<p>Our memories define us. They help us learn, shape our identities, and guide decisions. While the psychology of memory has long been explored, the biological roots remain a complex puzzle. Now, a breakthrough study from Linköping University (LiU) in Sweden sheds new light on how molecules in our brain might hold a kind of memory themselves.</p>



<p>Published in the journal <em>Nature Communications</em>, this work explores a special ion channel called CaV2.1, crucial for communication between brain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cells</a>. This molecular machine does more than just transmit signals. It appears to "remember" them, laying the groundwork for long-term changes in the brain.</p>



<p>The discovery has implications not only for understanding memory formation but also for treating rare neurological diseases linked to genetic variations in these channels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-brain-molecules-support-memory">How brain molecules support memory</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-our-brains-neurons-make-and-retrieve-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> uses electrical pulses to send messages across networks of neurons. At the end of these neurons are specialized junctions called synapses, where neurotransmitters pass the message forward. Calcium ion channels such as CaV2.1 sit at these junctions and regulate when neurotransmitters are released.</p>



<p>When a neuron fires, the CaV2.1 channel opens briefly, allowing calcium to enter. The calcium influx triggers neurotransmitter release into the synapse, reaching the next neuron. These brief openings seem simple, but they are essential for how we learn and adapt.</p>



<p>However, the channel does not stay fully responsive after repeated stimulation. If neurons fire continuously, fewer CaV2.1 channels remain ready to open. This leads to weaker signals at the synapse. Until now, scientists did not know how this "dampening" occurred on a molecular level.</p>



<p>“I want to uncover the secret lives of these ion channel molecules,” said Antonios Pantazis, associate professor at the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences at LiU, who led the study.</p>



<p>“Calcium ion channels have very important functions in the body - by opening and closing, they regulate, among other things, nerve-to-nerve signaling. But beyond that, these molecules also have a kind of memory of their own, and can remember previous nerve signals.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-molecules-hold-traces-of-memories">Brain molecules hold traces of memories</h2>



<p>The study dives into the structure of CaV2.1 channels, revealing that they are made up of multiple parts called voltage-sensor domains or VSDs. These domains sense electrical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sleep-how-slow-waves-boost-memory-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changes</a> and help the channel open or close. Each VSD plays a different role.</p>



<p>VSD-I, in particular, emerged as the central player. It responds to brief electrical signals and undergoes a dramatic transformation after repeated activation. The researchers found that this domain could switch between two different operating modes. </p>



<p>In one mode, it allows the channel to open. In the other, it effectively shuts the channel down. This switch doesn’t happen instantly. It’s a slow process that builds with repeated neural activity.</p>



<p>This behavior is strikingly similar to memory itself. Brief experiences can lead to long-term consequences. In this case, short bursts of neural activity reshape the channel, leaving a molecular trace of that experience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-channels-shift-to-record-memory">Brain channels shift to record memory</h2>



<p>Through voltage-clamp fluorometry and kinetic modeling, the researchers showed that CaV2.1 channels can adopt nearly 200 different conformations. These shifts depend on both the intensity and duration of electrical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breathing-rhythms-help-strengthen-memories-during-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signals</a>. It’s a level of molecular complexity far greater than previously imagined.</p>



<p>“We believe that during sustained electrical nerve signaling, an important part of the molecule disconnects from the channel gate, similar to the way the clutch in a car breaks the connection between the engine and the wheels,” said Pantazis.</p>



<p>“The ion channel can then no longer be opened. When hundreds of signals occur over long enough time, they can convert most channels into this ‘declutched memory state’ for several seconds.”</p>



<p>This state change is not just a quirk. It acts like a short-term memory at the molecular level. Although the channels stay shut for only a few seconds, this effect can accumulate across many neurons. </p>



<p>The result is a long-term weakening of certain synapses, which over time may be pruned altogether. This is how the brain refines its networks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-brain-events-lasting-memory">Short brain events, lasting memory</h2>



<p>One might wonder how a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-brains-create-three-copies-of-every-memory-we-make/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a> that lasts only seconds in one molecule could matter. But the answer lies in scale. In a brain with billions of neurons, such subtle changes can shape entire circuits. The researchers propose that the transition of VSD-I into its inactive mode contributes to a broader memory process.</p>



<p>“In this way, a ‘memory’ that lasts for a few seconds in a single molecule can make a small contribution to a person’s memory that lasts for a lifetime,” said Pantazis.</p>



<p>The timing here is crucial. A single neural spike lasts only milliseconds, but the channel’s inactive state can persist for seconds. That mismatch acts as a biological filter, allowing the brain to decide which signals are important enough to encode. </p>



<p>Over time, repeated exposure to certain signals strengthens or weakens specific pathways, forming the basis of learning and memory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-molecular-shape-and-neural-function">Molecular shape and neural function </h2>



<p>The research also uncovered how each of the four voltage-sensor domains behaves. VSD-II stood out as unresponsive to voltage, acting as a kind of bystander. VSD-III and VSD-IV, on the other hand, activated at more negative voltages and were sensitive to the brain’s resting state.</p>



<p>These domains help the channel prepare for incoming signals or fine-tune its response. However, only VSD-I showed a direct link to inactivation. This distinction helps researchers understand which part of the molecule could be targeted by future drugs.</p>



<p>The visual data, particularly the structural maps on pages 3 to 6 of the paper, illustrate how these domains shift under different conditions. These figures bring clarity to the idea that molecular shape affects neural function.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-new-treatments">Potential for new treatments</h2>



<p>There’s more than curiosity at stake. The CACNA1A gene, which encodes the CaV2.1 channel, has many variants linked to rare but serious brain diseases. </p>



<p>These include episodic ataxia and some forms of migraine. By pinpointing the regions responsible for the channel’s memory-like behavior, researchers can now identify where new drugs might act.</p>



<p>“Our work pinpoints which part of the protein should be targeted when developing new drugs,” noted Pantazis.</p>



<p>Understanding the exact shape and function of VSD-I, especially how it switches states, gives drug developers a precise target. Instead of broadly affecting the brain, a medication could focus on restoring proper function in only the channels that malfunction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-molecules-support-flexible-memory">Brain molecules support flexible memory</h2>



<p>At rest, the CaV2.1 channel is a picture of complexity. It can be open, closed, or inactivated. Its VSDs can exist in different states depending on the history of electrical activity. </p>



<p>According to the models in the study, especially those on page 9, the greatest diversity in channel shape occurs at the brain's resting voltage. This allows the brain to stay flexible, ready to respond or to reset depending on context.</p>



<p>Depolarization, an electrical event, pushes VSDs into active positions. But only VSD-I directly causes the channel to open. That makes it the trigger point for neurotransmitter release and memory encoding.</p>



<p>Pantazis and colleagues suggest a term for this kind of behavior: syntasic. This means the VSD and pore open together, like gears meshing. The idea captures the elegance of how voltage, shape, and function all interconnect.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-molecular-basis-for-memory">A molecular basis for memory</h2>



<p>The study reveals that the molecules behind neural communication are not just passive players. They process information, adapt, and even remember. The CaV2.1 channel’s VSD-I acts as a gatekeeper, shaping how neurons communicate based on past activity.</p>



<p>In the grand theater of the brain, even the smallest parts play starring roles. By understanding these roles in detail, science moves closer to answering one of its oldest questions: how do we remember?</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58884-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.</em></p>



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



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

Brain molecules unexpectedly store their own memory

Our memories define us. They help us learn, shape our identities, and guide decisions. While the psychology of memory has long been explored, the biological roots remain a complex puzzle. Now, a breakthrough study from Linköping University (LiU) in Sweden sheds new light on how molecules in our brain might hold a kind of memory themselves. Published in the journal Nature Communications, this work explores a special ion channel called CaV2.1, crucial for communication between brain cells. This molecular machine does more than just transmit signals. It...

<p>In the age-old debate of cats versus dogs, it seems there may be some scientific basis to the idea that dogs have better communication skills.&nbsp;</p>



<p>New research reveals that, according to pet owners, dogs display a broader range of emotions than cats.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The study was focused on a comprehensive survey of 438 pet owners.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The participants were asked to discern whether their pets showcased any of 22 listed emotions, ranging from obvious feelings such as joy and sadness to more nuanced emotions like frustration and disappointment.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The results showed that, on average, dog owners believed they identified emotions in their pets 65 percent of the time, while cat owners trailed slightly behind at 58 percent.</p>



<p>Dogs, it appears, have a unique propensity for revealing subtle emotions, particularly feelings of empathy and guilt.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But while cats may be labeled as the more enigmatic creatures, they hold a special prowess in manifesting one distinct emotion: anger.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A whopping 85 percent of cat owners had witnessed their cats display anger, while only 60 percent of dog owners had observed anger in their pets.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-makes-the-difference">What makes the difference?</h2>



<p>But what accounts for this perceived emotional disparity between cats and dogs? The study authors provide an intriguing hypothesis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Historically, dogs have been closely aligned with human activities, from hunting to herding. Their consistent interactions with humans may have sharpened their emotional expressiveness.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-subtle-signs-from-cats">Subtle signs from cats</h2>



<p>On the flip side, the nature of "semi-solitary" cats might have allowed them to maintain a semblance of emotional inscrutability. Furthermore, the lesser frequency at which cats maintain eye contact or gaze at their owners may add to the perception of them being harder to decipher.</p>



<p>Professor Daniel Mills from the <a href="https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/">University of Lincoln</a>, a co-author of the study, weighed in on this fascinating dynamic. "When cats turn on their owners and scratch them, it can be because owners miss subtle signs suggesting it is time to stop touching or petting them."</p>



<p>"So it’s important to understand our pets, but these results suggest we may not be as in tune with cats as we are with dogs. This could be because dogs may have been bred to have more expressive faces than cats."</p>



<p>"But unfortunately we still don’t know whether cats and dogs genuinely show different emotions, or whether people project more emotions onto dogs than cats, because we often work more closely with dogs so need better communication."</p>



<h2 id="h-discernible-emotions">Discernible emotions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research, now published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/journal/animals"><em>Animals</em></a>, was meticulous in its approach. The participants had lived with their pets for a minimum of two years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Apart from the six primary emotions of anger, disgust, fear, joy, sadness, and surprise, participants were also quizzed on 16 lesser discernible emotions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The survey data indicated that feelings like anxiety, boredom, confusion, and even positive anticipation were more frequently recognized in dogs.</p>



<p>However, there are some inherent biases that might be present. For instance, among the 68 study participants who owned both cats and dogs, not a single one believed their cat had ever displayed guilt, even though about a third recognized this emotion in their dogs.</p>



<h2 id="h-perceiving-love-and-affection">Perceiving love and affection</h2>



<p>Previous research has shown that cat owners are lrss likely to see their pet as a member of the family compared to dog owners, which would indicate that cat-owner pairs have less of a bond.</p>



<p>However, a surprising revelation from the study was that even when cat owners held their pets in slightly less familial regard than dog owners, there was no significant difference between both sets of owners in terms of perceiving love and affection from their pets.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-interpreting-pet-emotions">More about interpreting pet emotions</h2>



<p>Reading pet emotions is a fascinating intersection of animal behavior, psychology, and the human-animal bond.</p>



<p>With domestic animals like dogs and cats playing such integral roles in many households, understanding their emotions has become more than just a curiosity – it's a pathway to forging deeper and more compassionate connections.</p>



<h3 id="h-dogs">Dogs</h3>



<p>Dogs have long been known for their capacity to communicate with humans through various channels, including body language, vocalizations, and facial expressions. A wagging tail, whimpering, or the soulful gaze of "puppy eyes" can all convey emotions ranging from happiness and anticipation to sadness and anxiety.</p>



<p>Some studies even suggest that dogs may have developed facial muscles specifically to communicate with humans. Researchers have discovered that dogs can understand and respond to human emotions, showing empathy and even adjusting their behavior based on the emotional state of their owners.</p>



<h4 id="h-specific-behaviors">Specific behaviors&nbsp;</h4>



<h5 id="h-tail-wagging">Tail wagging</h5>



<p>A wagging tail often signals happiness, but the direction and type of wag can be significant. For instance, a wag to the right might indicate positive feelings, while a wag to the left might signal negative ones.</p>



<h5 id="h-vocalizations">Vocalizations</h5>



<p>Growling usually signifies discomfort or threat, while whining can indicate anxiety or a desire for attention.</p>



<h5 id="h-ears-and-eyes">Ears and eyes</h5>



<p>Forward-pointing ears show interest, while flattened ears can mean fear. Dilated pupils might indicate arousal or stress.</p>



<h3 id="h-cats">Cats</h3>



<p>Cats are often seen as more mysterious and challenging to read. Their expressions of emotion can be subtle and may require more attentive observation. While dogs have been bred for generations to work closely with humans, cats have remained relatively more solitary, leading to different communication patterns.</p>



<p>For example, a cat's purring may signal contentment, but it could also be a sign of discomfort or pain. A slow blink from a cat often conveys trust and affection.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The range of emotions that cats exhibit may not be as immediately accessible or recognizable to many owners. Understanding a cat's emotions may require careful observation of their behavior, body posture, and vocalizations.</p>



<h4 id="h-specific-behaviors-1">Specific behaviors&nbsp;</h4>



<h5 id="h-purring">Purring</h5>



<p>While generally linked to contentment, cats might also purr when in pain or distress.</p>



<h5 id="h-kneading">Kneading</h5>



<p>This is a comfort behavior originating from kittenhood when they knead their mother's belly for milk.</p>



<h5 id="h-tail-movements">Tail movements</h5>



<p>A lashing tail can indicate irritation, while a raised tail often means a cat is content and confident.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Dogs are better than cats at expressing emotions - except for anger

In the age-old debate of cats versus dogs, it seems...

<p>Coastal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wetlands-are-caught-in-a-battle-between-co2-and-rising-seas/">wetlands</a>, known as tidal flats or mud flats, stand as nature's protective barrier against the mighty forces of the ocean, including waves, tsunamis, and hurricanes. However, these coastal guardians now face alarming threats due to both natural and human-induced causes.</p>



<p>A recent study highlights the phenomenon of "coastal squeeze," a consequence of rising sea levels owing to climate change, coupled with rapid urbanization.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-massive-losses">Massive losses</h2>



<p>Globally, there's been a significant reduction in tidal flats, with more than 20,000 kilometers disappearing since 1984. The United States has particularly seen its share of irreversible damages due to human development.</p>



<p>Despite the critical importance of tidal flats, past research has largely focused on localized patterns of loss attributed to urban expansion. Now, a study from <a href="https://www.fau.edu/">Florida Atlantic University</a> provides a larger view of how urban sprawl has affected tidal flat environments across the contiguous United States.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



<p>The researchers zeroed in on 156 out of 226 seaside counties that, in 1985, had a tidal flat area greater than one percent. These counties, with 76 percent situated by the ocean, were scrutinized from 1985 to 2015. The objective was to distinguish the link between urbanization and tidal flat degradation.</p>



<p>By utilizing annual maps of tidal flats and urban expansions, along with a pixel-based approach, the experts meticulously tracked land cover transitions. The overlapping of these maps facilitated a detailed analysis of the correlation between urban growth and tidal flat erosion over the 31-year timeline.</p>



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



<p>Their findings, as detailed in the renowned journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165660"><em>Science of The Total Environment</em></a>, present a grim picture. It is abundantly clear that human activities, especially urban expansions, have not just squeezed the space for tidal flats but have also profoundly altered their surrounding environments over the past three decades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The degradation pattern of tidal flats surrounding new urban territories becomes glaringly evident as the distance to these urban areas diminishes.</p>



<p>For clarity, the studied counties were divided into four geographically distinct zones: Northern Atlantic Coast (Zone A); Southern Atlantic Coast (Zone B); the Gulf Coast (Zone C); and the Pacific Coast (Zone D). With the exception of the Great Lakes, all of the shorelines of the contiguous U.S. are seashores.</p>



<h2 id="h-disturbing-trend">Disturbing trend&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A disturbing trend emerged from the study: vast urban expansions across the entire coastal U.S., with the Atlantic Coast registering alarmingly high rates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Eight areas, chiefly from this region, stood out including Prince William County, Virginia; Horry County, South Carolina; the City of Newport News, Virginia; Gloucester County, Virginia; Richmond County, New York; New Hanover County, North Carolina; the City of Hampton, Virginia; and Duval County, Florida.</p>



<p>Furthermore, cities like Boston, Wilmington, Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville, Palm Bay, Fort Myers, Tampa, Houston, Corpus Christi, and San Jose showed significant urban growth, inevitably affecting adjacent tidal flats.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-silver-lining">Silver lining</h2>



<p>Interestingly, tidal flats did not contribute to the expansion of three major cities: New York City, Miami, and Seattle. Instead, these cities drew on other land resources.</p>



<p>Upon further investigation, the largest tidal flat clusters were found from South Carolina and Georgia in Zone B, followed by the eastern shore of Delaware in Zone A, Southern Coastal Texas in Zone C, and the San Francisco Bay Area in Zone D.</p>



<p>However, there's a silver lining. In some regions, tidal flat erosion does not coincide with new urban expansions. The sediment discharge from major rivers or river sloughs, vital for maintaining tidal flat extents, may be counteracting the shrinkage.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The message from this research is loud and clear. Local authorities must prioritize keeping water channels - vital corridors for sediment transportation and deposition - free from obstructions. There's also an urgent need to reserve ample space for tidal flat migration with the ongoing sea level crisis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Findings from our study provide important implications for coastal land use and planning to sustain tidal flats,” said study senior author Dr. Weibo Liu, an associate professor in the Department of Geosciences within FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our study provides worthwhile data for scientists and lawmakers alike that will contribute to helping to develop policy and programs that address how massive urban expansion has tremendously undermined the environment of tidal flats along the U.S. coast.”</p>



<p>Study lead author Dr. Chao Xu is an FAU graduate from the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science who is now an assistant professor of practice in the Department of Geosciences at Texas Tech University.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Tidal flats have been severely inundated due to sea level rise,” said Dr. Xu. “If we don’t leave some inland spaces for tidal flats to move around, they will likely disappear, which will have dire consequences for beachfront communities.”</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Coastal squeeze: America's tidal flats are threatened by urban expansion

Coastal wetlands, known as tidal flats or mud flats, stand...

<p><a href="https://bostondynamics.com/">Boston Dynamics</a> is a company well-known for manufacturing autonomous robots that can dance, tackle obstacle courses, or even decorate for the holidays just like humans. However, some of their machines, such as the robot dog Spot, also have “real jobs.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, Spot performs important, yet potentially dangerous operations for humans, such as inspections at construction and manufacturing sites, as well as at facilities like oil rigs and nuclear plants. </p>



<p>Thus, as robots become a more integral part of society, questions about how people and robots will interact in real life become increasingly important.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-integrating-robots-with-society">Integrating robots with society</h2>



<p>Recently, a team of scientists from the <a href="https://www.utexas.edu/">University of Texas at Austin</a> started a project aiming to clarify these issues. Initiated in 2021, the&nbsp;<a href="https://bridgingbarriers.utexas.edu/good-systems/projects/living-and-working-with-robots">Living and Working with&nbsp;Robots</a>&nbsp;project focuses on examining how robots integrate with society and how communities might react to these new developments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to project leader Luis Sentis, a professor at UT Texas’ <a href="https://www.ae.utexas.edu/">Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics</a>, the current situation could be compared with the introduction of the automobile.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the earliest models were cleaner than the horses they replaced and moved at about the same speed, within less than 20 years, cars were going twice at fast, roads and freeway systems grew, and cities were fundamentally transformed.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-are-people-comfortable-with">What are people comfortable with?</h2>



<p>“Maybe if companies had information on comfort levels and reaction of communities to cars from a team of scientists, transportation today would be different,” Sentis said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We discuss robots monitoring buildings, moving around and supplying things, and supporting construction. Imagine the possibilities if that happens in big numbers. You want to have a study and reach convergence about the approach to providing information so we can inform companies and universities and institutions about what is the right way to deploy these things in the future.”</p>



<p>Since Spot – a robot rooted in NSF-funded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=9213727&amp;HistoricalAwards=false">research in the mid-1990s</a>&nbsp;by Boston Dynamics founder Marc Raibert – will be used to make deliveries at university libraries and other facilities, it will be walking several miles per day and potentially encountering hundreds of people. Thus, collecting data on the community encounters and reactions to the robots is critical to understand how such groundbreaking technologies may impact humans.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-monitoring-human-encounters">Monitoring human encounters</h2>



<p>The experts will take into account a number of variables, including the size and type of the robot, the location of the encounter (e.g. indoors or outdoors), the time of the encounter (e.g. day or night), the number of people encountered, or whether the encounter occurs during a time of high stress on campus, such as exam week.</p>



<p>“Robots can be scary in an empty corridor at night,” Sentis said. “We are working on how to make them noticeable, such as beeps and lights. Sometimes we may show the face of the person that is supervising the robot. We want people to know that there is a person behind it, because we want to learn what makes robots useful and wanted.”</p>



<p>Although pairs of robots will work together, they will not be “off leash.” Instead, observers will monitor them as they move around the campus, using virtual reality headsets to see through the robots’ eyes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These observers will also provide data for the project, through recordings of their brain activity and stress levels. This could offer new insights into how humans are affected by working with autonomous robots and how they take decisions while remaining focused on their tasks.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The scientists also hope that their project will help specific college, graduate, and professional courses which will be needed as robots become more ubiquitous in society.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We want to create a convergent data approach and a common approach across all disciplines and create materials for students and professionals. I teach human-centered robotics, which is normally a very technical course," said Sentis.</p>



<p>"This year, I have people from the School of Information and the School of Urban Design and Smart Cities and incorporate new findings in these areas."</p>



<p>"I don’t want to mentor scientists and engineers that are so attracted to the technology that they can’t see the damage or the benefit. I want them to open up and see what the effect on society is."</p>



<p>—</p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com"><em>Andrei Ionescu</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>



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

How will humans react to coexisting with robots?

Boston Dynamics is a company well-known for manufacturing autonomous robots...

<p>In the vast expanse of the world's oceans, the largest fish - the whale shark - is facing challenges that extend far beyond what the eye can see.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the threats of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lynx-habitat-selection-is-heavily-influenced-by-human-disturbance/">habitat</a> loss and human activities such as fishing and shipping are well understood, a new study unveils a less explored dimension of marine conservation - the microbial health of the whale shark.</p>



<p>Researchers at <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au/">Flinders University</a> in South Australia, along with a collaboration of 12 international institutions, have made major progress in understanding the role of diverse microbial communities that reside on the skin and tissue of these endangered sharks.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-new-marine-microbes-discovered">New marine microbes discovered</h2>



<p>The study describes new marine microbes for the first time, marking an essential step toward understanding this crucial aspect of the marine ecosystem.</p>



<p>Dr. Michael Doane, a researcher from the Flinders Accelerator for Microbiome Exploration (FAME) group, said the research is the most extensive microbiome study to date of a wild marine animal of this physical size.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-a-balanced-network">A balanced network&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“While microbial species differ across the world, they work together to form a balanced network that contributes to the health of the sharks," said Dr. Doane.</p>



<p>“It is important to measure and analyse the distinct and diverse epidermal microbiome of the global whale shark populations to work towards understanding how the microbes affect the wellbeing and survival of this amazing animal."</p>



<p>“The characteristics of a balanced microbial community are not well described for any species, but especially for sharks, which form a vital link in ocean foodchains and ecosystems."</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The study involved 74 whale sharks in the three major ocean basins, and will form a baseline for future analysis and highlight how microbial species differ around the world.</p>



<p>By using cutting-edge genomic sequencing technology, the scientists were able to collect microbial samples from five renowned diving sites, including Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, Oslob in the Philippines, Mafia Island in Tanzania, and La Paz and Cancún in Mexico.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-complex-interplay">Complex interplay&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The delicate balance of microbial communities on the skin surface is not well understood, particularly in sharks. This balance is pivotal for the health and survival of the whale shark, a key player in ocean food chains and ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings reveal a complex interplay between microbes and their host, the whale shark.</p>



<p>“The microbes form a complex network pattern on the skin surface, which is consistent across sharks from each location, revealing characteristics of what comprises a balanced or unbalanced microbiome," explained Dr. Doane.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Using mathematical modeling, the team explored the interactions between the microbes to comprehend how they form a network or community.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Remarkably, the experts identified 34 new species of microbes, with the highest number of novel microbial species found in the whale sharks from Ningaloo.</p>



<h2 id="h-striking-the-right-balance">Striking the right balance</h2>



<p>Flinders University Professor Elizabeth Dinsdale is a co-author of the study published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-39184-5"><em>Scientific Reports</em></a>. She noted that the right balance of microbes are critical to the well-being and survival of the host with which they live.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In humans, for example, skin microbes are always present, and when these communities are ‘healthy,’ they go unnoticed; however, when they are unbalanced, they cause skin conditions such as dermatitis, or skin infections,” said Professor Dinsdale.</p>



<p>“As microbes are too small to see, it is important to gain an understanding of how these complex network patterns fit together for a healthy microbiome balance. Unbalanced interactions can lead to a loss of benefits for the host and can result in disease."</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“We now have a baseline for the healthy microbiome of whale sharks, which can be used to monitor the health of the whale shark and we also developed a non-invasive method to identify the effectiveness of conservation strategies.”</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-whale-sharks">More about whale sharks</h2>



<p>Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are fascinating creatures that can grow up to 40 feet long, while most average around 18 to 32.8 feet.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-appearance">Appearance&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The whale shark has a distinctive appearance, with a broad, flat head, two small eyes at the front of its head, and a pattern of white spots and stripes over a dark blue or brownish back.</p>



<h3 id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



<p>Despite their massive size, whale sharks primarily eat plankton, including krill, copepods, and small fish. They are filter feeders, swimming with their mouths open to collect food in their gill rakers.</p>



<h3 id="h-distribution">Distribution</h3>



<p>Whale sharks can be found in warm oceans around the world. They are known to migrate thousands of miles to find food and to reproduce. Notable places where they are frequently observed include the coasts of Australia, Belize, the Maldives, Mexico, and the Philippines.</p>



<h3 id="h-reproduction">Reproduction</h3>



<p>Whale sharks are ovoviviparous, which means they give birth to live young. A female can give birth to several dozen to over 300 pups in one litter. Pups are around 16 to 24 inches (40 to 60 cm) long at birth. They have a long lifespan, living up to 70 years or possibly even more.</p>



<p>In an era where marine conservation is paramount, the intricate relationship between the whale shark and its microbiome presents a fresh perspective. The Flinders study not only unlocks a new dimension in the understanding of these magnificent creatures but also underscores the interdependence of life within our oceans.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Microbial mystery: The invisible network protecting the whale shark

In the vast expanse of the world's oceans, the largest...

<p>Researchers have discovered that as city heat intensifies, bird diversity dwindles. The revelation comes from an expansive study that spanned 336 cities in China, which was conducted by scientists at Zhejiang University and the <a href="https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/">Cornell Lab of Ornithology</a>.</p>



<p>The findings, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166200"><em>Science of the Total Environment</em></a>, reveal a direct link between urban heat, particularly from heat-retaining buildings and paved surfaces, and declining bird diversity.</p>



<h2 id="h-urban-heat-islands">Urban heat islands&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"The heat-retention characteristic of cities is a well-known phenomenon called the urban heat island effect," said Frank La Sorte from the Cornell Lab. "Our findings document, for the first time, the direct relationship between bird diversity and the urban heat island effect across multiple seasons."&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The heat island effect is not unique to Chinese cities and it is likely that the patterns documented in this study are occurring in other large cities across the globe that have abundant asphalt, steel, and concrete with little green vegetation."</p>



<h2 id="h-moving-to-cooler-areas">Moving to cooler areas&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study authors said <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/">birds</a> move to cooler suburban areas, decreasing diversity in the city during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons, but the trend is especially strong during the nonbreeding season.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, the size or location of the city doesn’t seem to make a difference - the decline in bird species diversity remains consistent.</p>



<p>The researchers utilized data from an ongoing study on bird diversity in China. They gauged the surface urban heat island intensity of each city in relation to its suburban surroundings.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-unexpected-diversity-loss">Unexpected diversity loss</h2>



<p>"What we did not expect was that diversity loss was even more pronounced during the nonbreeding season," said study senior author Jiayu Wu from Zhejiang University.</p>



<p>"We predicted that the urban heat island effect would relax the costs of staying warm during the winter, making it less necessary for birds to migrate and resulting in an increase in species diversity during the nonbreeding season, especially in colder cities.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-some-birds-have-a-higher-heat-tolerance">Some birds have a higher heat tolerance</h2>



<p>Yet, contrary to their predictions, the effect of urban heat on bird diversity showed a consistent negative trend during both seasons in most regions of China.</p>



<p>However, in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region, birds seem to be bucking the trend. Here, the urban heat island effect positively correlates with bird species numbers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The scientists suggest that birds native to this region might have developed adaptations to its alpine conditions, which could have heightened their tolerance to extreme temperatures. This resilience might be what allows them to flourish amidst the heat of the urban landscapes in the plateau.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The implications of this study are profound, especially as we grapple with the escalating challenges of climate change. Birds, already struggling with other challenges like pollution and shrinking habitats, will face even more dire circumstances as temperatures continue to rise.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While introducing more vegetation in cities can alleviate some of the heat, it has not proven sufficient in significantly altering the adverse impacts of urban heat islands in China.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A key area of further exploration would be to determine the exact amount of greenery required to make cities hospitable, not just for the avian world but for humans as well.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-declining-bird-populations">More about declining bird populations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The decline in bird populations is an issue that reaches beyond the borders of China and has profound ecological, cultural, and aesthetic implications.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Birds play an essential role in various ecosystems, acting as pollinators, seed dispersers, and indicators of environmental health. The observed decline in bird diversity and populations due to the urban heat island effect is just one piece of a larger, more concerning puzzle.</p>



<h3 id="h-global-decline">Global decline</h3>



<p>Bird populations are dwindling globally, and not just in urban areas. A 2019 report revealed that North America had lost nearly 3 billion birds since 1970, a decrease of almost 30%.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Similar trends have been observed in Europe and other parts of the world. Various factors contribute to this decline, ranging from habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, pollution, to the introduction of invasive species and diseases.</p>



<h3 id="h-habitat-loss-and-fragmentation">Habitat loss and fragmentation</h3>



<p>Rapid urbanization and deforestation lead to the loss and fragmentation of bird habitats. This disrupts breeding patterns and food availability, forcing many species to relocate, often with detrimental effects on their numbers.</p>



<h3 id="h-climate-change">Climate change</h3>



<p>Changes in weather patterns and temperatures can disrupt migratory patterns, breeding seasons, and food availability. The urban heat island effect, as noted in the Cornell study, is a localized example of how these temperature changes can directly impact bird diversity.</p>



<h3 id="h-pollution">Pollution</h3>



<p>Pesticides, heavy metals, and other pollutants can have lethal effects on birds. For example, certain pesticides are known to be highly toxic to birds, leading to immediate deaths or long-term reproductive issues.</p>



<h3 id="h-invasive-species">Invasive species</h3>



<p>The introduction of non-native species can disrupt local ecosystems, leading to increased competition for food and nesting sites. This can drive native bird species to extinction in localized areas.</p>



<h3 id="h-human-intervention">Human intervention</h3>



<p>Direct human actions like hunting and building wind turbines without proper consideration for bird flight paths can also have detrimental effects on bird populations.</p>



<h3 id="h-conservation-efforts">Conservation efforts</h3>



<p>Recognizing the decline in bird populations, conservationists are working to preserve and restore habitats, implement legal protections, and conduct ongoing research to understand the underlying causes better. Public education campaigns are also underway to involve local communities in bird conservation efforts.</p>



<h3 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h3>



<p>The declining bird populations across the globe are a complex issue with multiple causes. The recent study on the urban heat island effect in China adds to our understanding of this decline but also highlights the complexity of the issue. Coordinated global efforts are required to halt and reverse this decline.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

As urban heat continues to rise, birds are moving away

Researchers have discovered that as city heat intensifies, bird diversity...

<p>Although <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-in-some-parts-of-the-world-actually-benefit-from-warming-el-nino-events/">coral reefs</a> are home to remarkable levels of biodiversity, they currently face unprecedented declines due to marine heatwaves and subsequent mass coral bleaching and mortality events. Thus, to survive climate change, coral communities need to adapt to progressively more intense and frequent heatwaves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Yet, the rate at which the thermal tolerance of coral reefs can increase naturally and whether it can match the rapid pace of ocean warming has remain largely unknown.</p>



<h2 id="h-some-corals-have-increased-their-heat-tolerance">Some corals have increased their heat tolerance</h2>



<p>By investigating historic mass bleaching events, a team of researchers led by <a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk/">Newcastle University</a> has found that coral reefs in Palau, an island nation located in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean, have increased their thermal tolerance and adjusted to higher ocean temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This could reduce future bleaching impacts of climate change, but only if global carbon emissions are cut down.</p>



<h2 id="h-future-trajectories">Future trajectories&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Drawing on decades of field observations, the experts modeled a variety of possible future coral bleaching trajectories for Palauan reefs, each with a different simulated rate of thermal tolerance enhancement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The investigation revealed that if thermal tolerance continues to increase during this century, major reductions in bleaching impacts are possible. However, the severity of future coral bleaching depends on carbon emissions reductions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, high-frequency bleaching can be fully mitigated for some reefs under low-to-middle emissions scenarios that would fulfill the Paris Agreement. If the emissions remain higher though, such bleaching impacts are unfortunately unavoidable.</p>



<p>The scientists tested different levels of global action to mitigate climate change and reduce carbon emissions, by taking into account four emissions scenarios and their impact on future coral bleaching projections.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-natural-resilience">Natural resilience&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The analysis showed that the thermal tolerance of corals in Palau has increased at a rate of 0.1 degrees Celsius per decade since the late 1980s, suggesting that natural mechanisms – such as genetic adaptation or acclimatization of corals and their symbiotic microalgae – may have contributed to the enhancement of thermal tolerance.</p>



<p>“Our study indicates the presence of an ecological resilience to climate change, yet also highlights the need to fulfil Paris Agreement commitments to effectively preserve coral reefs,” said lead author Liam Lachs, a marine scientist at Newcastle.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We quantified a natural increase in coral thermal tolerance over decadal time scales which can be directly compared to the rate of ocean warming. While our work offers a glimmer of hope, it also emphasizes the need for continued action on reducing carbon emissions to mitigate climate change and secure a future for these vital ecosystems.”</p>



<h2 id="h-climate-action-is-still-needed">Climate action is still needed</h2>



<p>“We know that coral reefs can increase their overall thermal tolerance over time by acclimatization, genetic adaptation or shifts in community structure, however we know very little about the rates at which this is occurring,” added co-author James Guest, a research fellow in Coral Reef Ecology at the same university.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This study uses data from a remote Pacific coral reef system and estimates the rate of increase in tolerance since the late 1980s. The results provide some hope that reefs can keep up with increasing temperatures, but only if strong action is taken on climate change.”</p>



<p>Yet, as co-author Simon Donner – an expert in Climate and Coastal Ecosystems at the <a href="https://www.ubc.ca/">University of British Columbia</a> – argued, this resilience can also come at a cost, in terms of reduced reef diversity and growth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Without sharp cuts in greenhouse gas emissions over the next two to three decades, the reefs in the Pacific won’t provide the resources and protection from waves that Pacific peoples have depended upon for centuries,” he concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40601-6"><em>Nature Communications</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-pacific-coral-reefs">More about Pacific coral reefs</h2>



<p>Pacific coral reefs are among the most diverse and complex marine ecosystems in the world.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-location">Location</h3>



<p>They are predominantly found in the Pacific Ocean, stretching from the eastern coasts of Australia to the islands of Polynesia, and from the Philippines down to the Solomon Islands.</p>



<h3 id="h-biodiversity">Biodiversity</h3>



<p>The Pacific reefs are home to thousands of marine species, from small colorful fishes like clownfish and damselfish to larger creatures like sharks and rays.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Coral reefs, in general, are believed to support 25% of all marine life, despite covering less than 0.1% of the ocean's floor.</p>



<h3 id="h-coral-bleaching">Coral bleaching</h3>



<p>Like other coral reefs globally, Pacific coral reefs have been subjected to the damaging effects of coral bleaching, primarily caused by rising sea temperatures due to climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the algae (zooxanthellae) that live inside their tissues, causing the coral to turn completely white.</p>



<h3 id="h-threats">Threats</h3>



<p>Aside from coral bleaching, these reefs face various threats, including overfishing, pollution, sedimentation, coastal development, and the increasing acidity of oceans.</p>



<h3 id="h-importance">Importance</h3>



<p>Coral reefs act as nurseries for many marine species. They also play a vital role in coastal protection by reducing the impact of waves and storm surges. Furthermore, they are of significant economic importance for many Pacific Island nations due to tourism and fisheries.</p>



<h3 id="h-conservation">Conservation</h3>



<p>Numerous efforts are underway to conserve and protect Pacific coral reefs. This includes the establishment of marine protected areas, research on coral resilience and restoration, and local community involvement in reef management.</p>



<h3 id="h-cultural-significance">Cultural significance</h3>



<p>For many Pacific Island communities, coral reefs have significant cultural and spiritual importance. They are often integrated into local customs, legends, and daily life.</p>



<p>—</p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com"><em>Andrei Ionescu</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>



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Pacific coral reefs have naturally increased their heat tolerance

Although coral reefs are home to remarkable levels of biodiversity,...

<p>Thinning ice sheets may be more than just markers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/">global warming</a>; they may also be indicative of a significant increase in subglacial waters flowing out into the ocean. This alarming possibility is the outcome of a new study led by <a href="https://www.gatech.edu/">Georgia Tech</a> researchers Alex Robel and Shi Joyce Sim.</p>



<p>In collaboration with Colin Meyer from Dartmouth, Matthew Siegfried from Colorado School of Mines, and Chloe Gustafson from the USGS, the team formulated a new model that is challenging previous assumptions.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-profound-implications">Profound implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The findings, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adh3693"><em>Science Advances</em></a>, suggest that we might be grossly underestimating the amount of subglacial water draining into our oceans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Specifically, there could be up to twice the amount of subglacial water than initially believed. This revelation holds profound implications for glacial melt, sea level rise, and even marine biology.</p>



<p>While the concept of studying subglacial flow is not new, the methodology adopted by many scientists is cumbersome, entailing time-consuming computations.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The uniqueness of the study lies in its methodology. The researchers created a simple, yet effective equation which makes predictions based on satellite measurements of Antarctica and thinning ice sheets from the last twenty years.</p>



<p>"In mathematical parlance, you would say we have a closed form solution," said Professor Robel. "Previously, people would run a hydromechanical model, which would have to be applied at every point under Antarctica, and then run forward over a long time period.”</p>



<h2 id="h-simple-approach-to-a-complex-issue">Simple approach to a complex issue</h2>



<p>The brilliance of their approach is in the simplicity. As Professor Robel points out, using their equation, the entire prediction can be performed on a basic laptop in mere seconds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team tailored their theory for specific conditions that exist beneath ice sheets. As he put it, “This is, to our knowledge, the first mathematically simple theory which describes the exfiltration and infiltration underneath ice sheets.”</p>



<p>Echoing Professor Robel's enthusiasm, Sim said: "It's really nice whenever you can get a very simple model to describe a process - and then be able to predict what might happen, especially using the rich data that we have today. It’s incredible. Seeing the results was pretty surprising.”</p>



<h2 id="h-alarming-feedback-cycle">Alarming feedback cycle&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research sheds light on a concerning feedback cycle. Aquifers, essentially underground reservoirs, can release water when the weight on them reduces, a process known as exfiltration.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Historically, the focus on exfiltration has been on longer time frames like interglacial cycles. Modern-day ice sheets, particularly those thinning in Antarctica, have garnered less attention.</p>



<p>However, with the innovative theory and recent satellite data, Robel and Sim are filling this knowledge gap.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-concerning-revelations">Concerning revelations</h2>



<p>Professor Robel raised a concerning possibility: "There's a wide range of possible predictions. But within that range of predictions, there is the very real possibility that groundwater may be flowing out of the aquifer at a speed that would make it a majority, or close to a majority of the water that is underneath the ice sheet."</p>



<p>Another crucial element that the study illuminates is the nature of the Antarctic ice sheet itself. Contrary to popular belief, the warmest part of the ice sheet isn't on its surface but at its very base, thanks to the geothermal heat trapped underneath.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This understanding paints a clearer picture: thinning ice sheets allow for increased exfiltration which, in turn, accelerates the melting of the ice.</p>



<p>“When the atmosphere warms up, it takes tens of thousands of years for that signal to diffuse through an ice sheet of the size of the thickness of the Antarctic ice sheet. But this process of exfiltration is a response to the already-ongoing thinning of the ice sheet, and it's an immediate response right now," explained Professor Robel.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This research doesn't just stop at glacial melt and rising sea levels. Some of the richest marine environments thrive off Antarctica’s coast.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Understanding exfiltration better could be pivotal for marine biologists aiming to gauge marine productivity and how it will change in the future.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Robel also hopes this work will open the doorway to more collaborations with groundwater hydrologists who may be able to apply their expertise to ice sheet dynamics, while Sim underscores the need for more fieldwork.</p>



<p>“Getting the experimentalists and observationalists interested in trying to help us better constrain some of the properties of these water-laden sediments - that would be very helpful,” said Sim. “That's our largest unknown at this point, and it heavily influences the results.”</p>



<p>“It's really interesting how there's a potential to draw heat from deeper in the system. There's quite a lot of water that could be drawing more heat out, and I think that there's a heat budget there that could be interesting to look at.”</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Water beneath glaciers may surge due to thinning ice sheets

Thinning ice sheets may be more than just markers of...

<p>For as long as history has been recorded, the enigma of the mighty sabertooth tiger has fascinated us. A predominant question: what sound did this majestic creature make? Was it a powerful roar that resonated through prehistoric landscapes, or a throaty purr reminiscent of its domesticated descendants?</p>



<p>Scientists from <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a> dove deep into the anatomy of these feline ancestors and found that the answer might not be as straightforward as previously believed.</p>



<p>The world of modern felines is divided between the pantherine "big cats" – the roaring lions, tigers, and jaguars – and the Felinae "little cats" that include purr-friendly species like lynxes, cougars, ocelots, and our beloved domestic cats.</p>



<h2 id="h-divergence-from-the-cat-family-tree">Divergence from the cat family tree</h2>



<p>Drawing the evolutionary tree, Adam Hartstone-Rose, a professor of biological sciences at NC State, points out an interesting divergence. He says, “Evolutionarily speaking, sabertooths split off the cat family tree before these other modern groups did.” Elaborating further, he remarks, “This means that lions are more closely related to housecats than either are to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-new-species-of-sabertooth-cat-discovered-in-south-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sabertooths</a>.”</p>



<p>The vocalization debate has its roots in anatomy. Specifically, in a series of tiny bones located in the throat. </p>



<p>Hartstone-Rose provides some insight into this. He emphasized, “That’s important because the debate over the kind of vocalization a sabertooth tiger would have made relies upon analyzing the anatomy of a handful of tiny bones located in the throat. And the size, shape, and number of those bones differ between modern roaring and purring cats.”</p>



<p>While vocal sounds arise from the larynx and soft tissues, anatomists observed that the anchoring bones for these tissues, the hyoid bones, exhibited size and number variations between the roaring and purring feline groups.</p>



<h2>Hyoid bones may be the answer</h2>



<p>Ashley Deutsch is a Ph.D. student at NC State and a central figure in the study. She explains, “While humans have only one hyoid bone, purring cats have nine bones linked together in a chain and roaring cats have seven. The missing bones are located toward the top of the hyoid structure near where it connects to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sabertooth-skull-offers-new-clues-about-the-extinct-mammal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skull</a>.”</p>



<p>This observation has led to a widely held belief: given that sabertooth tigers had only seven bones in their hyoid structure, they must have roared. However, as Hartstone-Rose points out, this assumption is based on a shaky foundation.</p>



<p>“But when we looked at the anatomy of modern cats, we realized that there isn’t really hard evidence to support this idea, since the bones themselves aren’t responsible for the vocalization. That relationship between the number of bones and the sound produced hasn’t ever really been proven.”</p>



<h2>Discovering the sounds of the sabertooth tiger</h2>



<p>In their quest for clarity, the team examined the hyoid structures of nine modern felines and compared them with the 105 hyoid bones from the iconic sabertooth tiger, Smilodon fatalis.</p>



<p>Hartstone-Rose provides a nuanced perspective. “The anatomy is weird. They’re missing extra bones that purring cats have, but the shape and size of the hyoid bones are distinct. Some of them are shaped more like those of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/okay-how-do-cats-purr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">purring cats</a>, but much bigger.”</p>



<p>One might presume that the missing bones, termed the epihyoid bones, would be the key to different vocalizations. However, the research revealed that the bones closest to them were similarly shaped across purring and roaring cats.</p>



<p>Intriguingly, it was the bones nearer the vocal apparatus – the thyrohyoid and basihyoid bones – that showed more variations in shape. This leads to an intriguing possibility. With these critical hyoid bones resembling those of purring cats, sabertooths might have purred rather than roared.</p>



<h2>What the researchers learned</h2>



<p>Despite conventional wisdom, Hartstone-Rose highlights a gap in understanding. “We found that despite what history has told us about the number of bones in the hyoid structure, no one has validated the significance of that difference.”</p>



<p>Based on their findings, he suggests, “If vocalization is about the number of bones in the hyoid structure, then sabertooths roared. If it’s about shape, they might have purred. Due to the fact that the sabertooths have things in common with both groups, there could even be a completely different vocalization.”</p>



<p>Deutsch surmises, “It is perhaps most likely that the size of the hyoids plays a role in the pitch of vocalization. Although Smilodon wasn’t quite as big as the largest modern cats, its hyoid bones are substantially larger than those of any of their living relatives, so potentially they had even deeper vocalizations than the largest tigers and lions.”</p>



<p>This intriguing study, featured in the <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jmor.21627" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Morphology</a>, not only challenges pre-existing notions about the vocalizations of the sabertooth tiger but also reminds us of the vast mysteries of the animal kingdom that are yet to be explored.</p>



<p>The research was supported by NC State’s Office of Undergraduate Research, and contributions were made by Brian Langerhans, an associate professor of biology at NC State, and former undergraduate Deanna Flores.</p>



<h2>More about sabertooth tigers</h2>



<p>Sabertooth Tigers or Sabertoothed Cats, are iconic prehistoric predators. They are often depicted in art and movies due to their unique and impressive appearance, notably their elongated upper canine teeth. Here's an overview of what is known about these creatures:</p>



<h3>Not actual tigers</h3>



<p>Despite the common name "sabertooth tiger," these creatures are not direct ancestors of the modern tiger. They belong to a subfamily called Machairodontinae within the Felidae family.</p>



<h3>Many species</h3>



<p>When we speak of sabertoothed cats, we're referring to a variety of species, not just one. The most famous of them is <em>Smilodon fatalis</em>, but there were others, including <em>Homotherium</em> and <em>Megantereon</em>.</p>



<h3>Distinctive teeth</h3>



<p>The most recognizable feature of these cats is their long, dagger-like canine teeth. These teeth could grow up to 11 inches in some species. They were likely used to deliver a fatal bite to the throat or belly of their prey.</p>



<h3>Habitat and range</h3>



<p>Fossil evidence shows that various sabertoothed cat species inhabited a wide range of environments across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. <em>Smilodon fatalis</em>, for instance, was found largely in North and South America.</p>



<h3>Diet</h3>



<p>These predators primarily hunted herbivores. In the Americas, <em>Smilodon</em> might have preyed on large mammals such as bison, young mammoths, and ground sloths.</p>



<h3>Extinction</h3>



<p>Sabertoothed cats went extinct around 10,000 years ago. The exact cause of their extinction is debated. However, it's generally believed that a combination of climate change and the disappearance of large herbivores, which were their primary food source, played a role. Human hunting might have also been a factor.</p>



<h3>Physical attributes</h3>



<p>Apart from their teeth, many sabertoothed cats had robust builds with strong forelimbs, which they might have used to pin down prey. This physical structure suggests they were ambush predators, relying on close proximity rather than long chases.</p>



<h3>La Brea Tar Pits</h3>



<p>One of the most significant discoveries of <em>Smilodon</em> fossils is in the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. The tar pits have provided a wealth of information about these creatures, including insights into their age, diet, and injuries.</p>



<h3>Not the only sabertoothed creatures</h3>



<p>It's worth noting that the sabertoothed morphology – that is, the development of elongated canines – is not unique to these cats. It's a good example of convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar features. There were also sabertoothed marsupials and even a sabertoothed fish.</p>



<h3>Social behavior</h3>



<p>Some evidence, particularly from the La Brea Tar Pits, suggests that <em>Smilodon</em> may have lived in social groups. Frequent discoveries of multiple individuals together, along with healed injuries indicating individuals lived long after being seriously hurt (suggesting they were cared for), provide some hints towards social behavior.</p>



<p>It's essential to approach our understanding of sabertoothed cats with a bit of caution. While we've learned a lot from the fossil record, there's still much we don't know, and some aspects of their biology, behavior, and ecology might remain a mystery.</p>

Did sabertooth tigers growl or purr?

For as long as history has been recorded, the enigma...

<p>The pivotal role that social media and digital devices play in children's lives is the biggest concern among parents as kids return to school, according to a national survey.</p>



<p>Data from the <a href="https://www.uofmhealth.org/">University of Michigan Health</a> C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health reveals that emotional well-being and tech consumption have taken precedence in this year's list of health apprehensions for children. These topics are now of greater concern than childhood obesity, which was a paramount worry ten years ago.</p>



<p>“Parents still view problems directly impacting physical health, including unhealthy eating and obesity, as important children’s health issues. But these have been overtaken by concerns about mental health, social media and screen time,” said Mott Poll co-director Dr. Susan Woolford.</p>



<h2 id="h-screen-time-and-social-media">Screen time and social media</h2>



<p>The data reveals that two-thirds of parents are uneasy about their children's escalating dependence on digital devices, especially the time spent on social platforms, placing these concerns at the top of this year's health worries.</p>



<p>“Children are using digital devices and social media at younger ages, and parents may struggle with how to appropriately monitor use to prevent negative impacts on safety, self-esteem, social connections and habits that may interfere with sleep and other areas of health,” explained Dr. Woolford.</p>



<p>Given the increase of screen time during the pandemic, Dr. Woolford recommends parents to vigilantly assess and possibly limit their child's tech usage upon observing signs of unhealthy interactions or behaviors. She emphasizes that certain device settings can be instrumental in safeguarding kids.</p>



<h2 id="h-mental-and-emotional-health">Mental and emotional health</h2>



<p>The poll, which analyzed 2,099 responses from February, underlines a prevalent concern among parents regarding their children's mental health, encompassing topics like depression, stress, bullying, and even suicide.</p>



<p>Nearly half of parents expressed concern about a lack of access to mental health services.</p>



<p>“The mismatch between the growing number of youth with mental health concerns and the limited access to mental health services has serious implications for children’s well-being,” said Dr. Woolford.</p>



<h2 id="h-school-violence">School violence&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Parents also shared a high level of concern about school violence, which Dr. Woolford says may reflect direct experience with school shootings or fights as well as media coverage about such events.</p>



<p>She adds that changes to the school environment, such as metal detectors, armed guards and locked doors, as well as active shooter drills may remind children and parents about the potential for school violence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Parents may want to talk with their child periodically about how safe they feel at school and what they’ve heard about violent incidents,” said Dr. Woolford. “They should tailor the information to their child’s age and avoid sharing graphic details while offering reassurance about safety measures that their school has in place.”</p>



<h2 id="h-concerns-vary-based-on-household-income">Concerns vary based on household income</h2>



<p>The study reveals a disparity in health concerns based on household income. Parents from low-income households expressed heightened fears encompassing a broader range of topics, from school violence to health risks from pollution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By contrast, parents in middle and high-income homes seem more worried about device and social media overuse.</p>



<p>“Differences in how parents view children’s health problems may reflect their day-to-day experiences dealing with environmental challenges such as unsafe neighborhoods, as well as discrimination that may be more frequently experienced by children from low-income homes,” Dr. Woolford said.</p>



<h2 id="h-other-top-concerns">Other top concerns</h2>



<p>Still yet, across economic brackets, parents uniformly flagged issues like unhealthy diet, surging healthcare costs, and the lack of mental health facilities.</p>



<p>Other top children’s health concerns revealed by the survey are obesity (48%), guns/gun injuries (47%), poverty (45%), drinking/using drugs (44%), child abuse/neglect (42%), unequal access to health care (35%), parental stress (35%), inaccurate/misleading health information (31%), teen pregnancy/sexual activity (31%), discrimination (31%), unsafe neighborhoods (30%), gay/gender issues (LGBTQ) (29%), and health risks from polluted water and air (23%).</p>



<p>At the bottom of the list of concerns are safety of vaccines (16%) and COVID (12%).</p>



<p>“Today’s school aged children have experienced dramatic shifts in classroom environments, technology norms and increased mental health challenges,” said Dr. Woolford.</p>



<p>“Parents should partner with schools, mentors and their child’s health care providers to address both ongoing and emerging health concerns. They should also regularly revisit conversations with their children and teens that encourage them to share any concerns they might be experiencing, both physically and emotionally.”</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

What are the top concerns of parents as kids return to school?

The pivotal role that social media and digital devices play...

<p>In the last decade, there's been a significant shift in the size of some of our favorite <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-harness-fruit-waste-to-extract-energy/">fruits</a>. Among them, strawberries have experienced a remarkable 60% increase in average weight over just 12 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Raspberries and blueberries have also experienced substantial size increments since 2011, with their sizes doubling and tripling respectively.</p>



<h2 id="h-transformative-journey-of-strawberries">Transformative journey of strawberries </h2>



<p>Data from the <a href="https://www.sagrouponline.com/">S&amp;A Group</a>, the UK's leading independent supplier, points to the transformative journey of strawberries. In 2011, the average weight of a strawberry stood at 13.6g, which increased to 21.5g in 2023.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The transformation was not just limited to its weight. An increase in the berry's diameter was also evident, growing from a range of 23mm-25mm in 2011 to a staggering 27mm-41mm in 2023.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-desirable-varieties">More desirable varieties&nbsp;</h2>



<p>As reported by The Times, strawberries aren't the only berries witnessing this size evolution. Raspberries and blueberries have been following a similar trajectory.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The growth of these fruits can be attributed to the efforts of agronomists who have been dedicated to cultivating "more desirable varieties," says the industry representative body, British Berry Growers.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the size increase might have brought an unexpected bonus for those who indulged in British strawberries and raspberries this summer. These fruits were reportedly more flavorsome, a possible consequence of the slower ripening process caused by the year's cool spring.</p>



<h2 id="h-bigger-doesn-t-always-mean-better">Bigger doesn't always mean better</h2>



<p>However, Peter Judge, the group managing director of S&amp;A Group, offers an important insight, reminding consumers that size doesn't necessarily equate to flavor.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In a conversation with The Times, Judge mentioned, "UK retailers believe bigger berries are what the consumers want, but it is fair to say they don't always deliver flavor."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We have a variety called Lady Isla, which is actually a small berry but is our best-flavored strawberry. It's not always the case that big berry equals big flavor."</p>



<h2 id="h-consumer-preferences">Consumer preferences&nbsp;</h2>



<p>But why this insistent push towards larger berries? The S&amp;A Group explains that the drive to cultivate larger fruits has been largely influenced by UK consumer preferences, which contrasts with the inclinations seen on the Continent.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite this push for size, there are limits in place. Supermarkets have set the bar, requesting suppliers to ensure strawberries in the packs don't exceed 45mm in diameter. This is because customers equate size to value for money.</p>



<h2 id="h-visual-appeal">Visual appeal</h2>



<p>Nick Marston, the chairman of British Berry Growers, offers further clarity on this trend. He explains, "This size spec increase is about allowing customers to waste less fruit when hulling the strawberries and giving nicer-sized pieces if the berries are cut up."&nbsp;</p>



<p>Beyond practicality, aesthetics play a role as well. suggests Marston. "It is also about visual appeal - good-size 'bold' fruit does appeal to consumers more than a pack of a very large number of very small berries."</p>



<h2 id="h-health-benefits-of-berries">Health benefits of berries&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Berries are packed with a variety of nutrients and offer numerous health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits of consuming berries:</p>



<h3 id="h-rich-in-antioxidants">Rich in antioxidants</h3>



<p>Berries, especially blueberries, are known to be high in antioxidants which can help fight oxidative stress and reduce the damage to cells caused by free radicals.</p>



<h3 id="h-heart-health">Heart health</h3>



<p>Berries can help improve heart health by reducing LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and improving blood vessel function.</p>



<h3 id="h-anti-inflammatory-effects">Anti-inflammatory effects</h3>



<p>The antioxidants in berries can also have an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.</p>



<h3 id="h-fiber">Fiber</h3>



<p>Berries are a good source of fiber which aids in digestion, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and can promote a feeling of fullness.</p>



<h3 id="h-vitamin-c">Vitamin C</h3>



<p>Most berries are a good source of vitamin C, which is necessary for collagen production and helps boost the immune system.</p>



<h3 id="h-skin-health">Skin health</h3>



<p>The antioxidants in berries can help fight skin aging, reduce skin wrinkling, and counteract damage from harmful UV rays.</p>



<h3 id="h-weight-management">Weight management</h3>



<p>Due to their high fiber content and low-calorie count, berries can be a great addition to a weight loss diet.</p>



<h3 id="h-cancer-prevention">Cancer prevention</h3>



<p>Some studies suggest that the phytochemicals in berries may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.</p>



<h3 id="h-brain-health">Brain health</h3>



<p>Berries may help delay mental decline, improve memory, and cognitive functions due to their antioxidant properties.</p>



<h3 id="h-bone-health">Bone health</h3>



<p>Berries like strawberries are rich in vitamin K, which plays a vital role in bone health.</p>



<h3 id="h-urinary-tract-health">Urinary tract health</h3>



<p>Cranberries, in particular, are known for preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) by preventing certain bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract walls.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Super-sized fruit: Strawberries weigh 60 percent more than they did 12 years ago

In the last decade, there's been a significant shift in...

<p>Major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/getting-high-quality-sleep-helps-prevent-depression-and-anxiety/">depression</a> – defined as a period of at least two weeks of depressed mood or loss of interest and pleasure in daily activities - is one of the most prevalent mental disorders in the United States. According to the <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/">National Institute of Mental Health</a>, in 2020, about 21 million U.S. adults (8.4 percent of the total population) reported at least one major depressive episode.</p>



<p>Now, a study led by the <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/">University of California, Los Angeles</a> (UCLA) has found that people who have recovered from a major depressive episode tend to spend more time processing negative information and less time processing positive information than individuals who have not struggled with depression, putting them at a significant risk of relapse.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>“Our findings suggest that people who have a history of depression spend more time processing negative information, such as sad faces, than positive information, such as happy faces, and that this difference is greater compared to healthy people with no history,” said lead author Alainna Wen, a postdoctoral scholar at the <a href="http://anxiety.psych.ucla.edu/">Anxiety and Depression Research Center</a> at UCLA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Because more negative thinking and mood and less positive thinking and mood are characteristic of depression, this could mean that these individuals are at a greater risk for having another depressive episode.”</p>



<h2 id="h-relapse-rates">Relapse rates&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite the existence of well-established treatments for depression, relapse rates for major depressive disorders remain significantly high, with over 50 percent of individuals with a first-time major depressive episode experiencing subsequent episodes, often within two years of recovery.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thus, to improve treatment and prevent relapse, it is critical to identify the risk factors involved in major depressive disorders.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted</h2>



<p>In the current paper, the experts conducted a meta-analysis of 44 studies involving 2,081 participants with a history of major depressive episodes and 2,285 healthy controls.&nbsp;</p>



<p>All of the studies focused on participants’ response times to positive, negative, and neutral stimuli. For instance, some participants were shown a happy, sad, or neutral human face and asked to push a different button for each, while others had to react to positive, negative, or neutral words.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The analysis revealed that healthy participants responded faster to emotional and non-emotional stimuli than those with a history of depression, regardless of whether the stimuli were positive, negative, or neutral.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, those who previously struggled with major depression spent more time processing negative emotional stimuli than positive stimuli compared to those in the control group.&nbsp;</p>



<p>And although healthy controls exhibited a significant difference in how much time they spent processing positive vs. negative emotional stimuli compared with individuals in remission from major depression, that distinction did not occur when comparing time spent processing negative vs. neutral or positive vs. neutral stimuli.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>These findings suggest that people with recurrent major depressive disorder are less able to control the information they process than healthy individuals, while also displaying a greater bias for focusing on negative over positive or neutral information.</p>



<p>“The current findings have implications for the treatment of depression. Focusing on reducing the processing of negative information alone may not be sufficient to prevent depression relapse. Instead, patients may also benefit from strategies to increase the processing of positive information,” Wen concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/abn-abn0000848.pdf"><em>Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<h2 id="h-strategies-to-help-prevent-depression">Strategies to help prevent depression&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Preventing depression, or at least reducing its risk, involves a combination of lifestyle, psychological, and medical strategies. Here are some strategies that may help:</p>



<h3 id="h-stay-connected">Stay connected</h3>



<p>Build strong relationships with friends, family, or community groups. Social connections can act as emotional buffers during hard times.</p>



<h3 id="h-manage-stress">Manage stress</h3>



<p>Learn and practice stress-reducing techniques that work for you, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation.</p>



<h3 id="h-regular-exercise">Regular exercise</h3>



<p>Physical activity can boost endorphin levels, which are natural mood lifters. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days.</p>



<h3 id="h-healthy-diet">Healthy diet</h3>



<p>Consume a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar. Some research suggests that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon) might also help reduce the risk of depression.</p>



<h3 id="h-limit-alcohol-and-avoid-drugs">Limit alcohol and avoid drugs</h3>



<p>Both can depress the central nervous system, and excessive use can lead to depressive disorders.</p>



<h3 id="h-get-enough-sleep">Get enough sleep</h3>



<p>Lack of sleep can exacerbate the symptoms of depression. Aim for 7-9 hours per night for most adults.</p>



<h3 id="h-avoid-toxic-people">Avoid toxic people</h3>



<p>Surrounding oneself with positive influences and people who make you feel good about yourself can make a difference.</p>



<h3 id="h-limit-exposure-to-negative-information">Limit exposure to negative information&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Reduce exposure to negative news or triggering content, especially before bedtime.</p>



<h3 id="h-mindfulness-and-meditation">Mindfulness and meditation</h3>



<p>Practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and journaling can help you stay in tune with your feelings and manage stress.</p>



<h3 id="h-seek-professional-help">Seek professional help</h3>



<p>If you feel you're at risk, early intervention can be crucial. This might be in the form of therapy or counseling.</p>



<h3 id="h-educate-yourself">Educate yourself</h3>



<p>The more you know about depression, the better equipped you'll be to avoid or cope with it.</p>



<p>—</p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com"><em>Andrei Ionescu</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>



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

People with a history of depression tend to process more negative information

Major depression – defined as a period of at least...

<p>Our planet’s rapidly changing climate is taking an increasingly heavy toll in various regions around the globe, due to phenomena such as floods, rising sea levels, droughts, wildfires, and other extreme weather events. </p>



<p>Now, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.utah.edu/">University of Utah</a> has found that the values of property where these hazards are projected to worsen will also be significantly affected unless aggressive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-the-world-look-in-2100-due-to-climate-change/">climate change</a> mitigation actions are urgently undertaken.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The properties at risk of losing value include those located in forested areas exposed to increased wildfires and tree mortality caused by climate stresses and beetle infestation.</p>



<h2 id="h-adaptation-and-risk-mitigation">Adaptation and risk mitigation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“As a society, we have this tremendous capacity to deal with and minimize, adapt to and mitigate risk,” said lead author William Anderegg, the head of the<a href="https://wilkescenter.utah.edu/">&nbsp;Wilkes Center for Climate Science &amp; Policy</a> at Utah. “We have insurance policies, we have seat belts in cars and airbags."</p>



<p>"All of these are to mitigate the risk of getting in a car accident or having a fire burn down your house. But fundamentally, all these tools to mitigate risk are predicated on knowing what the risks are and capturing how those risks might change.”</p>



<p>According to Anderegg, climate change is a huge “game changer” since we don’t know precisely where, when, or by how much it will elevate certain threats.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>However, this new study shows promise in clarifying how climate change may affect specific variables, such as property values.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is a really clear case of where we need cutting-edge science and tools to tell us what are the risks and how are they possibly or likely to change this century due to climate change. Climate change is going to drive wildfire and disturbance risks up and is already driving them up. Insurers leaving states like California really underscores that,” explained Anderegg.</p>



<p>The research was a collaboration with faculty from the<a href="https://csbs.utah.edu/">&nbsp;College of Social and Behavioral Sciences</a> including geographer Tim Collins and sociologist Sara Grineski.</p>



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



<p>The team found that property values exposed to climate-sensitive disturbances increase sharply in future climate scenarios, especially in existing high-risk regions of the western U.S., while novel exposure risks will also emerge in some currently lower-risk regions, such as the southeast and Great Lakes regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Sadly, the massive impact of climate change has already become clear last week in the tropical Hawaiian Islands, where the nation’s <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/19/us/hawaii-maui-rebuilding-after-wildfire/index.html">deadliest wildfire</a> destroyed an entire city and killed over 100 people.</p>



<p>According to the scientists, most of the affected real estate is in the Southwest and California, where soaring values of public private property near publicly owned woodlands are currently colliding with escalating fire risks and declining forest health.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-climate-action-could-help">Climate action could help</h2>



<p>Moreover, although this study deliberately avoided identifying specific areas at risk, even a causal glance at Western real estate can provide an idea of where the trouble spots are, such as valuable residential property from Northern Utah located in scenic locales that face wildfire risks, such as Emigration Canyon and Summit Park.</p>



<p>The researchers focused on three different phenomena impacting property values - wildfires, tree mortality from drought and other climate stresses, and tree mortality from insect infestation – and projected what would happen by mid-21<sup>st</sup> century and end of the century under opposing emission mitigation scenarios. The analysis revealed that emission-reduction strategies, if implemented effectively, could substantially curb exposure.</p>



<p>“We looked at two separate climate scenarios, one in which we don’t really do anything [to reduce emissions driving warming]—it’s just business as usual, and things get more dramatically worse—and one in which we implement mitigation more aggressively,” Collins explained. “What the results show is that under a scenario in which we actually try to mitigate emissions in a way that reduces impacts of climate change, you see substantially less property value at risk in the future.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-billions-in-property-value-at-stake">Billions in property value at stake</h2>



<p>According to the experts, focusing only on privately owned lots one acre in size or larger reveals that about $4 billion in property is currently exposed each year to wildfire risks in the U.S. These values are projected to grow to $22 and $44 billion by 2049 and 2099, respectively, under the “do-nothing scenario.” However, if aggressive climate action is undertaken, the value of exposed property that could lose their market value tops out at only $11 billion.</p>



<p>“What’s interesting is that people are drawn to those environments because of the amenities associated with forest resources,” Collins said. “This is where you’re seeing the high value of these lands, like California - areas that are identified as wildland-urban interface - are some of the fastest growing landscapes in terms of residential development.”</p>



<h2 id="h-conservative-estimates">Conservative estimates&nbsp;</h2>



<p>These findings are ultimately conservative, since they don’t take into account anticipated growth in these at-risk areas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Under climate change, in the hot arid West, many people, as temperatures rise, are going to be increasingly drawn to these mountainous environments," said Collins.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We actually just hold constant current levels of development, and we look at what is the effect of climate change and increased forest disturbance in terms of placing current property values at risk in the future. It doesn’t even take into account the fact that more and more people are being drawn to these forest landscapes because of the amenities,” Collins concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ace639"><em>Environmental Research Letters</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>—</p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com"><em>Andrei Ionescu</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>



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

U.S. property values will drop as wildfire risk escalates

Our planet’s rapidly changing climate is taking an increasingly heavy...

<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>



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



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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

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

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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

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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>



<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>

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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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

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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>



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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>

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>



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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>

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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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>



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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>

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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