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Scientists have long mapped separate brain areas for sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Yet new research reveals that when we focus sharply on any of those senses, signals converge on the same two structures buried deep in the brain - the midbrain reticular formation and the central thalamus.



This finding highlights a shared neural pathway that sustains <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-stops-paying-attention-to-repeated-distractions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attention</a> and wakefulness and could inspire therapies for coma, epilepsy, and attention-deficit disorders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-senses-in-a-single-brain-region">Senses in a single brain region</h2>



Research over the past century has shown that visual scenes activate the occipital cortex, melodies light up the temporal lobes, and so forth.



“We were expecting to find activity on shared networks, but when we saw all the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-sense-of-smell-and-different-odors-can-influence-how-we-see-colors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">senses</a> light up the same central brain regions while a test subject was focusing, it was really astonishing,” said Aya Khalaf, a postdoctoral associate in neurology at <a href="https://medicine.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale School of Medicine</a> and lead author of the study.



Those two regions - the reticular formation, a mesh of neurons in the upper brainstem, and the intralaminar and mediodorsal nuclei of the thalamus - form part of the so-called subcortical arousal system, a set of circuits long suspected to regulate alertness and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consciousness-may-stem-from-unseen-dimensions-beyond-our-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consciousness</a>.



Previous work had linked these hubs to vigilance by studying patients emerging from coma or experiencing absence seizures. But most of those experiments examined responses to a single type of stimulus, for example flashing lights or chirping sounds.



Khalaf and colleagues asked the broader question: do different senses share the same arousal circuitry when people deliberately pay attention?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-massive-data-mine">A massive data mine</h2>



To answer that, the team turned to the publicly available <a href="https://www.humanconnectome.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human Connectome Project</a> and other repositories, assembling functional MRI scans from 1,561 healthy adults.



Across 11 tasks, participants viewed moving shapes, listened to spoken stories, sampled liquid tastants, or felt puffs of air on their fingertips. Each task included abrupt cues that forced subjects to switch attention - for instance, a sudden change in picture orientation or a surprise tone embedded in white noise.



The investigators processed more than 500 hours of scan data through a pipeline that removed head motion and physiological noise, then aligned brain volumes to a common atlas.



In every sensory domain, when a cue demanded rapid attentional re-orientation, blood-oxygen signals spiked in the reticular formation and the central thalamus. The effect was absent or minimal during passive stimulation, underscoring the importance of active engagement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consciousness-in-the-brain">Consciousness in the brain</h2>



Why would a taste test and a vision task end up at the same neural address? The authors propose that the midbrain reticular formation integrates sudden sensory changes and broadcasts a “wake-up” volley to the thalamus, which relays it to widespread cortical areas.



That burst synchronizes cortical rhythms, priming the brain to process incoming information. The scheme dovetails with classical animal studies showing that electrical stimulation of the reticular formation induces cortical desynchronization and behavioral arousal, while lesions produce stupor.



“It tells us how important this brain region is and what it could mean in efforts to restore consciousness,” Khalaf said.



“This has also given us insights into how things work normally in the brain. It’s really a step forward in our understanding of awareness and consciousness,” said senior author Hal Blumenfeld, a neurologist at Yale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-awakening-senses-in-the-brain">Awakening senses in the brain</h2>



Because the same deep-brain hubs fire regardless of which sense is active, treatments aimed at modulating those hubs could benefit diverse conditions.



Drugs that enhance thalamic neurotransmission, for instance, might improve focus in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/autism-and-adhd-disorders-directly-linked-amount-of-time-kids-spend-on-screens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attention deficit hyperactivity disorder</a>. Conversely, overactivity in the arousal circuit has been implicated in insomnia; dampening the circuitry could help induce sleep.



The results also support ongoing trials that deliver low-intensity ultrasound or deep-brain electrodes to the central thalamus in patients with disorders of consciousness. 



If attention triggers the thalamus to “switch on” the cortex, stimulating it directly might help rouse patients who are minimally conscious.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-sensory-rehabilitation"><a></a>Rethinking sensory rehabilitation</h2>



The discovery challenges sensory-specific training programs that ignore subcortical commonalities. 



For example, visual rehabilitation for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stroke-risk-is-elevated-by-air-pollution-and-traffic-noise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stroke</a> survivors may benefit from pairing attentional cues with tactile or auditory tasks to engage the shared arousal pathway.



Likewise, virtual-reality therapies that bombard users with multi-sensory surprises might more effectively sharpen attentional control.



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



The Yale team plans to refine the timeline of activation using magnetoencephalography, which offers millisecond resolution. They also hope to dissect the frequency bands that link the thalamus to frontal and parietal cortices during attentional jumps. 



Such work could reveal whether gamma-band bursts or alpha-band suppression carry the critical “wake-up” message.



Another frontier involves patients. Investigators will compare responses in healthy volunteers with those in people who have attention deficits or who are emerging from anaesthesia. 



Identifying a lost or delayed thalamic spike could serve as a biomarker for impaired consciousness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-regions-and-the-senses">Brain regions and the senses</h2>



For now, the study establishes the midbrain reticular formation and central thalamus as the universal relay through which sight, sound, taste, and touch gain conscious entry - at least when our minds snap to attention.



By showing that “all the senses light up the same central brain regions,” it confirms that consciousness depends not only on specialized cortical maps but also on a common deep-brain gatekeeper. 



Therapies that target this gatekeeper may eventually help restore awareness where it has dimmed and sharpen it where it wanders.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811925002277?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NeuroImage</a>.



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Scientists discover a brain region that connects all the senses

Scientists have long mapped separate brain areas for sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Yet new research reveals that when we focus sharply on any of those senses, signals converge on the same two structures buried deep in the brain - the midbrain reticular formation and the central thalamus. This finding highlights a shared neural pathway that sustains attention and wakefulness and could inspire therapies for coma, epilepsy, and attention-deficit disorders. Senses in a single brain region Research over the past century has shown that visual scenes...

A recent study suggests that playing board games could be a fun way to boost math skills in children. The analysis, based on a review of 23 years of published research, points to games like Monopoly, Othello, and Chutes and Ladders as effective tools to improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-may-have-an-instinct-for-solving-math-problems/">math skills</a>.



Board games are already known to boost a variety of learning and developmental skills, including reading and literacy. The new research highlights their specific impact on mathematical abilities.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-marked-improvements">Marked improvements</h2>



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09575146.2023.2218598">Early Years</a>, the study reveals that number-based board games can markedly improve counting, addition, and number recognition skills among three to nine-year-olds.



The research team, led by Dr. Jaime Balladares from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, discovered that structured board game sessions under adult supervision resulted in significant benefits for children's mathematical development.&nbsp;



"Board games enhance mathematical abilities for young children," said Dr. Balladares. "Using board games can be considered a strategy with potential effects on basic and complex math skills. Board games can easily be adapted to include learning objectives related to mathematical skills or other domains."



The study distinguishes between games where players take turns moving pieces around a board and those involving specific skills or gambling. The fixed rules and the nature of moves determining the overall playing situation create a unique learning environment, noted the researchers. However, they also found that preschools rarely utilize this potential learning tool.



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



The study was designed to compile available evidence of the effects of physical board games on promoting learning in young children.&nbsp;



The team based their findings on a review of 19 studies published since 2000, involving children aged three to nine. The focus of nearly all of these studies was the relationship between board games and mathematical skills.



Children participating in these studies engaged in special sessions, on average twice a week for 20 minutes, over a span of one-and-a-half months. The sessions were led by adults, including teachers, therapists, or parents. The children were assessed on their math performance before and after the intervention, which aimed to encourage skills such as counting out loud.



The researchers gauged the success of these interventions according to four categories, which included basic numeric competency, such as the ability to name numbers, and basic number comprehension. They also examined number comprehension, where a child can accurately add and subtract.



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



In more than half (52%) of the tasks analyzed, the researchers noted a significant improvement in math skills after the intervention sessions. In about a third (32%) of cases, children participating in the sessions outperformed those who did not.



Interestingly, the researchers also found that previous studies on the impact of board games on language or literacy areas lacked scientific evaluation methods to assess their efficacy.&nbsp;



Dr. Balladares emphasized the need for designing and implementing board games with rigorous scientific procedures to evaluate their efficacy, calling it an "urgent task to develop in the next few years."



The team is now looking ahead to their next project, exploring the potential wider effects of these games.&nbsp;



"Future studies should be designed to explore the effects that these games could have on other cognitive and developmental skills," said Dr. Balladares. "An interesting space for the development of intervention and assessment of board games should open up in the next few years, given the complexity of games and the need to design more and better games for educational purposes."&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-more-about-board-games">More about board games&nbsp;</h2>



Board games can be an excellent tool for learning, both for children and adults. They have several characteristics that make them ideal for educational purposes:



<h3 id="h-cognitive-skills">Cognitive skills</h3>



Games can significantly enhance cognitive skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision making. They often require players to strategize, plan ahead, and make choices that will affect future outcomes.



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



Most board games are interactive and require some level of communication and cooperation between players. This can help improve social skills such as teamwork, negotiation, and conflict resolution.



<h3 id="h-learning-specific-subjects">Learning specific subjects</h3>



Some board games are designed to educate players on specific subjects. For instance, there are games that teach math, science, history, geography, and language skills, among others.



<h3 id="h-patience-and-perseverance">Patience and perseverance</h3>



Board games require a level of patience as players must wait their turn and also handle the ups and downs during the game. This can help inculcate a sense of perseverance, particularly in children.



<h3 id="h-focus-and-attention">Focus and attention</h3>



Playing board games often requires a great deal of focus and attention to detail. This can help improve concentration levels.



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Board games help children improve their math skills

A recent study suggests that playing board games could be...

The consumption of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during pregnancy could potentially alter the normal course of fetal development, with implications for the lifelong health of the offspring, according to new research from <a href="https://www.ohsu.edu/">Oregon Health &amp; Science University</a> (OHSU).



Published today in the journal <a href="https://clinicalepigeneticsjournal.biomedcentral.com/">Clinical Epigenetics</a>, this preclinical study has shed light on a topic that has, until now, remained largely shrouded in uncertainty due to a lack of data on the safety of prenatal cannabis use.



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



THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, is a substance whose usage and availability are surging across the United States.&nbsp;



As its popularity rises, so does the prevalence of cannabis use in pregnancy, particularly during the critical first trimester. This is a period when the developing fetus is highly susceptible to environmental influences, with many women resorting to cannabis to alleviate morning sickness.&nbsp;



However, despite the escalating use, the potential ramifications of prenatal cannabis use on fetal development have not been definitively established.



This pioneering study by the OHSU team aimed to delve into the long-term health implications of THC use during pregnancy.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-alterations-to-the-epigenome">Alterations to the epigenome&nbsp;</h2>



The study, conducted in a non-human primate model, found that prenatal THC exposure resulted in alterations to the placental and fetal epigenome – the intricate chemical modifications to DNA that oversee gene regulation and expression.&nbsp;



These changes, disturbingly, paralleled those seen with several prevalent neurobehavioral conditions, including autism spectrum disorder.



“Cannabis is one of the most commonly used drugs and is widely available across the country, so there is a common perception that it's completely safe to use. The reality is that cannabis still carries many health risks for certain populations, including those who are pregnant," said study lead author Dr. Lyndsey Shorey-Kendrick, a computational biologist at OHSU’s Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC).



Dr. Shorey-Kendrick underscores the need to comprehend these impacts more deeply to inform patients about the risks effectively and promote safer habits during the vulnerable prenatal period.



The researchers administered THC in daily edibles to a nonhuman primate model, comparing the results to a placebo group. In particular, the experts investigated the epigenetic changes in key areas signifying healthy prenatal development, including the placenta and the fetal lung, brain, and heart.



<h2 id="h-results-of-the-study">Results of the study</h2>



The analyses revealed that THC exposure fundamentally altered the epigenome, a process wherein the information encoded in a gene is translated into a function or an observable trait.&nbsp;



With every gene making up DNA uniquely coded to contribute to various bodily and brain functions, any interference with the epigenetic processes due to drug exposure raises concerns – particularly during a critical developmental period like pregnancy.



Significant changes were observed in genes related to common neurobehavioral disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Such conditions are associated with unfavorable health outcomes in childhood and adolescence, including impaired memory and verbal reasoning abilities, as well as heightened hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.



<h2 id="h-future-implications-of-the-research">Future implications of the research&nbsp;</h2>



The team, including prominent researchers Dr. Eliot Spindel, Dr. Elinor Sullivan, Dr. Owen McCarty, and Dr. Jason Hedges, hopes their findings will improve the limited literature on THC use during pregnancy. The experts also hope to influence patient counseling and the future development of public health policies addressing cannabis.



Study co-author Dr. Jamie Lo, associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the OHSU School of Medicine, noted that discussing cannabis use is not a common practice among providers dealing with pregnant patients or those attempting to conceive.&nbsp;



"I hope our work can help open up a broader dialogue about the risks of cannabis use in the preconception and prenatal period, so we can improve children's health in the long run," said Dr. Lo.



The research thus serves as a stark reminder that a deeper understanding of cannabis and its potential effects during pregnancy is a public health necessity.



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THC exposure during pregnancy linked to life-long health risks

The consumption of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during pregnancy could potentially alter...

For those who dream of witnessing the northern lights, an opportunity could present itself next week. The aurora borealis is expected to be visible over 17 U.S. states on Thursday, July 13.



The states that could potentially get a glimpse of this rare spectacle include Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, Maryland, New York, New Hampshire, Washington, Vermont, Idaho, Massachusetts, Wyoming, and Indiana.



<h2 id="h-what-causes-the-northern-lights">What causes the northern lights?</h2>



The northern lights, one of nature's most awe-inspiring phenomena, are caused by the interaction between the sun's solar winds and Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-can-switch-their-perception-of-earths-magnetic-field-on-and-off/">magnetic field</a>.&nbsp;



"Aurora is the name given to the glow or light produced when electrons from space flow down Earth’s magnetic field and collide with atoms and molecules of the upper atmosphere in a ring or oval centered on the magnetic pole of Earth," explains the <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/">NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center</a>.



This collision results in the emission of light, an effect similar to how neon lights operate. "The collisions produce light much like how electrons flowing through gas in a neon light collide with neon and other gases to produce different colored light bulbs."



<h2 id="h-exciting-forecast-for-next-week">Exciting forecast for next week</h2>



Recent forecasts from the <a href="https://www.gi.alaska.edu/">University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute</a> suggest a surge in auroral activity on the night of July 13, with the possibility of this captivating light show becoming visible in several parts of Canada and the United States.



The predictions indicate that the northern lights could illuminate the night skies in the northern regions of 17 U.S. states, provided the weather conditions remain favorable.&nbsp;



"Auroral activity will be high(+). Weather permitting, highly active auroral displays will be visible overhead from Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit to Vancouver, Helena, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Bay City, Toronto, Montpelier, and Charlottetown, and visible low on the horizon from Salem, Boise, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Indianapolis and Annapolis," reports the UAF Institute.



<h2 id="h-when-and-how-to-view-the-northern-lights">When and how to view the northern lights&nbsp;</h2>



For those fortunate enough to be in these regions, the ideal window for viewing the aurora borealis is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center. Enthusiasts are advised to move away from city lights to enjoy a clearer and brighter view of the northern lights.



The brightness and visibility of the aurora significantly depend on the level of geomagnetic activity. As the anticipated date draws closer, NOAA will be closely monitoring the activity and will release its own forecast to aid potential viewers.



Notably, the last major northern light event in the U.S. occurred during a geomagnetic storm in late April, where the lights were visible across 30 U.S. states including parts of Iowa, North Dakota, and Kansas. Next week's event could offer another rare opportunity to witness this celestial fantasy.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-northern-lights">More about the northern lights&nbsp;</h2>



The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, are a captivating natural light display predominantly seen in the high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic. The lights form when solar particles enter the Earth's atmosphere and collide with molecules of oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements.



The interaction between these particles and atmospheric molecules results in the emission of light, producing a vibrant, ethereal spectacle of green, red, yellow, blue, and violet.&nbsp;



The particular color of the light display depends on the type of gas particles involved in the collision and the altitude at which the collision occurs. For instance, green light, the most common color seen in the auroras, is produced by oxygen molecules located about 60 miles above Earth's surface.



The term "aurora borealis" is derived from the Latin words "aurora" (meaning dawn) and "borealis" (meaning north). Similarly, its southern counterpart is known as the aurora australis, or southern lights.



The occurrence and strength of the northern lights are closely linked to solar activity. They are most commonly seen during periods of high solar activity such as during a solar maximum, when sunspots and solar flares are more frequent.&nbsp;



However, the lights can occur anytime the Earth passes through a region of space affected by solar wind, a stream of charged particles released from the sun.



The northern lights have fascinated humans for centuries, and are featured in the folklore and mythology of many cultures. Today, they continue to draw tourists from around the world to high-latitude regions like Scandinavia, Canada, and Alaska, where the northern lights are a regular spectacle.



While they are a year-round phenomenon, northern lights are more easily observed in the winter months due to the extended hours of darkness. It's also worth noting that clear skies are essential for observing these lights. Places with low light pollution are the best spots for viewing.



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Rare spectacle: Northern lights may be visible in 17 states next week

For those who dream of witnessing the northern lights, an...

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/">University of Arizona</a> has found that creative people are more likely to fruitfully use their idle time by engaging in original associations of ideas. 



A series of experiments revealed that participants who were more creative felt less bored when being alone in a room and, during the Covid-19 pandemic – when the whole world experienced unusually extended periods of unstructured time – such people were more engaged with their thoughts and thus less prone to experience boredom.



“I am particularly interested in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creativity-peak/">creativity</a> because we wanted to know what’s going on in the mind of creative individuals, especially in situations where nothing constrains their thoughts,” said study lead author Quentin Raffaeli, a graduate student in Psychology at Arizona.



Many historical anecdotes report that famous scientists, artists, or philosophers enjoyed being alone with their thoughts, and often generated some of their best ideas during idle time. “In today’s busy and digitally connected society, time to be alone with one’s thoughts without distraction may be becoming a rare commodity,” said senior author Jessica Andrews-Hanna, an associate professor of Cognition and Neural Systems at the same university.



<h2 id="h-new-approach-to-assessing-creativity">New approach to assessing creativity&nbsp;</h2>



However, most psychological and neuroscientific studies of human cognition either prompt participants to think in a certain way or ask them to report on thoughts they have previously experienced. Such approaches fail to take into account how thoughts naturally arise and unfold over time in unprompted contexts.



To overcome these limitations, the researchers conducted two experiments in which they could gather real-time data. In the first one, 81 participants were asked to sit alone in a room for 10 minutes without any access to digital devices and voice their thoughts aloud in real time.&nbsp;



Creativity was assessed through a “divergent thinking test,” a laboratory-based verbal test used to measure people’s ability to think “outside of the box.” Participants who scored high in this test had free-flowing thoughts that were associated with one another – a feature indicated by the recurrent use of phrases such as “this reminds me of” or “speaking of which.”



“While many participants had a tendency to jump between seemingly unrelated thoughts, creative individuals showed signs of thinking more associatively,” Raffaeli explained.



Moreover, creative individuals seemed to be more engaged in their thoughts when they were left alone without distractions such as digital devices. “Creative people rated themselves as being less bored, even over those 10 minutes. They also spoke more words overall, which indicated that their thoughts were more likely to move freely,” Andrews-Hanna said.



<h2 id="h-relaxing-with-our-thoughts">Relaxing with our thoughts</h2>



In a second experiment, the scientists extended their study to cover a much longer period of time – the Covid-19 pandemic – when many people were forced to be alone with their thoughts more often.&nbsp;



Over 2,600 participants answered questions through a smartphone app called&nbsp;<a href="https://news.arizona.edu/story/app-unlocks-mysteries-mind">Mind Window</a>, which was developed by Andrews-Hanna and her graduate student Eric Andrews. In this case, participants who self-identified as more creative also reported feeling less bored during the pandemic.



“As we become more overworked, overscheduled, and addicted to our digital devices, I think we need to do a better job in our homes, our workplaces, and our schools to cultivate time to simply relax with our thoughts,” Andrews-Hanna said.



The experts plan to continue using this app to better understand how people across the globe think in their daily lives. “Understanding why different people think the way they do may lead to promising interventions to improve health and well-being,” she concluded.



The study is published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10400419.2023.2227477">Creativity Research Journal</a>.



<h2 id="h-more-about-creative-people">More about creative people</h2>



Creative people are individuals who have a propensity to generate, develop, and communicate original, novel ideas or solutions. Creativity is a broad spectrum that spans numerous disciplines, including art, science, technology, business, and more. It's not just about producing art; it's about being innovative, imaginative, and able to think outside the box.



<h3 id="h-characteristics-of-creative-people">Characteristics of creative people&nbsp;</h3>



<h4 id="h-curiosity">Curiosity</h4>



Creative people have an unending desire for knowledge and understanding. They ask questions, seek answers, and are not afraid to explore new territories or concepts.



<h4 id="h-open-mindedness">Open-mindedness</h4>



They are open to new experiences and ideas, even if these contradict their current beliefs or knowledge. This allows them to view problems from multiple perspectives and come up with unique solutions.



<h4 id="h-risk-taking">Risk-taking</h4>



Creative individuals are often willing to take risks in pursuit of their ideas and innovation. This doesn't necessarily mean physical or financial risk, but also the willingness to explore new ideas that might not work or be popular.



<h4 id="h-persistence">Persistence</h4>



Creativity doesn't always lead to immediate success. Creative people tend to be resilient and persistent, often iterating on their ideas and work until they achieve their vision.



<h4 id="h-highly-observant">Highly observant</h4>



Creative individuals often notice details that others miss. They have a keen eye for observing their surroundings, which fuels their imagination and powers their ability to create.



<h4 id="h-ability-to-reframe-problems">Ability to reframe problems</h4>



Rather than getting stuck on a problem, creative people often have the ability to reframe it, viewing it from different angles and perspectives, which can lead to innovative solutions.



<h4 id="h-passionate">Passionate</h4>



They often have a strong passion for their creative pursuits. This passion fuels their creativity and drives them to continue creating even when faced with obstacles.



<h4 id="h-intrinsic-motivation">Intrinsic motivation</h4>



Creative people are often driven more by internal motivations than external rewards. They enjoy the process of creation for its own sake.



<h4 id="h-flexibility">Flexibility</h4>



Creative people can adapt to changes easily and are flexible in their thought process. They can shift from one perspective to another, which can lead to innovative ideas and solutions.



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



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Creative people make the most of their idle time

A new study led by the University of Arizona has...

Why are there no kangaroos in Bali, and no tigers in Australia? A new study led by biologists from The <a href="https://www.anu.edu.au/">Australian National University</a> (ANU) and <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html">ETH Zurich</a> in Switzerland is shedding light on why animals in this part of the world are divided by an invisible boundary. 



Australia is a sanctuary for a variety of marsupial species, including the iconic kangaroo and the koala. But as you travel westward, these marsupials become scarce. On the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, you will only encounter a handful of Australian mammals, and they are completely absent on the neighboring island of Borneo. By contrast, Australia lacks several animals typically found in Asia, such as bears, tigers, and rhinos.



This abrupt shift in animal species caught the attention of the celebrated British naturalist and co-discoverer of evolutionary theory, Alfred Russell Wallace. During his expedition through the Indo-Australian Archipelago from 1854 to 1862, Wallace discovered a biogeographical separation between Bali and Lombok, and between Borneo and Sulawesi. This invisible boundary is now known as Wallace’s Line.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-plate-tectonics-played-a-role">Plate tectonics played a role</h2>



But how did this distribution pattern emerge in the first place? It turns out that plate tectonics played a significant role. Forty-five million years ago, the Australian Plate began its journey northwards, sliding beneath the mighty Eurasian Plate.&nbsp;



This phenomenon brought the two distant land masses closer, facilitating the migration of land creatures between the two continents. In addition, tectonic movements led to the formation of numerous islands, acting as stepping stones for animals and plants to journey eastward or westward.



Interestingly, more animal species migrated from Asia to Australia, which is documented by the presence of various poisonous snakes, thorny lizards, hopping mice, and flying foxes. This unbalanced distribution of vertebrates along the Wallace Line has been a mystery until now.



To investigate, a team of researchers led by Loïc Pellissier, Professor of Ecosystems and Landscape Evolution at ETH Zurich, developed a comprehensive model. This model combined climate reconstructions, plate displacements from 30 million years ago to the present, and an extensive dataset of about 20,000 birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians found in the region today.



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



The researchers have published their intriguing findings in the latest issue of the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adf7122">Science</a>. They found that the climate of the originating areas played a significant role in the uneven distribution of Asian and Australian animal species on both sides of the Wallace Line.&nbsp;



According to the model simulations, Asian-originated animals (which were adapted to a tropically humid climate) found it easier to journey across the Indonesian islands and settle in New Guinea and northern Australia. Conversely, Australian wildlife had evolved in a cooler, increasingly dry climate. These animals found it challenging to thrive on the tropical islands.



"The historical context is crucial for understanding the biodiversity distribution patterns observed today and was the missing piece of the puzzle explaining the enigma of Wallace’s line," said Alexander Skeels, the study's first author and a postdoctoral researcher in Pellissier’s group.



<h2 id="h-understanding-today-s-biodiversity-patterns">Understanding today's biodiversity patterns&nbsp;</h2>



Species that evolved in tropical habitats are more competitive, grow faster, and can tolerate a wide range of climates, making it easier for them to settle in new continents. For instance, Australian frogs, adapted to drought and heat stress, bury themselves in the ground and remain dormant for extended periods, a behavior rarely seen in tropical frogs.



"These findings underscore the importance of considering the geological and climatic conditions of prehistoric times to understand today's biodiversity patterns," said Pellissier.&nbsp;



The research helps us comprehend why more species exist in the tropics today than in temperate latitudes. It further underscores our need to understand the processes that have shaped our planet's biodiversity, a fact that is especially relevant given the current rate at which species are being moved between continents due to human activities.



"Knowing the factors that influence exchange on long timescales is crucial to understanding why species can become invasive on more recent timescales," said Skeels, highlighting the consequences of human-induced invasions in the current biodiversity crisis.



"Our findings could also inform predictions for animal migration in the future and help us predict which species may be better versed at adapting to new environments, as changes to Earth’s climate continues to impact global biodiversity patterns."



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Animal mystery: Why tigers don't prowl in Australia and kangaroos don't hop in Bali

Why are there no kangaroos in Bali, and no tigers...

According to recent estimates, the past few days have been the hottest in our planet’s modern history, raising alarms that the Earth could be entering a multiyear period of unprecedented warmth. The record heat has even shocked climate scientists, who warn that the warming trend will only get worse. 



Heatwaves have emerged all over the globe, shattering temperature records from North America to Antarctica – with our planet experiencing its warmest June ever recorded.



This astonishing surge in record heat is likely driven by two compounding factors: the continued high-level emissions of greenhouse gases caused by burning oil, coal, and gas, and the return of El Niño, a cyclical weather pattern that re-emerged last month. 



The ongoing El Niño event is expected to drive massive spikes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-heat-is-threatening-wheat-and-the-global-food-supply/">heat</a> and moisture in the years to come, and trigger extreme storms and floods in some areas and massive droughts and fires in others.



<h2 id="h-widespread-impacts">Widespread impacts</h2>



In the previous weeks, weather extremes have affected a variety of regions, including China, where Beijing surpassed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) for the first time in history, as well as Texas and Mexico, where officials are currently struggling to keep the electricity grid functional due to intensive use of air conditioning devices.&nbsp;



In addition, smoke from the massive Canadian wildfires triggered by abnormal spring heat and unusually dry weather conditions continues to choke parts of the US.&nbsp;



Even in usually cooler regions, such as the Antarctic, sea ice levels have recently plummeted to record laws, while in the North Atlantic, surface temperatures in May were already 1.6 degrees Celsius (2.9 Fahrenheit) higher than typical for that time of year, breaking previous records by unusually large margins.&nbsp;



Finally, on the 4th of July, global average temperatures climbed to 17 degrees Celsius (62.6 Fahrenheit), making it the hottest day the Earth has experienced at least since 1940, when the official record began.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-uncharted-territory">Uncharted territory</h2>



These sharp increases in temperature are unsettling even for scientists who have been tracking climate change for years.&nbsp;



“It’s so far out of line of what’s been observed that it’s hard to wrap your head around. It doesn’t seem real,” said Brian McNoldy, a senior research scientist at the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a>. And while these weather patterns may change in the weeks ahead, “even then we’d probably be going from insanely record-breaking temperatures down to just extremely record-breaking.”



“We have never seen anything like this before,” added Carlo Buontempo, director of Europe’s <a href="https://climate.copernicus.eu/">Copernicus Climate Change Service</a>. In his opinion, all the charts and graphs on Earth’s climate currently emerging in the scientific community are literally showing that “we are in uncharted territory.”



<h2 id="h-convergence-of-warming-factors">Convergence of warming factors</h2>



Globally, the Earth has already warmed about two degrees Fahrenheit since the industrial revolution and, if humans fail to halt greenhouse emissions and stop deforestation, it will continue to grow hotter in the years and decades to come.&nbsp;



However, this anthropogenic warming is already compounded by other factors such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, which causes year-to-year fluctuations by shifting heat in and out of deeper ocean layers. While global ocean temperatures are usually cooler during La Niña years, they tend to be significantly hotter during El Niño years.&nbsp;



“A big reason we’re seeing so many records shattered is that we’re transitioning out of an unusually long three-year La Niña, which suppressed temperatures, and into a strong El Niño,” said Zeke Hausfather, a climate scientist at <a href="https://berkeleyearth.org/">Berkeley Earth</a>.



Unfortunately, the current El Niño has just started and many experts do not expect it to peak until December or January, meaning that global temperatures will witness another massive surge next year.



Other factors that are possibly contributing to the record heat include a subtropical high pressure system known as the Azores High, which has weakened the winds blowing over the North Atlantic ocean and limited the amount of dust blowing from Sahara that usually helps cool the ocean, as well as recent efforts to curb sulfur pollution from ships, which may have inadvertently contributed to warming, since sulfur dioxide tends to reflect sunlight and thus cool the planet to a certain degree.



“There does seem to be this unusual convergence of warming factors right now. But this is all happening in a world where we’ve been increasing greenhouse gases for the past 150 years, and that really loads the dice and makes it much more likely that we’re going to get pushed into record-breaking territory,” concluded Gabriel Vecchi, a climate scientist at <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/">Princeton University</a>.



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"Insanely" record-breaking heat has even shocked climate scientists

According to recent estimates, the past few days have been...

A research team from the <a href="https://umd.edu/">University of Maryland</a>, Northern Arizona University, the University of Arizona, and other institutions has demonstrated the critical role of protected forests in climate change mitigation.&nbsp;



According to the study, protected forests store an additional 9.65 billion metric tons of carbon in their aboveground biomass compared to ecologically similar regions that are not protected.



The implications of these findings are staggering. The enormous quantity of carbon stored equates to the total annual emissions produced by burning fossil fuels on a global scale. The research highlights the colossal importance of protected forests in maintaining climate stability.



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



The experts utilized the advanced remote sensing technology provided by NASA's Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation. This data, which included precise forest height, structure, and surface elevation information, offered the researchers an unprecedented level of detail in their analysis.



"We have never had these 3D satellite data sets before, so we have never been able to map forest carbon accurately at this scale," said Laura Duncanson, the lead author of the study.



The team focused their efforts on comparing the ability of protected and unprotected areas to prevent emissions from reaching the atmosphere, challenging the long-standing assumption that safeguarded territories provide a disproportionately higher amount of ecosystem services. This includes crucial functions like carbon storage and sequestration.



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



The insights shed new light on the global significance of forest preservation. According to the study, the most pronounced impact in terms of climate positivity originated from the safeguarded broadleaf forest biome located in the Brazilian Amazon. This region alone contributed a remarkable 36 percent of the carbon sequestration by protected forests.&nbsp;



In addition to quantifying the carbon storage capacity of protected forests, the researchers highlighted a new ability to determine the volume of aboveground biomass - the dry mass of vegetation standing above the ground. This aspect of the study revealed that the biomass accumulated in safeguarded areas equals roughly the yearly global emissions from fossil fuels.



Historical efforts to measure biomass content within protected territories have been plagued by high levels of uncertainty and bias.&nbsp;



"This is one of the first demonstrations of how new remote sensing technologies can be used to obtain detailed biomass estimates," said Kendra McLaughlan, a program director in NSF's Division of Environmental Biology. "This study signals a new era in tropical forest ecosystem science."



In the quest for solutions to the impending climate crisis, the research highlights the global importance of forest conservation. The study provides empirical evidence that safeguarding our forests is not just beneficial for preserving biodiversity, but is also a crucial strategy for storing carbon and offsetting global emissions.&nbsp;



The pioneering research was funded collaboratively by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and NASA. The findings are published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/ncomms/">Nature Communications</a>.



<h2 id="h-more-about-protected-forests">More about protected forests</h2>



Protected forests are areas of woodland that are specifically preserved to ensure their natural condition remains unspoiled. They are often established to maintain biodiversity, protect endangered species, and combat climate change through carbon sequestration. Protection can mean different things, from strictly limiting human activity to promoting sustainable uses that do not harm the natural ecology.



There are several types of protected forests, including:



<h3 id="h-national-parks">National parks</h3>



These are areas designated by the government to conserve significant or unique ecosystems, wildlife, and natural features. They often provide recreational opportunities for the public.



<h3 id="h-nature-reserves-or-wildlife-refuges">Nature reserves or wildlife refuges</h3>



&nbsp;These are protected areas for specific animals, plants, or types of environment. They are often more restricted than national parks in terms of human activities.



<h3 id="h-wilderness-areas">Wilderness areas</h3>



These areas are usually untouched by human activity and are intended to remain in their natural state.



<h3 id="h-indigenous-protected-areas">Indigenous protected areas</h3>



These are areas where local communities or indigenous people play a significant role in the management and use of the forests. The focus is often on sustainable practices that support livelihoods while protecting biodiversity.



<h3 id="h-world-heritage-sites">World Heritage Sites</h3>



These sites, identified by UNESCO, have significant cultural or natural value. Some of these sites are forests, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the United States or the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra in Indonesia.



The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has developed a categorization system for protected areas, which ranges from I (Strict Nature Reserve, the highest level of protection) to VI (Protected Area with sustainable use of natural resources).



Protecting forests is vital for biodiversity conservation and mitigating climate change, but it also presents challenges. Balancing conservation with the needs and rights of local communities is often complex.&nbsp;



Effective management requires resources, which can be lacking, especially in developing countries. However, the benefits of forest protection - such as clean air and water, carbon storage, habitat for wildlife, and places for recreation and spiritual solace - are priceless.



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Protected forests offset a year's worth of global fossil fuel emissions

A research team from the University of Maryland, Northern Arizona...

Karma Nanglu, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/">Harvard University</a>, says his favorite animal is whichever one he’s working on at the time. His most recent research, however, focuses on an animal that may keep its place as his favorite for a while: an extraordinary 500-million-year-old fossil from a fascinatingly bizarre group of marine invertebrates known as tunicates.



Nanglu’s research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-39012-4">Nature Communications</a>, describes this ancient specimen, named Megasiphon thylakos, and provides a surprising insight into the early evolution of tunicates. "This animal is as exciting a discovery as some of the stuff I found when hanging off a cliffside of a mountain, or jumping out of a helicopter. It’s just as cool,” said Nanglu.



<h2 id="h-our-closest-invertebrate-relatives">Our closest invertebrate relatives</h2>



Tunicates, commonly known as sea squirts, are unusual creatures that come in a range of shapes and sizes and have diverse lifestyles. An adult tunicate typically has a barrel-like shape with two siphons, or tubes, projecting from its body. One of these siphons draws in water, complete with food particles, allowing the animal to feed through an internal filter. After feeding, the second siphon expels the water.



Although these tunicates are our closest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-identify-long-term-declines-in-uk-earthworms/">invertebrate</a> relatives, their life cycle is nothing short of astounding. Nanglu explained, “This idea that they begin as tadpole-looking larva that, when ready to develop, basically headbutts a rock, sticks to it, and begins to metamorphosis by reabsorbing its own tail to transform into this being with two siphons is just awe-inspiring.”



The tunicate family tree branches into two main lineages, the ascidiaceans, which are sessile (non-moving), and the mobile appendicularias. Most ascidiaceans begin life resembling tadpoles before metamorphosing into barrel-shaped adults, leading stationary lives attached to the seafloor. By contrast, appendicularians maintain their tadpole-like appearance into adulthood, freely swimming in upper waters.



Interestingly, tunicates are more closely related to vertebrates, which includes species ranging from fish to humans, than to any other invertebrate group. The tadpole stage of tunicates provides a glimpse into this unexpected connection, offering crucial insights into our own evolutionary origins. However, this has been challenging as tunicates have left only a scant presence in the fossil record.



<h2 id="h-oldest-known-fossil-of-its-kind">Oldest known fossil of its kind</h2>



M. thylakos was unearthed from the middle Cambrian Marjum Formation in Utah, the oldest known fossil of its kind and the only definitive tunicate fossil with preserved soft tissue to date. It displays all the hallmarks of an ascidian tunicate - a barrel-shaped body and two prominent siphon-like growths. However, the most intriguing feature was the dark bands running along the fossil's body.



Using high-resolution imaging, Nanglu and his colleagues compared M. thylakos to a modern ascidian species, Ciona. The similarities between the dark bands of the fossil and the muscles that allow modern tunicates to control their siphons were remarkable.&nbsp;



“Megasiphon’s morphology suggests to us that the ancestral lifestyle of tunicates involved a non-moving adult that filter fed with its large siphons,” Nanglu explained.



The fossil was identified as a tunicate by co-authors Rudy Lerosey-Aubril and Professor Javier Ortega-Hernández, both from Harvard's Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology. They discovered the fossil while visiting the Utah Museum of Natural History (UMNH) in 2019.&nbsp;



“The fossil immediately caught our attention...the close morphological similarity of Megasiphon with modern tunicates was simply too striking to overlook, and we immediately knew that the fossil would have an interesting story to tell," said Ortega-Hernández.



<h2 id="h-evolutionary-history-of-ancient-tunicates">Evolutionary history of ancient tunicates</h2>



The fossil’s age, approximately 500 million years, places it in the era following the Cambrian Explosion, a pivotal moment in Earth's history when most major animal groups appeared in the fossil record for the first time, radically transforming marine ecosystems. Yet, tunicates are conspicuously absent in Cambrian rocks, despite their diversity and abundance in modern oceans.



According to molecular clock estimates, ascidian tunicates originated about 450 million years ago. The older M. thylakos fossil, therefore, offers a unique glimpse into the anatomy and evolutionary history of ancient tunicates, suggesting that most features of modern tunicates were already established shortly after the Cambrian Explosion.&nbsp;



"Given the exceptional quality of preservation and the age of the fossil, we can actually say quite a bit about the evolutionary history of the tunicates,” said Nanglu.



With hundreds of new fossils collected this spring, the researchers believe that the Marjum Formation is far from revealing all of its secrets, and they eagerly await the surprises that may be in store.



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Our ancient cousins: 500-million-year-old tunicate holds intriguing secrets

Karma Nanglu, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Organismic...

A groundbreaking study is providing fascinating insights into the human body's response to rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reef-fish-populations-are-altered-by-rising-temperatures/">temperatures</a> and intense heat. Led by Professor Lewis Halsey at the <a href="https://www.roehampton.ac.uk/">University of Roehampton</a>, the research has revealed the existence of an upper critical temperature (UCT) for humans, falling somewhere within the range of 40°C to 50°C.&nbsp;



This revelation indicates a tipping point at which the human body's metabolic energy costs begin to surge in response to intense heat.



Understanding metabolic rates and their reactions to different conditions is an intricate science. The resting metabolic rate, which is the amount of energy that the human body requires to maintain basic, restful functioning, can in fact spike when people are subjected to environments that are hot and humid.&nbsp;



"Quite a lot of work has been done on the range of temperatures that different animal species prefer to live at in terms of their metabolic rates being minimal and thus their energy expenditure being low, but, weirdly, information is much less available for humans when considering the upper limits of our thermal neutral zone," explained Professor Halsey.



<h2 id="h-implications-of-the-study">Implications of the study</h2>



The implications of this research extend across various sectors. Discerning the temperature thresholds at which human metabolic rates start to increase, and how this fluctuates amongst different individuals, could have a profound impact on areas such as work environments, sports, medical practices, and international travel.&nbsp;



Professor Halsey emphasized the broader relevance of this study, stating that the research "provides fundamental knowledge about how we react to suboptimal environments, and how ‘optimal’ differs between people with different characteristics."



Moreover, the research team is delving into how these extreme temperatures, those above the UCT, impact heart function, and how the effects vary among people with different traits, such as age and physical fitness.&nbsp;



"We found some considerable changes in heart function responses to the heat between categories of people, the most novel being between the sexes," said Professor Halsey. In other words, average men and women display distinctive differences in their cardiovascular responses to high heat levels.



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



To investigate, the team used an advanced echocardiograph, a high-tech device that captures detailed images of heart function. This is not typical research equipment. "It was not easy to operate this kit in the heat! The sort of equipment you'd see in hospitals but rarely in research laboratories."



As this research is ongoing, Professor Halsey will be presenting the most recent findings at the upcoming <a href="https://www.sebiology.org/">Society for Experimental Biology</a> conference. "We are steadily building a picture about how the body responds to heat stress, how adaptable it can be, the limits to those adaptations, and - crucially - how varied responses are between individuals. In a warming world, this knowledge becomes ever more valuable."



Indeed, as global temperatures continue to rise, the relevance and urgency of understanding our body's responses to heat become more critical than ever. Professor Halsey's research is helping to bridge this knowledge gap and shed light on the human body's capabilities and limitations in the face of intense heat.



<h2 id="h-more-about-heat-and-the-human-body">More about heat and the human body</h2>



The human body maintains an internal temperature of approximately 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), a balance known as homeostasis. This balance can be affected by external temperature changes such as heat, which the body responds to in several ways to maintain its optimal temperature.



<h3 id="h-sweating">Sweating</h3>



The body cools itself by sweating, which is water evaporating off the skin surface. The heat required to evaporate the water comes from the body, which thus reduces its temperature. This is why in hot weather, you tend to sweat more.



<h3 id="h-vasodilation">Vasodilation</h3>



In response to heat, the blood vessels near the surface of your skin will dilate, or widen, in a process called vasodilation. This allows more blood to flow near the surface of the skin, which can help to radiate heat away from the body.



<h3 id="h-increasing-heart-rate">Increasing heart rate</h3>



To facilitate the process of heat loss, the heart rate increases to pump more blood through these dilated vessels.



<h3 id="h-behavioral-responses">Behavioral responses</h3>



The body can also signal that it's too hot, leading to behavioral responses like seeking shade, removing clothing, or drinking cool liquids.



However, extreme heat can pose a danger to the body. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion, can occur when the body can't cool itself properly. These can be serious conditions that require medical attention. Symptoms can include heavy sweating, rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea, and confusion.



To prevent heat-related illnesses, it's important to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks if you're outside in the heat, and try to stay in cooler areas during the hottest parts of the day. If you or someone else is showing symptoms of a heat-related illness, it's important to seek medical help right away.



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Feeling the heat: Rising temperatures push the limits of the human body

A groundbreaking study is providing fascinating insights into the human...

A study from the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/">United States Geological Survey</a> (USGS) reveals that close to half of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-water-is-the-key-to-a-long-and-healthy-life/">drinking water</a> taps in the U.S. likely contain PFAS, or "forever chemicals," that could lead to severe health implications including certain types of cancer.&nbsp;



The alarming study represents the first nationwide attempt to estimate the presence of PFAS in private as well as regulated water supplies. This is a step beyond the understanding that forever chemicals are present in a range of consumer products from nonstick cookware to water-resistant clothing.



<h2 id="h-future-decisions-regarding-drinking-water">Future decisions regarding drinking water</h2>



The USGS did not issue any policy suggestions based on the findings. However, study lead author Kelly Smalling underscored the importance of the study's results for influencing individual and institutional decisions regarding drinking water. The findings can inform decisions about whether to treat drinking water, test it, or seek additional information about the local situation from the state.



The research is timely, given the current review by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of a proposal made in March to impose federal drinking water limits on six forms of forever chemicals.&nbsp;



PFAS, or per- and polyfluorinated substances, are especially concerning because they linger in the human body for years and persist in the environment without degrading. The EPA is expected to make a final decision on this proposal by late 2023 or 2024.



The government has yet to prohibit companies from discharging these hazardous chemicals into public wastewater systems. According to Scott Faber, a senior vice president of the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/">Environmental Working Group</a> (EWG), the government should prioritize addressing the issue at its source. Faber stresses the importance of obliging polluters to treat their waste, likening the current approach to installing a stoplight after an accident has already occurred.



The potential health impacts of forever chemicals have been under investigation for some time. Studies involving lab animals have found potential links between PFAS and various health conditions, including cancers of the kidney and testes, high blood pressure, and low birth weight.



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



The USGS study used samples that were directly obtained from taps in 716 different locations, instead of relying on measurements from water treatment plants or groundwater wells supplying them, as is the norm with federal and state programs. The samples, collected between 2016 and 2021, included 447 locations relying on public supplies and 269 utilizing private wells.&nbsp;



A diverse range of sites was examined, including national parks, residential and rural areas with no identified PFAS sources, and urban centers with industry or waste sites known to generate PFAS.



Smalling and her team tested for 32 detectable PFAS compounds, although thousands more are believed to exist but remain undetectable with current technology. The most frequently detected types were PFBS, PFHxS, PFOA, and PFOS. Most samples contained two types, though some had as many as nine, with a median concentration of about seven parts per trillion for all PFAS types.



<h2 id="h-exposure-to-forever-chemicals">Exposure to forever chemicals </h2>



The analysis revealed that the most significant exposures are in cities and near potential sources of PFAS, particularly in areas such as the Eastern Seaboard, Great Lakes and Great Plains urban centers, and Central and Southern California. Still, it's noteworthy that many of the tests, predominantly in rural areas, detected no PFAS at all.



Based on this comprehensive data, researchers estimate that at least one form of forever chemicals could be found in approximately 45 percent of tap water samples nationwide. This discovery highlights the need for private well users to test their water for PFAS and contemplate installing filters. Activated carbon or reverse osmosis membrane filters can effectively remove these compounds, said Faber.



He emphasized the crucial need for those using private wells to have their water tested for PFAS and to consider the installation of filters, which can contain activated carbon or reverse osmosis membranes, as effective measures to remove these harmful compounds



Faber interprets the USGS study as irrefutable evidence of the pervasive nature of PFAS, noting that individuals who rely on private wells are particularly susceptible to the damage these chemicals can inflict. He states, "The USGS study is further evidence that PFAS is incredibly pervasive and folks who rely on private wells are particularly vulnerable to the harms caused by these chemicals.”



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Nearly half of US drinking water taps likely contain forever chemicals

A study from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reveals...

Researchers may be one step closer to answering the question of how the ancestors of today's birds managed to survive the cataclysmic event that killed off the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. The study suggests that the survival of avian ancestors may be linked to their unique molting patterns.



A bird's molt, as seemingly insignificant as it may appear, is a vital process linked to numerous important functions, explained Jingmai O’Connor, an associate curator of fossil reptiles at Chicago’s <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/">Field Museum</a>.



Every bird is a living remnant of an era of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-ancestors-coexisted-with-dinosaurs-yes-according-to-shocking-new-research/">dinosaurs</a>. A bird's plumage, comprised of complex structures of keratin protein (similar to our hair and nails), plays an essential role in flight, camouflage, thermoregulation, mate attraction, and protection against harmful UV rays. However, these sophisticated structures are incapable of repair, which means they must be frequently replaced in a process known as molting.&nbsp;



"Molt is something that I don't think a lot of people think about, but it is fundamentally such an important process to birds," said O’Connor. Her most recent research was focused on a 99-million-year-old cluster of juvenile bird feathers trapped in amber, providing the first definitive fossil evidence of juvenile molting.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-simultaneous-molting">Simultaneous molting</h2>



The specimen presented a unique combination of traits not seen in any extant bird species, demonstrating a simultaneous growth of all body feathers. This pattern is most typical in altricial bird species, which hatch naked and rely heavily on their parents for warmth and nourishment. However, O'Connor's previous research suggested that this extinct bird belonged to the Enantiornithines, a group known for its precocial nature, meaning they were born with feathers and were fairly self-reliant from a young age.



Simultaneous molting, as observed in this juvenile bird, may have had severe implications for the Enantiornithines during the devastating asteroid impact that caused the mass extinction event. This extinction event would have resulted in a drastic plummet in global temperatures and a scarcity of resources.&nbsp;



As a precocial bird undergoing a rapid molt, the energy demands to stay warm would have been steep. However, with limited resources, these demands would be difficult to meet, potentially contributing to their eventual extinction.



<h2 id="h-evolution-of-molting">Evolution of molting&nbsp;</h2>



In addition to this groundbreaking discovery, O’Connor, along with postdoctoral researcher Yosef Kiat, undertook another study that delved into understanding the evolution of molting in birds by examining its patterns in extant species.&nbsp;



The research, published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/commsbio/">Communications Biology</a>, revealed that most modern adult birds undergo sequential molting, replacing a few feathers at a time over several weeks. This method allows the bird to maintain flight capabilities during the molting period. Simultaneous molts, which involve shedding and regrowing all flight feathers at once, were less common and typically seen in aquatic species like ducks, who don't depend heavily on flight for survival.



Interestingly, molting evidence in fossil birds and other feathered dinosaurs is a rare find. "We had this hypothesis that birds with simultaneous molts, which occur in a shorter duration of time, will be less represented in the fossil record," explained O’Connor. This theory suggests that a shorter molting period equated to fewer opportunities for a bird to die and thus become fossilized during molting, preserving evidence of this crucial process.



“We tested more than 600 skins of modern birds stored in the ornithology collection of the Field Museum to look for evidence of active molting,” said Kiat. “Among the sequentially molting birds, we found dozens of specimens in an active molt, but among the simultaneous molters, we found hardly any.”



The findings appeared to align with their hypothesis, hinting at the possibility that the lack of molting evidence in the fossil record may be due to fewer instances of simultaneous molting in ancient birds.



<h2 id="h-valuable-insights">Valuable insights&nbsp;</h2>



Despite the fact that their study was based on modern birds, the scientists believe that these findings could provide valuable insights into the molting patterns of prehistoric birds. “In paleontology, we have to get creative, since we don’t have complete data sets," said O'Connor. "Here, we used statistical analysis of a random sample to infer what the absence of something is actually telling us."



In this context, the noticeable lack of molting fossil birds, despite the prevalence of active molting in modern bird specimens, indicates that fossil birds likely did not molt as frequently as today's birds. It is plausible that they underwent a simultaneous molt, or they might not have followed the yearly molt schedule typical of most current bird species.



These groundbreaking studies on molting unveil a recurring theme: the molting habits of prehistoric birds and feathered dinosaurs, especially those from groups that did not survive the mass extinction, were distinctly different from today’s avian species.



"All the differences that you can find between crown birds and stem birds, essentially, become hypotheses about why one group survived and the rest didn’t," said O'Connor. She proposed that the differential survival could be attributed to a multitude of factors, one of which could very well be the molting process.&nbsp;



"I don't think there's any one particular reason why the crown birds, the group that includes modern birds, survived. I think it's a combination of characteristics. But I think it's becoming clear that molt may have been a significant factor in which dinosaurs were able to survive,” concluded O'Connor.&nbsp;



—--



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Unique molting patterns may have saved birds during dinosaur extinction

Researchers may be one step closer to answering the question...

Smiling,Young,Woman,Brushing,Teeth,In,Bathroom.,Happy,Girl,Looking

A recently published study adds a compelling reason to maintain your dental hygiene: It might be linked to the health of your brain and mental decline.



The study, which appeared in the online July 5, 2023 issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the <a href="https://www.aan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Academy of Neurology</a>, investigates the potential connection between brain health and dental health.



The research identified that common dental issues, like gum disease and tooth loss, could be related to shrinkage in the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved with memory and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/physical-activity-reduces-the-risk-of-alzheimers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's disease</a>.



It’s crucial to note that the study doesn't claim that these dental problems cause Alzheimer's disease. However, it has certainly shown a strong association.



Satoshi Yamaguchi, PhD, DDS, the author of the study from Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan, explained the significance of the findings.



"Tooth loss and gum disease are very common, so evaluating a potential link with dementia is incredibly important," said Yamaguchi. He added, "Our study found that these conditions may play a role in the health of the brain area that controls thinking and memory, giving people another reason to take better care of their teeth."



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



The study engaged 172 participants, all around the age of 67, and none of them reported memory problems at the study's outset. All underwent dental exams and memory tests. Their hippocampal volume was measured via brain scans at the beginning of the study and again four years later.



Researchers assessed the dental hygiene and health of the participants by counting their teeth and measuring the depth of their gum tissue, a key indicator of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sugar-drink-taxes-dramatically-improve-overall-health-in-cities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gum disease</a>. Healthy gums typically measure between one and three millimeters deep.



Mild gum disease is signified by measurements of three to four millimeters in several areas, while severe gum disease involves measurements of five to six millimeters, accompanied by more bone loss, leading to loose teeth and potential tooth loss.



<h2>What the scientists discovered</h2>



The research found a link between the number of teeth and the severity of gum disease to changes in the left hippocampus of the participants' brains.



Interestingly, in people with mild gum disease, fewer teeth correlated with mental decline from faster shrinkage in the left hippocampus. Conversely, in those with severe gum disease, more teeth were associated with faster shrinkage in the same area.



In terms of brain aging, researchers found that for individuals with mild gum disease, each lost tooth accelerated the rate of brain shrinkage, equivalent to nearly one year of brain aging. However, for those with severe gum disease, each additional tooth corresponded to a faster rate of brain shrinkage, equivalent to 1.3 years of brain aging.



Yamaguchi emphasized the implications of these findings. "These results highlight the importance of preserving the health of the teeth and not just retaining the teeth," he stated.



<h2>Poor dental hygiene and gum disease linked to mental decline</h2>



The study's results suggest that keeping teeth suffering from severe gum disease might be linked to brain atrophy. Yamaguchi underscored the importance of regular dental check-ups to control gum disease progression. Teeth severely affected by gum disease might need to be extracted and replaced with suitable prosthetic devices.



As promising as these findings are, Yamaguchi admits that more research is needed, preferably involving larger groups of participants. He also noted the study's geographical limitation, as it was conducted only in one region of Japan, and therefore the results may not be applicable to other populations.



The research was funded by multiple Japanese institutions, including the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Keio University; Japan Arteriosclerosis Prevention Fund; Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare; Teikyo University; and various pharmaceutical companies and foundations.



In essence, this study shows that taking care of your teeth goes beyond just maintaining a bright smile. It might also be a significant factor in preserving your brain health. 



Practicing good dental hygiene will potentially prevent mental decline by helping to ward off diseases like Alzheimer's. So, make sure to keep up with your dental hygiene and routine check-ups; your brain might thank you for it.



<h2>More about dental hygiene</h2>



Dental hygiene, also known as oral hygiene, refers to the practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean to prevent dental problems like cavities, gum diseases, and bad breath. 



Good dental hygiene is essential for overall health. Research has linked poor oral health to a variety of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Here are some important aspects to consider:



<h3>Brushing</h3>



This is the cornerstone of good dental hygiene. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. Ideally in the morning and before bed, using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. 



The toothbrush should be held at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Brushing should cover all surfaces of the teeth, using gentle, circular motions. Brushing your tongue is also crucial, as it can harbor bacteria and contribute to bad breath. Remember to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.



<h3>Flossing</h3>



Flossing removes food particles and plaque that your toothbrush can't reach. It should be done once a day, usually before bed. To floss correctly, you should use an 18-inch piece of floss. Wind most of it around your middle fingers, and then gently glide it between the teeth, following the curve of each tooth to avoid damaging the gums.



<h3>Rinsing</h3>



After brushing and flossing, rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash helps to remove any lingering particles. Some mouthwashes also contain ingredients to fight bacteria and freshen breath.



<h3>Diet</h3>



Consuming a balanced diet can contribute to good dental health. Try to limit sugary foods and drinks, as sugar promotes the growth of the bacteria that cause cavities. Foods high in calcium and phosphorus, like milk, cheese, and lean meats, can help to keep your teeth strong.



<h3>Regular Dental Visits</h3>



Regular check-ups and cleanings by a dental professional are essential, usually every six months. Although the frequency may vary based on your individual dental health. These visits can help detect problems early, when they're easier and less expensive to treat. They can also remove tartar, a hardened form of plaque that can't be removed by normal brushing and flossing.



<h3>Avoiding Tobacco</h3>



Tobacco, in both smoked and smokeless forms, can lead to gum disease, tooth discoloration, bad breath, and oral cancer. Quitting tobacco use can significantly reduce these risks.



Remember, dental hygiene is not just about having a beautiful smile; it's an important part of your overall health. Practice good oral hygiene habits daily, and your teeth and body will thank you.

Poor dental hygiene is directly linked to decrease in brain volume and mental decline

A recently published study adds a compelling reason to maintain...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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.

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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

How the immune system responds to injury

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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