In the 1920s, the yellow-spored mold Aspergillus flavus gained infamy after members of Howard Carter’s team died not long after opening Tutankhamun’s tomb.



Decades later, a similar fate befell scientists who entered the crypt of Poland’s King Casimir IV. Within weeks, 10 of the 12 researchers succumbed to respiratory illness, and investigators traced the deadly outbreak to dormant A. flavus spores. 



Long dismissed as a toxic mold, Aspergillus flavus has revealed a new role: producing compounds that match some of the most trusted cancer therapies for acute myeloid leukemia.



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



This fungus is commonly found in soil, decaying vegetation, and grains. It thrives in warm, humid environments, which makes it a persistent problem in agricultural settings - especially in crops like corn, peanuts, and tree nuts. 



What makes it particularly concerning is its ability to produce aflatoxins, which are highly toxic and carcinogenic compounds. 



Aflatoxin contamination in food can pose serious health risks to both humans and livestock, prompting strict regulations and regular testing in the food industry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mold-s-molecular-treasure-map">Mold’s molecular treasure map</h2>



The breakthrough came from Sherry Gao’s laboratory at the <a href="https://www.upenn.edu/">University of Pennsylvania</a>, where researchers hunt for drugs hidden in microbial genomes.



The team focused on ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides, or RiPPs - small, ring-shaped molecules known for complex bioactivity. Scientists have cataloged thousands of RiPPs in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-think-they-found-two-key-bacteria-that-cause-multiple-sclerosis/">bacteria</a>, but they've found only a handful in fungi.



“Purifying these chemicals is difficult,” explained lead author Qiuyue Nie, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania. Moreover, scientists can easily overlook the genes that direct their synthesis.



Using a two-pronged strategy, the team first compared the chemical fingerprints of a dozen Aspergillus strains, then zeroed in on gene clusters likely to encode RiPP machinery. 



Turning those genes off caused the mysterious chemical peaks to vanish. This confirmed the researchers had found an active RiPP factory inside the tomb-dwelling mold.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-tomb-mold-to-cancer-medicine">From tomb mold to cancer medicine</h2>



Isolation and structural analysis revealed four previously unknown molecules sporting an intricate lattice of interlocking rings. The scientists named them asperigimycins in honor of their fungal source.



Two of the four showed notable activity against leukemia cells straight out of the flask, but a chemical tweak proved transformative.



By adding a fatty tail identical to one found in royal jelly - the nutrient-rich substance that turns ordinary bee larvae into queens - the team produced a lipid-capped asperigimycin. It matched cytarabine and daunorubicin, drugs that have anchored leukemia care since the 1970s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-drug-gets-inside">How the drug gets inside </h2>



Why did that extra lipid unleash such power? Gao’s group deployed a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crispr-gene-editing-gets-a-revolutionary-upgrade-with-new-tool/">CRISPR</a>-based screen, knocking out genes in leukemia cells and tracking changes in drug uptake. 



One transporter, SLC46A3, emerged as essential. It normally shuttles nutrients out of lysosomes, the cell’s recycling compartments. The researchers learned that the fatty tag let the mold-derived asperigimycins hitch a ride through this portal.



“This gene acts like a gateway,” Nie said. “Knowing that lipids can affect how this gene transports chemicals into cells gives us another tool for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oral-peptides-pave-the-way-for-new-drug-development/">drug development</a>.” 



The insight may rescue other cyclic peptides that falter in trials because they cannot cross cellular barriers efficiently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disarming-cancer-s-dividing-machinery"><a></a>Disarming cancer’s dividing machinery</h2>



Microscopy and biochemical assays showed that the modified asperigimycins halt tumor growth by sabotaging microtubules, the protein scaffolds that haul chromosomes apart during mitosis.



Intriguingly, the mold-derived molecules left breast, liver, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honeybees-can-sniff-out-lung-cancer/">lung cancer</a> lines largely untouched, as well as an array of bacteria and yeast. 



That selectivity hints at fewer side effects for patients, a perennial challenge for chemotherapy agents that indiscriminately target all fast-dividing cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-mold-modern-answers">Ancient mold, modern answers</h2>



For decades, scientists debated how fungi construct RiPPs, often mistaking them for non-ribosomal peptides. The current study resolves that puzzle by linking chemical signatures to the responsible genes.



“The synthesis of these compounds is complicated, but that’s also what gives them this remarkable bioactivity," said Nie.



Comparative genomic scans have already flagged similar RiPP gene clusters in dozens of other molds, suggesting a trove of undiscovered molecules with antibiotic, antiviral, or immunomodulatory potential. According to Nie, this is an unexplored region with tremendous potential.



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



The next step is to test asperigimycins in mice to gauge toxicity, dosage, and efficacy in living organisms. Success there could pave the way for human clinical trials. Gao, reflecting on the journey from tomb lore to lab bench, recalls one guiding principle.



“Fungi gave us penicillin. These results show that many more medicines derived from natural products remain to be found,” Gao said.



Nature’s pantry still holds untold remedies waiting to be unlocked. With each advance in genomic mining and synthetic tailoring, the line between microbial menace and medical marvel grows ever thinner.



It’s a testament to evolution’s vast chemical imagination - and to scientists bold enough to mine mold and other microbes for the next life-saving drug.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-025-01946-9">Nature Chemical Biology</a>.



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Toxic mold found in ancient tombs has been engineered into a promising cancer drug

In the 1920s, the yellow-spored mold Aspergillus flavus gained infamy after members of Howard Carter’s team died not long after opening Tutankhamun’s tomb. Decades later, a similar fate befell scientists who entered the crypt of Poland’s King Casimir IV. Within weeks, 10 of the 12 researchers succumbed to respiratory illness, and investigators traced the deadly outbreak to dormant A. flavus spores. Long dismissed as a toxic mold, Aspergillus flavus has revealed a new role: producing compounds that match some of the most trusted cancer therapies for acute...

The Ediacaran Period, spanning from about 635 to 541 million years ago, marked a transformative era in the history of life on Earth. It was during this pivotal time that complex, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellular organisms</a> emerged, setting the stage for the explosion of life that would follow.



According to a captivating study led by <a href="https://www.sas.rochester.edu/ees/people/faculty/tarduno_john/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Tarduno</a>, the William Kenan, Jr. Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the <a href="http://www.rochester.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rochester</a>, Earth's magnetic field was in a highly unusual state when the macroscopic animals of the Ediacaran Period diversified and thrived. 



The research raises the question of whether these fluctuations in Earth's ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a> led to shifts in oxygen levels that may have been crucial to the proliferation of life forms millions of years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ediacaran-fauna-were-earth-s-first-complex-lifeforms">Ediacaran fauna were Earth's first complex lifeforms</h2>



One of the most remarkable life forms during the Ediacaran Period was the Ediacaran fauna. As Tarduno explains, "They were notable for their resemblance to early animals -- some even reached more than a meter (three feet) in size and were mobile, indicating they probably needed more oxygen compared to earlier life forms."



The close timing between the appearance of the Ediacaran fauna and the ultra-low geomagnetic field motivated the researchers to revisit environmental factors, particularly atmospheric and ocean oxygenation, as potential drivers for the emergence of these complex life forms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-protective-magnetic-field">Earth's protective magnetic field</h2>



About 1,800 miles below us, liquid iron churns in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-outer-core-is-its-largest-carbon-reservoir/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's outer core</a>, creating the planet's protective magnetic field. This invisible shield is essential for life on Earth, as it protects the planet from harmful radiation from the sun.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Deflecting solar wind and cosmic rays</h3>



The magnetic field's primary role is to deflect the high-energy charged particles that make up solar wind. Without this protection, these particles would strip away the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerosol-formation-earths-lower-atmosphere-soas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's atmosphere</a>, exposing life on the surface to the full force of the sun's radiation. 



The magnetosphere also shields the planet from cosmic rays, which are high-energy particles originating from outside our solar system that can cause genetic mutations and damage to living organisms.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Preserving Earth's atmosphere and water</h3>



By deflecting harmful solar radiation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-surges-of-cosmic-radiation-from-space-directly-linked-to-earthquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic rays</a>, Earth's magnetic field helps to preserve the planet's atmosphere and water. 



The atmosphere, in turn, shields life on Earth from the sun's ultraviolet radiation and helps to maintain a stable climate. 



The magnetic field also prevents the atmosphere from being stripped away by solar wind, which would lead to a gradual loss of water vapor and other essential gases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Protecting Earth's ozone layer</h3>



The magnetic field also plays a crucial role in protecting Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ozone-hole-exposes-wildlife-to-harmful-uv-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ozone layer</a>, which filters out harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. 



Without the magnetic field, the ozone layer would be depleted by the constant bombardment of charged particles, exposing life on Earth to dangerous levels of UV radiation that can cause skin cancer and other health problems.



Earth's magnetic field is a vital component of the complex system that sustains life on our planet. However, Earth's magnetic field wasn't always as strong as it is today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-link-between-magnetic-field-strength-and-animal-life">Link between magnetic field strength and animal life</h2>



Researchers have proposed that an unusually low magnetic field might have contributed to the rise of animal life. However, examining this link has been challenging due to limited data about the strength of the magnetic field during the Ediacaran Period.



Tarduno and his team employed innovative strategies and techniques to study the strength of the magnetic field by examining magnetism locked in ancient feldspar and pyroxene crystals from the rock anorthosite. By dating the rocks, researchers can construct a timeline of the development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-much-older-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's magnetic field</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-tech-tools-reveal-earth-s-weakest-magnetic-moment">High-tech tools reveal Earth's weakest magnetic moment</h2>



Using cutting-edge tools, including a CO2 laser and the lab's superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer, the team analyzed the crystals and the magnetism locked within with precision. 



Their data indicates that Earth's magnetic field at times during the Ediacaran Period was the weakest field known to date -- up to 30 times weaker than the magnetic field today -- and that the ultra-low field strength lasted for at least 26 million years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ediacaran-oxygen-boom-may-have-triggered-life-expansion">Ediacaran oxygen boom may have triggered life expansion</h2>



A weak magnetic field makes it easier for charged particles from the sun to strip away lightweight atoms such as hydrogen from the atmosphere, causing them to escape into space. 



If hydrogen loss is significant, more oxygen may remain in the atmosphere instead of reacting with hydrogen to form water vapor. These reactions can lead to a buildup of oxygen over time.



Tarduno and his team's research suggests that during the Ediacaran Period, the ultraweak magnetic field caused a loss of hydrogen over at least tens of millions of years. This loss may have led to increased oxygenation of the atmosphere and surface ocean, enabling more advanced life forms to emerge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cambrian-explosion-saw-earth-s-magnetic-field-recover">Cambrian explosion saw Earth's magnetic field recover</h2>



Tarduno and his research team previously discovered that the geomagnetic field recovered in strength during the subsequent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-did-the-first-animals-appear-on-earth-we-are-now-one-step-closer-to-knowing-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambrian Period</a>, when most animal groups begin to appear in the fossil record. The reestablishment of the protective magnetic field allowed life to thrive.



As Tarduno notes, "If the extraordinarily weak field had remained after the Ediacaran, Earth might look very different from the water-rich planet it is today: water loss might have gradually dried Earth."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ediacaran-magnetic-fields-and-life-beyond-earth">Ediacaran magnetic fields and life beyond Earth</h2>



The work suggests that understanding planetary interiors is crucial in contemplating the potential of life beyond Earth. 



"It's fascinating to think that processes in Earth's core could be linked ultimately to evolution," Tarduno says. "As we think about the possibility of life elsewhere, we also need to consider how the interiors of planets form and develop."



In summary, the study by John Tarduno and his team uncovers a fascinating link between Earth's magnetic field and the rise of complex life during the enigmatic Ediacaran Period. 



Their research deepens our understanding of the intricate interplay between our planet's core processes and the evolution of life while raising intriguing questions about the potential for life on other planets. 



As we continue to explore the mysteries of our own planet's history and search for signs of life beyond Earth, studies like this remind us of the complex and interconnected nature of the universe, urging us to consider the crucial role that planetary interiors play in the development and sustenance of life.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01360-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Animals exist today because Earth had an issue 500 million years ago

The Ediacaran Period, spanning from about 635 to 541 million...

As dusk falls at the end of a hot day, the air is typically filled with the melodious chirping of crickets - a sound as familiar as it is enchanting. Yet, this natural concert is increasingly being drowned out by the pervasive noise produced by human activity. 



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.du.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Denver</a> have begun to unravel the extent to which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noise-pollution-is-increasingly-disrupting-whale-migration/">noise pollution</a> impacts the survival and reproduction of crickets. 



The research team has dedicated three years to studying the effects of human-generated noise on field crickets, which make up a significant part of the terrestrial ecosystem. Despite invertebrates constituting over 95% of all animal species, they are seldom the focus of ecological noise research. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-noise-pollution-is-a-growing-threat">Noise pollution is a growing threat</h2>



"Noise pollution is a ubiquitous anthropogenic stressor that accompanies expanding urbanization. We tested whether the amplitude of traffic noise influences a suite of fitness-related traits (e.g. survival, life history, reproductive investment, immunity) and whether that depends on the life stage at which the noise is experienced (juvenile or adult)," wrote the researchers.



"Our treatments mimic the conditions experienced by animals living in urban roadside environments with variable vehicle types, but continuous movement of traffic. We used the Pacific field cricket, an acoustically communicating insect that was previously shown to experience some negative behavioral and life history responses to very loud, variable traffic noise, as a model system."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crickets-exposed-to-noise">Crickets exposed to noise</h2>



The team exposed the crickets to four levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mating-crickets-lower-their-standards-when-exposed-to-traffic-noise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traffic noise</a> that they might encounter in their natural habitats: complete silence, 50 decibels, 60 decibels, and 70 decibels. To put this into perspective, 55 decibels is akin to the sound of constant rainfall, while 70 decibels can be compared to a busy street or the hum of a vacuum cleaner. 



The results were telling: crickets subjected to 70 decibels of noise had a 35% lower survival rate into adulthood compared to those raised in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cricket-song-silent-without-action-iucn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silence</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-subtle-language-of-crickets">The subtle language of crickets</h2>



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-health-ai-can-identify-insects-based-on-their-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insects</a> that communicate through sounds, like field crickets, are particularly vulnerable to noise pollution. These crickets use their airborne songs to communicate and are commonly found near urban areas, where noise is ever-present," explained Professor Robin Tinghitella, the study's principal investigator.



This backdrop of constant human noise, according to the study, acts as a stressor, significantly impacting their ability to survive and reproduce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cricket-responses-to-noise">Cricket responses to noise</h2>



While the study found a definite impact on survival and reproductive rates, it's interesting to note that 13 other measured traits in crickets remained unchanged despite the noise. This indicates a possible adaptation to the chronic presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noise-pollution-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human noise</a>.



“We found that juvenile traffic noise treatment impacted the percent of crickets that survived to eclosion, and the interaction between a female’s traffic noise experience during juvenile and adult life stages affected her reproductive success,” noted the researchers.



“However, the consistent traffic noise treatments (50dBA, 60dBA, 70dB) did not impact the other 13 fitness-related traits we investigated, irrespective of noise level and whether traffic noise was experienced by crickets during development only, at adulthood only, or during both life stages.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-study-insights">Valuable study insights </h2>



Mark Mitchell, a professor of Zoological Medicine at Louisiana State University, praised the study for its comprehensive approach and its importance in understanding how traffic noise affects the physiological traits of invertebrates. 



"This research provides valuable insights into the effects of anthropogenic activities on invertebrates, offering a foundation for future ecological planning and conservation efforts," said Professor Michell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-quieter-coexistence-is-needed">A quieter coexistence is needed</h2>



This pioneering research underscores a critical need for awareness and action concerning the ecological impacts of human noise. As we continue to encroach upon natural habitats, understanding and mitigating our auditory footprint on wildlife becomes not just beneficial but essential for sustaining biodiversity. 



"Our result that juvenile survival under noisy conditions is reduced is especially relevant for conservation and management decisions, and future work should clarify consequences in natural settings with varying noise characteristics and the generalizability across insects," wrote the study authors.



The survival of crickets may seem like a minor concern in the grand scheme of environmental issues, but it is a poignant reminder of the pervasive impact of human activities on the planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://bmcecolevol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12862-023-02190-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMC Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Many juvenile crickets cannot survive the strain of human noise

As dusk falls at the end of a hot day,...

We all know <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-exercise-routine-can-cut-your-risk-of-early-death-in-half/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercise</a> is good for us, but the sheer scale of its benefits continues to astound. A recent study from the <a href="https://unisa.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of South Australia</a>, in partnership with a global research team, provides compelling evidence that cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) could be one of the most powerful predictors of a long and healthy life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cardiorespiratory-fitness-crf">Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF)</h2>



Cardiorespiratory fitness is essentially the benchmark of your body's internal support system, specifically its ability to supply oxygen during continuous physical activity. This fitness measure reflects how well your heart, lungs, and muscles work in unison. Here’s a deeper look at each component:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart">Heart</h3>



Your heart's role in CRF is pivotal as it pumps oxygen-rich blood to muscles and other tissues. The stronger and more efficient your heart is, the more effectively it can deliver this blood throughout your body. With high CRF, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard during activity, which reduces wear and tear over time and decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lungs">Lungs</h3>



Your lungs are responsible for oxygenating the blood. When you engage in sustained physical activity, your breathing rate increases to meet the higher oxygen demands of your muscles. A well-conditioned respiratory system can exchange more oxygen with less effort, meaning it can swiftly provide a larger volume of oxygen to the blood circulating back to your heart.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-muscles">Muscles</h3>



Muscles utilize the oxygen carried in the blood to generate energy through a process known as cellular respiration. More fit muscles are better at using oxygen efficiently, which enhances endurance and strength. They can perform at higher intensities for longer periods before fatigue sets in.



The overall efficiency with which your body uses oxygen is a key aspect of cardiorespiratory fitness. Higher CRF levels mean that your body can not only transport oxygen more efficiently but also utilize it more effectively within the muscles. This efficiency is crucial for prolonged physical activities like running, cycling, or swimming.



When your CRF level is high, your body can handle more strenuous activities with relative ease. It responds better to the stress of exertion, maintaining more stable oxygen levels in your blood and preventing rapid exhaustion. This capability is especially important for athletes who need to perform at peak levels as well as for individuals in physically demanding jobs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cardiorespiratory-fitness-levels">Cardiorespiratory fitness levels</h2>



The researchers analyzed a breathtaking amount of data – 199 individual studies encompassing over 20 million participants. 



The goal was to meticulously examine the intricate relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness levels and major health outcomes. The results clearly establish CRF as a crucial health indicator:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Longevity and reduced mortality</h3>



Individuals who maintain high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) significantly enhance their chances of living longer. Research has shown that people with high CRF levels exhibit a remarkable 41 to 53 percent lower risk of dying prematurely from any cause compared to those with lower fitness levels. 



This substantial reduction in mortality rate underscores the critical importance of regular aerobic exercise. Essentially, maintaining a higher level of fitness strengthens vital body functions and systems, enhancing overall life expectancy.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Disease defense through enhanced cardiorespiratory fitness</h3>



Cardiorespiratory fitness not only impacts longevity but also plays a vital role in disease prevention. Incremental increases in CRF are correlated with marked reductions in mortality risks from several major health threats, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and sudden cardiac events. 



For instance, each unit increase in CRF can result in a decrease in death risk ranging from 7 to 51 percent depending on the specific cause. 



Furthermore, higher fitness levels act as a protective shield against a variety of chronic conditions. Individuals with elevated CRF levels see a 37 to 69 percent reduced risk of developing serious health issues such as hypertension, heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation, dementia, and depression. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Resilience in the face of illness</h3>



The benefits of high CRF extend even to those who are already battling chronic diseases. For individuals diagnosed with conditions like heart disease, cancer, or other chronic ailments, maintaining a higher level of fitness can lead to significantly better health outcomes. 



Such individuals exhibit a substantially lower risk of death, suggesting that regular physical activity can mitigate the adverse effects of these health challenges. This correlation highlights the capacity of improved CRF to not only prevent disease but also to act as a therapeutic agent, enhancing the resilience of patients and potentially decreasing the severity and progression of existing conditions.



"The message is quite simple: if you do a lot of ‘huff and puff’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-motion-exercise-changes-our-perception-of-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercise</a>, then your risk of dying early or developing diseases in the future is reduced. If you avoid exercise, your health may suffer,” said study senior author Professor Grant Tomkinson.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-improvements-for-cardiorespiratory-fitness">Small improvements for cardiorespiratory fitness</h2>



The most encouraging aspect? You don't have to be a marathon runner to reap these benefits. Since cardiorespiratory fitness is a product of physical activity, genetics, age, and overall health, even modest improvements can have a profound impact. This is particularly heartening for those starting from a baseline of lower fitness.



"People can make meaningful improvements through additional moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, at least 150 minutes a week. And as they improve their fitness, their risk of death and disease will decline," said study lead author Dr. Justin Lang.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-enhance-your-cardiorespiratory-fitness">How to enhance your cardiorespiratory fitness</h2>



The path towards improving your cardiorespiratory fitness is clear: regular aerobic exercise. Here are excellent ways to get started:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Brisk walking</h3>



Brisk <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walk-20-minutes-daily-to-boost-your-brain-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">walking</a> stands out as one of the most straightforward and accessible forms of exercise, and it is suitable for almost any fitness level. It's remarkably effective for improving cardiorespiratory fitness due to its simplicity and the minimal risk it poses for injuries. 



Regular brisk walking can significantly enhance circulation, strengthen the musculoskeletal system, and improve overall cardiovascular health, making it an ideal daily activity for maintaining health and longevity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jogging or running</h3>



Jogging or running takes the principles of brisk walking and amplifies them, offering a more intense cardiovascular workout that accelerates fitness gains. This form of exercise increases heart rate more rapidly, promoting greater endurance and metabolic efficiency. 



Running is particularly effective for those looking to improve fitness quickly and efficiently, as it challenges the body to adapt to higher demands, thus enhancing CRF and burning more calories per session.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cycling</h3>



Cycling offers a unique blend of low-impact exercise with high-efficiency cardiovascular benefits. It is particularly advantageous for individuals seeking an alternative to the mechanical stress of running, as the cyclic motion minimizes impact on joints while still providing a substantial challenge to the heart and lungs. 



Cycling can be done outdoors on varied terrain or indoors on a stationary bike, making it a versatile option for year-round fitness.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Swimming</h3>



Swimming is a superb full-body workout that combines cardiovascular strain with muscle strengthening, all while being gentle on the joints. The resistance of water makes every movement more challenging, providing a solid workout to major muscle groups simultaneously. 



This makes swimming an excellent choice for those with joint issues or for individuals who are looking for a rigorous yet low-impact way to enhance their cardiorespiratory fitness.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dancing</h3>



Dancing is an exceptionally fun and versatile way to get your heart pumping. Whether it's salsa, hip-hop, ballroom, or freestyle, dancing not only improves CRF but also enhances coordination, balance, and flexibility. 



Dancing offers a joyful escape that encourages more frequent participation due to its enjoyable nature, leading to better sustained fitness levels over time. This activity can be adapted to any skill level and typically provides a social component, adding to its appeal.



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



The study bolsters the argument for routine cardiorespiratory fitness assessments. By incorporating fitness measurements into health checkups, healthcare professionals can proactively identify those who would benefit from targeted exercise interventions. 



On a broader level, we need to champion policies and infrastructure that support active lifestyles. Sedentary habits are a modern plague, and encouraging regular movement must be a public health priority.



While the evidence is overwhelming, researchers acknowledge the need for more. Future studies should focus on women's health specifically and explore the finer links between CRF and specific types of cancer or additional mental health outcomes.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2024/04/09/bjsports-2023-107849" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Journal of Sports Medicine</a>.



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Cardiorespiratory fitness cuts early death risks by 53 percent

We all know exercise is good for us, but the...

The Eta Aquarid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-eta-aquarids-meteor-shower-peaks-this-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meteor shower</a> will dazzle stargazers this weekend, reaching its peak from the evening of May 4 to the early hours of May 5. During this peak, spectators can expect to see up to 50 shooting stars per hour, according to astronomers.



The Eta Aquarids are known for their speed, traveling into Earth's atmosphere at about 66 kilometers per second. They are also known for producing a high percentage of persistent trains - luminous trails that last for several seconds after the meteor itself has disappeared.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-eta-aquarids-nbsp">The Eta Aquarids&nbsp;</h2>



The shower is named after its radiant point, which is located in the constellation Aquarius, near one of its brightest stars, Eta Aquarii. This is the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to emerge.&nbsp;



The best viewing times are between midnight and dawn, and while the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/southern-taurid-meteor-showers-will-peak-this-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meteor shower</a> is visible worldwide, it will be more pronounced in the Southern Hemisphere - where the Aquarius constellation is more prominently positioned in the sky.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-debris-from-halley-s-comet-nbsp">Debris from Halley’s Comet&nbsp;</h2>



“The Eta Aquarids are pieces of debris from Halley’s Comet, which is a well-known comet that is viewable from Earth approximately every 76 years,” <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> experts said. “Also known as 1P/Halley, this comet was last viewable from Earth in 1986 and won't be visible again until the middle of 2061.”



Halley's Comet has been observed for millennia, but the specific connection between the comet and the Eta Aquarid meteor shower was made in the late 19th century. 



The meteor shower itself has likely been observed as long as people have been watching the skies, but scientific recognition of its origin connected to Halley's Comet helped define its annual predictability.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origin-of-halley-s-comet">Origin of Halley's Comet</h3>



The comet is named after the English astronomer Edmond Halley, who first predicted its periodic return in 1705. Halley didn't discover the comet, but he determined that reports of comets appearing in 1531, 1607, and 1682 were actually sightings of the same comet returning at regular intervals. 



Using Newton's recently formulated laws of motion, he predicted the comet would return in 1758. Halley died before this return, but the comet's punctual appearance helped to solidify his prediction.



Halley's Comet was the first comet to be recognized as periodic, changing the understanding of comets from atmospheric phenomena to celestial bodies in solar orbit. 



Its appearances have provided valuable opportunities for scientific study, helping to advance knowledge about the nature of comets, their composition, and their interaction with solar wind and the solar system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eta-aquarid-meteor-shower-visibility-nbsp">Eta Aquarid meteor shower visibility&nbsp;</h2>



Active from April 15 to May 27, the Eta Aquarid meteor shower's visibility may be influenced by lunar brightness. Fortunately, with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeless-mystery-solved-scientists-uncover-what-is-inside-the-moons-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a> waning to a thin crescent, conditions this weekend are optimal for meteor viewing.&nbsp;



For the best experience, the <a href="https://www.farmersalmanac.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farmer's Almanac</a> recommends looking southeast to see the meteors as they enter the atmosphere and burn up in a brilliant display. If observers miss the peak on May 5, there will still be excellent opportunities to view the meteor shower until May 10.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-way-to-view-the-eta-aquarids-nbsp">Best way to view the Eta Aquarids&nbsp;</h2>



“To view the Eta Aquarids, find an area well away from city or street lights,” NASA astronomers explained. “Come prepared with a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair. Lie flat on your back with your feet facing east and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors. Be patient – the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.”



Meteors, commonly referred to as shooting stars, originate from leftover <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bouncing-comets-could-deliver-lifes-building-blocks-to-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comet</a> particles and broken asteroid bits. 



As comets orbit close to the sun, they emit dust that spreads into a dusty trail along their paths. Each year, the Earth passes through these debris trails, which causes the debris to collide with our atmosphere and disintegrate, creating vivid streaks of light in the sky. 



Despite their dramatic appearance, these celestial events pose no threat to Earth, as the particles almost always burn up before they can reach the surface.



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Eta Aquarids meteor shower set to put on a dazzling show

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower will dazzle stargazers this weekend,...

In a remarkable display of the sun's power, new sunspot region AR3663 has unleashed two potent solar flares within a mere six-hour window. These <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/news/r3-strong-radio-blackout-observed-030222-utc">explosive events</a>, reported by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, have already had a tangible impact on Earth's radio communications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunspot-region-ar3663-lashes-out">Sunspot region AR3663 lashes out</h2>



Solar physicist <a href="https://twitter.com/drkstrong" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keith Strong</a>, posting on the X platform, explains that last night's X-flare was the 11th largest flare so far this cycle. 



“X FLARE! Sunspot region AR3663 just produced an X1.7 flare, the 11th largest flare so far this cycle. It was an impulsive flare lasting a total of about 25 minutes and peaking at <a href="https://twitter.com/drkstrong/status/1786237553470833127?t=142">02:22</a> U.T,” Strong enthused. “This is the 30th X flare so far during SC25, compared to just 19 at the same stage in SC24.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-x-class-solar-flare-was-powerful-eruptions">X-class solar flare was powerful eruptions</h2>



The first eruption occurred on the night of May 2, when the sun released an X-class solar flare, the most powerful category of flares. This event followed a strong <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-m9-5-flare-region-3654-strong-solar-activity-causes-radio-blackouts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geomagnetic storm warning</a> issued by the NOAA on May 2, 2024.



Peaking at 10:22 p.m. EDT (0222 GMT) and ending shortly after at 10:27 p.m. EDT (0227 GMT), this flare caused widespread shortwave radio blackouts across Australia, Japan, and much of China.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-m-class-flare-was-a-secondary-and-lesser-strike">M-class flare was a secondary and lesser strike</h2>



Just six hours later, on the morning of May 3, the sun unleashed another powerful flare. This time, an M-class solar flare, the second most powerful category, peaked around 4:00 a.m. EDT (0800 GMT). 



The proximity of these two events has left astronomers intrigued and eager to study the underlying mechanisms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-coronal-mass-ejection-cme">Potential coronal mass ejection (CME)</h2>



At the time of both eruptions, the explosive sunspot was facing Earth. This orientation raises the possibility that at least one of the solar flares may have been accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-solar-outburst-detected-simultaneously-at-earth-the-moon-and-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CME</a>).



CMEs are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field that can have significant effects on Earth's magnetic field and technology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-analysis-and-monitoring">Ongoing analysis and monitoring</h2>



Scientists are currently analyzing data from various solar observatories to determine the presence and characteristics of any associated CMEs.



The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (<a href="https://soho.nascom.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SOHO</a>) and its Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) instrument have captured imagery that suggests a northward-directed CME after the X-class flare.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threat-of-x-class-flares">Threat of X-class flares</h2>



The forecast for the coming days indicates a likelihood of moderate solar activity, with a chance of more X-class flares between May 3 and May 5. These powerful flares have the potential to cause further radio disruptions and even impact Earth's magnetic field, leading to geomagnetic storms and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-storms-will-intensify-then-slow-as-the-solar-cycle-peaks-in-early-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beautiful aurorae</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay-tuned">Stay tuned</h2>



As the sun continues to exhibit heightened activity, scientists remain vigilant in their monitoring efforts. The recent solar flares serve as a reminder of the sun's immense power and the importance of understanding its impact on our planet.



Through ongoing research and observation, we can better prepare for and mitigate the effects of these cosmic events on our technology-dependent world.



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Massive solar flares erupt towards Earth causing radio blackouts

In a remarkable display of the sun's power, new sunspot...

The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> plays a vital role in Earth's carbon cycle, acting as a vast sink that absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide. Understanding how carbon moves from the ocean's surface to its depths is crucial for modeling climate change. New research from Brown University, <a href="https://www.whoi.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a>, and the <a href="https://www.mbl.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Biological Laboratory</a> sheds light on a previously overlooked mechanism: oceanic intrusions.



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



Oceanic intrusions are fascinating and complex phenomena that occur when water masses of different densities, temperatures, or salinities come into contact within the ocean. 



These differences in water properties can be due to various environmental factors, such as solar heating, evaporation, or the influx of fresher water from rivers or melting ice. When these differing water masses meet, the denser water tends to slide under the lighter water, creating a layered effect in the ocean's subsurface.



These intrusions are not trivial in scale; they often stretch horizontally across many kilometers. Imagine vast, underwater rivers weaving through the ocean, sometimes extending over tens or even hundreds of kilometers. 



But their impact isn't just lateral. Vertically, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-circumpolar-current-speed-increasing-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">currents</a> can push or pull water hundreds of meters below the surface. This vertical movement is particularly significant because it acts against the usual stratification of the ocean, where lighter, warmer water sits above cooler, denser layers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-oceanic-intrusions">Significance of oceanic intrusions</h2>



The mechanism of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/wave-tides-currents-an-important-distinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oceanic</a> intrusions is pivotal for the transport of microscopic organisms. These organisms, primarily phytoplankton, bacteria, and other microorganisms, typically inhabit the upper layers of the ocean where sunlight penetrates, enabling photosynthesis. 



As the intrusions occur, they sweep these microorganisms along, carrying them from the sunlit, productive upper layers to the darker, nutrient-poor depths of the ocean.



This transport is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it aids in the redistribution of nutrients and organic materials throughout different layers of the ocean, which can affect local ecosystems profoundly. For instance, as these microorganisms are transported deeper, they can introduce organic carbon to regions where it is otherwise scarce, impacting the local food chains and microbial dynamics.



Furthermore, this process plays a significant role in the global carbon cycle. The ocean is a major carbon sink, and the movement of carbon from the surface to the deep ocean (a process known as the biological pump) is essential in controlling atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. 



Oceanic intrusions help facilitate this by carrying carbon-rich organisms into the deep ocean where they eventually decompose, locking away carbon from the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oceanic-intrusions-and-microbes">Oceanic intrusions and microbes</h2>



An international team of researchers conducted extensive fieldwork in the subtropical Mediterranean Sea. Employing Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) sensors, water sampling techniques, and computer modeling, they investigated the role of intrusions in transporting surface microbes to the deep ocean. Here are some of the key findings from the study:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Year-round transport</h3>



Oceanic intrusions are a dynamic and ongoing phenomenon, occurring throughout all seasons, which contrasts sharply with previous models that primarily associated carbon transport with seasonal patterns. 



Traditionally, scientists believed that carbon transport via <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-ice-shelves-melting-faster-due-to-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> currents was mostly a seasonal occurrence, linked to specific climatic conditions that vary throughout the year, such as temperature changes or seasonal winds that might influence ocean currents. 



However, the discovery that intrusions happen year-round introduces a new understanding of how carbon and other nutrients are continuously cycled between ocean layers. This revelation is significant as it suggests that the ocean's role in carbon storage and atmospheric carbon regulation is more constant and reliable than previously thought, providing a stabilizing effect on global carbon levels regardless of seasonal fluctuations.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Biomass-rich origins</h3>



Intrusions typically begin in regions where microbial life is abundant, particularly where surface-dwelling microbes like phytoplankton thrive. These areas are often nutrient-rich, illuminated by sunlight, and support a diverse array of microorganisms. 



The initiation of intrusions in these biomass-rich zones is crucial because it ensures that a significant amount of organic material and microorganisms are available to be transported deeper into the ocean. 



The presence of such high concentrations of microbes at the origin points of intrusions enhances the efficiency and impact of this transport mechanism, carrying substantial amounts of carbon and nutrients into the deeper, less hospitable parts of the ocean where fewer life forms can survive and compete for these resources.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Microbial hitchhikers</h3>



The composition of microbial communities found within oceanic intrusions offers compelling evidence of their role in transporting surface-dwelling microorganisms to deeper waters. Studies have shown that these communities closely resemble those found at the ocean's surface, including both photosynthetic organisms and the bacteria that depend on them for food. 



The similarity indicates that intrusions effectively capture and transport these communities from the upper, light-filled layers down to darker, deeper layers. This transport is critical because it extends the influence of surface microbial communities into the deep ocean, affecting deeper ecosystems by introducing new sources of energy (in the form of organic carbon) and altering the microbial dynamics. 



The transport process not only helps in distributing life-sustaining elements but also plays a crucial role in deeper oceanic chemical processes, such as the decomposition and subsequent storage of carbon, impacting overall ocean health and the global carbon cycle.



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



Oceanic intrusions provide a continuous carbon transport mechanism, supplementing the traditionally understood method of sinking particles.



Moreover, the influx of microbes to deeper waters diversifies available food sources, impacting deep-sea food webs and microbial biodiversity. This research reveals a significant new factor in the ocean's carbon cycle. It underscores the complex interplay between physical ocean currents and ocean biology. 



"We found that because these organisms are so small, they can be swept up by ocean currents that then bring them deeper than where they grow. It's often a one-way trip for these organisms, but by taking this trip, they play a critical role in connecting different parts of the ocean,” said Mara Freilich, assistant professor at <a href="https://www.brown.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brown University</a>.



The study opens numerous avenues for further exploration. Researchers will strive to determine the global prevalence of intrusion-based carbon transport, its role in various ocean regions, and how it could influence the ocean's response to a changing climate. 



Integrating this new knowledge into climate models will enhance our understanding of the ocean's role in regulating the Earth's climate system.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2319937121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Oceanic intrusions move tiny sea life to the deep layers

The ocean plays a vital role in Earth's carbon cycle,...

Biologists from the <a href="https://www.ab.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior</a> (MPI-AB) in Germany and the <a href="https://www.unas.ac.id/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National University</a> in Indonesia have discovered a male Sumatran orangutan using natural remedies to treat a facial wound. 



This finding marks the first recorded instance of an animal applying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/narrowing-the-search-for-new-medicinal-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healing plants</a> to wounds, suggesting that such medical behaviors might have originated from a common ancestor shared by humans and orangutans.



The researchers noted that while self-medication through ingestion is common in various animal species, the application of biologically active substances to wounds has not been previously documented outside of human practices.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orangutan-treats-his-own-wound-nbsp">Orangutan treats his own wound&nbsp;</h2>



The experts, who led the study at the Suaq Balimbing research site in Indonesia - a protected rainforest home to about 150 critically endangered Sumatran orangutans - witnessed the orangutan, named Rakus, engage in this unique behavior.



“During daily observations of the orangutans, we noticed that a male named Rakus had sustained a facial wound, most likely during a fight with a neighboring male,” reported lead author Isabelle Laumer, a primatologist at MPI-AB.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medicinal-plant-leaves-nbsp">Medicinal plant leaves&nbsp;</h2>



Rakus was observed selecting leaves from a liana known as Akar Kuning (Fibraurea tinctoria), chewing them, and applying the sap directly to his wound. He then covered the wound with the masticated leaves.&nbsp;



This plant is recognized in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties and contains compounds such as furanoditerpenoids and protoberberine alkaloids, known for their antibacterial and antioxidant activities.



“This and related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-lianas-impact-forests-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liana</a> species that can be found in tropical forests of Southeast Asia are known for their analgesic and antipyretic effects and are used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases, such as malaria,” Laumer explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-successful-wound-treatment-nbsp">Successful wound treatment&nbsp;</h2>



The subsequent observations revealed no infection, and the wound had closed within five days.&nbsp;



“Interestingly, Rakus also rested more than usual when being wounded. Sleep positively affects wound healing as growth hormone release, protein synthesis, and cell division are increased during sleep.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovation-within-the-orangutan-population-nbsp">Innovation within the orangutan population&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers examined the intentionality and emergence of such behavior, emphasizing its potential innovation within the orangutan population at Suaq.&nbsp;



“The behavior of Rakus appeared to be intentional as he selectively treated his facial wound on his right flange, and no other body parts, with the plant juice. The behavior was also repeated several times, not only with the plant juice but also later with more solid plant material until the wound was fully covered. The entire process took a considerable amount of time,” Laumer said.



According to senior author Caroline Schuppli, an expert in cognitive evolution and animal behavior at MPI-AB, while the orangutans at Suaq rarely consume this plant, incidental contact during feeding might have introduced its therapeutic effects.&nbsp;



“It is possible that wound treatment with Fibraurea tinctoria by the orangutans at Suaq emerges through individual innovation,” she explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-roots-of-wound-treatment-nbsp">Evolutionary roots of wound treatment&nbsp;</h2>



The study not only provides the first evidence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-apes-will-suffer-through-frequent-and-extreme-climate-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great apes</a> managing wounds with medicinal plants but also invites further exploration into the evolutionary roots of such behavior, hinting at a shared ancestral trait between humans and apes in recognizing and utilizing natural substances for medical purposes.



“As forms of active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-tend-to-each-others-wounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wound treatment</a> are not just human, but can also be found in both African and Asian great apes, it is possible that there exists a common underlying mechanism for the recognition and application of substances with medical or functional properties to wounds and that our last common ancestor already showed similar forms of ointment behavior,” Schuppli concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-sumatran-orangutans">More about Sumatran orangutans</h2>



Sumatran orangutans are a critically endangered species of great ape native to the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. Known scientifically as Pongo abelii, they are one of the three species of orangutans. Sumatran orangutans are distinguished by their lighter color and slightly smaller size compared to their Bornean counterparts.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle-and-reproduction-nbsp">Lifestyle and reproduction&nbsp;</h3>



These apes are predominantly arboreal, spending most of their lives in the trees of tropical rainforests. Their diet is primarily frugivorous, consisting largely of fruits, but also includes leaves, bark, and insects.



These orangutans have a slow reproductive rate, which contributes to their vulnerability. Females give birth to a single offspring only once every eight years or so, making population recovery a slow process.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primary-threats-nbsp">Primary threats&nbsp;</h3>



The primary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/illicit-hunting-remains-a-major-threat-to-orangutans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threats</a> to their survival include habitat loss due to deforestation for palm oil plantations, logging, and agriculture. Illegal wildlife trade and conflict with humans, when orangutans venture into farmlands, also pose significant risks.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-nbsp">Conservation&nbsp;</h3>



Conservation efforts are in place to protect the Sumatran orangutan, involving habitat preservation, anti-poaching patrols, and rehabilitation centers that rescue and return orangutans to the wild. International and local organizations collaborate to raise awareness and funds to support these initiatives, aiming to secure a future for the species in their natural habitat.&nbsp;



Despite these efforts, the Sumatran orangutan remains one of the world’s most endangered primates, with an estimated population of just over 14,000 individuals.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-58988-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Reports</a>.



Image Credit: Armas / Suaq Project



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Wild orangutan treats his facial wound with a healing plant 

Biologists from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior (MPI-AB)...

Loneliness is not just a fleeting feeling but a persistent state that can profoundly affect our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loneliness-harms-health-more-than-alcohol-obesity-or-smoking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> and well-being. A comprehensive study conducted by <a href="https://www.nm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern Medicine</a> has revealed that loneliness in adulthood exhibits a U-shaped trajectory, peaking during young and older ages while dipping in middle adulthood. 



"Loneliness is a pervasive experience with adverse impacts on health and well-being. Despite its significance, notable gaps impede a full understanding of how loneliness changes across the adult life span and what factors influence these changes," wrote the study authors. 



The U-shaped loneliness pattern described by the researchers has been consistently observed across nine longitudinal studies spanning multiple countries, including the U.K., Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Australia, Israel, and others. 



These studies were conducted prior to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loneliness-was-widespread-during-the-second-wave-of-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19 pandemic</a>, which only exacerbated the feelings of loneliness worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-risk-factors">Key risk factors </h2>



The study highlights several factors that contribute to increased loneliness throughout one’s life. Women, individuals who are socially isolated, those with lower educational levels, and people suffering from physical impairments are found to be at greater risk. 



Socioeconomic factors such as lower income, being divorced or widowed, and having <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-americans-have-lost-years-of-time-to-poor-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor mental</a> or physical health also play significant roles in contributing to this persistent state.



Study co-author Professor Eileen Graham emphasized the critical nature of this issue. “The uptick in loneliness in older adulthood is striking. Considering the detrimental health implications of loneliness, similar to those of daily smoking, it's crucial to understand who is most affected and why, as they age out of midlife," said Professor Graham.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-growing-epidemic">A growing epidemic </h2>



The study’s revelations are timely, especially in light of last year’s declaration by the U.S. Surgeon General, which labeled loneliness as an epidemic requiring urgent intervention. 



Professor Graham suggests that insights from the study could pave the way for targeted interventions to reduce social disparities and, by extension, loneliness - particularly among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loneliness-hits-people-hardest-in-their-20s-and-40s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older adults</a>.



One practical approach could involve general practitioners assessing loneliness levels during regular wellness visits, which might help identify at-risk individuals early on. This proactive measure could potentially help mitigate the long-term impacts of loneliness on health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loneliness-at-different-stages-of-adulthood">Loneliness at different stages of adulthood </h2>



The relationship between social interaction and loneliness is complex. During middle adulthood, people often engage in numerous social activities - whether through work, marriage, or parental interactions - that might provide a buffer against loneliness. 



However, this is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. “You can have a lot of social interaction and still be lonely or, alternatively, be relatively isolated and not feel lonely," noted Professor Graham.



For younger adults, loneliness can be particularly challenging as they navigate significant life transitions such as advancing their education, starting careers, and forming new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-friends-key-happiness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social circles</a>. 



"As people grow and transition from young adulthood into midlife, they establish more permanent relationships and social networks, which can be protective against loneliness," noted Professor Tomiko Yoneda of UC Davis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-loneliness-across-the-lifespan">Addressing loneliness across the lifespan</h2>



The findings of this study not only deepen our understanding of how loneliness evolves throughout life but also underscore the need for tailored strategies to combat this growing issue across different stages of life. 



Addressing loneliness is not just about increasing social interactions but also about enhancing the quality of these interactions to foster genuine connections and well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Health impacts of loneliness&nbsp;</h2>



When people feel lonely, they're more susceptible to a range of mental and physical health issues. For example, loneliness can contribute to increased stress levels, which can in turn affect the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. It's also linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety, which can have a cascading effect on overall well-being.



Physiologically, loneliness can influence sleep patterns, leading to poorer quality sleep and shorter sleep duration. This can exacerbate health problems and decrease immune function, making individuals more vulnerable to various illnesses.&nbsp;



Additionally, chronic loneliness might contribute to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, due to the potential impact on brain health and cognitive function.



From a behavioral standpoint, lonely individuals might engage in less physical activity and could have different eating habits, potentially leading to obesity or other related health issues. They might also be less likely to seek medical help or adhere to medical advice, further compounding the risk of negative health outcomes.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09567976241242037" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psychological Science</a>.



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Loneliness drops in middle adulthood, but then grows with age

Loneliness is not just a fleeting feeling but a persistent...

A series of awe-inspiring astronomical events is set to unfold this month, including intimate planetary alignments and the dazzling Eta Aquariids meteor shower. Guided by NASA's latest skywatching tips, you will know exactly what to look for in the spring sky of May 2024.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-alignment-in-early-may">Planetary alignment in early May</h2>



The month begins with an enchanting alignment on May 3rd, where the crescent Moon, Saturn, and Mars will create a striking scene in the early morning hours. “On May 3rd, in the hour or so before dawn, you'll find the crescent Moon rising with Saturn in morning twilight,” noted <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/skywatching/whats-up-may-2024-skywatching-tips-from-nasa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.&nbsp;



This celestial gathering offers a splendid view of the Moon and Saturn closely trailed by the vibrant Red Planet, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-mars-seismic-discoveries-and-the-quest-for-past-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>, which rises approximately 45 minutes after Saturn. This alignment forms a captivating lineup in the eastern sky that is perfect for early risers.



The following morning, the celestial dance continues as the Moon, showing an even slimmer crescent, positions itself neatly between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-now-leads-the-solar-system-moon-race-with-145/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn</a> and Mars. This event marks the continuation of the planets’ journey after their close conjunction in early April.



For those with an unobstructed view of the horizon, the elusive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-there-life-on-mercury-possibly-in-the-planets-craters-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercury</a> also makes an appearance, rising in the hour just before sunrise. Although it competes with the dawn's twilight, its brightness offers a rewarding challenge, especially for observers in the Southern Hemisphere where it ascends higher in the sky.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="4EpLl4H3Jh-3595959-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lunar-occultation-nbsp">Lunar occultation&nbsp;</h2>



A special highlight for skywatchers on the U.S. East Coast, particularly from south of Delaware through Florida, occurs on May 23rd. The full Moon will be seen passing directly in front of Antares, a bright red star in the constellation Scorpius, an event known as an occultation.&nbsp;



“Over a couple of hours as the pair rise into the night sky, the Moon will move slightly in its orbit, first obscuring and then revealing Antares,” said NASA.



The planetary alignment will conclude on May 31st, with Saturn and the crescent Moon rising together in the early morning hours, offering a grand view in the southeastern sky. They will appear close enough to be seen together through binoculars, in a beautiful end to May's skywatching events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meteor-showers-from-halley-s-comet">Meteor showers from Halley’s Comet</h2>



May 2024 skywatching also features one of the two annual meteor showers originating from Halley's Comet. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eta-aquarids-see-up-to-50-shooting-stars-per-hour-this-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eta Aquariid</a> meteor shower, peaking overnight on May 5th into the morning of the 6th, results from Earth crossing through the orbital path of Halley's Comet, encountering streams of meteoric debris.



The Eta Aquarids are known for their speed, traveling into Earth’s atmosphere at about 66 kilometers per second. They are also known for producing a high percentage of persistent trains – luminous trails that last for several seconds after the meteor itself has disappeared.



“The Eta Aquariid meteors are seen each year in May, whereas the Orionid meteors streak through our skies in October,” noted NASA. The shower’s radiant point is in the constellation Aquarius, which rises after midnight.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skywatching-in-may-the-eta-aquarids">Skywatching in May: The Eta Aquarids</h2>



The best viewing times are between midnight and dawn. While the meteor shower is visible worldwide, it will be more pronounced in the Southern Hemisphere – where the Aquarius constellation is more prominently positioned in the sky.



Here, with optimal dark sky conditions, it is possible to view up to 50 meteors per hour. In the Northern Hemisphere, about 10 to 20 meteors will be visible per hour.



“It's still an above average shower, though, especially with the peak this year being near a new moon, making for a darker sky,” noted NASA. “And with the warmer temperatures that come with springtime north of the equator, it can be a worthy shower to go out and enjoy.”



“As always, to see the most meteors, find yourself a safe, dark spot away from bright lights and give your eyes a few minutes to adapt to the dark.”



“Lie down with your feet pointed more or less toward the east, and look straight overhead. Bring a warm drink and a friend or two, and turn an early morning into a ‘meteor morning,’ as you search the skies for the eta Aquariid meteors.”



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Cosmic sightings: NASA skywatching guide for May 2024

A series of awe-inspiring astronomical events is set to unfold...

In recent years, astronomers have stumbled upon a peculiar phenomenon in the vast expanse of the universe: enormous circular radio features surrounding some galaxies. Structures like the featured named Cloverleaf, collectively known as odd radio circles (ORCs), have puzzled scientists since their discovery in 2021. 



Thanks to advancements in technology, radio surveys have become sensitive enough to detect these faint signals, leading to the identification of eight ORCs scattered randomly beyond our galaxy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-the-cloverleaf-orc">Hunting the Cloverleaf ORC</h2>



Esra Bulbul, an astrophysicist at the Max Planck Institute for <a href="https://www.mpe.mpg.de/main" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extraterrestrial Physics</a> in Garching, Germany, and her postdoctoral researcher Xiaoyuan Zhang, have been at the forefront of unraveling the mystery of ORCs. 



Their study focused on the Cloverleaf ORC, which has provided valuable insights into the formation and nature of these enigmatic structures.



"This is the first time anyone has seen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-x-ray-telescope-discovers-the-ghostly-cosmic-hand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X-ray emission</a> associated with an ORC," said Bulbul. "It was the missing key to unlock the secret of the Cloverleaf's formation."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-x-ray-vision-unlocks-orc-secrets">X-ray vision unlocks ORC secrets</h2>



Bulbul and Zhang began their investigation by examining data from <a href="https://www.mpe.mpg.de/eROSITA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eROSITA</a>, an orbiting German/Russian X-ray telescope. 



They noticed some X-ray emission that seemed to originate from the Cloverleaf, based on a mere 7 minutes of observation time. 



This finding prompted them to assemble a larger team and secure additional telescope time with <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/XMM-Newton_overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">XMM-Newton</a>, an ESA mission with <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> contributions.



"We were allotted about five-and-a-half hours, and the data came in late one evening in November," Bulbul recounted. "I forwarded it to Xiaoyuan, and he came into my office the next morning and said, 'Detection,' and I just started cheering!"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assembling-the-cloverleaf-orc-puzzle-pieces">Assembling the Cloverleaf ORC puzzle pieces</h2>



The X-ray emission observed by the team traces the distribution of gas within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">group of galaxies</a>, much like police tape around a crime scene. 



By analyzing how the gas has been disturbed, scientists determined that the galaxies embedded in the Cloverleaf are actually members of two separate groups that drew close enough together to merge.



"We really got lucky," Zhang said. "We saw several plausible X-ray point sources close to the ORC in eROSITA observations, but not the expanded emission we saw with XMM-Newton. It turns out the eROSITA sources couldn't have been from the Cloverleaf, but it was compelling enough to get us to take a closer look."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shock-waves-from-a-galactic-merger">Shock waves from a galactic merger</h2>



The team proposes that the merger of the two galaxy groups produced shock waves that accelerated particles, resulting in the observed radio emission. 



The temperature of the X-ray emission, around 15 million degrees Fahrenheit (8-9 million degrees Celsius), suggests that the Cloverleaf ORC is hosted by approximately a dozen galaxies that have gravitated together.



"Galaxies interact and coalesce all the time," said Kim Weaver, the NASA project scientist for XMM-Newton at NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a> in Greenbelt, Maryland, who was not involved in the study. 



"But the source of the accelerated particles is unclear. One fascinating idea for the powerful radio signal is that the resident <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-map-of-supermassive-black-holes-unveiled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a> went through episodes of extreme activity in the past, and relic electrons from that ancient activity were reaccelerated by this merging event," Weaver concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elusive-nature-of-orcs-holds-their-mystery">Elusive nature of ORCs holds their mystery</h2>



While the team has solved the mystery of the nature of the Cloverleaf ORC, their findings have also raised additional questions. <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-luminous-galaxy-ngc-3783-and-a-blue-giant-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Galaxy group</a> mergers are common, but ORCs are extremely rare, and it remains unclear how these interactions can produce such strong radio emissions.



"The power needed to produce such an expansive radio emission is very strong," Bulbul explained. "Some simulations can reproduce their shapes but not their intensity. No simulations explain how to create ORCs."



Bulbul and her team plan to study the Cloverleaf in more detail to unravel these remaining mysteries. "Mergers make up the backbone of structure formation, but there's something special in this system that rockets the radio emission," she said. "We can't tell right now what it is, so we need more and deeper data from both radio and X-ray telescopes."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-window-into-the-cosmos">Window into the cosmos</h2>



The study of ORCs and galaxy mergers offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of cosmic phenomena. 



As Weaver aptly put it, "We stand to learn a lot from more thorough observations because these interactions take in all kinds of science. You've pretty much got everything that we deal with in the cosmos put together in this little package. It's like a mini universe."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cloverleaf-orcs-and-the-future-of-radio-astronomy">Cloverleaf, ORCs, and the future of radio astronomy</h2>



In summary, the discovery of the Cloverleaf ORC and the groundbreaking research conducted by Esra Bulbul, Xiaoyuan Zhang, and their team have opened a new chapter in our understanding of the universe. 



Their findings highlight the complex interactions between galaxies and the formation of these enigmatic structures. As astronomers continue to explore the mysteries of ORCs and galaxy mergers, we eagerly anticipate the new insights and discoveries that will emerge from their tireless efforts. 



The study of the Cloverleaf serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, advanced technology, and the indomitable human spirit in our quest to unravel the secrets of the cosmos.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/05/aa49900-24/aa49900-24.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy and Astrophysics</a>.



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An ORC named 'Cloverleaf' is captured in a new light

In recent years, astronomers have stumbled upon a peculiar phenomenon...

An extraordinary celestial spiral

A team of astronomers has recently captured a stunning image of an unusual pre-planetary nebula, known as IRAS 23166+1655, using the Advanced Camera for Surveys on the NASA/ESA <a href="https://esahubble.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a>. The nebula is located around the star LL Pegasi (also known as AFGL 3068) in the constellation of Pegasus (the Winged Horse).



The striking picture shows what appears to be a thin spiral pattern of astonishing regularity winding around the star, which is itself hidden behind thick dust. According to the researchers, the spiral pattern suggests a regular periodic origin for the nebula's shape.



The material forming the spiral is moving outwards a speed of about 50,000 km/hour. By combining this speed with the distance between layers, we calculate that the shells are each separated by about 800 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-binary-system-believed-to-cause-the-spiral-formation">Binary system believed to cause the spiral formation</h2>



The astronomers believe that the spiral arises because LL Pegasi is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-found-in-the-habitable-zone-of-a-binary-star-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">binary system</a>, with the star that is losing material and a companion star orbiting each other. 



The spacing between layers in the spiral is expected to directly reflect the orbital period of the binary, which is indeed estimated to be also about 800 years.



The creation and shaping of planetary nebulae is an exciting area of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stellar-cannibalism-scientists-find-the-remnants-of-devoured-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar evolution</a>. Stars with masses from about half that of the Sun up to about eight times that of the Sun do not explode as supernovae at the ends of their lives. 



Instead, a more regal end awaits them as their outer layers of gas are shed and drift into space, creating striking and intricate structures that to Earth-bound observers often look like dramatic watercolor paintings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ll-pegasi-the-enigmatic-star-behind-the-spiral-nebula">LL Pegasi: The enigmatic star behind the spiral nebula</h2>



As mentioned previously, LL Pegasi is the star at the center of the remarkable spiral nebula IRAS 23166+1655. This enigmatic star has captured the attention of astronomers worldwide, as it plays a crucial role in the formation of the stunning geometric structure that surrounds it.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cool-pulsating-giant">Cool, pulsating giant</h3>



LL Pegasi is a type of star known as an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star. These stars are in the late stages of their lives and have expanded to become cool, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-mystery-solved-the-puzzling-behavior-of-a-pulsar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pulsating giants</a>. 



As they pulsate, they shed their outer layers of gas and dust into space, creating the building blocks for the intricate nebulae that will eventually surround them.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-binary-connection">Binary connection</h3>



One of the most intriguing aspects of LL Pegasi is its suspected binary nature. Astronomers believe that the star is part of a binary system, where two stars orbit each other. 



The presence of a companion star is thought to be the key factor in shaping the spectacular spiral structure of IRAS 23166+1655. As the stars orbit each other, they create a regular pattern of material ejection, leading to the formation of the evenly spaced shells that make up the spiral.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-ll-pegasi">Evolution of LL Pegasi</h3>



As LL Pegasi continues to evolve, it will eventually shed its outer layers completely, exposing its hot core. This will mark the beginning of a new chapter in its life as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/cosmic-cannibalism-and-stellar-winds-unveiling-the-secrets-of-messier-76/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary nebula</a>. 



The material ejected during its AGB phase will be ionized by the intense radiation from the exposed core, creating a glowing shell of gas that will expand into space. 



The spiral structure created during the binary interaction phase will likely persist, adding to the beauty and complexity of the resulting planetary nebula.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-central-star-yet-to-emerge-from-dust-cocoon">Central star yet to emerge from dust cocoon</h2>



IRAS 23166+1655 is just starting the process of creating a planetary nebula, and the central star has yet to emerge from the cocoon of enveloping dust. 



The researchers used images from the Wide Field Channel of the Advanced Camera for Surveys on Hubble to create this picture. Images through a yellow filter (F606W, colored blue) were combined with images through a near-infrared filter (F804W, colored red). 



The exposure times were 11 minutes and 22 minutes respectively, and the field of view spans about 80 arcseconds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ethereal-jewel-in-ll-pegasi">Ethereal jewel in LL-Pegasi</h2>



In summary, the discovery of the stunning spiral formation in the pre-planetary nebula IRAS 23166+1655 by the Hubble Space Telescope has opened a new window into the captivating realm of stellar evolution. 



As astronomers continue to study this remarkable object, they will undoubtedly unravel more secrets about the intricate processes that shape the cosmos. 



This celestial masterpiece serves as a testament to the power of human curiosity and the technological marvels that allow us to explore the vast expanse of the universe. 



With each new finding, we inch closer to understanding the fundamental laws that govern the birth, life, and death of stars, and the fascinating structures they leave behind.



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Pre-planetary nebula formation captured around the star LL-Pegasi

A team of astronomers has recently captured a stunning image...

In the face of escalating animal extinction, an emerging field of conservation medicine suggests that chemists and pharmacists could play a crucial role in reversing this grim <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-species-day-millions-of-species-share-the-earth-with-humans-and-they-need-our-help/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trend</a>. 



The researchers propose that integrating the expertise of medicinal chemists into wildlife conservation is a strategy that could potentially save numerous plant and animal species from the brink of extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemists-and-animal-extinction">Chemists and animal extinction </h2>



The scientist leading this initiative, Timothy Cernak, a professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> College of Pharmacy, emphasizes the critical need for medicinal chemistry in conservation. 



"Medicinal chemistry expertise is desperately needed on the frontlines of extinction," said Professor Cernak. "Animals are dying at staggering rates, but they don't have to. Modern bioscience has achieved enormous breakthroughs in treating human diseases, and the same medications and science can be applied in the wild."



Professor Cernak's lab not only focuses on drug discovery for human conditions but has also begun applying its findings to combat diseases in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-disease-transmission-between-wildlife-and-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>, such as the deadly fungus devastating amphibian populations. 



This multifaceted approach to both human and animal health is gaining traction, and the research actively promotes the role of chemistry in conservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-conservation-toolkit">Expanding the conservation toolkit</h2>



The push for a collaborative approach in conservation is evident as Professor Cernak and his team, including local high school students, encourage professionals from various fields to join forces. 



"We are chasing mass die-offs around the world," said Professor Cernak, listing species from lowland gorillas to the akikiki bird of Hawaii as being in critical danger. "It’s crucial to bring the power of modern pharmaceuticals and the dosing expertise of medicinal chemistry into conservation efforts."



By integrating medicinal chemistry, Professor Cernak believes that immediate, impactful interventions can be made in wildlife disease, a major driver of the current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extinction-event-shows-how-life-responds-to-extreme-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass extinction</a>. 



The work in his lab includes using advanced techniques to test chemical compounds on affected wildlife, identifying potential treatments for diseases that are currently decimating species like the Panamanian golden frogs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-conservation-efforts">Future conservation efforts </h2>



Beyond immediate interventions, Cernak envisions a larger role for pharmaceutical companies and emerging scientists in the field of conservation medicine.



“At the higher level, my mission is to have pharmaceutical companies be involved in this space and young scientists view this as the field they want to go into - a field that doesn’t really exist at this point,” he noted.



The immediate goal includes fundraising and expanding research to further establish the value of this nascent field.



The urgency of this mission is exemplified by recent incidents like the mass die-off of sea lion pups in Argentina from avian flu, highlighting the potential public health implications of wildlife diseases.



Additionally, the researchers are pioneering the use of AI and other technologies to expedite the drug discovery process, potentially enabling quicker responses to emerging threats to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-scale-wildlife-surveys-can-reveal-the-health-of-entire-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife health</a> and preventing further extinctions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-collaborative-future-in-conservation">A collaborative future in conservation</h2>



The research efforts advocate for a harmonious integration of medicinal chemistry with the ongoing efforts of veterinarians and conservationists. 



"Bringing chemists and pharmacists into the conservation fold isn’t meant to diminish the roles of other professionals but to blend their experience and achieve the same goals of saving lives - and ecosystems," explained Professor Cernak.



The concept of "One Health Pharmacy," which recognizes the interconnected health of plants, animals, and humans, is central to Cernak's philosophy. 



This approach treats any living being - plant or animal - that is sick or in need, thereby reinforcing the link between human and environmental health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-chemistry-to-combat-animal-extinction">Harnessing chemistry to combat animal extinction</h2>



The advancements in technology, particularly AI, are not only transforming drug discovery for human patients but are also setting the stage for future conservation efforts. 



"Streamlining drug and agrochemical discovery with automation and artificial intelligence is likely to usher in a future era of accelerated medicinal invention tailored to specific patient populations," said the researchers. 



They envision a future where medicinal chemistry can be directly applied to solve specific health issues in endangered species, offering new hope in the fight against extinction.



This innovative approach marks a significant shift in how conservation efforts may be conducted in the future, illustrating the potential for cross-disciplinary collaborations to foster solutions that benefit both wildlife and human populations alike.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02334" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Medicinal Chemistry</a>.



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Chemists could be key to prevent animal extinction

In the face of escalating animal extinction, an emerging field...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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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

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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

How the immune system responds to injury

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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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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