Clos,Eup,Of,A,Woman,Wand,Touching,River,Water,In

Scientists have long mapped separate brain areas for sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Yet new research reveals that when we focus sharply on any of those senses, signals converge on the same two structures buried deep in the brain - the midbrain reticular formation and the central thalamus.



This finding highlights a shared neural pathway that sustains <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-stops-paying-attention-to-repeated-distractions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attention</a> and wakefulness and could inspire therapies for coma, epilepsy, and attention-deficit disorders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-senses-in-a-single-brain-region">Senses in a single brain region</h2>



Research over the past century has shown that visual scenes activate the occipital cortex, melodies light up the temporal lobes, and so forth.



“We were expecting to find activity on shared networks, but when we saw all the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-sense-of-smell-and-different-odors-can-influence-how-we-see-colors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">senses</a> light up the same central brain regions while a test subject was focusing, it was really astonishing,” said Aya Khalaf, a postdoctoral associate in neurology at <a href="https://medicine.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale School of Medicine</a> and lead author of the study.



Those two regions - the reticular formation, a mesh of neurons in the upper brainstem, and the intralaminar and mediodorsal nuclei of the thalamus - form part of the so-called subcortical arousal system, a set of circuits long suspected to regulate alertness and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consciousness-may-stem-from-unseen-dimensions-beyond-our-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consciousness</a>.



Previous work had linked these hubs to vigilance by studying patients emerging from coma or experiencing absence seizures. But most of those experiments examined responses to a single type of stimulus, for example flashing lights or chirping sounds.



Khalaf and colleagues asked the broader question: do different senses share the same arousal circuitry when people deliberately pay attention?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-massive-data-mine">A massive data mine</h2>



To answer that, the team turned to the publicly available <a href="https://www.humanconnectome.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human Connectome Project</a> and other repositories, assembling functional MRI scans from 1,561 healthy adults.



Across 11 tasks, participants viewed moving shapes, listened to spoken stories, sampled liquid tastants, or felt puffs of air on their fingertips. Each task included abrupt cues that forced subjects to switch attention - for instance, a sudden change in picture orientation or a surprise tone embedded in white noise.



The investigators processed more than 500 hours of scan data through a pipeline that removed head motion and physiological noise, then aligned brain volumes to a common atlas.



In every sensory domain, when a cue demanded rapid attentional re-orientation, blood-oxygen signals spiked in the reticular formation and the central thalamus. The effect was absent or minimal during passive stimulation, underscoring the importance of active engagement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consciousness-in-the-brain">Consciousness in the brain</h2>



Why would a taste test and a vision task end up at the same neural address? The authors propose that the midbrain reticular formation integrates sudden sensory changes and broadcasts a “wake-up” volley to the thalamus, which relays it to widespread cortical areas.



That burst synchronizes cortical rhythms, priming the brain to process incoming information. The scheme dovetails with classical animal studies showing that electrical stimulation of the reticular formation induces cortical desynchronization and behavioral arousal, while lesions produce stupor.



“It tells us how important this brain region is and what it could mean in efforts to restore consciousness,” Khalaf said.



“This has also given us insights into how things work normally in the brain. It’s really a step forward in our understanding of awareness and consciousness,” said senior author Hal Blumenfeld, a neurologist at Yale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-awakening-senses-in-the-brain">Awakening senses in the brain</h2>



Because the same deep-brain hubs fire regardless of which sense is active, treatments aimed at modulating those hubs could benefit diverse conditions.



Drugs that enhance thalamic neurotransmission, for instance, might improve focus in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/autism-and-adhd-disorders-directly-linked-amount-of-time-kids-spend-on-screens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attention deficit hyperactivity disorder</a>. Conversely, overactivity in the arousal circuit has been implicated in insomnia; dampening the circuitry could help induce sleep.



The results also support ongoing trials that deliver low-intensity ultrasound or deep-brain electrodes to the central thalamus in patients with disorders of consciousness. 



If attention triggers the thalamus to “switch on” the cortex, stimulating it directly might help rouse patients who are minimally conscious.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-sensory-rehabilitation"><a></a>Rethinking sensory rehabilitation</h2>



The discovery challenges sensory-specific training programs that ignore subcortical commonalities. 



For example, visual rehabilitation for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stroke-risk-is-elevated-by-air-pollution-and-traffic-noise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stroke</a> survivors may benefit from pairing attentional cues with tactile or auditory tasks to engage the shared arousal pathway.



Likewise, virtual-reality therapies that bombard users with multi-sensory surprises might more effectively sharpen attentional control.



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



The Yale team plans to refine the timeline of activation using magnetoencephalography, which offers millisecond resolution. They also hope to dissect the frequency bands that link the thalamus to frontal and parietal cortices during attentional jumps. 



Such work could reveal whether gamma-band bursts or alpha-band suppression carry the critical “wake-up” message.



Another frontier involves patients. Investigators will compare responses in healthy volunteers with those in people who have attention deficits or who are emerging from anaesthesia. 



Identifying a lost or delayed thalamic spike could serve as a biomarker for impaired consciousness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-regions-and-the-senses">Brain regions and the senses</h2>



For now, the study establishes the midbrain reticular formation and central thalamus as the universal relay through which sight, sound, taste, and touch gain conscious entry - at least when our minds snap to attention.



By showing that “all the senses light up the same central brain regions,” it confirms that consciousness depends not only on specialized cortical maps but also on a common deep-brain gatekeeper. 



Therapies that target this gatekeeper may eventually help restore awareness where it has dimmed and sharpen it where it wanders.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811925002277?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NeuroImage</a>.



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Scientists discover a brain region that connects all the senses

Scientists have long mapped separate brain areas for sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Yet new research reveals that when we focus sharply on any of those senses, signals converge on the same two structures buried deep in the brain - the midbrain reticular formation and the central thalamus. This finding highlights a shared neural pathway that sustains attention and wakefulness and could inspire therapies for coma, epilepsy, and attention-deficit disorders. Senses in a single brain region Research over the past century has shown that visual scenes...

Hamadryas,Baboon,,Papio,Hamadryas,,From,Ethiopia,In,Africa.,Wild,Mammal

In the pantheon of ancient Egyptian gods, Thoth, the deity of wisdom and learning, held a unique connection with the animal kingdom. His association with the hamadryas baboon not only underscores the religious complexity of the time but also presents a puzzle that has long perplexed historians and biologists alike: the journey of baboons to Egypt. 



Researchers recently unraveled this mystery, nestled at the intersection of biology, anthropology, and Egyptology. The findings shed light on early globalization, human-wildlife interactions, and the cultural significance of these sacred animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sacred-baboons-of-egypt-and-thoth">Sacred baboons of Egypt and Thoth</h2>



Historical records well-document the ancient Egyptians' veneration of animals. Various deities portray creatures that were, in many cases, foreign to the Nile Valley. Thoth, revered for his knowledge, often appeared in the form of a hamadryas baboon, a species not native to Egypt.



Ancient Egyptians imported, mummified, and offered these baboons as votive tokens. They served as a tangible link between the populace and their gods. However, the origins of these sacred animals, how they were transported to Egypt, and the reasons for their divine status have been subjects of scholarly debate for years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-the-origins">Tracing the origins</h2>



Biologist Gisela Kopp's intriguing research took on these enigmatic questions. The study is emblematic of interdisciplinary collaboration. It brought together biologists, anthropologists, and Egyptologists in a collective effort to trace the geographic origins of mummified baboons found in Egypt.



Employing advanced genetic analysis techniques, Kopp and her team examined the mitochondrial genomes of the baboon mummies. She compared them with contemporary samples from various regions in Africa. This extensive comparison, facilitated by the consistent genetic variance among baboon populations over time, enabled researchers to pinpoint the baboons’ original habitat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unearthing-historical-trade-routes">Unearthing historical trade routes</h2>



Anthropologist Nathaniel Dominy contributed earlier research using stable isotopes to trace the baboons' geography. The combined insights from genetic analysis and chemical signatures led the team to an astonishing discovery. The baboons were native to the Horn of Africa, specifically a region within modern-day Eritrea.



This finding resonates with historical accounts of the ancient port of Adulis. This popular destination gained its reputation from flourishing trade in luxury goods and rare animals, including baboons. The revelation gains significance against the backdrop of Punt, a legendary land referenced in ancient Egyptian texts as a source of precious commodities.



The precise location of Punt has eluded historians. However, its importance as a possible lynchpin in early global maritime trade networks is undebatable. 



Gisela Kopp's research intriguingly suggests that Punt and Adulis could represent the same geographical location. It was simply known by different names across eras. The convergence of biological data with historical analysis provided the key to linking these two places.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-baboons-egypt-and-cultural-context">Baboons, Egypt, and cultural context</h2>



The representation of baboons in Egyptian lore, exclusive to the region, raises compelling cultural questions. They are considered pests in societies where they naturally occur due to their crop-damaging behavior. In ancient Egypt, however, these animals were revered and symbolically linked to the divine.



The reasons behind this cultural dichotomy remain speculative. However, the practice of mass mummification of baboons highlights the sophisticated interaction between humans and wildlife during that period. It also points to a complex coexistence that extended beyond domestication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-dna-offers-new-avenues">Ancient DNA offers new avenues</h2>



Remarkably, Kopp's research marks a pioneering venture in the field of biology. It represents the first successful analysis of ancient DNA extracted from mummified non-human primates. This achievement paves the way for new studies into the historical dynamics of human-wildlife engagement, genetic diversity, and disease transmission patterns.



The interactions of ancient Egyptians with rare animals, evidenced through mummification, underscore the intricate relationships that humans have shared with the wild. These practices, extraordinary for their time, open a window into understanding the environmental, social, and possibly even epidemiological aspects of human history.



In summary, the journey of baboons in ancient Egypt, from sacred deities to a scientific enigma, traverses through various facets of human knowledge. As we unravel these mysteries, we gain more than just historical insight. We also uncover layers of our relationship with nature, trade, culture, and technology. 



Gisela Kopp's study, thus, stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research in rewriting history, offering new perspectives on our shared past, and inspiring a deeper exploration into the annals of human civilization.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://elifesciences.org/articles/87513" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eLife</a>.



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Mummified baboons in Egypt: Where did they come from and how did they get there?

In the pantheon of ancient Egyptian gods, Thoth, the deity...

A team of scientists from the <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Waterloo</a> in Canada has successfully developed advanced, plant-based materials that lay the groundwork for a new generation of soft medical microrobots.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-robots">Plant-based robots</h2>



The tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-crab-robot-is-smaller-than-a-flea/">robots</a> are designed to perform medical tasks such as biopsies and the transport of cells and tissues, in a manner that is minimally invasive. They can navigate through tight and fluid-filled environments, similar to the human body, and can precisely deliver delicate and light cargo, like cells or tissues, to a specific destination.



With a maximum length of one centimeter, these plant-based robots are biocompatible and non-toxic. They are crafted from sophisticated hydrogel composites that incorporate environmentally-friendly cellulose nanoparticles derived from plants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-microrobots-nbsp">Revolutionary microrobots&nbsp;</h2>



Leading this groundbreaking research is Hamed Shahsavan, a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Waterloo. The project represents a comprehensive approach to the design, synthesis, formation, and control of microrobots.&nbsp;



The hydrogel utilized in this research has the ability to change its shape when it comes into contact with external chemical stimuli. Controlling the orientation of cellulose nanoparticles allows the researchers to program these shape changes, which is crucial for the creation of functional soft robots.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-technology-nbsp">Innovative technology&nbsp;</h2>



“In my research group, we are bridging the old and new,” said Shahsavan. “We introduce emerging microrobots by leveraging traditional soft matter like hydrogels, liquid crystals, and colloids.”



Another innovative aspect of this smart material is its self-healing capacity, which enables the programming of a wide range of robot shapes. The material can be cut and reattached without the need for glue or other adhesives, allowing for the formation of various shapes tailored to different medical procedures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetic-properties-nbsp">Magnetic properties&nbsp;</h2>



Moreover, the material can be augmented with magnetic properties to aid in the movement of the soft robots within the human body. To showcase how the robot would maneuver through the body, the researchers demonstrated its movement through a maze using a magnetic field.



“Chemical engineers play a critical role in pushing the frontiers of medical microrobotics research,” Shahsavan explained. 



“Interestingly, tackling the many grand challenges in microrobotics requires the skillset and knowledge chemical engineers possess, including heat and mass transfer, fluid mechanics, reaction engineering, polymers, soft matter science, and biochemical systems. So, we are uniquely positioned to introduce innovative avenues in this emerging field.”



The researchers’ next objective is to reduce the robot’s size to submillimeter dimensions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-plant-based-materials">More about plant-based materials</h2>



Plant-based materials have gained increasing importance due to their sustainable and renewable nature. These materials often have a reduced carbon footprint, utilize fewer resources in their production, and can be biodegradable, making them preferable for a range of applications as the world seeks more sustainable solutions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bio-plastics">Bio-plastics</h3>



These are derived from renewable sources like corn starch, potato starch, and sugarcane. They serve as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics and are used in packaging, agriculture, and consumer goods.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hemp">Hemp</h3>



Used for thousands of years, hemp fibers can be utilized in textiles, papers, and building materials like "hempcrete". The seeds can be processed into oil or used in foods.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bamboo">Bamboo</h3>



A rapid-growing grass, bamboo is used in construction, furniture, textiles (like bamboo rayon), and even disposable items such as cutlery.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cellulose">Cellulose</h3>



Found in the cell walls of plants, it's the basis for materials like rayon, cellophane, and cellulose acetate. Cellulose-based textiles like Tencel (lyocell) are known for their softness and sustainability.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cork">Cork</h3>



Harvested from the cork oak tree, this material is used in flooring, bulletin boards, and, most commonly, wine stoppers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mycelium-leather">Mycelium leather</h3>



Derived from the root system of fungi, mycelium can be cultivated to create a leather-like material, which is biodegradable and can be used in fashion and upholstery.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pinatex">Piñatex</h3>



A type of leather alternative derived from the fibers of pineapple leaves. It's used in fashion, accessories, and upholstery.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flax">Flax</h3>



This plant's fibers can be used to produce linen, a textile known for its durability and comfort. Flax seeds are also a nutritional food source.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agar">Agar</h3>



A gelatinous substance derived from red algae, it's used in culinary applications as a vegetarian gelatin substitute and in biotechnology for culturing purposes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chitosan">Chitosan</h3>



Derived from the shells of crustaceans and certain fungi, it's used in medical applications, water purification, and cosmetics.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seaweed">Seaweed</h3>



Apart from culinary uses, seaweed can be transformed into bioplastics, textiles, and biofuels.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-41874-7">Nature Communications</a>.



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Plant-based materials could revolutionize medical microrobots

A team of scientists from the University of Waterloo in...

The human body is a complex ecosystem, hosting trillions of bacteria that significantly influence our well-being. The diversity of this community of microorganisms, particularly in our gut, plays a pivotal role in our overall health. However, the sources contributing to this diversity have long been a subject of scientific curiosity and investigation.



Historically, research has underscored the importance of maternal microbiomes being passed on to infants during birth and through breastfeeding. Yet, the journey of understanding doesn't stop there, as researchers continue to unearth further sources that contribute to our bacterial diversity.



An important study led by Wisnu Adi Wicaksono and Gabriele Berg from the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology at Graz University of Technology (<a href="https://www.tugraz.at" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TU Graz</a>) has shed light on a previously underexplored source of gut microbiome diversity. 



The research focused on the microorganisms derived from plant matter, specifically fruits and vegetables. Findings from the study reveal a direct connection between our diet's plant content and the composition of our gut bacterial community.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dietary-habits-influencing-gut-microbes">Dietary habits influencing gut microbes</h2>



Frequent fruit and vegetable consumption has a significant impact on enhancing the population of fruit- and vegetable-associated bacteria within the human gut. Remarkably, early childhood emerges as a critical period for these plant-associated bacteria to settle in the gut. This discovery hints at long-term health implications based on dietary habits formed during the early years of life.



Furthermore, the study highlights the beneficial characteristics of these plant-origin microorganisms, noting their probiotic nature and health-promoting properties. This finding not only advocates for a plant-rich diet, but also opens up new avenues for nutritional strategies aimed at improving gut health. Furthermore, by extension, strategies aimed at the individual's overall health status.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-microbiomes-to-human-gut-health">Plant microbiomes to human gut health</h2>



Understanding the interconnectedness between various microbiomes is a nuanced and complex task. The team's achievement in proving that microorganisms from fruits and vegetables can indeed colonize the human gut marks a first in the scientific community, elucidating the intricate relationship between what we consume and how our gut microbiome is shaped.



This revelation carries profound implications for human health, particularly concerning the immune system's development in the early stages of life and the overall resilience and wellness of individuals.



Gabriele Berg, head of the Institute, sums up the phenomenon succinctly. She says, "Diversity influences the resilience of the whole organism; higher diversity conveys more resilience." This statement encapsulates the broader health implications of a diverse gut microbiome, reflecting its capacity to impact every aspect of human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-microbiome-data">Unraveling microbiome data</h2>



To substantiate their findings, the researchers embarked on a meticulous process of analyzing extensive metagenome data from roughly 2500 stool samples, involving several billion sequences. They established a comprehensive catalogue of microbiome data associated with fruits and vegetables. This step was instrumental in identifying corresponding bacteria within human gut flora.



Their analysis incorporated data from the <a href="https://teddy.epi.usf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TEDDY project</a>, focusing on infants, and the <a href="https://www.mymicrobiome.info/en/news-reading/the-american-gut-project" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Gut Project</a>, examining adults' intestinal microbiomes. Both studies also provided crucial insights into the participants' dietary patterns, fortifying the research framework.



The findings significantly bolster the WHO's <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/one-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Health concept</a>, which advocates for an integrated perspective on health that encompasses human, animal, and environmental facets. Recognizing the presence of plant microflora within the human gut reinforces this holistic view, acknowledging the seamless interplay between dietary, ecological, and health factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-applications-for-gut-health">Implications and applications for gut health</h2>



Gabriele Berg's team, in collaboration with international peers, is delving deeper into these connections through the EU-funded <a href="https://www.hedimed.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HEDIMED project</a>. This ambitious intervention study involves participants from three continents adhering to identical diets for a specific period. This allows researchers to analyze the resulting effects on their gut microbiomes.



The implications of this research transcend academic interest, bearing significant consequences for various sectors. These include agriculture, food production, and healthcare. 



Berg emphasizes the influence of soil, fertilizers, and pesticides on the plant microbiome, advocating for fresh produce consumption. Furthermore, she underscores the necessity for a paradigm shift in how food storage and processing are approached, given their impact on the food's microbial content.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-health-and-personalized-nutrition">Gut health and personalized nutrition</h2>



Envisioning the future, the findings pave the way for innovative applications in personalized nutrition. The unique microbiome of each fruit and vegetable type offers the tantalizing possibility of customizing diets to optimize individual gut health. Overall, personalized nutrition could potentially revolutionize our relationship with food and well-being.



In summary, the study by Wicaksono, Berg, and their colleagues at TU Graz marks a monumental step in understanding the gut microbiome and its myriad influences. 



By unveiling the significant role of fruits and vegetables as contributors to our internal bacterial universe, the research not only encourages a plant-forward diet but also beckons a new era of health-conscious living. In such a world, the choices we make significantly shape our body's microscopic inhabitants and, ultimately, our health.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19490976.2023.2258565" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gut Microbes</a>.



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Eating fruits and vegetables improves overall gut health

The human body is a complex ecosystem, hosting trillions of...

People often apply the “dog years” concept when talking about their pet dogs’ ages in comparison to humans, but how does this translate to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-on-vegan-diets-are-equally-healthy-as-those-that-eat-meat/">cats</a>?&nbsp;



The commonly used 7:1 ratio used for dogs - meaning one year in a dog’s life is equivalent to seven in humans - doesn’t quite fit our feline friends. Unlike dogs, cats age at varying rates throughout their lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swift-aging-nbsp">Swift aging&nbsp;</h2>



In the initial stages of a cat’s life, aging occurs rapidly. For instance, a one-month-old kitten is approximately equivalent to a six-month-old human baby. By the time the kitten is two months old, its age in human years jumps to that of a four-year-old child.&nbsp;



This swift aging process continues, with a kitten reaching the equivalent of 5.5 human years at four months, 8.5 years at five months, and 11.5 years at six months.&nbsp;



However, the aging process significantly slows down thereafter, with a one-year-old cat being akin to a 16-year-old human. This pattern means that in the first six months of life, a cat ages 11.5 years, but only ages an additional 4.5 years in the following six months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cats-in-human-years">Cats in human years</h2>



An alternative method for calculating a cat’s age presents a slightly different perspective. This method equates a one-year-old cat to a 16-year-old human and a two-year-old cat to a 21-year-old human.&nbsp;



Beyond the two-year mark, each human year is considered equivalent to four cat years. For instance, a three-year-old cat is likened to a 25-year-old human, and so on.



Using this formula - established by experts at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/">Cornell University</a> - a cat’s age can be easily “translated” into human years throughout its lifespan.



There is a slight variation in the first method, where a three-year-old cat is considered 31 in human years, a four-year-old cat is 35, and a five-year-old cat is equivalent to 38.5 human years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-lifespan-nbsp">Average lifespan&nbsp;</h2>



Today, the average lifespan of a domestic cat is around 14 years, although the oldest recorded cat, Creme Puff, lived to an astounding 38 years.&nbsp;



This increased lifespan, up from an average of seven years in the early 1980s, reflects advancements in cat care and veterinary medicine.



Vets typically determine a cat’s age by examining its teeth, looking at growth in kittens and wear and tear in older cats. However, other factors, such as changes in fur texture and physical condition, also play a role in assessing a cat’s age.&nbsp;



Despite the challenges in determining a cat’s exact age, these age-calculating methods provide a more precise estimate than the simplistic 7:1 ratio.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cats-and-aging-nbsp">Cats and aging&nbsp;</h2>



As cats age, their care needs, behavior, and health can change.&nbsp;Physical changes you might notice as your cat gets older are graying fur (especially around the muzzle), decreased mobility or arthritis, weight changes, declining vision or heating, and dental issues.&nbsp;



As far as behavioral changes, senior cats tend to sleep more, play less, and become more irritable or less tolerant of disruptions. They may also exhibit signs of cognitive dysfunction, which is similar to dementia in humans (e.g., disorientation, altered sleep patterns).



Older cats are more susceptible to certain health issues such as kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, cancer, and heart disease. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection of health issues.



Here are some other care considerations for an aging cat:&nbsp;



<ul>
<li>A diet tailored for senior cats might be beneficial.</li>



<li>Comfortable bedding and easy access to favorite spots can help ease arthritis pain.</li>



<li>Toys and interactive play can help keep them mentally stimulated.</li>



<li>Gentle grooming can help manage any changes in skin or coat health.</li>
</ul>



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How old is your cat in human years?

People often apply the “dog years” concept when talking about...

Bitcoin,,Crypto,Currency,,Electronic,Money,,Virtual,Currency,,Transitions.,Printed,Circuit

The last decade has witnessed an unprecedented upsurge in cryptocurrency values, sparking significant investments in digital currencies. These advanced elements of modern finance, backed by breakthrough technologies like blockchain, have captured the interest of diverse investors worldwide. However, amidst this digital gold rush, a concerning aspect lurks in the shadows -- the environmental toll of cryptocurrency mining, particularly Bitcoin. 



Recent findings by <a href="https://www.un.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations</a> scientists underscore the substantial environmental footprints associated with these technological marvels, highlighting an urgent need for regulatory and technological reforms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-crypto-surge">Understanding the crypto surge</h2>



Cryptocurrencies have revolutionized investment trends over the past decade. It has attracted an eclectic mix of stakeholders, from corporate giants to individual tech enthusiasts, and even including entities operating on the fringes of legality. Their integration into the global financial landscape speaks volumes about their potential, igniting discussions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-costs-of-bitcoin-are-getting-worse-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital currencies</a> overshadowing traditional monetary powerhouses.



However, akin to the bygone era of the gold rush, this digital currency frenzy brings with it significant environmental repercussions. The process of mining cryptocurrencies, especially <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bitcoin-carbon-footprint-small-country/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin</a>, is energy-intensive. Bitcoin mining has drawn criticism and concern from environmentalists and sparked debates among investors and policymakers alike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-side-of-bitcoin-mining">Dark side of bitcoin mining</h2>



A new study spearheaded by Professor Kaveh Madani at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (<a href="https://inweh.unu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNU-INWEH</a>) delved into the environmental impacts of Bitcoin mining. Scrutinizing the activities across 76 nations in the 2020–2021 period, the research unveiled startling <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/bitcoin-mining_environmental-impact_chart_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental consequences</a>, including considerable carbon, water, and land footprints.



"Technological innovations often come with unintended consequences, and Bitcoin is no exception," remarked Professor Madani. He emphasized the findings' implications on future digital currency policies and environmental sustainability initiatives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-environment-and-bitcoin-mining">The environment and bitcoin mining</h2>



Bitcoin mining globally consumed 173.42 Terawatt hours of electricity during 2020–2021, placing Bitcoin's hypothetical energy consumption above nations like Pakistan. 



The associated carbon footprint equated to burning 84 billion pounds of coal or the operation of 190 gas-fired power plants. Mitigating this environmental impact would necessitate planting 3.9 billion trees. Even if possible, this would cover an area comparable to entire countries.



Furthermore, the water and land resources strained by Bitcoin mining activities during this phase were enormous. The water footprint alone was analogous to filling over 660,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, highlighting the scale of environmental resources that cryptocurrency operations can deplete.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bitcoin-s-energy-conundrum">Bitcoin's energy conundrum</h2>



Delving into the energy sources underpinning Bitcoin's operations, the report uncovered a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with coal and natural gas leading the pack. Although hydropower, a significant renewable contributor, satisfied a portion of Bitcoin's energy demands, its environmental impact was substantial. 



Moreover, other renewables like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/renewable-energy-bitcoins-energy-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar and wind energy</a> constituted a minimal share of Bitcoin's energy consumption. This fact alone raises questions about the network's sustainability.



Particularly striking was China's dominance in the Bitcoin mining arena, necessitating massive reforestation to offset its coal-centric operations' carbon emissions. This revelation underscores the environmental disparities and challenges different nations face, reflecting the complex interplay of technological advancement, energy consumption, and environmental stewardship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-for-sustainable-practices">A call for sustainable practices</h2>



The study's authors, including Dr. Sanaz Chamanara, highlighted the varied environmental impacts of Bitcoin mining across countries. They suggest a nuanced approach to understanding and addressing these consequences. The insights gained call for comprehensive interventions, from governmental oversight to investments in environmentally efficient digital currencies.



"It's crucial to consider the equity and justice implications of Bitcoin mining," Professor Madani stated. 



Madani highlights the stark contrast between the entities reaping the benefits and those who will bear the environmental costs. This dichotomy serves as a clarion call for harmonizing the digital currency sector's growth with principles of environmental justice and sustainability.



The UN report paves the way for a critical reassessment of the cryptocurrency industry's environmental policies. Stakeholders are urged to consider the broader ecological and societal impacts. 



As digital currencies continue to shape the financial future, the need for a balanced, sustainable approach becomes increasingly imperative. The global community's response will not only influence the cryptocurrency market's trajectory, but also define the legacy of our generation's environmental stewardship.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1029/2023EF003871" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s Future</a>.



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The hidden and destructive environmental impact of Bitcoin mining

The last decade has witnessed an unprecedented upsurge in cryptocurrency...

Broccoli,And,Broccoli,Sprout,On,White,Background.

"Eat your greens, they're good for you," is age-old advice that has been passed down through generations. While this general wisdom has often been met with a certain level of youthful skepticism, recent scientific findings are providing compelling evidence to back up these parental mandates. This is especially true when it comes to broccoli, and now, for broccoli sprouts as well. 



Research emerging from <a href="https://www.omu.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osaka Metropolitan University</a> is underscoring the profound health benefits linked to the consumption of cruciferous vegetables, specifically broccoli sprouts, and their role in disease prevention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-the-common-nutrients">Beyond the common nutrients</h2>



Among the array of vegetables, cruciferous types like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-confirms-that-broccoli-is-a-superfood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">broccoli</a> have garnered attention for their association with reduced risks of several diseases, including diabetes and cancer. These positive effects are attributed to the presence of organosulfur compounds. These include glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, which are known for their antioxidant activities. 



However, the research team led by Assistant Professor Shingo Kasamatsu and Professor Hideshi Ihara delved deeper. Their investigation focused on an often overlooked component: polysulfides.



Polysulfides are compounds containing multiple sulfur atoms, which the research team previously identified as abundant in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/certain-vegetables-protect-us-from-illness-by-strengthening-the-lung-barrier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cruciferous vegetables</a>. The focus of their latest study was the endogenous content of these polysulfides in broccoli sprouts and how these compounds behave and transform during the germination and growth of the sprouts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polysulfides-and-broccoli-sprouts">Polysulfides and broccoli sprouts</h2>



The team's investigation brought to light astonishing data. The total polysulfide content in broccoli sprouts experienced a significant surge during germination. Notably, there was an approximately 20-fold increase on the fifth day of the sprouting process. 



This unexpected finding not only emphasized the nutritional potency of young broccoli sprouts but also sparked curiosity about the role of these compounds in the plant's biological processes.



In addition to identifying the increased presence of known polysulfides, the study unearthed several unknown ones. These compounds, with their molecular structures yet to be deciphered, mark an exciting frontier in the study of plant-based nutrition and its implications for human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broccoli-sprouts-tiny-sprouts-towering-potential">Broccoli sprouts: Tiny sprouts, towering potential</h2>



The health-promoting properties of broccoli sprouts, enriched by this abundance of polysulfides, are now under a scientific spotlight. As Dr. Kasamatsu shared, the discovery of the substantial escalation in polysulfide content during the sprouting process was both unexpected and revealing. 



This revelation underscores the potential influence of polysulfides on plant germination and growth. It also opens new avenues for understanding the physiological roles of these sulfur-rich compounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disease-prevention-and-treatment">Disease prevention and treatment</h2>



While the health benefits of broccoli, in general, are well-documented, the research team's findings concerning polysulfides carry profound implications for preventive and therapeutic medicine. According to Dr. Kasamatsu, future investigations into the pharmacological functions of these newly discovered polysulfides could revolutionize treatment approaches for various conditions.



This encompasses a range of oxidative stress-related diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, stroke, cancer, and inflammation. The potential of these sulfur compounds extends beyond mere nutritional value. They also point to promising new horizons in medical science, particularly in the development of preventive strategies and therapeutic interventions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-sprouting-future-of-healthcare">The sprouting future of healthcare</h2>



In summary, the study's findings are a significant leap forward in nutritional science and preventive medicine. They reinforce the importance of incorporating cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli sprouts, into dietary regimes, given their enhanced nutritional profile.



As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries surrounding polysulfides and their abundance in such sprouts, a new realm of possibilities emerges for combating diseases that have long plagued humanity. These tiny sprouts, packed with a potent cocktail of health-promoting compounds, stand as testament to the saying that, indeed, big things come in small packages.



The results of this research were published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213231723002768?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Redox Biology</a>.



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Broccoli sprouts have more nutritional value than mature broccoli

"Eat your greens, they're good for you," is age-old advice...

Emperor,Penguins,(aptenodytes,Forsteri)with,Chicks,In,The,Colony,On,The

Researchers led by <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a> have uncovered a vast and ancient landscape hidden beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. 



This remarkable finding, which reveals <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/east-antarctica_hidden-landscape_1big.webp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">valleys and ridges</a> formed by rivers millions of years ago, not only sheds light on the mysterious sub-ice terrain but also has significant implications for understanding the ice sheet's response to climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beneath-the-east-antarctic-ice">Beneath the East Antarctic ice</h2>



Utilizing advanced technologies, the research team harnessed satellite data and radio-echo sounding techniques to map an extensive 32,000 km2 area beneath the ice sheet. Their findings uncovered a landscape that bears striking similarities to the glacially modified terrains seen in regions like North Wales, UK, but with a history that predates the inception of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-experienced-the-most-intense-heat-wave-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Antarctic</a> ice.



This ancient terrain, believed to have been shaped by river systems at least 14 million years ago, could even precede the initial growth of the East Antarctic ice, estimated to have begun around 34 million years ago. The revelation of such old geographical features under the ice has captivated scientists and highlighted the necessity of exploring these hidden realms to comprehend Antarctica's past, present, and future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-window-into-the-past">A window into the past</h2>



The existence of such a well-preserved subglacial landscape implies a notable long-term temperature stability within the region. The intricacies of this terrain play a significant role in dictating the ice flow and the ice sheet's overall resilience amidst climatic shifts.



Lead author, Professor Stewart Jamieson, from Durham University's Department of Geography, drew an astonishing comparison. He stated, “The land underneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet is less well known than the surface of Mars.” 



Jamieson emphasized the urgency in understanding this hidden landscape, as it significantly influences how the ice might respond to climate variations. The study marks a critical step forward in polar science. By offering insights into the ice sheet's ancient history, it helps scientists prepare for, and react to, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-ice-shelves-are-dwindling-at-a-startling-pace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming scenarios</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-a-concealed-world">Insights from a concealed world</h2>



According to Professor Neil Ross, co-author of the study from <a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newcastle University</a>, the discovery is remarkable in its implications for understanding the ice sheet's long-term history and potential future changes. The project, which he describes as having been a "slow burn," has ultimately led to an exciting publication that significantly contributes to the field of polar science.



Beyond its immediate findings, the study is part of a broader research initiative. The team has previously identified hidden mountain ranges, canyons, and subglacial lakes in Antarctica. These new findings will help them piece together the entire complex world existing beneath the icy façade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeing-through-the-east-antarctic-ice">Seeing through the East Antarctic ice</h2>



The investigation into this concealed world was not solely reliant on direct observation. Researchers employed satellite imagery capturing subtle undulations on the ice sheet’s surface, which offered clues about the landscape below. 



Additionally, radio-echo sounding technology enabled them to see through the ice and map the subglacial geography. This confirmed the ancient landscape's existence in several locations.



Their findings suggest the potential for other undiscovered landscapes within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-prevent-a-catastrophic-meltdown-of-the-worlds-largest-ice-sheet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Antarctic</a> Ice Sheet, waiting to be revealed through further research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continuing-the-subglacial-exploration">Continuing the subglacial exploration</h2>



Eager to build on their discoveries, the research team, supported by organizations such as the UK Research and Innovation’s Natural Environment Research Council (<a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/nerc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NERC</a>), the US National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>), and <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, plans ongoing exploration of this subglacial world.



Professor Jamieson expressed the team's commitment to this challenging endeavor. He acknowledged the need to explore unsurveyed regions in order to comprehend the extensive history of the ice sheet and its underlying landscape.



In summary, this research illuminates a realm hidden from human eyes, challenging assumptions about the Antarctic region's geological history and climate patterns. 



By revealing a landscape preserved for millions of years, the scientists underscore the importance of these subglacial explorations in predicting Antarctica's response to contemporary and future environmental challenges. The journey beneath the ice, it seems, is just beginning.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-42152-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Ancient river landscape lies beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet

Researchers led by Durham University have uncovered a vast and...

A study from <a href="https://nau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Arizona University</a> has brought to light surprising findings on the effects of fires in North America's boreal forests. 



The research reveals that the post-fire shift from coniferous to deciduous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/should-we-cut-down-all-the-oak-trees-a-disturbing-discovery-makes-this-question-plausible/">trees</a> is not permanent, which is contrary to previous beliefs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciduous-trees-nbsp">Deciduous trees&nbsp;</h2>



Historically, wildfires in the region led to the dominance of deciduous trees over their coniferous counterparts. Deciduous trees, known for their rapid growth, absorb more carbon and reflect more light. This leads to a cooler climate and a reduced likelihood of subsequent fires.



The study's findings, however, reveal a more complicated picture. While the boreal forests indeed turn more deciduous post-fire, they do not remain in this state.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coniferous-trees-nbsp">Coniferous trees&nbsp;</h2>



Approximately three to four decades after a fire, a shift back toward coniferous trees begins. To reach this conclusion, the experts analyzed satellite imagery from boreal forests spanning three decades.



The researchers also found that there was no overall shift toward deciduous cover. This is because the abrupt loss of coniferous forests to wildfire was offset by the gradual increase in coniferous forests in areas that had not recently burned.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tremendous-dynamics-nbsp">Tremendous dynamics&nbsp;</h2>



“We confirmed that fires clearly shift forests from conifer to deciduous cover, but when we look at those changes over many decades, we find deciduous trees begin to be replaced again by conifer trees three to four decades following fire,” said study co-author Professor Scott Goetz. “There are tremendous dynamics taking place, but when we tally those all up, the net feedbacks to climate were fairly small.”



“This was somewhat surprising because several recent studies suggested there were shifts toward deciduous forests at local to regional scales,” said study co-author Logan Berner, assistant research professor in SICCS.&nbsp;



“While our study indicates there have not been whole-sale shifts in forest composition during recent decades, we anticipate that continued climate warming and increased wildfire activity could lead to pronounced changes in forest composition over the coming decades.”



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



The study's insights hold significant importance, especially in the light of increasing fire disturbances observed in these forests in recent years. With climate changes making the environment warmer and drier, both the pattern of fires and post-fire recovery of the forests could be affected.



Brendan Rogers from the Woodwell Climate Research Center emphasized the importance of these findings. After a summer that witnessed record-breaking fires in Canada, understanding the compositional shifts of these forests in response to fires over time becomes paramount.&nbsp;



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



“As we think about fire management approaches, including efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate fire risk to local communities and infrastructure, this study provides a critical foundation for future research,” said Rogers.&nbsp;



“Especially after a summer of record-breaking fires in Canada, understanding how the composition of these forests will shift and respond to fire over time is crucial to informing best management practices and protecting people and the planet.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-boreal-vulnerability-experiment">Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment</h2>



Conducted as a part of NASA’s Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE), the team utilized high-resolution satellite imagery captured by the Landsat series of satellites. This allowed them to quantify changes in forest composition and the associated climate feedback effects.



The research was led by Richard Massey, a former postdoctoral scholar at Northern Arizona University. It is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01851-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>. 



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Unexpected changes: What happens to boreal forests after fire?

A study from Northern Arizona University has brought to light...

Heated yoga sessions could provide significant relief from depressive symptoms, according to the results of a recent clinical trial conducted by researchers from the renowned <a href="https://www.massgeneral.org/">Massachusetts General Hospital</a>.



The study reveals that even just one session of heated yoga per week might provide therapeutic benefits to individuals struggling with moderate to severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/running-is-just-as-effective-as-drugs-for-treating-depression/">depression</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



The trial involved a total of 80 participants, all of whom had been diagnosed with moderate-to-severe depression. They were divided into two groups: one practiced 90-minute sessions of Bikram yoga in a room heated to 105°F, while the second group was waitlisted and only took part in the yoga sessions after their waiting period.



The initial analysis included 33 participants from the yoga group and 32 from the waitlist group. Those in the yoga group were recommended to attend at least two classes each week, but on average, they participated in about 10.3 classes over the two-month period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings">Key Findings</h2>



At the end of the eight weeks, yoga participants saw a notably greater drop in symptoms of depression compared to those on the waitlist. This was measured using the clinician-rated Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS-CR) scale.



Overall, 59.3 percent of individuals in the yoga group experienced a reduction of 50 percent or more in their depressive symptoms. By contrast, only 6.3 percent of waitlist participants reported the same improvement.



Remarkably, 44 percent of the yoga participants achieved such low IDS-CR scores that they were considered to be in remission from their depression, compared to just 6.3 percent in the waitlist group. Even participants who took part in just one yoga session a week reported reduced symptoms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-non-medication-based-approach-nbsp">Non-medication based approach&nbsp;</h2>



Study lead author Dr. Maren Nyer is the Director of Yoga Studies at MGH's Depression Clinical and Research Program and an assistant professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.



“Yoga and heat-based interventions could potentially change the course for treatment for patients with depression by providing a non-medication–based approach with additional physical benefits as a bonus,” said Dr. Nyer.



“We are currently developing new studies with the goal of determining the specific contributions of each element - heat and yoga - to the clinical effects we have observed in depression.”



However, senior author Dr. David Mischoulon emphasized the need for further studies. He suggests comparing heated and non-heated yoga to determine if the heat itself, especially considering the promising evidence for whole body hyperthermia, offers any added advantages in treating depression.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-heated-yoga">What is heated yoga?</h2>



Heated yoga, commonly referred to as "hot yoga," is a style of yoga practiced in a room heated to temperatures between 85°F to 105°F (29°C to 40°C), with a humidity of 40 to 60 percent. The heat is believed to help practitioners sweat out toxins, increase flexibility, and improve circulation.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-popular-forms-of-hot-yoga-nbsp">Popular forms of hot yoga&nbsp;</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bikram-yoga">Bikram Yoga</h4>



This is a specific sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises practiced in a room set to 105°F (40°C) with 40% humidity. Classes last for 90 minutes.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moksha-modo-yoga">Moksha/Modo Yoga</h4>



This is a set sequence of postures practiced in a slightly cooler room than Bikram, around 95°F to 100°F (35°C to 37°C). The sequence and temperature can vary slightly depending on the studio.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-vinyasa">Hot Vinyasa</h4>



Unlike the set sequences of Bikram and Moksha, hot vinyasa classes can vary in their sequence. The room is usually heated, but temperatures can range depending on the studio.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits">Benefits</h3>



<ul>
<li>Increased flexibility: The heat can make it easier for muscles to stretch.</li>



<li>Detoxification: Sweating can help flush toxins from the body.</li>



<li>Improved circulation: The heat can enhance blood flow.</li>



<li>Mental focus: The challenging environment can help practitioners hone their concentration and mental discipline.</li>
</ul>



The research is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.4088/JCP.22m14621)">Journal of Clinical Psychiatry</a>.



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Heated yoga shows promise as a treatment for depression

Heated yoga sessions could provide significant relief from depressive symptoms,...

With their striking appearance and remarkable hunting skills, kingfishers are fascinating creatures. In a recent study, scientists have taken a closer look at the genetic makeup of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diving-birds-face-a-greater-risk-of-extinction/">birds</a> to understand the secrets behind their unique ability to plunge-dive into water without harming their brains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diving-headfirst">Diving headfirst</h2>



Imagine diving headfirst into a pool – it’s no easy feat. The force of the water can be surprisingly jarring, even more so when approached at an incorrect angle.&nbsp;



Yet, the kingfisher seems to have mastered this act, diving headfirst to catch fish. The question is: how do they manage this without sustaining any brain damage?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



The study, published in the journal Communications Biology, was focused on a comparison of the DNA of 30 different kingfisher species. The goal was to identify genes that could give insight into the birds' specialized diet and their unique diving abilities.&nbsp;



Chad Eliason, the study’s first author and a research scientist at the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Museum</a> in Chicago, said: "It’s a high-speed dive from air to water, and it’s done by very few bird species." The potential risk of such dives has made the kingfisher's ability a point of scientific intrigue.



“For kingfishers to dive headfirst the way they do, they must have evolved other traits to keep them from hurting their brains,” said study senior author Shannon Hackett.



This theory is further supported by the fact that not all kingfishers have a fish-centric diet. Some eat land-based prey such as insects, lizards, and even other kingfishers.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-evolution-nbsp">Diverse evolution&nbsp;</h2>



Prior research by co-authors Jenna McCollough and Michael Andersen, both from the University of New Mexico, revealed that kingfishers evolved their fish-eating habits multiple times rather than from a single fish-eating ancestor.&nbsp;



“The fact that there are so many transitions to diving is what makes this group both fascinating and powerful, from a scientific research perspective,” says Hackett. “If a trait evolves a multitude of different times independently, that means you have power to find an overarching explanation for why that is.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



To investigate, the researchers analyzed the DNA of 30 species of kingfishers. They sourced the kingfisher DNA from specimens at the Field Museum’s collections. Using advanced sequencing techniques, they generated the entire genetic code of each bird.



The analysis revealed that diving kingfishers had several genetic modifications related to diet and brain structure. Notably, mutations were found in the AGT gene, associated with dietary flexibility in other species, and the MAPT gene, which is linked to tau proteins affecting feeding behavior.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tau-proteins-nbsp">Tau proteins&nbsp;</h2>



The role of tau proteins is critical. They stabilize structures inside the brain, but an excess can be harmful. In humans, for instance, conditions like traumatic brain injuries and Alzheimer’s are tied to a buildup of tau. This raises questions about how kingfishers mitigate the risks associated with frequent diving.



Hackett’s own experience sparked her curiosity about tau proteins. “I learned a lot about tau protein when I was the concussion manager of my son’s hockey team."&nbsp;



“I started to wonder, why don’t kingfishers die because their brains turn to mush? There’s gotta be something they're doing that protects them from the negative influences of repeatedly landing on their heads on the water’s surface."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-selective-pressure-nbsp">Selective pressure&nbsp;</h2>



Hackett suspects that tau proteins may be something of a double-edged sword. “The same genes that keep your neurons in your brain in all nice and ordered are the things that fail when you get repeated concussions if you're a football player or if you get Alzheimer's." 



"My guess is there’s some sort of strong selective pressure on those proteins to protect the birds’ brains in some way.”&nbsp;



The team's next challenge is to understand how these genetic mutations impact the proteins produced and how these changes equip the bird's brain to handle the stresses of diving.



“Now, we know which of the underlying genes are shifting that help create the differences that we see across the kingfisher family,” said Eliason. “But now that we know which genes to look at, it created more mysteries. That’s how science works.”



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How do kingfishers dive without hurting their brains?

With their striking appearance and remarkable hunting skills, kingfishers are...

In a surprising discovery, mummified remains of mice have been found on the summits of 20,000-foot volcanoes in the Andes mountains. The revelation raises new questions about the remarkable survival instincts of these small <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-mice-dont-just-survive-but-thrive-with-physical-impairments/">rodents</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hostile-environment-nbsp">Hostile environment&nbsp;</h2>



The initial findings date back to expeditions in the 1970s and ’80s when archaeologists reported stumbling upon mouse cadavers atop towering <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mice-volcanoes-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andean volcanoes</a>.



These peaks, situated in the driest desert on Earth, present a hostile environment with freezing temperatures, low oxygen levels, and punishing gale-force winds.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sacred-pilgrimages-nbsp">Sacred pilgrimages&nbsp;</h2>



Given the daunting surroundings, researchers initially believed that these rodents might have been transported to such heights by the Incas, who considered these summits sacred and often made pilgrimages spanning over a thousand miles.&nbsp;



The peaks served as altars for Capacocha, a ritual wherein children were sacrificed to various Incan gods. It was theorized that mice might have accidentally found their way amidst the supplies or were deliberately brought as part of the animal sacrifices.



“You can’t fault the archaeologists for thinking this way, because what other explanation is there? Nothing could be living up there, so they had to have been brought there," said Professor Jay Storz of the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nebraska–Lincoln</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astounding-discoveries">Astounding discoveries</h2>



However, Storz and his team inadvertently challenged this narrative in early 2020 when they captured a live leaf-eared mouse at an astounding altitude of 22,000 feet on Llullaillaco, a volcano on the Chile-Argentina boundary. This marked the first-ever instance of a mammal being discovered alive at such an altitude.



Furthermore, the team reported discovering 13 more mummified leaf-eared mice on the summits of nearby volcanoes - Salín, Púlar, and Copiapó.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-analyses-nbsp">Further analyses&nbsp;</h2>



Through carbon-14 analysis, the experts determined that most of these mummies were relatively recent, with some dating post-1955. This contradicted the earlier belief that these mice were brought by the Incas, especially since the Incas had fallen to Spanish invaders centuries before the mummies' dated time.



Compelling genetic evidence further validated the mice's natural presence at these heights. DNA analysis by collaborators from the <a href="https://www.umt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Montana</a> revealed that the genetic variation of these high-altitude mice was consistent with those found in the lower regions of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/salar-de-atacama-the-salt-flats-of-chile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atacama Desert</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skilled-mountaineers-nbsp">Skilled mountaineers&nbsp;</h2>



“Our genomic data indicate no: that the mice from the summits, and those from the flanks or the base of the volcanoes in the surrounding desert terrain, are all one big happy family,” said Storz. He said it was more evidence that the mummies were not hitchhikers but mountaineers.



Intriguingly, observations also reveal an equal gender ratio among the mummies and evidence of local mouse burrows. This suggests that these rodents have not only ventured to these heights but are also sustaining a life high up on the volcanoes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mice-lived-in-extreme-mountains">Mice lived in extreme mountains</h2>



The Puna de Atacama, where these mice reside, is so extreme that it has served as a practice ground for NASA’s Mars missions.&nbsp;



“Even at the base of the volcanoes, the mice are living in an extreme, Martian environment,” said Storz. “And then, on the summits of the volcanoes, it’s even more so. It feels like outer space.



“It just boggles the mind that any kind of animal, let alone a warm-blooded mammal, could be surviving and functioning in that environment. When you experience it all firsthand, it even further impresses upon you: How in God’s name is anything living up there?”



Yet, many questions remain. While the high altitudes offer refuge from predators like foxes, mountain lions, and birds of prey, what drives these mice to endure the harsh conditions of these summits remains a mystery.



Image Credit: Jay Storz, University of Nebraska–Lincoln



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Mummified mice lived in Mars-like conditions in the Andes mountains

In a surprising discovery, mummified remains of mice have been...

3d.,Illustration.,Man,On,Top,Of,A,Mountain,Observing,The

In a universe that stretches beyond the farthest horizons of our imagination, the question persists: are we alone? Scientists from <a href="https://www.tcd.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a> are spearheading a monumental project to answer this question. Their new initiative scours the cosmos for "technosignatures," or indicators of technology used by alien species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-probing-the-cosmos-for-technosignatures">Probing the cosmos for technosignatures</h2>



Professor Evan Keane, Associate Professor of Radio Astronomy at Trinity's School of Physics and the project's lead, is navigating uncharted celestial territories. The team is utilizing the Irish Low Frequency Array (<a href="https://lofar-surveys.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LOFAR</a>) telescope, along with its Swedish counterpart. They are utilizing a novel approach that amplifies the search capacity exponentially, <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/technosignature_plot-map_Credit-Trinity-University_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monitoring millions of star systems</a> that may harbor life-sustaining environments.



For over six decades, the scientific community has been on a relentless quest to intercept extraterrestrial communications through radio signals. However, traditional methodologies, largely reliant on single observatories, have faced significant limitations. Earth's own cacophony of radio interference often muddles potential signals from deep space. This interference has prompted the need for a more refined technique.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-through-the-noise">Breaking through the noise</h2>



This venture, a collaboration between Trinity College Dublin, the <a href="https://breakthroughinitiatives.org/initiative/1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breakthrough Listen initiative</a>, and <a href="https://www.chalmers.se/en/infrastructure/oso/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Onsala Space Observatory</a>, marks a paradigm shift in extraterrestrial intelligence research. By employing a network of telescopes, the team can explore the vastly under-examined lower radio frequencies. These fall between 110 -- 190 MHz, and were previously inaccessible due to technological constraints.



The Breakthrough Listen program, lauded for its comprehensive approach to the search for advanced extraterrestrial life, has been instrumental in this project. It leverages the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/I-LOFAR_telescope_listening-array_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LOFAR stations in Ireland</a> and Sweden, minimizing the probability of "false positive" signals. 



Unfortunately, false positives are commonplace due to terrestrial radio interference. However, this innovative method elevates the precision and reliability of the search, filtering out Earth's radio 'clutter' and honing in on potential alien broadcasts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-needle-in-a-haystack">Cosmic needle in a haystack</h2>



The project's initial phase encompassed an extensive sweep of 1.6 million star systems. These systems were identified by the European Space Agency's <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Gaia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gaia mission</a> and NASA's <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/tess/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TESS mission</a> as potential hotspots for extraterrestrial activity. While these preliminary scans haven't identified clear technosignatures, the team emphasizes that the search is in its infancy.



Professor Keane reflects on the profound implications of their work. He stated, "The conditions for life, perplexingly common, suggest a universe brimming with possibilities. The sheer commonality of life's prerequisites compels us to seek our cosmic counterparts."



He further illustrates the rationale behind their radio-focused strategy, grounded in the assumption that extraterrestrial beings might use technologies akin to ours. "Radio frequencies," Professor Keane explains, "emerge as a logical choice for interstellar communication, considering our reliance on similar technologies."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pushing-boundaries-for-technosignatures">Pushing boundaries for technosignatures</h2>



Owen Johnson, a pioneering PhD candidate at Trinity, expresses the exhilaration of venturing into the unknown. "This survey isn't just about finding other civilizations," Johnson explains. "It's about stretching the capabilities of our technology, potentially leading to discoveries that we can't even predict."



The team anticipates significant advancements on the horizon, with planned upgrades to the LOFAR network that will expand the accessible radio spectrum for the search. Future explorations will harness machine learning for data analysis. This approach could delve into billions of star systems, a process Johnson finds fascinatingly ironic. He said, "It's a curious thought that we might ultimately rely on artificial intelligence -- our own creation -- to discover other life in the universe."



As humanity stands on the cusp of potential interstellar connection, this research not only signifies a leap in our quest to understand our place in the cosmos but also underscores an eternal curiosity that propels us into the stars. The universe awaits, vast and teeming with unanswered questions. Perhaps, through endeavors like these, we inch ever closer to discovering our place within it.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-3881/acf9f5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomical Journal</a>.



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Searching for technosignatures from intelligent life in the cosmos

In a universe that stretches beyond the farthest horizons of...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" 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.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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

How the immune system responds to injury

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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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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