In the arid, fossil-rich landscape of Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park, a team of paleontologists stumbled across something unexpected. The experts found the fossilized jawbone of a pterosaur that may be the oldest ever found in North America.



The discovery came from a remote site that revealed not just one remarkable creature, but a whole ecosystem preserved in stone.



The study was led by scientists from the Smithsonian’s <a href="https://www.si.edu/museums/natural-history-museum">National Museum of Natural History</a> and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Petrified Forest National Park</a>. The research introduces a new pterosaur species alongside more than 1,000 other fossils.



Some of these include one of the world’s oldest turtle specimens. Together, the fossils paint a vivid picture of life just before one of Earth’s biggest mass extinctions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-before-mass-extinction">Life before mass extinction</h2>



The pterosaur fossils come from rock layers that date back to the Late <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-did-not-impact-dinosaur-abundance-in-the-triassic/">Triassic</a> period. During this time, ancient amphibians and crocodile-like reptiles lived side by side with animals that would go on to shape the future of the planet, including early turtles, frogs, and flying reptiles.



“The site captures the transition to more modern terrestrial vertebrate communities, where we start seeing groups that thrive later in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-were-not-the-only-animals-that-grew-fast-during-the-mesozoic/">Mesozoic</a> living alongside these older animals that don’t make it past the Triassic,” said study lead author Ben Kligman.



This glimpse into prehistoric life is especially valuable because it dates to just before the end-Triassic extinction - about 201.5 million years ago - when massive volcanic eruptions dramatically altered Earth’s climate. 



The event wiped out roughly 75% of all species, paving the way for dinosaurs to rise to dominance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossils-hidden-by-ash">Fossils hidden by ash</h2>



Direct fossil evidence from just before this extinction is hard to come by. Few fossil-rich outcrops from this time exist, but Petrified Forest National Park is one of the rare exceptions. 



Known for its colorful layers of petrified wood and Triassic fossils, the park has long been a treasure trove for paleontologists.



One rock layer, called the Owl Rock Member, has proven especially important. It’s full of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fire-and-ice-volcanic-ash-plays-a-surprising-role-in-cloud-formation/">volcanic ash</a>, which helped scientists date it precisely to around 209 million years ago. These are some of the park’s youngest rocks - but also among its least explored.



Study co-author William Parker explained that the Owl Rock exposures are tucked away in extremely remote areas. Few teams have been able to study them in detail.



In 2011, a research group led by Kay Behrensmeyer decided to take on the challenge. Braving the rugged terrain - complete with rattlesnakes and wild horses - they went in search of mammal-like fossils. 



What they found instead was a densely packed bonebed, full of life from a vanished world.



“That’s the fun thing about paleontology: you go looking for one thing, and then you find something else that’s incredible that you weren’t expecting,” said Kligman, who started working at the site during his PhD studies in 2018.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-life-buried-by-floods">Ancient life buried by floods</h2>



Back in the Triassic, this part of Arizona was located near the equator and sat in the center of the supercontinent <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/supercontinents-101-pannotia-gondwana-and-pangea/">Pangaea</a>. 



The land was semi-arid, with winding river channels and a seasonal flood cycle. One of those floods likely buried the animals that are now preserved in the bonebed.



The fossil layer was so dense with tiny remains that collecting them onsite was impossible. Instead, researchers carved out large blocks of sediment, wrapped them in plaster, and brought them back to the lab.



Many of these blocks were sent to the Smithsonian’s FossiLab, where volunteers spent thousands of hours carefully exposing the bones. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-fossils-major-clues">Small fossils, major clues</h2>



The rivers teemed with fish like coelacanths and freshwater sharks. Giant amphibians - some stretching over six feet long - swam through the streams. On land, armored herbivores and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-crocodile-like-beast-was-a-terrifying-predator/">crocodile-like predators</a> ruled.



At the same time, smaller creatures were starting to make their mark. The team identified early frogs, relatives of today’s tuataras, and a turtle with spike-like armor that could fit in a shoebox. 



The remains of a small pterosaur were also hidden among the layers - just one part of a fossil record that shows how quickly new groups were emerging and spreading across Pangaea.



“This suggests that turtles rapidly dispersed across Pangaea, which is surprising for an animal that is not very large and is likely walking at a slow pace,” said Kligman.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pterosaur-that-perched-like-a-bird">Pterosaur that perched like a bird</h2>



One of the most exciting finds was a jawbone with teeth still in place. It belonged to a small pterosaur, one of the first vertebrates capable of powered flight. This early flier could have perched on a person’s shoulder.



The pterosaur fossil was uncovered by Suzanne McIntire, a volunteer who spent 18 years working in the FossiLab.



“What was exciting about uncovering this specimen was that the teeth were still in the bone, so I knew the animal would be much easier to identify,” McIntire said.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/pterosaur_Eotephradactylus-mcintireae_Arizona_illustration_credit-Brian-Engh_1big.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/pterosaur_Eotephradactylus-mcintireae_Arizona_illustration_credit-Brian-Engh_1s.webp" alt="An artist's reconstruction of the fossilized landscape, plants and animals found preserved in a remote bonebed in Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. The newly described pterosaur Eotephradactylus mcintireae is seen eating an ancient ray-finned fish alongside an early species of turtle and an early frog species, with the skeleton of an armored crocodile relative lying on the ground and a palm-like plant growing in the background. Credit: Brian Engh" class="wp-image-1977432"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An artist's reconstruction of the fossilized landscape, plants and animals found preserved in a remote bonebed in Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. The newly described pterosaur Eotephradactylus mcintireae is seen eating an ancient ray-finned fish alongside an early species of turtle and an early frog species, with the skeleton of an armored crocodile relative lying on the ground and a palm-like plant growing in the background. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Brian Engh</figcaption></figure>



The wear on the teeth gave scientists a clue about the pterosaur’s diet. It likely fed on armored fish that were common in the area. 



The new species was named Eotephradactylus mcintireae, which translates to “ash-winged dawn goddess." This title honors McIntire, who retired last year.



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



Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that existed during the time of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-did-dinosaurs-come-from-missing-fossils-hold-the-secret/">dinosaurs</a>. They were the first animals with backbones to evolve powered flight, well before birds or bats came on the scene.



Powered by skin stretched across an extended fourth finger, they ranged in size and shape from something no larger than a crow to giants with wings up to 30 feet or more.



Pterosaurs were not dinosaurs. They formed their own group of reptiles and possessed special adaptations for flight. Some flew above coastlines, while others preyed on fish or small land animals inland.



The new fossil contributes to what is known about those early birds and how they expanded around the globe.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2505513122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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North America's oldest known pterosaur discovered in a petrified forest

In the arid, fossil-rich landscape of Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park, a team of paleontologists stumbled across something unexpected. The experts found the fossilized jawbone of a pterosaur that may be the oldest ever found in North America. The discovery came from a remote site that revealed not just one remarkable creature, but a whole ecosystem preserved in stone. The study was led by scientists from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and Petrified Forest National Park. The research introduces a new pterosaur species alongside more...

Research from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a> has revealed a startling link between plant nurseries and the spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/">invasive species</a>, particularly in a warming climate.



The research, which consists of two papers, offers the most comprehensive mapping to date of how 144 common invasive plant species are expected to respond to climate change in the eastern United States.



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



Led by Bethany Bradley, a professor of Environmental Conservation, the UMass Amherst team meticulously analyzed data from 14 invasive species databases.&nbsp;



Professor Bradley noted that managers have very few resources to control invasions, so there isn't time to waste focusing on species unlikely to become invasive in a given area. "But the question of what will become invasive and where has been surprisingly tricky to answer.”



“If we can proactively identify these species and the regions they are most likely to become abundant in as the climate warms, then we can head-off a major ecological threat before it’s too late,” said study co-author Annette Evans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hotspots-of-invasive-species-nbsp">Hotspots of invasive species&nbsp;</h2>



Concentrating on the eastern United States, the team identified current "hotspots" of invasive species abundance. These hotspots, notably around the Great Lakes, mid-Atlantic, and the northeastern coasts of Florida and Georgia, are fertile grounds for over 30 different invasive plants.



Using advanced modeling, the researchers projected the future spread of these species with 2°C of warming.&nbsp;



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



The team discovered that most species would likely shift their ranges northeastward by an average of 213 kilometers.&nbsp;



In some areas, this shift could lead to the proliferation of up to 21 new plant species, exacerbating the effects of 40 currently abundant invasives. However, 62% of these species might see a decrease in suitable habitats in the eastern United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primary-pathway-nbsp">Primary pathway&nbsp;</h2>



The second part of the study, led by Evelyn M. Beaury, a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton, highlights the significant role of commercial nurseries in the spread of invasive species.&nbsp;



The study found that nurseries are the primary pathway for introducing invasive plants, with over 80% of the species studied being sold in nurseries.



“When people think of how invasive plant species spread, they might assume species are moving because of birds or the wind dispersing seeds,” said Beaury. “But commercial nurseries that sell hundreds of different invasives are actually the primary pathway of invasive plant introduction.”



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



The research also revealed a concerning proximity of nursery sales to invasion sites. Approximately 55% of invasive species were sold within 21 kilometers of an observed invasion, implying that local gardening practices might inadvertently contribute to the spread of these species.



“But there’s good news here,” said Beaury. “This is the first time that we have real numbers to show the connection between plant nursery sales and the spread of invasive species - including invasions that occur down the street from nurseries, as well as across state borders."&nbsp;



"Now that we have the data, we have an incredible opportunity to be proactive, to work with the industry, consumers and plant managers to think more critically about how our gardens impact U.S. ecosystems.”



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



The study provides a list of 24 commonly sold invasive plants that are likely to become more problematic with climate change in the northeast, suggesting native alternatives to these species.



“These two papers together make it pretty clear that not only are we facilitating current invasions through the ornamental plant trade, but we are also facilitating future climate-driven invasion,” said Bradley, “But with these papers, maps and watchlists, we can pinpoint which species are most worrisome where, both now and in the coming decades. These are important new tools in invasive plant managers’ toolboxes.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13787" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diversity and Distributions</a>.



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Plant nurseries are the primary pathway for introducing invasive species

Research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst has revealed a...

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/root-bacteria-protects-plants/">Bacteria</a> that benefit plants are thought to be a critical contributor to crops and ecosystems, but climate change may reduce their numbers, according to a new study by an international team of researchers published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43016-023-00869-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Food</a>.



The collaboration, including Francisco Dini-Andreote, professor of plant science at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a>, characterized the abundances and distributions of plant beneficial bacteria (PBB) from soils collected across the globe. The researchers then modeled how these microbial communities may be impacted by fossil-fuel dependent climate change in the next century.



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



Leveraging existing data from the <a href="https://earthmicrobiome.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth Microbiome Project</a>, the researchers identified microbes that may provide services to plants such as biocontrol or limiting impacts of pathogens, plant growth promotion, and stress resistance. Such services implicate these bacteria as key components of productive agroecosystems, which primarily yield food.



“Plants are colonized by a diverse set of microbes on and in their roots, leaves and stems,” Dini-Andreote said. “These plant-associated microbiomes represent an extension of the plant metabolic capacity - often termed ‘the second genome of plants.’”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-community-patterns">Microbial community patterns</h2>



This notion echoes the hologenome concept, which considers the total set of genes contained by an organism and its associated microbiome to make inferences about organismal health and evolution.&nbsp;



According to the researchers, characterizing the biogeography of PBB sets the stage for understanding the variables that govern global microbial community patterns and predicting their future in a rapidly shifting world.



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



The analysis revealed several trends in PBB diversity, including higher levels of diversity and richness in lower latitudes, with the highest concentration in North America and Africa. A total of 396 genera, the taxonomic rank above species level, were identified.&nbsp;



The researchers found that local environmental variables - climate, in particular - were strong predictors of PBB community composition, likely exerting strong influences on PBB distribution. This suggests that climate influences what bacteria are found where and in what proportion.



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



To investigate how PBB abundances and distributions may change over the next century, the researchers modeled several climate scenarios based on projections from the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</a>. 



Under the fossil-fueled development scenario, which assumes tripled greenhouse gas emissions by 2075, the model predicted that PBB associated with biocontrol and stress resistance would decline by 0.60 percent in 80 percent of global regions, as opposed to 0.07 percent under a Sustainability scenario.&nbsp;



Under all scenarios, middle-latitude regions are projected to experience steady declines, whereas increases in PBB are anticipated in polar and equatorial regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-validation-is-needed">Further validation is needed</h2>



Dini-Andreote noted that predictive studies such as this are broadly impactful but cautioned that models are limited and must be experimentally validated. For instance, in controlled settings, plant-soil systems can be exposed to warming or drought conditions, after which researchers can evaluate shifts based on the impact and adaptation of PBB communities relative to controls.&nbsp;



In other words, experimentation is required to know how PBB will be affected under climate-related stress, and what levels of PBB decline will have a critical impact on plant health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-food-insecurity-nbsp">Addressing food insecurity&nbsp;</h2>



In addition to informing community ecology research, the researchers said they hope to spark agricultural innovation and applications for increased food security. But those innovations are unlikely to include soil probiotics to restore diminished PBB.&nbsp;



Dini-Andreote said that such bioinoculants can often have several shortcomings such as requiring continual application. Additionally, only a small fraction, about 5 to 10 percent, of soil microbes can be cultured, which limits the development of full-spectrum probiotics.



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



However, Dini-Andreote offered an alternative. “By advancing our understanding of how these distinct PBB survive in association with plants, for instance in the plant rhizosphere, we can develop strategies to engineer crops to produce compounds that feed these beneficial microbes.”&nbsp;



Through this approach, the researchers suggested, plants could recruit beneficial bacteria with no need for the external input of probiotics. The potential impacts of applications like this are untold, Dini-Andreote said, but underscore the importance of exploring the rapidly advancing frontier of microbiomes.



“This high-profile research is a testament to Dr. Dini-Andreote’s impactful and original research on plant-microbe interactions in a One Health context, spanning soil, plant and human health," Seth Bordenstein, director of the <a href="https://www.huck.psu.edu/institutes-and-centers/microbiome-center" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Health Microbiome Center</a> at Penn State. “His vision for plant hologenome studies and integration with global environmental and geographic data is not only driving textbook-level knowledge, but it also raises the alarm on evidence-backed sustainability challenges,” he concluded.



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Beneficial plant bacteria likely to decline due to climate change

Bacteria that benefit plants are thought to be a critical...

In our local neighborhoods, encountering distressed wildlife is not uncommon. People often turn to social media seeking advice on what to do when they find injured or disoriented wildlife. The answer typically lies with local wildlife rehabilitation centers. 



These centers, run by licensed individuals and organizations, play a crucial role in caring for sick and injured wildlife. They handle hundreds of thousands of wild animals annually across the United States, offering a unique perspective on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thermal-imaging-can-help-monitor-animal-health-in-the-wild/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal health</a> and environmental changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-how-humans-impact-wildlife">Studying how humans impact wildlife</h2>



A few years ago, Tara Miller, a biologist then with <a href="https://defenders.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Defenders of Wildlife</a>, came across Wendy Hall, cofounder of the <a href="https://adirondackwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adirondack Wildlife Refuge</a>. Hall shared observations about unusual animal occurrences, like the appearance of black vultures, typically a southern species, in the Adirondacks. 



These insights, linked to climate change, sparked Miller's interest in using wildlife rehabilitation data to study the environmental impact on North American wildlife.



Miller, who uses they/them pronouns, spearheaded a pioneering study while at <a href="https://www.bu.edu/articles/2023/new-study-identifies-greatest-threat-to-wildlife-across-north-america-canada/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston University's Urban Biogeoscience and Environmental Health</a> program. Collaborating with 94 wildlife centers across the U.S. and Canada, Miller's team analyzed records of over a thousand species. This study aimed to identify regional threats to wildlife and assess the effectiveness of rehab centers in treating these animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-research-team-learned">What the research team learned</h2>



The research revealed alarming trends. Human activities, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lead-ammunition-is-a-silent-threat-to-bald-eagle-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lead poisoning</a> in bald eagles and sea turtles entangled in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dynamic-ocean-closures-offer-protection-from-accidental-catch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing gear</a>, have a significant impact on wildlife. 



The study also noted an increase in animals admitted to rehab centers following extreme weather events, a phenomenon linked to climate change. Miller emphasizes the importance of their findings in understanding the broader, direct impact that people have on wildlife. 



“A lot of what we found in the research isn’t going to shock anyone, but you want to be able to tell people, ‘It’s not just this one animal. This is happening across the country,’” Miller says. “I think that was what was so cool about the work we were able to do with this huge dataset: tie together what rehabbers across the country are seeing and validate it. We were able to find a lot of these trends for the big picture of how humans are impacting wildlife.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-collection-and-challenges">Data collection and challenges</h2>



Initially, accessing wildlife rehab records was a challenge, as most were stored in physical formats. However, with digitalization efforts, like the Wildlife Center of Virginia’s <a href="https://www.wildlifecenter.org/training-opportunities/WILD-ONe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WILD-ONe</a> patient database system, researchers could analyze vast amounts of data. This system also plays a role in identifying wildlife diseases that might affect human and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-based-food-production-would-have-extremely-positive-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">livestock health</a>.



“This was a gigantic dataset, with more than 600,000 observations,” says&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bu.edu/biology/people/profiles/richard-b-primack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Richard Primack</a>, a BU College of Arts &amp; Sciences professor of biology, who was Miller’s PhD advisor and a coauthor on the paper. Primack says he encourages all of his students to consider what questions they want their data to address. In Miller’s case, the big question was, “What are the major threats to wildlife?”



Miller's interactions with wildlife rehabilitators were integral to the study. These conversations often happened amidst the rehabbers' busy schedules, highlighting their dedication and willingness to contribute to the project.



“I had phone calls with rehabbers where they would have to jump off because they had a baby squirrel they had to go feed, or one time someone had a porcupine autopsy they had to get back to,” Miller says. “People were so generous with their time and of their data, and so enthusiastic about this whole project.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-people-threaten-wildlife-in-many-ways">People threaten wildlife in many ways</h2>



The data showed that human disturbances caused injuries to 40% of the animals admitted to rehab centers. These disturbances included <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-killed-roads-underestimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle accidents</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/window-collisions-are-a-leading-cause-of-bird-mortality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building collisions</a>, and fishing incidents. 



Miller, in a tone of incredulity, noted, "Forty percent of the animals arrive at wildlife rehab centers largely due to negative impacts from human activities. How can we modify our policies and behaviors to lessen our impact on these animals?"



Regarding seasonal trends, the researchers found that vehicle collisions, peaking from May to July, affected reptiles disproportionately. During spring, summer, and early fall -- periods of heightened agricultural and construction activities -- pesticide poisonings rose. 



In the winter, following the hunting season, lead poisonings became more prevalent, especially in animals like bald eagles. This increase is often due to many hunters using lead ammunition for deer hunting. Lead from the bullets subsequently poisons scavengers like eagles and vultures feeding on the remains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-policy-and-environmental-health">Future policy and environmental health</h2>



Wildlife rehab centers eventually release about one-third of the animals they receive back into the wild. However, this release rate varies significantly among different species.



“For example, pelicans are injured but then are often released [68%], whereas bald eagles have a very low chance of being released [20%],” Primack says. “This presents a very interesting question of why the threats to wildlife are so different between these two groups of large birds.”



The team hopes their research will aid wildlife rehab centers in securing grants and funding. It also aims to encourage community-level changes to protect wildlife from people. Their plans would include implementing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-animals-feel-safe-using-wildlife-crossings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife underpasses and overpasses</a>, using bird-friendly window designs, and promoting the use of non-lead fishing gear and ammunition.



Post-graduation, Miller has shifted focus to policy research at the <a href="https://www.virginia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia</a>, addressing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vast-amounts-of-edna-captured-in-air-quality-monitoring-stations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental health</a> issues affecting human communities. This transition underscores the interconnectedness of wildlife and human health and the broader environmental impacts of policy decisions.



In summary, this study, led by Tara Miller, marks a significant step in understanding the threats facing wildlife and the role of human activities in these challenges. It calls for a collective effort in policy-making, community awareness, and individual actions to create a safer environment for wildlife and, consequently, for ourselves.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0006320723003968" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Conservation</a>.



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People are a greater threat to wildlife than climate change or anything else

In our local neighborhoods, encountering distressed wildlife is not uncommon....

A recent study published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.123.0307651" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the American Heart Association</a> has found that partners and spouses tend to have blood pressure that mirrors one another, particularly in heterosexual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-symbiotic-relationships-evolve-between-species/">relationships</a>.&nbsp;



The research included middle-aged and older couples from the United States, England, China, and India. The results revealed that between 20 and 47 percent of these couples both had high blood pressure. 



Notably, this trend was most prevalent in England and the U.S. but showed a stronger association in China and India, where cultural factors may lead to couples influencing each other's health more significantly.



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



Study senior author Dr. Chihua Li from the University of Michigan said the team was surprised by the results.&nbsp;



“Many people know that high blood pressure is common in middle-aged and older adults, yet we were surprised to find that among many older couples, both husband and wife had high blood pressure in the U.S., England, China and India,” said Dr. Li.&nbsp;



“For instance, in the U.S., among more than 35% of couples who were ages 50 or older, both had high blood pressure.”



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



Study co-lead author Dr. Jithin Sam Varghese is an assistant research professor at the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center at Emory University in Atlanta.



“Ours is the first study examining the union of high blood pressure within couples from both high- and middle-income countries,” said Dr. Varghese. 



“We wanted to find out if many married couples who often have the same interests, living environment, lifestyle habits and health outcomes may also share high blood pressure.”



The analysis was focused on a large sample size, involving thousands of couples across the four countries.&nbsp;



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



In England, almost half of the couples studied both had high blood pressure, with significant percentages in the U.S., China, and India as well.&nbsp;



The researchers also found that spouses of individuals with high blood pressure were more likely to have the condition themselves, with this likelihood varying across the countries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-differences-nbsp">Cultural differences&nbsp;</h2>



“High blood pressure is more common in the U.S. and England than in China and India, however, the association between couples’ blood pressure status was stronger in China and India than in the U.S and England," said study co-lead author Dr. Peiyi Lu of Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. 



"One reason might be cultural. In China and India, there’s a strong belief in sticking together as a family, so couples might influence each other’s health more."



“In collectivist societies in China and India, couples are expected to depend and support each other, emotionally and instrumentally, so health may be more closely entwined.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-interventions-nbsp">Health interventions&nbsp;</h2>



The findings suggest that couple-based health interventions, such as joint screening and treatment programs, could be more effective in managing high blood pressure.



“Varghese, Lu and colleagues report an important finding among middle-aged and older adults - if your spouse has hypertension, you are more likely to have hypertension, too," said Bethany Barone Gibbs from West Virginia University.



"These findings are important because hypertension is among the most dominant modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and remains highly prevalent and poorly controlled on an increasingly global level. As the authors point out, the current focus of clinical and public health strategies to control hypertension on the individual level is not adequate."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle-changes-nbsp">Lifestyle changes&nbsp;</h2>



Gibbs emphasized the importance of lifestyle changes within the family unit for effective blood pressure management.&nbsp;



She said that changes such as being more active, reducing stress or eating a healthier diet can all reduce blood pressure; however, these changes may be difficult to sustain if your spouse or partner is not making changes with you.



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High blood pressure is commonly shared by couples worldwide

A recent study published in the Journal of the American...

New research has uncovered startling connections between the consumption of high-fat foods and the body's ability to cope with everyday <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/petting-dogs-and-cats-dramatically-reduces-stress/">stress</a>. The findings highlight a significant impairment in the body's recovery mechanisms when fatty foods are consumed during stressful periods.



The study involved healthy young adults consuming high-fat foods before undergoing a stress-inducing math test.&nbsp;



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



“We took a group of young healthy adults and gave them two butter croissants as breakfast. We then asked them to do mental maths, increasing in speed for eight minutes, alerting them when they got an answer wrong. They could also see themselves on a screen whilst they did the exercise. The experiment was designed to simulate everyday stress that we might have to deal with at work or at home," explained study lead author Rosalind Baynham, a PhD researcher at the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a>.&nbsp;



“When we get stressed, different things happen in the body, our heart rate and blood pressure go up, our blood vessels dilate and blood flow to the brain increases. We also know that the elasticity of our blood vessels - which is a measure of vascular function - declines following mental stress."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shocking-results">Shocking results</h2>



"We found that consuming fatty foods when mentally stressed reduced vascular function by 1.74% (as measured by Brachial Flow-mediated dilatation, FMD). Previous studies have shown that a 1% reduction in vascular function leads to a 13% increase in cardiovascular disease risk," said Baynham.



"Importantly we show that this impairment in vascular function persisted for even longer when our participants had eaten the croissants.”&nbsp;



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



The researchers were able to detect reduced arterial elasticity in participants who ate the croissants for up to 90 minutes after the stressful event was over. 



The study also revealed that eating high-fat foods reduced cerebral oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex, with 39 percent lower oxygen delivery during stress compared to when participants consumed a low-fat meal. Furthermore, fat consumption negatively impacted the participants' mood, even after the stressful test. 



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



“We looked at healthy 18–30-year-olds for this study, and to see such a significant difference in how their bodies recover from stress when they eat fatty foods is staggering. For people who already have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the impacts could be even more serious," noted Professor Jet Veldhuijzen van Zanten.



"We all deal with stress all the time, but especially for those of us in high-stress jobs and at risk of cardiovascular disease, these findings should be taken seriously. This research can help us make decisions that reduce risks rather than make them worse.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthy-alternatives">Healthy alternatives</h2>



Dr. Catarina Rendeiro, assistant professor in Nutritional Sciences, emphasized the importance of food choices during stressful periods. Consuming low-fat meals showed a lesser impact on vascular function, which returned to normal 90 minutes after the stress event.&nbsp;



Remarkably, the researchers found that consuming foods rich in polyphenols, like cocoa, berries, and certain fruits and vegetables, could entirely prevent impairment in vascular function.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-serious-impacts">Serious impacts</h2>



“The impact of these foods during stressful periods cannot be understated. For example, reduced oxygenation to the brain could potentially impact mood and mental health, making people even more stressed," noted Professor Rendeiro.&nbsp;



"On the other hand, it could affect cognitive function and people’s ability to perform the very task they are stressing about, such as an interview, an exam or work meeting. This is something we would like to do more research into in the future."&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coping-with-stress">Coping with stress</h2>



“Our studies show that food choices around stressful episodes can exacerbate or protect from the effects of stress on our cardiovascular system. The good news is that this means we can do something about this," said Professor Rendeiro.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"We know that when people are stressed, they tend to gravitate towards higher-fat foods, either because it is the more convenient option if time is in short supply, or as a treat to deal with the stress. But by doing this, they are making their physical and psychological response to stress worse. By picking low-fat foods, they could be positioning themselves to cope with the stress more effectively.”&nbsp;&nbsp;



“The world is an incredibly stressful place right now, and even without outside factors such as war or a cost-of-living crisis, stress is something we all need to deal with. So, next time you are in a big meeting, or taking part in a job interview maybe try and resist the free biscuits and go for some berries instead. You might find you feel more relaxed and can cope with the stress just a little bit better," concluded Baynham.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1275708" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Nutrition</a>.



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High-fat foods and stress: A damaging combination

New research has uncovered startling connections between the consumption of...

November 2023 was the warmest November ever recorded globally, according to a new report from the <a href="https://climate.copernicus.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Copernicus Climate Change Service</a> (C3S). 



The average surface air temperature reached an unprecedented 14.22°C. This is 0.85°C higher than the 1991-2020 average for November and 0.32°C above the previous record set in 2020.



The boreal autumn season, from September to November, was also the warmest on record with an average <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-2023-the-hottest-year-in-human-history-september-set-another-global-record/">temperature</a> of 15.30°C.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-six-record-breaking-months-nbsp">Six record-breaking months&nbsp;</h2>



"2023 has now had six record-breaking months and two record-breaking seasons. The extraordinary global November temperatures, including two days warmer than 2°C above preindustrial, mean that 2023 is the warmest year in recorded history," said Samantha Burgess, the deputy director of C3S.



The findings are derived from comprehensive computer-generated analyses using the ERA5 data set, incorporating billions of measurements from sources like satellites, ships, aircraft, and weather stations worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-november-temperatures-nbsp">November temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



The report noted that the global temperature anomaly for November 2023 was similar to that of October 2023, but was surpassed by September's 0.93°C anomaly.&nbsp;



The November temperature was about 1.75°C warmer than the 1850-1900 November average, which is considered the pre-industrial reference period.&nbsp;



This trend places the January to November period of 2023 as the highest on record, with a mean temperature 1.46°C above the pre-industrial average and 0.13°C higher than the 11-month average of 2016, the previously warmest calendar year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-surface-temperatures-nbsp">Sea surface temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



Regarding sea surface temperatures, November 2023 set another record. The average sea surface temperature over 60°S–60°N was the highest for any November, beating the previous record set in 2015 by 0.25°C.&nbsp;



This coincides with the ongoing El Niño event in the equatorial Pacific, though the anomalies remain lower than those in 2015.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-risks-nbsp">Climate risks&nbsp;</h2>



The experts found that Arctic sea ice extent was the eighth lowest for November at four percent below average, while the Antarctic sea ice extent was the second lowest at nine percent below average. This follows a trend of record-low values over six consecutive months.



"As long as greenhouse gas concentrations keep rising, we can't expect different outcomes from those seen this year. The temperature will keep rising and so will the impacts of heatwaves and droughts. Reaching net zero as soon as possible is an effective way to manage our climate risks," said C3S director Carlo Buontempo.



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



The Copernicus data was released just days after a report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed that the last decade was the hottest on record.



“Each decade since the 1990s has been warmer than the previous one and we see no immediate sign of this trend reversing. More countries reported record high temperatures than in any other decade. Our ocean is warming faster and faster and the rate of sea level rise has nearly doubled in less than a generation. We are losing the race to save our melting glaciers and ice sheets,” said WMO Secretary-General Professor Petteri Taalas.



“This is unequivocally driven by greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. We have to cut greenhouse gas emissions as a top and overriding priority for the planet in order to prevent climate change spiraling out of control.”



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November 2023 sets global record as warmest ever

November 2023 was the warmest November ever recorded globally, according...

3d,Illustration,Of,A,Landscape,Of,Enceladus,,Saturn's,Moon

Astrophysics and space research have long been intrigued by one persisting question: Is there life beyond Earth? Saturn's icy moon, Enceladus, emerges as a prime candidate in this search. 



Enceladus is known as an '<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-discovery-saturns-moon-enceladus-has-all-of-the-ingredients-necessary-for-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean world</a>' and possesses all three key essential elements for life as we know it -- water, energy, and organic material.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-plumes-on-saturn-s-moon-enceladus">Ice plumes on Saturn's moon Enceladus</h2>



NASA's <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/cassini/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cassini spacecraft</a>, during its remarkable 20-year mission, uncovered that Enceladus <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-on-saturns-moon-enceladus-massive-water-plume-has-scientists-wondering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ejects ice plumes</a> at a staggering speed of approximately 800 miles per hour. 



These plumes are not only fascinating but also offer a unique opportunity to study the composition of Enceladus' oceans and their potential to harbor life. The main challenge, however, was the uncertainty of whether organic compounds within these ice grains could survive the high-speed ejection without degradation.



In a significant development, researchers from the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, San Diego</a>, have provided clear laboratory evidence that amino acids in these ice plumes can withstand impact speeds of up to 4.2 km/s. This research supports the possibility of detecting such compounds during space missions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aerosol-impact-spectrometer">Aerosol impact spectrometer</h2>



Led by Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry <a href="http://checont6.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Continetti</a>, the team at UC San Diego developed a custom-built aerosol impact spectrometer. 



This apparatus, unique in its ability to handle single particles at high velocities, was initially not intended for studying ice grain impacts but proved to be exceptionally suited for this purpose.



Continetti explains, “This apparatus is the only one of its kind in the world that can select single particles and accelerate or decelerate them to chosen final velocities.” 



The spectrometer's versatility in examining particles of various sizes and materials adds to its significance in understanding particle behavior upon high-speed impact.



In 2024, NASA plans to launch the <a href="https://europa.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa Clipper</a>, aiming for Jupiter's moon Europa. Similar to Enceladus, Europa is another 'ocean world' with icy composition. This mission, along with any future probes to Saturn, holds the promise of identifying molecules in ice grains that could indicate life in the subsurface oceans of these moons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-life-in-the-enceladus-ice">Finding life in the Enceladus ice</h2>



Continetti's team is the first to measure the effects of single ice grain impacts, a crucial step in understanding the survivability of organic molecules during high-speed ejections from moons like Enceladus and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-life-on-europa-co2-discovery-by-webb-increases-the-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa</a>.



The team generated ice grains using electrospray ionization and observed their behavior in a vacuum. They meticulously measured the mass, charge, and impact timing of these grains, providing insights into the survivability of amino acids at high velocities.



Their research bolsters the possibility of detecting extraterrestrial life and opens new avenues in chemistry. The presence of salt in Enceladus' oceans, believed to be more than Earth's, could affect the detectability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amino acids</a>. This aspect of salt altering water's properties and solubility of molecules could lead to more efficient detection methods.



“To get an idea of what kind of life may be possible in the solar system, you want to know there hasn’t been a lot of molecular fragmentation in the sampled ice grains, so you can get that fingerprint of whatever it is that makes it a self-contained life form,” said Continetti. “Our work shows that this is possible with the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/missions/cassini/the-moon-with-the-plume/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice plumes of Enceladus</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-biosignatures">Beyond biosignatures</h2>



Continetti expresses excitement about the broader implications of their work, stating, “The implications this has for detecting life elsewhere in the solar system without missions to the surface of these ocean-world moons is very exciting, but our work goes beyond biosignatures in ice grains.” 



He emphasizes the potential contributions to fundamental chemistry and the continuation of pioneering research in the field.



“It has implications for fundamental chemistry as well. We are excited by the prospect of following in the footsteps of Harold Urey and Stanley Miller, founding faculty at UC San Diego in looking at the formation of the building blocks of life from chemical reactions activated by ice grain impact," Continetti concluded.



The research by Continetti and his team at UC San Diego marks a significant step in the ongoing quest to understand the potential for life beyond Earth. As space missions continue to explore the icy moons of our solar system, this research paves the way for new discoveries and a deeper understanding of the universe we inhabit.



The full study was published in <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2313447120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)</a>.



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How scientists plan to find alien life on Saturn's moon Enceladus

Astrophysics and space research have long been intrigued by one...

After more than three and a half decades of diligent observation, researchers at <a href="https://msu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan State University</a> (MSU) are unraveling some of the enigmatic behaviors of a unique type of mob – those comprised of spotted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spotted-hyenas-change-their-foraging-behavior-to-adapt/">hyenas</a>.



The findings of this research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.1390" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B</a>, shed light on the intricate relationships and social interactions among hyenas, which influence their decisions to join forces and confront lions cooperatively, a behavior known as mobbing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobbing-behavior-nbsp">Mobbing behavior&nbsp;</h2>



Lead author Tracy Montgomery initiated this project during her doctoral studies under the mentorship of Kay Holekamp at MSU. Her research was bolstered by support from the Dr. Marvin Hensley Endowed Scholarship Fund in Zoology.



“Social relationships can overcome barriers to mobbing and let hyenas achieve cooperation,” Montgomery said, further adding that greetings among hyenas and the strength of their social bonds play pivotal roles in determining their likelihood to engage in mobbing behavior.



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



Spotted hyenas are intriguing social animals characterized by complex social structures similar to those found in baboons and other primates. Researchers study hyenas not only to comprehend cooperative behaviors in wildlife but also to gain insights into such behaviors in humans.



Kenna Lehmann, another lead author who was part of Holekamp’s team during her doctoral studies and is now an assistant professor at MSU, emphasizes the significance of long-term relationships built among hyenas. She notes that their interactions go beyond mere transactional arrangements. “It’s not just, ‘I’ll give you a zebra leg if you help,’” as she puts it.



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



Holekamp, who has dedicated 35 years to studying hyenas in Kenya, expresses her fascination with these creatures. “I went to Kenya in 1988 thinking I’d do a dissertation-length project - three or four years - with hyenas, then I'd move on to study dolphins or monkeys or some other animals.” However, the unique characteristics of hyenas kept her captivated.



For example, female spotted hyenas possess pseudo-penises, a biological anomaly that challenges conventional understanding. Although this particular aspect doesn’t directly relate to the current study, it highlights the hyenas’ propensity to defy established biological norms.&nbsp;



“Spotted hyenas appear to violate many of the basic rules of mammalian biology,” Holekamp said, thus making them intriguing subjects for scientific investigation.



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



Both Tracy Montgomery and Kenna Lehmann, under the guidance of Kay Holekamp, became intrigued by the rules governing hyenas’ behavior when mobbing lions. They sought to understand why hyenas engage in this risky behavior and what motivates them.&nbsp;



Notably, their research revealed that lions were responsible for the deaths of hyenas in over 25 percent of cases where the cause of death could be ascertained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tangible-benefits-of-mobbing-nbsp">Tangible benefits of mobbing&nbsp;</h2>



Lions and hyenas often share territories, prompting Lehmann and Montgomery to initially examine mobbing behavior through the lens of its tangible benefits, such as protecting food resources from lions.&nbsp;



In a previous report in 2017, the team demonstrated that mobbing was not limited to scenarios with immediate benefits but also occurred without any apparent advantages.



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



In their recent study, the researchers delved deeper into mobbing behavior to explore other underlying motivations. During this exploration, they discovered that mobbing was more prevalent when the risk of harm or death to hyenas was lower, even in situations devoid of immediate benefits.&nbsp;



For instance, hyenas were more likely to engage in mobbing when there were no male lions present, as male lions are larger and more hazardous to hyenas. Conversely, among spotted hyenas, where females are larger than males, females were more inclined to participate in mobbing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meticulous-observation-nbsp">Meticulous observation&nbsp;</h2>



However, the most noteworthy aspect of mobbing behavior was its social dimension, a discovery made possible by the meticulous observation of hyenas spanning several generations within the same habitat over 35 years.&nbsp;



Throughout this extended period, the research team maintained a continuous presence at their research camp in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, with multiple collaborators contributing to the project.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-commitment-nbsp">Long-term commitment&nbsp;</h2>



The significance of the long-term commitment to this research became evident as mobbing events are relatively infrequent. Over the course of three decades, the team witnessed approximately 1,000 interactions involving hyenas and lions, with only a fraction of those interactions providing the comprehensive data required for detailed analysis.&nbsp;



These interactions are typically fast-paced, involve numerous hyenas and lions, and are characterized by rapid movement, making precise data recording a significant challenge.



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



Out of the roughly 1,000 interactions observed, only 325 yielded sufficiently robust data for Montgomery and Lehmann to conduct their analyses and make their discoveries. They credit the dedication and efforts of students, research assistants, and other collaborators over the past 30 years for their ability to standardize and organize field observations into usable datasets.



The researchers continue to explore the wealth of insights that these datasets may hold. “Finding these results was really exciting, but I feel like the fun part of science is you answer a question and you immediately have 50 more. There are so many more things that we need to do with this data,” Montgomery concluded.



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"Friendly" hyenas more likely to engage in mobbing behavior

After more than three and a half decades of diligent...

A recent study conducted in Japan has unveiled an intriguing dimension to sushi beyond its well-known combination of fish and seaweed. Researchers from <a href="https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tohoku University</a> have discovered that wasabi, that zesty green condiment traditionally paired with sushi, can significantly enhance both short-term and long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/">memory</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-change">Dramatic change</h2>



According to Rui Nouchi, the study’s lead researcher and an associate professor at the university’s Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer, the outcomes, though derived from a relatively small sample of subjects devoid of preexisting health issues, exceeded their initial expectations.&nbsp;



“We knew from earlier animal studies that wasabi conferred health benefits,” Nouchi said during an interview conducted in northeastern Japan. “But what really surprised us was the dramatic change. The improvement was really substantial.”



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



The principal active constituent within Japanese wasabi is a biochemical compound named 6-MSITC, recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, a rarity in the plant kingdom, as noted by Nouchi.&nbsp;



The research, executed as a double-blind, randomized study, featured 72 healthy participants aged between 60 and 80. Half of the participants were administered 100 milligrams of wasabi extract at bedtime, while the remaining half received a placebo.



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



After three months, the group treated with wasabi extract demonstrated significant enhancements in two aspects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive function</a>: working (short-term) memory and the more enduring episodic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flavanols-a-key-to-slowing-age-related-memory-loss-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a>. These improvements were gauged through standardized assessments of language skills, concentration, and the ability to perform simple tasks. 



However, there was no observable improvement in other cognitive domains, including inhibitory control (the capacity to maintain focus), executive function, or processing speed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neural-plasticity-nbsp">Neural plasticity&nbsp;</h2>



The subjects who received the wasabi treatment exhibited an average 18 percent surge in their episodic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sleep-improves-memory-formation-and-recall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a> scores, with an overall average score 14 percent higher than the placebo group.



The researchers postulated that 6-MSITC may contribute to a reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress levels within the hippocampus, the region of the brain responsible for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-connection-between-scent-and-memory-may-help-combat-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory functions</a>, thereby promoting neural plasticity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-verbal-episodic-memory">Verbal episodic memory</h2>



In comparison to the control group, the study reported that individuals who were administered wasabi “showed improved verbal episodic memory performance as well as better performance in associating faces and names, which is often the major memory-related problem in older adults.”



Wasabi belongs to the mustard family of plants, and the piquant paste derived from it garnered esteem in Japan centuries ago due to its antimicrobial properties, making it effective in combating foodborne pathogens such as E-coli and staphylococcus. Furthermore, its distinctive flavor and aroma make it an ideal complement to seafood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wasabi-as-a-daily-supplement">Wasabi as a daily supplement </h2>



Rui Nouchi, a specialist in dementia prevention, turned to wasabi as a treatment option after experiencing high dropout rates with conventional methods for preserving cognitive health, such as the Mediterranean diet, exercise regimens, and music therapy.&nbsp;



Nouchi reasoned that a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/taking-a-daily-multivitamin-improves-memory-and-slows-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daily supplement</a> would be more sustainable, particularly for older adults, while delivering greater benefits than other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spices like ginger and turmeric.



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



The Tohoku University research team now has plans to extend their investigations to include individuals from various age groups and explore whether wasabi could potentially slow down cognitive decline in dementia patients.



However, there is a significant caveat to these findings: the piquant paste served at nearly all sushi establishments, even in Japan, is almost certainly an imposter. What is far more prevalent is a convincing imitation, typically composed of ordinary white horseradish dyed green.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-authentic-wasabi-nbsp">Authentic wasabi&nbsp;</h2>



Authentic wasabi, indigenous to Japan, is notoriously challenging to cultivate. The plant necessitates nearly two years to mature and demands precise conditions involving temperature, shade, gravel composition, and water quality. Astonishingly, its production cost per pound can even surpass that of the finest-grade tuna it often accompanies.



Genuine wasabi must be consumed fresh, with the rough rhizome or stem of the plant grated tableside just before consumption. On a positive note, even a small serving of genuine wasabi offers equivalent benefits to the capsule supplements employed in the Tohoku study, delivering 0.8 milligrams of 6-MSITC.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/21/4608" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nutrients</a>. 



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Wasabi significantly enhances both short-term and long-term memory

A recent study conducted in Japan has unveiled an intriguing...

In an alarming development, the <a href="https://www.globalcarbonproject.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Carbon Project</a> science team has reported that global carbon emissions from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/">fossil fuels</a> have surged to record levels in 2023.&nbsp;



The annual Global Carbon Budget, a comprehensive study involving over 120 scientists from around the world, has projected fossil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to be 36.8 billion tons this year, marking a 1.1 percent increase from 2022.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insufficient-reductions-nbsp">Insufficient reductions&nbsp;</h2>



This rise in carbon emissions comes despite a decline in some regions like Europe and the United States. However, these reductions are not sufficient to offset the overall global increase.&nbsp;



The scientists warn that the pace of global action to cut fossil fuels is lagging far behind what is necessary to prevent catastrophic climate change.



The report also highlights a slight decrease in emissions from land-use changes, such as deforestation. Still yet, these reductions are not enough to be counterbalanced by current levels of reforestation and afforestation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-fuel-emissions-in-10-year-plateau">Fossil fuel emissions in 10-year "plateau"</h2>



Consequently, the total global CO2 emissions, including both fossil fuels and land-use changes, are projected to reach 40.9 billion tons in 2023.&nbsp;



This is about the same as 2022 levels, and part of a 10-year “plateau” - far from the steep reduction in emissions that is urgently needed to meet global climate targets, noted the experts.&nbsp;



The study was conducted by institutions including the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, the University of East Anglia (UEA), CICERO Center for International Climate Research, and Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slow-pace-of-action">Slow pace of action</h2>



Study lead author Professor Pierre Friedlingstein from Exeter’s Global Systems Institute expressed dismay at the slow pace of action against fossil fuel emissions.&nbsp;



“The impacts of climate change are evident all around us, but action to reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuels remains painfully slow,” said Professor Friedlingstein.



“It now looks inevitable we will overshoot the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement, and leaders meeting at COP28 will have to agree rapid cuts in fossil fuel emissions even to keep the 2°C target alive.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-5-c-global-warming-threshold">1.5°C global warming threshold</h2>



The researchers also investigated the time remaining before the world consistently exceeds the 1.5°C global warming threshold. With the current emission levels, there's a 50% chance that this limit will be consistently breached in about seven years.&nbsp;



This forecast, however, comes with significant uncertainties, particularly due to the unknown additional warming from non-CO2 agents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasingly-serious-impacts">Increasingly serious impacts</h2>



Professor Corinne Le Quéré from UEA’s School of Environmental Sciences emphasized that the latest CO2 data clearly shows that current efforts are insufficient.&nbsp;



“The latest CO2 data shows that current efforts are not profound or widespread enough to put global emissions on a downward trajectory towards Net Zero, but some trends in emissions are beginning to budge, showing climate policies can be effective," said Professor Le Quéré.



“Global emissions at today’s level are rapidly increasing the CO2 concentration in our atmosphere, causing additional climate change and increasingly serious and growing impacts.”&nbsp;



“All countries need to decarbonize their economies faster than they are at present to avoid the worse impacts of climate change."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-key-findings-on-fossil-fuel-carbon-emissions">Other key findings on fossil fuel carbon emissions</h2>



<ul>
<li>Regional trends vary dramatically. Emissions in 2023 are projected to increase in India (8.2%) and China (4.0%), and decline in the EU (-7.4%), the USA (-3.0%) and the rest of the world (-0.4%).</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Global emissions from coal (1.1%), oil (1.5%) and gas (0.5%) are all projected to increase.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Atmospheric CO2 levels are projected to average 419.3 parts per million in 2023, 51% above pre-industrial levels.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>About half of all CO2 emitted continues to be absorbed by land and ocean “sinks”, with the rest remaining in the atmosphere where it causes climate change.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Global CO2 emissions from fires in 2023 have been larger than the average (based on satellite records since 2003) due to an extreme wildfire season in Canada, where emissions were six to eight times higher than average.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Current levels of technology-based Carbon Dioxide Removal (ie excluding nature-based means such as reforestation) amount to about 0.01 million tonnes CO₂, more than a million times smaller than current fossil CO2 emissions.</li>
</ul>



The Global Carbon Budget report, now in its 18th annual edition, is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-5301-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth System Science Data</a>.



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Carbon emissions from fossil fuels hit an all-time record high in 2023

In an alarming development, the Global Carbon Project science team...

A comprehensive report from the <a href="https://wmo.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Meteorological Organization</a> (WMO) confirms that the last decade was the hottest on record.&nbsp;



<a href="https://library.wmo.int/records/item/68585-the-global-climate-2011-2020" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Global Climate 2011-2020: A Decade of Acceleration</a> reveals an alarming acceleration in the rate of climate change during this time period.



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



Released at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), the report highlights the urgent need for more ambitious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lancet-2023-immediate-climate-action-critical-to-safeguard-billions/">climate action</a> to limit global temperature rise to no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.&nbsp;



The WMO found that 2020 was one of the warmest years of the decade as well as 2016, which was due to a strong <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-unpredictable-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño event</a>. The largest temperature deviations for the decade - places more than 2 °C above the 1981-2010 average - were in the Arctic.



The authors emphasize the concerning transformation of polar regions and high mountains, including record rates of ice melt and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-melting-of-petermann-glacier-signals-even-worse-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a> fueled by rising concentrations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-becomes-a-more-potent-greenhouse-gas-as-climate-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a>.



One of the most striking findings is the rate at which glaciers have thinned, averaging around one meter per year. The unprecedented losses pose significant long-term threats to water supplies for millions globally.&nbsp;



The Antarctic continental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-sea-ice-extent-hit-a-record-low-this-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice sheet's ice loss</a> increased by nearly 75% between 2011-2020 compared to the previous decade, signaling a troubling trend for future sea level rise and the consequent risk to low-lying coastal regions.



Despite these alarming trends, the report offers a glimmer of hope regarding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-ozone-hole-is-now-one-of-the-largest-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic ozone hole</a>. It was smaller during the 2011-2020 period than in the two preceding decades. This positive outcome is attributed to international efforts to phase out ozone-depleting chemicals under the Montreal Protocol.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-gas-emissions-nbsp">Greenhouse gas emissions&nbsp;</h2>



“Each decade since the 1990s has been warmer than the previous one and we see no immediate sign of this trend reversing. More countries reported record high temperatures than in any other decade. Our ocean is warming faster and faster and the rate of sea level rise has nearly doubled in less than a generation. We are losing the race to save our melting glaciers and ice sheets,” said WMO Secretary-General Professor Petteri Taalas.



“This is unequivocally driven by greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. We have to cut greenhouse gas emissions as a top and overriding priority for the planet in order to prevent climate change spiraling out of control."



“Our weather is becoming more extreme, with a clear and demonstrable impact on socio-economic development. Droughts, heatwaves, floods, tropical cyclones and wildfires damage infrastructure, destroy agricultural yields, limit water supplies and cause mass displacements. Numerous studies show that, in particular, the risk of intense heat has significantly increased in the past decade.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-events">Extreme events</h2>



The report documents the devastating impact of extreme events on food security, displacement, migration, and the hindrance of progress toward the <a href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sustainable Development Goals</a> (SDGs). 



The experts note that improvements in forecasts, early warnings, disaster management, and response are making a difference, with a decline in casualties from extreme events despite increased economic losses.



Financial aspects are also addressed, with the report stating that public and private climate finance almost doubled between 2011 and 2020. However, the authors emphasize the need for a substantial increase in funding to meet climate objectives.



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



The report is based on analyses and assessments from numerous experts, including those at National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, Regional Climate Centres, and UN partners.&nbsp;



Key findings include the record-breaking global mean temperature for 2011-2020, the consistent warming trend across successive decades, and the alarming increases in greenhouse gas concentrations. The authors also highlight the increased rates of ocean warming and acidification, the frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves, and the accelerating global mean sea level rise.&nbsp;



In summary, the WMO report serves as a crucial reminder of the accelerated pace and complex impact of climate change. It calls for urgent global action to mitigate these changes, including the need for a sustainable reduction in emissions and ambitious climate policies to safeguard our planet's future.



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The last decade was the hottest decade in recorded history 

A comprehensive report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirms...

By adopting key measures, we could slash 60 percent of the predicted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-expected-to-reach-a-new-high-in-2023/">emissions</a> from the cooling sector, according to a new report published during the COP28 climate talks in Dubai.



The <a href="https://www.unep.org/resources/global-cooling-watch-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Cooling Watch</a> report, authored by the UN Environment Programme-led Cool Coalition, could lead to a significant shift in how we approach the cooling sector's environmental impact.



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



The cooling sector is currently at a crossroads. On one hand, it's essential for human health, food safety, and economic productivity. On the other, it's a significant contributor to global emissions.&nbsp;



The report highlights the gravity of the situation: cooling equipment accounts for 20 percent of total electricity consumption, and this figure could more than double in the next couple of decades.



The report states that, under a business-as-usual scenario, emissions from cooling are predicted to account for more than 10 percent of global emissions by 2050.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-cooling">Sustainable cooling</h2>



The report introduces a sustainable roadmap for the cooling sector, which emphasizes three key strategies:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-passive-cooling-measures">Passive cooling measures</h3>



These include insulation, natural shading, and ventilation, potentially reducing cooling demand by 24 percent in 2050.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-efficiency-standards">Energy efficiency standards</h3>



Tripling global average efficiency could deliver 30 percent of the modeled energy savings.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hfc-refrigerants">HFC refrigerants</h3>



In line with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the accelerated phase down of HFC refrigerants could halve these emissions by 2050.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-cooling-pledge">Global Cooling Pledge</h2>



A pivotal aspect of the report is its support for the Global Cooling Pledge, a joint initiative between the United Arab Emirates and the Cool Coalition.&nbsp;



Over 60 countries have committed to this pledge, emphasizing the urgent need to reduce the climate impact of the cooling sector.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-energy-efficiency">Improving energy efficiency</h2>



Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President, stressed the importance of improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions in the cooling sector, particularly for vulnerable communities.



“As temperatures rise, it is critical that we work together to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions from the cooling sector while increasing access to sustainable cooling. This access is especially important for the most vulnerable communities, who have often contributed the least to climate change but are the most exposed to its impacts,” said Dr. Al Jaber.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-carbon-cooling-growth">Low-carbon cooling growth</h2>



Inger Andersen, executive director of UNEP, said thar the cooling sector must grow to protect everyone from rising temperatures, maintain food quality and safety, keep vaccines stable, and keep economies productive.



“But this growth must not come at the cost of the energy transition and more intense climate impacts. Countries and the cooling sector must act now to ensure low-carbon cooling growth. Fortunately, the solutions are available today."



"Getting energy efficient, sustainable cooling right offers an opportunity to cut global warming, improve the lives of hundreds of millions of people, and realize huge financial savings," said Anderson.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-and-humanitarian-aspects">Economic and humanitarian aspects</h2>



The report outlines the substantial benefits of following its recommendations:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humanitarian">Humanitarian</h3>



3.5 billion more people could benefit from cooling services by 2050.



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



Potential savings of $1 trillion in electricity bills by 2050 and a cumulative $17 trillion between 2022 and 2050.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy">Energy</h3>



Reduction in peak power requirements by 1.5 to 2 TW, avoiding up to $5 trillion in power generation investments.



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



For the cooling sector's transformation, comprehensive approaches are needed. This includes integrating sustainable cooling in national policies, enhancing financial mechanisms, and fostering public-private partnerships.



The Global Cooling Watch report is more than a set of guidelines - it's a blueprint for a sustainable future.&nbsp;



“The private sector has a huge role to play in financing and driving innovation to advance sustainable cooling, which can help fulfill vital local development needs and support global carbon reduction targets," said Makhtar Diop, managing director, International Finance Corporation. 



"We are pleased to contribute to the Global Cooling Stocktake Report and to support the Global Cooling Pledge."



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Cooling sector emissions could be drastically reduced by 2050

By adopting key measures, we could slash 60 percent of...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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

How the immune system responds to injury

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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