Humanity has spent the last century wrestling with population growth. For decades, global efforts focused on reducing fertility rates to curb overpopulation. Family planning, access to contraception, and changing social norms contributed to a steep decline in births. 



The global total fertility rate (TFR) dropped from 5.3 in the 1960s to 2.3 by 2023. Today, however, we face a paradox. Instead of a crowded future, scientists are now warning of potential collapse - not from too many people, but too few.



A recent study, published in the journal PLOS One, shifts the narrative again. Led by Takuya Okabe of <a href="https://www.shizuoka.ac.jp/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shizuoka University</a> and colleagues, the research argues that the widely accepted replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman is too low to guarantee long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resveratrol-may-boost-female-fertility-naturally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a>.



The analysis suggests a more realistic number is 2.7. This higher threshold takes into account the unpredictable forces that shape real-world populations - forces that statistics alone often overlook.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-2-1-isn-t-enough-anymore">Why 2.1 isn’t enough anymore</h2>



The replacement fertility rate of 2.1 assumes a stable world. It expects low child mortality, equal numbers of boys and girls, and large, steady <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-fertility-rates-are-quickly-declining-and-little-is-being-done-about-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a>. These assumptions work in clean models, but reality is messier. 



People don’t always have two children. Some have none. Some die before reproducing. And in small populations, such random variation - called demographic stochasticity - can wipe out entire family lines.



Okabe and his team developed mathematical models to test what happens over generations when these fluctuations are included. They simulated populations using a branching process, a tool commonly used in population ecology. 



Each woman could have any number of children, following a Poisson distribution, and not all offspring would survive. These models revealed that unless the average number of children reaches 2.7, the risk of extinction remains high over time.



In short, the study calls for a reevaluation of what sustainability truly means. The average isn’t enough if too many fall below it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-fertility-rate-may-erase-family-lines">Low fertility rate may erase family lines</h2>



The consequences aren’t only theoretical. Even in large countries with millions of people, most family lineages will eventually disappear if the fertility rate remains below 2.7. 



This has profound implications for identity, heritage, and cultural memory. Your surname, your traditions, your family stories - without enough descendants, all of it vanishes with time.



“Considering stochasticity in fertility and mortality rates, and sex ratios,” said Diane Carmeliza N. Cuaresma. “A fertility rate higher than the standard replacement level is necessary to ensure sustainability of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-semen-quality-signifies-more-than-just-fertility-problems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population</a>.”



Extinction here doesn’t mean the end of humanity in one dramatic event. Rather, it means the quiet fading away of individual histories, surnames, and ancestral lines. It’s an erosion of human diversity, invisible until it's too late to reverse. This applies not only to families, but to the world’s languages and cultures. 



At least 40% of the 6,700 spoken languages are predicted to vanish in the next century. Each lost language takes with it stories, songs, and spiritual beliefs that no data set can replace.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fertility-rate-is-dropping-across-the-world">Fertility rate is dropping across the world</h2>



While global population numbers still rise, the future looks different depending on where you live. Two-thirds of the world’s people now reside in countries with fertility rates below the 2.1 mark. 



In Japan, the rate is 1.3. In South Korea, it has dropped as low as 0.87. Even in the United States, it's only 1.66. These numbers suggest slow decline, but the reality may be steeper.



Japan’s population, for example, is projected to shrink by 31% every generation if current trends continue. This decline is compounded by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-and-traffic-noise-increase-risk-of-infertility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a>, as fewer young people are born to support older ones. 



Policies in countries like France and Singapore attempt to raise birth rates through incentives, but they’ve seen only modest results.



Modern life comes with trade-offs. Education and careers delay parenthood. Housing and childcare costs are high. In some cultures, single-child families have become the norm. These social realities are harder to change than the numbers suggest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-female-biased-births-reduce-extinction-risk">Female-biased births reduce extinction risk</h2>



The study offers a compelling insight: more girls can help prevent collapse. This isn’t about social engineering but about biology’s quiet adjustments. A female-biased sex ratio at birth increases the pool of future mothers. This gives populations a better chance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-infertility-screening-will-be-drastically-improved-with-ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustaining</a> themselves.



Stressful environments often trigger such shifts. Wars, famines, and environmental disasters have led to more girls being born. 



In humans, psychological stress, poor nutrition, pollution, and even natural disasters have all been linked to a rise in female births. The same pattern appears in mammals like cattle, pigs, rats, and mice.



These adaptive shifts may be nature’s way of giving species a survival edge when facing extreme pressure. The presence of more females, even slightly, improves the odds that some lineages will persist through hard times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-fertility-rate-often-leads-to-collapse">Low fertility rate often leads to collapse</h2>



Okabe’s team simulated thousands of generations to see what happens when fertility remains below the 2.7 mark. Most populations collapsed within 20 generations. 



Even at a fertility rate of 2.1, extinction was all but certain. A handful of simulations survived longer - but those were exceptions, not the rule.



These findings show that survival, while not impossible, becomes highly improbable when fertility drops too far. As fertility approaches 2.7, survival chances improve. But anything lower becomes a gamble against mathematical odds.



In this model, randomness plays a central role. A few unlucky generations can eliminate an entire lineage, especially if there are no surviving males or females to continue it. That risk grows when fewer children are born on average. It's not enough to hit 2.1 once. Consistency across generations is key.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-future-planning">What this means for future planning</h2>



Though the study focuses on human populations, its lessons apply broadly. Conservationists often aim to boost fertility among endangered species. But many plans fail to consider randomness, sex ratios, and mortality. 



As this study shows, achieving a simple average isn’t sufficient for long-term stability. Species with small populations, especially those isolated or fragmented, face similar extinction dynamics. 



A slightly skewed sex ratio or unexpected drop in births can push them toward collapse. Adjusting targets to reflect these deeper risks could strengthen conservation strategies.



For humans, the study urges policymakers to rethink population goals. It challenges the notion that economic or environmental concerns justify perpetual decline. 



Sustainability isn’t just about shrinking footprints. It’s also about keeping enough people - and diversity - to carry forward what makes humanity rich and resilient.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-must-rethink-population-goals">We must rethink population goals</h2>



The debate over population often swings between panic over too many and fear of too few. 



This research brings nuance to that conversation. It shows that the path to survival isn’t just about numbers - it’s about understanding the complex web of chance, biology, and behavior.



As fertility rates fall and the world changes, we must ask what kind of future we want. Not just one where humans survive, but one where traditions, languages, and lineages live on. A fertility rate of 2.1 may no longer be enough to keep that future alive.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0322174" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



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Our current fertility rate isn't enough for human survival

Humanity has spent the last century wrestling with population growth. For decades, global efforts focused on reducing fertility rates to curb overpopulation. Family planning, access to contraception, and changing social norms contributed to a steep decline in births. The global total fertility rate (TFR) dropped from 5.3 in the 1960s to 2.3 by 2023. Today, however, we face a paradox. Instead of a crowded future, scientists are now warning of potential collapse - not from too many people, but too few. A recent study, published in the...

Walk through any busy street, and you’ll hear it - music, playing from car windows, cafés, or earbuds. People love and enjoy music. It helps us celebrate, grieve, concentrate, and connect. But while we know how music makes us feel, we rarely ask why it makes us feel that way.



Why do <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/live-music-connects-people-emotionally-and-physically/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melodies</a> spark joy? Why do rhythms move our bodies before we even think? Is our love for music something we learn, or does it go deeper?



A recent study published in Nature Communications brings new depth to this question. The research suggests that our ability to enjoy music is not simply a cultural product or personal habit. 



Scientists have now found that genetics also play a role in shaping how much pleasure we draw from music. That joy, it turns out, may be written in our DNA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-our-love-for-music-rooted-in-biology">Is our love for music rooted in biology?</h2>



For centuries, music has been <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-music-affects-a-babys-heartbeat-before-birth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more than entertainment</a>. It reflects who we are. It binds people across generations and geographies. It serves as an emotional outlet and a social bridge. 



Even Charles Darwin, fascinated by music's power, once said it "must be ranked amongst the most mysterious with which he is endowed." Despite its deep cultural presence, we still struggle to explain the origins of music enjoyment.



This new research, led by scientists at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mpi.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics</a>&nbsp;in the Netherlands, takes a scientific step forward. The international team set out to explore whether the pleasure people feel while listening to music is partly influenced by genetic differences.



“The answer to this big question has the potential to open a window into more general aspects of the human mind, such as how experiences become pleasurable,” said study first author and PhD candidate Giacomo Bignardi.



“We wanted to understand whether genetic differences between individuals can result in differences in the pleasure that people derive from music and what these differences can tell us about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-your-body-moves-to-music-even-if-you-dont-enjoy-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human musicality</a> in general.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strong-genetic-links-to-music-enjoyment">Strong genetic links to music enjoyment</h2>



To investigate, the researchers turned to twin studies - a powerful method in behavioral genetics. Identical twins share almost 100% of their DNA. Fraternal twins share about half.



By comparing similarities between these two groups, scientists can estimate how much genes contribute to a trait. If identical twins enjoy music in more similar ways than fraternal twins, then genetics likely play a part.



​The study was a collaboration between the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aesthetics.mpg.de/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics</a>&nbsp;in Germany and the&nbsp;<a href="https://ki.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karolinska Institutet</a>&nbsp;in Sweden.&nbsp;It involved data from more than 9,000 twins.​



Participants provided self-reports on how much pleasure they get from music - what researchers call music reward sensitivity.



They also answered questions about their general sensitivity to rewards and completed tasks that measured their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-has-the-power-to-change-the-mood-of-our-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">musical perception</a>, such as identifying pitch, melody, and rhythm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-love-for-music-may-be-genetic">Love for music may be genetic</h2>



The findings were striking. The researchers estimated that about 54% of the variation in music reward sensitivity in the Swedish sample could be linked to genetic differences. 



That means more than half of the difference in how people respond to music may be inherited. This is a significant discovery. It implies that music enjoyment is not just a learned behavior or shaped by environment - it may be part of our biological design.



But the results went further. The researchers also found that the genes affecting music reward were not the same as those influencing general pleasure or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/live-music-evokes-stronger-emotions-than-streamed-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">musical skill</a>. 



That distinction is important. It means that enjoying music isn’t just about being musically talented or having a naturally cheerful personality. The capacity to feel joy from music stands apart.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-genes-for-different-experiences">Different genes for different experiences</h2>



As the research dug deeper, more complexity appeared. Music enjoyment is not one single experience. People find pleasure in different ways: some feel emotionally uplifted, others feel compelled to dance, while some enjoy making music with others. The genetic analysis reflected this richness.



The team found that different genetic pathways were associated with different aspects of music reward. This means that the genes influencing your emotional connection to music may differ from those that make you enjoy dancing to a beat or playing in a band.



“These findings suggest a complex picture in which partly distinct DNA differences contribute to different aspects of music enjoyment,” said Bignardi.



“Future research looking at which part of the genome contributes the most to the human ability to enjoy music has the potential to shed light on the human faculty that baffled Darwin the most, and which still baffles us today.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-enjoyment-is-inherited">Music enjoyment is inherited</h2>



This study reshapes how we think about the roots of musical pleasure. For years, scientists and philosophers treated music as a purely cultural artifact - something passed down through teaching and tradition. Now we see that biology plays a strong role.



The rhythm that makes your feet move or the melody that brings tears to your eyes may be part of your genetic inheritance.



That doesn’t mean culture or personal experience don’t matter. They still do. What we listen to and how we express our tastes remain deeply shaped by family, society, and personal history. But now, we can add another layer to the story: a biological one.



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



The study opens new possibilities. Future research may explore which regions of the genome are most involved. Scientists might one day discover genetic patterns linked to musical creativity or preference. Such findings could also have broader applications.



Understanding how our brains respond to music may offer clues to emotional regulation, mental health, or even cognitive development.



In the end, music continues to enchant, connect, and move us. This study reminds us that part of that magic might be found inside our genes - echoing across generations, written into the very code of our being.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58123-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Some people are born to enjoy music more than others

Walk through any busy street, and you’ll hear it -...

For centuries, foie gras has graced the tables of royalty, chefs, and fine diners. Its creamy richness and deep flavor made it a culinary icon. But behind the luxury lies a harsh reality - one that has stirred protests, divided cultures, and triggered bans across nations.



Foie gras means “fatty liver” in French. Traditionally, it's made by force-feeding ducks or geese until their livers grow large and soft. Germany’s term, “Gänsestopfleber,” bluntly references its origins. 



Animal welfare groups have long opposed the practice. Cities like New York and countries like India have taken legal steps to limit or ban its production.



Still, demand has not vanished. Diners and chefs continue to admire foie gras for its taste and texture. The culinary world has struggled to find a satisfying, ethical replacement. Most plant-based or lab-grown <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-molecule-could-shape-the-future-of-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">versions</a> fall short in flavor or feel. 



But a group of scientists in Germany may have finally cracked the code.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recreating-foie-gras-without-cruelty">Recreating foie gras without cruelty</h2>



​At the&nbsp;Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (<a href="https://www.mpip-mainz.mpg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MPI-P</a>)&nbsp;in Mainz, a team of physicists, chemists, and culinary enthusiasts teamed up for a bold experiment. With help from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sdu.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southern Denmark</a>, they turned to data, microscopes, and texture analysis to reimagine foie gras without cruelty.​



The study's lead researcher, physicist Thomas Vilgis, also happens to be an avid home cook. He guided the group through months of food science and experimentation. The goal was simple but ambitious: to match the real thing in both flavor and mouthfeel - without harming animals.



“It has always been a goal to reproduce the taste and texture of real foie gras while not losing sight of animal welfare,” said Thomas Vilgis of MPI-P.



This wasn’t a culinary guessing game. They relied on precise tools to explore the microstructure of foie gras. Microscopes showed how fat settled in the liver and how collagen formed a soft, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frozen-food-new-thawing-methods-will-improve-safety-and-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supportive network</a>. 



They also used rheological tests to simulate the chewing process and melting sensation on the tongue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-foie-gras-unique">What makes foie gras unique</h2>



The research showed that foie gras isn't just fatty liver - it’s a delicate balance of collagen, fat, and moisture. The collagen gives it structure and softness, while irregular fat clumps create its creamy, melt-away finish.



With these details in hand, the team began crafting their version. They started by simmering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-as-food-how-ultrasound-makes-it-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collagen</a>-rich tissues such as animal skin, which could provide that tender texture. Then, they added liver and fat in different ratios, trying to mimic the original’s complexity.



However, each batch left something missing. The texture didn’t quite match. The mouthfeel was either too firm or too smooth. Collagen tweaks helped only slightly. After many failed attempts, the experts realized they needed a new strategy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-to-nature-for-a-clue">Turning to nature for a clue</h2>



The breakthrough came with a small but powerful idea. They introduced goose lipases - natural enzymes used by birds to break down fat in their digestive systems. These enzymes had never been used in this context before.



By treating the fat with these enzymes, the team saw immediate changes. The fat began forming larger, irregular clumps. These formations closely resembled what they observed in real foie gras under the microscope.



The mouthfeel changed dramatically. It now melted and coated the tongue just like the original. Collagen alone had not done the job, but the enzyme-altered fat transformed the entire product.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-ethical-copy-with-authentic-taste">An ethical copy with authentic taste</h2>



The texture wasn’t the only improvement. The flavor took a step forward, too. Though still a prototype, this enzyme-treated pâté tasted remarkably close to real foie gras. The team avoided using synthetic additives or artificial enhancers.



Vilgis pushed for a clean recipe. He focused on the basic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-pistachio-dna-is-shaping-the-future-of-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ingredients</a> and how to manipulate them using science. No extra chemicals. No flavor boosters. Just technique, temperature, and timing.



He has now filed a patent to protect this approach. Talks are underway to explore commercial production. Future phases may involve chefs and sensory scientists to fine-tune taste and aroma. For now, the product holds promise as the most authentic and ethical foie gras alternative yet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-gourmet-without-cruelty">Future of gourmet without cruelty</h2>



This research shows what happens when science, ethics, and passion collide. 



It opens a new chapter for culinary traditions that once depended on animal suffering. Rather than discard foie gras altogether, Vilgis and his team reimagined it from the ground up.



Their creation is not just a lab product - it’s a culinary experience built with care and precision. The research has been published in <a href="https://pubs.aip.org/aip/pof/article/37/3/037196/3340498/Foie-gras-pate-without-force-feeding" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physics of Fluids</a>, a journal more known for fluid dynamics than fine dining. But here, science and food met in harmony.



It’s too early to know how chefs and food lovers will receive this version. Yet, it offers a path where taste and ethics can finally share the same plate.



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Cruelty-free foie gras made with enzymes, not force-feeding

For centuries, foie gras has graced the tables of royalty,...

Medical science has come a long way, but heart disease continues to take a heavy toll. It remains the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for one in every five deaths. 



While medications and surgeries help manage symptoms, they don’t reverse the underlying damage - prompting scientists to explore bold new frontiers, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-space-agencies-can-help-address-healthcare-challenges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">including space</a>.



The heart has a limited ability to regenerate, and once its muscle tissue is injured, there’s no going back. That makes the road to recovery steep, especially for patients in the final stages of heart failure.



For many, a heart transplant is the only hope — but donor hearts are few, and the waitlist grows. That reality has led scientists to explore regenerative medicine, and among the most promising areas is cardiac cell therapy. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-space-to-repair-the-human-heart">Using space to repair the human heart</h2>



At <a href="https://www.emory.edu/home/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emory University</a>, researcher Chunhui Xu asked a question few had considered: What if space could help us heal the human heart?



Inspired by an eye-opening seminar on space-based research, Xu discovered that cancer cells exposed to microgravity tend to grow faster and live longer. This wasn’t just fascinating - it hinted at a game-changing possibility.



If heart cells could respond in the same way, it might offer a solution to two critical problems in cardiac cell therapy: low production rates and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-can-survive-mars-space-journey-but-their-kidneys-will-be-permanently-damaged/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor survival</a> after transplantation.



Xu’s lab turned this hypothesis into a series of experiments. After initial ground-based tests using simulated microgravity showed promise, they sent actual heart cells into orbit. Twice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-special-stem-cells-offer-hope">Special stem cells offer hope</h2>



The research centered on a specific type of cell: cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-CMs). These cells offer something extraordinary. 



They can be generated in large numbers and have the potential to restore heart function. In animal studies, they’ve already shown that they can improve heart performance and even act like a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-may-need-to-jump-for-better-knee-health-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biological pacemaker</a>.



Yet despite their promise, hiPSC-CMs face a significant challenge. When introduced into damaged heart tissue, most of them die. Stressful conditions such as low oxygen levels in the heart make survival difficult. Since each patient may require over a billion cells, this poor survival rate becomes a major barrier.



Improving these cells’ ability to thrive in hostile environments has become a key focus for researchers. Xu believed that space might hold the key.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-to-the-international-space-station">Journey to the International Space Station</h2>



​Xu’s team partnered with the&nbsp;<a href="https://issnationallab.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISS National Laboratory</a>&nbsp;and launched cardiac spheroids to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Space Station</a> through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/nasas-spacex-crew-8/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SpaceX Crew-8 mission</a>.​



These 3D cell structures, derived from hiPSCs, were thawed on Earth, then cultured in microgravity aboard the ISS for eight days.



While on the ISS, astronauts successfully maintained the beating spheroids, then returned them to Earth for detailed analysis. Remarkably, the cells maintained normal beating activity and calcium signaling, critical indicators of healthy cardiac function.



But the real discovery came through molecular analysis. Spaceflight had profoundly changed these cells on the inside.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-changes-heart-cell-genes-nbsp">Space changes heart cell genes&nbsp;</h2>



Upon their return, scientists used 3D live imaging and omics analysis to examine the cells’ inner workings. 



They found that spaceflight caused significant shifts in both protein levels and gene expression. Proteins linked to metabolism, mitochondrial function, and cell survival were all elevated.



Among the top upregulated proteins were those involved in handling cellular stress and enhancing survival. 



At the genetic level, the space-exposed cells showed increased activity in pathways tied to cardiac development, mitochondrial health, and essential metabolic functions like glutathione and glycerolipid metabolism.



These changes are not just academic. They indicate that spaceflight makes these cells stronger, more adaptable, and better suited for survival in the harsh environment of a failing heart.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-space-alters-everything">Why space alters everything</h2>



The microgravity of the ISS alters how cells behave. Previous studies had shown that stem cells can grow faster, differentiate more easily, and even gain therapeutic traits when cultured in orbit. Xu’s findings fit this pattern and push the field forward.



“The space environment provides an amazing opportunity for us to study cells in new ways,” said Xu.



“Our research on the ISS could allow us to develop a new strategy to generate cardiac cells more efficiently with improved survival when transplanted into damaged heart tissue, which would greatly benefit patients on Earth.”



That’s the true power of this research - not just stronger cells, but a new approach to therapy. By leveraging spaceflight, scientists can create heart cells that are better equipped to survive transplantation, potentially transforming cardiac treatment altogether.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-future-within-reach">A future within reach</h2>



The implications of this work go far beyond the lab. If space-grown <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-gravity-conditions-in-space-cause-heart-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiac cells</a> can survive and thrive where ordinary ones fail, they may become the foundation of a new era in regenerative medicine. 



Patients once facing a lifetime of medications or the uncertainty of a transplant might one day receive engineered heart tissue - grown in orbit, prepared for life on Earth.



Xu’s research stands at the intersection of hope and innovation. With each experiment, she and her team bring us closer to a future where damaged hearts can heal - not through machines or donors, but with the body’s own cells, shaped by the weightlessness of space.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0142961224006161?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biomaterials</a>.



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Heart cells grown in space may help heal damaged hearts

Medical science has come a long way, but heart disease...

The Levant region of the Middle East has long been recognized as a mixing pot of early humans and Neanderthals, some local and some on their way to and from other geographical regions. 



The many skeletal remains that have been found are characterized by high morphological diversity, but there is a consistency in the indicators of social and cultural behaviors.



Sites in the Levant give evidence of intentional burial of the dead, the interment of grave goods and the use of ochre at burial sites. 



This evidence of social and cultural behavior predates all other such evidence in the global record by tens of thousands of years.



In a recent study, researchers have analyzed unprecedented finds from Tinshemet Cave in Israel, in order to understand the relationship between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens during the mid-Middle Paleolithic. 



Remains of both of these hominin species are present at the site, but they appear to share common habits, technology and burial rites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neanderthals-humans-and-tinshemet-cave">Neanderthals, humans, and Tinshemet Cave</h2>



The site has proved to be an&nbsp;archaeological&nbsp;and&nbsp;anthropological&nbsp;treasure&nbsp;trove, with its skeletons - some of which are almost complete - burial sites and artifacts associated with these burials. 



These are the first new Middle-Paleolithic (MP) human burials to be investigated in 50 years.



The new evidence from Tinshemet Cave indicates that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-did-early-humans-first-start-wearing-clothes-and-why-parasites-lice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early humans</a> were not just neighbors but were actively sharing information, and influencing each other's survival techniques, toolmaking, and cultures. 



When the finds were compared with evidence from other Levant sites, they showed similar tools, the same placement of skeletons within burial sites, artifacts that were included for use in the afterlife, and the presence of ochre fragments throughout the deposits.



This indicates that, although different types of hominins were present, they all seemed to share common cultural and social practices. 



Clearly, the relationship between early humans and Neanderthals was more complex than originally thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-and-neanderthals-shared-culture">Humans and Neanderthals shared culture</h2>



Excavation of the Tinshemet Cave deposits has been ongoing since 2017. It is directed by Prof. Yossi Zaidner of the <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebrew University of Jerusalem</a>, Prof. Israel Hershkovitz of <a href="https://english.tau.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tel Aviv University</a>, and Dr. Marion Prévost of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.



The primary objective of the researchers has been to unravel the nature of the relationship between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals during the mid-<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-evolution-overlapping/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Middle Paleolithic</a> period in this region. 



Was there a rivalry over resources between the two groups, or were they peaceful neighbors or collaborators?



The researchers integrated data from four essential fields - stone tool production, hunting strategies, symbolic behavior, and social complexity - for their study.



This integrated approach led to the inference that different human groups, including Neanderthals, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-evolution-was-more-complex-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pre-Neanderthals</a>, and Homo sapiens, all of which inhabited the Levant at various times, engaged in significant interactions.



These encounters enabled the exchange of knowledge and skills, which in turn led to the mixing of cultures among these populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-burial-rituals-shared">Burial rituals shared</h2>



The discovery of a cluster of human burials at the Tinshemet Cave also raises fascinating questions about the role this site played in MP society. 



Could this cave have been a dedicated burial ground or even a cemetery? 



The placement of artifacts such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/400000-year-old-stone-tools-show-technological-adaptations-of-prehistoric-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stone tools</a>, animal bones, and ochre chunks within the burial pits suggests early beliefs in the afterlife, implying the presence of shared societal rituals and strong communal bonds.



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



The discoveries at Tinshemet Cave offer a glimpse into a dynamic period of prehistoric human interaction, with evidence suggesting that Neanderthals and early humans not only coexisted but also influenced each other’s ways of life.



Professor Zaidner describes Israel as a "melting pot" where different human groups met, interacted, and evolved together. 



“Our data show that human connections and population interactions have been fundamental in driving cultural and technological innovations throughout history,” he explained.



Dr. Prévost highlighted the unique geographic position of the region at the crossroads of human dispersals.



“During the mid-MP, climatic improvements increased the region’s carrying capacity, leading to demographic expansion and intensified contact between different Homo taxa,” he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-and-neanderthals-socially-complex">Humans and Neanderthals - socially complex</h2>



This demographic shift likely facilitated social exchanges that contributed to the shared technological and cultural advancements observed in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/115000-year-old-human-footprints-found-alathar-lake-arabian-peninsula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">archaeological record</a>.



Prof. Hershkovitz commented that the interconnectedness of lifestyles among various human groups in the Levant suggests deep relationships and shared adaptation strategies. 



“These findings paint a picture of dynamic interactions shaped by both cooperation and competition.” 



The discoveries at Tinshemet Cave reinforce the notion that prehistoric human groups were not isolated entities but rather engaged in continuous exchanges that shaped their learning, survival, culture, and technological progress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-still-much-more-to-learn">Still much more to learn</h2>



The findings at Tinshemet Cave offer a fascinating glimpse into the social organization, symbolic practices, and everyday lives of early human populations. 



By excavating evidence of common burial practices, technological transfer, and potential cultural mixing between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, scientists are rewriting the history of prehistoric coexistence.



As digs proceed, future discoveries might reveal further burial grounds, artifacts, or symbolic inscriptions that shed more light on the dynamics of interspecies interactions in this region.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-02110-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Human Behaviour</a>.



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Unexpected Neanderthal discovery permanently rewrites human history

The Levant region of the Middle East has long been...

Healthy eating has always been a hotly debated topic, but fresh findings now connect balanced meals in midlife to a stronger chance of enjoying life in one’s later years.



Experts have long studied how food choices can offset chronic issues, and they keep exploring ways to maximize overall well-being without adopting overly restrictive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-diet-shifts-the-hidden-costs-of-what-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a>.



One recent <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03570-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigation</a> followed more than 105,000 Americans in their journey from midlife through senior status, over three decades. The study closely examined the impact of daily eating habits on long-term health.



One of the lead investigators is Professor Anne-Julie Tessier from the <a href="https://www.umontreal.ca/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Montreal</a>. She wanted to see whether smart nutrition could boost the odds of turning 70 with steady mental, physical, and cognitive abilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-midlife-eating-patterns">Midlife eating patterns</h2>



“Studies have previously investigated dietary patterns in the context of specific diseases or how long people live,” said Frank Hu, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard Chan School.



“Ours takes a multifaceted view, asking, how does <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a> impact people’s ability to live independently and enjoy a good quality of life as they age?"



Participants gravitating toward vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains tended to avoid critical illnesses like diabetes or heart disease more often. 



This concept of healthy aging, which includes freedom from serious chronic issues and solid mental and physical function, is recognized by the <a href="https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/186463" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> for emphasizing longevity with vitality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthy-diets-can-be-personalized">Healthy diets can be personalized </h2>



The researchers examined a range of eating strategies, each emphasizing nutritious foods and lower intake of sweets, refined grains, and processed meats.



These patterns often highlighted plant-based staples, modest amounts of lean animal protein, and reduced sodium - all designed to align with established guidelines for better health.



“Our findings also show that there is no one-size-fits-all diet. Healthy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-changes-in-diet-can-greatly-reduce-your-carbon-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a> can be adapted to fit individual needs and preferences,” said Professor Tessier.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-impact-of-processed-foods">Health impact of processed foods</h2>



“Since staying active and independent is a priority for both individuals and public health, research on healthy aging is essential,” said study co-author Marta Guasch-Ferré, who is an associate professor at the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a>.



The experts also observed that certain participants consumed more packaged snacks, sugary beverages, and ready-to-eat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ditch-the-diet-trends-for-a-healthier-relationship-with-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meals</a>, which frequently contain excessive sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives.&nbsp;



High intake of these convenience items was connected to lower rates of physical mobility, weaker mood regulation, and more prevalent health complications as people aged. 



Those who opted for fresher, less refined foods generally reported easier movement, stable cognitive function, and fewer day-to-day difficulties throughout their 70s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-midlife-eating-affects-health-after-70">Midlife eating affects health after 70</h2>



Remaining energetic beyond 70 involves more than dodging conditions like heart attacks or cancer; it also means sustaining the ability to get around and maintain positive mental health. 



A diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and protective minerals seems to support clearer thinking, stronger muscles, and steadier emotions.



According to the research team, midlife is a window when many people can still modify their routines, making it a perfect stage to bolster long-term well-being. 



By prioritizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutrient-dense choices, adults might improve their odds of staying vibrant well into their eighth decade.



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



Most of the volunteers were employed in healthcare, which may mean they already had above-average awareness about nutrition, self-care, and disease prevention. 



This could shape how representative the findings are for the general population, particularly for those in jobs where health education is less emphasized or resources are limited.



Moreover, the project did not thoroughly address additional influences like stress, sleep, or environmental exposures that can also impact how people age. 



The authors note that further investigation across different groups and regions is needed to confirm how these dietary habits translate to wider communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-health-in-later-life">Better health in later life</h2>



Despite the study’s limitations, scientists believe these observations could inform guidelines that focus on plant-heavy menus while including moderate portions of fish, poultry, and certain dairy products. 



Such balanced recommendations might help preserve independence by cutting back on diseases and supporting stable brain and muscle function in later life.



Eventually, specialists may consider genetic factors and personal preferences to tailor meal plans for individuals, aiming to optimize health at every life stage. 



Combined with better access to wholesome foods in workplaces, schools, and local markets, this approach might support millions in aging with fewer setbacks and more comfort.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-midlife-eating-for-healthy-aging">Midlife eating for healthy aging</h2>



Some experts suggest gradually replacing sugary drinks with water or tea, and picking whole grains over refined bread or pasta. 



Even small steps, such as cooking more meals at home and keeping an eye on salt content, can shift eating habits toward healthier patterns.



Others highlight the advantage of planning grocery lists around staples like leafy greens, nuts, and lean proteins to curb impulse buys that derail good intentions. A simple focus on minimally processed items appears to go a long way in creating a diet that supports healthy aging.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03570-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Medicine</a>.



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Eating better in midlife helps you age with strength

Healthy eating has always been a hotly debated topic, but...

For centuries, sharks have stirred fear and fascination. They glide through water with quiet power. Unlike whales or dolphins, they never seem to speak. Scientists assumed that sharks lived in a world of silence - masters of stealth with no sound.



That idea was rooted in biology. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-third-of-shark-species-face-extinction-despite-fishing-bans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sharks</a> lack swim bladders, organs that help many fish produce sound. 



They also don’t have vocal cords or specialized structures like drumming muscles. So the conclusion felt safe: sharks don’t make noise.



But nature is full of surprises. A recent discovery made at the University of Auckland's <a href="https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/about-the-faculty/university-reserves/leigh-marine-laboratory.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leigh Marine Laboratory</a> has rewritten what we know about these ancient predators. 



Sharks might not be voiceless after all.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-first-recorded-shark-sounds">The first recorded shark sounds</h2>



In a study published in Royal Society Open Science, <a href="https://rs.figshare.com/articles/media/Data_1_from_Evidence_of_active_sound_production_by_a_shark/28596448?backTo=%2Fcollections%2FSupplementary_material_from_Evidence_of_active_sound_production_by_a_shark_%2F7720015&amp;file=52990585" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientists shared the first known recordings</a> of active sound production by sharks. 



The species involved, the rig shark (Mustelus lenticulatus), is a small, bottom-dwelling shark native to New Zealand.



During routine hearing experiments, ten juvenile rig <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-clues-from-old-shark-jaws-reveal-diets-and-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a> produced distinct clicking sounds when handled underwater. These weren’t random splashes or incidental noise. They were consistent, sharp clicks — deliberate and audible.



"Sharks have sensory systems that are more refined than their hearing, like their electroreceptors, their smell, and the way they propel themselves through the water… But I think the original notion that we had that sound isn't important at all is also likely not true," said Carolin Nieder, lead author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clicks-as-stress-or-warning-signals">Clicks as stress or warning signals</h2>



The clicks didn’t happen while the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-some-great-hammerhead-sharks-rarely-leave-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a> swam freely. They didn’t appear during feeding or rest. They only occurred when the sharks were briefly handled. Most clicks happened in the first ten seconds of handling and dropped off after that.



This suggests the sounds may be a reaction to stress. The sharks could be trying to defend themselves or confuse potential predators. Some clicks coincided with physical movements, like swaying or sudden bends. Others came with no visible movement.



The researchers counted an average of nine clicks per shark in a 20-second window. About three-quarters of those clicks were short, single-pulse bursts. The remaining were double-pulse clicks, produced in rapid succession.



“Maybe they weren't afraid for their lives anymore,” Nieder said, noting the decline in clicks over time. This behavior may resemble a natural escape tactic in the wild, used as a quick distraction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teeth-not-vocal-cords">Teeth, not vocal cords</h2>



So how do <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sharks-may-benefit-from-rising-temperatures-but-not-from-rising-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a> make these sounds without sound-producing organs? The team examined this closely. Using microCT scans and detailed dissections, the researchers studied the cranial structure of the rig shark. The teeth emerged as the most likely mechanism.



Rig sharks have blunt, interlocking teeth arranged like flat plates. These teeth snap together during rapid jaw movements. This snapping action likely creates the broadband clicks observed in the study.



The sounds recorded had an average duration of 48 milliseconds, with frequencies between 2.4 and 18.5 kHz. 



Most clicks peaked around 9.6 kHz, far above the rig’s hearing threshold, which tops at around 800 Hz. Yet, the first burst of each click contained low frequencies that might be audible to the sharks themselves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-these-shark-sounds-meaningful">Are these shark sounds meaningful?</h2>



The purpose of the clicks remains uncertain. Are they a biological signal - a warning, alarm, or defensive cry? Or are they simply a byproduct of muscle contractions and jaw tension under stress?



The study notes that rigs did not produce sounds during other behaviors, like swimming or feeding. This supports the idea that the clicking is linked to disturbance, not daily communication.



Still, comparisons with other fish species are revealing. Teleost fish, like cod and piranhas, often emit clicks when threatened or approached by predators. These “predator-related” sounds serve no obvious communicative role but may momentarily confuse or startle attackers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-similar-sounds-in-other-species">Similar sounds in other species</h2>



This discovery also echoes recent findings in rays. Since 2022, several studies have reported click-like sounds in stingrays and skates when divers approached. 



Species like the mangrove whipray and the blonde ray produce sharp broadband clicks, seemingly in reaction to disturbance.



These clicks share many traits with the rig’s clicks: short duration, high frequency, and apparent links to stress. While the anatomical mechanisms may differ, the pattern is striking.



In rays, the movement of spiracles and fins has been observed during sound production. In rigs, however, no clear body movement could be linked directly to the clicks. This raises the need for better underwater observation - perhaps through close-up video - to pinpoint exactly how the sound is made.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-all-sharks-click">Not all sharks click</h2>



Interestingly, not all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-sharks-face-growing-threats-despite-conservation-efforts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a> show this behavior. The study tested three dusky smoothhounds (Mustelus canis), close relatives of the rig. These sharks, when handled under the same conditions, produced no clicks.



This may point to differences in species behavior, evolutionary paths, or simply varying sensitivity to human presence. The dusky smoothhounds had been in captivity longer, which might explain their lack of response.



The researchers noted that Mustelus as a genus includes many species with similar tooth shapes. It’s possible that other species may also produce clicks under the right circumstances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-rig-sharks-hear-their-own-sounds">Can rig sharks hear their own sounds?</h2>



This question remains unresolved. Rigs are most sensitive to very low frequencies, far below the peak of their clicks. Yet, each click begins with a powerful burst that includes frequencies under 1 kHz. These lower frequencies may fall within the shark’s hearing range.



Whether the clicks carry a message for other sharks is unclear. But it’s possible the clicks aren’t meant for sharks at all. The energy-rich sounds could affect predators with better hearing, like toothed whales or large marine mammals. 



Some fish also produce similar sounds that deter or confuse predators, even if they aren’t always effective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-voices-from-the-deep">New voices from the deep</h2>



For years, researchers assumed that sharks lacked the ability - or need - to make sound. This study shifts that narrative. It reveals not only a sound, but a potential signal - a cry, a warning, or perhaps an instinctive snap.



The rig shark now holds the title of the first confirmed sound-producing shark. And its clicks may not be alone for long. As scientists look closer, more species may reveal their hidden voices.



In the quietest corners of the ocean, even sharks might have something to say.



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<a href="https://rs.figshare.com/articles/media/Data_1_from_Evidence_of_active_sound_production_by_a_shark/28596448?backTo=%2Fcollections%2FSupplementary_material_from_Evidence_of_active_sound_production_by_a_shark_%2F7720015&amp;file=52990585" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click this link to hear the noises made by these sharks during the hunt...</a>



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.242212" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.&nbsp;



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Sharks recorded making terrifying sounds while hunting - despite not having vocal cords

For centuries, sharks have stirred fear and fascination. They glide...

Population genetics can reveal surprising insights about the ancestry of any group, often challenging assumptions that have persisted for centuries. Japan is a prime example, with many believing its people descend from only two main lines of ancestry. 



New evidence now indicates that there may be a third strand woven into the country’s genetic heritage. Researchers are examining DNA clues and clinical data to piece together a bigger story, and the results are shaking up conventional wisdom on what it really means to be Japanese.



A paper published in the journal Science Advances presented findings that suggest a far more intricate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recreating-the-face-of-dragon-man-harbin-skull-denisovans-an-ancient-human-cousin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic tapestry</a> is involved in the ultimate ancestry of people in Japan than previously thought. 



The project behind this discovery is led by experts who investigated thousands of samples to paint a detailed picture of ancestry. 



After sifting through these clues, RIKEN’s Chikashi Terao and colleagues propose that a third group, the so-called Emishi people, is part of this fascinating blend.



Terao, who headed the study at RIKEN's <a href="https://www.riken.jp/en/research/labs/ims/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Integrative Medical Sciences</a>, explains, “Our analysis revealed Japan's subpopulation structure on a fine scale, which is very beautifully classified according to geographical locations in the country.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fresh-perspective-on-japanese-ancestry">Fresh perspective on Japanese ancestry</h2>



Researchers used whole-genome sequencing to analyze genetic information from more than 3,200 people across seven regions of Japan. 



This approach zooms in on all three billion DNA base-pairs, offering a much more comprehensive view compared to previous methods. 



Terao says, “Whole-genome sequencing gives us the chance to look at more data, which helps us find more interesting things.”



By examining the data, the team pinpointed differences that track with older population groups. Traditional narratives described only two main ancestral lines: the Jomon and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-study-reveals-secrets-of-weedy-rice-invasion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rice-farming</a> migrants from east Asia. 



The latest results identify a third source in the mix - people with connections to northeast Asia known as the Emishi. 



One key aspect of this research is the focus on subtle markers that illuminate how these historical groups spread out across the islands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-japan-s-ancestry-gets-clues-from-jewel">Japan's ancestry gets clues from JEWEL</h2>



The Japanese Encyclopedia of Whole-Genome/Exome Sequencing Library (JEWEL) combines genetic material with related medical and family information. 



The researchers gathered this data to explore health links and ancestry, creating a resource that also sheds light on how certain diseases appear in distinct areas. 



Terao remarks, “We reasoned that rare variants can sometimes be traced back to specific ancestral populations, and could be informative in revealing fine-scale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeline-early-humans-great-migration-reached-america-challenged-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration patterns</a> within Japan.”



According to the analysis, Jomon ancestry remains most prominent in Okinawa, appearing in 28.5% of the samples studied there, while it is lowest in western Japan at just 13.4%. 



Meanwhile, the study found that individuals in western regions have closer connections to Han Chinese people. 



The influx of migrants from east Asia between the year 250 and year 794 correlates with that finding. Emishi-related lineage appears strongest in the northeast, gradually dwindling as one moves westward.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-variants-and-their-role">Rare variants and their role</h2>



The study did more than trace broad patterns of ancestry. It also drilled down into uncommon gene variations to discover their potential involvement in various conditions. 



One particular variant of a gene called PTPRD has the potential to be highly damaging because it could be linked with hypertension, kidney failure, and myocardial infarction, according to Xiaoxi Liu, a senior scientist in Terao’s lab and the first author of the research. 



Additionally, significant incidences of variants in the GJB2 and ABCC2 genes were documented, tying them to hearing loss and chronic liver disease.



These clues demonstrate the practical potential of such extensive DNA surveys. By mapping rare changes, the researchers gain a sharper understanding of health outcomes, which may eventually guide new approaches to diagnosis or treatment. 



The JEWEL database thus provides a framework for aligning genetic signals with real-world health profiles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-from-neanderthals-and-denisovans">Clues from Neanderthals and Denisovans</h2>



The project also examined segments inherited from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tinshemet-cave-more-evidence-neanderthals-and-early-humans-interacted-socially/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-denisovan-species-humans-lived-undisturbed-tibetan-plateau-160000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denisovans</a>, two archaic human groups that intermixed with Homo sapiens millennia ago. 



Terao states, “We are interested in why ancient genomes are integrated and kept in modern human DNA sequences.” 



The team identified 44 ancient DNA regions present in Japanese people, many unique to East Asians. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/japanese_ancestry_introgressed-chart_credit-RIKEN_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/japanese_ancestry_introgressed-chart_credit-RIKEN_1s.webp" alt="Introgressed sequences from archaic Neanderthals or Denisovans in the Japanese population. Click to enlarge. Credit: RIKEN" class="wp-image-1963362"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Introgressed sequences from archaic Neanderthals or Denisovans in the Japanese population. Click to enlarge. Credit: RIKEN</figcaption></figure>



Among these was a Denisovan-derived segment within the NKX6-1 gene, which may influence how individuals respond to semaglutide, a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes.



They also located 11 Neanderthal-derived segments possibly tied to several conditions, including coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. 



Researchers in other parts of the world have shown that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-genes-make-you-more-of-a-morning-person/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">archaic DNA</a> occasionally grants advantages in extreme environments or impacts susceptibility to illness. 



This new study adds fresh details to the ongoing search for connections between ancient genes and modern-day health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-japan-ancestry-and-human-health">Japan, ancestry, and human health</h2>



Scientists point out that large-scale genetic investigations have mostly centered on European samples. Terao is keen to expand the reach of JEWEL by including more DNA profiles from Asia and beyond. 



This broader approach could highlight unique markers and conditions that are otherwise overlooked. “We’d like to connect population differences with differences in genetics,” he observes.



Population research of this magnitude promises to clarify how certain traits, disorders, and susceptibilities arise. 



It may also help fine-tune healthcare for specific communities by showing which variants are most influential. At the same time, it shows that no population is as uniform as once believed. 



The new evidence highlights how three ancestral groups contributed to the current mosaic in Japan, blending the histories of the Jomon, east Asian migrants, and the Emishi people into a more complete picture of Japan’s past.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adi8419" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Who are the Japanese people? DNA study results upend previous beliefs

Population genetics can reveal surprising insights about the ancestry of...

When people think about human papillomavirus (HPV), cancer tends to be the initial medical risk that comes to mind. For years, HPV has been connected with various types of cancer, such as those located in the cervix, genitals, anus, and throat. 



However, research now suggests another potential link of concern: heart disease.



Researchers from the <a href="https://medicine.uconn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Connecticut School of Medicine</a> have analyzed a large set of data from close to 250,000 patients in multiple countries.



The results indicate that people who have HPV are far more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease than people without the virus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hpv-and-heart-disease">HPV and heart disease</h2>



“Our study shows that clearly there is an association of some kind between HPV and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>,” said Dr. Stephen Akinfenwa, who is an internal medicine resident at UConn School of Medicine and the study’s lead author.



“The biological mechanism has not been determined but is hypothesized to be related to chronic inflammation. We would ultimately like to see if reducing HPV via vaccination could reduce cardiovascular risk.”



This study stands out because it’s the first to bring together findings from multiple global studies - seven in total - that span the years 2011 to 2024.



These studies followed patients for anywhere between three and 17 years and came from the United States, South Korea, Brazil, and Australia. Most were long-term observational studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-data-shows">What the data shows </h2>



The researchers employed a number of statistical techniques to compare the relationship between HPV and three diseases: cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-link-between-insomnia-and-hypertension-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hypertension</a>.



The findings were dramatic. HPV-positive patients had a 40% greater likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease and were twice as likely to have coronary artery disease than participants who were HPV negative.



Even after the researchers controlled for risk factors that normally affect heart health, such as smoking, diabetes, lifestyle and family history, HPV carriers remained 33% more at risk of developing heart disease.



In an interesting aside, no robust association was identified between HPV and high blood pressure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-patients-and-doctors">What this means for patients and doctors</h2>



The human papillomavirus is very prevalent and transmitted through close or intimate contact. Although most people equate HPV with genital warts and cancers, this new report indicates that it could also have implications for heart health.



The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention already advises that all children and adolescents should receive the HPV <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universal-vaccine-may-be-effective-against-any-variant-of-any-virus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vaccine</a> in order to avoid the development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-lifestyle-changes-could-prevent-half-of-all-cancer-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>s associated with this viral infection. But a lot of adults didn't get the vaccine when it was initially offered in 2006.



This new information may impact the way clinicians treat heart health in HPV-positive patients.



“We always talk about cardiovascular risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure and so on, but we know that about 20% of cardiovascular disease cannot be explained by these conventional risk factors,” said Akinfenwa. 



“This makes it important to identify non-conventional risk factors like HPV that could potentially be targeted.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-part-of-a-larger-picture">Part of a larger picture</h2>



More research is needed to understand exactly how HPV contributes to heart disease. 



Scientists are particularly interested in whether reducing HPV infections through vaccination could also help lower <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-diet-may-save-your-life-six-key-foods-lower-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease risk</a>.



For now, these findings highlight the importance of keeping an open mind when it comes to assessing cardiovascular risk - and suggest that viruses like HPV may be part of a much larger picture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-hpv-vaccination-reduce-heart-risks">Can HPV vaccination reduce heart risks?</h2>



The HPV vaccine has long been promoted for its role in preventing cancers linked to the virus, but this new research gives it even more weight. If there’s a connection between HPV and heart disease, the vaccine could end up protecting more than just reproductive health - it might also support cardiovascular health down the line.



Raising awareness about the broader effects of HPV could encourage more people to get vaccinated or talk to their doctors about eligibility. 



It could also shift public perception, showing that this isn’t just a vaccine for teens - it's a preventive step that may affect health outcomes in multiple ways.



If future studies confirm that HPV vaccination can reduce heart disease risks, it would make the case even stronger for expanding access and education around this underused but powerful tool.



The results of this <a href="https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2025/03/25/10/19/Growing-Body-of-Evidence-Links-HPV-with-Heart-Disease">research</a> will be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session.



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Hidden heart risk of HPV: What new research reveals

When people think about human papillomavirus (HPV), cancer tends to...

For decades, climate models have predicted that the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica should be warming in response to global climate change. But surprisingly, real-world data show something different: much of that ocean has actually cooled over the past forty years.&nbsp;



Now, scientists at <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> believe they’ve found a compelling explanation, and it’s changing how we understand one of the most important regions in Earth’s climate system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cooling-ocean-in-a-warming-climate">A cooling ocean in a warming climate</h2>



The new research, published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2024GL112639" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>, points to two overlooked but critical factors - meltwater from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-past-present-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica’s ice sheets</a> and increased precipitation.&nbsp;



“We found that the Southern Ocean cooling trend is actually a response to global warming, which accelerates ice sheet melting and local precipitation,” said Earle Wilson, assistant professor of Earth system science at Stanford’s Doerr School of Sustainability and senior author of the study.



As more ice melts and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-increases-as-a-direct-result-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rain</a> falls around Antarctica, the ocean’s surface becomes fresher and less salty. That reduction in salinity makes the water less dense, preventing the usual vertical mixing that would bring warmer waters from the deep ocean up to the surface.&nbsp;



“The fresher you make that surface layer, the harder it is to mix warm water up,” Wilson explained. The result is a kind of lid that traps cooler water at the surface - causing the region to cool rather than warm, despite the rising global temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-antarctic-waters">Changes in Antarctic waters</h2>



This cooling effect hasn’t been accurately represented in most state-of-the-art climate models. The researchers argue that this missing factor - freshwater input from melting glaciers - has long been a major blind spot in climate projections.&nbsp;



This omission could have broad implications. The Southern Ocean is a key player in regulating global climate. It absorbs a significant amount of the carbon dioxide and excess heat generated by human activity.&nbsp;



“The Southern Ocean is one of the primary places that happens,” said Zachary Kaufman, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral scholar in Earth system science at Stanford.



Because of this, changes in Southern Ocean temperatures affect much more than just the immediate region. Surface temperature shifts can influence global sea level rise, ocean heat uptake, and even climate phenomena like El Niño and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-bushfires-triggered-rare-multi-year-la-nina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Niña</a> that affect rainfall patterns as far away as California.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reconciling-global-climate-mismatches">Reconciling global climate mismatches</h2>



The discrepancy between what models predict and what observations show in the Southern Ocean is just one piece of a broader puzzle. Current global climate models also fail to simulate cooling trends in the eastern equatorial Pacific and tend to underestimate the frequency of La Niña events.&nbsp;



At the same time, they often overstate warming in other regions like the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific.



Although warming events have occurred in Antarctic waters over the last eight years, they haven’t erased the long-term cooling trend. 



According to Wilson, if real-world temperature patterns continue to deviate from model predictions, this could reshape scientific expectations for near-term climate impacts.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-freshwater-near-the-antarctic-margin">Freshwater near the Antarctic margin </h2>



The researchers set out to understand just how much the observed cooling could be attributed to freshening - the dilution of salt water by rain and melting ice. Initially, they assumed it wouldn't matter much where the freshwater was added.



But they were surprised by what they found. Their analysis showed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-substantially-changing-the-seasons-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea surface temperatures</a> are much more sensitive to freshwater inputs concentrated near Antarctica’s coastline, as opposed to rainfall distributed across the broader ocean.&nbsp;



“Applying freshwater near the Antarctic margin has a bigger influence on sea ice formation and the seasonal cycle of sea ice extent, which then has downstream impacts on sea surface temperature,” Wilson explained.&nbsp;



The result was not only unexpected but also highlighted the importance of location in shaping ocean dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-impact-of-missing-meltwater">The impact of missing meltwater</h2>



In the past, researchers have tried to measure the effects of Antarctic meltwater through so-called “hosing experiments,” where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-a-sudden-drop-in-global-freshwater-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater</a> is added to simulations in various ways. But differences in modeling setups made it difficult to compare results.



To overcome this, the Stanford team used a comprehensive approach. They drew on a new ensemble of simulations from the <a href="https://gmd.copernicus.org/articles/16/7289/2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Ocean Freshwater Input from Antarctica</a> (SOFIA) Initiative and combined this with older models to study ocean density and circulation changes.&nbsp;



By comparing the modeled sea surface temperatures with actual freshwater inputs between 1990 and 2021, they were able to determine just how much of the temperature mismatch was due to missing meltwater.



“There’s been some debate over whether that meltwater is enough over the historical period to really matter,” Kaufman said. “We show that it does.” Their findings indicate that up to 60% of the mismatch between observed and simulated surface temperatures in the Southern Ocean can be explained by these missing freshwater inputs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-lens-on-climate-futures">A new lens on climate futures</h2>



The implications are far-reaching. “We’ve known for some time that ice sheet melting will impact ocean circulation over the next century and beyond,” Wilson said.&nbsp;



“Our results provide new evidence that these meltwater trends are already altering ocean dynamics and possibly the global climate.”



As scientists refine their models to include these missing freshwater effects, policymakers and planners will gain a more accurate picture of how the climate is changing - and how to prepare for the challenges ahead.



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Why Antarctic waters are cooling in a warming world

For decades, climate models have predicted that the Southern Ocean...

New moms often face a whirlwind of emotions, sleepless nights, and the physical demands of recovery. In the midst of caring for a newborn, taking care of their own well-being can feel overwhelming.



But health experts say one of the most effective ways to support that recovery is surprisingly simple: move more.



Researchers from the <a href="https://csep.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology</a>, in collaboration with scientists from the <a href="https://www.ubc.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of British Columbia</a>, have released a new guideline for new moms.



According to the experts, women should aim for at least two hours of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week in the first three months after giving birth, as long as they’re physically able.



Activities like brisk walking, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/active-commuting-cycling-to-work-linked-to-enormous-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cycling</a>, and resistance exercises should be spread over four or more days per week.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-new-moms-need-to-know">What new moms need to know</h2>



The weeks and months after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/maternal-mortality-the-overlooked-needs-of-mothers-after-childbirth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">childbirth</a> are a time of rapid change. The risk of depression, sleep disorders, weight gain, diabetes, and even heart issues tends to rise, especially for those who experienced complications during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-pregnancy-changes-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pregnancy</a>.



Despite this, clear advice on physical activity during the postpartum period has been hard to come by. This new guidance is based on a comprehensive review of 574 studies.



The researchers made sure the recommendations apply to all people who have recently given birth - regardless of breastfeeding, cultural background, disability, or socio-economic status.



To shape the recommendations, the team spoke directly with new moms. They identified 21 key areas to focus on, including injury prevention, fatigue, depression and anxiety, breast milk production, urinary incontinence, and infant development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-holistic-approach-to-recovery">A holistic approach to recovery</h2>



Physical activity is just one piece of the puzzle. The guideline also strongly recommends daily pelvic floor muscle training to help reduce the risk of urinary incontinence and support pelvic rehabilitation. 



Getting better sleep is also a priority. Suggestions include building a nighttime routine that limits screen time and keeps the bedroom dark and quiet.



Importantly, even light activities like gentle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walking-is-a-powerful-tool-to-boost-brain-health-and-overall-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">walking</a> can help. The panel emphasized that all new moms - whether fully recovered or still healing - should avoid long periods of inactivity whenever possible.



For those with medical conditions or troubling symptoms, they recommend consulting a healthcare provider before jumping into moderate exercise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-benefits-are-worth-it">The benefits are worth it</h2>



“Even small steps towards achieving them will still promote physical and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-may-improve-mental-health-more-than-medication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a> benefits,” the experts said. 



Following these recommendations has been linked to reduced depression, better cholesterol levels, less fatigue, and even improvements in weight management.



Importantly, the guidelines were not found to be associated with any additional risk of injury or negative effects on breast milk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-realistic-goals-for-new-moms">Realistic goals for new moms</h2>



The experts noted that these activities and habits are cost-effective and likely to lead to long-term savings in healthcare.



Most importantly, the goals are realistic. Feedback from parents indicated that the advice is feasible, affordable, and easy to integrate into everyday life. While more research is still needed to fill gaps in the science, the evidence so far is clear.



“These clinically meaningful benefits strongly support incorporating consultation and guidance on movement behaviours into clinical practice for the postpartum period,” the team said.



Caring for a new baby is demanding. But taking time to care for your own body and mind - through movement, sleep, and simple routines - can make all the difference in this new chapter of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-the-postpartum-journey">Supporting the postpartum journey</h2>



The postpartum period is often misunderstood, and most new moms feel they need to “bounce back” fast.



Recovery is not a race, though. It's a slow process that's more than just physical recovery - it’s also emotional adjustment, hormonal changes, and redefining daily habits.



These new guidelines remind us that small, consistent steps - such as moving more, building up the pelvic floor, and sleeping better - can have a lasting effect.



By acknowledging the individual obstacles of this period, the recommendations provide a kinder, more realistic vision for postpartum well-being. 



It’s not about getting moms to do more - it’s about getting them to feel a bit better, week by week.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2025/03/22/bjsports-2025-109785" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Journal of Sports Medicine</a>.



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Why movement matters for new moms

New moms often face a whirlwind of emotions, sleepless nights,...

A new image from the James Webb Space Telescope reveals a dazzling Einstein ring. At first glance, it appears to be a single, distorted galaxy. 



But upon closer inspection, two galaxies appear: one in the foreground and another, much farther away, whose light bends around the closer galaxy to form a nearly perfect circle. This mesmerizing effect is known as an Einstein ring, a rare cosmic phenomenon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-is-an-einstein-ring-created">How is an Einstein ring created?</h2>



The Einstein ring forms due to gravitational lensing. Light from a distant galaxy travels toward us but encounters a massive object on its path. That object, often another galaxy or a cluster of them, has enough mass to curve spacetime. As a result, the light bends around it.



From our perspective on Earth - or from a telescope like Webb - the light appears to wrap around the foreground object. If the alignment is just right, the bending of light forms a full circle.



When the alignment is not perfect, we may only see arcs or partial rings. These shapes aren’t artistic flourishes. They’re natural consequences of how gravity shapes the path of light across the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/euclid-captures-26-million-galaxies-in-vivid-deep-field-photos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.



This phenomenon doesn’t occur on smaller scales. Only when vast galaxies or clusters distort the path of light from extremely distant sources do we witness such rings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-galaxies-one-illusion">Two galaxies, one illusion</h2>



What seems like a single, oddly-shaped galaxy is actually two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiral-galaxy-j23453268-0449256-black-hole-fury-defies-current-knowledge-base/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> far apart. The foreground galaxy sits at the center of the image. It is much closer to us. 



It has a smooth, featureless structure with a bright core, which identifies it as an elliptical galaxy. This galaxy belongs to a larger cluster known as SMACSJ0028.2-7537.



The second galaxy, much farther away, lies directly behind the first. Its light, instead of coming straight to us, bends around the elliptical galaxy. That bending stretches the light into a ring. 



This background galaxy is a spiral, and despite the distortion, its structure remains clear. We can see individual star clusters and gas formations. The bending doesn’t blur the image - it magnifies it.



Einstein rings allow scientists to observe galaxies too faint to detect otherwise. The lensing process acts as a cosmic magnifier. It brings hidden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-found-in-the-early-universe-that-shouldnt-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> into view and lets astronomers study their structure and contents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-collaboration-in-space">A global collaboration in space</h2>



​The image we now admire was made possible by the <a href="https://esawebb.org/images/potm2403a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SLICE survey</a> - Strong Lensing and Cluster Evolution. This program is led by Guillaume Mahler at the <a href="https://www.uliege.be/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liège</a> in Belgium. He heads a team of international astronomers working to map galaxy clusters and their history.​



"Webb’s incredible resolution and sensitivity are a game changer for studying lenses like this," noted Mahler.



​The&nbsp;SLICE survey&nbsp;uses the&nbsp;Near-Infrared Camera (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/nircam/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIRCam</a>)&nbsp;on the&nbsp;<a href="https://webbtelescope.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a>.&nbsp;It targets 182 galaxy clusters to trace their development over eight billion years.&nbsp;These clusters are not chosen at random.​



Each one holds the potential to lens more distant galaxies. The information captured helps researchers understand how massive structures like clusters change with time.



In this case, the data from&nbsp;Webb&nbsp;was combined with observations from the&nbsp;Hubble Space Telescope.&nbsp;Hubble’s&nbsp;Wide Field Camera 3 (<a href="https://www.stsci.edu/hst/instrumentation/wfc3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WFC3</a>)&nbsp;and&nbsp;Advanced Camera for Surveys (<a href="https://www.stsci.edu/hst/instrumentation/acs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS</a>)&nbsp;added detail to the final image.&nbsp;The result is a layered, multi-spectrum look into the past.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-einstein-rings-and-the-early-universe">Einstein rings and the early universe </h2>



Einstein rings do more than show pretty shapes. They unlock hidden data. Because the light from the background galaxy bends, we receive multiple paths of the same light. 



Each path may take a different amount of time to arrive. By measuring those delays, astronomers can make precise calculations about mass, distance, and even dark matter distribution.



In essence, each Einstein ring becomes a tool. It helps map not just the light, but the invisible mass that shapes it. These measurements contribute to our broader understanding of gravity, dark matter, and the expansion of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-known-galaxy-contains-surprising-oxygen-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.



Rings like these also allow us to look further into the past. The light from the lensed galaxy began its journey billions of years ago. When it finally reaches us, curved and magnified, it tells a story from the early universe. What we see is not just shape and color - it’s history, frozen in transit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-spectacular-cosmic-coincidence">A spectacular cosmic coincidence </h2>



Astronomy is often about the unseen. Telescopes like Webb and Hubble don’t just capture light. They gather evidence from deep time and far space. Einstein rings act like windows, offering a clear line of sight into a universe we can’t reach otherwise.



This particular Einstein ring is rare for its clarity. Its near-perfect shape shows how well the two galaxies align. It is both a work of art and a valuable scientific record. Behind its glow lies a story of gravity, mass, light, and cosmic coincidence.



In looking at it, we’re not just staring at a circle. We are looking into a telescope made by nature, framed by chance, and captured by human curiosity.



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, G. Mahler



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Webb captures a rare Einstein ring caused by light bending

A new image from the James Webb Space Telescope reveals...

New technology is transforming weather prediction. Aardvark Weather is a system that uses artificial intelligence to deliver accurate forecasts in just minutes - right from a regular desktop computer. 



It’s tens of times faster than current methods and requires only a fraction of the computing power.



The technology was developed by scientists at the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>, with support from the Alan Turing Institute, Microsoft Research, and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (<a href="https://www.ecmwf.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ECMWF</a>).



The system lays the foundation for a new kind of forecasting that could shift the way we understand and prepare for weather around the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-traditional-weather-forecasting-works">How traditional weather forecasting works</h2>



Weather forecasting basically involves collecting a huge amount of data and then using that information to predict what the weather will be like in the near future. 



Meteorologists look at observations from weather stations, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-data-could-revolutionize-weather-forecasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellites, and radar systems</a> all around the world. 



They measure things like temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, and wind speed, and then they plug all that data into sophisticated computer models. 



These models simulate the atmosphere’s behavior based on physics and math, and they help us figure out if we’re in for sunshine or thunderstorms.



Of course, the process doesn’t end there. Forecasters examine how the weather patterns in these models compare to what’s really happening in the sky. 



If something seems off, they adjust their forecasts and run more models until they get results that match up better with reality. 



Once they feel confident in their predictions, they send them out to the public. That’s when you get your daily forecast on TV or your phone, letting you know if you should pack an umbrella or slap on some sunscreen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-computer-systems-involved">Massive computer systems involved</h2>



Right now, most weather forecasts come from massive systems that require supercomputers to run. These systems are highly accurate but expensive, complex, and slow.



Each step in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-era-in-forecasting-ai-will-improve-extreme-weather-warnings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forecasting</a> process - from collecting data to generating local predictions - takes hours and involves many technical stages. Even minor updates to these systems take large teams of experts and years to implement.



Recently, companies like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.huawei.com/en/news/2023/8/pangu-weather-forcast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Huawei</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.microsoft.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft</a>&nbsp;have demonstrated that AI can replace one of those steps - the numerical solver, which calculates how weather systems evolve.​



This has made forecasting both faster and more accurate. ECMWF is already using a mix of these traditional and AI-based tools.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approach-to-weather-forecasting">New approach to weather forecasting </h2>



Aardvark goes a step further. It replaces the entire pipeline with a single machine learning model. The system takes real-time data from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-data-could-revolutionize-weather-forecasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellites</a>, sensors, and weather stations, and immediately outputs both local and global forecasts.



The result? Lightning-fast predictions that can be generated on a desktop computer. And because it’s trained directly on data, the system avoids many of the hurdles that come with designing new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bridging-the-gap-the-quest-for-accurate-weather-forecasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forecasting</a> models from scratch.



Professor Richard Turner is the lead researcher for Weather Prediction at the <a href="https://www.turing.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alan Turing Institute</a> and Professor of Machine Learning in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge.



“Aardvark reimagines current weather prediction methods offering the potential to make weather forecasts faster, cheaper, more flexible and more accurate than ever before, helping to transform weather prediction in both developed and developing countries,” said Professor Turner.



“Importantly, Aardvark would not have been possible without decades of physical-model development by the community, and we are particularly indebted to ECMWF for their ERA5 dataset which is essential for training Aardvark.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-doing-more-with-less-data">Doing more with less data</h2>



Even when Aardvark uses only 10% of the data that conventional models need, it still outperforms the United States' national GFS forecasting system in many categories. 



Aardvark also holds its own against forecasts produced by expert analysts working with dozens of models. This efficiency makes it not only fast, but incredibly versatile.



The model can be quickly trained to produce location-specific predictions - like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> for African farms or wind speeds for European wind farms. 



That level of customization used to take years to build. With Aardvark, it can happen in weeks.



“These results are just the beginning of what Aardvark can achieve,“ said Anna Allen, lead author from the University of Cambridge.



“This end-to-end learning approach can be easily applied to other weather forecasting problems, for example <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-propose-adding-a-category-6-to-the-current-hurricane-intensity-scale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a>, wildfires, and tornadoes. Beyond weather, its applications extend to broader Earth system forecasting, including air quality, ocean dynamics, and sea ice prediction.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecasting-for-everyone">Forecasting for everyone</h2>



One of Aardvark’s most promising features is accessibility. Since it doesn’t rely on expensive supercomputers, the model can be used anywhere - even in countries with limited computing infrastructure. This levels the playing field for weather prediction and planning.



“We have been thrilled to collaborate on this project which explores the next generation of weather forecasting systems - part of our mission to develop and deliver operational AI-weather forecasting while openly sharing data to benefit science and the wider community,” said Matthew Chantry, Strategic Lead for Machine Learning at ECMWF.



”It is essential that academia and industry work together to address technological challenges and leverage new opportunities that AI offers. Aardvark’s approach combines both modularity with end-to-end forecasting optimisation, ensuring effective use of the available datasets.” 



Dr. Chris Bishop is the director of <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/lab/microsoft-research-ai-for-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft Research AI for Science</a>. He noted that Aardvark represents not only an important achievement in AI weather prediction but it also reflects the power of collaboration and bringing the research community together to improve and apply AI technology in meaningful ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-aardvark">What’s next for Aardvark </h2>



The next step is to build a team within the Alan Turing Institute focused on expanding Aardvark’s use, especially in developing countries. The experts also plan to integrate the model into wider efforts around environmental prediction, including sea ice and ocean behavior.



“Unleashing AI’s potential will transform decision-making for everyone from policymakers and emergency planners to industries that rely on accurate weather forecasts. Aardvark’s breakthrough is not just about speed, it’s about access,” said Dr. Scott Hosking, Director of Science and Innovation for Environment and Sustainability at The Alan Turing Institute.



”By shifting weather prediction from supercomputers to desktop computers, we can democratize forecasting, making these powerful technologies available to developing nations and data-sparse regions around the world.”



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08897-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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AI prediction model is a major breakthrough in weather forecasting

New technology is transforming weather prediction. Aardvark Weather is a...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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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

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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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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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

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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

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

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