The Earth spins steadily, but not without a wobble. While we imagine the North and South Poles as fixed points, they’re not exactly anchored. Over time, they shift slightly, influenced by how mass is distributed across the globe. 



Ice sheets melt, tectonic plates shift, and oceans swell. But now, researchers have revealed that humans, through dam building, have also nudged the planet’s spin ever so slightly.



In a quiet but measurable way, our thirst for water control and hydroelectric energy has shifted the Earth's poles. From the earliest major dams in the 19th century to the massive reservoirs constructed in Asia and Africa during the 20th century, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-impacting-earths-rotation/">effect</a> has grown stronger. 



According to a study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, this phenomenon has moved Earth’s rotational axis by more than a meter (3.3 feet) since 1835.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dam-building-shifts-earth-s-poles">Dam building shifts Earth’s poles</h2>



True polar wander refers to the shifting of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magnetic-north-pole-is-moving-faster-than-ever-as-it-races-toward-russia/">Earth</a>’s solid outer shell relative to its spin axis. This motion occurs when mass on the planet’s surface moves around. 



Think of Earth like a spinning basketball. Place a lump of clay on one side, and the ball shifts slightly to balance the extra weight. When this happens on Earth, the solid crust adjusts its position, moving relative to the axis of rotation. The poles then pass through new locations on the surface.



Traditionally, this phenomenon has been linked to natural processes like glacial melting. But the recent study by Natasha Valencic and her team at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a> shows that human activity, specifically water impoundment from dam construction, has become another significant contributor. 



The findings suggest that this artificial redistribution of mass has created a measurable shift in the Earth’s pole positions.



“As we trap water behind dams, not only does it remove water from the oceans, thus leading to a global sea level fall, it also distributes mass in a different way around the world,” said Valencic. That mass, once fluid and ocean-bound, is now stored in still reservoirs scattered across continents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-poles-moved-in-two-phases">Earth’s poles moved in two phases</h2>



Using data from the Global Reservoir and Dam (GRanD) database, the researchers mapped the water storage of 6,862 artificial reservoirs from 1835 to 2011. The dam analysis revealed a striking, non-linear shift in the Earth’s poles. 



From 1835 to 1954, dam building focused heavily in North America and Europe. This caused the North Pole to move about eight inches toward 103.4°E, a direction passing through Russia and parts of Asia.



After 1954, the pattern of dam construction changed. Major projects emerged across East Africa and Asia. As a result, the pole reversed direction, moving 22.5 inches toward −117.5°E, roughly through the western United States and into the South Pacific. 



These changes did not follow a smooth path. The polar motion was highly variable, influenced by the size and location of dams being built over time.



Across the entire study period, the poles shifted about 44.6 inches. Notably, 40.9 inches of that motion occurred during the 20th century. This finding suggests that modern infrastructure, rather than long-term natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-is-what-the-total-collapse-of-the-earths-magnetic-field-sounded-like-41000-years-ago/">processes</a> alone, has become a key factor in Earth's orientation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dams-and-earth-s-pole-positions">Dams and Earth's pole positions</h2>



To track these subtle shifts, the team used a detailed physical model. They combined gravitationally self-consistent sea level theory with equations for rotational stability. 



The researchers accounted for how Earth’s crust responds elastically to mass changes, and how these changes, in turn, influence Earth’s spin.



The Earth model used, known as PREM (Preliminary Reference Earth Model), includes variations in Earth’s density and elasticity. The team also incorporated seepage, the loss of stored water into surrounding soils, using a parameterization method from earlier work by Chao et al. (2008). 



Despite excluding about 28 percent of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-shifting-and-putting-navigation-at-risk/">global</a> impoundment volume, mainly from smaller dams, the results remained consistent. 



The missing volume came mostly from minor reservoirs, each contributing less than 0.024 cubic miles, and these had minimal influence on the final polar calculations.



To test the significance of these smaller dams, the team plotted how pole position changed with each added reservoir. After about 6,000 of the largest were included, the results stabilized. This confirmed that the many small, excluded dams had negligible overall effect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dam-water-storage-and-sea-levels">Dam water storage and sea levels</h2>



Global sea levels are rising today, but during the 20th century, the creation of reservoirs temporarily offset this trend. The researchers found that the 6,862 dams in their study led to a sea level drop of 0.86 inches between 1900 and 2011.



This artificial dip matters. While it’s small compared to the rise caused by melting glaciers and warming oceans, it complicates calculations. 



“Depending on where you place dams and reservoirs, the geometry of sea level rise will change. That’s another thing we need to consider, because these changes can be pretty large, pretty significant," said Valencic.



In the first half of the 20th century, the mean polar motion rate from impoundment was about 0.12 inches per year. 



In the second half, it rose to 0.37 inches per year, a threefold increase. The pole's changing pace mirrors the rapid expansion of dam building after 1950.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revisiting-old-assumptions">Revisiting old assumptions </h2>



Previous studies underestimated the effect of dam-induced polar wander. One earlier estimate in 2008 suggested a mean movement of −0.06 inches per year in the east direction and −0.31 inches per year northward across the 20th century.



But Valencic’s team found it was actually −0.12 inches per year and −0.09 inches per year, respectively. This difference matters because it rebalances the budget of polar motion. 



Scientists trying to understand how much glaciers, groundwater, or ocean changes contribute to Earth's spin now have to subtract out the dam effect. Without this correction, estimates about ice loss and sea level rise remain incomplete.



Interestingly, the influence of dam building didn’t act alone in shifting Earth's poles. The researchers also modeled how the oceans responded to displaced water. 



While water impoundment dominated the first half of the century, the second half saw both dam storage and ocean mass redistribution playing nearly equal roles in shaping Earth’s polar path.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subtle-shift-in-earth-s-poles">Subtle shift in Earth's poles</h2>



This study began as a classroom project at Harvard but quickly grew into a deeper investigation of Earth’s shifting balance. It reveals that something as mundane as a dam, one of civilization’s most common tools, has reshaped the geography of our spinning planet.



The pole has not leapt across continents. It has crept, step by engineered step, with every new concrete wall holding back a river. While not disastrous on its own, this shift reveals a truth: our actions reach farther than we often imagine.



Every dam, every floodgate, becomes part of the Earth’s momentum. What we store on land doesn’t just change rivers. It nudges Earth’s rotation, redistributes the weight of water, and contributes silently to a planet that, while spinning, is never truly still.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025GL115468" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Dams built by humans have shifted Earth’s poles

The Earth spins steadily, but not without a wobble. While we imagine the North and South Poles as fixed points, they’re not exactly anchored. Over time, they shift slightly, influenced by how mass is distributed across the globe. Ice sheets melt, tectonic plates shift, and oceans swell. But now, researchers have revealed that humans, through dam building, have also nudged the planet’s spin ever so slightly. In a quiet but measurable way, our thirst for water control and hydroelectric energy has shifted the Earth's poles. From the...

Multicolored,Fungi,On,A,Log,With,Moss

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA Forest Service</a> has revealed a significant shift in the Arctic and boreal ecosystems. 



As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-lakes-are-releasing-methane-from-melting-permafrost/">permafrost</a> thaws in high-latitude regions like Alaska, a microbial awakening is restructuring food webs, pushing fungi to the forefront as a primary energy source for local fauna. 



This shift highlights the profound impacts of warming climates on terrestrial ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-hotspot">Climate change hotspot</h2>



Alaska, known for its sprawling 113 million-acre interior, is witnessing some of the world's most rapid warming. The thawing of permafrost in this region is not just releasing vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming, but is also kickstarting a significant decay process.&nbsp;



This decay infuses both above- and below-ground food webs with carbon, dramatically altering the energy flow and affecting the species reliant on these systems.



Philip Manlick, a research wildlife biologist with the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, along with his team from the University of New Mexico and the University of Texas at Austin, explored this phenomenon. The focus was on four Arctic and boreal forest animals, including the tundra vole.



The core of the study involved a novel technique: analyzing carbon isotope "fingerprints" in essential amino acids produced only by plants, bacteria, and fungi. These biomarkers allowed researchers to trace how carbon moved between "green" plant-supported and "brown" microbe-driven food webs.



“Understanding how energy moves through food webs helps us understand how ecosystems function and how animals might respond to stressors like climate change,” said Manlick. 



“In Arctic and boreal ecosystems, it’s well known that the climate is warming, permafrost is melting, and microbes are flourishing. But we know very little about the impacts of this process on terrestrial food webs and the animals they support.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-observations">Long-term observations</h2>



The study's analysis included bone collagen from museum specimens of tundra and red-backed voles and masked shrews, as well as Arctic wolf spiders from different warming scenarios.&nbsp;



“Scientists often argue about the importance of animals to ecosystem processes like carbon cycling, but when they eat resources from different food webs, they move carbon between storage pools,” said Manlick. 



“In the future, we think this tool can be used to trace the fate of carbon through food webs to understand the functional roles of animals in ecosystem functions, like nutrient cycling.”



The team observed a significant shift from plant-based to fungal-based food webs. For example, shrews assimilated up to 90 percent of their carbon intake from fungal sources, marking a more than 40-percent increase compared to historical specimens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-a-shifting-diet">Implications of a shifting diet</h2>



The shift to fungal-based food sources among these animals is believed to stem from increased decomposition, fueled by warming climates. 



This decomposition feeds fungi, which are then consumed by various small animals, transferring brown carbon up the food web.



Arctic wolf spiders were also found to shift from plant-based to fungal-based food webs as the main source of their energy, assimilating more than 50 percent brown carbon under warming conditions, compared to 26 percent at control sites.



“Our study presents clear evidence that climate warming alters carbon flow and food web dynamics among aboveground consumers in Arctic tundra and boreal forest ecosystems - across species, ecosystems, and long- and short-term warming scenarios,” explained Manlick. 



“And we show that these changes are the consequence of a change from predominantly green, plant-based food webs to brown, microbe-based food webs.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trophic-pathways-nbsp">Trophic pathways&nbsp;</h2>



The scientists suspect brown carbon is being transferred to aboveground consumers, like the mammals and spiders, in a series of predation events known as trophic pathways.&nbsp;



Increased warming results in increased decomposition in both permafrost on the tundra and in boreal forests. 



Fungi feed on this decomposing plant matter and are, in turn, consumed by arthropods, mites, and earthworms that transfer the fungal carbon upward in the food web where they are consumed by the voles, shrews, and spiders, noted the researchers.



“Climate warming significantly alters the flow of energy through food webs, such that animals who were historically supported by plant-based food webs are now supported by fungal-based food webs derived from belowground decomposition,” said Manlick.



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



The findings not only highlight the crucial role animals play in linking green and brown food webs, but also how climate change is modifying these links. 



These alterations could have far-reaching implications for nutrient cycling and ecosystem functionality.



For instance, the dietary shift in voles towards more subterranean sources may result in reduced plant consumption, potentially increasing carbon storage in aboveground ecosystems. 



This challenges the prevailing notion of "Arctic greening" and suggests a trend towards "browning" of food webs.



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



With these insights, Manlick and his team plan to delve deeper into the contrasting patterns observed in plants and animals and their implications for the future of these rapidly evolving ecosystems.&nbsp;



The study not only opens a new window into understanding the complex dynamics of high-latitude food webs but also underscores the urgent need to comprehend and mitigate the impacts of climate change.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01893-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Microbial awakening: Arctic food webs are transforming from green to brown

A new study led by the USDA Forest Service has...

The greater blue-ringed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-tale-of-an-antarctic-octopus-and-the-vulnerable-west-antarctic-ice-sheet/">octopus</a>, known for its rapid skin changes, has inspired researchers at the <a href="https://uci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Irvine</a> (UCI) to develop a new technological platform that mimics the octopus’s dynamic skin patterns. 



This innovation has potential applications in various fields, including military, medicine, robotics, and sustainable energy. It is detailed in a recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40163-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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



“Multifunctional platforms that can dynamically modulate their color and appearance have attracted attention for applications as varied as displays, signaling, camouflage, anti-counterfeiting, sensing, biomedical imaging, energy conservation, and robotics,” the authors explained.&nbsp;



“Within this context, the development of camouflage systems with tunable spectroscopic and fluorescent properties that span the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared spectral regions has remained exceedingly challenging because of frequently competing materials and device design requirements.”



The team's invention is expected to benefit from adjustable fluorescent and spectroscopic properties, ease of manufacturing, and scalability to large areas, potentially covering vehicles, billboards, and buildings.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greater-blue-ringed-octopus">Greater blue-ringed octopus</h2>



The greater blue-ringed octopus (Hapalochlaena lunulata), native to the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, uses its distinct skin patterns for defense and communication.&nbsp;



With a flash of its blue rings, the octopus can ward off predators. These sparkling blue rings, which stand out against the brown background of the creature’s skin, caught the attention of the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-abilities-nbsp">Fascinating abilities&nbsp;</h2>



Senior co-author Alon Gorodetsky, a UCI professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, expressed his fascination with the octopus's skin-changing abilities.&nbsp;



“We are fascinated by the mechanisms underpinning the blue-ringed octopus’ ability to rapidly switch its skin markings between hidden and exposed states,” he said.&nbsp;



“For this project, we worked to mimic the octopus’ natural abilities with devices from unique materials we synthesized in our laboratory, and the result is an octopus-inspired deception and signaling system that is straightforward to fabricate, functions for a long time when operated continuously, and can even repair itself when damaged.”



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



The design of their creation involves a thin film with blue and brown circles resembling the octopus's skin, sandwiched between a transparent proton-conducting electrode and an acrylic membrane, with another electrode beneath it.



The researchers employed acenes, organic compounds made of linearly fused benzene rings, in their molecular-level innovation.&nbsp;



Co-lead author Preeta Pratakshya, a recent Ph.D. graduate from UCI’s Department of Chemistry, elaborated on the significance of these compounds.



“Our nonacene-like molecules are exceptional among acenes because they can survive years of storage in air and over a day of continuous irradiation with bright light in air. No other expanded acene displays this combined long-term stability under such harsh conditions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-performance-nbsp">Remarkable performance&nbsp;</h2>



Gorodetsky highlighted the importance of the molecules used in the colored layer, contributing to the device's adjustable spectroscopic properties and ease of manufacturing. He also mentioned the collaboration with Sahar Sharifzadeh, a Boston University professor, who demonstrated that the properties of these molecules can be computationally predicted, paving the way for designing other camouflage technologies.



In laboratory tests, the bioinspired devices showed they could change appearance over 500 times with minimal degradation and self-repair capabilities.&nbsp;



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



Gorodetsky noted the invention's effectiveness across the ultraviolet, visible light, and near-infrared spectrum, which could be used for camouflage or signaling purposes.



“The photophysical robustness and general processability of our nonacene-like molecule – and presumably its variants – opens opportunities for future investigation of these compounds within the context of traditional optoelectronic systems such as light-emitting diodes and solar cells,” he concluded, highlighting the potential of this bio-inspired technology to revolutionize various industries and applications.



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Blue-ringed octopus, a master of deception, inspires new technology

The greater blue-ringed octopus, known for its rapid skin changes,...

In a study from <a href="https://wsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a>, researchers have uncovered a significant correlation between the proximity of older adults to green and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-and-green-spaces-are-beneficial-in-all-stages-of-life/">blue spaces</a> and their mental and physical well-being. 



The study offers compelling evidence that even small increases in access to nature can markedly improve the health outcomes of older adults.



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



A mere 10% increase in forest space within a person’s ZIP code is linked to a noticeable decrease in serious psychological distress. This type of distress encompasses mental health challenges that necessitate treatment and hinder normal social, occupational, or educational functioning.



Similarly, enhancing green spaces, tree coverage, water bodies, or trail lengths by 10% appears to lower the likelihood of older individuals reporting their overall health as poor or fair.



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



The researchers analyzed health survey data from over 42,000 people aged 65 and above residing in urban areas of Washington state, spanning the years 2011 to 2019.



The experts related the health outcomes of these individuals to various measures quantifying their access to nature within their residential areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-analysis-nbsp">Comprehensive analysis&nbsp;</h2>



Initially presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in April 2023, the research focused solely on the link between psychological distress and proximity to natural spaces.



The final study expanded to include additional metrics such as green space percentage and trail length, also taking into account demographic variables like race and education.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-implications-nbsp">Public health implications&nbsp;</h2>



“Our findings suggest that loss of our urban green and blue spaces due to rapid urbanization may not just have an environmental impact but could have a public health impact as well,” said study first study author Adithya Vegaraju, a medical student in the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine.



Vegaraju said this research is among the first in the U.S. to specifically investigate the relationship between access to nature and health in the older population.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-prescriptions-nbsp">Nature prescriptions&nbsp;</h2>



“Older adults with depression, anxiety or mental health issues are known to be more resistant to medical interventions or talk therapy, which are the go-to treatments for these conditions,” said Vegaraju.&nbsp;



“If exposure to green or blue spaces could help prevent, delay or even treat poor mental health in older adults, we need to look at that more closely as a way to improve mental health outcomes in this population.”



According to Vegaraju, one potential solution could involve "nature prescriptions," a growing trend that involves healthcare providers giving patients written recommendations to spend time outdoors.



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



Senior study author Solmaz Amiri, a research assistant professor in the WSU College of Medicine, said further studies are needed to know exactly how exposure to green and blue spaces may lead to better mental and general health. She plans to study the possible link between nature exposure and cognitive decline, which can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.



“It is thought that exposure to green and blue spaces could help slow cognitive decline,” said Amiri. “What we would like to know is if green and blue space exposure can influence dementia directly or whether it can do so by reducing mental health issues that may lead to cognitive decline.”



Amiri hopes this research will help resolve health inequities among older adults from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, which may be tied to unequal access to green and blue spaces in the urban areas where they live.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103148" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Health &amp; Place</a>.



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Access to nature improves the mental health of older adults

In a study from Washington State University, researchers have uncovered...

The discovery that early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-african-primates-face-multiple-threats/">primates</a> likely lived in pairs significantly alters our understanding of primate evolution and social behavior. This revelation comes from a study led by the <a href="https://www.uzh.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Zurich</a>. 



The research challenges the long-held belief that primates, particularly Strepsirrhines or "wet-nosed" primates, were primarily solitary creatures.



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



"Was the ancestor of all primates a solitary-living species? Did more social forms of primate societies evolve from this basic and simple society? Until now, the dogmatic answer was yes," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"We used a modern statistical analysis, including variations within species, to show that the ancestral primate social organization was most likely variable. Most lived in pairs, and only 10 to 20% of individuals were solitary."&nbsp;



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



Charlotte Olivier from the Hubert Curien Pluridisciplinary Institute collected detailed information on the social structures of primate populations in the wild.&nbsp;



Over several years, the researchers created a database which included hundreds of populations from over 200 primate species. This extensive database, built from primary field studies, revealed a surprising diversity in primate social organizations.



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



According to the researchers, over half of the primate species recorded in the database exhibited more than one form of social organization.&nbsp;



“The most common social organization were groups in which multiple females and multiple males lived together, for example chimpanzees or macaques, followed by groups with only one male and multiple females - such as in gorillas or langurs. But one-quarter of all species lived in pairs," explained study co-author Adrian Jaeggi.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-statistical-analysis-nbsp">Complex statistical analysis&nbsp;</h2>



The experts calculated the probability of different forms of social organization, including for our ancestors who lived some 70 million years ago. They accounted for variables such as body size, diet, and habitat.&nbsp;



The calculations were based on complex statistical models developed by Jordan Martin at UZH’s Institute of Evolutionary Medicine. Fossil evidence, indicating that ancestral primates were small-bodied and arboreal, strongly supported the pair-living hypothesis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-organization-of-primates">Social organization of primates</h2>



“Our model shows that the ancestral social organization of primates was variable and that pair-living was by far the most likely form,” said Martin. He noted that only about 15% of our ancestors were solitary, suggesting that living in larger groups is a relatively recent development in primate history.



The significance of this finding extends to our understanding of human social structures. “Many, but by no means all of us, live in pairs while also being a part of extended families and larger groups and societies,” said Jaeggi.&nbsp;



However, pair-living among early primates did not equate to sexual monogamy or cooperative infant care, noted Jaeggi.&nbsp;



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



“It is more likely that a specific female and a specific male would be seen together for most of the time and share the same home range and sleeping site, which was more advantageous to them than solitary living,” said study co-author Carsten Schradin from the University of Strasbourg. For example, pair-living enabled them to fend off competitors or keep each other warm.



"Our results suggest that solitary living is a derived state and as such an adaptation to specific environmental conditions," wrote the researchers. "Future studies will have to determine costs and benefits of solitary living as has been done for pair- and group-living."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2215401120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.&nbsp;



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Most early primates lived in pairs and were not solitary creatures 

The discovery that early primates likely lived in pairs significantly...

Honey production in the United States has experienced a noticeable decline since the 1990s, a trend that has puzzled both honey producers and scientists.&nbsp;



A new study conducted by researchers at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State University</a> has shed light on this mystery, revealing key insights drawn from an extensive analysis of data spanning five decades.



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



The researchers used a wealth of data sources, including those maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service and USDA Farm Service Agency.&nbsp;



The team meticulously examined a range of variables, such as average honey yield per colony, land use patterns, herbicide application, climatic conditions, weather anomalies, and soil productivity across the continental U.S.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-contributing-factors">Multiple contributing factors</h2>



The analysis revealed a complex interplay of factors impacting honey yields. Notably, the study highlighted the significant influence of land use changes, including the reduction of land conservation programs that are crucial for pollinators, and the widespread application of herbicides. These factors, along with varying annual weather patterns, were linked to fluctuations in honey production.



The role of soil productivity emerged as a particularly important factor. The study found that both warmer and cooler regions in the U.S. reported higher honey yields when their soils were more productive. This underscores the significance of soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties in supporting not only crop growth but also the floral resources vital for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-are-very-loyal-to-their-flower-patches/">honey bees</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-impact-of-climate">Growing impact of climate</h2>



Study lead author Gabriela Quinlan, an NSF postdoctoral fellow at Penn State’s Department of Entomology and Center for Pollinator Research, said she was inspired to conduct the study after attending beekeeper meetings and conferences and repeatedly hearing the same comment: "You just can’t make honey like you used to."



Quinlan's analysis revealed an increasing correlation between climate and honey yields post-1992, indicating the growing impact of climate change on honey production.



“It’s unclear how climate change will continue to affect honey production, but our findings may help to predict these changes,” said Quinlan. “For example, pollinator resources may decline in the Great Plains as the climate warms and becomes more moderate, while resources may increase in the mid-Atlantic as conditions become hotter.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extensive-data-analysis-nbsp">Extensive data analysis&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Professor Christina Grozinger said that while scientists previously knew that many factors influence flowering plant abundance and flower production, prior studies were conducted in only one region of the U.S.



“What’s really unique about this study is that we were able to take advantage of 50 years of data from across the continental U.S.,” said Professor Grozinger. “This allowed us to really investigate the role of soil, eco-regional climate conditions, annual weather variation, land use and land management practices on the availability of nectar for honey bees and other pollinators.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flower-availability">Flower availability</h2>



The study also sheds light on the critical issue of floral resource availability. Different regions support diverse flowering plants based on their unique climate and soil characteristics. Identifying areas with abundant flowers is becoming increasingly important for creating bee-friendly landscapes.&nbsp;



“A lot of factors affect honey production, but a main one is the availability of flowers,” said Quinlan. “Honey bees are really good foragers, collecting nectar from a variety of flowering plants and turning that nectar into honey. I was curious that if beekeepers are seeing less honey, does that mean there are fewer floral resources available to pollinators overall? And if so, what environmental factors were causing this change?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-new-insights-nbsp">Valuable new insights&nbsp;</h2>



The investigation into the decline of honey production led to an exciting discovery about the importance of soil productivity, a relatively underexplored factor in determining the suitability of landscapes for pollinators.



Furthermore, the researchers found that changes in land use, such as decreases in soybean land and increases in Conservation Reserve Program land, positively impacted honey yields. The application rates of herbicides also played a crucial role, as eliminating flowering weeds can deprive bees of essential nutritional sources.



“Our findings provide valuable insights that can be applied to improve models and design experiments to enable beekeepers to predict honey yields, growers to understand pollination services, and land managers to support plant–pollinator communities and ecosystem services,” concluded Quinlan.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/acff0c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Bees are making less honey, and five decades of data reveals why

Honey production in the United States has experienced a noticeable...

For nearly two decades, the <a href="https://missouri.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Missouri</a>'s Stay Strong Stay Healthy (SSSH) program has been pivotal in promoting physical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-study-proves-that-you-really-are-what-you-eat/">fitness</a> among older adults. Since its inception in 2005, the program has transcended state boundaries, benefiting over 20,000 seniors across five states.



Designed for individuals aged 60 and above, SSSH offers an eight-week strength training curriculum, emphasizing exercises like squats, bicep curls, and lunges. It's not just about the physical aspect; the program thrives in creating a warm, welcoming environment where seniors can exercise safely and socially.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helping-older-adults-stay-independent-nbsp">Helping older adults stay independent&nbsp;</h2>



Stay Strong Stay Healthy is led by Professor Stephen Ball from the MU College of Health Sciences. “One thing I always preach when it comes to physical activity is: some is better than none, more is better than some, and too much is difficult to get.”&nbsp;



“As the United States population is aging, I want to make a difference by helping older adults stay independent as they age and send the message that you don’t need an expensive gym membership with a personal trainer to stay active. We created a community-based program so older adults can exercise with others who look like them in a more comfortable, social environment," said Professor Ball.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enormous-benefits-nbsp">Enormous benefits&nbsp;</h2>



Participants in the MU Extension program consistently report an increase in physical energy and self-confidence. Furthermore, multiple peer-reviewed studies show that the program improves muscle strength, balance, flexibility and sleep. Notably, the training has been proven to reduce participants’ risk for falling - a big concern for aging adults.&nbsp;



“Another benefit we often hear about is the social enjoyment participants have spending time with other older adults,” said Professor Ball. “While it is certainly not expected, participants sometimes take the instructors out for lunch or ice cream after class as a sign of gratitude, appreciation and friendship.”



The program comprises two levels, each spanning eight weeks. A recent study attesting to the success of the Level 2 class found that participants not only maintained but also improved their health gains from Level 1. This advancement is a testament to the program's structured and effective approach.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invaluable-opportunities-nbsp">Invaluable opportunities&nbsp;</h2>



The benefits of Stay Strong Stay Healthy extend to MU students as well, offering them invaluable opportunities to lead classes and hone essential skills like relationship-building and leadership.&nbsp;



“I learned the importance of making the participants feel comfortable - a skill you can only really learn through experience - and I feel like I learned as much from the participants as they learned from me,” said Audrey Guess, an undergraduate student instructor majoring in Health Sciences. “I was originally thinking about a career in pediatrics, but now I think I want to continue to help older adults.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead">Looking ahead</h2>



Professor Ball aims to secure evidence-based status from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), a move that could propel the program to a national platform. Such recognition would not only enhance funding opportunities but also reinforce the program's commitment to reducing fall risks among older adults, thus promoting their independence and quality of life.



MU's Stay Strong Stay Healthy program is more than just a fitness initiative. It's a movement championing the health and independence of older adults, proving that age is just a number when it comes to staying active and healthy.



“We are proud of our impact so far, and we’re just getting started,” said Professor Ball. “Because of the popularity and success of our program, we’re piloting a Level 3 class to help participants continue their forward momentum. Not only are we changing the lives of the participants by improving their health as they age, we are also providing professional development opportunities for our students at MU as well.”



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/07334648231199996" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Applied Gerontology</a>.



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Stay Strong Stay Healthy program shows that fitness has no age limit

For nearly two decades, the University of Missouri's Stay Strong...

The rise in popularity of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americas-demand-for-avocados-linked-to-escalating-crisis-in-mexico/">avocado</a>, a staple on the tables of health enthusiasts and toast aficionados alike, has brought with it a range of overlooked consequences.&nbsp;



This multifaceted issue is eloquently explored by Honor May Eldridge, a seasoned food policy expert, in her latest work, "<a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003371915/avocado-debate-honor-may-eldridge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Avocado Debate</a>." Eldridge's book delves into the complexities surrounding this iconic fruit, which has become a symbol of much more than mere healthy eating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-globally-celebrated-superfood-nbsp">Globally celebrated superfood&nbsp;</h2>



Eldridge's expertise in sustainable agriculture shines through as she discusses the avocado's journey from a humble fruit to a globally celebrated superfood.&nbsp;



"The avocado has come to represent so much more than just a fruit. It’s wrapped up with ideas of generational conflict, environmental chaos and social injustice. Over the last century, through careful marketing, it has evolved into a commodity crop with a huge social media following,” Eldridge explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-informed-choices-nbsp">Informed choices&nbsp;</h2>



"The Avocado Debate" is not an indictment of the fruit or its fans; instead, it aims to illuminate the hidden impacts of our food choices. Eldridge's approach is educational, not accusatory. She believes in informed choices.&nbsp;



“Everything we eat has an impact – good and bad. We all just need to be more knowledgeable about those consequences so we can make more informed choices. We shouldn’t demonize the avocado,” said Eldridge.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-and-social-impacts">Environmental and social impacts</h2>



In the past 30 years, avocados have transformed from a regional specialty to a global sensation. Eldridge traces this evolution, highlighting the pivotal role of historical and contemporary marketing strategies in its rise to fame. She critically examines the polarizing narratives surrounding avocados, urging a more balanced view of their environmental and social impacts.



The book also tackles the ethical and environmental challenges posed by avocado farming. From the strain on water resources to the use of fertilizers and pesticides, Eldridge doesn't shy away from the difficult questions. She examines the broader implications of avocado production, such as land use changes that threaten ecosystems and local communities, and the complex dynamics between the Global North and South.



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



Eldridge also sheds light on certification schemes like Fairtrade and Organic. While acknowledging their benefits, she also points out their limitations, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to food choices that takes into account affordability and sustainability.



"The Avocado Debate" transcends its subject, serving as a lens to view the broader implications of our food choices. Eldridge encourages readers to look beyond black-and-white narratives, recognizing the nuances in our food system. She hopes to inspire a more informed and responsible approach to food consumption.&nbsp;



As she puts it, “my goal is to encourage readers to recognize the complexity of our food system and understand that no food is inherently 'good' or 'bad.’ The debate needs to move beyond simplistic portrayals and embrace the intricate reality of our choices.”



The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the implications of their dietary decisions, offering insights into the ethical and environmental aspects of food production and consumption.



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The Avocado Debate: Understanding the impacts of our food choices

The rise in popularity of the avocado, a staple on...

Blood,Samples,For,Hdl,Cholesterol,(good,Cholesterol),And,Ldl,Cholesterol

A recent study has revealed a surprising twist in the narrative about "good" <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-can-work-as-well-as-medication-to-lower-cholesterol/">cholesterol</a>, HDL (High-density lipoprotein).&nbsp;



Contrary to its long-held reputation for cardiovascular benefits, high levels of HDL are now linked with an increased risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-good-vs-bad-cholesterol-nbsp">Good vs. bad cholesterol&nbsp;</h2>



Traditionally, HDL has been celebrated for its role in cardiovascular health. It absorbs cholesterol from the blood and transports it to the liver for removal, which is why it's been deemed "good."&nbsp;



Low-density lipoprotein, the so-called "bad" cholesterol, is known for transporting cholesterol particles throughout the body, contributing to the build-up of plaque in arteries, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke.



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



However, the findings from a study published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanwpc/article/PIIS2666-6065(23)00281-X/fulltext#secsectitle0145">Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific</a> suggest a complex relationship between high-density lipoprotein and brain health.&nbsp;



The study involved tracking over 18,600 individuals aged 65 and above for six years, during which 4.6 percent of participants developed dementia.&nbsp;



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



Surprisingly, those with very high HDL levels faced a 27 percent increased risk of dementia, with the risk spiking to 42 percent in individuals aged 75 and older.



The research team from Australia clarified that these increased risks were independent of other traditional dementia risk factors such as physical activity, education, diabetes, smoking, or alcohol consumption.&nbsp;



The experts defined "very high" levels of HDL as 80 mg/dL or higher, a rarity in the study and not typically associated with dietary factors but possibly indicative of underlying metabolic disorders. The correlation between high HDL levels and increased dementia risk echoes the findings of a study from 2022.&nbsp;



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



Dr. Monira Hussain, the first author and a senior research fellow at <a href="https://www.monash.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monash University</a>'s School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, emphasized the need for further research to understand this phenomenon. 



"While we know HDL cholesterol is important for cardiovascular health, this study suggests that we need further research to understand the role of very high HDL cholesterol in the context of brain health.”



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



The study's implications extend beyond the scientific community to potentially impact medical practice. The ease of measuring cholesterol levels and the possibility of influencing them through lifestyle changes position cholesterol as a potential biomarker for dementia risk.



Currently, approximately 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, primarily affecting those over 65. This number is projected to nearly double by 2050. The exact cause of Alzheimer's remains a subject of debate, but abnormal protein build-ups in the brain are believed to play a significant role.



"What we are learning now is that there is a lot more nuance to HDL’s role in the body. As a result, I usually explain to patients that it is more 'neutral' than 'good,'" said cardiologist Corey Bradley. This statement underscores the complexity of cholesterol's impact on the body, signaling a shift in how medical professionals may approach cholesterol management in the context of overall health.



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“Good” cholesterol may increase the risk of dementia

A recent study has revealed a surprising twist in the...

A new study led by <a href="https://globalfishingwatch.org/">Global Fishing Watch</a> has utilized artificial intelligence and satellite imagery to uncover the previously hidden scale of human activity at sea, revealing that around 75% of the world's industrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/squid-fishing-vessels-take-advantage-of-unregulated-waters/">fishing vessels</a> are not publicly tracked.&nbsp;



The study offers an unprecedented global map of large vessel traffic and offshore infrastructure, highlighting the extent of "dark" activities previously invisible to public monitoring systems.



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



David Kroodsma, the director of research and innovation at Global Fishing Watch and co-lead author of the study, emphasized the significance of this research in understanding the new industrial revolution occurring in our oceans.&nbsp;



“A new industrial revolution has been emerging in our seas undetected - until now,” said Kroodsma. “On land, we have detailed maps of almost every road and building on the planet. In contrast, growth in our ocean has been largely hidden from public view. This study helps eliminate the blind spots and shed light on the breadth and intensity of human activity at sea.”&nbsp;



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



The research team, which included experts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Duke University, UC Santa Barbara, and SkyTruth, analyzed a vast dataset of satellite imagery spanning from 2017 to 2021. This effort covered coastal waters across six continents, where over three-quarters of industrial activity is concentrated.&nbsp;



By combining GPS data with radar and optical imagery over five years, the researchers identified vessels that did not broadcast their positions. Machine learning algorithms were then employed to determine which of these vessels were likely engaged in fishing activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-poorly-documented-activity">Poorly documented activity</h2>



Fernando Paolo, a senior machine learning engineer at Global Fishing Watch and co-lead author of the study, highlighted the historical challenge of documenting vessel activity.&nbsp;



“Historically, vessel activity has been poorly documented, limiting our understanding of how the world’s largest public resource - the ocean - is being used,” said Paolo. “By combining space technology with state-of-the-art machine learning, we mapped undisclosed industrial activity at sea on a scale never done before.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-fleets">Dark fleets</h2>



The study revealed numerous "dark fleets," vessels not visible on public monitoring systems, within many marine protected areas. It also showed a significant number of vessels in countries' waters that were previously thought to have little-to-no vessel activity.&nbsp;



Study co-author Professor Jennifer Raynor from the University of Wisconsin-Madison noted a discrepancy in publicly available data regarding fishing activities in Asia and Europe. Their mapping uncovered that Asia has a substantially higher number of fishing vessels compared to Europe.



“Publicly available data wrongly suggests that Asia and Europe have similar amounts of fishing within their borders, but our mapping reveals that Asia dominates - for every 10 fishing vessels we found on the water, seven were in Asia while only one was in Europe," said Raynor. “By revealing dark vessels, we have created the most comprehensive public picture of global industrial fishing available.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-offshore-energy-development-nbsp">Offshore energy development&nbsp;</h2>



The study also observed changes in human ocean activity, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. While fishing activity dropped globally, transport and energy vessel activities remained stable.&nbsp;



Notably, offshore energy development surged during the study period, with oil structures increasing by 16% and wind turbines more than doubling, outnumbering oil platforms by 2021. China's offshore wind energy saw the most dramatic growth.



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



Patrick Halpin, a professor at Duke University and co-author of the study, underscored the broader implications of these findings.&nbsp;



“The footprint of the Anthropocene is no longer limited to terra firma,” said Professor Halpin. “Having a more complete view of ocean industrialization allows us to see new growth in offshore wind, aquaculture and mining that is rapidly being added to established industrial fishing, shipping and oil and gas activities."&nbsp;



"Our work reveals that the global ocean is a busy, crowded and complex industrial workspace of the growing blue economy.”&nbsp;



The researchers believe that this technology has the potential to address climate change challenges. Accurate mapping of all vessel traffic can enhance greenhouse gas emission estimates at sea, while mapping infrastructure can inform wind development and track marine degradation due to oil exploration.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-era-in-ocean-management-nbsp">A new era in ocean management&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Christian Thomas, a geospatial engineer at SkyTruth, stressed the importance of identifying offshore infrastructure.



“Identifying offshore infrastructure is critical for understanding offshore energy development impacts and trends, and is crucial data for our work to detect marine pollution events and hold responsible parties to account,” said Thomas.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The study not only illuminates previously unseen aspects of ocean industrialization but also democratizes access to satellite monitoring technology.&nbsp;



“Previously, this type of satellite monitoring was only available to those who could pay for it. Now it is freely available to all nations,” said Kroodsma. “This study marks the beginning of a new era in ocean management and transparency.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06825-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>. 



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Dark fleets: Hidden industrial fishing activity exposed

A new study led by Global Fishing Watch has utilized...

Researchers at <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a> have found new evidence that may help motivate you to ditch a high-fat diet in the new year. 



According to the study, diets that are high in fat affect genes linked to obesity, colon cancer, the immune system, and brain function. The team found that high fat intake may also elevate the risk of COVID-19 infection.



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



For the investigation, the researchers fed mice three different high-fat diets (with at least 40% of calories from fat) over 24 weeks. These diets included saturated fat from coconut oil, monounsaturated fat from modified soybean oil, and polyunsaturated fat from unmodified soybean oil.&nbsp;



The experts analyzed genetic changes in all four parts of the intestines, alongside examining the microbiome.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-genetic-alterations">Surprising genetic alterations</h2>



The study revealed significant changes in gene expression across all diets when compared to a low-fat control diet.&nbsp;



“Word on the street is that plant-based diets are better for you, and in many cases that’s true. However, a diet high in fat, even from a plant, is one case where it’s just not true,” said study senior author Professor Frances Sladek.



The research highlights the extensive impacts of these diets, including major shifts in gut bacteria and fat metabolism genes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-findings">Alarming findings</h2>



One of the more alarming discoveries was the detrimental effect of high-fat diets on genes regulating immunity and infectious diseases.&nbsp;



“We saw pattern recognition genes, ones that recognize infectious bacteria, take a hit. We saw cytokine signaling genes take a hit, which help the body control inflammation,” said Sladek.&nbsp;



‘So, it’s a double whammy. These diets impair immune system genes in the host, and they also create an environment in which harmful gut bacteria can thrive.”



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



The study revealed an association between high-fat diets and increased expression of ACE2 and other proteins, which facilitate COVID-19 entry into the body.



Furthermore, the team observed that high-fat food increased signs of stem cells in the colon. “You’d think that would be a good thing, but actually they can be precursors to cancer,” explained Sladek.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-gene-expression-nbsp">Changes in gene expression&nbsp;</h2>



Coconut oil showed the greatest number of changes in gene expression, followed by the unmodified soybean oil. The researchers noted that negative changes to the microbiome in this study were more pronounced in mice fed the soybean oil diet.&nbsp;



The experts had previously documented negative health effects of high soybean oil consumption. In 2015, they found that soybean oil induces obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, and fatty liver in mice.&nbsp;



In 2020, the researchers demonstrated that soybean oil can also affect genes in the brain related to conditions like autism, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, and depression.&nbsp;



In the current study, the team found that the expression of several neurotransmitter genes were changed by the high-fat diets, confirming that diet can impact the gut-brain axis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerning-results">Concerning results</h2>



The researchers emphasized that these findings only apply to soybean oil, and not to other soy products, tofu, or soybeans themselves. “There are some really good things about soybeans. But too much of that oil is just not good for you,” said UCR microbiologist Poonamjot Deol.



While the findings are based on mouse studies and may not fully translate to humans, the similarities in working DNA between the two species make the results concerning. The high consumption of soybean oil in the United States is particularly alarming.&nbsp;



“Some fat is necessary in the diet, perhaps 10 to 15%. Most people though, at least in this country, are getting at least three times the amount that they need,” said Deol.&nbsp;



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



The experts noted that there is no need to panic over one or two meals, considering it was the long-term effects of a high-fat diet (24 weeks) that caused the observed changes in mice.



“In human terms, that is like starting from childhood and continuing until middle age. One night of indulgence is not what these mice ate. It’s more like a lifetime of the food,” said Deol.&nbsp;



Still, the researchers hope the study will cause people to closely examine their eating habits. “Some people think, ‘Oh, I’ll just exercise more and be okay. But regularly eating this way could be impacting your immune system and how your brain functions,” said Deol. “You may not be able to just exercise away these effects.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-49555-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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High-fat diets linked to unexpected health risks

Researchers at UC Riverside have found new evidence that may...

A groundbreaking study reevaluates previously identified juvenile <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/were-there-three-distinct-species-of-tyrannosaurus-rex/">T. rex</a> fossils, uncovering they were actually adult specimens of a distinct, smaller tyrannosaur species, Nanotyrannus lancensis. This species, initially named decades prior, was thought to be young T. rex due to similarities in appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decades-of-debate">Decades of debate</h2>



The controversy around Nanotyrannus began with the unearthing of its first skull in Montana in 1942. The scientific community has been divided on its classification, oscillating between a unique tyrannosaur species and a T. rex juvenile. 



This debate led Dr. Nick Longrich from the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a> and Dr. Evan Saitta from the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a> to reexamine these fossils, analyzing growth rings, Nanotyrannus anatomy, and a previously unnoticed young T. rex fossil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-growth-rings">Measuring the growth rings</h2>



The research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/fossils1010009" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fossil Studies</a>, revealed a crucial detail in the Nanotyrannus bones' growth rings. 



Measuring the growth rings in Nanotyrannus bones, the experts showed that they became more closely packed towards the outside of the bone, meaning that its growth was slowing, and suggesting that these animals were nearly full size rather than&nbsp; fast-growing juveniles.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conclusive-results">Conclusive results</h2>



In terms of size, Nanotyrannus was significantly smaller than T. rex, with projections indicating a maximum weight of 900-1500 kilograms and length of five meters. In contrast, T. rex could reach up to 8,000 kilograms and over nine meters.



“When I saw these results I was pretty blown away. I didn’t expect it to be quite so conclusive,” Longrich said. “If they were young T. rex they should be growing like crazy, putting on hundreds of kilograms a year, but we’re not seeing that. We tried modeling the data in a lot of different ways and we kept getting low growth rates. This is looking like the end for the hypothesis that these animals are young T. rex.”



Further supporting Nanotyrannus as a separate species, no fossils exhibited a mix of traits from both Nanotyrannus and T. rex. Thus, every fossil they examined could be confidently identified as one species or the other.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinctive-tyrannosaur-features">Distinctive Tyrannosaur features</h2>



The mystery of rare young T. rex fossils was also addressed. A fossil, previously unclassified, was identified in a museum in San Francisco as a juvenile Tyrannosaurus.&nbsp;



“That young T. rex is represented by a skull bone - the frontal bone - with distinctive features that ally it with Tyrannosaurus, but which aren’t seen in Nanotyrannus. It comes from a small animal, one with a skull about 45 cm long and a body length of around 5 meters,” Longrich explained.



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



In conclusion, this study presents strong evidence of Nanotyrannus as a distinct species, not closely related to Tyrannosaurus. The differences in physical characteristics, such as larger arms and a lighter build, suggest a separate evolutionary path.&nbsp;



“It’s amazing to think how much we still don’t know about the most famous of all the dinosaurs. It makes you wonder what else we’ve gotten wrong,” Longrich concluded.



Image Credit: Andrey Atuchin



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Juvenile 'T. rex' fossils belong to a distinct tyrannosaur species 

A groundbreaking study reevaluates previously identified juvenile T. rex fossils,...

In a world where the climate is increasingly unpredictable, understanding how plants adapt and survive becomes crucial.&nbsp;



A new study from <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> sheds light on how tomato plants use their roots to ration water during drought conditions, marking a significant advancement in agricultural research and potential crop resilience strategies.



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



Central to this discovery is a substance called suberin, a water-repellent polymer. Suberin plays a critical role in how plants manage water resources under stress.&nbsp;



Typically, during a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flash-droughts-are-becoming-the-new-normal/">drought</a>, plant roots produce suberin to block water from flowing upwards towards the leaves. This mechanism is vital since water reaching the leaves would quickly evaporate. Comparing this to an open tap, without suberin, plants would suffer significant water loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-adaptation">Unique adaptation</h2>



While suberin is not new to botanists, its production in tomato plants presents a unique case. In most plants, suberin is produced by endodermal cells within the root's inner vessels.&nbsp;



However, in tomato plants, researchers found that suberin is produced in exodermal cells, situated just beneath the root's skin. This distinction was previously not well understood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-exodermal-suberin">The role of exodermal suberin</h2>



The research illuminates the role of exodermal suberin in tomato plants. Led by Siobhan Brady, a professor in the UC Davis Department of Plant Biology and Genome Center, and postdoctoral scholar Alex Cantó-Pastor, the team demonstrated that exodermal suberin serves a similar function to endodermal suberin.&nbsp;



The study revealed that without this protective layer, tomato plants show decreased resilience to water stress.



“This adds exodermal suberin to our toolbox of ways to help plants survive for longer and cope with drought,” said Professor Brady.&nbsp;



“It’s almost like a jigsaw puzzle - if you can figure out which cells have modifications that protect the plant during difficult environmental conditions, you can start to ask questions like, if you build those defenses up one upon the other, does it make the plant stronger?”



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



The team began by identifying active genes in the root exodermal cells of tomato plants. Following this, gene editing was used to create mutant strains which lacked certain genes believed to be involved in suberin production. This led to the identification of seven essential genes for suberin deposition.



Focusing on two genes, SIASFT and SlMYB92, the researchers conducted drought experiments. These genes, one an enzyme and the other a transcription factor, are critical in suberin production.&nbsp;



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



Mutant plants, deficient in the genes needed for suberin production, exhibited increased wilting and stress under drought conditions compared to normal, well-watered plants.



“In both of those cases where you have mutations in those genes, the plants are more stressed and they're not able to respond to drought conditions,” said Brady.



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



Having established suberin's effectiveness in a controlled environment, the next step involves field testing. Professor Brady and her team aim to apply this knowledge to improve drought tolerance in tomatoes, a move that could revolutionize agricultural practices.



“We’ve been working on taking this finding and putting it into the field to try and make tomatoes more drought tolerant,” said Brady.



The research was supported by the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01567-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Plants</a>. 



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Tomato plants use their roots to ration water during drought

In a world where the climate is increasingly unpredictable, understanding...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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