Rivers shape life on Earth. They deliver water, sediment, and nutrients from mountains to oceans, cutting paths that feed ecosystems and human communities alike. 



For over a century, scientists have tried to understand why some rivers form a single, meandering channel, while other rivers split into multiple, crisscrossing streams. New research finally offers an answer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-causes-a-river-to-split">What causes a river to split?</h2>



In a study by geographers at the <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/">University of California, Santa Barbara</a>, scientists analyzed 36 years of satellite data from 84 rivers around the world. The goal was to determine what causes a river to split into many channels rather than stick to one.



Study lead author Austin Chadwick conducted the investigation as a postdoctoral researcher at UCSB.



“We found that rivers will develop multiple channels if they erode their banks faster than they deposit sediment on their opposing banks. This causes a channel to widen and divide over time,” said Chadwick. 



The study settles a long-standing debate in Earth science and provides new insight for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flood-fatalities-experts-reveal-the-hidden-health-impacts/">flood</a> risks and how to restore waterways to their natural states.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-two-types-of-rivers">Studying two types of rivers</h2>



Rivers are typically sorted into two categories: single-threaded and multi-threaded. While both are common, most of the world’s largest rivers have multiple channels. 



A notable exception is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/the-mississippi-river-in-the-united-states/">Mississippi River</a> in the U.S., which has been heavily studied and remains single-threaded.



Historically, single-threaded rivers got more attention from field researchers because they are easier to study. Lab researchers, on the other hand, often focused on multi-threaded rivers since they were easier to recreate in tank experiments.



The idea for this study started in a lab tank at the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory. While observing multi-threaded rivers, Chadwick noticed something strange. The river channels kept widening and splitting, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/erosion/">erosion</a> outpaced deposition.



“I was banging my head on the wall because I kept measuring more erosion than deposition. And that was not what we’re taught in school,” said Chadwick. “That led me to read some old books from the Army Corps and other sources about examples where there’s more bank erosion than deposition.”



This curiosity led to a broader question: was the odd river behavior just a fluke in the lab - or did it happen in nature too?



“You generate a hypothesis in a laboratory setting and then you’re able to test it in nature,” said co-author Evan Greenberg, a former doctoral student at UCSB.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-rivers-choose-their-path">How rivers choose their path</h2>



To test their hypothesis, the team turned to satellite imagery, specifically Landsat data available through Google Earth Engine. They studied erosion and deposition patterns across dozens of rivers using a technique called particle image velocimetry. 



Originally designed to track particles in lab fluids, they adapted it to track <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-transforming-arctic-rivers-in-unexpected-ways/">riverbanks</a> in satellite photos. 



The results were clear. Single-threaded rivers show a balance between erosion and deposition. This balance allows them to stay narrow and meander across the landscape.



Multi-threaded systems behave differently. In these rivers, erosion wins out. Banks erode faster than sediment can build up on the opposite side. The result? The channel keeps widening until it eventually splits.



“It is not like multi-threaded rivers are gaining water on average. They are still conveying the same amount of water through time, but they are doing that by constantly shuffling the size of the individual threads,” explained senior author Vamsi Ganti, an associate professor of geography at UCSB.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-into-why-rivers-split">New insights into why rivers split</h2>



The key difference isn’t how much water flows - it’s how that flow reshapes the banks and moves sediment.



Most of the sediment in multi-threaded rivers ends up on the riverbed, not the banks. This eventually forms the islands and bars that separate each thread.



There were a few exceptions. For example, Brazil’s São Francisco didn’t follow the pattern, but the team traced that back to external changes. The river has been shrinking due to upstream <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dams-release-twice-as-much-carbon-as-they-store/">dams</a> and irrigation, pulling it out of its usual behavior.



“The question of what causes a river to be single-threaded or multi-threaded is pretty much as old as the field of geomorphology,” said Ganti.



Now, thanks to this work, there’s a clearer explanation: it comes down to the balance between erosion and deposition. 



Environmental conditions - like slope, flow, sediment type, and bank strength - still matter. But they influence the river by tipping that balance one way or the other.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rivers-cut-off-from-their-floodplains">Rivers cut off from their floodplains</h2>



In the 20th century, many rivers were confined to narrow channels to make space for cities and agriculture. While that reduced flooding risks in some areas, it came with a cost.



Cutting rivers off from their floodplains disrupts ecosystems. It also raises the riverbed, making floods worse when they happen.



“Consider Hurricane Katrina,” Chadwick said. “When the levee broke, there was widespread flooding in part because the floodplain had been cut off from the Mississippi for so long that it had sunk relative to the river, allowing the floodwaters to pond there.”



Today, there’s a push to reconnect waterways with their floodplains. But to do that effectively, planners need to know how much space is required - and how long restoration will take.



This study offers a solution. The team developed a formula that calculates corridor width and recovery time for a channel returning to its natural state. It accounts for how quickly a river can abandon an old channel and whether it tends to be single- or multi-threaded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-restoration-projects">Rethinking restoration projects</h2>



The researchers found that single-threaded rivers need about ten times more space and time to re-establish themselves than multi-threaded ones, assuming equal stream power. That changes the equation for restoration - and may make some projects more feasible.



Photos from the 1930s show the Los Angeles River once had multiple channels before it was confined to concrete. 



Many rivers we now think of as single-threaded may have originally been multi-threaded. That could mean restoration won’t require as much effort - or money - as previously believed.



“A project currently considered prohibitively large or expensive may actually be affordable if a river was misclassified,” Chadwick explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-following-the-flow-into-the-future">Following the flow into the future</h2>



Ganti’s team is now studying how river behaviors change over time - whether these speed up, slow down, or change how many threads they have. These trends could reflect the effects of climate change and human development.



Chadwick, now continuing his research at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, is still exploring why erosion dominates and what drives the variety among multi-threaded systems.



Meanwhile, Greenberg is using satellite data at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to study how sediment moves through rivers. He’s also examining how dams influence river shapes over decades.



Rivers do more than flow. They feed farms, shape cities, and carry goods across continents. But they also flood, shift, and surprise us. 



This new research brings us closer to understanding how these forces shape our world - and how we can better live alongside them.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ads6567">Science</a>.



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Why rivers split: A century-old mystery has finally been solved

Rivers shape life on Earth. They deliver water, sediment, and nutrients from mountains to oceans, cutting paths that feed ecosystems and human communities alike. For over a century, scientists have tried to understand why some rivers form a single, meandering channel, while other rivers split into multiple, crisscrossing streams. New research finally offers an answer. What causes a river to split? In a study by geographers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, scientists analyzed 36 years of satellite data from 84 rivers around the world. The...

Researchers have recently uncovered the origins of the farthest-known fast radio burst (FRB), tracing it back to an unusual cluster of at least seven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/">galaxies</a>. This discovery, which was based on observations by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, is a remarkable development in the field of astronomy.&nbsp;



At the same time, the study presents a significant challenge to existing scientific models of fast radio burst production and their sources.



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



During the summer of 2022, astronomers detected what is now known as the most powerful fast radio burst ever observed. This FRB, also the farthest known to date, has its origins dating back halfway to the Big Bang, a period when the universe was a mere 5 billion years old – significantly younger than its current age of 13.8 billion years.



The research was led by a team of astronomers from <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a>. The experts utilized the advanced imaging capabilities of the Hubble Space Telescope to trace the origins of this extraordinary fast radio burst, named FRB 20220610A. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-phenomenon-nbsp">Rare phenomenon&nbsp;</h2>



The findings have contradicted initial beliefs that the radio burst originated from a single galaxy. Instead, the scientists have traced its birthplace to a collection of at least seven galaxies, closely packed and possibly interacting with each other, a phenomenon that is exceedingly rare in the universe.



Study lead author Alexa Gordon, a graduate student in astronomy at Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, emphasized the critical role of Hubble's imaging in unraveling this mystery.&nbsp;



"Without the Hubble's imaging, it would still remain a mystery as to whether this FRB originated from one monolithic galaxy or from some type of interacting system," said Gordon. "It's these types of environments - these weird ones - that drive us toward a better understanding of the mystery of FRBs."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fast-radio-bursts-nbsp">Fast radio bursts&nbsp;</h2>



The study, which will be presented at the 243rd meeting of the <a href="https://www.aas.org/">American Astronomical Society</a> in New Orleans, offers new insights into the nature of FRBs. These are brief, intense bursts of radio waves that emit more energy in milliseconds than our sun does in an entire year.&nbsp;



The fast radio burst in question was notably four times more energetic than previously observed FRBs and has set a new record for distance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-complex-scenario-nbsp">A complex scenario&nbsp;</h2>



Initially, the source of FRB 20220610A appeared as an indistinct, blob-like structure. This led to early assumptions that it originated from either a single irregular galaxy or a cluster of distant galaxies.&nbsp;



However, Hubble's sharp imagery revealed a more complex scenario – a compact group of galaxies so densely packed that they could fit within the Milky Way. This discovery has led to speculation about the galaxies possibly exchanging material or even merging.



Professor Wen-fai Fong, a co-author of the study, pointed out the rarity of such compact galaxy groups and the potential for this interaction to trigger bursts of star formation.&nbsp;



"There are some signs that the group members are 'interacting,'" Fong said. "In other words, they could be trading materials or possibly on a path to merging. These groups of galaxies (called compact groups) are incredibly rare environments in the universe and are the densest galaxy-scale structures we know of."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-birthplace-nbsp">Rare birthplace&nbsp;</h2>



"This interaction could trigger bursts of star formation," said Gordon. "That might indicate that the progenitor of FRB 20220610A is associated with a fairly recent population of stars which matches what we've learned from other FRBs."



"Despite hundreds of FRB events discovered to date, only a fraction of those have been pinpointed to their host galaxies," said study co-author Yuxin (Vic) Dong. "Within that small fraction, only a few came from a dense galactic environment, but none have ever been seen in such a compact group. So, its birthplace is truly rare."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unknown-mechanisms-nbsp">Unknown mechanisms&nbsp;</h2>



In the years since astronomers first discovered fast radio bursts in 2007, up to 1,000 FRBs have been discovered. Experts generally agree that FRBs must involve a compact object, such as a black hole or neutron star, but the exact mechanisms remain a mystery.



"Radio waves, in particular, are sensitive to any intervening material along the line of sight - from the FRB location to us," said Fong.&nbsp;



"That means the waves have to travel through any cloud of material around the FRB site, through its host galaxy, across the universe and finally through the Milky Way. From a time delay in the FRB signal itself, we can measure the sum of all of these contributions."



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



Gordon noted that with technology continually becoming more sensitive, improved detections are right around the corner.



"With a larger sample of distant FRBs, we can begin to study the evolution of FRBs and their host properties by connecting them to more nearby ones and perhaps even start to identify more strange populations," said Dong.



"In the near future, FRB experiments will increase their sensitivity, leading to an unprecedented rate in the number of FRBs detected at these distances," said Gordon. "Astronomers will soon learn just how special the environment of this FRB was."



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Fast radio burst traced to rare cluster of interacting galaxies

Researchers have recently uncovered the origins of the farthest-known fast...

Giant,Isopod,Up,Close

In the vast and mysterious world of marine biology, a recent crustacean discovery has sparked excitement and opened doors to further understanding of our planet's oceans. 



A team of international marine biologists, including <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/somas/people/_profiles/oliver-shipley.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Oliver Shipley</a> from Stony Brook University's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (<a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/somas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SoMAS</a>), has identified a new species of isopod, a type of crustacean, in the deep waters of The Bahamas.



This finding of the new species, named <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Booralana_deep-sea-crustacean_discovered-Bahamas_credit-Oliver-Shipley_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Booralana nickorum</a>, emphasizes how much we have yet to learn about oceanic life. 



This discovery furthers our understanding of the integral role these creatures play in the deep-sea ecosystem and their contribution to overall ocean biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glimpse-into-isopod-diversity">Glimpse into isopod diversity</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-isopod/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Isopods</a>, often only a few centimeters long, are a diverse group of crustaceans found in all major ecosystems on Earth. 



Dating back over 300 million years, they have adapted to various environments. In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-pressure-preserves-food-for-microbes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea habitats</a>, they primarily act as scavengers, playing a crucial role in recycling energy. 



Remarkably, some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-pollination-discovered-between-red-seaweed-and-crustaceans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">isopods</a> can survive years without food, a trait Booralana nickorum seems to share.



Dr. Shipley highlights the importance of this discovery, saying, “This work sheds light on the hidden diversity of these species and reveals how little we know about deep-sea ecosystems in The Bahamas."



He also suggests that these waters might hold a “potentially hidden ‘treasure chest’ of unrecognized biodiversity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-new-crustaceans">Discovering new crustaceans</h2>



The journey to this discovery began back in 2013, with Dr. Shipley’s focus on the Exuma Sound for his MS research. 



In 2019, in collaboration with <a href="https://oceanx.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OceanX</a> and the <a href="https://islandschool.org/cape-eleuthera-institute/about-us-cei/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cape Eleuthera Institute</a>, he led an expedition into the Exuma Sound's deep waters. 



This expedition, part of a series aimed at documenting <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/seven-surprising-secrets-of-the-deepest-sea-creatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea biodiversity</a> in previously unexplored areas, led to the recovery of specimens for genetic sequencing and, ultimately, to the discovery of Booralana nickorum.



This is not the team's first significant find in The Bahamas’ Exuma Sound. In 2016, they described another new isopod species, Bathynomus maxeyorum. 



These discoveries are part of a larger project exploring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-surveys-identify-over-5000-species-in-future-mining-hotspot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity patterns</a> and food web structures in the region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinguishing-new-booralana-species">Distinguishing new Booralana species</h2>



Interestingly, before these findings, only a single Booralana species, Booralana tricarinata, was known to exist in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. 



The new species, Booralana nickorum, is distinguished by unique morphological features, particularly in its pleotelson or ‘tail.’



The discovery was made possible through a collaboration that included experts from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a>, like Professor Duncan Irschick.



Professor Irschick employed novel technologies to create <a href="https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/model-103a-deep-sea-booralana-isopod-d033ca11dc94474aabd45a723fc5d707" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3D models of the specimen</a> that are quite impressive.



Dr. Shipley also points out the broader implications of these discoveries. 



“The Caribbean houses many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-shows-giant-sea-spiders-mating-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea ecosystems</a> that could be considered pristine, mostly hidden from anthropogenic exploitation, such as deep-sea fisheries and mining,” explains Shipley. 



“Therefore, they provide a baseline from which to compare exploitation effects occurring in less pristine regions. However, these systems are not immune from the increasing impacts of climate changes and pollution, so it is critical that we understand the full extent of the biodiversity supported by these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-upheaval-the-ecological-impact-of-deep-sea-mining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea environments</a>.”



However, he warns that these ecosystems are not immune to the broader impacts of climate change and pollution, making it crucial to understand the biodiversity these environments support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-educational-impact-and-student-involvement">Educational impact and student involvement</h2>



At <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stony Brook University</a>, Dr. Shipley extends his passion for marine discovery to the classroom. He conducts an annual field course at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, where students, both undergraduate and graduate, engage directly in active discovery alongside Bahamian scientists. 



This environment enriches the educational experience of Stony Brook students and contributes to the ongoing exploration of subtropical ecosystems, including the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-life-disappear/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep sea</a>.



In summary, the discovery of Booralana nickorum represents a window into the largely unexplored marine life of The Bahamas, and underscores the importance of continued research in these critical ecosystems. 



As we delve deeper into the ocean's mysteries, we expand our scientific knowledge while enhancing our ability to protect these vital habitats for future generations.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5399.3.4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zootaxa</a>.



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New deep-sea crustacean species discovered

In the vast and mysterious world of marine biology, a...

In a fascinating exploration of the bond between humans and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-humans-close/">dogs</a>, scientists from the <a href="https://www.mpi.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics</a> have delved into the reasons behind dogs' distinctive tail wagging behavior. The relationship between humans and dogs, a bond that dates back to the dawn of civilization, has always included the enigmatic aspect of why dogs wag their tails more than other canines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-preferences">Human preferences</h2>



The researchers, in an opinion piece in <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2023.0407">Biology Letters</a>, propose a theory linking human enjoyment of rhythmic movements to the evolution of dogs' tail wagging behavior. They suggest that early humans might have unconsciously preferred dogs that exhibited more rhythmic movements. 



However, they acknowledge that this is just one theory and that the behavior could also be a byproduct of dogs becoming more sociable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tail-wagging-behavior-nbsp">Tail wagging behavior&nbsp;</h2>



Despite the mutual enjoyment derived from tail wagging, there's been limited research into its evolutionary origins. Unlike domesticated dogs, undomesticated canines like wolves wag their tails less frequently and primarily for communication.&nbsp;



The researchers point out that tail wagging in dogs seems innate rather than learned, as evidenced by the behavior of wolf and dog pups raised by humans, with dog pups beginning to wag their tails much more frequently as early as three weeks old.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domesticated-rhythmic-wagging-nbsp">Domesticated rhythmic wagging&nbsp;</h2>



The scientists propose two theories. The first, termed "domesticated rhythmic wagging," suggests that humans may have selectively bred dogs for more frequent and rhythmic tail wagging.&nbsp;



"Humans have remarkable abilities to perceive and produce rhythmic sequences, particularly isochronous patterns where events are evenly spaced in time," the authors wrote. The preference for rhythmic stimuli, ingrained in human cognitive neuroscience and linked to pleasurable responses and reward system engagement, could have influenced this selection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domestication-syndrome-hypothesis-nbsp">Domestication syndrome hypothesis&nbsp;</h2>



The second theory, known as the "domestication syndrome" hypothesis, posits that tail wagging could be an incidental result of breeding for friendliness. This idea is supported by a study on silver foxes selectively bred for tameness, which showed that friendlier foxes in later generations exhibited more dog-like tail wagging, even though this trait wasn't specifically selected for.



The researchers also discuss the variation in tail wagging behavior across different dog breeds, noting that selection may not have been uniform; for instance, hunting-type dogs wag their tails more than shepherd-type dogs.



Ultimately, the scientists acknowledge that further experiments are necessary to conclusively determine the true reason behind dogs' tail-wagging behavior. Their insights provide a thought-provoking look at how human preferences and evolutionary processes might have shaped one of our closest animal companions' most endearing traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-tail-wagging-nbsp">More about tail wagging&nbsp;</h2>



Tail wagging in dogs is a form of canine communication that can express a variety of emotions and intentions. Contrary to popular belief, tail wagging doesn't always mean a dog is happy. The nature of the tail wag can convey different messages.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speed">Speed</h3>



The speed of the wag is significant. A rapid wag is generally a sign of excitement or happiness. If a dog wags its tail slowly, it might be unsure or assessing a situation.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-height">Height</h3>



The height at which a dog holds its tail while wagging can also be telling. A high tail often indicates confidence or aggression, while a lower tail might signify fear, submission, or anxiety.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-direction">Direction</h3>



The direction of the tail wag also plays a role. Recent studies suggest that a tail wagging more to the right might be associated with positive feelings, while a left-biased wag could indicate negative emotions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-language-nbsp">Body language&nbsp;</h3>



It's important to consider the whole body language of the dog, not just the tail. Other cues like ear position, posture, and facial expression provide context to the meaning of a tail wag.&nbsp;



For instance, a wagging tail combined with relaxed body language and a playful stance often means the dog is happy and inviting interaction. Conversely, a wagging tail with stiff body posture or bared teeth could signal aggression.



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Study explores the mystery of why dogs wag their tails

In a fascinating exploration of the bond between humans and...

In a recent comprehensive review, experts have brought attention to a lesser-known but increasingly significant issue in public health: reverse zoonoses. 



This phenomenon, where diseases are transmitted from humans to animals (particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pets-did-not-improve-emotional-well-being-during-the-pandemic/">pets</a>), is more common than previously thought.



The research raises concerns about the health of both domestic and wild animals, and the potential implications for human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zoonotic-diseases-nbsp">Zoonotic diseases&nbsp;</h2>



Historically, the focus has been on zoonoses, diseases that jump from animals to humans. However, Dr. Benjamin Anderson from the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a> says people should also pay attention to disease transmission in the opposite direction.&nbsp;



Dr. Anderson notes that pets sharing close quarters with humans are at a heightened risk of contracting diseases from their owners. “We’re starting to see a lot of examples of reverse zoonosis. Pets are more susceptible than, maybe, we previously thought "



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cross-species-transmission-nbsp">Cross-species transmission&nbsp;</h2>



Reverse zoonoses occur when a pathogen in humans mutates and adapts to a new animal host. Dr. Anderson noted that differences in the biology of animals and humans usually make it difficult for <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/the-terrifying-biology-of-zoonotic-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infectious diseases</a> to spread between species. 



“Typically, the viruses that I will have as a human are not going to fit into the receptors that a dog or cat has,” he explained.



On the other hand, viruses like influenza and coronaviruses are prime candidates for cross-species transmission due to their RNA-based genetic material, which is more prone to replication errors and subsequent mutations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pets-at-risk-from-reverse-zoonoses">Pets at risk from reverse zoonoses</h2>



Dr. Anderson mentioned <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exploding-population-of-macaque-monkeys-and-wild-pigs-poses-risk-of-another-global-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">several diseases</a> that have been transmitted from humans to their pets, including swine flu, human norovirus, dengue, COVID-19 and tuberculosis, as well as several lesser-known viral, fungal, parasitic and bacterial infections. 



Mammals, due to their genetic similarity to humans, are more susceptible to catching diseases from their owners. This includes pets like dogs, cats, horses, and ferrets.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disease-reservoirs-nbsp">Disease reservoirs&nbsp;</h2>



Reverse zoonoses not only affect household pets but also have wider implications. Livestock and wildlife can contribute to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-animal-viruses-will-cause-future-pandemics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spread of diseases</a> - and to the risk of new outbreaks among humans. 



Dr. Anderson pointed out that domestic animals can become reservoirs for pathogens, potentially leading to pandemics.



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



“We have to first ask how the pathogen gets into those animals in the first place,” said Dr. Anderson. “The pathogen doesn’t develop out of thin air in animals before suddenly spilling over into humans."



"While pathogens certainly can move from animals to other animals and can be picked up from the environment, exposures to humans also plays an important role. It’s this constant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tools-are-needed-to-control-infectious-animal-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">back and forth exchange</a> that happens over time, increasing the probability of a mutation taking place that allows the pathogen to infect a new host.”



Dr. Anderson noted the difficulty in tracking reverse zoonoses, given the challenge in linking animal illnesses to human cases. This has led to a lack of attention towards this issue in both research and media.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combating-reverse-zoonoses-nbsp">Combating reverse zoonoses&nbsp;</h2>



To combat reverse zoonoses, Dr. Anderson advises caution around pets, especially when the owner is sick with communicable diseases like the flu or COVID-19. He suggests limiting contact and maintaining hygiene to prevent transmission.&nbsp;



Dr. Anderson also calls for more integrated research, combining human and animal health data, to better understand and manage these diseases.



“We have the diagnostic tools to track many different pathogens in both human and veterinary medicine, but not always the resources to see them used as broadly as is necessary to understand all of the epidemiological trends. In particular, we need greater testing among animals."



“I think it’s important to know not just about the human health issues, but also have a more complete picture as to what’s actually happening out in the environment."



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Reverse zoonoses: Humans are getting their pets sick

In a recent comprehensive review, experts have brought attention to...

A new study led by Dr. Cristiane Duarte of <a href="https://www.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a> has revealed a significant insight into mental health issues. The research team found that supportive relationships with adults during childhood can significantly mitigate the risks of depression and anxiety in adulthood, even in the face of adverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/adverse-childhood-experiences-lead-to-lifelong-health-consequences/">childhood</a> experiences. 



"For kids, an extremely important resilience factor is a warm, nurturing relationship with a parent, caregiver, or other adult," said lead author Dr. Sara VanBronkhorst. "Our study demonstrates that children who have at least one positive, committed adult-child relationship are less likely to experience depression, anxiety and perceived stress later in life."



This finding is crucial as it underlines the protective role these relationships play against long-term mental health issues.



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



The experts targeted a critical research gap by focusing on marginalized and minoritized youth, who often face multiple adversities. To better understand resilience factors, the team used data from the Boricua Youth Study, which tracked three generations of Puerto Rican families over 20 years.&nbsp;



The team looked at adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) at three points during childhood. These experiences include physical or emotional abuse; household violence; neglect; and caregiver mental illness, death, or incarceration.



The researchers measured seven sociocultural factors associated with resilience, which included social relationships (maternal warmth and friendships). They also measured the following mental health outcomes during young adulthood: generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, substance use disorder, and perceived stress.



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



The analysis revealed that positive social relationships, specifically non-peer relationships, were linked to lower instances of mental health issues in adulthood.&nbsp;



This finding is pivotal, suggesting that the presence of at least one positive adult-child relationship can significantly reduce the likelihood of these mental health issues later in life.



The study also uncovered some unexpected results regarding religion. Contrary to common belief, high levels of family devoutness were associated with increased perceived stress among young adults who had experienced high ACEs.&nbsp;



"With factors such as religiosity, the story may be more nuanced," said Dr. VanBronkhorst. "One explanation for this unexpected finding could be that religious families may experience higher levels of shame and guilt related to ACEs, such as parental substance use or incarceration."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-factors-nbsp">Resilience factors&nbsp;</h2>



Furthermore, the study authors noted that while certain resilience factors were associated with reduced stress and mental health disorders, none were linked to a decrease in substance use disorders. This observation highlights the complexity of mental health and the necessity for multifaceted approaches to prevention and intervention.



Dr. Duarte emphasized the need to expand our understanding of resilience, suggesting future studies should explore the impact of factors like financial resources, racism, and social equity.&nbsp;



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



Dr. VanBronkhorst, who also works as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, sees firsthand the challenges families face in forming these protective relationships.&nbsp;



"The parents I work with see their kids struggling, they want to form these positive relationships, but so much gets in the way," said Dr. VanBronkhorst.



"We should be helping them with parenting classes and family therapy; we can educate teachers and community members. But we should also be looking at larger, structural, interventions that could reduce the experiences of adversities and the causes of stress that interfere with adults forming bonds that can buffer children from stress."



"In this study we wanted to acknowledge that resilience cannot be reduced to individual attributes that one may be born with," added Dr. Duarte. "Resilience is a process. To engage in this process, children and caregivers need access to resources in their environment that foster strong, responsive relationships and meaningful experiences."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.4900" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Psychiatry</a>.



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Supportive adults help protect children from mental health issues 

A new study led by Dr. Cristiane Duarte of Columbia...

Air conditioning systems can significantly reduce the risk of harm from wildfire smoke, according to a new study led by the <a href="https://www.uts.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Technology Sydney</a> (UTS).&nbsp;



The researchers found that air conditioning units trap particles from wildfire smoke and reduce our exposure to potentially harmful elements like soluble mercury, sulfate, and nitrate. This revelation adds a new dimension to the understanding of air conditioning beyond its primary function of cooling spaces.



Wildfire smoke, as highlighted by the UTS study, is not just an environmental concern but a significant health hazard. It can exacerbate conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease, leading to increased hospitalizations and even fatalities.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-wildfires">Increasing wildfires</h2>



The study’s insights are particularly relevant in the wake of increasing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-of-2023-were-a-global-environmental-setback/">wildfires</a> globally, which have been a source of major air pollution.



“The wildfires that raged across Australia during the 2019–2020 ‘Black Summer’ produced an enormous amount of air pollution, with plumes of smoke traveling long distances and cloaking Sydney and surrounding areas,” said study lead author and PhD candidate Raissa Gill.



“We wanted to find out more about what was in the wildfire smoke we were breathing. By using commercial air conditioning filters, we were able to capture and analyze the chemical composition of particles that would otherwise have been inhaled."



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



The team used commercial air conditioning filters to collect and analyze the chemical composition of airborne particles during the wildfires. Filters from UTS Buildings 4 and 7 served as the primary source for sample collection.&nbsp;



The results showed that particulate matter concentrations were 2–3 times higher than normal, with spikes reaching 10.5 times the usual maximum. These levels exceeded national standards on 19% of the days across the four-month sampling period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-aerosols-nbsp">Wildfire aerosols&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Professor Martina Doblin noted significant differences in the physical and chemical properties of wildfire aerosols compared to typical urban aerosols.&nbsp;



“Wildfire aerosols contained much smaller, rounder particles than urban aerosols, making them more likely to be inhaled into our lungs and to transfer toxic elements into our blood stream,” said Professor Doblin. 



“These particles also contained more soluble forms of mercury, as well as higher concentrations of sulfate, nitrate and fluoride ions and metals including manganese, cobalt, and antimony. Mercury is quite toxic even in low concentrations and can cause neurological problems and lung damage.”



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



The study not only highlights the immediate risks posed by wildfire smoke but also emphasizes the long-term environmental and health impacts.&nbsp;



“While air quality in Sydney is usually good by world standards, recent evidence has clearly shown that the handful of days that we get every year with high pollution loads from wildfires and dust storms lead to significant disease and death in the community," said study co-author Professor Fraser Torpy. 



"Studies that build an understanding of these high pollution events are critical in helping us determine what is causing these health crises, and will lead towards a better understanding of how we can protect the vulnerable members of the community that suffer from them."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hvac-systems">HVAC systems</h2>



Interestingly, the researchers found that HVAC systems, though not specifically designed for wildfire smoke, played a significant role in reducing indoor exposure to toxic particles. This was evidenced by the lower concentrations of fine particulate matter indoors compared to outdoors during the Canberra wildfires in 2019-2020.&nbsp;



The study suggests that considering higher-rated HVAC filters during fire seasons, and their regular maintenance and replacement, could be vital in reducing exposure to toxic particles.



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



Despite these findings, Gill pointed out that many Australian homes and older buildings, which rely on natural ventilation or have inefficient HVAC systems, remain vulnerable to wildfire smoke.&nbsp;



“Australians face significant obstacles in achieving satisfactory air quality during major wildfire events. Many homes and older buildings rely on natural ventilation or have poor HVAC filtration efficiency and gaps that allow smoke to enter. These systems can also be costly and complicated to manage for effective protection during wildfires,” said Gill.



“Given that severe wildfires are projected to increase with climate change, the role of wildfire-ready infrastructure in maintaining public health, as well as the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is now more pressing than ever."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123306" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Pollution</a>.



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Air conditioning systems trap harmful particles from wildfire smoke 

Air conditioning systems can significantly reduce the risk of harm...

In a discovery that could redefine dietary interventions, experts at the <a href="https://monell.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monell Chemical Senses Center</a> have identified neural pathways specifically linked to cravings for fats and sugars. 



The study not only demystifies the internal mechanisms driving our appetite for unhealthy foods, but also raises important questions about how these cravings may hinder <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-diet-improves-heart-health-in-a-matter-of-weeks/">dieting</a> efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-brain-pathways-nbsp">Gut-brain pathways&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers have found distinct gut-brain pathways that are separately activated by fatty and sugary foods. When these pathways combine, they amplify our desire to eat, potentially leading to overconsumption.



Study lead author Dr. Guillaume de Lartigue described this as a "one-two punch" to the brain's reward system. 



"Food is nature's ultimate reinforcer," said Dr. de Lartigue. "But why fats and sugars are particularly appealing has been a puzzle. We've now identified nerve cells in the gut rather than taste cells in the mouth are a key driver. We found that distinct gut-brain pathways are recruited by fats and sugars, explaining why that donut can be so irresistible."&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vagus-nerve-system-nbsp">Vagus nerve system&nbsp;</h2>



The study highlights the role of the vagus nerve in transmitting nutritional information from the gut to the brain. This neural communication goes beyond the sensory experience of taste, originating instead in the gut, thereby affecting our eating behavior on a more primal level.



Using cutting-edge technology, the research team was able to directly manipulate neurons in the vagus nerve system of mice.&nbsp;



By stimulating these neurons with light, the experts observed a subsequent dopamine release in the brain's reward center. This approach allowed the team to isolate and identify the separate pathways for fat and sugar cravings.



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



"It's like a one-two punch to the brain's reward system," said Dr. de Lartigue. "Even if the total calories consumed in sugar and fats stays the same, combining fats and sugars leads to significantly more dopamine release and, ultimately, overeating in the mice."



This finding suggests that human brains may be naturally inclined to seek out foods high in both fats and sugars, making conscious efforts to resist these foods more difficult than previously understood.



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



The implications of this research extend far beyond academic interest, opening new avenues for anti-obesity strategies. By targeting and regulating these newly discovered gut-brain reward circuits, there is potential for creating more effective interventions to curb unhealthy eating habits.



"The communication between our gut and brain happens below the level of consciousness," said Dr. de Lartigue. "We may be craving these types of food without even realizing it."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-possibilities-nbsp">Exciting possibilities&nbsp;</h2>



The team predicts that this line of research offers hope for future development of anti-obesity treatments.&nbsp;



"Understanding the wiring diagram of our innate motivation to consume fats and sugars is the first step towards rewiring it," said Dr. de Lartigue. "This research unlocks exciting possibilities for personalized interventions that could help people make healthier choices, even when faced with tempting treats."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2023.12.014">Cell Metabolism</a>.&nbsp;



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Why do some foods seem irresistible? The answer is in your gut

In a discovery that could redefine dietary interventions, experts at...

A team of researchers from <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a> and various institutions in Western Australia have made intriguing discoveries in two newly identified species of the Urodacus genus of burrowing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indiana-jones-was-right-small-scorpions-are-more-deadly/">scorpions</a>. These findings include a uniquely shaped tail tip and distinctive reproductive anatomy.



“By also looking at their internal genitalia, rather than only the external morphology, we discovered what we initially thought was one strange species – quite distinctive from other known Urodacus species – was actually two new unusual species,” said lead author Bruno Buzatto, an evolutionary biologist at Flinders University.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-notable-features">Notable features</h2>



The two new species, Urodacus uncinus and Urodacus lunatus, exhibit notable differences in their tails. “One novel feature of these two new species... is that the males have noticeable enlargement in their sting or telson where the venom glands are located,” Buzatto explained.&nbsp;



“[Moreover,] the tip of their ‘tails’ features a swollen vesicle and an aculeus that is more strongly curved than other known species of Urodacus.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urodacus-scorpions">Urodacus scorpions</h2>



This research adds to the existing knowledge of the 21 known Urodacus scorpions, with an estimation that over 100 more species could still be discovered. U. uncinus derives its name from the hooked shape of its sting, and U. lunatus is named after a moon-shaped structure in its hemispermatophore.



“It’s important to study and understand the biodiversity of these burrowing scorpions and list species of conservation significance because a lot haven’t been discovered or properly described yet,” Buzzato said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hemispermatophore-morphology">Hemispermatophore morphology</h2>



“What we did discover is that these two species are quite distinctive in their hemispermatophores, which are structures that occupy the full length of their abdomen and fuse together to produce the spermatophore,” said senior author Erich Volschenk, highlighting the lack of comprehensive knowledge about these species' behavior, ecology, and physiology.



“This is the first time in Urodacus research that we have used hemispermatophore morphology to diagnose two different species, however, we can still only speculate about how these structures work during mating. After mating, the male scorpions will regrow hemispermatophores and can mate again within two weeks.”&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-threats-nbsp">Potential threats&nbsp;</h2>



The study identified threats from the pet trade and mining industry to burrowing scorpions, which are adapted to arid ecosystems. 



For instance, three of the known Urodacus species are currently featured in the top ten most popular invertebrate species in online pet trade, an aspect calling for more research on the impact of such activities on biodiversity and biosecurity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-specific-habitat-nbsp">Specific habitat&nbsp;</h2>



Finally, Buzatto discusses the specific habitat of these new species: “So far, we only know these two new species have a narrow range in the Pilbara, restricted to creeks and drainage lines.”&nbsp;



Dr. Volschenk added that while some Urodacus species can live up to 20 years in the wild, in captivity, their lifespan is much shorter, while their venom is less harmful to humans than that of other Australian scorpions.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ZO23018" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Journal of Zoology</a>.



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Two new species of burrowing scorpions discovered

A team of researchers from Flinders University and various institutions...

Recent research has unveiled surprising details about the Megalodon, a colossal shark species that became extinct approximately 3.6 million years ago. Contrary to earlier beliefs, this study reveals that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megalodon-was-a-truly-vicious-killer-but-not-a-cold-blooded-one/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a> was much thinner than previously thought. 



This new understanding significantly alters our perception of Megalodon behavior, its role in ancient ocean ecosystems, and the factors contributing to its extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-megalodon-in-popular-culture">Megalodon in popular culture</h2>



In popular culture, notably in sci-fi films like “The Meg” (2018) and “Meg 2: The Trench” (2023), the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megalodon-shark-was-a-very-slow-swimmer-with-an-enormous-appetite/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a> is often depicted as a gargantuan and bulky creature. 



Previous scientific studies, largely based on its teeth and vertebrae fossils, supported this portrayal, estimating the shark's length to range from 50 feet to a staggering 65 feet. 



However, this new study challenges these assumptions and reshapes our understanding of this ancient predator.



“Our team reexamined the fossil record, and discovered the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megalodon-devoured-huge-prey-up-to-eight-meters-long/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a> was more slender and possibly even longer than we thought. Therefore, a better model might be the modern mako shark,” said <a href="https://www.ucr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCR</a> biologist and paper first author <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Megalodon-shark_tooth_Douglas-Long_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phillip Sternes</a>.



“It still would have been a formidable predator at the top of the ancient marine food chain, but it would have behaved differently based on this new understanding of its body.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-thinner-megalodon-surmised">A thinner Megalodon surmised</h2>



This revelation suggests that while still a formidable apex predator, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-white-sharks-may-have-sped-up-megalodon-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a>'s hunting and feeding behavior might have been different than previously imagined.



The research involved an international team of 26 scientists, co-led by Sternes and Kenshu Shimada, a paleobiology professor at <a href="https://www.depaul.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DePaul University</a>. 



The team's 'eureka moment' occurred when they noticed discrepancies in the estimated body lengths for the same <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-white-sharks-may-have-sped-up-megalodon-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a> specimen. This inconsistency prompted a deeper investigation.



“We measured the whole vertebral skeleton of a living great white shark with a CT scanner and compared that to the previous reconstruction of the Megalodon vertebral column,” Sternes elaborated. 



The findings indicated that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megalodons-appearance-still-remains-a-mystery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a> was not just a larger version of the modern great white shark.



This revised understanding of the Megalodon's body type has far-reaching implications. 



“The remarkably simple evidence that O. megalodon had a more slender body than the great white shark was hidden in plain sight,” said Kenshu Shimada, a co-leader and the senior author of the new study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-and-ecological-implications">Evolutionary and ecological implications</h2>



This stunning discovery alters our view of not only the giant shark itself, but also its impact on the evolution and ecology of marine ecosystems that have shaped today's oceans. 



A thinner, more <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Megalodon-shark_body-form_graphic_credit-Depaul-University_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elongated Megalodon body</a> suggests a longer digestive canal, implying enhanced nutrient absorption and potentially less frequent feeding needs.



Sternes added, “With increased ability to digest its food, it could have gone for longer without needing to hunt. This means less predation pressure on other marine creatures.” 



This insight offers a new perspective on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-caused-a-giant-megalodon-tooth-to-split/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a>'s ecological role and its interactions with other marine life.



While some scientists believe a natural decrease in prey led to the Megalodon's extinction, Sternes proposes a different theory, influenced by the new understanding of its shape. 



“I believe there were a combination of factors that led to the extinction, but one of them may have been the emergence of the great white shark, which was possibly more agile, making it an even better predator than the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megalodons-grew-larger-in-cold-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a>,” he suggested. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle-and-extinction-of-a-thinner-megalodon">Lifestyle and extinction of a thinner Megalodon</h2>



This competitive dynamic might have been a significant factor in the decline and ultimate extinction of a thinner <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megalodons-feasted-on-sperm-whales-enormous-noses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a>.



The international team of researchers from countries including the U.S., UK, Austria, France, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and Australia agree that this new understanding of the Megalodon necessitates a reevaluation of ancient marine life. 



“Now that we know it was a thinner shark, we need to reinvestigate its lifestyle, how it really lived, and what caused it to die,” Sternes concluded. 



“Despite the major scientific advancement in our new study, the fact that we still don’t know exactly how O. megalodon looked keeps our imagination going,” Shimada said. 



“The continued mystery like this makes paleontology, the study of prehistoric life, a fascinating and exciting scientific field.”



In summary, this study challenges existing beliefs about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-megatooth-sharks-were-apex-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megalodon</a> sharks and proves the need for more research in the future. 



Concurrently, Shimada and Sternes' new research offers exciting opportunities to unravel the mysteries of ancient marine life and its enduring influence on our oceans.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://palaeo-electronica.org/content/2024/5079-megalodon-body-form" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palaeontologia Electronica</a>.



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Megalodon sharks were much thinner than previously believed

Recent research has unveiled surprising details about the Megalodon, a...

Sunset,In,The,Sonoran,Desert,Near,Phoenix,,Arizona

Contrary to the long-held Clausius-Clapeyron relationship, which suggests that a warmer atmosphere should contain more water vapor, a new study finds that atmospheric moisture has not increased as expected, particularly over dry and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deserts-as-carbon-sinks-study-reveals-potential-for-greening-arid-regions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">semi-arid regions</a>.



This revelation raises new questions about the future of these regions in the face of climate change.



Recent research spearheaded by the U.S. National Science Foundation's National Center for Atmospheric Research (<a href="https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/national-center-atmospheric-research-ncar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF NCAR</a>) has revealed a puzzling anomaly in our understanding of climate science. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-regions-are-getting-dryer-instead-of-wetter">Dry regions are getting dryer instead of wetter</h2>



The study's results are alarming, as they suggest that dry and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-is-frozen-ground-responding-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">semi-arid regions</a> could be more vulnerable to wildfires and extreme heat than previously projected.



“The impacts could be potentially severe,” said NSF NCAR scientist Isla Simpson, lead author of the study. “This is a global problem, and it’s something that is completely unexpected given our climate model results.”



The study, a collaborative effort involving scientists from various esteemed institutions, including <a href="https://www.ucla.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a>, <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSB</a>, <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>, <a href="https://polarbearsinternational.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polar Bears International</a>, and <a href="https://www.columbia.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a>, delved into decades of atmospheric data. 



From 1980 to 2020, the team analyzed data from weather stations, weather balloons, and satellites, expecting to find an increase in atmospheric water vapor in line with climate models. However, the results were contrary to expectations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clausius-clapeyron-relationship-challenged">Clausius-Clapeyron relationship challenged</h2>



The Clausius-Clapeyron relationship has been a fundamental principle in climate science, suggesting that with every 1°C rise in temperature, atmospheric moisture should increase by about 7%. 



Surprisingly, the research found that over dry and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoration-of-drylands-essential-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">semi-arid regions</a>, moisture levels have remained constant or even declined, as observed in the Southwestern United States.



“This is contrary to all climate model simulations in which it rises at a rate close to theoretical expectations, even over dry regions,” the authors wrote in the new paper. 



“Given close links between water vapor and wildfire, ecosystem functioning, and temperature extremes, this issue must be resolved in order to provide credible climate projections for dry and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drier-savannas-store-more-soil-carbon-than-previously-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">semi-arid regions</a> of the world.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-regions-will-face-greater-challenges">Dry regions will face greater challenges</h2>



This discrepancy poses a significant challenge to climate models, which have consistently projected rising atmospheric moisture even over dry regions. 



Simpson, who first noticed this trend while working on a <a href="https://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a> report about climate change in the southwestern U.S., emphasizes the urgency of resolving this issue to provide credible climate projections.



“We could be facing even higher risks than what’s been projected for dry and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-driving-forces-behind-greening-in-the-sahara-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">semi-arid regions</a> like the Southwest, which has already been affected by unprecedented water shortages and extreme wildfire seasons,” Simpson said.



Interestingly, the study found that humid regions exhibit a different pattern. Here, water vapor increased during wetter months as expected, but the increase was not as pronounced during the driest months. 



This pattern contrasts sharply with the arid and semi-arid regions, further complicating the overall understanding of atmospheric moisture dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-possible-explanations">Exploring possible explanations</h2>



The researchers propose several theories to explain these unexpected findings. One possibility is that the transfer of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-is-the-main-source-of-rain-in-the-atacama-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moisture</a> from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere is not occurring as the models suggest. 



Another theory is that atmospheric circulation patterns may be moving moisture in unexpected ways. Additionally, the land surface itself might be retaining more moisture than anticipated, affecting its availability to the atmosphere.



Despite considering errors in observational data, the team found the discrepancy too consistent across different regions and time frames to be attributed to measurement errors.



Simpson emphasized the urgent need for more research to determine the cause.



“It is a really tricky problem to solve, because we don't have global observations of all the processes that matter to tell us about how water is being transferred from the land surface to the atmosphere," she said.&nbsp; 



"But we absolutely need to figure out what's going wrong because the situation is not what we expected and could have very serious implications for the future.”



In summary, this study opens a new chapter in climate science, challenging existing models and highlighting the complexity of Earth's climate system.



As the researchers continue to explore this surprising anomaly, their work reminds us of the ever-evolving nature of scientific understanding and the critical need for continuous observation and analysis in the face of global climate change.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2302480120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Weather in dry regions isn’t behaving as climate models predict

Contrary to the long-held Clausius-Clapeyron relationship, which suggests that a...

Researchers at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a> have identified new strains of bacterial pathogens in Pennsylvania that threaten the state's potato <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-malnutrition-new-satellite-can-monitor-nutrients-in-crops-from-space/">crops</a>, which are crucial to its snack industry. 



These pathogens are capable of causing devastating diseases like blackleg and soft rot, leading to potential crop losses.



Pennsylvania is known for its leading snack companies like Martin's Potato Chips, Utz, and Snyder's of Hanover. The state highly values its potato production.&nbsp;



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



The researchers embarked on a study after observing symptoms of blackleg and soft rot in potato fields across Pennsylvania. These symptoms include wilting, stunting, black lesions, and rotting tubers.&nbsp;



In their investigation, the team collected samples from 26 potato fields showing these distressing signs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-startling-results-nbsp">Startling results&nbsp;</h2>



The team isolated, cultured, and identified 456 samples of bacteria. This included six species of Pectobacterium and one strain of Dickeya, which were previously unreported in Pennsylvania.&nbsp;



Alarmingly, one of the Pectobacterium species had never been seen in the United States before.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Professor Carolee Bull said the findings could inform methods for detecting and quantifying the potato pathogens causing blackleg and soft rot in Pennsylvania and beyond.



"In addition to surveillance, these insights could also help us better understand disease epidemiology," said Professor Bull. "For example, the pathogens may have different optimum temperatures for growing or for producing these symptoms in the potatoes. So, the severity of the disease may change depending on different climate conditions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recent-crop-losses">Recent crop losses</h2>



The research comes in the wake of significant crop losses in other northeastern states like Maine and New York, attributed to similar pathogens.&nbsp;



These losses have reignited interest in monitoring not only known pathogens but also those not yet reported in the U.S. such as Dickeya solani. This particular pathogen is known for causing severe disease outbreaks in Europe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-the-pathogens-nbsp">Identifying the pathogens&nbsp;</h2>



"The losses in the Maine potato industry, as well as the importance of the potato industry here in Pennsylvania and to the potato chip industry, necessitated that we determine what pathogens may be causing these outbreaks," said Professor Bull.



"We were worried that new pathogens had entered the U.S., including the very devastating Dickeya solani."



Professor Bull noted that growers will benefit from the analysis by knowing which organisms were found on which potato varieties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-nbsp">Broader implications&nbsp;</h2>



The study's findings are crucial for Pennsylvania's potato industry and the broader U.S. agricultural sector. 



The detection of pathogens like P. actinidiae, P. polonicum, P. polaris, P. punjabense, P. parmentieri, and P. versatile, and particularly the first-time reporting of P. actinidiae in the U.S., marks a significant milestone in plant pathology. 



The identification of these bacteria is a vital step in developing effective management and control strategies, which are essential for protecting potato crop yields.



The researchers said they will continue their work by testing the effects of these pathogens on potatoes, developing surveillance tools for each of the pathogens, and evaluating the need for new management practices.



The research was supported by the United States Department of Agriculture and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.syapm.2023.126476" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Systematic and Applied Microbiology</a>.



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Potato-threatening pathogens discovered that could harm potato chip production

Researchers at Penn State have identified new strains of bacterial...

Women who eat more plant-based protein develop fewer chronic diseases and are generally healthier later in life, according to a study from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at <a href="https://www.tufts.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tufts University</a>.



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



The research was focused on data from over 48,000 women. The data was obtained from the Harvard-based Nurses' Health Study, which tracked female healthcare professionals from 1984 to 2016. At the study's onset, the women were between the ages of 38 and 59 and were in good physical and mental health.



The researchers examined dietary surveys collected every four years. They analyzed the frequency of consumption of various foods to assess the impact of dietary protein on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-and-feeding-cycle-is-crucial-for-healthy-aging/">healthy aging</a>. The Harvard University Food Composition Database was used to calculate total protein intake from all food items.



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



The experts found a striking correlation between higher plant-based protein intake and reduced incidence of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, as well as cognitive and mental health decline.&nbsp;



Women who consumed more plant protein were 46% more likely to maintain good health into their later years.



On the other hand, higher consumption of animal protein was associated with a 6% decrease in the likelihood of healthy aging.&nbsp;



While animal protein was modestly linked to fewer physical limitations in older age, plant protein showed a stronger and more consistent correlation across all models, especially with mental health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-source-of-the-protein-matters">The source of the protein matters</h2>



“Consuming protein in midlife was linked to promoting good health in older adulthood,” said study lead author Andres Ardisson Korat.&nbsp;



“We also found that the source of protein matters. Getting the majority of your protein from plant sources at midlife, plus a small amount of animal protein seems to be conducive to good health and good survival to older ages.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chronic-disease-nbsp">Chronic disease&nbsp;</h2>



For heart disease, in particular, higher plant protein consumption was associated with lower levels of LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and insulin sensitivity.&nbsp;



By contrast, increased animal protein intake was associated with higher levels of these markers and increased insulin-like growth factor, which is linked to various cancers.



“Those who consumed greater amounts of animal protein tended to have more chronic disease and didn’t manage to obtain the improved physical function that we normally associate with eating protein,” said Ardisson Korat.



Interestingly, dairy protein (from sources like milk, cheese, pizza, yogurt, and ice cream) showed no significant correlation with better health status in older adulthood.



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



The study suggests that the benefits of plant protein might extend beyond the protein itself. Plant-based foods typically have higher proportions of dietary fiber, micronutrients, and polyphenols, beneficial compounds not found in animal foods.



However, Ardisson Korat also emphasized the need for further research, particularly in more diverse groups. The Nurses' Health Study primarily surveyed white females in the healthcare sector.



“The data from the study tended to be very homogeneous in terms of demographic and socioeconomic composition, so it will be valuable to follow up with a study in cohorts that are more diverse. It’s a field that is still evolving,” said Ardisson Korat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recommendations">Recommendations</h2>



The findings support the recommendation for women to consume most of their protein from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. However, the inclusion of some fish and animal protein is advised for iron and vitamin B12 content.



“Dietary protein intake, especially plant protein, in midlife plays an important role in the promotion of healthy aging and in maintaining positive health status at older ages,” concluded Ardisson Korat.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.11.010" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</a>.&nbsp;



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Plant protein linked to healthier aging and lower risk of disease

Women who eat more plant-based protein develop fewer chronic diseases...

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

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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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