Modern life keeps most of us moving fast but exercising less. While we hustle between screens, meetings, and chores, our bodies slow down - and our brains might be doing the same. 



In recent years, researchers have explored how small changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-in-a-pill-is-now-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daily movement</a> could produce large shifts in overall health. And now, evidence is building that even modest physical activity might shield our most important organ: the brain.



The idea that fitness and cognitive well-being are deeply connected is not new. But how little effort it takes to unlock those benefits might surprise you.



In Norway, this concept has sparked national interest thanks to a team of researchers who made headlines with a fresh approach to exercise - and now, a powerful case for its brain-boosting potential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-workouts-boost-body-and-brain">Tiny workouts boost body and brain</h2>



Earlier this year, Ulrik Wisløff and Atefe R. Tari of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (<a href="https://www.ntnu.edu">NTNU</a>) published a book titled Microtraining – 7 weeks to boost fitness and strength. 



Its release drew attention to a simple, research-backed idea: even small bursts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-reduces-the-risk-of-brain-diseases-by-up-to-54-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical activity</a> can create substantial gains in strength and endurance.



The same researchers, collaborating with the <a href="https://qbi.uq.edu.au">Queensland Brain Institute</a> in Australia, have now expanded their scope. Their new study, published in The Lancet, focuses on brain health. It asks a compelling question - how does being physically active affect the aging brain?



The answer is promising: it doesn’t take much movement to help your brain age more gracefully.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-exercises-improve-brain-health">Intense exercises improve brain health</h2>



The study reveals that even short bouts of high-intensity exercise can influence brain health positively. These findings support growing calls for public health policies that place more emphasis on movement, regardless of duration.



“Exercise is not only important for the heart, but also for the brain. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-significantly-lowers-heart-disease-risk-by-reducing-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical activity</a> appears to be one of the most promising measures we have to prevent cognitive decline and dementia,” Tari said.



The review highlights how fitness, especially endurance training, may delay or reduce the risk of dementia. For an aging population with rising rates of cognitive disease, this insight is not just useful - it’s urgent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-exercise-affects-the-brain">How exercise affects the brain</h2>



The team reviewed data from both animal and human studies to uncover how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-doses-of-exercise-can-greatly-reduce-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical activity</a> influences biological processes in the brain. 



As we age, inflammation increases, blood flow slows, immune functions weaken, and brain plasticity declines. These changes make the brain more vulnerable to neurodegenerative conditions like dementia.



“These are mechanisms that play an important role in the development of dementia and cognitive decline,” Tari explained.



The good news? Exercise seems to slow or even reverse many of these age-related changes. 



The body releases protective molecules during physical activity that enhance brain repair and communication. This is particularly important as aging cells lose their natural ability to maintain cognitive function.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microtraining-as-a-health-strategy">Microtraining as a health strategy</h2>



Wisløff and Tari belong to the Cardiac Exercise Research Group (<a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/cerg">CERG</a>) at NTNU. They have long advocated for microtraining, a practice that involves brief but intense periods of movement. 



Instead of long sessions at the gym, microtraining weaves exercise into daily life. For example, walking briskly up stairs or doing short sprints at home.



This approach could make fitness more accessible. Current public <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fitness-focused-medicine-physical-activity-reduces-chronic-disease-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> guidelines suggest at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity effort each week. But many people struggle to meet those targets.



“Fully 50 to 70 percent of the population does not manage today’s activity recommendations,” Wisløff said.



The researchers argue that it’s time to rethink these benchmarks. The real barrier may not be ability or awareness - it’s how the message is framed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-time-more-intensity">Less time, more intensity</h2>



The review makes it clear: the key lies not in how long you move, but how hard. Even small doses of high-intensity movement offer measurable brain benefits.



“We believe it’s time for health authorities to provide clearer advice on how important exercise is for the brain. Our review shows that even small doses of high-intensity activity - equivalent to brisk walking where you can’t sing - can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 40 percent,” Wisløff said.



This redefinition of what counts as exercise could transform the way individuals and policymakers think about fitness. It doesn’t require a gym membership or hours of free time. Just commitment - and perhaps a bit of breathlessness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exercise-and-brain-health">Exercise and brain health</h2>



The Norwegian findings are not alone. In a January commentary in Nature Medicine, American researchers echoed the call for updated guidelines. 



They, too, emphasized the value of even brief, intense activities. Together, these voices challenge the idea that fitness must be time-consuming to be worthwhile.



“Today’s recommendations emphasize total activity, but we show that even small amounts of high intensity exercise have an effect on the brain. This should be communicated more clearly - it may be what motivates people to get started. A little is better than nothing - and it’s never too late to start,” said Tari.



Public messaging around health often focuses on long-term, high-effort goals. But this research suggests that the road to better brain health might begin with much smaller steps.



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



As populations live longer, dementia and cognitive decline are becoming some of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. With no effective cure yet available, prevention stands as the strongest defense. That’s where movement comes in.



“Exercise is cheap, accessible and has no side effects. It should be considered a first-line measure to preserve brain health,” Tari said.



The simplicity of this solution makes it powerful. By replacing inactivity with brief but regular bursts of movement, individuals can protect not just their bodies - but their minds.



And in doing so, they embrace a form of healthcare that begins with the smallest of steps.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)00184-9/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet</a>.



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Small bursts of intense exercise can slow brain aging

Modern life keeps most of us moving fast but exercising less. While we hustle between screens, meetings, and chores, our bodies slow down - and our brains might be doing the same. In recent years, researchers have explored how small changes in daily movement could produce large shifts in overall health. And now, evidence is building that even modest physical activity might shield our most important organ: the brain. The idea that fitness and cognitive well-being are deeply connected is not new. But how little effort it...

Tropical,Palm,Trees,On,The,Miami,Beach,Near,The,Ocean,

Wind is an essential factor in forecasting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-becoming-more-difficult-to-predict/">weather</a> patterns, as it influences cloud formation by bringing water vapor together. Now, atmospheric scientists have discovered a groundbreaking method of measuring wind using an algorithm that interprets data from water vapor movements.&nbsp;



This innovative approach could prove invaluable in predicting extreme weather events such as hurricanes and storms.



For the first time, a study recently published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2022GL101830">Geophysical Research Letters</a> provides insights into the vertical distribution of horizontal winds over tropical and midlatitude regions. The research was conducted by researchers at the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/">University of Arizona</a>.



The scientists obtained water vapor movement data by utilizing two operational satellites belonging to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the federal agency responsible for weather forecasting.



Wind plays a crucial role in bringing together various atmospheric elements, including clouds, aerosols, water vapor, precipitation, and radiation, explained Xubin Zeng, co-author of the study and the director of the Climate Dynamics and Hydrometeorology Collaborative at the University of Arizona. However, he noted that wind has remained somewhat elusive.



"We never knew the wind very well. I mean, that's the last frontier. That's why I'm excited," Zeng said.



According to Zeng, the researchers' ability to estimate horizontal winds at different altitudes in the same location is due to more advanced algorithms. "This was not possible a decade ago," he added.



<h2 id="h-how-wind-is-normally-measured">How wind is normally measured</h2>



Zeng went on to explain that <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/measuring-earths-winds-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wind measurement</a> is typically performed using three distinct methods. The first involves the use of radiosondes, which are instrumental packages suspended below a 6-foot-wide balloon. Sensors on the radiosonde measure wind speed and direction, as well as atmospheric pressure, temperature, and relative humidity.



However, Zeng highlighted several downsides of using radiosonde balloons. The cost of each launch can range from $400 to $500, and radiosonde stations are limited in certain regions, such as Africa and the Amazon rainforest. Additionally, he pointed out that radiosondes are not available for use over oceans.



This new method, combining data from geostationary satellites and lidar technology, could potentially revolutionize the way scientists study wind patterns and phenomena that are directly influenced by wind, such as air quality and volcanic ash dispersion.



Traditionally, meteorologists have used cloud top movement to measure wind at one height. However, according to researcher Xubin Zeng, cloud tops usually exist either below 2 miles or above 4 1/2 miles above Earth's surface, leaving a gap in wind information between these two elevations.&nbsp;



Lidar (light detection and ranging) technology can provide precise measurements of wind movements at various heights, but its capabilities are limited to measuring wind in a single vertical "curtain," primarily in the east-west direction.



To tackle air quality and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/volcanic-ash-over-kodiak-island-alaska/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic ash</a> dispersion issues, experts have had to rely on weather forecasting models that incorporate measurements from different sources instead of direct wind measurements. 



New method measures movement of water vapor



Unfortunately, these models are not accurate enough when rainfall is present. In an attempt to bypass these limitations, Zeng and his team used data from the movement of water vapor recorded by two NOAA satellites.



These satellites, moving in the same direction and separated by a 50-minute interval, detected water vapor movement through infrared radiation. While the human eye cannot discern the subtle movements of water vapor in the atmosphere, lead study author Amir Ouyed and Zeng's research group employed machine-learning algorithms to better process images and track the water vapor.&nbsp;



Zeng explained, "For decades, people were saying, 'You have to move the cloud top or water vapors enough so that you can see the difference of the pattern.' But now, we don't need to do that."



The current resolution of the data is coarse, with a pixel size of 100 kilometers. However, Zeng sees this as a promising start for a future satellite mission, stating, "It's a demonstration of the feasibility for our future satellite mission we are pursuing where we hope to provide the 10-kilometer resolution."&nbsp;



The ultimate goal is to combine water vapor movement data and measurements from wind lidar to deliver more accurate and comprehensive wind measurements overall.



Zeng and his collaborators at other institutions are currently working on the development of a new satellite wind mission to further enhance our understanding of wind patterns and to provide more accurate data to study phenomena influenced by wind.&nbsp;



This groundbreaking research holds the potential to significantly improve our ability to predict and respond to weather-related events, natural disasters, and air quality concerns. As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, the importance of accurate predictions cannot be overstated.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-what-is-wind">What is wind?</h2>



Wind is the movement of air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure across the Earth's surface. It is created due to the uneven heating of the Earth by the Sun, which results in variations in temperature and pressure across different regions.



The Sun's energy heats the Earth's surface, causing the air above it to warm up and expand. As warm air rises, it creates areas of low pressure near the surface.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, in cooler regions, the air is denser, and it sinks, creating areas of high pressure. Wind is the horizontal movement of air as it flows from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas, attempting to equalize these pressure differences.



The Earth's rotation, known as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/twin-cyclones-spinning-in-the-indian-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coriolis effect</a>, also plays a role in the direction and speed of wind. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect causes winds to turn to the right, while in the Southern Hemisphere, winds turn to the left. This deflection is more pronounced at higher latitudes and less noticeable near the equator.



Other factors, such as the presence of large bodies of water, topography, and local weather conditions, can also influence wind patterns. Understanding wind is crucial for studying weather and climate, as well as for predicting and mitigating the impacts of natural disasters, air pollution, and other environmental issues.



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New method developed to measure the wind

Wind is an essential factor in forecasting weather patterns, as...

The vast <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-ancient-ocean-floor-surrounds-the-earths-core/">oceans</a> are home to some of the most intriguing and mysterious creatures. Among these are octopuses and squids, known as cephalopods, which have developed unique sensing capabilities to navigate their underwater worlds.&nbsp;



Octopuses explore the seafloor with their eight arms, using highly sensitive suckers in a "taste by touch" approach, while squids employ a starkly different tactic, patiently hiding until they ambush their prey in swift bursts.&nbsp;



A recent pair of research studies led by scientists from the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/">University of California San Diego</a> and Harvard University delves into the evolutionary adaptations of these sensing abilities, revealing connections to human brain receptors.



These groundbreaking studies, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-05808-z">Nature</a>, were conducted by researchers from Ryan Hibbs' newly established laboratory at UC San Diego (formerly based at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center) and Nicholas Bellono's lab at Harvard.&nbsp;



The research teams adopted a comprehensive approach, examining cephalopods from atomic-level protein structures to the entire functional organisms. They focused on sensory receptors as a key site for evolutionary innovation, intersecting ecology, neural processing, and behavior.



The investigation of how octopuses and squids sense their marine environments led to the discovery of new sensory receptor families, and the experts determined how these receptors drive distinct behaviors in the environment.&nbsp;



They employed cryo-electron microscopy technology, which uses cryogenic temperatures to capture biological processes and structures in unique ways, demonstrating that adaptations can help propel new behaviors.



“Cephalopods are well known for their intricate sensory organs, elaborate nervous systems and sophisticated behaviors that are comparable to complex vertebrates, but with radically different organization,” said Hibbs, a professor in the Department of Neurobiology. Hibbs brings expertise on the structure of a family of proteins in humans that mediate communication between brain neurons and other areas such as between neurons and muscle cells. “Cephalopods provide striking examples of convergent and divergent evolution that can be leveraged to understand the molecular basis of novelty across levels of biological organization.”



<h2 id="h-first-study-findings">First study findings</h2>



In one of the Nature studies, the scientists described for the first time the structure of an octopus chemotactile receptor, which octopus arms use for taste-by-touch exploration. These chemotactile receptors are similar to human brain and muscle neurotransmitter receptors, but have evolved to help evaluate potential food sources in the marine environment.



“In octopus, we found that these chemotactile receptors physically contact surfaces to determine whether the animal should eat a potential food source or reject it,” said Hibbs. “Through its structure, we found that these receptors are activated by greasy molecules, including steroids similar to cholesterol. With evolutionary, biophysical and behavioral analyses, we showed how strikingly novel structural adaptations facilitate the receptor’s transition from an ancestral role in neurotransmission to a new function in contact-dependent chemosensation of greasy environmental chemicals.”



<h2 id="h-second-study-findings">Second study findings</h2>



The second Nature study focused on squids and their distinct ambush strategy for capturing food. The researchers combined genetics, physiology, and behavioral experiments to discover a new class of ancient chemotactile receptors and determined one structure within the class.&nbsp;



They also conducted an evolutionary analysis to link adaptations in squid receptors to more elaborate expansions in octopus receptors. By placing chemotactile and ancestral neurotransmitter receptors on an evolutionary timeline, the researchers were able to describe how evolutionary adaptations drove the development of new behaviors.



“We discovered a new family of cell surface receptors that offer a rare lens into the evolution of sensation because they represent the most recent and only functionally tractable transition from neurotransmitter to environmental receptors across the entire animal kingdom,” said Hibbs. “Our structures of these unique cephalopod receptors lay a foundation for the mechanistic understanding of major functional transitions in deep evolutionary time and the origin of biological novelty.”



Hibbs says the pair of new studies offers an excellent example of how curiosity in interesting creatures can lead to insights important for all of biology, namely how proteins - life's building blocks - adapt to mediate new functions and behaviors.&nbsp;



“These studies are a great example of what being a scientist is all about - wonder, exploration and understanding how things work,” he said.



The findings not only shed light on the fascinating underwater lives of cephalopods, but also reveal a deeper understanding of the complex web of evolutionary connections that tie together the living world, including our own brains.



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



Octopuses are fascinating marine creatures that belong to the class Cephalopoda, which also includes squids, cuttlefish, and nautiluses. They are widely known for their remarkable intelligence, problem-solving abilities, and exceptional camouflage skills. Here are some more interesting facts about octopuses:



<ol>
<li>Anatomy: Octopuses have a soft, flexible body with no internal or external skeleton, which allows them to squeeze through tight spaces. They have eight arms lined with suckers, a bulbous head, and a mantle that houses their internal organs. The mouth, located at the center of their arms, has a beak-like structure and a radula, a tongue-like organ with rows of teeth, to break down food.</li>



<li>Intelligence: Octopuses are considered the most intelligent invertebrates. They display complex problem-solving abilities, can solve puzzles, unscrew jars to obtain food, and even use tools. They are also known for their escape artistry, sometimes escaping from their tanks in captivity.</li>



<li>Camouflage: Octopuses are masters of disguise, thanks to their ability to change their color, pattern, and texture to blend in with their surroundings. They achieve this with specialized cells called chromatophores, which contain pigments, and iridophores and leucophores, which reflect and scatter light. This camouflage helps them avoid predators and sneak up on prey.</li>



<li>Locomotion: Octopuses primarily move by crawling along the seafloor using their arms. However, they can also swim by expelling water from their mantle cavity through a funnel-like structure called the siphon, propelling them backward in a form of jet propulsion.</li>



<li>Reproduction: Octopuses have a unique reproductive process. The male octopus transfers a sperm packet to the female using a specialized arm called the hectocotylus. After fertilization, the female lays thousands of eggs and guards them until they hatch, often not eating during this time. Most octopus species have a short lifespan, with some living only a few months to a couple of years. The female usually dies soon after the eggs hatch.</li>



<li>Venom: Most octopuses produce venom to subdue and immobilize their prey. The venom of some species, like the blue-ringed octopus, can be extremely potent and dangerous to humans.</li>



<li>Regeneration: Octopuses have the ability to regenerate lost arms. A new arm can grow back within a few weeks, complete with functional suckers and nerve connections.</li>



<li>Size and habitat: Octopus species vary greatly in size, from the tiny Octopus wolfi, which measures only about an inch in length, to the giant Pacific octopus, with an arm span of up to 30 feet. They inhabit various marine environments, from shallow tide pools to deep ocean trenches, and are found in all the world's oceans.</li>
</ol>



These captivating creatures continue to be a subject of fascination for scientists and the public alike, as researchers uncover more about their unique biology, behaviors, and adaptations to life in the ocean.



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



Squids are intriguing marine animals belonging to the class Cephalopoda, which also includes octopuses, cuttlefish, and nautiluses. They are known for their streamlined bodies, impressive swimming abilities, and bioluminescence. Here are some more interesting facts about squids:



<ol>
<li>Anatomy: Squids have a distinctive body structure with a torpedo-shaped mantle, eight arms, and two longer tentacles. Their arms and tentacles are equipped with suckers or hooks for capturing prey. Squids have a sharp, parrot-like beak used to tear and consume food. Inside the mantle, they possess a pen or gladius, a remnant of an internal shell, which provides support and aids in streamlining their body.</li>



<li>Locomotion: Squids are fast and agile swimmers. They use jet propulsion to move through the water by forcefully expelling water through a funnel-like structure called the siphon. This technique allows squids to move quickly, making them efficient predators and enabling them to escape from threats.</li>



<li>Vision: Squids have large, well-developed eyes that allow them to see clearly in low-light conditions. Their eyes are adapted for detecting motion and can perceive the polarization of light, which helps them locate transparent prey and navigate their environment.</li>



<li>Camouflage and bioluminescence: Like octopuses, squids can change their color and pattern using specialized cells called chromatophores. Some squid species also have bioluminescent organs called photophores, which emit light, allowing them to communicate, attract prey, or deter predators.</li>



<li>Predation: Squids are carnivorous and primarily feed on fish, crustaceans, and other cephalopods. They use their tentacles to catch prey and then pull it towards their beak to consume it.</li>



<li>Reproduction: Squid reproduction involves the male transferring sperm packets, called spermatophores, to the female using a modified arm called the hectocotylus. The female then lays eggs in clusters, which are often attached to the seafloor or other underwater structures. Depending on the species, the female may guard the eggs or abandon them to develop on their own. After hatching, the young squids, called paralarvae, are usually planktonic and undergo several developmental stages before reaching adulthood.</li>



<li>Size and habitat: Squid species range in size from the tiny Idiosepius, measuring only about an inch in length, to the colossal squid, which can grow up to 46 feet in length, including the tentacles. Squids inhabit various ocean environments, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea, and are found in all the world's oceans.</li>



<li>Importance to humans: Squids are not only ecologically important as a part of the marine food web, but they also hold cultural and economic significance. They are a popular food source in many cuisines and are commercially fished worldwide. Squids also play a role in scientific research, particularly in the fields of neuroscience and biomechanics.</li>
</ol>



The fascinating biology, behaviors, and adaptations of squids continue to captivate scientists and the public alike, as researchers uncover more about their complex lives in the ocean's depths.



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Octopus and squid senses linked to human brain evolution

The vast oceans are home to some of the most...

A recent study led by <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/">McGill University</a> has provided new insights into the feeding habits of killer whales (or orcas) in the North Atlantic, revealing a diverse and varied <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-reduces-the-risk-of-dementia/">diet</a> that differs considerably from one region to another. The researchers utilized a novel technique for the first time to analyze the fatty acid patterns in the blubber of these majestic marine predators, shedding light on their prey preferences and the potential impact of climate change on sensitive Arctic ecosystems.



While scientists have long known that killer whales in the Pacific Northwest exhibit diverse feeding habits, the diet of their counterparts in the North Atlantic has remained largely a mystery.&nbsp;



The McGill study is the most extensive of its kind. The researchers investigated the diets of these killer whales across a vast geographical range stretching from the eastern and northern coasts of Canada to northern Norway.



This innovative approach relied on the analysis of fatty acid patterns in the blubber of killer whales, allowing them to quantify the proportion of different prey types in the diet of these apex predators. This method has produced the most detailed overview of North Atlantic killer whales' diets to date.



As climate change continues to drive the northward redistribution of killer whales, understanding their feeding habits becomes increasingly vital, not only for the health and survival of these animals but also for the potential impacts on vulnerable species within Arctic ecosystems.



<h2 id="h-a-new-tech-tool-monitors-changing-diets">A new tech tool monitors changing diets</h2>



“In a context of climate change, it becomes increasingly urgent to understand and be able to quantify killer whale diets and how they are changing so that we can foresee the potential impacts on local food webs,” said Anaïs Remili, a PhD candidate in the Department of Natural Resource Sciences at McGill University and the first author on a paper published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13920">Journal of Animal Ecology</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“By measuring the composition of the fatty acids of approximately 200 killer whales and of 900 of their prey of different species, we were able estimate the specific proportions of each prey species in the whales’ diets. This means that scientists can potentially keep track of any shifts in these diets in the future.”



<h2 id="h-orca-diets-vary-by-region-and-individual-tastes">Orca diets vary by region and individual tastes</h2>



The study found that killer whales in the North Atlantic have highly varied diets depending on their location. In certain regions, they predominantly feed on other whales, such as belugas and narwhals in the Eastern Canadian Arctic and baleen whales and porpoises in Eastern Canada.&nbsp;



In contrast, killer whales in the Eastern North Atlantic (Norway, Faroe Islands, Iceland) mainly consume fish, particularly herring, while in the Central North Atlantic (Greenland), their primary prey are seals.



Interestingly, the researchers also discovered that not all whales in a given location feed on the same prey. In the Eastern Canadian Arctic, for instance, half of the whales primarily consume belugas and narwhals, while the other half prefer to eat ringed seals. In Greenland, killer whales are found to consume a mixture of all available prey types.



Furthermore, in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Norway, while most whales are herring eaters, a small number of whales in Norway and Iceland also consume a significant proportion of marine mammals such as porpoises and seals. This study marks the first time that researchers have been able to discern individual diet preferences in killer whales with such a high level of detail.



“Quantifying the diets of killer whales and other top predators is crucial in a context of changing environments, because it can provide insights into how these animals adapt to shifts in their prey populations and habitat conditions,” adds Melissa McKinney, the senior author on the paper, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Natural Resource Sciences at McGill and the Canada Research Chair in Ecological Change and Environmental Stressors. “Our results also point to the need for further research on the ecology of the individuals since we found such large differences among individuals of the same populations.”



The findings of this comprehensive study provide invaluable information on the feeding habits of North Atlantic killer whales, expanding our understanding of their complex ecological roles and the potential consequences of their shifting distribution on fragile Arctic ecosystems in the face of climate change.



<h2 id="h-what-more-we-know-about-killer-whales">What more we know about killer whales</h2>



Killer whales, or orcas (Orcinus orca), are the largest members of the dolphin family and are known for their striking black and white coloration, intelligence, and complex social structures. They are found in oceans across the world, from the Arctic and Antarctic regions to tropical seas. Here is an overview of some key aspects of killer whales:



<ol>
<li>Size and appearance: Adult male killer whales can reach lengths of up to 26 feet (8 meters) and weigh as much as 12,000 pounds (5,443 kilograms), while adult females are smaller, reaching lengths of up to 23 feet (7 meters) and weighing around 8,000 pounds (3,629 kilograms). Their distinctive black and white coloration serves as camouflage in the ocean, helping them blend in with their surroundings.</li>



<li>Social structure: Killer whales live in complex social groups called pods, which typically consist of 5-30 individuals, although some pods can be much larger. They are known for their strong family bonds and matriarchal societies, with older females often leading the group.</li>



<li>Communication and echolocation: Orcas have a sophisticated system of communication, using a variety of vocalizations such as clicks, whistles, and calls to coordinate their activities, maintain social bonds, and navigate their environment. They also use echolocation, emitting a series of clicks and listening for the returning echoes to determine the location and distance of objects in their surroundings.</li>



<li>Diet and feeding habits: Killer whales are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. Their diet varies depending on their geographical location and the availability of prey. Some populations primarily consume fish, like salmon or herring, while others feed on marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and even other whales. Their diverse feeding habits are reflected in distinct ecotypes, or forms, that have evolved in response to their preferred prey.</li>



<li>Reproduction and lifespan: Female killer whales reach sexual maturity around the age of 15 and have a gestation period of about 17 months. They give birth to a single calf, which they nurse for up to two years. The average lifespan of a killer whale is around 50 years for males and up to 80-90 years for females, although some females have been known to live more than 100 years.</li>



<li>Conservation status: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently lists the killer whale as "Data Deficient" due to the lack of sufficient data on the global population. However, some local populations, such as the Southern Resident killer whales in the Pacific Northwest, are considered endangered and face threats from pollution, habitat loss, reduced prey availability, and human disturbance.</li>



<li>Cultural significance: Killer whales have long been revered in various indigenous cultures, featuring in myths, legends, and art. They are also popular attractions at marine parks, although the ethics of keeping these intelligent animals in captivity have been increasingly debated in recent years.</li>
</ol>



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Study reveals what killer whales like to eat

A recent study led by McGill University has provided new...

In a groundbreaking discovery, paleontologists have unearthed mysterious ancient teeth in three English counties, believed to belong to dinosaurs that roamed Britain 168 million years ago.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-highlight-dinosaur-diversity-in-prehistoric-patagonia/">fossils</a>, found in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, and Dorset, are the first-ever examples of therizinosaur and troodontid dinosaurs discovered on UK soil. 



Furthermore, these remains are the oldest-known evidence of these species worldwide and could potentially represent some of the earliest relatives of birds ever discovered.



Therizinosaurus, a large herbivore dinosaur from the late Cretaceous period, was known for its distinctive long scissor-like claw bones. The dinosaur featured in the most recent Jurassic World film and, along with the troodontid and the well-known Velociraptor, belonged to a group of ancient creatures called the maniraptorans.&nbsp;



Recently reported by the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/20562802">Papers in Paleontology</a> and by the Daily Mail, these dinosaurs, which evolved into numerous species during the Middle Jurassic period, are considered some of the closest relatives to modern birds. However, due to the scarcity of fossils from this time, knowledge of their origins remains limited.



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/">Natural History Museum</a> and Birkbeck College identified these mysterious teeth - some discovered as far back as the 1970s and others more recently - using pioneering machine learning techniques.&nbsp;



"Previous research had suggested that the maniraptorans were around in the Middle Jurassic, but the actual fossil evidence was patchy and disputed," said lead researcher Simon Wills, a PhD student at the Natural History Museum.&nbsp;



"Along with fossils found elsewhere, this research suggests the group had already achieved a global distribution by this time. The teeth we analyzed include what are currently the only troodontid and therizinosaur fossils ever recorded from the UK and are the oldest evidence of these dinosaurs anywhere in the world."



Although earlier studies attempted to classify isolated teeth using various statistical methods, their success rate was not particularly high. This led the experts behind the new research to work on improving machine learning tools like the one they used in their study.&nbsp;



"The use of machine learning in vertebrate paleontology is still in its infancy, although its usage is growing," Wills said. "The main drawback is the need to have a comprehensive training dataset for the models to learn from. In our study, we are fortunate that there is already a relatively large dataset of dinosaur tooth measurements available that we could use to train the models."



To employ the machine learning technique, researchers first produced a 3D model of each tooth using CT scanning, enabling the AI to interpret the fossil information. This step was necessary because the teeth were so small that taking measurements by hand was impractical. The team used the measurements of thousands of teeth from known dinosaur species to train three different machine learning models, and the results of each model were combined to identify the most likely origin of each tooth.



As technological innovations continue, researchers anticipate that machine learning will become more commonly used to solve additional paleontological mysteries, unlocking more secrets of Earth's ancient past.



<h2 id="h-more-about-therizinosaurus">More about Therizinosaurus</h2>



Therizinosaurus, an enigmatic dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period around 70 million years ago, was first discovered in Mongolia. The name Therizinosaurus, meaning "scythe lizard," comes from its distinctive and massive scythe-like claws, which could reach up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) in length. These remarkable claws are among the longest known for any dinosaur.



Therizinosaurus belonged to the Therizinosauridae family, a group of unusual, large-bodied theropod dinosaurs. Although most theropods were carnivorous, Therizinosaurus and other therizinosaurs were herbivores, making them a unique group within the theropod lineage. It is believed that the long claws were used for various purposes, including foraging for plants, stripping leaves from branches, and self-defense against predators.



Reaching up to 33 feet (10 meters) in length and weighing up to 5 tons, Therizinosaurus had a bulky body, a small head, a long neck, and a wide torso. Its hind limbs were sturdy, while its front limbs were elongated with three large, curved claws on each hand. Its feet had four toes each, with the first toe possibly not touching the ground. Therizinosaurus likely had a coat of feathers, which is a trait shared by its close relatives, as evidenced by fossil findings.



Despite being a herbivore, Therizinosaurus shared several characteristics with its carnivorous theropod cousins, including the structure of its pelvis and the overall shape of its skull. The combination of traits from different dinosaur groups led to some confusion about its classification until further research and fossil discoveries provided a clearer picture of its evolutionary relationships.



Therizinosaurus is considered a member of the Maniraptora group, which includes dinosaurs closely related to modern birds. This group also comprises well-known dinosaurs such as Velociraptor and Troodontidae. The peculiar anatomy of Therizinosaurus and its relatives provides important insights into the diversity and adaptability of theropod dinosaurs, as well as the evolution of herbivory within the group.



<h2 id="h-how-birds-evolved-from-dinosaurs">How birds evolved from dinosaurs</h2>



Birds evolved from a group of small, meat-eating dinosaurs known as theropods, which are members of the larger dinosaur group called Saurischia. The same group of theropods also includes famous carnivorous dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex and Velociraptor. Among theropods, a subgroup called Maniraptora is considered the most closely related to modern birds.



The transition from dinosaurs to birds occurred gradually over millions of years, with numerous intermediate species displaying a mix of dinosaur and bird-like characteristics.&nbsp;



The first known bird, Archaeopteryx, lived around 150 million years ago during the late Jurassic period. Archaeopteryx shared many features with its theropod relatives, such as teeth, a long bony tail, and a body structure resembling that of small predatory dinosaurs. However, it also had feathers and wings, indicating its ability to glide or fly.



Over time, various bird-like traits evolved in these theropod dinosaurs, such as a reduction in body size, the development of a beak, the loss of teeth, and changes in limb structure. Feathers, initially evolved for insulation or display purposes, eventually played a role in the development of powered flight.



Fossil evidence and genetic studies confirm the close relationship between birds and dinosaurs. In fact, birds are the only surviving lineage of theropod dinosaurs, making them true living dinosaurs.&nbsp;



This realization has deepened our understanding of the evolutionary processes that shaped the diverse array of bird species we see today, as well as the ancient connections between birds and their dinosaur ancestors.



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Therizinosaur with scissor-like claws discovered in the UK

In a groundbreaking discovery, paleontologists have unearthed mysterious ancient teeth...

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/">University of Reading</a> has found that reduction in a key protein can prevent the formation of dangerous blood clots – known as “deep vein thrombosis” - in hibernating bears, paralyzed humans, pigs kept in small enclosures and other animal species that are immobile for days, weeks, months, or even years at a time.



Although people forced to sit still for many hours during long haul flights are often warned about the risks of blood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-triggers-clotting-to-control-bleeding-in-a-wound/">clotting</a> and advised to occasionally get up and walk around or wear compression socks, most of them will not experience blood clots, if they are not genetically predisposed to such a condition. Now, the experts found that a protein known as “heat shock protein 47” (Hsp47) is dramatically reduced - by as much as 55 times - when someone is immobilized for extended periods of time.



“It seems counterintuitive that people who have severe paralysis don’t appear to be at higher risk of blood clots. This tells us that something interesting is happening. And it turns out that reducing levels of Hsp47 plays a key role in preventing clots, not just in humans, but in other mammals, including bears and pigs. When we see something like this in multiple species, that reinforces its importance. Having Hsp47 must have been an evolutionary advantage,” explained co-author Jon Gibbins, a professor of Cell Biology at Reading.



This protein is released by platelets – the sticky blood cells triggering clotting – in response to an injury, to help protect against blood loss. However, if released into the blood of healthy bears, mice, or humans, Hsp47 seems to promote conditions which may give rise to thrombosis.



By comparing blood samples from hibernating and non-hibernating bears, pigs kept in small enclosures and pigs free to move around in barns, and immobilized people and individuals who can move and walk, the researchers discovered that the absence of movement in all of these species was associated with having much less Hsp47.



“We aren’t totally sure how, but it appears that there is something about movement that keeps Hsp47 at an appropriate level. It could be that the mechanical forces involved in moving around actually have an impact on gene expression, dramatically increasing the amount of Hsp47 that circulates in the blood,” Gibbins said.



“Now that we know that Hsp47 is so important, we can begin to look for new or existing medicines that might be able to inhibit the function of this protein in blood clotting and protect mobile people who are prone to clots,” he concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.abo5044">Science</a>.



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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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What prevents blood clots in hibernating bears?

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

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honeybees-create-mental-maps-to-find-their-way-home/">Honeybees</a> communicate to their conspecifics the location of resources by performing a “waggle dance” – a complex repetition of movements consisting of a waggle and a return “run” which is unique to each particular resource location. This behavior is known to be correlated with the levels of dopamine in the bees’ heads, a “feel good” neurotransmitter that is involved in arousal, cognition, sensitivity to stimuli, and seeking and wanting behavior in many animal species.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Now, a study led by the <a href="http://m.extbg.cas.cn/">Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden</a> (XTBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/">University of California, San Diego</a> has found that receiving an inhibitory signal (stop signal) associated with negative food conditions decreased the dopamine levels in honeybees.



Although previous studies provided evidence that foragers often use the stop signal – an inhibitory signal targeted at waggle dancers – to warn other bees of a dangerous or declining food source, it was unclear how the presence of predators affected the honeybee food-wanting signal.&nbsp;



“We were wondering whether a signal about danger at a food source could, by itself, decrease foraging motivation and thus reduce brain dopamine levels,” said Dong Shihao, a chemical ecologist at XTBG and one of the study’s authors.



The researchers observed that, while foragers produced no stop signals when they were not attacked, when threatened by hornets, the stop signaling sharply increased, leading waggle dancers to cease their activity, abandon the dangerous feeder, and return to their hives. Moreover, the waggle dancers receiving the stop signal had significantly lower brain dopamine levels, even in cases when the dancers have not experienced peril themselves.



When the scientists increased bees’ dopamine levels by feeding them with a dopamine sucrose solution, they spent substantially more time on a feeder after being attacked by a hornet, produced fewer stop signals when returning to the hive, and performed more waggle dances than bees which were also attacked but fed pure sucrose solution.



“Attacks by hornet predators can reduce brain dopamine levels and cause foragers to pass on such stressful information via stop signals that also reduce brain dopamine levels in recipients. Artificially increasing dopamine levels by feeding bees dopamine would reduce the aversive effects of hornet attacks,” concluded corresponding author Tan Ken, an ecologist at XTBG.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home">Current Biology</a>.



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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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Stop signals decrease dopamine levels in honeybees

Honeybees communicate to their conspecifics the location of resources by...

In a newly funded three-year project – called Managing Urban Runoff - a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.uh.edu/">University of Houston</a> (UH) will examine the ability of several species of aquatic grasses and rice that can thrive in murky coastal waters to provide a fast and efficient way of clearing harmful chemicals along the Gulf of Mexico coastline. According to the experts, these water-loving flora can uptake concentrations of chemicals and heavy metals which end up in places where they should not be.



The pollution of coastal waters is caused by heavy rainstorms washing chemical fertilizers and soil amendments away from farmlands, household gardens, and lawns, leading to runoff accumulation along the Gulf Coast.&nbsp;



“In the process called eutrophication, the chemical fertilizers and soil amendments feed the algae in watersheds. The result is heavy concentrations of excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus and metal salts such as copper sulfate. That combination feeds cyanobacteria, which produces algal bloom that yields toxins harmful to humans, fish, marine mammals, and birds,” said project leader Venkatesh Balan, an associate professor of Biotechnology at UH.



Thus, to maintain ecological balance and keep coastal communities healthy, removing these substances from stormwater is necessary. While other methods of cleaning the water have already been identified – including aeration, sprayable clay suspensions, ultrasonic technology, and chemical and biological additives – they are rarely used due to their high costs.



However, several species of aquatic plants are known to reduce nitrogen, phosphorous, heavy metals, and fine suspended particles within stormwater runoff, significantly improving the quality of water in the process. To maximize these natural benefits, selected species are usually nurtured by implanting hydroponically grown native grasses or wetland plants on durable synthetic mats. While the plant tissues located above these mats store excess nutrients, the roots beneath release oxygen and support the growth of beneficial microorganisms.



“Gasses such as miscanthus, khus, and cattail have excellent nutrient removal potential due to their long rooting systems. Rice plants have similar structures and are cultivated as floating aquatic plants in South Asia to remove excess nutrients in ponds and lakes. Once the plants are growing, we can stabilize the water’s pH levels by adding artificial aeration to the system, which facilitates the reduction of algae growth,” Balan explained.



However, to maximize these plants’ benefits, the system requires upkeep, including the regular harvesting of the plants and the securing of the synthetic mats so that heavy winds cannot topple and sink the plants. The scientists are currently working on a system of grouping the plants and mats by wire, so the clusters can be moved in the middle of the watershed to maximize their efficiency, and then pulled back to the shore for easy harvesting.&nbsp;



Although these floating aquatic plants have no commercial value when harvested, the researchers are looking for ways to transform them into biochar, which could potentially increase organic carbon concentrations in soil and other agricultural amendments.



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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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Native aquatic plants could help clean coastal waters

In a newly funded three-year project – called Managing Urban...

In August 2019, the picturesque Molokini island in Hawaii saw an influx of more than 40,000 tourists, eager to experience its vibrant underwater world through snorkeling and diving. However, the COVID-19 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-consumption-surges-during-pandemic-shutdown/">pandemic</a> and subsequent worldwide lockdown in March 2020 brought this bustling tourist destination to a standstill.&nbsp;



This unforeseen event presented scientists with a unique opportunity to study the impact of underwater tourism on marine fish populations. The findings of this study, recently published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0283683">PLOS One</a>, will aid resource managers in better protecting Molokini and other vulnerable marine ecosystems.



Dr. Kevin Weng, the study's lead author from William &amp; Mary's <a href="https://www.vims.edu/">Virginia Institute of Marine Science</a>, explained that "the COVID-related tourism freeze provided a unique natural experiment to measure the effects of decreased tourism on fish behavior in a high-use, no-take marine protected area."&nbsp;



Collaborating with Dr. Weng were Dr. Alan Friedlander and Whitney Goodell from the National Geographic Society, as well as Dr. Laura Gajdzik and Russell Sparks from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. Friedlander and Goodell also have affiliations with the University of Hawaii at Mānoa.



<h2 id="h-molokini-island-proves-to-be-perfect-location-for-this-study">Molokini island proves to be perfect location for this study</h2>



Located three miles off the coast of Maui, Molokini was designated a "no-take" marine protected area (MPA) in 1977 due to concerns raised by tour operators about the impact of fishing and other consumptive activities.&nbsp;



Russell Sparks noted that "tour operators have always been interested in the conservation of Molokini, and have worked with the State on several measures."



With the growth of non-consumptive activities such as snorkeling and SCUBA diving, tour operators collaborated with the State to implement a limited-entry permit system for tour boats, as well as replacing anchoring with permanent moorings to protect coral reefs. The study focused on examining the effects of these non-consumptive activities on marine life.&nbsp;



"Our research demonstrates that human presence alone can alter the community structure and possibly the functioning of an ecosystem," said Dr. Weng. This implies that improvements can be made to reduce the impact of tourism on marine ecosystems in Hawaii and globally.



Community structure refers to the variety and population of species within an ecosystem. During Hawaii's COVID lockdown - starting in March 2020 and gradually easing until tourist numbers returned to pre-pandemic levels in May 2021 - the researchers conducted SCUBA surveys on five separate occasions.&nbsp;



These surveys recorded the species, abundance, size, and location of predatory and herbivorous fish in Molokini's submerged crater. Additionally, the team tracked the movement of predatory species using electronic tags.



By comparing their observations with data collected in the years before and after the lockdown, the scientists were able to identify differences in fish community structure caused by human presence. Data on human presence was obtained through logbooks maintained by the 40 charter boat companies permitted to bring tourists into Molokini's waters.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-a-natural-experiment-with-disturbing-results">A natural experiment with disturbing results</h2>



The results of a unique natural experiment, brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, have revealed the impact of human presence on marine ecosystems.&nbsp;



“When tourism shut down due to COVID, species that had been displaced from shallow habitats by high human presence moved back in on a timescale of months, increasing fish biomass as well as the proportion of larger predators," explained study co-author Dr. Alan Friedlander.



The primary species contributing to the observed increase in biomass during the lockdown were fast-swimming predatory fish known as jacks. These fish tend to fear humans, as they are often targeted by anglers.&nbsp;



As tourism resumed, the predators retreated to deeper waters, causing fish biomass and habitat use to return to pre-pandemic levels. Biomass refers to a combined measure of fish abundance and size.



Changes in predator biomass were also reflected in the behavior of these fish. Prior to the COVID lockdown, jacks were known to vacate the inside of Molokini's crater during peak morning tourist visits. However, during the lockdown, they remained in the shallow, sheltered interior of the crater.&nbsp;



As tourism resumed, the predators were once again displaced from their shallow-water habitat. This displacement is particularly concerning as their summertime spawning season coincides with the annual peak in marine tourism.



The human-induced displacement of predatory fish from Molokini's crater is likely to have cascading effects on the local food web. Previous studies have demonstrated that a decline in the abundance of predatory fish impacts not only the herbivorous fish that serve as their prey but also the algae and other primary producers that herbivores consume. &nbsp;



“Predators have diverse ecosystem roles and their loss can reduce the resistance and resilience of ecosystems to other stressors," said Friedlander.



"Molokini is being overused, and that management is needed to improve not only ecosystem health but the visitor experience," said Sparks.&nbsp;



“Our findings indicate that the business-as-usual conditions of high tourism alter community structure by displacing predatory fishes to deeper environments,” said Weng.&nbsp;



In addition,&nbsp;<a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-011-9709-1">a 2011 study</a>&nbsp;found that more than two thirds of visitors to Molokini felt crowded during their trip. Most people surveyed supported actions that would reduce visitor numbers.



“As Hawaii formulates marine management plans and undertakes the&nbsp;<a href="https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/holomua/about/">Sustainable Hawai`i Initiative</a>, lessons from Molokini can help inform managers and help facilitate an effective response. As part of this process, we need to think strategically about the scale and configuration of tourism in Hawaii to optimize earnings and employment without damaging the environment," said Gajdzik.



“Our study indicates that the intensity of non-consumptive uses, especially in heavily visited MPAs, should be considered for the long-term health and resilience of these ecosystems,” said Weng. “Management of tourism should be guided by biological research, and include clear and well-enforced rules, adaptive management, and broad stakeholder involvement.”



This research emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the consequences of human presence on marine ecosystems, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Molokini. By identifying these effects, scientists and conservationists can work together to implement more sustainable tourism practices, ensuring the long-term health of these critical marine environments.



<h2 id="h-impact-of-climate-change-and-booming-population-on-global-reefs">Impact of climate change and booming population on global reefs</h2>



Climate change and population growth are two major factors contributing to the degradation of coral reefs worldwide. These fragile ecosystems, often referred to as the "rainforests of the sea," support a vast array of marine life and provide numerous benefits to human populations, such as coastal protection, food, and tourism revenue. However, the combined impacts of climate change and population growth are putting immense pressure on coral reefs and threatening their survival.



<ol>
<li>Climate change:</li>
</ol>



<ul>
<li>Ocean warming: As global temperatures rise due to climate change, so do ocean temperatures. Warmer waters can cause coral bleaching, a stress response in which corals expel the symbiotic algae living within their tissues. This algae provides corals with essential nutrients and gives them their vibrant colors. Bleached corals are more susceptible to disease and have a higher mortality rate, which can lead to the collapse of entire reef ecosystems.</li>



<li>Ocean acidification: The ocean absorbs about 30% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere, causing a chemical reaction that lowers the water's pH, making it more acidic. This process, known as ocean acidification, reduces the availability of calcium carbonate, a critical building block for coral skeletons. As a result, corals struggle to grow and maintain their structures, making them more vulnerable to erosion and breakage.</li>



<li>Sea level rise: Rising sea levels, driven by melting ice caps and thermal expansion, can impact coral reefs in several ways. They can alter the light environment, change water circulation patterns, and increase sedimentation, all of which can negatively affect coral growth and overall reef health.</li>
</ul>



<ol start="2">
<li>Population growth:</li>
</ol>



<ul>
<li>Coastal development: As human populations grow, the demand for coastal development increases, leading to habitat destruction and modification. This can result in the loss of vital reef ecosystems and the reduction of the natural barriers that protect shorelines from erosion and storm damage.</li>



<li>Overfishing: Growing populations also lead to increased demand for seafood, often resulting in overfishing. The removal of key herbivorous and predatory fish species can disrupt the balance of coral reef ecosystems, leading to algal overgrowth and reduced resilience to other stressors.</li>



<li>Pollution: Increased human populations generate more pollution, including agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial waste, which can harm coral reefs. Excess nutrients from pollution can cause eutrophication and algal blooms, which deplete oxygen levels and suffocate coral reefs. Additionally, chemicals and toxins can directly damage corals and other marine life.</li>



<li>Increased tourism: Population growth and increased global mobility have contributed to a boom in marine tourism. While tourism can provide economic benefits, it can also lead to physical damage to coral reefs from boat anchors, snorkelers, and divers, as well as pollution from increased human presence in coastal areas.</li>
</ul>



In conclusion, climate change and population growth pose significant threats to coral reefs, leading to habitat degradation, loss of biodiversity, and the disruption of vital ecosystem services. It is crucial to implement sustainable management practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and raise awareness about the importance of coral reefs to mitigate these impacts and preserve these unique and valuable ecosystems for future generations.



—-



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Coral reef study proves humans are major ecosystem disruptors

In August 2019, the picturesque Molokini island in Hawaii saw...

Research conducted by <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/">Oregon State University</a> has revealed that native bee populations in the Oregon Coast Range are flourishing in clearcut areas within a few years of timber harvest, only to experience a drastic decline as the forest canopy closes. This study contributes to the understanding of forest management's potential role in conserving crucial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinator-populations-have-experienced-dramatic-changes/">pollinator</a> groups.



The study, led by graduate student Rachel Zitomer and Jim Rivers, an animal ecologist in the OSU College of Forestry, was published in <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/19395582">Ecological Applications</a>.&nbsp;



“The research demonstrates that Douglas-fir plantations develop diverse communities of wild bees shortly after harvest," said Rivers.&nbsp; He added that promoting open conditions and enhancing floral resources in the initial years following harvest are likely to encourage bee diversity in intensively managed forest landscapes.



Despite growing concern over how human activity may be driving global declines in pollinator species, the impacts of land management practices on wild bees outside of agricultural systems remain largely unknown. The scientists emphasize the need to close this knowledge gap, as bees play a vital role in pollinating many of the flowering plants that make up ecosystems and support food webs.



To conduct their research, the team examined native bee communities in 60 Douglas-fir stands of varying ages across a time frame representative of a typical 40-year harvest rotation during the spring and summer of 2018 and 2019. They discovered that both the total number of bees and the number of different bee species dropped significantly with stand age, with an average decline of 61% and 48%, respectively, for each five-year increment after harvest.



Zitomer explained the significance of these findings: “Our results are important for forest managers because they indicate that bees do use intensively harvested stands, and that the window for bee conservation measures is restricted to a relatively short time period.”&nbsp;



She also highlighted that their research is among the first attempts to quantify how native bee communities change over time after a dominant forest disturbance in the Oregon Coast Range.



Bees are essential pollinators for nearly 90% of the Earth's flowering plants, including many food crops, and contribute to insect and plant biodiversity.&nbsp;



Native insect pollinators, primarily bees, are estimated to provide over $3 billion per year in commercial pollination services in the United States. Oregon is home to more than 600 species of native bees, with almost a quarter of them found in recently harvested forests.



Rivers emphasized the importance of understanding bees' habitat requirements and their response to human activity for effective conservation measures. “Wild bees are the top pollinators in most temperate regions, and widespread declines have prompted worries about food security as well as ecosystem function.”



The experts suggest that moderately reducing herbicide applications in the initial years after harvest could enhance pollinator species richness, sometimes without compromising revenue potential.&nbsp;



Zitomer described this approach as a win-win for timber production and biodiversity conservation. The researchers also recommend including bee-pollinated plant species in seed mixes used for revegetation along roadsides and at log landings, to ensure maximum bee presence after timber harvesting.



<h2 id="h-importance-of-bees-to-the-ecosystem">Importance of bees to the ecosystem</h2>



Bees are essential to Earth's ecosystems due to their role as pollinators. Pollination is the process of transferring pollen from the male reproductive structures (anthers) of a flower to the female reproductive structures (stigma) of another flower, enabling fertilization and the production of seeds and fruits. Bees play a crucial role in this process as they collect nectar and pollen from flowers to feed themselves and their offspring. In doing so, they inadvertently transfer pollen between flowers, leading to successful pollination.



Here are a few reasons why bees are so important to Earth's ecosystems:



<ol>
<li>Biodiversity and food web support: Bees help maintain biodiversity by pollinating a wide variety of flowering plants, which in turn provide habitat and food for other organisms. This contributes to complex and stable ecosystems that support a multitude of species.</li>



<li>Agricultural productivity: Bees pollinate many of the food crops that humans consume, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. In fact, it is estimated that about one-third of the food we eat depends on pollination by bees and other insects. Without bees, agricultural yields would decline, leading to higher food prices and reduced food availability.</li>



<li>Food source for other species: Bees produce honey, which is not only consumed by humans but also serves as a food source for various other species, including birds and insects.</li>



<li>Ecosystem services: Bees provide valuable ecosystem services, such as improving air quality and soil health, by promoting plant growth and diversity. These ecosystem services are critical for sustaining both natural and human-modified environments.</li>



<li>Economic impact: The pollination services provided by bees are estimated to be worth billions of dollars annually. By pollinating plants that provide food, fibers, and other resources, bees contribute significantly to global economies.</li>
</ol>



In summary, bees play a critical role in maintaining Earth's ecosystems by supporting plant reproduction, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring food security for humans and other species. Their decline, due to habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and other factors, poses a significant threat to global ecosystems and human well-being. Consequently, it is crucial to protect and conserve bee populations to maintain the balance of Earth's ecosystems.



This study was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Food Research Initiative and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Other researchers involved included Matthew Betts of the OSU College of Forestry, Andrew Moldenke of the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences, Sara Galbraith of Colorado State University, and Robert Progar of the U.S. Forest Service.



—-



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Bees much prefer clearcut land over forest canopy areas

Research conducted by Oregon State University has revealed that native...

A recent <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1175/JHM-D-22-0194.1">study</a> examining the upcoming National Climate Assessment has revealed alarming conclusions about the future of heavy precipitation days in the United States. Researchers from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego and the DOE <a href="https://www.lbl.gov/">Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory</a> (Berkeley Lab) predict that the extreme rain or snow days that once occurred only once in a century could become multiple occurrences in an individual's lifetime.



By analyzing a comprehensive 30-terabyte data set, called Localized Constructed Analogs Version 2 (LOCA2), researchers were able to examine temperature and precipitation patterns on a scale of approximately six kilometers (3.9 miles). In contrast, most advanced climate models have a much broader focus, looking at regions ranging from 50 to 250 kilometers (30 to 400 miles). This new data set offers a far more granular view of weather patterns in the United States, providing valuable insights for local planners.



Dan Feldman, staff scientist at the Berkeley Lab and the project’s principal investigator, explains the significance of this new approach:&nbsp;



“With this data set, we’re able to look at the impacts of actual weather pattern changes across the United States at an extremely granular level. We see that there is a lot more extreme weather that is likely to happen in the future – and by looking at actual weather patterns, we show that changes in extreme precipitation will actually be more extreme than previously estimated. Land use managers and planners should expect more extremes, but location matters.”



The LOCA2 data set is an update to a similar analysis conducted in 2016, which informed the Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA) in 2018. The NCA serves as a guide for the U.S. government to plan for, mitigate, and adapt to climate changes impacting the country. The Fifth NCA is anticipated to be released later this year.



Covering the lower 48 states of the United States, southern Canada, and northern Mexico, LOCA2 incorporates 27 updated climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) and more than 70 years of weather data.&nbsp;



David Pierce, a scientist at Scripps Oceanography and the developer of LOCA and LOCA2, emphasizes the importance of these improvements: “We've spent a lot of effort improving the representation of extreme wet days, which is important for understanding both the likelihood of flooding and the availability of water for agricultural, commercial, and residential use.”



LOCA2 climate projections offer daily information through the end of the century for three different greenhouse gas emissions scenarios, known as Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). The data set is freely available for planners and decision-makers to utilize.



The study supports what <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dangerous-climate-feedback-loops-have-been-underestimated/">climate</a> scientists have long predicted: as the world continues to warm, weather events will become increasingly extreme. LOCA2 findings suggest that the heaviest days of rain and snowfall across much of North America will release 20 to 30 percent more moisture than they currently do. This increased precipitation will likely occur in winter, potentially exacerbating flooding in areas such as the upper Midwest and the west coast.



Feldman emphasizes the practical applications of the research: “The big picture is clear: it’s getting warmer and wetter. This research translates that bigger picture into more practical data for infrastructure and operations planning. With this more detailed look at local impacts, we can help local officials make better-informed decisions, such as how long to make an airport runway, how much resilience to include for constructing buildings or bridges, or where to put crops or culverts.”



The improved LOCA2 data set was generated by better identifying and preserving extreme weather events in the past, allowing models to more accurately reflect extremes in future simulations.



“We undertook a Herculean effort of personnel and computer time not just to produce a bunch of numbers, but to produce local projections that are relevant and useful,” Feldman said. “We do so by recognizing how heat waves and storms have occurred and will occur at the local level, and projecting those forward.”



<h2 id="h-seasonal-and-regional-weather-predictions">Seasonal and regional weather predictions</h2>



The researchers participating in this study have discovered significant trends in precipitation patterns across North America, according to a new study utilizing the Localized Constructed Analogs Version 2 (LOCA2) data set. While the data varies at the local level, substantial trends were identified across the region by the end of the century.



Most notably, a significant portion of North America will experience roughly the same or fewer number of days with precipitation, the same or fewer number of days with light and medium amounts of precipitation, and a large increase in the number of days with the most extreme precipitation (the top 1 percent and 0.1 percent of storms).&nbsp;



David Pierce, the lead author of the paper on extreme precipitation published in the Journal of Hydrometeorology, explains the implications: “People will be more affected by the really rare and most extreme events, because those are showing the biggest increase. The wettest day you would expect to see in five years, or 50 years, or 500 years – those extreme events are going to be substantially wetter, and that’s a really big issue, because it has implications for flooding and run-off.”



The research findings reveal that southern Canada and most of the United States will see increases in extreme precipitation days that occur primarily in winter. The wettest days of precipitation will increase by 20-30 percent, depending on the emissions scenario and the severity of the storm.



Meanwhile, Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico can expect increases in extreme precipitation days that occur primarily in autumn. The wettest days of precipitation will increase by 10-30 percent, depending on the emissions scenario and storm intensity.&nbsp;



Although the region becomes drier overall, the number of days with extreme precipitation events still goes up, indicating that the precipitation will often occur in larger storms.



Pierce finds the consistency of the pattern intriguing: “It’s quite interesting that you see the same kind of pattern of fewer low- and medium- precipitation days and more extreme precipitation days across pretty much the entire country.”&nbsp;



He points out that understanding the changing nature of precipitation and the frequency of extreme events is valuable in two ways: “One is for building new infrastructure in the future, and one is for understanding impacts upon existing facilities already there.”



<h2 id="h-how-climate-change-impacts-global-weather-patterns">How climate change impacts global weather patterns</h2>



Climate change has far-reaching impacts on global weather patterns, both now and in the future. As greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere increase, the planet's average temperature rises, leading to significant alterations in weather patterns worldwide. Some of the most notable impacts include:



<ol>
<li>Temperature changes: As global temperatures rise, heatwaves and extremely hot days become more frequent and intense. These events can lead to heat stress, droughts, and an increased risk of wildfires. Moreover, warmer temperatures also contribute to more intense cold spells in some regions due to disruptions in atmospheric circulation patterns.</li>



<li>Precipitation patterns: Climate change affects precipitation patterns, causing some regions to experience more intense and frequent rainfall, while others face extended periods of drought. Heavy precipitation events are expected to increase, leading to a higher risk of flash floods, landslides, and soil erosion. Meanwhile, drought-prone areas may see more prolonged and severe dry spells, with negative consequences for agriculture, water supplies, and ecosystems.</li>



<li>Storm intensity: Warmer ocean temperatures contribute to the increased intensity of tropical storms and hurricanes. As sea surface temperatures rise, more energy is available to fuel these storms, resulting in stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and more devastating storm surges.</li>



<li>Polar amplification: Climate change has a greater impact on the polar regions, where temperatures are rising faster than the global average. This phenomenon, known as polar amplification, leads to the accelerated melting of ice sheets and glaciers, contributing to sea-level rise and potentially disrupting ocean and atmospheric circulation patterns.</li>



<li>Changes in jet streams: Jet streams are fast-moving air currents that significantly influence weather patterns. Climate change is believed to be affecting the behavior of jet streams, making them more wavy and sluggish, which can lead to more persistent and extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, cold spells, and flooding.</li>



<li>El Niño and La Niña events: Climate change may influence the frequency and intensity of El Niño and La Niña events, which are naturally occurring climate phenomena that significantly impact global weather patterns. These events can lead to severe droughts, floods, and other extreme weather conditions in various parts of the world.</li>
</ol>



In the future, if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise unabated, these climate change-induced shifts in global weather patterns are expected to become more pronounced, posing significant challenges to ecosystems, human societies, and economies. However, by taking action to mitigate climate change and adapting to its consequences, we can reduce the severity of these impacts and build a more resilient world.



This research was funded by the Department of Defense and Department of Energy through the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP). The NASA High-End Computing Capability (HECC) Program provided resources supporting this work through the NASA Earth Exchange (NEX), Earth Science Division, and the NASA Advanced Supercomputing (NAS) Division at Ames Research Center.



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Future forecast: More extreme precipitation ahead

A recent study examining the upcoming National Climate Assessment has...

The frequency of "flash droughts" is on the rise due to human-induced climate change, and the trend is expected to escalate in a warmer future, according to new research published on April 13, 2023, in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.abn6301">Science</a>.&nbsp;



The study indicates that flash droughts are quickly becoming the new standard for droughts, complicating forecasting and preparation efforts.



Flash droughts are characterized by their rapid onset and development, with the potential to transform into severe droughts within a matter of weeks. These droughts are triggered by a combination of low precipitation and high evapotranspiration, causing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tomatoes-appear-to-be-unaffected-by-lead-contaminated-soil/">soil</a> to rapidly lose its moisture content. Although they develop quickly, flash droughts can persist for months, inflicting significant damage on vegetation and ecosystems while also sparking heatwaves and wildfires.



An international team of researchers sought to determine whether there has been a shift from traditional "slow" droughts to flash droughts and to project how this trend might evolve under various carbon emission scenarios.&nbsp;



Study co-author Professor Justin Sheffield of the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/">University of Southampton</a> stated that climate change has effectively sped up the onset of droughts. "While it varies between different regions, there has been a global shift towards more frequent flash droughts during the past 64 years."



<h2 id="h-the-spread-of-flash-droughts-around-the-globe">The spread of flash droughts around the globe</h2>



The researchers found that the transition to flash droughts was most pronounced in East and North Asia, Europe, the Sahara, and the west coast of South America. In contrast, some regions like eastern North America, Southeast Asia, and North Australia experienced a decrease in both flash and slow droughts. However, the speed of drought onset in these areas still increased.&nbsp;



Interestingly, there was no evidence of a transition to flash droughts in the Amazon and West Africa. Instead, the Amazon witnessed an uptick in slow droughts, while West Africa saw an increase in the frequency and severity of both fast and slow droughts.



Professor Sheffield explained the future implications of this trend, saying, "As we head towards a warmer future, flash droughts are becoming the new normal. Our models show that higher-emission scenarios would lead to a greater risk of flash droughts with quicker onset, which pose a major challenge for climate adaptation."



The transition to flash droughts could have irreversible consequences for ecosystems, as they may not have sufficient time to adapt to sudden water scarcity and extreme heat. Forecasting these flash droughts also poses a challenge, as current methods for predicting droughts typically rely on longer time scales.



To better prepare for and manage the increasing prevalence of flash droughts, the researchers argue that new approaches for early warnings are necessary. Additionally, there is a need to better understand the impacts of flash droughts on both natural ecosystems and human populations.



<h2 id="h-impact-of-climate-change-on-other-weather-phenomena">Impact of climate change on other weather phenomena</h2>



Climate change, driven primarily by the increase in greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, is impacting various weather phenomena in multiple ways. Some of these impacts include:



<ol>
<li>Extreme temperatures: Climate change is causing an increase in average global temperatures, leading to more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting heatwaves. Conversely, some regions may experience extremely cold spells due to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns.</li>



<li>Intense precipitation events: Warmer air holds more moisture, which can lead to heavier and more intense precipitation events, including rainstorms and snowstorms. This increase in precipitation intensity can lead to flash floods, landslides, and other weather-related disasters.</li>



<li>Tropical cyclones: While there is ongoing debate about the impact of climate change on the overall frequency of tropical cyclones (hurricanes and typhoons), there is increasing evidence that climate change is making these storms more intense and capable of causing more damage. Warmer ocean temperatures can provide more energy for cyclone development, leading to stronger storms with higher wind speeds and more rainfall.</li>



<li>Droughts: Changes in precipitation patterns and increased evaporation rates due to warmer temperatures are causing more frequent and severe droughts in some regions. As mentioned in the previous article, flash droughts are becoming more common, posing challenges for water management and ecosystem health.</li>



<li>Floods: Increased precipitation and more frequent heavy rainfall events, coupled with rising sea levels, contribute to a higher risk of flooding in many regions, especially in low-lying coastal areas.</li>



<li>Polar vortex disruptions: Climate change can affect the jet stream and polar vortex, causing disruptions in weather patterns. These disruptions can lead to extreme cold snaps and heavy snowfall in some mid-latitude regions, even as the global average temperature continues to rise.</li>



<li>Changes in seasonal patterns: Climate change is altering the timing and intensity of seasonal weather patterns, such as earlier springs, later autumns, and shifting monsoon patterns. These changes can disrupt ecosystems, agriculture, and water resources management.</li>



<li>Arctic amplification: The Arctic is warming at a faster rate than the rest of the world, leading to a reduction in sea ice and snow cover. This loss of reflective ice and snow results in more heat being absorbed by the Earth, further exacerbating global warming and impacting weather patterns globally.</li>
</ol>



These are just a few examples of how climate change is impacting weather phenomena. The interactions between climate change and weather are complex, and scientists continue to study and monitor these effects to better understand and predict future changes.



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Flash droughts are becoming the new normal

The frequency of "flash droughts" is on the rise due...

Wildfires have long been regarded as purely destructive forces, wreaking havoc and causing immense damage to the environment. However, a recent study published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14610248">Ecology Letters</a> presents a different perspective, revealing that wildfires can also act as catalysts for increased biodiversity in their aftermath.



Study lead author Max Moritz is a wildfire specialist based at the <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/">UC Santa Barbara</a> Bren School of Environmental Science &amp; Management. He explained that while there has been extensive research on the impact of fire on plant biodiversity, the relationship between wildfires and animal biodiversity has been less explored.&nbsp;



Previous studies have shown that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salt-pollution-threatens-freshwater-ecosystems/">ecosystems</a> with natural and regular fire occurrences tend to exhibit greater plant species richness due to factors such as fire-related adaptations.



Moritz further explained that fire "eats" plant productivity, which is the rate at which biomass is generated within an ecosystem. This productivity also influences species richness at broader spatial scales.&nbsp;



“When fires occur, they can take a bite out of that bottom line," said Moritz. This led him and his team to question how fires impacting the base of an ecosystem's food chain would affect biodiversity at higher levels.



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



Moritz embarked on a project supported by UC Santa Barbara's National Center for Ecological Analysis &amp; Synthesis, later joined by collaborators Enric Batllori from Universitat de Barcelona and Benjamin M. Bolker from McMaster University in Canada. The team spent years analyzing global datasets, including plant biomass, fire observations, and species richness patterns.



Contrary to the assumption that regular consumption of plant biomass by fire would result in lower animal biodiversity, the researchers discovered that fire is linked to increased diversity among birds and mammals.&nbsp;



Moritz explained that while the short-term effects of fire include reduced food availability for plant-eating animals, making it harder for them to survive and reproduce, the long-term effects could trigger evolutionary changes that promote adaptations and the formation of new species.



However, the connection between fire and amphibian biodiversity was less clear, possibly because amphibians inhabit wetter environments where fires are not a common occurrence. The researchers are cautious to emphasize that fire is not universally beneficial for all ecosystems, especially in areas where it is not a natural occurrence or where climate change-driven and intentional deforestation fires differ significantly from natural fire regimes.



Although the study's findings are correlative, Moritz suggests that fire might promote species able to adapt to and quickly recover from burns, as well as create complex habitats that cater to different species' requirements.&nbsp;



“We know that fire creates a lot of heterogeneity and opens up all these niches,” he said, adding that resource availability might provide favorable conditions for some organisms to thrive alongside or over others.



These discoveries highlight the underappreciated role fire plays in animal species richness and biodiversity conservation. Moreover, the study offers a new perspective on the Latitudinal Biodiversity Gradient, a global pattern in which the most biodiverse areas are located nearest to the equator, with biodiversity generally decreasing towards the poles.&nbsp;



“This is a pattern that people have known for decades and have argued quite a bit about in terms of what drives it,” Moritz said. “And it turns out, it’s hard to figure out. And it looks like fire plays a far more important role than we’ve ever really understood.”



<h2 id="h-wildfires-and-climate-change">Wildfires and climate change</h2>



Wildfires can have both positive and negative impacts on Earth's ecosystems. On one hand, they can play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of certain ecosystems by clearing out dead and decaying plant matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil, and promoting the growth of new vegetation.&nbsp;



This process can, in turn, increase habitat diversity and create opportunities for a greater number of plant and animal species to coexist. Wildfires can also act as a natural form of population control, preventing overgrowth of certain vegetation types and maintaining ecological balance.



However, wildfires can also have detrimental effects on ecosystems, particularly when they occur with greater frequency, intensity, or in areas where they are not part of the natural fire regime.&nbsp;



Large-scale and intense wildfires can lead to soil erosion, loss of habitats, and reduced water quality. They can also result in the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.



Climate change is influencing wildfires in several ways. Firstly, rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can create drier and more flammable conditions in many regions, increasing the likelihood of wildfires. Extended periods of drought can also make vegetation more susceptible to burning. Warmer temperatures can lead to earlier snowmelt, resulting in a longer fire season.



Secondly, climate change can intensify wildfires once they start, as hotter and drier conditions can cause fires to spread more quickly and become more difficult to control. This can result in larger, more destructive fires that are more challenging to manage and extinguish.



Lastly, the relationship between climate change and wildfires is bidirectional: while climate change exacerbates wildfires, wildfires also contribute to climate change by releasing significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This feedback loop can further intensify the impacts of climate change on ecosystems, creating a vicious cycle.



In summary, wildfires can have both positive and negative impacts on Earth's ecosystems, depending on the specific context in which they occur. Climate change is increasingly influencing the frequency, intensity, and duration of wildfires, often exacerbating their negative effects on ecosystems and contributing to a self-reinforcing cycle of environmental degradation.



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Wildfires ultimately benefit plant and animal diversity

Wildfires have long been regarded as purely destructive forces, wreaking...

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



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.

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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

How the immune system responds to injury

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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