<p>Quantum entanglement is a mind-boggling phenomenon in quantum mechanics that intrigues both scientists and the public alike.</p>



<p>Unlike the predictable nature of classical physics, quantum mechanics thrives on unpredictability, often challenging our everyday perceptions. This is particularly evident in the behavior of entangled particles.</p>



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



<p>In quantum mechanics, particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously, a concept known as superposition. Entanglement elevates this idea: when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-laws-thermodynamics-follow-entropy-rule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles become entangled</a>, their states are interlinked.</p>



<p>A change in one particle's state instantly influences the other, regardless of distance—imagine two distant light bulbs flickering in sync across the cosmos.</p>



<p>Entanglement suggests that information can be shared instantaneously between particles, defying the notion that nothing travels faster than light.</p>



<p>This "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-spooky-action-at-a-distance-persists-between-top-quarks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spooky action at a distance</a>," as Albert Einstein famously termed it, prompts profound questions about the nature of space and time.</p>



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



<p>Measurement in quantum mechanics presents unique challenges. Observing one particle in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-dance-entangled-photons-wave-functions-captured-real-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an entangled pair</a> determines the states of both, leading to critical inquiries: What constitutes a 'measurement,' and how does it influence our understanding of reality?</p>



<p>The complex mathematics underpinning quantum mechanics -- incorporating concepts like Hilbert spaces, wave functions, and operators -- can be intimidating, rendering entanglement less accessible to many.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-puzzle">Fascinating puzzle</h2>



<p>Simply put, quantum entanglement is just too complicated for most people to fully understand. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-tunneling-allow-particles-break-light-speed-barrier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">It defies classical intuitions</a>, involves sophisticated mathematics, and urges us to reevaluate our understanding of reality.</p>



<p>That is, until now. </p>



<p>Enter Professor Carl Kocher, a pioneer of the study of quantum entanglement. He is currently a member of the <a href="https://quantumfoundry.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum Foundry</a> at University of California Santa Barbara and Professor Emeritus at <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a>.</p>



<p>Professor Kocher is the author of a new article in <em>Frontiers in Quantum Science and Technology</em>, explaining his groundbreaking 1964-67 experiments in quantum entanglement and discussing the 'paradox' of quantum entanglement.</p>



<p>In the following guest editorial, <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Carl-Kocher" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Kocher</a> helps us stretch our minds to understand this apparently paradoxical phenomenon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-quantum-entanglement-0">Understanding quantum entanglement</h2>



<p>My new article, ‘<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/quantum-science-and-technology/articles/10.3389/frqst.2024.1451239/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum Entanglement of Optical Photons: The First Experiment, 1964-67</a>’, is intended to convey the spirit of a small research project that reaches into uncharted territory. </p>



<p>The article breaks with tradition, as it offers a first-person account of the strategy and challenges for the experiment, as well as an interpretation of the final result and its significance. </p>



<p>In this guest editorial, I will introduce the subject and also attempt to illuminate the question ‘What is a paradox?’</p>



<p>Let’s begin with the gyroscope that I bought when I was eight, from a store that sold novelties and magic tricks. The spinning disk, supported at one end of its shaft, did not fall, but moved slowly around in a horizontal plane. </p>



<p>This behavior seems mysterious or paradoxical in the context of common experience that excludes gyroscopes, but makes complete sense in the context of Newtonian mechanics, which resolves the paradox by predicting precisely how gyroscopes will behave.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-quantum-theory">Evolution of quantum theory</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum theory</a>, conceived in the mid-1920s, has been impressively successful in accounting for the properties and interactions of atoms and molecules. </p>



<p>In 1935, Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen stirred controversy with a thought experiment in which two particles of common origin move apart, noting that quantum theory predicts correlations in subsequent measurements of their spins.</p>



<p>The correlation may seem quite puzzling, as a measurement on one of the particles appears to influence a subsequent measurement on the other, even if the particles do not interact.</p>



<p>In current terminology, these correlations are an example of entanglement, and the correlation phenomenon is known as the EPR paradox.</p>



<p>The puzzle has become a subject for much discussion and analysis, especially because there was (and is) no known mechanism for measurements to communicate with each other.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disentangling-quantum-entanglement">Disentangling quantum entanglement</h2>



<p>In 1964 I was intrigued by this unfamiliar effect and began to think of a way to actually perform the EPR experiment -- or at least a version of it -- for observing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">correlation and entanglement</a>. It would be a low-energy experiment that could be set up in a small laboratory.</p>



<p>For the experiment outlined here, the particles of interest are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-photons-used-to-measure-earth-rotation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visible-light photons</a>, which are noninteracting, emitted by excited calcium atoms in a two-stage spontaneous emission process. The polarization states of the photons, which are related to their spins, can be measured simply, with ordinary linear polarizers. </p>



<p>Photomultiplier detectors count the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-dance-entangled-photons-wave-functions-captured-real-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">individual photons</a>, #1 (green) and #2 (violet), and timing circuits enable the identification of photon pairs from the same atom. A rotatable linear polarizer is mounted in front of each detector.</p>



<p>In simplest terms, the experiment involves counting the rate at which photon pairs are detected, as a function of the orientation of the polarizers. A photon pair detected from the same atom is recorded as a “coincidence count.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theory-and-experiment-agree">Theory and experiment agree</h2>



<p>Quantum theory makes the following predictions:</p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-photons-create-vortex-when-they-collide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Each photon</a>, taken separately, has a 50% chance of being transmitted by its polarizer, regardless of its angle of orientation.<br></li>



<li>If the polarizer axes are parallel, both photons from the same atom can pass through their polarizers and be counted. Coincidence counts will be observed.<br></li>



<li>If the polarizer axes are perpendicular, it never happens that both photons pass through their polarizers. Therefore, no coincidence counts will be observed.</li>
</ol>



<p>Predictions #1 and #2 are not surprising, as the green and violet beams of light are unpolarized.</p>



<p>Prediction #3, discussed further in my article, is a quantum entanglement effect with no analog in classical (non-quantum) physics. It is especially interesting because it can be tested experimentally. I designed the experiment specifically for this purpose.</p>



<p>The results of the experiment, after nearly three years of effort in the laboratory, clearly demonstrate that coincidence counts are recorded if the polarizer axes are parallel, and that no coincidences are recorded if the polarizers are perpendicular. The agreement between theory and experiment is unequivocal and striking.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-so-is-there-a-paradox">So is there a paradox?</h2>



<p>In our brief discussion of the gyroscope, no paradox was acknowledged because Newton’s theory (classical dynamics) fully explains how a gyroscope moves. </p>



<p>Furthermore, both the theory and the observed gyroscopic behavior are compatible with our life experience and intuitive ability to grasp natural processes in the classical realm.</p>



<p>In the entanglement case, quantum theory accounts for the observed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-photons-fascinating-behavior-in-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">correlation of the photon polarizations</a>. But even when a theory predicts experimental results, a paradox may remain if the intuition cannot reach out to connect with it.</p>



<p>Take another look at predictions #1 and #3 above. If we draw on our experience of life in a non-quantum world, we may notice something very strange when the polarizers are “crossed” at 90 degrees. </p>



<p>If each photon has a 50% chance of transmission through its polarizer, why don’t we get coincidences 25% of the time? Instead, we observe none at all. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stretching-the-mind-to-resolve-the-paradox">Stretching the mind to resolve the paradox</h2>



<p>At first consideration, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">does seem to qualify as a paradox</a>. One possible explanation could involve a missing component of quantum theory - perhaps a causal mechanism that could allow one photon, or one measurement, to communicate with the other. </p>



<p>However, despite extensive research, no evidence has been found for such a mechanism.</p>



<p>As we do not live in an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-quantum-revolution-will-impact-all-aspects-of-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overtly quantum world</a>, classical phenomena may influence our thought processes - even when we venture into the quantum realm. It may therefore remain a challenge to assimilate entanglement into the intuition.</p>



<p>I believe that the paradox can be at least partially resolved when further thought and experience, such as the experiment considered here, ‘stretch the mind’ to more fully embrace entanglement and other quantum phenomena.</p>



<p>I have come to view these aspects of nature as ‘strangely wonderful’.</p>



<p>The full paper and study can we read at <em><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/quantum-science-and-technology/articles/10.3389/frqst.2024.1451239/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Quantum Science and Technology</a></em>.</p>



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Quantum entanglement: A simple way to fully grasp this 'impossible' concept

Quantum entanglement is a mind-boggling phenomenon in quantum mechanics that intrigues both scientists and the public alike. Unlike the predictable nature of classical physics, quantum mechanics thrives on unpredictability, often challenging our everyday perceptions. This is particularly evident in the behavior of entangled particles. Understanding quantum entanglement In quantum mechanics, particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously, a concept known as superposition. Entanglement elevates this idea: when particles become entangled, their states are interlinked. A change in one particle's state instantly influences the other, regardless of distance—imagine...

<p>On November 17, 2023, Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/">global temperature</a> exceeded 2 degrees Celsius (2°C) above pre-industrial levels for the first time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This critical environmental milestone was reported in ERA5, the fifth reanalysis of the global climate by <a href="https://www.ecmwf.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ECMWF</a>, implemented as part of the Copernicus Climate Change Service.</p>



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



<p>The ERA5 data, which covers the period from 1940 to the present, indicated that on November 17, the global surface air temperature was 2.07°C higher than the pre-industrial average, a benchmark period from 1850-1900 before the widespread use of fossil fuels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, provisional data for November 18 showed a temperature anomaly of 2.06°C above the pre-industrial level.</p>



<p>This alarming development, released just before the commencement of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai, brings the issue of climate change into sharp focus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-time-for-action-is-now">The time for action is now</h2>



<p>“The ERA5 record now contains two days where global temperatures exceed the pre-industrial level by more than 2°C," said <a href="https://climate.copernicus.eu/">Copernicus Climate Change Service</a> (C3S) Director Carlo Buontempo.</p>



<p>"That this should happen in the same month that world leaders will gather to take stock of progress towards meeting Paris Agreement commitments at COP28 sends a very clear message - the time for definitive action to tackle climate change is now."</p>



<p>“While exceeding the 2°C threshold for a number of days does not mean that we have breached the Paris Agreement targets, the more often that we exceed this threshold, the more serious the cumulative effects of these breaches will become."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hottest-november-ever">Hottest November ever</h2>



<p>The ERA5 data also revealed that the global surface air temperature on November 17 was 1.17°C above the average for the 1991-2020 reference period, suggesting that November 2023 is on track to be the warmest November recorded.</p>



<p>The ERA5 data are part of the ERA5T dataset, which provides preliminary climate data with a delay of up to five days. These data will undergo verification and will be included in the final ERA5 dataset after the standard 2-3 month quality control period.</p>



<p>The report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and decisive action to address climate change, a critical topic for discussion at the upcoming COP28.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-the-2-c-limit-so-important-nbsp">Why is the 2°C limit so important?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The 2 degrees Celsius temperature limit is a crucial benchmark in climate change discussions for several reasons:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-basis-nbsp">Scientific basis&nbsp;</h3>



<p>This limit is based on extensive scientific research suggesting that keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius significantly reduces the risks and impacts of climate change.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-impact">Environmental impact</h3>



<p>Beyond the 2°C threshold, the likelihood of severe, pervasive, and irreversible impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity increases dramatically.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-level-rise">Sea level rise</h3>



<p>A temperature rise above 2 degrees could lead to more significant sea level rise, affecting low-lying areas and island nations.</p>



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



<p>Higher temperatures are associated with more extreme weather events like heatwaves, droughts, floods, and hurricanes, which have devastating effects on human life, agriculture, and infrastructure.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-and-water-security">Food and water security</h3>



<p>Exceeding the 2 degrees limit could jeopardize food and water security for millions of people, as it affects crop yields and water availability.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-and-economic-impacts">Social and economic impacts</h3>



<p>These environmental changes could lead to significant social and economic disruptions, including increased poverty, migration, and conflict.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tipping-points">Tipping points</h3>



<p>There is a risk of crossing critical thresholds or "tipping points" in the Earth's system, like the melting of polar ice caps and permafrost, which could lead to a cascade of further changes and make it more difficult to control future warming.</p>



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Earth's global temperature exceeded 2°C for the first time

On November 17, 2023, Earth's global temperature exceeded 2 degrees...

<p>Recent advancements and investments from tech giants like Jeff Bezos and Sam Altman have brought the possibility of significantly extending human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anti-aging-molecule-extends-lifespan-by-improving-cellular-health/">lifespans </a>closer than ever. However, this age-old pursuit of immortality is not without its detractors and ethical considerations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, Dr. Stephen Cave, a philosopher at the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/">University of Cambridge</a>, has recently raised concerns about the impact of significantly prolonging human lifespans on the planet’s resources and societal structures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reversing-the-aging-process-nbsp">Reversing the aging process&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For centuries, the aspiration for eternal life has captivated humanity, leading to significant investment in anti-aging research.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has invested in <a href="https://altoslabs.com/">Altos Labs</a>, a company focused on cell reprogramming technology to reverse the aging process. This endeavor, alongside other investments in similar fields, points to a potential new era of extended human life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-catastrophic-outcomes-nbsp">Catastrophic outcomes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, Dr. Stephen Cave, who co-authored a book titled <a href="https://www.routledge.com/Should-You-Choose-to-Live-Forever-A-Debate/Cave-Fischer/p/book/9780367615406"><em>Should You Choose to Live Forever?</em> </a>with John Martin Fischer, expresses skepticism about the wisdom of such pursuits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Cave suggests that attempts to radically lengthen lifespans could overburden Earth’s resources and potentially lead to catastrophic outcomes. His concerns highlight the complex ethical and environmental implications of life-extension technologies.</p>



<p>“If you think the planet is already at its carrying capacity for humans, or has maybe exceeded it – if you look at the destruction of biodiversity and habitat loss and climate change and so on – then obviously this could be absolutely catastrophic,” he said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extending-the-human-lifespan-nbsp">Extending the human lifespan&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Similarly, advancements in anti-aging therapies are also being explored in the scientific community. For example, Harvard scientists have developed an experimental therapy that rejuvenated cells in mice, potentially paving the way for anti-aging treatments in humans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The therapy could help humans become biologically younger and more resilient against diseases. However, the practical and ethical implications of such research are still a matter of debate too.</p>



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



<p>Thus, while the pursuit of anti-aging and extended lifespans opens up new possibilities for human health and longevity, it also raises significant ethical, environmental, and societal questions. As we advance in this field, it becomes crucial to consider the broader implications of such technologies on our planet and future generations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anti-aging-research">Anti-aging research</h2>



<p>Anti-aging research encompasses a diverse range of scientific studies aimed at understanding and potentially reversing or slowing the aging process.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This field delves into the biological mechanisms of aging, exploring factors like cellular senescence, where cells lose their ability to divide, and telomere shortening, which is linked to cellular aging.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetics">Genetics</h3>



<p>One significant area of study is the role of genetics in aging. Researchers are examining how certain genes influence longevity and how genetic modifications could potentially extend the human lifespan.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle-factors">Lifestyle factors</h3>



<p>Another focus is on the impact of lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, on aging. Caloric restriction, for instance, has been shown in some studies to extend the lifespan of certain organisms.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drugs">Drugs</h3>



<p>There's also considerable interest in the development of drugs that can mimic the effects of caloric restriction without requiring changes to diet. Metformin, a drug used in diabetes treatment, is one example currently being studied for its potential anti-aging effects.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regenerative-medicine-nbsp">Regenerative medicine&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Moreover, the field is exploring regenerative medicine, including the use of stem cells, to repair or replace aged tissues. Advances in biotechnology have opened new possibilities in this area, aiming to rejuvenate the body at a cellular level.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbiome-nbsp">Microbiome&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The microbiome, the collection of microorganisms living in and on our bodies, is another area of interest. There's increasing evidence that the microbiome changes with age and may influence aging-related processes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthier-lifespan">Healthier lifespan</h3>



<p>Research in this field is not just about extending lifespan but also about extending healthspan – the period of life spent in good health. The ultimate goal is to reduce the period of morbidity and frailty that often comes with old age, thus improving the quality of life for older individuals.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges">Challenges</h3>



<p>While anti-aging research holds promise, it's important to note that it's a complex field with many challenges. Much of the research is still in the early stages, and what works in model organisms like mice or yeast doesn't always translate to humans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ethical considerations also play a significant role in this research area, particularly when it comes to potential treatments and interventions.</p>



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Extended human lifespans could be 'catastrophic' for our planet

Recent advancements and investments from tech giants like Jeff Bezos...

<p>The latest Emissions Gap Report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) delivers a stark warning: current pledges under the Paris Agreement are insufficient, setting the world on a course for a concerning 2.5-2.9°C temperature rise this century.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This alarming forecast, detailed in the report “Emissions Gap Report 2023: Broken Record – Temperatures hit new highs, yet world fails to cut emissions (again),” underscores the critical need for increasing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humanity-should-brace-for-catastrophic-climate-change/">climate</a> action.</p>



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



<p>Released in anticipation of the 2023 climate summit in Dubai, the report emphasizes the necessity of global low-carbon transformations. These changes are imperative to achieve the substantial cuts in predicted 2030 greenhouse gas emissions -- 28 percent for a 2°C pathway and 42 percent for a 1.5°C pathway.</p>



<p>“We know it is still possible to make the 1.5-degree limit a reality. It requires tearing out the poisoned root of the climate crisis: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-current-fossil-fuel-plans-will-shatter-1-5c-climate-goal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a>. And it demands a just, equitable renewables transition,” said UN Secretary-General Antònio Guterres.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ambitious-targets-are-needed">Ambitious targets are needed</h2>



<p>The report stresses that significant mitigation within this decade is essential to narrow the emissions gap. This approach would support more ambitious 2035 targets in the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and bolster the likelihood of achieving net-zero pledges, which currently encompass about 80 percent of global emissions.</p>



<p>Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, highlighted the universal impact of climate change. “We need to stop setting unwanted records on greenhouse gas emissions, global temperature highs and extreme weather,” he said, advocating a shift in focus towards decisive actions in emissions reduction and climate finance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-rise-projections">Temperature rise projections</h2>



<ul>
<li>The year up to early October saw 86 days with temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.<br></li>



<li>September registered as the hottest month on record, averaging 1.8°C above pre-industrial levels.<br></li>



<li>Global GHG emissions increased by 1.2 percent from 2021 to 2022, reaching a new high of 57.4 GtCO2e.<br></li>



<li>The G20 nations also saw a 1.2 percent increase in emissions in 2022.</li>
</ul>



<p>Projections indicate that without intensified mitigation efforts, the world faces a temperature rise of 3°C this century under current policies. Full implementation of unconditional NDCs could limit this increase to 2.9°C, and conditional NDCs could cap it at 2.5°C, with a 66 percent probability.</p>



<p>These figures represent a slight increase from the 2022 Emissions Gap Report, attributable to the inclusion of more models in the estimation process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emissions-gap-efforts-are-inadequate">Emissions gap efforts are inadequate</h2>



<p>To align with the 2°C goal of the Paris Agreement, global emissions in 2030 need to be cut by 28 percent, and by 42 percent for the 1.5°C goal.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Meeting conditional NDCs and net-zero pledges could make the 2°C limit feasible, but current efforts are not consistent with these targets. The likelihood of staying within 1.5°C is just 14 percent in the most optimistic scenario.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-considerable-work-is-needed">Considerable work is needed</h2>



<p>Though policy progress since the Paris Agreement has reduced the implementation gap, significant work remains. The report calls for comprehensive low-carbon development transformations, especially in high-income and high-emitting countries, and stresses the importance of supporting developing nations in meeting their development needs with low-emission growth.</p>



<p>The upcoming <a href="https://www.cop28.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COP28</a> and the <a href="https://unfccc.int/topics/global-stocktake" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Stocktake</a> provide an opportunity for nations to draft ambitious development and climate policies, with clearly defined finance and technology needs. The report also discusses the role of carbon dioxide removal, emphasizing the risks and uncertainties associated with its large-scale deployment.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.unep.org/resources/emissions-gap-report-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Emissions Gap Report 2023</a> serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need for transformative climate action to avert the severe consequences of unmitigated climate change.</p>



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Warning: Climate pledges are not enough to avoid 3°C temperature rise

The latest Emissions Gap Report from the UN Environment Programme...

Hole,Of,Blue,Sky,In,The,Dark,Clouds

<p>A study conducted by researchers at the <a href="https://www.otago.ac.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Otago</a> has revealed disturbing trends in ozone holes over Antarctica.</p>



<p>According to the study, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-ozone-hole-is-now-one-of-the-largest-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ozone</a> hole has been alarmingly large and persistent over the past few years, contrary to public perception.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-ozone-holes">Large ozone holes</h2>



<p>"The past three years (2020–2022) have witnessed the re-emergence of large, long-lived <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-particles-erode-the-ozone-layer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ozone</a> holes over Antarctica," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"Understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ozone-depletion-in-the-arctic-leads-to-weather-anomalies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ozone</a> variability remains of high importance due to the major role Antarctic stratospheric ozone plays in climate variability across the Southern Hemisphere."&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The study authors noted that climate change has already incited new sources of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-particles-erode-the-ozone-layer/">ozone depletion</a>, and the atmospheric abundance of several chlorofluorocarbons has recently been on the rise.</p>



<p>"In this work, we take a comprehensive look at the monthly and daily ozone changes at different altitudes and latitudes within the Antarctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ozone-pollution-threatens-the-health-of-plants-and-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ozone</a> hole."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-discoveries">Significant discoveries</h2>



<p>Hannah Kessenich, the lead author and a PhD candidate in the Department of Physics, said the team found there is much less ozone in the center of the ozone hole compared to 19 years ago.</p>



<p>“This means that the hole is not only larger in area, but also deeper throughout most of spring," said Kessenich. “We made connections between this drop in ozone and changes in the air that is arriving into the polar vortex above Antarctica. This reveals the recent, large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/1987-ozone-treaty-had-an-unexpected-benefit-for-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ozone</a> holes may not be caused just by CFCs."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delayed-recovery-of-ozone-holes">Delayed recovery of ozone holes</h2>



<p>"Taking ozone modulating factors into account, the 2022 Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion concluded that the Antarctic ozone hole should be on track to recover by 2065," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"Latest results, however, indicate that recovery may be delayed due to previously unaccounted for chlorine release from wildfire aerosols and anthropogenic emissions."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unresolved-issue">Unresolved issue</h2>



<p>The Montreal Protocol, which was finalized in 1987, is a global agreement to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).</p>



<p>“Most major communications about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ozone-pollution-makes-it-difficult-for-bees-to-find-flowers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ozone layer</a> over the last few years have given the public the impression that the ‘ozone issue’ has been solved," said Kessenich.</p>



<p>“While the Montreal Protocol has vastly improved our situation with CFCs destroying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cfcs-are-not-the-only-culprit-bushfire-smoke-may-also-destroy-ozone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ozone</a>, the hole has been amongst the largest on record over the past three years, and in two of the five years prior to that."</p>



<p>“Our analysis ended with data from 2022, but as of today the 2023 ozone hole has already surpassed the size of the three years prior – late last month it was over 26 million km2, nearly twice the area of Antarctica.”</p>



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



<p>Kessenich emphasized the importance of understanding ozone variability. “We all know about the recent wildfires and cyclones in Australia and New Zealand and the Antarctic ozone hole is part of this picture."</p>



<p>“While separate from the impact of greenhouse gases on climate, the ozone hole interacts with the delicate balance in the atmosphere. Because ozone usually absorbs UV light, a hole in the ozone layer can not only cause extreme UV levels on the surface of Antarctica, but it can also drastically impact where heat is stored in the atmosphere."</p>



<p>“Downstream effects include changes to the Southern Hemisphere’s wind patterns and surface climate, which can impact us locally,” said Kessenich.</p>



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



<p>As discussed above, the term "ozone hole" refers to a significant depletion of the ozone layer in Earth's stratosphere. This layer, rich in ozone (O₃) molecules, plays a crucial role in shielding the planet from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. </p>



<p>An "ozone hole" is a region where the concentration of ozone is drastically lower than the surrounding areas.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-causes-of-ozone-depletion">Causes of ozone depletion</h3>



<p>Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): The primary cause of ozone depletion is human-made chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These compounds, once widely used in refrigerators, air conditioners, and aerosol sprays, release chlorine and bromine upon exposure to UV light. These elements are highly effective at breaking down ozone molecules, leading to the thinning of the ozone layer.</p>



<p>Other Contributing Factors: Other contributors to ozone depletion include other halogenated ozone-depleting substances like halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform. Natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions can also temporarily enhance ozone depletion by increasing the stratospheric particle load, which facilitates the destruction of ozone.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-of-ozone-depletion">Effects of ozone depletion</h3>



<p>Increased UV Radiation: With less ozone in the stratosphere, more UV radiation reaches the Earth's surface. This increase in UV exposure can lead to higher rates of skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues in humans. It also negatively impacts marine ecosystems, particularly affecting plankton, and can harm terrestrial plant life.</p>



<p>Climate Impacts: Ozone depletion also contributes to climate change, as substances that destroy ozone are often potent greenhouse gases. However, the relationship between ozone depletion and global warming is complex, as the two phenomena impact different layers of the Earth's atmosphere.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recovery-efforts">Recovery efforts</h3>



<p>The Montreal Protocol: A significant step in addressing the issue was the adoption of the Montreal Protocol in 1987. This international treaty was designed to phase out the production and use of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances. Amendments and adjustments to the protocol have further strengthened its effectiveness.</p>



<p>Signs of Recovery: Thanks to global efforts under the Montreal Protocol, the ozone layer is showing signs of recovery. Scientists predict that with continued adherence to the treaty, the ozone layer could return to its pre-1980 levels by the middle of the 21st century.</p>



<p>In summary, ozone holes are a clear example of the impact human activities can have on our planet. The success story of the Montreal Protocol demonstrates that global cooperation and proactive measures can lead to the restoration and preservation of crucial environmental resources. Continued vigilance and adherence to environmental protocols are essential to ensure the full recovery of the ozone layer.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-42637-0#:~:text=Climate%20change%20has%20already%20incited,recently%20been%20on%20the%20rise." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Large ozone holes have reappeared over Antarctica

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Otago...

<p>Coastal river deltas are under an enormous amount of strain and the dangers they face extend beyond climate change, according to a new study from <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lund University</a> and Utrecht University.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers have identified the pressures that pose the biggest threats by analyzing possible future development across 49 coastal river deltas worldwide.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ineffective-governance-nbsp">Ineffective governance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The results suggest that poor environmental governance is the biggest threat to the sustainability of deltas. This is particularly the case in Africa and Asia.</p>



<p>Study lead author Murray Scown is an associate senior lecturer at the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies.</p>



<p>“We can clearly show that many risks are not linked to climate," said Scown. "While climate change is a global problem, other important risk factors like land subsidence, population density and ineffective governance are local problems."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Risks to deltas will only increase over time, so now is the time for governments to take action."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-sustainable-development">Global sustainable development</h2>



<p>Home to more than half a billion people, coastal river deltas support agriculture, fisheries, cities, and unique ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Deltas play a critical role in the ambition to achieve global sustainable development given their relatively large shares in population and productive croplands, as well as their precarious low-lying position between upstream river basin development and rising seas," wrote the researchers.</p>



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



<p>The experts noted that the low elevation of deltas means that they are highly exposed to risks from relative sea-level rise, flooding, and salinization.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"As a result of these risks and further urbanization, ecosystems in deltas are increasingly degraded or lost," wrote the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertain-future">Uncertain future</h2>



<p>The loss of delta environments could have major consequences. Despite the importance of deltas for sustainable development, the future of deltas around the globe remain highly uncertain and unexplored, the researchers noted.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The team analyzed five different IPCC scenarios for global development in deltas all over the world to predict possible risks throughout the rest of the century. The study was focused on 13 primary risk factors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts studied famous deltas such as the Nile and the Mississippi, but also included deltas that are less well-known such as the Volta and Zambezi deltas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The 49 deltas analyzed for this research include the most populated and largest coastal deltas in the world, as well as a range of smaller and less populated deltas to provide a representative sample of the world’s deltas across climates, biomes, and socio-economic development states," wrote the study authors.</p>



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



<p>The analysis revealed that, under all five scenarios, the biggest threats to coastal river deltas are population density, land subsidence, sea-level rise, crop land use, and ineffective governance.</p>



<p>Land subsidence was found to be the greatest risk factor for the Mekong delta in Vietnam, while extreme sea levels are among the most concerning risk factors for deltas in China and several other parts of the world.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Under certain scenarios, population density was the biggest future threat for the Nile, Niger, and the Ganges deltas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potentially-devastating-consequences-nbsp">Potentially devastating consequences&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Analyzed all together, we can see that the Asian mega-deltas are at greatest risk, with potentially devastating consequences for millions of people, and for the environment," said Scown.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"They are under pressure from population growth, intense agricultural land use, relative sea-level rise, and lagging adaptation readiness."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-action-is-needed">Urgent action is needed</h2>



<p>Study co-author Philip Minderhoud, assistant professor at Wageningen University and Research, said that instead of sitting back, governments need to think long-term, and put plans in place to reduce or mitigate risks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In the Mekong delta, for example, the Vietnamese government are making strong efforts to restrict future groundwater extraction in the delta to reduce land subsidence and salinization," said Minderhoud.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2023.102736" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Global Environmental Change</em></a>.</p>



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Coastal river deltas face major threats beyond climate change 

Coastal river deltas are under an enormous amount of strain...

<p>In a new study led by the <a href="https://www.isglobal.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona Institute for Global Health</a> (ISGlobal), researchers have made a startling revelation about the impact of high temperatures on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hot-nights-could-increase-the-mortality-rate-by-60-percent/">mortality</a> in Europe last year. The study reveals that the number of heat-related deaths in Europe may have exceeded 70,000 during the summer of 2022.</p>



<p>In a previous study, the ISGlobal team had estimated that 62,862 premature deaths in Europe were linked to heat in 2022. This estimate was based on epidemiological models applied to weekly temperature and mortality data across 823 regions in 35 European countries. However, the experts acknowledged that this approach likely underestimated the true impact.</p>



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



<p>In the new study, the researchers aimed to develop a theoretical framework to quantify errors in mortality estimations caused by using aggregated data, such as weekly or monthly temperature and mortality records.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team compiled daily temperatures and mortality records from 147 regions in 16 European countries, and compared mortality estimates across various levels of data aggregation: daily, weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly.</p>



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



<p>Compared to the daily model, the models using longer aggregation periods had significantly underestimated the effects of heat and cold on mortality.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, during 1998-2004, the daily model estimated an annual mortality of 290,104 for cold and 39,434 for heat-related deaths, while the weekly model underestimated these figures by 8.56 and 21.56 percent, respectively.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mortality-burden-nbsp">Mortality burden&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“It is important to note that the differences were very small during periods of extreme cold and heat, such as the summer of 2003, when the underestimation by the weekly data model was only 4.62 percent,” explained Joan Ballester Claramunt, an ISGlobal researcher who leads the European Research Council’s EARLY-ADAPT project.</p>



<p>However, the differences in mortality estimates were still significant enough to warrant a revision of the mortality burden attributed to the 2022 heatwave.</p>



<p>By applying this new methodology, the researchers concluded that their earlier study had underestimated the 2022 heat-related deaths by 10.28 percent, revising the actual figure to 70,066.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>This study highlights the severe impact of extreme temperatures on public health. The results emphasize the importance of improving data collection and analysis methods for more accurate and timely responses to rising temperatures.</p>



<p>“In general, we do not find models based on monthly aggregated data useful for estimating the short-term effects of ambient temperatures,” explained Ballester. “However, models based on weekly data do offer sufficient precision in mortality estimates to be useful in real-time practice in epidemiological surveillance and to inform public policies such as, for example, the activation of emergency plans for reducing the impact of heat waves and cold spells.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-related-deaths">Heat-related deaths</h2>



<p>Heat-related deaths, a critical concern in the context of global climate change, represent a growing challenge for public health systems worldwide. As global temperatures rise, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are increasing, leading to a significant upsurge in heat-related mortality.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This phenomenon is particularly evident in regions like Europe, where historically milder climates are experiencing unprecedented temperature highs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-direct-effects">Direct effects</h3>



<p>Heat-related deaths occur when the body, overwhelmed by excessive heat, is unable to regulate its internal temperature. This can lead to a cascade of health issues, including heatstroke, dehydration, and exacerbation of pre-existing health conditions like cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Vulnerable populations, such as older people, children, and those with chronic illnesses, are at a higher risk.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indirect-effects">Indirect effects</h3>



<p>The impact of heat on mortality is not just direct; it also indirectly affects health through worsening air quality, increasing the prevalence of vector-borne diseases, and exacerbating mental health issues.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Urban areas, with their "heat island" effect due to dense infrastructure and limited green spaces, often record higher temperatures and, consequently, higher heat-related health issues.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-strategies-nbsp">Public health strategies&nbsp;</h3>



<p>In Europe, the recent increases in heat-related deaths have prompted a reevaluation of public health strategies. Governments and health agencies are now focusing on improving warning systems for heatwaves, establishing public cooling centers, and enhancing public awareness about the dangers of high temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These efforts are crucial in protecting the most vulnerable populations and mitigating the overall impact of heat on public health.</p>



<p>Furthermore, there's an increasing emphasis on the long-term strategies to combat climate change and its effects. This includes urban planning initiatives to increase green spaces and improve building designs for better natural cooling, as well as broader environmental policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and slowing global warming.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100779" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Lancet Regional Health - Europe</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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More than 70,000 deaths in Europe were heat-related in 2022

In a new study led by the Barcelona Institute for...

<p>A discovery by researchers at the <a href="https://www.utep.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas at El Paso</a> could potentially transform the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The breakthrough centers around the use of caffeic-acid based Carbon Quantum Dots (CACQDs), derived from spent coffee grounds, which have the potential to protect brain cells from damage caused by these diseases.</p>



<p>The study was led by doctoral student Jyotish Kumar and overseen by Professor Mahesh Narayan, a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neurodegenerative-disorders-nbsp">Neurodegenerative disorders&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts found that CACQDs could be key in addressing the root causes of neurodegenerative disorders. Their findings highlight the neuroprotective properties of CACQDs, particularly against damages triggered by obesity, aging, and exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides.</p>



<p>Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of neurons, impacting essential functions like movement, speech, and cognitive abilities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Early stages of these diseases, often linked to lifestyle and environmental factors, show elevated levels of harmful free radicals and the aggregation of amyloid protein fragments in the brain, leading to further complications.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformative-treatment">Transformative treatment</h2>



<p>“Caffeic-acid based Carbon Quantum Dots have the potential to be transformative in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders,” said Kumar. “This is because none of the current treatments resolve the diseases; they only help manage the symptoms. Our aim is to find a cure by addressing the atomic and molecular underpinnings that drive these conditions.”</p>



<p>The team demonstrated that CACQDs, especially in models of Parkinson’s disease induced by a pesticide called paraquat, could remove or neutralize free radicals and prevent the aggregation of amyloid proteins without significant side effects.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-intervention-nbsp">Early intervention&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers believe that early intervention with CACQD-based treatments could effectively prevent the full onset of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It is critical to address these disorders before they reach the clinical stage,” said Professor Narayan. “At that point, it is likely too late. Any current treatments that can address advanced symptoms of neurodegenerative disease are simply beyond the means of most people. Our aim is to come up with a solution that can prevent most cases of these conditions at a cost that is manageable for as many patients as possible.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-brain-cells">Protecting brain cells</h2>



<p>Caffeic acid, a polyphenol known for its antioxidant properties, is crucial in this discovery. Professor Narayan noted that caffeic acid is unique because it can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and is thus able to directly exert its effects upon the cells inside the brain.</p>



<p>The team employed a “green chemistry” method to extract CACQDs from used coffee grounds, making the process both environmentally friendly and cost-effective, given the abundant availability of coffee grounds.</p>



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



<p>Supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health, the project has involved numerous graduate and undergraduate students from UTEP, including Sofia Delgado, who is now pursuing her PhD at Yale University.</p>



<p>Despite the progress, Narayan and Kumar acknowledge that there’s still a considerable journey ahead. Their ultimate goal is to develop a medication, possibly in pill form, that could prevent the majority of neurodegenerative disorders not caused by genetics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team is now seeking additional funding to support further testing.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2023.116932" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Research</em></a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



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Coffee grounds could help prevent neurodegenerative diseases

A discovery by researchers at the University of Texas at...

<p>NASA's <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> has captured an extraordinary new image of Sagittarius C (Sgr C), a star-forming region near the center of the Milky Way.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This breakthrough offers an unprecedented glimpse into the dense core of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-third-of-our-galaxys-planets-could-be-habitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our galaxy</a> and reveals numerous features that have never been seen before. The discovery prompted astronomers to explore new aspects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/">star</a> formation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-discovery-in-the-milky-way-nbsp">Unique discovery in the Milky Way&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Samuel Crowe, the principal investigator of the observation team and an undergraduate student at the <a href="https://www.virginia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia</a>, emphasized the uniqueness of this discovery.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There’s never been any infrared data on this region with the level of resolution and sensitivity we get with Webb, so we are seeing lots of features here for the first time,” said Crowe. “Webb reveals an incredible amount of detail, allowing us to study star formation in this sort of environment in a way that wasn’t possible previously.”</p>



<p>Professor Jonathan Tan, one of Crowe’s advisors, noted: "The galactic center is the most extreme environment in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> galaxy, where current theories of star formation can be put to their most rigorous test."</p>



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



<p>Among the fascinating features observed are protostars, young stars in the process of formation. The image shows a cluster of these protostars, estimated to be about 500,000 in number, glowing amid an infrared-dark cloud.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Notably, at the center of the cluster is a massive protostar over 30 times the mass of our Sun. The density of the surrounding cloud is so great that it blocks the light from stars behind it. The result is the region appearing less crowded than it actually is. The presence of smaller infrared-dark clouds suggests areas where future stars are forming.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subjects-of-future-research">Subjects of future research</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/content/observatory/instruments/nircam.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIRCam</a> (Near-Infrared Camera) instrument on Webb has also captured significant emission from ionized hydrogen. This emission, which appears cyan-colored in the image, typically results from energetic photons emitted by young massive stars, explained Crowe. But, he noted, the vast extent of the region shown by Webb is something of a surprise that bears further investigation. </p>



<p>Another intriguing aspect Crowe plans to study further is the needle-like structures within the ionized hydrogen, which appear chaotically oriented in various directions.</p>



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



<p>“The galactic center is a crowded, tumultuous place. There are turbulent, magnetized gas clouds that are forming stars, which then impact the surrounding gas with their outflowing winds, jets, and radiation,” said Rubén Fedriani. He is a co-investigator of the project at the <a href="https://www.iaa.csic.es/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instituto Astrofísica de Andalucía</a> in Spain. </p>



<p>“Webb has provided us with a ton of data on this extreme environment, and we are just starting to dig into it.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-opportunity-nbsp">Unprecedented opportunity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The proximity of the galactic center, about 25,000 light-years from Earth, enables the Webb telescope to study individual stars in this region. This presents an unprecedented opportunity for astronomers to gather detailed information on star formation and how it may vary depending on the cosmic environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A key question the experts hope to answer is whether more massive stars are formed in the center of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-at-the-heart-of-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> compared to the edges of its spiral arms.</p>



<p>Crowe expressed his excitement about the potential scientific insights that could be gained from this image.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The image from Webb is stunning, and the science we will get from it is even better,” said Crowe. “Massive stars are factories that produce heavy elements in their nuclear cores, so understanding them better is like learning the origin story of much of the universe.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-sagittarius-c">More about Sagittarius C</h2>



<p>As mentioned above, Sagittarius C is a lesser-known region in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> galaxy. It sits in the bustling heart of the galaxy's center. This area, rich in astronomical phenomena, offers a fascinating look into the complex structures and dynamics of the Milky Way.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics-of-sagittarius-c">Characteristics of Sagittarius C</h3>



<p>Sagittarius C is a complex radio source, emitting substantial radio waves that help astronomers understand the galaxy's core. This region hosts a mix of interstellar gas, dust, and various celestial objects, contributing to its dense and active nature.</p>



<p>Sagittarius C plays a crucial role in the study of galactic centers. Its proximity to Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/gaia-has-captured-the-largest-catalog-of-stars-in-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, makes it a valuable area for researching galactic dynamics and the behavior of black holes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-and-discoveries">Research and discoveries</h3>



<p>Recent studies of Sagittarius C have focused on mapping its structure and understanding its role in the Milky Way's evolution. Astronomers use advanced telescopes and technology to penetrate the dense gas and dust, revealing the secrets hidden within.</p>



<p>The data gathered from Sagittarius C has significantly enhanced our understanding of the Milky Way. These insights include the distribution of interstellar matter, the mechanics of galactic cores, and the interactions between various celestial bodies in these dense regions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-future-prospects">Challenges and future prospects</h3>



<p>Studying Sagittarius C presents numerous challenges due to its dense and complex nature. The region's thick dust clouds and intense radio emissions require sophisticated equipment and methods for accurate observation and analysis.</p>



<p>Future research in Sagittarius C aims to unravel more about the formation and evolution of galaxies. With the advancement of technology, astronomers hope to gain deeper insights into this enigmatic region, furthering our understanding of the universe.</p>



<p>In summary, Sagittarius C, though not as well-known as other areas in the Milky Way, holds immense importance in astronomical research. Its unique characteristics and proximity to the galactic center make it a key area for understanding the complexities of our galaxy and the universe beyond.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-milky-way-galaxy">Milky Way galaxy</h2>



<p>The Milky Way galaxy is a vast and intricate barred spiral galaxy that is part of the Local Group of galaxies. It stands out for its distinctive structure, consisting of a central bulge, a bar-like feature extending from the core, and spiral arms that wind outwards. The galaxy spans an estimated diameter of 100,000 to 200,000 light-years and is believed to contain between 100 to 400 billion stars.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sagittarius-a">Sagittarius A*</h3>



<p>At its heart lies the galactic center, dominated by a supermassive black hole known as Sagittarius A*. This region is densely populated with stars and other celestial objects in rapid motion around the black hole. The area is a hotbed of astronomical activity, offering insights into the dynamics of galaxies.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-milky-way-galaxy-evolution">Milky Way galaxy evolution</h3>



<p>The Milky Way is not a static entity but is constantly evolving. Star formation continues to occur, particularly in the spiral arms and certain other regions where interstellar gas and dust are abundant. These areas are nurseries for new stars, adding to the galaxy's complexity and beauty.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-location-of-the-milky-way-galaxy">Location of the Milky Way galaxy</h3>



<p>Our solar system is located in one of the galaxy's spiral arms, known as the Orion Arm, situated about 27,000 light-years from the galactic center. This position offers a unique vantage point for observing and understanding the galaxy's structure and composition.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collision-course">Collision course</h3>



<p>The Milky Way is on a collision course with the Andromeda Galaxy. This event, predicted to occur in about 4 billion years, will dramatically alter the structure of both galaxies. However, given the vast distances between stars, it's unlikely that individual stars will collide.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, and S. Crowe (University of Virginia)</p>



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Webb telescope discovers mysterious features in the heart of our Milky Way galaxy

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has captured an extraordinary new...

<p>A very intriguing study has unveiled a new aspect of bacterial behavior, revealing that bacteria possess the ability to create "memories" that influence their strategies, including resistance to antibiotics and the formation of bacterial swarms. </p>



<p>This discovery opens new pathways for combating dangerous infections and addressing the growing concern of antibiotic-resistant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-have-been-found-in-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-of-bacteria-memories">Nature of bacteria memories</h2>



<p>Contrary to what one might expect, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-can-break-down-pet-pollution-in-ocean-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> memories are not akin to human experiences, such as recalling a childhood birthday party. Instead, they are more comparable to information storage in computers. </p>



<p>Researchers at <a href="https://www.utexas.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Texas at Austin</a> have found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-can-jump-between-healthy-pets-and-owners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>E. coli</em> bacteria</a> use iron levels as a mechanism to store information about their environment and behaviors. This information can then be activated in response to specific stimuli and passed down to subsequent generations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iron-the-key-element">Iron: The key element</h2>



<p>"Iron, one of the most abundant elements on Earth, plays a crucial role in this process," explained Souvik Bhattacharyya, the lead author and a provost early career fellow in the <a href="https://molecularbiosci.utexas.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Molecular Biosciences</a> at UT. He noted that variations in iron levels within bacterial cells correlate with different bacterial behaviors. </p>



<p>For instance, bacteria with lower iron levels exhibited enhanced swarming abilities, while those forming biofilms -- dense, sticky mats on surfaces -- showed higher iron levels. Interestingly, these "iron memories" persist for up to four generations and fade by the seventh.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-for-bacteria-memories">Applications for bacteria memories</h2>



<p>This discovery is not just a mere scientific curiosity but has significant implications for medical and environmental applications. </p>



<p>"Iron levels are definitely a target for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intestinal-bacteria-could-help-you-live-a-very-long-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">therapeutics</a> because iron is an important factor in virulence," said Bhattacharyya. </p>



<p>Understanding and manipulating these iron-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/how-do-bacteria-reproduce/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> memories could lead to innovative strategies to prevent and combat bacterial infections, especially those involving antibiotic-resistant strains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iron-in-bacterial-behavior">Iron in bacterial behavior</h2>



<p>Reflecting on the evolutionary context, Bhattacharyya remarked, "Before there was oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere, early cellular life was utilizing iron for a lot of cellular processes. Iron is not only critical in the origin of life on Earth, but also in the evolution of life." </p>



<p>This deep connection between iron and life forms highlights the fundamental nature of this discovery in understanding both bacterial behavior and the broader context of life on Earth.</p>



<p>In summary, the University of Texas at Austin's research marks a significant advancement in our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/river-plastics-may-harbor-antimicrobial-resistance-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacterial behavior</a> and opens up new avenues for addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our time. </p>



<p>By unraveling the mysteries of bacteria memories and their relationship with iron, scientists pave the way for novel approaches in the fight against bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance.</p>



<p>The findings are published in the <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2309082120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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Bacteria form ‘memories’ and pass them on to future generations

A very intriguing study has unveiled a new aspect of...

<p>Better air quality can significantly enhance natural carbon sequestration by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indoor-plants-can-quickly-remove-dangerous-toxins-from-air/">plants</a>, according to a new study from the <a href="https://carnegiescience.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carnegie Institution for Science</a>.</p>



<p>Improved air quality increases sunlight availability for plants, thereby boosting their ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide and mitigate climate change.</p>



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



<p>The team, including researchers Liyin He, Lorenzo Rosa, and Joe Berry, used satellite data to analyze the correlation between photosynthetic activity and aerosol pollution in Europe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results showed that plants capture more carbon on the weekends when there is less industrial pollution and fewer people commute.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This finding highlights the impact of human activities and air quality on the natural carbon absorption process of plants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aerosol-pollution-nbsp">Aerosol pollution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Photosynthesis, a vital process where plants convert sunlight into chemical energy, involves absorbing carbon dioxide and converting it into carbohydrates and fats. This natural mechanism plays a crucial role in combating climate change by removing carbon emissions from the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“However, this can be diminished by poor air quality caused by aerosols, tiny particles that are spewed into the atmosphere when we commute and burn fossil fuels or wood,” explained He. “They have negative effects on air quality, which impacts human health. They can also scatter or absorb sunlight, which would affect a plant similarly to being stuck in the shade.”</p>



<p>Previous studies have indicated that aerosol pollution can reduce agricultural crop yields by up to 20 percent.</p>



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



<p>The research involved collaboration with David Lobell and Yuan Wang from Stanford University; Yi Yin, Yitong Yao, and Christian Frankenberg from Caltech; and Russell Doughty from the University of Oklahoma.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team used the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the Copernicus Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite to measure photosynthetic activity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This innovative technique, developed about a decade ago by Berry, Frankenberg, and Caltech collaborators, leverages the fluorescence emitted during photosynthesis, observable from space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photosynthetic-activity-nbsp">Photosynthetic activity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team compared photosynthesis data with aerosol measurements from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We focused on Europe due to an established pattern of human activity throughout the week as compared to other regions,” Rosa said. “Additionally, many European ecosystems are already experiencing negative effects from climate change and European countries have set ambitious goals for cutting carbon pollution.”</p>



<p>The findings revealed a weekly cycle in photosynthetic activity, peaking on weekends and decreasing during weekdays, inversely correlating with aerosol pollution levels.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>A similar pattern emerged during COVID-19 lockdowns. The research suggests that reducing particulate pollution to maintain weekend-level photosynthetic activity throughout the week could remove 40 to 60 megatons of carbon dioxide annually, increasing agricultural productivity without expanding crop land.</p>



<p>“These findings have major policy implications for European governments who are working on a variety of systems to capture about 500 megatons per year of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and store it,” said Rosa. “Our work shows that improving air quality could also help meet climate goals.”</p>



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



<p>Carbon sequestration is a critical process in the fight against climate change. It involves the capture and storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the primary greenhouse gases responsible for global warming. This process can occur both naturally and through human-engineered methods.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants">Plants</h3>



<p>In natural carbon sequestration, ecosystems like forests, oceans, and soil play a pivotal role. Trees and plants, through the process of photosynthesis, absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and convert it into organic matter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This CO2 is stored in the form of biomass in trees, plants, and soil. Healthy, growing forests, therefore, are essential carbon sinks, storing large amounts of carbon over long periods.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oceans">Oceans</h3>



<p>Oceans also sequester a significant amount of carbon, absorbing it from the atmosphere and storing it in various forms. Phytoplankton, small marine plants, use CO2 for photosynthesis, similar to terrestrial plants. The carbon can then become part of the oceanic food web or settle as sediment on the ocean floor.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soils">Soils</h3>



<p>Soils are another crucial component in natural carbon sequestration. They store carbon in organic matter, such as decomposed plant and animal material. Practices that enhance soil health, like organic farming and reforestation, can increase the amount of carbon that soils can sequester.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technologies">Technologies</h3>



<p>Human-engineered carbon sequestration methods aim to complement these natural processes. These include technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS), where CO2 emissions from industrial and energy-related sources are captured at their point of origin and stored underground in geological formations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bioenergy">Bioenergy</h3>



<p>Another method is bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), which combines biomass energy generation with CCS. In this process, biomass is used as a fuel to generate energy, and the resulting CO2 emissions are captured and stored.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cities">Cities</h3>



<p>Urban carbon sequestration is also gaining attention. This involves enhancing green spaces in cities, such as urban forests and parks, which can absorb CO2. Green roofs and vertical gardens are other innovative ways to sequester carbon in urban areas.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em>.&nbsp;</p>



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Reducing air pollution could greatly boost carbon sequestration by plants

Better air quality can significantly enhance natural carbon sequestration by...

<p>A new study of wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peregrine-falcons-have-a-unique-and-successful-hunting-strategy/">falcons</a>’ problem-solving abilities led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.vetmeduni.ac.at/en/messerli/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Messerli Research Institute</a> has revealed remarkable insights into avian intelligence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These birds, particularly the striated caracaras in the Falkland Islands, showcased their adeptness at solving food puzzles, challenging common perceptions of their cognitive abilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-level-of-intelligence-nbsp">Unexpected level of intelligence&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Lead author Katie Harrington expressed her team’s surprise at the falcons’ proficiency in these tasks. “They were ace! We were really blown away by how quickly they set to the tasks and solved them. This is unlike anything we’ve seen before in wild birds of prey.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Harrington's enthusiasm highlights the unexpected level of intelligence displayed by these birds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wild-falcons-are-naturally-curious">Wild falcons are naturally curious</h2>



<p>The study’s design involved a transparent plastic puzzle box placed on the grass, offering the caracaras a chance to interact and solve it. Each bird was limited to one attempt per day, allowing the researchers to track their learning curve.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Harrington described the birds’ keen engagement with the puzzles. “The caracaras were so eager to solve the puzzles that some even started running toward the box as soon as we set it on the ground,” she reported. This eagerness exemplified their natural curiosity and desire to interact with new challenges.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategic-problem-solving-nbsp">Strategic problem-solving&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Moreover, the caracaras’ methodical approach to the puzzles was noteworthy. “They’d then energetically kick and pull at different functional parts the same way we would grab something to learn how it works. They’d also move to look at the box from different angles, crouching down to look from below or jumping on top to look from above,” she explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This detailed exploration underlines the birds’ strategic and comprehensive problem-solving methods.</p>



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



<p>Senior author Megan Lambert emphasized the broader implications of these findings for understanding avian intelligence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Much of what we know about avian intelligence comes from parrots and corvids,” she said, pointing out the gap in research concerning birds of prey like caracaras. “These caracaras face a lot of the same pressures and offer a really great opportunity to study cognition in the wild.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lambert's insights suggest that these findings could reshape how scientists view the intellectual capabilities of various bird species. This is especially true for those in the wild.</p>



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



<p>The researchers’ discovery that caracaras are “just as capable as parrots” in problem-solving adds a new dimension to the study of avian intelligence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vanishing-falcons-the-mysterious-decline-of-the-american-kestrel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">falcons</a> are often thought of as less cognitively advanced. The fact that they are likely as intelligent as parrots opens up new avenues for exploring how problem-solving abilities have evolved in birds. </p>



<p>Thus, this study -- published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.10.061" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Current Biology</em></a><em> -- </em>not only enriches the understanding of caracaras but also contributes significantly to the broader field of animal cognition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caracaras-of-the-falkland-islands">Caracaras of the Falkland Islands</h2>



<p>Caracaras in the Falkland Islands are fascinating and unique birds of prey, playing a significant role in the archipelago's ecosystem. The most commonly found species there is the striated caracara, also known locally as the Johnny Rook.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These wild falcons are distinguished by their bold and curious nature. They often approach humans without hesitation, a trait unusual for birds of prey.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caracaras-diet">Caracaras' diet</h3>



<p>Adapted to the island's environment, caracaras in the Falklands exhibit a diverse diet. They are known to be opportunistic feeders, consuming everything from insects and carrion to stealing eggs and preying on small birds. This adaptability is crucial in the harsh and variable conditions of the islands.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat">Habitat</h3>



<p>The Falkland Islands provide an ideal habitat for caracaras, with vast open spaces and a lack of natural predators. This has led to a stable and healthy population of these birds on the islands, unlike in other regions where their numbers have declined due to human activities.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iconic-symbol-nbsp">Iconic symbol&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Interestingly, the caracaras have become an iconic symbol of the Falkland Islands' wildlife. Ornithologists and tourists alike love observing these unique birds in their natural habitat.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-nbsp">Significance&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Their role in the island's ecosystem is vital. As scavengers, caracaras help in cleaning the environment by consuming carrion. They are also an integral part of the local culture and heritage. Caracaras' presence is deeply intertwined with the history and natural landscape of the Falklands.</p>



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



<p>As discussed above, falcons are a group of birds of prey, belonging to the genus <em>Falco</em>. These birds are known for their incredible speed, sharp talons, and keen eyesight. They inhabit a wide range of environments, from Arctic tundra to tropical rainforests, showcasing their adaptability.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Characteristics and behavior</h3>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-only-nocturnal-hawk-may-not-see-well-in-the-dark/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Falcons</a> have tapered wings and a robust body structure. This helps in their ability to dive at high speeds to catch prey. This diving behavior, known as a stoop, allows them to reach speeds over 200 mph, making them among the fastest creatures on the planet. </p>



<p>They primarily feed on other birds, small mammals, and insects. Their sharp beak, characterized by a notable 'tooth' on the upper mandible, helps them kill and dismember their prey.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breeding and nesting habits</h3>



<p>Falcons typically nest on high cliffs or, in urban areas, tall buildings. They do not build traditional nests; instead, they lay eggs in a scrape, a small depression in soil or gravel. </p>



<p>During breeding season, both male and female falcons participate in raising the young. Males are primarily responsible for hunting and providing food.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Conservation status of wild falcons</h3>



<p>While some falcon species, like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peregrine-falcons-have-a-unique-and-successful-hunting-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peregrine Falcon</a>, have rebounded from the brink of extinction thanks to conservation efforts, other species remain endangered. </p>



<p>Threats to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-of-peregrine-falcons-suggests-birds-have-a-migration-gene/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">falcons</a> include habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Conservation initiatives often focus on habitat preservation, reducing pesticide use, and protecting nesting sites.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Falcons in Culture and Falconry</h3>



<p>Falcons hold a significant place in many cultures, symbolizing speed, focus, and freedom. Falconry, the practice of training falcons to hunt, dates back thousands of years and continues to be a popular sport in many parts of the world. This ancient tradition has also played a role in falcon conservation, as it raises awareness about these majestic birds and their importance in the ecosystem.</p>



<p>In summary, wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peregrine-falcons-mercury/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">falcons</a>, with their unmatched speed and agility, are fascinating creatures. Their survival and thriving in the wild are vital not only for biodiversity but also for the cultural heritage associated with these majestic birds. Conservation efforts and sustainable practices are essential to ensure that future generations continue to witness the awe-inspiring flight of the wild falcons.</p>



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Wild falcons are as smart as parrots and eager to show it

A new study of wild falcons’ problem-solving abilities led by...

<p>Babies as young as four months old exhibit signs of self-awareness, according to an innovative study from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research reveals new details about how infants interact with the space around them and develop self-awareness.</p>



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



<p>The study was carried out in the Birmingham BabyLab, where experts presented babies with a visual stimulus: a ball on a screen moving towards or away from them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When the ball appeared closest on the screen, a small vibration was given to the babies' hands, simulating a "touch," while their brain activity was closely monitored. This critical data collection took place at Goldsmiths, University of London.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peripersonal-space">Peripersonal space</h2>



<p>“Our findings indicate that even in the first few months of life, before babies have even learned to reach for objects, the multisensory brain is wired up to make links between what babies see and what they feel. This means they can sense the space around them and understand how their bodies interact with that space. This is sometimes referred to as peripersonal space," explained lead researcher Dr. Giulia Orioli.</p>



<p>“Of course, humans do this all the time as adults, using our combined senses to perceive where we are in space and making predictions about when we will touch an object or not. But now that we know that babies in the early stages of their development begin to show signs of this, it opens up questions about how much of these abilities are learnt, or innate.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-development-of-self-awareness-nbsp">Development of self-awareness&nbsp;</h2>



<p>From just four months old, infants demonstrated enhanced somatosensory (tactile) brain activity when they experienced a touch following an object moving towards them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This discovery is pivotal in understanding how self-awareness develops from an early age.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-touch">Unexpected touch</h2>



<p>The researchers also explored how an unexpected touch influenced older infants in the study. They observed that eight-month-old babies showed signs of surprise in their brain activity when the touch on their hand was preceded by the ball moving away from them on the screen.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Seeing the older babies show surprise responses suggests that they had not expected the touch due to the visual direction the object was moving in," said study co-author Professor Andrew Bremner.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This indicates that as babies proceed through their first year of life, their brains construct a more sophisticated awareness of how their body exists in the space around them.”</p>



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



<p>The team plans to expand their research to include both younger and older participants. This may provide a more comprehensive understanding of the developmental trajectory of multisensory abilities.</p>



<p>The researchers are particularly interested in examining the brain activity of adults in similar scenarios. By doing so, they hope to gain insights into the mature forms of brain activity that infants are gradually developing towards.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team also plans to explore the presence of these multisensory abilities in newborn babies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It is a challenge working with newborns, as they spend such a large portion of their time sleeping and eating, but we are starting to have some success working with this age group, and it is going to be fascinating to see if babies only a few days old have the foundations of a sense of their bodies in space. If so, it could be that we are looking at the origins of human consciousness," said Dr. Orioli.</p>



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



<p>Self-awareness is a key aspect of human consciousness that is complex and multifaceted. It is typically understood as the conscious recognition of oneself as an individual, separate and distinct from the environment and others.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-identity-nbsp">Physical identity&nbsp;</h3>



<p>At its core, self-awareness is about understanding one's own existence and identity. It's what allows individuals to recognize themselves in a mirror or in photographs, which is a milestone often observed in human development during the toddler years.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-internal-states">Internal states</h3>



<p>Beyond physical recognition, self-awareness encompasses an understanding of one's internal states, such as emotions and thoughts, and how these can differ from those of others.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adulthood">Adulthood</h3>



<p>As people grow and develop, self-awareness becomes more complicated. It evolves from basic recognition of the self to include deeper understanding of one's own mental and emotional states.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, adults not only recognize that they are feeling sad, but they can also ponder why they feel that way and how it affects their behavior and decisions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins">Origins</h3>



<p>In the context of psychology and neuroscience, self-awareness is often studied to understand its origins, how it develops, and its role in social and cognitive functions. There's a particular interest in understanding at what stage of development self-awareness begins to emerge and how it progresses.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animals">Animals</h3>



<p>Self-awareness is not just limited to the human species. Some animals, particularly certain primates and some birds, have shown signs of self-recognition, suggesting that this ability might be more widespread in the animal kingdom than previously thought.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-45897-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Scientific Reports</em></a>.</p>



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Four-month-old babies show signs of self-awareness

Babies as young as four months old exhibit signs of...

<p>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. </p>



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



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



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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).</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



<p>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;</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>“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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>“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;</p>



<p>“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.”</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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?</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ACS Reactions</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

How does salt makes things taste better?

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>'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)."</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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<p>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.</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>"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."</p>



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



<p><em>Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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. </p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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.”</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

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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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

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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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

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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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



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



<p>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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

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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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>“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.</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>“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;</p>



<p>“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."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

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



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



<p>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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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."</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>"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;</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



<p><em>Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

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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<p>Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

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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