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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

For countless years, a prehistoric beast of the wild known as the aurochs has fascinated humanity. 



The majestic presence of the aurochs - recorded in archaic cave paintings - and its transformation into the domestic cattle we see today are part of a compelling narrative.



An international ensemble of geneticists, in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin, has recently explored the intriguing history of the aurochs using ancient DNA.



"Now extinct, the aurochs (Bos primigenius) was a keystone species in prehistoric Eurasian and North African ecosystems, and the progenitor of cattle, domesticates that have provided people with food and labor for millennia," wrote the researchers.



The team meticulously sequenced and analyzed 38 genomes using DNA from the bones of aurochs. The bones represented a timeline of approximately 50,000 years and were collected across diverse geographical sites ranging from Siberia to Britain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aurochs-the-wild-beast-of-the-past">Aurochs: The wild beast of the past</h2>



Originating hundreds of thousands of years ago, the grand aurochs once ruled the territories of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Their importance in human culture was so profound that our ancestors depicted them in numerous cave paintings.



The domestication process of these creatures led to the creation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cattle-have-intricate-social-lives-allogrooming-insights-behaviors-welfare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cattle</a>, which provided humans with meat and milk. This significant transformation is evident today, as cattle currently form one-third of the world's mammalian biomass.



Dr. Conor Rossi of <a href="https://www.visittrinity.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a> noted that the aurochs went extinct approximately 400 years ago, which left much of their evolutionary history a mystery. 



"However, through the sequencing of ancient DNA, we have gained detailed insight into the diversity that once thrived in the wild as well as enhanced our understanding of domestic cattle," said Dr. Rossi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-evolutionary-journey">Unraveling the evolutionary journey</h2>



The fossil records of European aurochs date back to around 650,000 years ago, which is around the same time as the appearance of archaic human species on the continent.



However, the aurochs of the Eastern and Western extremes of Eurasia share a more recent common ancestry.



This indicates a likely replacement of the aurochs population around 100,000 years ago - possibly due to migrations from a southern Asian homeland.



Dr. Mikkel Sinding, a co-author of the study, sheds light on the diversity of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-animals-can-evolve-faster-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild animals</a>.



“We normally think of the European aurochs as one common form or type, but our analyses suggest there were three distinct aurochs populations in Europe alone - a Western European, an Italian, and a Balkan. There was thus a greater diversity in the wild forms than we had ever imagined.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-signature-of-climate-change">The signature of climate change </h2>



In a fascinating turn of events, the impacts of climate change were found embedded within the DNA of aurochs.



A separation and divergence of European and North Asian genomes occurred at the start of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disastrous-climate-changes-of-the-last-ice-age-could-happen-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">last ice age</a>, approximately 100,000 years ago. The separation continued until the end of the ice age.



A noticeable decline in genome-estimated population sizes was observed during this glacial period, with the European herds facing the harshest effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-wild-beast-to-tame-cattle">From wild beast to tame cattle</h2>



The transformation of the ferocious aurochs into domesticated cattle was a remarkable feat. This process was kickstarted in the north of the Fertile Crescent a little over 10,000 years ago.



“Although Caesar exaggerated when he said it was like an elephant, the wild ox must have been a highly dangerous beast and this hints that its first capture and taming must have happened with only a very few animals," said study co-author Professor Dan Bradley.



The genetic base of the first cattle was refined and enriched with time - a result of mating with wild aurochs <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bulls-are-helping-solve-the-mysteries-of-male-infertility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bulls</a>.



The legacy of the four separate preglacial aurochs ancestries endures within the domestic cattle we have today.



This monumental study of the prehistory of aurochs has added a crucial piece to the puzzle of our shared past. 



By exploring the life and times of these majestic creatures, we gain a deeper understanding of the role of human culture and climate change in the evolutionary paths of animals.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08112-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Prehistoric wild beast: How climate and culture shaped an iconic species

For countless years, a prehistoric beast of the wild known...

Recent data shows an increase in the number of children and young adults diagnosed with autism in America over the last decade.



This surge in autism diagnosis is not restricted to America. There has also been a rise in the number of autism cases in the UK.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-numbers-speak-volumes">Numbers speak volumes</h2>



Upon analyzing an enormous volume of American health records, researchers found that diagnoses escalated by 175 percent from 2011 to 2022, increasing from a rate of 2.3 to 6.3 per 1,000 people.



However, it was the young adults between 26 to 34 years old who had the highest jump of 450 percent. 



Still, the demographic that is the most likely to be diagnosed remains children aged five to eight, at a rate of 30 per 1,000. 



According to experts, the actual rates could be even higher since not every autistic child has access to screening and therapy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-basics-of-autism-what-is-it">The basics of autism - what is it?</h2>



Autistic brains often show different patterns of connectivity - imagine a city where some highways are super busy with traffic while other roads are quieter than usual.



Some brain regions might communicate more intensely than in neurotypical brains, while others might have fewer connections. 



This different "wiring" pattern helps explain why autistic people might process sensory information, emotions, and social cues in unique ways.



Some autistic folks experience the world in super-vivid detail - lights might seem brighter, sounds louder, and textures more intense.



They might get really passionate about specific interests and know absolutely everything there is to know about them. 



Many autistic people have their own unique way of communicating and connecting with others - maybe they prefer not to make eye contact, or they take things very literally, or they need extra time to process social situations.



Picture it like everyone having their own internal radio - autistic people might tune into different frequencies than others, picking up on details others miss while maybe finding some common social stuff more challenging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-influencing-rise-in-autism-diagnosis">Factors influencing rise in autism diagnosis</h2>



The research team responsible for this data believes that better screening, increased awareness, and broader diagnostic criteria are the prime drivers of this surge. 



However, other studies suggest environmental factors like pollution and older mothers as key contributors. 



The experts also found that the "gender gap" in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-make-history-by-cracking-the-autism-code/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">autism</a> is closing, with more girls and women diagnosed with the condition, which primarily affects school-aged boys.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-autism-diagnosis-in-children">Autism diagnosis in children</h2>



Dr. Luke Grosvenor, lead study author and postdoctoral research fellow at <a href="https://divisionofresearch.kaiserpermanente.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research</a>, emphasized improving transition services for autistic individuals and their families.



He noted that while autistic children often receive school-based services like speech therapy, adults may lose access to these resources.



This loss, he argues, highlights the critical importance of ensuring such support remains available for adults with autism.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environment-and-autism-diagnosis">Environment and autism diagnosis</h2>



The researchers also explored the potential role environmental factors play in the surge.



For example, an Australian study published earlier revealed that boys exposed to the endocrine-disrupting chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) in the womb were six times more likely to be diagnosed with autism before age 11 than those not exposed.



Furthermore, a 2021 review found that 'the odds of an autism diagnosis were 3.3 times higher in individuals born preterm than in the general population.



The increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/autism-and-adhd-disorders-directly-linked-amount-of-time-kids-spend-on-screens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">autism</a> could, therefore, be due to the rise in preterm survival rates, which has gone up from 76 percent in 2008 to 2012 to 78.3 percent in 2013 to 2018.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advances-in-diagnostic-tools">Advances in diagnostic tools</h2>



In recent years, better diagnostic tools have led to more autism diagnoses. Thanks to technology, we can screen for autism earlier and more effectively. 



Tools like eye-tracking, genetic testing, and improved behavior assessments help doctors identify autism traits more accurately than before. 



This means people who might have been missed or misdiagnosed in the past are now being counted, giving us a clearer view of autism today.



It shows how important it is to keep improving our diagnostic methods so everyone gets the right diagnosis and support they need.



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



The study, while offering significant insights, acknowledges certain limitations. Its estimates might understate the actual figures, as data were drawn only from documented health records, which can leave gaps. 



Additionally, the study likely excludes individuals without access to testing or regular healthcare, such as those lacking insurance coverage. 



This omission means that many undiagnosed or unsupported cases may not be represented in the findings.



Thus, the study’s data may not fully capture the true extent of autism diagnoses, particularly in under-resourced groups. 



Addressing these gaps would offer a more accurate picture of autism prevalence and its real-world impact.



"Future work should characterize prevalence trends by these and other factors to represent individuals with varying levels of service needs and presentations of ASD," the authors note.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



The increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddler-screen-time-linked-to-atypical-sensory-behaviors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">autism</a> diagnoses poses a significant challenge for healthcare providers, educators, and families.



However, it also opens the door to an opportunity: the chance to improve our understanding of the condition, refine our measures for early detection, and develop more effective treatment strategies. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2825472" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Network Open</a>.



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Autism diagnoses have almost tripled in the U.S. over the past ten years

Recent data shows an increase in the number of children...

Earth's interstellar explorer, Voyager 1, experienced some unanticipated communication hiccups. What's interesting, though, is that Voyager 1 managed to dust off a backup radio transmitter that hasn’t seen action since 1981. It's been dormant for 40 years!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-voyager-1">What is Voyager 1?</h2>



Voyager 1 blasted off on September 5, 1977, kicking off NASA’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-1-resumes-messages-to-earth-from-15-billion-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">incredible Voyager program</a>. Its mission? To take a grand tour of the outer planets -- Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune -- using a rare alignment that only happens once every 176 years. 



As it zipped past these gas giants, Voyager 1 captured jaw-dropping images and gathered tons of data about their moons and rings, giving us some of the first close-up looks at worlds we only dreamed about before.



After wrapping up its primary mission, Voyager 1 didn’t just chill out in space. Instead, it kept pushing forward and made history in August 2012 by becoming the first human-made object to enter interstellar space. 



That means it’s now cruising through the vast areas between stars, carrying the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/voyager/voyager-golden-record-overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iconic Golden Record</a> -- a sort of cosmic message in a bottle filled with sounds and images from Earth, just in case any alien civilizations are out there looking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coping-with-the-unexpected">Coping with the unexpected</h2>



Like a diligent scout, <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/voyager/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Voyager</a> 1 took steps to protect itself and conserve power, sensing an anomaly after a command was sent through NASA's Deep Space Network (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/communicating-with-missions/dsn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DSN</a>) -- an impressive array of mammoth radio antennas spread across the globe.



The command aimed to activate one of the spacecraft's heaters on October 16. However, when there was no response to the command two days later, the mission's flight team sensed something was off.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radio-transmitter-of-voyager-1">Radio transmitter of Voyager 1</h2>



Dr. John R. Spencer from the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Planetary Science Department and his team discovered that the spacecraft, in a delightful twist, had gone rogue. 



Choosing the path of energy efficiency, Voyager 1 turned off its primary X-band radio transmitter and switched to its secondary S-band radio transmitter, conserving power in the process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spacecraft-s-survival-kit">Spacecraft’s survival kit</h2>



Now, why did that happen? 



"The transmitter shut-off seems to have been prompted by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-1-resumes-sending-data-to-earth-from-interstellar-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacecraft's</a> fault protection system, which autonomously responds to onboard issues," NASA officials said. 



"The team is now working to gather information that will help them figure out what happened and return Voyager 1 to normal operations."



This system can be triggered for a variety of reasons. For instance, if our interstellar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-1-resumes-messages-to-earth-from-15-billion-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">voyager</a> overdraws its power supply, the fault protection system kicks in, turning off all non-essential systems so the spacecraft can conserve energy and remain in flight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-silent-wait">The silent wait</h2>



Sent on October 16, the heater activation instructions were expected to return data within a couple of days -- considering the mind-boggling 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometers) distance the command had to cover to reach the spacecraft and the equal time required for the response to reach back.



However, the expected response didn't arrive at the anticipated time, leading to the discovery of this unexpected switch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disappearing-radio-signal-of-voyager-1">Disappearing radio signal of Voyager 1</h2>



Here's where the tale gets more interesting. To conserve power, Voyager 1’s self-defense system reduced the data transmission rate of its radio transmitter. 



This made the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-spacecraft-fighting-survival-cosmic-threats-outside-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacecraft's</a> return signal on the X-band frequency undetectable to the DSN antennas. Although a signal was detected later that day, it disappeared entirely the next day when the X-band transmitter was completely turned off.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vintage-solution-activates">Vintage solution activates</h2>



The backup plan was to revive the S-band radio transmitter that hadn't been used since 1981. 



This suggestion did bring some skepticism due to the significantly fainter signal it transmits while using less power.



Despite this, on October 22, a command was sent to the S-band transmitter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reconnection-with-voyager-1-radio">Reconnection with Voyager 1 radio</h2>



Finally, on October 24, the team was able to reconnect with Voyager 1. To say it was a sigh of relief would be an understatement. 



Now the team is investigating what might have triggered the spacecraft's voltage protection system in the first place.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-the-cosmic-frontier">Lessons from the cosmic frontier</h2>



A profound insight gleaned from Voyager 1's odyssey is the significance of redundancy in mission-critical hardware. 



The foresight to incorporate a backup radio transmitter, decades ago, underscores the necessity of planning for the unforeseen in space exploration. 



This incident not only highlights the resilience of the spacecraft but also exemplifies the unyielding dedication and ingenuity of the engineering teams that continually monitor and adapt to the ever-changing challenges posed by the cosmos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-path-forward">Path forward</h2>



With radio communication back on track, the focus is now on preventing future issues with Voyager 1. 



Dr. Spencer and his team are working hard to evaluate its condition and ensure it stays operational. Voyager 1 is humanity's farthest and longest-lasting spacecraft, so maintaining its longevity is crucial. 



The lessons learned from this challenge will offer valuable insights for future interstellar missions, helping them explore even deeper into space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-persistent-voyager-1">The persistent Voyager 1</h2>



Voyager 1, the cosmic explorer which launched in 1977 and ventured into interstellar space in 2012, has continued to return vital data from beyond the solar system, despite the increasing number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-lost-contact-with-voyager-2-spacecraft-12-billion-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technical issues</a> caused by its prolonged time in deep space.



So, while these space vessels might seem far removed from our daily lives, they’re a bit like us. They too face challenges, adapt, learn, and keep pushing forward. 



It’s fascinating how much we can learn from a spacecraft that’s billions of miles away.



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Voyager 1 shocks NASA by communicating with a radio system not used since 1981

Earth's interstellar explorer, Voyager 1, experienced some unanticipated communication hiccups....

On September 29, 2024, something unusual happened in our cosmic neighborhood. Earth captured a tiny asteroid named 2024 PT5, turning it into a temporary mini-moon. 



That's right... as of today, November 2, 2024, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/its-official-earth-now-has-two-moons-captured-asteroid-2024-pt5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth has two moons</a>.



Richard Binzel, an astronomer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>), shed some light on these fleeting celestial companions.



"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."



Back 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 the small space rock using a powerful telescope in Sutherland, South Africa.



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



This discovery sparked excitement among astronomers, offering a 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>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-exactly-is-2024-pt5">What exactly is 2024 PT5?</h2>



Earth occasionally captures small asteroids like 2024 PT5, placing them into temporary orbits around our planet. 



While most asteroids circle the sun on their regular paths, some venture close enough for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-global-electric-field-discovered-equally-important-gravity-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's gravity</a> to snatch them up for a brief visit.



These cosmic visitors only stay in Earth's orbit for a short time -- typically a few weeks or months -- before breaking free and resuming their solar journey.



Each mini-moon gives scientists a rare opportunity to examine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/27500-hidden-near-earth-asteroids-discovered-using-google-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">near-Earth asteroids</a> up close, revealing valuable insights about our solar system's mechanics.



So, what makes this asteroid special, aside from the fact that new technology and the internet made it famous? 



William Blackmore, Planetarium Director and Astronomy Instructor at <a href="https://www.mhcc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mt. Hood Community College</a>, offered his thoughts.



"All mini-moons are unique in their own way," Blackmore explained. "This one isn't different from others except that it's the most recent.”



2024 PT5 will be around for about two more weeks, probably until mid-November.



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



Let's compare our moon to this new mini-moon: 2024 PT5 is only about 37 feet across, while our familiar moon stretches a massive 2,159 miles in diameter. That makes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-earth-get-its-moon-a-new-theory-has-emerged/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our moon</a> over 300,000 times wider than this tiny asteroid.



Knowing it’s up there is pretty exciting, even though we can't see it for ourselves without an invitation to a huge Earth telescope installation.



“These temporary captures are natural cosmic laboratories,” Binzel mentioned. “They help us understand the small bodies that come close to Earth and could be important for future space missions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-asteroid-2024-pt5-became-famous">How Asteroid 2024 PT5 became famous</h2>



Understanding how 2024 PT5 became Earth's temporary moon 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 interesting analogy: "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-significance-of-spotting-mini-moons">Significance of spotting mini-moons</h2>



Spotting mini-moons is tough because they're incredibly small and faint. These tiny asteroids are often just a few dozen feet across, which means they don't reflect much sunlight. That makes them nearly invisible against the dark backdrop of space.



Plus, they're zipping around at high speeds and don't hang around for long, so by the time we point our telescopes their way, they might already be gone. 



It's like trying to catch a glimpse of a firefly from miles away -- you need the right conditions and equipment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-high-tech-telescopes">Modern high-tech telescopes</h2>



Astronomers find them by using 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>.



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, combining technology and teamwork to spot these elusive cosmic visitors.



Knowing more about these temporary moons helps us prepare for any potential asteroid threats and opens up possibilities for mining resources from near-Earth objects.



<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, both experts warned 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-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 said. "This helps us refine our techniques for tracking objects that could cross our path again."



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



To sum it all up, the brief visit of asteroid 2024 PT5 serves as a reminder of the dynamic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-asteroids-were-formed-in-cold-regions-of-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature of our solar system</a>. 



While it won't be with us for long -- just a couple more weeks -- its presence offers 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. 



So even though you'll never see it, you might want to spare a moment of your time and stop to appreciate 2024 PT5 while you still can.



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>.



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Earth's second moon, a mini-moon, will drift away in a few days and never return

On September 29, 2024, something unusual happened in our cosmic...

Imagine a world where silk thread isn’t just for fashion but for powering devices too. Picture an everyday sweater that can charge your mobile phone or power electronics monitoring your health - all thanks to wearable technology that transforms textiles into electricity generators.



This may sound like a scene out of a sci-fi movie, but a dedicated group of researchers is working to bring this vision to life.



The major hurdle in this venture so far has been finding materials that conduct electricity steadily and are also suitable for clothing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-silk-thread-solution">The silk thread solution</h2>



Researchers from <a href="https://www.chalmers.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chalmers University of Technology</a> in Sweden have come up with a solution. They are using an everyday item that is synonymous with the textile industry - silk thread - and giving it a hi-tech makeover.



The experts have coated the silk thread with a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-waste-can-be-used-to-make-electronic-devices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conductive plastic</a> material that has exceptional properties for turning ordinary textiles into electricity generators.



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robotsweater-a-new-fabric-enables-robots-to-feel-and-react-to-human-touch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">futuristic fabrics</a>, or thermoelectric textiles as they are called, convert temperature differences between our bodies and the surrounding air into an electrical potential. This technology may bring a significant change to our daily lives and society at large.



When connected to a sensor, these textiles can power devices without batteries. The sensors could help monitor our movements or measure our heartbeat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-blend-of-safety-and-flexibility">A blend of safety and flexibility</h2>



As these clothes need to be worn close to the body, the materials used have to meet high standards of safety and flexibility. 



“The polymers that we use are bendable, lightweight and easy to use in both liquid and solid form. They are also non-toxic," said study first author Mariavittoria Craighero, a doctoral student in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-strides-with-silk-thread">Making strides with silk thread</h2>



Much of the methodology used to create this conductive thread is based on previous findings within the same research project.



In the past, the thread contained metals for maintaining its stability when in contact with air. Progress was made by using only organic polymers in manufacturing.



The researchers have now developed a new kind of thread that has exhibited improved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-soil-esoil-boosts-crop-production-by-50-in-just-15-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electrical conductivity</a> and stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-missing-piece-of-the-puzzle">Missing piece of the puzzle </h2>



To demonstrate how this new thread can be used in real-life situations, the researchers created two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-solar-cells-that-keep-working-in-the-dark/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thermoelectric</a> generators - a button sewn with the thread and a piece of fabric with woven threads. 



When these textiles were placed between a hot and a cold surface, a voltage increase was observed.



“We found the missing piece of the puzzle to make an optimal thread - a type of polymer that had recently been discovered," said Craighero.



"It has outstanding performance stability in contact with air, while at the same time having a very good ability to conduct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harvesting-electricity-with-nature-inspired-techniques/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electricity</a>. By using polymers, we don't need any rare earth metals, which are common in electronics."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-era-for-thermoelectric-textiles">A new era for thermoelectric textiles</h2>



Currently, the thermoelectric fabric and button cannot be mass-produced outside the lab. The material must be made and sewn by hand, which is laborious.



However, the researchers are optimistic about the thread's potential and the possibility of developing an automated process for scaling up. 



"We have now shown that it is possible to produce conductive organic materials that can meet the functions and properties that these textiles require. This is an important step forward," noted Professor Christian Müller.



"There are fantastic opportunities in thermoelectric textiles and this research can be of great benefit to society."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-silk-thread-powering-future-applications">Silk thread: Powering future applications</h2>



The potential uses of silk-thread-powered thermoelectric textiles extend far beyond personal electronics. 



Imagine athletic wear that monitors and adjusts to an athlete's physiological changes during training, or hospital garments that continuously track vital signs without the need for batteries or charging. 



These fabrics could also be used in military and outdoor gear, offering reliable, self-sustaining power in remote locations where access to traditional charging sources is limited.



Beyond wearables, the technology may have applications in smart home textiles, such as blankets that help maintain a comfortable temperature or curtains that convert sunlight into energy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-electronic-waste">Reducing electronic waste</h2>



The use of sustainable, non-toxic materials like silk and organic polymers could also help reduce electronic waste, offering an environmentally-friendly alternative to disposable batteries and devices.



While the thermoelectric fabric and button currently require handcrafting in the lab, the researchers are optimistic about the future. 



With continued advancements, the experts hope to develop automated production methods that could make this silk-thread technology more widely accessible, paving the way for sustainable, wearable energy solutions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.202406770" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Science</a>.



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Silk thread can turn clothes into electricity generators

Imagine a world where silk thread isn’t just for fashion...

Elephants are known for their loving, complex social structures and their excellent problem-solving abilities. However, in Kenya, they have become quite a problem for small-scale farmers. So, is there a solution that can help the elephants and farmers live together in harmony?



In a study spanning nine years, researchers have discovered that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-elephant-day-2024-saving-the-gentle-giants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a> are not big fans of honey bees.



The experts found that elephants would avoid beehive fences housing live honey bees up to 86% of the time during peak crop seasons. This not only helps to reduce the human-elephant conflict but also boosts income for local farmers.



The study was conducted by Save the Elephants (<a href="https://www.savetheelephants.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">STE</a>), Wildlife Research and Training Institute (<a href="https://wrti.go.ke" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WRTI</a>), Kenya Wildlife Service (<a href="https://www.kws.go.ke" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KWS</a>), and the University of Oxford.



The research offers new hope for using nature-based solutions to help protect livelihoods and wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shrinking-elephant-habitats">Shrinking elephant habitats</h2>



Kenya is experiencing rapid human population growth, with an increase of 59.4% from 2000 to 2020. As human settlements and infrastructure expand, elephant habitats are shrinking. 



It's a very real problem - how can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-elephant-conflict-will-escalate-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans and elephants coexist</a>? Agencies like KWS, who are tasked with protecting natural resources amid growing economic development needs, need to find solutions.



That's where the innovative strategy from Save the Elephants' Coexistence Program steps in, with beehive fences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beehive-fences-keep-elephants-at-bay">Beehive fences keep elephants at bay</h2>



Introduced in 2007 by STE and KWS, in partnership with the University of Oxford, beehive fences offered a very out-of-the-box solution. 



The fences are a series of live beehives strung together between posts, creating a physical, auditory, and olfactory deterrent to elephants.



The thought of being stung keeps elephants at bay, and the fences also benefit farmers by providing pollination services and generating income through honey and wax production.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deterring-elephants-from-raiding-farms">Deterring elephants from raiding farms</h2>



By monitoring 26 farms with these fences near Tsavo East National Park, researchers were able to analyze around 4,000 incidents of elephant approaches. 



During six peak crop-growing seasons from November 2014 to January 2020, the fences successfully turned away an annual average of 86.3% of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ancient-humans-hunted-elephants-with-stone-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a>.



Interestingly, even during a drought, the fences deterred an annual average of 76% of elephants. Yet, the drought did pose a challenge, reducing hive occupation by 75% during 2017, which in turn affected honey production and profits for three years after.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beehive-fences-for-elephants">Beehive fences for elephants</h2>



Dr. Lucy King, who led the study for STE and the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>'s Department of Biology, was thrilled with the results but also warned of future risks. 



"Beehive fences are very effective at reducing up to 86.3% of elephant raids when the crops in the farms are at their most attractive, but our results also warn that increased habitat disturbance or more frequent droughts could reduce the effectiveness of this nature-based coexistence method," noted Dr. King.



According to Dr. Patrick Omondi, director of the Wildlife Research and Training Institute, Kenya is facing increasing challenges with&nbsp;human-elephant conflict, and solutions like&nbsp;beehive&nbsp;fences empower communities to manage their own farm protection.



"We need more research and support for nature-based solutions to help our communities live better alongside wildlife," said Dr. Omondi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tapping-into-elephant-s-fear-of-bees">Tapping into elephant's fear of bees</h2>



Now, you might be wondering, why are elephants, those giant creatures, afraid of tiny honey bees? Earlier research has shown that elephants run away from disturbed bee sounds and show behaviors like head-shaking, dusting, and rumbling to warn others. 



Even though elephants have a thick skin, disturbed honey bees target sensitive areas like the eyes and mouth, and their stings cause discomfort.



This natural fear of bees has been harnessed as a practical tool to keep elephants away from farms, promoting a peaceful coexistence between humans and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extinct-elephant-fossils-reveal-early-evidence-of-animal-butchery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>.



To date, over 14,000 beehives have been hung as elephant deterrents in 97 sites across Africa and Asia.



As we enter an era of increasing human-animal conflicts due to continuously encroaching habitats, it's encouraging to see the potential of innovative solutions to provide a more harmonious situation for all.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/csp2.13242" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Science and Practice</a>.



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Beehive fences keep elephants from raiding farms

Elephants are known for their loving, complex social structures and...

Where did planets come from? This question has intrigued skywatchers and astronomers for many years.



In the 18th century, Immanuel Kant and Pierre-Simon Laplace proposed that planets were born from a disk of dust and gas surrounding the nascent Sun.



This theory was based on the observation that all planets revolve around the Sun in the same plane and share a common direction of orbit. The scientists compared this particular trait to a record spinning on a phonograph.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planets-around-young-stars">Planets around young stars</h2>



It was only after two centuries that the theory was backed up with compelling evidence. When <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/infrared-astronomical-satellite-iras/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IRAS</a> (Infrared Astronomical Satellite) captured the curious excess of infrared light from the dust around the star Vega, it supported the idea of disks forming around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uma3-u1-faintest-star-system-found-orbiting-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young stars</a>.



But as we continue to dig deeper and explore further, we stumble upon new surprises. When astronomers from the University of Arizona decided to aim for a closer look at the Vega system using the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, they discovered something intriguing.



It appears the Vega disk is phenomenally smooth. The characteristic churning and plowing seen in other stellar disks, usually caused by planets, is absent here. 



In fact, the Vega disk seems almost as flat as a pancake, showing no evidence of any planets. This challenges our previous understanding and calls for a reassessment of the variety of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rogue-star-zoomed-by-our-solar-system-disrupted-planetary-orbits-stretched-edges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary systems</a>.



"Our observations of Vega surprise us at every turn, and force us to rethink our understanding of exoplanetary systems," said study lead author Kate Su.



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



Fomalhaut is a star similar to Vega in terms of distance, age, and temperature. Yet, their systems show stark architectural differences. Fomalhaut has three debris belts, indicating the potential presence of planets that could be regulating the dust into rings.



"Given the physical similarity between the stars of Vega and Fomalhaut, why does Fomalhaut seem to have been able to form planets and Vega didn't?" said George Rieke of the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a>, a member of the research team.



"What's the difference? Did the circumstellar environment, or the star itself, create that difference? What's puzzling is that the same physics is at work in both," added study co-author Schuyler Wolff.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-vega-star-system">History of Vega star system</h2>



Vega was the first star that hinted at the possibility of life-bearing planets - a theory proposed by Immanuel Kant in 1775.



Many decades later, in 1984, NASA's IRAS detected an excess of warm dust around Vega, interpreted as a shell or disk of dust. Subsequent observations with telescopes confirmed this fact but couldn't lend any significant details.



"The Hubble and Webb observations together provide so much more detail that they are telling us something completely new about the Vega system that nobody knew before," said Rieke. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-re-evaluating-planet-formation">Re-evaluating planet formation</h2>



The unexpected discovery of Vega's serene disk indicates that astronomers should reconsider <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-nova-explosion-nearby-star-light-up-earths-skies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prevailing theories</a> of planet formation.



Traditionally, the chaotic churning of circumstellar disks, with their evident gaps and structures, has been indicative of planetary forces at work - shepherding dust and gas into ordered arrangements.



Yet, Vega's lack of these hallmarks suggests alternative mechanisms might govern system development in some stars. Could magnetic fields, stellar winds, or even the initial density and composition of the protoplanetary disk play a more pivotal role than previously imagined? 



Further investigations into Vega and similar systems could improve our understanding of the diverse pathways <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-asteroid-collision-detected-in-nearby-star-system-beta-pictoris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary systems</a> might take, challenging conventional wisdom and broadening our cosmic perspective.



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



Stars like Vega and Fomalhaut have profound implications for astrobiology, particularly in the quest to identify potentially habitable exoplanets. The presence or absence of planets within these systems influences the potential for life-sustaining environments.



If systems can evolve with little or no planetary formation disturbances, as Vega suggests, we may need to redefine the criteria used to search for habitable worlds. 



The serene disk of Vega, devoid of planetary influences, prompts questions about habitability outer limits and whether lifeless planets might yet harbor conditions capable of fostering life in nontraditional habitats. 



This new vista in planetary science reshapes not just our celestial maps, but potentially the very parameters of life itself in the universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discoveries-beyond-stars-like-vega">Discoveries beyond stars like Vega</h2>



The <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a> has been churning out revolutionary discoveries and enhancing our understanding of the universe for over three decades now. 



However, it isn't the only tool to accomplish this Herculean task. Hubble, managed by the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and supported by Lockheed Martin Space, continues its exploration, while the James Webb Space Telescope is also making giant strides.



Webb, an international collaboration led by NASA in partnership with the European Space Agency (<a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>) and Canadian Space Agency, surveys our solar system, investigates distant worlds, and probes mysterious structures and origins of our universe.



<a href="https://arxiv.org/pdf/2410.24042" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Two</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://arxiv.org/pdf/2410.23636" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">papers</a>&nbsp;from the Arizona team will be published in&nbsp;<a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, STScI, S. Wolff (University of Arizona)



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Vega star system discovery forces us to rethink planet formation

Where did planets come from? This question has intrigued skywatchers...

Mars and its tantalizing mysteries have spurred many space missions, each one revealing something new and compelling. NASA's Perseverance rover has been a prolific source of remarkable discoveries surrounding Mars and its moons, Phobos and Deimos. 



One such spectacle happened on September 30, 2024. From its unique vantage point, Perseverance captured Phobos <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Sun_Phobos-moon_transit_Perseverance-rover-photo_2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sliding right in front of the Sun</a>.



"From its perch on the western wall of Mars’ Jezero Crater, NASA’s Perseverance rover recently spied a 'googly eye' peering down from space. The pupil in this celestial gaze is the Martian moon Phobos, and the iris is our Sun," said <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-perseverance-captures-googly-eye-during-solar-eclipse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phobos-eclipses-the-sun">Phobos eclipses the Sun</h2>



Phobos is a rather unassuming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-perseverance-rover-now-uses-ai-search-minerals-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">celestial body</a> when you consider the company it keeps -- sharing Mars' orbit with its twin moon, Deimos. These two moons are the least massive in the solar system.



Despite its size, Phobos has a rather significant role. It casts its shadow right across the Martian surface as it orbits the planet. 



This happens because Phobos orbits exceptionally close to Mars -- closer than any moon to its parent planet in our solar system. 



This close proximity results in swift orbits, each complete revolution around Mars taking merely 7.6 hours.



And it was during one of these quick orbits that <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-2020-perseverance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseverance</a> caught the eclipse as Phobos transited across the Sun.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="dDkrA9ZzPX-3971698-12187" type="single"]</div>



Perseverance, equipped with its Mastcam-Z, documented the Martian landscape in detail and captured the fleeting yet awe-inspiring event of Phobos crossing the Sun. 



Despite its small size, the moon partially obscured our star, creating an impactful and mesmerizing visual effect. 



But, rather than just a beautiful cosmic spectacle, it allowed scientists a unique opportunity to explore deeper into the workings of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-finds-best-evidence-yet-life-on-mars-cheyava-falls-rock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian system</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interactions-between-a-planet-and-its-moon">Interactions between a planet and its moon</h2>



By capturing spectacular visuals like the Phobos transit, Perseverance holds significant scientific value.



By observing these occurrences over time and comparing images and videos of earlier Phobos transits, scientists can get a better understanding of the moon's evolving orbit. 



The experts discovered that Phobos is gradually moving closer to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-samples-bunsen-peak-rock-jezero-crater-martian-lake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>. In about 50 million years, it is expected either to collide into Mars or disintegrate.



Studying these developments helps scientists comprehend the long-term gravitational interactions between a planet and its moon, contributing to our understanding of planetary evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perseverance-rover-mission">Perseverance rover mission</h2>



The Perseverance mission goes beyond observing mesmerizing eclipses. The rover's primary objective is astrobiology, actively searching for signs of ancient microbial life on Mars. 



It studies Mars' geology and climate. The rover analyzes Martian rock formations, serving as a crucial link in understanding Mars's past when the planet's conditions could have been suitable for life.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/sun_phobos-moon_transit_perseverance-rover-photo_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Sun_Phobos-moon_transit_Perseverance-rover-photo_1s.webp" alt="NASA's Perseverance Mars rover used its Mastcam-Z camera to capture the silhouette of Phobos, one of the two Martian moons, as it passed in front of the Sun on Feb. 8, 2024, the 1,056th Martian day, or sol, of the mission. This is one of several transits of Phobos that NASA's Mars rovers have captured. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1949097"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">NASA's Perseverance Mars rover used its Mastcam-Z camera to capture the silhouette of Phobos, one of the two Martian moons, as it passed in front of the Sun on Feb. 8, 2024, the 1,056th Martian day, or sol, of the mission. This is one of several transits of Phobos that NASA's Mars rovers have captured. Credit: NASA</figcaption></figure>



But that's not all. Perseverance is also responsible for collecting rock and soil samples from the Martian surface for future analysis back on Earth. It's a part of a mission being developed in partnership with the European Space Agency (<a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>).



Once these materials are transported back home, scientists can perform meticulous laboratory experiments not feasible with the rover's onboard instruments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imaging-the-sun-s-eclipse-with-phobos">Imaging the Sun's eclipse with Phobos</h2>



The Mastcam-Z on Perseverance was instrumental in capturing the stunning image of Phobos crossing the Sun.



This advanced imaging system was developed collectively by <a href="https://www.asu.edu/">Arizona State Uni</a><a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">v</a><a href="https://www.asu.edu/">ersity</a>, <a href="https://www.msss.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Malin Space Science Systems</a>, and the <a href="https://nbi.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Niels Bohr Institute</a>.



The camera holds a vital position in making space exploration relatable by capturing visually captivating events that inspire public engagement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nasa-s-vision-moon-to-mars">NASA's vision: Moon to Mars</h2>



The Perseverance mission forms a part of NASA's broader exploration strategy, "Moon to Mars."



The rover is not merely bound by scientific objectives but is also laying the groundwork for future space travel. 



Perseverance tests out new technology that could be beneficial for future astronauts, such as systems that could generate oxygen from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-begins-steep-climb-up-martian-crater-rim-jezero-crater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian</a> atmosphere.



The footage of the Martian moon as it eclipses the Sun is a reminder of the vastness and the wonders of space exploration. 



As Perseverance reveals the secrets of Mars, it helps us learn about our universe and brings us closer to visiting the Red Planet.



Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS



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Mars' moon Phobos captured eclipsing the Sun from the Martian surface by Perseverance rover

Mars and its tantalizing mysteries have spurred many space missions,...

Marine heatwaves are posing a new threat to the ocean’s delicate balance, affecting even its tiniest yet most vital inhabitants - phytoplankton.



These microscopic algae provide food for countless marine species and play a crucial role in regulating our planet’s climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phytoplankton-heroes-of-the-ocean">Phytoplankton: Heroes of the ocean</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-heatwaves-have-complex-effects-on-phytoplankton-food-web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phytoplankton</a> are the unsung heroes of our oceans, working behind the scenes to keep marine ecosystems thriving. 



Though invisible to the naked eye, these microscopic algae are constantly at work, producing organic carbon through photosynthesis and supporting nearly every level of the marine food web. 



They also play a vital role in the ocean's carbon cycle, contributing significantly to the regulation of Earth’s climate.



Spring has traditionally been their peak season. As winter fades, nutrient-rich waters from the ocean’s depths rise to the surface, sparking an explosion of growth known as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-from-africa-sparked-a-massive-phytoplankton-bloom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton bloom</a>. 



But now, a recent study suggests that these essential phytoplankton blooms are facing serious and potentially long-lasting threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-heatwaves-disrupt-spring-blooms">Marine heatwaves disrupt spring blooms</h2>



The study was conducted by experts at the <a href="https://www.ricercamarina.cnr.it/en/ismar.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Marine Sciences of the National Research Council of Italy</a> (CNR-ISMAR) as part of ESA’s CAREHeat project.



The researchers examined phytoplankton blooms in the North-Western Mediterranean Sea. They found that marine heatwaves, periods of prolonged unusually warm seawater, have been disrupting the timing and intensity of these essential spring phytoplankton blooms.



Winter marine heatwaves are particularly menacing as they intensify the stratification of ocean water. In other words, they prevent nutrients from the deep-sea layers from mixing with surface waters.



The warmer water can lead to a significant reduction in the phytoplankton's carbon biomass - up to 70% during the spring bloom. This drastic reduction means there are fewer nutrients available, leading to a change in the balance of the marine food web.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effects-across-the-food-chain">Ripple effects across the food chain</h2>



"We observed that intense winter marine heatwaves delay the timing of phytoplankton blooms. This shift causes a mismatch in the availability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zooplankton-are-rapidly-escalating-the-threat-of-nanoplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zooplankton</a>, which rely on these blooms for food, potentially affecting fish and other marine species that depend on zooplankton," explained study co-author Emanuele Organelli.



Moreover, severe marine heatwaves can also impact an ecosystem's ability to sequester carbon, which is crucial for global climate regulation. 



If these disruptions continue, the balance of marine biodiversity could be thrown off, impacting both local habitats and global processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-marine-heatwaves-and-ocean-health">Tracking marine heatwaves and ocean health</h2>



To better understand and address this growing problem, the researchers turned to technology. They used sea surface temperature data from ESA’s Climate Change Initiative (ESA CCI) and various satellite platforms, like the Copernicus Sentinel-3’s Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer.



This allowed the experts to track and categorize heatwave events in the Mediterranean from 2012 to 2022.



"Ongoing satellite monitoring by ESA is crucial for tracking and addressing these growing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-heatwaves-escalate-coral-bleaching-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threats</a> to marine biodiversity," said ESA scientist Marie-Helene Rio.



"The increasing frequency of marine heatwaves may further compromise vital ocean services, such as fisheries and the ocean’s ability to sequester carbon – processes that are key to both marine ecosystems and global climate stability.”



These tiny marine allies need our help, and monitoring of marine heatwaves could be our first step towards preventing a potentially catastrophic ripple effect through marine ecosystems.



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



Marine heatwaves don’t just affect phytoplankton - they disrupt entire ocean ecosystems. 



As these tiny algae struggle to bloom, animals higher up in the food chain, like fish, seabirds, and even marine mammals, may find less food. The food shortage can lead to shifts in where species live and how they interact. 



For coastal communities, this disruption also hits close to home. Many rely on fishing to support their families, and fewer fish could mean a harder life for these communities.



With phytoplankton absorbing less <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-may-flip-plankton-into-carbon-emitters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> due to heatwaves, there’s also a risk that climate change could speed up even more.



By keeping a close eye on marine heatwaves, scientists hope to protect our oceans. Their work will help guide efforts to protect sensitive areas and to develop new strategies to tackle climate change.



Image Credit: Copernicus Sentinel data (2024), processed by ESA



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How marine heatwaves impact ocean health

Marine heatwaves are posing a new threat to the ocean’s...

By now, most of us are well aware of the severe damage inflicted by plastic on our environment. As the United Nations noted, 46% of plastic waste is landfilled, while 22% is mismanaged and becomes litter. 



"Unlike other materials, plastic does not biodegrade. It can take up to 1,000 years to break down, so when it is discarded, it builds up in the environment until it reaches a crisis point," said the UN.



"This pollution chokes marine wildlife, damages soil and poisons groundwater, and can cause serious health impacts."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-plastic-epidemic">The plastic epidemic</h2>



A recent study, funded by paper packaging company <a href="https://www.dssmith.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DS Smith</a>, presents an eye-opening revelation.



The research suggests that over half (51%) of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/9936-chemicals-found-in-plastic-products-used-for-food-packaging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">packaging</a> used for grocery items could either be minimized or eliminated altogether in the United Kingdom and most other countries in the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-used-in-food-packaging">Plastic used in food packaging</h2>



To reach this conclusion, scientists scrutinized plastic utilization on an extensive scale. 



They studied 1,500 food and drink products sold by the top five food retailers across six European countries -- France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the United Kingdom.



The team uses two distinct approaches -- a "basket analysis" and a "store inventory analysis."



The basket analysis assessed the percentage of regularly bought items in a typical shopping basket containing plastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/who-is-responsible-for-the-burden-of-plastic-packaging-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">packaging</a>.



The store inventory analysis focused on the proportion of food and drink items packaged in plastic across various store sections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reliance-on-plastic-packaging">Reliance on plastic packaging </h2>



The study revealed that the bulk of plastic packaging in an average shopping basket originated from processed foods, including ready-meals and meal kits (90%); bread, rice, and cereals (89%), dairy products (83%), and meat and fish (80%).



The experts found that the UK leads the pack as the most reliant on plastic packaging, with 70% of all food and drink items on British shelves <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/4200-harmful-plastic-chemicals-hidden-in-everyday-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">containing plastic</a>.



Spain was not far behind at 67%, followed by Italy and Germany (66%), Poland (62%), and France (59%).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commitments-for-sustainable-packaging">Commitments for sustainable packaging </h2>



Adding another layer to the study, the researchers interviewed 300 food and drink industry professionals occupying senior positions linked to packaging. 



Most respondents (98%) expressed their companies' commitment to reduce plastic packaging. Interestingly, 60% of these have fewer than two years to fulfill their voluntary goals.



However, 40% of the respondents cited the cost of raw materials as a major hurdle, and there's apprehension that consumers might reject the changes.



A significant 72% of industry professionals felt that consumers wouldn't want to pay more for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whats-the-most-sustainable-packaging-the-answer-will-surprise-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable packaging</a>, and 65% believed consumers would not sacrifice convenience for sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmentally-conscious-brands">Environmentally conscious brands </h2>



Nonetheless, these concerns might be misguided. A 2023 Harvard Business Review study suggests that Gen Z and Millennial customers, who perceive a brand to be conscious of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fashion-industrys-plastic-waste-is-a-major-environmental-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental</a> and social impact, are 27% more likely to choose it over others.



These generations' spending power is predicted to overtake that of Baby Boomers by 2030, translating to a wealth transfer of up to $68 trillion.



"We think the government can and should be more demanding of us all. Phasing out certain plastics to help create a level playing field that encourages innovation, investment and generates healthy competition to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-retailers-are-replacing-plastic-bags-with-eco-friendly-paper-bags/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">replace plastic</a>," said DS Smith CEO Miles Roberts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-single-use-plastic-packaging-scourge">Single-use plastic packaging scourge</h2>



This type of plastic packaging is also referred to as "single-use plastics" because after you consume what's inside the packaging, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-plastic-straws-degrade-faster-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">use the straw</a> that came with a drink, the plastic is immediately thrown away and never used again. 



Humans are ingrained with the attitude "out of sight, out of mind," but just because you toss plastic into a bin, that's far from the end of it. 



Discarded plastics accumulate in landfills, litter our streets, and find their way <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-floor-harbors-up-to-11-million-tons-of-plastic-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">into the oceans</a> where they enter the food chain.



Wildlife in every corner of the world is taking a big hit from all this plastic pollution. Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, birds get tangled in discarded fishing lines, and marine animals ingest bits of plastic thinking it's food. It's heartbreaking to see <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-dropped-into-the-ocean-can-travel-hundreds-of-miles-while-sinking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">images of animals</a> suffering because of our throwaway culture.



The issue gets worse when you consider how long these plastics stick around. They can take thousands of years to break down, and even then, they're not truly gone. 



Instead, they break into tiny microplastics and nanoplastics that can be ingested by humans and wildlife, eventually entering the water supply and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-every-semen-sample-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infiltrating the cells in our bodies</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-policies-for-a-plastic-free-future">Policies for a plastic-free future</h2>



While industry leaders acknowledge the importance of reducing plastic packaging, significant change may require stronger government intervention, ultimately leading to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-treaty-talks-slow-progress-yet-restored-hope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global plastics treaty</a>.



Regulatory frameworks, such as plastic taxes, bans on single-use plastics, or incentives for sustainable packaging, could accelerate progress. 



Countries like France have already enacted laws to reduce plastic use in supermarkets, aiming to phase out disposable plastics by 2040. 



These policies hold companies accountable and encourage innovation in eco-friendly materials and waste reduction strategies.



In the UK, policymakers have introduced initiatives like the Plastic Packaging Tax, yet experts argue that more comprehensive regulations are needed to drive lasting impact. 



Setting clear goals for plastic reduction could stimulate a competitive market that favors recyclable and biodegradable alternatives.



As consumer awareness grows, the pressure on both government and industry is mounting. Future policy directions could determine the pace and success of the journey toward a more sustainable grocery sector, balancing the demands of convenience, cost, and environmental impact.



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Plastic use in food packaging could be, and should be, drastically reduced

By now, most of us are well aware of the...

Welcome to the fascinating, albeit daunting, world of climate action. While it may seem like a constant barrage of distressing news, it is not all grim.



Some promising developments have emerged from the front lines of climate action, offering hope amid the crisis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoupling-economic-growth-from-emissions">Decoupling economic growth from emissions</h2>



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research</a> (PIK) in Germany found that 30% of global regions have successfully managed to decouple economic growth from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a>.



"Historically, economic growth has been closely coupled to carbon emissions responsible for climate change, but to stabilize global mean temperature, net-zero carbon emissions are necessary," wrote the researchers.



"Some economies have begun to reduce emissions while continuing to grow, but this decoupling is not fast enough to achieve global climate targets."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-progress-in-climate-action">Global progress in climate action</h2>



It is a commonly held notion that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-temperature-variability-linked-to-slow-economic-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">economic growth</a> is inevitably intertwined with carbon emissions. 



This belief has long been a significant barrier in the fight against climate change, as many fear that robust economic development comes at an environmental cost. However, recent studies have been proving this wrong.



“Regions with high incomes and a history of carbon-intensive industries, as well as those with significant shares of service and manufacturing sectors were particularly successful in reducing carbon emissions while still experiencing economic growth,” said study co-author Anders Levermann.



“A stabilization of the global mean temperature is only possible with net-zero carbon emissions. That means that if economies want to grow, they need to be decoupled from CO2 emissions.”



This decoupling is a significant breakthrough, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve economic prosperity without further harming the planet. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-local-climate-action">The power of local climate action</h2>



The researchers have not been focusing solely on nations or individual cities, as is the norm. They have taken a more granular approach while keeping their scope global.



The team analyzed 1,500 subnational regions, accounting for a whopping 85% of global emissions. The experts identified significant global patterns of decoupling.



The analysis reveals that local climate action has emerged as a powerful force in driving decoupling efforts. Regions that have prioritized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mature-forests-play-a-surprising-role-in-climate-mitigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate mitigation</a> through strategic planning and targeted funding are leading the way, showing that focused local initiatives can fuel broader progress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-decoupling-trends">Global decoupling trends</h2>



"Specifically, EU cities that have implemented climate mitigation plans and regions that have received increased financial support for climate actions tend to show higher rates of decoupling," said lead author Maria Zioga.



"Notably, Europe consistently outperforms other parts of the world, with many of its regions showing a continuous decoupling trend over the past 20 years." 



"In contrast, North America and Asia have seen more fluctuating decoupling patterns over the decades, but there's been an improvement trend in the last decade.”



This success highlights the importance of empowering local governments and communities to take initiative in climate action. 



By tailoring strategies to local conditions and needs, regions can achieve more effective and efficient outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-achieving-net-zero-emissions">Achieving net-zero emissions</h2>



Despite the progress, the road ahead remains challenging. The PIK scientists estimate that if current decoupling rates persist, less than half of the subnational regions will be able to achieve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/residual-emissions-must-be-addressed-to-reach-net-zero/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">net-zero carbon emissions</a> by 2050.



The challenge is formidable, as it requires a comprehensive transformation of energy systems, industrial processes, and societal behaviors.



"Developed countries appear likely to fulfill these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-meet-climate-targets-with-carbon-capture-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">targets</a> ahead of others, but overall recent trends appear inadequate for achieving the net-zero by mid-century in most regions," said study co-author Max Kotz.



"Therefore, all levels of government need to step up and developed countries in particular should increase their efforts and investment in the energy transition in the countries of the global south in order to meet net-zero targets globally.”



The science is clear, and the path is laid out. We must invest in renewable energy, innovate in technology, and strengthen international cooperation to ensure that the gains made in decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions are expanded and sustained.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2411419121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Climate action: Economies can grow while cutting emissions

Welcome to the fascinating, albeit daunting, world of climate action....

October 2024 will be remembered by the locals around Pyramid Lake, Nevada, for a rather unusual display of nature's colors and patterns. 



The usually serene waters of the lake unleashed a stunning exhibition of blue-green algae, dancing and swirling across the surface. 



For the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=944807254356712&amp;set=pb.100064823373179.-2207520000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Water Quality Program</a>, this bloom was arguably the most active in recent times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-pyramid-lake-from-space">Studying Pyramid Lake from space</h2>



The bloom, which added a touch of mystery to the lake, was so expansive that it was visible from space. The locals, bemused by this phenomenon, couldn't help but talk about it. 



Luckily, providing a better look at this spectacle was the <a href="https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellites/landsat-9/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Landsat 9 satellite</a>, which snapped astonishing natural-color images on October 8, 2024. 



Looking at the images captured by Operational Land Imager-2 (<a href="https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellites/landsat-9/landsat-9-instruments/oli-2-design/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OLI-2</a>), you could see the mesmerizing swirling, whirlpool patterns created by the algae.



Nodularia spumigena, a type of cyanobacteria, is the culprit that is responsible for the bloom. 



This particular species thrives in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-from-africa-sparked-a-massive-phytoplankton-bloom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warm, saline waters</a> and can pull nitrogen right out of the atmosphere -- handy skills that ensured its survival in Pyramid Lake over the years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-beautiful-but-stay-away">It's beautiful, but stay away</h2>



What's fascinating about Nodularia spumigena, aside from its beauty, is its ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere. This means it can create its own nutrients and outcompete other organisms when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nitrogen-overlooked-component-eutrophication-lake-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen levels in the water</a> are low.



But there's a flip side. Nodularia spumigena can produce a toxin called nodularin, which is harmful to both animals and humans. If you come into contact with water contaminated by this toxin, it can lead to serious health issues, especially affecting the liver. 



That's why when blooms of this cyanobacterium occur, health authorities often warn people to steer clear of the water until things return to normal.



Respectively, the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe raised a safety flag on October 15, 2024, advising people to avoid contact with the water until it returned to its normal state.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-cyanobacteria-and-phytoplankton">Understanding cyanobacteria and phytoplankton</h2>



Phytoplankton and cyanobacteria are both tiny organisms that live in water, but there's a key difference between them. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turning-plants-into-carbon-capture-machines-with-cyanobacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cyanobacteria</a>, also called blue-green algae, are actually bacteria that can photosynthesize -- they use sunlight to make food, much like plants do. Despite their name, they're not true algae.



These little guys have been around for billions of years, and you can find them almost everywhere: in oceans, lakes, soil, and even in extreme environments like hot springs. Cyanobacteria are actually responsible for producing a lot of the oxygen that made life possible on Earth.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-heatwaves-have-complex-effects-on-phytoplankton-food-web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phytoplankton</a>, on the other hand, is a broader term that includes any microscopic organisms in the water that can photosynthesize. This group encompasses a variety of species, including algae and, interestingly enough, cyanobacteria. 



So, in a way, cyanobacteria are a type of phytoplankton, but not all phytoplankton are cyanobacteria.



Now, here's where it gets a bit tricky. While cyanobacteria are crucial for ecosystems and the oxygen we breathe, some species can produce toxins that are harmful to animals and humans. If you've ever heard about beaches closing because of harmful algal blooms, cyanobacteria are often the culprits. 



So, they play a double role: they're essential for life, but under certain conditions, such as this toxic bloom in Pyramid Lake, they can pose some serious health risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pyramid-lake-past-present-and-future">Pyramid Lake: Past, present and future</h2>



Pyramid Lake is a piece of history. It's a remnant of the ancient Lake Lahontan, created during the last ice age. 



Scientists speculate that the cyanobacteria Nodularia spumigena has been a part of this ecosystem since that era.



This lake isn’t just about the water or the spectacular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ocean-turning-green-thanks-to-climate-change-algae-blooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algae blooms</a>. It's home to the endangered cui-ui fish (Chasmistes cuius) -- a species held in high regard by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. 



Anglers will also recognize it as the site where a world-record Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi) weighing a whopping 41 pounds was caught in 1925.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-the-bloom">Monitoring the bloom</h2>



To keep a pulse on these blooms and their implications, scientists and environmental organizations utilize various tools. 



For instance, the <a href="https://www.sfei.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco Estuary Institute</a>'s water quality analysis tool indicated a surge in levels of chlorophyll-a between late September and mid-October. 



This invaluable data helps researchers understand the occurrence and potential impacts of such blooms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-pyramid-lake-for-the-future">Preserving Pyramid Lake for the future</h2>



This beautiful, toxic bloom underscores the importance of monitoring and conserving our aquatic ecosystems. 



Factors like temperature shifts, nutrient levels, and changes in water conditions can spark cyanobacteria growth almost anywhere on Earth.



The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe is keeping residents and visitors up-to-date on the lake's condition. 



By heeding safety recommendations and staying informed, we can all play a part in safeguarding ourselves and this delicate ecosystem.



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NASA Earth Observatory image by <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/about/wanmei-liang" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wanmei Liang</a>, using Landsat data from the <a href="http://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Geological Survey</a>. Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lukegordon/3377729218/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luke H. Gordon</a>. Story by <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/about/lindsey-doermann" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lindsey Doermann</a>.



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Pyramid Lake water turns dark green with beautiful swirling whirlpool currents

October 2024 will be remembered by the locals around Pyramid...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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

How the immune system responds to injury

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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