The moon has two strikingly different sides. The side facing Earth is mostly smooth, with dark, flat plains formed by ancient lava flows. In contrast, the far side is rugged and filled with craters. 



But why do they look so different? What could have caused such a stark contrast between the two halves? Scientists have been searching for answers, and recent findings suggest that the key may lie deep within the moon’s interior.



NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/grail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GRAIL mission</a> has provided new insights. Two spacecraft, Ebb and Flow, orbited the moon to measure its gravity. They discovered a temperature difference deep inside the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/march-2025-stargazing-a-red-moon-and-a-vanishing-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a>. This could explain why one side looks smooth and the other rough.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-differences-inside-the-moon">Hidden differences inside the moon</h2>



Ryan Park and his team used GRAIL data to peer beneath the surface. They weren’t looking at rocks or craters. They were looking at gravity. The moon’s gravitational field fluctuates slightly as it moves, and Park’s team measured those tiny shifts.



The research was focused on a parameter called the gravitational tidal Love number, k3. It’s a number that reveals how the lunar mantle deforms under gravitational forces - and it revealed something very surprising.



“We report our estimated value of k3 = 0.0163 ± 0.0007, which is about 72% higher than that expected for a spherically symmetric moon,” noted the researchers.



The discovery is significant. It shows that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-ridges-on-moons-surface-suggest-that-it-is-still-active/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon’s</a> mantle isn’t the same throughout. One side - the nearside - is warmer, softer, and more flexible. 



Meanwhile, the farside is cooler, stiffer, and less likely to deform. This difference could explain why the two sides of moon look so different.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-one-side-of-the-moon-is-hotter">Why one side of the moon is hotter</h2>



Why is the nearside hotter? Park’s team points to radioactive elements - thorium and titanium - locked in ancient lava flows. 



Billions of years ago, volcanic eruptions spread molten rock across the nearside. As the lava cooled, it trapped these heat-producing elements. They are still there, and they are still releasing heat.



Park and his colleagues estimate that the nearside mantle is up to 170°C (338°F) hotter than the farside. That heat keeps the rock softer and more flexible, allowing it to deform more easily under gravitational stress. And that’s why the k3 value is so high.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forces-stretch-the-moon-s-interior">Forces stretch the moon's interior</h2>



Tidal forces don’t just move Earth’s oceans. They also affect the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dry-side-of-the-moon-reveals-new-details-about-its-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a>. As the moon orbits Earth, gravitational forces stretch and squeeze its interior on both sides. 



GRAIL’s measurements showed that the moon’s mantle doesn’t react the same way on each side.



The warmer, softer nearside stretches and bends more under these forces. Meanwhile, the cooler, stiffer farside resists deformation, staying more rigid. This uneven response reveals differences in the moon’s internal structure.



This discrepancy creates gravitational anomalies. And it could also explain why deep moonquakes cluster in certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/total-lunar-eclipse-will-paint-the-moon-blood-red-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melting-rock-and-moonquakes">Melting rock and moonquakes</h2>



When rock gets extremely hot, it begins to melt. Park’s team believes that there are areas deep within the moon’s mantle where rock has partially melted, particularly under the nearside. These pockets of molten rock could act like stress points.



As the moon orbits Earth, tidal forces stretch and compress its interior. The molten zones might respond more intensely to this pressure, causing moonquakes.



These melt zones aren’t just anywhere - they are located at depths ranging from 800 to 1,250 km (497 to 777 miles). That’s the same depth where many deep moonquakes occur. 



This overlap suggests a connection between these molten areas and the origins of moonquakes, pointing to a possible link between the moon’s internal heat and its seismic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-new-lunar-fss-mission-will-explore-moon-far-side-moonquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-volcanic-past-and-a-chilled-future">A volcanic past and a chilled future</h2>



The moon wasn’t always so divided. Billions of years ago, lava gushed across the surface, burying craters and creating vast plains. Today, those plains are the dark spots we see on the nearside - the mare regions.



Park’s team thinks that as the lava cooled, it trapped radioactive elements, creating a thermal imbalance that persists today. 



The farside, lacking such lava flows, cooled more quickly. And that’s why it’s more rugged, cratered, and colder.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-the-moon-s-interior">Mapping the moon's interior</h2>



Park’s approach didn’t involve digging into the moon or landing any probes. Instead, he and his team focused on measuring the moon’s gravity. 



As the moon moves around Earth, gravitational forces pull and squeeze its interior. By tracking these subtle changes in gravity, Park’s team effectively created a detailed map of the moon’s internal structure - like taking an “X-ray” of its insides.



This technique, called tidal tomography, uses gravitational data to study what’s hidden deep within. And it isn’t just for the moon. 



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



The moon is not the only celestial body with two distinct sides. Mars has flat, smooth plains in the north and rough, elevated highlands in the south. 



Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons, shoots icy plumes into space, hinting at internal activity. Ganymede, Jupiter’s largest moon, has a strong magnetic field, suggesting complex processes beneath its surface.



If tidal tomography can reveal hidden structures inside the moon, it could do the same for these worlds. 



By analyzing gravitational changes, scientists could uncover what’s happening deep within these distant bodies - all without landing a single probe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-activity-beneath-the-surface">Hidden activity beneath the surface</h2>



NASA’s upcoming lunar missions include the Farside Seismic Suite and the Lunar Geophysical Network. These missions will monitor moonquakes and map the lunar mantle in even greater detail. 



The missions could confirm the existence of melt zones, pinpoint their depths, and maybe even detect ongoing volcanic activity.



Meanwhile, the GRAIL findings raise new questions. How much heat still lingers in the nearside mantle? Could residual magma still be flowing beneath the surface? And what does that mean for future moonquakes?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-moon-s-geological-story">The moon's geological story</h2>



NASA’s GRAIL mission did more than just measure gravity - it uncovered pieces of the moon’s history. 



The thermal differences between the two sides suggest that ancient volcanic eruptions and radioactive decay left the nearside warmer and more flexible than the farside.



The nearside’s lingering warmth and softer mantle indicate that the moon’s interior hasn’t fully cooled. This ongoing heat suggests that the moon’s geological story isn’t over - there might still be activity beneath its surface.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08949-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Why one side of the moon still glows from within

The moon has two strikingly different sides. The side facing Earth is mostly smooth, with dark, flat plains formed by ancient lava flows. In contrast, the far side is rugged and filled with craters. But why do they look so different? What could have caused such a stark contrast between the two halves? Scientists have been searching for answers, and recent findings suggest that the key may lie deep within the moon’s interior. NASA’s GRAIL mission has provided new insights. Two spacecraft, Ebb and Flow, orbited the...

NASA is set to embark on its first expedition to explore a metal-rich asteroid through the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/psyche/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psyche Mission</a>, with a launch readiness date confirmed for Thursday, October 12. The asteroid, named 16 Psyche, is estimated to be laden with precious metals valued at an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psyche-asteroid-is-worth-10000-quadrillion-and-nasa-is-sending-a-space-probe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">astounding $10,000-quadrillion</a>.



The spacecraft will traverse a remarkable distance of 2.2 billion miles from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to study one of the most intriguing objects in the main asteroid belt, Psyche.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metallic-asteroid">Metallic asteroid</h2>



The Psyche asteroid is a giant metallic asteroid situated between Mars and Jupiter. Named after the Greek goddess of the soul, Psyche was discovered by Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis on March 17, 1852.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-16-psyche-nbsp">16 Psyche&nbsp;</h2>



The object is officially designated as 16 Psyche because it was the 16th asteroid discovered. It's composed primarily of metallic iron and nickel, similar to Earth’s core, which makes it a subject of scientific interest.



Psyche is one of the largest asteroids in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/measurements-water-asteroid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid belt</a>, with an estimated diameter of about 226 kilometers (140 miles). 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-origins-nbsp">Possible origins&nbsp;</h3>



Scientists believe that it might be the remnant core of a protoplanet that experienced large-scale melting and had its outer layer stripped away through a series of violent collisions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-value">Economic value</h3>



In addition to its scientific importance, the asteroid has garnered attention for its potential economic value.&nbsp;



The metals contained within Psyche are estimated to be worth around $10,000 quadrillion, a sum so large it's difficult to fathom.



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



The Psyche mission aims to shed light on the formation of rocky bodies within our solar system. There are several key aspects of this exploration that are noteworthy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-system-origins">Solar system origins</h2>



Psyche offers a unique opportunity to learn about the early days of our solar system. Scientists believe that the asteroid might be a fragment of a planetesimal's metal-rich interior.&nbsp;



Through its investigation, Psyche might reveal how violent collisions and accumulation of matter led to the formation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-like-planets-may-be-more-common-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rocky planets</a>, providing invaluable insights impossible to obtain from Earth’s inaccessible metal core.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-theories">Formation theories</h2>



The asteroid’s surface noticeably lacks iron oxides found on rocky planets like Mars, Venus, and Earth. This discrepancy hints at a different formation story, potentially making Psyche a new type of primordial object never observed before.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-scientific-tools">Advanced scientific tools</h2>



Psyche is equipped with three science instruments and a gravity science investigation apparatus. These tools, including a magnetometer, gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer, and multispectral imager, will work in tandem to analyze the asteroid’s magnetic field, chemical composition, topography, rotation, mass, and gravity field.&nbsp;



Such comprehensive data will offer deeper insights into the asteroid’s structure and history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-propulsion">Innovative propulsion</h2>



For the first time beyond the Moon, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> is employing a highly efficient propulsion system. 



This system converts energy from solar arrays to generate electric and magnetic fields, which then ionize and expel xenon atoms to produce thrust, all while emitting a striking blue glow in space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-endeavor">Collaborative endeavor</h2>



The mission is a collective effort involving NASA, multiple universities, and industry partners. With participants like Arizona State University, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Maxar Technologies, and over a dozen other institutions, Psyche embodies a synergistic approach to space exploration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-participation">Public participation</h2>



NASA encourages public engagement in the Psyche mission through various activities and opportunities highlighted on their “<a href="https://psyche.asu.edu/get-involved/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">get involved</a>” webpage.&nbsp;



From annual internships and classroom projects to virtual launch experiences, there are many ways to participate and stay updated on the mission's progress.



Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU



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Psyche: The $10,000-quadrillion asteroid will soon reveal the secrets of our solar system

NASA is set to embark on its first expedition to...

There are groups of large satellites orbiting the Earth that can negatively impact <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-visibility-is-deteriorating-due-to-light-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">night sky observations</a> and radio astronomy. These satellite "constellations" are upsetting skywatchers around the world.&nbsp;An international team of concerned scientists recently published a new research paper addressing this issue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-introducing-the-bluewalker-3-nbsp">Introducing the BlueWalker 3&nbsp;</h2>



As a prototype satellite, the <a href="https://ast-science.com/spacemobile-network/bluewalker-3/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BlueWalker3</a> is designed to be a part of the AST SpaceMobile planned satellite constellation. The goal of the satellite is to provide broadband or mobile services across the planet. However, it may have other unintended effects on astronomy.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The full research paper, published in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06672-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Journal</a>, noted that the data obtained from the initial observation of the BlueWalker 3 after its launch confirms it to be one of the brightest objects in the sky.&nbsp;&nbsp;



These observations are consistent with the findings of other astronomers worldwide, including New Zealand, Mexico, the United States, and Chile.&nbsp;



Using the same data, experts estimated the satellite’s trajectory over time, hoping that the information could help locate and avoid them during orbiting. However, results suggest that it will take more than positional masking to decisively deal with the BlueWalker’s outstanding brightness.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-constellations-and-radio-astronomy-nbsp-nbsp">Satellite constellations and radio astronomy&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



According to Mike Peel, co-lead of <a href="https://cps.iau.org/sathub/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CPS's Sathub</a>, the proposed 'new comprehensive, worldwide, coordinated, and public observing initiative,' may render the present protection from radio interference inadequate. This is due to the closeness between the BlueWalker 3 transmission wavelength bands and the radio astronomy bands.



“Further research is therefore required to develop strategies for protecting existing and upcoming telescopes from the numerous satellites planned for launch over the next decade, " said Mike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-night-sky-remains-crucial">The night sky remains crucial</h2>



On the importance of the night sky, Dave Clements, a scientist at the Imperial College London <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Physics</a>, explained that the night sky provides an enabling environment for experiments that cannot be performed in regular terrestrial laboratories. We must protect our night skies for this and many other reasons.



"The pristine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/skyglow-wildlife-areas-light-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">night sky</a> is also an important part of humanity's shared cultural heritage and should be protected for society at large and for future generations," Dave added.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Various companies worldwide have proposed similar satellite constellations. However, due to their proximity to Earth and considerable size, concerns are rising about their impact on astronomers' ability to study celestial bodies.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coexisting-with-satellite-constellations">Coexisting with satellite constellations</h2>



Satellite constellations are crucial to global communications. However, scientists have maintained that they can potentially interfere with astronomical studies, thus preventing a proper understanding of the cosmos.&nbsp;



As recommended by the researchers in their paper, there is a way out. They suggest deploying these satellite constellations while ensuring minimal interference with astronomical observations. This approach would allow humanity continued progress in the never-ending quest to understanding the cosmos.



Click here to see video of a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytUygPqjXEc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SpaceX satellite constellation train</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-satellite-constellations">More about satellite constellations</h2>



As we learned above, satellite constellations refer to groups of satellites working together in a coordinated manner. Unlike solitary satellites, these constellations function in harmony to provide widespread coverage and continuous service.



Companies like SpaceX, with its <a href="https://youtu.be/RFExWW01LXo?si=KAzSQYH0vL86EQ92" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starlink project</a>, and OneWeb aim to deploy large numbers of satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). Their goal? To provide high-speed internet access across the globe, especially in areas where traditional internet remains inaccessible.



However, while these satellite constellations promise groundbreaking advancements in global communication, they also pose challenges. Skywatchers and astronomers express concerns over the potential for these satellites to interfere with stargazing and astronomical research. 



The bright reflections from these satellites can obstruct the view of distant stars and galaxies, making the night sky a little less pristine for observers on Earth.



In response to these concerns, companies are actively seeking solutions. SpaceX, for example, is experimenting with satellite coatings that reduce reflectivity. Meanwhile, international space agencies and organizations are discussing potential guidelines and regulations to balance technological advancement with the preservation of our night skies.



In summary, as satellite constellations expand our communication capabilities, they also highlight the need for thoughtful integration of new technology into the shared space above us. Ensuring a harmonious coexistence between these modern marvels and the natural wonders of our universe remains a priority for both tech innovators and the global community.



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See the satellite constellations posing risks to night sky observations

There are groups of large satellites orbiting the Earth that...

According to Booking.com’s <a href="https://globalnews.booking.com/cost-vs-conscience-bookingcom-delves-into-the-dilemma-dividing-sustainable-travel-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sustainable Travel Report 2023</a>, 76% of travelers reportedly aspire to incorporate sustainability into their plans over the coming year. 



This figure represents a notable increase of 16% from the 2021 data and 5% from 2022 data.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prominent-dilemma-nbsp">Prominent dilemma&nbsp;</h2>



The report, which compiled responses from over 33,000 travelers across 35 countries, highlights a prominent dilemma faced by many: the conflict between cost-saving and making eco-conscious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-travel-takes-a-greater-toll-on-astronauts-brains-than-previously-thought/">travel</a> choices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eco-conscious-habits">Eco-conscious habits</h2>



The push toward sustainable travel options reflects a broader trend, with environmentally-conscious habits gaining traction among travelers.&nbsp;



For instance, a significant 67% of respondents now consciously turn off air conditioning in their accommodations when not present - a leap of 29% from last year’s figures.&nbsp;



In addition, there is a 25% increase in travelers reusing towels multiple times, with 60% of participants reporting this practice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-constraints-nbsp">Economic constraints&nbsp;</h2>



However, economic constraints pose a significant barrier to the adoption of sustainable travel options.&nbsp;



The report highlights that nearly half (49%) of travelers perceive eco-friendly options as prohibitively expensive - an 11% increase from 2022 data.&nbsp;



These individuals often find themselves at a crossroads, having to choose between managing their expenses and opting for sustainable travel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-travel-options-nbsp">Sustainable travel options&nbsp;</h2>



Despite economic hurdles, there's a segment of travelers, constituting 43%, who express a willingness to pay a premium for certified sustainable travel alternatives.&nbsp;



This group is actively seeking to make an impact through their travel choices, even if it necessitates higher expenditure.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discounts-and-incentives">Discounts and incentives</h2>



The data reveals a demand for initiatives that marry financial and environmental considerations, with 49% of respondents expressing interest in economic incentives or discounts for eco-friendly options (up 12% from 2022).&nbsp;



Additionally, 42% would be encouraged to choose sustainable travel if rewarded with points redeemable for perks and discounts.



Travelers are contending with major concerns, notably the escalating cost of living and the ongoing climate crisis, which significantly influence their travel and spending plans.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adopting-more-sustainable-practices-nbsp">Adopting more sustainable practices&nbsp;</h2>



As a result, there's an apparent urgency and commitment among travelers to act promptly in adopting more sustainable practices to preserve the planet for future generations, as voiced by 74% of participants in the study.



This sentiment is further echoed by 53% of respondents who acknowledge that recent developments and news on climate change have galvanized them to adopt more sustainable travel practices.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-dilemma">Growing dilemma</h2>



Nevertheless, there is looming apprehension about the deteriorating environmental conditions, which are expected by 49% to worsen in the next six months.&nbsp;



In addition, 64% of travelers anticipate a worsening cost of living crisis, leaving them with a dilemma over their priorities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-travel-sustainable-badge">Travel Sustainable badge</h2>



In response to these findings, Booking.com continues to take strides in promoting sustainable travel. The company's Travel Sustainable badge, launched in 2021, facilitates easier identification of sustainable accommodations for travelers.&nbsp;



This badge is awarded to various types of properties, including apartments, hotels, and even treehouses, that have successfully implemented a blend of sustainable practices meeting the requisite impact threshold for their specific destinations.



Booking.com has notably expanded its range of recognized third-party certifications and labels, allowing more properties to qualify for the Travel Sustainable badge.&nbsp;



Currently, over 500,000 properties worldwide are spotlighted for their sustainability efforts on Booking.com, bearing the Travel Sustainable badge.&nbsp;



The badge is not only indicative of Booking.com’s commitment to fostering sustainable travel but also serves as a crucial tool for travelers navigating the economic and environmental challenges outlined in the report.



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Travelers are ready for more affordable eco-friendly options

According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2023, 76% of travelers...

In another display of national scientific and technological prowess, China is set to launch a super space telescope.&nbsp;The Xuntian (meaning “survey to heavens” in English) will be China’s first large space telescope ever and is expected to start scientific operations in 2024.&nbsp;



As highlighted by Xu Shuyan, the chief designer of the Xuntian Optical Facility and Researcher from the National Astronomical Observatories of the <a href="https://english.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a>, the spacecraft is still in the prototype stage, but all subsystems, units, and components are ready for assembly after which proper testing will follow.&nbsp;



"After this (testing), we will start the development of the telescope sample and start the research of the flying parts. Then we will conduct the joint test with the Xuntian platform and the test at the launch base before it is launched," Xu added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-xuntian-space-telescope-technology">Xuntian Space Telescope technology</h2>



Also called the Chinese Space Station Telescope or the <a href="http://english.nao.cas.cn/Research2015/Research_Divisions2015/space/202012/t20201216_256739.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Survey Space Telescope</a> (CSST), Xuntian is a bus-sized spacecraft comprising a two-meter (6.6 foot) diameter primary mirror. This UV-optical space telescope has a nominal mission lifetime of a decade and is expected to share the orbit with the existing Chinese <a href="https://spj.science.org/doi/10.34133/space.0035" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tiangong space station</a>.&nbsp;



Xuntian is equipped with a 2.5-billion-pixel camera, capable of recording <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-galaxy-cluster-as-it-appeared-4-6-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-field survey</a> observations and various celestial bodies at high resolutions.&nbsp;This super telescope also houses five observation instruments: the Xuntian module, the integral field spectrograph, the multichannel imager, the extrasolar planetary imaging coronagraph, and the terahertz module.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-xuntian-truly-outperform-hubble">Can Xuntian truly outperform Hubble?</h2>



The <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/overview/">Hubble Space Telescope</a> by NASA is currently the gold standard of optical telescopes worldwide, but Xuntian is equally impressively built.&nbsp;



According to Zhou Jianping, the chief designer of the space program, there is so much to expect from the Xuntian regarding its capabilities and contributions. It is tipped to transform China's national astronomical research agenda and make her space station complex more valuable than ever.&nbsp;



"The Xuntian telescope has been the most important scientific project since the launch of our country's space station program. It is a scientific facility that the Chinese astronomical community has eagerly anticipated, and a scientific facility representing the state-level high tech in astronomy," Zhou said.&nbsp;



Despite having the same spatial resolution as the Hubble, Xuntian's field of view is 300x larger. According to Li Ran, a project scientist on the CSST Scientific Data Reduction System team, the CSST can see thousands of sheep in the same resolution the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/hubble-captures-a-spiral-galaxy-in-high-resolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> sees just one sheep.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-doubts-about-the-xuntian-nbsp">Doubts about the Xuntian&nbsp;</h2>



In response to these bold claims from the Chinese quarters, researchers outside China have expressed their doubts about the Xuntian's success. One of these is the need for more detailed information about the specific capabilities and specifications of the China Space Station Telescope. Experts believe the absence of this information prevents the fair assessment of the CSST's claim to do similar investigations as the Hubble.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-days-ahead">Exciting days ahead</h2>



Amid the claims and doubts, it remains to be seen whether the Xuntian in-orbit observatory can live up to its expectations of being the largest space telescope for astronomy in the near-ultraviolet and visible scope before 2035, driving major breakthroughs in evolution, cosmology, dark energy and matter, and exoplanets.&nbsp;



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China says new Xuntian space telescope will outperform the Hubble

In another display of national scientific and technological prowess, China...

An intriguing new study asserts that an ancient Syrian settlement transitioned from hunting-gathering to agriculture due to a cataclysmic comet strike. 



This theory is called The Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis. It suggests that an environmental catastrophe around 12,800 years ago triggered a dramatic shift in human subsistence methods in the village of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tell_Abu_Hureyra" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abu Hureyra</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-younger-dryas">The Younger Dryas</h2>



Researchers have been investigating the hypothesis that a sudden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bering-sea-past-climate-shift/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global cooling</a> period, called the Younger Dryas, was instigated by a fragmented comet crashing into the Earth’s atmosphere.



This event dramatically altered the environment. The area shifted from a humid, forested landscape abundant with diverse food sources, to a cooler and drier one. This environmental shift prompted the inhabitants of Abu Hureyra to innovate.



<a href="https://www.geol.ucsb.edu/people/james-kennett" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Kennett</a> is an Earth scientist and professor emeritus of <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a>. He highlights the settlement’s significance in archaeological records, showcasing its pivotal transition from foraging to the cultivation of barley, wheat, and legumes.



“In this general region, there was a change from more humid conditions that were forested and with diverse sources of food for hunter-gatherers, to drier, cooler conditions when they could no longer subsist only as hunter-gatherers,” said Kennett.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abu-hureyra-is-now-submerged">Abu Hureyra is now submerged</h2>



The village, now submerged under <a href="https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/Collections/EarthFromSpace/printinfo.pl?PHOTO=STS078-740-83" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Assad</a>, was a treasure trove of ancient dietary evidence. By studying material remnants, scientists discerned the change in diet. Their diet shifted from wild legumes, grains, fruits, and berries to a dependence on domestic-type grains and lentils post-impact.



“The villagers started to cultivate barley, wheat and legumes,” Kennett noted. “This is what the evidence clearly shows.”



A millennium after the cosmic event, the famous Neolithic "founder crops" were flourishing in the region. This marked the rise of agriculture in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-sheds-new-light-on-the-origins-of-the-first-farmers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fertile Crescent</a>. Notably, there was an evident increase in drought-resistant plants, indicative of the evolving climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aftermath-of-younger-dryas">Aftermath of Younger Dryas</h2>



The aftermath of the impact not only accelerated agricultural innovation, it also resulted in noticeable shifts in population, architectural adjustments, and the beginnings of livestock domestication in the region.



But this event was not an isolated instance. Evidence found in the <a href="https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.14293/ACI.2023.0002" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">12,800-year-old layers</a> from the same period at Abu Hureyra reveals a history of extensive burning. Scientists discovered a distinct carbon-rich “black mat” layer littered with nanodiamonds, platinum, and metallic spherules. These are clear markers of extreme temperatures beyond the capabilities of the then-existing human technology. 



Similar evidence of cosmic airbursts was found at the site of the ancient biblical city, Tall el-Hammam, and across 50 other locations. These regions spanned North and South America and Europe, identified collectively as the Younger Dryas strewnfield.



The markers corroborate the theory of a fragmented comet causing large-scale destruction. This included the extinction of several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-extinction-megafauna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">megafauna</a> species and the fall of the North American <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meteor-decline-clovis-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clovis culture</a>. 



The absence of ground craters, usually associated with such events, is explained by the aerial nature of the explosion. Such lower-pressure cosmic explosions, as the research suggests, manifest without leaving visible craters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-analogy">Modern analogy</h2>



To draw parallels with this cosmic phenomenon, scientists looked to recent history. <a href="https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.14293/ACI.2023.0001" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nuclear tests</a> conducted in the 20th century, particularly the ones in New Mexico in 1945 and in Kazakhstan during 1949 and 1953, mirror the aerial explosions caused by cosmic airbursts. The shockwaves from these tests, like those from the fragmented comet, descended from the air to the Earth's surface.



“In the papers, we characterize what the morphologies are of these shock fractures in these lower-pressure events,” Kennett said. “And we did this because we wanted to compare it with what we have in the shock-fractured quartz in the <a href="https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.14293/ACI.2023.0003" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Younger Dryas Boundary</a>, to see if there was any comparison or similarities between what we see at the Trinity atomic test site and other atomic bomb explosions.”



The scientists discovered close associations in the characteristics of the shocked quartz from the nuclear test sites and the quartz from Abu Hureyra. Specifically, they identified glass-filled shock fractures. These fractures indicate temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius, which is above the melting point of quartz.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shock-fractures-tell-the-story">Shock fractures tell the story</h2>



“For the first time, we propose that shock metamorphism in quartz grains exposed to an atomic detonation is essentially the same as during a low-altitude, lower-pressure cosmic airburst,” Kennett said.



The "lower pressure" still exceeds 3 GPa or about 400,000 pounds per square inch. This is equal to stacking five 737 airplanes on a small coin. The researchers' new protocol to identify shock fractures in quartz grains will help detect previously undiscovered airbursts. Experts believe such airbursts recur every few centuries to millennia.



Considering the evidence, the scientists assert that the discovery, “implies a novel causative link among extraterrestrial impacts, hemispheric environmental and climatic change, and transformative shifts in human societies and culture, including agricultural development.”



The compelling series of evidence from Abu Hureyra paints a dramatic picture of our ancestors’ resilience and adaptability. Faced with cataclysmic environmental changes, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-humans-used-ancient-plant-fiber-technology-to-make-tools-39000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric settlers</a> transformed their survival strategy, laying the foundations for modern agriculture. 



This research not only sheds light on ancient human history, but also provides a perspective on the profound ways cosmic events can shape the course of life on Earth.



A series of four full papers were published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.14293/ACI.2023.0004" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Open: Airbursts and Cratering Impacts</a>.



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Comet impacted Earth 12,800 years ago and changed human history

An intriguing new study asserts that an ancient Syrian settlement...

Recently, the phenomenon of fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet light has been observed in various creatures, including birds, reptiles, insects, and fish. The prevalence of this occurrence in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hairless-mammals-evolved-at-a-faster-pace/">mammals</a>, however, remained largely unexplored. 



Now, a team of researchers led by the Western Australian Museum and Curtin University, has found that fluorescence is remarkably prevalent among mammals.



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



The experts analyzed 125 mammalian species, both preserved and frozen, from museum collections to determine the existence of “apparent fluorescence” when exposed to UV light. They were surprised to find that every mammalian specimen exhibited at least some degree of&nbsp; fluorescence.&nbsp;



These mammals include familiar creatures like domestic cats (Felis catus), as well as polar bears, bats, mountain zebras, wombats, dwarf spinner dolphins, leopards, and even the Tasmanian devil.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-sources-of-fluorescence-nbsp">Many sources of fluorescence&nbsp;</h2>



The sources of these fluorescent compounds ranged from bones and teeth to claws, fur, feathers, and even the skin, while the range of fluorescent colors displayed was broad, encompassing hues from red and yellow to green, pink, and blue.



“We were quite curious to find out about fluorescence in mammals,” said lead author Kenny Travouillon, the Mammalogy curator at the Western Australian Museum. “By using the spectrophotometer in the School of Molecular and Life Sciences at Curtin University, we were able to measure the light that was emitted from each specimen when exposed to UV light.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-causes-fluorescence">What causes fluorescence?</h2>



From a scientific standpoint, fluorescence occurs when certain chemicals, like proteins or carotenoids present on a mammal’s exterior, absorb light and then re-emit it at longer and lower-energy wavelengths, resulting in glowing colors that may be pink, green, or blue.



Interestingly, the study also discovered that the iconic platypus is among the creatures that fluoresce under UV light.



“To date, reports of fluorescence among mammals have been limited to a relatively small number of species,” the authors reported. “Here, we are able to reproduce the results of these previous studies and observe apparent fluorescence in additional species: we report fluorescence for 125 mammal species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fur-color-variations">Fur color variations</h2>



Lighter-furred mammals, accounting for roughly 86 percent (107 out of 125) of the species examined, exhibited the most noticeable fluorescence. On the other hand, the fluorescent traits in dark-furred creatures like the Tasmanian devil were subdued due to melanin’s masking effect.&nbsp;



“There was a large amount of white fluorescence in the white fur of the koala, Tasmanian devil, short-beaked echidna, southern hairy-nosed wombat, quenda, greater bilby, and a cat - and while a zebra’s white hairs glowed, its dark hairs did not,” explained Travouillon.



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



In a notable exception, the dwarf spinner dolphin showcased no external fluorescence. Only its teeth exhibited this trait. Fluorescence was found to be most common and most intense among nocturnal species and those with terrestrial, arboreal, and fossorial habits.



While the study unequivocally confirms the prevalence of fluorescence in mammals, the scientific community continues to debate its potential biological significance, with some positing it might merely be a by-product of their surface chemistry. “For most fluorescent animals there is insufficient information to evaluate,” the authors said.



Looking ahead, the researchers noted a particular mammalian group absent from their data - the lemurs. They anticipate this group will also reveal fluorescent members due to the prevalence of white fur. However, they concluded that future studies should focus on non-preserved animals but rather on living or freshly dead creatures.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.230325">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



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Cats glow in the dark? Fluorescence found to be very common in mammals

Recently, the phenomenon of fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet light...

3d,Rendering.,Sci-fi,Scene.,The,Colony,Of,The,Future,On

<a href="https://moon.nasa.gov/inside-and-out/composition/overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> is currently preparing to establish a lunar abode that promises to be an amazing experience. The U.S. Space Agency recently has granted a pioneering construction firm $60 million to build a house on the moon by 2040, aimed not only for space explorers but also for the general public.



The innovative strategy involves sending an enormous 3D printer to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-life-on-europa-co2-discovery-by-webb-increases-the-odds/">moon</a>. This printer will utilize lunar concrete, composed of rocks and moon dust, to create the structure’s foundation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-moon-house">Building a moon house</h2>



In collaboration with academic institutions and private enterprises, NASA is in the process of designing the essential components like doors, tiles, and furnishings for the moon dwelling.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the blueprint also entails establishing a base on Mars, intending to accommodate those venturing to reside on the Martian surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolving-design-nbsp">Evolving design&nbsp;</h2>



The project is still in its nascent phase, with only conceptual designs from 2022 shedding light on its potential appearance. However, this initial design might significantly evolve over the upcoming years.&nbsp;



For the moment, NASA remained silent about the potential cost for civilians seeking a lunar retreat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3d-printing-moon-houses">3D printing moon houses</h2>



<a href="https://www.iconbuild.com/">ICON</a>, the Austin-based company that secured NASA’s 2022 contract, brings its terrestrial 3D printing prowess to the table. They meticulously craft opulent homes layer by layer, using their proprietary system, The Vulcan.&nbsp;



This method deploys a blend of cement, sand, and water as its filament, akin to a dense ink extruded from the printer in cohesive bands. Every structural element, such as walls or roofs, are printed distinctly and later assembled. Remarkably, this printing mechanism can complete properties in a mere 48 hours.



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



Since its inception in 2018, ICON has successfully printed over 100 homes in the northern region of Austin. This innovative construction method, with its rapid execution, has piqued interest as a potential solution to the U.S. housing dilemma.



NASA perceives 3D-printed moon houses as a pivotal aspect of its lunar ambitions. Raymond Clinton, aged 71, who holds the position of deputy director at NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/marshall/">Marshall Space Flight Center</a>’s science and technology division, said:&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-human-presence-nbsp">Sustainable human presence&nbsp;</h2>



“I wish I would be around to see it. When we talk about a sustainable human presence, to me, that means that you have a lunar settlement and you have people living and working on the moon continuously. What that could be is only up to the imagination of entrepreneurs.”



ICON has emphasized the need to enhance infrastructure against thermal challenges, radiation, and micrometeorite threats.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rocket-operations-nbsp">Rocket operations&nbsp;</h2>



Before the 3D printer’s deployment, NASA will need to establish landing zones for rockets on the moon. According to the experts, it is vital that these pads are situated at a distance from the dwellings to reduce the effects of lunar dust during rocket operations.



“To change the space exploration paradigm from ‘there and back again’ to ‘there to stay,’ we’re going to need robust, resilient, and broadly capable systems that can use the local resources of the Moon and other planetary bodies,” said Jason Ballard, the co-founder and CEO of ICON.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-to-space-conditions">Adapting to space conditions</h2>



As a preliminary step, ICON aims to assess its printer’s performance at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in the coming February, focusing on its adaptability to the vacuum and radiation conditions prevalent in space.



Ultimately, the timeline will hinge on NASA’s progress in setting up lunar landing zones. The space agency is gearing up for the second phase of its Artemis mission, scheduled for 2024, which will send astronauts on the moon’s orbit.&nbsp;



The subsequent phase, Artemis 3, targeting either 2025 or 2026, envisions landing astronauts on the moon. These will be essential steps in ultimately creating a habitable construction on the Earth’s satellite.



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NASA plans to build a house on the moon and will allow civilians to visit

NASA is currently preparing to establish a lunar abode that...

The recently measured ozone hole over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-is-experiencing-rapid-plant-growth-concerning-scientists/">Antarctica</a>, as detected by the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite, is one of the largest on record, according to a report from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-5P/Ozone_hole_goes_large_again">European Space Agency</a>. The hole reached an astounding 26 million square kilometers on September 16, 2023 - approximately three times the size of Brazil.&nbsp;



The Sentinel-5P satellite was launched in October 2017 as the European Union’s first Copernicus satellite dedicated to atmospheric monitoring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-resolution-imaging-nbsp">High resolution imaging&nbsp;</h2>



The satellite hosts a cutting-edge multispectral imaging spectrometer known as Tropomi. The instrument enhances atmospheric monitoring capabilities by identifying distinct "fingerprints" of various gases across different segments of the electromagnetic spectrum. This allows for more precise and higher resolution imaging of a wide array of pollutants.&nbsp;



The Tropomi's data is meticulously processed at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) using algorithms co-developed by DLR and the Royal Belgium Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tropomi-measurements">Tropomi measurements</h2>



“The Sentinel-5P total ozone products have an accuracy at the percentage level compared with ground-based data and this allows us to closely monitor the ozone layer and its evolution," said senior DLR scientist Diego Loyola.



"The Tropomi measurements are extending the global ozone data record of European satellite sensors covering almost three decades.”



The significant data from Sentinel-5P is provided to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) within three hours post-measurement. This rapid delivery aids CAMS in efficiently incorporating the data into their analysis and forecasting systems.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-of-the-biggest-holes-on-record-nbsp">One of the biggest holes on record&nbsp;</h2>



“Our operational ozone monitoring and forecasting service shows that the 2023 ozone hole got off to an early start and has grown rapidly since mid-August," said Antje Inness, a senior scientist at CAMS.&nbsp;



"It reached a size of over 26 million sq km on 16 September making it one of the biggest ozone holes on record. Tropomi ozone data are an important dataset for our ozone analysis.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-driving-factors">Driving factors</h2>



Understanding the reasons behind the ozone hole's substantial size is complex. Its size oscillation is closely related to the strength of strong wind bands circulating the Antarctic, a phenomenon resulting from Earth's rotation and the temperature disparity between polar and temperate latitudes.&nbsp;



Strong wind bands act as barriers, trapping and cooling air masses over polar regions, thereby affecting the ozone hole's size. The recent unusual ozone patterns might also be linked to the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano eruption in January 2022, which introduced substantial water vapor into the stratosphere.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunga-tonga-eruption">Hunga Tonga eruption</h2>



“The eruption of the Hunga Tonga volcano in January 2022 injected a lot of water vapor into the stratosphere which only reached the south polar regions after the end of the 2022 ozone hole," explained Antje.



“The water vapor could have led to the heightened formation of polar stratospheric clouds, where chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) can react and accelerate ozone depletion. The presence of water vapor may also contribute to the cooling of the Antarctic stratosphere, further enhancing the formation of these polar stratospheric clods and resulting in a more robust polar vortex.”



However, understanding the exact impacts of this eruption on the ozone hole requires further research, as there are no precedents in modern observations for such substantial water vapor injections into the stratosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sentinel-5p-monitoring-is-crucial-nbsp">Sentinel-5P monitoring is crucial&nbsp;</h2>



"The Sentinel-5P total ozone columns provide an accurate means to monitor ozone hole occurrences from space. Ozone hole phenomena cannot be used in a straightforward manner for monitoring global ozone changes as they are determined by the strength of regional wind fields that flow around polar areas,” said Claus Zehner, ESA’s mission manager for Copernicus Sentinel-5P.



Additionally, the presence of ozone-depleting substances, primarily chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), in the atmosphere still poses a significant threat to the ozone layer. These substances were prevalent in the 1970s and 1980s in various products but have since been phased out following the 1987 Montreal Protocol.&nbsp;



Although a gradual recovery of the ozone layer is anticipated, with predictions suggesting a return to normal levels by around 2050, monitoring and analysis continue to be crucial.&nbsp;



With advanced tools like the Tropomi on the Sentinel-5P satellite, scientists can now observe atmospheric changes with unprecedented accuracy and resolution, contributing valuable data to ongoing global efforts to understand and protect the Earth’s atmosphere.



Image Credit: European Space Agency 



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Antarctica's ozone hole is now one of the largest on record

The recently measured ozone hole over Antarctica, as detected by...

A new study has revealed a fascinating defense mechanism used by buff-tailed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-increasingly-stressed-over-the-past-century/">bumblebees</a> against the menacing attacks of Asian hornets.



The researchers observed more than 120 of these attacks, and discovered that the bumblebees managed to fight off the hornets every time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calculated-maneuver-nbsp">Calculated maneuver&nbsp;</h2>



When they are ambushed, buff-tailed bumblebees execute a strategic drop to the ground, dragging the hornets with them in the process.&nbsp;



This calculated maneuver either results in the hornet losing its grasp, or the bumblebee raising its sting until the hornet decides to retreat.



Despite their successful defense strategy, bumblebee colonies still experienced stunted growth in regions densely populated by Asian hornets. This suggests that the hornets impose indirect impacts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asian-hornets-nbsp">Asian hornets&nbsp;</h2>



Asian hornets, or yellow-legged hornets, are known for preying on various insects, including honey bees, and their presence has been escalating in mainland Europe, East Asia, and recently, the United States.&nbsp;



The surge in hornet sightings raises concerns for the well-being of crucial pollinators, leading to intensified control initiatives.



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



“Asian hornets prey on a wide range of insects, including honey bees, but little is known about their impact on other pollinators,” said Thomas O'Shea-Wheller, of the Environment and Sustainability Institute at the University of Exeter.



“With honey bees, the hornets do something called ‘hawking’ - hovering outside the bees’ nest and attacking returning foragers as they fly past."



“We recorded hornets doing the same thing to bumblebees, but with the surprising difference that in our observations, they were entirely unsuccessful.”



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



The research was conducted in Pontevedra, Spain, with commercially reared bumblebee colonies distributed across 12 locations, each facing different levels of Asian hornet concentrations.&nbsp;



The colonies’ weight, which correlates with their growth, was monitored every two days.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



The data collected indicated that colonies situated in areas with elevated Asian hornet presence exhibited slower growth rates.&nbsp;



“We can’t say for certain why this is,” said O'Shea-Wheller. “It’s possible that some external factor is good for Asian hornets, allowing them to thrive, but bad for bumblebees."



“However, it’s perhaps more likely that the presence of Asian hornets limits the success of bumblebee colonies."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-constant-attacks">Constant attacks</h2>



“Although the attacks we witnessed at colony entrances were unsuccessful, bumblebees have been reported in the diet of Asian hornets, and the hornets are known to prey on them elsewhere."



“Furthermore, defending against such attacks is likely energetically costly – and when hornet abundance is high, this could be a major problem for bees out foraging."



“Hornets also consume nectar from flowers, meaning they compete directly with bees for food and harass them at flower patches via constant attacks.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-persistent-predators-nbsp">Persistent predators&nbsp;</h2>



Despite their relentless and generalized predatory behavior, hornets have been largely unsuccessful in their attempts to prey on bumblebees.&nbsp;



“I have seen hornets attack bumblebees of all sizes, including some that are larger than them," said O'Shea-Wheller.



“They are very persistent and generalist predators, so these attacks may still be worthwhile despite the high failure rate, as long as they sometimes get a kill.”



Buff-tailed bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) have not evolved alongside Asian hornets (Vespa velutina), so O'Shea-Wheller said their successful defensive strategy may well be an "evolutionary coincidence."



"While honey bees are often unable to escape the clutches of Asian hornets once grappled in the air, the bumblebees’ defensive response of dropping to the ground appears to be more successful,” he said.



The research team also included scientists from the University of Vigo and the University of Santiago de Compostela.



The study was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).



The findings are published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-05329-5">Communications Biology</a>.



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Bumblebees have unique defense tactics against Asian hornets

A new study has revealed a fascinating defense mechanism used...

In an ambitious effort to conserve the genetic diversity of America's endangered species, the nonprofit <a href="https://reviverestore.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Revive &amp; Restore</a> is focused on biobanking.&nbsp;



This initiative, in alliance with the U.S. Fish &amp; Wildlife Service, marks the first-ever structured biobanking pipeline specifically for U.S. species that are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-species-day-millions-of-species-share-the-earth-with-humans-and-they-need-our-help/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threatened or endangered</a>.



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



Biobanking describes the intentional and indefinite preservation of living cells, tissues, and gametes. It protects both unrecoverable genetic diversity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conservation-efforts-are-not-enough-to-save-antarctic-wildlife/">wildlife</a> species and expands capacity for genetic rescue strategies both today and into the future.&nbsp;



Currently, only 14 percent of (more than) 1,700 U.S. species listed as threatened or endangered have living tissue cryopreserved.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-america-s-natural-history-nbsp">America’s natural history&nbsp;</h2>



"This is about creating a legacy of America’s natural history before it is lost and provides an important resource to enhance species recovery efforts now and in the future,” said Ryan Phelan, executive director of Revive &amp; Restore.&nbsp;



Many experts believe we have already entered into Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extinction-crisis-entire-branches-of-earths-tree-of-life-are-vanishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sixth mass extinction</a>. New initiatives like biobanking are urgently needed to address this ongoing biodiversity crisis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-rescue">Genetic rescue</h2>



The pipeline encompasses tissue collection, establishment of living cell lines, and a nationwide repository for cryopreservation.&nbsp;



These cell lines will equip the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Fish &amp; Wildlife Service</a> with the means to oversee existing populations via genomic data and increase the scope for genetic rescue using state-of-the-art reproductive technologies.



“We want to provide the greatest possible set of options for ensuring the continued survival of the native wildlife of the United States,” explained Dr. Oliver Ryder, director of Conservation Genetics at <a href="https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance</a>. 



“This creates a mandate for expanded efforts in biobanking living cells.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historic-initiative-nbsp">Historic initiative&nbsp;</h2>



“We are excited to be part of such a historic initiative that will provide the necessary resources for cutting edge conservation work going on today and in the future," said Dr. Shawn Walker, vice president of Science and Technology at ViaGen Pets &amp; Equine.



"The samples preserved during this endeavor will provide an invaluable genetic road map to enable the preservation of these endangered species."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resources-for-field-biologists">Resources for field biologists</h2>



In addition to this, Revive &amp; Restore has carefully selected resources for field biologists to biobank specific species.&nbsp;



The resources include peer-reviewed sample collection protocols, visual tools, and an anthology of published resources from institutions that are adept at biobanking and cryopreservation. All of these can be accessed at the project's dedicated <a href="https://reviverestore.org/projects/biobanking">webpage</a>.



This pioneering collaboration is a monumental stride towards safeguarding U.S. endangered species and assessing the ongoing biodiversity crisis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seizing-the-moment">Seizing the moment</h2>



The U.S. Fish &amp; Wildlife Service has selected its first 24 U.S. endangered mammals for biobanking, including the Mexican wolf, Florida bonneted bat, and Sonoran Pronghorn.



Seth Willey of the US Fish &amp; Wildlife Service emphasized the importance of seizing this moment.



“Biobanking gives us the chance to save irreplaceable genetic diversity," said Willey. "If done right, it creates a marker-in-time and gives future recovery biologists options, like genetic rescue, that are only possible if we act now.”



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Biobanking: Historic initiative aims to genetically rescue endangered species

In an ambitious effort to conserve the genetic diversity of...

Understanding the evolution of insect speed, particularly across various species, is no simple task. For example, mosquitoes, apart from being known nuisances, have always fascinated scientists for their rapid wingbeats. Astonishingly, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-biting-season-extended-by-light-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> can flap their wings over 800 times per second.



How can such a tiny creature achieve such speed, especially when the pace at which its muscles flap outpaces the speed at which its nervous system commands them to beat? This odd asynchronous beating, a phenomenon that seemed alien to many, is a key to understanding an evolutionary marvel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asynchronous-flight-drives-insect-speed">Asynchronous flight drives insect speed</h2>



The principle of asynchronous beating means that there's a detachment between the neural commands and muscle contractions. Interestingly, this is observed in only four distinct insect groups. 



The assumption for years was that these groups evolved these unique wingbeats separately. However, a game-changing research collaboration between the <a href="https://www.gatech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Georgia Institute of Technology</a> and the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, San Diego</a> (UC San Diego) suggests otherwise. These high-frequency wingbeats, they discovered, originated from a single common ancestor.



As Jeff Gau, one of the lead authors of the study and a Ph.D. graduate from Georgia Tech, highlighted, their findings delve deep into evolutionary history, tracing back to how ancient insect muscles functioned around 400 million years ago.



“Our findings are pretty robust to all different experimental conditions,” said Gau. “We’re looking back 400 million years into how ancient insect muscles must have behaved from an evolutionary standpoint.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-insects-are-in-sync">Some insects are in sync</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moths-found-to-be-critically-important-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moths</a>, in contrast to mosquitoes, synchronize their flight muscles with every wing stroke. But, in an evolutionary twist, moths' ancestors possessed asynchronous flight capability but lost it over time. The catch? <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-moths-use-an-aphrodisiac-during-mating-to-feel-macho/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moths</a> still have the capability for asynchronous muscle contractions.



To decode the evolutionary journey, scientists mapped flight strategies onto the two foundational ways physicists interpret oscillations. By integrating biophysical models with cutting-edge robotics, they showcased that these two strategies are essentially two facets of the same model. 



A few evolutionary tweaks, and an insect can seamlessly transition between synchronous and asynchronous flight modes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-size-impacts-insect-speed">How size impacts insect speed</h2>



Size plays a crucial role. Many larger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-insect-decline-what-are-the-causes-and-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> achieve synchronous flight, matching wing movement with nervous system pulses. But, for their smaller counterparts, this becomes a challenge. As they grow smaller, their wingbeats amplify, reaching speeds of up to 100 times per second. 



According to Simon Sponberg, Dunn Family Early Career Associate Professor of Physics and Biological Sciences at Georgia Tech, there's a natural speed barrier. If these tiny insects attempt to contract and relax their wings at such a pace, the wings would overlap and ultimately malfunction.



“As insects became smaller, their wingbeats increased to 100 times per second, and when you start getting up to that speed, there's sort of an inherent speed limit where the muscle can't contract and relax fast enough,” said Sponberg. “If they tried to contract and relax the wings, they'd start overlapping and then eventually lock up.”



Instead, smaller insects evolved a unique mechanism. Their nervous system dispatches a pulse of activity, priming the muscles for contraction, regardless of the need for a wingbeat. This efficient method ensures that wings flap at a remarkable speed without awaiting neural activation and relaxation for each motion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-understanding-of-insect-speed-evolution">New understanding of insect speed evolution</h2>



Historically, scientists believed that asynchronous flight was an evolutionary trait that insects stumbled upon independently to increase their speed. But recently released phylogenies, evolutionary family trees of species, painted a different picture. 



Asynchrony didn't emerge individually in separate evolutionary timelines. It sprouted once and then branched out. Over the ages, some <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-insects-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect</a> groups thrived with their newfound speed and held onto it. At the same time, others reverted to synchronous flight.



Sponberg uses the analogy of oscillations to illustrate this concept. The principle of a dancing balloon at a car dealership, oscillating continuously, not by external force but due to a consistent air jet, mimics the way asynchronous flight functions in insects.



“If you've ever watched one of those dancing balloon guys at a car dealership, it goes up and collapses repeatedly,” Sponberg said. “What’s happening there is it's oscillating, not because you're poking it regularly, but you're actually providing a continuous air jet in the bottom, which is a trade-off with the force of gravity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-mimicking-nature">Robots mimicking nature</h2>



To deepen their understanding, the researchers at UC San Diego developed robots inspired by the moth's flight mechanism. Two distinct robots were created: a larger flapper robot operating in water and a smaller flapper robot, modeled after Harvard's <a href="https://wyss.harvard.edu/technology/robobees-autonomous-flying-microrobots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robobee</a>, functioning in the air. 



These robots weren't mere scientific toys. They were crucial in proving that the models developed to explain flight transitions and insect speed held up in practical scenarios. 



“You don’t need robotics to learn something about biology,” said Nick Gravish, an associate professor at UC San Diego. “But there’s something about building a bio-inspired robot that forces you to put yourself in the animal’s shoes.”



James Lynch, a Ph.D. graduate from UC San Diego and co-lead on the paper, emphasized the significance, noting that they had essentially built the first robot capable of mimicking evolutionary transitions in insect flight.



&nbsp;“The physics of this much larger robot moving much more slowly are similar to those of an insect that's a lot smaller and moving a lot faster,” said Lynch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interdisciplinary-brilliance">Interdisciplinary brilliance</h2>



Such discoveries were only attainable through the confluence of varied disciplines, including physics, evolutionary biology, and robotics. This interdisciplinary approach, as <a href="https://www.setonhill.edu/academics/meet-the-faculty/detail/brett-aiello-phd/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brett Aiello</a> from Seton Hill University noted, is pivotal in gaining profound insights into natural processes governing animal movement.



“One of the biggest evolutionary findings here is that these transitions are occurring in both directions and that instead of using multiple independent origins of asynchronous muscle, there's actually only one,” said&nbsp;Aiello. “From that one independent origin, multiple revisions back to synchrony have occurred.”



In essence, the study is a testament to the magic that happens when different fields unite with a shared purpose. Through this collective effort, we now have a clearer understanding of the wonders of insect flight and the evolutionary dance that has shaped it.



The full research paper was published in&nbsp;Nature, titled, “<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06606-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bridging two insect flight modes in evolution, physiology, and robophysics</a>.”



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Insect wings flap faster than their brain speed can command

Understanding the evolution of insect speed, particularly across various species,...

Portrait,Of,A,Young,Cheerful,Woman,Eating,Salad,At,The

The global trend of reducing meat consumption has been picking up pace, as initiatives such as "Meatless Mondays" gain popularity. Yet, the decision to go vegetarian might not just be a matter of personal or ethical choice, it may be genetic.



A fascinating study from <a href="https://www.nm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern Medicine</a> posits that a person's genetic composition might significantly influence their ability to commit to a strict vegetarian diet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-vegetarianism">Understanding vegetarianism</h2>



While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diets-are-proven-better-for-human-and-environmental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetarianism</a> is lauded for its potential health benefits and ethical considerations, there's a conundrum that has puzzled many. Why do a significant number of self-proclaimed vegetarians continue to consume fish, poultry, or red meat? 



<a href="https://www.pathology.northwestern.edu/faculty/profile.html?xid=14114" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Nabeel Yaseen</a> is professor emeritus of pathology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He stated that nearly 48 to 64% of vegetarians admit to occasionally consuming meat. This stat implies that external environmental factors or internal biological constraints might be at play.



"It seems there are more people who would like to be vegetarian than actually are, and we think it’s because there is something hard-wired here that people may be missing,” Dr. Yaseen noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetics-and-vegetarians">Genetics and vegetarians</h2>



To delve into the genetic underpinnings of vegetarianism, researchers at Northwestern Medicine undertook a comprehensive study. They analyzed UK Biobank genetic data, comparing 5,324 strict <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diet-stigma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetarians</a> with 329,455 control subjects. 



Notably, all participants were of white Caucasian descent to ensure a uniform sample and eliminate potential ethnic biases.



The findings were illuminating. Three genes were found to have a significant correlation with vegetarianism, with an additional 31 genes showing potential association. Intriguingly, two of the three primary genes identified, namely NPC1 and RMC1, play roles in lipid metabolism and brain function.



Dr. Yaseen hypothesized that certain lipids, present in meat but not in plant products, might be essential for some people. "Maybe people whose genetics favor vegetarianism can naturally produce these lipid components," he speculated, though he emphasized that this remains a theory, and further studies are required..



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



Despite the burgeoning interest in plant-based diets, the majority of the global population continues to consume meat. In the U.S., vegetarians constitute only 3 to 4% of the populace. Similarly, the U.K. reports that only <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-diet-and-nutrition-survey-results-from-years-1-to-4-combined-of-the-rolling-programme-for-2008-and-2009-to-2011-and-2012" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2.3% of adults and 1.9% of children</a> identify as vegetarians. 



This prevalent preference for meat prompts further investigation into its underlying reasons. Dr. Yaseen posits that, akin to one's initial reaction and subsequent acclimatization to alcohol or coffee, there might be a component in meat, possibly a lipid, that individuals might inherently crave or need.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-and-religious-beliefs">More and religious beliefs</h2>



Furthermore, if genetics is a determinant in one's vegetarian inclinations, what implications does it hold for individuals abstaining from meat due to religious or moral beliefs? 



Dr. Yaseen explains, "While religious and moral considerations certainly play a major role in the motivation to adopt a vegetarian diet, our data suggest that the ability to adhere to such a diet is constrained by genetics.”



Concluding his thoughts, Dr. Yaseen expressed hope that future research would shed more light on the physiological differences between vegetarians and non-vegetarians. This knowledge, he believes, can pave the way for more tailored dietary recommendations and better meat alternatives. His ultimate goal is to cater to the genetic predispositions of both vegetarians and meat eaters.



This pivotal study has the distinction of being the first peer-reviewed study examining the relationship between genetics and strict vegetarianism.



This full study, titled “<a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0291305" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Genetics of Vegetarianism: A Genome-Wide Association Study</a>,” was published in the journal PLOS ONE.



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Being a vegetarian is genetic and could explain why some people can’t give up meat

The global trend of reducing meat consumption has been picking...

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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" 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 Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" 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 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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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

How the immune system responds to injury

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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