<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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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>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>



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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>A comprehensive study is shedding light on the common wasp’s remarkable ability to proliferate across the UK. </p>



<p>The research, led by experts from <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/">University College London</a> in partnership with the Big Wasp Survey, has uncovered the genetic journey of the common wasp, Vespula vulgaris.</p>



<p>The Big Wasp Survey, which thrives on the contributions of amateur citizen scientists, has been running since 2017 under the <a href="https://www.royensoc.co.uk/">Royal Entomological Society</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The simple yet effective methodology involves enticing wasps into homemade traps using beer. Initially, the amateur researchers sent the captured wasps for analysis, but the onset of the Covid-19 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-pandemic-was-especially-damaging-to-the-mental-health-of-college-students/">pandemic</a> shifted the identification process to a more digital format using online videos.</p>



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



<p>Out of thousands of samples sent in during the survey's initial years, the UCL team zeroed in on 393 wasp samples. These samples were meticulously compared to identify genetic variances and similarities.</p>



<p>Study lead author Iona Cunningham-Eurich is an expert in the UCL Centre for Biodiversity &amp; Environment Research, UCL Biosciences, and the Natural History Museum).&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Vespula vulgaris is one of the most familiar wasps to most of us in the UK, as we very commonly see it in late summer," said Cunningham-Eurich.</p>



<p>"Despite the wasp being ubiquitous in Britain, a lot of research has been conducted outside of its native range, so this study is important in establishing a baseline of information about the common wasp’s ecology and dispersal behaviors at home."</p>



<h2 id="h-remarkable-dispersal-capabilities">Remarkable dispersal capabilities</h2>



<p>“By finding a single, intermixing population across Britain, our findings add to evidence that the common wasp is very good at spreading across the landscape, which may be because the queens are able to fly great distances, either on their own steam, aided by the wind, or accidentally transported by people," explained Cunningham-Eurich.</p>



<p>While the genetic results demonstrated a united wasp population across Britain, there was a notable exception found in Northern Ireland. Here, the wasp's genetic code was distinctly different, emphasizing the species’ remarkable dispersal capabilities.</p>



<h2 id="h-the-value-of-citizen-science">The value of citizen science&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study co-author Professor Adam Hart of the University of Gloucestershire is a co-founder of the Big Wasp Survey.</p>



<p>“Our study showcases the potentially immense value of citizen science projects. Even though the samples were simply and inexpertly preserved, we were still able to conduct advanced genetic analyses and yield very useful findings," said Professor Hart.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We are very grateful to our citizen scientists, as this could not have been achieved without people willing to volunteer their time to contribute to scientific research.”</p>



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



<p>In just five years, an astounding 3,389 individuals engaged in the Big Wasp Survey, contributing over 62,000 wasp samples. The resulting information is impressively reliable, comparing favorably with expert-generated data from a 40-year period.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This treasure trove of data continues to offer fresh perspectives into the diversity and spread of social wasp species across the UK.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, the survey helps to monitor the status of the yellow-legged Asian hornet, an invasive species known to occasionally visit the UK.</p>



<p>“Wasps are incredibly important as natural pest controllers and pollinators, so it’s very exciting that we’re able to improve our understanding of this common and fascinating insect with the support of citizen scientists, while also giving them the opportunity to get better acquainted with wasps, and see this much maligned insect in a different light," said study senior author and co-founder of the Big Wasp Survey, Professor Seirian Sumner.</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>

Genetic journey of the common wasp revealed through citizen science

A comprehensive study is shedding light on the common wasp’s...

<p>City living is not just stressful for humans, but also takes a toll on wildlife. According to researchers at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/">The Ohio State University</a>, urban dwelling coyotes face unique challenges that are impacting their overall health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team measured the concentration of the stress hormone cortisol in the hair of nearly 100 coyotes inhabiting the Chicago Metropolitan Area.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-higher-stress-levels">Higher stress levels</h2>



<p>The experts discovered that the animals residing in the most developed areas exhibited higher cortisol levels - a marker for chronic stress - compared to those in suburban or natural regions.</p>



<p>"This is the first mammalian carnivore that has been evaluated for stress in an urban environment. The city does present challenges for them, even though they’re really good at doing what they’re doing. This is helping us understand how well animals are adjusting to urban systems – or not adjusting to them," said study lead author Stan Gehrt, a wildlife ecologist at Ohio State.</p>



<h2 id="h-related-factors">Related factors</h2>



<p>Factors such as poor body condition, linked mostly to sickness with mange, and specific social roles within the pack were associated with higher stress levels. But the relationship between these factors and urban living is not entirely clear.</p>



<p>The research, conducted by the Urban Coyote Research Project under Gehrt's leadership, was recently published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165965"><em>Science of the Total Environment</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The project has been monitoring Chicago's urban coyotes since 2000, collecting valuable biological samples and data on their behavior, movement, and reproductive success.</p>



<h2 id="h-complexities-of-urban-life">Complexities of urban life</h2>



<p>First author Katie Robertson, who carried out the work as a PhD student at Ohio State, utilized hair samples from the animals for the analysis, providing an estimate of long-term stress. The hair samples were assessed for cortisol concentration, revealing key factors connected to higher stress.</p>



<p>The team's hypothesis that coyotes in more urbanized Chicago areas would display higher stress levels was confirmed by the results.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the findings also exposed further complexity in modern coyote life. Infections and environmental factors such as cold Chicago winters contributed to the stress, raising questions about the root causes.</p>



<h2 id="h-which-coyotes-are-affected">Which coyotes are affected?</h2>



<p>"The alphas are the dominant animals in their pack, so they’re the ones that are responsible for all of the territorial defense and they’re the only ones that are breeding," said Gerht.</p>



<p>"So there’s a lot going on with the alphas, whereas the subordinates and the pups, they have a pretty easy life. Their parents are doing all the hard work and they’re just coasting a little bit. And that was actually reflected in the cortisol levels."</p>



<p>Transients, on the other hand – adult coyotes that have left their parents but not yet established or joined a pack – have a different set of worries.<br></p>



<p>"Transients were right up there with the alphas in terms of stress. They don’t have to defend a territory, but they have to avoid getting attacked by resident coyotes – they’re going through territories on a constant basis – and are trying to avoid people and trying not to get hit by cars," Gehrt said.</p>



<p>In 2014, Gehrt's observations highlighted the adaptability of some urban coyotes, as they learned to look both ways before crossing streets. This new research contributes to an understanding of coyotes' resilience and the inherent challenges they face.</p>



<h2 id="h-some-coyotes-adapt-quite-well">Some coyotes adapt quite well</h2>



<p>"We see them on a regular basis living in some pretty challenging areas, and it seems to me they’re adjusting quite well – their survival rates are high, and the food supply is great," said Gerht.</p>



<p>"And that’s what we found, that there are trends related to higher stress, but there are also coyotes that are doing quite well in the city with fairly low stress levels – even alphas in some pretty intense environments."</p>



<p>"Even without the urban system, this is the first free-ranging coyote population to be evaluated for stress. And we see there’s stress associated with their very complicated social system and a lot of rules they’re following – intrinsic sources of stress that other species don’t have to deal with. It’s an interesting look into another window of their lives."</p>



<p>The study's findings offer a fresh perspective on the complexity of wildlife adaptation in urban environments, prompting further exploration of how city life may be shaping the health and behaviors of various animal species.&nbsp;</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>

Think city life is stressful? Some coyotes would agree

City living is not just stressful for humans, but also...

<p>A recent study in the United States has revealed alarming disparities in excess deaths following hurricanes, with higher mortality rates in recent years and in areas where the population is more socially vulnerable.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research, published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv"><em>Science Advances</em></a>, demonstrates how these excess deaths have varied greatly across different hurricane seasons and regions.</p>



<p>Researchers from institutions including Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Colorado State University, Imperial College London, University of California Irvine, and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health analyzed variations in cyclone-related excess deaths by several factors.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The experts found that over recent decades, 83 percent of hurricane-related deaths occurred more recently and 94 percent occurred in socially vulnerable counties.</p>



<p>The study sheds light on the variability of the impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intense-tropical-cyclones-are-set-to-double-by-2050/">tropical cyclones</a>, highlighting how demographic, economic, and social factors can drive differences. The total excess deaths were particularly elevated in counties with the largest proportion of minorities, filling a critical knowledge gap in understanding post-hurricane excess deaths.</p>



<h2 id="h-excess-death-counts">Excess death counts</h2>



<p>The findings reveal some alarming numbers. For example, the largest number of excess deaths was in Orleans Parish, LA, after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, with 719 excess deaths.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This was followed by Harris County, TX, after Hurricane Rita in 2005 (309 excess deaths), Broward County, FL, after Hurricane Matthew in 2016 (185 excess deaths), and Nassau County, NY, after Hurricane Sandy in 2012 (178 excess deaths)</p>



<p>The most significant number of estimated excess deaths in a single year was in 2005, with 2,163 estimated post-tropical cyclone excess deaths, including 1,491 from Hurricane Katrina.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-long-standing-systemic-issues">Long-standing systemic issues&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“In our study, excess death counts after tropical cyclones were higher more recently and for the most socially vulnerable," said study lead author Dr. Robbie M. Parks, assistant professor of Environmental Health Sciences at <a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/">Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health</a>.</p>



<p>Dr. Parks attributed the surge in these deaths partly to long-standing systemic issues.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This was likely in part due to lack of access to adequate short-term transportation, as well as inequitable access to financial resources, education, employment opportunities and timely warnings on tropical cyclone proximity, all of which are results of long-term institutional neglect.”</p>



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



<p>The study emphasizes the necessity of understanding short-term excess deaths following tropical cyclones as a key metric for grasping the public health burden of climate-related disasters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This information is vital, as deaths can arise from several major causes, including injuries, diseases, cardiovascular issues, neuropsychiatric conditions, and respiratory ailments.</p>



<p>Using extensive death registration data and statistical models, the researchers estimated the number of excess deaths after tropical cyclones across four decades, offering insights that are compared with data from official sources and international disaster databases.</p>



<h2 id="h-hurricanes-remain-a-public-health-concern">Hurricanes remain a public health concern&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Trends of heightened activity and increased intensity of tropical cyclones in recent years indicate that tropical cyclone exposure is and will remain a public health concern,” said study senior author Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou, ScD.</p>



<p>"Future research may be able to study associations by smaller areal units - ZIP Codes, for example - as appropriate exposure and outcome data become available."</p>



<p>"It is also essential to prepare for tropical cyclones by accounting for the social determinants of risk and vulnerability of exposed communities, since the most socially vulnerable bear the greatest burden of excess mortality.”</p>



<p>“Our work highlights how deaths are impacted by tropical cyclones, an understudied exposure in relation to public health, and one which will remain an important threat as the climate changes,” said Dr. Parks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"As a public health priority, future research should focus on understanding the biological and structural drivers of cyclone-related mortality, how to minimize the number of excess deaths related to tropical cyclones, and the impacts on the scale from years to decades.”</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-post-hurricane-excess-deaths">More about post-hurricane excess deaths&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Post-hurricane excess deaths refer to the additional deaths that occur in the aftermath of a hurricane beyond what would be expected under normal circumstances.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These deaths are not only the direct result of storm impacts (e.g., deaths due to flooding, falling debris, or storm surge) but also from indirect and longer-term effects of the hurricane on the affected community.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-direct-vs-indirect-deaths">Direct vs. indirect deaths</h3>



<p>Direct deaths result directly from the forces of the hurricane. This includes drowning due to storm surge or flooding, injuries from flying debris, or deaths from structural collapses.</p>



<p>Indirect deaths occur after the storm has passed and can be attributed to conditions caused or exacerbated by the hurricane.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Examples include deaths from lack of medical services, worsening of chronic illnesses due to stress or lack of resources, electrocution from downed power lines, and more.</p>



<h3 id="h-factors-contributing-to-excess-deaths">Factors contributing to excess deaths</h3>



<h4 id="h-infrastructure-damage">Infrastructure damage</h4>



<p>Destruction of health care facilities, transportation systems, and essential utilities can lead to delays in emergency response, hampered medical care, and lack of essential services.</p>



<h4 id="h-lack-of-access-to-medical-care">Lack of access to medical care</h4>



<p>Chronic patients might miss treatments or medication doses, leading to deterioration of their conditions.</p>



<h4 id="h-disease-outbreaks">Disease outbreaks</h4>



<p>Stagnant floodwaters can become breeding grounds for disease vectors like mosquitoes, leading to outbreaks of diseases like dengue or Zika. Contaminated water sources can also lead to waterborne diseases.</p>



<h4 id="h-mental-health">Mental health</h4>



<p>The trauma from experiencing a hurricane can lead to mental health issues, with some studies suggesting an increase in suicides and other related fatalities post-hurricanes.</p>



<h4 id="h-economic-strain">Economic strain</h4>



<p>The loss of jobs, homes, and resources can lead to prolonged stress and its associated health risks.</p>



<h3 id="h-vulnerable-populations">Vulnerable populations</h3>



<p>As highlighted in the study, socially vulnerable populations often face a higher risk of post-hurricane excess deaths. Factors such as poverty, lack of access to transportation or medical care, language barriers, and more can all contribute to increased vulnerability.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Hurricane-related deaths on the rise, especially in vulnerable communities

A recent study in the United States has revealed alarming...

<p>A recent collaborative study from La Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/">Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health</a> has found that people in the UK who closely follow a Mediterranean lifestyle are at a decreased risk of death from all causes and specific diseases.</p>



<p>The Mediterranean lifestyle, often praised for its health benefits, goes beyond just the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-helps-offset-the-health-impacts-of-obesity/">diet</a>. While the diet forms a substantial component, the lifestyle as a whole encompasses a range of habits and practices traditionally found among people living in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Overall, the Mediterranean lifestyle emphasizes a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in added salts and sugars. It is also focused on sufficient rest, physical activity, and social interactions.</p>



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



<p>The study, which is published in the journal <a href="https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(23)00305-1/fulltext"><em>Mayo Clinic Proceedings</em></a>, is distinctive as it evaluates the health advantages of the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle outside its traditional region. This offers insight into the adaptability of the diet and its benefits, even when implemented using locally available products and within different cultural settings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This study suggests that it’s possible for non-Mediterranean populations to adopt the Mediterranean diet...and to adopt the overall Mediterranean lifestyle within their own cultural contexts,” remarked Mercedes Sotos Prieto, the study's lead author. She further added, “We’re seeing the transferability of the lifestyle and its positive effects on health.”</p>



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



<p>The research team analyzed data from 110,799 participants, aged between 40 and 75, from the UK Biobank cohort. This population-based study spanned England, Wales, and Scotland.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Participants were evaluated using the Mediterranean Lifestyle (MEDLIFE) index, which evaluates the following three categories: “Mediterranean food consumption” (intake of foods part of the Mediterranean diet such as fruits and whole grains); “Mediterranean dietary habits” (adherence to habits and practices around meals, including limiting salt and drinking healthy beverages); and “physical activity, rest, and social habits and conviviality” (adherence to lifestyle habits including taking regular naps, exercising, and spending time with friends).&nbsp;</p>



<p>Each item within the three categories was then scored, with higher total scores indicating higher adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle.</p>



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



<p>Nine years after the initial data collection, the researchers reviewed the health outcomes of the participants. Their findings revealed that those with higher adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle, as gauged by the MEDLIFE scores, had a 29 percent reduced risk of mortality from all causes and a 28 percent lower risk of cancer mortality.</p>



<p>The results showed that the category “physical activity, rest, and social habits and conviviality” from the MEDLIFE index was particularly influential. Adherence to this category was not only associated with the reduced risks that were previously mentioned, but also with a decreased risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases.</p>



<p>Overall, the study highlights the potential universal health benefits of the Mediterranean lifestyle, suggesting that its positive impacts aren't restricted to its place of origin.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-mediterranean-lifestyle">More about the Mediterranean lifestyle&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Mediterranean lifestyle is a way of living that encompasses more than just food choices. It's a comprehensive approach that integrates various aspects of daily life and has been linked to numerous health benefits.</p>



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



<ul>
<li>Whole foods: A focus on whole, unprocessed foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.</li>



<li>Healthy fats: Olive oil is a staple, and it's used generously in cooking and dressing foods.</li>



<li>Lean proteins: Fish and poultry are preferred over red meat. Seafood is consumed often, at least a couple of times a week.</li>



<li>Dairy: Low to moderate amounts of cheese and yogurt.</li>



<li>Wine: Moderate consumption of red wine, typically with meals.</li>



<li>Herbs and spices: Seasoning foods with herbs and spices instead of salt.</li>
</ul>



<h3 id="h-physical-activity">Physical activity</h3>



<p>Regular physical activity is a cornerstone. Whether it's through daily chores, walking, or more structured forms of exercise, being active is an integral part of the Mediterranean lifestyle.</p>



<h3 id="h-social-connections">Social connections</h3>



<p>Prioritizing family and community. Meals, for instance, are often communal affairs where families come together.</p>



<p>Social engagement and having a strong social network are viewed as essential for mental well-being.</p>



<h3 id="h-rest-and-siestas">Rest and siestas</h3>



<p>In many Mediterranean countries, it's common to have a short nap or siesta in the afternoon, especially after the mid-day meal. This rest period is believed to rejuvenate and provide a break from the day's hustle.</p>



<h3 id="h-connection-with-nature">Connection with nature</h3>



<p>Gardening, farming, or simply spending time outdoors is a common practice. It not only provides fresh produce but also helps in grounding and establishing a connection with nature.</p>



<h3 id="h-mindful-eating">Mindful eating</h3>



<p>Meals are relished and eaten without rush. This mindfulness ensures better digestion and an appreciation of the flavors in the food.</p>



<h3 id="h-lower-stress-levels">Lower stress levels</h3>



<p>While it may not be exclusive to the Mediterranean region, the lifestyle emphasizes reducing stress, whether through daily practices, mindfulness, or community connections.</p>



<h3 id="h-benefits">Benefits</h3>



<p>Numerous studies have linked the Mediterranean lifestyle to a range of health benefits. These include reduced risks of heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and even depression. The combination of a nutrient-rich diet, active living, and strong social connections seems to create a holistic approach to well-being.</p>



<p>The Mediterranean lifestyle is not exclusively available to those who live in the Mediterranean region. The principles can be integrated into daily routines anywhere, making it a globally recognized and recommended lifestyle for health and longevity.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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It's not just the diet: Mediterranean lifestyle lowers risk of death by nearly 30 percent

A recent collaborative study from La Universidad Autónoma de Madrid...

<p>The <a href="https://www.who.int/">World Health Organization</a> (WHO) has confirmed that they are monitoring a new Covid variant known as BA.2.86. This variant, a spinoff of the widely-recognized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/omicron-is-much-more-deadly-than-the-seasonal-flu/">Omicron</a> variant, has more than 30 mutations in the spike protein relative to the current predominant variant.</p>



<p>So far, only three cases of this strain have been identified worldwide since it first came under the radar a month ago. A report in The Guardian says it's currently unclear if the variant causes more severe disease than its predecessors.</p>



<p>A significant detail that has piqued the interest of health officials is the variant's collection of mutations, which differ from those of previously recognized strains.</p>



<h2 id="h-careful-monitoring">Careful monitoring&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's lead for the Covid response, said that despite the limited data available, this new variant "requires careful monitoring due to its extensive mutational profile."</p>



<p>The emerging variant initially gained attention after a digital virus-tracker spotted two cases in Denmark. Intriguingly, these findings came shortly after the same lineage was found in Israel.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thanks to the science of sequencing – a process that breaks down the exact genetic composition of virus samples – virologists have been able to determine that all three cases are of the same virus.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-mutations-on-the-spike-protein">Mutations on the spike protein&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Preliminary tests indicate that BA.2.86 has over 30 mutations on its spike protein. This protein is essential as it's responsible for the virus's ability to attach to and infect human cells. Notably, the spike protein is the part of the virus that vaccines aim to neutralize.</p>



<p>While several of these mutations are yet to have their functions classified, some are believed to aid the virus in dodging our immune defenses.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-will-the-virus-spread-rampantly">Will the virus spread rampantly?</h2>



<p>Despite these findings, the million-dollar question remains: will BA.2.86 spread prolifically or simply fizzle out like many of its highly-mutated counterparts?</p>



<p>Professor Paul Hunter, a distinguished infectious disease specialist at the University of East Anglia, expressed concerns regarding the strain's potential reach.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Professor Hunter said that if the variant is as contagious as we fear, it's likely already in places like the UK or the United States. "If it isn't now, then it probably very soon will be."</p>



<h2 id="h-is-it-time-to-mask-up">Is it time to mask up?</h2>



<p>This concern has led some scientists to advocate for the reintroduction of measures like face masks to curb its spread. Dr. Trisha Greenhalgh, a leading primary care expert from Oxford University, recently took to Twitter suggesting, "it looks like it's once again time to MASK UP." Yet, she also admitted her understanding of the variant's specifics remains limited.</p>



<p>Currently, the UK has yet to make a formal announcement regarding BA.2.86. The United Kingdom is, however, keeping tabs on another variant termed Eris, which, interestingly, saw a significant jump in prevalence in the past month.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to experts, Eris does not appear to be more threatening than other circulating strains, including Omicron.</p>



<h2 id="h-increase-in-covid-hospitalizations">Increase in Covid hospitalizations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The UK has seen a recent increase in COVID hospitalizations, which could potentially herald another wave. This trend is particularly concerning as the nation approaches the typically demanding autumn and winter seasons.</p>



<p>Some experts theorize factors such as adverse weather and the "Barbenheimer effect" might be playing a role in the infection spike, alongside diminishing immunity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at the UKHSA, said: 'The latest data shows that Covid cases continue to rise. To help combat the spread of the virus, we continue to advise anyone with symptoms of a respiratory infection should try to stay at home and away from others - especially those who are vulnerable."</p>



<p>"Hospitalizations are also increasing, but still remain at very low levels. ICU admissions have increased in this week's report, but remain extremely low. We will continue to monitor these rates closely."</p>



<p>"We urge everyone eligible to take up the vaccine when offered by the NHS this autumn."</p>



<p>—-</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>

New Covid variant has 30 mutations on the spike protein

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that they are...

<p>Gray wolf populations in the United States have seen a remarkable resurgence over the past three decades. Once pushed to the brink of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shellfish-consumed-by-humans-are-ironically-more-resistant-to-extinction/">extinction</a>, these majestic creatures now roam freely across a vast expanse of the nation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the recovery efforts have been heralded as a success, the growing populations of wolves are now facing substantial threats as they attempt to colonize human-dominated areas.</p>



<h2 id="h-remarkable-challenges">Remarkable challenges</h2>



<p>In the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biad053"><em>BioScience</em></a>, wolf specialists David E. Ausband and L. David Mech delve into the conservation scene, shedding light on the challenges these returning wolves encounter. "Remarkable wolf conservation success yields remarkable challenges," said the experts, noting that a staggering 6,000 wolves have reclaimed territories across 11 states.</p>



<p>While this might sound like a celebration, the narrative is not that simple. These returning wolves are stepping into landscapes that have changed dramatically since they last roamed there. </p>



<p>As Ausband and Mech highlight, emerging wolf populations grapple with "fragmented habitats and barriers to dispersal," resulting in increased confrontations with humans, pets, and livestock.</p>



<h2 id="h-rising-concerns">Rising concerns&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The burgeoning gray wolf populations haven't just raised eyebrows in the scientific community - they've also stirred the pot politically. Addressing rising concerns regarding wolves preying on domesticated animals and reducing prey populations, several areas have responded with decisive actions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In Wisconsin, for instance, "the legislature requires a public hunting or trapping season whenever wolves are delisted from the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) list of Endangered species." In Colorado, on the other hand, wolves are celebrated and a recent ballot initiative has given the green light for their reintroduction.</p>



<h2 id="h-potential-ripple-effects">Potential ripple effects&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While supporters of their reintroduction might be a beacon of hope for the gray wolf in the short term, Ausband and Mech warn of the potential ripple effects. Such initiatives could inadvertently establish a legal groundwork that obstructs future reintroductions, thereby complicating the entire management process.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts express concern that an unstable regulatory environment could trigger dramatic swings in wolf numbers, jeopardizing the very conservation efforts that led to their resurgence.</p>



<h2 id="h-meticulous-management-is-needed">Meticulous management is needed</h2>



<p>So, what's the path forward? According to Ausband and Mech, the key lies in meticulous management that prioritizes the myriad of stakeholders involved.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Future wolf conservation in the United States will be affected by the ability of managers to predict colonization and dispersal dynamics, to reduce hybridization and disease transmission, to mitigate and deter wolf–livestock conflicts, to harvest wolves sustainably while satisfying diverse stakeholders, to avert a reduction in tolerance for wolves due to a disinterest in nature, and to engage diverse stakeholders in wolf conservation to avoid management by ballot initiative or legislative and judicial decrees."</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-gray-wolves">More about gray wolves&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Gray wolves (Canis lupus) are fascinating creatures with a complex history and a wide range of behaviors and adaptations. They are a symbol of the wild, representing both the challenges and the potential of conservation in the modern world.</p>



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



<p>Historically, gray wolves were found throughout much of North America, Europe, and Asia, making them one of the most widely distributed land predators in the world. However, human activity, including habitat destruction and hunting, can greatly reduce their numbers and range.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-physical-characteristics">Physical characteristics</h3>



<p>Gray wolves vary in color from grizzled gray or black to all-white. Adults typically weigh between 40 and 175 pounds, with males being larger than females. They have a strong physique, with powerful jaws capable of generating tremendous biting pressure.</p>



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



<p>Wolves primarily prey on large ungulates like elk, deer, and bison, but they can and will eat smaller prey if necessary. Wolves are pack hunters, relying on cooperation and strategy to take down prey much larger than themselves.</p>



<h3 id="h-social-structure">Social structure</h3>



<p>Gray wolves are known for their complex social structures and live in packs. A pack generally consists of an alpha male and female, their offspring, and sometimes unrelated wolves. They communicate using vocalizations, body postures, and scents.</p>



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



<p>Mating typically occurs between February and March, with a gestation period of about 63 days. Litters can range from 1 to 11 pups, with the average being 4 to 6. Pups are born blind and defenseless but grow quickly.</p>



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



<p>Wolves have been a part of human folklore, myths, and legends for millennia. In some cultures, they are revered and considered sacred, while in others, they're seen as symbols of danger or evil. Their perceived cunning and communal hunting tactics have both fascinated and frightened humans.</p>



<h3 id="h-human-wolf-conflict">Human-wolf conflict</h3>



<p>As wolf populations recover and expand, they sometimes come into conflict with humans, especially in areas where they prey on livestock. This has led to tension between conservationists who wish to protect wolves and ranchers or farmers who view them as threats.</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>

The return of the gray wolf: Triumph or tragedy?

Gray wolf populations in the United States have seen a...

<p>Around the world, the dire impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-climate-change-happening-too-fast-for-birds-to-keep-up/">climate change</a> and human-caused environmental alterations are placing enormous strain on living organisms, including plants, animals, and even microbes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Amid this turbulence, scientists are seeking to understand which species are adaptable enough to thrive in varied environments, and which are tethered so tightly to their niches that they are at risk of extinction?</p>



<h2 id="h-generalist-and-specialist-species">Generalist and specialist species</h2>



<p>Traditionally, ecologists categorize organisms into two broad types. Think of it as a spectrum: on one end, we have the "generalists" - hardy creatures able to thrive in diverse environments and habitats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By contrast, the "specialists" at the opposite end possess narrow survival criteria, often rooted in very specific environments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The iconic panda bear is a perfect example of a specialist. With its exclusive bamboo diet, its existence hangs precariously on the fate of this single plant species.</p>



<p>Beyond the visible life forms, there is a microscopic realm teeming with life beneath our feet and inside of us. Which category do the soil microbes belong to?</p>



<p>To investigate, Michelle Afkhami's biology lab at the <a href="https://www.as.miami.edu/">University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences</a> embarked on a groundbreaking study.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The research, which is now published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02149-y"><em>Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</em></a>, centered on prokaryotes - a vast microbial group encompassing all bacteria and archaea.</p>



<p>“The idea behind the project was to find out whether these microbes can exist within a narrow or broad range of conditions along many different environmental dimensions,” said Damian Hernandez, a former graduate student in Afkhami’s lab who is now a postdoc preparing for a biology fellowship with the National Science Foundation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Specifically, we wanted to know whether microbes are typically multidimensional specialists, multidimensional generalists, or use different strategies on different environmental dimensions—and what effect that could have on their roles within communities."</p>



<p>“The environmental dimensions we used to determine whether the microbes are generalists or specialists were based on multiple environmental conditions in the soil in which they live, for example, leaf litter, temperature, water, and nutrients."</p>



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



<p>For two years, the team meticulously dissected the DNA sequences from over 200 soil samples gathered from various U.S. locations by the National Ecological Observatory Network.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their analysis of over 1,200 prokaryotes yielded unexpected revelations. Contrary to prior assumptions, a staggering 90% of the microbes exhibited either "multidimensional generalist" or "multidimensional specialist" traits.</p>



<p>This means a microbe that's a generalist in one environmental aspect extends its versatility across all aspects. Conversely, a specialist microbe remains specialized across every environmental axis.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>While this is a breakthrough in understanding microbial communities, the discovery also raises alarms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The specialist microbes, despite their vital roles as ecosystem engineers – nurturing plant growth, detoxifying soil, breaking down complex carbons, and replenishing soil nutrients – are vulnerable to environmental shifts. These microbial "community organizers," despite their high functionality, face an uncertain future in our rapidly changing world.</p>



<p>“We found that microbes can be very restricted on where they can exist,” said Hernandez, who is the first author of the study.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The generalist microbes are very flexible and can withstand a wider range of conditions. But the specialist microbes are sensitive to many different environmental conditions because they are restricted on multiple environmental axes and thus any changes in the environment may hinder their survival."</p>



<p>“Hypothetically, if an ecosystem is structured by microbes that are specialists, then those ecosystems are more likely to be sensitive to environmental change,” he said.</p>



<h2 id="h-which-microbes-will-survive">Which microbes will survive?</h2>



<p>Afkhami confirms that the findings present an interesting argument on how microbes can survive in a changing climate.</p>



<p>“As we learned from the study, microbes that are generalists can live across a wide range of habitats, and this can mean that those microbes may be resilient to climate change or habitat fragmentation because they are likely to tolerate changing environmental conditions. They are also very dominant within microbial communities,” she said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is very concerning because what we also learned in the study is that microbial specialists are highly connected within the microbial network and can be considered as keystone species for maintaining and driving the diversity and function of the microbiome,” said Afkhami.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In this study, we can start to understand - across a wider sense in the microbiome community - some of their biological functions, their roles in the microbial community, and how they will respond to global changes on the planet.”</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>

Can soil microbes survive climate change?

Around the world, the dire impacts of climate change and...

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



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
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<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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

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

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

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" 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.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?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

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

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

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<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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" 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.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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How the immune system responds to injury

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



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



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



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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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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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