudged their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-media-likes-have-a-strong-emotional-effect-on-young-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feelings</a> about the holiday.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-missing-out-on-meaningful-experiences">Missing out on meaningful experiences </h2>



Fast forward to the pandemic-ridden 2020. Westgate revisited her initial findings, asking, “We found it once, but can we find it again?”



With a larger sample of University of Florida undergraduates, the results echoed the first study. People chronically underestimated the value of their Thanksgiving holiday.



“We want to live meaningful lives, we want to do meaningful things and so if we are not realizing that an experience is going to be meaningful, we may be less likely to do it and miss out on these potential sources of meaning in our own lives,” Westgate said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decision-factors-in-meaningful-experiences">Decision factors in meaningful experiences</h2>



The research indicated a key factor in decision-making - anticipated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-emotions-linked-to-unique-brain-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feelings</a>.



Whether it's a life-altering decision like a career choice or a family start, or a minor one like attending a holiday event, our decisions lean towards promoting a sense of purpose and fulfillment.



Over the course of a three-year study, Westgate aims to condense the reasons behind our underestimation of experiences - from our career choices to the seemingly mundane task of writing thank-you notes.



The research considers both positive and negative experiences, including the acceptance or rejection of medical school applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-sense-of-events">Making sense of events</h2>



The study also explores personal growth experiences that entail discomfort, leading to avoiding certain decisions out of fear.



Still, these very decisions could play an instrumental role in developing resilience and yielding deep satisfaction.



“We don’t make sense of events until they actually happen. We don’t process events until we need to, when they actually happen and not before,” said Westgate. Jumping the gun might lead us to underestimate the potential meaning of certain events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeking-solutions-for-underestimation">Seeking solutions for underestimation</h2>



The research aims to go beyond merely identifying problems; it seeks actionable solutions. Many of us often overlook the true value of meaningful experiences. 



This oversight can lead to a less fulfilling life, as we fail to appreciate the depth and significance of our everyday moments. By delving into the reasons behind this underestimation, Westgate’s work strives to illuminate the cognitive biases and misconceptions that cloud our perception of meaning.



Understanding the root of these misconceptions is crucial. It involves exploring psychological patterns and societal influences that lead individuals to undervalue their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotional-intelligence-may-be-secret-to-academic-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experiences</a>. 



By identifying these patterns, the research can offer strategies to shift our perspectives and encourage a deeper appreciation of our lives. This shift could not only enhance individual well-being but also promote a more profound connection with others and the world around us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-meaningful-experiences-in-daily-life">Harnessing meaningful experiences in daily life</h2>



The findings suggest that by becoming more aware of our tendency to underestimate the meaningfulness of experiences, individuals can purposefully cultivate more fulfilling daily lives.



Simple changes, such as being more present in the moment, keeping a gratitude journal, or actively reflecting on past experiences, can enhance appreciation for life's ordinary events. 



These practices can help individuals recognize the intrinsic value in seemingly minor experiences, thereby enriching personal happiness and well-being.



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



The research carries significant implications for psychological interventions aiming to promote mental well-being. Interventions could focus on enhancing awareness of meaningful experiences and encouraging individuals to engage in activities that nurture a sense of purpose.



By integrating these insights into therapy and counseling, mental health practitioners can better support clients in recognizing and capitalizing on the meaningful dimensions of their lives, potentially improving mental resilience and overall life satisfaction.



“Sometimes we go into a project, and we know what we are going to find. This is one of those projects that surprised us,” concluded Westgate.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

We often undervalue the most meaningful experiences in life

In the midst of our busy lives, those seemingly insignificant...

A recent fossil discovery may revolutionize our understanding of bird brain evolution, shedding light on how the intelligence of modern birds developed.&nbsp;



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County have identified a remarkably well-preserved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/terror-bird-phorusrhacid-discovery-was-largest-meat-eating-bird-of-its-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> fossil from the Mesozoic Era, approximately 80 million years old, named Navaornis hestiae.&nbsp;



This ancient bird’s complete skull, roughly the size of a starling’s, was found in Brazil and offers a rare and detailed glimpse into the brains of early avian species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timeline-of-bird-brain-evolution">Timeline of bird brain evolution</h2>



Scientists believe that Navaornis hestiae could serve as a kind of “Rosetta Stone” for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-birds-brains-evolved-to-enable-them-to-fly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avian brain evolution</a>.&nbsp;



The fossilized skull bridges a 70-million-year gap in the evolutionary timeline between the 150-million-year-old Archaeopteryx, one of the earliest bird-like dinosaurs, and today’s birds.&nbsp;



Its well-preserved structure has enabled researchers to digitally reconstruct the brain and understand the evolutionary steps leading to the unique cognitive abilities of modern birds.



“The brain structure of Navaornis is almost exactly intermediate between Archaeopteryx and modern birds,” said co-lead author Guillermo Navalón from Cambridge’s Department of Earth Sciences. “It was one of these moments in which the missing piece fits absolutely perfectly.”&nbsp;



The skull’s preservation allowed for advanced micro-CT scanning, revealing a brain structure that suggests it had a larger cerebrum than Archaeopteryx, hinting at advanced cognitive functions not yet seen in other ancient bird-like dinosaurs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-cognitive-evolution">Insights into cognitive evolution</h2>



While Navaornis was equipped with a more developed cerebrum, its cerebellum - a critical area for flight control in modern birds - was less evolved, indicating that its flight capabilities may have been simpler.&nbsp;



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/modern-bird-feathers-contain-traces-of-dinosaur-feathers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Modern birds</a> have some of the most advanced cognitive capabilities in the animal kingdom, comparable only with mammals,” said senior author Daniel Field, a paleontologist at Cambridge.&nbsp;



But understanding how and when these traits evolved has been elusive until now.&nbsp;



The fossil offers direct insight into an important transitional phase for bird cognition, suggesting that Navaornis might have been capable of complex behaviors like finding food, shelter, or even engaging in elaborate social interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abilities-of-opposite-birds">Abilities of “opposite birds”</h2>



Though Navaornis has some similarities to modern birds, it belongs to a group called enantiornithines, or “opposite birds,” which diverged from modern avians more than 130 million years ago.&nbsp;



Enantiornithines had developed feathers and could likely fly, but they lacked some of the brain features essential for the precise flight control seen in living birds.&nbsp;



“This discovery shows that some of the birds flying over the heads of dinosaurs already had a fully modern skull geometry more than 80 million years ago,” said lead author Luis Chiappe from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.&nbsp;&nbsp;



But the brain anatomy of Navaornis raises new questions about how opposite birds achieved flight without the advanced cerebellar structures seen in contemporary birds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-perfectly-preserved-fossil">A perfectly preserved fossil</h2>



Navaornis was discovered by William Nava, director of the Museum of Paleontology in Marília, Brazil, at a site that tens of millions of years ago likely consisted of slow-moving creeks, creating the ideal conditions for fossil preservation.&nbsp;



This discovery marks the fourth major Mesozoic bird fossil identified by Field’s team, following Ichthyornis, Asteriornis (also called the “Wonderchicken”), and Janavis.&nbsp;



Each of these fossils has been pivotal in helping to reconstruct the evolutionary path of birds, the most diverse group of living vertebrate animals.



Navalón, who co-led the study, expressed awe at the specimen’s remarkable state: “This fossil is truly so one-of-a-kind that I was awestruck from the moment I first saw it to the moment I finished assembling all the skull bones and the brain.”&nbsp;



The research team hopes that this fossil’s exceptional quality is just the beginning; additional findings at this Brazilian site could yield even more insights into avian evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-our-understanding-of-bird-cognition">Advancing our understanding of bird cognition</h2>



“This might be just one fossil, but it’s a key piece in the puzzle of bird brain evolution,” Field said.&nbsp;



With the findings on Navaornis, researchers now have a clearer picture of the evolutionary transitions that led from early bird-like dinosaurs to today’s intelligent avian species, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crows-hold-grudges-for-up-to-17-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crows</a> and parrots.&nbsp;



Still, the discovery is just a first step. Future studies will focus on understanding Navaornis’s behavior and interaction with its environment, aiming to answer broader questions about how bird cognition has developed over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-early-era-in-bird-evolution">An early era in bird evolution</h2>



The team’s ongoing research on Mesozoic bird fossils combined with advanced imaging techniques is providing an unprecedented view of the evolutionary leaps in bird anatomy and cognition.&nbsp;



The next steps include investigating how Navaornis and its contemporaries adapted to their surroundings and exploring whether their evolving brain structures offered an advantage in survival and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-social-networks-greatly-influence-their-food-choices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social behavior</a>.



This discovery stands as a significant milestone in the field, offering a unique window into an era when birds were just beginning to develop the traits that would eventually make them some of the most cognitively advanced animals on Earth.&nbsp;



With continued research, Navaornis hestiae may reveal even more about the mysteries of bird brain evolution, helping scientists piece together the fascinating journey from ancient feathered dinosaurs to the vibrant bird species we see today.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08114-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



Image Credit: Júlia d’Oliveira



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Bird brains: Fossil reveals roots of avian intelligence

A recent fossil discovery may revolutionize our understanding of bird...

Welcome to a world where climate change adaptation isn't just about doomsday scenarios and mitigations. 



Rather, it's a world where we utilize our creativity, envision future possibilities, and work towards desirable and resilient outcomes. 



This concept has been echoed by ten pioneering scientists in an article published in one of the prestigious Nature Partner Journals.



"We scientists should not merely outline doomsday scenarios, but create a vision for people to believe in and work towards," said Professor Chris Zevenbergen from <a href="https://www.tudelft.nl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delft University of Technology</a>, one of the study's lead authors.



This radical shift of focus is a potential game-changer, particularly for the vulnerable urban river deltas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-climate-challenges-into-opportunities">Turning climate challenges into opportunities</h2>



Urban river deltas - regions of immense social and economic significance - are at the mercy of the escalating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-crisis-global-supply-chains-face-25-trillion-in-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate crisis</a>. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and soil subsidence pose constant threats.



While affluent regions like the Netherlands grapple with escalating costs and complexity to overhaul existing systems, deltas in low- and middle-income countries also wrestle with rapid urbanization and scarce resources.



Traditional mitigation models seem inadequate to furnish these deltas for an uncertain future. 



The solution, as Zevenbergen suggests, lies in evolving more flexible approaches and using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-technology-can-visually-depict-what-we-are-imagining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">imagination</a> and "design-based research."



"Ask the wider society: what do we want our country to look like in 100 years? What do we really care about? And then visualize possible futures," suggests Zevenberger.



This stimulates civic engagement and makes climate adaptation both tangible and motivating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-netherlands-as-a-role-model">The Netherlands as a role model</h2>



What if we could draw lessons from successful models? 



The Netherlands, as the authors noted, could serve as an exemplary model for deltas worldwide.



The country's "Delta Works," a visionary program designed by Johan van Veen, stands as an example of future-facing vision and deep understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-production-affects-earths-natural-processes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural processes</a>.



"Johan van Veen did not think in years, but in generations; he had deep knowledge of natural processes; and he had an appealing vision for the future," explained Zevenbergen.



This understanding of the dynamic natural processes, coupled with long-term thinking, can be a compelling force for positive change.



The authors, however, caution that these efforts should be seen as a step in the process, and not a permanent solution.



They urge us to adapt, envision, and innovate continually, using the power of design and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-climate-adaptation-lacks-coordination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">imagination</a> to shape our coasts and our future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-integration-of-imagination-in-climate-adaptation">Integration of imagination in climate adaptation </h2>



The capacity to imagine and create should become integral to delta management. 



Scientists must interweave imagination and interdisciplinary approaches with climate adaptation research.



Policymakers are encouraged to invest in vision and creative research, as these aspirational plans could translate into a significant economic impact when put into practice.



The role of education is equally crucial. Universities should cultivate creativity and nurture "design thinking" among students, empowering them to conceive and realize visionary solutions for the future.



"We want students with the ability to create and the motivation to realise visions of the future: who seek large-scale and unique solutions," said Zevenbergen.



This thought-provoking article by the ten scientists working at Delft University of Technology challenges us to reimagine our approach towards climate change adaptation. 



The power to reshape the future, it appears, lies just as much in our minds and our creative capacities as it does in the physical measures we take.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empowering-communities-to-shape-climate-resilience">Empowering communities to shape climate resilience</h2>



While scientists, policymakers, and educators play critical roles in climate adaptation, active participation by local communities cannot be overlooked.



Engaging the people most affected by climate change is essential for creating effective and inclusive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-based-climate-solutions-are-now-more-critical-than-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solutions</a>. 



Communities living in urban river deltas often possess deep, lived knowledge of their environments, which can guide more culturally relevant and practical designs.



Participatory workshops, citizen science initiatives, and co-design projects are powerful tools for bridging the gap between experts and the public. 



These approaches build trust and empower residents to take ownership of climate adaptation strategies.



For instance, in regions like Bangladesh's Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, local input has been instrumental in developing adaptive strategies that integrate traditional knowledge with modern innovation.



By embedding community-driven processes into delta management, societies can craft solutions that are both visionary and grounded in reality, ensuring that resilience is not just a scientific ambition but a shared societal goal.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44183-024-00094-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Ocean Sustainability.</a>



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

The power of imagination in climate change adaptation

Welcome to a world where climate change adaptation isn't just...

A new study suggests that individual cells might be capable of learning -- a behavior once thought exclusive to organisms with brains and complex nervous systems. 



“Rather than following pre-programmed genetic instructions, cells are elevated to entities equipped with a very basic form of decision making based on learning from their environments,” explained study co-author Jeremy Gunawardena.



The research, led by scientists at the Center for Genomic Regulation (<a href="https://www.crg.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRG</a>) in Barcelona and <a href="https://hms.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Medical School</a> in Boston, challenges long-standing assumptions about the fundamental capabilities of cells.



The findings, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.10.041" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>, could transform our understanding of life at its most basic level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-without-a-brain">Learning without a brain</h2>



The researchers focused on habituation, a simple form of learning where an organism gradually stops responding to a repeated stimulus -- like how humans tune out the ticking of a clock or flashing lights. 



While habituation has been extensively studied in animals with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-black-widow-venom-attacks-the-nervous-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nervous systems</a>, whether similar behavior exists at the cellular level has been a contentious question.



Early experiments in the 20th century observed behavior resembling learning in the single-celled ciliate Stentor roeselii, but the findings were largely dismissed. 



In the 1970s and 1980s, more evidence of habituation emerged in other ciliates, and modern experiments have continued to build on these insights.



“These creatures are so different from animals with brains,” said Rosa Martinez, a co-author of the study and researcher at the CRG.



“To learn would mean they use internal molecular networks that somehow perform functions similar to those carried out by networks of neurons in brains. Nobody knows how they are able to do this, so we thought it is a question that needed to be explored.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-cellular-learning">Decoding cellular "learning"</h2>



Instead of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-cells-capable-of-photosynthesis-created-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">working with cells</a> directly in the lab, the researchers turned to computer simulations to track the biochemical reactions that cells rely on to process information. 



By simulating how molecular interactions change when exposed to repeated stimuli, the team uncovered evidence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-our-brains-neurons-make-and-retrieve-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a>-like behavior.



The study focused on two common molecular circuits: negative feedback loops and incoherent feedforward loops.&nbsp;



Negative feedback is like a thermostat -- it regulates processes by turning them off when a certain threshold is reached. 



Incoherent feedforward loops act like a motion-activated light with a timer, triggering a process and its inhibitor simultaneously.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memories-formed-at-the-cellular-level">Memories formed at the cellular level</h2>



Simulations revealed that cells use these circuits to fine-tune their responses to repeated stimuli, replicating hallmark features of habituation seen in animals.&nbsp;



A critical discovery was the role of “timescale separation,” where some biochemical reactions occur much faster than others.



“We think this could be a type of ‘memory’ at the cellular level, enabling cells to both react immediately and influence a future response,” Martinez explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-neuroscience-and-cognitive-science">Bridging neuroscience and cognitive science</h2>



The findings also offer new insights into a long-standing debate between neuroscientists and cognitive researchers about habituation.&nbsp;



Neuroscientists argue that stronger habituation occurs with more frequent or less intense stimuli, while cognitive scientists emphasize internal changes, finding habituation stronger with less frequent or more intense stimuli.



The study showed that both perspectives are valid. During habituation, cells respond less to frequent or weak stimuli, but after habituation, their response to similar stimuli is stronger.&nbsp;



“Neuroscientists and cognitive scientists have been studying processes which are basically two sides of the same coin,” Gunawardena said. “We believe that single cells could emerge as a powerful tool to study the fundamentals of learning.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-cells-to-learn-and-remember">How cells to learn and remember </h2>



If confirmed through real-world experiments, these findings could have profound implications.&nbsp;



The ability of cells to “remember” might explain phenomena like cancer cells developing resistance to chemotherapy or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-have-been-found-in-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> becoming resistant to antibiotics. 



Both involve cells appearing to “learn” from their environment to survive.



The researchers used mathematical models to test various scenarios quickly, identifying those worth exploring in laboratory settings. 



This approach could save time and resources while accelerating discoveries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-computational-approach-to-biology">Computational approach to biology</h2>



“The moonshot in computational biology is to make life as programmable as a computer, but lab experiments can be costly and time-consuming,” Martinez said.&nbsp;



Her team works at the <a href="https://barcelonacollaboratorium.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona Collaboratorium</a>, a joint initiative designed to use mathematical modeling to tackle big biological questions.



“Our approach can help us prioritize which experiments are most likely to yield valuable results, saving time and resources and leading to new breakthroughs,” noted Martinez. “We think it can be useful to address many other fundamental questions.”



This research marks a significant step toward understanding learning and memory at the cellular level, potentially reshaping our view of what individual cells are capable of and opening new doors for medical and scientific exploration.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Individual cells throughout the human body can "learn" like brains

A new study suggests that individual cells might be capable...

Ever wondered how the giants of the sea perceive the world around them? How do creatures like whales react to the symphony of sounds in their aquatic realm? 



Well, an international team of marine biologists has rolled up its sleeves to find answers to these intriguing questions. 



In a pioneering study that's making waves, marine biologists from Norway, the U.S., and Denmark conducted the first-ever hearing test on live baleen whales.



The researchers' motivation? An acute concern about the increasing noise pollution in our oceans and its impact on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-helps-humans-have-20-minute-conversation-with-humpback-whale-named-twain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea-dwelling fauna</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whales-reacting-to-different-sounds">Whales reacting to different sounds</h2>



The research team leading this innovative study devised a novel method to test the hearing abilities of two wild baleen whales by recording their brain waves.



They selected minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) as the first test subjects due to their relative compactness compared to other whales. The scientists charted their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ship-routes-overlap-with-92-of-whale-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">swimming routes</a> through a slim channel nestled between two islands off Norway's coast.



The team set up netted barriers near the area, which guided the whales into a small holding pen. Upon successful capture, the researchers - with a swift pull of the net placed beneath the whales - brought the giants to the surface.



The scientists attached gold-plated electrodes onto their skin. These electrodes recorded the whales' brain waves in response to different sounds played out from nearby speakers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-series-of-unprecedented-discoveries">Series of unprecedented discoveries</h2>



This unusual procedure marked the first such successful examination of its kind ever attempted.



It was assumed that the whales would respond to low-frequency sounds, based on prior research that studied the ear structure of deceased whales. As anticipated, the whales did respond to these sounds, but the scientists found that the whales also heard sounds of much higher frequencies too. 



They responded to sounds in the 45 to 90 kHz range as well, which is well above the frequency of the sounds they make themselves. 



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



This revelation implies that marine scientists worldwide might need to revisit earlier work that aimed to understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-whales-continue-their-battle-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a> react to sonar, underwater echo sounders, and other noises from seafaring vessels.



It could also spark new research avenues on how baleen whales shield themselves from their natural predators, the killer whales.



The findings from this study have far-reaching implications for conservation strategies targeting marine life, particularly baleen whales. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-noise-pollution">Impacts of noise pollution</h2>



Understanding that whales can hear a broader range of frequencies, including ultrasonic sounds, suggests that they may be more vulnerable to anthropogenic noise than previously assumed. 



This revelation necessitates a recalibration of environmental policies and protective measures designed to mitigate the impact of ocean noise pollution. 



Conservationists can leverage these insights to implement stricter maritime noise regulations and advocate for quieter shipping practices, which could reduce the stress whales experience in increasingly noisy oceans.



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



The pioneering nature of this study from the <a href="https://nmmf.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Marine Mammal Foundation</a>, San Diego, opens up numerous possibilities for future research in marine science. Scientists are now challenged to explore how the presence of ultrasonic sounds influences whale behavior and communication.



Additionally, further investigation into the auditory capabilities of different whale species could yield new data on their adaptation mechanisms. Researchers might also consider expanding this method to study other large marine animals that are potentially affected by noise pollution.



Ultimately, these efforts could refine our understanding of marine ecosystems, leading to more effective conservation initiatives and fostering coexistence between human activities and oceanic life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sounds-from-human-activities">Sounds from human activities </h2>



Research like this, as intriguing as it is, sheds light on how human activities, even those we may perceive as inconsequential "noises," can adversely affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-move-into-dangerous-territory-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a>.



It's a sobering reminder of our responsibility as inhabitants of this planet. Indeed, the health of our oceans is a clear reflection of our conduct as its primary custodians.



Who knew a study on the hearing capabilities of whales would prompt such profound contemplation? That's the beauty of science, ever-evolving, constantly surprising. 



So, as we marvel at the minke whales' superpower today, who knows, tomorrow might bring about more exciting revelations from the depths of our oceans.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado7580" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Whales may have ultrasonic hearing as a form of defense

Ever wondered how the giants of the sea perceive the...

Few sights can be as awe-inspiring as New Zealand's legendary "walking tree," a towering ancient giant that stands like a sentinel from a fantasy world.



This extraordinary tree remains unmatched, as though it has stepped right out of the imagination of J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-champion-of-the-forest">Champion of the forest</h2>



The "walking tree" is no ordinary one. It recently won the title of New Zealand's Tree of the Year with ease, claiming 42% of the public vote and leaving five other finalists behind. The contest was organized by the <a href="https://www.nzarb.org.nz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Zealand Arboricultural Association</a>.



The tree that seems to be on a stroll is not just unique in its appearance; it carries a rich legacy that stretches back centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-of-the-walking-tree">Journey of the walking tree</h2>



The tree - a northern rātā (Metrosideros robusta) - has its roots on the west coast of South Island, near Karamea.



Reaching heights of up to 105 feet (equal to a seven-story building), it exists as a remarkable symbol of nature's ingenuity and endurance. The tree stands by a cemetery, the lone survivor of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest</a> that was cleared about 150 years ago.



Brad Cadwallader, organizer of the Tree of the Year competition, told Radio New Zealand that during the voting, the walking tree "strode out into the lead right from the very start."



"The farming family back then clearly thought it was special because they left it," noted Cadwallader.



This tree has been described as an "exceptional feature" and a "prime example of the remarkable trees that we, as New Zealanders, are fortunate to experience," said NZ Arb president Richie Hill in a statement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tale-of-growth-and-survival">A tale of growth and survival</h2>



Northern rātā trees are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epiphytes-are-increasingly-threatened-by-forest-disturbances/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epiphytes</a>, a type of tree that starts growing on the surface of a host tree before growing aerial roots that reach to the ground.



This walking tree likely lived, initially, high up in the canopy of its host, surviving on air and rainwater before it finally grounded itself.



Its unusual root layout is probably due to how it grew around its host tree, which probably died off centuries ago.



“That <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=host%20tree&amp;start=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">host tree</a> has now gone," said Cadwallader. "Maybe the tree was either very, very big, or there may have been another tree that fell and lent against the host tree, and that's why the roots have split near the ground and given it that walking appearance.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plight-of-the-northern-rata">Plight of the northern rātā</h2>



Unfortunately, the majestic northern rātā is under significant threat. Once common in New Zealand's forests, these trees are now listed as nationally vulnerable.



Multiple factors, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a> and the invasive common brushtail possums, which wreak havoc by devouring the leaves and gnawing at the roots, pose significant threats.



The trees face danger from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scrub-mint-almost-extinct-lived-earth-millions-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hybridization</a> with the closely related pōhutukawa trees. They are also susceptible to myrtle rust, a pathogenic fungus that is native to South America but was detected in New Zealand for the first time in 2017.



As we appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the "walking tree," it’s crucial to take note of the environmental challenges these giants face. Although the trees are evidence of nature's resilience, they also serve as a stark reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-and-ecological-legacy-of-the-walking-tree">Cultural and ecological legacy of the walking tree</h2>



The walking tree is more than just a botanical marvel; it serves as a living emblem of New Zealand's deep connection to its natural world.



For the indigenous Māori people, trees like the northern rātā are taonga, or treasures, woven into cultural myths, rituals, and traditions.



The rātā, with its crimson flowers, is often associated with strength, endurance, and renewal - qualities that are certainly epitomized by this lone survivor near Karamea.



Ecologically, the northern rātā plays a critical role in its environment. Its towering canopy provides shelter and sustenance for native birds like the tūī and kererū, while its roots stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.



The walking tree, standing alone and surrounded by cleared land, reminds us of what has been lost - and what still needs to be preserved.



As New Zealanders rally around this extraordinary tree, it becomes a symbol of hope and a call to action for conservation efforts. 



Protecting such iconic species ensures that future generations will not only learn about them in stories but also experience their majesty firsthand.



Image Credit: Gareth Andrews



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

New Zealand’s 'walking tree': The final remains of a lost forest

Few sights can be as awe-inspiring as New Zealand's legendary...

Corals act more like us humans than one might think. These aquatic structures host an array of marine life while also depending on their microenvironment to survive and grow. Just like humans take multivitamins to stay healthy, corals rely on essential nutrients to thrive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multivitamins-for-corals">Multivitamins for corals</h2>



Enter the researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). They've been busy in the lab, testing an innovative concept: nutrient-infused tiles aimed at supercharging the immune system of corals. It's like a daily multivitamin, but for corals. 



The goal? They aim to prevent coral bleaching, and to help corals to weather the stress of shifting ocean temperatures and to bounce back from harsh climate events such as hurricanes.



"We are studying how corals react when grown on substrates that have been infused with essential metal micronutrients, like manganese, zinc, and iron," explained Colleen Hansel, a senior scientist and marine chemist at <a href="https://www.whoi.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHOI</a>.



There's an urgency to this work, as rapidly warming waters and an active hurricane season make field trials difficult.



However, hope is not lost. Preliminary data harvested from a year’s worth of lab experiments suggests that corals which received a nutrient boost early on were more resilient and resistant to heat stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-reef-brought-to-life">A reef brought to life</h2>



Armed with this data, the team's next plan is to take these nutrient-infused tiles and embed them in an artificial reef. 



Designed by experts at the University of the Virgin Islands (<a href="https://www.uvi.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UVI</a>), this 20 sq. meter (216 sq. ft.) concrete setup will offer a safe home to juvenile corals that need multivitamins.



It also doubles as a settling spot for coral larvae, while the nutrient-rich tiles ensure vitamins are dispersed into the surrounding waters. This not only promotes coral growth, but also prepares them for environmental stressors.



"The artificial reef we're building is going in next to a natural reef that has been severely impacted by marine heat waves and extreme storm events," explained Marilyn Brandt, a coral disease ecologist at the UVI.



This man-made marvel won't just fend off storm surges and erosion, it will also create a habitat for corals struggling to adapt to climate change effects. The ultimate goal of the reef's establishment is to help restore the natural reefs in the area.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-corals-and-multivitamin-tiles">Monitoring corals and multivitamin tiles</h2>



To ensure the ongoing success of this cutting-edge approach, continuous monitoring and adaptation are integral. Scientists plan to deploy advanced monitoring systems that will track <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-barrier-reef-is-on-the-brink-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral health</a> metrics in real-time. 



This will include assessments of coral growth rates, color changes indicative of stress, and local water conditions. Such data will allow researchers to alter their strategies promptly, adjusting nutrient concentrations or tile placements as necessary to optimize coral resilience.



A dynamic interplay between technology and ecological understanding will ultimately support these living structures in adapting to ever-changing marine environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-engagement-and-education">Community engagement and education</h2>



Beyond laboratory experiments and scientific endeavors, community engagement plays a pivotal role in coral conservation. Educational initiatives aim to involve local communities and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/60-percent-global-coral-reefs-face-bleaching-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raise awareness</a> about the importance of coral ecosystems. 



Workshops, seminars, and hands-on restoration activities promote a sense of stewardship among residents and visitors alike. By incorporating traditional knowledge and local insights, these programs ensure a holistic approach to coral reef preservation.



As communities learn and participate in restoration efforts, they contribute to a sustainable model that may serve as a blueprint for similar conservation projects globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-the-ecosystem">Balancing the ecosystem</h2>



Of course, in the grand scheme of the ocean world, balance is key. While the "multivitamin" tiles will help corals, researchers are cautious that they don't end up favoring a specific coral type or promote the intrusion of unwanted species.



As a result, Brandt, Hansel, and their colleagues are keen to examine this while generating a diverse environment beneficial to the reef ecosystem.



"We need to be sure an artificial reef looks and sounds as similar to a natural reef as possible," said Hansel. "That doesn't consist of just coral, but also sponges, anemones, and other biogeochemical components of the reef ecosystem."



Thus, it's evident that these nutrient-infused tiles, created with dedication and an innovative spirit, could provide a vital lifeline for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-illuminates-fish-interactions-in-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a> in these changing times.



Could this be the answer to coral resilience? As with much in science, time and rigorous testing will tell. For now, let's look forward to more revealing studies on this exciting development.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

'Multivitamins' could save coral reefs from climate destruction

Corals act more like us humans than one might think....

Ever wondered what keeps your skin from turning crispy under the fiery sun? Well it's thanks to urocanic acid, a compound that could replace synthetic sunscreens.



Recently, a team of researchers shed light on this naturally occurring UV-absorbing compound. 



Known as "sunscreen's potential game-changer," urocanic acid offers an eco-friendly and health-conscious alternative to synthetic sunscreens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urocanic-acid-as-sunscreen">Urocanic acid as sunscreen</h2>



The study was led by Professor Wybren Jan Buma of the <a href="https://www.uva.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Amsterdam</a> and Professor Vasilios Stavros of the <a href="https://warwick.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Warwick</a> in the U.K. 



Together with their research teams, they’ve been digging deep into urocanic acid's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-does-skin-become-leathery-after-too-much-uv-light-from-sun-exposure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">capabilities</a>, investigating its possible use as a novel class of sunscreen filters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-properties-of-urocanic-acid">Properties of urocanic acid</h2>



The investigations were focused on the UV-A and UV-B absorbing, or "sun-blocking" properties of urocanic acid and its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-are-easily-absorbed-through-skin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">derivatives</a>.



The experts scrutinized the properties of isolated molecules and solutions, and their findings have been published in two enlightening papers in the journal Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics (PCCP).



"This is an excellent starting point for further optimization of its photoactive properties," said Professor Buma. "We envision many specific applications of urocanic acid and its derivatives, notably in safe UV filters."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-safer-sunscreen-agents">Need for safer sunscreen agents</h2>



Recent debates have cast a shadow over synthetic sunscreen filters. Concerns have arisen regarding their potential adverse effects on health and the environment. Could nature’s own sunscreen, urocanic acid, be the answer?



Urocanic acid, as a naturally occurring sunscreen in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/skins-secret-strength-shields-against-puncture-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skin</a>, absorbs both UV–A and UV–B radiation. However, its sun protection factor (SPF) is a mere 1.58, which is significantly less effective than synthetic sunscreens. 



Another issue is that urocanic acid can convert into an immunosuppressive molecular variant when exposed to UV radiation.



"You might think that all this makes urocanic acid not fit for use in a sunscreen," said Professor Buma.



"But it is definitely worth investigating. We think it is possible to design effective urocanic acid-based biomimetic sunscreens with a more favorable toxicological profile and optimize their photochemical and photophysical characteristics."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-sunscreen-urocanic-acid">Revolutionary sunscreen: Urocanic acid</h2>



By cobbling together high-resolution laser spectroscopy of isolated molecules and quantum chemical calculations, Buma and his team achieved a fundamental understanding of how urocanic acid interacts with UV light.



The team noted that previous studies had inadvertently obtained data from decomposition products rather than actual urocanic acid molecules. This new realization has reshaped the field.



The knowledge gained from the team's research has opened up new avenues for optimizing potential sunscreen formulations based on urocanic acid derivatives. They've also identified stable derivatives that could potentially reduce the immunosuppressive effects of 'plain' urocanic acid.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-environmental-benefits">Potential environmental benefits</h2>



One notable advantage of exploring urocanic acid as a sunscreen filter is its potential to mitigate the environmental concerns associated with synthetic sunscreens. 



Traditional sunscreens often wash off in water, harming marine life and contributing to coral reef degradation. Since urocanic acid is a natural compound, it presents a more environmentally-friendly alternative. 



Further research is needed to assess the ecological impact fully, but initial findings suggest that formulations based on urocanic acid could provide effective sun protection while minimizing harm to aquatic ecosystems.



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



As contemporary sunscreen research progresses, the promising properties of urocanic acid continue to capture the scientific community's imagination. 



By harnessing advanced photochemistry and materials science, researchers like Buma and Stavros aim to develop next-generation sunscreen formulations that combine safety, efficacy, and environmental consciousness. 



In a future where sun protection aligns with sustainability, urocanic acid stands poised to redefine how we shield ourselves from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunscreen-gives-us-a-false-sense-of-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sun’s harmful rays</a>. 



As this research moves forward, collaborations across scientific fields will be essential in transforming these theoretical advantages into practical, widely available applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urocanic-acid-as-a-natural-sunscreen">Urocanic acid as a natural sunscreen</h2>



This revolutionary work has sparked renewed interest in this class of molecules. 



"This could ultimately lead to novel sunscreen filters, but also to novel applications in areas where photothermal materials are employed," said Professor Buma.



Only time will tell what the future holds for urocanic acid and its potential uses.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2024/cp/d4cp02088j" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Common acid in our skin could be a natural sunscreen

Ever wondered what keeps your skin from turning crispy under...

For decades, astronomers have puzzled over the intense heat and persistence of the fiery hot gas surrounding the Milky Way.&nbsp;



New research by scientists from the <a href="https://www.rri.res.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raman Research Institute</a> (RRI), <a href="https://iitpkd.ac.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IIT-Palakkad</a>, and <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State University</a> sheds light on this mystery. The team has proposed a model to identify the sources responsible for heating and maintaining this extraordinary phenomenon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-milky-way-s-hidden-gas-reservoir">The Milky Way’s hidden gas reservoir</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-like-galaxies-were-present-in-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> contains more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mechanism-discovered-that-creates-the-gas-disks-around-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas</a> than stars, and this gas plays a crucial role in sustaining star formation. This massive gas reserve has enabled the galaxy to continue forming stars over billions of years.&nbsp;



However, the gas is so tenuous that it has long eluded observation, making it difficult for astronomers to measure its true volume.



In the past few decades, scientists confirmed the existence of a vast sphere of hot gas enveloping the Milky Way. This gas extends up to 700,000 light-years and reaches temperatures of several million degrees Kelvin.&nbsp;



Researchers initially attributed its high temperature to the galaxy’s gravitational forces. The gas swirls constantly, preventing it from falling inward under the pull of gravity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-discovery-of-even-hotter-gas">The discovery of even hotter gas</h2>



Recent observations revealed something even more astonishing: a hotter layer of gas surrounding the Milky Way.&nbsp;



This gas, estimated to be around 10 million degrees Kelvin, was identified through faint X-ray emissions detected in all directions. The same gas also appeared as an absorbing medium in the spectra of three distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-quasars-defied-the-laws-of-physics-with-rapid-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quasars</a>.



This discovery posed new questions: What was causing this gas to reach such extreme temperatures, and how was it being sustained? These findings sparked a surge of research aimed at identifying the mysterious heat sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supernovae-the-engines-heating-the-milky-way">Supernovae: The engines heating the Milky Way</h2>



The new model proposed by RRI and its collaborators provides a detailed explanation for the heating mechanism.&nbsp;



The research shows that the X-ray-emitting gas and the absorbing gas are not the same. Instead, the X-ray-emitting gas originates from a puffed-up region surrounding the Milky Way’s stellar disk.



This region is created by the ongoing star formation within the Milky Way. Massive stars in these star-forming regions eventually explode as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, releasing vast amounts of energy. These explosions heat the surrounding gas to extreme temperatures.



“Explosions keep heating up the gas floating around the disk of the Milky Way, and they enrich the gaseous matter with elements synthesized within massive stars,” explained Mukesh Singh Bisht, a PhD student at RRI.



The turbulent gas, propelled by supernovae, either escapes into the surrounding medium or cools and falls back onto the disk. This process sustains the hot gas layer observed in X-rays.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-from-enriched-gas">Clues from enriched gas</h2>



The absorbing hot gas also provided critical insights into its origins. Researchers found that it was enriched with α-elements such as sulfur, magnesium, and neon.&nbsp;



These elements, whose nuclei are multiples of helium nuclei, are produced through nuclear reactions within massive stars. They are expelled into space during supernova explosions.



“This fiery gas, at least in a few directions, seems to be enriched with large quantities of α-elements. This is a vital clue of nuclear reactions occurring within the stellar core,” said Biman Nath, an RRI faculty member and co-author of the studies.



Runaway stars - stars ejected from the Milky Way’s disk - also play a role in this process. When these stars explode as supernovae above the disk, they create pockets of α-enriched gas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explaining-the-observed-signals">Explaining the observed signals</h2>



The researchers found that the absorbing gas interacts with light from distant sources, such as quasars. When aligned with these light sources, the gas absorbs specific wavelengths, creating shadow signals that match observations.



Meanwhile, the X-ray-emitting gas forms a veil around the stellar disk, produced by the continuous star formation and supernova activity within the Milky Way.



“A veil of fiery hot gas keeps engulfing the Milky Way disk as a result of the star-forming activities in the stellar disk,” Bisht added .



This dual mechanism explains both the absorbing and emitting signals detected by astronomers, offering a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics within our galaxy.



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



The faint X-ray signals emitted by the hot gas offer valuable opportunities for further study. The research team plans to test their models at other frequencies, hoping to gather more clues about the composition and behavior of the gas.



Their work also raises questions about how these processes affect the larger-scale evolution of the Milky Way. Understanding the interplay between star formation, supernovae, and the surrounding gaseous envelope could provide insights into the life cycles of galaxies.



This research not only solves a long-standing mystery but also highlights the importance of gas dynamics in shaping the Milky Way. The interplay between supernovae and the surrounding gas regulates the galaxy’s star formation and energy distribution.



The enriched gas observed in the study also points to the ongoing recycling of materials within the galaxy, where elements created in stellar cores are redistributed through explosions, fueling new generations of stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sources-of-the-milky-way-s-fiery-gas">Sources of the Milky Way’s fiery gas</h2>



The new model proposed by RRI and its collaborators sheds light on the sources of the fiery hot gas surrounding the Milky Way, offering answers to a decades-old mystery.&nbsp;



By identifying supernovae as the primary heat engines, the study reveals the complex interplay between star formation, explosions, and gas dynamics that sustain the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy’s evolution</a>.



With future research planned to explore these phenomena further, scientists are poised to gain even deeper insights into the processes that shape our galaxy and others like it.



The findings are <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad77c0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published</a> in two studies in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad77be" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Fiery gas surrounds the Milky Way, but what is heating it?

For decades, astronomers have puzzled over the intense heat and...

Nanoplastics are an invisible threat that we rarely consider, despite their ubiquitous presence in our lives.



Beyond the undeniable environmental harm caused by plastics, these tiny particles silently impact our health in surprising ways.



Our homes, which should be our safe havens, are particularly affected, as indoor air contains five times as much nanoplastic as outdoor air.



Researchers have pointed out that these minuscule particles come from common sources like packaging and textiles, especially nylon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-in-sweden-a-cautionary-tale">Discovery in Sweden: A cautionary tale</h2>



This invisible danger has been highlighted in recent research from <a href="https://www.umu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umeå University</a> in Sweden.



The eye-opening study focuses on a side of this issue that is less well known yet critical: how nanoplastics can potentially disrupt our bodies' reactions to antibiotics.



"The results are alarming, considering how common nanoplastics are and because effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotics-for-childhood-infections-are-becoming-ineffective/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a> for many can be the difference between life and death," noted Lukas Kenner, professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University, who led the research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-nanoplastics">What are nanoplastics?</h2>



Nanoplastics, a term you might be hearing for the first time, are miniscule <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-is-everywhere-even-in-newborns-and-getting-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic particles</a>, smaller than a thousandth of a millimetre.



Their tiny size lets them float freely in the air, with the unfortunate consequence that they can enter our bodies effortlessly.



The study reveals how these common nanoplastics interact with tetracycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic frequently used in medical treatments. 



Alarmingly, it turns out that the nanoplastics absorb antibiotics and accumulate them on their surfaces.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antibiotics-on-a-detour">Antibiotics on a detour</h2>



The absorbed antibiotics can then potentially hitch a ride with the nanoplastics in our bloodstream.



This means that the antibiotics might be transported to places in the body where they were not intended to go.



This misdirection can reduce the targeted effect of the antibiotics and potentially spur the development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-viruses-to-combat-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic-resistant bacteria</a>, when these drugs accumulate in unintended areas.



The bond was particularly strong between antibiotic and nylon - one of the substances that is an abundant nanoplastic in indoor air.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



"Although more research is needed to shed light on the connections and possible measures, we can conclude from our results that nanoplastics are a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-thousands-of-nanoplastics-found-in-bottled-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health risk</a> that should be taken more seriously," said Kenner.



This critical study was conducted in collaboration with international scientists based at the University of Bonn, Germany, and the University of Debrecen, Hungary.



The sub-study on the binding of nanoplastics to antibiotics was notably led by Nikola Zlatkov Kolev from Umeå University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nanoplastics-more-than-just-a-nuisance">Nanoplastics: More than just a nuisance</h2>



The research highlights the urgent need for further investigation into the potential health impacts of nanoplastics.



While we wait for additional information, it's crucial that we understand the risks associated with the everyday materials we use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-nanoplastics-enter-our-bodies">How nanoplastics enter our bodies</h2>



Nanoplastics are not just floating threats; their tiny size enables them to evade our natural defenses as well. These microscopic particles can enter our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, and even skin contact.



Once inside, nanoplastics have the potential to accumulate in tissues and organs, disrupting their cellular functions.



Emerging research indicates that their interaction with biological systems may contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and even long-term health issues, such as chronic diseases or immune system imbalances.



The ability of nanoplastics to bind with other chemicals, including antibiotics, raises even more concern. It’s not just about where these particles end up in the body but also about the compounds they carry along the way.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steps-to-minimize-exposure">Steps to minimize exposure </h2>



While waiting for more research and policy interventions, there are practical steps we can take to reduce exposure to nanoplastics in our daily lives.



Start by reducing your use of synthetic materials, especially nylon-based products, and opt for natural fibers when possible. 



Regularly ventilate your home to help minimize the concentration of airborne nanoplastics indoors. Additionally, investing in air purifiers with HEPA filters can capture these microscopic particles.



Avoid single-use <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/4200-harmful-plastic-chemicals-hidden-in-everyday-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a> and unnecessary packaging, as these items degrade over time and release nanoplastics into the air.



These small changes, when adopted widely, can collectively reduce the risks posed by nanoplastics in our homes.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-75785-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific reports</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Nanoplastics can alter the course of antibiotics in our body

Nanoplastics are an invisible threat that we rarely consider, despite...

The nature of dark matter has puzzled astronomers for 90 years since discovering that 85% of the universe's matter is invisible through our telescopes.&nbsp;



Currently, the most promising candidate for dark matter is the axion, a lightweight particle that scientists worldwide are fervently trying to detect.



Astrophysicists at the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Berkeley</a>, now suggest that axions could be discovered within seconds of detecting gamma rays from a nearby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova explosion</a>.&nbsp;



If axions exist, they would be produced in large quantities during the first 10 seconds after a massive star collapses into a neutron star. These axions would escape and transform into high-energy gamma rays within the star's intense magnetic field.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-gamma-rays-from-supernova-explosions">Detecting gamma rays from supernova explosions </h2>



Detecting these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brightest-gamma-ray-burst-ever-recorded-had-a-rare-energy-peak/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gamma rays</a> today is possible only if the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope - the sole gamma-ray telescope currently in orbit - is pointing in the direction of the supernova at the time it explodes. Given the telescope's field of view, there's about a one-in-ten chance of this happening.



Yet, a single detection of gamma rays would pinpoint the mass of the axion, particularly the so-called QCD axion, across a vast range of theoretical masses, including those currently being investigated in Earth-based experiments.&nbsp;



Conversely, the lack of a detection would eliminate a large range of potential masses for the axion, rendering many current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/existence-of-dark-matter-confirmed-by-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a> searches irrelevant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-in-our-cosmic-neighborhood">Searching in our cosmic neighborhood </h2>



The issue is that, for the gamma rays to be bright enough to detect, the supernova must be nearby - within our Milky Way galaxy or one of its satellite galaxies.&nbsp;



Nearby stars explode, on average, only every few decades. The last nearby supernova was in 1987 in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite of the Milky Way.&nbsp;



At that time, a now-defunct gamma-ray telescope, the Solar Maximum Mission, was pointing in the supernova's direction but wasn't sensitive enough to detect the predicted intensity of gamma rays, according to the UC Berkeley team's analysis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeking-the-true-nature-of-dark-matter">Seeking the true nature of dark matter </h2>



Benjamin Safdi is an associate professor of physics at UC Berkeley and senior author of the study.



“If we were to see a supernova, like supernova 1987A, with a modern gamma-ray telescope, we would be able to detect or rule out this QCD axion, this most interesting axion, across much of its parameter space - essentially the entire parameter space that cannot be probed in the laboratory, and much of the parameter space that can be probed in the laboratory, too. And it would all happen within 10 seconds," explained Professor Safdi.



The researchers are concerned that when the long-overdue supernova occurs in the nearby universe, we won't have the necessary instruments to observe the gamma rays produced by axions. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-fleet-of-gamma-ray-telescopes">A fleet of gamma-ray telescopes</h2>



In discussions with colleagues who build gamma-ray telescopes, the experts are exploring the feasibility of launching one - or a fleet - of such telescopes to cover 100% of the sky 24/7, ensuring any gamma-ray burst would be detected.



The researchers have even proposed a name for their full-sky gamma-ray satellite constellation: the GALactic AXion Instrument for Supernova, or GALAXIS.



“I think all of us on this paper are stressed about there being a next supernova before we have the right instrumentation,” noted Safdi. “It would be a real shame if a supernova went off tomorrow and we missed an opportunity to detect the axion - it might not come back for another 50 years.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-search-for-dark-matter">The search for dark matter</h2>



Initial searches for dark matter focused on faint, massive compact halo objects (MACHOs) theorized to be sprinkled throughout our galaxy and the cosmos.&nbsp;



When these didn't materialize, physicists shifted their attention to elementary particles that should be detectable in Earth-bound labs. Weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) also failed to show up.&nbsp;



In the quest to find the true nature of dark matter, the best candidate is the axion - a particle that fits well within the standard model of physics and solves several outstanding puzzles in particle physics.



“It seems almost impossible to have a consistent theory of gravity combined with quantum mechanics that does not have particles like the axion,” Safdi said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strongest-candidate-for-an-axion">Strongest candidate for an axion </h2>



Axions also naturally emerge from string theory - a hypothesis about the universe's underlying geometry - and might help unify <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravity</a>, which explains interactions on cosmic scales, with quantum mechanics, which describes the infinitesimal.&nbsp;



The strongest candidate for an axion is the QCD axion, named after quantum chromodynamics, the prevailing theory of the strong force.&nbsp;



Theoretically, QCD axions interact weakly with all matter through the four fundamental forces: gravity, electromagnetism, the strong force, and the weak force.&nbsp;



One consequence is that, in a strong magnetic field, an axion should occasionally transform into an electromagnetic wave, or photon. This distinguishes axions from neutrinos, which only interact through gravity and the weak force and ignore electromagnetism.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neutron-stars-and-axion-detection">Neutron stars and axion detection</h2>



Laboratory experiments - such as the ALPHA Consortium (Axion Longitudinal Plasma Haloscope), DMradio, and ABRACADABRA, all involving UC Berkeley researchers - use compact cavities that resonate with and amplify the faint electromagnetic field or photon produced when a low-mass axion transforms in the presence of a strong magnetic field.



Astrophysicists have also proposed looking for axions produced inside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neutron-star-collisions-push-the-limits-of-extreme-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron stars</a> immediately after a core-collapse supernova, like 1987A. Until now, they've primarily focused on detecting gamma rays from these axions' slow transformation into photons in the magnetic fields of galaxies. 



Safdi and his colleagues realized that this process is not very efficient at producing gamma rays detectable from Earth.



Instead, they explored the production of gamma rays by axions in the strong magnetic fields around the very star that generated the axions. Supercomputer simulations showed that this process very efficiently creates a burst of gamma rays dependent on the axion's mass.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-burst-of-neutrinos-from-a-hot-star">Burst of neutrinos from a hot star </h2>



This burst should occur simultaneously with a burst of neutrinos from inside the hot neutron star. However, the burst of axions lasts a mere 10 seconds after the neutron star forms - after that, the production rate drops dramatically - though it happens hours before the outer layers of the star explode.



“This has really led us to thinking about neutron stars as optimal targets for searching for axions as axion laboratories,” Safdi said. "Neutron stars have a lot of things going for them. They are extremely hot objects. They also host very strong magnetic fields.” 



“The strongest magnetic fields in our universe are found around neutron stars, such as magnetars, which have magnetic fields tens of billions of times stronger than anything we can build in the laboratory. That helps convert these axions into observable signals.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-the-search-for-axions">Advancing the search for axions</h2>



Two years ago, Safdi and his colleagues established the best upper limit on the mass of the QCD axion at about 16 million electron volts, or about 32 times less than the mass of the electron. This was based on the cooling rate of neutron stars, which would cool faster if axions were produced along with neutrinos inside these hot, dense objects.



In the current paper, the UC Berkeley team not only describes the production of gamma rays following a core collapse to a neutron star but also uses the non-detection of gamma rays from the 1987A supernova to set the best constraints yet on the mass of axion-like particles, which differ from QCD axions in that they do not interact via the strong force.



They predict that a gamma-ray detection would allow them to identify the QCD axion mass if it is above 50 microelectron volts (μeV), or about one ten-billionth the mass of the electron. A single detection could refocus existing experiments to confirm the mass of the axion, Safdi said.&nbsp;



While a fleet of dedicated gamma-ray telescopes is the best option for detecting gamma rays from a nearby supernova, a fortunate observation with Fermi would be even better.



“The best-case scenario for axions is Fermi catches a supernova. It's just that the chance of that is small,” Safdi said. “But if Fermi saw it, we'd be able to measure its mass. We'd be able to measure its interaction strength. We'd be able to determine everything we need to know about the axion, and we'd be incredibly confident in the signal because there's no ordinary matter which could create such an event.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-the-true-nature-of-dark-matter">Uncovering the true nature of dark matter </h2>



The researchers are anxious about missing a rare opportunity to detect axions due to inadequate instrumentation. They will continue to discuss the feasibility of launching new gamma-ray telescopes to ensure continuous sky coverage.



Safdi's team believes that capturing gamma rays from a nearby supernova could not only confirm the existence of axions but also provide detailed information about their properties. This could revolutionize our understanding of dark matter and the fundamental forces of nature.



The quest to uncover the true nature of dark matter continues to drive innovation in astrophysics. By focusing on gamma rays emitted during supernova explosions, scientists hope to finally detect axions and solve one of the most enduring mysteries in physics.&nbsp;



The stakes are high, and time is of the essence. With the potential for a nearby supernova to occur at any moment, researchers are eager to have the right tools in place to seize this fleeting opportunity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.211002" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Letters</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

The true nature of dark matter may be revealed in a supernova

The nature of dark matter has puzzled astronomers for 90...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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.

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0dEcERCq61-2283382-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"]</div>



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)



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

News coming your way