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...

The Chinese Mars rover Zhurong is adding an exciting twist to the story and history of water on Mars. 



After landing in southern Utopia Planitia on Mars in May 2021, the now-defunct Zhurong rover went to work exploring the Martian surface, and its latest findings might just change the way we think about the Red Planet.



Bo Wu and a team of researchers from <a href="https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hong Kong Polytechnic University</a> believe they've found compelling evidence of an ocean shoreline for a massive body of water that once covered Mars' northern lowlands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-the-zhurong-mars-rover">What is the Zhurong Mars rover?</h2>



The Zhurong rover is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/china-plans-to-inhabit-a-space-station-on-the-moon-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">China's first foray</a> into Martian exploration, landing successfully on Mars in May 2021 as part of the <a href="https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2020-049A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tianwen-1</a> mission. 



Weighing around 240 kilograms (530 lbs) -- about the size of a small car -- Zhurong is packed with scientific instruments, including navigation and topography cameras, a multispectral camera for analyzing surface materials, and a ground-penetrating radar that can probe up to 100 meters beneath the surface. 



These tools allow Zhurong to capture detailed images, study the composition of rocks and soil, and investigate the planet's subsurface structures.



What sets Zhurong apart is its ability to study Mars both above and below ground. The ground-penetrating radar is particularly exciting because it helps scientists search for signs of water ice and understand the geological layers hidden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-life-exist-below-the-icy-surface-of-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beneath the surface.</a> 



The rover also carries instruments to examine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-internal-structure-of-mars-core-is-finally-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars' magnetic field</a> and atmospheric conditions, contributing valuable data to our understanding of the planet's climate and potential for habitability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zhurong-sees-water-related-features-on-mars">Zhurong sees water-related features on Mars</h2>



For years, scientists have pondered the possibility of a vast ocean on Mars, especially during the Hesperian period about 3.7 billion years ago. Concrete proof, however, has been hard to come by. 



Using a mix of Zhurong's onboard cameras and ground-penetrating radar, plus remote sensing data from orbiting satellites, the team identified several intriguing water-related features around the rover's landing area.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Zhurong-mars-rover_china_landing-site_ocean-shore_Sci-Reports_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Zhurong-mars-rover_china_landing-site_ocean-shore_Sci-Reports_1s.webp" alt="The Zhurong landing site (red cross) shown on the geologic map by Tanaka et al. Regions of different colors indicate different geologic units. The red box shows the study area, covering an area of ~ 1800 km × 800 km. The thick black line is the Deuteronilus contact indicating a possible shoreline across the region. The background map is a shaded relief of the MOLA topography." class="wp-image-1951081"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Zhurong landing site (red cross) shown on the geologic map by Tanaka et al. Regions of different colors indicate different geologic units. The red box shows the study area, covering an area of ~ 1800 km × 800 km. The thick black line is the Deuteronilus contact indicating a possible shoreline across the region. The background map is a shaded relief of the MOLA topography.</figcaption></figure>



Since touching down, Zhurong has traveled about 1.2 miles, studying the geology of its surroundings in search of signs of water or ice. 



The features spotted include crater-like pitted cones, troughs, sediment channels, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-frost-detected-on-mars-enormous-volcanoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mud volcano formations</a>. If that sounds like the remnants of a beachfront, you're onto something. 



According to Bo Wu and his colleagues, these formations are consistent with what you'd expect to find in a nearshore zone, suggesting this area was once a coastline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dating-the-martian-ocean">Dating the Martian ocean</h2>



Based on the composition of surface deposits, the team estimates that the ocean likely existed around 3.68 billion years ago. 



"The water was heavily silted, forming the layering structure of the deposits," study co-author Sergey Krasilnikov of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University told Reuters. 



This silt-laden water would have created distinct sedimentary layers, much like those found in ancient seabeds on Earth.



Interestingly, the researchers propose that after forming, the ocean froze over for about 10,000 to 100,000 years -- a mere <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-was-mars-habitable-much-more-recently-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blink in geological terms</a>. 



This freezing period etched out the coastline features observed today before the ocean eventually dried up roughly 260 million years later. Imagine a vast frozen ocean, sitting quietly on Mars, waiting for its turn to disappear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-everyone-agrees">Not everyone agrees</h2>



However, not everyone is jumping on the bandwagon. 



Benjamin Cardenas of <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a> points out that erosion over billions of years would likely have erased such delicate features. It's a fair concern -- Mars isn't exactly a place where things stay preserved forever. 



Wu acknowledges this skepticism but suggests that asteroid impacts might have resurfaced portions of the shoreline, making them detectable today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-martian-life">Implications for Martian life</h2>



So, what does all this mean in the grand scheme of things? Well, the presence of an ancient ocean has profound implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meteorite-that-struck-mars-reveals-when-the-planet-had-liquid-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our understanding of Mars</a>. 



Water is a key ingredient for life as we know it. If Mars had oceans, could it have also hosted life? It's a tantalizing thought that keeps scientists up at night.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nasa-s-insight-lander">NASA's Insight Lander </h2>



Adding another layer to the mystery, <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/insight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA's Insight lander</a> found that a significant amount of water had seeped into Mars's crust. 



"At least we have identified a place that should, in principle, be able to sustain life," Michael Manga of the <a href="https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California</a>, one of the study authors, said in a previous statement. 



This underground water could have provided a stable environment for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insights-alien-life-mars-water-sulfur-discovered-gained-studying-extreme-life-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life to develop</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-zhurong-and-mars-water">What's next for Zhurong and Mars water?</h2>



But here's the kicker: to get definitive answers, we need to bring Martian samples back to Earth for detailed analysis. 



China's Tianwen 3 Mars sample return mission aims to do just that by 2031, potentially beating NASA's own sample return mission to the punch. 



If all goes according to plan, we'll have pieces of Mars right here on Earth in less than a decade.



As we await these missions, Zhurong continues to send valuable data, inching us closer to understanding the Red Planet's watery past. 



Could Mars have been teeming with life billions of years ago? It's the million-dollar question. Only time -- and more research -- will tell.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-75507-w" 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.



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.



-----

Mars Zhurong rover finds an ocean shoreline on the Red Planet

The Chinese Mars rover Zhurong is adding an exciting twist...

Human-caused climate change has intensified the strength of Atlantic hurricanes by about 18 miles per hour (29 kilometers per hour) over the past six years, according to a recent study.



For most of the 40 storms analyzed, the extra energy from warmer oceans caused them to escalate by an entire hurricane category, as reported in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/2752-5295/ad8d02" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research: Climate</a>. 



According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (<a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>), a Category 5 storm causes more than 400 times the damage of a minimal Category 1 hurricane, over 140 times the damage of a minimal Category 3 hurricane, and more than five times the damage of a minimal Category 4 storm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-increases-in-wind-speed">Significant increases in wind speed</h2>



For three storms, including this month's Hurricane Rafael, climate change boosted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-method-developed-to-measure-the-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wind</a> speeds so much that they increased by two storm categories. According to the study authors, this is not about more storms but increasing power from the worst storms.



“We know that the intensity of these storms is causing a lot more catastrophic damage in general,” said lead author Daniel Gilford, a climate scientist at <a href="https://www.climatecentral.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Central</a>, which conducts research on global warming. “Damages do scale (up) with the intensity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurricane-strength-in-a-warmer-climate">Hurricane strength in a warmer climate </h2>



The effect was especially noticeable in more powerful storms, including those that reached the top of the Saffir-Simpson scale of storm intensity: Category Five, according to the study's authors.&nbsp;



While the study focused on storms from 2019 to 2023, the researchers included recent named storms from this year, all of which experienced an increase due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-hurricanes-are-intensifying-faster-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.



“We had two Category Five storms here in 2024,” Gilford said. “Our analysis shows that we would have had zero Category Five storms without human-caused climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-notable-hurricanes-that-gained-strength">Notable hurricanes that gained strength </h2>



This year's three most devastating storms - Beryl, Helene, and Milton - increased by 18 mph (29 kph), 16 mph (26 kph), and 24 mph (39 kph) respectively because of climate change, the authors stated.&nbsp;



A separate study by <a href="https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Weather Attribution</a> (WWA) found that deadly Helene's wind speed increased by about 13 mph, which is close, noted <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a> climate scientist Friederike Otto, who coordinates the WWA team and praised the Climate Central work.



“It absolutely makes sense from a fundamental standpoint that what's going on is we've added more energy to the system,” NOAA chief Rick Spinrad said at United Nations climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan. 



“The change is going to manifest in terms of what we're already seeing. You look at Hurricane Helene which was massive, 500 miles across. We're going to see changes in terms of the velocity of these storms. We're going to see changes in terms of Hurricane Milton spawning so many tornadoes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consistent-patterns-over-recent-years">Consistent patterns over recent years</h2>



Since 2019, eight storms - 2019's Humberto, 2020's Zeta, 2021's Sam and Larry, 2022's Earl, 2023's Franklin, and 2024's Isaac and Rafael - have increased by at least 25 mph (40 kph) in wind speed. Humberto and Zeta saw the most significant gains, each increasing by 31 miles per hour (50 kph).



In 85% of the storms studied over the last six years, the authors observed a clear fingerprint of climate change in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-causes-the-rapid-intensification-of-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storm strength</a>, Gilford said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warmer-oceans-and-hurricane-strength">Warmer oceans and hurricane strength</h2>



Warm water is the main fuel for hurricanes. The warmer the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico become, the more potential energy is available for storms. Other factors - such as high-level crosswinds and dry air - can weaken hurricanes.



The waters in hurricane-prone areas have increased by 2 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 to 1.6 degrees Celsius) on average, and by as much as 4 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 degrees Celsius) due to climate change, Gilford explained.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-warmer-water-to-stronger-storms">Linking warmer water to stronger storms</h2>



This information comes from Climate Central's use of scientifically accepted techniques to regularly track how much warmer oceans are due to the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas.



The experts use computer simulations to create a fictional world without human-caused warming and then compare it to current reality, attributing the differences to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2023-climate-change-report-record-high-temperatures-greenhouse-gases-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a>. 



They also account for other factors, such as the reduction of sulfate pollution from marine shipping, which had been slightly counteracting the warming before skies became clearer.



To understand how warmer waters lead to stronger storms, the authors examined a parameter called potential intensity, which is essentially the speed limit for any given storm based on the environmental conditions around it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expert-insights-and-future-implications">Expert insights and future implications</h2>



<a href="https://www.mit.edu/">MIT</a> hurricane expert and meteorology professor Kerry Emanuel, who pioneered potential intensity measurements, wasn't part of the study but said the findings are logical. It demonstrates the increase in storm strength that he predicted would occur 37 years ago, he noted.



Previous studies have shown that climate change has caused hurricanes to intensify more quickly and move more slowly, leading to increased rainfall.



-----



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.



-----

Climate change has amplified hurricane strength

Human-caused climate change has intensified the strength of Atlantic hurricanes...

Who doesn't love a bit of sparkle? We've seen it with many singers in their bling-filled performances. Yet, this desire for dazzle isn't just confined to the world of pop music. 



In the animal kingdom, you can find shiny creatures like jewel beetles and the fabulous Opaluma rupaul - a fly named after the iconic entertainer RuPaul - that boast flashy appearances.



Now, wouldn't such obvious displays make these animals easy targets for predators? As surprising as it may sound, science suggests otherwise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-changeability">Power of changeability</h2>



One might think that standing out like a brilliant beacon would guarantee a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-predator-prey-feast-ever-seen-in-the-ocean-enormous-quickly-altered-food-chain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator’s attention</a>. However, these unusually bright features aren't just for attracting attention.



A particular trait of these shiny appearances - their changeability - can actually aid the animals in evading predators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environment-as-camouflage">Environment as camouflage</h2>



Shiny animals, when they reflect the sun, produce bright flashes. The mirror-like aspect of their bodies also reflects the environment around them. 



This constant change of reflections as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-got-their-colors-150-million-years-before-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> move can be compared to a mirror ball. For a predator, tracking down a prey that exhibits such visual variability becomes a difficult task.



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



Tests involving both bird and insect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predators-increase-the-health-of-prey-populations-but-reduce-their-size/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators</a> have revealed a common struggle - they find it challenging to be accurate when they attack a visually changing prey.



So, what exactly triggers this effect? Is it the predator's inability to track the prey visually ? Or perhaps it involves a misjudgment of prey speed? Are optical illusions at play?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-illusion-of-speed-and-position">Illusion of speed and position</h2>



Studies involving humans have shown the potential for optical illusions to disrupt prey speed perception. For instance, black and white stripes can make a target appear to be moving faster or slower than its actual speed. 



When a predator encounters highly reflective, shiny targets, a similar effect could lead them to misjudge the prey's speed.



Moreover, bright flashes from a shiny animal may cause a flash-lag illusion, making the predators perceive the prey's position to be slightly behind its real position.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shiny-animals-confuse-predators">Shiny animals confuse predators</h2>



Both the disruption of speed perception and the flash-lag illusion can result in directional errors in predator behaviors. 



This means <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/danger-zones-climate-change-is-altering-predator-prey-dynamics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator tracking and attacks</a> might often be ahead of or trailing behind the target, relative to the target's actual movement direction.



Additionally, the unpredictable appearance of the shiny prey might confuse predators about the precise location of a moving prey. Ultimately, the tracking and final attack by a predator might end up being less accurate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experimenting-with-jumping-spiders">Experimenting with jumping spiders</h2>



A group of scientists from <a href="https://www.unimelb.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Melbourne</a> used a high-speed camera to film jumping spiders attacking fake, moving targets.



Jumping spiders were selected for this experiment because they prefer moving prey, eat both shiny and matte prey, and possess excellent vision. Plus, they willingly attack fake moving prey in a lab setting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interpreting-the-findings">Interpreting the findings</h2>



The high-speed footage enabled the researchers to quantify how well the jumping spiders visually tracked different targets and how accurate their attacks were.



The results revealed that jumping spiders had a harder time tracking and attacking shiny targets compared to matte ones or to those that matched the background. Specifically, their tracking was nearly twice as variable with shiny targets, and their attacks were significantly further away from these same targets.



Notably, these results were not directional relative to the target's path of movement. This does not support the idea that shininess disrupts speed perception, or that localization is disrupted by the flash-lag illusion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dazzle-and-dodge-defense-of-shiny-animals">Dazzle and dodge: Defense of shiny animals</h2>



In conclusion, while shiny animals may catch the eye, they prove difficult to localize and capture. The research study sheds light on how shiny colors might disrupt perception and lead to these effects.



However, this research is only the tip of the iceberg. There's still much to understand about how these effects are visually processed in animals with different eyes, and how other factors such as sunlight, prey size, shape, and movement behavior influence the perception of shiny animals.



So, next time you see a pop star shine on stage, or even a glistening insect out in the wild, remember there’s more to their shimmer than meets the eye.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(24)01334-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</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.



-----

Shiny animals outwit predators with optical illusions

Who doesn't love a bit of sparkle? We've seen it...

We've all been told that a good night's sleep can do wonders. And indeed, who can deny the refreshing feeling that comes after a great sleep session?



Yet, the intricate processes that unfold in our brains while we're catching some z's are still shrouded in mystery. 



The intriguing world of sleep studies is seeing some fresh revelations, thanks to the efforts of researchers at <a href="https://www.rice.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rice University</a>, Houston Methodist’s Center for Neural Systems Restoration, and Weill Cornell Medical College.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-journey-of-discovery-begins">A journey of discovery begins</h2>



The main purpose of the study was to shed light on the elusive neural mechanisms that enhance cognitive performance during nonrapid eye movement (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-reboots-the-brain-making-room-for-new-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NREM</a>) sleep.



This is the kind of sleep you experience when you're taking a quick nap, nothing too deep. 



The results of the research could potentially change our understanding of how sleep sharpens our brain and might even open new avenues in treating sleep disorders and identifying methods to enhance cognitive and behavioral performance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-magic-of-sleep">Unraveling the magic of sleep</h2>



The researchers began their investigation by studying the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-emotions-linked-to-unique-brain-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neural activity</a> of multiple brain areas in macaque monkeys.



They examined the brain activity of these animals as they performed a visual discrimination task before and after a 30-minute NREM sleep period.



To ensure the animals were indeed sleeping, the team used polysomnography, a method that measures brain and muscle activity.



The results were fascinating. The visual task performance of the animals improved post-sleep and showed enhanced accuracy.



This improvement was found only in the macaques who actually fell asleep - those that remained awake didn't see the same performance shift.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-deeper-dive-into-sleep-s-magic">A deeper dive into sleep’s magic</h2>



The effects of sleep on neural activity in the macaques were described by Dr. Natasha Kharas, the study's first author. 



“During sleep, we observed an increase in low-frequency delta wave activity and synchronized firing among neurons across different cortical regions," noted Dr. Kharas.



"After sleep, however, neuronal activity became more desynchronized compared to before sleep, allowing neurons to fire more independently. This shift led to improved accuracy in information processing and performance in the visual tasks.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-simulating-sleep">The power of simulating sleep</h2>



In their relentless pursuit of understanding sleep's magic, the researchers went a step further. 



They replicated the neural effects of sleep through low-frequency electrical stimulation of the visual cortex in macaques that were awake.



In this way, specific patterns of stimulation could potentially be used to mimic the cognitive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consistent-sleep-slows-down-aging-at-a-cellular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benefits of sleep</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restorative-effects-of-sleep">Restorative effects of sleep</h2>



The implications of the replicated sleep effects are game-changing.



The results hint that the restorative and performance-enhancing effects of sleep could potentially be achieved even without actual sleep.



“The ability to reproduce sleeplike neural desynchronization in an awake state opens new possibilities for enhancing cognitive and perceptual performance in situations where sleep is not feasible - such as for individuals with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/daylight-saving-time-changes-are-directly-linked-to-sleep-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep disorders</a> or in extenuating circumstances such as space exploration,” stated Valentin Dragoi, the study's co-author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deepening-our-understanding-of-sleep">Deepening our understanding of sleep</h2>



According to Dragoi, the study is unique as it not only deepens our understanding of sleep's role in cognitive function but also breaks new ground by showing that specific patterns of brain stimulation could substitute for some of the restorative effects of sleep.



“We have uncovered a surprising solution that the brain employs after sleep whereby neural populations participating in the task reduce their level of synchrony after sleep, despite receiving synchronizing inputs during sleep itself,” explained Dragoi.



This revelation highlights how NREM sleep effectively 'boosts' cognitive function by resetting neural activity.



“Our study not only deepens our mechanistic understanding of sleep’s role in cognitive function but also breaks new ground by showing that specific patterns of brain stimulation could substitute for some benefits of sleep, pointing toward a future where we might boost brain function independently of sleep itself,” said Dragoi.



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



This fascinating study opens exciting possibilities for practical applications in various fields.



From improving cognitive performance in individuals with sleep disorders to optimizing productivity in high-stakes scenarios, such as military operations or space exploration, the potential is vast. 



Additionally, the ability to simulate sleep's effects could pave the way for innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and mental health conditions, where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-who-watch-screens-in-bed-have-the-most-disrupted-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disrupted sleep</a> plays a significant role. 



As research progresses, integrating these findings into wearable technology or non-invasive devices could make cognitive enhancement accessible and customizable for everyday use.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adr3339" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">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/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

How sleep transforms brain performance

We've all been told that a good night's sleep can...

One of the first things you notice when you step into any kitchen, professional or otherwise, is the myriad of gadgets and tools that make our culinary adventures possible. But what if, hidden among the plastic items, there are potential threats to your health?



A new study was focused specifically black plastic kitchen utensils and containers. The concerns raised aren't about their functionality but what might lie within them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-threats-in-everyday-kitchens">Plastic threats in everyday kitchens</h2>



This seemingly innocuous yet essential kitchenware triggered the interest of scientists from <a href="https://duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a> who embarked on an exploration to see if these items hold more than meets the eye. 



The focus? Toxic flame retardants. Due to their connection to an increased risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-we-breathing-cancer-causing-chemicals-in-our-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>, hormonal disruption, and neurodevelopmental impacts, many flame retardants have been phased out or banned.



Yet, their remnants may be lurking in the very plastic tools we use daily to stir, serve, and store our food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemicals-from-plastic-utensils">Chemicals from plastic utensils </h2>



As the world continues its well-intentioned push for more recycling, we might inadvertently be creating an unseen cycle of chemical reincarnation.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/household-chemicals-linked-to-neurological-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flame retardants</a> are used in products such as TVs that possess potential fire risks. During recycling, these chemicals have made their way into kitchenware like spatulas and ladles that do not require such protection.



Dr. Heather Stapleton is a professor of environmental sciences and policy at the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University.



"If you find these chemicals in a plastic spatula, does that mean it's getting out of the spatula and into your food? We don't have that answer yet," said Dr. Stapleton. "Is it possible? Absolutely." 



Dr. Stapleton explained that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/9936-chemicals-found-in-plastic-products-used-for-food-packaging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">when plastic is heated</a>, it leaches chemicals into the environment around it - such as your favorite chili or stir-fry.



Certain foods, particularly those with high fat content, can draw more of the chemicals out, raising concerns about daily exposure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sushi-trays-convenient-yet-concerning">Sushi trays: Convenient yet concerning</h2>



Grocery store sushi trays were flagged as significant sources of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/4200-harmful-plastic-chemicals-hidden-in-everyday-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harmful chemicals</a>. 



These convenient carriers displayed high levels of toxic substances which, when combined with prolonged food contact, could lead to potential exposure.



"As an exposure scientist thinking about contact with food and the likelihood these chemicals will leach out in significant amounts, I think there could be some exposure there," said Dr. Stapleton. "But I don't know that it's going to be significant enough to raise concern."



Further research is needed, and Dr. Stapleton has already begun analyzing the sushi trays.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-spatulas-and-trays-for-food">Plastic spatulas and trays for food</h2>



The study did not incite panic among the researchers. Instead, it led them to implement personal changes while addressing the broader issue. 



Study lead author Megan Liu highlighted the importance of policy changes to ensure transparency in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-recycling-day-creating-a-healthier-planet-for-all/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recycling processes</a> and eliminate these chemicals at the source.



Both scientists acknowledged the need for companies to act and governments to ban these hazardous substances.



In response to the study, Liu swapped her black plastic storage containers for glass ones.



While Dr. Stapleton still retains a single black spatula in her kitchen (to preserve her non-stick pan), she balances practicality with precaution, advising people to exercise moderation and not worry excessively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steps-to-keep-your-kitchen-safe">Steps to keep your kitchen safe</h2>



Those seeking solace from these unsettling revelations can initiate a few changes right away. 



Discarding black plastic takeout containers labeled "No. 6" is recommended. These appear to contain particularly high levels of harmful chemicals.



Another empowering step is to support companies that are making positive changes in dealing with hazardous substances.



With the results of the study in mind, opting for wooden or stainless-steel utensils emerges as a safer bet.



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



Silicone utensils, often promoted as a safer alternative, also warrant a second glance. 



The material's propensity to attract chemicals from the environment could inadvertently lead to their presence in your food. Though washing could help, it may not eliminate many of the airborne chemicals.



Taking all of this into account, it might be time to review your plastic and other kitchen utensils, not just for their utility but also for their impacts on food and health.



If you are planning a switch, consider exploring wooden, stainless-steel, and bamboo utensils as non-toxic alternatives.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653524022173?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chemosphere</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.



-----

Plastic kitchen utensils often leach toxic chemicals into our food

One of the first things you notice when you step...

The ESA-led Solar Orbiter mission is currently observing and studying the Sun with six different imaging instruments, allowing the spacecraft to peel away the Sun's many layers and reveal its diverse faces.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-resolution-views-of-the-sun">High-resolution views of the Sun</h2>



Recently, the mission released the highest-resolution full views to date of the Sun's visible surface, known as the photosphere.&nbsp;



The images were assembled from data captured by the spacecraft's Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager (PHI).&nbsp;



This instrument not only photographs the Sun in visible light but also measures the direction of the <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Forigin-of-the-suns-magnetic-field-discovered-after-400-years%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a> and maps the speed and direction in which different parts of the surface are moving.



PHI's measurements of the photosphere can be directly compared to a new image of the Sun's outer atmosphere, the corona.&nbsp;



This image is essentially a mosaic assembled from high-resolution images taken by the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) instrument on the same day in March 2023. The EUI captures images of the Sun in ultraviolet light.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="wWscNjX6hZ-4055472-12187" type="single"]</div>



Daniel Müller, Solar Orbiter's Project Scientist, noted that the Sun's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-dynamo-sun-magnetic-field-origin-generated-near-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a> is key to understanding the dynamic nature of our home star from the smallest to the largest scales.&nbsp;



“These new high-resolution maps from Solar Orbiter's PHI instrument show the beauty of the Sun's surface magnetic field and flows in great detail,” said Miller.



“At the same time, they are crucial for inferring the magnetic field in the Sun's hot corona, which our EUI instrument is imaging.”&nbsp;



The image release builds upon one from two years ago when the mission shared full images of the Sun taken by the spacecraft's EUI and Spectral Imaging of the Coronal Environment (SPICE) instruments on March 7, 2022.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunspots-and-a-chaotic-magnetic-field">Sunspots and a chaotic magnetic field</h2>



Zooming into PHI's detailed visible light images reveals the Sun's “surface” for what it truly is: a constantly moving layer of glowing, hot plasma (charged gas). 



This layer emits almost all the Sun's radiation and has a temperature between 4,500 and 6,000°C. 



Beneath it lies the convection zone, where hot, dense plasma churns similarly to magma in Earth's mantle. This turbulent movement gives the Sun's surface its grainy appearance.



The most striking features in the images are the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sun-solar-cycle-25-highest-number-sunspots-activity-seen-since-2001/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunspots</a>. In the visible light images, these appear as dark spots or holes on the otherwise smooth surface. Sunspots are cooler than their surroundings, emitting less light as a result.



PHI's magnetic map, or “magnetogram," shows that the Sun's magnetic field is concentrated in the sunspot regions, pointing either outward (red) or inward (blue) where the sunspots lie.&nbsp;



The strong magnetic field explains why plasma inside sunspots is cooler. Normally, convection moves heat from inside the Sun to its surface, but this process is disrupted as charged particles are forced to follow the dense magnetic field lines in and around the sunspots.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-movement-on-the-surface">Mapping movement on the surface</h2>



The speed and direction of material movement on the Sun's surface are displayed in PHI's velocity map, also known as a “tachogram.”&nbsp;



In this map, blue indicates movement toward the spacecraft, while red signifies movement away. The map reveals that while the plasma on the Sun's surface generally rotates with the Sun's overall spin around its axis, it is pushed outward around the sunspots.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Solar-Orbiter_3-views-of-Sun_lenses_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Solar-Orbiter_3-views-of-Sun_lenses_ESA_1s.webp" alt="The three views of the Sun's surface shown here are based on measurements taken on March 22, 2023 by the ESA-led Solar Orbiter mission. From left to right, you see the Sun in visible light, a magnetic map of the Sun, and a map of the line-of-sight speed and direction of movement of material at the Sun's visible surface. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1951400"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The three views of the Sun's surface shown here are based on measurements taken on March 22, 2023 by the ESA-led Solar Orbiter mission. From left to right, you see the Sun in visible light, a magnetic map of the Sun, and a map of the line-of-sight speed and direction of movement of material at the Sun's visible surface. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



Finally, EUI's image of the Sun's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-is-the-suns-corona-hotter-than-its-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corona</a> shows what happens above the photosphere. Above the active sunspot regions, glowing plasma protrudes outward. 



This million-degree plasma follows magnetic field lines extending from the Sun, often connecting neighboring sunspots.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-piecing-together-the-sun-s-mosaic">Piecing together the Sun's mosaic</h2>



The images were captured when the Solar Orbiter was less than 74 million kilometers from the Sun.&nbsp;



Being so close meant that each high-resolution image taken by PHI and EUI covered only a small portion of the Sun. To image the entire face, the spacecraft had to be tilted and rotated after each individual image was taken.



To create the full-disc images presented, all individual images were stitched together like a mosaic. Both the PHI and EUI mosaics consist of 25 images each, captured over more than four hours.&nbsp;



The resulting mosaics have a diameter of nearly 8,000 pixels, revealing an astonishing amount of detail.



The image processing required to produce the PHI mosaics was new and challenging. 



Now that it has been accomplished once, future data processing and mosaic assembly will be faster. The PHI team expects to provide such high-resolution mosaics twice a year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-our-understanding-of-the-sun">Advancing our understanding of the Sun</h2>



The new images not only showcase the beauty of our star but also enhance our understanding of its complex magnetic fields and dynamic processes.&nbsp;



By comparing data from different instruments, scientists can gain deeper insights into how the Sun's magnetic field influences phenomena from the smallest to the largest scales.



With continued efforts from missions like Solar Orbiter, we are peeling back the layers of the Sun to better comprehend its impact on our Solar System.



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



-----



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.



-----

Solar Orbiter spacecraft sees the Sun through three different lenses

The ESA-led Solar Orbiter mission is currently observing and studying...

The alphabet holds a unique place in human history, and every new discovery about its origins can illuminate our past and challenge long-held beliefs. 



Its simplicity and adaptability transformed the way humans communicated, laying the foundation for countless languages and cultures. 



Each breakthrough brings us closer to understanding how early societies transitioned from complex symbols to accessible scripts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oldest-alphabet-ever-found">Oldest alphabet ever found</h2>



A recent phenomenal finding has done just that - it’s reshaping what we know about the beginnings of alphabetic writing.



Our story begins in Syria, where a team from <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> made an unexpected discovery.



The researchers unearthed finger-length clay cylinders from an ancient tomb, etched with what appears to be the oldest alphabet in known human history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-alpha-of-alphabets">The alpha of alphabets</h2>



This incredible finding dates back to approximately 2400 BCE, which is a staggering 500 years older than any other known alphabetic scripts. 



This revelation is monumental as it overthrows previously held theories about the origins of alphabets, and how they were adopted by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-cores-show-that-early-societies-were-dominated-by-climate-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early societies</a>, changing their lifestyle and course of civilization.



Glenn Schwartz is a professor of archaeology at Johns Hopkins University and one of the lead researchers who discovered the clay cylinders.



"Alphabets revolutionized writing by making it accessible to people beyond royalty and the socially elite," said Professor Schwartz. 



"Alphabetic writing changed the way people lived, how they thought, how they communicated. And this new discovery shows that people were experimenting with new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-holograms-future-of-secure-messaging-encryption-internet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication technologies</a> much earlier and in a different location than we had imagined before now."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digging-deeper-into-the-past">Digging deeper into the past</h2>



The story behind this discovery unfolds at Tell Umm-el Marra, an early urban center in Western Syria. A group of archaeologists, including experts from the University of Amsterdam, embarked on a 16-year excavation journey at this site.



The fruitful outcome of their dedication was the unearthing of tombs from the Early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bronze-age-teeth-discovery-highlight-the-evolution-of-the-human-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bronze Age</a>. Among these tombs, one stood out - the final resting place of six individuals, adorned with gold and silver jewelry, cookware, a spearhead, and intact <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baltic-pottery-reveals-ancient-culinary-traditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pottery vessels</a>.



Interestingly, found next to the pottery were four lightly baked clay cylinders, etched with what seems to be alphabetic writing. 



"The cylinders were perforated, so I’m imagining a string tethering them to another object to act as a label. Maybe they detail the contents of a vessel, or maybe where the vessel came from, or who it belonged to. Without a means to translate the writing, we can only speculate," said Professor Schwartz. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-chapter-for-the-alphabet">A new chapter for the alphabet?</h2>



Thanks to advanced carbon-14 dating techniques, the researchers were able to confirm the ages of the tombs, the artifacts, and the writing. 



The discovery challenges existing theories about the birth of the alphabet. It shifts our understanding of the origins of alphabetic writing, hinting at an entirely different narrative, as Professor Schwartz explained.



"Previously, scholars thought the alphabet was invented in or around Egypt sometime after 1900 BCE,” said Schwartz. "But our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monkey-stone-tools-look-like-early-human-artifacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artifacts</a> are older and from a different area on the map, suggesting the alphabet may have an entirely different origin story than we previously thought.”



The research highlights the importance of continuous exploration in our endeavor to comprehend our past and understand its impact on our present and future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-impact-of-alphabetic-discoveries">Broader impact of alphabetic discoveries</h2>



The discovery of the oldest known alphabet in Syria does more than just challenge existing theories - it offers a deeper understanding of how early societies communicated and evolved.



Alphabetic writing, unlike the pictograms and logograms used in earlier writing systems, simplified communication, making it more accessible to wider populations. 



This democratization of writing could have been a pivotal factor in advancing trade, governance, and cultural exchanges among early civilizations.



The implications of the ancient alphabet extend beyond archaeology. Linguists, historians, and even technology researchers could gain insights into the roots of structured communication systems.



Understanding the origins of the alphabet also helps contextualize its influence on modern languages and scripts, illustrating its role as a building block for contemporary literacy and education.



Image Credit: Glenn Schwartz, Johns Hopkins University



-----



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.



-----

Oldest known alphabet discovered in Syria

The alphabet holds a unique place in human history, and...

A recent NASA-funded study has deepened the enigma of why life uses molecules with specific orientations.&nbsp;



Researchers have discovered that RNA - a crucial molecule thought to have potentially carried life's instructions before DNA emerged - can favor making the building blocks of proteins in either left-handed or right-handed forms. This finding could provide valuable clues to the origin of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-puzzle-of-life-s-molecular-orientation">The puzzle of life's molecular orientation</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-life-begins-egg-sperm-and-a-covert-team-of-proteins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proteins</a> are essential molecules in all living organisms, serving functions from structural components like hair to enzymes that speed up or regulate chemical reactions. 



Similar to how the 26 letters of the alphabet combine to form countless words, life uses 20 different amino acids in a vast array of arrangements to create millions of different proteins.&nbsp;



Some amino acids exist in two mirror-image forms, like left and right hands, but life predominantly uses the left-handed variety - a phenomenon known as homochirality.&nbsp;



Scientists remain puzzled about why life chose left-handed amino acids over right-handed ones, especially since life based on right-handed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amino acids</a> would presumably function just as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-rna-world-hypothesis">Exploring the “RNA world” hypothesis</h2>



DNA holds the instructions for building and maintaining living organisms but is complex and specialized. It “subcontracts” the work of reading instructions to RNA molecules and building proteins to ribosomes.&nbsp;



Due to DNA's complexity, scientists theorize that a simpler molecule preceded it billions of years ago during early life evolution. RNA, capable of both storing genetic information and building proteins, is a leading candidate, giving rise to the “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rna-world-unraveling-mysteries-life-origin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RNA world</a>” hypothesis.



If this proposition is correct, perhaps something about RNA caused it to favor building left-handed proteins over right-handed ones.&nbsp;



However, the new research did not support this idea, deepening the mystery of why life favored left-handed proteins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-evolutionary-pressures-nbsp">The role of evolutionary pressures&nbsp;</h2>



The experiment tested RNA molecules that act like enzymes to build proteins, called ribozymes.&nbsp;



“The experiment demonstrated that ribozymes can favor either left- or right-handed amino acids, indicating that RNA worlds, in general, would not necessarily have a strong bias for the form of amino acids we observe in biology now,” said corresponding author Irene Chen, a scientist at the <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Los Angeles</a> (UCLA) Samueli School of Engineering.



In simulating potential early-Earth conditions of the RNA world, researchers incubated a solution containing ribozymes and amino acid precursors to observe the relative percentages of right-handed and left-handed phenylalanine amino acids produced.&nbsp;



They tested 15 different ribozyme combinations and found that ribozymes can favor either left-handed or right-handed amino acids. This lack of inherent preference challenges the notion that early life was predisposed to select left-handed amino acids, which dominate in modern proteins.



“The findings suggest that life’s eventual homochirality might not be a result of chemical determinism but could have emerged through later evolutionary pressures,” said co-author Alberto Vázquez-Salazar, a UCLA postdoctoral scholar and member of Chen’s research group.



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



Earth's prebiotic history predates the oldest fossil records, which have been erased by plate tectonics - the slow movement of Earth's crust.&nbsp;



During that time, the planet was likely bombarded by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-would-happen-small-asteroid-hit-earth-nasa-ai-simulation-found-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a>, which may have delivered some of life's building blocks, such as amino acids. Alongside chemical experiments, other origin-of-life researchers are examining molecular evidence from meteorites and asteroids.



Study co-author Jason Dworkin is a senior scientist for astrobiology at NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a> in Greenbelt, Maryland, and director of <a href="https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/691/analytical/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard’s Astrobiology Analytical Laboratory</a>.



Dworkin is also the project scientist on NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission - which extracted samples from the asteroid Bennu and delivered them to Earth.



“Understanding the chemical properties of life helps us know what to look for in our search for life across the solar system,” said Dworkin.&nbsp;



“We are analyzing OSIRIS-REx samples for the chirality (handedness) of individual amino acids, and in the future, samples from Mars will also be tested in laboratories for evidence of life including ribozymes and proteins.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-search-for-life-s-molecular-secrets">The search for life's molecular secrets</h2>



This discovery adds complexity to our understanding of life's molecular orientations, suggesting that homochirality might not have resulted from initial chemical conditions but could have developed due to evolutionary factors.&nbsp;



The findings prompt further research into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-about-the-origins-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">origins of life</a> and may influence how scientists search for life beyond Earth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52362-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



Image Credit: NASA



-----



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.



-----

Life’s molecular orientation: New discovery deepens the mystery

A recent NASA-funded study has deepened the enigma of why...

For the past two months, a small asteroid named 2024 PT5 has been keeping Earth company, acting as a temporary "mini-moon." This week, it's set to drift away, pulled by the stronger gravity of the sun.



Richard Binzel, an astronomer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>), has been following these kinds of celestial visitors for years. 



"These happen more often than we think, but they're small and tough to spot," Binzel explained. "Only lately have our telescopes become powerful enough to catch them regularly."



In August, a team of astronomers from the <a href="https://www.ucm.es/english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Complutense University</a> of Madrid detected 2024 PT5 using a powerful telescope in Sutherland, South Africa. 



They weren't the only ones watching; NASA's Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (<a href="https://fallingstar.com/home.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ATLAS</a>) at Haleakala Observatory in Hawaii first noticed the asteroid on August 7, 2024.



This discovery has excited astronomers, offering a rare chance to learn more about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-test-simulation-shows-earth-not-prepared-prevent-large-asteroid-strike/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">near-Earth objects</a>. But what exactly is 2024 PT5, and why does it matter?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2024-pt5-tiny-asteroid-big-role">2024 PT5: Tiny asteroid, big role</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/its-official-earth-now-has-two-moons-captured-asteroid-2024-pt5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth occasionally captures small asteroids</a> like 2024 PT5, placing them into temporary orbits around our planet. 



While most asteroids orbit the sun on regular paths, some come close enough for Earth's gravity to grab them for a brief visit. 



These cosmic hitchhikers stay with us for a short time -- typically a few weeks or months -- before breaking free and continuing their journey around the sun.



"All mini-moons are unique in their own way," said William Blackmore, Planetarium Director and Astronomy Instructor at <a href="https://www.mhcc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mt. Hood Community College</a>. "This one isn't different from others except that it's the most recent."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-2024-pt5-to-the-moon">Comparing 2024 PT5 to the Moon</h2>



To put things into perspective, 2024 PT5 is about 37 feet across. In contrast, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-earth-get-its-moon-a-new-theory-has-emerged/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's main moon</a> stretches a massive 2,159 miles in diameter. 



That makes our moon over 300,000 times wider than this tiny asteroid. Knowing it's up there is pretty exciting, even if we can't see it without some serious telescopic equipment.



"These temporary captures are natural cosmic laboratories," Binzel mentioned. "They help us understand the small bodies that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/27500-hidden-near-earth-asteroids-discovered-using-google-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">come close to Earth</a> and could be important for future space missions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-2024-pt5-became-a-mini-moon">How 2024 PT5 became a mini-moon</h2>



Understanding how 2024 PT5 became Earth's temporary companion involves a bit of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finding-order-in-the-chaos-of-the-three-body-problem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orbital mechanics</a>. 



Blackmore explained, "It's moving along with us in our orbit around the sun. It's part of a group of asteroids called the Arjuna asteroids, which move at about the same pace as Earth."



He added an analogy to make it clearer: 



"Imagine a skateboarder dropping into a skate park. They ride the curves, adding energy as they go. That's like the asteroid getting caught in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dart-mission-debris-will-create-a-human-made-meteor-shower/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's gravitational field</a>, riding the curve before moving on."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spotting-mini-moons-like-2024-pt5">Spotting mini-moons like 2024 PT5</h2>



Catching sight of mini-moons is no easy task. 



They're incredibly small and faint, often just a few dozen feet across, which means they don't reflect much sunlight. This makes them nearly invisible against the dark backdrop of space.



Astronomers use powerful telescopes equipped with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gaia-reveals-moons-around-hundreds-of-asteroids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensitive detectors and smart software</a> to find them. 



Projects like the ATLAS system scan the skies every night, searching for any objects that weren't there before. 



When they spot something moving in a way that suggests it's close to Earth, they alert other astronomers to help confirm the find.



"It's a collaborative effort," Blackmore said. "Combining technology and teamwork helps us spot these elusive cosmic visitors."



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



While 2024 PT5 doesn't pose any threat to Earth, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-there-a-fifth-force-of-nature-asteroids-provide-new-clues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studying it is crucial</a>. 



"It's important to analyze how it moves and interacts with Earth's gravitational pull," Blackmore noted. "This helps us refine our techniques for tracking objects that could cross our path again."



Another expert, Todd, highlighted the practical applications of this knowledge. 



"We need to understand how to intercept an asteroid at a distance and change its direction," he said. "This could be vital in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-dart-mission-proves-humanity-can-be-saved-from-asteroid-collision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preventing potential impacts</a> in the future."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-observing-2024-pt5">Challenges in observing 2024 PT5</h2>



For those eager to see this mini-moon, experts warn that it would be extremely difficult. 



"You'd need a telescope with a diameter of at least 30 inches," Blackmore mentioned. "That's beyond what most amateur astronomers have."



Todd agreed, adding, "It won't be visible to the naked eye. Being 33 feet wide and so far away, you'd need a very large telescope."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspiration-for-future-space-missions">Inspiration for future space missions</h2>



Blackmore envisioned future missions that could take advantage of these temporary visitors. 



"It would be fascinating if we had missions ready to send small satellites or probes to these objects when they come close," he mused. "Imagine building a network of sensors or cameras traveling along with us, like space webcams."



Todd also saw potential in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-named-psyche-is-worth-10000-quadrillion-for-whoever-can-extract-minerals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid mining</a> and scientific discovery. 



"There might be materials on these asteroids that we can't find on Earth," he said. "They could solve problems in medicine or technology. But we need to weigh the benefits carefully."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brief-visit-with-a-lasting-impact">Brief visit with a lasting impact</h2>



The short stay of asteroid 2024 PT5 serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our solar system. While it didn't stick around long, its presence offered valuable opportunities for learning and exploration.



As technology advances, we'll likely spot more of these mini-moons. Each one gives us a chance to understand our cosmic environment better and prepare for the future.



The full study was published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2515-5172/ad781f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal IOPscience</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.



-----

Earth has lost its mini-moon, which may have come from our main Moon

For the past two months, a small asteroid named 2024...

In the world of science, we often focus on what we see. We examine what is visible, tangible, and easy to perceive with our own two eyes. But what about the sounds of the past - more specifically, the sounds of dinosaurs?



How can we possibly know what a creature from millions of years ago sounded like? Well, this can be answered using paleoacoustics.



Before we dive into the how, let's take a moment to consider what we are talking about. Picture the Parasaurolophus - a duck-billed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-triassic-fossil-gondwanax-paraisensis-may-rewrite-history-of-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur</a> with a unique crest.



This huge creature, standing around 16 feet tall and weighing between 6,000 to 8,000 pounds, dominated the landscapes some 70 million to 80 million years ago. It has been named in many science fiction films and dinosaur-themed games.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-dinosaur-sounds">Decoding dinosaur sounds</h2>



Sound is essentially vibrations traveling through the air. These vibrations hit our eardrums, get converted into electrical signals, and are interpreted by our brains. 



But for creatures like the Parasaurolophus, with unique physical attributes, their sounds would have been produced and resonated differently.



The starting point to understanding how the Parasaurolophus might have sounded is through mathematical modeling. 



Sounds a bit strange, doesn't it? But it's not just number crunching. Math is a universal language that is able to represent complex physical phenomena in a way that can be computed, simulated, and even visualized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-what-dinosaurs-sounded-like">Exploring what dinosaurs sounded like</h2>



Enter our scientist, Hongjun Lin, a researcher at <a href="https://www.nyu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York University</a> who is on a mission to decode the sounds of the past.



He presented his research on the acoustic characteristics of a physical model of the Parasaurolophus' crest at the 187th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America in November 2024.



"I've been fascinated by giant animals ever since I was a kid. I'd spend hours reading books, watching movies, and imagining what it would be like if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carnian-pluvial-episode-one-million-years-of-rain-triggered-dinosaur-takeover-of-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a> were still around today," said Lin.



But a realization in college sparked a new direction for Lin's passion. "It wasn't until college that I realized the sounds we hear in movies and shows - while mesmerizing - are completely fabricated using sounds from modern animals."



"That's when I decided to dive deeper and explore what dinosaurs might have actually sounded like."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-dinosaur-sounds">Creating dinosaur sounds</h2>



To bring mathematics into the tangible realm, Lin created a physical setup - affectionately named the "Linophone." It is made of tubes that resemble the resonance chambers used in musical instruments.



This theoretical model, despite its simplicity, was pivotal in approximating what was happening acoustically inside the Parasaurolophus' crest.



The Linophone isn’t a perfect replica of the Parasaurolophus, but it's a stepping stone - a means to verify the mathematical framework.



Lin's initial findings suggest that the Parasaurolophus' crest was used for resonance, a phenomenon not unfamiliar to us - it’s the same principle that gives birds their unique songs.



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



The journey has just begun. Lin's research is far from complete, and the mathematical model is still a work in progress. 



But the implications of this study extend beyond just dinosaurs. This research paves the way for studying animals with similar vocal structures, leading to a deeper understanding of Earth's ancient inhabitants.



The idea doesn't stop there. Lin shares his plan for the future - an accessible plug-in for people to experiment with and even incorporate dinosaur sounds into music. Can you imagine rock and roll with a dash of Parasaurolophus?



"Once we have a working model, we'll move toward using&nbsp;fossil&nbsp;scans," Lin said. "My ultimate goal is to re-create the sound of the Parasaurolophus."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-how-dinosaurs-communicated">Understanding how dinosaurs communicated</h2>



Understanding how dinosaurs communicated provides insights into their social structures and behaviors. The Parasaurolophus, with its crest capable of producing distinctive sounds, is a fascinating subject to explore these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/qunkasaura-pintiquiniestra-new-sauropod-dinosaur-discovered-in-spain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dynamics</a>. 



This anatomical feature may have allowed it to generate low-frequency calls, which could travel across long distances - a valuable adaptation for herd communication over expansive territories.



Such communication would have played a pivotal role in coordinating movement, warning of approaching predators, or even engaging in mating rituals. 



As research progresses, scientists hope to unravel whether these sounds were unique to each species, locality, or even individual, offering a more nuanced picture of dinosaur life.



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



While Lin's work has primarily focused on recreating the sounds of the Parasaurolophus, the broader implications of paleoacoustic research are vast. 



By refining techniques and understanding, scientists can apply these methods to other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nadir-crater-second-massive-asteroid-impact-discovered-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric animals</a>, providing a comprehensive soundtrack of the past. These innovations bolster educational tools, allowing students and enthusiasts worldwide to engage more deeply with Earth's history through sound. 



The field also enriches other disciplines, such as paleontology, biology, and acoustics - promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative thinking.



As the boundaries of current research continue to expand, so too does our capacity to connect with the ancient world, transforming silent fossils into a symphony of prehistory.



-----



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.



-----

What did dinosaurs sound like?

In the world of science, we often focus on what...

The Arctic plays an increasingly important role in global discussions about rising sea levels and the threats they pose to coastal areas around the world.



With this in mind, it is necessary to explore the intricate process of calving - where ice breaks away from a glacier's edge.



This phenomenon significantly contributes to sea-level rise, which makes it imperative that we understand the process and can use it to predict future changes in our world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-exploration-with-sentinel-1">Arctic exploration with Sentinel-1</h2>



A recent stride forward in this quest for understanding has been made by a remarkable collaboration between I-SEA (based in France) and <a href="https://www.norceresearch.no/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NORCE</a> (from Norway). 



As part of the Space for Shore project, the scientists have made extensive use of over a thousand images from the Sentinel-1 mission.



Their purpose? To meticulously monitor the evolution of Svalbard's coastal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-glaciers-contain-less-ice-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a>.



The Sentinel-1 mission, a key element of the European Union’s Copernicus Program, employed synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology to capture high-resolution data in the challenging Arctic conditions.



Thanks to this technology, there is now consistent, year-round monitoring of these critical glaciers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-calving-activity">Measuring calving activity</h2>



Using Sentinel-1 data between 2015 and 2023, the researchers were able to map glacier front lines and measure calving activity during <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/svalbard-melts-into-the-arctic-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Svalbard</a>’s summer months, the period when calving intensities peak.



One significant breakthrough was the ability to define the summer glacier fronts. 



The researchers examined images taken between July and September and were able to identify summer glacier fronts as areas where glacier extent is maintained 95% of the time during these months.



What's more, the team found a way to understand summer calving intensity by observing floating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iceberg-that-weighs-more-than-the-eiffel-tower-is-floating-freely/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">icebergs</a> and growlers. 



Interestingly, summers with a higher occurrence of these ice masses indicate more active calving and accelerated glacier retreat. These are crucial signs of a glacier’s health and stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-changes-in-arctic-glaciers">Observing changes in Arctic glaciers</h2>



In Kongsfjorden, one of the primary study areas, glaciers like Kronebreen and Kongsvegen showed significant changes.



Daily Sentinel-1 observations were used to classify the region into areas of glacier, iceberg, and growler occurrence.



 The Sentinel-1 method "provides a statistically defined composite of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-arctic-summers-could-be-the-new-normal-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summer glacier</a> front positions and calving intensities, revealing the dynamic interactions between ice and ocean over time," explained Jörg Haarpaintner, a team member from NORCE.



Manon Tranchand, the project's lead researcher, noted that this analysis paints a clear picture of current changes in Arctic glaciers.



"They're crucial for predicting the future impacts of climate change on these sensitive regions," said Tranchand. 



"Without the consistent, high-resolution data from Sentinel-1, monitoring these dynamic ice-ocean interactions wouldn't be possible. Ongoing warming is likely to accelerate ice loss, and our data show how that could contribute to global sea-level rise. Sentinel-1’s capabilities allow us to capture these shifts with unprecedented accuracy."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-launch-of-sentinel-1c">The launch of Sentinel-1C</h2>



Scheduled for launch next month, Sentinel-1C represents a significant leap forward in the monitoring of Arctic glaciers and global climate impacts.



The soon-to-be addition to the Sentinel-1 mission will offer enhanced radar imaging capabilities and improved continuity for crucial climate research.



With its advanced capabilities, Sentinel-1C will amplify our ability to capture detailed, year-round data on glacier front lines, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birth-of-an-iceberg-a-83-breaks-free-from-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calving</a> rates, and ice-ocean interactions, even amidst the challenging conditions of the Arctic. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-implications-of-arctic-ice-loss">Global implications of Arctic ice loss</h2>



The insights gained from monitoring Arctic glacier calving extend far beyond the region itself. 



As glaciers retreat and calving intensifies, the influx of freshwater into the oceans disrupts natural currents, including the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a critical component of Earth's climate system. 



This disruption could lead to significant shifts in weather patterns, such as harsher winters in Europe and intensified monsoons in South Asia.



Moreover, Arctic ice loss exacerbates the global feedback loop of climate change. As ice melts, it exposes darker ocean water, which absorbs more sunlight, accelerating warming - a phenomenon known as the albedo effect.



These changes not only impact the Arctic's fragile ecosystems but also have cascading effects on biodiversity, fisheries, and human livelihoods worldwide.



By understanding the intricacies of glacier calving through missions like Sentinel-1, researchers are equipping policymakers with the tools to anticipate and mitigate these far-reaching impacts. 



-----



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.



-----

Satellite images reveal hidden retreat of Arctic glaciers

The Arctic plays an increasingly important role in global discussions...

Our food choices hold immense power. Not just over our personal health, but also for the Earth itself. Shifting towards sustainable diets can significantly combat climate change and food scarcity. 



But, implementing such changes on a global scale requires delicacy due to the interconnectedness of our global food network.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-food-chain">Global food chain</h2>



The world's food system is a complex, interconnected web. A shift in food demand in one corner of the globe can have far-reaching effects on people in other parts of the world, often in ways we might not initially anticipate. 



“Changes in food demand in one part of the world can have cascading environmental and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human welfare</a> implications for people around the world),” said Joe DeCesaro, data analyst at UC Santa Barbara’s&nbsp;National Center for Ecological Analysis &amp; Synthesis (<a href="https://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCEAS</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-global-diet-shifts">Decoding the global diet shifts</h2>



To navigate the complexity of the global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-food-day-fighting-global-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food system</a> and ensure a healthy population and planet, a comprehensive shift in our global diet is needed. 



DeCesaro, along with a team of international researchers, embarked on the ambitious mission to understand where and how environmental pressures might occur within global dietary shifts.



The experts analyzed four types of diets - Indian, Mediterranean, EAT-Lancet (primarily plant-based), and food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tale-of-four-diets">Tale of four diets</h2>



The team's findings, published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, show that the Indian diet emerging as the most beneficial of the four, estimated to reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeding-children-healthy-diets-can-be-very-challenging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> production-based global environmental pressure by a remarkable 20.9 percent.



On the other hand, the food-based dietary guidelines were projected to potentially increase environmental pressure by a staggering 35.2 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-food-system-and-sustainable-diets">Global food system and sustainable diets</h2>



Our global food system is a major player in environmental change. It is linked to about a third of global greenhouse gas emissions and over 70% of freshwater resources.



Shifting towards a more sustainable diet - leaning away from resource-intensive foods like red meat - can decrease the environmental pressure, bring health benefits, and increase the intake of nutrient-dense foods like vegetables and legumes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-bears-the-environmental-burden">Who bears the environmental burden?</h2>



The research team's curiosity didn't end at understanding the impact of dietary changes. They sought to find out who would bear the environmental burden brought on by these diet shifts. 



“The research was motivated originally by the question: Who’s consumption is generating the pressures of food production that are being felt by people and places around the world?” DeCesaro noted.



“Are poorer countries paying the environmental price of producing higher pressure foods that are being eaten by richer countries or vice versa? Our methods allow us to track changes in the environmental pressures from the producer to the consumer, and vice versa, in a standardized format across four pressures. Our work is quite novel in this space.”



"The Indian and FBDGs being directly from government recommendations, the Mediterranean being widely discussed for its health benefits, and the EAT-Lancet diet being developed by subject matter experts,” DeCesaro said. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-sustainable-diets">Power of sustainable diets</h2>



Their findings revealed that except for the FBDGs, shifts to all other diets resulted in reductions in global cumulative pressure. 



The Indian diet performed best due to its recommendation of zero red meat consumption, while food-based dietary guidelines typically suggest more red meat than countries currently consume.



However, these global pressure reductions would primarily rely on dietary shifts in higher-income countries. 



“Higher-income countries’ average current diets have higher consumption quantities of most food categories than the recommended quantities in our diet scenarios,” noted DeCesaro.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-diets-and-lower-income-countries">Sustainable diets and lower-income countries</h2>



A shift towards more sustainable, plant-forward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-less-could-extend-your-lifespan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a> would increase environmental pressures related to food production in lower-income countries. But, DeCesaro explained that this is mainly due to the diet scenarios meeting more of their daily needs.



The researchers advocate for support from wealthier countries via access to imports of efficiently produced foods, economic development, and sharing knowledge of efficient and environmentally friendly food production practices.



At the end of the day, our decisions about what we eat are vital for reducing our environmental footprint. Nevertheless, others might pay the price for those decisions, concluded Halpern.



As global citizens, we thus share the responsibility of making informed food choices that nourish both ourselves and the world we live in.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad8509" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research 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.&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.



-----

Sustainable diets can reduce environmental pressure

Our food choices hold immense power. Not just over our...

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